March/April 2020 Registered as a Newspaper Vol. 43 No. (198) in the Sri Lanka Press Council March/April 2020 (belated issue May/June) ISSN 1391 - 0612
if delayed then denied
PEOPLEPEOPLE BUILDINGBUILDING
DREAMINGDREAMING FUTUREFUTURERELIGIOUS RADICALISATION
Bhikkhu Dhammananda : » I ' ve Experienced it myself Fr. Aloysius Pieris : » Justice is Love and Mercy not Laws alone Jayadeva Uyangoda : » It’s Politicised and Manipulative John Brewer : » Conflict & Violence destroys Religion and Peace Prabha Manuratne : » Art is a form of Radical Peacemaking Editorial : » There is Religiously Motivated Violence, Peace at Stake
Price 50 / - LKR The Centre for Society and Religion 02 March/April 2020
CONTENTS : Editor Says... Publisher says 03 No nation has been built overnight, and people building is 06 a step by step process... Rev. Fr. Rohan Silva OMI What they Say Four Readers Speak... t’s of paramount importance to envision a future and imagine what Iand whom we want to be as individuals and also as a nation. If we can see it in our mind, then we can hold it in our hand! We have confronted even though battered by the Covid 19 virus in pandemic proportions as a nation and we must build our resilience further - a 07 part of people building process, which we believe firmly. Election times are generally infested with promises for the well-being of People Building: everyone and for the betterment of the country in all aspects. People too Contributions of the Hizmet Movement look towards such changes though they have in the back of their mind Ismail Mesut Sezgin and that most of these promises will remain sloganized for a period. A repeat Fatih Isik telecast of the same ‘old story’ is scheduled to be heard as Sri Lankans draw closer to the general election soon. Democracy inherits an inbuilt system for checks and balances. If these become powerless, then there is likelihood that the system is bound to slide towards an authoritarian regime which could follow a complete 12 fading of an ‘opposition’ which is an unfortunate omen for democracy. Hence, as citizens people should be more vigilant that their voice is made to be heard, participate and help revitalize democratic institutions and A New Conscientization their processes which is fundamental to development and progress of a for People Building nation. Rehan Derrick Fernando People building,would therefore involve empowering them through knowledge as knowledge is defined as part of power brokering agent in current socio political discourse.When they are empowered with knowledge,collective efforts might be a catalyst for transformation of 17 structures that are unjust and dysfunctional.The road may not be that easy, but it is important to remain in solidarity for the struggle if people are to make a real difference. The citizens have the power to accept or Challenges to reject their political representatives at elections. Well informed citizens People Building in a must therefore exercise their sacred duty Majoritarian Democracy: A Case Study of Sri Lanka towards their fellow citizens with their Sr. Rasika Pieris political option, that power finally is the patrimony of the people. That political representation is a mandate Re imagining provided by the people for a group People Building: A Task of the 22 of people to get their work done Time… for a specific period of time. This Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi is sovereignty by all definition, political leadership is subject to this and people building is not by choice they make but by Dreaming mandate they receive. Serendipity 32 Dr. Dilantha Gunawardhana Page 26 »» March/April 2020 03 Social Justice Tri annual Journal published by Editorial The Centre for Society and Religion Vol. 43 No. (198) March/April 2020 (belated issue May/June) Call to People building
Editor-in-Chief forces us to raise some Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi difficult questions in Co-editors Prabha Manuratne Wijith Rohan Fernando grounded ways… Fr. Jeevantha Peiris Crystal Baines Joe William At the most fundamental level, Assistant editor Niranjan Kehelella people building is a
Pioneer Editors political exercise that Late Rev. Fr. Peter Pillai OMI rests on two Late Rev. Fr. Tissa Balasuriya OMI Rev. Fr. Oswald Firth OMI complementing constituents: the people Publisher Rev. Fr. Rohan Silva OMI and their leaders (Director) Centre for Society & Religion 281, Deans Road his belated issue of Social Justice is devoted to the twin-ideas of Colombo 10 Tpeople building and dreaming future at a time when practically Sri Lanka the whole world is engulfed with the Covid 19 virus at a pandemic level. While our thoughts are with the families of the disceased and Lay out and Designing the infected, we wish the governments across the globe to speedily Thilina Alahakoon work alongisde their health specialists to find a medical solution to counter the virus. Awakening people to be safe is also a call to Computer Support reslience building which is part of the process of people building that Achini Nirmala Fernando we discuss in this volume.
Coordinator As a conceptual term in political-science, the term people building Sanath Fernando refers to the idea of building a collective identity that is often linked to statehood. It references the people within a particular geo-political Printer location, and the construction of a collective identity that is shaped Direct Printers by ideas of belonging or non-belonging or inclusions and exclusions No. 318 Biyagama Road within the nation state. Generally speaking, “the people” invoked Pattiya Junction in many political documents from constitutions to popular culture Kelaniya, Sri Lanka act as a concept that marks the boundaries of a political community Tel: 0775775365 that has taken on its agency within its political identity. On the other hand, “dreaming future” is the affective element upon which any The views expressed in the volume, people and their institutions can be built. Our present political actions Social Justice by its panel of and interventions are premised upon the future that we imagine, contributors need not necessarily be the future that we dream of, when we act politically. For example, interpreted as a reflection the recent presidential election was a clear expression of the kind of its editorial policy. of futures imagined by the different ethno-religious communities 04 March/April 2020 in the country. The fairly visible constituents for whom they compete. that the meaning of people-building divide of the votes for the two major The interactions are asymmetrical cannot be reduced to a romantic candidates (although not as clear-cut because it is actual and would- act of “educating the people to or polarized as the Sinhala-Buddhist be leaders who most directly become good citizens” because, commentators tend to emphasize) articulate and seek to institutionalize when collective political action is along ethno-religious lines indicate conceptions of political peoplehood” smeared by the power-politics of that politics, are now “dreamt” of, (Smith 75). In his discussion of contending parties, difficult questions by people along their ethnic and building such peoplehood, Smith and nebulous compromises are religious identity. argues that the claims of peoplehood demanded by both people and their emerge at moments when the leaders. Invoking the idea of “people- At the most fundamental level, leadership of one political group building” in this edition of the Social people-building is a political exercise is challenged by another. At such Justice magazine forces us to raise that rests on two complementing moments, competing claims, stories, these difficult questions in grounded constituents: the people and their histories etc. are mobilized in order ways. leaders. As political activists are for a political community to be quite well aware this queer duo--the constituted as a particular “people.” On the other hand, the idea of the people and their leaders--share an The paradox, here, of course is that in people also invokes opposition uncomfortable, but reciprocal system to existing structures of power. of power, whose exact contours are Particularly left invocations of the always precarious and shifting as the people are usually embedded within political aspirations and the political a call to oppose existing regimes, and literacy and/or hegemony of each therefore perceive “the people” to party changes. What this means, be necessary antagonists of the state. then, is that the exercise of people- But what we have witnessed in Sri building cannot be thought outside present political Lanka is the gradual shrinking of the the relationship between what we ability to “dream” of an alternative generally call “the people” and the actions and future. Dreams of the future are now agents we imagine to be engaged in interventions are mired within the propagandistic that process of building. Abstract as thrust of political programmes that this sounds, a clear understanding of premised upon offer highly ethnicized versions how the act of people-building relies the future that we of what Sri Lanka’s future would extensively on building certain types be. For example, the exclusionary of political bonds and relations that imagine, the future practices of Sinhala-Buddhist can be both horizontal and vertical that we dream nationalism has redefined “Sinhala are key to understanding the nature Buddhists” as the key constituents of the task we set for ourselves when of, when we act of Sri Lankan “peoplehood” we speak of people-building/building politically relegating other ethno-religious people. For, people, a collective that minorities to a state of oblivion. is nevertheless singular, cannot be Their political dreams for the future “built” like a 'building': it is the work are chauvinistic, even xenophobic of any agent of change to understand such times of political crisis, where and strongly aligned with the the political dynamics that shape the there is a radical decision open to neoliberal ethos of Sinhala Buddhist act of people-building, and what kind the various communities that make- leaders. It is sometimes erroneously of political association, affect, and up a larger entity that reaches for assumed that Sri Lankans have bonding are required to be built if we “peoplehood,” the precarity of both become depoliticized. In fact, as are to engage in people-building at the leaders of the community and the the recent presidential election has all. bond within the community come to shown, Sri Lankans are as political as ever, closely attuned to what they Roger M. Smith has linked the idea the fore. On the one hand, competing groups of leaders will appeal to the perceive are their needs as a people: of people-building to “political the overwhelming majoritarian vote peoplehood”: “Political communities constituencies that they imagine will support them, and on the other, the received by Gotabhaya Rajapakse are created via asymmetrical and the Tamil people’s support of interactions between actual and various communities that make up a “people” must contend with their Sajith Premadasa shows the over would-be leaders of political politicization of ethno-religious communities and the potential own inner schisms, differences, and conflicts. In practice, this means identities. But such politicization March/April 2020 05 has not led to an expansion in their of the editorial team. I greatly ability to dream 'a dream ' larger appreciate her accompaniment, than what mediatized propagandists' advice, and intellectually dissenting offer to them. Meanwhile the voice, friendship and accommodating National People Alliance (NPA), a our demanding workload as an political experiment that bargained editor, and for bearing with my own to establish a firm third force also a political incessant deadline reminders. clearly failed in this attempt: its message of hope and peace, cast at experiment that Secondly, my University colleague, Wijith Rohan, a senior lecturer of the wrong time by people with the bargained to wrong kinds of histories, failed to the Department of Western Classical appeal to a people whose electoral establish a firm Culture and Christian Studies of the choices were based on fear. When University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka fear clutches us, dreaming itself third force also who really introduced me with becomes a luxury that many fear. clearly failed in this this highly demanding and time consuming project; I wish to thank This issue’s contributors engage with attempt: its message him too for his earnest research various positive practices of people- contributions to the academia and building: of hope and peace, his critical input at every possible cast at the wrong juncture of conversations not just Derrek Rehan Fernando’s article with us but more importantly in invokes, among other political time by people with national politics. movements, the work of Michael Rodrigo, an enduring figure for the wrong kinds of We have been enriched by their political activists who wish to define histories, failed to dedication, intellectual honesty and the “people” as constituting the poor, ardent engagement with issues of the marginalized, and the deprived. appeal to a people justice and for common good. We whose electoral will miss them as part of the editorial Ismail Mesut Sezgin and Fatih Isik team, but sure to meet them in other explore in their joint contribution, the choices were based platforms across the national debates Hizmet movement's forte in modles on fear. with political and social dissent as of value education in Turkey and well as in theological discussions of transnationally, that challenge the local and global significance. current neoliberal ethos of a broken, be only as versatile as its capacity to disengaged personhood and proposes We wish both of them in their not only imagine its present, but also a holistic educational and a learning endeavors as teachers and as social dream of its future. practice that can create a person activists, and hope they continue attuned to the self and the world. End Note: building people and never stop dreaming of a better future ! Rasika Peiris’ article argues for Smith, Roger. “Citizenship and a “pluri-nationalism” that will the Politics of People-Building.” There is special 'thank you' to both strengthen marginalized persons Citizenship Studies. (2005)5.1: 73 of them by the Fr. Rohan Silva OMI and include them in a definition of -96. ______Executive Director of the CSR at the “peoplehood” that is inclusive and at of the end of the his messsage. In achieved through dialogue across the A Special Tribute (I choose to ‘steal’ this volume. relgious and the ethnic divide. a part of the ‘editorial space’ (which in this volume is not my space), but I Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi (editor- Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi’s offer no apologies for this paragraph in- chief) on behalf of the editorial piece states the political history of to any because these two people I board. the current political juncture and mention below deserve to be grateful situates it within the theme suggested to. in this issue of Social Justice. Dreams and hopes could drive any political I am indeed thankful to our colleague reimaging in the post Covid 19 era. Dr. Prabha Manuratne, the head of the Department of English, Peoplehood, which is, by definition, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka an imagined political community will for this editorial and for being part 06 March/April 2020
What they say on the SOCIAL JUSTICE Aug/ Sept 2019
he August/September 2019 edging on the academic and political extensively written on the encounters edition of Social Justice implications on current realities. Sri of Buddhist institutions and Buddhism Tdedicated to the topic of Lanka right now is grappling with with the British during their colonial Alliances indicated that notion a transition of a political context period in Sri Lanka, she lives in of alliance is known to us since with new doubts on the freedom Birmingham, UK. early humanity which seemed to of expression and populism on the have contributed to the formation rise nationally and globally. It is of societies. Authors have closely heartening to see such politically his beautifully presented analyzed the issue from civil and pertinent and timely articles on justice, journal should be noticed by political perspectives, providing rights and peace published prudently. the worldwide theological valuable perspectives on how civil Wishing the team insightful reading T community. The theme of its previous and political alliances played a role in and courage with this incisive attempt volume, Alliances: Frictions and the formation of Sri Lanka’s political on themes not so popular with many. Factions in the Publisher’s comment history. The thinking within surfs and the editorial hint at new and exposes the issues of alliance Deekshya Illangasinghe, secured the prestigious Association of alliances being formed in view of the formation as well as factions. The November 2019 presidential elections. reader is taken through that Alliance Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Routledge/Roundtable Studentship The material is a critical reading is a necessity and has the potential directed towards the elections. to eliminate exclusion, extremism award and obtained her MA (Human and develop public good and able to Rights, 2012) at the Institute of Duchrow’s article is of special interest deliver justice. I enjoyed reading it Commonwealth Studies, University of as it gives practical examples of and learned immensely. Thank you London. She currently is the executive alliances in the European context. editors and contributors for covering director of the‘South Asians for Kofi Annan’s Movement for such an important and a contemporary Human Rights’ based in Colombo, Responsible Capitalism, started in subject of global significance. also lives in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 2005 could have been referenced in his article. Bopage’s discussion could Muhsin Canbolat, holds a PhD be replicated in many other countries, (Australian Catholic University). He thoroughly welcome the recent with a less bloody history. In the UK, researched at depth on the impact of issue of the journal, Social the factions of the left are now busy Fethullah Gülen’s (A Turkish scholar) Justice. The theme of alliances with realignment. The description of philosophy of education, particularly I and movements was pertinent. The the ‘minutely splintered left’ to me is in the Australian context. He served issue bravely and critically examined the problem of co-habitation of the as Religion and Values teacher in the frictions and factions within the left with a society built on capital. Sirius College, Melbourne, engages political alliances in Sri Lanka, whilst Arundhati Roy outlines this sharply in multiple community development lauding the potential of constructive in her book ‘Capitalism’. Subverting programs, home and away, has visited movements capable of challenging the evil effects of capital into positive Sri Lanka, and lives in Melbourne, injustice. Writing from a country alternatives is a possibility. Images Australia. (the UK) which has experienced its and symbols that run throughout own fractures within political parties the volume help us to locate the and systems, I recognise the need for content. The cartoon by Liyanage have been eagerly going through prophetic voices in every context. is ambiguous, as to whose arm is the past several volumes of the May Social Justice continue to be holding the swag? I liked the final ISocial Justice. Congratulations a prophetic voice, drawing on the prose poem by Gunawardana. to Dr. Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi, insights of activists and thinkers from the Editorial Team and the Centre within all of Sri Lanka’s communities David H. Clark, a retired Anglican for Society and Religion (CSR) and religions. Industrial Chaplain, pastor, counsellor, for continuing to publish brilliant artist, wood sculptor, active Inter-Faith volumes of this magazine. The content Elizabeth Harris, currently an interlocutor, editor and a reader. He has been deep, rich with thought honorary Senior Research Fellow, briefly visited Colombo in 2015 for provoking and informative articles Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public the book launch of Faithing the Native and analysis. The thematic pattern Understanding of Religion, University Soil as its editor, published by the deployed in the past volumes such as of Birmingham, UK. She lived in Sri editor-in-chief of this magazine, lives Religious Radicalisation, Navigation, Lanka between 1986-1993,studied in Leicester, UK. Civility, more recently on Alliances, Buddhism at the Postgraduate have focused on the essence of Institute for Pali and Buddhist Studies, relevant important social concerns, Colombo, obtained her PhD (1993). A specialist in Buddhist Studies, March/April 2020 07
People Building:
Contributions of the Hizmet Movement
Ismail Mesut Sezgin and Fatih Isik
ethullah Gülen is an important and preacher. He was educated in the Holistic Education Funique Islamic scholar from traditional madrasa-style schooling Turkey. He is well known for his system. He is an orthodox Muslim and Gülen believes that human emphasis on holistic education and well exposed to the tradition of Sufism nature is positive and human potential learning. Gülen’s ideas and practices commonly seen in his part of the world. should be unlocked through education have been a source of inspiration for Thirdly, Gülen has been open to plurality and self-development in order to attain many people across the faith and was willing to engage in dialogue “true humanity”. Gülen advocates for traditions. His central concern in with other beliefs, sects and persuasions. education as it is the most important tool investment in schooling for the value He opens a dialogue between the secular for the individual to learn about himself, education has been integral to develop and the religious during a time such a the universe and the purpose of a rounded person.This article focuses dialogue is usually avoided. Fourthly, everything. This does not mean that on the key emphasis on self- his ideas are more practical than every person who is educated will turn development as part of his notion of theoretical. He has been a source of out to be good, but it does mean that a service (Hizmet in Turkish) and its inspiration for launching an educational rounded education might be a useful tool vitality for the processes of people project all over the world for over the in the pursuit of happiness while seeing building towards sustainable last three decades. These schools are the viability of both the spiritual and communities. called 'Hizmet schools', and they provide material world. an institutional approach to applying Gülen is a significant figure to Sufism on a global scale in the twenty- Gülen defines education as a be studied. First, he is a Turkish scholar first century.1 This paper both “perfecting process through which we from a different geographical and substantiates how a theory can be earn in the spiritual, intellectual and cultural background. Turkey has been a institutionalised and assesses how it can physical dimensions of our being, the meeting point of the East and the West in be developed in practice even cross rank appointed for us as the perfect the intellectual sphere. It is hard to find a culturally. We believe that some models pattern of creation.”2 He puts forward an model of education and people building could be experimented trans-nationally integrated tripartite division of human processes from that geographical as value education is fundamental and education approach composed of environment and the literature available. formula for all processes and avenues for ta’lim, terbiyah and ta’dib.3 Education Secondly, he is a respected imam and a 'people building and dreaming future'. should appeal to one’s body, mind and 08 March/April 2020
Some models of learning could be experimented trans-nationally as value education is a fundamental formula for all processes and avenues for people building and dreaming future. With us, without us perhaps despite us, the world will continue to change, real dreamers and builders are those who seize the opportunity here and now. soul, provide opportunities for students For Gülen, as a person thinks Azerbaijan. Over the years, Hizmet to think, feel and act. Education aims to and learns more, he or she loves more. schools were established around the foster students’ physical, mental, Consciousness of the other brings globe and now it is estimated that there emotional, moral and spiritual feelings for the other. Love initiates one are more than 1000 schools operating in development. It also should be able to to act for the other, which transforms into over 150 countries.14 It would be accurate reconcile tradition and modernity, selfless action for the other. This creates to say that the Hizmet movement ideally religion and science. Gülen believes that a virtuous circle with all the components forms around these schools. Looking only such a comprehensive education supporting each other. Virtues and good more closely, it can be seen that the which satisfies all aspects of the human morals develop within this virtuous teachers who are involved in these condition can help to develop the whole cycle. From raw potential with all the activities, the teaching assistants individual, which later will result in the Names of God (Esma-i hüsna) in one’s (belletmen), and the business people who cultivation of a golden generation, ahseni takvim,9 a perfect nature can be are providing funding support and other “representatives of the understanding of cultivated and realised through such a benefits to these schools are the main science, faith, morality, and art who are process. In each cycle, knowledge arteries of the movement. Hizmet the master builders of those coming after becomes more profound, feelings movement had been active acroos the us”.4This is basic to people building and become deeper and behaviour grows globe with the same community dreaming future for any society. more sophisticated. This is how a person objectives and aspirations. creates a second nature. This is also For Gülen, education includes called the formation of the ‘culture of These schools aim to address moral and spiritual development. A the heart’ (vicdan kültürü).10 That is what the problem of ignorance through teacher needs to have mastery of Gülen meant by the integration of mind, scientific secular education and to knowledge as well as consistently heart and body.11 Any good knowledge empower students as moral agents by exemplifying high morals and virtues. which is rooted into a person’s nature at enabling them to use their human Gülen, however, asserts that the latter is this level comes from the conscience. In potential as educated minds. The details more difficult than the former. He is of action, it is authentic and sincere. This about how the schools are managed and the view that “education is different from also forms the basis for Gülen’s their educational policies are beyond the teaching. Most people can teach but only understanding of temsil. Values and scope of this paper, however, we would a very few can educate”.5 Anyone who virtues when represented at this level like to point out some broad issues in has some knowledge can be successful in speak louder than an impressive lecture, relation to the Gülen schools. teaching, but Gülen thinks that being a and attract the attention of others. teacher is more than merely the First, these schools are not conveying of knowledge. It requires Hizmet Schools and necessarily teaching anything unique nor some effort to cultivate students morally People Building are they reforming educational and prepare them for life. Cultivation of philosophy. What these schools do the self is the prerequisite for cultivating Gülen is not only an idealist provide, however, is an ethos of success others.6 He contended that “those who who argues for the necessity of through highly motivated, dedicated and want to reform the world must first cultivation of an ideal generation but also successful teachers who also perceive reform themselves.”.7It is therefore a realist whose ideas have been themselves as role models for their essential that teachers should reach inspirational in the establishment of students. It is virtue modelling through optimum emotional purity and moral hundreds of Hizmet schools throughout practice that has been the high point of excellence before they can help their the world. Thomas Michel thought that it education and learning. Gülen believes students to build their own moral is the concern for human formation that that there is a greater need for these character. Otherwise, it turns into a case makes these schools different from others schools than for mosques and thus of “the blind leading the blind”.8 Gülen around the world.12 Similarly, for Çelik, encourages Muslim business community suggests that there are some universal the moral ethos represented by the to fund high-quality schools. The values that everyone can agree on in teachers distinguishes the schools of the immense importance which the schools order to be able to live together, such as movement.13 place on involving parents in the love, respect and tolerance. Teachers education process is also a key reason for should be teaching these values and Hizmet inspired people to first the success of the schools. Parents have virtues implicitly by means of temsil established schools in and around Turkey become part of this new learning (role-modelling), posing an example for and after 1990 they attemoted the same alongside their children in schools, they students, because for Gülen, deeds speak in post-soviet Turkic states such as are open to the world and changes that louder than words in moral instruction. Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and take place with rapid development in March/April 2020 09 technology and social media. have been inspired from the same ideal, a sermon in a mosque, he addresses the they usually act flexibly to meet the local issue more specifically, portraying the Secondly, the secular nature of needs and requirements. For instance, ideal human as a good Muslim in his these schools made it possible for the they adopt the curriculum and the system context. Furthermore, when he talks Hizmet movement to establish schools endorsed by the local or national about the ‘golden generation’18, he is around the world as inclusive as possible authority in which they operate. describing a more specific group, people without being perceived as‘just Muslim’ Nonetheless, there are certain who are identified as individuals of or Islamist by the host countries. Another characteristics that these schools service (Hizmet).19 important aspect that the movement invariably share: academic focus on desired was to highlight the financing of science, altruistic teachers, caring These different interpretations the schools. These schools are mostly teacher-student relationship, and of the ideal human do not necessarily private education institutions which maintenance of altruist dynamism.15 exclude each other but explain the issue require students to pay for their at various levels. The first is mainly education. This seems in contradiction A rounded education is an about the philosophical answer to the with the idea of charity. However, when objective enwrapped in value and virtue question and it defines an ideal human as one looks a little closer, it becomes clear formation and is at the base of the a special creation in the universe. It that Gülen prefers to have sustainable Hizmet model. It is value and virtue focuses on the potential of human beings charity rather than to have to sustain a learning alongside maths, sciences, art as well as the role that is expected from charity to run the venture, because a and culture that make people resilient them in this world. The second level of good vision will run dry without the right and wholesome. It certainly would be interpretation mainly defines the roles sustainability. In other words, it is private people building from primary to and responsibilities of this ideal human entrepreneurs with magnanimity who secondary and then by tertiary level that in today’s context. However, these invest initially to establish the school and we might have a mature person to take definitions can be understood as a enable the education to commence, and new challenges of the academia and in modern interpretation of what a good then the school attempts to recover from community possibly dreaming a shared Muslim should be. This level is not about the parents, as any private education future. the ontological definition of humanity institution does, to sustain the but the practical responsibilities of organisation. A certain proportion of the Humanity as Basis human beings. Gülen’s emphasis on the students in these schools are awarded moral psychology of human beings also There are many definitions of bursaries to be educated based on their points out the ontological meaning of and references to the ‘ideal human’ or performance, academic success or responsibility.20 In other words, ‘universal human’ in Gülen’s writings.16 potential. The model is that, once a responsibility is about being human or They clearly suggest that Gülen has school is established, it is no longer possessing human faculties. On the third developed a concept of an ideal human in dependent on the movement for level, Gülen defines the ways to achieve his teachings towards virtue formation. continued financial support but is able to that ideal humanity in a contemporary The development of moral character is manage its own finances and be self- context. ‘Person of service’ is a definition not merely a concept of self-betterment, reliant. Through efficient management, that explains the qualities of people who instead it is more about reaching (or at the school is able to generate some funds want to achieve a better moral character least trying to reach) an ideal moral to support those children who may have today by solving contemporary issues.21 agency. potential but are not able to afford the On such a basis, 'people building' is fees. The income which is generated On the other hand, it seems that possibility for each society whether enables the institution to become a self- Gülen is talking about the ideal human in Islamic or otherwise. sustaining charity which also provides three different ways.17 These three children from poorer backgrounds with a different levels of description are mainly Irreplaceable better opportunity to become educated organised in the context of the term’s Responsibility and successful. definition and explanation. In his lead Gülen differentiates human articles for Sızıntı magazine and various Thirdly, one of the difficulties of beings based on their potential, what they other written documents, he uses a very writing about these schools is their are humanly capable of achieving. rich universal description which can be a heterogeneity. In other words, the According to him, humans have a unique good interpretation of the term diversity amongst the schools needs to be capacity and role22 as well as a ‘vicegerent’. However, when he is giving taken into consideration. Although they responsibility related to their difference
This does not mean that every person who is educated will turn out to be good, but it does mean that education is a useful tool for pursuit of happiness with an inner aspiration for the spiritual and the material in a modern context. A learned person will not destroy but build oneself, dream and share it with others who dare to dream – change then isobvious 10 March/April 2020 from other creatures.23 more practical due to his audience. a more specific group, the people who have been inspired by his ideas. In this According to this reading, The question he poses is: what context, Gülen claims that each person humans are unique and gifted by God is the best way of fulfilling the has to define the troubling problems and with responsibilities over the rest of responsibility of viceregency? The then approach them in a positive style, creation as the vicegerents of God in the answer provided by Gülen is a depiction seeking possible resolution.The Hizmet 24 world. These responsibilities include of a good Muslim. In this context, it movement responds to “ignorance, understanding the universe, being a means a person who fulfils his/her poverty and discrimination” as the reflection of God in “taking care of the responsibilities to God and tries to be a biggest problems of humanity as other elements of creation” and better person each and every day. As postulated by Said Nursi.34 This means 25 beautifying them, being truthful vicegerents, people should try to make seeking solutions for these problems or towards God, peaceful and helpful the world better either by solving contributing towards supporting those towards other humans, respectful and existing problems of humanity (or more who are trying to resolve these problems. compassionate towards other created practically their local communities) or by To be more specific, Gülen suggests things such as plants and animals as part supporting existing good work and opening schools, prioritising educational 26 of the viceregency role. causes. issues and working for their solution. He In order to transform the Gülen would claim that the expects his audience to be an integral potential humanity which is included in prophets were the ideal humans in part of educational activities as students, human nature into practical humanity, a general and that Prophet Muhammad, teachers, organisers or financial person needs to achieve this consciously. particularly was the embodiment of the contributors. 29 This requires an improved conscience idealist human person. The principle of At this level, Gülen expects the (vicdan), which can be achieved by him being an ideal human complement is moral agent who wants to undertake learning, increasing one’s knowledge and the idea of following his image, words, these responsibilities to be “a person of increasing one’s love and care. wisdom and style as a perfect example to service”.His article defining a person of According to Gülen, if not developed achieve the purpose of creation. service is very idealistic: positively, vicdan can turn into a pit of However, it can be said that following selfishness caused by ignorance, the footsteps of the Prophet is a journey A person of service [...] [should] give his arrogance and pride.27 that everybody aspires to take, but does heart [for his cause.] When he has not necessarily reach the destination: a attained his object, he must be so mature In general, he believes that each state of ideal humanity. Thus, the journey that he will attribute everything to its moral agent has a responsibility to towards character perfection is the main Rightful Owner [God] and be respectful become aware of what is expected from aim in itself, rather than reaching an ideal and thankful to Him. [...] He holds him or her and to develop their character human state.30 everyone in high regard and esteem. He accordingly. In order to do this, moral is so balanced and faithful to God [...] he agents must fulfil their responsibilities to In short, Gülen’s idea of an will not turn into idols those whom he 28 God, society and the environment. ideal Muslim person could be praises for their services. He knows summarised as “the best of people are himself first of all to be responsible and An Islamic Model those that bring most benefit to the rest answerable for work left undone. He has of mankind”.31 Another hadith which When it comes to listening to to be considerate and fair-minded [...] He Gülen quotes frequently is “a good his sermons or reading books that are is extraordinarily resolved and hopeful Muslim is the person who is harmless to derived from his sermons, it can be [...] He is moderate and tolerant [...] So others with his/her hand and tongue”.32 concluded that Gülen appears to define rational and sagacious [...] So zealous, In general, Gülen would argue that the ideal human in a narrower context persevering and confident [...] so sincere Muslims should try to equip themselves and at a more practical level. and humble that he will never bring to with the best moral characteristics and Accordingly, it can be argued that to mind all that he has accomplished. would find that these good manners such identify the definition of an ideal person At this level, Gülen is not talking about as generosity, truthfulness, kindness and is more like a definition of a good the ideal human who uses all human compassionare universally acceptable.33 Muslim. Moral agency discussions still potential or is a good Muslim, in fact his originate from the creation of human Service to Humanity descriptions at this level define how to beings as vicegerents on earth, but the achieve the level of ideal humanity by responsibilities defined by Gülen are At the third level, Gülen talks to being a person of service. Gülen provides
In each cycle, knowledge becomes more profound, feelings become deeper and behaviour grows more sophisticated. This is how a person creates a second nature and also called the formation of the ‘culture of the heart’ because it is said that cultivation of the self is the prerequisite for cultivating others March/April 2020 11
A rounded education and learning are enwrapped in value and virtue formation at the base of the Hizmet model. Value and virtue learning alongside maths, sciences, art and culture that make people resilient and wholesome – being Islamic also demands that a Muslim loyal to Islam has the possibility to dream a world of difference and its beauty detailed descriptions of the methodology development or human development konferanslari/36326-altin-nesil-konferansi- to become this “service” person. Service theories. corum> [Accessed 20 January 2020]. and social responsibility is deeply 18. Gülen, F., 2005 Pearls of Wisdom. New Jersey: Qur’anic but Gülen’s forte is that he The Light. excavates the depth of charity (Zakat) Endnotes 19. Robinson, S.,2017 The Spirituality of and service (Al Khadamat) in Islam. Responsibilit y: Fethullah Gülen and Islamic 1. Within literature, schools inspired from Gülen Thought. London: Bloomsbury. are also known as ‘Gülen schools’ and 20. ibid. Conclusion ‘Cemaat schools. ‘Cemaat schools’ are 21. Surah A-Isra, 17:70. particularly used in the context of Turkey. 22. Gülen, F. 2004 Hak Karşısındaki Konumu ve Hizmet movement has been both 2. Gülen, F., (2006), Essays-Perspectives- Duruşuyla İnsan 1. Sızıntı, (301). Available welcomed and suspected by policy Opinions. New Jersey: The Light, p. 67. from: A New Conscientization for People Building Rehan Derrick Fernando Preamble: Lanka through practical efforts with limited resources to comply. he whole world is going even though ideological This unilateral domination in my Tthrough an ideological platforms and theories might be opinion, is a destructive, unethical, conflict even in the midst the useful. and devastating paradigm.The Covid 19 pandemic. World seems unethical distribution of land, halted yet what we come across Dominated World Systems: multifaceted companies and is a culture-bound, age- investments, world population dominated, sex-discriminated, Considering the events of the growth, forceful economic male-dominated, pro-capitalist, history of the world and its system structures, exploitation of trade non-revolutionary, anti in all continents, there is a union structures, multinational communist, and over-theoretical dominated world-system due to corporations, global cultural world system. In other words, a colonization, which now is sieged dominations, cultural myths, superfluous world system has by neo-colonial structures and racism, classism, sexism, been created in the political, exploitation,which also have dissimilarities, one understands social, economic, religious, and paralyzed the local economies and how world system has failed to cultural spheres. What Sri other socio cultural and religious introduce a better paradigm for the Lanka is today, on the one hand, significance to those societies. daily living of the people. is impacted by the above streams Such mismanaged paradigms and Ordinary people suffer immensely of the system; on the other hand, models have also destroyed human with such measures brought upon it is the socio-political instability and cultural relationships in the them, destroys their own of the country that does not very communities they campaign innovative thinking. Poverty is support a better conscientization to ‘develop’, but contrarily they made ordinary, with oppressive process anymore. However, there undergo difficulties with modern decisions they subsumed and can be specific resolutions, techniques of development too fast people building becomes a mobilized through determination and perhaps bypass the life style of challenging work program and a and hard work if the citizens of the ordinary people. Ultimately, crucial life line for survival. the country make a genuine what is left as a formula is nothing It is obvious how the strcutrual effort. I attempt in this article to but a world system that is created failures as noted earlier in the analyze how a people building by a few rich elite groups who are world system have dramatically could be a possibility in Sri even above governments, fallen into a category of the enforcing on smaller countries March/April 2020 13 destruction of this planet, the system of the world; such as communities to sustain their especially in the context of Anarchism, Absolutism, livelihood. However, different ecological crisis. Global warming Communism, Conservatism, alliances of elites and their socio- and the reports on the possible Environmentalism, Fascism, political theories have already depletion of the ozone layer, and Liberalism, Nationalism, damaged and displaced those the other ecological imbalances Socialism, Social Capitalism, traditional methodologies, which that the planet earth experiences Social Democracy, Marxism, were the primary sources of people with immense destructive forms Capitalism, and Pancasilaism, to building capacity of Asia. The now proven beyond a reasonable name a few. However, one major crises such as poverty, doubt, are due to negative wonders whether any of these forced landlessness, approaches and misuse of theories did attempt people unemployment, elimination of technology. The current pandemic building in societies where they handcrafts, and artificial fertilizing is symbolic of such were operational. May be they did system in Asia are due to mismanagement of resources. It develop ideas, but instead, some of Westernized modern capitalism seems that any new world-system these ideologies and theories spearheaded by those elites and came to the scene as an alternative dented rather than enhance business tycoons. Such disfigured to change the previous system, but communities one against the other. assumptions, in my opinion, are ended harming even the key rich Considering the Euro-Western myths created by the Euro-western cultural-religiosity and socio- colonial regimes, it is evident how power and its thinking, but not political framework of those the native people of the regions in liberative forms for a developing specific societies. It has also Asia, Africa, and Latino world society. Asia, therefore, goes damaged the quality of life which suffered most, their land and even through negative structural is reserved for the whole planet. their right to live was denied. changes, which give way to Words of Pope Francis in his In the Asian context, Western- constant socio-political stability. remarkable encyclical Laudato Si educated and elites produced by The downside effects of Asia also would appropriately explains the the same system have introduced are the results of this ongoing idea mentioned above; “Although certain socio-political theories such crisis. Among them, discrimination change is part of the working of as Social Capitalism, Capitalism, and political divisions (ethnic complex systems, the speed with Marxism, and Communism in Asia divisions) are fundamental issues which human activity has that have harmed the ordinary lives in Asia, which paralyze peoples’ developed contrasts with the of the people especially those of development in Asia. Western naturally slow pace of biological the rural sector. These measures capitalism has already made evolution. Moreover, the goals of obviously blocked the accessibility certain political divisions in Korea this rapid and constant changes are and opportunity for the local and Vietnam. Considering all not necessarily geared to the production routes and their Asian countries and their internal common good or integral and subsistence economyies. In other socio-political struggles, in the sustainable human development. words, those socio-political latter part of the war in 2009, Sri Change is something desirable, yet theories were dysfunctional, and Lanka was almost at the edge of it becomes a source of anxiety they subverted the socio-political experiencing the same South-North when it causes harm to the world spirit of Asia. Asia as a region had division. Asia, particularly as a and the quality of life of much of deployed ancient and traditional continent still lingers with a victim humanity.” techniques for food production, mentality of those Western There have been many socio- construction, business, methodologies, which also misled political theories that appeared in management that led its the Asian ways and means. The moral decadence in the political, economic, religious, social, and cultural set up in Sri Lanka does not support to opt for an authentic people building base and work for the common good for its citizens. 14 March/April 2020 His experiment to experience what the ordinary people go through was his paradigm for a people-building attempt in Sri Lanka. militarization and illegal abuse of power and Sri Lanka, a Victim of the colonization within the country, mismanagement of democratic World System excessive foreign aids and institutions in the context of Sri investments for mega projects, Lanka. Sri Lanka has also become a part of abuse of power, nationalism and The last Presidential the above-mentioned socio- racism, electing unsuitable election campaign in Novemner political, ideological conflicts, and politicians for governance, 2019 was full of awakening economic rule of the elitist systems. religious fundamentalism to name a programs for a people building and It is undeniable and quite evident few. dreaming future goals. The when we analyze the results of the The moral decadence in the methodology deployed and the presidential election of 2019, Sri political, economic, religious, fundamental aims of National Lankans failed to realize the social, and cultural set up in Sri Peoples’ Power (NPP)were to harmful effects of party politics and Lanka does not support to opt for enhance the power of the ordinary opt for an alternative political an authentic people building base people and was a credible response ideology in the country.Most and work for the common good for to Sri Lanka’s crisis in democracy citizens in Sri Lanka unanimously its citizens. Mere economic and religious fundamentalism in opted for yet a corrupt party and its development, education, and the socio-political arena. NPP policies and Sri Lankans have been enahnced foreign policies, would aimed to regain and regenerate a enaged this ganble of party-politicc not gear a towards a people better democracy process from the in changing and selecting the two building agenda for the country. perspectives of ordinary people, major parties time and again, on People yearn motivation as such which seemed like a new approach opportunitic routes, not necessarily have been previously abandoned to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. for the good of the country. Even because of political bickering of the The initial efforts were promoted though a significant movement bad party system Sri Lanka has and backed by intellectuals, civil (National Peoples’ Power/NPP hatched over the years. Sri Lanka society groups, organizations, and [movement is different from an over the last few decades have had the ordinary people. However, it alliance]) for the first time in the periods of governance with failed at an unexpected hour since political history of Sri Lanka even successive corrupt regimes heeding many other civil scoety groups, though formed with series of to the objectives of manipulative business people and elites who consultations with the peoples’ groups of political neo-elites. As a geared sub-cultural agendas for beliefs, ideas, aims, objectives, yet result, the majority of the country mere victory at the presidential the ordinary people abandoned suffered immensely without even election in 2019. It shows how Sri especially the ideological having access to opportunities to Lanka once again opted for an imperatives of the NPP at the build themselves and even ideological crisis and became a part recent voting. It indicates that the dreaming future had become of the failure created by the internal majority of Sri Lanka is still permanently illusory. In other dynamics of party politics. It is interested in party-politics, and the words, dreaming for a better future because of these sub-cultures; the upcoming general election could and people building, when being ordinary people, farmers, fishers, display further evidence of what unethically designed by a group of laborers in rural villages will kind people building might be ill-informed and un desirable continue to suffer and struggle for viable for this island nation. There people who are involved in corrupt basic subsistence. Dreaming for a are new fears of possible politics, de facto is a complete self-sufficient society espousing a March/April 2020 15 national agenda with a focus on masses. Historically, like many wish to present here is more of people building, offering better Asian countries, China was a another village-level process. In the employment opportunities and feudal society, and subject to 1980s, as the Sri Lankan expand productivity are yet massive exploitation by local government liberalized its challenges before the country. warlords and landlords. The poor economic policy which then Such a situation demands a radical peasants and workers were attacked its traditional subsistence change or a paradigm shift in dominated continuously by the economy and peoples’ own levels thinking and practice. Therefore, elites and dominant land owning of productivity to be self-sufficient I would suggest certain shifts in elite class. Subsequently the 1949 at least in some important aspects. thinking, planning and revolution, China was boycotted by Immediate and robust introduction implementation processes to be the capitalist powers and regimes of such liberal economic policies tangible, concrete and doable basically as a rouge state.As a warped in a cumulative objectives towards a process of people result, China went through a paralyzed Sri Lanka’s long building as such is not like building quarter-century of isolation from standing agrarian and rural based a structure with brick and mortar. the international community. economy. Ordinary civilians However, China under leadership suffered and their life-style was put A New Conscientization of Mao Zedong processed and went in danger. In such a social, political through a long period of travail in and economic downturn, Michael I wish to present two implementing its own socialist Rodrigo opted to physically move paradigms in history as possible program. The fundamental process to the Monaragala district of the ways to a people building process of the whole program was to Southern Province, in the rural in Sri Lanka. One is a methodology change the mentality of ordinary seetting of Uva-Wellassa, seeking followed by the Chinese during people and be effective by a new an alternative way of an economic their crisis in the 1940s - Mao system. 'Serve the people' was the and social life. His experiment to Modle and the second is what was primary moto and public experience what the ordinary adopted by Michael Rodrigo, an exhortation until they became people go through was his Oblate priest who worked towards self-sufficient with their new paradigm for a people building an equitable society, promoting agenda. A hard process of self- attempt in Sri Lanka. At the hands social justice and a praxis oriented criticism and self-revolutionizing of elites and their petty-minded and people building with his unique were in place combined with hard unreasonable projects, peasants and option to live among them - A work, temperance, honesty, self- poor workers in Uva-Wellassa Rodrigo-experiment! purification, and service while there became mere objects of the then Amidst Global might have been excess burden on government in power. It was disagreements towards the people, even abuses in running a determined to find its so called economic policies and financial new system. However, China quick fixture-alternative in the arrangements of modern Chinese experienced a new form of paradigm of the multinational society today, also despite the revolution through a difficult path, corporations and companies Covid 19 pandemic at the time of but certain significant models were alongisde the advice of the writing, there is something to be in place for a useful process of financial institutions like the learned from China. I wish to people building agenda even International Monetary Fund (IMF) explain the original paradigm shift though while being heavily and the World Bank (WB). Rodrigo within the Chinese society and how criticized by other countries and worked with ordinary people to they managed to handle their crisis models. experience a national-development in building the rural sector and the The second paradigm I program at the village level This world system disables the people as such is focused on cumulative desire to have more. Asia and many other continents have become a victim of it. As Rodrigo proposes, that a point of departure from selfishness (tanha) to selflessness towards people building. 16 March/April 2020 those socio-political theories were dysfunctional, and they subverted the socio-political spirit of Asia. Asia as a region had deployed ancient and traditional techniques for food production, construction, business, management that led its communities to sustain their livelihood. introducing a natural fertilizing Peramuna (JVP/ a local Marxist society groups, faith groups and system, self-contained and self- Leninist Party) and its ruthless other interest groups in the country reliant living conditions, equal counter-insurgency protocols in the need to seriously opt for such education program, Buddhist- late 1980s, which was the actual models to building people, it’s hard Christian dialogue, herbal medicine termination and deliberate work, difficult route but a possible (Ayurveda treatments), awareness elimination of any people building to attempt as such can be the only programs, health-care, housing action he experimented in the rural alternative to restore a culture of projects for the poor and so on. All sector.His processes of honesty and against all odds with of these aspects were significant conscientization too came to an end corrupt institutions and behavior. components for a people-building as 'a life witness' but those who process for Rodrigo and he was have been influenced by it carry Conclusion focused and the model was what he taught and lived. It was challenging both to the religious also a counter paradigm introduced The world system today promotes institutions he represented as well by the right-wing approach of the warfare and misleading as the secular bodies who had then government that confronted development programs,which, for embraced the liberal economic the uprising of the JVP that brought me, is an ideological conflict. This policies of the government. The destruction to the then society. world system disables the people awareness program Among such atrocities many as such is focused on cumulative (conscientization) which Rodrigo thousands of lives perished with the desire to have more. Asia and initiated at the village level, was a vicious counter insurgency many other continents have critical reflection alongside people measures. During this dark era, become a victim of it. As Rodrigo with whom he lived and worked for many young people, intellectuals, proposes, that a point of departure a righteous society and for them to and activists were killed and some from selfishness tanha( ) to live honourably. His primary disappeared. Those adverse events selflessness towards people intention was to opt for a socio- were results of counter violence by building. As Paulo Freire suggests, political change and then move the central government on the it must be a new awakening of toward an equitable society even violence of JVP. The remnant of critical consciousness through the though some of his contemporaries the misleading paradigms of the investigation of generative themes. attached a religious flavour to his late 1980s are even evident to this In my opinion, it is not merely a reading. Unfortunately, the day, the social damage it caused political agenda that should but government and governance apart from the economic down fall should incorporate social, commencing from the 1980s up lingers on. cultural, economic religious until today have continued with the A closer study of both aspirations of people. By new same liberal economic agenda as paradigm shifts grants us a conscientizationI suggest a the best form of development possibility for new conscientization people-oriented society. It should modle for Sri Lanka. However the process, which has to be not be a part of elitist agenda to island nation as a society Sri Lanka reformulated especially at the promote short term planning for is now a debt ridden economy village level in Sri Lanka. Country political gains but a building struggling to survive amid the needs a new way of the self-critical people agenda that eventually challenges of a low to middle method and a self-evaluating builds the economy. income earning country. Rodrigo process, whereby people building was assassinated during the second models are initiated as such need uprising of JanathaVimukkthi not be the same model. The civil March/April 2020 17 Challenges to People Building in a Majoritarian Democracy: A Case Study of Sri Lanka Sr. Rasika Pieris Introduction depended on selective memory. Thus Dealing with the past is essential the state discourse was between in order not to repeat the historical ri Lanka is said to be in ‘exclusion’ and ‘inclusion’, ‘Us’ mistakes and errors made while Stransition that is recovering vs ‘Them’. The national discourse acknowledging the crimes thus from the brutal ethno-national romanticizes the sacrifice made by assuring the victims that it would war between the Sri Lankan the soldiers for the nation, people never be repeated by eradicating the state and the Liberation Tigers of and the religion. culture of impunity via retributive Tamil Elam (LTTE). The war was and restorative and transformative brought to an end in 2009 without Electoral transition both in 2010 and justice. Dealing with the past not a political solution to the ethnic 2015 demanded that those who came only focuses on the past but also conflict between the Tamils and to power work on transitional justice constructs the future via institutional Sinhalese at the cost of thousands mechanism in order to deal with the reforms, constitutions, fundamental of lives. Dealing with the past past and envisage a bright future for to people building. has not addressed the root cause the country. The transitional justice of the conflict. Alongside ethno- mechanism was portrayed by the Dreaming a reconciled Sri Lanka nationalism religion seems to be Sinhala-Buddhists as a mechanism lies on reconstructing the nation- the most available avenue for that jeopardizes the sovereignty state building project after a decade those who seek power. of Sri Lanka thus endangering the of May 2009, respecting the rich sacrifices made by the soldiers for culture of the island being pluralistic The Sri Lankan state became the the country, people and religion. in terms of ethnicity and religion sole architect of the war and post- Dichotomized discourse, patriots while deconstructing the polarised war discourse that was founded vs traitors, constructed after the political discourses historically on valorization of victory while war, continue to nurture the racial constructed othering numerically denying the crimes perpetrated. cleavage between communities. less as essentially a threat. Hence, National representation of war the article will on one side critically 18 March/April 2020 analyse the majoritarian democracy reconciliation of all, and for all – Sri country and communalized all in Sri Lanka as it strongly affects in Lanka still remains strange. institutions of the government and dreaming a reconciled Sri Lanka and the education systems. on the other, the power of people According to Uyangoda, institutions including the power of the powerless of parliamentary democracy is 3. finally, these trends deepened and the silenced despite their characterized by “a comparatively the distrust of the marginalized ethnicity, religion, gender and all long institutional history of modern minorities, especially the Tamils, the other social status in the existing democracy, high level of electoral who have gradually been driven to 5 oppressive structures and systems. participation, penetration of the the wall. political party system into all Problematic Majoritarian corners of the society, and the Counter-majoritarianism that Democracy regular and peaceful change of challenges the religion-politics regimes by means of elections.” 3 nexus in Sri Lanka while being Describing the evolution of However, he further speaks about sensitive to the inherently pluralistic democracy in Sri Lanka, Alfred the twin counter-state insurgencies communities in Sri Lanka is Stepan says “… Sri Lanka took, while highlighting the ethnic war paradigm shift, given the experience first from liberal to majoritarian that lasted for three decades that before election people being lured democracy, and then all the way to ended without a political solution by political parties to vote for, that is 1 competitive authoritarianism,” a indicates that Sri Lanka’s democracy to be looked forward to in the future quote that remains suitable to the has had some serious limitations in in order to preserve the democratic state where Sri Lanka is heading addressing the substantial social and tradition that Sri Lanka has in South towards now especially after the ethnic grievances. Asia. 2019 presidential election the voters Majority with a expressing their fear of ‘majority’ According to Arthur Lewis the 6 becoming a ‘minority’. Continue word democracy has two meanings; Minority Complex to investing on polarizing and (1) all who are affected by a ‘A majority with a minority exclusionary policies in exclusive decision should have the chance to complex’ could be said of Sinhalese nation-state building in post-2009 participate in making that decision, who constitute a majority in Sri would further lead Sri Lanka sliding either directly or through chosen Lanka but given the geopolitical into competitive-authoritarian representatives and (2) the will of 2 4 context in South Asia they are a ethnocracy, being coupled with the majority shall prevail. In minority group that fear its regional religion is quite problematic in Sri countries where civil society is survival. It is to be noted that Lanka. strong, the majoritarian democracy majority with minority is a major functions well yet in multi-ethnic, Though the democratic social factor for the rise of right wing pluralistic societies – countries like populism. structures constructed were India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka – supposed to assist people living as with the state playing a dominant The Sinhala Buddhist nationalist equal citizens, they rather produced role, majoritarian democracy may movement in post-colonial Sri the adverse, creating hierarchy as a not be democratic at all. Further Lanka, led by Buddhist monks and result of which the division among commenting majoritarian democracy some lay Buddhist intellectuals the communities was deepened. in Sri Lanka, he says; were of the view that political Social structures continue to independence of 1948 was an construct ‘the other’, who belong to 1. destroyed a rich discourse on incomplete one, since it did not fringe category in terms of ethnicity, federal Sri Lanka whose history result in the restoration of the class, caste, sex and religion. goes back to 1920s. Sinhala-Buddhist state. Hence, Hence, reconciliation and a dream during the period of 1952-1953, for a democratic – peace and 2. eroded the secular state in the Duplicating a model that is alien to Sri Lanka may not meet the expectations of the 'other' and top down approach does not work either for Sri Lanka. This is true not just for power sharing mechanisms but also for development, social cohesion, reconciliation as well as much talked subject of ecological concerns. We can learn from other models but finally people must feel that they are home-grown. March/April 2020 19 As per several scholars Sri Lanka’s national disequilibrium is the result of this twofold factor: a Sinhala Buddhist nationalism and a defensive Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism. Historical enmity culminated in a claim and an ownership of the landmass each in their own terms, the war destroyed most they held as a people - hence peopele building is a Herculean task, but doable ! this movement made a series of an ethnic majoritarian – Sinhala- opinion can be aroused by members public policy demands based Buddhist nationalist state – that of the Buddhist clergy, who on majoritarian identity such as is communal. Sinhala-Buddhist condemn governments seeking language, religion, culture and nationalism is identified by three compromise settlements with the education towards an exclusive beliefs; (1) Sinhalese are the only Tamils. More often these clerics are nation state building. true, original inhabitants of the the instruments politicians seeking island; (2) they are entrusted by to embarrass governments in their For the exclusive nation state Buddha to keep the island as a effort at communal reconciliation.” 7 building, the rereading of the sacred place for his teachings; (3) contested history became a tool the ontological scare that they are Contrary to the interpretations of and historiography was constructed in fact a minority in the region, the Sinhala Buddhist nationalists, drawing wisdom from the Chronicles given all other ethnic groups have Tamils perceived that independence available such as Dīpavaṃsa, ties in neighbouring countries. would be incomplete until it Mahāvaṃsa and Cūḷavaṃsa which Sinhala Buddhist nationalism became meaningful to them. The are claimed to be ‘origin myth’. As as a majoritarian nationalism expectations of the Tamils were, in the First Testament of the Bible, that has been entwined with the the power relations of the new state the chosen people occupying Canaan constitutional and political existence need to be re-organised on the basis created a narrative to prove their of the Sri Lankan state. This of ethnic pluralism. In the wake of claim to be the people of Israel, the nationalism continuously reproduces the discriminatory politics of the Sinhala Buddhists too interpreted the socio political field along the post-colonial nation-state building historical events to suit their belief lines of Sinhala supremacy and by Sinhala Buddhists, Tamils that Sri Lanka belongs to them. The the marginalization of minorities. realized that that they have become strategy used by the nationalists The Sinhala Buddhist nationalism 'the other' in their homeland. This is was to reinterpret early Chronicles is a major cause of communal how the unitary nation-state building relating the historical traditions of Sri tension and it justifies the exclusion political project capitalised on Lanka to reconstruct history using of minorities as a threat to both Sinhala Buddhist sentiments, opened many elements of ‘origin myth’. the protection of Buddhism and the path to Tamil nationalism in order to defend the rights of The propagandists claim that the national security. Speaking about the political culture of the Sinhala Tamils. In the view of Wilson, Sri Buddha in his infinite wisdom Lanka’s national disequilibrium is believed that his doctrine would be majority, Jeyaratnam Wilson claims, “they may in the national interest the result of these twofold factor: preserved for another 5000 years on a Sinhala Buddhist nationalism the island Lanka by these immigrants be prepared for compromises, but they are overwhelmed by Sinhala and a defensive Sri Lankan Tamil (Sinhalese) and their descendants. It nationalism. He says, “the Sinhalese came to be interpreted that survival Buddhist pressure groups, both lay and cleric. Buddhist fronts and Buddhists perceive the island as a of Buddhism depends on survival unitary entity in which democracy of the Sinhala nation. Further as societies of various types can be activated and mobilised at short is closely linked with their own many Sinhala Buddhists in Sri Lanka politics. They view themselves claim, Sri Lanka became the chosen notice to obstruct any Sinhala government preparing to make as a numerocracy, implying land for Theravada Buddhism and majoritarianism.” 8 the Sinhalese who follow Theravada concessions to the Tamils. More tradition became the chosen race. potent are the Buddhist monks who Post-war democratic space created are politically active. These are via transitional justice mechanism Majoritarian Nationalism and not accountable to constituencies to reform constitution and state Defensive Minority Nationalism because they do not, by virtue institutions accommodating of their calling, seek secular or Sri Lankan state has always been the grievances of the minority political office. Hence, Sinhalese communities was a lost chance. 20 March/April 2020 The portrayal of victory of the Dreaming Future: A Pluralist and united realising their womanhood Lions over Tigers had given Inclusive Direction that is liberating while not depriving another opportunity for the the other of their rights based popular Sinhalese to claim that Sri Lanka needs to move forward demands rather acknowledging the ‘land’ belongs to the majority towards pluri-nationalism that the cry for their full life. Drawing Sinhalese. The cleavage among the accommodates the political strength from their womanhood communities further deepened in grievances of the other minority as affected women and taking post-war historical era, majority communities and nations. Exclusive leadership against the oppressive deciding for the minorities in the nation-state building as the history culture is a new phenomenon thus island. The transitional justice shows results in annihilation of portraying themselves agents of mechanism failed in its approach to the weaker communities that are transformation is a paradigm shift being not victim-centric though the portrayed either as threat to the that Sri Lanka witnessed. demands expressed from the victim existence of the community that community to make it so and the promotes the exclusive political Inclusivism against exclusivism, plea fell on deaf ears. agenda thus eventually constructed a tool of resistance employed by as enemies that should be eradicated most of the grassroots movements, The political condition of the in order to safeguard the community be it religion, caste, ethnicity and country is that the political leaders that perceive itself being pure and class, found a new way of dealing of the majority community – Sinhala superior. with the existing religious, cultural, Buddhists – impose means of economic political hegemony coercion on the ethnic minorities Duplicating a model that is alien exploited by the majoritarian state –Tamils, Muslims and Burghers. to Sri Lanka may not meet the and its stake holders. Refusing to Jayadewa Uyangoda claims expectations of the 'other' and top be merely victims of any form of “observing how the Tamil and down approach does not work oppression helps them scale the Muslim political parties in Sri Lanka either for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a heights of boundaries in order have come to accept the second majoritarian democracy where if top to work towards a goal that they class and unequal status with great down approach the majority would aspired for their children in the pleasure, I changed realising that my decide again for the marginalized future is remarkable among war understanding of majoritarianism rather than marginalized playing a widows. was an incomplete one. Ethnic major role deciding the appropriate majoritarianism is not necessarily approach. Bottom up approach could Engaging in dialogue in different coercive. It has a strong element of be in micro level and macro level. spheres is a methodology adopted consent of the minorities or at least To cite an example extracted from by most of them which led to their political leaders”. 9 the research work of my doctoral movements that became inter-ethnic, dissertation is given below ; 10 inter-religious and inter-caste could Looking back is a way of dreaming be macro level tool employed in a future. After analysing the 1) The female headed grassroots order to work for a political solution historical consciousness of Sinhala movement gathered momentum in order to unite the island Sri Buddhist majority that created the in the post-2009 period that Lanka thus ensuring everyone living ‘ethnic other’ through a selective deconstructed the historically with dignity and freedom, as the reading of the past, the next attempt constructed boundaries based on responses of a certain number of here is to look at the importance nation-state spatilities. The common war-widows of the research sample, of moving towards a reconciled ground that brought them beyond who worked in the inter-religious country where everyone has a the space and nationalistic politics and inter-ethnic field, suggested right to live in freedom and self- is the experience that they had been that Buddhism and other religions determination in their own land. through during the war as women in Sri Lanka should enter into a oppressed and marginalised. Being meaningful dialogue without taking Though the democratic social structures constructed within the polity were supposed to assist people living as equal citizens, they rather produced the adverse, creating hierarchy as a result of which the division among the communities was deepened. More suspicious and counterproductive social and political behaviour emerged resulting in nationalist politics with identity affirmations as a political priority. March/April 2020 21 A number of war-widows working in the inter-religious and inter-ethnic fields, suggest that Buddhism and other religions in Sri Lanka should enter into a meaningful dialogue even though the ethnic and other social barriers have separated them for centuries. Their responses were loud and clear that the process of reconciliation, not only should be inter-religious in nature but also inter-ethnic dimension should be taken into consideration. sides even as they cross the ethnic locally taking into consideration Majoritarian Danger,” in Journal of Democ- barriers that have separated them the pluralistic nature of Sri Lanka. racy, vol.26, no.1 (USA: Johns Hopkins for centuries. They should do this in Culture, religion, space, etc., play a University Press, 2015), 132. order to work for a political solution significant role in evolving a model. 2. Alfred Stepan, “India, Sri Lanka, and the in which all ethnic communities The cultural practices of the ethnic Majoritarian Danger,” in Journal of Democ- can live with dignity and freedom. groups and its age old wisdom racy, vol.26, no.1 (USA: Johns Hopkins As the responses of some widows cannot be ignored. University Press, 2015), 132. indicated, in the process of This is not a mental exercise as that 3. Jayadeva Uyangoda, "Sri Lanka: The reconciliation, not only should the State of Research on Democracy, Power, inter-religious nature of things be is done in many parts of the West for Conflict, Democracy Journal, vol. 1-2, 2009, highlighted but the inter-ethnic given their epistemological approach 97-98. dimension should also be taken may not serve to produce the results into consideration. Thus, religious needed. For Sri Lanka it is more 4. Lewis Arthur, “Beyond African Dictator- than a mental exercise, it is an ship: The Crisis of the One-Party State,” in and secular groups of people who Encounter, vol.25, no.2 (1965), 3. have different opinions should be integrated approach. The countries included in the dialogue. that had been through transition 5. Mahendra Prasad Singh, Veena Kukreja, from authoritarianism to democracy, Federalism in South Asia (London, New The war-widows redirected there has been the political will York, New Delhi: Routledge, 2014), 228. the power of the dominant forces and the governments that came to 6. I borrowed with thanks, the title from S. that controlled them: they began power had committed themselves J. Tambiah. See his Buddhism Betrayed? to speak, to take decisions by and for a transition to deal with the past. Religion, Politics and Violence in Sri Lanka, for themselves. It is a journey Thus trust among the victims had (The University of Chicago Press, 1992) pp. from victimhood to agency and been established which is not the 102-128 for a full description what he means transformation, a journey through case in Sri Lanka. The Majoritarian by this specific title. which they become conscious of mind-set which remains an obstacle 7. A. Jeyaratnam Wilson, Ethnic Strife in their potential and of the dignity for any peace effort needs to be Sri Lanka: The Politics of Space, Regional of womanhood as they break the revisited. The micro level efforts Politics and Policy, 1993, 3:1, 147. also pub- boundaries of the “established and exercise proposed above would lished online see. https://www.tandfonline. identity of womanhood/widowhood” pave the way in deconstructing the com/doi/abs/10.1080/13597569308420862 Nov. 2007 amid Sri Lanka’s yearning for majoritarian mind-set. justice and peace. 8. ibid. Collating the characteristics that 2) Evolving an indigenous model are prevalent in bringing people 9. Jayadeva Uyangoda, “Solution from Out- of reconciliation mechanism for Sri together to building people could be side is Sri Lankan Reality,” in TamilNet, 13, Lanka: If micro level mechanism at framed into a macro model that the November 2008: https://www.tamilnet.com/ the grassroots level yields fruits then country requires though it could be art.html?catid=79&artid=27465. the affected community demands a tedious exercise for Sri Lanka at 10. Rasika Sharmen Pieris, Breaking the could be collated especially the this hour which demands a radical Barriers: A Reflection on Suffering in Bud- significant characteristics could paradigm shift, a worthy cause if its dhism and Christianity in the Perspectives also be duplicated elsewhere to building people and dreaming a of War-widows in Sri Lanka, (Radboun systematically with other stake shared future. University, Nijmegen 2017). holders. As said, purely importing a model that was practised elsewhere Endnotes: may not yield the results expected 1. Alfred Stepan, “India, Sri Lanka, and the 22 March/April 2020 Re imagining People Building: A Task of the Time… Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi Preamble: too. However, the presidential election is why a strong opposition is a was a sharply fought campaign by democratic necessity for right checks The severest atttack of the Covid 19 the three main candidates for the 7th and balances and for a good practice virus obviosuly has crippled every executive presidency, and the Sri of state governance and for ‘people corner of the world at a pandemic Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) building and dreaming future’ The level which cannot be ignored candidate was elected by the majority upcoming general election dates, even though we write these regular of people to be the president of Sri validity of nominations, reconvening reflective papers. Sri Lanka is no Lanka for the next five years with a the dissolved legislature are all on exception, though managed well, popular vote of 6.9 million a voter the cards amidst an economic assualt but affected its social fabric as we go base of about 52.25% of the total vote- casued by Covid 19 is real and deeply to the belated press. We beleive that casting,which is second largest since worrying too. buidling confidence and reslience in 1994 presidential election. the poeple at the time of crisis is part This discussion aspires to dwell on of the people building process that we Such mandate of a 1.3 million majority the premier area of people building discuss in the pages of this magazine. over the runner-up-candidate in the processes beyond mere elections as November 2019 election obviously such processes are an important means This volume of Social Justice calls for serious political, economic, to involve civic bodies for a plan of interestingly appears between two development and security reforms action mandated. Injecting energy to elections (presidential and the in the next phase as the country individual persons and community undecied general election) and of moves into a period of economic where they become aware of their course with a pandemic which might downturn, new social issues. nd a civic rights, enhanced and protected be endemic to the world and Sri Lanka political uncertainty. This de facto so that the country like Sri Lanka, not March/April 2020 23 too big and not too small to be able which they fought ‘tooth and nail’ in or perennial discontent among people to build a cohesive society, dream their ‘back home battles’ while they now in the post Covid 19 era. The and share a future. November 2019 created new battle grounds with the legacy haunts even if one says ‘we elections and six months old regime native culture, religion and the social must move on, a dilemma in political seems to have begun well without norms of the population as they settled arrangements. fanfare and ‘with a de-focus’ on the in the ‘new found colonies’. Their Political Options presidency but‘with a re-focus’ on the leftovers are still with the country’s ‘building future of this nation’ seems institutions and peoples’ thinking in Multi-party system as opposed to hopeful in the way it handled Covid varying manifestations. Those who two party system or the third power 19 virus. The population seems to be argue and even campaign that they we though in certain political dynamism enthusiastic and eager to see actual must move on from the colonial past, is an added democratic feature to the changes, building the ailing economy, yet stumble with some of the very electoral battle ground has not been their self-confidence and respect as a institutions that they are a part that popular in some geo political settings. people especially after the 21/4 terror seemed to have embraced neocolonial However, for developing economies attacks last year and now this year aspects and behaviour. Struggling to with their economic, education and with the virus. The political shifts are be native with a kernel half-baked foreign policies to be continuously also decided by the people. One of or substantially foreign is what they changing has had their negative effects the key factors for the political shift cannot avoid as such are evident in on the overall future thinking in multi- of last year was that people in general some leadership content that often party systems. In such a political held the view that the then incumbent appear in public discussions, in the climate ‘people building and dreaming government as being responsible printed and the electronic media. future’ remains indeed an uphill task for breach of security in the country. The colonial legacy works to this day especially when each government Currently new inqueries are being held that usurps power willfully changes but some doubt the right delivery in the administrative districts in the nine province based power locations the policies adopted by the previous A Legacy (now refurbished to suit via the regimes. Building on the sustainable 13th amendment to the constitution policy decisions is fundamental to Sri Lanka’s legacy as one of the but not without grievances from all ‘people building and dreaming better colonies in South Asia makes some communities in Sri Lanka). The ‘nine prospects and a shared future’. Even if ‘colonialist appearances’ in subtle province division block’ is read by the policies are designed by a certain ways even though the well-meaning some political critics as ‘divided to political thinking yet the successive scholars and other religious and rule mechanism’ which led previous regimes must be amenable at least to political leadership seem to argue that political campaigns for further a assess them objectively and amend ‘we must bypass the colonial legacy’. cause for separatism based on certain if necessary but never should replace While some others are of the view ethnic or religious claims (creation of uncritically and being politically that Sri Lanka’s colonial past was Pakistan and Southern Sudan as some motivated. Multi-party political incomparable to any other South Asian would argue as unstable governance). arrangement even though displays country with equally powerful three Sri Lanka remains one such polity and a representative politics caliber in Western power blocks having their a legacy of a land mass and a people certain democracy, yet because of political and social impact during each potentially prone to division and social divisions caused by political of the colonial periods. What Sri Lanka ‘building people dreaming future’ are rivalry in the long run seems unhealthy inherited was a hard to accept mixture dependent on what the people aspire for social cohesion and coexistence. of blunder plunder, and an asunder as a future: shared or divided are also Sri Lanka’s political options are of a people and a country. They factors that will determine coexistence arrived with their religious rivalries limited by its debt dominated economy What Sri Lanka inherited was a hard to accept mixture of plunder, blunder and an asunder of a people and a country. 24 March/April 2020 The November 2019 new regime seems to have begun well without fanfare and ‘with a de-focus’ on the presidency but ‘with a re-focus’ on ‘building future', and People can be hopeful if continues with the same spirit that it handled the Covid 19 pandemic so far. led by the party politics induced because of the way how democracy with development of every attempted governments practically introducing is operational in a given context. aspect should also be able to monitor reforms and economic road maps Democracies are created by the people their limitations as a project pointing to not conducive to a country dwelling for their present and for future and the future. Every move in the present in between low income earning to such practice is never without failures. effectively results here and now while middle incoming earning capacity. Imagining which is a sophisticated their long term routes find their natural Dearth of investment attraction with from of dreaming in this context is course into the future. unstable governments with both on important as that is how all early going constitutional reforms as well as development of thought and ideas People building is also a project that serious lobbies in the political corridors made the mega story of the human includes a holistic view of life and of the Western polities against Sri origins of social organisations. Heart of adopting a reciprocal way of life Lanka on unsubstantiated so called democracy is about identifying people fundamentally affecting the present ‘war crimes’ have conglomerated power, ascertaining it as sovereign is socio political structures, economic for its economic and social progress. fundamental to people building and roadmap, trade and marketing, religio Such lobbies have even impacted to of course dreaming future. Greatest cultural framework and the wellbeing include the clichés like the ‘the two democracies of the world were never of all those who contribute to it. state solution’ abortively negotiated built on a few experiments over a Democratic institutions are the best specifically for Israel-Palestine peace few weeks or months, but on a strong suited avenue for such a process to deal and then such to be doctored to political will mandated by the peoples’ be executed. It is in that sense right the Sri Lanka’s situation was clear aspirations, equity and equality as democracy is a feasible for dreaming political imbecility. Worse was to citizens. Democracy is proven to be future too, not just people building but have such a clause within the election the best form of exercise of freedom also help building future in the present. manifesto of the British Conservative and social mobility fundamental to any Build on the Dreaming Party of Boris Johnson1 just before reasoning being. Humans so far have his December 2019 election, indicates created the most functional institutions Presidential election campaign in Sri how far a sovereign country can be to be imaginative as well as in practical Lanka was full of such dreaming, tarnished and politically damaged by terms to articulate knowledge, leisure and now that the general election the lobby groups. Such unfortunate but and think future. Democracy also is around the corner with similar carefully crafted political interferences creates self-governance,but when ambitious tasks have become obvious. have been attempted on the vulnerable mandated, becomes a (government) But deliberating on what has been states, Sri Lanka has been victimized of the people, by the people, for the imagined into concrete action is on that front and undeclared sanctions people as Abraham Lincoln reminds the challenge before the new set of are operational. Attempts to disrupt its in his famous Gettysburg speech.2 political and civil leaders into the third growth and stability is also active via However, in an active democracy, decade of the third millennium of groups and some International Non people and civil society groups the CE. These are high expectations, Governmental Organisations (INGOs) bring energy, zest and aspirations on a president, a prime minister or a according to some political analysts. of a future into the present and parliament as miracle makers is natural the active present into the future. but impractical venture because they Right Democracy This is why ‘People building is so are fallible and gullible too. Hence, To say its right democracy then there interconnected to dreaming a future’. the challenge falls back on the civil could also be wrong democracy! Such Their connectivity while creates a society groups and other institutions moral judgement is communicated pathway to a disciplined active present to ‘people building and dreaming March/April 2020 25 future’ fundamental to good living. To The current 'new cold war between varying approaches, populism is often grow as a people dreaming to building Washington and Beijing must be combined with other ideologies, such themselves and their country is an re-examined. ‘People Building is as liberal or the neo liberal economic aspiration worth dreaming for. Dreaming Future’, because building agenda, socialist policies, nationalism people is about linking and connecting of the majority and the minority also Politicians, city planners, economists, people to make them grow in different tooling with similar agenda or the scholars, artists and other skilled men ways into the future, especially the dominant religious narrative. Hence, and women cannot alone involve in young people. When people are populists can be found at different people building even though they connected they attempt what diplomats political camps and zones along the left can creatively imagine for a future with bilateral, trilateral, multi- or the right of the political divide and they dream. Their dreaming must lateral agreements manipulated by there is both the right-wing populism correspond with those of the ordinary governments and states cannot even as well as the left-wing populism. people so that what they mean by have any control over. People make These bring severe challenges and people building becomes an active these connections because they desire can even mar the processes of ‘People reality in the very involvement of and dream new avenues to negotiate, building and dreaming future’. people. live, have fun and meaning in their However, the courageous among the Technology, environment and social daily lives. people and their institutions big and small are the catalysts of this venture relations are of utmost importance Concluding Paragraph now and unequivocally linked to in politics or beyond politics. If people Information technology (IT) for any All modern city planners, rural imagined change and they worked society to function decently and with developers and designers, practically towards it and effected a future in mind is indispensable. economists and strategists, artists change, then they are shakers and What is being so much spoken as and environmentalists, teachers and agents of change, because to imagine the ‘social capital’ is the ‘people tutors also political leadership today or to dream is to change, and to change building capability’ with their skills more than ever have a responsibility is to initiate people building here and and innovatively entrepreneurial to be part of ‘people building’ as now especailly in the post Covid 19 capacity that is required to invest into human beings always curiously look period. the future. There is a political future for what is new. Hence, it is arguably Endnotes for the region as it deems to develop ‘a precious capital’ which must be 1. Johnson (now PM of UK) and his British advisors the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) duly recognized, skills harnessed, had to rectify the flawed argument and shamelessly even if one were to be critical about it. capacity built, relationships enhanced, aping of a peace deal of one country (Israel Palestine) Current BRI is a new form of the ‘old productivity increased, cultural capital and uncritically applying on another (Sri Lanka). I am of the view that Johnson must apologise for silk road’ from the Han dynasty of old developed with right connectivity and this breach of Commonwealth protocol. I suggest China’ to the ‘old Persia and Europe’3 each of the ‘identity significance’ is that such be pressured upon him at the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting/ is a revival of a route that is not just affirmed. People should be assured that CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, June 2020 (this meeting Chinese, because it must be owned the nations and their leadership will is obviously cancelled or alternatives are being suggested due to the Corona restrictions). by the push of globalization strategy not take routes like the siege in Hong which now is a reality. Sri Lanka Kong over six months, the Syrian 2 . It was delivered during the American Civil War at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery was part of that ‘old route’ but via the crisis over five years where they are in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, November, 1863. Mediterranean destinations which led just made to be at the beck and call of There is controversy over which text he read as they found four speeches after a few months. He was the Persian and North African travelers the powerful nations engaged in proxy assassinated in April 1865. to sight this island-nation, and so shall battles. 3 . The Silk Road was a network of trade routes it be in the future with an active port connecting China and the Far East with the Middle in the Southern tip of Sri Lanka. An Countries across the world, with East and Europe. Established when the Han Dynasty unavoidable trade and connectivity their political leadership are driven in China officially opened trade with the West in by a certain populism which can also 130 BCE. It remained in use until 1453 CE until phenomenon, one is either part of the Ottoman Empire boycotted trade with China it or else bound to be economically impede the notion of ‘people building and terminated travel. It was nearly 600 years of and dreaming future’ as such can international trade, the routes had a lasting impact on doomed. commerce, culture and history that resonates even undermine the reality of people-based today. Both the Venetian explorer Marco Polo and the The future of Indo Pacific connectivity human development. Populist parties Mongol emperor Kublai Khan seemed to have used this route for their sojourns. See. https://www.history. with which people encounter intense and social movements are often led com/topics/ancient-middle-east/silk-road accessed on diversity must be enhanced to build by charismatic or dominant figures 4 Jan. 2020 ( this ruote is now considered as Beijing's dominance since Covid 19 crisis, however there is themselves with competence that who present themselves as the ‘voice no other marine ruote that could reach the farthest to they earlier never desired or needed. of the people’. According to the the West.) 26 March/April 2020 From Page 02 »» Publisher says: No nation has been built ... Endnotes: 1. Satharasinghe, A., Statistics of Sustainable Development Goals Indicators in Sri Lanka 2017,(SDGs News Bulletin 26 June 2017), www.statistics.gov.lk, accessed on 20 Jan 2020. 2. Akita, L. G., Pearls of Wisdom: Great Mind,CreateSpace Independent Publishing, South Carolina, 2015, p. 18. One more Word…The Board In the pursuit of our common Hence, a credible people building of Directors (BoD) of the Centre future shouldn’t the citizens urge processes can be in place to dream for Society and Religion (CSR) the leaders to take the Sustainable a shared future for all Sri Lankans. would like to thank Fr. Ashok Development Goals (SDG) as a Stephen OMI, the former Director point of departure?The Sustainable No nation has been built overnight, of CSR for the thoughtful and Development Goals (SDGs), also and people building is a step timely initiative to recommence today known as the Global Goals. by step process with a simple the publication of Social Justice. They are a universal call to action discipline like how people drive on The magazine has always been to end poverty, to protect the planet the road and how people deal with discourse-oriented, and a platform and to ensure that all people enjoy their garbage. If such are within the for dissemination of insights into peace and prosperity. The SDGs, general framework of the routine the social, economic, political and officially known as “Transforming life of the people, then one could religious issues in the country and our world: the 2030 Agenda for notice that they as a people who across the continents; inviting Sustainable Development” are a set have begun to build themselves. activists, social movements, of 17 aspirational ‘Global Goals’ When talking about ‘people political and cultural critics, with 169 targets and 244 indicators building’, there is no outside agent theologians and other intellectuals between them to be achieved by or institution that can ‘people build’ to dialogue and debate on current April 2030. (1) rather it’s the people themselves affairs and their implications on who could build themselves. No their communities.We wish to The commitment of the nation can dream when divided continue the same now with the Government of Sri Lanka with factionalism and bigotry. challenging reality of the 'new (GOSL) is reflected in having a They are negative vibes that kill normal' as the people begin to separate ministry on Sustainable innovation and creativity that are live with the virus but not Development, appointing a the basic ingredients for people defeated by it. Parliament Select Committee on building and dreaming future. All SDGs, and establishing cluster great civilisations, cultures are a The Board is ever grateful to committees on SDGs etc. is a byproduct to what people have the editorial team, comprising positive and a hopeful sign that this contributed to the wellbeing all competent academics like, Prabha island nation Sri Lanka is ready and the whole. Such alone can and Manuratne,Wijith Rohan and and willing to engage with the will build people, because when Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi for global actors of financial, trade and people are built, all they encounter their invaluable contribution economic significance. The GOSL will grow and flourish and that is towards this scholarly venture. anticipates achieving the SDGs what is called wholesome human We would solicit their continuous by 2030 collaborating towards the development. I am reminded a support in the future too. The provision of basic needs of the quote in literature that I accessed Board also extends its appreciation people, progressive alleviation of recently, “A nation can be mighty, and welcome Fr. Jeevantha Peiris, poverty, elimination of all forms when the citizens put away their Joe William and Crystal Baines of discrimination and inequalities, political differences, work together for their willingness to be on the and establishing a society based on for a common vision, a common editorial team. social justice and human security. goal and common good.”2 March/April 2020 27 Contributors Contributor Profile: and interest in research and scholarship indeed made him a colleague to be consulted by his peers and is called upon to Dr. Ismail Mesut Sezgin, born and raised in teach and train adults populationby a variety of institutes, Istanbul, Turkey and was awarded his PhD at Leeds Beckett groups and organisations across the country. University with his focus on Moral Responsibility in Contemporary Islam, is currently a research assistant at Crystal Baines, is reading for her PhD in English Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford. He is also Literature, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA. the co-founder of the Centre for Hizmet Studies, London, Her current research focuses on narratives of secularism providing information, research and analysis, lives in and secularization in Sri Lankan and Indian literature. Yorkshire, UK. Her other research interests include Development Studies, Translation Studies, and Digital Humanities. She is also a Dr. Fatih Isik, obtained his BA cum MA (combined visiting lecturer at the Postgraduate Institute of Humanities degree, English Teacher Education, 2008) Bilkent and Social Sciences, University of Peradeniya and Associate University, Ankara, Turkey. He was awarded his Director of Digitization at the American Institute for Lankan PhD, Leeds Beckett University (2016), United Kingdom. Studies. Fatih’s areas of interest include moral character education, social and moral development and citizenship. He has Fr. Jeevantha Peiris, is a priest of the diocese of taught both in college and university settings in the UK. He Ratnapura, completed his BPh. (Urbaniana 2002), BTh. lives in Yorkshire, UK. (Pontificio Regina Apostolorum, Rome 2005) & Clinical Psychology (Universita’Europea di Roma 2008). Currently Rehan Derrick Fernando, is reading based in Doloswala, a rural estate in Nivithigala (Ratnapura his PhD at the Oblate School of Theology, Texas, District), working with the low country estate labourers USA. Secured his MTh (Holy Apostles College, for their socio-politcal and economic wellbeing & spiritual Connect16)icut, USA, 2017) and BTh (Priory transformation. He is a sought after preacher, trainer and an Institution, Dublin, 2013). Authored HA-Shem (En animator who engages his religious insights with the social Route Books & Media Writer’s Series, Connecticut: realities, issues and concerns in the margins. 2017) and later was republished (Lambert Publishing Company, Germany, 2019). He is also the editor of Dr. Joe William, is a founder - Director and currently the Paadhai, Journal on contemporary concerns. Currently, Chairman of the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka, he is working on Did We Give Vatican II a Chance? and Executive Director, Centre for Communication Training, which promotes Nonviolent Communication Sr. Rasika Pieris, a Catholic nun of the Sistersof the skills. An academic instructor at the Oblate Institute of Holy Family, Colombo province. The Radboud University, Higher Learning (OHIL). He holds an MA (Peace Studies, Nijmegen, the Netherlands grants her a PhD (2017) 2000) Pg. Dip (Research Methods for Social Sciences, in feminist theology for her research with a focus on 2007) and a Ph D. (2012) University of Bradford, UK. war widows in Sri Lanka. She is a board member of for his Thesis: Systemic Conflict Transformation and its the Ecumenical Institute for Study and Dialogue (EISD) and Application to the Peace Process in Sri Lanka. is the assistant coordinator of Ecclesia of Women in Asia (EWA). Her most recent publications focus on war widows Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi, a specialist in in Sri Lanka, an innovative research model content and World religions, teaches History of Religious Thought and engages in advocacy for their rights in collaboration with Practice and the Origin of religion at the School of Religion inter-ethnic and inter-religious communities. and Philosophy, Minhaj University Lahore, Pakistan. He continues to teach at the Universities of Colombo and Editorial Team: Kelaniya as their visiting lecturer on Contextual theology (MA), Christianity, Hindu Dharma and Islam for their Dr. Prabha Manuratne, is the head of the Undergraduates.Often he is invited to various national and Department of English, University of Kelaniya. Her international fora as their resource person. His most recent research focuses on violence and representations of violence has been to the Doha Forum, Reimagining Governance in in global literature and cinema. She currently teaches a Multipolar World (Dec. 2019) and a reseearch visit to an Critical Theory and English Literature at the University of Islamic Study and a Retreat Centre in Poconos, PA, USA Kelaniya. She is an activist and a critic whose work focuses (Feb. 2020). on countering structural violence that shapes the everyday lives of women and men, and pedagogies that transform Guest Poet : political education. Dr. Dilantha Gunawardana, a molecular biologist Wijith Rohan Fernando, is a Senior Lecturer by training and is a freelance poet. He moves between attached to the Department of Western Classical Culture and science and poetry artistically, is a senior lecturer in the Christian Culture, University of Kelaniya and also headed molecular biology at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura. the same department for several years. He has authored Published his poems in many reputed journals and sixteen books and several research articles, a critical magazines. Dilantha produced two anthologies of poetry, writer on social concerns that have political implications, Kite Dreams (2016) and Driftwood (2017), both by Sarasavi contextual theology, and aspects of Christian culture related publishers, (Colombo), and is working on his third poetry to art and drama, specifically Passion Plays. His aptitudes collection. 28 March/April 2020 By a visual of being left out. So lets build the future. Gokanna will be a port for many, Mattala will see many more mechanical birds, Wilpattu will be a protected area. We are gifted with lines of salvaging Beauty and purpose, from Populations of innocuous maps. So make the blueprint, The American dream states, Not one of kerosene lanterns, Give everyone a fair go. But a purpose driven dream, Australian dream says Fair Dinkum, That will transform hope What the Sri Lankan Dream says Into prosperity. Is perhaps that word again - serendipity. The crucible of humanity, We are never really far from that, Offers tenacity to any form of alloy, aren't we? Without losing the strength A strong opposition is our greatest Of the elemental. Dreamer's disease Dream, to have ministers whose Has no prescription or pill, IQs are bigger than their collective Only the immunity of the third eye, wealth. To let our ocular imprints, Democracy is, of the people, Shoot past the zemblanity, For the people, and it remains that. Of disappointment. We are life givers to justice, Fast forward to April-May 2020, When we can exonerate liberty We are now as blue as a flu, here is a beginning to everything. From the misbehaving. A crown capable of Now it is the advent of 2020s, Liberty means virtue and not vice. Abdicating aprecious life. WhenT Sri Lanka is slowing navigating While the grim reaper Tumultuous waters due to Comes not with a scythe now, Influences gathering from all corners. I look at mustached brothers, Only the right fist, doing The China and the silk route, Who look like they could fit into Rotations of a spiky America and naval dominance, A Super Mario computer game Morning Star. Becoming pals with India, And Princess Peach is beautiful And letting multiple identities democracy. We are all waiting for Godot, amalgamate We are not asking for miracles, AsGod helps those who help Into the winds of change blowing Only to give people from all corners, themselves; Past Serendib. Can we see it Their rightful human rights. Like wearing a gauzy face mask, As serendipity? Perhaps, yes. Give muscle to their paychecks, or Taking a vitamin tablet to boost Make education ubiquitous, immunity, Serendipity was coined in Make poverty a thing of the past, Or for that matter scrubbing 1754, depicting Make social protection more Your hands with disinfectant. The fortuitous nature of discovering Powerful than a contraceptive. For the first time in our lives The wishful. Still we are in the period We are told not to kiss; Poor Of advent for a new party, Dreaming is building big, Pope Francis looks on from his A bud that will hopefully bloom When it comes to the balcony, In the coming decade. We are in alter of democracy. Unable to go among the gathering dream time There should be a scaffold crowds, Now, the winds of change are blowing, Made from personal liberties, His wishfulright cheekfinally Wind catches are breathing hard, Ironing out the "isms", like Given the gentlest of caresses by Wind turbines are rolling like Nepotism and cronyism, while A serendipitous mosquito. ballerinas, Empowering the ballot Wind chimes are making music. Over the bullet. We have protests The dream is a perfect democracy, From all corners, but if the political left And not a plutocracy where Is appeased by the nationalistic right, There are black hole pockets, Then there will be no manifestos, And crooks escaping to foreign lands. Rebellions or pluck that Drifts into hearts, no longer haunted, if delayed then denied RELIGIOUS RADICALISATION Bhikkhu Dhammananda : » I ' ve Experienced it myself Fr. Aloysius Pieris : » Justice is Love and Mercy not Laws alone Jayadeva Uyangoda : » It’s Politicised and Manipulative John Brewer : » Conflict & Violence destroys Religion and Peace Prabha Manuratne : » Art is a form of Radical Peacemaking Editorial : » There is Religiously Motivated Violence, Peace at Stake