Leadership qualities-look to the Dhamma

Leaders are born, not made – goes the old saying. The best example is Prince Siddhartha who was a unique being in all his previous births before he attained the highest stage of ‘Buddhahood’.

If one is to be regarded as a great leader (especially in politics), one should possess certain qualities: be shrewd (not cunning), honest, true to one’s self, open-hearted, be patient in all decisions, be unshakable (steady), tolerant, kind, understanding, well-read, and wise, etc.

When we saw the incidents that took place here in Sri Lanka in the recent past, not only peace loving Sri Lankans, but people all over the world were not only surprised and disappointed but unsure of what was in store for everybody. Those responsible seemed blind to what really happened in the country.

There were brutal and shameless incidents taking place and a struggle for power. All those responsible for all the damage done to man and property should remember that in a country like ours, only the ‘Dhamma’ will be successful in all one does. Everybody should remember that they will have to someday pay for all the cruelty exhibited. At least now it is time to forget and forgive and get together to make the masses happy and contented, for they have suffered enough.

Your fate has decided your position in life with which you have to be satisfied. All cannot be leaders! Somebody has to step down!!

I conclude with the motto of my beloved alma mater Hillwood College - “The Utmost for the Highest’’.

May everybody be happy!!

Swarna Wanniarachchi Pilapitiya