National disgrace that demands immediate action

A Vesak Day contradiction

- By Rohitha Amarapala

The timing compounds the gravity of this situation.

That such an act would allegedly occur on Vesak, when our nation celebrates the Buddha's enlightenment and teachings of compassion, presents a stark contradiction. As lanterns illuminate our temples and homes, symbolising wisdom dispelling darkness, this incident casts a shadow over our collective conscience.

Sri Lanka proudly identifies as a Buddhist nation, yet incidents like these undermine the values we profess to uphold. International observers will inevitably question the disconnect between our cultural identity and the safety we provide visitors. This contradiction damages not just our tourism prospects but our standing as a society guided by principles of compassion and right conduct.

Institutional accountability required

This case raises troubling questions about institutional safeguards that have apparently failed at multiple levels:

■What rigorous is the vetting process for transportation providers serving the tourism sector?

■What oversight exists for monitoring those who interact directly with visitors?