The New Zealand PM Jacinda Andern, has given us a lesson in the art of speaking even when one is under pressure. The Prime Minister has shown that in a situation filled with tension how measured language should be the response to act as a palliative instead of aggressive language which would be provocative. Despite the horror of the trauma of the terror attack on their hitherto peaceful country ,her mind remained uncluttered with hostile thoughts even as she was conscious of using language to reduce anger and ease tensions”securing the peace of her country.

The nationality and the religious faith of the assailant is known. The Prime Minister may have been conscious of the need to keep the country of his birth quiet without giving too much publicity thus helping not only the nationals of the country of his birth away from danger but also keeping those that belong to the faith of the assailant as well, safe . None seemed to know the provocation for the attack but since the religion the assailant professes to follow has international links the Prime Minister could have been forgiven if she named the religious faith of the attacker. By using restraint ,as the prime minister did , she did not raise the wrath of the compatriots of the attacker and she has striven to keep her nation and her people safe. Wether her action will keep her nation from the intrusive eye of the attacker’s links in the international arena is for the future to unfold. But the PM in the short term has certainly secured the safety of her people.

It is necessary for us Sri Lankan’s,who have been under threat of terrorism to remind ourselvesthat modulated speech will go a long way in maintaining the peace of the place. We inSri Lanka have faced the consequences of rash language which has provoked many a flare up. As the Buddha said speech must remain timely. This is what the New Zeland Prime Minister did. A lesson in timely speech is what the Prime Minister Jacinda Andern has given to all aspiring leaders. This is indeed most welcome.