THE SRI LANKAN UNDERSTANDING: Enlivening Museums – Repositories of the Past, Gateways to the Future

The Sri Lankan Understanding, a platform that explores the course taken by Sri Lanka in the past, attempts to identify the placement of the country at present and is geared towards unravelling the potential for a future that can be fruitful. Bringing together academics, historians, diplomats, writers and key personalities, The Sri Lankan Understanding is aimed at filling a lacuna in society wherein comprehending that which has been, grasping realities, and understanding the opportunities ahead is sorely lacking. 

The fourth episode on ‘Enlivening Museums: Repositories of the Past and Gateways to the Future’ featured Hasini Haputhanthri, an arts manager, development professional and independent consultant who is currently a Research Fellow at the International Centre for Ethnic Studies. A sociologist by training from the Delhi University in India and the Lund University in Sweden, Ms Haputhanthri has specialized in Oral History and Museum Anthropology at Columbia University New York and focuses on social inclusion, culture and heritage management issues. Among her latest publications are ‘Archive of Memory: Reflections on 70 years of Independence’, ‘Cultural Fluency: A Transformative Agenda for Caring Communities’ and ‘Museums Memory and Identity Politics in Sri Lanka.’   

"As repositories of the past, she noted the relevance of museums as they help us define and redefine the past, very often in light of the present moment and the perception of it. Given the need for a fresh outlook of museums as spaces for the future, Ms Haputhanthri emphasized that Sri Lankan museums are well patronized and are a dynamic sector."

Given that museums are cultural powerhouses, Ms Haputhanthri covered a range of issues concerning Sri Lankan museums. Having been involved in the sphere for a considerable period, and having worked with artists, communities, universities and schools through a cultural dimension, she highlighted how museums bring all aspects of arts and culture, peacebuilding and education together. As history plays a huge role, she pointed out that museums have a space for all these aspects. Ms Haputhanthri also stressed that museums have the potential of shaping a vision through which we know where we have come from and where we want to go. 

Discussing the term museum and how it comes from the word ‘muse’ and inspiration, she explained how they continue to inspire. She also emphasized the importance of cultural capital in building a rich vision for a long journey. As repositories of the past, she noted the relevance of museums as they help us define and redefine the past, very often in light of the present moment and the perception of it. Given the need for a fresh outlook of museums as spaces for the future, Ms Haputhanthri emphasized that Sri Lankan museums are well patronized and are a dynamic sector. 

She revealed that through a study of 25 museums of which one segment was based on accessibility it was found that the Colombo Museum was the most visited, as well as the Polonnaruwa Heritage Museum. Whilst there existed a belief in museums and an understanding of their value, she raised the need for improving museum pedagogy whereby students especially are made more aware of the past. 

Since approximately 80% of Sri Lankan museums are based on archaeology, Ms Haputhanthri reflected upon the need for other sectors such as natural history, science, anthropology and community museums to be established. Referring to the tea museum in Gampola, she observed that a line room had been converted into space that transports visitors back in time to experience life as it would have been in the earliest years of the tea plantations. Undoubtedly this museum is a fitting tribute to a sector that has contributed immensely to this country and continues to support the economy. 

“Sri Lanka needs more than technology. Identifying the need to stimulate thinking through exhibitions, and our means of curation to make objects come alive in the way we present it, our engagement with visitors, conducting walking tours, and even how communities were involved, she was of the opinion that these aspects had to change as we go forward.” 

Reflecting on terminology, she pointed out the need to add to the existing vocabulary, especially in relation to this entire sphere where many terms are archaic. Whilst museums are known as ‘houses of bones’ or ‘storehouses’ she said such words did not do justice to the true meaning of these valuable institutions. 

Discussing the concept of restitution, Ms Haputhanthri stressed that only a privileged few could visit foreign capitals and view Sri Lankan artefacts. The majority of Sri Lankans, especially children from around the island, do not have such access. Noting that more than practicality it was a matter of principle and these artefacts should be ours. She said that museums professionals should be entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the preservation and protection of such pieces of history. Explaining that restitution should not become a war with those countries and thereby raise nationalist stances, she observed that instead, it should be an opportunity for intercultural understanding through which dialogue is established. 
In looking to the future and the process of preservation and new methodologies, Ms Haputhanthri pointed out that Sri Lanka needed more than technology. Identifying the need to stimulate thinking through exhibitions, and our means of curation to make objects come alive in the way we present it, our engagement with visitors, conducting walking tours, and even how communities were involved, she was of the opinion that these aspects had to change as we go forward. 

The Sri Lankan Understanding which is geared towards generating interest and intrigue in the multifaceted aspects of the country airs every Wednesday, with repeats on Thursday and Sunday on HiTV and is available on YouTube. The programme is for those keen on gaining a clearer perception of the historic features, and prospective facets of the pearl of the Indian Ocean, as it covers a gamut of issues.