Sri Lanka at the Crossroads (youtube.com)
Sri Lanka stands at a precipice. On the one hand, it grapples with the most severe economic crisis in its independent history. The worsening crisis is inflicting untold hardship on its people. The spectre of social unrest hangs heavy in the air. The economic fallout has ushered in a potential political sea change, drawing parallels to the revolutionary scenario that emerged in the wake of independence. However, unlike in the past, this surge seems driven by a more inclusive and popular ideology, with some hope of transcending the divisive ethno-nationalism that marred earlier eras.
This week two prominent left campaigners who participated in last year’s spectacular aragalaya (struggle) threw light on the interplay of political and economic forces shaping Sri Lanka’s future, examining the composition, ideals and potential pitfalls of the newly resurgent popular movement.
Swasthika Arulingam is the leader of an independent trade union federation, a woman from the ethnic Tamil minority.
Dhanusha Pathirana is a prominent left economist and political activist.
Image – Wikicommons