Sri Lanka and the need of a NEW AGE

I always believed Sri lanka is in need of an ‘age of enlightenment’ similar to what transformed Europe in the 17th century.?That was born thanks to the oppressive medieval church. European politics, philosophy, science and communications were radically reoriented?during this period and look how far they have come! so can we, even better.

However this needs to be supported from all ends — all industries, and all levels of aristocrats and?elevate the standard accepted moral compass?of our society. It seems to me that we are heading that way thanks to our people of Sri Lanka against this tyranny.

(Sri Lankans protesting in Matara, April 2022)

What I believe we need is a?clearly defined direction?and?undying endurance?as these two elements will be tested by the regime till the last moment before they are finally going to give up. So the next week is crucial for what I’d like to name the protests as ‘The revolution of Sri Lanka for a new age’

It needs to spread in to all areas as soon as the main objective is met. Other areas such as our values, how do we define a ‘lady or a gentlemen’ I have seen and heard enough of using the term a gentlemen when someone wears expensive western clothes and get off a luxury vehicle. It’s nothing bad at all having these and I coach people to accomplish these and achieve self actualisation. Everyone has the right to express what they love. However this has got nothing to do with being a ‘gentlemen’ . Since many years I have been coaching people and shared these values that,

‘ give regards to one’s mannerism, courtesy’ ( at least) and not someone’s possessions and titles. Also one’s attire and the sexual preferences has got nothing to do with the service that one can offer to an entity. This delusion must end.

Failing to do that will give temptation and misdirection for many to earn money simply to show off and earn ‘a reputation’ with net-worth! this also led some spoiled kids of politicians to do that and shamelessly revealing it on social media as well. That wrong impression has spread across to many are there for ‘some-bucks’ by some means. I have seen this happening in many industries especially in the tourism sector.

We also aggrandise people way too much. Yes appreciate and award anyone who achieves great heights and do great service as it is needed to encourage them. But also stop aggrandising them as this has done much damage to our society. When someone is an elected leader that person is just that — an elected leader, not a ‘King’ or a ‘God’. This goes out to clergy as well with all due respect. Meaning this veneration has been manipulated and rational thinking is frowned upon in many religious entities. I do not by any means meant not respecting! respect every human being with kindness for sure. Treat them well. But aggrandising — NOT!

We must constantly evaluate our approach in how we operate our industries and make necessary changes removing our conservative mental blocks . Open to learn from where-ever we can learn from. Seek out expert support.

We must stop demonising our fellow countrymen simply because of a different ethnicity , religion or geography they live. I urge all our younger generation ( atleast) must stop demonising and express that actively.

If we ( meaning Sri Lankans — Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims, Lankan Diaspora around the world and also I’d like to mention Tamil Nadu)?stop demonising?each other and create bonds our country can accelerate its growth. Thankfully I feel we are finally coming to build ties and we are at that infancy stage right now. I urge the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora to believe that this new generation is unlike the past. You can finally come back to Sri Lanka or support us from wherever you are with your expertise and diverting business collaboration.

I constantly study few spiritual practises and philosophy apart from human behaviour. So far what I clearly observed was that?empathy & compassion?are the fundamentals for someone to become spiritual. Oppression, discrimination, violence and enforcement is completely the opposite. One word in Buddhism?‘ Ehipassiko’ — Come and see for yourself?or discover by yourself. It’s never enforced by over powering someone.

As much as we need to develop our economy?we also need to re-define how each of us earn and spend. Meaning, all those who I coach will vouch that I always say —?money is a by-product of add value to a human being. It’s only a byproduct. The board room meetings in the corporate sector must revolve around this simple philosophy and leaving the dollars and rupees out of the centre of attention. If you do that then inevitably you will create great wealth and will sustain in the longer run. It’s about time for our countrymen to question?‘how this product is made’?. Like I said earlier, the?standard moral compass?needs to be elevated. This is seen almost in all developed countries.

The above is no means an exhausting description of what this country needs. This is my observation. I like to travel around the world and tell I’m a Sri Lankan with great pride! and I’m exhausted saying ‘Yes Im a Sri Lankan and it’s an amazingly beautiful country only to be ruined by politics!…..’ —

I want to see my people travel the world simply to experience but not seeking refuge. Infact I'd like to see many to return to Sri Lanka. I heard from many Lankans who live abroad, they actually live in Sri Lanka in spirit! they are forced to live there due to this pathetic system we have tolerated so far.

I want the international community recognise my country as — ‘ Ah Sri Lanka, the country with great beauty, heritage and incredible people with great ethics!

I share this with the big hope that Sri Lanka that I always dreamed to see is shaping up! I like to believe this is no longer a fantasy!

Ayubowan to all of you! _/\_

Yours fellow Sri Lankan,

Ramindu Randeni