Eleanor Laing MP: We must ensure peaceful democracy prospers in Sri Lanka

In July 2013 I led a CPA UKdelegation to Sri Lanka in advance of the Commonwealth Head of Governments meeting which was held there in September and to gain a broader exposure to the political landscape in the country. In what has widely been seen as a shock election result, in January of this year Mahinda Rajapaksa was defeated in the Sri Lankan presidential elections having held office since 2005. Mr Rajapaksa has promised a peaceful transition of power to his successor Maithripala Sirisena.

The last few decades have been tragic for individuals in Sri Lanka. Thirty years of civil war tore the country apart and the difficult process of reconciliation is still very much in progress. This difficulty is exacerbated by Sri Lanka’s rich diversity. Ethnically it is the home to the Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Moors, Indian Tamils, Burghers, Malays, Kaffirs and the aboriginal Vedda. It has three national languages – Singhalese, Tamil and English – the use of all of which has been promoted by the Government in public services. It also has many religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Politically there are two main political parties and twelve smaller ones.

Despite this diversity, there have been accusations that Mr Rajapaksa was the leader of a dictatorial regime. Initial reports of the elections held in January suggest that these allegations have been decisively proved wrong. Democracy has prevailed. In the past elections have been blighted by reports of vote rigging, intimidation and violence including dozens of deaths. This was not the case in January.

Mr Sirisena was previously the Health Secretary and has done a good job in that role. During our visit we saw examples of excellent achievements in relation to access to healthcare. Some local and national NGOs did, however, emphasise that regional and sectorial inequalities existed in provision and performance. This is characteristic of much of what we saw in Sri Lanka. Mr Sirisena will have to work hard to ensure that progress is for all. Sri Lanka’s great economic potential should help in achieving this aim. It was encouraging to visit many of the large-scale reconstruction and development projects that are driving the country’s economic expansion.

Everyone is aware that the Tamil leadership carried out a number of atrocities during the thirty year civil conflict. As a result the Tamil people have suffered and continue to suffer. Shortly before we arrived in Sri Lanka a printing press was destroyed. Issues of heavy military presence in Tamil areas and land ownership were consistently raised during our visit. Our delegation had the opportunity to visit a reconciliation centre set up and run by a talented group of Sri Lankans from all religions and regions in the country. I was struck by their hard work in promoting Tamil engagement in society – both professionally and politically – and the cross-community dialogue which they encouraged. It was therefore particularly heartening to learn of more Tamil engagement in this election with Jaffna and Trincomalee, two of the main Tamil areas, reporting higher turnout than in previous elections.

Regardless of political affiliation, as a CPA UKdelegation our concern was that peaceful democracy continues to develop in Sri Lanka. Mr Sirisena made firm promises on the rule of law in his election campaign and is holding parliamentary elections in April. To date, the presidential election and the transition of power appear to have been peaceful. This is essential in any fragile democracy and its importance is all the greater in a country where every step in the healing process is vital.