Financial Times

Transforming ‘Random Thoughts’ into action by society
By Quintus Perera
Advertising and travel trade guru-turned thinker, Renton De Alwis’ “Random thoughts” book launch at the BMICH on the eve of the November 17 presidential poll became a rallying point for divergent thoughts aimed at bringing about a consensus on ways of moving the country forward.

In fact it was a unique event just like the thoughts in De Alwis’ articles. There was no head-table and no boring welcome addresses’. But for all those who were present, a cross section of professionals, after a hard day’s work, their thoughts were not only provoked but ideally stimulated by the scintillating music of music maestro W.D. Amaradeva and later Pradeep Ratnayake, who had just returned from a successful tour in the US and Canada.

The book ‘Random thoughts” was made up of articles De Alwis wrote in The Sunday Times FT under the pen name of Random Thoughts (RAM).
De Alwis presented copies of the book to his daughter, his school teacher who inculcated discipline in him and to his Vice Chancellor, among others.

The collection of articles in the book are all on issues of governance, the role of the business community in society, business leaders, political opportunists and the role of was private sector in taking this country forward.

During an open dialogue, divergent views were offered as to how the country should go forward. There was also desperation when Nihal Seneviratne, retired Parliamentary Secretary-General, lamented on how people wanted to take the country forward but didn’t know how or what to do.

There were views of the lack of a link language that separate the communities of Sinhalese and Tamils from each other. Another view was that a link language as such is not necessary but the link would be to understand oneself and his neighbour and feel all are Sri Lankans and one country.

One parent said languages would not make a difference but it is a matter of understanding each other, pointing out that in New Zealand there are four different languages but they live together as one nation. A working mother said that everything should start in the family, at home, teaching children to be humane and care for each other irrespective of race, religion or economic status.

Another view was to establish ‘Ape Kama’ (who and what we are) to portray a Sri Lankan identity. “There is a lot of talk about social integration but what have we got for our children?” one participant asked. He went back to his childhood days in school to enlighten and refresh others of how Tamils, Sinhalese, and Burghers lived together with harmony and blended with just one common word - “Machan”.

Chapa Bandara, Editor, Nidahas Newspaper, the publisher of the book, summed up the entire issue in just two words saying everything depended on the solving of “economic problems’. His point was that if everybody had a good life most of the problems would vanish as in today’s world everything depended on money.

He said that De Alwis with his reflections in “Random Thoughts” was a great attempt and a unique venture to take the country forward. Well-known business leader Chandra Jayaratne stressed the need to create a new leadership in the country.

“There are 34,000 villages in Sri Lanka and if 34,000 leaders could be trained to lead villages and strive to turn the vision into deeds in the correct direction, the major economic problems in the country could be solved,” he said. The discussion was moderated by The Sunday Times FT Business Editor, Feizal Samath.

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