Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Gihangi Wanshanatha believes that Sri Lanka will prosper and be peaceful

Q: What’s the good, the bad and the ugly in Sri Lanka today?

A: Sri Lanka is a multicultural and multi-religious nation. From beaches and mountains, through ancient ruins, sand dunes, tropical forests and wildlife to city life, you can find almost anything and everything here. And generally, visitors are greeted with smiles and hospitality.

On the other hand, there’s racism and extreme concern over the opinions of others. Since these perceptions are coded into our brains from a young age, they prevent people from doing what they love, picking life partners of their choice, seeking help for mental health issues and living the life they want.

As for the ugly, the traffic jams in Colombo and congestion in other city centres are due to a lack of planning and adequate infrastructure. And bribery and corruption are rampant in almost all areas.

Q: And what are the other challenges facing our nation at this time?

A: The economic crisis that stemmed from unsustainable debt, and perennial deficits in both our balance of payments and government budgets, resulted in a severe lack of foreign currency and rupee reserves. This led to difficulties in importing food, medicines, gas, fuel and so on.

Corruption directly affects the welfare of citizens by reducing the availability of public funds for healthcare, education, infrastructure, security, housing and plantations. Another form of graft prevails in public procurement because of the lack of transparency in government transactions.

High income inequality and increased poverty have contributed to Sri Lanka’s worsening economic situation since 2019.

Q: Do you believe that Sri Lankans will be united one day – and if so, how and why…?

A: I believe that Sri Lankans are united and will be so in the future too – as was clearly demonstrated in the aragalaya last year. Sri Lankans from all walks of life joined hands and raised their voices in unison, against poor governance and authoritarianism.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

A: This is not something I think about often. One thing I’m certain of is that I will make the most of the years, and put all my efforts into becoming a happy and successful woman.

I want to see myself as a strong-willed and calm person who isn’t affected by the actions of others. And I’d like to improve on my good qualities to become a role model for others.

Q: And where do you see Sri Lanka in a decade or so from today?

A: Sri Lanka is facing unsustainable debt and balance of payments crises. In spite of its problems however, the island is one of the most beautiful in the world with many natural resources.

In the next decade or so, Sri Lanka will be more united as demonstrated by how all its citizens came together to fight for a common goal.

Q: Who is responsible for climate change and global warming, in your view – and what must be done about these?

A: The overuse of fossil fuels, pollution, deforestation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the main reasons for global warming and climate change.

Since mitigating the effects of climate change is the best solution, people must work to reduce pollution and GHG emissions if the Paris Agreement goal is to be achieved anytime soon.

Q: How do you view the growing importance of social media today?

A: One of the most important benefits of social media in today’s world is its ability to disseminate information worldwide. It enables you to engage with people irrespective of their location.

Today, everyone is on one social media platform or more and it’s the first option that comes to mind when searching for connections in any field. Social media can lead to success if these sources are used intelligently.

Q: And finally, where do you see the world in 10 years’ time?

A: I believe technology will dominate our lives like never before. The manufacture of vehicles and electronics among other consumables will drastically change as will the medical field.

Extreme weather conditions will also become more common. By 2030, we need to have halved emissions to stabilise global temperatures but we’ll still be dealing with unpredictable climate events.

By that time hopefully, people will be more educated, healthier and less violent.

In the next decade or so, Sri Lanka will be more united as demonstrated by how all its citizens came together to fight for a common goal