The year 2024 dawns as Sri Lanka faces a myriad of unprecedented challenges, for the first time, a wide segment of the population aware of the risks and seriousness of the situation our island nation faces. Risks and strife, while Sri Lanka has a disproportionate share of it, is not limited to our island.
The world itself dithers possible full blown out nation vs. nation conflicts, in the Middle East, Red Sea, in Eastern Europe, while heightening tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan straits adds to the risk of regional instability, and war. Today, Sri Lankans have little choice but to learn from past mistakes and press forward, resolutely. However, this year, every citizen ought to take some personal responsibility to be part of the change we all deserve.
Given that 2024 is going to be an election year, and going by the shameful political culture which has seen Sri Lanka stagnant for decades, it is likely that those in power will try to hold on to it for long as possible. The public, now more aware of the state of affairs, and having survived through multiple crises, must question what the cost of the nation will be from such delaying tactics. The Government has been quick to point out that elections cost money – money which they say we can’t afford to spend. However, in not holding elections when it should, the Government loses recognition and credibility due to a lack of mandate. Given that it is vital for Sri Lanka to show its commitment to restructure its debt, honour its international commitments, a fresh mandate and a set of new policy directions are essential. Sri Lanka’s creditors, donors and potential investors are closely watching Sri Lanka for signs of positive change and reforms. They are cognisant of Sri Lanka’s many previous visits to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and successive bailout programmes, which Sri Lanka has only done half way. Therefore, a new government with a public mandate for change, reforms and policies will undoubtedly paint Sri Lanka in a better light and give them the confidence to help the island nation. The fact that the current Parliament’s composition had significant varying, and at times opposing views on current $ 2.9 billion IMF programme, does little to boost confidence in Sri Lanka. Threats by some senior politicians to renegotiate, if not scrap the IMF programme only damages Sri Lanka’s credibility. As such, elections, a new mandate and robust policies which are effectively implemented while being transparent, is vital for Sri Lanka’s recovery and growth.
None of this will be possible if the trust deficit between the public and the state / political authority continues to widen. Many Sri Lankans simply don’t trust their leaders and the policies which they promote. Further, the notion that an election manifesto is equal to “national policy”, the lack of consultation and consensus building for policies, has long weakened effective policy formulation in Sri Lanka. Any government, to be effective, needs to sell the policies they bring to the public, and build consensus before they adopt them formally and roll them out. With the current “225” lacking the trust of the masses, how can Sri Lanka sell our policy directions to the world? Regaining the loss of the trust factor is critical, not only for the international community, but also for the youth of the island. Sri Lanka will face a more serious crisis in the future, if we do not retain our youth, it will erode our skilled workforce, and scuttle ambitions of being a trade and service hub to the region.
The Change Sri Lanka wants, can no longer be entrusted to the hands of the politicians and governments alone, the public must be part of the process, demanding clarity and questioning direction and strategies. Sri Lanka needs a change in its style of governance. We have waited and hoped for a change in the political culture from top to bottom, only to be disappointed and fall flat on our faces. Recent reports from the Government’s Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) copiously underscores the plight of the masses. The causes for the public, mainly the youth’s disenchantment with Sri Lanka is indicated in the 60% of households reporting a decrease in monthly income while cost of living soars. One in five homes have fallen into debt and nearly half of school going children (our future) has been adversely affected.
Therefore, it is the duty of every Sri Lanka, wither at home or overseas to get more involved, ask more questions, become a participant of governance, and to make sure the toxic political culture which has brought ruin to our isle, is rooted out and replaced with one that works, and cares about its citizens. Be part of the change you want.