Follow UK’s Example – Hold That Referendum On Independence In The NorthEast
Usha S Sri-Skanda-Rajah
Follow UK’s example – Hold That Referendum on Independence in the NorthEast – Like the Scots, Let the People Decide Either Way
Part 1
The world’s oldest democracy has proven it’s also the world’s foremost and robust democracy – that Scotland will decide its fate, whether it becomes an “independent country” in a referendum on 18th, September 2014 is in itself a triumph for democracy, whatever the outcome – that the United Kingdom (UK) government (and the Westminster Parliament), despite campaigning hard for a “NO” vote, did not place obstacles but bowed to the Scottish people’s aspirations articulated in the 2011 General Election win for theScottish National Party (SNP), and cooperated to holding a referendum, to leave it to the people’s will, speaks volumes for the triumph of democracy; indeed speaks volumes for a triumph for self-determination; for decency, for peace. Why can’t Sri Lanka follow UK’s example and hold that referendum on independence in the NorthEast and Let the People Decide.. either way.
Triumph of Democracy – Despite Scots being Numerically Far Smaller
The sequence of events, leading to what could be a momentous occasion for Scotland and the advent of an independent Scotland or that might otherwise result in a victory for preserving the United Kingdom, illustrate that democracy is not merely a word but is practiced faithfully in some civilised nations, like this country [1], notwithstanding the fact the Scots are numerically far smaller within a unitary state, holding only 59 seats[2] of the 650 seats in the Westminster parliament.
To the Acts of Union of 1707[3] which cemented the union of the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain, to the Scotland Act of 1998 when the Scottish people’s clear preference for devolution and the establishment of a Scottish Parliament, “with powers to legislate on unreserved matters” [4] expressed through a referendum was granted under Tony Blaire’s Labour government, to SNP’s landslide victory in the 2011 General Election[5] that gave it the mandate to legislate to conduct a referendum on Scottish independence , to the “historic” Edinburgh Agreement[6] signed by Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister and Prime Minister David Cameron in Nov 2012, “confirming the Scottish Parliament’s power to hold a vote that will be respected by both governments,” to the passage of the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill[7] setting out the arrangements for the referendum that received royal accent in Dec, 2013, all of which together, collectively represent, among other, a firm adherence to democratic values and parliamentary processes, signifying the triumph of democracy.
Triumph for Self-determination – either way Read More
By Udan Fernando -September 17, 2014
A few weeks back, I was in Bogor, a city in Indoensia, which is called ‘The Rainy City’ due to its high rainfall throughout the year. Each time I travel to Indonesia, I see something new, which is actually a few countries clubbed together, given the vastness of the geography and the rich and unique diversity of each region.
Indonesian cities are densely populated. City streets are overflowing with never-ending processions of cars, busses, motor cycles and scooters. Main cities have toll-based express ways. But still, traffic is a major problem. The traffic gets spread from city centers to the networks of by-roads as well. What attracts me always is the common sight of informally-clad people, often young men, standing in the middle of a cross-section of roads and controlling traffic. One can see a great deal of enthusiasm and energy among these young men who control traffic. The rhythmic movements of their hands remind me of Kandyan dancing. The whistle is blown quite often, at times for no reason. The commuters on vehicles obey these ‘informal traffic sergeants’. The interesting feature is that these men keep a hat with them and quickly direct it to the drivers of the vehicles to get some money, if not a Gudambarang cigarette!
Read More
Privatizing Public Goods: From ‘Polisi-Cepeks’ To ‘Wellawa-Boys’
By Udan Fernando -September 17, 2014
A few weeks back, I was in Bogor, a city in Indoensia, which is called ‘The Rainy City’ due to its high rainfall throughout the year. Each time I travel to Indonesia, I see something new, which is actually a few countries clubbed together, given the vastness of the geography and the rich and unique diversity of each region. Indonesian cities are densely populated. City streets are overflowing with never-ending processions of cars, busses, motor cycles and scooters. Main cities have toll-based express ways. But still, traffic is a major problem. The traffic gets spread from city centers to the networks of by-roads as well. What attracts me always is the common sight of informally-clad people, often young men, standing in the middle of a cross-section of roads and controlling traffic. One can see a great deal of enthusiasm and energy among these young men who control traffic. The rhythmic movements of their hands remind me of Kandyan dancing. The whistle is blown quite often, at times for no reason. The commuters on vehicles obey these ‘informal traffic sergeants’. The interesting feature is that these men keep a hat with them and quickly direct it to the drivers of the vehicles to get some money, if not a Gudambarang cigarette!