{"id":144110,"date":"2024-10-30T10:43:09","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T10:43:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=144110"},"modified":"2024-10-30T10:43:09","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T10:43:09","slug":"sri-lanka-embracing-a-vibrant-future-by-dr-harold-gunatillake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/sri-lanka-embracing-a-vibrant-future-by-dr-harold-gunatillake\/","title":{"rendered":"Sri Lanka: Embracing a Vibrant Future &#8211; By Dr Harold Gunatillake"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong>Sri Lanka: Embracing a Vibrant Future &#8211; By Dr Harold Gunatillake<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-77916 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Harold-Gunethilake.jpg\" alt=\"Harold-Gunethilake\" width=\"122\" height=\"122\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Written by Dr Harold Gunatillake, a recipient of the Order of Australia, who is now settled in Sri Lanka.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Imagine a Sri Lanka where the sun shines brightly on a land rich with opportunity and promise. As we look ahead, the possibilities for growth and revitalisation are endless. From nurturing our stunning landscapes to harnessing innovative technologies, Sri Lanka is poised to embark on an exciting journey toward a prosperous future. Let&#8217;s explore the potential that awaits and build a brighter tomorrow for all!<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">In 1956, I was a young intern doctor at the General Hospital in Colombo, residing at 123 Regent Street at the vicarage with Father Basil Jayawardena, the vicar of St. Paul&#8217;s Church on Kinsey Road in Punchi Borella.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">When SWRD won the election by a significant majority, leaving only five seats for the UNP, the commoner&#8217;s joyful reaction was a spontaneous expression of happiness, a burst of hope and excitement that filled the air.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">They shouted the slogan, &#8220;Even if we starve, we have our government,&#8221; and danced with broomsticks in the streets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">The year 1956 is crucial in the ethnic politics of Sri Lanka, marking the first instance of ethnic chauvinism used by a political party.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">The 1956 elections in Sri Lanka, in which S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike emerged victorious, marking a pivotal moment in the country&#8217;s political history. His win resulted from several vital factors that reshaped the country\u2019s political landscape, marking a significant moment in our history that we still feel the effects of today.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\"><strong>**Political Coalition**<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Bandaranaike adeptly united various parties and groups to form the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP), a broad political coalition. This coalition, which included the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the Viplavakari Lanka Sama Samaja Party, the Sinhala Bhasha<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Peramuna, and independent candidates, brought together different segments of society under a common cause. This unity significantly bolstered its electoral appeal, fostering a profound sense of togetherness and shared purpose, making everyone feel like they were part of something bigger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\"><strong>Appeal to Sinhalese Nationalism<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">The campaign effectively tapped into the growing sentiments of Sinhalese nationalism, particularly the demand to establish Sinhala as the sole official language. This resonated with the majority of the Sinhalese population, who felt marginalised by previous government policies prioritising English and Tamil. The Sinhala Only Act, a significant legislative commitment, further strengthened this support and underscored the MEP&#8217;s dedication to prioritising Sinhalese identity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">This was the biggest mistake, though, prioritising a Sinhala-only policy. At the same time, Lee Quan Yue in Singapore used the magic word \u201cMulticulturism,\u201d which brought safety and political life to all major Chinese and minor Malays, Tamils, and Sinhala living in Singapore.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">That\u2019s an intriguing historical what-if! If SWRD Bandaranaike had been nominated by the UNP in 1956, the political landscape of Sri Lanka might have been quite different. Bandaranaike&#8217;s leadership and policies, particularly his emphasis on Sinhala nationalism and the &#8220;Sinhala Only&#8221; policy, would never arise as political opportunism to win the majority votes, significantly shaping the country&#8217;s political direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Had he been with the UNP, the party might have adopted some of his nationalist policies earlier, potentially altering the dynamics between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities. The UNP might have maintained a stronger hold on power, and the political alliances and rivalries that emerged later could have taken a different form.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Bandaranaike&#8217;s influence on Sri Lankan politics was profound. Significant changes and challenges marked his tenure as Prime Minister from 1956 to 1959, and his assassination in 1959 also had a lasting impact on the country&#8217;s political trajectory .<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\"><strong>**Economic Context and Public Sentiment**<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Before the elections, the United National Party (UNP) government faced criticism over poor economic performance and increasing social dissatisfaction. The MEP campaigned on a popular socialist platform, attracting voters disenchanted with the financial situation and promising change. Bandaranaike&#8217;s promises included redistributive economic policies that resonated with the electorate\u2019s desire for an improved standard of living.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\"><strong>Mobilisation of Key Social Groups<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Bandaranaike\u2019s campaign was characterised by mobilising what was known as the &#8220;five great forces&#8221;\u2014the Buddhist clergy, educators, Ayurvedic practitioners, farmers, and workers. This strategic outreach to vital social groups effectively galvanised support across various demographics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\"><strong>No-Contest Agreement with Leftist Parties<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">The MEP entered into a no-contest agreement with the Communist Party and the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, ensuring that these parties would not compete against each other in crucial electoral regions. This strategic alliance reduced the split in the opposition vote, enabling a solid front against the UNP.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\"><strong>Shift in Political Dynamics<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">The 1956 elections shifted from elite-centered politics to a more inclusive approach. Bandaranaike\u2019s ability to address electorates in their mother tongue rather than in English democratised the political discourse, making it more accessible to the general populace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\"><strong>Effective Campaign Strategies<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Bandaranaike&#8217;s campaign was characterised by powerful rhetoric and closely aligned promises with public sentiments, making the MEP\u2019s agenda highly relatable to voters. His experience and political acumen enabled him to overcome initial doubts about the coalition\u2019s viability and achieve unexpected electoral success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Bandaranaike\u2019s policies were significant for the so-called Sinhalese sarong-wearing johnnies, who realised that they had a place in the sun, without thinking that his policies were going to favour the wealthy, affluent English-speaking section of the community, who sent their children to more affluent countries to seek a solid English education.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">The cream of the society also felt the pinch and, through frustration, left the shore for better pastures. The word \u2018brain drain\u2019 was coined Bandaranaike&#8217;s victory underscored a fundamental transformation in Sri Lanka&#8217;s political landscape, emphasising the growing dominance of Sinhalese nationalism and the significant impact of coalition politics in shaping electoral outcomes. His tenure after that would set policies that reshaped the nation\u2019s socio-political fabric in motion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Unfortunately, this transformation did not unite the nation composed of the Sinhalese, Tamila, Muslims, and other minorities, which led to more political dissent.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\"><strong>Situation today<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Sri Lanka stands at a pivotal moment in its history, grappling with the aftermath of a severe economic crisis while showing signs of stabilisation and resilience. The country&#8217;s economy is projected to grow moderately, with efforts to mitigate the crisis&#8217;s impact on the poor and vulnerable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">However, challenges such as elevated poverty levels, income inequality, and labour market concerns persist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\"><strong>Promoting Tourism is our life saviour.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Tourism, a cornerstone of Sri Lanka&#8217;s economy, offers hope for the future. As one of the top three industries, it significantly contributes to the national economy and foreign exchange revenue. Despite recent setbacks, the tourism sector is poised to rebound, driven by the island&#8217;s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">To harness tourism&#8217;s full potential, Sri Lanka must focus on nhancing its tourist attractions and infrastructure. This includes investing in sustainable tourism practices, promoting lesser-known destinations, and improving the overall visitor experience. By<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">doing so, Sri Lanka can attract diverse tourists, boost economic growth, and create employment opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">In conclusion, while Sri Lanka faces significant socioeconomic and political challenges, the future holds promise. By leveraging its tourism industry and implementing robust economic reforms, Sri Lanka can pave the way for a vibrant and prosperous future. The<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">resilience and determination of its people will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping this journey towards a brighter tomorrow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">Until the day when all people born in this country put their ethnicity to the background and call us all Srilankans, we cannot progress in our country. That is fundamental, though the ethnic leaders may disagree.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">\u2018If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under\u2019. Ronald Reagan<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #000000;\">End<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; color: #800000;\"><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"color: #800000;\" href=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/elanka-newsletter-sign-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly\u00a0to\u00a0your\u00a0inbox!<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sri Lanka: Embracing a Vibrant Future &#8211; By Dr Harold Gunatillake Written by Dr Harold Gunatillake, a recipient of the Order of Australia, who is now settled in Sri Lanka. Imagine a Sri Lanka where the sun shines brightly on a land rich with opportunity and promise. As we look ahead, the possibilities for growth [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":43892,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"aside","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,1103],"tags":[872,72621,37928,72622],"class_list":{"0":"post-144110","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-aside","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-articles","8":"category-dr-harold-gunatillake","9":"tag-dr-harold-gunatillake","10":"tag-general-hospital-in-colombo","11":"tag-politics-of-sri-lanka","12":"tag-st-pauls-church","13":"post_format-post-format-aside"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.7.1 (Yoast SEO v25.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Sri Lanka: Embracing a Vibrant Future - By Dr Harold Gunatillake - eLanka<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Sri Lanka: Embracing a Vibrant Future - By Dr Harold Gunatillake Written by Dr Harold Gunatillake, a recipient of the Order ofAustralia, who is now\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Sri Lanka: Embracing a Vibrant Future - By Dr Harold Gunatillake\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Sri Lanka: Embracing a Vibrant Future - By Dr Harold Gunatillake Written by Dr Harold Gunatillake, a recipient of the Order ofAustralia, who is now\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/sri-lanka-embracing-a-vibrant-future-by-dr-harold-gunatillake\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"eLanka\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/eLanka.com.au\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-10-30T10:43:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/flag_of_sri_lanka-svg-e1588235345816.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"300\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"eLanka admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"eLanka admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/sri-lanka-embracing-a-vibrant-future-by-dr-harold-gunatillake\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/sri-lanka-embracing-a-vibrant-future-by-dr-harold-gunatillake\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"eLanka admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/#\/schema\/person\/f6e635b74ab35ef88a68a9973cacc5bd\"},\"headline\":\"Sri Lanka: Embracing a Vibrant Future &#8211; 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