As part of my research for Vegetarian Asia Travel Guide, I came across the eloquent writings of Mahinda Palihawadana of Sri Lanka. I especially enjoyed his articles on connections between Buddhism and vegetarianism. When I got up the nerve to contact Professor Palihawadana and request an e-interview, he could not have been more generous in sharing his information. He also provided me with Sinhalese translations, for which I am very grateful.

Professor Palihawadana taught religious studies in Sri Lankan universities and as a visiting professor in several American universities, including Harvard. He started out as a Sanskrit lecturer in 1960 and continued educating students for more than three decades. From 1997-2003, Professor Palihawadana was president of the Sri Lanka Vegetarian Society.

Teresa:  What do you think the general attitude is toward vegetarianism in Sri Lanka?

Professor Palihawadana:  It’s rather mixed. Buddhists show some respect for vegetarians, especially for vegetarian monks. Hindus definitely have more respect for vegetarianism. In fact the large majority of Sri Lankan vegetarians are Hindus. Among Christians and Muslims, who represent the other two religions practiced in the country, the attitude is generally unfavourable, with notable exceptions of course. It is very exceptional to find Muslim vegetarians.

Teresa:  Do you think the number of vegetarians in Sri Lankais increasing, decreasing or staying the same?

Professor Palihawadana: It is increasing. One can sense it in many ways- the media – both print and electronic, the hotels and restaurants, the religious discourse among Buddhists, the increasing number of vegetarian celebrities – all of this reflects a growing interest in, and adherence of, vegetarianism. At the same time, however, consumption of meat among non-vegetarians has also definitely increased. This is because of greater adoption of western food habits. Opening of McDonald and KFC outlets contributes to this trend significantly.

Teresa:  Are Hindus or Buddhists more likely to be vegetarian in Sri Lanka?

Professor Palihawadana:  Hindus, as said above. That has been traditionally the case. But there are also a lot of Buddhist vegetarians.

Teresa:  What do you think are the main reasons most Sri Lankan vegetarians choose to forego meat?

Professor Palihawadana: Ethical and health, no doubt about that. The latter reason is a modern development.

Teresa:  The Sri Lanka Vegetarian Society webpage looks like it’s been inactive for a while. Is this group still together?

Professor Palihawadana:  It is, but it’s been very low-key lately. They print some pamphlets and hold some meetings , not much else at the present time. But there is another organization, a Sri Lanka Non-violence Association, which is very active. It has a noticeable presence on TV, conducts propaganda meetings in schools and temples, has brought out some CDs and is planning to launch its website  shortly.

Teresa:  How are animals treated in Sri Lanka? Are they kept as pets? Loved or abused? Are there many strays?

Professor Palihawadana: Dogs and cats are the favorite pets in SL households. Strays are, sadly, not getting proper treatment. But a number of animal protection organizations have been doing wonderfully good work and have succeeded in creating a better environment for stray dogs.

Teresa:  In your life, have you had any special bonds with particular animals?

Professor Palihawadana:  There have always been cats and dogs in our home and in my parents’ home, and we have a garden in which many species of birds, butterflies, small land animals and even a few monkeys are always present. But I cannot say that I have had a “special bond” with any one animal or several animals.

Teresa:  What made you decide to devote so much of your life to promoting vegetarianism?

Professor Palihawadana:  I was a vegetarian activist only for about six or seven years, though I have been promoting vegetarianism in a small and unobtrusive way for much longer. I abhor the sight of living beings being killed, whatever the reason. One of my teachers, Dr. E. W. Adikaram, was a prominent promoter of vegetarianism in Sri Lanka during his time. I believe his example also influenced me to do some of the things that I have done in my life.

Teresa:  Are attitudes toward animal sacrifices changing in Sri Lanka?

Professor Palihawadana:  Animal sacrifices are conducted in a few Hindu temples and in Muslim households as an annual observance during a certain period of the year. The rest of the population does not like this and there is some vocal protest. However, as you know, when things are done in the name of religion, it is always difficult to intervene.