A nation's battle to reclaim its paradise status amid economic woes
On a visit to Sri Lanka in 1948, the unpredictable playwright George Bernard Shaw observed: “I was convinced that Ceylon is the cradle of the human race because everybody there looks an original. All other nations are obviously mass produced.”
Anthropology was as far from Shaw’s brain as the razor from his beard. But in this observation, he hit upon both a human truth and a Lankan verity.
I returned home a week ago from a working trip to Sri Lanka with mixed feelings. The past few years have not been kind to this island nation due to an economic crisis that has plagued the land.
While there, I was delighted to reconnect with so many friends and grateful that they made time for me despite the short notice and their hectic schedules.
But I felt sad seeing how the common people continue to bear the burden of the country’s economy collapse in their difficult daily lives.
The gap between the haves and the have-nots continues to widen.
Here are some of my observations from the conversations and interactions I made during my visit – leaving out the specifics, respectfully.
These are only a few stories I heard. Many employers are showing compassion towards their employees as they confront their personal issues.
The country is holding its presidential election on 21 September. I pray the burden of the average person will grow lighter, not heavier.
Despite the crisis facing the country, there is no shortage of fuel and cooking gas for the people’s daily needs.
The Sri Lankans are a resilient people who confront adversity with courage and dignity. Hopefully, they will come through and move forward with tenacity and fortitude and emerge once again as the emerald paradise.
The ordinary people deserve a break after a tumultuous period during which they endured immense hardship. This island nation has much to offer tourists and its attraction has not lost its lustre.
On the road to Kandy, I spotted a statue of Sura Saradiel, a bandit popularly known as the Robin Hood of Sri Lanka. He was a hero among the poor and the downtrodden as he robbed from the British administrators and their native Sri Lankan supporters.
Saradiel was eventually captured by police and sent to the gallows on 7 May 1864. But to many Sri Lankans, he remains a hero of the people for his efforts in helping them.
Bharat Avalani is an accomplished marketer who has travelled to 74 countries for various assignments. A regular storyteller, he captivates his audiences with tales drawn from his extensive travels around the world.
Sad indeed Sri Lanka had to face an economic crisis. Hope they get back on the right track towards growth trajectory.
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