Democracy in Sri Lanka and the LTTE’s miscalculation
Among the many mistakes the LTTE has made one of the most obscure but severely detrimental to its cause is the underestimation of the depth of democracy in the hearts and minds of Sri Lankans. Like mentioned in a previous posting about how the Muslims have developed a culture of resolving issues by means of political representatives, Tamils and other minorities also had its share of political champions and political achievements. While it is true that the outcomes were not always totally just, the political debate was open and progressive – even if it was slow. The issues faced by minorities in Sri Lankan politics were no different to those faced by minorities in the west.
The multi-racial political process in Sri Lanka is centuries old. Even during the days of Kings – both Tamil and Sinhalese – the political representatives of all the communities were given high regard. This type of democracy that prevailed in the pre-colonial Sri Lanka made the island one of the most stable and progressive societies in the world. In 1930’s, still under the rule of the British, Sri Lankans enjoyed the benefits of a multi-party democracy; first of its kind in the non-western world.
So it is apparent, the democracy has deep roots in Sri Lanka and it is unlikely any part of the society will accept a non-democratic change to the country’s structure. It is hard to imagine a coup like the one that took place in Thailand happening in Sri Lanka. More improbable is the people accepting a leader resulting from such a military intervention. Likewise, the LTTE’s use of violence instead of democracy to achieve a seperate homeland is unconceivable. Even if the Tamil’s favor autonomy and has aspirations, it is very unlikely this can be done without a democratic process. Any group’s claim to represent the Tamils and their quest to exercise authority over the Tamils may seem worthy of attention but without a ballot it is nearly impossible and unacceptable for any realm of the Sri Lankan society.
The multi-racial political process in Sri Lanka is centuries old. Even during the days of Kings – both Tamil and Sinhalese – the political representatives of all the communities were given high regard. This type of democracy that prevailed in the pre-colonial Sri Lanka made the island one of the most stable and progressive societies in the world. In 1930’s, still under the rule of the British, Sri Lankans enjoyed the benefits of a multi-party democracy; first of its kind in the non-western world.
So it is apparent, the democracy has deep roots in Sri Lanka and it is unlikely any part of the society will accept a non-democratic change to the country’s structure. It is hard to imagine a coup like the one that took place in Thailand happening in Sri Lanka. More improbable is the people accepting a leader resulting from such a military intervention. Likewise, the LTTE’s use of violence instead of democracy to achieve a seperate homeland is unconceivable. Even if the Tamil’s favor autonomy and has aspirations, it is very unlikely this can be done without a democratic process. Any group’s claim to represent the Tamils and their quest to exercise authority over the Tamils may seem worthy of attention but without a ballot it is nearly impossible and unacceptable for any realm of the Sri Lankan society.
posted by Hitch at 9/22/2006 01:34:00 AM
3 Comments:
Democracy is only one way to get one you want. Sometimes it has to be force.
Good stuff. THey not get anything with violence.
Very true. Despite everything what the NGOs say, Sri Lanka is a great example of a democracy. And if everyone, including the international community, united to defeat undemocratic elements in the country, I have no doubt, Sri Lanka will be the envy of the rest of the world.
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