By Sarath Dissanayake –
Sarath Dissanayake
Part – 2 : Notable Developments in Strategic, Geo-Political and Socio-Economic Landscape
The second part of the write-up revolves around noteworthy developments in the strategic, geo-political, and socio-economic landscape surfaced during the week from 21st -28th, which are likely to reverberate across the country in the weeks and months ahead, for what it’s worth.
NPP Government and the Opposition Battles on Multiple Fronts
The NPP government has run into unforeseen policy stalemates, controversies and blunders of sorts, day-in and day-out, on a myriad of matters involving party stalwarts and members of the opposition. Noteworthy among them, include the probe into Easter Sunday terror attack, frauds at two leading banks, indictment of a cabinet minister on bribery and corruption charges, resignation of the same cabinet minister and a ministry secretary- amidst allegations over their involvement in the procurement of substandard coal, and among other issues of public concern. On the whole, the NPP government, by and large appears to be in a quandary due to issues and controversies of its own making.
A brief overview on each of those notable cases is summarized below for the sake of clarity.
Easter Sunday Probe – Raise More Questions than Answers
The most noteworthy was the Easter Sunday carnage, of which the 7th anniversary was marked on the 21st with commemorative events held in Colombo and elsewhere, with the participation of prominent multi-faith religious dignitaries. Suffice it to note, the painful legacy and heart-broken memories of Easter Sunday continue to haunt and traumatise the victims’ families for seven long years since 2019, albeit in the dark – on the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Hence, the demand for justice and fairplay for over 300 dead and scores of others maimed cannot be understated. It is reported that the latest investigations have uncovered certain leads on the likely perpetrators, and its so-called mastermind. According to sources familiar with the probe, the police is said to have made a breakthrough with new leads being followed through in coordination with intelligence and law enforcement authorities. Yet the credibility of the investigations is at odds in the face of authorities remaining tight-lipped on the status-quo viz-a-viz new leads and evidence being unearthed. The Catholic Church, meanwhile, has renewed its call for a thorough and impartial investigation on the attack, to which the authorities are yet to respond, and make public any details on the latest development viz-a-viz the alleged perpetrators. It’s a pity that despite successive governments having conducted lengthy public proceedings, witness hearings and testimonies, (through high-profile presidential commissions of Inquiry and parliamentary select committees), alas, no tangible action seemed to have been taken to implement the so-called recommendations. The Archbishop of Colombo, Rev Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith – presided over the 7th anniversary commemorative events on 21st, was heard somewhat perplexed and seemingly disappointed over the ongoing investigation, and the government’s seemingly inaction in implementing committee recommendations, despite its claims to the contrary, casting doubts on its stated policy on the Easter Sunday attack.
Arrest of 22 Monks – Rocked the Nation
The arrest of 22 Buddhist monks at the Katunayake Airport on 26th April was overwhelming and shocking, to say the least. The detection and recovery of a large haul of drugs / narcotics in their possession to the tune of over Rs 1.1 billion indeed rocked the nation. The news of their arrest reverberated across the country, with Buddhist prelates expressing their utter dismay and bewilderment over the appalling conduct of the so-called monks. The chief prelates of three main Buddhist Chapters spared no time in issuing a joint statement condemning the monks under arrest, bringing the sanctity of Buddha Sasana and its custodians into disrepute and shame, while calling on the authorities to take stringent action against the monks involved in the dastardly act in letting down the Buddhism and Sasana in its entirety. Indeed the arrest of monks on narco charges was mind boggling, and that there should be a “whole of nation response” to the disgraceful conduct of monks, and its irreparable damage to the monastic communities within and without, who are being looked upon, and respected as the guardians of the nation. Unless the government addresses this sordid saga in earnest, the Buddhist monks would be at the risk of being subjected to unimaginable trauma and ill-will, thus jeopardizing the goodwill between the monks and the lay people (followers) beyond recovery. For a nation of 22-million people – suffered from 3-decade of terrorism, and on the verge of recovery from near-bankruptcy in 2022, it is beyond words to explain their predicament, and to see that their revered monks have been let down by 22 monks by their sickening conduct – “a fete-accompli and double jeopardy” to say the least. On the other hand, the people of this thrice blessed land have just had their moment of glory and pride – in welcoming Bhante Pannakara Thero who led a sacred walk for peace in the country with a noble message of peace and compassion for millions of people on the island. Guess what, the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem would surely be at the mercy of this nation and its people, and help them stand against all odds with unity and purpose, and rise up to the occasion with resilience and steadfastness – no matter what may come.
Financial Frauds at Two Leading Banks – Mired in Controversy
There appeared to be no end to the government’s woes and controversies, thus earning the wrath of the opposition camp. A case in point is the alleged high-profile financial scandals and scams surfaced recently at two leading banks to the tune of billions of rupees, in what could be seen as a catalogue of blunders involving officials and policy makers. The government of the day seemed clueless on the said financial frauds, despite NPP’s stated policy of zero- tolerance on corruption, bribery and financial embezzlement, and its commitment to upholding utmost transparency and accountability in regard to public funds collected as levies and taxes. The irony is that the fraud at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is shrouded in secrecy and controversy, for not reporting it for months, though funds are reported to have been siphoned off in late last year. Similarly, the NDB which too is reported to have suffered a revenue loss for over a billion rupees, was in the dark for years, raising more questions than answers.
Government’s Reputation at Stake – A Setback to “Clean Sri Lanka Initiative”
The government and opposition camps are caught up in hostile outbursts, claims and counterclaims in regard to financial misdeeds and failures, and in managing affairs of the state. Alas, the infamous coal scandal has opened a Pandora’s Box, with an intense debate ensuing among the public and the opposition camp alike, accusing the government of corruption and fraud at the highest level, thus calling into question the integrity and credibility of the government and its members. The minister accused of wrongdoing in the coal tender and procurement of law quality coal has been subjected to a No-Confidence Motion recently, which he survived – thanks to the NPP’s 2/3rd majority in the house. Yet another minister was in the news recently for bad reasons, who is accused of amassing wealth, said to be in millions. However, the said allegations have not been substantiated, and in the end, he is presumed to be innocent of the so-called allegations. Adding insult to injury, a mainstream media channel is under investigation over a faked story relayed and leaked on its news channel on the conduct / allegations of the said minister, and his wealth and assets in question. On the contrary, the media channel at the centre of the controversy is being challenged by the minister for compromising and defaming his character and integrity, and is likely to face defamation charges for irresponsible reporting – in violation of media ethics and broadcasting rights.
High Profile Resignations – Set an Example
Of late, the conduct and performance of parliamentarians – more often than not, led to public resentment and outcry for what it’s worth. The infamous coal tender has sparked a widespread public debate, leading to a chain of events and reactions. Ironically, the minister accused of financial misappropriation in the procurement of coal, has been already implicated in yet another financial scandal, in what could be called a disastrous week for the government. In the midst of all the hullabaloo, the resignation of a cabinet minister and a ministry secretary – citing their innocence, couldn’t have come at a worse moment for the government. However, to the government’s credit, the resignations tendered in good faith, has paved the way for an impartial investigation into the allegations – thus setting an example at the highest levels of government.
A Voice for the Voiceless – Too Little, Too Late
In a rare show of force, a group of animal rights campaigners have done the unthinkable – demanding better care & welfare, adequate legal safeguards, moral and ethical responsibility for freedom and protection of animals, both domesticated and those in the wild. They have called into question, inter-alia challenges and drawbacks in dealing with street animals, and their welfare and rights issues of concern, thereby raising alarm on the state of animals and the wildlife, among other issues of concern. In a letter addressed to Bhante Pannakara, his attention has been drawn to the plight of street dogs and animals in the country viz-a-viz Aloke, the one-of-a-kind peace dog, calling him to support the enactment of legal safeguards and animal welfare bills for the protection, care and freedom of animals in the country, which are long overdue. They have also noted the predicament of animals viz-a-viz the lack of care, empathy and loving kindness for animals and those in the wild, with an emphasis on the need to give a voice for the voiceless.
Sri Lanka’s Growth Trajectory – A Clarion Call for Course Correction
Following the NPP gaining ascendancy to power in Sep 2024, Sri Lanka made a steady economic recovery, amid short term economic shocks and fiscal policy challenges, while IMF led economic reforms, debt restructuring, and foreign debt repayments remained largely on track. Notwithstanding, our overall growth trajectory, economic recovery and financial stability, by and large hinge on the country’s exports and FDIs, including debt service payments, and the need for significant growth in the manufacturing and service sectors. However, country’s already fragile economy shows early signs of weakening due to ME crises, impact of Cyclone Ditwah, declining exports and foreign direct investments, viz-a-viz compounded by setbacks to tourism sector and services industry – stemming from disruptions to supply chains, market volatility, global economic meltdown, connectivity issues, heightened security concerns, inflated premiums, high oil prices and demand-supply bottlenecks, among others. Accordingly, Sri Lanka remains highly vulnerable to external challenges, risks and uncertainties, albeit volatility and setbacks in the financial markets across the world. Be that as it may, the country cannot afford to lose sight of its ailing tea exports to Iran and ME countries vs blockade of the Straits of Hormuz, which remains closed for nearly 2 months since the war began on 28th February. The uncertainties in the economic landscape, together with growth and recovery prospects could have serious consequences for the country’s overall growth, and its future trajectory, debt sustainability and repayment of loans in the long term, at the risk of the country sliding into yet another economic abyss.
Government Upbeat of its Conduct & Performance
Notwithstanding all the hullabaloo surfaced during the week ending 28th, the government appears to be in control, defiant and, thus acting as if business is as usual. The government is also in damage control mode – while allaying untoward fears and concerns among the public on mere allegations, and in the act of countering them while claiming its innocence on the contrary. That being said, the diehard NPP supporters appeared to be at odds with a section of NPP stalwarts, expressing their anxiety and apprehensions over the questionable conduct of certain parliamentarians, at the expense of the government’s credibility and integrity.
The government, in its the crusade against drug lords, thugs and underworld criminals, is upbeat on the successes, claiming to have made headway with the arrest of a number of high profile criminals and underworld figures, as well as busting at least 2 caches of narcotics with a street value of Rs 2 billion within weeks, in what could be called an impressive feat on its war against 3 evils, namely drug lords and mafia, underworld thugs and gangsters and criminal syndicates and masterminds in all but name.
Notable Developments on the Diplomatic Front – A Success Story
On the diplomatic front, the NPP government deserves credit for its overarching thrust of foreign policy and strategic initiatives, which appears to be complementary, and in conformity to the country’s domestic policy interests and framework. The Foreign Ministry is seen to have fully aligned itself with Sri Lanka’s strategic foreign policy interests in the conduct of affairs and diplomacy with its friends and partners abroad in the best interest of the country. The case in point is the visit of India’s Vice President Radhakrishnan from 19-20, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to the country, while bilateral visits of the Maldivian President, Mohamed Muizzu and that of the President of Vietnam, To Lam are due from 3-5 May and 7-8 May respectively. Such diplomatic endeavors and their success stories would certainly pave the way to further strengthen relations between Sri Lanka and the respective countries for mutual benefit. Though the NPP government has lost some ground on the political landscape within, its global outreach in fact has been widened in scope and character on the back of its pragmatic foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives.
IMF-led Reforms, Debt Restructuring & Repayments – Uncertainties Galore
The IMF is reportedly perturbed over the alleged financial frauds at two state banks in recent times, thus warranting investigation at the highest level. These frauds have raised the alarm bells and stakes at the highest echelons of power, in regard to government’s credibility on financial and fiscal management on the one hand, and the urgency to put in place adequate safeguards and digital infrastructure so as to prevent recurrence of such eventualities in future on the other. President in his capacity as the minister in charge of finance has been dragged into an unpalatable controversy at a time the overall popularity of the NPP administration has been rattled, owing to the recent allegations of wrong doings on a plethora of sensitive matters of concern.
Closing Remarks
Well, it is anybody’s guess as to how the powers that be, and the finance ministry in particular, being the apex body in managing country’s financial and fiscal policies, would be able to restore Sri Lanka’s credibility, and manage damage control and potential fallouts from the recent fiscal and financial doldrums, which could have far reaching consequences on the country’s economic recovery and financial stability in the medium and long term. Unless the authorities address this situation in earnest with the farsightedness and steadfastness it deserves, the damage already done could be too costly so as to manage the fallout. After all, the government’s integrity and credibility in the eyes of the public have raised more questions than answers viz-a-viz Sri Lanka’s future trajectory, prospects, opportunities and risks on its path to recovery in the months and years ahead.
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” – Confucius
*The writer is a retired Ambassador and Foreign Ministry Spokesman. He can be reached at schandrad@hotmail.com
Naman / May 3, 2026
“ a nation of 22-million people – suffered from 3-decade of terrorism,”
What precipitated this 3 decades of terrorism? Please tell us!
Wasn’t it due to the result of STATE Sponsored violence of the defenceless minorities during most of us lifetime. We lost our homes due to the violence and was not compensated like for those MPs and Ministers affected by the riots during Aragalaya of March 2022.
Shall we talk about how the young news reader Isaipriya was treated by the armed forces primarily composed of the majority race. Justice still not been meted out to all those criminals
/
Sarath / May 4, 2026
What I meant by “3-decades of terrorism” was nothing but the “general perception” of the situation prevailed in the country from 1980’s up until early 2000s. Of course, the word “terrorism” has a wider connotation, encompassing premeditated violence or threats by both the state or non-state actors, as a method of coercion, violence or threats to spread fear and thereby attain political or ideological goals. It was not just confined to the NE but was the situation in most parts of the south as well. So whoever uses armed aggression and violence to achieve narrow political ends falls into this country. For that matter, political parties in the South as well as in the NE are responsible for the uprising of the youth and violence prevailed in the NE and the south too.
/
old codger / May 4, 2026
Sarath D,
When you write “.3 decades of terrorism “, it is pretty clear which terrorism you are talking about. Obviously not what happened in 1971. Of course those were “insurgents”, not “terrorists”, right? That’s why people can openly commemorate Wijeweera, but not one V.P.
Very logical.
Sometimes the pen reveals more than the tongue.
/
Sarath / May 4, 2026
Dear OC,
Of course the LTTE, unlike marxists JVP, engaged in ethnic cleaning-most notably massacring and expulsion of Muslims and Sinhalese from NE. In fact it waged a separatist war to carve out a mono-ethnic separate state for Tamils within Sri Lanka based on its separatist ideology called Tamil Eelam. LTTE was proscribed by over 2 dozen states, and by far the most ruthless terrorist organization according to the US State Department – for using extremely callous and ruthless antics, and terror campaign – funded by diaspora and in connivance with likeminded terror outfits abroad. Marxists on the other hand, even-though used a campaign of terror, was simply fighting to overthrow the government, and not at all engaged in ethnic cleansing and mass-scale terrorist acts, massacres and bombing campaigns to achieve its objectives. That’s the difference.
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old codger / May 4, 2026
Sarath,
“Marxists on the other hand, even-though used a campaign of terror, was simply fighting to overthrow the government, and not at all engaged in ethnic cleansing and mass-scale terrorist acts, massacres and bombing campaigns”
Really, Sarath? Maybe not “ethnic cleansing “, but the rest?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_assassinations_of_the_Second_JVP_Insurrection
The Tigers wanted a part of the country. The JVP wanted all of it. Which is worse?
/
SJ / May 4, 2026
oc
He is plain pathetic
/
Sarath / May 4, 2026
Not at all I was trying to justify what the Marxists did – let alone their share of brutality or terror. But at the end of the day both groups didn’t succeed, and that itself’s a huge sigh of relief, isn’t it.
/
SJ / May 4, 2026
“….trying to justify what the Marxists did – let alone their share of brutality or terror. “
Which communist party or Trotskyist party ever indulge in brutality or terror?
*
The JVP was a sectarian populist party.
Point to one thing that they have said or done that suggests a Marxist outlook.
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
SJ
You have said it loud and clear. I have nothing more to share.
/
SebastianSR / May 6, 2026
Which communist party or Trotskyist party ever indulge in brutality or terror
Almost every one of them have justified the use of tactics that others regard as terror. They themselves do not consider it as terror, but as necessary progressive revolutionary action in sync. with the dialectical process of historical materialism.
/
Sarath / May 6, 2026
S
But one has to be rationally mined to understand the stark differences between each of those entities that you have in mind, in terms of the methods and tactics used by them in contrast to others at issue. Then you will. be able to come to terms with why certain actors appeared to be seemingly / understandably better / worse, and more / less humane than others. See my reply to NV on the same matter – for the sake of clarity.
/
LankaScot / May 7, 2026
Hello SSR,
SJ’s question was “Which communist party or Trotskyist party ever indulge in brutality or terror”.
Note the use of “indulge”, not justify or advocate, but actually take part in brutality or terror.
Some of my older close relatives took part in what I would consider terrorism for the British Government in some of the Far East Countries, e.g. Burma and Indonesia. The British Press covered it up for many years.
This is my 2nd Gt Grandfather’s old Regiment in Aden 1967. He fought in Crimea (1853 to 1856) and the Indian Mutiny (1857 to 1868) with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders (93rd Regiment) –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGSQsxbcq1o
Notice how the British Army were describing the Yemenis as Terrorists back in 1967. One of my Uncles was there serving under Lt Col Colin Campbell in the last days of British Rule in Yemen (after 130 or so years). The British Government called the Yemeni Nationalists Terrorists. Nothing has changed.
The US used Napalm in Vietnam; is this not Terrorism? –
https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/napalm-girl-50-snap
Best regards
/
LankaScot / May 4, 2026
Hello Sarath,
I wasn’t here in the 1970s during the JVP’s brutal campaigns, however many of my relations were. You said – “Marxists on the other hand, even-though used a campaign of terror, was simply fighting to overthrow the government, and not at all engaged in ethnic cleansing and mass-scale terrorist acts, massacres and bombing campaigns to achieve its objectives. That’s the difference”.
Leelagemalli has detailed many of the atrocities committed by the JVP. My Relatives here in Central Province back up what he said and related to me instances of Friends and Relatives that were brutally killed by the JVP and emphasise the ever present fear of what was happening in their daily lives. This is Terrorism (however you define it). As a lifelong Socialist I deplore this level of whitewashing. I also condemn the Torture and Killings enacted by the Government in Batalanda and other places.
Best regards
/
Sarath / May 4, 2026
LS
I am sorry to hear the predicament of your relatives – at the hands of Marxists. Good news is , that we both seemed to be on the same page “on the nuances of terrorism”. I too do not for a moment condone terrorist acts, as they are a cynical, remorseless enemy of peace that strike civilians and undermine society. Anyway, it’s good to find common ground and speak with one voice on acts of terror, both by state and non- state actors, that transcends all norms and morality of the civilized world.
/
SJ / May 5, 2026
LS
“I wasn’t here in the 1970s during the JVP’s brutal campaigns.”
You missed nothing. For there was none worth talking about as the JVP was soon at the receiving end, and put down before they could hurt any.
They tried to kidnap Mrs B and that failed.
The CID had foreknowledge of several of their planned attacks which were foiled.
They dd capture power briefly in a few locations but hadn’t a clue about how to build on that power.
Here is a sample:
A British academic consultant (Hughes, a Welshman I think) gave one of my colleagues a lift from Peradeniya to Colombo in his car. Close to Kegalle they were obstructed by some tree branches on the road. Hughes saw some young men in the vicinity and suggested that they asked the lads to help. A co-passenger said ‘Sir they are trastavadis’. Hughes responded “Trustworthies? So much the better!”
But soon the ‘Trustworthies” surrounded the vehicle and one declared “Apita niyama adhirajawadi mahaththeyek ne auhuwela! [We have caught a real imperialist!]”
That was followed by some acrimony, and my friend and the co-passenger somehow persuaded a leading member of the group that they have only caught the wrong guy and managed to get the vehicle released. The rest of the journey went event free.
Hughes could not get over how a group of Trustworthies would obstruct their journey.
The JVP did threaten people here and there during the time, but not nearly a patch on their deeds of 88-89
/
old codger / May 5, 2026
SJ,
Trustworthies? 🤣🤣
/
LankaScot / May 5, 2026
Hello SJ,
Was it possibly Bertram Hughes Farmer, a Geographer? If yes he wrote Ceylon: A Divided Nation in 1963. He was associated with Peradeniya University
Best regards
/
Sarath / May 8, 2026
LS
You are mistaken. See what I had said in my reply to you hereunder, where I said in no uncertain terms that – ” I do not for a moment condone terror whether it be state or non-state actors”. and let me be clear “I never hesitate to call a-spade-a spade”, as terror is cynical, and a remorseless enemy of peace that strike civilians and undermine society. Anyway, it’s good to find common ground and speak with one voice on acts of terror, both by state and non- state actors, that transcends all norms and morality of the civilized world”.
/
Native Vedda / May 5, 2026
Sarath
–
“Of course the LTTE, unlike marxists JVP, engaged in ethnic cleaning-most notably massacring and expulsion of Muslims and Sinhalese from NE. I”
–
Can I take it that Sinhala/Marxist terrorism is good terrorism but Tamil/LTTE terrorism is bad terrorism?
/
Sarath / May 6, 2026
NV
There’s marked and distinct difference between the two entities: notably, the former spearheaded ethnic cleansing and mass murders in the name of innocent Tamil civilians, but the latter has not stooped to such immoral tactics and ethnic cleansing. The former also used deplorable and inhuman methods to achieve their petty ends including indiscriminate bombings and suicide bombings at the expense of its child soldiers, and carried out wide-spread massacres and used human-shields in self defence, which is ignoble in the civilized world. The latter did not resort to such antics and tactics whatsoever. That’s my take
/
Native Vedda / May 6, 2026
Sarath
–
Well then can I take Sinhala/Buddhist/State terrorism is better than Sinhala/Marxist terrorism?
/
Sarath / May 6, 2026
NV
I think the are more or less – fit into the two sides of the same coin. Nothing more and nothing less.
/
Sarath / May 7, 2026
NV
Sorry for the typo. It should read
I think they are more or less – fit into the two sides of the same coin. Nothing more and nothing less.
/
old codger / May 4, 2026
“The news of their arrest reverberated across the country, with Buddhist prelates expressing their utter dismay and bewilderment over the appalling conduct of the so-called monks. “
Were these prelates blind and deaf over the last 30 or so years?
Did they not see the rise of all sorts of charlatans in yellow robes? Soma hamuduruwo started very innocently but morphed into a Christian/ Muslim basher, and died in an attempt to get himself a fake PhD from Russia.
Did they not see the various “Arahats” popping up? Or Ratana the Glyphosate Monk, who single-handedly decimated our agriculture? Do I need to mention the vile Gnanasara?
Or the monks accused of rape and murder?
The rot in the Sangha was always visible. These so-called prelates didn’t do their job.
If monks don’t follow their own discipline, the government must step in.
/
Sarath / May 4, 2026
Dear OC, Certainly what you say makes sense. But what is important to note here is that – Buddhist monks had never been caught with drugs in their possession in my living memory – which is why it really caught everybody by utter shock and dismay. Otherwise, it wouldn’t created the kind of euphoria and uproar in the country after the news of their arrest. Having said that, I can’t agree more with you on Buddhist monks in general – besides certain well- respected monks, there are bad ones too – who are not inherently sacrosanct as in the case of in any other religion or faith for that matter. Thanks
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SJ / May 4, 2026
Cannot the bad monks be branded with a hot iron somewhere clearly visible as the Kandyan kings did at one time?
/
SebastianSR / May 5, 2026
Cannot the bad monks be branded with a hot iron?
Going back to medieval torture or medieval stigmatization? When people cause crimes, part of the blame falls on the society that nurtured the criminals. Part of criminality is in the genetic content of each individual. So, if these individuals had not become monks, they would have had high propensity to become criminals in what ever walks of life they entered into. Young Buddhist monks of today do not get the “Privena” education of traditonal times, and instead absorb all the negative aspects of secular society. So, the solution is complex.
But violent minds and violent societies propose violent solutions, capital punishment and so on, although they don’t work.
/
Sarath / May 5, 2026
S
Your analysis on the situation is spot on. Adding insult to injury, there’s a scary world out there waiting for those who are looking for easy money to thrive on, and do whatever they please, which is what’s happening in the case of drug addicts and others engaged in illicit crimes.
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Sarath / May 4, 2026
The karma itself is the nature’s answer, which comes around one day in whatever form, to haunt and demonize the sinners and the guilty – of course sometimes not in this life, but after. That’s my simple answer
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old codger / May 4, 2026
Sarath,
“The karma itself is the nature’s answer”
“Well, it is anybody’s guess as to how the powers that be, and the finance ministry in particular, being the apex body in managing country’s financial and fiscal policies, would be able to restore Sri Lanka’s credibility, “
Cannot Karma take care of that small matter too?
If Karma will take care of everything, why do we need a judiciary, police, or even Mahanayakas? Contradictory, isn’t it?
/
Sarath / May 5, 2026
LS
I think you have misunderstood my point / notion of Karma. Karma is defined broadly as a cosmic law of cause and effect where actions, particularly unwholesome deeds result in commensurate retribution or punishment, as the saying goes “what goes around comes around”.whereas, good deeds on the other-hand, lead to happiness and rewards. My interpretation of Karma is no different from what is stated above. Absolutely karma is nothing but the “doctrine of cause and effect” aptly explained in Pattichchasamuppada (the chain of dependent origination) which is what people often refer to as the mother nature’s delivery of justice to wrong-doers in a society, which in colloquial terms is widely accepted as the nature’s wrath to wicked people and those found guilty of misdeeds. Of course, in the civilized world, justice is delivered by formal institutions through legal mechanisms and processes and courts etc, which is what “justice” means for all intents and purposes as opposed to natural justice in Karmic samsara.
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
OC
I’m sorry my reply above -which was meant for you, was mistakenly addressed to LS.
/
LankaScot / May 6, 2026
Hello Sarath,
No problem Lester and Deepthi think that I am OC’s Father.
Best regards
/
Sarath / May 7, 2026
That’s a good one, and perhaps a hard one
/
old codger / May 5, 2026
Sarath,
“Of course, in the civilized world, justice is delivered by formal institutions through legal mechanisms and processes and courts etc, which is what “justice” means for all intents and purposes as opposed to natural justice in Karmic samsara”
Well, okay, I take it that you mean dependence on Karma for justice is uncivilised.
Totally agree.
/
Sarath / May 5, 2026
OC
Not at all. What I meant should be read in conjunction / the context of what I said earlier on, and your reply thereof. If someone evades the due process of law (which is what one expects in a civilized world), then that person is subjected to natural law (which is loosely interpreted as a philosophical and legal theory that posits the existence of inherent laws derived from nature and universal moral principles that are discoverable through reason), which is what is meant by people in chollochail times in slang – “what you sow is what you reap”. This theory of reason seemed very logical and rational in understanding, and coming to terms with how certain things happen in a world which may sometimes be difficult to comprehend or fathom under normal circumstances. As you would know for sure, this “theory of reason” is based on the “doctrine of cause and effect” or “law of causality”, – meaning every action, thought, or event (cause) produces a corresponding result, (effect), and every effect has a specific, preceding cause. It is a universal principle suggesting that nothing happens by chance; rather, all reality is a result of chained events. Hope I answered your query.
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old codger / May 5, 2026
Sarath,
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I see inconsistency in your writing . On one hand, you state :”The karma itself is the nature’s answer, which comes around one day in whatever form, to haunt and demonize the sinners and the guilty – of course sometimes not in this life, but after. That’s my simple answer”.
Later, you say:””Unless the government addresses this sordid saga in earnest, the Buddhist monks would be at the risk of being subjected to unimaginable trauma and ill-will, “
So, do you want the government to step in, or do you want karma, which you believe in , to deal with the matter? I sense a reluctance to directly criticise the monks (for fear of karmic retribution? ). To me, it seems that the monks have got you mentally tied up.
I am not a Buddhist, or religious, but in Vietnam, where the peace walkers originated,
the Vietnamese government influences Buddhist teachings primarily through its control over the officially recognized Buddhist organization, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS). Independent Buddhist practice is prohibited, and only state-sanctioned Buddhism is allowed. Thus, individual monks are not allowed to get too rich or powerful. Don’t you think this would be a good idea?
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
OC,
Those who believe in reason and nature’s law – often known as natural-law theorists or adherents to a rationalist philosophy – maintain that universal moral principles are discovered through intellectual reflection rather than created by rulers. In other words, adherents to natural law believe that the right reason, when applied to human nature, reveals unchanging moral truths that are superior to any man-made legislation. That’s precisely why in the good old days (when due process of law was not in practice as it is now) people (Buddhists in particular) believed in the karma which was spoken of first by the Buddha in terms of his “Doctrine of cause and effect” 2600 years ago. Of course, Sir Isaac Newton’s “Law of Cause and Effect” came thousands of years later, without any rationalization on the human mind, and its effect on human psyche and brain function, which is where the Buddha’s doctrine sheds light on the karmic nature of life of all sentient beings, besides the doctrine of rebirth, and the vicious cycle of cravings, ignorance and sufferings associated with all beings. Of course, if someone defies or evades the due process of law, there is reason to believe that that person ought to face nature’s justice one way or the other, which would hold him/her accountable for his / her own deeds and action – which sounds very rational / logical indeed. Doesn’t it ! Obviously these two work in parallel, and are not mutually exclusive. Hope this helps clarify the situ.
/
Sarath / May 6, 2026
OC
State-sanctioned Buddhist practices as in the case of Vietnam, to my mind – could lead to conflicts of interest, in which state-prioritized political matters, national and economic interests could result in undue interferences with core Buddhist tenets and practices viz-a-viz monastic community and followers. When a government tends to regulate religions and religious practices, the resulting entanglement often transforms the religion into a tool for political maneuvering, nationalism, weakening its ethical foundations, and leading to undue repression and stigmatization of people based on perceived bias in one’s religious faith and beliefs. As such, the state should allow Buddhist monks to operate freely without bias, in the propagation of best religious teachings, and followers to practice a religion or faith of their own choice and conscience. On the flip side, a state certainly could play a catalyst and meaningful role in patronizing Buddhist religious practices and places of religious worship for religious tourism and promotional purposes.
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old codger / May 6, 2026
Sarath,
“When a government tends to regulate religions and religious practices, the resulting entanglement often transforms the religion into a tool for political maneuvering, nationalism, weakening its ethical foundations”
Don’t Sri Lankan monks already engage in politics and nationalism? Are they all “propagating best religious teachings”, in your opinion?
Do we hear that Vietnamese or Chinese monks smuggled drugs? Isn’t it better for the state to set firm rules, instead of the chaotic situation we have here?
Even yesterday, a monk was arrested for raping a 15 year old. This is not the first time either.
https://www.dailymirror.lk/front-page/Court-orders-forensic-analysis-in-case-involving-minor/238-339466
Ignoring a problem is not the solution.
/
Sarath / May 6, 2026
OC
Great minds think alike. After hearing the agonizing (tales) of the 22- Buddhist monks saga, and the arrest of monk on notorious rape charges, so on and so forth, I too begin to think that there should be state’s intervention in some form so as to put some stringent mechanism and systems in place, at least to oversee – if not supervise young monks (at lease of novices), their conduct and character under the aegis of the each Nikayas (chapters) so that monks cannot just take things (monk-hood, their sacred duty, sanctity of Buddhism and practices) for granted and should uphold the spiritual values morality and ethics of Buddhism and its centuries-old traditions. Thanks for your valued inputs
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LankaScot / May 4, 2026
Hello Sarath,
There is no Karma, where does it exist in Nature? Just as there is no afterlife.
That’s my simple answer. Of course you could always show us the Evidence and prove me wrong.
Best regards
/
Sarath / May 5, 2026
Well I have a different take on Karma (based on Dhamma) as opposed to what you seemed to believe in (with no-faith in rebirth or after-life), which is popular among people leaning on scientific, physical or materialistic world of reasoning, and aligned with secularism or annihilationism. In a spiritual sense, Karma deals with 5 aggregates associated with all sentient beings and their sensory organs viz-a-viz mind, thoughts, cravings, ignorance, greed and suffering – leading to “Karma”, being the reason for the after-life and rebirth, thus keeping all beings entrapped in a vicious cycle of desires and sufferings of samsara, which makes sense as to why there are numerous life forms in the universe, and as to why even individuals in a particular group of animals or beings differ from one another (in terms of their appearance, physical and mental form and matter, character, mind and will power, spirits and traits, and power, wealth and human qualities etel). This concept of karma makes sense for the rationally minded in understanding the nature of life of all sentient beings in Samasara, shaped by Karma which is beyond one’s comprehension and grasp through sensory organs themselves. Hope this helps
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LankaScot / May 5, 2026
Hello Sarath,
“with no-faith in rebirth or after-life”. Faith is belief without Evidence. You have absolutely no Evidence for your beliefs in Karma or an Afterlife.
You said “shaped by Karma which is beyond one’s comprehension and grasp through sensory organs themselves”.
Please write up your Dissertation on how Karma makes itself known to Human Brains without the use of the “Sensory Organs”. You might be in line for a Nobel Prize for Voodoo Physics. “Rationally Minded”? Don’t make me laugh.
Best regards
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
LS,
Thanks for your offer of a NP which is certainly beyond my scope.
At the outset let me repeat once more that what I said on Karma should be read / taken in the context of what transpired above.
The concept that specific, profound truths (truths stated hereunder from 1 – 5) about reality can only be fully explained and reasoned out by a Buddha (The Enlightened One) is a core idea in Theravada Buddhism, highlighting that though many can teach and preach, only a Buddha completely understands these 5 subjects (sacrosanct) through their own unassisted wisdom. Mind you karma is among the five. (Please note, it is important to differentiate these 5, as there are many lists of 5 in Buddhism that are often discussed)
1. The Ultimate Nature of karma (Karma Niyama)
2. The Law of Impermanence and No-Self (Anicca and Anatta)
3. The Four Noble Truths (Ariya-Sacca)
4. The Nature of Nibbana / Nirvana (The Unconditioned)
5. The True Nature of the Aggregates (The Five Skandhas)
Given the above, even a genius with a superior IQ and intelligence would not be capable enough in grasping or comprehending the above 5, unless one attains extremely high IQ (pragna) to be able to understand the mind, wisdom, and human psyche and reasoning (Pragna). Well, can I claim my Noble Prize now (In lighter vein) ?
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LankaScot / May 5, 2026
Hello Sarath,
“only a Buddha completely understands these 5 subjects (sacrosanct) through their own unassisted wisdom”.
What a cop-out, you are nearly as bad as the Christian Apologists on the Nature of the Trinity.
There is no Evidence for the real existence of any of the 5 listed above. Try reading some modern Neuroscience Books like Dale Purves “Neuroscience” 6th Edition. By the way one of the Fundamental Tests of Scientific Claims (or others) is whether they are Falsifiable. What piece(s) of Evidence would falsify each of your 5 Subjects?
But at least you have a sense of Humour, so I will propose you for the Ig Nobel Prize. – https://improbable.com/the-35th-first-annual-ig-nobel-prize-ceremony/
Best regards
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
LS
I surely knew you would come up with such an argument – asking me to show evidence on the existence of “5” which is akin to your asking me to prove, inter-alia,
1. the origin of life,
2. the nature of consciousness,
3. the composition of the cosmos (dark matter/energy).
4. mechanism behind anesthesia and
5. numerous other fundamental mysteries and unexplained phenomena
and the list goes on and on
As a matter of fact, nobody other than the Buddha has spoken of the 5 above, which are real and fundamental to the existence of life of all sentient beings. What’s bad is that even the modern-day scientists do not have any answers to the Buddhist doctrines, let alone any clues for that matter.
Mind you, simply because there is no evidence to prove the existence of these 5 fundamental aspects / phenomena – shouldn’t itself be a reason for the outright rejection of what Buddha said 2600 years ago.
Besides the 5, what I said (earlier on) on the Buddhist “Doctrine of Cause and Effect” was first introduced by the Buddha 2600 years ago, which remains fundamental to all material and life forms viz-a-viz beyond the realms of human senses or scientific evidence.
That’s precisely what the Buddha said on 5 above – which goes without saying that even the modern science has its own limits and boundaries. In other words, evidence-based theories alone are no longer be able to prove certain human-related activity including human intelligence, inherent virtues, traits and attributes, brain matter, sensory organs and the mind, and after life phenomenon et-el, which remain unproven by conventional wisdom, in part due to inherent limitation of human perception including senses. Besides that, certain human-centric elements / phenomenon remain beyond the scope of evidence-based scientific theories and traditional human brain power, to say the least. trust this helps
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LankaScot / May 5, 2026
Hello Sarath,
Many animal species breed via a system called Parthogenesis (Clonal Reproduction), such as Aphids, some species of Ants and even some Fish & Reptiles. Evolution is the reason why there are “numerous life forms in the universe”.
2500 years ago there were around 20 to 30 Million Humans. Now there are around 8.3 Billion. According to you “the karmic energy and consciousness stream from a past life flow into a new existence” So where did the extra 8 + Billion “Consciousnesses” come from. They had no past so they must have appeared from somewhere. Unless of course you are wrong and Consciousness is an emergent property of the Brain?
Best regards
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
LS
Mind you – humans are not the only species in the universe and there are millions of other species out there in the water, earth and air for that matter. What’s important to remember here is that (though you may be trying to justify your point of view on the basis that why humans have grown exponentially from 20-30 mil to 8.3 billion as of now) the popular belief defies the logic of reason. According to Buddhism, although some (8.3 billion today) are born as humans, not all of them possess the moral high grounds and human spirit to be treated equally on par with right mindset, ethics and morality of human beings. In other words, though people are born as humans, some of them simply inherit substandard spirits, traits, lifestyles and human qualities inferior to others, driven by karmic deeds of reason. In essence, even if you find 8.3 billion humans on the earth today, can you guess how many of them qualify to be called humans themselves – living under appalling conditions with inferior mindset and spirits (of course with no offense, ill-feelings and malice towards anyone or any group of people). That’s is the logic behind the numbers viz-a-viz Buddha’s doctrine of Karma and Samsara. Hope this would shed some light on your query.
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old codger / May 6, 2026
Sarath,
These words written by you are rather revealing:
“In essence, even if you find 8.3 billion humans on the earth today, can you guess how many of them qualify to be called humans themselves – living under appalling conditions with inferior mindset and spirits (of course with no offense, ill-feelings and malice towards anyone or any group of people). “
In essence, those with “inferior mindsets” or “living under apalling conditions ” ie poor- cannot be considered as human. This attitude shows even in the Mahavamsa, where the Arahats advise Dutugemunu that he has killed only one and a half humans.
Do you have any evidence that this is what the Buddha preached? A link please, to the particular Tripitaka verse ?
If this is true, then Buddhism cannot claim to have been victimised by the Christian Portuguese, who thought that “heathens” weren’t human.
Saying “No offence or ill feelings” doesn’t change anything.
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LankaScot / May 6, 2026
Hello OC,
You beat me to it, I was just about to reply to his semi-fascist depiction of people being sub-Human; Joseph Goebbels couldn’t have said it better.
Best regards
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
OC and LS
Well, the phrase “cannot be considered humans ” in fact is a typo, which should be corrected as “cannot be considered civilized” instead. Appreciate your feedback and concerns, with my profound regrets for any pain of mind caused to you both.
May I also convey my sincere apologies for the lapse, and any offense, ill-feeling or prejudice it may have caused to any individuals, groups or community of people.
/
old codger / May 7, 2026
Sarath,
Even “cannot be considered civilized ” isn’t that much of an improvement. Remember that one prime justification for colonialism was to “bring civilization to savages” ?
In that context, it was about people who went about half-naked, didn’t sing Christian hymns, and had no work ethic.
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old codger / May 7, 2026
LS,
Well, Sarath deserves some credit for more or less monopolising the “Top Comments” for 3 days in a row.
As for fascism, Dharmapala too was inclined that way, I think.
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LankaScot / May 5, 2026
Sorry should have been 2500 BCE not 2500 years ago.
Best regrads
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LankaScot / May 7, 2026
Hello Sarath,
I don’t take any offense and appreciate the Honesty. OC and myself (along with many others) have been called many offensive things by a few diehard Rajapaksa Supporters. I maybe drink 2 glasses of wine and an occasional beer over the course of a year yet I have been called an Alcoholic. OC has been categorised as a Muslim Tuk tuk Driver or a Saudi Toilet Cleaner. This morning I (personally) have been cleaning our Kitchen Building Toilet.
I respect whatever Job a person does and unlike many South Asians I leave them to get on with it. Historically British Workers dislike being watched constantly and I feel the same here.
Best regards
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
LS
Appreciate your candid comments which are hard to come-by in this day and age. As the saying goes, “No legacy is so rich as honesty”. Thanks
/
leelagemalli / May 6, 2026
LankaScot and Sarath,
I grew up in Sri Lanka shaped by Sinhala-Buddhist teaching; especially the idea of karma as a moral compass guiding life. But living in Europe and sharing space with people from different faiths challenged that certainty.
–
Across Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and other traditions, I began to see a common thread: they all aim to discipline human behavior and give life structure and meaning. Over time, though, I’ve come to question the idea that there is any invisible force like karma directing our lives. What we often call “karma” may simply be the natural consequences of choices, shaped by environment, opportunity, and chance rather than some cosmic moral accounting.
–
That shift has also made me more critical of how deeply religion is tied to politics. When belief systems move from personal guidance into public power, they can easily divide rather than unite.
Too much of any “good thing,” including religion, can distort judgment and distract societies from practical, inclusive governance. This is why I now believe religion and politics must remain separate. When political outcomes are driven by religious identity or supremacy; rather than shared civic values—it risks misrepresenting the true diversity and needs of society.
Keeping that boundary isn’t about rejecting religion; it’s about protecting both personal freedom and the integrity of public life.
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
L
Yes, monks and politicians in certain Asian countries that inherited centuries old-traditions of kingships, and dynastic systems and governance structures, often seen curry favor with Buddhist monks to gain undue advantage including legitimacy, bolster image, whip up nationalistic and religious sentiments for selfish interests. In some countries, rulers and Buddhist monks have overstepped each other’s well-guarded boundaries and realms of sanctity. That’s been the case, even in Sri Lanka since centuries ago, and the situation became quite evident since independence, specially in the aftermath of local politicians taking over from the British – with Buddhist Monks in the driving seat. However, for the first time since Independence, one could see a clear contrast, and a tendency to alter the course – from the age-old practice hitherto in place, between the Buddhist monks and political authorities – which is welcome sign, and sigh of relief for the good. As such, the NPP at least has made certain exceptions to the norm, and changed the status-quo, seemingly stop interfering with Buddha Sasana and monks, and draw clear lines and contours between the two entities, all but name. Even Buddha himself, advocated monks to refrain from politics and strictly confine themselves to practicing and propagating Dhamma, and maintain the delicate balance and sanctity, with mutual understanding and respect, based on Buddhist rules, ethics and moral values. I couldn’t have said it better myself, on the sad predicament inherited by people in Sri Lanka for generations due to political authorities crossing the red lines and curry favor with monks, to the detriment of Sri Lanka’s Buddha Sasana and its custodians of monks, followers and rulers etc- bringing disrepute, disrespect and shame to all alike.
On the question of religious tolerance, we seemed to be on the same page. All religious leaders, regardless of their faiths and beliefs, have advocated what it takes for people to be good and role models in a society which is “Sine qua non”. On the Karma, however, what Buddha said is “sacrosanct”, which remains at the heart of continuous dialogue from time immemorial. In essence, Karma as you have simply put, nothing but a natural phenomenon, which is what even modern scientists have spoken of, albeit in a more broader sense in scientific terms. At the end of the day, Karma in “slang” is the resultant effect of one’s deeds and thoughts in life, which comes around either with rewards, happiness or sufferings or punishments, in a future life.
Hope this makes sense
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LankaScot / May 7, 2026
Hello Leelgemalli,
You may not have read the Bible (Old and New Testaments) sufficiently to see the Contradictions, the Lies and downright Wickedness of their God (read Job as an example). As I said before I got into many arguments with RE Teachers at School regarding these issues. Invariably they would give up and send me to the Headmaster for being “Disruptive”. One of my Keralan Muslim friends admitted, after many years of discussion/argument, that I was right, but he had to “toe the line” else he were ostracised or worse. Apostasy is a serious problem for Muslims, depending on which Country you live in. Obviously I never breathed a word to anyone on what he admitted.
This critique applies to all the Abrahamic Religions.
Best regards
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SJ / May 5, 2026
S
There is no soul according to the Buddha. So, there cannot be a rebirth.
Where then will karma find its target?
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Lester / May 5, 2026
Rebirth does not depend on a soul.
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
L
Yes, rebirth is defined as a continuous cycle of consciousness, rather than the migration of a permanent soul (transmigration). According to Buddha, instead of a soul transferring to a new body, the karmic energy and consciousness stream from a past life flow into a new existence, shaped by intentional deeds or simply karmic actions.
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LankaScot / May 5, 2026
Hello Sarath,
Do you have a side job as a “Juju Man”? Do you find peoples lost or stolen Gold Jewellery? Or maybe you cast Horoscopes for them? Have you got “Gems” with mysterious properties?
The last Juju Man that I debated doesn’t speak to me anymore, he gave up.
Best regards
/
old codger / May 5, 2026
LS,
I don’t think Sarath is a Juju Buddhist. He reads the Buddhist scriptures (which are mostly quite rational except when dealing with metaphysics).
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LankaScot / May 5, 2026
Hello OC,
That’s my main problem with Buddhism. I have no problem with the moral precepts, however the Mumbo Jumbo get’s right up my nose. That and the Organised Religion Aspects.
Long ago the BBC would close down for the night with the Religious “Epilogue”. Those days have gone. The State should not support any Religion or be beholden to it.
Best regards
/
Sarath / May 5, 2026
LS
I am not a so-called Juju Man, but a simple human myself – with no superstitious powers in me, nor a spiritual healer myself. Thanks
/
SJ / May 5, 2026
Does what is reborn have an identity?
Does anyone/anything ‘own’ karma in some way to talk of one’s karma as an entity?
The moment you assign an identity to karma you tend to accept some sort of eternal being, contradicting the idea of impermanence.
*
Many Buddhists have fallen into the Hindu trap of Aathman and rebirth and remain entrapped.
/
Sarath / May 6, 2026
SJ
I see your point. As you know, As you know, karma (a subtle form of matter) is the universal law of cause and effect, where intentional thoughts, actions, and speech (being/doing) create future consequences. It posits that present circumstances are results of past actions, while present actions shape future existence, connecting one’s essence across lifetimes. On the other, impermanence (not a matter of form) is the fundamental Buddhist concept that all conditioned things—physical objects, emotions, and life itself—are in a constant state of flux, arising and passing away. As such, karma has no bearing on impermanence itself, but only acts as a continuous, impartial law of cause and effect, mediating between past actions and present experiences.
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Lester / May 5, 2026
“According to Buddha, instead of a soul transferring to a new body, the karmic energy and consciousness stream from a past life flow into a new existence, shaped by intentional deeds or simply karmic actions.”
Yes, it explains why some people are extraordinarily gifted (extreme right tail of BC). These traits are not encoded in DNA, e.g. Mozart’s affinity for music at age 4.
Science also takes as an axiom that a closed system obeys conservation laws. New energy cannot enter or exit. This is consistent with the notion of karma, which is self-regulating.
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
L
That’s is precisely what Buddha said about karma, and how it (based on intentions, actions, and mental habits in one life) directly shapes the circumstances and conditions of the next life which is logical and rational.
/
Lester / May 6, 2026
Sarath:
In fact, people can see into their past lives via deep meditation (as Buddha himself did). This knowledge is one of the six categories of “abhijna” in Sanskrit and detailed in the “Visuddhimagga.”
Past-life memories are stored in the subconscious mind as “samskaras” (impressions) or “vasanas” (subconscious impulses). Meditation can be thought of as a hypnotic state. Hypnosis is often in clinical psychiatry to relax the patient and allow them to access the subconscious. So in the end, even modern medicine reaches the same conclusion as Buddhism: the state of being is a perception of the mind. Western philosophy does not reject this notion either. The philosopher Kant stated that we cannot know an object as it really is because our mind imposes artificial structure. What we experience through our senses is maya. This is validated by quantum mechanics, e.g. Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and wave-partice duality. So the Buddha was 2500 years ahead of his time.
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
SJ
This is not what Buddha said. What was said is “there is no permanent, unchanging, or immortal soul (Anatta/Anatman) within any person. Instead of a fixed self, it is opined that all sentient beings are a continuous, ever-changing flow of five aggregates—body, feelings, perception, mental formations, and consciousness—constantly in flux and driven by karma. In essence, Buddha spoke of “anatma” or “anatta” which refer to the idea that there is no permanent non-changing self or essence. In other words, “selfless” or non-self or “deathless”, in short.
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SJ / May 5, 2026
What has all of that to do with rebirth?
What is reborn?
The vain attempt to reconcile karma with rebirth is a tragedy that befell later day Buddhism.
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Lester / May 6, 2026
“What has all of that to do with rebirth?”
If the premise is false, the conclusion does not matter.
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
L
You are spot on. Couldn’t have said it better.
/
Sarath / May 8, 2026
Lester,
In reply to your comment in somewhere down the line. “In fact, people can see into their past lives via deep meditation (as Buddha himself did). This knowledge is one of the six categories of “abhijna” in Sanskrit and detailed in the “Visuddhimagga.” Thanks.
This is what the Buddha related / articulated / referenced in “Pubbe-Nivasanussati- Gnāṇa – which is the Buddhist term for the “recollection of past lives,” a form of supramundane knowledge gained through deep meditation. It is one of the abhinna (higher powers) often described as the ability to remember previous existences in detail, including past, places, and life events. (Literally “knowledge of the memory of former existences” or “remembrance of past abodes- which is the first of the six higher powers (chalabhinna) and one of the three knowledges attained by the Buddha on the night of his awakening
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
SJ
It is one’s karma that shapes the conditions and circumstances of the next life, often called rebirth in Buddhism. Yet karma can be interpreted as a correlation between a person’s actions (cause) and their experiences (effect), often viewed as a “what goes around comes around” mechanism of cosmic or social justice.
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SJ / May 6, 2026
Who is this ‘one’ that possesses his karma?
Makes no sense when there is no eternal identity.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
SJ
Buddha refers specifically to intentional, volitional actions, driven by mind, speech, or body. Karma is not fate or divine punishment; it is a personal law of cause and effect where a person is the owner and heir of their own choices. Trust this clarifies
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
SJ
See my reply below to L, which is copied hereunder.
Yes, rebirth is defined as a continuous cycle of consciousness, rather than the migration of a permanent soul (transmigration). According to Buddha, instead of a soul transferring to a new body, the karmic energy and consciousness stream from a past life flow into a new existence, shaped by intentional deeds or simply karmic actions.
/
SJ / May 6, 2026
This explanation is wooly.
What is reborn?
Does it have any identity? Is Karma one continuous thread? Does consciousness have an identity? If the answers are positive, then one can put them all together and call it the soul, which the Buddha flatly rejected.
The Jataka stories make interesting fiction. They were all made up much after the Buddha’s time.
Karma as action (or even thought) can continue as its consequences forever, in conjunction with other Karma. That makes sense.
What has that to do with rebirth?
Rebirth is physical and can occur in only living things.
Cooking up rebirth from Karma will tie you up in knots that you can never undo.
/
Lester / May 6, 2026
“Rebirth is physical and can occur in only living things.”
Only if you assume consciousness is physical.
“Leonard Susskind suggests that consciousness is not purely physical because it operates as the “knower” outside the mathematical/physical system of the universe, acting as a projector of a holographic reality rather than a product of brain matter. It represents the observer at the center of their own holographic horizon, interpreting data rather than being a physical object themselves.”
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2582013092199478
Perhaps you should aim for something simpler, like Sharia, during the final years? You have a fan club here, Old Pervert, Alcoholic in Kandy, German Schizo, etc.
/
Nutmarket / May 6, 2026
My little tweety Lessie,
I really thought you’ve reformed, but here you go again.
” should aim for something simpler, like Sharia, …”
But you still want to get in on the discussion, eh? But everyone ignores you. Okay, I’ll start a special thread for you, and you alone, darling:
Let’s say you were reborn as a weasel. Would you have one tiny @ or two? If you were reborn as a snake, would your @ go into a great repository in the sky for future use? So many questions……..
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leelagemalli / May 6, 2026
Nutmarket,
.
“I really thought you’ve reformed, but here you go again.”- My grandmother often stated that the dog’s tail would never straighten.
That is easily visible in Lester, TT girl, and Deepthi (3 in one).
/
Sarath / May 6, 2026
L
This is well said. and to the point.
/
leelagemalli / May 6, 2026
Dear Sarath,
Are you sure L has been commenting on it to the point?
–
He is a proven moron to this CT- community, yet he is making every effort to stick out in a forum where only about 2-5% of lankens represent.
–
Most of the guys in this forum are extremely biased or sick in various ways.
Many people comment solely for the purpose of commenting. I only respect Mr SJ, Mr LS, Mr OC, and NV, to name a few.
–
To them, if anyone says anything negative about the Rajapakshes, you either actually empathize with Ranil – or you are not patriotic enough. These folks are simply hired lackeys on this forum, preventing you from posting anything against Rajapakshe-mlechcha kalliya.
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old codger / May 6, 2026
Sarath,
Be warned that Lester the psycho is up to his old tricks. That comment under “leelagemalli” was written by Lester.
/
Sarath / May 6, 2026
SJ
Yes Karma comes into play as a universal law of cause and effect, where personal choices, actions, and intentions – form a continuous thread across lifetimes. In Buddhism “consciousness” is not necessarily advocated in terms of identifying / defining a soul / self, but as a mental construct – albeit not bound to one. Of course, rebirth is the result of the transmigration process, in which an immortal soul or consciousness leaves one physical body at death to occupy a new one, forming an ongoing cycle of rebirth (samsara)
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SJ / May 6, 2026
What has any of this to do with rebirth?
/
Sarath / May 6, 2026
SJ
I was simply responding to you query on Karma vs Consciousness, and how both ( K and C ) fit into the cycle of rebirth / after-life. Hope this makes sense.
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SJ / May 6, 2026
I held that rebirth is inconsistent with the rejection of ‘soul’ by the Buddha.
I still await an honest scientific answer.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
SJ
In Buddhist philosophy, there is no eternal soul that travels between lives, yet there is a continuation of karmic energy and consciousness. On the question of rebirth, Buddha implies a causal process where one life creates conditions for the next without a permanent entity transferring. Hope this clarifies
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2026
Sarath doesn’t appear to recognize this LESTER.
Lester, the cancer of the CT forum, is unusual in his hypocritical behavior. Nothing is in his comments, but he continues nonetheless. Please keep in mind that Lester is the same individual that comments in this forum using various avatars, including Deepthi and The Truth. Who does he think he is? He is a hired person who was rejected by North America and is now believed to be living in Pasikuda, Sri Lanka.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
Leegal
If that’s the case – it begs the question as to whose role he seemed to be playing, and on whose behalf ?
/
Lester / May 7, 2026
Leela is using AI in a comedic attempt to sound better. All the while just spamming this website with endless filler. The real “Leela” is an individual who formerly used the ID “babalawathie” to write obscenities about Rajapakse in broken English. Readers can judge the sanity of this person for themselves.
babalawathie D / December 2, 2019
2
0
That kudu thakkadiya from Negambo too is given a ministerial position, can you imagine guys ? Gota and his brother will have to be hung by their balls sooner than later, i WISH the grass eaters dominated srilnaka be healed off being able to realize the ground realities of the bunch of thugs.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/reflections-on-a-mahinda-state-versus-a-gota-state-puzzle-two-versions-of-rajapaksa-authoritarianism/
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2026
Hello, Sarath.
Please search the CT-archives for the phrases “Deepthi”, “Lester”, and several other avatars similar to that. This individual has been exposed as an idiot who has made every effort to manipulate the “thumb machine”. His is a psychological problem. We know the person had a series of GENDER OPs, and some of our commenters (OC, HT, Chiv, NV) are well aware of this.
He is an ardent Rajapakshe fan. These men devastated the island. You cannot know all of this because you have not participated in CT-commenting throughout the years. Almost everyone, including Mr SJ, is under attack by this sicko. I believe that since we are discussing “rebirth” here, we should also include “birth failures”. Lester is the clearest example of this.
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Lester / May 7, 2026
As soon as I mention the dogs, they bark. Is it a coincidence?
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SebastianSR / May 5, 2026
to haunt and demonize the sinners and the guilty
So, we don’t need punishment, but we need a scapegoat who can be crucified to atone the sins of these sinners?
The karma itself is the nature’s answer
Nature has no moral character, and is best seen as an unfolding process ultimately defined by the second law of thermodynamics.
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
S
This defies the logic of reason – simply because the human mind including conscious and unconscious processes, thoughts, emotions, memories and sensory perceptions in their entirety, define the “human psyche” and “karma” that underpins each other. To say otherwise simply defies the “doctrine of cause and effect” which is what nature’s law is all about. This is my take on your query.
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SJ / May 6, 2026
If it defies the logic of reason, what is the point in your reasoning about something that transcends reason?
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
SJ
Karma is often misunderstood as a cosmic reward/punishment system, but it is better understood as a natural, non-dogmatic law of cause and effect. It is not necessarily dictated by external moral codes, but rather the intrinsic, inevitable result of actions (intentions) that shape future experiences, similar to a mental or spiritual natural law. That’s my take
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LankaScot / May 7, 2026
Hello Sarath,
Which “doctrine of cause and effect” are you talking about.
Have you ever heard of Hawking Radiation from a Black Hole? What’s the cause of Virtual Particles popping into existence?
Newton’s Laws of Motion are on the relationship between Mass, Force and Motion and their Mathematical expression.
Best regards
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
LS
Check this out please
Buddha’s cause and effect theory, known as Karma (or Kamma) and Dependent Origination (Pratītyasamutpāda), is foundational across all Buddhist traditions, found primarily in the Pali Canon (Tipitaka), specifically in the Sutta Pitaka (e.g., Saccavibhanga Sutta for Four Noble Truths) and Abhidhamma Pitaka. It describes how volitional actions (causes) lead to results (effects) over time.
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LankaScot / May 7, 2026
Hello Sarath,
I have read the Sutta Pitaka (a few years ago and recently). It is full of Metaphysical kunu and other impossibilities like this – Buddha is a “newborn infant who walks and speaks at birth and is welcomed by gods and spirits”.
Do you really believe this garbage?
By the way Buddhism an Christianity believe in “Objective Morality”. This is also untrue, there is only Subjective Morality.
In Philosophical terms “objective describes truths, facts, or realities that exist independently of any conscious mind, personal feelings, interpretations, or biases”
So even if your morals come from the mind of God or Buddha they are Subjective.
Best regards
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
LS
As I wrote (shared) somewhere in this post – it is pity that Buddhist scripts have been twisted and turned upside down over the years, (pretty much in the West and Europe) by the so-called scholars and researchers et-el, to suit their whims and fancies. Perhaps, that’s precisely why you find “garbage kind stuff on the web – unless you go to an authoritative source such as “The Dhammapada” – a collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and best known Buddhist scriptures). As such there’s so much confusion and misinterpretation of what the Buddha has actually said 2600 years ago – which remains “unchallenged and uncontested” to-date (eternal and timeless). For instance, uncertainties galore in regard to doctrines of karma, after-life, dependent organization so on and so forth. I am happy that there are exemplary characters out there in forums such as CT, who have the patience, guts and time to call “a-spade-a- spade”, and analyze things rationally and logically, with wisdom, and shed light on some of these misleading misrepresentation of facts with a sense of reason and clarity for the benefit of readers. Thanks a lot for your valued comments
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Ajith / May 5, 2026
“Buddhist monks had never been caught with drugs in their possession in my living memory – which is why it really caught everybody by utter shock and dismay.”
Yes. They were protected by the rulers from 1948, Buddhist Monks and the constitutions of 1972 and 1978. Have you got the memory of any one who massacred in 1958 caught in Sri Lanka.
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SJ / May 5, 2026
They were killings in 1958.
Massacre is something else. What happened in the Kaaththaankudi mosque was a massacre.
I would not call the central Bank bombing a massacre.
*
When you use words, treat them kindly and do not twist them beyond recognition.
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
SJ
Regret the lapse – which was purely unintentional.
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Ajith / May 6, 2026
“They were killings in 1958.
Massacre is something else. What happened in the Kaaththaankudi mosque was a massacre.”
It is only from SJ who is the master mind of Sinhala Buddhist terrorism and Islamic terrorism of Kathankudi. You are utter liar. I doubt you may be also active partner of Easter Bombing.
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
A
Believe you are referring to 1958 anti-Tamil riots and killings that took place in the country. Regrettably, I have no precise details on the number of people killed and the fate of perpetrators, besides the fact that the riots took the lives of so many in vain – which was appalling to say the least.
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SJ / May 5, 2026
’58 riots were serious with looting and arson and killings too, but nothing on the scale of 1977 or 1983.
Had SWRDB promptly declared emergency or even called out the forces to help the police against the offenders, the damage would have been smaller.
The warnings of the communal violence were not fully appreciated by the narrow nationalists on all sides.
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
SJ
Even SWRD was dictated to by hardline Sinhalese, with Buddhist monks playing a lead role in the riots. In fact, SWRD was simply helpless with monks around him calling the shots which is why the riots went out of control for almost a week with no end in sight.
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LankaScot / May 6, 2026
Hello Sarath,
That was an unfortunate use of the Phrase “In fact, SWRD was simply helpless with monks around him calling the shots”
They weren’t only calling the shots, they were firing them.
Best regards
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SJ / May 6, 2026
LS
The monks played a role in some issues, especially language under SWRDB.
It was Dudley who pandered to their stupidity.
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
LS
You point is well noted. But let’s be clear, at least SWRD was in the driving seat. To say otherwise is simply irrational, and misrepresentation of the legacy of SWRD. Don’t you think.
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Lester / May 7, 2026
Bandaranaikes are not even genuine Sinhalese. They trace their origin to Perumal Tamil converts from 1720.
SWRD converted to Buddhism to fool the masses. On the other hand, he was educated entirely in Anglican missionary schools, and then at Oxford. You are the product of your education, in many instances, you can never undo what you learned. He would have incorporated certain Western, not Eastern notions regarding politics and nationalism.
Sinhala-Only was probably a ploy to get votes (as politicians will do).
So when Tamils claim Sinhala-Only was the basis of the ethnic conflict, you can counterargue, it was initiated by a Tamil. By extension, the ethnic conflict was then engineered by one set of Tamils (on the “Sinhalese” side), since SWRD and Sirima played the largest role – and Jaffna Tamils (Vellalalar) – on the other side.
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Lester / May 7, 2026
Sinhala-Buddhist involvement was largely limited to preserving the territorial integrity of the nation. Attempts which were blocked by both India and (Tamil) Chandrika. Maybe it was the intention of Chandrika to give away land to her cousins, the Tigers? The Army itself was very capable at the time, it was her stupidity that resulted in massive military defeats. Do you recall she harassed the journalist Iqbal Athas and her brother tried to censor war discussion in the Parliament.
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SJ / May 6, 2026
Sarath
Sorry to say that the clergy played no significant role in the 1958 violence.
SWRDB yielded to pressure against the B-C pact. (That was before the riots.)
I think that the best record of events of 1958 is that by Tarzie Vittachi.
Do not rely too much on political gossip.
*
Dudley S introduced the famous ‘Poya week’ systenm, and reserved seats in public transport for clergy but not the old, disabled or pregnant women.
But Mrs B had kept the clergy at arms length in 1960-64
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
SJ,
Of course each of those rulers since 1948 to-date had their own ups and downs, besides leaning towards monks for their own selfish gains and interests. But they too deserve credit for their balancing acts viz-a-viz monks during good and bad times in our history. Believe, though both SWRD and DS had maintained cordial and close acquaintances with monks, DS not exploited his relationships with prelates to gain undue advantage. Correct me if I am wrong.
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SJ / May 6, 2026
S
I am not discussing personalities.
I only pointed out that SWRDB is being accused of doing things that were done by his UNP rival.
Nobody here dares to criticize the UNP’s role in the national question (until after 1983). It is convenient to blame it all on SWRDB.
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old codger / May 7, 2026
Sarath,
“Buddhist monks had never been caught with drugs in their possession in my living memory – “
Isn’t that a bit exaggerated?
Surely you would have heard of this:
https://youtu.be/UkTVOwmr5wE?si=8hEzcrw5p-iKJE9D
.
A monk was caught with drugs in Alawwa last year. Strangely, these news reports seem to disappear from the Internet. Even AI insists that monks have never been caught with drugs.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
OC
To be honest with you, the one that has happened last year is certainly news to me. Monks’ being caught with drugs – indeed terrible, to say the least.
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old codger / May 7, 2026
Sarath,
I remember a few other instances, but don’t have the time to go fishing for things that even the AI can’t find.
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chiv / May 8, 2026
OC,
Rajangane Saddharathna Thero arrested for threatening public security minister and IGP through social media platforms.
Apparently this goon operates his own YT for this purpose.
Another senior Thero was in court for raping a 14 year old girl with help of a pimp.
Reportedly the mother sold her for hundred thousands LKR.
Monks never been caught with drugs , hearing monks smuggling drugs created Euphoria in the country ??
not really the choice of words, for a diplomat.
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Naman / May 3, 2026
I believe that there wasn’t drug culture in N&E of the country during the three decades of war. It was certainly introduced by the pseudo-patriots in the minority areas to bring down them both educationally and economically.
Did K P. of the LTTE pay up lots of money to Rajapaksas to get his freedom and protection? Why Karuna has not been investigated?
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Sarath / May 4, 2026
Believe, drug menace is a real nuisance for the entire country. If you go by the stats, the situation in the South is believed to be far worse that the North, in terms of the number of addicts, crime rate, arrests and cumulative effect on the society as a whole. The question of who is responsible for the drug menace is debatable. In fact your guess is as good as mine.
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SJ / May 4, 2026
“The question of who is responsible for the drug menace is debatable. “
Debate apart, most of the culprits are well known but too risky to disclose their identity.
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Sarath / May 4, 2026
SJ. Honestly, your guess is as good as mine
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LankaScot / May 4, 2026
Hello SJ,
I saw the Drug Culture of the 60s and 70s. Mostly recreational Drug use, however Heroin was a tiny part back then. The area that I grew up in suffered badly starting with “Glue Sniffing” in the 1980s through to Amphetamines and Injecting Heroin. Now “Scotland has the highest drug-related death rate in Europe”.
“Deaths are highest in areas with significant socio-economic deprivation”.
Alcoholism is also widespread – “Individuals in the most deprived areas are six times more likely to die or be hospitalized due to alcohol than those in the least deprived areas”
Some of my Primary School Classmates have died due to Alcohol, Drugs or Smoking.
The large scale building of Council Estates in the 50s onwards led to what are now called “Sink Estates” – “They are associated with high poverty levels, unemployment, and crime” These are where the biggest Drug Problems are. I am sure that the problem is deeper than just “Poverty”. Addicts and Alcoholics both use the phrase “it helps me forget how bad my life is”. They become very fatalistic quite quickly.
As you say it is very difficult to apportion blame. For Drug Dealers it’s a lucrative Business.
Best regards
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old codger / May 5, 2026
LS,
“The large scale building of Council Estates in the 50s onwards led to what are now called “Sink Estates”
The same process is going on here, in the name of “slum clearance”. Slum dwellers are crammed into multi-story flats, depriving them of of whatever trades they had in the slums. The result is good optics and gain for “re-developers”. Worse, the flats aren’t maintained after construction. Imagine life on the 10th floor without a lift!
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LankaScot / May 5, 2026
Hello OC,
Back in the 60s one of my friends lived on the 10th Floor of a Multi Storey Building. As the lifts were very slow we would race up either of the 2 staircases. Don’t ask me to do it now. The lift would definitely beat me😢.
Best regards
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leelagemalli / May 6, 2026
LankaScot,
.
Sri Lanka’s current social and economic challenges cannot be reduced to a single cause such as open economic policy. While the liberalization reforms introduced under J. R. Jayewardene opened the country to global markets earlier than many in the region, the real issue lies in the failure of successive governments to adapt those policies to local conditions. Unlike countries such as India, which gradually strengthened regulatory institutions alongside economic growth, Sri Lanka has struggled with inconsistent law enforcement, weak oversight, and policy gaps that have allowed harmful consequences to emerge.
–
One of the most alarming outcomes has been the rise of drug trafficking and substance abuse, particularly among youth. Sri Lanka’s strategic location in regional shipping routes has made it vulnerable, but the core problem is not geography alone; it is the lack of sustained enforcement, preventive education, and rehabilitation systems. At the same time, poorly regulated imports and agricultural practices have contributed to serious public health concerns, including the spread of Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology in farming regions.
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These issues highlight how gaps in governance, rather than openness itself, have exposed communities to long-term harm.
–
Moving forward, the focus must shift from assigning blame to building effective, country-specific solutions. Sri Lanka needs strong institutional reforms, evidence-based policies, and competent leadership supported by professionals who understand both global systems and local realities.
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LankaScot / May 6, 2026
Hello Leelagemali,
The reason I wrote so much about Scotland’s Drug and Alcohol Problems was to show that these problems are not Regional or Country specific.
I see exactly the same behaviour in the Drug Users and Alcoholics in Sri Lanka as I did in Scotland. It is a Disease, an Addiction that once embarked upon is very difficult to break from. Cigarette Smoking is very similar.
There is a Drug (and Alcohol) sub-culture that is common wherever in the World you might live. Normal morals go out the Window. One of my ex Schoolmates was injecting his 17 year old Son with Heroin. Both are now dead from overdoses. The Father died in 2020, I don’t know about the Son.
Socio-economic deprivation is just one of the reasons, Availability and Price are also Factors.
A Sri Lanka Study is found here – https://gmj.sljol.info/articles/10.4038/gmj.v29i1.8249
As they say in the Summary “Addiction to illicit drugs is a global public problem and it needs immediate attention from all nations to prevent its spread and further damage caused by it”.
Best regards
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2026
Hello LS,
Alcohol and drug abuse in many countries is closely linked to broader social and personal struggles faced by vulnerable communities. As you already know, in SL, the society is deeply divided by social class, wealth, caste, creed, and cultural identity. There is also a significant gap between urban and rural communities, which often leaves many people feeling isolated and excluded within their own society.
Terms like “POSH” are sometimes misunderstood and used to label people who appear to follow a Western lifestyle or belong to a higher social class. These divisions can create feelings of inferiority, frustration, and social pressure, leading some individuals to imitate lifestyles they believe represent success or acceptance.
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Although the majority of people identify themselves as Sinhala Buddhists culturally, many do not fully practice or understand the deeper teachings of Buddhism, especially mindfulness, compassion, and self-awareness.
–
This concern was recently highlighted by Vietnam Thero, who completed an eight-day walk for peace and spoke about the lack of mindfulness in society despite strong religious identity. His message emphasized that true social harmony cannot come from labels or appearances alone, but from genuine understanding, empathy, and mindful living. Addressing alcohol and drug problems therefore requires not only law enforcement, but also social inclusion, education, mental well-being, and a stronger connection to positive cultural and spiritual values.
Tbc
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
Leegal,
Well I also read somewhere to suggest that Ven Pannakara was somewhat critical of the large crowds blocking the Walk for Peace spiritual journey from Kandy to Colombo, and the alleged impatient attitude, and insane and irrational behavior of certain people at religious sites visited during his week-long visit. I just did a random Google search to check what exactly he’s alleged to have uttered and in what context, where and when. Strangely, I couldn’t find a single post or link to substantiate this story, and wanted to ask you if you could shed light on the matter to be 100% sure. On the case of the apparent lack of inclusivity viz-a-viz class structure and divisive nature of social strata, it is a serious lacuna which remains unaddressed / unattended to the detriment of Sri Lanka’s future trajectory to usher in peace and stability for all. In fact, I myself witnessed the status-quo, and how low our societies have stooped to, in part due to wide-spread poverty, social inequalities, addiction to drugs and alcoholism, widening gap between rich and poor leading to hatred and ill-will among people of all walks of life, at the risk of country going backwards. That’s appealing to say the least.
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2026
Dear Sarath,
I would also like to thank you for the article for raising these difficult but necessary questions at a critical moment for Sri Lankan Buddhism.
–
I found the comments of the visiting Vietnamese monks especially meaningful, particularly their concern that many Buddhists today focus more on ritual, emotion, and group identity than on mindfulness and independent thinking.
What saddened me most was seeing how public attention shifted toward taking selfies with the dog “Aloka” rather than reflecting on the deeper message about mindfulness, social responsibility, and the need to address Sri Lanka’s long-standing national and minority issues. To me, this reflects the wider crisis within Sri Lankan Buddhism today ; a drift away from thoughtful practice toward spectacle, superstition, and empty ritualism.
Tbc
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Sarath / May 8, 2026
Leela
I too believe we as a nation lags behind our neighbors in every conceivable sector / sphere of national interest and influence, and it’s time that we move forward with resilience, steadfastness and commitment for the sake of our future generation. It’s appalling to see how low we have stooped to as a nation, which prided itself as a self-sufficient, self-sustaining and prosperous nation with a glorious history, splender and heritage. Believe, we as senior citizens are duty bound to do our part for the sake of our motherland and look up to the future with hope, dedication and optimism.
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2026
Sarath, Over the past three decades, I have closely observed the transformation of Sri Lankan Buddhism. In many places, I feel that rituals have gradually become mechanical acts performed for the sake of tradition rather than understanding.
Pali stanzas and gathas are often recited without knowing their meaning, while emotional expressions such as “Sadhu, Sadhu” seem to substitute for deeper reflection on the Buddha’s teachings.
To me, there is now little visible difference between certain Sinhala-Buddhist rituals and the ritual culture found in Hindu practices I observed both in Sri Lanka and in places such as Bali. Superstition, astrology, sorcery, and ritualized beliefs have increasingly entered religious life, especially during the last fifteen years (Rajapakshe politics) when political forces also encouraged these trends for influence and identity-building. Although I was born into a prominent Sinhala-Buddhist family connected to the late Rev. Walpola Rahula, my own path gradually moved toward meditation, ethical living, and the philosophical depth of Buddhism rather than ritualism or superstition.
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My personal journey was also shaped by the violence of the 1989–1992 JVP insurgency, a period that destroyed thousands of lives and left deep psychological scars across Sri Lanka. Like many others, I was displaced from my homeland and eventually moved to Europe, carrying both survival and guilt within me; especially the pain of being separated from my mother during her final years.
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Sarath / May 8, 2026
Leela
It’s indeed sad to lean of your predicament in the midst of the heightened troubles in Sri Lanka in late 1990s’ and your abrupt displacement and moving to Europe leaving your mother behind in Sri Lanka. Anyway. it’s great that you returned to the motherland on and off, to be with your beloved ailing mother which is quite rare in this day and age. But now that she is gone, you must be having your NOK’s in Sri Lanka so that you have a reason to be back to enjoy the warmth and local hospitality which is what we are known and popular among overseas diaspora for. Thanks.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
Leegal, LS
On the question of drug addicts and alcoholics, you couldn’t have said it better.
Please read this DM news report of 21st February 2026 on Sri Lankan drug addicts which is mind boggling. (which I copied to LS in reply to his post)
Header : Over six tonnes of drugs seized, 100,000 arrested in four months
https://www.dailymirror.lk/front-page/Over-six-tonnes-of-drugs-seized-100-000-arrested-in-four-months/238-333555
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2026
cont.
Many migrant communities in Europe experience a deep sense of isolation, both from wider society and sometimes even within their own ethnic or cultural groups. In countries such as Germany, France, Spain, and United Kingdom, language barriers continue to marginalize many first-generation migrants, including some who have lived there for decades without fully integrating into society. As a result, many struggle with loneliness, cultural displacement, and economic hardship, which can increase vulnerability to alcohol and drug addiction. Youth in these communities are often the most at risk, especially when they grow up caught between two cultures without adequate emotional or social support. I have also observed similar patterns among some Sri Lankan migrant communities in Switzerland, where groups of isolated individuals gather around alcohol consumption, while many families silently suffer from emotional distance, generational misunderstanding, and broken relationships.
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The situation in Sri Lanka is also deeply connected to social and economic realities. A large number of parents migrate to countries in the Middle East, Italy, and South Korea for labor work, often leaving children behind during their most vulnerable years. Without stable parental guidance and emotional support, many young people become easy targets for drug abuse, violence, and destructive behavior. Similar social patterns can also be seen in countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh, where labor migration and family separation have contributed to growing social pressures among youth.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
Leegal,
You have shed light on yet another serious social problem – which is deeply felt by the old-aged parents all across the country. The latest stats show that large numbers of youth have left the country, and counting, leaving their parents at the mercy of none – which has become a crises of an unimaginable scale – with a wake-up call to all. This trend if continues unabated, will create significant challenges to those left behind (old-aged parents, elderly people needing critical health care and protection in late stages of life) exposing them to health vulnerabilities, untold miseries and lack of care and social issues. It’s time that the government address this issue before it reaches catastrophic levels.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
LS
You are spot on. What I read in DM in SL’s context is mind-boggling.
Read this DM post on 21st February 2026, – which says it all.
https://www.dailymirror.lk/front-page/Over-six-tonnes-of-drugs-seized-100-000-arrested-in-four-months/238-333555
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
L,
Very logical and rational analysis of the country’s status-quo indeed. It goes without saying the flip side of the open economy viz-a-viz its benefits on the one hand, and its failures and consequences on the other. Overall, the failures outweigh the benefits, and all what the country inherited from the open economy is not tangible enough to draw a comparison, in terms of its fallouts and benefits.
But something striking to me, was the opening up of the country for foreign investors and FDI, which again was a “trickle” compared to what other NICs (Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand in particular) have attracted over the last few decades, outpacing almost all Asian economies. Their exponential growth at all levels, speak volumes for pragmatism, innovation and technology, and market- driven initiatives and systems – in place in these countries from the inception – so as to adopt and derive maximum advantage and benefits from the early days of the market-oriented open economy came into being in 1980/90s’
Yet, Sri Lanka which enjoyed a distinct advantage and edge, being the first in South Asia and EA for that matter, to open its economy, unfortunately could not exploit the situation to its favor. This is due to a plethora of issues ranging from political instability, security concerns, strategic-geo-political interests of other SA countries which too had their own competing and overlapping interests and concerns viz-a-viz Sri Lanka for dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. It’s sad, Sri Lanka in the end, lost the momentum and missed a golden opportunity to capitalize on its strategic geo-graphical position and landscape to make a headway. Instead, Sri Lanka lagged behind the rest, due in part for the lack of political stability, safe and stable environment for investors, data and market driven regulatory mechanisms, investor-friendly financial and fiscal policies and regulations, state of the art infrastructure such as roads, incentives and benefits etc. Adding to the woes, the rigid and centralized governance structure and lethargic political and beuqacratic systems in place for potential investors led to an unhealthy and unfavorable climate for potential investors, compounded by political interference and maneuvering, making the situation from bad to worse, often dissuading and alienating the potential investors from exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.
I believe the present climate of stability, openness and transparency would play a part in attracting FDIs and investors to the country and reduce Sri Lanka’s dependence on foreign loans and borrowings to a manageable level in the medium and long terms once the financial markets become stable and supportive of local economy and entrepreneurs. It’s crucial that Sri Lanka could put an end to the use and spread of narcotics and drugs in the country which has become a bane and nuisance for the socio-economic well-being and upliftment of the poorest of poor and the living standards of the marginalized, sooner than later.
All the above would be possible, feasible and doable with a committed political leadership at the helm of affairs, with the support of the people at the grass-toot and above.
Hope this makes sense.
/
Jit / May 7, 2026
Wow…….this comment has 509 words!! And some other comments by Sarath. How can that happen CT Mods, when the word limit per comment is 200 ~ 10%± words??
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
J
Did you take a count ? If the count is 509, then I am lucky as you points out. Even I have no clue how that happened, Perhaps, purely accidental. Thanks
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Jit / May 7, 2026
Yes I did. When you keep spreading metta, karuna, muditha 24/7…..funny that you didnt bother to check the number of words in your comments??? Not knowing rules is no excuse for ignorance.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
Jit,
Your’e right. By the way, it never occurred to me in the first place, to do a word count. It’s only after your comment that I noticed as to why readers’ comments are subjected to a maximum of 200 words. Appreciate your words of caution.
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Lester / May 8, 2026
“Appreciate your words of caution.”
He only cautions people he disagrees with. In true 79 IQ CT fashion. Who else would take the time to count words? And even crying to the mod.
/
old codger / May 7, 2026
Jit,
I suppose, if you are the author, you can use as many words as you want.😅
/
Jit / May 7, 2026
Oh….baduth hamuduruvange….naduth hamuduruvange…???? 🤣
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
Jit
Trust, that’s (baduth hamuduruvange….naduth hamuduruvange) basically for the LEGAL fraternity.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
OC
That’s a bonus only for authors – I guess. Anyway, thanks for heads-up.
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Jit / May 8, 2026
Sarath, that proverb is not only used in the legal domain but also used to describe a scenario when the owner/caretaker does whatever s/he wants to do irrespective of the law, ethics and etiquette. Your acknowledgement about the matter I raised is appreciated anyway.
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Lester / May 7, 2026
“Very logical and rational analysis of the country’s status-quo indeed.”
The whole comment (leelagemalli / May 7, 2026) is generated by AI. I wonder if CT readers can’t tell the difference?
/
leelagemalli / May 7, 2026
Lester the beast !
My colleagues in endocrinology can assist you with some individualized therapies.
Living following a gender operation is not simple, as we life science researchers and clinicians are well aware. Do you want me to change it for you? This is a very Buddhist perspective. We understand your harsh character and your need to be cocky in this forum, having not received it from your close friends.
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Lester / May 8, 2026
Leela/Babalawathie,
Why are you copying and pasting from AI without giving proper reference? This is intellectual dishonesty and plagiarism , which suggests a very low family background. Douglas has already mentioned this last point. Aren’t you the same con artist who bribed Sinhala Man with chocolate, then turned on him for supporting the NPP? People like you who lie and cheat without thinking twice are the true scum of the earth.
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old codger / May 8, 2026
“People like you who lie and cheat without thinking twice are the true scum of the earth.”
Lester / April 10, 2026
28 24
Ramona,Can you name a single Arab country that has recognized the existence of Israel?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
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leelagemalli / May 8, 2026
Now you, the nutless man, the Rajapakshe-lackey men on cheap compensation owe the public an explanation for how Kapila Chandrasena was assassinated in his Kollupity home last night.
I have never backed JVP/NPP since the beginning. I have never backed Rajapakshes. To me, both Jeppos and Rajapakshes are actual crooks. I merely knew that the JVP-led NPP would never work. Today, that is before the entire country/nation. I disliked the JVP folks since my Peradeniya days.
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SJ / May 6, 2026
LS
thanks
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Sarath / May 4, 2026
What I meant by “3-decades of terrorism” was nothing but the “general perception” of the situation prevailed in the country from 1980’s up until early 2000s. Of course, the word “terrorism” has a wider connotation, encompassing premeditated violence or threats by both the state or non-state actors, as a method of coercion, violence or threats to spread fear and thereby attain political or ideological goals. It was not just confined to the NE but was the situation in most parts of the south as well. So whoever uses armed aggression and violence to achieve narrow political ends falls into this country. For that matter, political parties in the South as well as in the NE are responsible for the uprising of the youth and violence prevailed in the NE and the south too.
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Naman / May 4, 2026
Prior to the European invasion, Ceylon had different kingdoms. One in the North was ruled by a Tamil King.
In 12th Century or so Cholas ruled the entire country. If AKD’s government doesn’t treat the minority Tamil Speaking Citizens (TSC), it’s time to get the Federal State. Had the majority race granted the Chelvanayagam’s wishes SL would be a prosperous nation without the need to beg from the Indian & rest of the world
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
N
In fact Federalism has long been advocated as a means of resolving the ethnic issues and unbalanced development in Sri Lanka. It was certainly a viable option then. Sadly the proponents of federalism lost the steam in later years, and outlived their dream in the aftermath of LTTE insurgency. That’s my take
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Ajith / May 5, 2026
“Sadly the proponents of federalism lost the steam in later years, and outlived their dream in the aftermath of LTTE insurgency.”
If Banda-Chelva pact and Dudley-Chelva pacts are considered there want be LTTE insurgency. It is always expressed wrongly expressed as LTTE terrorism . In fact,It is Tamil youths took arms to fight Sinhalese military in the mid 1970s and there were around more than 25 militant groups started but LTTE was one that took the struggle continuously .
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
A
Can’t agree more with your analysis on Banda-Chelva and Dudley Chelva pacts. But I beg to differ with your take on LTTE terrorism, on which I have already given my stance earlier on.
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leelagemalli / May 6, 2026
S,
Sri Lanka’s long-standing ethnic, economic, and social challenges are deeply complex, making it difficult to build consensus around sustainable, federal-style solutions. Many observers now recognize that the country remains far from resolving the issues that emerged from its history of conflict. A key obstacle is the persistent inability of political actors and communities to agree on a shared path forward. The situation is further complicated by the layered nature of Sri Lanka’s political landscape, which cannot be fully understood through surface-level judgments.
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Recently, after a 10-day walk-for-peace mission, a Vietnamese monk, with Sri Lankan monks based in the United States, reflected critically on societal attitudes. He observed that although many Sri Lankans identify as Buddhists, the practice of mindfulness appears limited among the majority. Based on his experiences during peace marches in both Sri Lanka and the United States, he noted a contrast in behavior, suggesting that even those newer to Buddhist teachings sometimes demonstrate stronger mindfulness in practice. This raises an important point: ritual participation alone, such as visiting temples on full moon days, does not necessarily reflect a deeper understanding or lived practice of Buddhist principles.
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From my own experience living in Switzerland and Germany, and through more than 35 years of traveling across different parts of the world, I have seen how federal systems can function effectively when there is a strong culture of dialogue, compromise, and mutual respect.
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
L
Your perception and articulation of the state-quo of Buddhists in Sri Lanka in general, and their blind acts of veneration and spiritual mindset resonates well with that of mine, to say the least. As you simply put, the stark contrast that became apparent between the Walk for Peace missions in the US and Sri Lanka, proves the point that a majority of Sri Lankans Buddhists are seemingly blinded due to fundamental lack of understanding regarding the true nature of Dhamma and reality. Believe Federalism is no longer a viable option for Sri Lanka since its proponents had to give up the idea at the behest of hardliners. This is my take.
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SJ / May 6, 2026
You have yet to learn about chauvinism and narrow nationalism.
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SJ / May 5, 2026
I do not know f any country that federated to resolve national conflict in the last century except perhaps Belgium.
What federated mostly were entities that had some form of distinct political existence.
Federation is not a process of dividing and reuniting as federal states
What is needed is devolution of power with autonomy.
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
SJ,
Yes. there are few which had federated or adopted federal structures in the last century to manage intense ethnic, linguistic, or regional conflicts, similar to Belgium’s transition, including Ethiopia (1995) to manage ethnic diversity, Bosnia and Herzegovina (1995) to end conflict, Nigeria (1954) to manage regional differences, and Yugoslavia (1946-1992). Do they make sense ?
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SJ / May 6, 2026
They made sense in their specific contexts.
None led to worsening of conflicts.
These are mostly contexts in which some form of self government existed and made sense.
What is the need to federate when autonomy and devolution of power will do the job, like in China for instance?
India is not federated although it has grater justification than many federated countries.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
SJ
Your arguments indeed matter and make sense. But I feel all these new states that came into existence in whatever name, form as you may wish to call them, have lost relevance in the context of what they had aspired to achieve / become, and where / how they ended-up, which to me is a lost cause, given the status-quo and public perceptions. What’s your take on Ethiopia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Yugoslavia etc – Just for comparison sake only, and please note – no offense, malice or prejudice intended.
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SebastianSR / May 5, 2026
it’s time to get the Federal State. Had the majority race granted the Chelvanayagam’s wishes SL would be a prosperous nation
We must not forget that it is the Tamils who have consistently rejected federalism and demanded a an exclusively Tamil separate country called Eelam. Both SWRD and SJV may have been interested in federalism, but the ITAK was founded on a separatist dream. As Shanmugathasan (Chinese-wing CP leader) pointed out in his book, on the day of the sigining of the SJV_Banda pact, they also launched an intensified anti-government push, with tar-brushing Sri number plates and intense obstruction of government in the North and East. Instead, they should have stopped all hostilities and supported the weakened Banda. Federal-type proposals were rejected at GOSL-LTTE talks. The Indian push by Rajeev Gandhi was opposed by Tamil leaders. The last Oslo talks ratified a federal scheme and consequently Anton Balasingham earned the wrath of the SooriyaTgevan. Thiruchelvan was assassinated for his federal proposals. Post-Prabhakaran Tamil leaders have rejected federalism and demanded Eelam-like solutions.
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
S
You are spot on. Absolutely, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
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SJ / May 5, 2026
“they also launched an intensified anti-government push, with tar-brushing Sri number plates and intense obstruction of government in the North and East. “
Rubbish.
Sanmugathasan never said such nonsense.
They painted the Tamil letter over the Sinhala letter or in some cases on the side.
Tar brushing was an act by Sinhala racists they did it to name boards.
Try to be truthful.
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Lester / May 6, 2026
“it’s time to get the Federal State.”
In a small country such as Sri Lanka, federalism is not essential for economic growth. People speak a maximum of 3 languages, which is normal for many countries in Europe (that have no federal setup).
The reality is, the Tamil Diaspora want federalism as the pathway to a separate state . Sivanathan from Australia mentioned some Eelam platform to brainwash children.
Another issue, there are 700K Muslims in the Eastern Province. They will want a federal state as well. This federal state will turn into a jihadi training ground.
So the security architecture does not favor a federal state at the moment.
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
L
Your opinion above certainly makes sense. But I am not an expert on the subject and may be best dealt by experts on federalism
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Lester / May 7, 2026
Sarath:
As a former ambassador, I’m sure you could come up with a good analysis of the pros and cons of federalism in relation to Sri Lanka.
Although federalism is not viable now, it could be so in the future, once the economic situation has improved significantly. The issue at present is that the Tamil Diaspora is still able to use various forms of coercion to exploit their less affluent brethren in the N & E. Not only could this lead to a resurgence of armed conflict, but increase tensions with the Muslim community that lives in close proximity.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
L
Your point is well taken in good faith. Yes it’s worth pondering on the “pros” and “cons” of federalism, and what it means to people in the NE in particular, and to the rest of the country at large – only if there’s a will on the part of powers that be to implement any power devolution to peripheries in future. But the main issue here is that any power devolution to the fringes, ought to be done within the context of Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987, which I believe is the main sticking point of contention. Let’s see what’s in store for the future.
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SJ / May 5, 2026
What was the duration of the Jaffna Kingdom, and what extent of territory did it control.
How come that much of the Vanni and the Eastern Province were under the Kandian Kingdom?
You are blind to the national identities of the present era. There are three Tamil speaking nationalities who reject a common identity.
What is the federal state you have in mind?
Can you be more specific and explain how it will address the current national question?
Federalism is dead duck here. Even India rejects federation at home or here.
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Sarath / May 6, 2026
SJ
Yes, federalism is no longer a viable option, specially in Sri Lanka’s context, as is succinctly articulated by L.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
N
Your point on “whether AKD would deliver on his promises to the NE”. Surely, it would certainly be in the minds of those in the NE who voted for AKD and NPP. I am optimistic that NPP would deliver. Havind said that, correct me if I am wrong, AKD twice visited the North, and even presented land deeds in Jaffna recently, and then laid the foundation for a cricket stadium which of course came a cropper in the absence of an Environment Impact Assessment & Feasibility Study. As you said, Banda-Chelva Pact surely would have been the best bet for Federalism.
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Naman / May 4, 2026
What is it preventing the GoSL from getting both Mahinda and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to talk about various things:
*White flag carrying people surrendering to the Government Security Forces
*Point blank shooting of a twelve year old boy after offering some biscuits
*White van abductions and forced disappearances of civilians
* Wealth they have accumulated so far
* murdered journalists/ media personnel/ cartoonist/ Thajudeen
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Sarath / May 5, 2026
N
A very pertinent set of questions indeed, albeit no seemingly rational / logical answers appear possible from a layman’s point of view. Lest leave them to the experts on the subjects.
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SebastianSR / May 5, 2026
What is it preventing the GoSL from getting both Mahinda and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to talk about various things>/b>
What is needed here is not getting them to talk- even if guilty they need not say anything to incriminate themselves. What is needed is prosecuting them if there is enough evidence and not just narrative. That is the rub.
White flag carrying people surrendering to the Government Security Forces We know that LTTE pledged to kill and carrying a cyanide stick and possibly a suicide vest, even if carrying a white flag, will NOT be trusted, with Geneva conventions being caduk. When some 300,000 held as a human shield by Prabhakaran were being freed, many such suicide carder pretended to surrender and blew themselves up, killing collaterally. Basically, the Tigers, with their gruesome tactics, had gone beyond all norms related to white flags of surrender. Same methods were used by allied troops and US in dealing with many Nazi groups, and with Bin Laden or ISIS fighters. In any case, the white-flag story came from Sarath Fonseka who had upheld the story and also rejected it!
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SJ / May 5, 2026
“White flag carrying people surrendering to the Government Security Forces We know that LTTE pledged to kill and carrying a cyanide stick and possibly a suicide vest, even if carrying a white flag, will NOT be trusted, with Geneva conventions being caduk. “
This is sick.
The surrendees killed were not LTTE fighters.
You seem to be as committed to killing as the LTTE, they their enemies, and you the truth (your enemy?).
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SebastianSR / May 6, 2026
The surrendees killed were not LTTE fighters.
While the most famous “White Flag Incident” involved the killing of high-ranking LTTE political leaders like Balasingham Nadesan and Seevaratnam Pulidevan, human rights groups and international bodies have documented several other cases of non-combatants and associated individuals who surrendered under white flags and were subsequently killed or disappeared. Father Francis Joseph (A Catholic priest) who led a group of approximately 103 LTTE leaders and their family members (including wives and children) to surrender on May 18, 2009. Witnesses saw the group being loaded onto military buses. None have been seen since, and they are officially listed as disappeared.
So, my remark applied to the Prabhakaran/Nadesan group that Sarath Fonseka first brought up. But the Tamil parties supported his candidature for Presidency and the North and East voted as one for him! He was the commander at the time of the incident! So, we have layers upon layers of hypocrisy and search for vengeance when what we need is to find ways of ethnic reconciliation.
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SJ / May 6, 2026
Nadesan and Pulidevan were administrators, not a fighters.
Why don’t you complete the list? That will blow in your face
You are invoking irrelevancies to justify the unlawful killing of surrendees.
Grow up!
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Lester / May 6, 2026
“White flag carrying people surrendering to the Government Security Forces”
The LTTE command and control was not decentralized (since Fat Pig trusted very few people). By eliminating the top brass (>95%), the organization was rendered useless. What is surprising is that so many rats were caught within the same perimeter. Had Fatty sent Pottu to India and Soosai to the Eastern Province, there might have been a possibility of reconstructing the organization. Look at ISIS. Baghdadi was killed, yet head chopper Al Sharaa was able to take Syria from Assad.
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SebastianSR / May 6, 2026
So, the cases that I can find (properly documented) of white flag surrenderers were in fact LTTE cadre. Even the 103 people who were with the Catholic priest were LTTE. The way the LTTE operated, they blurred the distinction between civilians and fighters, and this was very unfortunately to the detriment of the Tamil community. The young, old as well as those of fighting age were all “fighters”, Makkal Padai giving room for GOSL to treat them all as fighters (as noted also by the Desmond de Silva jurist report. The girl who blew up Rajeev Gandhi was even ostensibly going to garland him, and Gandhi was foolish enough to fall into the trap. So, white flags or garlands fail in an intensely suspicious climate created by the suicide cults. The Bolsheviks who captured power in Moscow killed off the Romanov family, children and all, even though they had, surrendered, was in captivity, and posed no real threat. Marxist writers still justify that act, and V. I. Lenin is still their hero.
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SJ / May 7, 2026
At which art school did you learn to draw red herrings?
A little clumsy though!
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
S
After reading your post above (in reference to “Marxists” – penultimate line) one ought to be cognizant of the fact even the original Marxists had undergone profound changes and transformations over the last few decades to the point of extinction. Believe, we have to be realistic and pragmatic. There’s no gainsaying the fact the Marxists too subject to Buddha’s “Doctrine of Impermanence”, and subject to change and decay. Let bygones be bygones. That’s my short and simple answer. Hope it makes sense.
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SJ / May 8, 2026
“…even the original Marxists had undergone profound changes…”
Original Marxists?
All of them had died long ago.
Perhaps their ‘karma’?
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LankaScot / May 8, 2026
Hello Sarath,
“The best lower bound on the proton’s half-life is roughly 1.67 times 10^34 years, according to experiments, making them effectively stable”. That is vastly more then the age of our current expanding Universe Version.
Looks like Buddha’s “Doctrine of Impermanence”, doesn’t apply to everything in the Cosmos. By the way Anaximander and Thales (around 600 BCE) of the Milesian School in Greece preceded Buddha’s Cosmology. Heraclitus (around 500 BCE) later added to it.
Best regards
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leelagemalli / May 6, 2026
If karma were an objective, universal law, it would have to apply consistently to everyone; regardless of which religion they happen to inherit. But as you point out, most people don’t choose their religion; they are born into it, shaped by family, culture, and geography. That raises a real tension: if our beliefs and starting conditions aren’t freely chosen, it becomes harder to argue that our life circumstances are the result of some morally precise system of “deserved” consequences. What we often see instead is that outcomes are heavily influenced by factors like upbringing, social structures, opportunity, and chance.
–
Different traditions handle this problem in different ways. Some forms of Buddhism and Hinduism extend karma across multiple lifetimes to explain inequality, while others interpret karma more simply as cause-and-effect within this life; your actions influence your habits, relationships, and future outcomes, without implying cosmic judgment. From a more secular perspective, the idea of karma can be understood as a psychological or social principle: actions have consequences, patterns reinforce themselves, and behavior shapes experience.
That doesn’t require a universal moral ledger; just an acknowledgment that life unfolds through a mix of choice, circumstance, and unpredictability
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
L,
Your arguments on Karma, and how it is being interpreted by various actors seemed sensible and logical. In Buddhism however, Karma is defined in the Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada (Dependent Origination) on the premise that all phenomena-especially suffering and rebirth-arise dependently upon causes and conditions. Unfortunately in the West and Europe, the concept of Karma has been given different connotations, leading to confusion and misinterpretation of facts, which is probably why there is so much contention on Karma, its form and application, and has become a hot topic in this day and age. Good that people like you speak with sense and clarity for the benefit of readers.
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2026
As someone who left Sri Lanka more than three decades ago and now returns only occasionally, I feel deeply saddened by the social and cultural changes I observe.
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Many Sinhala-Buddhist rituals that were once practiced with simplicity and genuine spiritual meaning now appear increasingly commercialized, performative, and driven by social pressure. Events such as Katina Pinkama, which in earlier decades were modest community observances, are today often conducted with excessive display, loud publicity, and imitation of what influential figures or neighboring communities do.
I also notice contradictions that are difficult to ignore, such as butcher shops operating beside temples while pirith chanting is broadcast through loudspeakers. Certain external symbols of religiosity, such as wrist bands and repeated public phrases of devotion, seem at times to function more as social fashion than reflections of ethical conduct, especially when even criminals publicly display them while engaging in harmful activities.
To an outsider returning from abroad, these developments can appear paradoxical and emotionally disturbing.
Beyond religion, I also feel that broader social values in Sri Lanka have changed significantly over the past two decades. Respect for elders, honesty, discipline, and community-minded behavior seem weaker than they were during my childhood (80ties). Increasing selfishness, weak law enforcement, corruption scandals involving public figures and even some monks, and the visible spread of crime and drug-related activity have created disappointment and insecurity.
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Sarath / May 7, 2026
Leegal,
Thanks for sharing some of your anecdotal memories of Sri Lankan lifestyle and society – back in the days, with a contrasting view of how they look and mean to you now, which is something I myself observed in 2024 and 2026 during my last visits to our motherland, Sri Lanka. Hope and pray that our rich traditions, customs, rituals and mythical tales would remain-“as they are”, without going through further transformation and changes, at least during our life time.
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leelagemalli / May 7, 2026
Sarath,
OIC, I got it incorrect. Thougt you are posting from SL. Every year, I return home to worship my mother’s grave 1-2 times. The last time it happened was in October or November 2025. I was trapped in heavy rain, which made it difficult for me to get from A to B. However, none of the hurdles hampered my charitable activity with the elderly or children. What became evident to me was that the majority of them were not true Buddhists.
I now know more European and Japanese Buddhists who focus on Buddha’s real teachings rather than participating in amisa puja-led ceremonies. Btw, did you notice how many people, including criminals, used to wear heavy wrist bands (pirith noole) and kneel down like they were dead in front of you (genzies seem to be not intelligent enough), which was never seen before the 1980s?
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Sarath / May 8, 2026
Legal
Thank you for refreshing my nostalgic memories of my precious and happier times back in Sri Lanka. I suppose most the people in Sri Lanka are used to worshipping and venerating things, than Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, which is why Sri Lankans in general are being regarded as “just good at worshipping” without really knowing what Buddha advocated from his followers. That’s really as bad as worshipping mountains, trees etc let along gods for that matter, back in the good old days. Anyway it’s a pleasure to relish our nostalgic and precious memories of Sri Lankan way of life once in a while with friends and loved ones. Thanks for sharing your charitable and meritorious deeds.
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Lester / May 8, 2026
Have you been to a Catholic Church? The number of idols is breathtaking. Images are part of the human visualization process. When Muhammed captured the Kabaa, the first thing he did smash the 360 idols. Fast forward 2000 years, his Sunni followers are destroying churches and preventing the practice of other religions (you cannot read a Bible in public in KSA). In Pakistan, the punishment for “blasphemy” is death by hanging.
Idols and imagery are healthy for a culture. Mentally challenged people like “Leela” are too narrow-minded to understand the implications.
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Lestersnut / May 8, 2026
“People like you who lie and cheat without thinking twice are the true scum of the earth.”
Lester / April 10, 2026
28 24
Ramona,
Can you name a single Arab country that has recognized the existence of Israel?🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
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leelagemalli / May 8, 2026
Lestersnut,
–
Lester now has to reveal who assassinated SRILANKEN’s former CEO.
According to the abusive man’s limited understanding, everyone else has a lower IQ than him. But it was evident Lester didn’t understand the fundamentals of physics in terms of Seegiriya. Remember?
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Lestersnut / May 8, 2026
“his Sunni followers are destroying churches “
In other news, Zionist fascists aren’t far behind, darling.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpd575n1znzo
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Lester / May 8, 2026
*1400 years
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leelagemalli / May 8, 2026
Sarath,
Many of our values, behaviors, and social attitudes are shaped by both genetics and the environments in which we grow up.
Childhood development, especially between the ages of 3 and 16, plays a major role in forming a person’s worldview, discipline, and sense of responsibility. We can clearly see how culture and environment influence communities across the world; for example, among Jamaicans, Japanese, Germans, or South Asians living in different societies. Generations also change over time. Younger generations in countries like Germany and Sri Lanka often think and behave very differently from their elders because of changes in education, media exposure, economic conditions, and political culture.
Even Lester the self-proclaimed interllectual, has openly spoken about painful childhood experiences and how such trauma affected their emotional development and public behavior later in life.
In Sri Lanka, poverty, frustration, and weak civic education have made many young people vulnerable to emotional political messaging, gossip, and populist narratives instead of careful attention to facts, policies, and long-term national interests.
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leelagemalli / May 8, 2026
cont.
Sri Lanka’s current political situation, under the leadership of AKD, reflects this concern.
Many voters continue to support politicians based on popularity, rhetoric, or anger against previous regimes rather than on competence, governance ability, or realistic policies.
Leaders who rose to power through strong criticism, emotional speeches, and promises of dramatic change are now being questioned over administrative failures, weak crisis management, and controversial public statements.
–
Concerns have also been raised about the use of state resources for political propaganda while many citizens affected by Ditwah disaster still struggle in temporary shelters.
In addition, statements suggesting that political opponents will be imprisoned through investigations create fears about the independence of the judiciary and the health of democracy.
As one of South Asia’s oldest democracies, Sri Lanka must protect democratic institutions, encourage fact-based public discussion, and demand accountability from all political leaders regardless of party affiliation.
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LankaScot / May 8, 2026
Hello Sarath,
Here is a good example of Pseudoscience in practice and how the Practioners spin it, despite many Papers that have debunked it using Double Blind Methods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HiuElTX7pM
And here is how the Grifters tried to suppress the debunking –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtYUHsxPLJ4
It is not just dishonest but can be dangerous.
Karma is only one of the many mystical beliefs clung to by those that believe without Evidence; its called Faith.
Best regards
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SJ / May 8, 2026
LS
Karma is interpreted differently in different Indian thought systems.
Karma as thought and deed with enduring consequences is one. That has no personal identity.
One does good or right because they are good or right. Many of us act without anticipation of reward here or somewhere in the future.
There are no brownie points, except that one feels satisfied with the deed.
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Sarath / May 8, 2026
LS
Thanks for sharing. But this is “sheer hypocrisy” – and nothing more. Cheers
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Sarath / May 8, 2026
Dear Friends
It’s been truly-fascinating and thought-provoking 4 days of constant intellectual dialogue, and mutually-beneficial-experience and interaction on a range of multi-faceted spheres of interest.
I am certain that our 4-days of frank exchanges of views, opinions and knowledge on such matters as Buddhist Teachings, Buddha’s Doctrines and current developments of interests and concerns to many of our people, would shape Sri Lanka’s future destiny – hopefully for the better of all, and of course for the betterment of our future generations alike.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to you all – for being part of this 4-day-long insightful dialogue of sharing and caring nature. Let’s continue our healthy and mutually beneficial interactions in future as and when time permits.
May you all, your families and loved ones, be blessed by the Noble Triple Gem for continuous good health, happiness, well-being and prosperity in abundance.
Sarath
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