Moors' Islamic Cultural Home (MICH)

Hon Dudley Senanayake's Speech at the formal opening of MICH Building in the Fort - May 30 1965

published in the MICH Souvenir I of 1944-65

 Mr President, Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, Hon Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

After the lengthy and very illuminating report you have heard and the encouraging exhortation by the Presdient, I wonder whether many words from me are necessary on this occasion. But, however, it behives me on an unusual and historic occasion such as this to express some of the ideas with regard to cultural developments which are uppermost in my mind. But, before I do so, I must express my gratitude to the organizers of this function for so kindly inviting me to be present on this occasion and gifting me not only with a Sinhalese version of the Qur'an but a gold medal as well. You might have delayed the gold medal for some time after you have tested how I have got on with the Qur'an. When that medal was pinned on me my thoughts went back to my school days which was the last occasion I received a gold medal. But, however, I am most grateful for the unexpected gift.

As the President mentioned to you, this Moors' slamic Cultural Home has a long history; it has endeavored well; its struggle has been for many years - after twenty-one years of struggle, it has now come of age. The initial endeavors were made as long as 1944. In 1947 and onwards I happened to be the Minister of Agriculture and Lands and I well remember discussions the President had about the allocation of this site. I am glad that I was able to be of service on that occasion and I am glad to see this building, although not completed. When completed, I can see the potentialities of a building such as this and an institute of this nature.

Muslim culture needs no introduction from anybody. Right through the long history, right through the pages of history, Muslim culture has left a deep impression throughout the world - Europe as well as Asia. Today too we know the tremendous impact Muslim culture and Muslim thought have on world affairs. In our country, we are well aware of the part played not only by Muslim culture and religion but by that community in the development of this country; particularly, the trading activities of Ceylon, and, therefore, we are beholden to that community for the tremendous service it has rendered this country. In fact, when we think of thelong history for the fruition of this project - namely this building, I am rather amazed, because unity of purpose has been a distinguishing feature of the Muslim community of Ceylon. I think they set an example to the rest of us all. Unity, I suppose, follows from the fact of the stress they embark on any venture, the wholehearted support of the community is generally forthcoming and I have no doubt, ere long, we will see the completion of this building.

In Ceylon, I am sorry to say, that the respect for the cultures and religions of the different communities that inhabit this land has not been too conspicuous in the recent years. Our parlous state today in very many activities in which we should have forged ahead in the recent years is entirely due to the lack of this understanding and harmony among the different communities and religions that call this country their home. I do hope that era is over and we realize that true democracy cannot exist in a country without the rights and the religions and the cultures of al who call this land their home, have their rightful and proper place. That is another fact of democracy that people seem to forget and I do hope that any endeavor to thrive and build up movements based on division and hatred will meet with the fate, the disastrous fate that such objectives rightly deserve. When we think of religions, surely we are not deluded when we realize that religion, whatever religion it may be, was never meant to divide, but unite mankind. What are the cardinal principles of all religions? I think, unity, mutual respect, brotherhood. They are, in one way or another, enshrined in the noble principles of all religions, but for some unaccountable reason religion that was meant to unite has been prostituted, I say, for the purpose of division.

Look at the world! Look at the tension prevailing today in this world! Sometimes one can be amazed at the lopsided developments that have taken place in the world today during the century.

We have, on the one hand, the marvelous achievements of science. Consider the state of the country at the beginning of the century? In these Sixty odd years, let us consider the tremendous that had taken place. I do not think that if you look back upon the known history of mankind that in such a short period such vast changes ever took place. The main contributory factor, undoubtedly, has been the advancement of science. Science and its developments have played a great part in bringing about this tremendous change but through no fault of science some of these developments, some of these advances, are being used today not for the uplift of mankind or its betterment but for the possible destruction of the very human species. That tragedy well awaits the world. Specialists and scientists better informed than ourselves have well predicted that gloomy and dismal future if another world conflagration were to take place. Now, the triumphal marvels of science have been accompanied by a weakening of spiritual values. That is also an undoubted fact; a characteristic of this century. This weakening of spiritual values, I feel, has been the result - for want of a better word - of the arrogance of science. Man began to think that with the advancement of scientific knowledge, religious ides were not necessary. Primitive religion started with the ignorance of the phenomena of life. Therefore, various objects such as fire and those whose existence could not be explained were worshipped. But since science proceeds to explain the nature of all these phenomena, there has arisen a concept that religion would not be necessary. But, alas, science is reverting to the idea that there are things beyond the pale of science for an explanation. We are departing, again, from the purely materialistic concept and we are beginning to feel that spiritual value must play an prominent part in the civilization and cultures of all people. It is only that realization which can relegate science to its proper place and religion alotted its proper place. Once religion throughout the world regains that place, I am sure, the world will be a much happier place than it is today.

I do hope and have no doubt that your institution that has been opened today will play the much needed part it has to play in the resurgence of our nation in moulding the different religions and races. I understand that you have not confined your doors to only those of your religion. Your doors are open to all and may those not of your religion who enter into these portals realize the value and the impact your religion makes on this country and the world in general.

I wish you well and I wish the speedy completion of the building.