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Religion’s utility value: language games and gentlemen’s games

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In Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) classes, teachers give their students a list of words for them to find the odd one out. Then they have to explain why they thought it to be odd. It’s an exciting game because teachers include more than one word that may be interpreted as odd in various ways.

Let’s consider the following words: cricket, affluence, deceit, corruption, fame, bribery, euphoria, herd-instinct, patriotism, manipulation, politics, suppression, poverty, disappointment, gentlemen and religion. Many would say that the odd word is the last one– religion. Of course, not all would agree, which is the strongpoint of the game. There can very well be other choices ensuing argument and debate. Such language games are both fun and effective in getting the students to talk in the TESL classroom. Also, there can be disagreement on the arrangement of the words in the list. Can they be arranged in a better, more logical order depending on their connections?

For example, some would see a lack of coherence in the word order. They would say that ‘gentlemen’ is more affiliated with cricket played by 17th century English aristocracy and ask why on earth it is placed near religion and not with cricket. However, there will be others who would argue that since aristocrats have no reason not to be religious, why not place both cricket and gentlemen close to religion? The former would claim that both cricket and gentlemen would fit more readily with many of the other words like affluence, deceit, corruption, fame, bribery, etc., – words that occur recurrently in TV news bulletins, chats and in social media? Anyway, the above example can illustrate how a well-thought-out language game can generate exciting discussion and debate.

Today, cricket seems to have been profitable in many more games in addition to its somewhat less known utility value in language games in TESL. However, it would be somewhat stale and unexciting to talk about cricket now, which will only lead to further disenchantment, which is the dominant collective feeling today. The unfolding drama in the cricket theatre cannot really give any new insights to people other than adding to the general sense of disgust people feel towards the corrupt power structures of society infested with parasitic elites.

However, looking for seemingly farfetched connections between cricket and religion, our traditional guide in ethics, may be more exciting than pondering on the decomposing state of the social body infected by political and administrative parasites. After all, the word ‘cricket’ for many Sri Lankans, triggers such fervent feelings as passion, adoration, respect, mass hysteria, devotion, and even ‘worship’ one may associate with religion. So, is it very unnatural for one to mention religion when one thinks of our cricket – that collective national obsession, which is in disrepute? Yet, many would think it silly to have “religion” on an agenda for discussing cricket.

How can an all-pervasive fixation like religion be totally forgotten when we discuss our worst problems- be they on politics, economics, medicine, cricket or sugar for that matter? Religion hardly enters into any important discussion on issues that form the very foundation of our social life. Simply ask why religion is a nonissue in any important discussion on the most serious problems in life – you will only make them horrified by your naivety. All practical people, those hardboiled administrators, politicians and all kinds of elites who call the shots will tell you that religion is to be utilised for the consumption and manipulation of the hoi polloi. Or, more diplomatically, it’s your personal affair. In short, “sure, you can be religious to your heart’s content. Who stops you? But, wait a minute. Religion, of all things, in politics, business or in any money-making-project? Are you serious?

One thing is clear. Religion is the most underutilised institution for social wellbeing. Whatever its intended function may be, religion or, rather, its ethical aspects are not given any important place in any discussion or project that can have any serious influence on people. So far as religion is going to be just that thing called ‘religion’ as we have known it for ages- an identity marker and a brittle emotion-filled vial or amulet you wear, corruption and all its attendant evils will be the stuff of life forever.

People should stop paying lip service to religion and take its ethical spirit and ignore the destructive and divisive wraps. If we all can refine those political, social and economic structures that will ensure justice and fair play, perhaps people will not be so maniacally obsessed with the most destructive superficial aspects of religion coming in the form of narratives implanted in childhood.

Mention “religion” in any important discussion or project which is critically important to millions of people, and you may be pitied for your naivety. However, there will be thousands who would wish to be martyrs to saving religion. For what purpose is the big question.

Susantha Hewa



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Opinion

In Loving memory of our Seeya – Late Mr W P Upasena

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Its been a year since you left us, and while the pain of your absence remains, so too does the warmth of your memory. There is not a day that goes by where we don’t think of you.

We are deeply grateful for the love, wisdom, and kindness you shared with us all. Your unwavering support, gentle guidance, selflessness, and extensive knowledge left an incredible mark on everyone who knew you. You were not only the cornerstone of our family but also a source of inspiration for all who crossed your path.

As we gather to honor your life, we extend our heartfelt thanks to friends, family, and well-wishers who have supported us over the past year. Your love, and kind words have been a source of strength and comfort during this journey.

Though you are no longer with us in person, Seeya you continue to live on in our hearts and through the values you instilled in us. We will continue to honor your life by cherishing each other and carrying forward your legacy of love, compassion, and integrity.

May you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana, Seeya.

Fondly remembered by:
Achchi, Loving Children & Grandchildren

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Opinion

Major eyesore on Beira banks

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In the last decade or so the government, the private sector and even private citizens have made a concerted effort to beautify Colombo. And it has worked!

Yet, eyesores like the Jinarathana Vocational Center at 142 Sir James Peiris Mawatha exist. The building belongs to one of the most influential and revered temples in Colombo. Gangaramaya is also a major tourist attraction.

Not only is the building in disrepair, it is also a health hazard with garbage, rats and other infestations. Nefarious activities go on in the night, as it would in any “abandoned” building. It seems the building is used as a car park for the temple vehicles! Not only does this go against every Buddhist principle, but is this building on the banks of the Beira even legal?

Why does government after government keep donating public land to this temple, when it refuses to use or maintain the buildings it already has?!!

Podi Hamuduruwo – Venerable Galboda Gnanissara – as Chief Incumbent, transformed the temple into “a dynamic center of spiritual growth, education and community empowerment”. But he is no more. And if the temple is no longer able to use or maintain this structure according to the vision of the revered Podi Hamuduruwo, it is surely up to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and/or Colombo Municipal Council to take immediate action.

M. S. De Silva
Colombo 02.

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Opinion

A tribute to a quintessential friend and colleague

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Kuru as a cadet sergeant and Queen’s Scout meeting the Queen at India’s 1961 Republic Day.

A talented son of Sri Lanka, Dr. Mahinda Kurukulasuriya (1942-2025) passed away peacefully in Vientiane, Laos on 29 January 2025 – with his daughter Liza by his side. According to his wishes, a three-day memorial service was held in a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos.

Among close friends, he was fondly referred to as ‘Kuru” and as “Dr. Kuru” among his professional colleagues.

He was born in 1942 to a wealthy family in Nakulugamuwa. His father owned the Ruhunu Transit Bus Company that was nationalized in 1957.

Kuru had his Education at Mahinda College, Galle, where he excelled in studies, sports, and athletics. In 1961, as a Cadet and a Queen’s Scout, he had the rare opportunity to greet Queen Elizabeth II at the Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi.

After a 13-year hiatus of losing cricket matches to Richmond College, in 1962, Mahinda College under Kuru’s captaincy won a memorable victory against Richmond.

In 1962, he won a Scholarship to pursue engineering studies at the Moscow State University. That same year, I met Kuru in Moscow, and we forged a friendship that lasted 65 years.

Kuru married his University batch-mate Elena – an amiable person who also completed her Ph.D. and the rare Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degrees along with Kuru. She predeceased him in 2015 leaving two equally brilliant daughters who live in Europe.

Kuru’s education abroad opened up the world for him to explore. Upon his graduation in 1968, he returned to Sri Lanka and worked for the River Valleys Development Board (RVDB). From 1971-1976, he and his wife Elena were appointed as water engineers in Zambia. They returned to Moscow and completed their Ph.D.’s. Kuru returned to Sri Lanka in 1979 and worked for the Mahaweli River Development.

Later, he worked on United Nations assignments as a senior engineer and Program Manager in Zaire, Congo, Maldives, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. He was fluent in English, Russian, French, Burmese, Khmer and Thai, and he excelled in his UN assignments.

In 2006, he garnered another Ph.D. from the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture of the Peradeniya University. Over the years, he wrote several books, including his memoirs “One Drop of my Sweet Sweat”.

Upon his mandatory UN retirement, the Government of Laos – aware of Kuru’s technical expertise, commitment and integrity – persuaded Kuru to lead several key development projects in Laos. It allowed Kuru to continue working with the perks of a UN official, and the Government took good care of him as he was away from his native Sri Lanka, and his beloved family. He had many Laotian friends.

Above all, he was kind and friendly to everyone he knew. Despite many achievements, Kuru was the most virtuous and unassuming person I came across in my life.

Kuru is survived by his sisters Indra and Lalita, daughters Angelika and Liza, and his wife Seuth and his son Souminta.

His family and friends will miss him dearly. Yet, we shall cherish his memory forever.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.

Somar Wijayadasa

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