Seeking solace

Nilma DOLE

Spirituality is an essential part of human life for many around the world and in Sri Lanka, the religion of Buddhism is practicing compassion and kindness. Enriching people's lives with holy and religious aspects is what the Rodrigo brothers aim to do.

"In the name of the soldiers who have bled and sacrificed their lives to liberate our country, we are planning to launch an island-wide campaign to get people together in order to build Buddhist statues which will encompass 100 statues" said Anjana Rodrigo, the coordinator of the project.

"We appeal to the general public to get in touch with us to build a 6-foot Buddha statue at their locale which will mean them taking a Sunday to work on the site" he said.

The importance of building a statue in the name of the armed forces is a great blessing and it is vital to acknowledge them.

His brother Tharaka Rodrigo is a versatile artisan and sculpture who has trained in India and was part of the team that built a great stone figure of the Buddha down south. "We will provide the expertise and coordination to build the statue, and people from every part of the neighbourhood can set aside their differences and have solitude through his initiative" he said.

The Buddha statues will be constructed in all major districts and will have people in their vicinity contributing and supporting it. "In fact, many are willing to revive their neighbourly bonds and solve their problems to do a good cause" said Tharaka, who is essentially a person who carves beautiful masterpieces of Buddha statues. Likewise, he also helps people learn the art of making something as essential as a Buddha statue but what you take as granted.

"We are already making Buddha statues around Colombo and down south and have already finalised projects upcountry" said Anjana who is confident that people will learn to be united through such bonding after the dawn of peace.

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