By Prof. Samitha Hettige

In few days the year of the ‘Dragon’ will dawn in China. In China the Dragon (loong) culture has a history of approx 5500 to 7000 years. The emergences of these practices are connected to nature worship. Social productivity during this period had been low. Primitive religions had prevailed & people believed all things to have ‘animism’. The ‘Liaohe’ River basin in northeast is believed to be one of the earliest birthplaces of these practices with links to worshiping Pigs & Snakes (Ref. Chinese culture).

In Sri Lanka, worshiping snakes was once seen during elections. One might think they were considered pigs & misguided towards animism. 2024 is expected to be an ‘Election’ year, some talk of proliferating prostitution while others educate masses in smart classes. Few talk about the bitter ground reality & the need to reconstruct the economy to save the country. Despite the situation 7000 years back, the Chinese are fast changing adapting to the 21^st century demands. It will not be difficult for Sri Lankans as they also have 2500 years of experience. In this process “Rebuilding Trust” is vital & the message of the Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Switzerland is worth studying.

He identified ‘rebuilding trust’ in three stages. First, trust was once prevalent, second, the foundation of trust has now been eroded & third, rebuilding trust is essential. Although Premier Li Qiang was referring to the global context, this simple truth applies to all human transactions including democratic governance.

To address the task, Premier Li proposed five steps;

First; strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination to build greater synergy.

Second; strengthen international industrial specialization & collaboration to keep global industrial & supply chains stable & smooth.

Third; strengthen international exchanges & cooperation on science & technology to better benefit humanity with technological advances.

Fourth; strengthen cooperation on green development to actively tackle climate change.

Fifth; strengthen North-South & South-South cooperation to build a universally beneficial & inclusive world economy.

In the Chinese culture, dragon is a symbol of auspiciousness, wisdom & strength. Sri Lankans should be wise to see the bitter truth & face the current challenges with the vigor of a flying dragon.

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” - Zig Ziglar

Photo: Prime Minister Li Qiang at WEF 2024.