Following Buddhist principles to maintain sound and sustainable business in the aftermath of global financial crisis has been emphasized by the Head of the Bodhinyana Monastery, in Western Australia, Most Rev. Ajhan Brhamvanso from the United Kingdom, when he delivered the keynote address at the Business Forum parallel to the 25th general conference and the 60th anniversary of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB), in Colombo on Monday.
He noted that trust is very important in doing business where profit reigns supreme. He revealed that the real value of trust is immeasurable when it comes to business.
People will benefit more if honest people take up business. He noted that the top business men of the world, follow Buddhist principles in their cutting edge business practices.
The Thero called upon Sri Lankans to focus on its rich heritage of Buddhism to harness maximum benefits of development after ending nearly three decades of conflict. Sri Lanka has the ability to follow Buddhist principles to succeed in business and economic development in a sustainable format, he said. He also stressed the importance of looking after customers for the sustenance of companies.
Emphasizing the need to do business in a fair manner, Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L Peiris said that large conglomerates are resorting to unethical practices to win bids shutting the avenues of other companies and this was against Buddhist principles.
But he said “we do not believe that might is right and therefore the individual is empowered to fight for what they believe to be right. This was evident in the development drive spearheaded by the president where inclusivity of masses has been focused on. Never before has the rural population been so tied to the economic process in the country.”
He added that the government has proved that it is acting in accordance with Buddhist principles by improving infrastructure facilities in rural areas and introducing Information Technology for the poor and distributing economic benefits to all segments of the society equally. The government’s policy based on equality for all preached by the Lord Buddha has helped to create political stability in the country, he added. The government is also taking measures to alleviate poverty which is the worst form of violence according to Mahatma Gandhi, he said.
Delivering the address of welcome All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Vice President, International Affairs, Suren Abeyagoonsekera suggested the setting up of a World Buddhist business forum.
This is very important in the backdrop of the economic revival in Asia specially in Buddhist countries like India and China, he said. DSI Group Managing Director Kulathunga Rajapaksha said that Buddhism requires people to look beyond profits. “Even when we contribute for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) we should be very humble about it.
CSR is about giving back to the community. According to Buddhist preachings one should not highlight or publicize the donations for the needy,” he said. He stressed the need to promote agriculture, diary and other interlinked industries according to Buddhist principals.
Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa who attended the conference left without making a speech. |
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