Journalist's view | Faiths, fashions, and resilient spirit of Sri Lanka

By Felicia LI

Continue my story...

"I believe in myself because I insist that lack of faith makes people afraid of meeting challenges," this sentence rose before my eyes when our local driver, Frank, asked me, "Do you have any religions? "

To be honest, as a materialist who takes stock in 'strive change life, carve out change destiny,' my religion is the inward of myself.

So I told Frank, "I think myself is my god." (I know it's delusional)

I wasn't expecting Frank to accept my insane words calmly, and he said: "You know, I have a very long name, Paththini Kuttige Frank Sebastian Niranjan Nonis."

Me: "Frank Sebastian? Why do you have an English name in the middle?"

"Because I am Christian, and we must have an English name," said Frank, then he shared his religion with me in a flood of words.

Regarding religion, people always have a lot of tongues, especially some unpleasant expressions filled on social media platforms, e.g., Quora and X. However, there may be some proper ways to solve those conflicts, just like Frank and I, by sharing, listening, and understanding each other; worse than different beliefs is the closing of the heart.

(Video provided by Zhang Pengpeng / DotDotNews)

The island of Sri Lanka is a tapestry of spiritual traditions woven with intricate threads of beliefs—the dominant faith of Buddhism, embraced by 70% of the population. This country's landscape is dotted with a myriad of temples and Buddhist statues.

Yet, Sri Lanka's religious diversity extends far beyond the prevalence of Buddhism. The histories of colonial rule have left an indelible mark, with significant populations of Christians, both Catholic and Protestant, as well as the resonant influence of Islam brought to these shores by Arab traders.

Venture northward, one is met with the presence of Hinduism, accounting for approximately 12% of the Sri Lankan population, primarily concentrated among the Tamil minority. Meanwhile, the prosperous southwestern region may not have visible signs of this ancient faith.

I have been struck by how Sri Lanka's religious landscape reflects the island's complex history and the resilience of its people. It is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability, as diverse faiths have found a way to thrive and coexist in this remarkable island nation, creating a rich and vibrant cultural background.

As immersed in the vibrant Sri Lankan society, I have been captivated by the diverse cultural heritage and the people's spiritual conditions. This densely populated island nation is a melting pot of ethnic groups with unique cultural traditions and dressing expressions.

(Video provided by Zhang Pengpeng / DotDotNews)

Most of the population is Sinhalese, which makes up 74.9% of the total population. With their distinct Aryan features and physical characteristics, the Sinhalese people resemble their Indian counterparts. In contrast, the Tamil minority, comprising 15.4% of the population, is predominantly concentrated in the northern regions and exhibits a more Southeast Asian phenotype with darker complexions.

In the bustling capital of Colombo, the people have embraced a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle, donning contemporary attire. Yet, the spirit of the Sri Lankan people transcends the pursuit of material – women enjoy a relatively high social status, occupying prestigious professions in law, medicine, and education, defying traditional gender norms.

Mirroring the global trends, the clothes choices of the Sri Lankan people reflect this dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. In the cities, women increasingly abandon the traditional sari in favor of more fashionable and convenient dresses, while men favor suits, ties, and shirts.

But beneath the surface, despite the economic challenges facing this developing country, young people are optimistic and energetic, thanks to their education system that provides free education from kindergarten to university. The proliferation of schools and students' enthusiasm attest to the Government's commitment to nurturing the next generation.

(Video provided by Zhang Pengpeng / DotDotNews)

As Sri Lanka forges closer ties with China through the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of economic zones and ports, the country's economic prospects appear promising. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and resilient people, Sri Lanka is poised to emerge as a vibrant and dynamic player on the global stage, captivating the world with its unique charm and boundless potential.

 

Also Read：

Journalist's view | Navigating sights, sounds, and surprises of Sri Lanka