a Poem to our Motherland. Ceylon — Sri Lanka – Then & Now! – by G J P Fernando
Ode to Lanka, Our Motherland
Ode to Lanka, Our Motherland In the heart of the Indian Ocean, a tale unfolds,
Of Ceylon’s beauty, in history it moulds.
Under British rule, a pearl so bright,
Economy soaring, reaching majestic height.
Independence dawned, Sinhala pride took the lead,
Promises of progress, a nation to succeed
Yet, the early rulers, passive in their reign,
Left the land untouched, no growth to gain.
Then arose the Oxford educated son,
Claiming saviourhood, a battle to be won.
Making Sinhala the lone official tongue,
Dividing the island, discord had begun.
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Civil war erupted, tearing the nation apart,
Cunning decisions, a poisonous start.
His path to power, a perilous scheme,
A country shattered, lost in a dream.
Downhill it tumbled onwards, a nation in despair,
Dishonest rulers, an unending snare.
Corruption rampant, from top to bottom,
The once proud land, now has become rotten
Selfish leaders, their pockets to fill,
A country humbled, forced to beg still.
Bangladesh, a neighbour, once looked down upon,
Now a source of aid, a fallen dawn.
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Oh, how did we reach this pitiful state?
God, we implore, we beg, to alter our fate.
Save our land from the grip of disgrace,
Guide us toward a brighter, hopeful space.
In the echoes of history, a plea rings clear,
Break free from corruption, let honesty steer.
May unity rise, bridging the divide,
Please rescue our motherland, in You God, we confide.
