
By ALMA Shameem –
Sri Lanka, with its rich diversity of ethnicities, religions, and cultures, has long faced the challenge of balancing these identities in its political landscape. Ethnic-based politics, which has shaped much of the country’s history, continues to be a divisive force that hinders national unity, sustainable development, and long-term peace. Eliminating ethnic-based politics is essential for Sri Lanka’s progress toward a truly united, prosperous, and peaceful society.
The Legacy of Ethnic-Based Politics
Ethnic politics in Sri Lanka can be traced back to the colonial period, when the British promoted communal identities for administrative convenience. After independence in 1948, political parties began to align themselves along ethnic lines, leading to an entrenched system of division. The Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities were often pitted against one another as political elites manipulated ethnic tensions for electoral gains.
The ethnic conflict that ravaged the country for nearly three decades, culminating in the end of the civil war in 2009, further solidified the role of ethnicity in politics. The wounds from that conflict remain deep, and many political actors continue to exploit these divisions to maintain their power bases.
The Dangers of Ethnic-Based Politics
Ethnic-based politics is inherently exclusionary. It prioritizes the interests of one group over others, marginalizing minority communities and deepening societal divides. In Sri Lanka, this has led to periodic flare-ups of ethnic tensions, often exacerbated by political leaders who use inflammatory rhetoric to rally their base. As a result, instead of fostering dialogue and reconciliation, the political landscape becomes a battleground for competing ethnic identities.
This form of politics also undermines the development of a cohesive national identity. When citizens are encouraged to vote based on ethnicity rather than issues such as education, healthcare, economic development, or governance, the focus shifts away from collective national progress. The very foundation of democracy is weakened as elections become contests of ethnic loyalty rather than platforms for policy debate.
The Path Forward: Building Inclusive Politics
To eliminate ethnic-based politics, Sri Lanka must prioritize the creation of an inclusive political culture that transcends ethnic divisions. Political parties should focus on national issues and promote policies that benefit all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background. This would involve moving away from communal politics toward issue-based campaigns, where parties compete on platforms related to economic growth, social justice, education, and governance.
Electoral reforms can also play a significant role in curbing ethnic-based politics. A shift toward proportional representation could encourage parties to build broader, multi-ethnic coalitions rather than relying on narrow ethnic constituencies. Such reforms would incentivize politicians to appeal to a wider audience and reduce the incentives for stoking ethnic tensions.
Education is another critical area for fostering national unity. Sri Lanka’s education system should focus on promoting a shared sense of national identity while respecting diversity. Schools can serve as spaces where children from different ethnic backgrounds learn to appreciate one another’s cultures and grow up with a sense of belonging to a united Sri Lankan nation.
The Role of Civil Society and Leadership
Civil society, religious leaders, and community organizations have a vital role in promoting reconciliation and unity. By advocating for policies that promote inter-ethnic cooperation and dialogue, these groups can challenge the divisive narratives propagated by ethnic-based politicians. Grassroots movements that emphasize common goals—such as poverty alleviation, economic development, and environmental sustainability—can bring together people from diverse communities, showcasing the power of collaboration across ethnic lines.
Leadership at the highest levels is crucial in this transformation. Political leaders must take responsibility for guiding the country toward a more inclusive future. This means rejecting the temptation to use ethnic differences for short-term political gain and instead championing the values of equality, justice, and unity. Leaders who prioritize national interest over communal divisions will be instrumental in creating a new political culture.
Eliminating ethnic-based politics from Sri Lanka is not just a political necessity—it is a moral imperative. As the country continues to heal from its violent past, building a political system based on inclusivity, equality, and national unity is the only path forward. By fostering issue-based politics, implementing electoral reforms, and promoting inter-ethnic cooperation, Sri Lanka can create a brighter, more peaceful future for all its citizens. Ethnic divisions must give way to a shared vision of progress, where every citizen has an equal stake in the nation’s success. Only then can Sri Lanka fulfil its true potential as a united and prosperous country.
*Alma Shameem, Senior lecturer in Marketing Management
davidthegood / October 18, 2024
Alma Shameem, Sorry but ethnic politics is not from British. Long ago we had Elara-Dutugamunu wars. Also Indian kings ruled here. Obvious worldly division was seen right from the Tower of Babel, though divisions and murders occurred even much earlier. We need this hard to see transformation of reconciliation and unity which you rightly say is a shared vision of progress. Hope to see it.
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Fairmindedone / October 20, 2024
Not certain of the ethnic origin at E-D period. But there wasn’t a single incident of Sinhala-Tamil conflict until after the independence in Ceylon. However, both communities were significantly affected by the occupying foreign forces.
The last Jaffna king was taken to Goa as a prisoner and was condemned to death by the Portuguese occupiers.
The last Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to Britain in 1815 and the king Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, aka Prince Kannasamy Naidu (of Telugu origin), was sent to India by the British!.
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Fairmindedone / October 20, 2024
Rather regretfully ethnic based politics was created by the majoritarian community, more explicitly commencing with SWRD’s 1956 Sinhala only project in a bilingual country with seed planted in the disenfranchisation bill in 1949. It paved the way for the creation of the federal party by SJV that became an entity to counter the majoritarian approach.
Tamil society lost further with bifurcation of its society one on faith and the rest being the other unit. Unless a very integrated approach with a trilingual (bilingual plus international) society as such that in Singapore, we have along way to go.
Oh! what a beautiful country with such richness of people and the environment. Eight decades wasted. One can lament at it.
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RBH59 / October 20, 2024
Eliminating Ethnic-Based Politics In Sri Lanka: A Path Toward National Unity.
Indian Premier League (IPL). Just as an IPL team consists of players from multiple countries working together with the goal of winning, a nation must foster unity among its diverse people to move forward globally.It’s important to emphasize that no ethnic group should be avoided or excluded. In fact, inclusivity and respect for all ethnic groups are essential for fostering national unity, peace, and development. Diversity should be seen as a strength, and the goal should be to create an environment where all communities—regardless of ethnicity—can contribute and thrive together.
Exclusion or marginalization of any ethnic group can lead to tension and conflict, while mutual respect and understanding can promote harmony and progress. Nations grow stronger when they embrace their diversity and ensure equality for all.
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