Racism only brings destruction, while peace and unity can be built through embracing differences among people, said Zainab Shafi, daughter of Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen Mohamed Safi, today (30).

She expressed these views while attending the launch of the book “Ran Doni” authored by veteran journalist Suranga Senanayake, which recounts the experiences of Dr. Safi’s family in the face of nationalism.

Currently a first-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Zainab said she was proud to acknowledge that fact with humility. She noted that despite the personal hardships and challenges she had to endure, she overcame them with strength and resilience.

“This book is not just about me. It is about truth, acceptance, and trust,” she remarked, adding that her parents always believed in humanity and in peace among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.

Quoting a verse from H. M. Kudaligama’s poetry collection “Gangawe Geethaya’ (The Music of the River), she compared life to a flowing river:
“No matter how many obstacles arise, the river keeps flowing towards the sea — life too is like that.”

Zainab expressed gratitude to all those who stood by her during difficult times.