Independence | Daily News

Independence

There will be much optimism and also many imponderables as the country celebrates another Independence Day today. Time was when Independence Day was observed with much solemnity given the significance of the occasion. With the passage of time this gave way to extravagant parades and military and cultural displays. The war brought about a radical change in the celebrations with the military element the dominant feature. Independence Day was transformed into an occasion to display the country's military muscle and hardware. Today's event will be no exception.

Presently, Independence Day though has turned out to be just another day where the populace can relax and enjoy the holiday. It has been unable to capture the grandeur and majesty of Independence Days of early eras. Even in schools, in the lower grades, not much is being taught to the children about the significance of our Independence. This may be the reason why many are not aware about the contribution and sacrifices made by the leaders of all communities in the achievement of Independence. The education authorities should think of ways to din this fact into the minds of the students from their formative years, lest the next generation too falls prey to the distortions by racist elements.

Some may say that the country is independent only in name and there is no economic independence. They will point out that we are still dependent on our colonial masters for our economic sustenance. There will also be those who point to the fact that we are still being dictated to by others and work to the agendas set by them. The involvement of many international actors in post war Sri Lanka has added credence to this contention. While there is an element of truth in these claims it also cannot be denied that we have achieved much during the past 68 years while it may also be true that we have a long way to go before economic, social and economic independence is achieved by the country.

For this to happen though there has to be dedication and commitment on the part of all citizens. But what do we see around us but inefficiency, sloth, and the casual approach to work. Public servants who are in the forefront to execute the government's development plans, do the least that they could get away with and down their tools at the drop of a hat. Waste, corruption, indolence is observed everywhere with the state saddled with a heavy burden to sustain this largely unproductive work force. If the country's development goals are to be achieved there is a need for a complete change in attitude. Dedication is called for in a big way, if the country is to move forward and reap the fruits of true independence.

Much water has flown down the bridge since the day the country's first post Independence Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake hoisted the Lion flag opposite the old Parliament building at Galle Face, ending centuries of foreign subjugation. Looking back, Sri Lanka can be a lot satisfied with the way things had turned out during last 68 years. Equally, there is also cause for disappointment and recriminations. The country could have advanced far beyond what we have achieved today had not three major uprisings intervened, setting back the development and progress by many years.

On the positive side, Sri Lanka has today advanced into the status of a middle income country. It has also advanced by leaps and bounds in many other facets. Its social indices are among the best in Asia and boasts of one of the best health care services in the world. The same could be said with regard technological advancement, not surprising for a country with a 90 per cent literacy rate. The country has also advanced by leaps and bounds in agriculture production and industrial output. For all its success and advancements in many spheres and sectors, the country has yet to reach its full potential though. The main reason for this is a fractured and highly polarised political landscape that has stultified development and enterprise. There is today grim forebodings of the ugly head of racism once again raising itself to destroy the country's social fabric. Bigotry has replaced tolerance and compassion, features that were promoted and nurtured by the founding fathers of Independence. Those bent on pursuing this destructive path had even lost sight of the fact that leaders of ALL communities put their shoulder to the wheel to achieve Independence and free the country from the colonial yolk.

Blind to this fact, these agents of anarchy and destruction are today casting aspersions against and vilifying different sections of the community which can only set off another conflagration and undermine the Independence gained. Rulers, civil society and clergy of all faiths should unite to effectively deal with the machinations of these anarchic elements so that the country and its people could enjoy progress, development and above all peace, brotherhood and amity between all communities to vindicate the sacrifices and efforts of the leaders of all communities in the Independence struggle.

 


Add new comment