Year 2016 has left us, the 365 days passing in a jiffy, and 2017 is upon us. It has arrived at our doorsteps and together, we are determined and ready to make it the best year. For a long time, and even today, we live in a world of uncertainly and change, where many things are beyond our control. How we manage depends on the way we see situations, looking at the bright side of life, and preparing for a strong future.
Today, more than ever before, the world is overwhelmed with horrors of war, racism, inequality and poverty, and above all, competition among the so called great powers. The people across the length and breadth of the globe are subjected to their whims and fancies. In many countries it is a battle against terror, trying to sort out their problems. Some are deeply involved in protecting territorial integrity, while others are engaged in a fight for liberation, to safeguard their civil rights, and some in a near state of collapse due to excessive fighting and heightening terror. Some fight over religious issues and boundaries, going back to feudalism, colonialism and imperialism, relics of which still exist in many parts of the globe. There are some who advocate peace, unity and harmony while producing weapons of mass destruction. Are you ready to tolerate these in 2017?
There was a time that modern technology and high tech facilities were unheard of, yet, all the states did manage everything in their own way. Today, there is a big challenge around the globe. Due to modern technology and the transition that the world is undergoing, population needs are growing, and will continue to put pressure on dire needs of human existence, such as, health, education, shelter and other essentials. We have to make sure that the condition doesn’t worsen with the increase in human needs.
In 2017, the State should fund more money towards health care and improving health systems around the world. Health care facilities should increase in areas of poverty. If countries come together and work together to make this possible there will be a definite improvement. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear there is a cure for all ills – cancer, etc. More funds should be put towards research facilities and universities that are trying to find cures for different diseases. Thanks to the state, we in Sri Lanka are gradually witnessing a high level of improved health system.
The foundation of the society is based on education, since it brings economic and social prosperity. Gaining education enhances an individual to live a respectful life in society. This is because education offers a setting in which culture and the values of a society are developed. Careerwise, employment in the contemporary world is based on education to equip with the required skills to cope with the ever advancing technology in all industrial and agricultural sectors.
In this respect, the present system of education is geared towards achieving the above goals, taking into consideration the current advancement in technology. This is just the beginning. In 2017, we can expect to see more advanced technology being utilised in schools in urban, as well as, rural areas. Computers too will become more advanced and less bulky, with the creation of new software. We hope people will have more comfort in lifestyles, and stay more connected with the world, enhancing globalization.
The State has started to take more action towards improving earth’s environment. So, in 2017, let’s put our rubbish in the right bin, and reduce the amount of gas into the atmosphere. It is public knowledge that the country is being ruined, destroying the future of the younger generation, with the drug menace. The present and past governments were involved in an everlasting crusade to find a solution to this problem. The youth, the greatest wealth, the backbone of the nation, should be rescued from this danger. The drug addicts and alcoholics are a liability to the nation. Let’s look back, correct all our mistakes and start afresh. All Sri Lankans, despite religion, language and ethnic differences, stand together for a blissful future. The time is ripe for new beginnings. May peace and prosperity flourish throughout 2017 and beyond.
- Rupa Banduwardena