==SRI LANKA==

In the far horizon a rosy light shone. It was so far away that it seemed inaccessible. But we could see the triumphant look of those who were already there. So it was proved that the brave, intelligent ones reached it. They convinced us that we too could join them if we commit ourselves to the task. We were tempted. We too wanted to go to that place where it was said that everybody found supreme bliss.
Our journey towards that blessed land was not easy. We had to walk through dark forests amidst the growling wild beasts. At every turn we took, there arose high mountains--deep rivers and sandy deserts often obstructed our forward journey. At times we were fatigued and disheart- ened. But that pink glow was still visible in the farthest corner of the horizon. The sight gave us new strength. We set off again, with renewed vigour and determination.
Though the path was a rough one, there were many of us treading forward. All our eyes were fixed upon that rosy glow, so that it never occurred to us to take a look around. Even when we passed through green meadows and beautiful country lanes we never paused to give ourselves a little rest for fear of getting distracted and forgetting our mission. We had no ears for the birds' songs. We never smelt a sweet scented wild flower. We knew that all these could give us pleasure. Yet we believed that all these pleasures were transient and that eternal happiness is only found in that blessed abode from where the rosy light shone.

As we came closer to our destination, we became impatient. Our walk turned to a run. We ran as fast as we could, with hope shining in our eyes. Those who couldn't keep up with us gave up their effort. Some were bruised and short of breath. But we, the stronger ones who were nearing our goal, had no eyes to notice those wounded companions. We were deeply engrossed in thoughts of those delights we were about to experience.
At last we managed to reach the seashore which separated that divine land from ours. We were greatly surprised to notice that only a few of the thousands who had started with us had managed to reach the seashore. But it didn't matter at all. In fact, "it was even better," we thought, for we would have less difficulties when we reach our destination. We were triumphant and proud of ourselves for completing that weary journey so well. On a fine spring morning, that much awaited vessel arrived to take us to our destination. Hope arose in our hearts giving our wearied souls new strength. We embarked on the ship and after an unusually quiet journey we disembarked with our hearts pounding with excitement.
But alas, all our hopes were shattered. That place which we believed to be the very heaven failed to come up to our expectations. Instead of bright, vigorous personalities, we found some fatigued, almost depressed beings. Some said they were too tired after their journey. Some said that the place has changed and that we have arrived too late. Yet a few others had the notion that there would be a change for the better soon. Everybody seemed to have the impression that their hard journey was more agreeable than the eternal stagnation of this place. They passed time idly, telling each other about their adventures on the day. They hadn't much hope or belief in the future.
We too had no choice but to join them. We seemed to have drifted into a swoon, each of us silently despairing over our plight--our plight of having to idle for ever, without the faintest hope of a brighter morrow rewarding us for fulfilling so well, our quest for success.