A day of unity

Thursday, 3 February 2022 03:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka will celebrate the 74th anniversary of her Independence this year. The milestone will be marked amidst a bourgeoning economic crisis that has plunged the country into chaos with power cuts and food shortages. The current ground realities make it inevitable to question the path chosen by the leaders and people of Sri Lanka in the past 74 years, since the citizens of this land became the masters of their own destiny.

When so many other countries that gained independence at the same time as Sri Lanka or even later have done considerably better, it is natural to question the trajectory this country has taken in these last seven decades. Such introspection, even at an annual event such as the Independence Day, is a good thing, especially at a time when course correction is required at every sphere of the political spectrum and society at large.

The current Government which prepares to celebrate Independence Day will no doubt focus on the military. The march-past, the parade of foreign-made vehicles and two dozen aircraft will no doubt take pride of place. It is natural in most countries to demonstrate military prowess during national day events. In Sri Lanka too there is a sense that the independence won in 1948 was preserved due to the many sacrifices made by the security forces during the 26-year civil conflict. However, that conflict has left many wounds within this society that demonstrations of military might cannot and will not heal.

There are however many achievements Sri Lankans can be collectively proud of as the fruits of independence. Free education and healthcare systems that have been the result of continuous commitment of successive governments have ensured a sense of social justice that has eluded even some developed countries. The most remarkable achievement for our small country, that is often overlooked and hardly acknowledged, is that we have remained a democracy for the whole period of our independence.

A scrutiny of the Asian region would amply demonstrate that this is no small achievement, especially for a country that withstood three decades of ethnic strife and violence. These then are the milestones that should be celebrated on our Independence Day, and not the bombastic nationalism that is the signature of the current administration and has little meaning at a time when the economy is on its knees.

As Sri Lanka faces some of the worst economic challenges in living memory, the Government could have used Independence Day this year as a moment to unify the country, in order to help the people to face the coming storms. 4 February could have been a moment of true reflection on the collective resolve to face the economic challenges ahead. The fundamental need of the hour is unity among the peoples of this nation.

The current Government which has often used policies of division, creating animosity among communities, and implementing racist and destructive policies that have further strained ethnic and religious harmony, could have used Independence Day for a course correction. The only chance for Sri Lanka to emerge from its current predicament is through such a message of unity and resolve. It is hoped that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will rise to the occasion and offer such a moment at this anniversary of independence.