Sri Lanka’s dream: Give us a Mandela

With Sri Lanka still in turmoil, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) governing party are trying to restore some stability. Sri Lanka needs a personality who is selfless and sincere, while giving priority to the common people’s needs instead of seeking personal gain or glory.   

With its debt restructuring programme and other measures, the Wickremesinghe administration is promising some relief to millions of heavily burdened people who are facing an unprecedented increase in the cost of living and finding it difficult to provide healthcare, education and other essential facilities for their families. In such a calamity, with a crisis within crisis and different parties pulling in different directions, we need a statesperson of the calibre of Nelson Mandela to restore and rebuild Sri Lanka.   

On July 18, the world celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day and we are invited to make a difference in our communities. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world and our society for the better! Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change In November 2009 in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, United Nations General Assembly declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. In the resolution, the UN says it recognises Mandela’s values and his dedication to the promotion of social justice.   

The resolution acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.   
On September 24, 2018, world leaders gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York for the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit. At the Summit, nearly 100 Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Member States and representatives of civil society participants adopted a political declaration committed to redoubling efforts to build a just, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and fair world, as they paid tribute to the late South African President’s celebrated qualities and service to humanity.   

Recognising the period from 2019 to 2028 as the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace, the Declaration saluted Mr Mandela for his humility, forgiveness and compassion, acknowledging as well his contribution to the struggle for democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.  By the text, Heads of State and Member States’ representatives reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the sovereign equality of all States and respect for their territorial integrity and political independence, and the duty of Member States to refrain from the threat or use of force.   

The declaration reaffirmed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development -“We resolve to move beyond words in the promotion of peaceful, just, inclusive and non‑discriminatory societies,” leaders pledged, as they stressed the importance of the equal participation and full involvement of women and youth.   

They also declared racism, xenophobia and related intolerance represents the very opposite of the purposes of the UN and emphasised their resolve to protect the rights of children, especially in armed conflict. “Protecting children contributes to breaking the cycle of violence and sows the seeds for future peace,” the Declaration said.   
In addition, leaders reaffirmed that each state has a responsibility to protect its population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.   
The Declaration, emphasised the importance of a comprehensive approach to sustaining peace by preventing conflict and addressing its root causes and strengthening the rule of law, poverty eradication, and social development. “It is clear that lasting peace is not realised just by the absence of armed conflict, but is achieved through a continuing positive, dynamic, inclusive and participatory process of dialogue,” they underscored.   

They also welcomed the example set by South Africa in unilaterally dismantling its nuclear‑weapons programme and recalled the firm plea made by Mr Mandela in favour of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. They further recommended “in the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy” that the United Nations explore means to consider the needs of present and future generations in its decision-making processes.   

As Mr Mandela proclaimed, “It is easy to break down and destroy.   
The heroes are those who make peace and build.”