Aluth Avurudu thoughts

The price those of us who opted to live away from our motherland for whatever reason, pay is missing the wonderful festivals Sri Lanka is famous for, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year being one of most important among them. It is a unifying occasion.

- By Dr UPUL WIJAYAWARDHANA

I am reminded of my childhood in my village Godagama, two miles from Matara, a crop of hamlets surrounded by paddy fields laid bare at this time, after a bountiful harvest. This was before the Nilwala flood protection scheme dried up the paddy fields forever! Apart from all the games we played and the festivities, my vivid memories are of partaking a meal made of kiribath made from the fresh harvest of Ma Wee at the auspicious hour dressed in new clothes of the lucky colour, enhanced by Cadju curry, Seeni Sambol and all the accompaniments like Kevum, Kokis, Asmeee, Aluwa, not forgetting Kolikuttu, Anamalu, and the most delicious fruit of all, Mango!

Due to my age and the recent unexpected death of my wife Primrose, I am in a more reflective than a celebratory mood this year. Foremost on my mind is the thought: why we cannot be united, especially when we share many things including our own New Year.