By Anomaa Rajakaruna’s Justice in Flames: Art, Protest, and Resilience in the Aragalaya Movement
In 2022, Sri Lanka found itself in the throes of an unprecedented economic crisis, marked by fuel shortages, power outages, and a government struggling to control the rapidly deteriorating situation. The citizens’ frustration reached a boiling point, leading to the eruption of the aragalaya—a massive anti-government protest that swept through the nation. Amidst this unrest, filmmaker Anomaa Rajakaruna captured the essence of this monumental uprising through her documentary Justice in Flames.
The Aragalaya: A Protest of Unity and Despair
The aragalaya was not just a protest against the economic collapse but a cry for justice and accountability. In April 2022, Galle Face in Colombo transformed into a vibrant hub for protestors from all walks of life, including ordinary citizens, artists, photographers, and musicians. The space became alive with the pulse of defiance as demonstrators shared stories of hardship, waved banners, and chanted slogans. The atmosphere was thick with both urgency and hope, as diverse voices rallied for change.
Art as Resistance: Sujith Rathnayake’s Contribution to the Movement
One of the most striking elements of the protests was the role of art in communication and resistance. Central to this artistic expression was visual artist Sujith Rathnayake, who set up a makeshift studio at the protest site. His studio became a place of creative collaboration where protesters could express their emotions through drawing and painting. This transformed the protest into an interactive space, blending art with activism in a profound way.
Sujith’s gallery, built next to his studio, quickly became a focal point at Galle Face. It wasn’t just a place to admire art—it was a vibrant center for dialogue, where people of all ages, including families and children, could create art as a form of resistance. The gallery displayed works that mirrored the collective pain, anger, and hope of the protesters. Through this creative collaboration, art became a potent form of protest, conveying powerful messages about the socio-political landscape of Sri Lanka.
Violent Backlash and Resilience
However, the peaceful protests were met with violent repression. On May 9, 2022, government loyalists launched a brutal attack on the protesters at Galle Face. Sujith’s makeshift studio and gallery were among the first casualties, with artworks, including the collective pieces created by protesters, being set on fire. The destruction was devastating, but the spirit of resistance was far from extinguished.
Sujith and his supporters rallied together to rebuild the studio and gallery, showcasing a resilience that echoed the very heart of the aragalaya movement. The attack only fueled Sujith’s passion for artistic protest, reinforcing his commitment to using art as a tool for change. His efforts would later culminate in the exhibition Crisis and Struggle, which served as both a reflection of the political climate and a platform for dialogue about the country’s ongoing issues.
Justice in Flames: Art as a Bridge to Understanding
Justice in Flames, the second part of a trilogy following Cross of Justice, focuses on Sujith’s artistic journey through the aragalaya. Rajakaruna, who initially felt overwhelmed by the scale of the protests, decided to hone in on the role of artists in this uprising. This allowed her to delve deeper into the intersection of art and activism, illustrating how artistic expression can provide a personal and accessible way to engage with complex political issues.
Through the documentary, Sujith’s gallery becomes a metaphor for the protest itself—a space where individuals could come together, share their emotions, and express their aspirations through creative means. The art produced in this gallery was not only an aesthetic exercise but a way for participants to voice their demands for justice. Each piece of art told a story—transforming abstract political issues into tangible representations of pain, hope, and collective action.
Art as a Tool for Mobilization and Solidarity
In times of crisis, art has a remarkable ability to unite people. The aragalaya protests demonstrated how music, poetry, and visual art became powerful tools for mobilization, enabling people to connect with each other and with the larger cause. The presence of artists at the forefront of the movement enriched the protests, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized were not only heard but amplified. This artistic resistance in the streets of Colombo brought attention to the plight of the people and highlighted the importance of creative expression in activism.
A Pathway to Change: The Role of Art in Sri Lanka’s Struggle for Justice
The aragalaya, as captured in Justice in Flames, serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of the Sri Lankan people. For filmmakers like Anomaa Rajakaruna and artists like Sujith Rathnayake, creativity is not merely a reflection of society but an active participant in the struggle for justice. The documentary captures the powerful role of art in building community, fostering solidarity, and igniting a collective call for change.
As Sri Lanka continues to navigate its political and economic challenges, Justice in Flames and the aragalaya movement stand as symbols of the power of artistic resistance. The film serves as a testament to the ways in which art can bridge the gap between individual experiences and larger political struggles, offering hope for a more just and equitable future.
