Despite the military pomp and pageantry, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka celebrated its 76th anniversary of ‘Independence’ yesterday, many islanders were less enthusiastic and reserved about the celebrations. The reasons for this disinterest and at times disappointment with the occasion are many and well known. It is also a sign that Sri Lankans may be finally awakening from their decades-long slumber about how governance works in Sri Lanka.  

Before the next anniversary, it is likely that the Sri Lankan voter will have one or more opportunities to act with self-reflection of the last 76 years, and how those who were entrusted with managing our small nation, have fared. The main question which the coming elections will answer is, has the disdain, regret and anger about the ill governance of what was once deemed a paradise with great prospects, moved the voter to make the ballot, a decisive turning point in the history of the island’s leadership?       

Given the apathy, impunity of the political class, and the ever weakening quality of statesmanship shown by consecutive Presidents, Prime Ministers, Governments, Opposition Leaders and the members of the Legislature as a whole, Sri Lanka finds itself in a crucible, with little choice but to act decisively. Sri Lanka desperately needs transparency, accountability and better governance, all of which will require better public participation in how they are being governed. The decades old notion that ‘We vote them in, and they should do the needful” has clearly failed with catastrophic outcomes, and has cascaded misery and poverty through every social strata of the island. The generational impact of poor-governance and the promotion of self-interest over national interest by the political elites, is reflected in the strong opinions expressed today, from the city to grass-root level that perhaps rule under colonial powers, may have been better than self-rule. How our small population of 22 million charts its future trajectory at the coming polls will be watched closely by the rest of the world, including our creditors. The key drivers of any change at the upcoming polls will be the youth. Although droves have left our shores in search of a better life, the remainder will be the big ‘swing bloc’ to watch.

However, all hope is not lost for Sri Lanka. A fresh, more free-thinking generation of young Sri Lankans are actively trying to effect positive change. Their determined approach to once again make Sri Lanka ‘a country worth living in’ is a sign of hope. The energy and drive of these next generation of Sri Lankans, are spreading a vibe, which is arousing the rest to become more politically active, to question policies and to challenge the entrenched system that they feel has failed them. There are also small flickers of hope with the Judiciary delivering multiple landmark decisions against corruption, abuse of power and malpractice. While the sparks may be a few and far too few for the likings of some, the wheels of change are surely turning. Perhaps not a pace we would like it to turn, but turn they have nevertheless. The eviction of a President due to steadfast public pressure, the courts labelling of top political leadership and their stooges, as responsible for the economic downfall, the determination that Presidential pardons given were not in accordance with the law, the arrest and remanding of a cabinet minister over the alleged import of substandard medicine and corruption, has today emboldened a more politically aware populous, that change is possible.  

With change in perceptions, fired by unprecedented suffering, empowered with a more enlightened worldview, and with youth at the vanguard in the quest for change, Sri Lankans will certainly take charge of their future when they go to the polls later this year. It is undoubtedly every Sri Lankan’s dream, bar those corrupted, that our future marking of Independence Day will be once, our children can join in pride and with hope for a better Sri Lanka.