Challenge of the proxies

Sri Lanka under the tenure of President Mahinda Rajapaksa has blazed a new trail both in its domestic and foreign policy.

In domestic affairs it has taken a pro-people policy. In economics it has abandoned the total subservience to the market and refused to divest State enterprises for the benefit of rogue capital. It has with foresight given pride of place to indigenous industry and agriculture.

Despite criticism from international financial institutions it has expanded the public service and bettered the conditions of the public servants. It has successfully withstood both domestic and external pressure to privatize the State banks. All these have paid dividends. Job security has been ensured for hundreds of thousands. A severe food crisis has been averted. Minimum standard of living has gone up as shown in the increase in per capita GDP.

The run on the banks, so common in the developed world in the aftermath of the world financial crisis has been averted. Failing private sector financial institutions and banks have been taken over guaranteeing the deposits of the public.

The lop-sided nature of economic development has been considerably altered with special development efforts in the least developed regions. Incidence of poverty has been reduced.

Tangible are the results in infra-structure development, which would provide a launching pad for accelerated development shortly. Mega development projects such as the Hambantota Harbour and the Airport, Norochcholai and Upper Kotmale power projects are coming up on schedule.

In other words the beginnings of an independent economic development could be seen. Naturally, such independence is not tolerated by those that were interested in the perpetuation of the neo-colonial bondage of Sri Lanka and the enthronement of unbridled neo-liberal economy.

In foreign policy Sri Lanka has re-oriented itself on a genuine non-aligned path. The hegemony of the West has been broken. Sri Lanka, being friendly with all has chosen its priorities correctly. Relations with India and other South Asian neighbours have been given priority. In a changing world when uni-polarity is giving way to multi-polarity, Sri Lanka has been wise enough to develop close contacts with the emerging powers in Asia, Africa and Latin America as well as Europe and Central Asia. Today, Sri Lanka is a member of many multilateral organizations such as BIMSTEC, SCO, and ACD.

These new developments have already paid dividends both economically and politically. For example, Libya and Iran helped us weather the fuel crisis. China has become the largest donor assisting Sri Lanka. Most of the non-aligned countries lobbied on our behalf at the United Nations Human Rights Council and prevented a vote against us and possible sanctions on Sri Lanka.

Naturally there are powers that are not pleased at these developments. They are using a new fifth column through public diplomacy. In this not so open diplomatic game the media is a vital tool in their armoury. That is why we see almost daily articles that speak disparagingly on our foreign policy outlook. Imitating the West many writers believe that Iran, Libya and Myanmar are pariah states. They also look at China and Cuba with suspicion as they are ruled by Communist parties. The real truth, however, is that a vast majority of countries and peoples do not subscribe to this western view.

Besides the media, INGOs and NGOs are also necessary adjuncts that perform the role of a fifth column.

That is why we have to be careful about these proxies who are working to an alien agenda.

Walking in the shadow

The news of Presidential elections must have sweetened the hearts and minds of many that thrive on a lucrative business at election time.

From the printers, hard liquor sellers, to the poster-pasting boys everybody will be active and busy till the poll is over. Many others could find more than three square meals a day at public expense since politicians, once elected, would recover the cost from the public.

It is also an opportunity for not so good looking or not so known second and third rank politicians to be seen along with the candidates in cut-outs that would be hung at every nook and corner.

Time has also come for the usually meek and humble to play gangster with the support of the local politicos whose only ability is that of wielding a bludgeon. It is also an opportunity for three-wheeler political groups to show their importance. All in all it would be a merry circus with puppetry also in the program.

One could only pray that all would play by the rules.