By Matara Gunapala –
Dr. Matara Gunapala
Once celebrated as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean,’ Sri Lanka‘s stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage were complemented by a dynamic economy. Its tropical climate, fertile soil, valuable resources like precious stones, renowned tea, rubber, and coconut, and strategic deep harbours made it a significant player in maritime trade. At its zenith, it was hailed as the ‘granary of the Orient,’ a testament to its agricultural prosperity.
The advent of British colonial rule between 1815 and 1948 redirected Sri Lanka’s focus towards export-oriented commercial plantations and infrastructure development primarily to serve colonial interests, often neglecting the welfare of its ordinary citizens. By independence in 1948, Sri Lanka’s currency was strong, with the rupee valued at approximately Rs 3.33 to the US dollar. Unfortunately, since then, successive governments have failed to manage the economy effectively, resulting in a significant decline in currency value. As of February 2024, the rupee has depreciated to over Rs 310 (with a slight improvement to around Rs 301 as of August 2024), highlighting a troubling and urgent trend of economic mismanagement that needs immediate attention.
While the struggles of Sri Lankan citizens and the country’s recognition as one of the 22 most highly indebted by the IMF have drawn international attention, it’s important to remember that Sri Lanka’s potential remains substantial. Revitalising this potential lies the key to its future prosperity and the well-being of its people.
Present situation
Since becoming a republic with an executive president, Sri Lanka’s political system has faced significant challenges. A series of constitutional amendments has led to a political environment many see as deeply flawed, impacting nearly every aspect of society, from public services to the economy.
The influence of politicians extends into critical institutions like the Central Bank and the judiciary, undermining effective economic management and the rule of law. This has created a situation where accountability is scarce, and many feel that politicians act as though they are above the law. Corruption has seeped into politics and public service, making fair access to opportunities and services a distant dream for ordinary citizens.
The disparity between the lives of politicians and the public is stark. While those in power and their close associates enjoy luxurious lifestyles and often travel abroad, many Sri Lankans struggle with rising prices and shortages of basic necessities. This divide has fuelled frustration and a demand for change.
Many see political institutions, including Parliament, as ineffective and needing significant reform. This flawed democracy is inadequate, particularly in areas such as the electoral process, political culture, freedom of the press, and the functionality of public institutions.
The widespread corruption and institutional inefficiencies have stifled the changes demanded by Aragalaya (the people’s uprising in March 2022). Once celebrated as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” Sri Lanka now faces the challenge of regaining its former promise.
Many Sri Lankans call for comprehensive reforms across professions, educational levels, and ages. The country needs a robust constitutional framework, an independent judiciary, and improvements in education and skill development. Promoting entrepreneurship and fostering a disciplined society is crucial for creating sustained social and economic value. Addressing these issues is not just an option but a pressing necessity. The following points outline critical areas that need attention to achieve economic prosperity and enhance the well-being of all Sri Lankans.
Constitutional reform
The Constitution is the cornerstone of any country’s government, and Sri Lanka is no exception. It outlines the fundamental principles and guidelines that define how the state is governed, including the balance of power and the rights of its citizens. For Sri Lanka, the Constitution is crucial because it shapes the nation’s governance, influencing everything from public policy to the functioning of key institutions.
Sri Lanka’s Constitution has been revised more than 20 times since independence, often in ways that have bolstered politicians’ power at the expense of judicial independence, economic stability, and public service effectiveness. Notable among these revisions were the new constitutions introduced in 1972 and 1978. These changes increased political power and weakened the checks and balances essential for a fair and functional democracy. Moreover, the Constitution has been criticised for fostering ethno-religious divisions and limiting freedom and equal opportunities for all citizens. Efforts to amend it further, such as attempts to delay presidential elections, have led to accusations of undermining democracy.
Several proposals for reforming the Constitution have been made. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, presidential candidate Nagahananda Kodituwakku, and the Collective for Democracy and Rule of Law (CDRL) – a group of senior academics, professionals, and activists – have all proposed a new constitutional framework. Their proposals aim to address the current system’s shortcomings and promote democracy and effective governance.
Despite these efforts, political parties have yet to present their comprehensive plans for constitutional reform. A new constitution remains critical for the country to navigate its present challenges. For Sri Lanka to move towards prosperity, certain elements are essential in a new constitution. These include:
* Strengthened Checks and Balances: Ensuring that no single branch of government holds excessive power.
* Judicial Independence: Protecting the judiciary from political influence to uphold justice.
* Fair Representation: Creating mechanisms to ensure all citizens have an equal voice in governance.
* Promotion of Unity: Addressing ethno-religious divisions and fostering national cohesion.
* Transparency and Accountability: Implement measures to prevent corruption and mismanagement, ensuring that government actions are accountable to the public.
The Parliament of Sri Lanka
The Parliament of Sri Lanka consists of 225 members, and the President, who wields extensive executive powers, is elected separately to lead the government. This structure was designed to facilitate effective governance, but it has often become a burden on the nation due to excessive powers and benefits enjoyed by its members. The current number of parliamentarians and provincial council members seems excessive for a country the size of Sri Lanka. The large number of politicians, combined with their considerable privileges and perks, has led to inefficiencies and misuse of power, contributing to the perception that the political system is costly and ineffective.
One pressing issue is the misuse of administrative and financial powers, which has enabled some politicians to amass wealth quickly through corrupt practices. A new constitution should address this by preventing politicians from appointing or influencing public officials and eliminating funding for unnecessary luxuries, such as extravagant vehicles and pension schemes, that do not contribute to national prosperity.
A more efficient parliamentary system would involve reducing the number of representatives and establishing an independent body to oversee political conduct, akin to the Senate abolished in 1971. This body would monitor decisions and their actions to ensure they align with democratic principles and national interests.
The current economic crisis and widespread corruption are symptoms of a deeper problem: many politicians lack the commitment and capability to serve the nation effectively. Corruption and inefficiencies, including the mismanagement of nationalised enterprises and various scandals, have led to significant economic losses and weakened public services. Good governance requires that members of Parliament and other public officials be chosen based on education, capability, experience, and integrity. Parliamentary members must hold qualifications comparable to a degree from a recognised university and demonstrate the necessary skills for leadership. These skills include collaborating, thinking critically, and communicating effectively. The practice of political appointments based on family connections rather than merit, as seen during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration, further exacerbates the problem. Political roles should be filled based on capability and qualifications, not nepotism or sectarian interests, to promote effective governance.
Moreover, political parties must focus on national unity and development rather than catering to specific communities. The Constitution should prevent sectarian policies and political dynasties, ensuring that all communities are represented fairly in government. Political leadership should be based on merit, honesty, and education rather than family ties, race, or other divisive factors. The principles that contributed to Singapore’s success—meritocracy, Pragmatics, and Honesty (MPH) are highly relevant to Sri Lanka. Such principles could help guide the country towards a more effective and equitable political system.
Ensuring a Sound Judiciary
A robust judicial system is crucial for restoring social justice and ensuring fair governance in a country grappling with widespread corruption, mismanagement, and crime. Sri Lanka’s recent history has been marred by the looting of national wealth, leading to a significant debt burden and escalating corruption. Successive governments have mismanaged the country but often relied on foreign loans and implemented wasteful and corrupt practices, leading to economic and social ruin. The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has identified numerous individuals, including politicians and their associates, as contributors to the current economic crisis. However, the challenge lies in translating these findings into concrete actions. The judiciary’s ability to enforce the law effectively and hold wrongdoers accountable is essential for addressing these issues. The public demands thorough investigations and accountability for those responsible for economic mismanagement and corruption. Recovering misappropriated assets and ensuring they are returned to benefit the nation is critical to restoring trust and integrity in government institutions. To achieve this, Sri Lanka needs a judiciary that is independent and empowered to act decisively, which includes:
* Enforcing the Law: Ensuring that legal decisions are implemented effectively and that those found guilty of corruption or misconduct face appropriate penalties.
* Accountability: Hold politicians and public officials accountable for their actions and ensure that stolen assets are recovered and utilised for the public good.
* Independence: Protecting the judiciary from political interference to maintain impartiality and uphold the rule of law.
* A sound judiciary is a cornerstone of good governance. It fosters an environment where justice prevails, and public confidence in the legal system is restored.
Education and skill development
Education is a foundation of national success. A robust education system does more than teach reading, writing, and factual knowledge; it fosters skills crucial for strategic thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship. These skills are vital for driving a nation’s prosperity and adapting to the ever-changing global landscape.
An effective education system can also play a key role in promoting social cohesion. By including all ethnic and religious communities at least in each educational institution, education can help bridge divides and reduce communal tensions, fostering a more unified society.
Educational institutions must be accessible to everyone to support individual and national success. Effective education also includes opportunities for those who leave school early to gain technical and vocational skills that enhance their employability and contribute to the country’s development.
Investment in higher education and research institutions is equally critical. Countries with rapid development, such as the United States, China, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and various European Union nations, are known for their substantial research and higher education funding. This investment drives innovation and economic growth, demonstrating the importance of prioritising education at all levels.
In addition to formal education, independent media is crucial in educating the public and keeping citizens informed about important issues. The independence of the press is essential in Sri Lanka, where information suppression has facilitated corruption and misuse of power. Independent media encourages critical thinking and impartial analysis, which helps to reduce government inefficiencies and corruption, thereby supporting socio-economic development.
Building a Disciplined Nation
Good conduct of individuals, organisations, and government institutions is crucial for a nation’s prosperity. Success and progress rely on a foundation of honesty, integrity, and respectfulness. Despite lacking significant natural resources, countries like Japan and Singapore have thrived primarily due to their strong sense of national discipline, supported by their effective legal systems. In contrast, Sri Lanka has struggled with economic challenges partly due to a lack of discipline across various sectors. Indiscipline is evident in many aspects of daily life, from the streets and workplaces to Parliament, which has contributed to the country’s decline since its independence.
To reverse this trend and promote prosperity, fostering a culture of discipline within the nation is essential, which involves:
* Cultural Change: Embedding a culture of discipline in workplaces and daily life to ensure everyone adheres to professionalism and ethical behaviour standards.
* Constitutional Reform: Amending the Constitution to support and reinforce disciplined behaviour at all governance and public service levels.
* Independent Judiciary: Strengthening the judiciary to enforce laws impartially and uphold standards of conduct.
* Effective Law Enforcement: Ensuring that law enforcement agencies are well-equipped and committed to maintaining law and order in addressing breaches of discipline.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s journey since independence has been tarnished by rent-seeking and thuggery by self-serving politicians, leading to economic decline and extensive corruption. Despite its favourable climate and strategic geographic location, the country has squandered numerous opportunities due to a lack of integrity, honesty, and effective governance. This misgovernance has resulted in a debt-ridden economy plagued by widespread corruption and ineffective policies. Therefore, Sri Lanka today stands at a critical juncture. Ending politicians’ undue influence over the judiciary and public sector is imperative to reverse this crisis. This tragic situation can only be confronted by sound constitutional reform, ensuring an independent judiciary and implementing measures to foster disciplined behaviour among politicians, public service and citizens alike. It requires rigorous monitoring of parliamentary, public, and private sector activities to promote racial unity, good governance, and enhanced living standards for all citizens. Investing in education, research, skill development, and entrepreneurship will provide opportunities for widespread contribution to the nation’s prosperity. Additionally, protecting the environment and conserving natural resources are crucial for developing Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and improving the overall quality of life. By embracing these reforms and focusing on sustainable development, Sri Lanka can move towards a more prosperous and equitable future.
*For over 30 years, the writer has worked as a librarian at the University of Peradeniya and Victoria University. Following retirement, he pursued a PhD in the field of management. He continues contributing to the field through his ongoing research and publications.
davidthegood / August 23, 2024
Dr. M. Gunapala, your conclusion is that the misgovernance in a debt-ridden economy, is the current situation, in our nation. Could you do something positive towards an active solution through people groups trained to liberate the country from the greedy robbers and murderers who hold it captive. Otherwise, no future for the struggling citizens.
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Nathan / August 23, 2024
… the Constitution has been criticised for fostering ethno-religious divisions and limiting freedom and equal opportunities for all citizens.
??
No Constitution, however well drafted, can save the country when it is subverted by the politicians.
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A politician is just another public servant. He need not be rewarded any more than a civil servant. I am particularly annoyed at all the perks and benefits the politicians are entitled to.
Should you remove them, almost all the crooks will abandon their pursuit to become politicians.
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old codger / August 23, 2024
Nathan,
“No Constitution, however well drafted, can save the country when it is subverted by the politicians.”
True enough,but who elects these politicians? Who gave them a two-thirds majority to subvert the minimal protective provisions in the Soulbury Constitution, and later 5/6 to create the hybrid monster we have now?
Yes, the very same voters who now say the Constitution is bad.
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Naman / August 23, 2024
A good lesson should be learnt by the
GoSL from the way the UK government had handled the recent riots against immigrants of recent and past.
The culprits were subjected to law and order that was dispensed hot hot. This averted further attacks.
Had the various GoSL since independence had tackled the “ Minorities Bashing” since independence, the current ECONOMIC meltdown would have been averted leading to a fair and civilised peaceful & prosperous society of Sri Lankans
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Naman / August 23, 2024
As the author points out out, the country needs a brand new Constitution that satisfies ALL the citizens of the country.
Majoritarian rule should cease & Buddhism practiced . Those who promote racial and religious hatred punished instantaneously.
Sending our talented and not so talented abroad to improve our Foreign currency RESERVES is not the way to go about. Get them to develop our country. Every time we send mothers to Middle East etc, we are losing an important member of the Family leading to children not being brought up in a proper environment.
Foreign Exchange should also not be made by treating the up-Country estate workers badly. It is a huge sin that has been practiced for two centuries.
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Naman / August 23, 2024
Did we and our parents in SL failed us by remaining SILENT while the various GoSL since Independence undertook state sponsored violent acts. The time has come to apologise to those who have been affected over more than SEVEN decades. Will they?
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Native Vedda / August 23, 2024
Naman
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“The time has come to apologise to those who have been affected over more than SEVEN decades. Will they?”
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No they won’t, because they are proud Sinhalese, Buddhists, Sinhala/Buddhists, Tamils, saivaites, Tamil/Saivaites, Christians, Muslims, ….. they all believe they do not harm/hurt others therefore they need not to apologise. They are either in total denial or they blame the victims.
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hanchopancha / August 23, 2024
The Singhalese Buddhists are uniquely hypocritical. They preach one and practice just the opposite. The level of corruption is overwhelming. At the pinnacle is the House of Diyawanna. The judiciary is corrupt to the core. Sarath N. Silva when he was the Chief Justice desecrated the entire judiciary and his successors to the present Chief Justice Mr. Jayantha Jayasuriya followed suit. He promoted Buddhism from a high pulpit. It is the inborn hypocritical character of the Singhalese race. This is the crux of the problem.
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old codger / August 23, 2024
“The advent of British colonial rule between 1815 and 1948 redirected Sri Lanka’s focus towards export-oriented commercial plantations and infrastructure development primarily to serve colonial interests, often neglecting the welfare of its ordinary citizens. By independence in 1948, Sri Lanka’s currency was strong, with the rupee valued at approximately Rs 3.33 to the US dollar. Unfortunately, since then, successive governments have failed to manage the economy effectively, resulting in a significant decline in currency value.”
The rot started soon after Independence, when the so-called “Father of the Nation” disenfranchised the most productive people in the Nation, the plantation workers, because he didn’t like the way they tended to vote. We shot ourselves in the foot, and it was all downhill from there. One could postulate that behind this too were the fascist racial attitudes encouraged by Anagarika Dharmapala, who shamefully still remains in the list of “National Heroes”.
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Pundit / August 23, 2024
I often cringe when I hear known thugs, pardoned convicts and reputed crooks and racketeers refer to themselves as being “desha – palakayo”. Can we insist they be called “mahajana – niyojithayo” instead?
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Ajith / August 23, 2024
The author has highlighted the importance of a new constitution to bring back the status of the country that was before the so called independence. Unfortunately even after the officially declared as bankrupt a recorded 39 power greedy individuals compete each other to divide the people in all directions and we only see violence and hatred against each other. How many more political dramas and coups we need to see in this country and how long it going to take to come to an end.?
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whywhy / August 23, 2024
Srilanka was called with Beautiful names by those who knew what is Beauty .
And , those with zero idea about beauty did not do anything to maintain it . It
has lost its lustre and now Rusting , beyond anybody’s control to bring back the
shine .
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Raj-UK / August 23, 2024
Yes, we need a new constitution but the reforms should be formulated by non political intellectuals, not the likes of CBK, who was happy with the status quo when she was in power, or academic prostitutes like GL. In fact, SWRD started the rot & his widow initiated nepotism, cronyism & the subtle corruption, which was taken to new heights by CBK herself, so she should now enjoy her retirement in St. Johns Wood, London, & give up her privileges in SL, paid for by the poor tax payer. The Bandaranayakas have done enough harm. I would like to see honest people with integrity like Nagananda taking a key role. He was a lone voice when he objected to unfair perks of parliamentarians & had the guts to take on the establishment.
Cont.
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Raj-UK / August 23, 2024
Cont
Apart from abolishing the office of the Presidency & all the perks & privileges of past & present politicians, SL should adopt a simple system like the Westminster (without the house of Lords which the Labour party wanted to abolish but was unable to do so due to ‘tradition’) with only a single vote for the candidate of choice (without multiple ‘manape’). The Provincial Council system is another ‘not fit for purpose’ office. It only grooms the village thug for a seat in Parliament. The bloated cabinet must be reduced. In UK, the number of paid Ministers are limited to 109, including the Prime Minister. Currently, there are 131 Ministerial posts held by 117 MPs but 10 are unpaid according to the constitution. A Minister is entitled to a vehicle, leased by the Ministry, a Police driver & a bodyguard, while the PM is allowed a back up vehicle & another with extra bodyguards. Only the PM is allowed 2 motor cycle outriders which are for ceremonial purposes only. Normal MPs are not entitled to bodyguards nor vehicles. Their travelling costs are reimbursed when attending Parliament & overnight hotel if the constituency is far away. They all contribute to the pension scheme just as normal citizens. In comparison, what a gravy train SL provides for its politicians.
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Rohan25 / August 24, 2024
As per the 1987 International Indo/Sri Lanka agreement or the signed by Rajiv and JR, there were supposed to be only two units, in the newly created federal form of government. The Northeast Provincial council as one unit with land and police powers, the internationally recognized ancient historic homeland of the island’s native indigenous Eelam Tamils and other Tamil speakers who came and settled later a few centuries ago and the rest of the country as the other unit, the ancient historic homeland of the Sinhalese people. Just two units in a federated or Quasi federated state, recognizing the ancient historic homeland of the island’s Sinhalese and Tamil populations and protecting the culture heritage, history, religion and language of these two people in their historic homelands. However, racist crafty, JR like all Sinhalese leaders before him, other than creating the joint Northeast Provincial council, as he was forced to by the then ruling Indian government, deliberately dishonoured everything else. In order to deliberately water down the powers of the Tamil Northeast provincial council and its importance, he deliberately created a further seven provincial councils in the Sinhalese areas, which was not in the agreement, and was not needed and created this huge white elephant, just to deny the island’s Tamils their power and importance, and further did not grant the land and police powers to the northeast Tamil provincial council, as per the agreement.
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Rohan25 / August 24, 2024
This was enshrined to stop further state sponsored Sinhalese colonization of ancient historic Tamil areas, under guise of development and archaeology as we can see now. The creation of the other seven Sinhalese provincial councils was a ruse to whittle down the powers of the then Tamil Northeast provincial council and deny them the land and police powers, as there were no Sinhalese provincial councils or powers were in the agreement. He and the rest of the Sinhalese leaders who followed him, deliberately continued this white elephant of these seven Sinhalese provincial councils, that were not needed, just to deny the Tamils their power and a federal form of state as per the agreement and enshrined in the constitution, but not being implemented. The willy racist and cunning Rajapaksa’s went further and divided the Tamil homeland by demerging the north and east, as two separate units, as prelude to further colonize the ancient Tamil east with outside Sinhalese and Muslims and reduce the eastern Tamils and the Tamil Vedda living there to powerless third rates in their own ancient homeland where they had ruled, before European colonization, and then do the same to the north.
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Rohan25 / August 24, 2024
We can see this with all these large-scale building of Buddhist temples, the spurious fake claims made by the so-called Archaeological department, with regards to ancient Tamil Saivite and Buddhists sites, as being Sinhalese Buddhist and other government departments like forestry, land and Mahaweli to privately owned Tamil lands and public lands, that are there for their benefit. In order to settle Sinhalese and to some extent southern Muslims. This is the reason all Sinhalese led governments, politicians and the racist Buddhist clergy and fake Arab South Indian Tamil origin Muslim hardliners, are against land and police powers being given to the Tamil provincial council and merging them again, as they want to Sinhalize them. The racist occupying Sinhalese armed forces and police and public service is also there for this purpose and not for law and order. The Rajapaksa regime like all Sinhalese leaders promised the world, the west, the UN and India, that if they helped them to defeat the LTTE , just Tamil rights and a federal form of government for the Tamil north and east will be granted with land and police rights, he even came on many international television channels and promised this, stating Sec 13A plus will now be implemented with more powers to the Tamil North East council.
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Rohan25 / August 24, 2024
However, had like all Sinhalese leaders before him, was lying and had no intention of implementing anything, just to fool the world India and the west to get what they wanted. What he did was the opposite, he immediately used a racist Sinhalese judge, courts, Sinhalese racists and the JVP to demerge the Tamil north and east and further whittle away the rights of the Tamil north and east provincial councils and settle more outside Sinhalese and Muslims. Now his son is openly stating and renegading on what was promised to the world, the west and India, no land and police powers to the Tamil areas, and further reduction of powers, to appease the largely racist Sinhalese electorate. All these Sinhalese politicians are racist, cunning and evil to the core. They have used racism and a racist very Un Buddhist clergy to gain and retain power and to ruin the Tamils, resulting in the country being ruined and even the Sinhalese ruined but neither they or most Sinhalese do not care and will still go on ruining the country, and ruining themselves. As long as the Tamil minorities are miserable and destroyed.
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Ajith / August 25, 2024
“All these Sinhalese politicians are racist, cunning and evil to the core.”
You are right that almost all Sinhalese political leaders are racists because they need racism to become the rulers of the country. But almost all the Tamil political leaders, particularly Tamil political leaders who are in parliament also play double games one face to Tamils and another face to Sinhalese leaders. They are making secret deals with Sinhalese leaders and some are waiting until last minute to make a deal as they did for past 15 years. They say this election is different and they say there are three or four major Sinhalese leaders competing Sinhalese votes and none of them get 50% in the first count and they need Tamils votes. They don’t say what will happen if the candidate they support will loose in this election? Then the candidate who win without Tamil votes will say you guys supported him so you go and get your benefits from him.
Tamils should be neutral and get maximum representation for the Parliament election and give the support to ruling party in case they need that support for good governance. Example: Implement rule of law, Independent Judiciary, action against corruptors etc.
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davidthegood / August 24, 2024
Rohan25, the historical record you write may be accurate but what is needed are not talkers but doers. If you must, spell out the movements to be adopted against these robbing and lying politicians in order to punish them and recover what they stole from nation. Those who had nothing in 2005, are now billionaires. What have they done to get there?
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davidthegood / August 24, 2024
Raj-UK, the abolition of the presidency is a MUST. Then no need of the gravy train, giving a good copying of the UK parliament.
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Raj-UK / August 25, 2024
davidthegood
The abolition of the Presidency is necessary because the cost is a burden on the citizens. Certainly, poor value for money, & the constitution allows the Prez. to be above the law as well. The average citizen is helpless apart from protesting & demanding change from those who are responsible for governing the country. I am doing my bit in protesting & comparing our system with a rich nation so that those in the dark are aware how the system has been manipulated to benefit a few at the expense of all the citizens.
AKD & Co have been touring the world recently, & particularly, been in UK during its election, I trust they have broadened their minds & reform the dysfunctional SL governing system in line with developed countries in making the best use of public money. However, I will not be convinced unless the reforms are stated in a binding manifesto
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Ruchira / August 24, 2024
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Ruchira / August 24, 2024
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davidthegood / August 26, 2024
Raj-UK, please help draft this binding manifesto you are talking about. All have learnt to express their thoughts and feelings in words only without moving deeper to help draft the needy manifesto and later amend the constitution. Spend that needed time.
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