Democracy

Recently, a World Conference on Democracy was held in Bali. From the media, we learn that all those who participated at that conference certainly pontificated on the dream of democracy.

Reflecting on those speeches based on idealism, one realised that there is a big gap between that dream about democracy and the reality.

It is a French Philosopher who once said, “Certainly build your castles in the air, however do not forget to earth them.”

All of us who in a sense participated in that dream world of democracy, thanks to the media, are hoping and praying that this gap will be bridged by those who participated at the conference. Our President was a significant presence there.

The media showed pictures of him worshiping places of Buddhist worship also. We assume that there is certainly a link between the pictures of his worshipping and what he will do in this country as the Head of State.

Democracy by definition is people-centred. Therefore from this context one should critique the reality of our body politic.

If we are genuine about our critiquing, then all of us in Mother Lanka with the President after Bali will revisit the context of the democracy of the people and help that dream become a reality.

Our country is the home of four of the world’s living religions and therefore we have in our country the tools to make our land the country where democracy can be practised. May that happen soon.

Sydney Knight