Realising the acuteness of the unemployment problem countrywide, he extended his industries to the rural sector. He set up a Textile Manufacturing Centre in his ancestral property at Balapitiya. Thus he paid homage to his parents. Over one thousand five hundred villagers found employment there.

Rights of workers

At times when those claiming to safeguard the rights of workers were busy instigating his employees to strike and not work, he retorted that if he did not provide employment, there would not have been workers for others to instigate. He contemptuously challenged the self proclaimed leaders of the workers to provide employment, for at least a dozen people.

Sir Cyril, who worked sixteen hours a day, was desirous that his employees should be disciplined and should work during the scheduled period of eight hours a day. Sir Cyril prided himself on being a disciplinarian. He believed that without hard work no one would and could succeed in life. He wanted his employees to realize the importance of hard work, for their own benefit.

Buddhist Education

Service in the field of Buddhist education virtually propelled him into the arena of social service, to meet the unending demand for voluntary social service. The State by itself was unable to shoulder the full responsibility. As President or Chairman of several organisations such as the National Council for the Deaf and the Blind, the Child Protection Society, the Ceylon Cancer Society, the Ceylon National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (CNAPT), Sir Cyril’s leadership and continued munificence sustained the work and activities of these organisations.

Whatever project he led, or cause he espoused, or venture he undertook to execute (and there were many such) he was able to accomplish them, as he had the inborn ability to command the co-operation and interest of those who worked with him. They had utmost confidence in his ability, skill, leadership and above all, with him at the helm, they were certain that the necessary funds would flow in, and in the event of a shortfall, it would come from his private funds, which due to his business acumen and foresight were never at a low ebb.

Stood Tall

As a professional, he stood tall and the Proctors of the country invited him to be the President of the Incorporated Law Society of Ceylon. As President for nine years, he did what others only dreamt of doing, but could not achieve. The storied Law Society building by the Court Complex in Hulftsdrop, which he tirelessly helped to build is a standing monument for him.
One of his striking characteristics was that he wanted any project to be executed with honesty and seen to its completion. What he himself undertook he saw to a ffff leaving behind no burdens, financial or otherwise, no others.
When bus companies were to be nationalized and the buses due to be taken over by the Government-it was said that some bus owners were deliberately not maintaining their buses-it was Sir Cyril’s request to his brother, V.T. De Zoysa, Advocate, who had by then become the Managing Director of the South Western Bus Company, that all buses should be rendered roadworthy and if the tyres were worn out, new sets of tyres should be fitted before the buses were handed over to the Government, whether compensation would be paid immediately or later.
All this would suffice to portray this great gentleman as a patriot of outstanding, accomplishment and achievement.
In the case of Sir Cyril, he had noble dreams and aims. Long before the constitutional command making the state responsible for protecting and fostering the Buddha Sasana was enshrined in the Fundamental Law of the Land, Sir Cyril as a Buddhist Leader considered it his moral obligation to foster the Buddha Sasana. For that he did everything at his command. The Kalutara Bodhi Complex together with the majestic Chitya is the hallowed and glorious land mark on the main Southern Highway. The thousands who pass along the highway and those devotees, who make a special pilgrimage to pay homage to this revered place of worship, can see the life sized statute of Sir Cyril by the highway opposite the Bodhiya. But for Sir Cyril’s determination, fearlessness and energy, this sacred place of worship would not have become what it is today. The manifold programmes carried out throughout at this highly venerated shrine, are most inspiring and make it a shine of great splendour.
To ensure the proper administration and maintenance of the venerated Kalutara Bodhi, the Bodhi Trust was created along with several other stalwarts of the time. In fulfillment of Sir Cyril’s wishes, working the service of the Dhamma is undertaken on a very large scale today. Much support is extended to many Buddhist places of worship and charitable institutions in many parts of the country. Special mention may be made of the initiative taken to help restore the Sri Dalada Maligawa which was attacked by the terrorists, by making a very significant contribution.
The ancient and historic Kiri Vehera in Kataragama built by the Kings of old was in a ruinous state and needing urgent attention. As President of the Kiri Vehera Restoration Society, he organized the collection of funds for the collection of funds for the restoration of this mighty edifice. This work was done under his personal direction and supervision. The restoration became an accomplish fact. The pinnacle was placed on the Stupa in February 1970 by the then Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake. On this occasion, the Prime Minister so moved as to comment that Sir Cyril’s accomplishment was of the order of the feats of the ancient Sinhala Kings.

Place of Worship

Sir Cyril considered it necessary for those who came for business and other work to the metropolis to have a place of worship. Accordingly, he undertook the construction of the building of the Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) Complex and the Vihara in Fort, Colombo.

Sustainable

Sir Cyril’s foresight and business acumen made him realize fully well, that the construction alone of headquarters for any organization will not be sustainable, unless such headquarters have a source of income for their maintenance. He therefore set up a large shopping complex, the rent from which would go towards its management and 9 maintenance. In respect of the original YMBA building, in Borella, the example set by sir Cyril was followed by setting up a large shopping complex, to generate income for the maintenance of the organization of which he was President for seventeen years. It is evident that two of his aspirations in life were to improve the material welfare and the spiritual wellbeing of his countrymen.
On this 108th Birth Anniversary of Sir Cyril, which falls on the 26th of October, his place and standing in this country should be viewed and measured by his achievements. It is opportune that his stature and his contributions to this country be reviewed and his achievements duly appraised. It may be fitting to state that record of his service both to the country and to the Buddha Sasana cannot be easily surpassed.
Another phase of the Buddhist revival which began in the latter part of the 19th century was thus spearheaded by Sir Cyril during the middle of the 20th century. Sir Cyril De Zoysa anchored the final lap with astounding success.
May Sir Cyril De Zoysa’s journey in sansara be short and happy! May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana..!