The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

The Sri Lankan state is using violence to unleash fury on its citizens, as its political and economic crisis deepens

  • Written by Niro Kandasamy, Lecturer, University of Sydney
The Sri Lankan state is using violence to unleash fury on its citizens, as its political and economic crisis deepens

The Sri Lankan state is descending into a full blown political and economic crisis, as more people contend with starvation, death and severe disruptions. Now they are also facing the brutal violence of the state.

The BBC reports[1] at least nine people died and more than 200 were injured as vehicles and houses were set alight during fighting between government supporters and critics this week.

The island is facing its worst economic crisis since independence, and the responses of the state indicate it is incapable of protecting its citizens.

The deployment of military force, however, is unlikely to quell unrest. The anger and frustration displayed by the public, aggravated by pro-government protesters, is only likely to grow – fuelling further distrust in the ruling government.

The island is facing its worst economic crisis since independence, and the responses of the state indicate it is incapable of protecting its citizens. AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena

Read more: Sri Lanka: protests spread as petrol prices rise by 90%[2]

The use of force

The army was this week given orders to shoot[3] “law-breakers” on sight, as people gathered in the street to protest shortages in food, fuel and medicines.

Economic problems underpin the recent political unrest, with Sri Lanka confronting the very real prospect of bankruptcy as its foreign reserves run dry.

As I wrote recently in the Australian Institute of International Affairs[4], the country’s 22 million citizens are now suffering thanks to a legacy of government corruption, nepotism and poor economic management. The island is deeply in debt to China and unable to raise enough revenue due to a slew of tax cuts.

Its nationalist president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, came to office in November 2019 after campaigning on national security and appealing to Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism.

The Rajapaksa family has since grown increasingly powerful; Gotabaya installed his brother Mahinda (himself a former president) as prime minister and appointed other relatives to ministerial positions.

Recent constitutional changes have increased the power of the president to suppress political opposition, erode democratic institutions and further entrench discrimination against minority Tamils and Muslims.

A predictable economic crisis

Poor economic mismanagement is not new in Sri Lanka, with consecutive governments failing to manage inflation, debt and spending.

But the decisions of the current government have brought the island to the brink of bankruptcy.

It is the worst economic crisis Sri Lanka has faced since it gained independence from British rule in 1948.

One significantly disastrous policy under Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency was the banning of chemical fertiliser. This caused farmers’ livelihoods to collapse and led to lower crop yields as well as plantation closures, job losses and food shortages.

This triggered inflation and effectively crushed key export industries like tea and rubber.

Meanwhile, COVID wrecked the tourism industry, a key revenue generator for Sri Lanka.

The war in Ukraine has affected fuel shortages and crippled tourism, with Russia and Ukraine being key tourist markets[5].

Sri Lankans queue to buy kerosene oil for cooking. Sri Lankans queue to buy kerosene oil for cooking. AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena

Militarisation is the norm in Sri Lanka

Authoritarianism by the state is not new in Sri Lanka, as minority Tamils and Muslims well know. These groups faced horrifying violence before, during and after the civil war[6] fought between 1983 and 2009.

This week’s deployment[7] of security forces is a rapid development in the recent crisis, but militarisation has been a central pillar of Sri Lankan governance for years.

The ministry of defence received 12.3%[8] of total estimated government expenditure in 2022 – the highest allocation for any ministry in the budget. This is despite its civil war ending 13 years ago.

The Tamil population in the north and east of the island face the brunt of this militarisation, which encroaches on their everyday lives.

The military runs civilian life, from schools, to recreation and religious activities. There is an estimated one military personnel per six civilians in the north and east[9].

The same military massacred tens of thousands of Tamils during the war, resulting in a genocide[10].

The United Nations continues to call for investigations into violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and international crimes[11].

At least 115 Tamil parents have died since the civil war ended without knowing the whereabouts of loved ones forcibly disappeared by Sri Lankan security forces as the war ended.

One 75-year old woman, Thangarasa Selvarani[12], had been protesting on the roadside over her abducted son for five years; she recently died without finding out what had happened to her child.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addresses the nation. Even though members of the Rajapaksa family have left, President Gotabaya remains in power. EPA/CHAMILA KARUNARATHN

So what’s next?

The prime minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, resigned as violence in the country escalated.

Protesters gathered at the Trincomalee port after unconfirmed reports he had gone there with family after fleeing his Colombo residence[13].

Anti-government protests across the island will continue, as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa holds firm and politicians shelter in safe houses to avoid the public.

Gotabaya is so far refusing to resign, instead seeking to appoint a new cabinet.

A new cabinet will not solve the problem, and the growing crackdown on civilians will only further erode trust in this government.

Read more: What's happening in Sri Lanka and how did the economic crisis start?[14]

References

  1. ^ reports (www.bbc.com)
  2. ^ Sri Lanka: protests spread as petrol prices rise by 90% (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ army was this week given orders to shoot (www.bbc.com)
  4. ^ Australian Institute of International Affairs (www.internationalaffairs.org.au)
  5. ^ key tourist markets (www.aljazeera.com)
  6. ^ civil war (www.theguardian.com)
  7. ^ deployment (www.bbc.com)
  8. ^ 12.3% (www.colombotelegraph.com)
  9. ^ in the north and east (pearlaction.org)
  10. ^ genocide (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ human rights law and international crimes (www.ohchr.org)
  12. ^ Thangarasa Selvarani (www.tamilguardian.com)
  13. ^ fleeing his Colombo residence (www.bbc.com)
  14. ^ What's happening in Sri Lanka and how did the economic crisis start? (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/the-sri-lankan-state-is-using-violence-to-unleash-fury-on-its-citizens-as-its-political-and-economic-crisis-deepens-182937

The Times Features

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping