Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera

CLARION CALL FOR UNITY

Adeetha Siriwardena urges all Sri Lankan leaders to put the country first

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

A: Remnants of old civilisations, pristine beaches, warm weather and a rich culture make Sri Lanka a living dream. However, there are challenges that should be addressed too.

The bad side of our country can be attributed to the lack of concern among people in protecting the environment. And the younger generation needs to be educated on the importance of protecting nature and their surroundings.

Meanwhile, the ugly aspects are due to Sri Lanka’s selfish political leadership. Most of the island’s leaders are interested in amassing wealth for themselves at the expense of the masses.

People who practise bribery and corruption should be promptly prosecuted. And a national policy on the long-term development plan of the country must be introduced as a matter of urgency.

Sri Lanka presents a mixed bag of positives and negatives, and offers unique experiences for its citizenry.

Q: And what are the challenges facing the country today?

A: Sri Lanka is currently facing significant economic challenges due to the reduced demand for many of its key exports in volatile global markets, which are grappling with their own economic woes.

When the country defaulted on servicing its foreign debts, it was blacklisted by rating agencies and in international credit markets. This is the greatest challenge that the government faces.

The present leadership has managed to control the downward spiral and brought stability to a certain extent. In the recent past, poor governance and dire economic conditions resulted in instability and mass protests due to severe shortages of essential goods.

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

A: Throughout Sri Lanka’s written history of 2,500 years, the island has often been divided ethnically as well as geographically. Our rulers and colonisers who were greedy for power created divisions among the people.

Even today, we see power hungry leaders trying to divide the people along ethnic and religious lines. However, I hope that the country will be united soon, and all ethnicities recognised as equals and treated with respect.

If this situation is to change, a transformation needs to take place with leaders – those who place the country’s betterment before their political futures – installed at the helm. It’s only then that we will have a chance to unite as a nation with one nationality.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: I am a 15-year-old student studying for my A-Levels in the maths stream with a dream to represent my country at the Olympics in swimming. And so I am unable to envision a future that extends for a decade.

Nevertheless, I’m working hard in the sport I love and dream of representing Sri Lanka internationally. Meanwhile, my wish is to be engaged in a profession of my choice and be content with life.

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

A: I hope the people of Sri Lanka will be able to work towards developing the country and themselves. And the political establishment should create an enabling environment for this to take place.

Q: Who is responsible for climate change and global warming – and what must be done about it?

A: Developed nations are the main culprits by dint of their contribution to climate change and global warming.

These nations should take immediate steps to mitigate the situation, and control the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, so that the planet and its people will be able to survive in the long term.

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

A: Social media is the strongest and fastest medium of communication in the world today. Those who control it will be instrumental in changing the perceptions of people; and they can even use it as a weapon to manipulate human behaviour.

Q: Where do you see the world in 10 years?

A: AI will take over most of the work done by human beings and the contribution of our species will be drastically reduced. This will surely change the cultural and sociopolitical dynamics of all people.