SAARC needs strong national leaders to achieve its goals - Mohan Samaranayake

by Rasika SOMARATHNA

Veteran Media Personality, Mohan Samaranayake, an expert on international affairs, politics, development economics etc. shares his thoughts in this interview on the progress of SAARC, the changing international scene, how Sri Lanka overcame multiple odds to defeat terrorism and what challenges lie ahead for the nation in an ever changing global landscape.

Q: Another SAARC summit is round the corner. The organisation has been in existence for 26 years. When looking back at its history, do you think it has achieved its goals?

A: The formation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in December, 1985 was hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough. But SAARC’s slow progress and modest achievements subsequently has put a question mark on its effectiveness. To some, SAARC has been merely a talking forum. In comparison with other such formations such as EU, ASIAN etc. SAARC has failed to live up to the expectations of the people of its member countries. However in recent times there have been some changes in the operations of the SAARC. There have been a lot of positives lately. This augurs well for the SAARC, its member countries and their people.

Q: Do you think this year’s summit would help to promote greater understanding and cooperation among South Asian nations?

A: Today SAARC needs strong governments and strong nationalistic leaders to steer it towards achieving its stated objectives. Now we see such leadership available in countries. This augurs well for the region. Since of late SAARC has helped contain many difficult situations in the region and has contributed to the beginning of a confidence-building process in South Asia. Additionally, the ratification of SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) by all SAARC members in December 1995 and their decision to create a SAARC Free Trade Area (SAFTA), establishment of a food bank etc. are steps in the right direction. If SAARC can sustain these positive moves and unveil new vistas during this year’s summit to benefit all member countries it could definitely help to promote greater understanding and cooperation among members.

Q: In your view how important is the success of SAARC to its member countries and their people?

A: The SAARC represents the largest regional organization in terms of population. The regional bloc houses 20 per cent of the world population. However there are large disparities in both economic and social resources among nations.

It is a developing region and faces multiple challenges stemming from population growth, economic disparities, terrorism etc. Prosperous and a peaceful South Asia are the goals that the SAARC was built for. In this context it is highly important for SAARC to maintain its momentum through clear links. This could augurs well for nations such as Afghanistan and Nepal to rise in line with the growth of other countries. This is why SAARC was formed, to help each other. If SAARC can live up to its purpose and expectations it could form a strong regional grouping which would possess an effective voice in shaping international opinion in future.

Q: There is talk about having a common currency among SAARC nations?

A: Common currency is a viable idea, but not now. There are large economic disparities among South Asian nations and they should be addressed first before embarking on such an idea.

Q: What about a common front against terrorism. In Your view how successful has been SAARC’s endeavours to enhance regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism? .

A: The SAARC adopted a resolution. But its practical implementation has been poor. It was followed up by efforts on criminalising and preventing financing of terrorism.

Also countries have agreed on mutual legal assistance recently. These are the formations on which SAARC countries have agreed to work towards the objective of eradicating terrorism. The responsibility of implementation of these mechanisms lies with the member states. This time round we have a rare opportunity to have a uniformed policy on terrorism. All South Asian states, in varying degrees, have been the victims of terrorism. South Asia has had a history of cross-border terrorism. It is, therefore, in the interest of all to cooperate in the fight against terrorism.

Q: How do you see Sri Lanka’s role in the future progress of SAARC?

A: Sri Lanka can make a significant contribution towards SAARC’s progress. Sri Lanka can share its experience as a country which has tasted success recently in a number of spheres.

We could portray ourselves as an example where if correct policies are identified and pursued vigorously that they could produce tangible results. SAARC also could take a leaf out of Sri Lanka’s recent efforts in looking to strike a balance between globalisation and domestic economic interests.

Q: In going beyond, today a slow motion revolution is changing the world. As an expert on international affairs what are your thoughts on this changing world order?

A: Yes, the foundations of the world order are being transformed dramatically and fundamentally. During the last two decades the international scene has changed.

I would like to highlight two issues. One is the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 90s and with that the collapse of the socialist system. The other was the weakening of the Non Alignment Movement, which really had a very effective voice in shaping international opinion for two-three decades. With these changes one single military power began to dominate the international scene with the aid of several other powerful countries. This transformation in global politics, aided the rise of some nations and conflicts among certain others.

Q: Today many countries are confronted with enormous economic, social and political challenges, especially smaller nations. In this context, how important is it to protect the interests of developing countries?

A: We must acknowledge the need for the spirit of openness and adaptability today, more than at any other time. In these changing times, the need to protect smaller countries in the developing world and to advance their interests vigorously is felt more than ever. It is important to remind ourselves that every country cherishes the values and traditions, and deeply held religious convictions it has nurtured over centuries. These cannot be diluted or distorted, by the imposition of attitudes or approaches which are characteristics of alien cultures.

In safeguarding economic interests of the developing world, fundamental injustices in the global trading system should be negated.

Poor countries should not be bullied into complete liberalisation of their markets, undermining local producers, while rich countries flout the very rules they claim to uphold. At the very least, the world’s richest countries must honour their commitment to tackling their own damaging practices.

Multilateral trade negotiations need fundamental reform, to be based on fair negotiations, not power play, so that developing countries have an equal place at the table. The interest of the developing world needs to be protected in another significant respect. It is vitally important to insist that the structures and procedures of multilateral organizations are uniform and consistent and devoid of discrimination.

Q: How did these issues affect Sri Lanka economically?

A: This new world order which emerged with the collapse of the Soviet Union was dominated by several powerful countries as I said earlier.

They wanted to impose their economic model on our country as well. It advocated a total free market policy where the State had only a minimal role to play in the economic matters. It further advocated curtailing social welfare programmes to the public such as free health, education etc.

This was imposed in the name of globalisation. Sri Lanka too had a dilemma, on one hand you could not antagonise powerful countries and on the other there was huge pressure to follow the new liberal economic model of the West.

Certain regimes which came to power after 90s succumbed to the influence of these international power players from time to time.

In 1994, when Chandrika Bandaranaike ran for office as the candidate of the PA she criticized the economic policies of the previous regime. But after coming to power she had to toe the line and continue on the same economic model. The short lived UNP governance under Ranil Wickremesinghe embraced this new economic model completely.

They privatised key State institutions, cut down on social welfare and subsidies and plans were afoot to reduce the number of State sector employees drastically. This was the backdrop in which the present leadership of the country assumed office. On one hand it had to deal with economic unrest and on the other there was a raging internal conflict.

Q: How did Sri Lanka defeat terrorism in the face of such international pressures as you have described?

A: Earlier every time a bomb went off killing innocent civilians, these outside forces asked us to go to the negotiating table.

However, they did not practise the same in their countries. In the aftermath of the 9\11 terror attacks in the US, where thousands of people died, they did not speak to the Al-Qaeda, but went after them. We needed a strong leadership who could understand this duplicity and withstand these forces who interpreted our national problem in their own way.

It is in this backdrop that President Mahinda Rajapaksa came to power. In the case of the separatist question he had a clear understanding of what was behind it.

He also had the wisdom and courage to reject the interpretations made by certain Western nations. They said that this was an ethnic issue which can only be solved through dialogue. The present government also followed the path of dialogue earlier in order to prevent bloodshed despite numerous intimidations by terrorists.

However they later realised that the problem had another dimension as terrorists kept harassing innocent civilians. President Rajapaksa understood that terrorism had to be dealt with the language they understood and then had to go for a political solution.

I remember when an earlier regime was in power the then government appointed a well known military officer renowned for his acumen in combat as Commander of Trincomalee.

But later under pressure from certain foreign embassies in Colombo the then government annulled the appointment and recalled him to the city. Huge pressure was brought on this government too during conflict. The final stages of the humanitarian operation saw two foreign ministers of powerful nations paying a sudden visit to the country.

The President who was in Embilipitiya at the time summoned the duo there.

He emphatically said that terrorism had to be ended and told them that a viable political solution would follow next. Unlike others, President Rajapaksa never wilted under international pressure.

We needed this kind of a strong leadership to prevail in the existing international environment.

Early in the fourth year of his six-year term, the President etched his name in history as the national leader who ended a 30-year long separatist terrorism that threatened the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

He gave leadership to defeat the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world; and united the country under one flag. In this endeavour most importantly he had the courage and determination to withstand both internal and external pressures. He brought a new political vision that sought both development and reconciliation to build a new Sri Lankan nation.

Q: What about the economic front?

A: The President came to power in 2005 with a thin majority. However he was able to see things in the correct perspective. On one hand, he correctly understood that we could not follow the same economic model, which the SLFP adopted in 60s and 70s. At the same time he was convinced that we could not completely go the same way advocated by the Western powers.

He understood the need to open the market as well as protect local interests. He took steps to strengthen the State sector. No State enterprise was privatized.

This government also took loans from the IMF and the WB, but in all cases on our own conditions rather than the ones imposed by them.

As Mahatma Ghandhi rightly said, in this global age we can’t keep all our doors and windows closed. Neither can we afford to be completely blown away from the winds which come from outside.

We have to strike a viable balance? . The strong leadership we have today understood this reality correctly. There are many problems to be solved in the economic front, but now we have the correct blend and is on the correct path.

Q: Even at present a lot of international pressure is brought upon Sri Lanka?

A: Earlier terrorism was openly supported by certain countries. The LTTE ran offices in key capitals in the world. Even after proscribing the organization in these countries their offices, flag, symbols still remained. They keep pressurizing us to launch an international probe on so-called alleged human rights violations, which is said to have occurred in the last stages of war.

The end result of these attempts is to take Sri Lankan political and military leadership to International Criminal Court in Hague on charges of war crimes. This shows that they have not abandoned their attempts at putting unnecessary pressure on Sri Lanka.

However the previous records of certain countries which preach human rights, good governance etc. too should be looked at. They are the ones who invaded other countries to expand their empires at the expense of thousands of lives. At present look at what has happened in Iraq, Afghanistan and certain others. Also look at the panel appointed by the UN Secretary General. It was supposed to be an advisory panel.

However they now have gone public with their findings, this is grossly illegal. They have also tried to get this document to the United Nations Human Rights Council through the back door, without informing the country concerned - Sri Lanka. There is a procedure when discussing such issues.

These international bodies should abide by those procedures.

Also due recognition should be given to established local mechanisms which are striving to come up with viable remedies such as the LLRC. Justice, fairplay and morality should be embedded in international law and it should not be the subject of political interference.

It is unreasonable to expect a complete remedy for all issues in the short span of two and a half years since the Lankan conflict ended. Certain other countries which have faced similar situations have taken a number of years to come up with lasting solutions to major issues. At this crucial juncture what Sri Lanka needs is the support and understanding of the international community.

Q: Why is there so much interest in Sri Lanka?

A: Some say Sri Lanka is a tiny country. However, Sri Lanka is a giant when it comes to potential and its strategic location. Some of these developed nations are on the rapid decline today, people are marching against their system. A new world order is emerging where India and China are coming up as powerful economic entities. In this backdrop, it is important for these countries to have a foothold in Sri Lanka, so that they can use our strategic value to have better control of the region. So without exposing their real objectives they come carrying flags such as human rights, good governance etc. to intimidate us.