My fellow Sri Lankans,
In the northern and eastern parts of our great country live tigers, endangered tigers. While conditions for these tigers have gotten better over the past few years, now is not the time for us to give up on our tigers. I know many of you are concerned with the tiger maulings that were once prevalent in the past, but the tigers have become more tame. Poor treatment of our tigers may lead to the reopening of wounds that we’ve been trying to stitch up from our past. This is why it’s critical that we save our tigers, and allow them the dignity that tigers are entitled to.
A number of factors contribute to the endangerment of our tigers. First and foremost, the military continues to occupy the tiger’s land as if the tigers are our enemies. Too many tigers can’t be in the same place at the same time in an effort to voice their concerns. The tigers are being silenced. When facing abuse, no one will be able to hear their tiger roar. The police, who are supposed to protect our tigers have been abusing them. The tea plantations have been abusing them as well. Even their fellow citizens sometimes seek to abuse them. They are not allowed to roam free within their tiger territory. Some of their territory has been taken, yet has not been returned. Some of those that try to speak out for the tigers find themselves silenced by the state. If this pattern of abuse continues against our tigers, we stand to lose them.
In order to ensure that we do not return to the times when the tigers bear tooth and claw against their neighbors, their countrymen, and their government, we must take action. We must show the tigers that they are not alone in their struggle to live dignified lives. While the tigers are prohibited from gathering, the rest of us are not. I am calling on Sri Lankans that are willing to look past the bloody history with the tigers, towards a future of mutual respect and cooperation. I am calling on those Sri Lankans to gather in solidarity with our tigers. Gather at day or night, in the territory of the tigers or in your home towns. The important part is that we show the tigers that they are not alone, and we show the state and other Sri Lankans that we care about our tigers. While we may face resistance, the tigers will surely appreciate our gesture and may one day return the favor if you yourself end up on the receiving side of abuse. Good luck my fellow citizens, I hope to see you out there.
Help Received: Freedom of The World: Sri Lanka 2017 report & Freedom of The Net: Sri Lanka 2017 report
I went to the orchestra and saw Peter and the Wolf the other day. It really resonated with me and identified with some of the character and definitely drew parallels between the others. I saw myself as the duck. Strong, independent, able to stave off the criticisms and advance of the cat, but woefully incapable of fending off the intimidation of the wolf and his power. Although he devoured me, the duck, and many others, the duck in the story continues to call despite the attempts to silence him.
The wolf, overbearing and all consuming, attempted to bully the cat and devour the innocent bird, however the bird was too nimble and small for the wolf to capture. Peter so adventurous and courageous remind of the will of the people and its ability to adapt and innovate.
The hunters are unfocused and dangerous at first, but once they can be directed toward the true enemy, the wolf, Peter with them was able to bring the wolf to the zoo to be contained. The grandfather was skeptical of Peter as are many of our country men, however, once Peter showed his abilities and cleverness the grandfather expressed his support. The grandfather is like so many country and portions of our own society.
HR: http://www.huffingtonpost.in/prateek-sibal/why-press-freedom-is-on-the-decline-in-india_a_22113073/