Let us stem the destruction of our own country

By Arjuna Aluwihare

Dare I add to the debate about the current situation in the country? I write as an individual and not in any official capacity, in the belief that small and apparently simplistic steps may help to prevent further injury to Sri Lanka and facilitate a healing process.

This multiethnic and multitreligious country, which is still wonderful, potentially rich, and full of able people, has problems. Economic development is held back by the nepotism, bribery, and massive corruption that pervades many strata of society- especially those close to and in the political establishment who feel they have political patronage.

The disgraceful politicisation of politics, disregarding the principles of a proportional representation constitution, compounds all of this. This latter scenario aggravates the sense of alienation amongst sections of the population, creates a scenario inviting civil disobedience and feeds terrorist organisations. In passing I add that given the ability of our political persons to destroy the country we hardly need real terrorists as such.

There have been two major episodes of terrorism in the predominantly Sinhala areas of the country- in 1971 and 1989-90, and one originating in the North and East. Different sections of the population have felt marginalized and unfairly treated (Sinhala and Tamil, and Muslim), and on several occasions have suffered major damage to property and life (especially Tamil on many occasions since 1956 in particular culminating in 1983). The rights of individuals and communities, even those suffering severe deprivation (post tsunami, internally displaced persons, those below poverty lines) seem forgotten unless it is expedient to refer to them.

Similar problems have occurred during the written history of Sri Lanka. It is difficult to forget some of the somewhat risky comments one made during the JVP/DJV period between 1989 and 1991. Detailed analysis of all this is not appropriate, nor is it the purpose of this article. Some suggestions are advanced that could perhaps be considered, divided into groups.

First 'things' we (the public, Chambers of Commerce, industry, commercial organisations, foreign delegations, etc) can do.

1. . Do not offer bribes, free holidays, family trips and anything like this to politicians or their very very extended families of henchmen (as there seems every likelihood that they may not refuse), officials of importance and so on. Later the small man can be also be shut out of the net.
2. Do not invite politicians to functions and leave when they speak if one is at a function at which they are present.
3. Look for trilinguality recognising the plurality of Sri Lanka, and comment on its absence
4. All those who drive/ have drivers, read the highway code and adhere to it. Especially those who are professionals, or executives, or politicians', diplomats,’ NGO's drivers, and other VIP categories. Maybe three- wheeler drivers and pedestrians can be the next ones to comply.
5. Continue to do what we can do to develop the micro and macro economy, which fortunately many small and big private sector people and many in government service are doing.

Secondly, 'things' intermediate groups can do-

1. Stop abductions- a cowardly and criminal activity- epidemic in the JVP/DJV era and its control. Especially distressing for me (as a former UGC Chairman and Vice Chancellor) and unacceptable were the Eastern University Dean's abduction and now the abduction of the Vice Chancellor in daylight in Colombo. Those who did the latter need to return him forthwith if they are to retain any measure of trust at all. In due course their names will emerge to public view; even now there must be many who know who they are. I have to appeal to them to release him. Please. Do not descend to the level of those who have still not expressed regret over the assassination in office of two Vice Chancellors between 1989 and 1990. 2. Chambers of Commerce and Industry- expel and publicly shame those who give bribes and commissions (pre and post event)- be undemocratic if you have to be but do now wait for the kind of evidence a court may want. This will reduce the 'food' available to the 'hungry'.

Thirdly, the political establishment.

1. Expel (i.e. the party to withdraw the mandate) from Parliament (Provincial Council or local body) any Minister, MP etc thought to be involved in bribery, nepotism, corruption, giving appointments on family or religious or ethnic or other grounds other than merit, giving patronage and shelter to the drug and illicit liquor trade and similar, crossing over in Parliament, etc. Given the nature of the Constitution and proportional representation, everyone from President to lowest MP can be replaced without an election; so the fear that Parliament (or other elected body) etc. might be almost empty need not be there. In particular I think the President can send out of a ministerial or many official posts any such person without that person going to court. The public will support such moves.
2. Avoid taking into a party those who cross over.
3. Recognise the right of all Sri Lankans to be equitably governed- the use of language, translation, etc to be done in a fair manner. All Sri Lankans must feel the government is for them
4. Stop being an employment or housing agency for friends and relatives.
5. Do not interfere in police activity (arrest of criminals, stopping illicit timber felling or gemming or the brewing of illicit liquor etc), transfer systems, or any other public body. The parties should expel interferers.
6. By action make clear that a culture of impunity in the forces or police, or any terrorist organisation as regards rights issues, is unacceptable. All Sri Lankans must feel the police and army are for them and the security forces must set by their actions exemplary standards.

Finally what about terrorism? Those of you who have looked at the 1990's youth commission report or have looked at the history of terrorism elsewhere might well agree that if we act in such a way as to prevent future terrorist leaders and organisations emerging, the present problems will be reduced in due course, in that terrorism will not be necessary and public support will vanish. The pressure to settle matters by negotiation will increase as the credibility of all parties, and the type of scenario after peace comes, will all be much better.

The writer is a former Vice Chancellor, University Grants Commission Chairman, Human Rights Commissioner, Professor of Surgery etc. Currently he is President of the National Academy of Sciences