Sri Lanka at Crossroads: Time to learn, unlearn and relearn
A timely and insightful forum was organised by Gateway College for over 300 Educationists and Professionals, on 19th May, at the BMICH with the primary aim of highlighting the significant role they must play at this hour of need, when Sri Lanka is at Crossroads.
Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman, Gateway Group, in his welcome address emphasised the role educationists need to play to foster religious harmony in schools. His father, the late Mr. R.I.T. Alles, had constructed shrine rooms for all four religions when he was the Principal of D.S. Senanayake College. It is probably the only school with such places of worship in Sri Lanka. In keeping with Mr. Alles’ vision and ethos, the Gateway Group of Schools encourage students of different faiths to take part in religious activities of other faiths. Students listen to teachings from all four religions over the PA system, soon after break, on a daily basis. Dr. Alles, opening the forum said, “the time has come to ask ourselves whether we continue to leave everything in the hands of the politicians, or if we must not just learn, but unlearn and relearn in order to think differently”.
In his keynote address, Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, Professor of Security Studies at the S. Rajaratnam Centre for International Studies in Singapore, spoke on the IS network in the region and globally and the manner in which citizens should respond to a threat.
Prof Gunaratna confidently stated that the likelihood of a terrorist attack by IS again, in Sri Lanka has ceased. He urged the public to return to normalcy. Leadership is not limited to the President and Parliamentarians: leadership at all levels is vital. Religious leaders, community leaders and educators have a role to play in shaping the minds of Sri Lankans to make far-reaching changes. This is the only way to eradicate the ecosystem of terrorists which is still intact, he said.
Criminalizing hate speech and incitement of violence against any community, regulating religious space, creating harmony clubs in schools and harmony centres in places of worship, were some recommendations made by Prof Gunarantna to alleviate mistrust among the various races and religions in Sri Lanka.
‘”Sri Lanka is a Buddhist nation. It is in this nation that Muslims and Christians have flourished”; statistics prove such. Even with the representation in Parliament, Muslims have done extremely well. Thus, “it is important that statements on discrimination are made responsibly”, stressed Prof Gunaratna.
The Speaker also requested leaders to lobby for converting the proposed Sharia University in the East to be a Campus for all ethnic and religious groups dedicated as a memorial for those who were killed on Easter Sunday. The campus should ideally produce ambassadors of peace.
In conclusion Prof Rohan Gunaratna requested all to unite and work together as Sri Lankans, act as leaders and make a change in this country.
This insightful and inspiring address was followed by a thought provoking panel discussion with distinguished Panellists – Rev Fr. Marc Billimoria (Warden St. Thomas’ College), Mrs. Nelum Senadira (Principal, Musaeus College) Mr. Ali Sabri (President’s Counsel) & Mr. Mano Sekaram (Chairman/Co-Founder, 99X Technology).
Mrs Senadira and Mr. Ali Sabri discussed ways in which bridges can be built between religions and races. The importance of respect towards all faiths, and understanding the many similarities between religions were also highlighted. Rev Fr. Billimoria spoke of relearning the doctrines of religion and building cultures of inclusivism in schools. Mr. Mano Sekaram expressed his concern on the imminent economic crisis if normalcy is not restored in the country.
Ensuring that legislation, education and social structure are in place for maintaining peace and stability amongst the ethnic groups was also discussed in detail. The importance of regulating cyberspace and the need for a Verification Centre to mitigate false rumours and hate posts was stressed by the panelists and speaker.