Independence

Sixty one years ago, Sri Lanka gained independence from colonial powers who had ruled Sri Lanka for nearly 400 years. It was a momentous occasion in the country's chequered history. The centuries of foreign domination had undermined the nation's sovereignty and diminished the people's willpower.

The Nation was at its nadir under the yoke of colonialism.

February 4, 1948 saw the culmination of years of struggle by patriots from all ethnicities, religious groups and walks of life for independence for Sri Lanka. While independence was obtained without any bloodshed per se, the road to February 4, 1948 was littered with the blood of many martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom. We must remember these heroes with gratitude as we celebrate Independence Day on Wednesday.

In 1948, Sri Lanka was on the cusp of a socio-economic revolution spurred by freedom. In fact, even at the time of independence, Sri Lanka was ahead of many other countries in Asia in terms of social and economic achievements. Many of these countries envied Sri Lanka and wanted to emulate its progress. But where did we go wrong in the intervening years?

Perhaps the single biggest failure was our collective inability to forge a truly Sri Lankan identity, rising above parochial considerations such as race, religion and caste. While many other countries in the region have almost banished these notions, we steadfastly cling on to them. Politics was and is, the other divisive factor.

This country belongs to the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays, Burghers and other communities in equal measure. There could be no 'traditional homelands' for any given community. The whole of Sri Lanka is the traditional homeland of all these communities. Over the years, political parties pandering to the demands and aspirations of their own communities and supporters have treated this simple fact with contempt, creating a monster that has brought death, destruction and misery to this resplendent isle.

The rejection of many attempts for reconciliation and power sharing among the various communities has led to the present crisis. Extremist politicians from all sides shot down these proposals that would have led to national amity. Instead, they steered the country on a trajectory that has resulted in a calamity for all communities.

Velupillai Prabhakaran and his Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam exploited such underlying causes and grievances to wage a terrorist campaign to demand a separate state, which was not an aspiration of the ordinary Tamil masses. The pogrom in 1983 added fuel to Prabhakaran's communal fire and won widespread sympathy abroad for his vile campaign.

Through the last 30 years or so, terrorism has sunk Sri Lanka to depths of despair, devastating the economy, straining resources and above all, destroying a productive younger generation in the ravages of war. The fact the country has recorded impressive indices especially in health and education despite these obstacles can be attributed to the commitment of all Governments to these sectors and to the resourcefulness of the people.

All Governments did try to end the scourge of terrorism so that such sectors could be developed further. They tried to talk peace with the Tigers, who invariably left the negotiations table citing flimsy excuses.

The LTTE violated a number of ceasefires with impunity.

Yet, no previous Government had the drive and the determination to eliminate LTTE terrorism, even as the search for a political solution to the national question continued. The two are distinctly separate quests, though the LTTE could have been a partner if they really wanted to liberate the Tamil people. The Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa undertook this onerous task and is on the verge of totally eliminating LTTE terrorism.

This is why this Freedom Day is special. For the first time in several decades, the National Flag will flutter over all areas of Sri Lanka, from Mullaitivu, to Devinuwara. The Sri Lankan people have regained certain areas of the country virtually controlled by a ruthless band of terrorists. It is indeed a momentous and joyous occasion for all Sri Lankans here and abroad, perhaps paralleled only by the first Independence Day itself.The credit for this noble achievement must go the valiant Security Forces and those who guided them from political and military fronts.Yet, the vanquishing of terrorism is not the end. There is a long way to go before we heal the wounds of war and hatred and become a truly Sri Lankan nation. This must not be thought of as a victory of the Sinhala people over the Tamil people. The Government has made that very clear - the battle was against the terrorists, not the Tamil people. What it is, is a victory of all Sri Lankans against ruthless terrorism. Now the time has come to ditch all forms of extremism and chauvinism and think of Sri Lanka as one nation, one people.

Yes, we must search for lasting peace even before the flames of conflict in the North and the East are extinguished. It could be a long and arduous journey. We will feel freedom in our hearts the day we conquer the divisions within and among us that impede our progress as one nation.

Lasting peace will take us there sooner.