Opinion
Why is Singapore dollar strong and SL rupee weak?
by Jayampathy Molligoda
Inflation is too high in Sri Lanka; people are finding it unbearable. How can we control the inflation from further slipping?
Singapore experience and structure of our CBSL:
Singapore has the Monetary Authority Singapore (‘MAS’) as their Central Bank, where in Sri Lanka, we have the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (which is not a body corporate in legal terms) and within the CBSL, they have the ‘Monetary Board’. Basically, the Singapore Central Bank (MAS) has managed to keep the inflation under control even during this period of global economic recession, where most of the other countries have not been able to contain the inflation. The Singapore used the exchange rate to influence inflation, not the other way around.
Our view is that there must be a sound, practical and legal mechanism guaranteeing the independence of the CB whilst making the CBSL accountable and transparent as in the case of MAS. John Exter, the founding Governor of the Central Bank of Ceylon, in his report stated that Governor of the Central Bank should be of unquestioned integrity and responsibility. This is very critical because an independent CB is essential for maintaining price stability, meaning containing inflationary pressure.
As for maintaining the price stability objective, the simplest test is whether CB can continue to resist demands from the government of the day to print money and/or continue to maintain low interest rate regime when a higher interest rate is necessary to maintain price stability. This is because the government of the day would naturally tend to push economic growth rates to run at a faster rate than its capacity limit permits and their desire to incur budget deficits try to secure funds by borrowing from CB. Ours is somewhat politicized.
However, the reality is most of the economic activities will come to a grinding halt if CBSL doesn’t print new money for the government. Besides the suffering of the people on the road, non- repatriation, avoiding sovereign breaches, not letting money market domino effect failure, payment to foreign parties, all of these have to be considered. No salary payments to government servants for a particular month if money printing is stopped.
Why can’t our CB do the same thing as MAS?
Sri Lankan situation is totally different because it has a persistently high ‘twin deficits’ meaning (1) government budget deficits since independence and (2) BOP current account deficit with rest of the world. And CB has been compelled to resort to ‘money printing’ more that the required/ desired level and continue to borrow, thus increasing foreign debt service beyond unsustainable levels.
The real issue has been that our Exports as a % of GDP has come down from closer to 28% in four to five decades to 12% especially since 2014 to date. Now GDP real per capita is coming down. We were boosting US $ 25 billion has increased to US $ 75 billion within 10 years, but it was through services and high spending on infrastructure development without corresponding increases in return on such investments by way of increased exports.
CBSL policy towards curbing inflation:
Since August 21, CB has been trying to control inflation by way of increasing bank interest rates through increasing CB rates and Statutory reserve ratios (tightening the monetary policy accelerated wef March 22, however. this badly affects SMEs – the micro and small and medium enterprises have serious issues in the area of access to financial facilities or in simple terms, borrowing costs are so high that they cannot afford to borrow any more. Depending on whether the marketable – products of these businesses are in the “buyers; market’ or “sellers’ market” they could either survive or eventually collapse- only the ‘rich’ become richer (only in certain sectors) because they are in possession of own surplus money – they earn a substantial amount as interest income at current deposit rates and also have the option of keeping dollars without repatriation as stipulated in the relevant directives issued under Monetary Law Act of 1949. This is despite the rupee exchange rate was allowed to be flexible and floated from Rs 203/ per $ and now it’s Rs 368/.
Further, during the period 2019 till august 2021, the private sector was benefited under low tax rates and low bank interest regime, where they borrowed rupee loans at 4-6 %, otherwise the exporters were compelled to go for $$ packing credit for financing export orders. In my view, our private sector is smarter than the government policy makers and some top officials in the financial/banking sector. It was the private sector who insisted that SL rupee should be floated not even a “managed float currency policy. Are we now getting the export proceeds according to the applicable regulations and if not, does the CB strictly enforce penalties for non- compliance?
Two News items published on 29/07/22:
“Earnings from merchandise exports increased by 20% Y-o-Y to USD 1,208.2 Mn in June 2022 as per data released by Sri Lanka Customs, mainly due to increase in earnings from export of Apparel & Textiles (1/2)”
“World Bank does not plan to offer new financing to Sri Lanka until an adequate macroeconomic policy framework is in place – WB”
Sri Lankan Export industries such as textile and apparel, tea sub sector, minor export crops, etc., should be able to be more competitive in the global market place due to the policy of currency depreciation wef 7 March 22 from Rs 203/- to around Rs 368 (at present), but the associated local costs including the import content of the export value chain and the additional costs due to difficulties in ‘doing business’ under current conditions tend to move up sharply in the near future, thus eroding the cost competitiveness enjoyed by our exporters. As for doing business, one of the most critical current issues has been the shortage of fuel. It is in that context only the importance of making available sufficient FOREX income, be set aside for importation of fuel on a monthly basis, say US$ 300 million, should be viewed. Now that the backlog of LCs being cleared and most of the payments have been made and the incoming $$$ are now being reserved, it is important to set aside a part of export proceeds towards meeting fuel bills on a monthly basis.
Vital information on ‘FOREX’ monitoring not made available yet:
Stemming from the above argument, the CB’s priority number one should be to ensure whether export proceeds in dollars are received within the stipulated timeframes and in accordance with the directives issued under Monetary Law Act of 1949. In fact, the CB mandate by law is ensuring price stability and financial system stability and management of FOREX is the critical success factor here.
In August 21, then Governor Prof WDL appointed a working committee and liaised with customs and started putting in place the EPMS. (As far as direct documentation of export (‘cusdecs’) is concerned, the commercial banks do not receive those docs and what they can monitor is what they actually receive as proceeds only, that’s why this ICT system is needed.)
It seems that export proceeds monitoring system (EPMS) is still not functioning at CB level. Also, CB doesn’t provide the information on actual amounts of foreign exchange proceeds received on a monthly basis.
According to the Governor, CB, only about 20% of the FOREX is getting converted in to the banking system out of US$ 1,000 million export proceeds per month. It is not clear how much has actually received within the ‘180 day rule’ on a monthly basis AND how much converted.
The present Governor, CB is now making an appeal to exporters to remit all export proceeds and convert at least 50% of the proceeds after keeping $$ for ‘eligible expenditure’. It is expedient for the CB to advise the government to set aside (out of monthly export+ direct remittances) at least US$ 300 million per month for petroleum product imports and only the deficit if any, be funded through credit lines. In the meantime, our renewable energy sources must be explored with a view to reducing dependence on diesel and petroleum inputs.
Apparently, the Strategy adopted by the Ministry of Finance on 12 April 22 by pre-emptive debt defaults announcement has created some negative sentiments as well. Fuel imports can only be done through advance payments. LCs cannot be opened without paying an advance as most of our banks are considered untrustworthy customers in the international trading operations.
Light at the end of the tunnel:
We are into a vicious economic cycle. What is really worrisome is that there seems to be no serious process of problem identification by following a more scientific ‘research methodology’. First and foremost, we need to find out what went wrong? Some kind of a truth commission is needed. Our policymakers together with the private sector, the government and Opposition politicians all must get together to find out what went wrong without ‘blame assigning game’. Our policymakers must learn to admit that we don’t know fully the reasons, until a detailed analysis is done. No sustainable solutions can be expected in a situation where we all have full of ‘beliefs’ -some may be true others false, therefore the real facts need to be separated out from mere opinions based on beliefs although belief is the starting point of any intellectual thought process as claimed by world renowned philosopher, Bertrand Russell. No point in blaming politicians only – maybe as national leaders they have failed to provide transformational leadership and inspire other stakeholders to drive the economy. Also, successive governments have not created conducive environment for private sector to do business and improve economic welfare of the people, otherwise, it is the private sector that is managing the economy; at least 70% of the economic activities are undertaken by the private sector. Our private sector is capable of driving the businesses as ‘engine of growth’ for national economic development.
What can the government do under the current circumstances?
The solution is for the government authorities to follow one important process, undertake some research using scientific methods to ascertain why we have failed. It is suggested the government appoint an ‘expert panel’. It should come out with immediate, short and medium- term strategic plan based on a long-term vision. But who is going to appoint this expert panel and who are the members? Ideally, it has to be a Presidential commission.
Treasury does not have any money at all and when CPC is held up with no payment to banks. That is why our economists have been advocating stringent fiscal measures be enforced by the government so that the government expenditure could be drastically reduced. Most of the state- owned enterprises (SOEs) need to be restructured by liberalising the sectors and put in place a more transparent system to look for ‘PPP projects’ to drive economic activities using under- performed state assets. However, these measures need to be taken after a due process of obtaining the final recommendations of the Presidential commission.
Social unrest, achieving political stability and economic revival:
What we have discussed up to now pertains to our economic problems, but we have major issues in socio-political arena. We need to admit that there are a number of genuine grievances coming out from the ordinary people and also a mass uprising against corruption and mismanagement of the governments, although no concrete evidence is forthcoming to justify these claims, that’s why the truth commission findings are important. On the other hand, there is this conspiracy theory that some unexplained, hidden and most powerful forces operating outside Sri Lanka are at work -may be trying to weaken the “STATE” and portray Sri Lanka as a failed state as articulated by the Head of SIS at a high- level meeting chaired by the President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Surely, there must be some valid reasons for the government under President, GR to adopt a ‘soft’ policy. We don’t know the ‘real things’ yet.
We have been hearing as a slogan that political stability is a prerequisite for achieving much needed economic growth and revival. However, the writer is of the view that in today’s context, it should be other way around. If the government of the day cannot provide basic needs of the people, at least fuel without people waiting in long queues, it will not be possible to restore political stability, and social unrest could further accelerate. That’s why some kind of economic revival is needed to fulfil ‘basic needs’ of the people to restore some kind of ‘political stability’. Otherwise this so-called ‘political stability’ becomes a mere superficial phrase.
In the meantime, it is the responsibility of the government of the day to uphold the constitutional provisions to the letter and spirit as stipulated in the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
The authorities need to respect the different views of the people without resorting to suppress people’s non-violent socio-political movements, whilst maintaining law and order to safeguard the peoples’ sovereign rights guaranteed under our Constitution.
In the despicable absence of an urgent practical response on the part of the JVP-Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led NPP government to the devastating 28th March earthquake in Myanmar, ex-president Ranil Wickremesinghe has made a very timely and sensible proposal regarding how to assist our disaster stricken fellow humans in that country. ex-president Wickremesinghe! Thank you very much for saving, at least to some extent, Sri Lanka’s still unsullied reputation as a sovereign state populated by a most humane and hospitable people. You have again demonstrated your remarkable ability to emerge as an able state level troubleshooter at critical moments, this time though, just by being a mentor. It is a pity that you don’t think of adopting a more universally acceptable, less anglophile version of principled politics that will endear you to the general electorate and induce the true patriots of the country to elect you to the hot seat, where you will have the chance to show your true colours!
The ordinary people of Myanmar (formerly called Burma) are remarkably humble, polite and kind-hearted just like our fellow ordinary Sri Lankans. There’s a natural cultural affinity between us two peoples because we have been sharing the same Theravada Buddhist religious culture for many centuries, especially from the 4th century CE, when Buddhism started making gradual inroads into the Irrawaddy Valley through trade with India. Whereas Buddhism almost completely disappeared from India, it flourished in Sri Lanka and Burma. Nearly 88% of the 55 million present Myanmar population profess Buddhism, which compares to 72% of the 22 million population in Sri Lanka. Wickremesinghe has been mindful enough to take a glance at the historicity of close Myanmar-Sri Lanka relations. And he didn’t mince his words while giving some details.
At the beginning of his statement in this connection (which I listened to in a video today, April 1, 2025), Ranil Wickremesinghe said that our government has expressed its sorrow (but little else, as could be understood in the context). Countries near and far from Myanmar including even partly affected Thailand, and India, China, and distant Australia have already provided emergency assistance. Referring to the special connection we have with Myanmar as a fellow Theravada Buddhist country, he said that both the Amarapura and Ramanna nikayas brought the vital higher ordination ritual from there. We must help Myanmar especially because of this historic relationship.
When an earthquake struck Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha, in 2015, we sent an army team to assist. On that occasion, Sri Lanka was the second country to provide relief, India being the first, with China becoming the third country to come to Nepal’s help. Today, India, Thailand, Malaysia, China and Australia have dispatched aid by now. Last year Sri Lanka gave 1 million US Dollars for Gazan refugees. We need to take a (meaningful) step now.
Wickremesinghe proposed that the army medical corps be sent to Myanmar immediately to set up a temporary hospital there. The necessary drugs and other materials may be collected from Buddhist and non-Buddhist donors in Colombo and other areas.
Emphasising the ancient friendly relationship between Sri Lanka and Myanmar, Wickremesinghe mentioned that King Alaung Sithu I (of the Pagan Dynasty, 1090-1167 CE) sent help to (Prince Keerthi who later became) King Vijayabahu the Great (1055-1110 CE) to defeat and drive away from the island the occupying Cholas after a 17 year long military campaign. The grateful Lankan monarch Vijayabahu, during his reign, offered the Thihoshin Pagoda (name meaning ‘Lord of Lanka’ pagoda, according to Wikipedia) and a golden Buddha image to the Myanmar king. (This pagoda is situated in Pakokku in the Magway region, which is one of the six regions affected by the recent earthquake. I am unable to say whether it remains undamaged. Though the monument was initiated during Vijayabahu’s lifetime, the construction was completed during the reign of King Alaung Sithu I {Wikipedia}).
Wickremesinghe, in his statement, added that it was after this that a strong connection between Sri Lanka and Myanmar started. In some Buddhist temples in Myanmar there are paintings by ancient Lankan painters, illustrating Jataka stories (Stories relating to different births of Buddha). Among these, Wickremesinghe mentioned, there is a painting depicting the duel between (the occupying Chola king of Anuradhapura) Elara and (his young native challenger from Ruhuna prince) Dutugemunu. (Although Wickremesinghe did not talk about it, a fact well known is that there is a copy of our Mahavamsa in Myanmar. In reporting the ex-president’s speech, I have added my own information and information from other sources. I have put this within parentheses)
Let’s hope President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is wise enough to derive some benefit from his predecessor’s mentoring in the name of our beloved Motherland.
Rohana R. Wasala
Authors: Directors of Solar Village SDG CIC
www.solarvilllagesdg.org
I.M. Dharmadasa (Emeritus Professor), Nilmini Roelens (Solicitor) and Saroj Pathirana (Journalist)
The purpose of this article is to inform the Cabinet discussion on Solar Power proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)
Net metering and the Prosumer
The CEB has put forward a motion to the Sri Lankan Cabinet which proposes to reduce the unit price payable under the various net metering schemes to the “prosumer” (the owner of a solar panel system).
A prosumer is a blend of producer and consumer, referring to individuals who both create and consume. This is based on the notion that most producers of electricity through self-owned solar panels generate more than double their own needs as consumers. It thus enables the prosumer to connect to the national grid and receive money on a pay back scheme from the CEB for the excess electricity they produce.
What is this debate about?
Currently there are four schemes.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka explains the various schemes involving roof -top solar solutions thus under a heading published in October 2023 – Rooftop Solar PV Connection Schemes. The two most noteworthy schemes are the Net plus and the Net plus plus schemes.
https://www.pucsl.gov.lk/rooftop-solar-pv-connection-schemes/
Through the NET Plus Plus Scheme CEB regards the prosumer as a mini power plant holder which maximises roof top generation well beyond the prosumer’s own needs making maximum use of extra roof space. This would work well for schools and companies with large buildings. CEB used to pay Rs. 37 per unit to the prosumer for up to 500kW. This unit price was available between 26 October 2022 to 1 July 2024. However, as of 1 July 2024 the unit price was reduced to Rs. 27.
We understand the new CEB proposal to the cabinet is to scrap this scheme altogether.
In relation to the Net Plus scheme which is the more accessible and popular scheme for ordinary householders the current CEB proposal is to reduce the unit price even further to Rs. 19 for solar power systems generating less than 20 kW, whilst for those generating between 20 – 100 kW the unit pay back will be Rs.17 and those generating between 100 – 500 kW will receive Rs.15 per unit.
The installation costs of a 5-kW solar panel is now around Rs 1.0 million. The cost of solar panels has in fact come down over the years and the units are recyclable. The lifespan of a solar unit is expected to be in the region of 22 to 25 years. There are now over 300 active solar companies in Sri Lanka. This is a rapidly growing sector with the prospect of generating employment for tens of thousands of young Sri Lankans for many years to come as technicians, administrators and entrepreneurs. The potential advantages for the economy are extensive Sri Lanka’s growth of the renewable energy sector using freely available sunshine available virtually all year-round given the geographical proximity to the equator
It is not just about reducing the electricity bills of the prosumer. This green energy solution would also mean we avoid the heavy annual cost of the import of fossil fuels into Sri Lanka which very seriously affects its balance of payments each year. The unwarranted need for environmentally damaging energy sources like coal, diesel and nuclear (with its inherent dangers and enormous costs), etc., will lead to a meaningless downward spiral of more debt, enhanced climate risk and pollution.
The intermittency argument
The argument of intermittency of renewables is a misguided premise. Some may argue that seasonal variations of renewables such as solar or hydro power may make them unreliable. This can very easily be remedied by investment in a smart grid. This can be done by upgrading the existing transformers and grid lines. A policy decision would be required at cabinet level to advise the CEB to reinvest any profits for this purpose.
Green Hydrogen is the future
Solar generated power can be harnessed to invest in Green Hydrogen solutions which could mean that rather being an importer of fossil fuels, that the rest of the world is turning away from, Sri Lanka becomes an exporter of green hydrogen to countries in the northern hemisphere where sunshine is scarcer.
Picture what it could do to the Sri Lankan economy if, rather than being dependent on imports of polluting and expensive fuel which can exacerbate the climate crisis, we transform our island into an eco-tourist paradise and become an exporter of clean green hydrogen.
Green hydrogen is created by splitting water molecules into its components of Hydrogen and Oxygen. The hydrogen gas can be compressed and stored for export. The minimum voltage required for splitting the water molecule is about 1.50 Volts DC and scaling up and commercialisation is happening throughout the world currently.
Rebranding Sri Lanka as a renewable energy island
To limit imports of fossil fuels for automobiles, a policy decision at governmental level could provide concessions for electric cars for solar roof owners and encourage the use of solar powered charging stations. The annual cost of imports of petrol and diesel would reduce overtime as Sri Lanka encourages clean and green electric cars.
Whilst the rest of the world is turning to renewable energy with alacrity, Sri Lanka ought not turn to fossil fuel imports in breach of its commitments to the international community.
In 2015 Sri Lanka signed up to the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Ahead of the Paris Summit Sri Lanka set out its climate action plan which the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) stated “Countries have agreed that there will be no back-tracking in these national climate plans, meaning that the level of ambition to reduce emissions will increase over time.”
(https://unfccc.int/news/sri-lanka-submits-its-climate-action-plan-ahead-of-2015-paris-agreement)
Sri Lanka has a real opportunity to rebrand itself as a renewable energy island. This means moving towards the commitments made at UNFCC – COP25, Sri Lanka Country Statement in Madrid in December 2019:
“Sri Lanka recognises the importance of the role of COP and highlights the need to take effective and definitive steps for finalising the follow up actions of the Paris Agreement.
The rise of the global mean temperature and the resulting changes have created adverse impacts on key sectors of Sri Lanka, such as agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, marine and fisheries, tourism and energy (hydro power) sectors, leading to disastrous effects on its people, ecosystems and economy. According to official statistics from 2008 to 2018, droughts, floods and landslides have affected over 15 million people, and losses and damages resulting from these calamities have been borne by Sri Lanka’s national budget… Sri Lanka is committed to inclusive and participatory climate actions to ensure that affirmative actions are taken to address the vulnerabilities of climate change.“https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/SRILANKA_cop25cmp15cma2_HLS_EN.pdf
Why is reduction of the unit price a very regressive, harmful measure?
The reduction will discourage the use of clean renewable energy in favour of higher imports and a move towards dangerous and expensive sources of energy.
The consequences of a reduction of unit price will thus be far reaching beyond the loss to the prosumer.
Lithium battery storage options mean that even when the sun stops shining at night or in the wet season the solar panel produced energy can continue to be used. It is very likely that current solar companies will need to diversify to survive and move towards lithium battery storage solutions and inverters so that year long, 24-hour access to energy is available without recourse to the national grid for their customers. As individuals and institutions go off grid CEB’s income will dwindle in the long run as the private sector takes over.
Recommendations to the cabinet
We make the following recommendations to the Government of Sri Lanka:
(i) At present we have a fragile grid, and the CEB should strenuously endeavour to minimise energy leakages and improve the grid by replacing weak transformers and grid lines. Such continuous improvements will enable us to move towards a “Smart Grid” enabling absorption of large amounts of intermittent renewable energies like wind and solar.
(ii) At present we have ~1500 MW of renewables installed, comparable to hydroelectricity. When solar power is plentiful during the daytime, hydro power can be reduced simply by controlling the water flow without any technical difficulties. This is one way of assuring energy storage while balancing the grid energy.
(iii) Another solution for this is pumped-water storage plants. It is important to follow through with such measures which have now been under discussion for some time.
(iv) The future energy carrier is green hydrogen (GH) produced by electrolysing water using both wind and solar. A global Green Hydrogen revolution is taking place, and GH can be used to run vehicles using fuel cell technology. Trains and buses are being run with GH technology in Europe. GH can also be converted into ammonia and methanol to produce fertilizer and be applied for other industrial uses. Sri Lanka must not be left behind.
(v) GH can be stored and burned whenever energy is needed, especially during nighttime. Only water vapour is produced during the burning of hydrogen without any air pollution. Sri Lanka already has the Sobhadanavi LNG plant which is almost ready to use. Since we must import LNG to run this power plant, we should be able to reduce the LNG import bill by half by mixing the natural gas (methane) with the locally produced GH. See here:
(vi) Local solar energy companies should install high quality solar energy systems and provide “after sale services” in accordance with their guarantees.
(vii) PV companies should also be encouraged to collaborate with local electronics departments to manufacture accessories like inverters and other components needed for these systems, creating new jobs, and reducing the total cost of the systems.
(viii) In addition to grid tied solar roofs, the PV companies should also market hot water systems and water pumping systems. As a country reliant mainly on agriculture, solar water pumping and drip irrigation systems, especially in the dry zone, provide a huge potential for increasing food production.
(ix) Battery capacities are improving, and costs are coming down. This can be encouraged pending replacing grid infrastructure.
(x) It is important to increase public awareness through government funded campaigns. The public should recognise the dangers of using imported and expensive fossil fuel and the importance of using renewables.
(xi) The public should also recognise the advantages of having a clean environment, health benefits and enhanced living conditions.
(xii) A community development project called “Solar Village” to empower needy communities, accelerate their sustainable development, reduce poverty and take climate action has been developed over the past two decades. Seven solar villages have been established and funding for three more solar villages have been obtained.
Solar Village SDG, a UK based community interest company has been established to encourage the use of renewables and to pilot programmes which will support sustainable development goals. This includes providing access to a quality education for all via smart rooms which will be set up alongside solar villages in rural schools. Such initiatives could be encouraged and supported.
Time was when we had to observe the five precepts chanting in front of the omnipresent Buddha statue in every Buddhist household, and pay homage to parents straight afterwards. Attend mandatory Sunday schools, trek about 6 miles (return) to Moratu Vidyalaya’s main hall together as a family on Fridays to listen to a sermon by erudite visiting monks from the Vajiraramaya and elsewhere.
Having been settled in the UK for half a century, I can only go by what I read and hear from Sri Lankan friends and families. All those practices seem to have changed for the worse, sadly! Living in luxury, temples are run on business models nowadays! Monks ask what they wish to eat at alms-givings, including pork, etc., tell how much it costs the laypeople to invite them, etc! Unbelievable to say the least! I dare say it seems to start from the top of the hierarchy – the Kandy Temples, where the prelates live and are patronised by all politicians from Presidents, Prime Ministers and others! Some monks engaging in politics is not uncommon! For example, a recent statement made by Ven. Dodampahala Rahula Thera during a religious ceremony held to bless former President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his birthday has sparked widespread discussion on social media.
Speaking at the event, Ven. Rahula Thera had claimed that he had advised then-President Wickremesinghe not to import fuel ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election. However, the Thera has since clarified that the remark was made in error due to the pressure of the moment. Pertinent question is why did he choose such intervention?
All these are in such sharp contrast to Buddhist monks in the Western world and South East Asia where they shun luxury to lead a truly monastic lifestyle in order to practise what they preach.
Respected and loved in his own country as a man of great wisdom, Ajahn Cha was also instrumental in establishing Theravada Buddhism in the West. Beginning in 1979 with the founding of Cittaviveka commonly known as Chithurst Buddhist Monastery) in the United Kingdom, the Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah has spread throughout Europe, the United States and the British Commonwealth. The dhamma talks of Ajahn Chah have been recorded, transcribed and translated into several languages.
More than one million people, including the Thai Royal Family attended Ajahn Chah’s funeral in January 1993 held a year after his death due to the “hundreds of thousands of people expected to attend”. He left behind a legacy of dhamma talks, students, and monasteries. The little I know of Buddhism teaches me to practice His Noble Teachings. It follows therefore the importance of listening to practising Buddhist monks who actually command respect, not by their titles! They don’t mean anything to me. Not familiar with various Nikayas, I think Buddhist monks should have both their shoulders properly covered in the interests of propriety! Though not a vegetarian, I believe in Ahimsa as even little spiders feel pain. Though my wife is scared of them, I tell her they are scared of her, more to the point! So, I catch the innocent crawly creatures by hand to throw them out of harm’s way! We have stopped the practice of throwing inevitable food waste into Council provided bins, instead collect them on a regular basis to feed wildlife we have in abundance around rural Wales we live in. They are all gone the following day including old marrow bones after our two little dogs finish with them! It gives us great pleasure! In the end, it all boils down to respecting Mother Nature! It’s Mother’s Day today to remember Mother Nature and how proud I am of my surname!
Sunil Dharmabandhu
Wales, UK
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