Detox Devolution

By Ratna Bala –March 7, 2016

Dr Ratna Bala

Sri Lanka was fortunate to have a decent democracy, in spite of its deficiencies, for a long period compare to many countries in the world. Unfortunately instead of improving it qualitatively and quantitatively we have paved the way to twist in so many ways to give it a distorted demonised dimension. Political magicians with their word and deeds performed a brilliant display to deceive people to fulfil their greed for power and wealth. This has caused our country countless death and destruction for many years. We were blinded to grasp the reality and followed them spell bounded by their pipe piper magic. The cold war scenario complemented its upheavals. Rest is history.

Better Future

Last 30 years several seminars have been conducted and many books have been published about devolution of powers in Sri Lanka. Exemplary devolutionary models in various parts of the world have been vividly explained and explored. Now, to bear the fruit of these efforts, we have at last initiated the process to construct a meaningful new constitution to represent the aspirations of all citizens of Sri Lanka. There is big hope with enthusiasm among people to contribute to this process. They believe that a new constitution will ensure greater happiness, peace and prosperity to all and will guarantee equality among its citizens and communities by mutually respecting their interests, identity, traditions, religions and cultures. They hope this would give new beginning to their country, put various bitter experiences of the past behind and enthrone political, economic and cultural equality of all communities. They honestly wish with all their hearts equality will be given utmost respect in all state’s affairs by this constitution. Reconciliation will take a big leap forward with compassionate caring constitution.

Mind The Gap – Mindset

To make this a successful story we should honestly embark on this journey with commitment and compassion. For many of us our political history and bitter experiences of the past had framed our mind-set to be hardened and fixed with negative thoughts and beliefs. With this mindset who can make any compassionate compromise?

Studies in psychology reveal how our mind-set can influence our thoughts, beliefs and actions. Different mind-sets could divert us down different set of roads as one thing can lead to another differently in different mind-sets.                  Read More