Peace at Last in Paradise Brochura - 2011

There are few people in the world who can claim anything near the experience of Professor Ananda Guruge. From childhood under colonial rule to his early adulthood as a government official for the emerging nation of Sri Lanka and finally to mature years on the international stage of UNESCO, he has witnessed the shifting social, political, economic and religious patterns. It would be misleading to say that he has only "witnessed" because his imprint can be found on many of the institutions of his home country, the influence of UN in international agreements, the representation of Buddhism to the world community and a host of educational centers around the globe. Moving in the highest ranks of prime ministers, presidents, kings and ambassadors, Professor Guruge has tirelessly pursued his intention of service to society. At the same time, he can be seen working with at-risk youth in Los Angeles, developing strategies for lessening violence when it erupts in cities, devoting time in helping rescue students who need a mentor, and speaking day after day to service groups, university classes, and leaders of society. With a background such as this, he has credentials to appraise the role of Buddhism in the contemporary scene, whether it is in social programs or scientific and technical research as well as to trace the political evolution of Sri Lanka from its struggle for freedom to the restoration of peace after its recent insurgency. Professor Lewis Lancaster of the University of California, Berkeley, USA