Arts
‘To be Lankan is many things’
It is just not our birth certificates and passports that make us Sri Lankan. From the way that we talk, our mannerisms, our rich culture and heritage, there is a lot that binds us together as one proud nation.
As we celebrate 72 years of Independence, it is important that we don’t forget the little things as well as the big things that make us true Sri Lankans. This week we asked people what they feel made them Sri Lankan as well as what significance Independence Day held in their lives.
Disura Lokupitiya
Saanaaree Manoratne
“All those quirky behavioural traits in me that I share with my fellow islanders, that we are loved and hated for. We whine, complain and bicker like old aunties but also passionately share, care, laugh, love a good baila and fight for our identity if anyone questions it,” says 40-year- old Shanuki De Alwis who is the face behind the ‘Shh Talkshow’.
Disura Lokupitiya, a CIMA student believes that the ‘human’ characteristic within ourselves is what makes us Sri Lankan. “For instance, while walking on a road, if I see anyone passing by I will always smile at them, even if it is a stranger because at the end of the day we all are humans. This is not something which I only do but most Sri Lankans do which I do not observe mostly in developed countries,” he says.
“Most people feel an innate affinity to the nation of their birth. However what defines us and me especially as Sri Lankan is the absolute ease with which all communities here have merged and created an absolutely unique sub-culture with its own English dialect, mannerisms and cuisine. This sense of shared oneness is what makes me Sri Lankan,” shares Nisreen Mahmud — a retired Designer and happy mother of two.
“I think to be Sri Lankan is many things. We are known for our smiles, hospitality and generosity. We are family-oriented people and love gossip. I am so Sri Lankan because even when living in the UK, I sip Ceylon milk tea three times a day and crave sambol with roast paan. When I catch a cold I drink samaham (knowing well it’s not a cure!) and pass a few packets to my friends,” says entrepreneur Sonia Richard, aged 21.
Mudith Mannapperuma, a 25-year-old Game Designer/ Developer highlights the perseverance Sri Lankans show when faced with adversity. “I would say a good quality I’ve seen in Sri Lankans is our ability to come together and help during hard times. Or tough situations. It is more likely that people around an accident or disaster would immediately get to helping than ignore it. That is something beautiful that does show our unity.”
“The food! You know you’re a true Sri Lankan when you can handle even the spiciest of food,” says Sadé Greenwood, an 18-year-old student and model.
What do you think binds all of Sri Lanka’s different ethnicities and religions together as a whole?
As a successful theatre director, Jehan Aloysius shares with us how his creative works are based on personal experiences as they are inextricably linked to his Sri Lankan identity.
He firmly believes that it is our humanity that binds us all together. “We are all members of the human race, merely dwelling in the confines of an island. It is meaningless to discriminate and demonise difference, but rather it should be celebrated as vibrant culture and a unique identity which relies on symbiosis and has a shared history. “
Sonia Richard
Sadhana Vikrantha
He believes we should celebrate through art and by looking to the future as one society. “If we are indeed a free nation, we should dispel any elements that attempt to marginalize or discriminate against any segment of our society and fracture the unity that we should use as the foundation for a rich and positive future,” he says.
“A multicultural school and multicultural education. A school that includes a multicultural classroom where both the students and teachers are accepting of all races, cultures and religions. This acceptance should be evident in the books that are read, the activities that are completed, the lessons that are taught,” says Maryam Ghouse, 22, who has just completed her degree in Business and Management.
“I don’t think many things tear us apart. In general, the Sri Lankans I know and associate with are bound together from birth, with friendship, intermarriage, interfaith and respect. But I think our love of Sri Lankan food helps, every family I know of, whether Sinhalese, Burgher, Borah, whatever, loves a good kiribath and katta sambol, rice and curry, biriyani or lamprais,” says Sadhana Vikrantha, 37, who works in Sales and Marketing.
What significance does Independence Day hold for you?
Jehan Aloysius
“I do not believe in this whole idea of ‘Independence Day’ where we commemorate breaking away from our country’s colonial ties. I would prefer to have a republic day to honour or pay tribute to all Sri Lankans in the past and present who have tirelessly contributed to making this country a better place for fellow Sri Lankans, ” 24-year-old Law student Saanaaree Manoratne says.
“A very special place. Independence Day acts as a reminder of how much blood, sweat and tears had to be sacrificed for the freedom of our nation. This reminder creates a renewed sense of gratitude and pride for my country each year,” says Yasonil Piyatissa, 22, who is pursuing media studies.
“Misplaced pride in the achievements of those who struggled decades before my conception,” says Roshan De Selfa, a 25-year-old Lead Game Artist.
“A day that Sri Lanka was at one of its strongest moments. For me, coming from a British- Sri Lankan family it has a very important place in my heart. Sri Lanka is my home and Independence Day made my home stronger and unified the country even more,” says Sadé Greenwood.
“I personally have mixed feelings about it. Sometimes I feel if we were still under the British our country would have been in a much better place in terms of political and economical stability and development. However, 4th of February is a day to be celebrated because of the freedom gained to uphold the true values of being a Sri Lankan,” says Maryam Ghouse.