Sri Lanka, a nation rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, finds itself at a crossroads. The country is grappling with a complex web of issues that have led to its downfall to wherever it is today.

One prominent aspect contributing to this decline is the pervasive trend of blindly following political nuances and religious beliefs, resulting in a society being driven by selfish motives rather than altruism. Some reasons behind this situation are the impact of self-driven motives, a lack of international knowledge dissemination, disrespect for law and order, blind political allegiance, and the influence of wealth-centric religious personalities.

At the heart of Sri Lanka’s societal challenges lies the prevalence of self-driven motives. Individuals, pushed by personal gain and a desire for power, positions, and possessions, have created a culture that values these attributes over the greater good of society. It is a natural human inclination to pursue self-interest, but when this becomes the guiding principle of a nation, the consequences can be disastrous. For instance, personalities are judged by their wealth and acquisitions. This is by no means to say that wealth should not be collected but merely to say that it is not the sole criterion to determine the success of a person.

The leaders of various quarters, being aware of this societal disposition, may exploit it to further their own agendas. Corruption and malpractices are often symptoms rather than causes. The true root lies in a society that is predisposed to offering respect and acceptance based on wealth, power, and material possessions. It is the social framework which paves the way for this kind of scenario in a country.

One contributing factor to the current state of affairs in Sri Lanka is the lack of international knowledge dissemination. A society that is closed off from global perspectives is vulnerable to manipulation and is limited in its ability to learn from the successes and failures of other nations. International collaboration and understanding can bring about a broader worldview, fostering progressive ideas and values that transcend individual interests.

In an era where information is readily available, the failure to embrace diverse perspectives leaves Sri Lanka isolated in its struggles. The lack of exposure to international best practices in governance, ethics, and societal values perpetuates a cycle of stagnation. This is despite the fact that a large number of responsible people undertake study tours every year in developed countries with public funds or are hosted and yet Sri Lanka remains where it was, if not below the standard prior to independence.

At the same time, the media does not seem to be giving priority for this purpose by relaying international news and best practices that are adapted elsewhere. Social media has taken over this responsibility, intentionally or otherwise among the gamut of things being shared, but not many Sri Lankans carry smartphones, nor do they have access to social media. 

A society that disregards the principles of law and order sets the stage for chaos and disorder. In Sri Lanka, the erosion of respect for legality and ethics over the years has paved the way for unchecked power and corruption. When citizens lose faith in the systems, they may resort to alternative means, including reaching out to friends and relatives of institutions to get things done.

To reverse this trend, there must be a concerted effort to rebuild trust in public institutions, ensuring that they remain impartial and free from interference. A society built on the rule of law is better equipped to resist the allure of self-serving figures, wherever they are.

The phenomenon of blind political allegiance is a significant contributor to Sri Lanka’s current predicament. Citizens, influenced by cultural and familial ties, often align themselves with political parties without critically evaluating the policies and actions of their chosen representatives. This blind loyalty perpetuates a cycle of corruption and nepotism, as politicians capitalise on the unwavering support of their base.

Encouraging a culture of informed political engagement, where citizens critically assess the performance of their representatives, is crucial for breaking the cycle of blind allegiance. A more discerning electorate is less susceptible to manipulation and more likely to demand accountability from those in power.

Religion, a powerful force that can inspire positive change, has, in some instances, been co-opted by wealth-centric religious personalities for personal gain. When faith becomes intertwined with materialism and focuses on personal prosperity, it deviates from its original purpose of promoting compassion, empathy, and altruism.

The influence of such figureheads can be detrimental to the social fabric, as followers prioritise financial success and personal gain over ethical considerations. Realigning religious teachings with the core values of empathy and social responsibility is essential for steering the nation away from the pitfalls of blind faith.

Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture, facing a multifaceted crisis that requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach. While politicians often bear the brunt of public criticism, it is essential to recognise that the roots of the issue extend beyond the political realm. The society’s inclination towards self-driven motives, coupled with a lack of international exposure, disrespect for law and order, blind political allegiance, and the influence of wealth-centric religious leaders, collectively contribute to the nation’s downfall.

Addressing these issues requires an intensive effort from all segments of society. Embracing altruism as a guiding principle, fostering international collaboration and understanding, rebuilding trust in law enforcement institutions, promoting informed political engagement, and redefining the role of religion in society are crucial steps towards a brighter future for Sri Lanka. 

The two main institutions that can have a positive influence on society are the media and academic institutions. For some reason or other, they do not seem to have taken that responsibility on board fully to open the eyes of the masses into the realities of life through rational thinking or citing good practices in other countries that have helped reach economic and social developments. 

Only through a collective commitment to positive change can the nation hope to overcome its challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous and harmonious future.

(The writer is a teacher of yoga and meditation, and a therapist)

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.