Despite its smallness in the geographical dimension, the people of this resplendent Island have stoically preserved an amiable disposition although the general mass consists ethnic and religious diversions. They harmonize at a national level blending with each other on common grounds and fanatic eruptions are nipped in the bud by the people themselves if a threat to national harmony is felt. Further, civic riots and crises are now abhorred by all knowing the dire straits that the country could face in economic and development efforts thereby.
Right now it could be claimed that Sri Lanka is one of the safest places for foreigners on a visit. Tourism for this reason is anticipated to grow leaps and bounds in the next few years since it is the pulse of the local folk that gear this trend forward. There are a lot of interaction between the North, East and the South especially in business and travel after a devastating internal strife came to an end a few years ago. The younger generation especially have focused on cooperative activities and living deviating from unnecessary obsolete societal trends. One reason could be the exposure to universal trends via the media and internet and also many having the opportunity to have stints abroad either for education or employment or both.
The majority being Buddhists and Hindus second to these the culture basically is founded on both these Asian religious infrastructure. However, the impact of Christians and Muslims cannot be ignored when it comes to the society as a whole. Concentrations of cultures and religious segments although vivid yet they do not impose any polarity as the Government prevents such ethnic or religious extremes, for the good of the tiny nation.
Religious places of worship can be easily identified by their symbolic structures. The Buddhist Temples have the white dome-like structures and obviously a Buddha Statue in the precincts while a Hindu Temple could be seen with their polytheistic figures. Muslim mosques too have a common frontage with a prominent crescent and star signage. The Christian Churches usually have the Spire or Steeple but not as tall as the ones you see in the European continent. These places of worship are exclusively preserved and adhered by the respective community and they serve as the unifying places to gather and strengthen the devotees’ fraternity.
What marvels a visitor is that the community is not easily triggered by religious fanatics. Instead, dress, food, sports, celebrations employment etc. are all shared with mutual understanding and whenever possible, on equal terms. Even languages find a platforms to be used interchangeably when required and the children are engaged to learn all three languages at an early age. The two national languages are Sinhala and Tamil whilst English is widely employed as an International language and also one of the official languages.
Modern trends have invaded into the terrains of dress fashions, sports, and also celebrations and partying. The gurus of architecture while provide foreign designs in order to cater to those who prefer such, yet thrive to pres3rve a national and traditional outlook. AS such, buildings and particular homes too pose a wide range to admire.
In this manner and in many maters, Sri Lankans avidly rise up to moving trends while holding on to the sentiments of the past as well. You have to be here to get the deep rooted culture in focus and also the transforming but affable society.