Democracy cannot survive without economic growth: Dr. Sarath Amunugama

Democracy cannot survive unless there is economic growth and co-operation and in that you have been exemplary, said Minister for Special Assignments Dr. Sarath Amunugama at the 67th Anniversary of India’s Republic Day held at India House.

Following are excerpts from his speech:

Sri Lanka and India have been friends from time immemorial. One of our Presidents, the late J.R. Jayawardene described our relationship when he said we in Sri Lanka are lovers of India and followers of India’s greatest son, Lord Buddha. Both history and geography bring us together and on every occasion this linkage has proved to be of immense value to both countries. 

Emperor Asoka sent his son and daughter to Sri Lanka to establish the Buddha Sasana in this country and as the Buddha had said, the gift of the Dhamma, his doctrine is the greatest gift of all. So India has given us the greatest of all gifts not only through the words of the Buddha but also the great honours and concord and attitude that follows the words of the Buddha. We are grateful to India. And Sri Lanka has paid its debt to Emperor Asoka because it is only in the Mahavamsa the great chronicle of Sri Lanka that Indian archaeologists were able to date the years of his reign, the location of Pataliputra, the location of many of the Asokan pillars and also the Asokan symbols. 

Now on Republic Day it is very appropriate that we remember this connection because the official seal of the Republic of India is the lion pillar of Emperor Asoka. All this was discovered on the basis of information that is available in the Mahavamsa. It is also appropriate because your State Seal, the chakra also comes from the flag of Emperor Asoka. And it is said that Pandit Nehru, sometimes at great cost, decided to replace the Charka with the Asokan Chakra in the Indian flag when India received its independence. So this is the type of linkage that we have. 

The Ganga which is the mother river of India, celebrates the unity of India, the continuity of India, mingles with the waters of our own Mahaweli Ganga and links together the two countries in that eternal friendship and the eternal sangam. 

Today we have not only the link of history but following history the link of democracy. It is so because you are the world’s biggest democracy and we are also a democratic country. Like you we want free and fair elections, and like you we were able to appoint and disappoint governments. So this is the great Indian and Sri Lankan tradition which brings us together because we are all convinced democrats. Not only that; democracy cannot survive unless there is economic growth and co-operation and in that you have been exemplary.

I have represented Sri Lanka on many occasions in international fora, particularly in financial institutions and I must acknowledge the debt of my country to India for the great financial support you have given us, with the IMF, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and all other multi-lateral as well as bilateral fora. I thank you for that. Just now also we have a currency swap which has been helpful to stabilise the rupee. 

Our linkages are not only in these fields but as you rightly mentioned they extend to the arts and culture. I think it’s a great pleasure that on this stage we have Pandit Ravi Shastri and all those stellar representatives of the Indian tradition. Equally, you have recognised all our leading artists, leading musicians, by entertaining them here and by giving them an opportunity to perform. 

As Shantinikethan represents the great link between India and Sri Lanka, today our distinguished friend sang ‘EklaChalo Re’ which is a very famous song, particularly among politicians I must say, because it says ‘Do not be afraid to walk alone’. So I think it is a great tribute to the political sagacity of Indian politicians as well to its author Rabindranath Tagore. 

It is not only history and geography but politics, art and culture, but finally I would say we are also united and also disunited by cricket. Next to our own team we are supporters of the Indian team and for Indian fans also it is likewise as we found at Eden Gardens some years ago. So we have wonderful cricket, we have wonderful relations and I hope that both our countries have no difficulties; we have had bad times and good times and we always recover. 

I must also say that whenever we have Indo Sri Lanka cricket matches all the tourists arrive from India. Not only the tourists but the arrivals of bureaucrats and politicians from India also increase. You can say that thousands and thousands of Sri Lankans today journey through your State of Bihar to Buddhagaya, to Saranath, and to Sanchi so the legends of India, Jambudvepa and the land of the Buddha is part and parcel of the soul of Sri Lanka. 

We have a wonderful link and this link will grow on forever. Therefore on this occasion may I on behalf of President Maithripala Sirisena and the people of Sri Lanka wish all the best to the President, the Government and the people of the great Republic of India.