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Local personalities talk about their New Year plans in a new normal world
“Sri Lanka is celebrating the resilience, culture, and good nature of its people this April with Avurudu, Puthundu, Easter, and Ramadan all coming just days apart,” Lovi Sarongs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Asanka De Mel observed. He and his brand believes in embracing Sri Lankan traditions and honouring them for years to come. He has always believed in the rich cultural aspects of our country, so as saddening as it is that celebrations were muted in the last two years, he looked on the bright side, adding: “We’re moving forward to a bright post-Covid world!”
No fancy hotels for us: Tarja de Silva
Dance fitness trainer Tarja de Silva told us that she plans to spend the Avurudu holidays this year at their family beach house, located in the little fishing village of Uswetakeiyawa. She spoke about why the beach house is so special to her, adding: “This beach house used to be my favorite holiday home as a child. We are not going to fancy hotels; we are just going to enjoy Avurudu as a family and reminisce on good memories.” De Silva has truly grasped the spirit of family this season.
I’m getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city: Romaine Willis
Local singer Romaine Willis has the right idea this Avurudu. “I'm traveling to the mountains, to beat the heat and especially to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city,” she commented. She plans to go completely off grid, switch her phone off, and connect fully with nature for a whole week, which is not something her career allows her to do very often. She gushed about how excited she is for this and added that she cannot wait for the New Year.
I’ll have a kiribath feast while cursing the firecracker: Shanuki de Alwis
Talk show host and Advocate Shanuki de Alwis explained to us that she doesn't usually do much socially, so even though it is Avurudu, nothing would change for her. “I follow the auspicious practices with my dogs and we all have a good kiribath feast and sleep the day away, whilst cursing firecrackers.” We should all take a leaf out of her book and try to avoid excessive firecrackers this season, keeping in mind how dangerous and uncomfortable they are to our little furry friends.
We need to celebrate keeping those who are struggling in mind: Vraie Balthazaar 
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is something very close to social entrepreneur, activist, and researcher Vraie Balthazaar’s heart. “I celebrated it right throughout my life, despite how far away from home I've been.” She added that her family is quite particular of auspicious times and partaking in those rituals. “I think it’s been really interesting for me now, as a parent, to be conscious to teach our children what it is all about.” But, at the same time, last year we were all under lockdown, which she observed meant that we didn't have a lot of access to anything. She commented: “Even though, this year we are very functional, there are a lot of people that don't celebrate the festival because of last year.” She explained that this is the time where we all need to come together as a community and support all communities, neighbours, and our families. Balthazaar emphasised that we need to be conscious of our actions; the new year holds new beginnings, it's time to move forward and make wiser decisions. “It’s a fresh start. I will be focusing more on making good decisions than on the showy aspects of the celebrations, which we need to be very conscious of given how many people are struggling at this point of time.” She recommends that everyone celebrate the festivities, but to do it with a conscious mind.
Main pic via. Yamu.lk