‘Untold history of Sri Lanka’s Independence’ – a reply

Further to Uditha Devapriya’s fascinating article on the untold history of Sri Lanka’s independence, one claim in the paper bears further investigation. The author contends that after 1915 the Buddhist revival faded away. In reality, was it not the case that the revival was complete and the patient was fit and well? As the eminent Buddhist nationalist leader, W A de Silva, wrote in his paper History of Buddhism in Ceylon (1931): ‘Today within fifty years of this revival the disabilities which the Buddhists had to face have disappeared. A conscience clause as regards religious teaching has been introduced in all schools as a condition of receipt of government grants. Officers and honours do not go according to religious beliefs. The voice of Buddhism is as strong in public affairs as the voice of other religious persuasions.

The controversies between Buddhists and Christians have ceased. There is a marked mutual respect and tolerance between all religious workers. The Buddhists and Christians join in social and welfare work and religious peace is evident throughout the country….Buddhist religious activity is  alive today as it was at any time in the history of the island’.

Dr R P Fernando
Epsom
UK