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Starting from around 500 B.C. the
island today known as Sri Lanka evolved as a nation and a state with a
unique and distinctive civilization. This evolutionary process forged a
civilization with a set of values some of which have a universal
dimension while others are indigenous to this country. However, with
the intervention of colonialism the process of evolution that was
founded on these values, that took centuries to evolve, was
interrupted.
Every effort was
made by the colonial powers to replace these values with
alien values. Although a small proportion of the population absorbed
these alien values and the bulk of the population continued to live by
the values of their forefathers, the alien system of administration and
governance introduced by the colonial powers affected the entire
population.
This system of
administration and governance continue to this day despite freedom from
the yoke of foreign domination in 1948. For instance, the
Parliamentary system under which the country is governed is based on the
Westminster model. This system is adversarial because Parliament is
divided into two opposing camps: the government 'in power and the
opposition. Since only the government in power is involved with the
processes of governance with no involvement of the opposition, the
system contradicts the principle of Consensus - one of the many values of Sri Lanka's civilization with its roots in the
administration of the Buddha Sasana.
During colonial
times and since independence, governance has depended on the narrow
interpretation of Democracy as majority rule. This has led to
minorities being excluded and marginalized. If instead, decisions were
based on Consensus, the structural arrangements of governance would have
been different. Therefore, it is imperative that new and fresh
political arrangements and structures based on Sri Lanka's
values are explored as all approach to resolve the
national question.
In keeping with
this concept and in order to re-establish the values that we have
derived as part of our civilization and have become an integral part of this nation we of the Patriotic National
Movement invite proposals by march 22nd that would offer solutions to the national
question through improved forms of governance from all concerned
citizens. The proposals should underscore values such as
Democracy, Consensus, Self-Reliance, Social-Justice, Brotherhood, and
Tolerance. In addition the political arrangements and structures
proposed should ensure territorial integrity and the unitary character
of the state without which the resurgence of the Sri Lankan civilization
is not possible.
Mail Us your Proposals..
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