Meaning of independence

Thursday, 4 February 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s 73rd Independence Day comes at a time when its citizens are facing a multitude of challenges. First and foremost are issues caused or deepened by the pandemic, which nearly 10 months on has shown little sign of abating.

Secondly, citizens face a plethora of economic and social issues that have been festering for decades, perhaps even before independence, but successive Governments have failed to address. Last but not least Sri Lanka is also facing a battle to protect its democracy and adherence to rule

of law.

Even with the first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine being deployed the journey to recover from the virus remains steep. Just this week the apparel industry doubled down on appeals for their workers to be prioritised for vaccines along with other export sectors, arguing that any further delays and restrictions could result in significant earnings losses and prolonged impact. The industry is ready to fund vaccines for 350,000 workers but procurement still remains a battle as countries engage in a global fight to jump ahead of the vaccine queue.

The economic impact has exacerbated Sri Lanka’s debt, deficit and welfare woes. Multiple ratings downgrades have limited the Government’s debt repayment options, which has already displayed currency volatility. The hope is for lifeline swaps from China and India. Even though growth is expected to be better in 2021 structural issues need to be addressed by reforms for Sri Lanka to be placed on a sustainable path.

Too many inward looking policies pose challenges to how the country will strengthen links to the global economy after the world recovers from the pandemic. There are also growing concerns of how to address job losses and growing income inequality.

COVID-19 has also exposed and worsened inter-community relations. The continued implementation of the cremation only policy despite repeated local and international appeals has worsened this rift. Sri Lanka is also readying to face another round at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) but the quest for genuine accountability seem as far away as ever.

There has been little effort by the Government to address minority concerns, deal with long standing issues and put Sri Lanka on a path to genuine peace.

The constant conflating of accountability with loss of sovereignty has politicised discourse to the extent that any attempt to highlight issues results in those concerned being dismissed as “traitors.” But as many moderates will point out dissent is not disloyalty and pushing a Government to address the concerns of all citizens and reach for higher aspirations of unity and equity is actually an expression of patriotism. As a sovereign Government the administration can chose to seek justice for its people without involving other countries.

Sri Lanka’s democratic roots champion balance of power, transparency and adherence to rule of law. These are the tenants that protect the rights of citizens and attempts to make them weaker should be resisted. As the country embarks on a new decade of Independence there is a very long list of things that need to be addressed so all Sri Lankans can feel they are equally a part of this country.