And that's a large question. Some are quick to point the finger at an already collapsed economy unable to bear the weight of a colossal political system that sucks the lifeblood out of the country's resources. Others cite a never ending vicious cycle of ignorance and poverty that keep the majority of Sri Lankans languishing where they are. Still others blame the individuals concerned for being 'selfish' , going beyond all accepted norms of human behaviour. Now what is the conclusion we could arrive at?
The political system theory is right to an extent. Sri Lankans have always been fascinated by their politicians and continue to remain loyal to their particular brand of politics. Individuals are almost hero worshiped to the point of deity. Accountability, responsibility, transparency, positive governance are words that most us either ignore or do not care much about. Instead of asking what they could do for the country, among us the majority are those who choose to ignore all ills in the light of just one goal. Personal appeal, a nice smile, good PR or good spin can work wonders in transforming opinions. Achievements, actual projects implemented that benefit society at large are not important. The political culture emanates from individuals and keeps the opinions in check. When the political system makes the economy fall apart at the seams, breakdown firstly of values secondly of everything once held precious. And if a mother suffering the ill effects of such a sick economy could throw her son to a certain death, then it sends a clear signal to everyone else that something is very very wrong with the country's current status.
Then comes the part the cycle of poverty and ignorance plays in the life of the average Sri Lankan who falls into a lower socio-economic category. These people earn a daily living and often manage to scrape by. Fatalism, lack of opportunities and facilities and an in-built inability to escape their circumstances keep this lot 'stuck in a rut' of poverty. Ignorance haunts them, limiting their exposure to opportunities. Alcoholism, drug abuse, prostitution, child abuse are ever present evils that further handicap them from going one step above where they are destined to live and die. A few lucky ones whose sense of perseverance and success stand the test of time, may escape. The Kalutara mother obviously was caught in the familiar cycle which trapped her in its inescapable clutches. Instead of choosing to seek help, she chose an easy path even though it seemed obvious she would get caught. Even so, it may have been a death wish of sorts for her - it could have been depression, low self-esteem or so many of the conditions that in the west, would get treated. But here in a country where poverty reigns, mental health is not a priority. Even though a well known psychiatrist states that every one in five Sri Lankans suffer from some form of mental ill health.
There is also accountability that comes into play for the mother concerned. Why did she choose to have so many children - five in this case - if she could not afford to feed them? Sri Lanka has ageing population, we are supposed to have a low birth rate. The average Sri Lankan family has two children and three are considered too much. When men and women choose to have children out of boredom or necessity simply because a free health system exists and someone somewhere will always be willing to feed another mouth, they are naturally asking for trouble.
There are other factors at play here. Sri Lanka is blessed with lush greenery and there is always something around to feed hungry mouths. In the villages, unless a drought is in season, there is always jackfruit, bread fruit, sweet potatoes, coconuts, potatoes of different kinds or green leaves that can be easily begged from someone's garden. That's why Sri Lankans never go hungry, that they will always manage to have one meal a day. In the city, where even cow's dung must be bought, this is not always an option. Seasoned politicians know that city folk are tough nuts to crack with pure propaganda in contrast to the village folk whose rustic, easy going lifestyle benefits little from political interventions.
And so back to the question why - a combination of all of this convinced that mother that day to give up her most prized possession - her child. Ironic when you consider how many IVFs are done, how many women are yearning to get pregnant, how many couples long to become parents. It also depends on values that are imbibed in a society - just because you recite religious sentiments every morning or organised religion is given pride of place, values are not automatically acquired. In a society where empathy is not often its best feature, we continue to wonder why.
