Let us remember to cherish the harmony and religious inclusivity of the Aragalaya !
Sri Lanka witnessed the revolutionary upheaval firsthand. For the first time, Sri Lankans of all races, religions, and socioeconomic classes are demonstrating together against the worsening sufferings brought on by the country’s economic problems since independence. Since the Covid-19 epidemic broke out, living on the “paradise island” has been harder and worse, but the situation was made worse by the Rajapaksa regime’s return, which has been accountable for widespread financial mismanagement and poor policy choices. The Aragalaya, notably GotaGoGama at Galle Face, gave a never-before-seen platform for people from all walks of life to join together. Without the need for a question, this was a momentous chapter in Sri Lankan history and a milestone event. The assembly of individuals from diverse religious backgrounds and ethnic groupings served as a striking symbol of the people’s movement. This new arena looked to be effective in questioning and challenging a number of long-held ideas regarding the state of intercommunal unity and harmony.
Negative attitudes and ideas towards religious organizations that are rooted in society for political purposes may remain because such opinions may be accepted by ordinary people. In many respects, the maintenance of unfavorable views and unfriendly actions against specific religious groups is dictated not just by politicians’ political objectives, but also by the political interests of the people. The extent of cooperation and friendship among the protesters is the most amazing aspect of all. GotaGoGama has continued to be astonishingly calm, peaceful, and accepting despite hundreds of attendees from every demographic, profession, and subculture – this in a nation not long away from a 30-year civil war. Contrary to what previous generations and those in underprivileged areas of the island, particularly in the war-torn North and East, encountered when they protested for their rights and freedom of speech, the movement gained strength and popularity from its capital location and young leadership.
The Aragalaya got significant support from members of the Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim clergy, and the location came alive with festivities throughout Easter, Ramadan, and the Sinhala and Tamil New Years. These open displays of solidarity are a historically unprecedented occurrence in a nation that has been sharply divided along ethnic and religious lines for years..
Therefore to underline that preserving religious freedom and cohabitation is a complex social, political, economic, and cultural issue that transcends piety or religious ideas and beliefs. The Aragalaya provided a substantial place that demonstrated the possibility of engaging in debates and dialogues regarding the numerous obstacles and concerns that occur while striving to secure inter-religious tolerance and cooperation. At the same time, this article indicates that there is a critical need and importance for these conversations and dialogues on religious freedom to be expanded beyond the national level, while acknowledging and recognizing the complexities that exist in the day-to-day lives of religious communities on the ground.
Reference
Rieger, J. (2022) Notes from the field: Sri Lanka’s revolutionary ‘aragalaya’, The Asia Foundation. Available at: https://asiafoundation.org/2022/07/20/notes-from-the-field-sri-lankas-revolutionary-aragalaya/ (Accessed: 16 June 2023).
Silva, S. (2022) Religious freedom and coexistence: Beyond the aragalaya, Groundviews. Available at: https://groundviews.org/2022/10/20/religious-freedom-and-coexistence-beyond-the-aragalaya/ (Accessed: 16 June 2023).
