The development dilmma exposed

By Manik Sandrasagra

Having witnessed the consequence of 50 years of an alienated and myopic political vision that has all but destroyed the natural and cultural heritage of the people of this blessed island, Prahbakaran, the 'gonie billa' or the 'bogey-man', and the Eelam war may be blessings in disguise. As long as Prahbakaran is in our midst, we are told Sri Lanka will not enjoy economic growth. No foreign investment, no tourism, no big projects.

Post-colonial studies have disclosed that the new elite who came to dominate the independence movements in most colonies were as committed to the extractivist economy of the colonial regime as were the colonists of regime they helped unseat. For them, the argument was not over what type of economy to run, but over who should run it and who should reap the greatest rewards. In their minds, there was never any doubt that the future lay in further industrialization, in 'catching up' with the West. The leadership of both the UNP and SLFP has always represented this new elite and its mindset

These studies also reveal that modern nation states like Sri Lanka have been built only by stripping power and control from village regimes and creating structures of governance from which the common masses are excluded. The market economy too has expanded primarily by enabling state and commercial interests to gain control of territory that has traditionally been used and cherished by others, and by transforming that territory-together with the people themselves - into expendable "resources" for exploitation. The rape of Gal Oya, Sinharaja, Dumbara Valley and the proposed sale of Eppawela are just a few examples.. From this perspective, the processes that now go under the rubric of "nation-building", "economic growth" and "progress" are first and foremost processes of expropriation, exclusion, denial and dispossession.

Under these circumstances does it matter who becomes President?

If on the other hand, the on-going war has helped Sri Lanka remain as it is for future generations of more intelligent Lankans to develop; and, if it has prevented the North and East being turned overnight into a giant Hikkaduwa selling the sun, beach and fun to Eurotrash; and, if it has also prevented the rapid industrialization and sale of Lanka's natural resources; then, the Eelam war may be a boon not a curse. It is however most unfortunate and sad that the blood of our youth is the price we have to pay for the greed and stupidity of our elders.

As we approach the Presidential Elections as well as the new millennium, should it not become mandatory for all aspirants to office in Lanka or Eelam to state their intentions — their vision — if they have any? After all we all share the same elements — earth, wind, water, and fire. The sustainability of an island into the future cannot be based on a fence or a line.

The Information Age teaches us that there are currently two development options open to us. We have the New Industrialized Country (NIC) model touted by some and the other gentler Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) model which is promoted by others. Which model will the contenders choose?

And, what about the LTTE? We know they want territorial control of the North and East. We know that they have displayed fearless courage in taking on the centre — but is that enough? What is their vision for Eelam? Does their idea of development include rapid industrialization and pollution? Judging by the use of agro-chemicals in the North and East, the lifestyles of expatriate Tamils in the West, and modern Tamils in Lanka - Eelam can only be a parody of what it means to be Tamil.

I would like to take the opportunity presented by these elections to ask leaders of this country to choose between the alternatives: NIC or ESD? I would also like the LTTE theoreticians to comment on these options. After all only those truly concerned about a sustainable motherland can call this island their homeland - everything else is defilement.

Who rules is not the question - the governing principles are. Here then are the options.

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