brand logo

‘Be proud of Sri Lanka’s younger generations’ 

04 May 2022

  • US-based Mezzo-soprano Tahanee Aluwihare shares her views on developments in Sri Lanka
By Jennifer Anandanayagam  Boston, Massachusetts-based Mezzo-soprano Tahanee Aluwihare says that watching Sri Lanka go through what it’s going through right now has given rise to a bittersweet mix of emotions within her. She’s frustrated and upset seeing Sri Lankans struggle to survive while she can do very little help living so far away, but there’s also a definite sense of pride that she shares with all Sri Lankans right now.  “Our usually happy-go-lucky society has been moved to mobilise, protest, and use their rights as citizens to show their displeasure at the current administration,” she shares. Aluwihare’s entire family lives in Sri Lanka, so she’s definitely very invested in the developing narrative.  Aluwihare spent her early days in the island nation, right up until she graduated from high school. She was always very involved in the artistic community in Colombo and spent most of her free time outside school at music lessons, rehearsals, or performing in concerts.  She says: “Like most children, I had a mix of interests but the one thing I wasn’t very keen on was sports!”  She had her debut with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka at the age of 17. Since then, she has performed in Asia, Europe, and North America. She made her tri-cities opera debut in Kamala Sankaram’s live streamed virtual reality opera Miranda in the 2020-2021 season. She also made her debut with Boston Camerata as Dido, in Dido and Aeneas, in a virtually staged performance of the opera. We caught up with Aluwihare this week on Write Home About. Why did you move to the US?  I moved for my undergraduate degree at the age of 18, and ended up doing both my undergraduate and graduate work in the US. I moved out of Sri Lanka to complete my higher education, but I ended up working and living in the US and have now made my life here. What’s currently going on in your life – workwise and personally? I’m getting ready for some opera productions in the summer, as the music community tries to return to pre-Covid-19 levels of activity! Otherwise, I’m looking forward to seeing my family in Sri Lanka very soon. While social media has its benefits, it has also created an increase in cancel culture in Sri Lanka right now – particularly with people calling out influencers, well-known people, and others for not doing what they think everyone should be doing by way of protesting, etc., What are your thoughts on this? I think we need to draw a line between “cancel culture” and holding people accountable. I do think that it is necessary to call out companies or individuals with a large amount of influence, and ask them to use their power for the benefit of the country.  There are also many parties that are only interested in the “performative” aspect of social justice. They are happy to make a quick public statement, but take no action to cause real change within themselves and their communities. This is really why accountability is needed.  If you could change three things in Sri Lankan society right now, in view of all that’s happening, what are those three things?
  1. Be open to staying informed and discussing Sri Lanka’s current situation with citizens of other countries. There is so little in the international news about Sri Lanka and people do need to hear our side of the story. Ideally, it would be great to see Sri Lanka’s journalistic visibility improve outside the country.
  2. Be more open to discussing traditionally “taboo” topics and encouraging inclusivity. Discussion and inclusion can only help our society move forward! We are progressing in this direction, but there is always more work that can be done.
  3. Be proud of the younger generations of Sri Lankans that are really passionate about social-justice. They are currently helping enact change in the country and they are really turning the false narrative of “directionless youth” on its head!
You touched on race relations in our previous interview, about how the colour of your skin still dictates a person’s journey in their chosen profession, and particularly in your field of opera. How has your experience of race relations been in the US and how has it been different from your experience here in Sri Lanka? Race is really at the forefront of social justice issues here in the US, and while there is still a long way to go to make things equitable, at least there is an ongoing discussion. In Sri Lanka, while we don’t necessarily grapple with issues of race, we definitely have ethnic and religious discrimination as well as classism.  I do see that there is some discussion of ethnicity and religion now in Sri Lanka, but so much more can be done to include long-ignored minorities in the conversation. However, the issue of class is (to my knowledge) still largely ignored within larger social discourse. How important is it for expats to join hands and help Sri Lanka right now and what do you think are the meaningful ways this can be done? I think it’s so very important for expats to show support in whatever way they are able. Donating to reliable charities (that have been vetted) is always a good course of action. It is important to do due diligence however, and make sure the donations are going to the causes that they are supposed to support.  Other than that, I think checking in regularly with your Sri Lankan friends and family who are currently living on the island could be helpful. Lending a sympathetic ear and being supportive is always free, and I’m sure much needed while the country goes through this period of transition. Anything else you’d like to add? It’s so inspiring to watch Sri Lankan citizens stand up for themselves. I’ve been so amazed at the sense of peaceful camaraderie between so many different groups. My only hope is that we are all able to turn the tide on this crisis soon! ––––––  (Jennifer Anandanayagam is a journalist and editor with over 15 years of experience in Sri Lanka’s print and digital media landscape. She is also a freelance contributor with the SaltWire Network in Canada. She spends her time between both countries)  

Kapruka

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!


More News..