The Island: 40 years of independent journalism

Your editorial, “And miles to go …”, (16 Nov.), which appeared on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of The Island, prompted me to pen some thoughts on democracy and the role of free media, and the role played by The Island in upholding the ethical values of journalism. The powerful social media has become the darling of the communities across the world, and the print media has been losing its grip. General understanding of the effectiveness of social media is its fast spread of information, while print media can publish any story the following day.

Comment of DEW Gunasekara, Communist Party heavyweight, deserves to be quoted: “The period of 40 years, since the birth of The Island, covers both globally and domestically, dramatic and far-reaching eventful developments. The Island, as a new breed and brand, played its role magnificently with dynamism since its inception”. Democracy is a contested subject. Historically, democracy has been invested with contrasting meanings. In simple terms, democracy can be interpreted as government by the people. Three models of democracy can be direct, participatory, and representative democracy. Present model or form of democracy, practised in Sri Lanka and other democratic countries, gained value with the spread of capitalism. Further, interpretation of democracy vastly differs from the point of view of communist states and the capitalist world. Gunasekera has acknowledged the Sri Lankan brand of democracy, and the party has been aligned with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and it was a part of grand coalitions and governments. During the last presidential and parliamentary elections, the Communist party extended its support to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.

Sri Lanka has been the home to Trotskyist philosophy, in South Asia, and the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, which is the oldest political party in contemporary Sri Lanka, has been an active participant in the democratic process. Communist party, a splinter group from the LSSP, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, another splinter group from the Communist party, though differing in communist ideology, have accepted the Sri Lankan form of representative democracy.

The fourth estate, the media, is described as one of the pillars of democracy. In the Sri Lankan context, the role and challenges of the print media has not been that easy, as explained in many articles authored by reputed writers on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of The Island’s journey.

Contemporary Sri Lanka navigated through many political, military, economic and social phases. The 1971 insurgency, led by the JVP, 1st Republican constitution, 2nd Republican constitution, open economic policy, 2nd rebellion by the JVP, in 1988/1987, separatist war, Indian interference and Indo-Sri Lanka agreement, ceasefires, Norwegian- brokered negotiations, conclusion of separatist war, bullying by powerful countries, war crime allegations and Geneva resolution, Central Bank scam, Covid-19 and economic impact have been important events.

While political and economic arenas are generally construed as important events, the saga of Sinhala cinema and the contribution of the genius cinematic creator Dr. Lester James Peiris and the next generation of creative cinema directors, the World Cup winning moment in 1996, and the growth and decline of Sri Lankan cricket have captured a prominent place in The Island.

When one speaks about versatility, it is precisely applicable to The Island. In the recent past, particularly during the Maithri-Ranil government, with the vigorous backing of the JVP, TNA, SLMC (all with different political philosophies) The Island was at the front, in criticising and exposing the misdeeds of the government, and the extent to which The Island has gone gave a perception that The Island was actively backing the SLPP. But The Island again is at the front in criticising the SLPP government for its blunders. The way The Island takes to task the SLPP government again gives a perception it is working against the SLPP government. It is the beauty of The Island for its stand with the people and the country. It is as simple as that.

The Island

has a unique location in the annals of independent print media. Being an ardent reader, the writer has always highly rated The Island, because it is a good example of independent journalism in Sri Lanka.

AYAMPILLAI DHARMAKULASINGHAM

Retired Sri Lankan Diplomat