NEW BEGINNING

Shachini Dassanayake envisions a fresh start for Sri Lanka

Q: Has Sri Lanka regained its composure following the Easter Sunday attacks, in your assessment?

A: We were shocked by news of the deadly attacks. It was the type of event that citizens had hoped was consigned to the past. Ten years ago, hardly anyone would have noticed that there was a civil war in the island. But the recent attacks were all over the news – and the world sympathised and empathised with Sri Lankans.

It affected people’s confidence and sentiments, and exerted mental pressure on them. The cost cannot be measured in terms of financials alone. On the other hand, it impacted the economy; mainly tourism but also sectors linked to the tourism industry. So the overall economic effect could be more severe.

As in the past, the nation can be rebuilt with the help of those who work hard to foster unity, peace and harmony. Nevertheless, strong leadership with a long-term vision and an action plan is a prerequisite for this. People living in the country ought to have learned their lessons and should pass the baton onto the right person at the right time to put the country first. 

Q: So how do you perceive Sri Lanka today?

A: There’s been some positive momentum in tourism, real estate and infrastructure especially following the end of the war in 2009.

But on the whole, Sri Lanka doesn’t appear to be progressing due to factors such as excessive political interference in development activities, rising debt, increasing bribery and corruption, a lack of consistent government policy and higher levels of environmental pollution.

Meanwhile, for development to be sustainable, people’s attitude to environmental protection and natural resources have to improve drastically. 

Q: How do Australians view Sri Lanka?

A: Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with plenty of natural resources. Therefore, it is well known among Australians as one of the best tourist destinations. Sri Lanka is also famous for its hospitality.

Q: From afar, how do you perceive news about Sri Lanka?

A: The duty of a media agency is to convey accurate information in an unbiased manner. However, some news headlines and articles are biased, exaggerated or misleading. Social media also has a massive influence. Responsible reporting should not only be the norm but a practice too. 

Q: How do you view the brain drain – and why is there no reversal of it?

A: Although Sri Lanka’s per capita income is higher than other South Asian nations, there’s income inequality in the workforce. Rising inflation and the cost of living contribute to this.

Knowledgeable, well-educated and skilled professionals leave their home country, seeking employment or higher paying jobs and a better quality of life. Political stability, the enforcement of law and order, and better healthcare facilities in developed countries are the other factors that are considered.

Any brain drain will result in economic losses when skilled professionals use their knowledge to benefit a country other than their own. There’s also a loss of education when the next generation is unable to obtain their assistance.

The government should work to increase job opportunities, and encourage highly skilled workers by establishing appropriate pay scales, improved healthcare and a better standard of living. This is not a quick and easy process; it requires long-term strategic planning while identifying the needs of educated and skilled professionals.

Q: What should Sri Lanka focus on most in the coming decade?

A: Encouraging local manufacturing without depending on imports will create new job opportunities and higher incomes, for educated and skilled professionals.

Reducing environmental pollution is another vitally important aspect to focus on. The starting point is to change attitudes to protecting the environment. People shouldn’t take natural resources for granted. We must understand that there will be no future if we continue to pollute the environment as we do at present.

The next step is to have the right people ruling the nation. The tone set at the top is crucial even for the smallest organisation – a country is no different. Visionary leadership and government officials who aren’t corrupt can help resolve the problems facing the country.

Q: And what are your hopes for the country in the next decade or so?

A: People must change their attitude, eschew self-interest and think of the nation.

I hope to witness further development in tourism, shipping and logistics. Moreover, honest and competent people ought to assume leadership of the country, take ownership and be accountable for what they do, and steer the nation towards sustainable development.

– LMD