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Symbolic Gestures: The Development Terrain of Post-Tsunami Villages in (Southern) Sri Lanka

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  • Pia Hollenbach
  • Kanchana N. Ruwanpura

Abstract

This article analyses how rituals and ceremonies were deployed in the post-tsunami rehabilitation process in Sri Lanka to ‘incorporate’ development projects into the habitus and social reality of local communities. It argues that even though the aid delivery process is represented as a gift, in reality it is more concerned with strengthening the social capital of the local and foreign donors. Through this process there is an expectation and an implicit demand for acquiescence from the beneficiaries, which leaves them with a social debt. This, in turn, compels them to participate in the game of development rituals and ceremonies, in order to express their (ambivalent) gratitude and thankfulness. Through two case studies, we explore how the good intentions of donors to provide aid and alleviate suffering and the acceptance of this aid by the local communities, results in an asymmetric relationship where both become accomplices of Bourdieuian notions of subtle and gentle violence.

Suggested Citation

  • Pia Hollenbach & Kanchana N. Ruwanpura, 2011. "Symbolic Gestures: The Development Terrain of Post-Tsunami Villages in (Southern) Sri Lanka," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(9), pages 1299-1314, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:47:y:2011:i:9:p:1299-1314
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2010.527950
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    Cited by:

    1. Tom Widger, 2016. "Philanthronationalism: Junctures at the Business–Charity Nexus in Post-war Sri Lanka," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 47(1), pages 29-50, January.
    2. Kuruppu, Sanjaya Chinthana & Lodhia, Sumit, 2019. "Disruption and transformation: The organisational evolution of an NGO," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 51(6).

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