The Crime Wave Submerging Us All

Letter to Editor

( October 9, 2016, Colombo, Sri lanka Guardian) Dr. Donald Chandraratne writing in his book: “Making Social policy in Modern Sri Lanka” (2002) tells: “The lawlessness of the country was unparalleled in its recent history.” He says “In the final decade of the twentieth century the country had fallen to such a moral abyss that murders and heinous crimes dominate the daily media.” (Ch 6.7)

It seems nothing has changed since then, in fact things have become worse. It is clear that we have a serious and deeply ingrained moral crisis in Sri Lanka. Politicians, religious leaders and social commentators have all spoken about the breakdown in morality.

Daily, we read of actions and behaviour that show an absence of self-regulation and lack of integrity, morality or any sense of social responsibility. Now we have the Central Bank bond scam in Thursday’s newspapers. Can we really ascribe this to post-war lawlessness, or is the lack of morality, lack of integrity taking on the dimensions of a national crisis.

Officials seem to acknowledge this fact, viz: “PM. Proposes a novel move to build a well-mannered society.” (Sunday Times of September 11^th 2016 ) But isn’t this the usual old story – too little – too late. The article suggests:”This noble move requires great support from the public especially those in a position to help.”

That so much crime is occurring is dismal news for Buddhism and its advocates, who claim it to be a benefit for all: but many Buddhists find the practice of Buddhism is seriously compromised in Sri Lanka.

The resources required to make a big improvement in people’s way of thinking need to be put in place. It is suggested we persuade certain gifted people, Monks, police liaison officers, the School inspector service, prison visitors and so on, to go out and give talks on manners, morality, respect for other people, negotiation not confrontation, etc., to suitable audiences.

People talk of giving youth a moral compass on what is right and wrong etc., but when bad attitudes are so deeply ingrained what chance of success? It may be a sorely felt need but how (1) to make people realize their wrong doing, their manners etc, and then how (2) to induce them to voluntarily change their behaviour.

Lessons on moral behaviour, moral education would float like a lead balloon in the classroom and everywhere else, too. So, how to do it?

COMMENT:

We can appeal to society on the basis of reason and what is considered as good, or righteous. But only a few can be reasoned with. After so many years this way of thinking is well ingrained into people’s way of thinking by now.

Media campaigns can be staged but will people change their old habits, their way of thinking?

If we want substantial change we have to go to the root of the matter – that is the child’s home background. The environment for the development of the child and what attitudes the mother teaches the child are so important, crucial to this matter. This is where most attention is required – a blitzskrieg no less.

Remember, psychologists look at why people turn sociopathic. They say that a chaotic, unstable, insecure home background is where the psychopathic personality is first developed. Politicians and planners have a lot to answer for.

Priyantha Hettige