Sri Lanka’s Post-Rajapaksa Era: A Crisis Unresolved

A Year After Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka Remains in Crisis

July 12, 2023 | By

Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis and Human Rights Violations

On July 13, 2022, the people of Sri Lanka celebrated as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country after weeks of peaceful protests. Rajapaksa, who had long been implicated in war crimes and corruption, had presided over an economic catastrophe. However, despite the change in leadership, Sri Lanka continues to grapple with an ongoing economic, political, and human rights crisis.

While the acute shortage of fuel that was the most visible feature of the economic crisis has eased, the country still faces significant challenges. According to the United Nations, over six million people, or nearly 30 percent of the population, are food-insecure and require humanitarian assistance. Additionally, 17 percent of children under age five suffer from stunted growth, indicating the dire state of the country’s food security and overall wellbeing.

President Wickremesinghe’s Crackdown on Protests and Free Speech

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who succeeded Rajapaksa, unfortunately, has failed to bring about meaningful change. Instead, his administration has used the police and military to crack down on protests, despite the previous government’s announcement of a moratorium on the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act. Detention of student protest leaders under this law indicates a regression in the government’s commitment to human rights.

Moreover, the proposed counterterrorism law under President Wickremesinghe would have granted extensive powers to the police, military, and the president, while also introducing new speech-related offenses. The public outcry against this legislation forced the government to pause its implementation, but authorities are still using other existing laws to suppress free speech. This continued infringement on the right to express oneself is deeply troubling.

Abusive Policies Against Minorities and Lack of Accountability

Sri Lanka’s government also continues to pursue abusive policies against minorities, particularly the Tamils and Muslims. Land grabs, targeting Tamil and Muslim-owned land, including places of worship, under various pretexts, are further evidence of discrimination. The intimidation and banning orders faced by Tamils seeking to memorialize the victims of Sri Lanka’s civil war and the surveillance of relatives campaigning for truth and accountability concerning enforced disappearances are clear violations of human rights.

Minorities in the northern and eastern regions of the country face even greater restrictions on expression and association compared to the rest of Sri Lanka. These systemic abuses and unequal treatment are indicative of a lack of progress in addressing the grievances of marginalized communities.

Addressing Sri Lanka’s Challenges

President Wickremesinghe must recognize that upholding human rights and pursuing accountability for past crimes is essential to addressing Sri Lanka’s deep-seated problems. The country cannot move forward without addressing the economic crisis, ensuring access to food and basic needs for its citizens, and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.

In addition, the international community has a role to play in supporting Sri Lanka’s journey towards stability and justice. Increased humanitarian assistance and engagement from international organizations can help alleviate the suffering of the population and hold the government accountable for its actions.

Sri Lanka’s long road to recovery requires a commitment to democratic values, respect for human rights, and a genuine desire to build a just and inclusive society. Without these elements, the country will continue to be marred by crisis and the people will suffer. It is time for President Wickremesinghe and his administration to step up and take decisive action to bring about positive change.

SriLanka,Crisis,Politics,Democracy-wordpress,SriLanka,Post-RajapaksaEra,Crisis,Unresolved