Ouch... there goes the Avurudu joy

Experts explain why violence spaks at re-unions and celebratory events:

by Carol Aloysius

Why are family gatherings and festive celebrations in Sri Lanka, increasingly ending in negative outcomes such as home injuries, road traffic accidents, and acts of violence?

Incidents that occurred during and after the New Year celebrations this year, clearly indicate that such negative outcomes are on the rise escalating to unprecedented levels. This disturbing phenomenon begs the question: What causes Avurudu reunions, which begin with so much happy anticipation, turn sour and even tragic in many of our Lankan homes today?

To cite a few let's begin with road traffic accidents. In two separate road accidents, which occurred outside Colombo just a few days ago, over 60 persons were critically injured because the drivers of the buses they were travelling in were drunk and speeding recklessly on the road indifferent to safety of the lives of their hapless passengers. Needless to say the most number of victims were women and children.

Then take those violent acts committed in the house for often very trivial disputes. In Jaffna, where New Year was once observed in a peaceful manner, residents were shocked by the news of a 17-year-old-boy who killed his older brother with a heavy iron when they argued over the new clothes given to them for the New Year by their parents.

Even sports events such as Avurudu sellam took a sour turn in the deep South this year, when the losers beat up their opponents and stabbed one of them fatally. Early this week, another Avurudu sports festival led to many persons being stoned and houses trashed.

Statistics also reveal that patients admitted for treatment at the state hospitals island wide also rose by leaps and bounds this New Year.

To quote Director, Accident Service, Dr Kapila Wickramanayake, road traffic accidents rose by 30 % while home accidents spiked by 35% and 90 persons, mostly from Colombo, sought treatment for injuries from violence during the three days of celebration. A similar spike in New Year related accidents was registered by the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), whose Director, Dr Anil Jasinghe, says the number of road traffic accident victims increased by 30 percent and home injuries by 35% compared to the previous year. In addition 100 patients from all parts of the island were also admitted for injuries from violence.

However, these reported incidents are just the tip of the iceberg. As Health officials and Police sources say, the actual number unreported could be three or four times higher.

So many that even the Police Department finds it hard to keep track on them.

The big question is, why?

What has caused this sudden escalation of New Year related accidents and incidents in our otherwise peace loving society? What triggers off these negative acts at a time when we should be forging family bonds and enjoying each others' company at these family celebrations?

In short: what sparks off this chain of irrational behaviour at this time around?

Answers from a few knowledgeable persons to this question, were interesting, illuminating and thought provoking.

Environment link

According to Dr Romesh Jayasinghe ,a Psychotherapist at the Institute of Mental Health, Bambalapaitiya, environment and climatic changes have a lot to do with the way humans react to certain situations and behave. "Take this month for example. The intense heat we are now experiencing has been preceded by very cold weather . These extreme changes of weather affect our behaviour. Extremely heat during the day tends to increase aggressive and violent behaviour, which probably explains why our road traffic accidents have increased, with drivers in buses and Three-Wheelers unable to cope with the heat and concentrate on their driving, cause accidents through reckless driving. These acts of aggression and violence will increase as the world gets warmer," he predicts.. Pointing to scientific evidence he says, a study in the University of Buffaloa, USA, showed that for every standard deviation of change in climate results in a whopping 14% increase in intergroup conflict while interpersonal violence and domestic violence increased by 4 percent. In Chicago studies showed that crime particular murder, as well as suicide from depression spiked when the weather heats up in late spring.

Can counselling them help?

'Yes" says Dr Romesh. "This is one of our main activities. But it has to be long term counselling where the participants must be prepared to spend time, to be effective. This doesn't happen often, as many stop half-way, claiming they have no leave from work or have lost hope in the system. Furthermore, in our patriarchy society, more women than men attend counselling sessions. Counselling, however, is the key to end his violence.". Which is why the Accident service is continuing to educate all road users giving them guidance and counselling if needed on how to use the roads safely, adds Dr Wickramanayake.

Role of parents

What about teachers and parents. Can they help reverse these negative trends?

Says Dr Jasinghe, "Parents more than teachers have a huge role to play as the child's first six years of development depend largely on the inputs they make. One of the most negative trends today, is the growing number of mothers working outside the home.

Till they return home, children have to be cared for by grandparents or neighbours. Broken homes due to divorce are also becoming very common in our once tightly knit society.

If exposed to such negative trends, especially in the first six years of his life, the child's development emotionally and mentally during the first six years of life and thereafter will be inhibited, resulting in him becoming an emotionally disturbed person. Often solace is found in hard drugs alcohol - mainly kasippu which is cheap and costs next to nothing. this low grade drink damages parts of the brain , especially the frontal lobe completely so that they can't make an informed decision . They act impulsively without fear of the consequences.

Even the law holds no fear for them. Which is why so many bus drivers and three wheelers are driving around like maniacs on the roads breaking all the rules".

Director National Hospital Dr Anil Jasinghe offers a different slant to why road accidents increase during the New Year. He says, "Due to the long stretch of holidays, most people drive long distances on family outings.

As long as they observe the road rules and don't drive under the influence of alcohol, motorists can speed on our roads which now have good infra structure, without causing accidents. But this does not happen as most drivers get drunk during the festivities, causing accidents.

The important thing is to instill Lane Discipline. Take the Southern Highway, which despite its high speeding lanes has the least number of road accidents. Still another aspect which has been neglected is the quality and education level of the drivers. ur own studies have shown that road traffic accidents are usually much less when the drivers are educated, have authorised licences and are carefully screened to ensure they are not under aged or first timers on the roads."