Progression for Sri Lanka May 2013

  

Sri Lanka is a country filled with awe-inspiring and breath-taking sights which fill your sense with the most flagrant emotions.  The onset of war, strife and political dissatisfaction has driven negative attitudes in a country striving for freedom and liberty.  The country is now in a post-conflict state and is actively seeking proper correction after the war for people of all backgrounds.  People of all backgrounds include Singhalese, Tamils, Moors, and Burghers.

For over thirty years the country has endured turmoil from the civil war and now pushes closer to equality and unity for its people.  The country is immensely diverse and has deep-roots in Buddhism and other religions, as the country has always been a spiritual place.  For this reason the government and people of Sri Lanka should seek to create ideals for religious tolerance in order its citizens can bear the fruits of everyday simple labour in peace and with the prosperity their faith brings.  

Sri Lanka has had a ‘whirlpool’ history spiralling one way and then the next, with uprisings, invasions, battles, and colonisations over centuries – however the spirit and join between the ancient and new remains and continues ever-increasingly to propel the good force of the country into a better state.  Sri Lanka has ancient history dating back eight thousand years and it embraces the modern era and it is absorbed by the spirit of the people even now.     

There has been a time of historic penance in Sri Lanka post-conflict and this should not be tainted by Western or any other international force, whether it is in the form of media, politics, or even business, there is a period post-conflict for grievance and reconcile and Sri Lanka should be given proper time to heal.  Like the lion released from an inescapable net by a mouse in Aesop’s fable, Sri Lanka has ‘broken free’ from the constraints of war and the desire for war.  Even now Sri Lankan ministers, appointed ambassadors and spokespersons forage for grains of truth and just how the farmer in Sri Lanka picks each grain of rice from his rice field, their work will be of great value to the survival of the Sri Lankan people.   

As a country of spirituality and prominent ancient sights Sri Lanka aims to harness and enliven goodness in the national community for harmony.  Harmony in society is achievable through the integrity of the Sri Lankan people and their willingness for peace and their acceptance of people from different religious and cultural backgrounds.  For centuries the country has spun into despair because people are conflicted about the identity of the Sri Lankan people.  The identity of the Sri Lankan people must be clearly visible and well-known and adopted by everyone for peace between peoples.  We are all unique and we are all comprised differently, making us the individuals we are, however we all share common human qualities and a vision for our children and families to be safe-guarded and free from harm in the future.  

It is absolutely fundamental law enforcement and judicial administration is kept fair and free from any bias and stringent force is imposed on those choosing to bend or manipulate the rule of law in dire ways, setting apart the unity of the Sri Lankan people.  In local communities and also in religious places, whether in Buddhist temples or Islamic mosques or Christian churches or Hindu temples, Sri Lankans should feel and believe they are all equally as important to Sri Lanka’s revival post-conflict, for Sri Lankans are better together than separate and apart.

Politics has of course shown tremendous discourse and civil disobedience, though presently the government proves signs of correcting the wrongs of previous government administrations.  Politics as a progressive answer is gradual and this is apparent in countries spanning the world.  It takes new people and new authority to put in place measures and responses to the way things are and the present Rajapakse government has shown a strong determination to reconcile past causes of conflict and suffering.

In March 2012 UN Human Rights Council, called on Sri Lanka to, “initiate credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity, accountability, and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans.” In response people accountable for any political wrongs or misdoings should be held in an inquiry if there is substantial basis to show people’s lives were endangered during the civil conflict.  Post-conflict Sri Lankans are in high spirits to amend the wrongs of the past and they look to achieving greater political democracy, signifying transparent decision-making bodies without a sole dominant power.

The UN demands to seek justice for human rights issues stated in countries abroad.  These are currently being dealt with by the President’s own initiatives, namely, the Humanitarian Effort for Resettlement, Development, and Security in the Northern Province report (2011) and Commission of Inquiry on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation report (2011).  However there have been set-backs due to international influences of a disruptive nature.  International assistance is always appreciated when it is required though the independent decision-making of the country must always remain intact and continue to thrive on new ideas improving the country’s development for everyone.   The idea of enhancing equality and creating peaceful reconciliation between peoples for the benefit of all Sri Lankans is important to achieving co-operation not only in the country itself but between other countries.

The nature of the country ranging from the wild animals to the deep valleys and beaches is essential to the island’s spirit and it is a connection for the people of Sri Lanka, a link which has held them firmly grasping on to hope for an end to the war.  Sri Lanka’s development will expand in multiples due to the end of the civil conflict.  People can now make use of the country and available trades.  The country takes great care of resources and like a sip of a King Coconut just fell from the tree they will continue to refresh and rejuvenate the people.    

Now the war has ended Sri Lanka is free.  Sri Lanka is free like the tall Heron lifting and expanding its wings as it takes flight in the jungle, the country will soar.   The country will soar in improving its standards for civil rights and regulate the law with closer scrutiny.  The country will soar in rehousing and rehabilitating people victimised by war.  The country will soar in creating more national unity.

Political and economic negotiations will move the country forward in its new beginning.   The upcoming CHOGM in Sri Lanka November 2013 signifies Sri Lanka’s desire for international co-operation.   There is so much appreciation for foreign opinion but the propagation of wrong ideas through media like the Channel 4 British Documentary (of which even the title “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields” has created intense debate and unpleasant feelings) has made a negative impact for the nation.  Following the recent political upstir in January 2013 concerning the removal of Shirani Bandaranayake as Chief Justice, and her subsequent replacement Mohan Peiris who was chosen through the legally bestowed powers of the President, it is clear effective legislative powers must be instilled with the introduction of better law, so the rule of law is protected.  Even though a majority of the members of the Sri Lankan Parliament was required to approve the removal of Chief Justice, appointing a new Chief Justice should require better legislation, for the sake of fairer justice.  Yet to protect the sanctity of law in Sri Lanka a Chief Justice had to be readily appointed and this was done in accordance with Sri Lankan law.  Politically speaking appointing a Chief Justice is a lengthy thought-out process with a proper explanation of the nominated candidate.  In the United States of America President Barack Obama appointed the Associate Chief Justice Sonia Sotomayor in 2009. Before her appointment an election was held when the President made known his candidate for the role.  A talk in London on the impeachment of the Sri Lankan Chief Justice in February 2013 symbolised a great awakening for Sri Lanka.  Sri Lanka’s legal minds have seen a need to amend the country’s law and re-evaluate its judicature.   

Sri Lanka’s government is a Democratic Socialist Republic and functions in this way, having a Prime Minister role within a Parliament and an overseeing Presidential role within the government. The government serves the people of Sri Lanka and their aim to work for the nation, and this essentially removes any notion of a hierarchical government or supremely separate controlling governmental body or faction.  Therefore there should be benign objectives establishing pathways for younger generations to enter the Sri Lankan political sphere.  Some ministers are treated as having supreme power because of their bruteforce or entourage however this must soon change for the better.  More assertive young political minds setting out to develop Sri Lanka must replace those seeking malign objectives to stay in office.  The only way to amend this problem is to properly enforce the judicial system and government administration with proper policies justifying positions in government.  A breach of political authority would mean their government position is in jeopardy.  Young people and the development of belief in government and in Sri Lanka’s modern outlook are crucial to Sri Lanka’s progression, because they hold the key to unlocking the future Sri Lankans truly desire.  When young people fully comprehend the misgivings of the past they can help establish a more peaceful country by working together for the country’s benefit in politics.   

There are international impingements in circumstances post-conflict and countries like Sri Lanka must see through the eyes of its people to operate independently.  The course of yesterday will speak answers for today and Sri Lanka’s tomorrow will be brighter than ever.