Sri Lanka unites against hate speech: A call for unity amidst rising extremism
From online platforms to real-world interactions, individuals and groups have become targets of discrimination and violence based on their religious beliefs, ethnicity, and other defining characteristics. The consequences have been dire, leading to widespread fear, division, and societal unrest.
In response to these challenges, Sri Lanka has implemented legal measures to address hate speech. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act provides a framework for prosecuting individuals inciting hatred based on national, racial, or religious grounds, with stringent penalties including imprisonment. While legislation provides a necessary deterrent, societal change requires a multifaceted approach.
As Sri Lanka confronts the challenges of rising extremism and discord, the path forward hinges on embracing the values of unity, compassion, and mutual respect. By doing so, Sri Lankans can navigate towards a brighter future where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is valued for their unique contributions to the nation's rich tapestry.
In the face of rising extremism and discord, Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads. By embracing the values of unity, compassion, and mutual respect, Sri Lankans can chart a course toward a brighter and more inclusive future, where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is valued.
Unity to heal and rebuild the country through Vesak Celebrations 2024 : A message from the President
Regardless of race, religion, caste or political affiliations, all Sri Lankans must unite to heal and rebuild the country, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.
In his Vesak message, the President said, "We must remember the advice of Lord Buddha, 'Sabbattha Sammanaso' to treat everyone equally and ensure we put it into practice as a country. This is the greatest offering we can present to the Buddha on this Vesak day.
"The Vesak festival is a profoundly sacred day for Buddhists worldwide, commemorating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing away.
Buddhists in Sri Lanka, along with their brethren around the globe, celebrate Vesak with deep devotion. They spend this period engaging in religious observances and venerating the Buddha with fervent devotion.
"At this challenging moment, we as a nation should cultivate the same great zeal for enlightenment that Buddha exemplified, inspired by his sermon, 'Maththasukha parichchaga- passé che vipulan sukhan' – to sacrifice today for a better tomorrow.
"The principles of Lichchavi Raja Dharmaya will guide us in this endeavour.
"Let us keep in mind that the primary aim of the Vesak festival is to foster spiritual growth and character development in a world rapidly advancing physically. I wish everyone a blessed Vesak festival," he said.
Understanding Akshaya Tritiya; the Hindu festival of new beginnings
Akshaya Tritiya is a festival falling on 10 May commemorating the eternal or continual sustaining of new endeavours and is based on Hindu belief systems; ‘Hindu’ is a generic ancient term used to encompass a people domiciled around the Indus valley.
“Akshaya” is translated as eternal, while “Tritiya” means third and refers to the cosmic trinity that the crux of Hinduism is based upon – the creative overarching force; Brahma, the universal destructive force – such as of evil which is understood through the concept of uprooting, represented as Shiva and the sustaining of that which is beneficial through preservation understood through Vishnu.
While these terms are today strongly linked with human like imagery who we are used to identifying with, a delving into an in-depth search for meaning beyond the cursory will reveal to us the deeper networks that bridge the cosmic intelligence with the human search for understanding across the continuous evolution of time. This will show us a labyrinth of interpretations that will keep bringing our connection back to the energies of the universe.