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More participatory democracy, less burden on rulers

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by Susantha Hewa

A Shramadana (collaborative work) in a village is a good example of participatory democracy in action, where it is “of the villagers, by the villagers, for the villagers”. Of course, a few would organize and lead but they don’t stand to benefit more than the others. The coordinators would get their due praise for leading but they are not any more materially benefitted than the rest of the villagers.

They organize it for the common good and, as such, they want the whole village to participate and contribute so that there wouldn’t be idlers or freeloaders who would thrive on the sweat of the others.

The general principle of this kind of Shramadana – the participation of all for the benefit of all, seems to be the better alternative to the ‘representative’ democracy in our country, which has thus far amply benefitted the representatives and deluded the masses. Our brand of representative democracy has slowly and unmistakably empowered the representatives and weakened the masses that are said to be supreme. The empowerment of the representatives is good in so far as their power is used for the betterment of the masses.

However, as we can see today, the empowerment of the politicians has been inversely proportional to that of the masses, which is a travesty of true democracy, which, after all, is expected to empower people. Democracy is said to work better when the rulers are held accountable for their actions, instead of people being made to pay for the sins of the former, as it is happening today.

Our rulers breezily invite people to ‘join hands’ with them, but can they be more explicit about what they mean by that? Surely, if what they mean is more participatory democracy- allowing more space for people to participate in deciding on important national policies, they would have wished people to be more active rather than confining themselves to voting at the next election.

However, our rulers have never shown any interest in considering the views of the public in decision making. However, their inclination to sternly distance the public from the realms of active politics, curtail freedoms of expression, bring in repressive laws to stifle social media, etc., can only mean that what they mean by joining hands is mere rhetoric.

If joining hands is to be understood as “working harder” in their respective fields, all we can say is that people have already been working hard enough, many of them, merely to eke out an existence and that they have never been the beneficiaries of their hard work. All their work has ended in making them poorer by the year while those who have come to politics to ‘serve the masses’ have always been living in grand style.

In other words, our democracy, in its existing form, which bars people from gaining reasonable space for participating in decision making, has served only the politicians, plentifully at that.

Thus far, voting every five years or so has been, more or less, an act of revenge; to ‘punish’ the incumbent regime. This may not be the best version of democracy in an informed and proactive society. Asking people to join hands with them every time they have ruined the economy seems to have only one meaning and that is “be ready to suffer more”.

Allowing people to take a more active role in democratic politics instead of just consigning them to be voters as they have been all these years, would save our politicians from the unpleasant task of explaining why people should suffer further. After all, there can be a more people-centred democracy where more citizens are made to be active in politics – if politics were to mean the active participation of as many citizens as possible in working towards the wellbeing of all – not the usual stuff of power games and plundering of national wealth with impunity – politicians’ job wouldn’t be to explain every now and then why things are going bad. Instead, it would allow politicians to apportion to the public their share of responsibility in governance.

Today, the incumbent regime is telling us that it is taking unpopular decisions, as if nobody would know it unless it is announced! However, they don’t tell us that those “unpopular decisions” (a) are unpopular only among the masses and not among political parasites and sycophants (b) are taken for no fault of the people (c) are taken so as to make the people pay for the sins of the crooks (d) shouldn’t be misread as ‘bitter now but beneficial in the long term’ as many people would tend to interpret it, and, last but not least, (e) would eventually turn out to be unwise, unproductive and unsustainable. In short, taking “unpopular decisions” will not merit adulation, if those unpopular decisions are likely to give added license for the selfsame politicians to justify taking still more unpopular decisions with no benefits to the people.

The reality is that all these years, our politicians have gradually distanced themselves from the common people, relying on the police to handle those who dare come out for street protests as a result of their being denied of involvement in “active politics”- which, incidentally, is not the same as ‘party politics’, which we have very little to thank for considering the present crisis.

Democratic politics have to be more proactive and civilian friendly, where the citizens, without being passive, can indirectly participate in governance without allowing our representatives to become more and more aggressively empowered. We can see what the country has come to as a result of this total faith in what we have understood as representative parliamentary democracy, which has gradually deteriorated by strengthening the hands of the rulers and disempowering the citizens whose sovereignty is said to be inviolable.

In a strong and healthy democracy where people can live a decent life with dignity, they may, instead of protesting against taxes, ask for tax increases to ensure more comfort, better facilities and cleaner environment that will enhance the overall feeling of a contented life. The idea of people demanding tax increases isn’t mere fiction. George Monbiot, writer, environmental and political activist reports an instance where people in Porto Alegre- city, capital of Rio Grande, southern Brazil, where a large number of people had asked the city council to raise their taxes (Out of the Wreckage).

Sri Lankans would love to pay more taxes if they know how to manage it with their monthly income and if they know that such taxes will be used for their benefit and not as an easy alternative to let the tax evading sharks off the hook.

Can our rulers convince the people that their taxes will pay dividends one day?



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Opinion

Imagining what the Buddha looked like

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A Buddha statue

by Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

How would the Buddha have looked like in real life?” This question was posed by Prof. Asanga Thilakaratna, the Chief Editor of the Encyclopaedia of Buddhism, during one of the two analytical lectures delivered at the launch of the Sinhala translation of Bhante Dhammika’s ‘unusual’ biography of the Buddha “Footprints in the Dust”, by Venerable Kudagammana Seelarathana, on 8th January at the Nagananda Buddhist Institute in Kelaniya. “The image we get by looking at numerous sculptures, drawings and paintings of the Buddha as a plump, round faced individual may be far from the reality. After all, the Buddha went through a period of extreme starvation prior to attaining enlightenment and had a hard life, as well illustrated in this realistic biography” he commented prior to posing this question. As the title itself indicates, the Buddha travelled the length and breadth of ancient India on foot, most likely barefoot. Prof. Thilakaratna highlighted the uniqueness of this biography and pointed out the high quality of the translation by stating that when one reads Venerable Seelarathana’s work one does not get the feel that it is a translation.

No one who had seen the Buddha during life has made an accurate record of what He looked like and for centuries after Parinibbana, the Buddha was depicted in symbols. He never encouraged idol worship and named the Dhamma as His successor. He wanted us to tread the path shown but what have we done instead? We have made the Buddha supernatural and the deification is seen in all paintings and sculptures. Instead of following the Dhamma, we have wrapped it around in rituals and produced the religion of Buddhism, supplanting the philosophy, metaphysics and science of Buddha’s teachings.

The first sculptural depictions of the Buddha were made around the first century BCE, probably by Greek sculptors, in Gandhara region, currently in Afghanistan and Pakistan where once flourishing Buddhist civilisation has been replaced by Islamic culture. From then onwards, Buddha started being depicted in various parts of the world where Buddhism spread, giving the Buddha the appearance of that particular area. This is no surprise as Buddhism was a ‘religion’ that was interpreted through the lens of the culture of each respective area. The answer to Prof Thilakaratna’s question is that it probably is an almost impossible task but by reading Bhante Dhammika’s book, or the excellent Sinhala translation Duwille Renduna Piyasatahan by Venerable Seelarathana, we can imagine how the Buddha operated during his lifetime.

Although I was not able to be physically present, thanks to modern technology I was able to watch the proceedings on a Zoom broadcast and it was a gratifying moment for me.

In an article titled “Is there a need for another ‘Life of the Buddha’?” (The Island, 28 May 2022), I wrote the following:

“Bhante Shravasti Dhammika of Australia, a prolific writer, who has authored many books, keeps us informed of various aspects of Buddhism by his regular contributions to The Island and the Sunday Island. Thanks to an introduction by my good friend Tissa Devendra, I have been in regular touch with Bhante Dhammika and turn to him whenever I have a question on Buddhism. When he sent me a soft copy of his latest book, “Footprints in the Dust”, which carries the subtitle, “The Life of the Buddha from the Most Ancient Sources”, I asked myself, ‘Is there a need for yet another Life of the Buddha’? After all, there’s plenty to choose from!”

In fact, the other analytical presentation at this event was by Venerable Uduhawara Ananda, Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist studies of the University of Colombo, who traced the lineage of biographies of the Buddha from ancient times to modern, emphasising the differences of Bhante Dhammika’s work, confirming what I stated in my piece:

“My doubts regarding the need for another biography of the Buddha started to melt away, as soon as I started reading this absorbing book with very realistic analysis of events. In fact, the book deals with much more than the title suggests and is an analysis of the life and the times of the Buddha. Most books on Buddha’s life are written with a reverential than an analytical attitude and do not put the prevailing conditions in India in context. These are the two major differences and the great strength of this monograph. Though some traditional Buddhists may not agree with Bhante Dhammika’s interpretations, as he is not shy in pointing out exaggerations, I have no disagreements whatsoever and have come to know the Buddha better; as an extraordinary human being, far ahead of his time who led a very simple life, walking barefoot across India, disseminating His message.”

Having written thus, I was convinced that Sinhala readers too should have the opportunity to explore this wonderful work but even before I could make this suggestion, Bhante Dhammika contacted me to find out whether I could translate or find a suitable translator. I had to admit that I had not inherited the translation abilities of my late father but was able to suggest Venerable Seelarathana on the basis of an excellent translation he made of an article of mine on the genius of Karunaratna Abeysekara. Though I am yet to meet Venerable Seelarathana, who is resident in the USA, I have learned since about his very significant contribution to Sinhala literature.

At the request of Bhante Dhammika, when I made the proposal, Venerable Seelarathana readily accepted the challenge and offered to be in contact with Bhante Dhammika and as they say ‘rest is history’. The proceedings commenced with Bhante Dhammika joining via Zoom from Australia to confer his blessings and I am much obliged to him for calling me the facilitator, though he got my name mixed up as Upali! Perhaps, Upali resonated better for Bhante Dhammika as Arahant Upali was one of the chief disciples of the Buddha, who specialised in monastic discipline. However, in Sri Lankan politics I have been occasionally confused with the great Upali Wijewardena. Then Upali wanted to contest a general election from Kamburupitiya and many thought it was me, as my father had contested from that electorate!

The two lectures delivered by Venerable Uduhawara Anada and Prof. Asanga Thilakaratna were masterful discourses and I hope that Venerable Seelarathana will be able to find time to translate them into English.

I do hope the Sinhala readers will extend a warm welcome to this valuable translation and no doubt it would evoke much discussion as some of the facts may go against the traditionally held beliefs, but it is high time we started appreciating the achievements of the Buddha as that of a human being; a supreme one at that, even though we cannot imagine what he looked like!

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Opinion

When absolute power corrupts absolutely

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Only Americans can elect a maverick like Donald Trump as President a second time to take office as the 47th President.

Dozens of countries have expressed “unwavering support” for the International Criminal Court (ICC) after US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on its staff. A majority of member states, including the UK, Germany and France, said that the ICC was “a vital pillar of the international justice system”. Trump announced the sanctions after hosting Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – the first foreign leader to visit him since returning to power. Last year, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza – which Israel denies – as well as for a Hamas commander. The US has condemned the court’s “shameful moral equivalency” between Israel and Hamas.

The US and Israel do not recognise the authority of the ICC, the only global court with powers to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It has also previously launched investigations into US citizens. The ICC counts 125 member states around the world, including the UK and many European nations. The UK, France and Germany were among the 79 signatories to a joint statement issued on Friday to condemn Trump’s executive order. Australia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy were conspicuous by their absence! The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a global court with the power to bring prosecutions for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. US President Donald Trump has announced sanctions against the court, which he accuses of “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel”. They are partners in crime! The court, based in the Dutch city of The Hague, was established in 2002 to hold rogue leaders responsible for atrocities to account. World leaders had increasingly pushed for its creation in the wake of the Yugoslav wars and the Rwandan Genocide. It is a court of last resort, intervening only when national authorities cannot, or will not, prosecute. It can only deal with crimes committed after 1 July 2002, when the Rome Statute – which established the court – came into force.

The Rome Statute has been ratified by 125 countries, including the UK and many European nations. More than 30 others have signed and may ratify it in the future.

However, the US and Israel are not members of the ICC. Judges at the court said there were “reasonable grounds” that Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif bore “criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity”.

The Rome Statute has been ratified by 125 countries, including the UK and many European nations. More than 30 others have signed and may ratify it in the future.

It is sheer hypocrisy to see how the so called democracies condemn unequivocally invasion of Ukraine by Putin’s Russia while illegal occupation of Palestine by Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is acceptable to Trump who seems to think he owns USA to do whatever he wants! Fair to say all the same some aspects of his political agenda under the caption of “America First” – deport illegal immigrants, to impose heavy tariffs to contain China flooding the world with its manufactured goods, etc., do make sense. But, as leader of the world’s richest country, he cannot behave like a loose cannon!

Sunil Dharmabandhu
Wales, UK

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Opinion

The Birth of the Harry Jayawardena Empire (1977)

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Harry Jayawardena

When I heard of the death of Harry Jayawardena, I remember the reaction of my father when he heard of the death of H.V.Perera , a legend of the legal profession in post independence days. My father H.A.J Hulugalle spluttered “A mighty oak has fallen”. I felt very much the same when I heard of Harry’s death.

It feels almost ridiculous for an 87-year-old like myself to write an appreciation of Harry Jayawardena. He was such an overwhelming public figure. My main qualification for doing this is that I saw his ascent over 48 years.

Not many knew of him back then in 1977, though some may have recognized him as the dynamic Manager in the Consolexpos’ Tea Department.

Harry, like my brother Haris Hulugalle, was a strong supporter of Mrs. Bandaranaike’s policies and stood by her through thick and thin.

While working for Mrs. Bandaranaike, especially during the 1977 election, my brother Haris could see Harry’s exceptional abilities. But after Mrs. Bandaranaike’s party was routed by the UNP, Harry knew his days as the Manager at Consolexpo were numbered. Feeling disheartened and demoralized, he confided in Haris about his uncertain future.

Harry was brought into our office and reassured, “If you cannot return to Consolexpo, we will help you start your own tea business.” Harry’s concern was, “But where will we get the money, Sir?” he asked us. “We’ll find it. Just come to our office, and we’ll give you some chairs and tables, and you can start working right away if you have the business to back it.” Our office was at “Holywell”, 90, Galle Road Kollupitiya, a hundred year old dilapidated office built by the Steuarts. Today, Seylan Bank has replaced “Holywell” with a modern office Building.

Harry accepted the invitation and 13 members of his staff from Consolexpo were housed in a hall in relatively simple surroundings in our humble but vibrant office. This was 1977 and life was in any case much simpler.

Barely, 10 days before Harry passed away, he telephoned me and spoke about those days. He told me that he missed Haris very much. Did Harry have the premonition that his days were numbered and he was going to meet Haris elsewhere?

Harry throughout his business career claimed that it was Haris who had inspired him on his business trajectory. There is some element of truth in this. Haris was born on the March 3, 1930, birthday of C.H. de Soysa. Dr D.E. Wijewardene, brother of D.R.Wijewardene, a leading gynecologist while delivering the baby proclaimed “C.H. de Soysa is reborn”.

Harry and Haris had a common interest in business and that was to create businesses for the common betterment.

At that time Haris and I operated a successful printing and publishing establishment which enabled us to support Harry on his new venture. Haris had recognized Harry as a genius, way beyond his own capacity.

At that stage, there were three matters that had to be attended to at the Sri Lankan end. They were 1) formation of a company, 2) relationship with a Bank and 3) a license to trade in tea for export.

To form a company, we needed a name. We asked Harry “What are your names?”

“Harold” said Harry.

Harry Jayawardana (right) with Haris Hulugalle (left) at a wedding reception. The bridegroom is in the center

“That won’t do. Have you any other names?” said Haris.

“Yes, I am Don Harold Stassen” came the answer.

The quick reply was “Stassen it has to be”. So the name was accepted without any further discussion. The name of this future conglomerate was born.

The next move was to establish a relationship with the Bank. The relationship with the new government was hostile towards Harry. No State Bank would touch him.

Harry and V.P.Vittachi, who later was Chairman of Stassens went to the Commercial Bank. There they drew a blank. Co-laterals were asked for leading to a refusal of granting a facility.

I then went with Harry to the DGM Hatton National Bank, L.S.D.Peiris. Peiris listened to the young Harry, who Sir d him from beginning to the end of the conversation. Harry had Letters of Credit from first class Middle Eastern Banks. Another DGM, Gaston Goonewardene was brought into the discussion and the deal was sealed.

The facility given was Rs 250,000 Overdraft and Rs 1,000,000 packing credit. Ten years later Harry took control of the Bank as its Chairman.

I am not familiar with the story of the Tea License. That I understand would have been negotiated by V.P. Vittachi using his civil service connection to Ronnie de Mel, the Minister Of Finance.

Many others will have interesting narratives about the birth of Stassens. What I touch here is what I saw firsthand. Harry Jayawardena created an Empire which was in the league of C.H. de Soysa (who owned 80,000 acres of land) and other outstanding entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.

I will deeply miss Harry, his sincerity and friendship. He was a devout Catholic, his faith served as the intellectual and spiritual foundation that fueled his dynamism. He cherished his family—his wife, Priya, and their three children.

Arjuna Hulugalle

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