58 years after

THERE will be many ponderables in the minds of the larger masses of the country as Sri Lanka chalks up another Independence milestone today.

Fifty-eight years after shedding the shackles of colonial rule it is pertinent to dwell on how much we have progressed along the way. Has the country achieved its goals in the social, economic and political sphere or have we achieved Independence in name only.

Looking back it is true that the nation can be proud of many achievements. The reforms introduced by post-independence leaders have brought about sea changes leading to the emancipation of our people on many fronts.

But can Sri Lanka be satisfied by its progress when compared to other nations who gained independence about the same time?

There is a popular school of thought that Sri Lankans do not value their independence since not a drop of blood was shed in its attainment unlike our giant neighbour India.

On the face of it this may have a ring of truth considering the vast strides made by some South Asian nations who do not even have a fraction of the resources we possess.

Is it the laissez-faire attitude of our people that stifles growth? Do our public servants have a proper work ethic? What about accountability? Do our workforce possess the necessary motive and drive to perform to the optimum, instead of merely going through the motions of a routine day's work?

Many powerful nations had attained their present status purely on the strength of a disciplined workforce with a love for the country.

It is not that we are lacking a national fervour. But the many changes on the socio-economic front over the years, the unbridled consumerism may have diverted a majority of our people from their duty to the nation.

It is time the nation as a whole wakes up from its collective slumber and put its shoulder behind the wheel to make Sri Lanka a worthy member of the International community in the new world order. We should take the example of Japan which rose from the rubble of the Second World War to emerge as one of the foremost economic powers of the world.

Sri Lanka has vast potential to hold its own against the best. Where it has failed is in its collective attitude and selection of priorities. A great responsibility devolves on our leaders to get their act together to harness the vast potential the country is blessed with.

As a first step all their energies should be directed at ending the protracted civil conflict which has sapped the nation of its resources.

All parties should lend their collective support toward a negotiated political settlement and strengthen the hand of the President who has vowed to proceed on a radical path to deal with this most vexed problem that has bedevilled the nation.

Every patriotic Lankan should resolve to unite and lend their mite to make this country the once prosperous and peaceful nation it was not very long ago. Above all our political leaders should shed all parochial considerations and unite to build Sri Lanka as a one sovereign nation.