1st February 1998

That battle for democracy

By Hiranthi Fernando

Sri Lanka attained independence from colonial rule with relative ease. Compared to the violence that erupted in other newly independent South Asian nations, industrial disputes and strikes appeared quite insignificant. A smooth transfer of power was effected and a viable democracy established.

During the fifty years of Sri Lanka's independence there have been many threats against democracy and the freedom of the people, both by governments and other forces. It is perhaps ironic that governments and political leaders who espoused democracy and agitated for it when in the opposition, have acted undemocratically, even autocratically when in power. The nation's first Prime Minister, D. S. Senanayake was a true statesman who endeavoured to foster a Sri Lankan nationalism, overriding communal differences. His aim was to achieve a cohesive multiracial nation. By inviting G.G. Ponnambalam who led the Tamil Congress, to join the Cabinet, he brought in most of the membership.

Dudley Senanayake was precipitated into the premiership after the sudden death of his father. He immediately called a general election and was returned with a massive victory. Although imbued with the same democratic principles as his father, he did not have the same strength in dealing with the leftist forces. When a violent demonstration organised by the leftists resulted in some deaths by police action, Dudley Senanayake resigned his premiership and parliamentary seat. Sir John Kotelawala who succeeded him lacked popular appeal but he too was committed to democratic principles.

By the election of March 1960, Dudley Senanayake had taken up the reins again and rehabilitated the party. During his term as Prime Minister from 1965 -1970, he made a sincere effort to settle the ethnic issue.

S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike crossed over from the U.N.P. to the opposition in 1951 and inaugurated the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, which crystallized the aspirations of those dissatisfied with the U.N.P. and yet opposed to the Marxist principles. In the elections of 1952, the S.L.F.P. emerged as a viable democratic alternative to the U.N.P., with S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike as the Leader of the Opposition. In 1956, seeking power through the electoral process, he won a massive victory. He remained a firm believer in parliamentary democracy. His was a turbulent term of office, beset by strikes and ethnic riots. Despite the criticisms he faced, he never considered curtailing the freedom of the press.

Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, assuming leadership of the S.L.F.P. after her husband's assassination was swept into power in July 1960. In 1962, an attempted coup d'etat by a group of army and police officers threatened her democratically elected government. The coup was unsuccessful. It was firmly squashed by Mrs. Bandaranaike aided by Felix Dias Bandaranaike, a Cabinet Minister and relative of her late husband. The leaders of the Coup were arrested and a state of emergency declared. Mrs. Bandaranaike's government of 1970 - 1977 too had to fight a serious threat from the ultra left movement of unemployed and disgruntled youth, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (J.V.P.), in 1971 . This insurrection by the youth was also firmly brought under control by Mrs. Bandaranaike and Felix Dias Bandaranaike with the help of the Army and Police. The killing of a large number of youth, the long incarceration of others and the extended emergency rule however raised howls of protests from many quarters.

Assaults on democracy and democratic institutions by strong governments were resisted by several parliamentarians, though not always successfully. During the period 1970 -1977, J.R.Jayewardene as Leader of Opposition, with fifteen Members of Parliament, built up the party to be a democratic alternative to the government. He protested against the continuing state of emergency after the insurgency. He challenged the Press Council Bill introduced in 1972, in the constitutional court. Opposing the extension of the Parliamentary term, he resigned his seat and contested the ensuing by election successfully. However, he himself extended the life of his own parliament in 1982 by a referendum. As Leader of Opposition from 1983 - 1988, Anura Bandaranaike effectively led a depleted opposition of eight members against the might of an oppressive government. In 1991, when President Premadasa was drifting towards dictatorship, a movement was initiated within his own party by Lalith Athulathmudali and Gamini Dissanayake, together with the opposition to bring him under control. Although the impeachment move was unsuccessful it restored some balance.

The press in Sri Lanka has been called upon to play an important role in defending democracy on many occasions under successive governments. Newspaper publisher, Sepala Gunasena defied oppressive governments and exposed frauds of state agencies. In April 1974, the Independent Newspapers group which was then the main critic of the government was raided and sealed for three years,under Emergency Regulations. Despite great financial losses Sepala Gunasena refused to compromise and remained true to his principles. In 1975 he was presented the Astor Award by the Commonwealth Press Union for independent and fearless journalism. D.B. Dhanapala was another journalist who fearlessly wielded his pen in the public interest. Together with his publisher, Sepala Gunasena, the Dawasa Group was turned into a strong force which reflected public opinion. Tarzie Vittachi who was Editor of the Ceylon Observer was also a journalist who expressed his views without fear or favour. Quoting Sam Wijesinha, his close friend, "Tarzie ridiculed pomposity in politicians. Joining Lake House in 1948, he used his pen and his tongue to good public use".

As a champion of human rights in the country Somasunderam Nadesan, Q.C., eminent lawyer and Senator made a great contribution. He was a founder member of the Civil Rights Movement inaugurated in 1971 and was active until his death. He led the CRM team in several important constitutional and fundamental rights issues. He fought many a battle on behalf of humble workers without any fee. Following insurgency in 1971, he made a moving speech in the Senate identifying the causes for the frustrations of the youth and a plea for addressing their problems. Bishop Lakshman Wickremasinghe who played a leading role in the formation of the Civil Rights Movement was deeply committed to human rights. Another founder member of the Civil Rights Movement with great commitment was Bishop Leo Nanayakkara. Prof. E.R. Sarachchandra, the first Chairman of the CRM and Raja Goonesekere who succeeded him also actively championed the cause of human rights in the country. As a champion of workers rights, Bala Tampoe has fought with dedication to achieve much as General Secretary of the C.M.U. He had no personal political ambitions.

Among the judiciary too are examples of those who have stood up to their principles in maintaining the independence of the judiciary and safeguarding democracy. Chief Justice Neville Samarakoon, and Justice Raja Wanasundera are among those who have given rulings undeterred by government displeasure.

Foremost among the country's freedom fighters are members of the Armed Forces and Police who have engaged in the war. Many have lost their lives or suffered injuries in serving their country. Both Lalith Athulathmudali and Ranjan Wijeratne who overlooked the operations as Minister of National Security have been killed. General Kobbekaduwa was a most capable and popular army officer who spearheaded many military operations. He was killed in a landmine along with his assistant Brigadier Wimalaratne, Naval Commander Jayamaha and several others. Other capable dedicated officeres who have battled for freedom are unfortunately too numerous to mention. Countless other ranks too, as for instance the valiant-soldier from Hasalaka have sacrificed their lives defending the unitary state of Sri Lanka.

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