Independence: Of nations, institutions and individuals

ON the Fourth of February each year, Sri Lanka celebrates its independence.

- BY Ranel T. Wijesinha, FCA, MBA

This year too, we did so. Flags were raised, and among other events, men and women representing our law-enforcement and defence establishments were showcased, touching cultural performances of song and dance were presented and speeches were delivered against the majestic backdrop of Independence Square—perhaps more aptly called Freedom Square.A welcome change

We must acknowledge of course, that what distinguished this year’s Independence Day celebrations was not what was displayed, but what was restrained. The commemorations avoided triumphalism, excessive spectacle, leader-centric messaging, and was less militarised. Independence belongs to the nation as a whole, to all races, subscribers to all religions, all communities, whether in Government, Opposition, Public Or Private Sector, equally, — not to any ruler, party, or moment in time.

Not simply a date to celebrate

Yet independence is not merely a date on a calendar. As I have observed in this column many times, evaluating the real and tangible value of independence demands a reflection on what we have done, over five, six, seven—and now nearly eight decades—with the freedom we gained from external rule - in essence the freedom to shape our own future.

Measuring progress

The true measure of independence lies in progress made that was once constrained if indeed it was. Therefore, we need to ask the following questions-What constraints did we identify and remove? What new initiatives did we undertake? How did we build upon the foundations we inherited?

Measuring regression -

A case study of an established western democracy

Today, “Progress" must also necessarily be measured not only by advancement achieved, but also by the absence of regression—that is by protecting what is good and working well which a country consciously chooses not to undo.