Opinion
Statement of protest against treatment of Swasthika Arulingam
It is with perplexity and disappointment we state our protest against the way Ms. Swasthika Arulingam, Attorney-at-+law, was recently turned away from a lecture she was scheduled to deliver at the University of Jaffna. Ms. Arulingam, a human rights lawyer has championed the cause of justice in a wide array of cases and has stood by so many who had been denied justice: she has fought for the independence of the judiciary and for justice for all people; she has stood against state repression and has stood by women, minorities and other marginalised persons.
At a recent event in Colombo, Ms. Arulingam had, among many other pronouncements on the cause of justice and repressive laws, characterised the LTTE as a fascist organisation. This one remark, an aside in her speech at this unrelated event, had earned the ire of the student union of Jaffna University.
Subsequently, when the Department of Law, University of Jaffna had invited her to deliver a lecture ironically on judicial independence in a time of crisis, on the 31st of October, 2023, certain sections of the student population, including the Student Union, had railed against the conduct of the event. They had forced the Dean and University authorities to cancel the lecture, with threats of gheraos and barricades, barring her entry into and exit from the venue. The University authorities had caved in to this pressure, and had suggested a change of venue, outside the university, which Ms. Arulingam had quite rightly said no to.
Violence in our universities needs to be checked and countered with greater openness and discussion. Universities are places for the exchange of ideas. They are considered the crucibles of new ideas and change. Developments such as these further undermine the history of the university as a space of freedom, a space where one can dissent without fear of retribution, essential for the flourishing of criticality. There is no place for violence and acts of intimidation in our universities. To condone censorship in such a space is a violation of this spirit.
It severely compromises the substantive mandate of the university. There is, in addition, a subtle rhetoric around Ms. Arulingam’s being an ‘outsider’ who was invited ‘in’ for a talk, who therefore should have abided by the tacit rules in place. We find this attitude objectionable, because we should not subscribe to the gatekeeping of ideas nor any form of insularity in our thinking. On the contrary, universities should facilitate the open exchange of ideas, in and across the many spheres of our civil and political lives.
It is ironic that the incident takes place at a time when university students themselves are facing severe repression from dominant state forces. In such a context, it is all the more disheartening to see that students, particularly student unions who have a certain amount of political clout and power within university spaces, engage in willful suppression of views opposed to theirs.
This attitude is visible in ragging as well as in other instances of dissent, such as in this case. The fact that student politics increasingly mirror that on the national level, in spirit and in strategy, signals a dangerous trend of intolerance coming to define life at all levels of society. In this extremely trying time of a severe economic crisis, repressive laws that undo protection for the ordinary people, and a resurgence of majoritarian chauvinism in many areas of policy and populist appeal, the space for independent thinking needs to be kept alive and fought for with vigour.
The incident at Jaffna University is a wake-up call to all of us in the university system, to jealously guard the space for independent thinking and push this ethic to the utmost. We therefore call on all in the university system – academics, students, administrators – to urgently commit to ensuring that the university remains a space of freedom, criticality, and mutual respect. We call on the University of Jaffna and all other state universities to cherish and promote these principles. In this spirit, we call on the Department of Law, University of Jaffna to re-invite Ms. Arulingam to deliver her lecture, in an affirmation of the values of freedom of expression and respect for different viewpoints that she has consistently fought for.
Udari Abeyasinghe, University of Peradeniya
Ranil Abayasekara, formerly University of Peradeniya
Liyanage Amarakeerthi, University of Peradeniya
Dewmini Amunugama, University of Peradeniya
Fazeeha Azmi, M. I., University of Peradeniya
Crystal Baines, formerly University of Colombo
Imani Bakmeedeniya, University of Peradeniya
Dhanuka Bandara, University of Peradeniya
Shyama Banneheka, University of Peradeniya
Ann Conrad, University of Peradeniya
Suresh de Mel, University of Peradeniya
Erandika de Silva, formerly University of Jaffna
Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri, University of Colombo
Kanchuka Dharmasiri, University of Peradeniya
Priyan Dias, University of Moratuwa
Pavithra Ekanayake, University of Peradeniya
Avanka Fernando, University of Colombo
Amna Frouz, University of Peradeniya
G D U P K Gamage, University of Peradeniya
Ruwani Gamalath, University of Peradeniya
Dileni Gunewardena, University of Peradeniya
Farzana Haniffa, University of Colombo
S. T. Hettige, Emeritus Professor, University of Colombo
Tracy Holsinger, formerly Open University of Sri Lanka.
Ishafa Illiyas, University of Peradeniya
Kaushalya Jayasinghe, University of Peradeniya
Prabath Jayasinghe, University of Colombo
Jennifer Edama, University of Peradeniya
Jeyaratnam Jeyadevan, University of Jaffna
Ahilan Kadirgamar, University of Jaffna
Maduranga Kalugampitiya, University of Peradeniya
Madhara Karunarathne, University of Peradeniya
Chulani Kodikara, formerly University of Colombo, Visiting Lecturer
Manikya Kodithuwakku, Open University of Sri Lanka
Yasas Kulasekara, University of Peradeniya
Supoorna Kulatunga, University of Peradeniya
N. Savitri Kumar, Emeritus Professor, University of Peradeniya
Shamala Kumar, University of Peradeniya
Vijaya Kumar Emeritus Professor, University of Peradeniya
Rohan Laksiri, University of Ruhuna
A. H. Lareena, Sabaragamuwa University
Hasini Lecamwasam, University of Peradeniya
Saumya Liyanage, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo
K. W. S. I. Madumali, University of Peradeniya
Lahiruka Madhuwanthi, University of Peradeniya
Sudesh Mantillake, University of Peradeniya
Prabha Manuratne, University of Kelaniya
Sitralega Maunaguru, formerly Professor at Eastern University Sri Lanka
Dushyanthi Mendis, University of Colombo
R. Morel, University of Peradeniya
Kethakie Nagahawatte, University of Colombo
M. A. Nuhman, Retired Professor, University of Peradeniya
Gananath Obeyesekere, formerly University of Peradeniya
Ranjini Obeyesekere, formerly University of Peradeniya
Buddhima Padmasiri, Open University of Sri Lanka
Sasinindu Patabendige, formerly University of Jaffna
Hasitha Pathirana, University of Kelaniya
Pradeep Peiris, University of Colombo
Ruhanie Perera, University of Colombo
Hasitha Perera, University of Jaffna
Kaushalya Perera, University of Colombo
Nicola Perera, University of Colombo
Sasanka Perera, Formerly Professor, University of Colombo
Rupika Rajakaruna, University of Peradeniya
Udara Rajapaksha, University of Peradeniya
Dileeshiya Rajarathna, University of Peradeniya
Muthumini Rajasooriya, University of Peradeniya
Harshana Rambukwella, formerly Open University of Sri Lanka
Udayana Ranatunga, University of Peradeniya
Madushani Randeniya, University of Peradeniya
Bhathiya Rathnayake, University of Peradeniya
Sajitha Ratnayake, University of Peradeniya
Gameela Samarasinghe, University of Colombo
T. Sanathanan, University of Jaffna
Muttukrishna Sarvananthan, University of Jaffna
Dr Asanka P. Sayakkara, University of Colombo
Kalana Senaratne, Dept. of Law, University of Peradeniya
Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Sabaragamuwa University
Poornima Senaweera, University of Peradeniya
Tudor Silva, Emeritus Professor, University of Peradeniya
Krishan Siriwardhana, University of Colombo
Sahani Situbandara, University of Peradeniya
H. Sriyananda, formerly Open University of Sri Lanka
Sivamohan Sumathy, University of Peradeniya
Ruth Surenthiraraj, University of Colombo
Esther Surenthiraraj, University of Colombo
Vasanthi Thevansan, Emeritus Professor, University of Peradeniya
Dayapala Thiranagama, formerly University of Kelaniya
Mahendran Thiruvarangan, University of Jaffna
Ramila Usoof, University of Peradeniya
Jayadeva Uyangoda, Emeritus Professor University of Colombo
Vivimarie VanderPoorten, Open University of Sri Lanka
Selvaraj Vishvika, University of Peradeniya
Chamini Weerasinghe, University of Peradeniya
Ruvan Weerasinghe, University of Colombo
Carmen Wickramagamage,University of Peradeniya
Kumudu Wickramathilaka, University of Peradeniya
Ranjit Wijekoon, formerly University of Peradeniya
Shalini Wijerathna, University of Peradeniya
Shermal Wijewardene, University of Colombo
If the people of this country were asked whether they want elections to the local government, majority of them would say no! How many years have elapsed since the local councils became defunct? And did not the country function without these councils that were labelled as ‘white elephants’?
If the present government’s wish is to do the will of the people, they should reconsider having local government elections. This way the government will not only save a considerable amount of money on holding elections, but also save even a greater amount by not having to maintain these local councils, which have become a bane on the country’s economy.
One would hope that the country will be able to get rid of these local councils and revert back to the days of having competent Government Agents and a team of dedicated government officials been tasked with the responsibility of attending to the needs of the people in those areas.
M. Joseph A. Nihal Perera
By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana
It is immaterial whether you like him or not but one thing is crystal clear; Donald Trump has shown, very clearly, who is the boss. Surely, presidents of two countries are equal; perhaps, that is the impression Volodymyr Zelensky had when he went to the White House to meet Trump but the hard reality, otherwise, would have dawned on him with his inglorious exit! True, the behaviour of President Trump and VP Vance were hardly praiseworthy but Zelensky did what exactly he should not do. Afterall, he was on a begging mission and beggars cannot be choosers! He behaved like professional beggars in Colombo who throw money back when you give a small amount!!
Despite the risk of belonging to the minority, perhaps of non-Americans, I must say that I quite like Trump and admire him as a straight-talking politician. He keeps to his words; however atrocious they sound! Unfortunately, most critics overlook the fact that what Trump is doing is exactly what he pledged during his election campaign and that the American voters elected him decisively. When he lost to Biden, all political commentators wrote him off, more so because of his refusal to admit defeat and non-condemnation of his supporters who rioted. When he announced his intention to contest, it only evoked pundits’ laughter as they concluded that the Republican Party would never nominate him. Undaunted, Trump got the party to rally round him and won a non-consecutive second term; a feat achieved only once before, by Grover Cleveland around the end of the nineteenth century. His victory, against all predictions, was more decisive as he got more collegiate votes and, even though it does not matter, won the popular vote too which he did not get when he got elected the first term. Even his bitterest critics should accept this fact.
Zelensky was elected the president of Ukraine after the elected pro-Soviet president was deposed by a ‘peoples revolution’ engineered by the EU with the support of USA. After this, the EU attempted to bring Ukraine to NATO, disregarding the Munich agreement which precipitated the Russian invasion. He should have realised that, if not for the air-defence system which Trump authorised for Ukraine during his first term, Russian invasion would have been complete. It may well be that he was not aware as when this happened Zelensky may still have been the comedian acting the part of the president! Very likely, Trump was referring to this when he accused Zelensky of being ungrateful.
Zelensky also should have remembered that he disregarded requests from Trump, after his defeat by Biden, to implicate Biden’s son in some shady deals in Ukraine and that one of the last acts of Biden was to pardon his son and grant immunity to cover the alleged period. Perhaps, actions of the European leaders who embrace him every time they see him, as a long-lost brother, and invitations to address their parliaments has induced an element of the superiority complex in Zelensky that he behaved so combative.
Trump wanted to be the mediator to stop the war and spoke to Putin first. Instead of waiting for Trump to speak to him, egged on by EU leaders Zelensky started criticising Trump for not involving him in the talks. His remark “He should be on our side” demonstrated clearly that Zelensky had not understood the role of a mediator. His lack of political experience was the major reason for the fiasco in the White House and the subsequent actions of Trump clearly showed Zelensky where he stands! PM Starmer and President Macron seem to have given some sensible advice and he seems to be eating humble pie. In the process Trump has ensured that the European nations pay for their defence than piggy-backing on the US, which I am sure would please the American voter. By the way, though Macron talks big about defence France spends less than 2% of GDP. Trump seems vindicated. Of course, Trump could be blamed for being undiplomatic but he can afford to be as he has the upper hand!
Ranil on Al Jazeera
Zelensky has shown what not to do: instead of being diplomatic being aggressive when you need favours! Meanwhile, Ranil has shown what not to do when it comes to TV interviews. God only knows who advised him, and why, for him to go ‘Head to Head’ with Mehdi Hasan on Al-Jazeera. Perhaps, he wanted to broadcast to the world that he was the saviour of Sri Lanka! The experienced politician he is, one would have expected Ranil to realise that he would be questioned about his role in making Sri Lanka bankrupt as well, in addition to raising other issues.
The interview itself was far from head to head; more likely heads to head! It turned out to be an inquisition by Tiger supporters and the only person who spoke sense being Niraj Deva, who demonstrated his maturity by being involved in British and EU politics. The worst was the compere who seems keen to listen his own voice, reminding me of a Sinhala interviewer on a YouTube channel whose interviews I have stopped watching!
Ranil claims, after the interview was broadcast, that it had been heavily edited reduced from a two-hour recording. Surely, despite whatever reason he agreed to, he should have laid ground rules. He could have insisted on unedited broadcast or his approval before broadcast, if it was edited. It was very naïve of Ranil to have walked in to a trap for no gain. Though his performance was not as bad as widely reported, he should have been more composed at the beginning as he turned out to be later. Overall, he gave another opportunity for the Tiger rump and its supporters to bash Sri Lanka, unfortunately.
Medhi Hasan should watch some of David Frost interviews, especially the one with Richard Nixon, and learn how to elicit crucial information in a gentle exploratory manner than shouting with repeated interruptions. He does not seem to think it is necessary to give time for the interviewee to respond to his questions. I will never watch Al-Jazeera’s “Head to Head” again!
Ranil’s best was his parting shot; when asked by Hasan whether he would contest the next presidential election, he said “No, I will retire and watch Al-Jazeera and hope to see you better mannered”!
The Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka (ABSSL) is pleased to announce that Ajahn Brahm will be visiting Sri Lanka for a short stay in May this year. Many, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, know him and have listened to his addresses made on earlier visits, including his 2023 public talk at the BMICH, which was attended by over 4,000 people.
Ajahn Brahmavamso, popularly known as Ajahn Brahm, is the Head Abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine, Perth. He was a pupil of the famous Thai forest monk Ajahn Chah, considered the best Theravada meditation teacher in the last century. By his own choice, Ajahn Brahmavamso shortened his name and was extra pleased that the initials represent the major religions of the world. He is renowned world-wide as an outstanding meditation bhikkhu, teacher and instructor, guiding thousands of practitioners.
As in previous visits, Ajahn Brahm’s schedule will be packed with addresses, meetings with senior professionals, business leaders, and researchers. This year, a special session has been included for teenagers and young adults.
The agenda planned for him includes:
·
Public address at the BMICH to all irrespective of religion and age; then to a younger audience.
· Exclusive Leadership Forum for senior professionals and business leaders.
· Forum with academics engaged in research at the Centre for Meditation Research, University of Colombo.
· A week-long meditation retreat for the Ven Sangha and experienced lay meditators.
Public Addresses
The public addresses will be on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, at the BMICH Main Hall and Sirimavo Halls; Ajahn Brahm moving from one hall to another so the entire audience sees him. Each hall will be well equipped with audio and video presentation. The first address: The Art of Meaningful Living, is designed for all, age notwithstanding, offering wisdom and practical insights for a fulfilling life. The second: Coping with Life Transitions and Emotional Challenges, is a special session tailored for teens and young adults, addressing key challenges faced by them in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. Both talks will be in English, with concise translation to Sinhala by Ven Damita Thera.
Exclusive Forums
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, two exclusive forums will be held at the BMICH Committee Room, Jasmine Hall. The first such session will be with eighty invited Sri Lankan academics and scientists engaged in research on meditation at the Centre for Meditation Research of the University of Colombo. This will be followed in the evening by an interactive session for a hundred invited senior professionals and business leaders, featuring a talk on leadership followed by a Q&A session.
Meditation Retreat
The most significant item on Ajahn Brahm’s programme will be a week-long meditation retreat at the Barberyn Waves Ayurveda Resort in Weligama. Focus is intended to be on the fifty members of the Ven Sangha. A limited number of experienced lay meditators will also have the opportunity to participate.
Participation & Registration
Those interested in attending the public talks at the BMICH are kindly advised to register at to secure free passes. For further information, please contact the Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka at .
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