All together now
MAY WE
BE GLAD!

BY Wijith DeChickera

If I had to describe this isle like no other in one word, it would most probably be ‘diversity.’ That island characteristic comes in many shapes and sizes. From the diverse locales Serendip boasts – oceanic, riverine, montane – to flora and fauna in each of these reaches. Taprobane’s offering is a many-splendoured thing, as the song goes… It is a pity then that the inhabitants of Ceylon, Zeilan or Ceilão – as our blessed island has been known over the centuries – have compromised their gift in two ways.

Firstly, by refusing to acknowledge – leave alone celebrate – the diverse jewels in this tropical crown. For instance, we make one language official and sing our national anthem in only that tongue. Being an island that is notoriously susceptible to waves of invasion and subsequent intermingling of ‘races’ (whatever that may mean), we’re insularly blind to the rich mix of blood types running in all of our veins. 

Secondly, by aping – often foolishly – other customs and cultures such that Sri Lanka’s unique identity is bastardised or made a sorry hybrid of diluted worth. Initially, our fond hopes of acceptance were based in the West (including for example, a local political Solomon being so named). But now, the near north has more to say about, say our taste in songs and dance styles. And perhaps later, we’ll ‘go East’… if you get my drift. I say it’s time we took stock of our diversity again; but this time in a fun but not frivolous way. And brought back a modicum of pride in the pleasanter things about life in this isle. Since space is short, I’ll be brief. Sorry if I tread on any sensitive toes. Shall make amends!    

FOOD This is a cardinal opportunity for people of good taste as well as sense. Just add pol sambol to Ceylon Tea as the island’s definitive culinary experience. All you have to do is rebrand it, and find a way to showcase locally and export in hermetically sealed containers. And note the –

-new nomenclature: ‘tender flesh of young coconut infused with chilli and zest of lime with a hint of seafood relish.’ Try the same with kottu (‘deconstructed roti laced with meat/veggie lashings’) and bibikkan (‘the cake that dare not speak its name in cafe society’).

DRINK Scotland has Sir Sean Connery and Scotch. Sri Lanka has its coconut arrack – enough said… Cheers! (For responsible drinking may unite islanders more than the pseudo-spirituality of celestial battery chargers and prophets of prosperity relieving you of that lump in your purse…)

CLOTHES Feeling the heat? Go native in style. It’s time for the ubiquitous but much neglected sarong to make a comeback as the ultimate all-day ‘everywhere-wear’. Comfortable, chic and cost-efficient. You can thank me later, gents – and ladies!

TRAVEL I’d planned to voyage overseas extensively this year. But as April came and with it a realisation that we’d lost paradise (maybe again) a year ago, there was a resolution to see more of Sri Lanka before I journeyed out. And to my chagrin, the number of places including World Heritage Sites in my neck of the woods not visited by me and mine outnumber my must-see destinations of choice around the globe. So World’s End and Horton Plains, here I come… and hold on to the monsoonal May showers for a month or so more, Adam’s Peak!   

FAITH All the world’s great religions to date are represented in our isle. And yet, it is perhaps ironic that islanders get the least grief from their fellows if they – or the other fellow – are atheists or agnostics. Isn’t it time the pantheon of philosophies we have walked the talk of their respective founders? A first step to unity may be found in resisting the temptation to broadcast our piety at earsplitting decibel levels and quietly feed the homeless person at the gates of that temple, church, kovil or mosque. And for heaven’s sake, don’t talk about that…