The election of the JVP/NPP leader as the executive president of Sri Lanka was no doubt momentous, perhaps, second only to the election of Ranasinghe Premadasa to the same coveted position. Though it was the first time the ‘caste barrier’ was broken, unfortunately, instead of hailing this social revolution Premadasa had other ideas; he attempted to rewrite history by attempting to change his heritage thus missing a great opportunity to show that Sri Lanka indeed was a country of equality and opportunity! AKD shares with Premadasa the same great achievement of reaching the top from very humble beginnings. In addition, AKD is the only leader of the country to be elected from a party with a ‘terrorist’ heritage and many were hopeful that this would not be a baggage. As recent events have shown, it looks as if he is not able to shed that baggage. It is said that a leopard cannot change its spots! This is past repeating itself, as well illustrated by the actions of our first executive president JRJ; he was a manoeuvrer who could not stop doing so, even when he reached the top, which no doubt contributed to his downfall!

AKD started well, just like all his predecessors have done, but wheels seem to be coming off the wagon pretty soon! He continues to behave like an opposition politician continuing with attacks on his opponents, past and present, instead of concentrating on statecraft, to take action to alleviate the suffering of the masses burdened with severe economic hardships and chart a course for future prosperity. Perhaps, this may at least be partly due to his having to face election after election but this should not be an excuse. Prior to the presidential election he portrayed that he was surrounded by groups of experts, of all modalities, who were ready with policies for rapid implementation but these experts seem to have disappeared into thin air! Only experts in economics seem to be from the much-maligned IMF. The message from the voters seems to be falling on deaf ears as shown by absurd explanations given for the erosion of the vote at the last local government elections.

He seems to be a one-man band which, worryingly, dashes hope for the long-promised abolition of the presidency. He would be totally ineffective without the executive powers of the presidency. This seems yet another addition to his unfulfilled promises. He is apparently being supported by a group of amateurs! Prior to elections there was much hype about the PM, a respected academic, who seems to have been pushed to the background. She does not seem to be functioning efficiently even as the minister of education. Ragging continues in universities resulting in suicides. Even worse was the suicide of a student sexually molested by a teacher, humiliated by a friend of the accused teacher, a private tutor who contested on the NPP ticket. The initial punishment for the teacher, till public protests erupted, was a transfer to a distant school. To make a terrible situation even worse was the action of the minister tasked with ensuring the safety of women and children. She claimed that the parents had not met her and handed over a petition.

This lack of leadership is replicated by the President himself. AKD’s mantra during the parliamentary election campaign was cleansing of Diyawannawa but no sooner had the guardian of the house been elected than his doctorate from a private Japanese university was questioned. After much hesitation, the speaker resigned, claiming that he would prove his academic qualifications. He has not done so and he is still an ‘honourable’ MP! Another MP, a female lawyer had the audacity to state that under the NPP government anyone was free to lie and admitted that she had lied about billions of dollars airlifted to Uganda by the Rajapaksas! AKD has taken no action against these MPs.

AKD also had an exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic to be held in the run-up to the recent local elections. It did not pay dividends may be because the arrangements were in shambles. He visited Vietnam to deliver a lecture for the International Vesak Day but apparently did not find time to pay homage to the Buddha’s sacred relics on display a short distance away from the conference hall. He did find time to lay a wreath at the memorial of the war dead and flew back on a private jet so that he could vote in the LG elections! Another promise broken but it is claimed that a Buddhist society had paid for the private jet!

AKD’s actions regarding the ceremony to remember and honour war heroes clearly shows that he has completely lost the plot. To the shock and horror of all patriotic Sri Lankans, an announcement was made a couple of days ago by the secretary of defence that the ceremony would be presided over by the deputy minister of defence! In short, the commander of the forces is too busy or too reluctant to attend the remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for the integrity of the country. I doubt it has happened in any country! If he was of the opinion that this event was superfluous or that it hampered reconciliation, he should have had the guts to issue a statement to that effect. Coming from a ‘terrorist’ heritage, the JVP may be having a soft corner for the terrorists killed by the armed forces and may have thought it was hypocritical for him to attend!

As the public outcry could not be patched over, he decided not only to attend the ceremony but also visit the disabled and allow them to take selfies. It is a shame that AKD seems to have developed selective amnesia for his past statements. During the time Rajapaksas were leading the campaign to eradicate the Tigers, AKD was a strong supporter and at times claimed that he told them what to do! What has brought about this change? Was it the backing from the pro-LTTE groups in other countries?

To add insult to injury, during his speech he alluded that the ‘war’ had been fought for political gains. Though it may have produced political gains, doesn’t he realise that it was fought, at a tremendous cost, to defeat terrorism for the purpose of continuing the integrity of the country? He and his acolytes are spreading the canard that this is different as we did not fight a foreign country. Had the Tigers succeeded, we may well be fighting a different country in our little island! His virtual equation of dead terrorists to our fallen heroes added further insult.

Unfortunately, we seem an ungrateful country insulting our fallen war heroes and allowing hypocritical Western nations insulting our living heroes.

by Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

Sri Lanka holds immense untapped economic potential, bolstered by its strategic location along major global trade routes, rich natural resources, and a vibrant cultural heritage. Yet, despite these advantages, the nation has faced significant setbacks in recent decades—civil conflict, political instability, economic mismanagement, and rising poverty. Against this backdrop, the call to “Make Sri Lanka Great” is more than a slogan; it is a mission. It represents a collective vision to restore economic stability, promote inclusive growth, and unlock a future of opportunity for all Sri Lankans.

Reclaiming Sri Lanka’s Historical Greatness

Historically, Sri Lanka was a flourishing centre of commerce, education, and cultural exchange in the Indian Ocean. Its location between East and West positioned it as a maritime trade hub linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Ports such as Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, KKS connected global traders, scholars, and travelers, fostering a dynamic and prosperous economy.

Today, reviving this legacy is crucial. Economic renewal must be anchored in a fusion of historical insight, national unity, and bold innovation. To move forward, Sri Lanka must:

*  Reclaim its legacy of knowledge, resilience, and productivity.

*  Promote confidence in its global economic potential, encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.

*  Ensure social inclusion, recognising that unity across ethnic and religious lines is foundational to sustainable growth.

By leveraging its geographic strengths, investing in human capital, and creating a transparent, investor-friendly environment, Sri Lanka can once again become a leading player in regional and global trade.

Economic Challenges

Sri Lanka’s development path is obstructed by a complex web of systemic challenges. An ongoing economic crisis—driven by high debt, poor fiscal discipline, and import dependency—has caused inflation, job losses, and currency depreciation. Political instability and inconsistent policymaking further undermine investor confidence and long-term planning.

Social divisions, rooted in a civil war that ended in 2009, continue to impact national unity. Additionally, youth unemployment and the outmigration of skilled workers are weakening the nation’s human capital. Environmental degradation through deforestation, pollution, and unregulated urbanisation threatens tourism, agriculture, and long-term resilience. Addressing these interconnected issues is essential to laying a foundation for economic recovery and sustainable progress.

A New National Vision

To become truly great, Sri Lanka must redefine development beyond GDP and infrastructure. A developed Sri Lanka should be:

*  Economically strong, with robust industries in technology, tourism, agriculture, and services.

*  Socially cohesive, where every citizen is treated equally and with dignity.

*  Globally respected, as a democratic, peaceful, and environmentally responsible nation.

· Empowering to youth, offering them opportunities to succeed at home, not just abroad.

Foreign-to-Local Citizen Ratios

The Foreign-to-Local Citizen Ratio is more than just a demographic statistic — it serves as a valuable indicator of a country’s openness, safety, and attractiveness to the global community. A healthy ratio often reflects a nation’s ability to provide freedom, security, and economic opportunity to foreigners who visit, live, work, or invest. (See Table)

Foreign-to-Local Citizen Ratios

For example, Singapore’s 44% foreign-to-local ratio has supported its rise as a financial and innovation hub by filling labour gaps and driving productivity. While Sri Lanka’s 1.3% ratio reflects low foreign participation, strategic immigration and talent attraction could contribute to economic revitalisation.

Singapore, the UAE, and Germany have higher foreign-to-local ratios, signaling environments where international residents feel safe, welcomed, and empowered. These nations offer stable governance, clear legal frameworks, and strong institutions that attract foreign workers, investors, and entrepreneurs.

A favourable ratio also shows that a country:

*  Ensures security and legal protection for foreigners.

*  Provides infrastructure and services that support international living and business.

*  Encourages foreign direct investment (FDI) and startup ecosystems by reducing red tape and fostering trust.

*  Embraces cultural diversity, creating a dynamic and innovative society.

For Sri Lanka, improving its foreign-to-local ratio can boost its global reputation as a safe, business-friendly, and forward-looking nation. By creating an environment where foreigners feel confident to visit, reside, invest, and contribute, the country can unlock new economic opportunities and accelerate its journey toward sustainable development.

Economic Renewal

To make Sri Lanka great, a comprehensive strategy is required:

*  Good Governance: Eliminate corruption, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote transparency and rule of law.

*  Economic Transformation: Support local production, SMEs, and ethical foreign investment. Create a resilient, diversified, and export-oriented economy.

*  Education and Skills: Modernise the education system to meet future job demands, especially in IT, engineering, tourism, and creative sectors. Expand vocational training to empower youth.

*  Social Inclusion and Reconciliation: Promote national unity through inclusive governance, equal rights, and decentralis`ation to ensure all regions benefit from development.

*  Environmental Sustainability: Invest in clean energy, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture. Protect forests, oceans, and heritage sites to maintain long-term economic and ecological balance.

*  Fiscal and Institutional Reform: Improve tax systems, streamline public spending, and create a stable investment environment to manage debt and rebuild confidence.

*  Knowledge Economy: Position Sri Lanka as a digital hub in South Asia by investing in R&D, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems.

Conclusion

The country has the potential to follow the path of nations like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore — countries that transformed crisis into opportunity through strong leadership, national unity, and long-term reform. To achieve this, Sri Lanka must embrace good governance, invest in human capital, promote entrepreneurship, and prioritise sustainable development. The nation’s future greatness depends on bold economic transformation rooted in its unique strengths. With a clear vision, inclusive policies, and collective commitment, Sri Lanka can rise above its challenges and secure a peaceful, prosperous, and globally respected future.

Visvalingam Muralithas is a researcher in the legislative sector, specializing in policy analysis and economic research. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Economics at the University of Colombo, with a research focus on governance, development, and sustainable growth. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Honours) from the University of Jaffna and a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Colombo.

by Visvalingam Muralithas

Regarding the above-titled two excellent articles in The Island of 12 May 2025, I would like to add these thoughts as a lay follower of Buddha.

The word, Sarana, has several meanings, including ‘in someone’s footsteps’, ‘seeking refuge’, ‘thinking about’, and ‘even marriage’, depending on the context.

After enlightenment, the Buddha reflected that his teaching was difficult to understand and follow for the majority of the world enamoured with seeking happiness in sensory indulgence. Only a few realise even impermanent happy or pleasant experiences ultimately bring further unhappiness when they do not last. In addition, illness, old age and death adds up to a sum total unsatisfactory nature of life, Dukkha. However, he did not exclude those who did not have the insight to understand Dukkha or resources, the time and the will to grasp his deep teaching to escape from the relentless cycle of life and death named samsara accompanied by Dukkha.

For them he prescribed the Dhamma of moral discipline with five precepts and their positive applications such as generosity, compassion and tranquillity of mind and avoiding spontaneous action to lead a life in harmony with the world. These are the first steps of his eightfold path. He even advised the laity on social ethics (sigalovada sutta), how to earn and spend wealth righteously (vyggapaccha sutta), to avoid wrong habits leading to social decay (parabhava sutta) and explained one becomes an outcast by action and not by birth (vasala sutta).

For them, looking at the peaceful and tranquil Buddha image as well as reciting Dhammam saranam gacchami is a mantra that serves as psychological support to encourage Buddhist practice and a beacon of hope in lieu of a powerful Deus in times of trouble. This culture has given solace to humankind for over 2500 years. This is the meaning of the phrase ‘Dhammo have rakkathi dhammacari’ meaning living according to Dhamma provides protection. It is psychological protection to be strong in adversity.

For some of them not believing or wandering about after death also he advocated this level of practice. Buddha explained in his discourse named Apannaka Sutta, such action would win the wager on after life.

We should not bemoan that they do not follow the essence of his teachings but accept and encourage them to practise the basic steps.

For those who are fortunate to be able to grasp and follow his deep teaching to escape from the cycle of samsara, Dhammam saranam gacchami is a promise (gacchami is a first-person verb) to themselves to be repeated as many times as possible to follow his footsteps or the path he prescribed. According to modern neurology repetition of a promise will make a strong circuit of connected neurons in the brain for determination by neuroplasticity. As everybody else, they are also subjected to the hindrances to following Buddha’s path as eightfold vicissitudes of life: gain/loss, fame/shame, happiness/ misery, praise/ blame. Both pleasant and unpleasant circumstances may become a hindrance. Such a strong determination made latent in the mind will come to their help to overcome the hindrances and progress in the path.

Light of Asia

There is a story that Edwin Arnold named his book Light of the world, but was persuaded by his publishers to change it to Light of Asia as they thought it would cause much displeasure among the Christian population. However, in time it proved to be the Light of the world as the article explained. Not having read the book by Jairam R, I do not know whether this fact is mentioned in it.

Upali Abeysiri