Lessons learned from Sri Lanka Tour of Duty

Lessons learned from Sri Lanka Tour of Duty

As part of my note writing mental therapy, I couldn’t resist jotting down a few lines from my sojourn in Sri Lanka, several life lessons were picked from routine tasks and interactions. Three of these are briefly shared.

Communication

Steve Covey’s famous work ‘seven habits of highly effective people’ emphasize that philosophy for quality and fulfilling communication revolves around trying to understand others. When you visit Colombo, on exiting Bandaranaike International Airport towards the city center, the predominant language is Sinhala, ranging from the enthusiastic cub drivers to sideroad ads among other strategically mounted posters promoting assorted number of services or products.

Generally, information is provided in English, similar message is typically duplicated in both Sinhala and Tamil. 

Professionally, culturally and socially the language dynamics is well managed with a general feel of inclusivity and solidarity. As a visitor assimilation is made easier by the local support social networks whereby one way or another all and sundry expressively engage.

Takeaway – despite national unique language dynamics and oriental posture, effective communication is always achieved, and visitors never feel left out. Prevailing culture of immense hospitality ensures information, ideas, concerns and thoughts are seamlessly interchanged.

Empathy

To significantly navigate life in a mission area, one needs clearly mapped out daily routine tasks, this I have practically learnt throughout all my previous cross continental and overseas deployments. The busier the regime the better the outcome. Relating to this particular outpost, on a typical day, I start with in-house isometric workouts then a one-hour outdoor brisk jog.

During my early morning circuit covering part of Marine Drive then back to Galle Road – cursorily I noticed an homeless individual positioned a few yards from one of the national government installations, whenever I passed by, the said person would always be on location anticipating for possible “contribution”. Mostly, he was ignored since economic times had taken a hit and sparing some change was not a priority for most early risers dodging the morning traffic to reach their workplaces on time.

On closer scrutiny, I observed his jovial attitude, reflexively I couldn’t help but give an affirmative nod or warm feedback and, on some occasions, extend a greeting. Over the period I noted that friendly salutations actually meant so much to the individual, even more than the pocket change.

On reflection, this reminded me that as humanity when attending to the needy it’s not purely about material support or lack thereof, but small acts of appreciation, kindness and humility that more often than not makes us genuinely compassionate. 

Authenticity 

Sri Lanka’s authenticity is summarized by her cultural richness and mouthwatering indigenous food.

If there is one thing that impressed me most, it is the interface between modernity and unassumingly exclusive substantial cultural heritage portrayed by resilient citizens, splendid temples and medieval palaces that is nothing short of architectural phenomenon.

Overall, the residents are genuinely kind and friendly, especially in the late afternoon when a wide array of delicious meticulously prepared street cuisine would be paraded for patrons to sample. My favorite remains kottu roti and spring hoppers. Unforgettable!

Lesson leant – it’s fully remarkable to be true to yourself, individualized unique diversity makes us more memorable both in our career and personal development endeavors.

Conclusion

Interactive pursuits in Sri Lanka propound interesting and practical purview on reassessment of communication, empathy and authenticity as valuable soft skills.