Avurudu reflections

The Sinhala and Hindu New Year is an age-old tradition in this country and the same occasion - the transition of the Sun from Pisces to Aries - is celebrated in many Asian countries, under different names. It is a joyous event that brings all Sri Lankans together. Although primarily celebrated by Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus, it has become a national event which sees the active participation of all communities and religious groups.

This Sinhala and Hindu New Year is very significant as this is the first time in several decades that the entire country is united under the National Flag. The terrorists have been crushed and are now holding on to a very limited land area designated as a Safe Zone for civilians. nearly three decades. In fact, this process is taking place as we write.

Thus this New Year would see the dawn of peace all over the island, including the North and the East. They were once among the most prosperous regions in the country, but years of conflict and LTTE tyranny had reduced them to under-developed regions.

The Security Forces earlier liberated the East, where development is now taking place under a Provincial Council and local bodies elected by the people. The same process would no doubt be applied to the North once the humanitarian mission of rescuing trapped civilians is completely over.

The linking of the North and the South after several decades is worthy of celebration in itself. There could not have been a better occasion than Avurudu to reinforce the bonds between Northerners and Southerners, who were kept apart by the conflict, even though no divisions existed in their minds. Northern farmers are again sending their produce to Colombo and Southern products are reaching the North. Almost every product available to the consumers in Colombo is now available to the people in Jaffna peninsula. The Government has also sent all essentials to the Wanni civilians.

This Avurudu, let us also remember those who have made peace and liberty possible - the members of the valiant Security Forces and the Police. Most of them will not be with their families at the Avurudu table, as they are serving the Motherland on land, at sea and in the skies. Some have made the Supreme Sacrifice in the defence of the Nation. We must remember them and their families as we celebrate the New Year.

Unity will be a key theme for the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. Unity - and peace - begin at home. Avurudu is perhaps the only event that motivates an entire nation to sit down for a meal at the same time and begin work at the same time. Avurudu teaches us the value of togetherness, forgiveness, punctuality, peace and co-existence. These concepts should begin at home.

Avurudu also reminds us of the value of traditions handed down from generation to generation.

Some may dismiss auspicious times and these traditions as archaic beliefs that do not belong in the modern digital era, but they are rituals that bind our society together and give us time to take a short break from a 'rat-race' lifestyle centred on monetary gains.

How many families even sit down for a meal every day? That is a result of commercialism taking over our very lives, to the detriment of time-honoured family bonds and traditions.

Thus Avurudu is a time for renewing these bonds within families and among relatives. It is a time to give and forgive. We should forget animosities that give rise to hatred and radiate compassion instead.

Engaging in religious observances brings religion closer to our lives which are veering away from moral values. The tradition of worshipping our elders reminds us of the need to honour and care for our parents and elders at a time when they are neglected in many societies.

Ganu Denu (transactions) goes beyond the literal monetary meaning to the concept of give and take - that sharing and caring should be an integral part of our lives.

Every New Year ritual has a meaning and a purpose. They prepare us for a fresh New Year filled with fresh resolutions. However, such resolutions would be meaningless if they are not carried out. We should be determined to see them through, despite any obstacles that might impede our progress.

This Avurudu, our main resolution as a nation should be achieving peace and harmony. The conflict that dragged on for nearly 30 years has destroyed the very fabric of this nation. The Security Forces have given us hope that the scourge of terrorism would be ended once and for all, paving the way for a political solution that satisfies the peaceful aspirations of all communities. Now is the time to shed all differences - ethnic, religious or political - and support the endeavour to establish lasting peace in our resplendent isle. There is no doubt that the coming New Year would be a crucial period in the long history of this land. We should all play our part in making history by working towards peace in our hearts and peace in our land in the New Year.