A glimpse into our colonial past

by Rupa Banduwardena

The medieval period was an embarrassing tale of feudalism prevalent in major parts of the globe. It was trade that emerged from the so-called barter system that was largely responsible for the growth of urban civilisations that led to the break up of feudalism.

The dawn of the Renaissance reformation and the Industrial Revolution followed by the Age of Discovery of the New World led to the transformation from Medieval to modern Europe and then the rest of the globe.

Colonialism and imperialism too that arose consequent to these changes had a considerable impact on the economic and social life of the people.

The battle against imperialism by the victims contributed a great deal in revolutionising state and society. It is with the partial disappearance of the above forces that the modern age begins. But one has to admit the fact that the relics of the above do exist still in this era of modern science and technology. The people across the length and breadth of the globe are subjected to their whims and fancies.

Overwhelmed

Today more than ever before the world is overwhelmed with horrors of war, racism, inequality, poverty and above all it is competition due to jealousy among the so called super powers.

It is a fight among weaker and super states to eliminate weaker ones or to keep them in their grip.

The fight for mere boundaries of states either to extend or expand to seek more wealth, by grabbing natural resources of neighbouring countries going back to colonialism.

In many countries it is a battle against terror, trying to sort out their problems. Some are deeply involved in protecting the territorial integrity, while others are in a fight for liberation.

Many are engaged in a struggle to safeguard their civil rights. Some countries are in a near state of collapse due to excessive fighting and heightening horror and terror.

While enjoying the outcome and benefits of the transition that the world is undergoing due to modern technology the super states have no consideration for the innocent victims and their callous disregard, for their rights and privileges are, not surprising. They advocate peace while producing weapons of mass destruction.

Colonies

Then, there are those who having enriched their mother country with the wealth of the colonies still trying to interfere in the internal affairs regardless of the fact that they are independent countries free from foreign yoke. Human rights or whatever is the responsibility of the country convened.

Their extra sympathy is quite unnecessary.

They could devote such energy and attention to solve their own problems arising from the decline of one time glorified imperialism. Instead, when going down memory lane, the one time imperial masters should always wish and pray for their prosperity, with gratitude for enabling them to build empires.

Further, in this fast moving world with increasing globalisation, where the emphasis on human welfare, the sovereign states have taken sufficient progressive steps to tally the emerging needs.

They have no doubt acquired a broad outlook essential to face the challenges and solve their own issues.

Why worry about the domestic affairs of other countries? This is explicitly clear from the resolution passed against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

The resolution itself did not give due regard or recognition to human rights and it cannot be justified in any way as the state has done every possible thing in its superior performance to preserve human rights by eradicating terrorism.

Resources

The current situation does remind us of our colonial past.

Sri Lanka with its abundance of natural resources, with picturesque tea nestled in the highlands was Ceylon for the imperial masters who created a home, away from home in the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela.

Yet they were enjoying life there was widespread discontent and dissatisfaction among the average, with imperial rule.

There was no consideration for national heritage and human values. The age old royalty was put an end to in the most inhuman manner. Aren't these violation of human rights?