By. F.F Mushfika

My only concern of expressing my view is because I am a Sri Lankan. I am a Sri Lankan who has gone through the craziest days of bankruptcy and economic crisis, like every individual of the nation today. The nation is going through the most difficult days with cries for help. In fact, it cries for help to stand up once again.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and an Island nation with several attractive places and cultural sites. It has been a developing country ever since the ancient times and have contributed massively by building trade relations around the world. It has been considered as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean”, which significantly highlights the values of the paradise nation. Despite the fact that it is a tourist wonder place, Sri Lanka has its own life of troubles and worries. It has suffered the worst civil war in its recent past with serious questions and repercussions about how it ended. However, Sri Lanka immediately commenced to shine again. It was approaching the new world with sheer dreams and ventures. Unfortunately, the breakdown of corona and the subsequent events of economic crisis put the nation into the dark, once more. The struggle was and is profound and real.

Nonetheless, in the interim - the current government which has taken its oath under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremasinghe is working towards a progress, finding novel methods to fight the battle. Regardless of the different opinions and criticisms, the government is taking a positive ride, seemingly focusing on the real problems of the nation. Although many critics are of the opinion that it is falling to a “low-income” country, President spoke against such notions. The Presidential office stated that, “Sri Lanka will remain a middle-income country. We will request the World Bank to grant the country eligibility to obtain loans offered by the International Development Association (IDA)”. Besides, IMF the International Monetary Fund, also signed up to its preliminary and fundamental negotiations and the country is waiting for a dollar 2.9 billion bailout.

Further, according to the CBSL official exchange rates, the rupee continues to be steady against the US dollar. Presently the selling rate is at 371.75.

Apart from these financial requests and developments the country had its basic struggle such as shortage of fuel, gas, and food. It was terrible on the days when the nation citizens had to suffer in long extended queues that prevailed for many days, hindering a normal life. This was equally for the poor and the rich. Sadly, the poor suffered more due to the downfall of their income and rising inflation, whereas the rich had an uncomfortable period out from their comfort zones. However, the situation has changed from worst to better. Presently, we see less queues due to the QR code system and the crisis of gas has been sorted at a far length. Also, the endless peoples’ protests have been minimized and controlled which was a major headline in many news channels, months back. Although, the protests highlighted major problems to be catered it also withdrew tourists from the country which is an essential part of any improvement within the country and economy. This has been addressed and we also see many tourists visit Sri Lanka once again and some even go to the extent of promoting Sri Lanka as a helping hand to come out from its shady days.

In addition, it also has captured the internet era where several ticktock videos has been made under the theme of “Habibi, come to Sri Lanka”. In fact, it is trending and going viral which also shows the positive sides of the Sri Lanka in terms of its beauty and cuisine. These videos are far-reaching and nowadays Sri Lankans are more likely to see tourists enjoying the warmth of the sun and the conducive environment in many corners of the island.

Most prominently, Sri Lankans were under the candlelight due to the severe shortage of fuel for long hours. Despite that, today Sri Lankans are merely facing minimum 1 to 2 hours of power cuts. These power cuts are excluded to important areas such as hospitals and petroleum places. Nonetheless power shut has been organized and informed and therefore people are getting accustomed to a new pattern of life by ensuring a life with precautionary measures such as powering their mobiles and laptops for work, engaging in productive tasks that need no energy consumption, reading books, watching movies, or spending quality time with family. In fact, instead of complaining, Sri Lankans are learning to adopt to the current scenario facilitating themselves with effective learning and enjoying pattern of life.

Moreover, the government is also sharing constructive reports such as high economic growth of US dollar 3 billion from new exports, tax reduction for several import items in 2023, measures to boost foreign exchange, new economic zones to attract international investments, internet connection for 1000 rural schools to increase teaching and learning experiences and so on. These bring forth a positive note and remind that the country is heading towards its rise. It is necessarily on the run to stand up from its biggest fall. This further urges Sri Lankan diasporas and foreigners to support the country.

Today we also see many career opportunities and educational offers that are surging Sri Lankan nationals. There had been many fully funded scholarships such as from the countries like Pakistan and USA recently. Whereas we also witness Canada and UK opening up career aspirations to the citizens of Sri Lanka. This will be life saving for a country that is suffering economically, thriving to develop.

Thus, Sri Lanka is rising again. It further is attempting to not fall to a lower level again. It is learning from its mistakes, and I believe Sri Lanka can, once again stand up on its knees.

Sri Lanka – a paradise nation will remain essentially a paradise in nature, overcoming any challenge. Let us salute the country for surviving their rough days with a wish of luck.