With the economic crisis having dealt a severe blow to almost all aspects of the public’s lives, whether this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year could actually be “celebrated” as was done in the past is highly debatable. While a large share of the population is struggling to find even their daily meals, many are barely able to make ends meet. Regardless, the public seems to be all set to use the New Year to have some level of relief amidst the economic crisis.

This is the first Sinhala and Tamil New Year that comes after the economic crisis reached a peak in May-June of last year (2022). However, despite the fact that some impacts of the crisis have been alleviated to a certain extent, and the disorderly situation they led to has been stabilised considerably, the economic crisis is still a pressing issue to many. That is why it should be considered a time of sharing and caring, as was in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The responsibility of taking care of the crisis affected population lies primarily with the Government. Even though it has announced several measures aimed at easing the economic burden in this festive season, it is the general understanding that those measures need to reach more people and support in more ways than merely providing handouts. It is a fact that the public’s lives did not see the same level of stability due to inflation and goods shortages, and that therefore, it is too early for the Government to limit its relief programmes only to the groups identified as the “most affected” or “vulnerable”.

Those who are in a position to assist fellow citizens also have a significant role, as the Government cannot practically take care of every economic crisis-affected citizen. Those who are in high income groups should share what they have with those who are not as privileged whenever possible, and it is a practice that social workers should also promote. Volunteer organisations, civil society organisations as well as various welfare groups should expand the existing programmes such as community kitchens, and these will certainly be useful even after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Needless to say, these efforts should receive the Government's assistance in any way possible, and such initiatives are unlikely to be hindered by the lack of resources as they are identified by international bodies that assist Sri Lanka such as the International Monetary Fund as necessary steps.

Above all, both Government and private parties have a shared responsibility in this festive season. That is to be mindful of each other’s rights when dealing with national level issues such as reforms including those pertaining to taxes and State owned enterprises, the socio-economic crisis, corruption and irregularities, political reforms, and human rights related issues. Their actions, particularly trade union actions and the Government's response, should not worsen the burden of the economy on the public. It is time to rethink how the fight between these parties adversely impacts the public that they claim to protect and serve.

As has been said many times, the process of recovering from the economic crisis is a long term and arduous task. In that long process, taking care of each other and prioritising that during events of national importance is the least that we can do. At the end of the day, there is so much that can be done with the limited resources that the country has, if the Government and the people are flexible.