Opinion
Materialism vs Buddhism
By Dr. Justice Chandradasa Nanayakkara
We live in a world dominated by materialism. Acquisition of things has become the core of our existence. Status and wealth are given so much importance. People like to flaunt their wealth and other material objects, such as new vehicles, trendy clothes, houses, modern gadgets and even lovely holidays spent in faraway exotic places. In a materialistic society, people are more inclined to demonstrate their status through visible materialistic consumption. They constantly try to attract the attention and recognition of others.
Contemporary materialism as a mindset is a part of a long history that established its roots in the 20 th century. Briefly, materialism is the desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters. The Oxford Dictionary defines materialism as “a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values”. Materialists have a general tendency to define success in terms of the amount and quality of one’s possessions. In a purely materialistic society people tend to act with a perverted sense of values and fling themselves into the blind unbridled pursuit of wealth, power and material possessions. There is a misconception that the wealthier you are, the happier you will be. Materialistic people tend to be more competitive and constantly compare themselves to others. Materialism is closely linked to consumerism, which is associated with the use of strategies and other techniques that encourage customers to expand their needs and desires.
People who live in a materialistic society, are constantly and continually influenced by advertisements on social media tempting them to buy products and other ostentatious articles, which sometimes they do not really need. Advertisers relentlessly attempt to hook unsuspecting customers with the sole objective of selling their products regardless of their impact on them. The higher the exposure to advertisements on television and other social media platforms, the more materialistic the individual’s values become. Further, widespread use of online shopping and e-commerce in the last few decades have also deeply aggravated the materialistic mindset in people. Although, in a materialistic society people tend to buy things far in excess of their needs, yet they seem to be less satisfied with almost everything.
Materialism conveys the idea that wealth and possession of other tangible things are the root of happiness and wellbeing of people. There are certain self-centered and negative qualities generally associated with materialism such as lack of empathy, jealousy extravagance, indifference, narcissism and lack of concern for others and detachment from personal relationships. Moreover, materialism is associated with low levels of pro social behaviour, more ecologically destructive behavior, poor management of personal finances and debt and also health problems such as depression, mental illness, drug dependence etc.
Human beings are slaves to their desires, particularly material desires. Most of them have at one time or another experienced an all-consuming desire for material objects. A desire so strong that it seems like they could not possibly be happy without buying those particular objects. Yet when they give in to this impulse they often find themselves frustrated and empty. As human beings they all tend to lean towards materialism in all their actions. Their desires are insatiable, limitless and inexhaustible and their personal lives are governed by the assumption that gratification of the craving is the only way to happiness. If we deeply examine the lives of people who are obsessed with materirilistic desires whether it be sensual, wealth power or possession we would find in their heart of hearts they enjoy very little contentment and happiness. Happiness derived from material possession is short lived.
Against this background, questions arise whether teachings of the Buddha are compatible with the secular philosophy of materialism which primarily focuses on the importance of physical matter.
Some are of the view that the teachings of the Buddha are not compatible with the concept of materialism and they think they are two opposittes and two irreconcilable extremes. They think to lead a life in conformity with Buddhist teachings in a materialistic society, one has to abandon and reject all enjoyment of material comfort and things. The Buddha was concerned with the material welfare of laity as much as with their spiritual advancement. He declared leading a materialistic life does not necessarily disqualify a person from following a Buddhist spiritual path. He did not stipulate that a person should withdraw from social and civilian obligations and lead an ascetic life. Further, he did not discourage laymen from mundane happiness. He simply declared that mundane happiness should be obtained in keeping with Buddhist moral and spiritual principles. Buddhism recommends only that wealth and materialistic possessions should be acquired by right livelihood and be utilised in meaningful ways for the benefit of oneself and others. Moreover, Buddha did not condemn the acquisition of wealth nor did he prohibit a person from having material possessions, on the contrary, he expressly encouraged hard work to gain wealth so that he will be able to live his normal life and do meritorious deeds. What matters in Buddhist context is that one can enjoy the pleasure that possession of material things brings but without attachment. He only recommended a life regulated by moral values aimed at the cultivation of wholesome qualities of mind. It should be understood that even in a totally hardened materialistic person there is deep within his mind a religious dimension. Spiritual and materialistic lives are not totally incompatible.
Buddhism is not against owning possessions nor is it against consumption altogether. Only when human beings are overly attached to wealth, does wealth become a cause of disaster. As long as one does not possess any attachment or cravings, living in a plush house and dressing in gorgeous, trendy clothes and partaking of exquisite delicacies will not be an issue in Buddhism.
However, material progress devoid of any spiritual or moral foundation would be of no avail. What the Buddha discouraged was attachment to wealth and the misconception that wealth alone could bring happiness. It should be understood that one day we all have to give up our wealth, power and position and leave behind what we have gathered during our lifetime. There is nothing that is permanent in life be it goodness, wealth, health and happiness. This is the natural law of impermanency. Losing all what we have acquired is inevitable but the pain that accompanies the losing of what we have acquired is proportional to the force of attachment, as strong attachment brings much suffering little attachment brings little suffering and no attachment brings no suffering. Therefore, all acquisition of wealth material possessions and power should be done with a clear comprehension of impermanent.
Human being is a complex entity that has a diversity of needs, which must be met to ensure his happiness and wellbeing. They need certain basic needs such as food, clothing dwelling, for their sustenance These basic needs are simple for a person who is not obsessively materirilistic in his outlook and pursuing the Right Livelihood. But our action getting those basic needs should not be motivated by craving. Buddhism teaches us that leading a life fueled by materialism will never make us happy. Buddha declared “It is not life and wealth and power that enslave men, but the clinging to life and wealth and power”
Buddhism as one of the major religions of the world promotes the philosophy of minimalism in the lifestyle. It is an approach to life epitomised by simplicity and sparseness. One of the Buddhist principles that underlie minimalism as a lifestyle is found in the Second Noble Truth which describes the cause of suffering as craving we suffer because of our cravings and our attachments A central aspect of minimalism is the application of this teaching.
It is important that we as Buddhist should diverge from the destructive materialistic mindset, to one that favours more sustainable form of happiness.
Real solution to our economic and financial problems does not lie completely in putting our trust in an economic theory that promotes multiplication of wants in materialistic world. Any economic and social policy should be grounded firmly from start to finish by ethical norms. An economic policy which runs counter to the dhamma and condone unethical behaviour is bound to bring about widespread misery and suffering.
Today, those who enjoy the most abundant wealth, who exert greatest power who revel in luxuriant pleasure, suffer. They live on the edge of despair. Although in the affluent societies people enjoy a high standard of living in terms of material goods and services inward quality of their lives does not represent a commensurate level of improvement. as materialistic outlook has led to erosion of higher spiritual dimension of life.
For example, the United States is a highly developed country with a free market economy and has the world’s largest nominal GDP and wealth. It enjoys one of the highest gross domestic products per capita in the world. However, its crime rate is one of the highest in the world. Millions of elderly people are negligected by their children and die of loneliness in retirements homes. Domestic violence, child abuse and drug addiction, gun culture are some of the major problems with which the government has to grapple with.
Right understanding in the eighth path is the foundation for developing a proper sense of values. Without right understanding our vision is dimmed and all our efforts will be misguided and misdirected. We operate with a perverted sense of values and pursue blind and unbridled pursuit of wealth, power and possession.
We are living in ‘Trump times’ characterised by never ending craziness but it is not confined to the USA alone. I will come to our part of the world later. As a large part is due to Trump, perhaps, normalcy may return when he ends his second term on 20th January 2029, at 12.00PM Eastern Standard Time. We cannot be sure of that either because the ‘Great man’ may decide to govern the world for ever, after having purchased Greenland and forcing Canada to be the 51st state of the US!
Trump had an unprecedented opportunity, being only the second to be elected to a non-consecutive second term as the US President, the other being Grover Cleveland at the tail end of the nineteenth century. If only he kept to his campaign promises, his name would have been written in history in golden letters but the complete transformation, following the election, is likely to make his name go down as one of the craziest!
It is a moot point whether even Trump knows what he is going to do that day, when he wakes up, considering the illogicality of some actions, best illustrated by the ad-hoc imposition of tariffs without any discussions or negotiations. The adverse effects of these, to the world economy, is yet to be seen compounded, of course, by the continuing war with Iran. He promised to be a ‘Peace-maker’ but turns out to be a war-monger, like many of his predecessors! His excuse was that he went to war because he was denied the Nobel Peace Prize.
Well, he got the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, another shameless leader who is ruining the ‘Beautiful Game’. When a US team member was given the red-card, Trump, who claims to know better than referees, decided it was not so, with a successful appeal to Infantino. During the next World Cup match, Belgium, supercharged with this injustice, thrashed the USA team 4-1.
Even the Semiquincentennial celebration of the US was not about the country but about himself! In fact, a cynic may point out that most of what the US has left behind, over the 250 years, is death and destruction. Paradoxically, whilst fighting a war with Iran to prevent it acquiring nuclear capabilities, the US is the only country to have dropped Atom Bombs, not one but two. Even though Japan was on the verge of admitting defeat, ‘Little Boy’, a uranium-based bomb, was dropped over Hiroshima on 6th August, 1945. Not giving time for Japan even to consider surrender, the second ‘Fat Man’, a plutonium implosion bomb, was dropped over Nagasaki, just three days later. Why did the US drop two A-bombs in rapid succession? It was to test the two different types of bombs they had.
Over the past 250 years, the US has started wars in many countries and, in most instances, lost leaving behind a trail of devastation and destruction. In spite of all that, it is continuing its war with Iran, a war that was started with false intelligence supplied by the war-monger Netanyahu who predicted the instantaneous fall of the Clerical regime in Iran. This war has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Iran, as it realised the economic value of the Strait of Hormuz. The language Trump uses in reference to Iran is despicable. What sane person, nay a world leader, refers to flattening of a country and erasure of a civilisation?
Back in Sri Lanka, we know that most of our modern-day politicians are also self-serving. They are also very good at amassing wealth, when in power, just like the Trump family had done. However, what is of concern is the rapid decline in the standards of some vital professional classes. Special reference has to be made to the Attorney-General’s Department. Perhaps, the present holder is a decent man but some of his predecessors brought the high position into disrepute.
Dappula Livera allegedly concocted a conspiracy theory about the Easter Sunday terror mastermind as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa denied him an extension in service as the Attorney General. If he has any information about such a conspiracy, it is his bounden duty to come out with facts but has not done so.
A remark recently made by Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Pieris about gallantry medals awarded to military personnel is said to have caused an affront to the dignity of Air Force officer Shantha Jayathilleke, who has received the highest decoration awarded to a living officer and sought to represent the interests of former Director of State Intelligence Service Maj. Gen. (retd.) Suresh Sallay as permitted by the Penal Code.
When political leaders and professionals holding high office behave in this manner, is there any hope for the nation?
By Dr. Upul Wijayawardhana
Education has always been one of the strongest foundations of Sri Lanka’s social and economic development. In today’s rapidly changing world, however, education must prepare students not only for examinations but also for life, employment, innovation, and responsible citizenship. Recognising this need, the government of Sri Lanka has introduced a new programme of education reforms. As Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has played a leading role in guiding and promoting these reforms, with the aim of creating a more inclusive, modern, and student-centered education system.
One of the Prime Minister’s most significant contributions has been providing a clear vision for transforming the education system. Rather than focusing only on examination results, the reforms seek to develop students’ creativity, critical thinking, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being. This approach recognizes that success in the twenty-first century requires a broad range of skills that go beyond memorisation.
A major feature of the reforms is the introduction of a new curriculum. The Prime Minister has emphasised that revised syllabuses will be introduced in stages, beginning with Grades 1 and 6, before expanding to other grades over the following years. The updated curriculum is designed to make learning more engaging, practical, and relevant to modern society. It encourages inquiry-based learning, teamwork, creativity, and the application of knowledge to real-life situations rather than relying solely on textbook learning.
Teacher development has also been identified as a key priority. The Prime Minister has repeatedly stressed that meaningful reforms cannot succeed without well-trained and motivated teachers. As a result, the government has planned professional development programmes to help teachers understand the new curriculum, adopt modern teaching methods, and integrate digital technology into classroom instruction. Strengthening teachers’ skills ensures that students receive a higher quality education and are better prepared for future challenges.
Improving school infrastructure is another important contribution under the Prime Minister’s leadership. Many schools across Sri Lanka continue to face shortages of classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and digital learning facilities. The reform programme aims to reduce these disparities by giving priority to improving physical infrastructure, upgrading learning environments, and ensuring that children from rural and urban areas have more equal educational opportunities. These investments are expected to create safer, more effective, and more inclusive learning spaces for all students.
The reforms also place strong emphasis on digital education. As technology continues to shape every aspect of modern life, students need digital literacy to succeed in higher education and future careers. The Prime Minister has supported initiatives to expand the use of digital tools in teaching and learning while encouraging schools to make greater use of educational technology. By promoting digital learning, the reforms seek to narrow the technological gap between schools and prepare students for a knowledge-based economy.
Another noteworthy contribution is the promotion of vocational and skills-based education. Traditional education has often placed greater emphasis on academic achievement, while practical skills received less attention. The new reforms aim to change this balance by introducing vocational subjects within the school system and creating clearer pathways for students who wish to pursue technical and vocational careers. This approach helps students develop employable skills while supporting the country’s economic growth and workforce needs.
The Prime Minister has also encouraged a more balanced approach to student assessment. Instead of measuring success only through final examinations, the reforms seek to include continuous assessment, classroom activities, projects, and practical learning experiences. Such an approach recognises different learning styles and provides students with more opportunities to demonstrate their abilities. It also reduces excessive pressure associated with high-stakes examinations and supports the overall development of children.
Inclusivity is another important aspect of the Prime Minister’s contribution. The reform process has involved experts, educators, and advisory committees representing diverse communities. The government has emphasised that curriculum development should reflect fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for Sri Lanka’s multicultural society. By involving different stakeholders in the planning process, the reforms aim to build a national education system that serves all children equally.
Despite these promising initiatives, implementing large-scale education reforms is not without challenges. Teacher training, infrastructure development, adequate funding, and effective monitoring are essential for the long-term success of the programme. Public awareness and cooperation among parents, teachers, school administrators, and policymakers will also play a vital role in ensuring that the reforms achieve their intended outcomes. Sustained commitment from the government and continuous evaluation will be necessary to address emerging issues and improve implementation over time.
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka has made a significant contribution to the country’s new education reforms by promoting a modern, inclusive, and future-oriented vision for education. Through curriculum modernization, teacher development, improved infrastructure, digital learning, vocational education, and better assessment methods, the reforms seek to prepare students not only for examinations but also for lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. If implemented successfully, these reforms have the potential to strengthen Sri Lanka’s education system, reduce inequalities, and equip future generations with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to contribute positively to national development in an increasingly competitive global environment.
Saumya Aloysius
saumyaaloysius@gmail.com
Open letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
We respectfully call on Your Excellency and the Honourable Minister of Health to adopt a Tobacco-Free Generation policy, that prohibits the sale of all tobacco products to any person born on or after 01 January, 2010.
It is a futuristic, step-wise commitment to the children of our nation. Tobacco is the most destructive commercial product in the world, engineered deliberately by an industry that profits from it. Our children deserve to inherit freedom from this substance that kills one of two of its users. This appeal is based on the following grounds.
* In Sri Lanka it is estimated that tobacco kills 20,000 people annually, in addition to causing widespread economic losses which was estimated to Rs. 214 billion in 2019. This is in addition to the misery that tobacco causes to its users and families due to dependence, expenditure, economic loss and from diseases caused by tobacco. These diseases range from heart disease, strokes, and cancers to dementia and blindness. It is also a gateway drug to other substances including cannabis and heroin.
* It is well known that the tobacco industry deliberately and systematically targets young people through digital media, point of sale displays and product design. Children initiated into tobacco use during adolescence bear lifelong health consequences, contributing to reduced workforce productivity, increased healthcare costs and preventable premature death. Sri Lanka’s ageing population and declining birth rate make the health of younger generations a matter of direct national economic relevance. A Tobacco-Free Generation policy addresses these harms at source, with long-term benefits to public health, workforce capacity and health system sustainability.
* This is also a policy grounded on international commitments of Sri Lanka, as well as its own national laws. Sri Lanka is a State Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) – being the first country in Asia to ratify it – as well as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and International Labour Organisation Conventions. Collectively, these instruments require states to protect children from preventable harm, uphold their right to the highest attainable standard of health, and shield them from commercial exploitation. Sustainable Development Goals further commits all signatory nations, which includes Sri Lanka, to strengthen FCTC implementation as a specific development obligation.
* The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act No. 27 of 2006 already mandates discouraging tobacco use among children and curtailing their access to tobacco products. The proposed policy is consistent with and is a direct extension of these existing obligations of this Act.
* This policy is by design a long-term measure. Its public health impact will be realised progressively as successive groups reach adulthood, free from tobacco initiation. Similarly, any effects on tobacco-related employment, revenues, retail and cultivation will unfold gradually over many years, providing ample time for affected industries and livelihoods to adapt other alternatives.
* The Tobacco-Free Generation model has gained significant momentum internationally. The Maldives became the first country in the world to enact such legislation, prohibiting tobacco sales to all persons born after 01 January, 2007. The United Kingdom followed, with the Tobacco and Vapes Act in 2026, permanently banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after 01 January, 2009, Canada, Denmark, Singapore and the European Union are each at various stages of discussing, examining or adopting comparable measures. The policy is no longer at the margins of tobacco control debate.
Sri Lanka is no newcomer to this fight against this killer substance. In 2003, Sri Lanka ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) as the first country in Asia and the fourth in the world to do so. The Sri Lanka National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act has been considered one of the best examples of comprehensive tobacco control laws during the last 20 years. As you are aware, this law was enacted, despite strong and sustained opposition from the tobacco industry.
Every day this policy is delayed, another group of Sri Lankan children are exposed to an industry whose profit depends on recruiting them. As around 50 people are killed by tobacco use each day in Sri Lanka, the industry needs to snare at least 50 new users daily to maintain its profits.
Sri Lanka has the legal framework, the international standing and consensus to act. Therefore, we earnestly urge Your Excellency and the Honourable Minister to take this step not only as a matter of sound public health policy, but also as a demonstration of your commitment to the wellbeing of the of children and young people who will define Sri Lanka’s future.
The Presidents of the following professional Colleges and Associations have strongly endorsed and signed this appeal to Your Excellency. This list is annexed for your perusal.
We assure that we stand ready to support Your Excellency in this effort in every way we can.
Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke
President, Sri Lanka Medical Association
Dr. Anula Wijesundere
Chairperson, Expert Committee on Tobacco, Alcohol and illicit Drugs
President of Ceylon College of Physicians
Prof. Namal Wijesinghe
President of The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka
Prof. Ajith Malalasekera,
President of Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
Prof. Rukshan Fernandopulle,
President of College of Peadiatricians of Sri Lanka
Prof. Pujitha Wickramasinghe,
President of Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists,
Dr Sumana Handagala,
President of Sri Lanka College of Cardiology
, Dr Asunga Dunuwille,
President of Sri Lanka College of Oncologists
, Dr Sanjeewa Gunasekera,
President of Ceylon College of Critical Care Specialists,
Dr A. D. Mudalige,
President of Association of Sri Lankan Neurologists,
Dr Dilum Palliyaguruge,
President of Sri Lanka College of Haematologists,
Dr T. Sooriyakumar,
President of the College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka,
Dr K. R. Dayawansa
President of Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists,
Dr Dasanthi Akmeemana
President of Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists,
Dr Tharanga Samarakoon,
President of the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka,
Dr Pushpa Weerasinghe,
President of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka,
Dr Vindya Kumarapeli,
President of Sri Lanka College of Radiologists,
Dr. Nayana Samarasinghe,
President of Sri Lanka College of Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine,
Dr. Nayani Madarasingha,
President of the College of Dentistry and Stomatology,
Dr Pemith Liyanage
CC: Hon. Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health, Dr Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Health
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