Development, Economy, Identity

Should we sacrifice progress for tradition?

Are we Sri Lankans laid back as a nation? I have a sneaky feeling that we are, particularly, during New Year celebrations. No doubt, it is a wonderful tradition for family and friends to get together and celebrate. But aren’t the celebrations carried too far, in terms of time! In fact, it has become an excuse for dragging the holiday period further by several more days on account of transport issues and fuel shortages.

In our ancient past, life moved at an easy pace. There was adequate time for fulfilling customs and rituals according to astrological times such as ceasing work, ceasing cooking, lighting the hearth, partaking of meals, bathing, anointing with oil and starting work.

Isn’t it a little anachronistic for us to continue celebrating New Year in an identical manner in this modern era when our economic and social patterns have drastically changed from a largely pastoral to an industrial setting?  – When the pace of life has increased exponentially and as global players require us to be internationally accountable – When speed has become a crucial factor in all what we do as it is a function of cost, quality and efficiency.

It is indeed sad that our leaders have neither the wisdom nor the vision to lead the change required to transform our cultural ethos from the ancient to the modern while continuing to maintain the core cultural values that distinguish us from the rest of the world. In fact, they continue to promote unimportant rituals like the anointing with oil with state pomp and pageantry. An amusing sight at least to some of us! Undoubtedly, ancient rituals and traditions must be recorded and remembered for progeny but their practice must be modified in keeping with the times if we are to progress and keep pace with the rest of the world.

Isn’t it time that we educated the public on the financial loss to the nation due to the virtual closing down of the public and private sector for one whole week every year in addition to the numerous national holidays that our nation is reputed for. Can we afford such financial excesses whilst operating in a globalized world which requires meeting stringent dead lines in business if we are to compete successfully with other nations on a level playing field-?  -without GSP plus, for example. Definitely not!

Its time for the masses to be informed of the adverse economic consequences of over-celebrating New Year and other religious occasions, in particular, Vesak which results in an unconscionable consumption of electrical power through the construction of massive Thoranas, irrespective of public or private funding. Notwithstanding the great religious significance of the occasion, the nation has to be cautious of the frivolity in over-celebrating. Ironically, Vesak day which should be recognized with greater emphasis on meditation and contemplation has taken a unnatural turn towards the more fun and frolic nature of the occasion typifying the saying ‘Yamang Bando Vesak balanda’.

Most Sinhala Buddhist extremists will be outraged by this article. But alas!  it is the bitter truth and hopefully the message will get  through.