Features

Are children losing appreciation and contact with natural world?

Published

5 years ago

2021/11/22

Sahan Weerasooriya

By Douglas M King, Ph. D

Teacher, consultant, author in Early Childhood Education

douglasking1939@yahoo.com

Nineteenth century psychologist Herbert Spencer published his book, in which he theorised the “surplus energy theory,” that the main reason for children’s play is to get rid of surplus energy. Playgrounds were for physical play, where children ‘burn off steam,’ and not for the other domains of development or for learning. Most playgrounds typically have conventional manufactured play equipment, and often are devoid of nature and vegetation and more likely to be grey rather than green and where there is neither shade, shelter nor opportunities to interact with nature. Playground designs often lack understanding of how quality outdoor play environments can provide children with rich educational opportunities, particularly in the area of social skills and environmental learning.

Modern humans evolved and have lived in intimate contact with nature, in the savannahs and forests, for almost their entire history. The cultivation of plants and the domestication of animals allowed our ancestors to dwell in permanent settlements, to expand their population more rapidly, and become divorced from nature. Only more recently have most people lived in urban areas although still with some contact to nature.

Two hundred years ago or in more recent times, most children spent their days surrounded by fields, farms or in the wild nature, at its edges. But even as recently as 50 years ago, children had access to nature spending much of their time outdoors, using the sidewalks, streets, playgrounds, parks, greenways, vacant lots and other spaces “left over” during the urbanisation process or the fields, forests, streams and parks of suburbia. Children had the freedom to play, explore and interact with the natural world, with little or no restriction or supervision.

Children today have few opportunities for outdoor free play and regular contact with the natural world. Their physical boundaries have shrunk for many reasons. A ‘culture of fear’ and ‘stranger danger,’ has parents concerned for their children’s physical and social safety. Fears of ultraviolet rays, insect-borne diseases and various forms of pollution add to the reasons for adults to keep children indoors. Furthermore, children’s lives have become structured and scheduled by adults, who hold the mistaken belief that success in education is the only path to become more successful as adults.

The culture of childhood, with natural play outside, is gone and children’s everyday life has shifted to the indoors, and as a result children’s opportunity for direct and spontaneous contact with nature is a vanishing experience of childhood. This breeds apathy towards environmental concerns and knowledge. Children’s play environments have dramatically changed in the last few decades, but also the time children have to play has decreased by at least 25% and the time they spent in school increased by almost 25%.

With children’s lives disconnected from the natural world, their experiences are influenced in media, written language and visual images. The virtual is replacing the real by TV, nature documentaries, National Geographic and other nature TV channels as well as environmental fundraising appeals that condition children to think that nature is in far-away places they will never experience, Children are losing the understanding that nature can exist in their own environment, and they grow up with limited knowledge and appreciation of the natural world.

With children’s access to the outdoors and the natural world becoming increasingly limited, or nonexistent, childcare, kindergarten and schools, where children can spend 40 to 50 hours per week, may be the last opportunity to reconnect children with the natural world and create a future generation that values and preserves nature. Many leading educators agree that positive attitudes towards the natural environment develops during early and middle childhood and requires regular interaction with nearby nature. It may be that if children don’t develop a sense of respect and caring for the natural environment, during their early years, they risk never developing such attitudes.

Much environmental education approaches from an adult’s, rather than a child’s perspective. Children’s curiosity with the natural world, and the unique way of knowing, requires discovery and exploratory learning, often referred to as hands on, rather than a didactic approach. Most environmental education teaches children too abstractly, and at too early of an age about concepts, like rainforest destruction, acid rain, ozone holes and whale hunting which is difficult for them to comprehend and so tune out and develop a vagueness to the issues. Fact full knowledge, devoid of interest, will not stick. But if interest comes first, knowledge is sure to follow. Environmental education programmes for young children that tries to impart knowledge and responsibility is futile before children have been allowed to develop a close relationship with the earth where nature itself is children’s best teacher. It is important, during the preschool years, to help children discover the child’s natural sense of themselves in relation to the natural world. Human evolution in the natural world, according to some experts, possess nature-based genetic coding and instincts, and children are born with a natural sense of relatedness to nature. Children love stories of fairy tales set in nature and populated by animal characters.

Children’s development with little or no regular contact with the natural environment is a process of socialisation by which children come to see themselves as separate and not a part of the natural world. Developing children’s understanding and experience should be the main natural world objective for children in the early years when children form the values, attitudes, and basic orientation toward the world that they will carry with them throughout their lives. Young children are implicitly drawn to animals and especially baby animals, and they are an endless source of wonder for children, fostering a caring attitude and sense of responsibility towards living things. Children interact instinctively and naturally with animals, talk to them, and invest in them emotionally. Animals constitute a high percentage of the characters employed in language acquisition and counting in children’s preschool books.

There is a growing movement in some developed countries to transform playground design in preschool and kindergarten settings from barren areas of grass, asphalt, and manufactured equipment into naturalised environments for children’s play, exploration and discovery. Adventure playgrounds, using natural materials, sand and water and gardens for growing flowers, vegetables, and plants, are examples of early childhood playground design. These new naturalised play environments do not depend on manufactured equipment. Rather they use the landscape and its vegetation and materials as both the play setting and the play materials. Naturalised playgrounds are designed from a child’s perspective as informal, even wild, and as a place that responds to children’s development tasks and their need to interact with nature and stimulate children’s natural curiosity, imagination and wonder. They need to experience the changing seasons, wind, light, sounds and weather and enjoy natural places to sit in, on, under, lean against, climb and provide shelter and shade.

In addition to the opportunities for children to develop an environmental ethic through regular contact with nature, natural environments offer children many additional benefits and the natural environment has positive effects on the well-being of adults, including better psychological well-being, superior cognitive functioning, fewer physical ailments and speedier recovery from illness. Teachers have found that children with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are better able to concentrate after contact with nature. It is also possible that children with views of and contact with nature score higher on tests of concentration and self-discipline, show more advanced physical fitness, including coordination, balance and agility, and are sick less often. When children play in natural environments, their play is more diverse with imaginative and creative play that fosters language and collaborative skills. Exposure to natural environments can improve children’s awareness, reasoning and observational skills. It can also buffer the impact of life stress on children and helps them deal with adversity. The greater the amount of exposure, the greater the benefits. Play in a diverse natural environment helps to reduce antisocial behaviour, such as violence, bullying, vandalism and littering. Natural outdoor environments help children develop powers of observation and creativity and away from a world of technology and help to develop children’s independence and autonomy.

Outdoor play and experience in all its variety can greatly benefit children and society. The ability to grow and learn to their fullest in their unique experiential way is through the joy of exploration and discovery in the natural world. But, perhaps, even more important, naturalised playgrounds and positive exposure to natural environments offer the hope that children will develop the environmental values to become the future stewards of the Earth who will preserve the diversity and wonder of Nature.

It is of positive interest to note that the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy is developing a Children’s Educational Centre, which will include many of the features and ideas expressed in this article.

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Features

Complexities in global politics deepen as economic pressures intensify

Published

18 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. (BBC)

The present offer by the UK to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the missile technology field in particular comes as ‘a stitch in time’ and the initiative is also likely to be appreciated considerably by democratic opinion world wide for the possible morale-boosting effect it would have on Ukraine. Besides continuous arms support, the conviction that the world’s frontline democracies are behind it would prove a huge plus in Ukraine’s eyes in its grinding fightback against the Russian invasion.

While continued US support for Ukraine could not be considered ‘a given’ any more, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s words during a recent visit to Kyiv that the UK would stand by Ukraine ‘for as long as it takes’ is the kind of assurance that Ukraine needs at present. For, the conflict in Ukraine is essentially a war of liberation conducted by the latter against an invader and deeply at issue here is the upholding of International Law and its foundational concepts, such as national sovereignty and a nation’s right to political self-determination. The world of democracy is of the firm view that the latter ideals cannot be compromised, come what may.

The UK has its work cut out in this connection. It would find it difficult to convince the Trump administration that it should staunchly stand by Ukraine but it could campaign vigorously with the rest of the West and the EU fold in particular to unflaggingly support the embattled and over-run country.

Ukraine has shown an impressive adeptness in using drone technology in particular against her enemy and has even manufactured her own hardware in this respect but using the relevant blueprints handed over by the UK for the manufacture of more sophisticated cruise missiles, for instance, may prove financially difficult, going forward. It is left to be seen whether the UK and the rest of the West who are with Ukraine will continue to be with her, considering their own rising financial constraints.

The latter impediments could only multiply in the future. Oil, gas and energy prices are on the rise and the latter costs are glaringly reflected in kitchens and meal tables the world over. As we go along consumer discontent would steadily intensify and governments, East and West, would need to figure out with considerable rigour and foresight how such disaffection could be ably managed. Failing which, in most democratic societies, the chances are that publics would be out on the streets demanding that their grievances be redressed forthwith.

These rising concerns are reflected in a recent move by some EU governments to consider imposing what is described as ‘a windfall tax’ on the profits specified major oil companies operating within their shores have made in the wake of the US-Israel war on Iran. The rationale apparently is to use such tax earnings to cushion the rising cost of living of their publics and bolster the respective countries’ social expenditure.

In a recent letter to the president of the EU Council the EU governments referred to said, among other things, while drawing attention to the ‘discontent that is growing over the rising cost of living’: ‘A common approach’ is needed that ‘ensures those who profit from the crisis contribute their share to reducing the burden on the general population.’ Meanwhile, Oxfam with reference to the above development is on record as calling for a ‘permanent windfall tax of at least 50% on profits exceeding a 10% return on investment.’

Such are the rising economic pressures on the majority of Western governments. The question to be posed is how consistent they would be in their assistance to Ukraine if they decide consensually to stand by her. The soaring cost of living in the West compels the conclusion that there could be no guarantee that Western assistance to Ukraine, particularly in the defense and security fields, would be of a longstanding kind.

Of particular concern would be the fact that the weapons systems on offer from the UK to Ukraine could be increasingly costly to manufacture going forward. Besides they would need to be manufactured and put into action without delay.

However, these considerations should in no way deflect Ukraine’s supporters from the principled policy stance of defending her to the extent possible. Because at issue is the defense of International Law and the democratic system of government from their enemies; fascism and authoritarian rule.

While during World Wars 1 and 2 the US was with the major democracies of the West, this time around with regard to Ukraine, the US has chosen to be at cross-purposes with them. For instance, in relation to tariff matters and defense expenditure, in the NATO context, the US is pursuing a hard line which puts it at polar opposites with the West. Thus it is no longer possible to talk unreservedly of a ‘Western democratic alliance’. Put plainly, the cause of democratic development has been weakened.

A measure of relief for the supporters of Ukraine in the West could come by way of the upcoming mid-term polls in the US. If the Democratic Party fares well in them the pressure would be on the Trump administration to defer to opposition opinion at home, accommodate the best interests of Ukraine in its West European policy and perhaps even work towards a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis in cooperation with Russia. Accordingly, the Democratic Party would need to put the Trump administration on the defensive, so to speak.

Until such time Ukraine’s Western supporters have no choice but to remain committed to it, ensure its steadfast defense against the invasion and work judiciously towards keeping the economic pressures at home in check.

Interestingly, at the present juncture in international politics the US could be said to be more weak than strong. For example, it has to some extent been militarily humbled by Iran; so much so it is resorting to economic means to keep Iran in check.

In keeping with this strategy, the US has launched ‘a new big wave of anti-Iran economic sanctions’ at the time of writing, aimed at cutting Iran away from all its major income sources. Some of these relate to digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. The hoped for result is the complete severance of Iran from the US dollar system.

However, while the UK and EU have no choice but to adhere to their policy of backing Ukraine, going forward they would need to dialogue more closely with the US and ensure that it cooperates with them on outstanding questions, such as Ukraine and the strengthening of democracy. The well being of the world is served when the latter aim is pursued.

Features

“Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond Recovery”

Published

18 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya opening the event

OPA 39th Annual Conference calls for Sri Lanka to move Beyond Recovery towards Sustainable Transformation

The Orgnisation of Professional Associations (OPA) successfully concluded its 39th Annual Conference, held recently at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, under the theme “Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond Recovery”.

Held under the patronage of Jayantha Gallehewa, President of the OPA, with the leadership and guidance of Tisara De Silva, President-Elect and Chairman of the 39th Annual Conference, the Conference brought together leading professionals, academics, business leaders and representatives of the public and private sectors to deliberate on Sri Lanka’s next phase of national development.

The Inaugural Session, on August 2026, was graced by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, as the Chief Guest; Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, as the Guest of Honour; and Murtaza Jafferjee, Chairman of the Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka, as the Keynote Speaker.

In her address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised that overcoming the economic crisis alone should not be Sri Lanka’s ultimate objective, stressing that recovery must serve as the foundation for a broader economic and institutional transformation necessary for sustainable national progress. Reflecting on the difficult period experienced by the country, the Prime Minister noted that Sri Lanka had faced significant economic, social and institutional challenges, which had weakened public confidence and created uncertainty about the country’s future.

She stressed that “recovery only provides the foundation” and that Sri Lanka can move forward sustainably only by using that foundation to bring about meaningful transformation.

The Prime Minister observed that the theme of the OPA’s 39th Annual Conference, “Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond Recovery,” aptly encapsulated these national aspirations. She emphasised that Sri Lanka’s objective should not merely be to return to the conditions that existed before the crisis, but to forge a stronger national foundation characterised by robust institutions, a resilient economy, high-quality public services and an enabling environment in which every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

She further underscored that Sri Lanka’s future development cannot be secured through economic growth and physical development alone. She emphasised that the effective mobilisation of the country’s knowledge, skills and professional expertise, is equally essential to achieving sustainable and inclusive national progress

The Technical Sessions held on 12 August 2026 brought together 19 distinguished experts and professionals representing academia, industry, banking and finance, public health, technology, management and business leadership. Their diverse expertise provided a multidisciplinary platform to examine the critical challenges, emerging opportunities and strategic choices that will shape Sri Lanka’s next phase of development, with particular emphasis on economic transformation, institutional strengthening, digitalisation, private-sector growth, human capital and sustainable development.

The deliberations were structured around four principal sub-themes: “Resilient Recovery and Sustainable Economic Development”; “Future Readiness: Innovation & Transformation”; “Policy for Impact: Advancing Equity, Sustainable Living, and National Well-Being”; and “Leadership, Governance and National Responsibility.”

Across these thematic areas, the sessions explored the structural reforms, institutional requirements and policy choices necessary to move Sri Lanka beyond economic stabilisation towards a more productive, competitive, resilient and inclusive economy. The discussions brought together diverse professional perspectives, enabling participants to examine national priorities through economic, technological, industrial, financial, social and governance lenses.

Particular emphasis was placed on the need to move beyond the diagnosis of problems towards pragmatic, evidence-based and implementable solutions. The deliberations recognised that sustainable national progress requires not only sound policies, but also effective institutions, professional competence, innovation, responsible leadership and the capacity to translate policy into tangible outcomes.

The sessions further underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors, recognising that Sri Lanka’s complex development challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. Stronger engagement among Government, private sector, professional associations, academia and civil society was identified as essential to fostering a coherent national response and ensuring that professional knowledge and expertise are effectively translated into policy and action.

Collectively, the Technical Sessions provided a substantive platform for knowledge exchange, critical reflection and forward-looking dialogue, reinforcing the OPA’s commitment to bringing the country’s professional expertise to bear on the task of building a resilient, innovative, equitable and prosperous Sri Lanka.

The OPA expressed its sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Chief Guest; Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Guest of Honour; and Murtaza Jafferjee, Chairman of the Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka and Keynote Speaker, for their distinguished contributions to the Conference.

Much of what the 39th Annual Conference achieved would not have been possible without the leadership, commitment and generous contributions of Jayantha Gallehewa, President of the OPA; Tisara De Silva, President-Elect and Chairman of the 39th Annual Conference; Eng. Ravi Rupasinghe, General Secretary; Dharshana Wijemanne, Treasurer; Bhanu Wijayaratne, Convener & the Chairman of the Session Planning Committee of the 39th Annual Conference Committee, Past Presidents and Office Bearers; Presidents and representatives of Member Associations; members of the Executive Councils and General Forum; and the distinguished Session Chairmen, Resource Persons and professionals who shared their time, expertise and insights in pursuit of the Conference’s shared vision. The OPA remains immensely grateful to all those whose collective contributions enriched the 39th Annual Conference and strengthened its role as a meaningful platform for professional exchange, informed dialogue and national reflection.

Features

Nostalgia for Lankans in Toronto …

Published

18 hours ago

2026/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

‘Avurudu Musical Show 2027,’ a uniquely styled musical Avurudu celebration … Ceymphony Band style.

For Sri Lankans living 14,000 kilometres from home, the sound of home has never felt closer — and that’s thanks to one man and his band.

Since stepping into the spotlight, Gamini Hemalal and the Ceymphony Band have turned into the heartbeat of the Sri Lankan community in Toronto.

Their mission is simple: bring the music, bring the memories, bring the people together. And it’s working.

What turned out to be the talk-of-the-town was their intimate musical evening with Sri Lanka’s legendary crooner Sohan Weerasinghe.

Sohan Weerasinghe: Had
everyone on their feet at the
Angus Glen Golf Club, in
Toronto, Canada

It was a ‘full house’ long before the big date. Tickets vanished within days — demand was that overwhelming.

According to those who were there, it was a truly amazing evening. The hall was packed, the energy electric. Sohan didn’t just sing — he owned the stage.

With his velvet vocals, his charm, and that signature style, he had everyone on their feet. The ladies, especially, couldn’t get enough. No wonder they call him “The Ladies’ Man!”

One attendee summed it up perfectly:

“We had so much fun. It is truly a blessing to have our kids around us, enjoying these beautiful moments together. Thank you, Gamini Hemalal, for such a wonderful evening, with an amazing crowd and an incredible atmosphere. Your hard work and dedication truly made it a special night.

“We also need to say a big thank you to the Ceymphony Band for delivering such an outstanding performance. You all were absolutely amazing! Our entire family had a fantastic time, and we truly enjoyed every moment.

Ceymphony Band: Extremely popular in the scene in Toronto

“Wishing you all continued success. Keep up the amazing work, we can’t wait for the next.”

And the next is already on the cards: ‘Halloween Pissu Baila Party 2026,’ on Friday, 30th October, at the famous Angus Glen Golf Club.

Gamini promises a crazy night of baila, music, dancing and Halloween vibes with the Ceymphony Band. Action runs from 8:00 PM to 12:00 midnight, with plenty of prizes to be won.

Gamini Hemalal: Amazing work for the Sri Lankan community,
in Toronto, Canada

Gamini is also putting together a special event, connected with the 2027 Avurudu celebrations — ‘Avurudu Musical Show 2027,’ a uniquely styled musical Avurudu celebration … Ceymphony Band style.

It’s scheduled to be held on Saturday, 10th April, 2027, also at the Angus Glen Golf Club.

Through music, Gamini Hemalal and Ceymphony are doing what diaspora bands do best — they’re shrinking the distance between two worlds.

One baila beat at a time, one full house at a time, they’re making sure that even in Canada, Sri Lankans feel like home.

Yes, there is plenty of action, indeed, for the Sri Lankan community in Toronto, Canada.