By Sanith de Silva Wijeyeratne
For generations the original Woodstock Festival has occupied a hallowed space in popular collective psyche. A vast multitude gathering in a single open field to listen to the leading musical artists of the time all to promote peace , love and harmony. Generations later, attendees will go on to tell their grandchildren about their experience, reveling in the fact that they felt part of something that would go on to alter generations , a pivotal moment in their country’s existence, the echoes of which continue to resonate resoundingly with us all. An event that has come to symphonize the ideals of brotherhood peace and unity. ( And yes I know there was a significant amount of smoking , indulging and carnal interaction as well – but that’s beside the point )
Now shift the stage to a vast open green in the capital of Sri Lanka. Over 8 days , Millions ( and no that is not an exaggeration ) of Sri Lankan Citizens, from every race, religion, social status and even political ideology have come to one place- Galle Face Green, to show their collective disgust against the de-facto ruling family and its merry band of corrupt political sycophants. And despite very misleading international media coverage, there has not been any violence during the entire event. Rather this has now become a case study in how to do mega demonstrations, with millions of people in cohesion and with a shared vision. ( and yes just like Woodstock we have our own tents )
The Police and Armed forces are in attendance to assist, and they receive their deserved respect by the attendees as they carry on their vital duties. Many sub-groups carry out their own mini rally’s along the entire stretch. I saw young ladies walking around with no worry about safety, mothers carrying infants, young children and Old Grand Parents ( many who have made a special trip down to the nation’s capital to be there) all making sure that they have made their own mark on the Nation’s demand for the removal of these corrupt individuals.
Donors have set up tents with free water, people hand out biscuits and snacks to passing attendees, traditional performances of dance and music take place, many religious leaders of all religions are in attendance, on Maundy Thursday the Christian ceremony of ‘washing of feet ‘ was enacted on the green with participating attendees, the Muslim breaking of fast took place with many others joining – all this in a predominantly Buddhist country. Many occasions of multi religious harmony and cooperation have been shared on social media… and the list goes on. The politicians that have gained their offices by sowing hate, religious discord and promoting intolerance and violence have done what nobody before ( at least in my memory ) has been able to – UNITE the country across race, religion and social standing behind the one goal- GET RID OF THEM.
On Saturday, I was joined the call for 100 voices to represent the theatre, choral, musical and performing arts of the country joining together to sing. Probably 500 showed up to the mini event and sang the theatrical anthem “Do you hear the people sing” from the revolutionary classic Les Misérables. And I saw for myself everything that transpired. And I took along my son – because he too will want to tell his grandchildren about this time ( and his part in it ) … a time when color , creed, community meant NOTHING, a time when every voice was raised in total harmony, and the entire NATION came together to SING… “When the beating of your heart Echoes the beating of the drums There is a life about to start When tomorrow comes“
Welcome to the Sri Lanka Woodstock ! May it too prove to be a pivotal point in our nation’s history.
About the author
Sanith is the Director / CEO of The Carbon Consulting Company a leading environmental advisory body in South Asia. He is a widely recognised speaker on Climate Change and Corporate Sustainability, and has been awarded the coveted Global CSR Leadership Award in 2017. He was also appointed at a Mentor Lead for The Global Climate Leadership Corps by former US Vice President Al Gore. He is also the Managing Director of the new Digital Strategy and Design Thinking Consultancy – Altered Experience”