‘Sri Lanka, A Land Like No Other’ – Wakeup call: A response

Wednesday, 26 June 2019 00:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

With reference to the above column on Saturday 22 June. It is dismaying and unnerving to read the remarks (within quotes) made by the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter.

To say the Reverend Monk is a “most highly respected” Buddhist Prelate in the context of his prejudicial, racist, ill-informed unintelligent remarks is a misnomer. An insult to the Noble Precepts of Buddhism. An aberration that should not have been printed in this esteemed financial journal.

Readers are confused if the statements bespeaks the monk are shared by and upheld as credible. Samma Vaca – abstaining from slanderous harsh speech and idle chatter. Where oh where are the noble thoughts, deeds and actions that befits a Chief Prelate, an ordained monk of the Buddha Sasana.

Speech and words are potent, and can potentially mend or destroy, as opposed to thoughts.

The high-end corporates mentioned are major foreign exchange earning entities.

The ignorance displayed about the corporate background, high visibility and contribution to the economic wellbeing of Sri Lanka is blatantly ignored.

The three mentioned and other private sector organisations small or large, are the engine of growth for Sri Lanka.

Especially the fact the workforce is predominantly multi-ethnic and from the majority community is pertinent. It is near impossible not to be. How much more do you require to be socially responsible? These corporates are large efficiently run, diversified, multi-faceted, employing tens of thousands of employees in all categories.

If this prejudiced attitude is encouraged, we will never be the developed country we strive to be. It will remain just a dream! There are no corporate ‘Muslim companies’! No Sinhala or Tamil companies.

Ignorant words spoken with anger and hate should never be repeated or referred to, regardless of who speaks it. Sensitivity is a feeling much needed.

– Dilkie Umagiliya