Sobitha Himi: Servant of the Dhamma – Gift to us all
Prologue There was a time when Sobitha Himi did not appeal to the minorities the way he did at the time of his death. Some may still have reservations about some aspects…
Author: Bishop Duleep de Chickera
From Self-Scrutiny to Social Integration: A Reflection
Image courtesy Jesus used parables to convey the essence of His teaching. On one occasion He taught on the importance of self-scrutiny through a parable that contrasted two men at prayer. Of…
Stooping to Rise: An Easter Reflection
Why Jesus died Jesus did not die by accident. He was killed through a conspiracy by those whose oppressive ways were exposed by his dual thrust of compassion and truth. But death…
Memory and Movement: An Independence Day Reflection
Photo by REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte, via RFI Independence Day reminds us that we are one country called to become one reconciled people. Experience teaches that when addressed, dominant national realities become paths to…
Wenasak: A Post-Election Reflection
AFP PHOTO/ Ishara S.KODIKARA via Japan Times Yesterday’s energy Sri Lanka is still overwhelmed with the peoples’ energy that a few days ago brought the immeasurable gift of democratic regime change. As…
Towards an Enlightened Nation: An Epiphany Reflection
Photo from Nuklearfishing Epiphany is the festival of enlightenment. It commemorates the visit of the wise-persons from the east to the Christ child and is observed on the 6th of January. The…
From dreams and visions to realities and hope: A Christmas Reflection
Photo courtesy Modern Magazine We keep Christmas this year amidst manifestoes, dreams and visions. Politicians want power; they resort to lofty manifestoes. People long for sincere governance and bread at affordable prices;…
Vulnerable Guests: A Reflection on social hospitality
The Government’s decision to arbitrarily deport Pakistani refugee-asylum seekers is unacceptable and wrong. Local stress Asylum seekers usually leave their home countries due to fear or deprivation, or both. The Pakistanis on…
Healing through humanisation: A reflection on Just Reconciliation
Photo courtesy Sri Lanka Campaign History concealed An acquaintance returned from a recent visit to Jaffna to announce it as one of the best holidays she had ever had. The hotels…
The Aluthgama Atrocities: Lessons for Religion-engagement or estrangement
Photo by Thyagi Ruwanpathirana The recent spate of senseless attacks on the Muslim community was brought about by the convergence of a chronic breakdown of law and order, manipulative politics and the…
Special Police units and democratic governance: A reflection on religious freedom with justice
Puzzling Decisions and worrying trends The recent government decision to appoint a special police unit to deal with inter-religious conflict adds to the prevailing confusion on the freedom of religion and the…
Inter-Religious Harmony through the Convergence of Light: An Epiphany Reflection
Religion and politics-expedient tensions The continuing violence against minority religions is unacceptable and must stop. The most recent incidents against two vulnerable Christian communities in Hikkaduwa, currently receiving wide video coverage, contradicts…
The rule of tyranny and the Reign of God: A Christmas Reflection
Image courtesy Riversoft Partnerships in tyranny Jesus was born under the rule of tyranny. Absolute power was held by the Roman Emperor who ruled conquered regions through local agents. Herod was one…
My Esteem for the Buddha: An open letter at Wesak to my Buddhist Sisters and Brothers
Photo courtesy Reuters My good friend, the Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana wrote a letter to Christians on his understanding of Christ at Christmas last year. This has prompted me to reciprocate with this…
Inter-Religious Integration in Sri Lanka—Inclusion not Intrusion
Image courtesy Maliban Biscuit Over the past months Sri Lankans have been educated on two Arabic words: halal and haram (that which is permissible and not permissible). Unfortunately the circumstances of learning…