ABSTRACT
Over the past three decades or so, a band of enterprising communication scholars have been expending their energies boldly in exploring Asian theories of communication that offer clear contrasts to the generality of Western theories. If this effort is to prove fruitful, we need to adopt a multi-pronged approach. While examining classical concepts and texts and cultural practices, as some have appropriately done (e.g., Chen, 2009; Chen & Miike, 2003; Dissanayake, 1988, 2007, 2008, 2009a; Miike, 2009; Miike & Chen, 2007), we also need to focus on current issues and experiences. One such area is development and communication. This is a conjunction that has received substantial attention of Western communication scholars. Therefore, as we continue with our effort to pursue the project of exploring Asian theories of communication, it is only right that we focus our attention on this very important theme. In this article, I wish to focus on an actual effort related to development and communication that has a clear Buddhist understructure and tease out its implications for communication theory. More specifically, I shed light on a Buddhist effort at promoting development and communication in Sri Lanka focusing on ethical and moral issues. The project I have in mind is the Sarvodaya movement of Sri Lanka (Dissanayake, 1984, 1991).
