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News
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Lanka can
become symbol of non violence
– Martin Luther King III |
 By Tharindu
Prematillake
Martin Luther King III, the son of renowned American
civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., said
that Sri Lanka now has an opportunity to become a
symbol of non violence and justice. He expressed
these views at the opening of the ‘Justice
Everywhere’ Martin Luther King Jr. exhibition at the
Colombo Art Gallery.
“My father spoke of the ‘beloved community’, a
community where all people are treated as equal
human beings, where peace, justice and equality
replace violence, hatred and discrimination. I
believe that Sri Lanka can create such a beloved
community and set an example to rest of the world”,
said King III.
Furthermore he said, “You may ask how we can get
there? The first step is to realise that violence
begets more violence. You have to practice
non-violence even against brute force”.
He explained how violence is not only immoral, but
also an impractical solution to problems, because it
fails to formulate a permanent solution by making
the opponent understand your views.
“This is why I formed Realising the Dream
Foundation. Through this foundation we have been
able to spread the vision of non violence and
justice beyond the borders of the United States of
America”, explained King III referring to the main
organiser of the exhibition ‘Justice Everywhere’.
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Patricia Butenis,
addressing the gathering said, “The visit of King
comes at a timely moment when Sri Lanka has seen the
end of a decade long civil war, and a hard fought
presidential election. I hope the message of
non-violence that King brings with him will resonate
around this beautiful country.” |
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