Buddhist monks are a common sight in Sri Lanka. Their bright orange or red robes (colour depends on status) often clad with a matching umbrella makes them a noticeable entity. Their presence is ubiquitous – on public transport, shopping, in the university canteen or lecture theatres and squashed inside three-wheeled ‘tuk tuks.’ They are sometimes solitary figures, but then big groups of recently initiated young boys with clean shaven heads are also common sights. Monks clearly command respect here yet their integration into the local community is prominent and emphasizes a feeling of cohesion and unity. They also hold a political presence, wielding a great deal of influence with the Sri Lankan government. Many believe that the most effective way to reach a conflict resolution in Sri Lanka would be to involve the monks in the peace negotiation process at local level.

The monks in Palana West are no less important within their local community, and were active in the rescue and rehabilitation programme following the tsunami disaster. They welcomed us warmly into the village and, after kneeling before them on the floor to show respect, immediately made us feel at ease in their presence. One of the senior monks, Chanderatne Thero illustrated his friendliness when he proclaimed Marc to be his “best friend” within minutes of meeting him. Although whether this is due to his very ‘English’ mannerisms or simply due to his status as a male amongst thirteen girls, we are not sure!

The village monks have been eager to become involved in our activities in Palana West, and vice versa. One afternoon, Marc, Hannah and Kate R. organized a Shramadana activity, where the children helped clean up the village temple. The boys swept up the dead leaves from the Bo tree and cleaned the white structure surrounding the tree, whilst the girls prepared bowls of flowers to offer to the Lord Buddha. One the temple had been cleaned, the local teacher asked the three Durham students to take part in the Puja ceremony, and, standing amongst the children, passed the offerings in a line to Chanderatne Thero, who then placed the bowls before the statue of the Lord Buddha inside the temple. Then, the teacher made the children and the Durham students to sit cross-legged outside the temple. Chandernatne then called Marc over, and asked him to sit at his feet as he recited some Buddhist prayers, which the children repeated.

It is a privilege and hugely interesting to witness this aspect of Sri Lankan Buddhist culture, and to be given the chance to interact with the people who are so respected in their society.