Photo courtesy of Global Times

Independence Day. From whom?

The British? A way of thinking,

of making order, katcheris

and ledgers, taxes and justices

of the peace. Every society needs

the rule of order, grace and law.

But laws that make prisoners

of the free still rule in Sri Lanka.

On this Independence Day.

when will we  ban the Prevention

of Terrorism Act? When will

we return lands expropriated

from their owners  in Jaffna?

When will lovers walk hand

in hand along Galle Face Green

without parasols and police?

I may ask for too much

but my requests are serious

and I ask the parliament

to make this Independence Day

really a cause to celebrate,

among all communities.

No more harassment and murder

of  priests. No more burning

of houses of worship.

No more detention without

cause. No more restrictions

on a woman’s right to choose.

No more yesterday,

my friends and companions.

Let us prepare kiri bath

and maldive fish,

a hot coconut sambol

at a victory party,

not for a political group

or a leader, but for all of us,

whoever and wherever

we live on this planet

hoping to celebrate

our independence.