By Tharindu Prematillake with thanks to the Nation

Martin Luther King III, the son of renowned American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., said that Sri Lanka now has an opportunity to become a symbol of non violence and justice. He expressed these views at the opening of the ‘Justice Everywhere' Martin Luther King Jr. exhibition at the Colombo Art Gallery.

“My father spoke of the ‘beloved community', a community where all people are treated as equal human beings, where peace, justice and equality replace violence, hatred and discrimination. I believe that Sri Lanka can create such a beloved community and set an example to rest of the world”, said King III.

Furthermore he said, “You may ask how we can get there? The first step is to realise that violence begets more violence. You have to practice non-violence even against brute force”.

He explained how violence is not only immoral, but also an impractical solution to problems, because it fails to formulate a permanent solution by making the opponent understand your views.

“This is why I formed Realising the Dream Foundation. Through this foundation we have been able to spread the vision of non violence and justice beyond the borders of the United States of America”, explained King III referring to the main organiser of the exhibition ‘Justice Everywhere'.

The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Patricia Butenis, addressing the gathering said, “The visit of King comes at a timely moment when Sri Lanka has seen the end of a decade long civil war, and a hard fought presidential election. I hope the message of non-violence that King brings with him will resonate around this beautiful country.”