Towards the upkeep of Sri Lankan's culture in Australia

by Rupa BANDUWARDENA

Life in Australia determined by our own history rooted in British legacy.

Australia is a place that takes you to the days gone by. This lies in Sri Lanka's colonial past when it was ruled by the western powers, British being the last to leave. This is a country reminiscent of Victorian era. One would find heritage buildings as those of Sri Lanka. Familiar road names are similar in both places elegant mansions of British days are found here too.

The most unforgettable experience for me is seeing the contributions made towards the upkeep of Sri Lankan culture by the Sri Lankans domiciled in Australia. At a time that there is an urgent need for the preservation of the treasures of our culture in our own land, the contribution made by the Sri Lankans here is a praiseworthy attempt to fulfill a timely need.

Sri Lankans domiciled here make their contribution in the upkeep and forward march of traditional and cultural values retained in their motherland. Apart from celebrating and commemorating national events, some among them make a positive contribution in their efforts to revive the culture back at home.

The world renowned universities to name a few, such as, Monash, Melbourne, Swinburne, La-Trobe open up a wealth of opportunities to students who while pursuing their studies devote their time to cultural activities to the best of their ability.

When you consider the service rendered by the media, the widely read Sinhala newspapers such as Pahana, Sannasa and Serendib given free you feel as if the life in Aussie land is not immensely different from that of Sri Lanka.

Thanks to the creative writers the articles displayed are mostly based on Sri Lankan social traditional and cultural values past and present creating a distinct Sri Lankan identity.

Sri Lanka's most popular entertaining industry teledrama and music has indeed made an impression here. Those who have excelled in their respective aesthetic fields in music and drama are privileged to be invited and participate in shows which Sri Lankans here do enjoy. At this point you are reminded of the sweet melodies at home. They talk fondly of teachers who conduct classes centered on aesthetic values. With the intention of preserving Sri Lankan tradition rich in cultural heritage, oriental dancing music and art classes are held in various places for the younger generation similar to those held in Sri Lanka. Most of them are selected and trained to take part in national programmes - specially the morning show, which sometimes is opened with songs of our talented veteran music experts. They also work tirelessly to promote Lankan culture in the electronic media producing a remarkable series of programmes for the talented children born and bred here. The parents as well as the participants are thrilled with their own skills and talents. Your memories flash back to the wonderful era in Sinhala drama (Maname) - the brainchild of the gifted genius professor Sarathchandra, the greatest contributor to the drama world who will be honoured in the city of Melbourne - "the place to be". It is good news (Pahana - April 2009) to hear that arrangements are being made to stage "Rattaran" and Elovagihin Melova aawa" to celebrate and commemorate his 95th birth anniversary and the 13th death anniversary of the Great Master. This will be a rallying call to the drama lovers in Melbourne in the most appealing way to honour the illustrious Master.

What a dream come true for Sri Lankans domiciled here when festivals and national events are celebrated here. The new-year festival organized by Ceylon German Technical Training Institute Old Boys Association at Dandenong show grounds, recently attended by a large crowd mostly by Sri Lankans not Sinhala alone but others as well was an outstanding example. That was the biggest crowd puller. The magnificent Sri Lankan New Year games proudly presented by them were the biggest attraction that made the event very special. This was a "must watch" event for those interested in cultural history and tradition of Sri Lanka. In some functions the days proceedings end with "Namo Namo Matha" which make you feel at home. Also "Magul Bera" precedes the arrival of guests as a tribute to Sri Lankan heritage. The display of traditional sweets like Kevum, Kokis, Aasmi offered free at Lankan shops for the New Year too should be mentioned here. Their commitment to keep up the Sri Lankan tradition should be appreciated.

Some have a thriving business in Sri Lankan food items here in Australia.

The entry of Sri Lankan stuff into the market specially meant for Sri Lankans but enjoyed by the multi cultural community including Aussie crowd is amazing. Sri Lankan products that brings the label into the Aussie land.

"Made in Sri Lanka" is one of the main attractions that make them prosper in their business". Various items seen mainly in Lankan shops is a direct reflection of the usual menu over there. Things like "Sambal, pickles, polos curry, brinjal pahi and fish ambul thiyal" remind you of the old fashioned kitchen back in Sri Lanka. These shops well and truly are a good advertisement for Lankan products. It is a credit and an encouragement to national industry back at home. Their well deserved success I feel is due to the fast growing awareness and the admirable regard they have for Lankan products. It encourages exports from Sri Lanka is no secret. Dilmah tea is an outstanding example. They attribute their successes to the support of fellow Lankans in each suburb. Another attraction purely Lankan is that you can sit down to a fine dining at many of Lankan restaurants and food centres in Melbourne - much sought after venues by Sri Lankans for mouth watering delicious meals. The right flavour with true traditional values and the friendly personal service you get are really refreshing.

Just like the tea industry which has attracted the Aussie crowd, colourful batiks is still another item that draws the attention of domiciled fashion conscious Sri Lankans. Batiks a true reflection of Lankans' brilliant creativity adorn many shops here. Hand crafted creations such as wall hangings, cushion covers and the bold modern designs on tops, shirts and kaftans worn by elderly Sri Lankan ladies of both communities, Sinhala and Tamil has a very distinct Sri Lankan identity and also a high demand.

Footwear, leather products, locally produced various picturesque things made out of cane and straw are among the many trade items exported from Sri Lanka.

The temples are the most important places that play a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage where the doctrine is clearly unfolded touching life at all points covering the entire process of moral conduct.

(The service rendered by the Sangha is too wide a subject to be dealt with here). Hindu Kovil is yet another place specially meant for our Tamil brethren as well as the Buddhists who venerate the Hindu gods (deities).

You should also not forget the fact that there are those who make their contribution to national unity and culture as well. Shyaman Jayasinghe could be hailed as a creative writer who probably with his pleasant recollection of the past history, culture and drama (Maname) shares his intellect with the readers in Australia by contributing sensible articles in Pahana and Sannasa which are published in Melbourne.

Coming from a reputed family with a record of brilliant performance in the field of education and culture back at home Asoka Subawickrama (son of well known writer Munidasa Subawickrama) is a deserving name to be mentioned for the significant contribution made to unity and justice in keeping the cultural identity alive.

Jetha Devapura is another name to be mentioned here - the key to the outstanding success of the Bush-Fire Appeal Concert held to raise funds for the victims of the bush fire ravaged areas - a unique task without a parallel where he states that "we stood as one" (Serendib April 2009 and Pahana May 2009). This was well and truly a reflection of Sri Lankan culture as well as the team spirit of Sri Lankan community in Victoria.