Change we must believe in

By Renton de Alwis

This weekly column published between April 2009 - April 2012 in Sri Lanka's 'Daily News' newspaper  addressed core issues regarding sustainability, critically examining the current concepts, thoughts, strategies and actions adopted by us in the context of both the global and local economy.
Please read it in the time context which is mid 2010. It may be of interest to examine the current situation in the country and the socio-political and economic context of  today, with how I saw it then.

 

Over two and half decades of LTTE terrorism has now ended. It was a painful tale of suffering and struggle where many lives of young Sri Lankan heroes in the armed forces,  civic leaders, innocent citizens and those misguided by the terrorists used as fighting cadres, were lost. A single minded and well focussed effort of the political and military leadership backed by the peoples’ will to end terrorism was indeed its most critical success factor. Unlike in the past, there was no giving in to the ‘noise’ (as we know in communication) from the once dominant international community. It was realised that they were either ill-informed or prejudiced with tales of ‘liberation fighters’ or ‘separatists’ in calling a group of terrorists, who chose to kill indiscriminately to achieve objectives, that could have been achieved  through decent and dignified talk and discussion.

 

People of all walks of life, except for a few who made a business of the war and/or the ‘peace efforts’ in the past, were sick and tired of the instability and uncertainty that was created all around. That instability and uncertainty should now be over and nation Sri Lanka should be able to rise above all to realise her fullest potential.

 

The opportunity created in defeating terrorism, is a beginning beyond the sighs of relief and rejoicing.  It is time now, when all Sri Lankans must join in to rebuild solid trust among each other and provide a sense of dignity and hope of a better future to all people of this nation, regardless of race, cast, creed or political affinity. We need to understand the overlying aspirations of all and establish solid conceptual models to work with, in the future. As was discussed in last week’s column, Buddhist principles and way of life offer us a strong base to rebuild any lost trust through the genuine exposition of the virtues of  Karuna (Compassion), Mettha (Loving Kindness), Muditha (Sympathetic Joy)  and Upekkha (Equanimity).

 

In the midst of global issues of increasing poverty, incidence of endemics, unprecedented global warming, financial crisis, changing population dynamics and growing incidence of conflicts, it is time indeed that we looked back at basics. The basics of solid human values, building relationships based on caring, trust and mutual respect, hard work and ethical practises, bringing back discipline on the roads, seats of learning and other public pursuits, creating enabling environments for the disabled and the elderly and rehabilitation of those affected by the conflict. We indeed must have faith and a deep belief in the capacity and ability of all of us to change and change for the better. 

 

This week there is change everywhere. Most of it even defied conventional wisdom, international media hype, pollster results and wilful expectation. The ruthless LTTE terrorists are defeated and there is a sea-change in the mindsets of all Sri Lankans in wanting to rebuild and re-ignite a new national consciousness that will not allow reason for such turmoil and suffering ever again.  The President’s gesture of worshipping the soil of our motherland upon his arrival at the airport from the G-11 Summit in Jordon, Sunday last was indeed symbolic and worthy of deep reflection. It was symbolic in conveying a message to all Sri Lankans that we must love and care for our country before all else and be an essential precursor to taking on a solid process of rebuilding and/or change management.

In neighbouring India, general elections have brought about a change defeating regionalism with a strong focus on social and economic reform through a centrist thrust. Defying analysts’ predictions, 62% of India’s 712 million eligible voters brought back incumbent Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to power. This was a fete repeated after nearly four decades of India’s electoral history. India’s youth also heeded the call of young Rahul Gandhi, that they must be determining their own future by actively joining the political process. Nearly 80% of the youth who sought office through the Congress party have been returned as law makers. In the state of Tamil Nadu, extremist and overt supporters of the LTTE and those calling for a separate state in Sri Lanka, stood defeated at the polls.  

In Kuwait, male domination of its politics of over half a century has ended with four women being elected to its Parliament in a historic first.    

Earlier, we saw US President Obama, taking a definitive stand on the need for recognition of the Palestinian State by Israel, as a prerequisite for attaining lasting peace in the Middle-east. There is now definite hope that the US will be an active participant in the climate change mitigating agenda, which it resisted for far too long, when the new protocols are determined in Copenhagen in December this year.  We also saw the US Secretary of State and the British Foreign Minister commenting on the IMF loan to Sri Lanka, linking it to the events on the Northern front, which indeed will not be applicable now.

In the context of ending terrorism in Sri Lanka, the change that comes about poses many challenges. Already, H.E. the President, His special advisor and the one tasked with the rebuilding efforts of both East and North, Mr. Basil Rajapaksha and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Dr. Palitha Kohona have called on all citizens of Sri Lanka and Tamil citizens in particular, living in Sri Lanka or abroad to be active and mainstream participants in the process of rebuilding and redevelopment of these areas. He also extended a call to the international donor community, who can play a vital role in this effort. They have all recognised the enormity of the task ahead and focussed on the need for ensuring the preservation of the dignity and rights of Tamil citizens. Emphasised is the empathy and understanding that must be at the very core of all efforts, whereby alleviating any fears of reprisal and building of trust will be facilitated. It is also heartening to note the call from Mr. Wimal Weerawansa of the National Freedom Front, seeking stakeholdership of the Tamil Diaspora in rebuilding a unified Sri Lanka.

Like in everything else, all was not perfect in the initiatives undertaken. But the objectives were clearly defined and a strong focus was maintained at all times. The management of the tasks were done superbly allowing each assigned responsibility to carry out the job without interference and hindrance. The resources needed were found and disruptions were minimised. The local media played a huge role in building and maintaining the morale of the forces in the front and some even took it to surrealistic heights.

While the farmers and other rural folk of Sri Lanka, the man on the street and a better part of the middle class are elated and are ready to take heed of these initiatives, there are still those sceptics among us that question the bona-fides of the intentions and cast webs of doubt about the future efforts at rebuilding of trust, the economy and the nation. While we ‘Waited for Godot’ for too long, when Godot has arrived, we question if he indeed came. 

What is absolutely necessary at this time is to put aside these doubts and scepticism and contribute proactively in whatever and however way we can to ensure that they work and work well. There is no need today to stay divided on political party or other ideological divides. A task that was thought to be impossible has been taken care of by a strong leadership working tirelessly at it. We all know that the odds were against these leaders most of the time. There were active attempts at sabotage with powerful international lobbies and vested interests roosting the day. The fact remains that what was defeated was a terrorist outfit and not a representative group of the Tamil people. 
What has been achieved this far is more than commendable. What is left to be achieved in terms of national reconciliation and development is without doubt an even greater challenge. We as citizens of Sri Lanka must focus on taking on this challenge placing inquiring trust and confidence in our leadership. What we must do is to lend our shoulder to the process of change, to the best of our ability; for Our nation, for My Sri Lanka.