Having now lived in Sri Lanka for
almost three years, i am not sure I am any longer qualified to write as a guide
to tourists.
However here goes.
The diversity of this country is its
real beauty. By diversity I am talking about everything, not just the dramatic
changes in the landscape, the very different climatic regions, the flora and
fauna but the cultural diversity of the people. All the different sectors of
society live side by side, yes many different religions and ethnic backgrounds,
different political outlooks, different levels of education and of course
differing incomes. There is peace and harmony amongst most, there are flare ups
but they are few and far between, there is racism but it is controlled and
rarely raises its ugly head.
A book I read called The Village in
the Jungle by Leonard Wolfe, written in the last century bought alive Sri
Lankan village life. An extreme version but not greatly changed even today. The
sad thing I find about the culture here is the way local people treat each
other on occasions. India has its caste system, Sri Lanka has its own but its
not named, you have to be a local to understand the pecking order.
I have been fortunate to live in
different areas of the country. The beauty of Mahakanda, the simplicity of the
village life in the hills. The kindness and friendship shared amongst the local
people also endowed on the strange Sudo who was at the time the only foreigner
living there, yes me. having two Golden Labradors who were walked daily through
the amazing hillsides i was hard to miss. Many were very frightened at first
but the dogs became well know in the area and all the local children loved to
pet them.
The Galle area is certainly up and
coming and becoming not just an important tourist destination but a creative
hub, driven to a certain extent by the large ex-pat population. The last year
has seen a drive to form a community shared not just by the expats but the
locals as well. it will be interesting over the next year to see how far it
spreads.
I still think tourists here have
more appreciation for what this country has to offer than local
people, maybe they just take it for granted or do not have the ability to see
as much as a tourist does. New eyes make for appreciation of the
ancient wonders, the amazing flora and fauna and of course the local culture.
Everyone should read some of the
countries contemporary writers, I have been pleasantly surprised by how
much I have learnt of the social history , very surprised by the
broadmindedness of some given this is such a conservative country.
I have had many friends visit me
here, most annually come back, not just to see me but re-visit
paradise. Each trip opens their eyes to the wonder of the Island.
