-A Collective Statement by Fifteen Lecturers from the University of Jaffna
(Lanka-e-News -18.Sep.2024, 11.20 pm) On September 21, Sri Lanka is set to hold its presidential election to select the country's ninth executive president. This will be a crucial election following the severe economic crisis of 2022 and the subsequent public uprisings.
Over the past two years, the cost of living has skyrocketed, and people are suffering due to poverty and unemployment. The removal of subsidies for essential items like fertilizer and kerosene has severely impacted the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen. Rising interest rates have affected small businesses, while the collapse of the construction sector has reduced employment opportunities for urban laborers and rural communities. Women working in the garment and plantation sectors have seen a decline in their income due to rising living costs, and public sector workers, including teachers, are under great strain due to increased transportation, fuel, and electricity costs. The reduction in government spending has affected free education and healthcare. Many, especially young people, are migrating abroad in search of job opportunities. These issues are also evident in the Northern and Eastern regions, where the majority of Tamil and Muslim communities reside. The North is also grappling with growing drug use, a culture of violence among the youth, and the issue of Indian fishing boats.
Despite this dire situation, many politicians responsible for the country’s economic collapse continue to hold ministerial positions. Individuals who looted the country’s resources through corruption remain free. The current leadership has governed the country poorly over the past five years, leaving the public dissatisfied.
Amidst these conditions, the slogan “We need a system change,” which was central to the people's uprisings in 2022, has gained traction, especially in southern Sri Lanka during the current election period. The public in the South seems eager to bring about changes, even if they didn’t occur through protests, and they hope to achieve them through the ballot.
For the Tamil and Muslim communities, as well as other minorities living in the North and East, it is essential to participate in this historically significant election with caution and wisdom. For the first time in decades, the presidential election campaigns in the South have not been centered around ethnic nationalism. The main candidates are focusing on issues like economic reforms, changes to governance, and tackling corruption. The people in the South are increasingly rallying behind candidates who prioritize the welfare of the public over nationalism.
The Tamil, Muslim, and upcountry Tamil communities should seize this opportunity to align with the Southern population that is demanding change in this election. It is also crucial to vote against those who have pushed the country into such a disastrous state over the past five years.
We must point out that none of the main candidates have taken a progressive stance on resolving ethnic issues, establishing a state free from religious bias, or investigating war crimes. At the same time, the economic and political losses caused by corruption and the economic crisis have severely affected the minority communities. Therefore, we must engage thoughtfully in this presidential election. We must reflect on how, not only in terms of ethnicity but also in terms of caste, class, and gender, state repression has affected us. Our decision in this election must not be solely limited to ethnic concerns but should consider the broader political and economic landscape of the country.
By doing so, we can ensure that we do not marginalize ourselves from the mainstream political discourse. Rather than isolating ourselves, we should see this election as an opportunity to join forces with the people of the South in their fight for political rights and strive to secure victory for the future.
It is also important to realize that relying solely on the international community for a political solution may weaken our political position within the country. Making election choices based purely on international expectations could further marginalize us.
If we are to stop the exodus of our youth and create opportunities for those economically disadvantaged in our society, we must think carefully about how we cast our votes in this election.
Thus, voting solely based on Tamil nationalism or rejecting the election altogether may push the Tamil community further into political irrelevance. We must consider whether this election presents an opportunity to reform our public institutions, which have been crippled by corruption and other irregularities, and improve our economic condition. At this moment, when Southern nationalism has receded somewhat, we see this election as a chance to emphasize democratic values, unity among ethnic groups, and bring about political change across the whole of Sri Lanka.
On this basis, we believe that the minority communities, including Tamils, should reject the current leadership and support candidates committed to progressive, anti-corruption policies that focus on economic recovery. It is time to vote for candidates who can offer real political and economic reforms, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the independence of the judiciary. By doing so, we can gradually open the doors to freedom and equality for all.
Dr. A. Antonirajan - Department of Geography
Dr. S. Arivalahan - Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Prof. P. Iyngaran - Department of Chemistry
Dr. S. Jeevasuthan - Department of Social Sciences
Dr. A. Kadirgamar - Department of Social Sciences
Prof. R. Kapilan - Department of Botany
Dr. N. Ramaruban - Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Dr. M. Sarvanandan - Department of Economics
Mr. N. Sivakaran - Department of Philosophy
Prof. R. Srikaran - Department of Chemistry
Dr. R. Tharshan - Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Dr. M. Thiruwarangan - Department of Languages and English
Dr. N. Warathan - Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Prof. K. Vignaruban - Department of Physics
Mr. S. Vimal - Department of Languages and English
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by (2024-09-18 19:07:29)
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