It’s safe to say that there has been some discourse around Independence Day celebrations, particularly about how much taxpayer money will be allocated for what is widely regarded as a generally unnecessary display. 

Considering the state of the country, our economy, and the suffering of our people, no one would have batted an eye had we chosen to skip the celebrations just this once, but it is happening no matter how much we yell and stomp our feet, so let us move on. 

Making an effort to look at the bright side as our nation reflects back on 75 years of independence, The Sunday Morning Brunch turned to the public to gauge its thoughts on how far we’ve come. While we are well aware of our realities, it cannot be denied that Sri Lanka has come a long way since 1948, with many positive steps forward. 

Brunch also posed a question on envisioning a perfect world to the members of the public, asking what they believed a perfect world, or a utopia, would look like. 

Being open-minded 

Amila De Silva 

If I were to think of a perfect world, it would have to be one of absolute equality. If I have the freedom to completely envision a fantastical situation, then I really do think that if citizens are open-minded in nature, a lot of our world’s problems will be fixed. Much of Sri Lanka’s political turmoil stems from our leaders and their divide and conquer tactics. If we as a society were not so easily swayed by the fear-mongering about other races taking over and othering people, we would all be a lot happier. 

For me, it’s easy to imagine a perfect world because I think our society as it is today has the potential to be open-minded and to be kind and understanding, because we have the capacity to extend kindness to those who are close to us – we only need to expand that circle a bit further. Then maybe, just maybe, we can leave all of that drivel and noise behind and focus on the more important things. 

Equal opportunity 

Sandunika Shavindi 

I think Sri Lanka as a perfect world would be one where equal opportunity is afforded to all. As things stand, there is a huge gap when it comes to innovation. I think there is a deep pool of talent just waiting to be discovered, but for numerous reasons, whether due to lack of exposure, lack of resources, etc., there are many whose potential remains untapped. 

Sri Lankans, possibly due to having experienced decades of war and violence, have this ingrained attitude of being alright as long as things are just okay. The Aragalaya was truly an anomaly in that it was a nearly unexpected response from Sri Lankans who are usually happy to just let things be. 

However, in the aftermath, we can see that the leaders know exactly how to crush the spirit of an uprising. Anyway, I do think that if innovators are given the opportunity and if students are encouraged to think outside the box, to take risks without fear of loss or reprimand, and they are not required to always get the best test scores for a better future, then we would take one step closer to utopia.

Education 

Gaveesha Ratnaweera 

One of Sri Lanka’s major issues right now is our perceived culture and how we allow it to divide us. I don’t really think this has to be a utopia, it is possible in real life if we just fix our education system. A lot of this comes down to unlearning generational racism and cultural and religious discrimination, and learning how to respect one another and to embrace your own and others’ differences. These are things that have to be taught to people. While some people may have the inherent ability to figure it out for themselves, the majority of us need to be taught how to respect people and it has to be done at a young age. 

Responsible spending 

Malshika Warnapura 

I know it is almost redundant at this point to talk about Independence Day celebrations and the ridiculous numbers devoted to expenditure, but I can’t help but bring it up. We as a country would be so much better off if we could simply learn how to manage our money. Our Government has historically been absolutely terrible at managing money and of course we have large-scale corruption allegations against our leaders. In general, when you listen to the reading of the budget, you can see how our priorities are simply a clown show.

By the time this article goes to print, we would have already endured these ridiculous celebrations, so there is really no point, but never have I felt more disappointed in the way our country has behaved, and that is saying a lot considering that our country has been a sinking ship for the better part of the last two years. 

I do think, however, that money management might get just a bit better with these taxes. People are more aware of how much we are paying the State and as a result I hope they will be more conscious and attentive about how the State spends our money. 

‘The Utopia Playbook’

In exploring the topic of utopia, this Independence Day, Sri Lankan author Ayesha Ratnayake will also be launching her latest book titled ‘The Utopia Playbook’.  

Ayesha shared that the book explored the thought of utopia: “Have you ever wondered what a perfect world might look like? Utopia being the imagined place where everything is perfect, would be a world of perfect happiness, health, equality, and abundance.”

Ayesha noted that ‘The Utopia Playbook’ was about the countries that led the world in all the metrics that mattered and how they came to do just that. It is the result of nearly two years of research and the book explores nations such as Finland – the happiest country in the world, Bhutan, which is carbon neutral, and Hong Kong, which has the longest life expectancy. 

It discusses what Sri Lankans generously donate to over 50 other countries, how Denmark has doubled its GDP while halving carbon emissions, and why South Korea ranks among the most innovative countries. She shared how readers would discover places from around the world where people can safely leave their babies in strollers by the street, why the language you speak can make you more or less likely to save for retirement, how one country is creating a nicotine-free generation, and where drone technology is used to grow new forests.

The book also reflects on one’s own nation. If you are curious about what we could be doing differently to build an environment of abundance, take the time to read ‘The Utopia Playbook’. 

“‘The Utopia Playbook’ is for everyday citizens who dream of a better world. It is for current and future educators, activists, economists, policymakers, politicians, and pressure groups. Because whether you are suffering in a failed country or curious about how much better things could be, you deserve to live in utopia,” Ayesha said.

‘The Utopia Playbook’ is Ayesha’s third book. Her first book, ‘Cheat Sheets for Life,’ has sold over 4,500 copies worldwide, been translated into five languages, and become an Amazon bestseller in multiple categories. 

‘The Utopia Playbook’ is available in paperback form at Jumpbooks.lk for Rs. 3,190. The Kindle ebook, which can be read on a phone or computer, is currently on discount on Amazon for just $ 0.99.