There is no escaping the cycle of politics. The moment we are born into this world we enter this cycle. The people decide whom to elect, and then the decisions of the elected affect the lives of the people. Love it or hate it, politics is a part of our life, because in this world there is nothing that isn’t politics. Today Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in its history. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is at the helm trying to steer the ship in rough waters. It is at this juncture that Senior Professor, Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Prof. Prishantha Gunawardena has launched his book: Ranil, Challenges and the Future of Sri Lanka.
As an Archeologist, Prof. Gunawardena, by looking at the past is able to give his readers his perspective of the way Sri Lanka as a nation is moving forward into the future. There is a saying that one who looks forward must also look back. Last week at the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, Prof. Gunawardena launched his book, where he examines the intricate web of politics in Sri Lanka, and how he sees President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the UNP as strands in the web.
“I am launching this book, as a university professor, at a juncture where our country is facing a social and political crisis. This is my assessment of our times. The UNP has always been a powerful party in Sri Lankan politics. I have examined the role that the UNP has played in the politics of Sri Lanka. In my opinion, the party in 2018 suffered a setback. So I have looked at its past and I have also highlighted its victories at the present,” said Prof. Gunawardena.
Prof. Gunawardena stated that as an Archaeologist he feels that the past is relevant because it holds our identity. It is our heritage. And our identity is a key element in our politics. “The ethnic problem or the problem of national unity in Sri Lanka is something that I want to talk about and refer to. I also wish to discuss the policy of the UNP in regard to this problem. But I believe though we may call ourselves Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim; we are all humans and we are one people of one blood. This we know as Archaeologists. As a political party what kind of solutions does the UNP have in mind, when it comes to these problems and divisions? I see this national problem as the biggest challenge that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will have to face. How do we create one Sri Lankan identity? How do we spread the message of national unity? To strengthen us economically, we need national unity. We need to unite as one people. Fostering national unity is the challenge the President will face. As archaeologists we too face this challenge. I have touched on these subjects in my book.”
Contemporary artist and archeologist, Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe, in his address stated that President Ranil Wickremesinghe understands the power of unity in Sri Lanka and the need for unity in Sri Lanka.
“From what I know, the President understands how crucial unity is for modern day Sri Lanka as we face unprecedented problems in this country. President Wickremesinghe is a person who understands very well the core of traditional values, the need for modernity and the demands of the citizenship. He believes in the importance of sharing power with minorities because that is the way to create a modern nation state. He recognizes the dignity of modern citizenship – it belongs not only to the Sinhalese but also to the Tamil and Muslims as well. This is apparent to me,” said Prof. Weerasinghe.
Indeed, to understand history is to understand politics. History and politics cannot be separated from each other.
Ven. Ambanwala Gnanaloka Thera pointed out that opportunity must be given to every child in this country. He believes that every child born in Sri Lanka should be able to rise to the position of President or Prime Minister. The Thera believes that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has the ability to create a conducive environment to make this dream of his come true.
“The President is a man of great strength. He can build the nation. He is patient and enduring. He is the ideal man for the job. I feel this book by Prof. Gunawardena shows us how to face the challenges we all have to go through as Sri Lankans. Politics should not be about power. It should be about creating a happy and fulfilled life for all Sri Lankans. Today Sri Lanka is facing an economic crisis. We need to make full use of our resources. If we can bring in tourists to Sri Lanka, then we can be a prosperous nation. The President has a good team who are concerned about the people of Sri Lanka. The youth also need to be engaged in politics. We know that in Sri Lanka, some of our leaders have made great sacrifices for our country,” said Ven. Ambanwala Gnanaloka Thera.
Department of Finance, Colombo University, Professor Nihal Hennayake, added that the book is simple, easy to understand and rich with knowledge. “The President’s vision is that by 2048, Sri Lanka must be a developed nation. We need to give the world a message that it is safe to do business with Sri Lanka. It is safe to have relations with our country. In this world other countries are faring well. If other countries are doing it, then why not us? Through this book we gain an understanding about the UNP. The UNP has been a party that has strived to create unity in the country. This book speaks about the power dynamics in the UNP. Through it, we gain some insight into the UNP,” said Prof. Hennayake.
He also went on to explain that President Wickremesinghe is not in a popularity contest. This is an important fact that we need to keep in mind. “President Wickremesinghe does not say what is popular. He speaks the truth. He looks at the long term and not the short term. He is not trying to win friends. He is trying to develop this country.”
He also pointed out that education is a sector that is a vital part of the country. The youth of our nation must have educational opportunities. “The youth must not give up. We can help them by giving them opportunities throughout their formative years,” he said.
Prof. Hennayake said that a leader must understand the hopes and aspirations of the people. A leader must understand the history of the country. “A leader needs a vision and must take bold decisions. He/she needs to protect the constitution.”
Dr. Sirinimal Lakdusinghe praised Prof. Prishantha Gunawardena, stating that the author is a well respected academic.
“The book has 442 pages, and it is valuable and relevant to our modern era. The book speaks of building the country and promoting national unity. This is what President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been doing right throughout. He, the President, understands the pulse of the nation. The President has long term goals and not short term ones. He is a realist. The President includes all this in his vision for the country. He is a leader who looks after all ethnicities.”
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