When a national tragedy occurs, a critical question is whether the long term effect on the national character is positive or negative, unifying or divisive.

Consider the United States and 9/11, for example. (Depending on your political leanings, the way you analyze the example will differ, but hopefully you get my point either way.)

At least in the case of Sri Lanka, I am hopeful that the unifying effect of responding to the Tsunami may persist to the benefit of all. NPR has an audio report on how the Tsunami Forces Sri Lanka Foes to Cooperate