The humble action of these youth is a testament to their nation’s policy on effective recycling and the discipline in their homes. It was almost like a subtle public relations campaign to the sporting community….
Football fans across the world were pleasantly surprised recently, by the amazing actions of hundreds of Japanese fans. This manifestation of team oriented behavior was watched by millions online and applauded. After their match with Colombia the Japanese team left the stadium. The young footie’s stayed behind. They had brought recyclable garbage bags in advance, and took time to clean the entire stadium - taking plastic cups, packets of food, water bottles and paper. The humble action of these youth is a testament to their nation’s policy on effective recycling and the discipline in their homes. It was almost like a subtle public relations campaign to the sporting community. Japan created a unique moment in sporting history- after the game!
While the youtube video went viral on facebook, thousands of Sri Lankan youth also watched in excitement. But sadly not even a hundred of them can say that they have ever done such an act. Yes they do organize a massive cleanup campaign now and then (which is good) but they don’t do it as a consistent habit.
A visit to a shopping mall in any major town will show how young people (and adults) litter the area. Even the behaviour at these food courts is far from refined. I have been shocked to see the polythene and paper thrown at college cricket encounters. Another prime example is a visit to Galle Face green on Sunday morning- the esplanade is littered with polythene bags and food sachets from Saturday night. Popular parks and pristine beaches are another place for trash to be thrown. If we dive further into the actions of our citizens main railway stations and bus terminus are examples of how people spit and urinate in public platforms - this is disdainful.
Another action that shows our ignorance is keeping cooked food on the pavements for cats, dogs and crows to inherit some form of blessing or merit (feeding an animal is fine - do it in a neatly). After a blockbuster film the theatre is full of chocolate wrappers and drink cans.
A visit to a washroom can be nauseating at times, at a stadium or railway station. We have seen the trash piled up in sacred sites like Adams Peak and a few wildlife parks causing elephants to eat and choke on plastic bags. Why do Sri Lankans behave like this? Is it a lack of laws or the non enforcement of existing laws? Is it a reflection of a particular society? Or does it boil down to selfishness and laziness? The Japanese youth have set the benchmark for us to follow.
Those of us who have lived overseas know that (in those countries) you can’t spit or throw away anything in public. The police will fine you, and people will look down on you relegating you to a caveman.
We marvel and appreciate countries like Dubai and Singapore which are so clean and serene. Are Sri Lankan youth being influenced by a generation of lazy unkempt adults? It is noteworthy that many schools teach students on recycling. Some schools organize regular shramadana - clean up , along with their scouts and girl guides. For decades we make excuses about garbage collection (it is an issue), but it’s not an excuse to throw away stuff.
The Blue Samurai fans showed us the following - 1. Concern for the environment 2. Their refined culture 3. Respect and welfare of others 4. Humility 5. Teamwork.
You must remember that you are responsible for how you act - no matter how you feel. The prudent thinker Plato opined “Human behaviour flows from 3 main sources: desire, emotion and knowledge”. It is time that we, especially the younger generation be people of positive action for change. Think about recycling. Aspire to keep a green clean home. Empower your friends to create a green city.
Let the world recognize and respect us someday, like they appreciated the fans of the Blue Samurai.
