An Indelible Mark on the Hearts of Sri Lankans

(In commemoration of the 129th birth anniversary of Sir Cyril de Zoysa, who was born for the glory of the nation)

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The Buddhist cultural and social fabric of this country, which had lasted from ancient times, came under threat in the face of foreign invasions by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the English and others.

We know that Henry Steel Olcott, who came to this country at that time to make a deep study of the Buddha's teachings, rendered immense service to the development of the Buddha Sasana (Buddha's Dispensation) in this country by raising the standard of Buddhist education. In subsequent times, this service was continued through the intervention of Anagarika Dharmapala. Following the path adopted by Dharmapala, who was engaged in social reform paying special attention to Buddhist values and customs, it was Sir Cyril de Zoysa who rendered humanitarian service to the people of this country in the recent past. He is also the central figure in the present article. It is important to commemorate him at such a time as this because he provided a priceless service to the Buddha Sasana in this country and to the entire Sri Lankan community; thereby his character and his noble service provided an ideal for the present generation to emulate. He was one of the great personalities "born for the glory of the Buddha Sasana and that of the nation". The following statement made in the mature years of his life, clearly reflects his religious devotion, his simple life, and his understanding of life.

Quote: "I am now free. No matter how wealthy anybody is, matters nought. Everything is a mockery. I was born without resources. My comfort, happiness and strength come from the Dhamma I believe in. Unquote.