Conundrum: Sinhala Nationalists Against Federalism But Unintentionally Promoting Separatism

By S. Narapalasingam –May 7, 2016

Dr. S. Narapalasingam

Recent comments on federalism in the light of the forthcoming new constitution for the discordant Sri Lanka, highlight the preconceived mindset that denied peace and development to the nation after independence. The living conditions of the people, particularly those in the low and middle income groups were constrained by this neglect. Mothers had to seek employment in the Middle East as domestic helpers to supplement their family incomes. Some had young children who were left with close relatives. Even educated men sought employment in foreign countries. The economy did not grow fast enough to meet the needs of the citizens because of the muddled situation linked to internal disturbances.

The abnormal situation also contributed to mismanagement of public funds and excessive borrowings. Public debt is a burden on the people unless the benefits are more than the settlement obligations. There was a time when public sector projects were implemented only if positive results obtained from fair feasibility studies.

The failure of some projects to function as intended casts some doubt about the approach used, as to whether it was just emotive as in the case of some political decisions or based on proper feasibility studies. Hopefully, these introductory remarks give the implications of hasty decisions taken from narrow perspectives, ignoring the long-term effects on the living conditions of the people and the balanced development of the entire nation, which is vital for the well-being of present and future generations. The environment to progress steadfastly will not emerge, if the country is in a turbulent state as has been the case in Sri Lanka since the emergence of divisive politics, ignoring the need to maintain unity and confidence of all citizens in the governing system.

The process of pushing for separation        Read More