Today, we gather to reflect on a profound concept that has guided the lives of many, and particularly the life of a remarkable individual — Mangala Samaraweera. This concept is social cohesion.
Social cohesion is the invisible thread that binds us together, the force that transforms individual differences into collective strength. It is the foundation of a harmonious society, where every person, regardless of background, contributes to a shared future of understanding and respect.
Our esteemed Foreign and Finance Minister and visionary leader, Mangala Samaraweera, embraced social cohesion as one of the core pillars of his vision for Sri Lanka. For Mangala, social cohesion was not merely a concept—it was a guiding principle. Alongside democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, Mangala saw social cohesion as essential for building a society where every individual could live in dignity and harmony.
For Mangala, social cohesion was deeply personal. He grew up in a Sri Lanka scarred by civil conflict, where divisions were stark and the pain was profound. Witnessing this brutality firsthand, Mangala was driven by a simple yet powerful thought: “Maybe I can make a difference.”
His commitment to a united Sri Lanka was rooted in his belief that every ethnic and religious group deserved equal rights and opportunities. Spearheaded by Mangala, the Sudu Nelum movement where he tried bridging the gap between the Sinhala and Tamil communities. The white lotus, the chosen emblem of the Movement signifies the purity of thought and action which could blossom out from the muddy depths of communalism.
He often said that true reconciliation was a journey demanding constant effort, a belief that informed his relentless pursuit of a more inclusive society.
The seeds of Mangala’s dedication were sown by his parents—his mother, an open-hearted pioneer, and his father, a trailblazing human rights lawyer. Their influence shaped Mangala’s vision of a country where everyone, irrespective of caste, class, or religion, could live with dignity and mutual respect.
Unlike previous generations, who may have seen differences as barriers, today’s youth view them as bridges. We see diversity as an asset, a source of strength that can unite rather than divide. This new perspective is not just a shift in attitude; it is a powerful movement towards building a society where every voice is heard and every identity is celebrated.
In the world we’ve grown up in, the idea of discrimination based on race or ethnicity feels increasingly foreign. I come from a large family that spans various social classes, and for me, class differences have never been a barrier to forging meaningful connections with others. This stands in stark contrast to earlier generations, where divisions were often more deeply felt.
Living in London, I have witnessed firsthand the beauty of a truly multicultural society. The city is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, yet the diversity is embraced and celebrated. It has been a profound experience to see how people from all walks of life live and work together harmoniously.
This environment has deeply influenced my understanding of unity and how it can be achieved. It has shown me that diversity is not a barrier but a strength that enriches our lives and brings us closer together.
Today, our sense of unity is shaped by our diverse experiences and shared struggles. The Aragalaya movement stands out as a powerful testament to this new spirit. Young people from all backgrounds came together, united in their call for change and justice. It’s a vivid example of the inclusivity and solidarity Mangala Samaraweera dedicated his life to fostering.
If Mangala could see this moment, I believe he would be deeply moved and proud. The unity we are witnessing today reflects his vision — a vision where people from all walks of life stand together for a common cause. This is the legacy he hoped to inspire, and seeing it come to life would surely affirm the impact of his lifelong efforts.
Our path to a prosperous Sri Lanka lies in nurturing this unity and ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of our society. Let us honor Mangala Samaraweera’s vision by embracing our diversity as a strength and working together to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
