From Crisis to Conscience: Restoring Ethical Values in Sri Lanka

Human society represents the collective essence of human existence—our shared cultures, institutions, and relationships. It thrives on trust, cooperation, and the ethical principles that uphold harmony, fairness, and progress. These values serve as the moral compass of a society, guiding its development, ensuring its sustainability, and nurturing its humanity. The Core Ethical Values of a Thriving Society
At the heart of any prosperous and just society lies a commitment to ethical principles:
• Respect for Dignity: Treating every individual with inherent worth and equity, regardless of their background, fosters mutual respect and inclusivity.
• Justice and Fairness: Equitable distribution of opportunities and resources ensures trust in institutions and combats systemic discrimination.
• Empathy and Compassion: These values bind communities together, creating a culture where individuals support and uplift one another.
• Honesty and Integrity: Transparency and accountability fortify societal trust, ensuring ethical governance and interactions.
• Responsibility and Stewardship: A commitment to sustainable practices safeguards resources and the environment for future generations.

The Importance of Ethical Values for Sustainability and Progress
Ethical conduct is essential for maintaining social cohesion, fostering innovation, and achieving sustainable development. Societies grounded in ethical principles thrive because they promote trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. These values are the backbone of policies that drive inclusive growth and equitable resource management, ensuring that progress benefits all.
Conversely, the absence of ethics leads to corruption, inequality, and resource mismanagement, perpetuating poverty and social disintegration. Many societies and nations, including Sri Lanka, are grappling with the consequences of declining ethical standards, resulting in hindered development and weakened governance.

Sri Lanka: A Case for Reviving Ethical Values
Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural tapestry and historic communal harmony, has seen significant ethical erosion over the last few decades. The decline in moral and ethical standards has left a mark on governance, society, and development, creating pressing challenges that require immediate attention. Below are some examples that highlight this decline and emphasize the need for a renewed commitment to ethical values.

Corruption and Governance Failures
One of Sri Lanka’s most visible ethical challenges is corruption, which has severely undermined public trust in governance and contributed to economic instability.

1. Economic Mismanagement: The 2019–2022 economic crisis was exacerbated by a series of unethical practices in governance. Misallocation of funds, excessive borrowing without transparency, and a lack of accountability led to a catastrophic foreign exchange shortage. This resulted in widespread fuel, food, and medicine shortages, directly impacting millions of citizens.
2. Controversial Infrastructure Projects: Large-scale projects such as the Hambantota Port and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, while potentially beneficial, became symbols of wasteful spending due to lack of transparency and inflated costs. Poor planning and corruption turned these projects into financial burdens, with limited returns for the local population.
3. Nepotism and Favoritism: Successive administrations have been plagued by nepotism, where family members of politicians have been appointed to key positions without merit. This has weakened public institutions and fueled inequality by sidelining competent individuals.

Deteriorating Social Cohesion
The erosion of ethical values has also led to strained relationships among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities, weakening the social fabric:

1. Ethnic and Religious Tensions: The country’s long history of ethnic strife, including the 26-year civil war, has roots in policies and behaviors that lacked fairness and empathy. Post-war, the failure to pursue meaningful reconciliation has perpetuated distrust. For example, discriminatory policies and divisive rhetoric have alienated minority communities, preventing true social integration.
2. Mob Violence and Misinformation: In recent years, incidents of mob violence fueled by misinformation have highlighted the decline in ethical standards. For instance, anti-Muslim riots in 2018 were exacerbated by the spread of false information on social media. These events underscore the urgent need for compassion, justice, and truth in public discourse.

Economic Inequality and Resource Mismanagement
Unethical practices in resource management have contributed to economic disparities and environmental degradation, further hindering Sri Lanka’s development:

1. Land Grabs and Environmental Exploitation: Illegal encroachments and unethical land-use practices have destroyed critical ecosystems, such as forests in the Sinharaja region. This environmental degradation not only impacts biodiversity but also threatens the livelihoods of rural communities dependent on these resources.
2. Inequitable Economic Policies: The country’s tax system and public spending patterns have disproportionately favored the wealthy, increasing the burden on middle- and lower-income groups. For example, recent tax hikes during the economic crisis placed significant strain on small businesses and ordinary citizens, while large corporations often found ways to evade taxes.

Decline in Civic Responsibility
The erosion of ethical values is evident in the public’s disengagement from civic responsibility:

1. Low Voter Turnout: In recent elections, voter turnout has decreased, reflecting disillusionment with the political process. This lack of engagement weakens democratic accountability and allows unethical practices to persist.
2. Apathy Toward Justice: Many citizens have grown accustomed to corruption and inequality, often resigning themselves to these issues rather than actively demanding change. This apathy allows unethical behavior to thrive unchecked.

Education and the Loss of Ethical Foundations
The weakening of ethical values in Sri Lanka is also apparent in the education sector:

1. Diminished Focus on Ethics: Schools and universities have increasingly prioritized rote learning and academic results over instilling values such as honesty, empathy, and accountability. This has resulted in a generation less equipped to navigate ethical challenges.
2. Examination Fraud: Instances of cheating during national examinations highlight the loss of integrity among students. Such practices, if left unaddressed, can perpetuate unethical behavior in professional and personal life.

Steps Toward Revival: Lessons from the Past and Hope for the Future
Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka has a history of resilience and a deep cultural foundation that values ethics and humanity. Reviving these principles requires collective action:

1. Educational Reform: Sri Lanka can draw inspiration from its ancient monastic education system, where ethics and moral conduct were central. Reintroducing civic education and environmental stewardship into school curricula can help nurture a generation committed to integrity and sustainability.
2. Transparent Governance: Establishing independent anti-corruption bodies and enforcing stricter penalties for unethical behavior can rebuild trust in institutions. Initiatives like the “Right to Information Act,” if implemented effectively, can promote transparency.
3. Grassroots Movements: Community-based programs, such as village councils or cooperative societies, can encourage collective responsibility and social cohesion. These initiatives can rebuild trust among communities and promote shared ethical standards.
4. Inspiring Leadership: Sri Lanka’s leaders must embody ethical values, setting an example for the rest of society. Ethical leadership can inspire citizens to demand accountability and prioritize collective well-being over individual gains.

Ethics as a Catalyst for Transformation
Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads. The ethical values that once defined its rich heritage must be revived to navigate the challenges of the present and build a sustainable future. By addressing corruption, promoting justice, and fostering empathy, the nation can overcome its current struggles and achieve inclusive growth and harmony.
Ethical conduct is not merely an abstract ideal; it is the foundation upon which a society flourishes. For Sri Lanka, restoring these principles is not only a necessity but also an opportunity to lead by example on the global stage, showing how a commitment to ethics can transform a nation and secure a brighter future for all.