Sunday Times 2
Dismal treatment of world-renowned monk – Letter to the Editor
View(s):Having participated in the Venerable Ajahn Brahmavamso’s recent 10-day (May 20-29) meditation retreat in Bandarawela, and also attended his dhamma talk – along with approximately 5,000 other devotees – at the BMICH on May 30, we were appalled to learn of the way he had been treated by SriLankan Airlines on his return journey to Perth, Australia on May 31.
While about to board the shuttle bus for the flight, a party of politicos of ministerial rank had barged in, commandeered the bus, refused entry to the Venerable Brahmavamso, boarded the flight and taken off. This resulted in the Venerable Ajahn having to spend an uncomfortable 12 hours or more in the airport lounge, lose his Business Class accommodation, involve his dayakas in an extra expense, and having to travel in cramped Economy back to Perth.
Is this the way to treat a world-renowned and honoured spiritual leader who travelled all the way from Australia to instruct and inspire us?
Venerable Brahmavamso in his customary magnanimity insisted that no action be taken against the sycophantic official who facilitated this debacle.
This incident, however, requires inquiry and action at the very highest level, along with an unreserved apology to Venerable Ajahn, and payment of compensation to the Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka.
The errant politicos and lap dog SriLankan Airlines officials involved should not be spared the rod either.
Disgusted,
Kingsley and Suranganie Ranasinha, Colombo 7
Footnote: Subsequent to receiving this letter, SriLankan Airlines has issued a statement pointing out the monk was not booked on one of its flights, but offered ground assistance to the stranded monk; while the President’s Office has ordered a probe. (Please see P4 of main section for details).