The way forward: Let’s start by casting our votes wisely

We need leaders; leaders who can decisively address burning national issues and get Sri Lanka out of the woods. After enjoying 70 years of independence, Sri Lanka is in more trouble economically, politically, culturally and religiously than ever before. A quick research, shows that on top of the list is corruption. Then comes religious freedom. Thereafter, education, infrastructure, law and order, an independent judicial system, people centered transportation, healthy living, empowered civil society movements and the long list goes on. As we ponder on this list of urgent national priorities, many Lankans are saying, we ought to have a complete overhaul of our systems and processes.

We need to come out of our short-sighted mentality and start to look at the above issues from a long-term perspective. The presidential election will denote the beginning of a new era in our land. We need a leadership in place that can bring many of the negative things mentioned on this list to an end, especially corruption and religious persecution.

Many endings will have to occur in order for us to be released into some of the new things that we have been destined for a long time to step into. As a nation, we have many treasures to be discovered during the coming years. Sri Lanka is known for its tea, rubber, coconut, gem, cinnamon, garment and tourism industries. Yet, we also need to get into the right new fields or sectors and search for hidden treasures and resources. Industries such as ICT, solar energy, construction and drinking water are sectors that have exponential growth potential in Sri Lanka. Corruption and political red tape should end before we can get the fullest advantage of what is known as liquid gold - our water resources and renewable energy sources.

In all these sectors, we can learn a number of positive lessons from our neighbours and friends, China, Malaysia and India. For example, entire cities are powered through China’s giant solar power farms. Cleaning up the Chinese energy mix is one of their key national goals. Malaysia instals underground rain harvest systems and uses that water to clean toilets, water gardens and other appliances. China is concentrating on revamping their educational and vocational systems to be in par with some of the world’s best, prestigious universities and up-to-date curricula.

This transition, of making Sri Lanka great should begin with all of us individually. We need to stop blaming our politicians and the parliamentary system. Rather, we need to begin by looking within us. Do we have elements of corruption, streaks of religious or political violence, deep-seated prejudices and negative emotional entanglements within us? We ought to reach deep inside and deal with all this clutter and mess that we are carrying within.

Then, we need to draw out of us, our talents and competencies that can build this beautiful nation of ours and its people. We need to ask ourselves what is the one thing we can do towards nation building and national prosperity. Can we volunteer our talents, competencies and time to rebuild this nation and its youth? As we allow our best to come out from within us, we will be opening new pathways toward national prosperity.

In this regard, deep-seated prejudices, hurts, pain and unjust systems have to be dealt with first. For this, a number of innovative interventions need to be carried out by the government, business sector, academic sector and the general public. For example, innovative financial investments that reach the most neglected and vulnerable communities and youth entrepreneurs should be formed. A dynamic country strategy should be crafted with reachable milestones.

As a nation, we need to spend quality time with our youth and children. If we are too busy to do this now, we will regret forever as a nation. We cannot leave this to chance and expect the media and peer groups to groom our future generations. As we invest wisely in their lives now, we will be rebuilding this nation, one child at a time. Mothers, fathers, immediate family members, schools and religious leaders have to take this responsibility to nurture the next generation.

As a nation, we shouldn’t be defined by our past. We should not get stuck in our past mistakes. We need to release ourselves from old structures and systems that are ineffective and outdated. Let us start by casting our votes wisely during this forthcoming presidential election.

Timothy A. Edward Via email