There is much dialogue in SL about the current crisis, its causes, objectives and even possible outcomes. Some are at the Galle face demanding departures among other things. When analyzing views expressed at the beach, one might wonder whether they are clear on what they want. Showbiz personalities were seen going speechless when media asked questions on what they think is a change etc. The most recent was a video depicting a youth from Polonnaruwa stating that only personalities from a certain political party would not be harmed at the beach though it’s being called a non partisan effort. All those interested at the beach should read about “Plato’s Cave” and how ancient Greeks saw such developments.   

Plato’s Cave

Greek philosopher Plato in his work “Republic” discussed this story to stress the absence of education in society. According to the story there were a group of prisoners chained to the inner most wall of a cave. They were there all their lives and could not turn their heads. They only could see the blank wall at the rear end of the cave. Behind the prisoners was a fire and between the fire and the prisoners was a low wall. Between the wall and the fire people walked carrying objects or puppets (of animals and men etc.) Prisoners only saw shadows projected on the blank wall by people/objects passing in front of the fire behind them. The prisoners named the shadows as they were their only reality. Prisoners never realized that the shadows were not the accurate picture of the real world movements. Only a few got freed to come out of the cave to realize ground reality. Those who wish to see changes in SL should study the existing laws and see what is preventing them being implemented. That approach may save time and money as the country is sinking. There are forces wishing SL to sink so that it can be controlled according to their agenda. That process may be seen as colonization. Historically SL has had such experiences.

Dutu Gamunu’s war to free the colony

Dutu Gamunu (Abaya Gamini I) rule the country from 161 – 137 BC (Ref Mahavansa). He fought against the powerful Chola Empire of South India.  Chola empire was the most powerful in the region (Ref 3rd century BC Encrypts by Emperor Asoka). Asoka who united larger parts of the Indian subcontinent could not conquer the south hence. Cholas were the military, economic and cultural super power in south Asia with strong trade links stretching towards Great China.  With the powerful naval fleet in the Lakdiva Sea, attempts to colonize SL long before Dutu Gamunu can be well understood. SL connecting with Asoka may have been a strategic move to delay that but with the death of Asoka it so happened. At the same time, in western Asia was the Persian Empire which stretched till Great China. The Mahavansa indicates that a 300 strong Persian delegation was in SL when Dutu Gamunu laid the foundation to construct the “Ruvanweliseya”. Those not in the cave may see links between; Chola territory in SL before Gamunu, Gamunu – Persia relations, power struggle (which may have existed) between Cholas and Persians and the widely discussed MCC map in the current context.  However, it is clear that whenever there were regional powers SL became colonized from time to time.

China’s influence on SL – then and now

After the rule of Gamunu, SL was colonized by the Cholas on many occasions till 1403AD. When Polonnaruwa kingdom fell SL focused on Yapahuwa with the Yapahuwa Lions. It indicates that China must have helped SL to re establish in the new seat. When the Imperial Chinese Navy took control of the Lakdiva Sea, SL was able to be independent and strong for about fifty years as the Chola power reduced and the Chinese were never interested in colonization. A century later European powers emerged colonizing SL. A critical analysis would indicate that there was no way SL could have been independent with super powers in close range (Chola, Portuguese, Dutch and the British). China is again trading with the world with the Belt and Road (BRI). They have many strong trading partners but colonies. Those in caves or at the beaches should read more before making moves. SL may experience old world odor in the new world order and the destination can be disastrous.

(The writer is an Academic and a Broadcaster. Views expressed are personal and may not necessarily be the views of his affiliations.)