The “CECA” Experience

And finally, CECA is back! After 5 months of spending time cooped up at home, maintaining social distancing and adjusting to the new normal, we took a break – though nonetheless in a guarded way. The joy of meeting one another; sharing, from a laugh to a meal warms the heart in unfathomable ways and that to me defines this wonderful community: Colombo Expats Cultural Association.

We had come to Sri Lanka in troubled times last year; the Easter blasts had shook the very foundation of peace and prosperity and the tension was palpable in the air. We reminisced of the times of unrest which this beautiful country had shaken off few years back. We were guarded and apprehensive as to how our tenure will be - but then we were yet to be enrolled in this beautiful community. 

I remember the call from our dear Captain, whose initiative and unfailingly kind welcome, introduced us and many of our fellow members in the group. I also remember Chanchal Da’s immediate call, after joining the WhatsApp Group – the kind words in our mother tongue from a fellow Indian in a distant land – an indescribable  feeling which the touches the cockles of our heart –which I am sure, we all Expats have come to appreciate. That again, I guess defines CECA’s values - You’ll always have someone looking out for you.

As we grew in the group, the participation in the various festivals gave us an exposure not only to the myriad and beautiful cultures of our country but also of the traditions which set it apart. I understand, that one of the community’s primary aim is to ensure that the kids in the group doesn’t miss out on these aspects while being in a foreign land, but, I guess the learning is there for adults as well! The way people from different countries, states and religion - bonds to create and celebrate makes it a unique affair. So I guess this community truly believes and practices: strength & unity in diversity.

There’s much truth in the saying that the “Captain, (pun intended!) is as good as his Team”; but you need: “A leader to co-create a higher vision and aspiration for the team, the infectious energy to execute and the maturity to take everyone along.” We are lucky in that aspect – we have one!

The “humane” activities of contributing to the lesser privileged in the society, which we carried out as a group during normal as well as the CoVID times depicts our character and the ability to think and act beyond the regular scope of a Cultural Community. I guess, what CECA has truly accomplished is carving out a small albeit important niche in the hearts of Sri Lankans and we couldn’t have had a better learning: happiness is complete, when shared!

Though this is a community wherein the primary idea is to have fun and celebrate, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the professionalism of various teams coming together to put considerable efforts in making this happen; and the remarkable aspect is that the teams work voluntarily! CECA reinforces the thought: a Ronaldo can win you a match, but for winning a tournament, it’s the Team, including support staff, which will get you there!

I’ve always believed in: “Invest in relationships. In the end, it’s all that matters!” We remain indebted and sincerely grateful that CECA provides that opportunity and believes in it too! Much love & sunshine to you.