In the heart of the Indian Ocean lies Sri Lanka, a nation steeped in a rich tapestry of history and culture, yet now embroiled in a myriad of challenges. This beautiful island, once a symbol of resilience and progress, finds itself grappling with economic turmoil, political instability, and a social fabric strained by years of strife and uncertainty.
The politics of promise over decades has ruined the fabric of society. The lies triumphed over the truth and accountability was never the strength of the country. However, this is not the time to give up.
Sri Lanka’s political arena is a tableau of fragmentation and dissonance. The recent parliamentary proceedings over the 2024 Budget, while culminating in its passage, laid bare the divisions within the political factions.
The absence of prominent figures during key voting sessions and pre- and post-Budget noise is emblematic of the deeper rifts that plague the nation’s polity. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, an experienced statesman, faces the herculean task of bridging these divides.
Despite pre-Budget scares, the ruling coalition led by the Rajapaksas’ Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) staunchly backed the Budget, while many economists and Opposition policy-makers termed it as a fairy tale and aimed at winning elections through galvanising vote banks.
The deterioration in the quality of parliamentary debate and conduct is symptomatic of a broader decline in democratic values in Sri Lanka. The descent into chaos, personal attacks, and the lack of substantive discussion on critical issues undermine the essence of democratic governance.
This environment of diminished decorum and purpose calls for a rejuvenated commitment to democratic principles, a task that falls on the shoulders of all lawmakers, including the leadership of President Wickremesinghe.
At the forefront of Sri Lanka’s challenges is an acute economic crisis. Skyrocketing debt, rampant cost of living, and a populace struggling to meet basic needs paint a grim picture. The Government’s efforts to stabilise the economy through international aid and debt restructuring are critical, yet fraught with difficulties.
The road to economic recovery necessitates not just astute financial management but also the rebuilding of public trust and confidence in the Government’s policies. This daunting task requires transparent decision-making, effective communication, and a clear vision for the future.
Navigating geopolitics
Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean makes it a focal point in the geopolitical power play involving major players like China and India. The engagement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, alongside managing relations with India and other prominent players, is a delicate balancing act.
The US, through the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), committed an investment of $ 533 million to the Indian Ocean’s famous Colombo Port. The interest of global superpowers in Sri Lanka is at an all-time high.
On the other hand, Trincomalee has become news again with Indian interest and it is no secret that the Trincomalee Harbour is a darling of China and the US as well. The overall interest of superpowers probably opens up a vital opportunity for Sri Lanka’s resurgence on the global stage again.
President Wickremesinghe’s diplomatic approach in handling these complex relationships is pivotal. While he has shown skill in navigating these waters, the challenge lies in leveraging this position to Sri Lanka’s advantage without compromising its sovereignty and long-term interests.
Lately, rising political star Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National People’s Power (JVP/NPP) has started making geopolitical alliance statements aligning with the US and India, but is interestingly silent about the importance of China and Japan.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is grappling with domestic political narratives and is less focussed on the geopolitical drama. All three are expected to run for the presidency in the 2024 election and it will be interesting to see differentiation in their respective approaches.
Geopolitics are insignificant to the common man in the country, who is fighting for survival, but the global axis each candidate chooses will be pivotal for winning the election and most importantly, for governing the country once elected.
A crisis of hope
Beyond the realms of politics and economics lies a profound social crisis – a crisis of hope. The prolonged periods of civil unrest, economic hardship, and political upheaval have deeply affected the Sri Lankan psyche. Addressing this crisis goes beyond policy and governance; it requires a concerted effort to rekindle hope, unity, and a sense of purpose among the populace.
The Government’s role in fostering an environment conducive to social cohesion and optimism is crucial. This involves not only addressing material needs but also nurturing the cultural and spiritual well-being of the people.
A country driven by consumerism needs to be provided with material needs first. The Budget addressed the material aspect, irrespective of the deliverability of the said promise. This is the very reason the 2024 Budget is touted as an election budget.
Amidst all the chaos in Parliament, Wickremesinghe spoke to Indian journalist Palki Sharma in what was an engaging conversation on the challenges and opportunities Sri Lanka faces as a nation. It was a contrast to the DW interview in Germany; perhaps Sharma knew how to handle a South Asian politician better.
Wickremesinghe said: “I don’t have a magic wand,” carefully answering regarding China’s and India’s political play in Sri Lanka. This underscores the gravity of Sri Lanka in geopolitics or domestic politics. The world is looking at Sri Lanka more than ever and there is an opportunity to be grabbed.
Instead, the ruling elite of 225 parliamentarians is ignorant about the responsibility on their shoulders to serve the nation. Parliament has become a laughing stock and the cries from the public are for accountability from elected leaders. The Supreme Court judgment against the Rajapaksas and connected public officials is a landmark one that holds public leaders accountable for their decisions. However, this will affect the country’s operating system.
The catastrophe of the public sector
Over the years, many subservient public servants have done the pitching for their political masters for the purpose of survival and perhaps for benefits and self-interest. Irrespective of general criticism against public sector officials, the country still possesses officials who are willing to do what is right by the book, irrespective of the outcome.
Given the current state of the economy and while approaching an election year, it will be interesting to see how the Wickremesinghe Government uses the public service network to implement initiatives in a hurry. Post-1977 especially, most policy decisions were politically motivated and aiming to cultivate a vote bank.
Public officials, willingly or unknowingly, are a part of the catastrophe the nation is in. The bloated two million-strong force of current and former public sector employees is a burden to the Treasury, but on the other hand, who is responsible for the creation of a large pool of public servants in a country of 22 million?
The path ahead
The path ahead for Sri Lanka is laden with challenges, yet it also presents opportunities for transformation and renewal. The key to navigating these troubled waters lies in a unified vision that transcends political divisions and prioritises the national interest. It calls for a leadership that is not only strategic and pragmatic, but also empathetic and inclusive.
For Sri Lanka to emerge from this period of turmoil, it will require a recommitment to the principles of democracy, a pragmatic yet visionary economic strategy, astute geopolitical navigation, and a deep understanding of the social fabric that binds its people.
With collective will, leadership, and a renewed sense of national purpose, Sri Lanka can chart a course towards a future marked by stability, prosperity, and renewed hope. The million-dollar question is whether the public can trust any political leader given the shallow behaviour we have witnessed over the decades, showing no end of lunacy.