A forum to focus on Liberal Democratic ideals

by Sagarica Delgoda

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung are providing a forum for scholars, academics, politicians, economists, social scientists and other like-minded persons from over 15 countries to exchange ideas and experiences on a theme clearly significant to the region of Asia.

The regions of Southeast and South Asia have been among the fastest growing, economically, in the world. Although Asia is the continent with the biggest number of rural poor, the area is considered a major economic centre of the world. Further more, far-reaching reforms in the socialist countries of Asia add to the changing patterns and paradigms. These are partly reflected in the silent revolutions of traditional Asian behaviour and habits.

Now more than ever, the predominant forms of government in this area are democratic, although not always open enough for the growing political expectations of the educated masses.

As economic development varies from country to country, the same is true of political change and democratization in the region. One cannot ignore the fact that the entire region, with a few remaining exceptions, is moving towards freer and more democratic patterns of government.

Economic successes have no doubt contributed towards the growing self confidence of Asians, so that political leaders too seem to be more willing to share power and bow to the will of the people. Taking into consideration several Asian examples, it is no longer possible to claim that "liberal democracy" is solely a Western concept.

People in Asia, like everywhere else, want to be taken seriously by their governments, participate in decision-making and have a realistic chance to better their plight. It has become clear that in the interest of sustained economic development, people should not be denied their political freedom and civic rights.

Awareness and commitment are two sides of the same coin, and they both are needed to make Asian politics progress and prosper.

The formation of CALD (Council for Asian Liberals and Democrats was a response to the wave of change experienced by the South East Asian region. This includes the need to encourage common understanding of the basic principles of liberal democracy and to facilitate appropriate responses to problems and crises of common concern or interest.

The Friedrich Naumann Stiftung as the foundation for liberal policy wants to see the idea of freedom becomes a reality everywhere: in one's country, internationally and in all areas of public and social life. True freedom can only be gained through personal responsibility. Believing in freedom, it is no surprise that the Friedrich Naumann Foundation strives to achieve a liberal minded open society where everyone can develop themselves as they see fit - both in private and business life, as well as in politics or cultural activities. Each individual carries responsibility - not only for himself but also for others.

Responsibility and self-initiatives are a person's greatest abilities. Yet they can only develop where the fundamental rights of individuals are honoured in a democratic society.

This is why the Friedrich Naumann Foundation is committed to achieving democracy and rule of law throughout the world, and the maintenance of human and civil rights.

This year CALD with Friedrich Naumann Stiftung will be holding its annual international conference in Colombo, from May 29-30 under the theme "Wealth Creation and Sustainable Development".

In the past two decades, if Sri Lanka drew international attention to itself, it was mostly due to conflict that was devastating the social, economic and political fabric of a once resplendent island.

There was a time, irrespective of her diminutive size, Sri Lanka stood tall in Asia due to her democratic stance, economic prosperity, high social achievements and rich cultural heritage.

A long drawn conflict of nearly two decades, took its toll; Sri Lanka was sliding slowly but surely into an abyss of political instability, economic decline and social breakdown. Sri Lanka today has to deal with a generation, whose world comprises of little else other than a brutal war.

It will not be an exaggeration, if their learning changed from "A for arms and B for bombs instead of A for Apple and 'B for Ball. Indeed, there were several attempts over the long years to find a solution to the conflict, there were lulls in the fighting and hopes ran high of living in peace and harmony, country going back to economic prosperity. Yet each time the storm that raged after the calm was more ferocious and bitter.

Beginning of the 21st century saw Sri Lanka in the doldrums. A society ravaged by an appalling conflict brought forth a mean political culture and even more violent elections, the economy was recording a negative GDP for the first time in history; one could witness a thorough state of despair and gloom all over.

As the saying goes, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast", once more a glimmer of hope of peace came in the wake of the general elections of December 2001.

The flame of peace that was rekindled through a ceasefire agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam burns brightly and steadily since December 2001. The two parties have held several rounds of talks with the objective of finding a peaceful solution. It is not that Sri Lanka has found a solution to all its problems overnight.

Undeniably, there have been impediments along the way; no doubt, there will be more to come. Today, what has become evident is the people's yearning for peace and no matter what pitfalls loom ahead the war option is becoming remote.

At a time the mighty nations of the world are at loggerheads, a peace dividend could be seen in the tiny island of Sri Lanka.

This time round the international attention drawn to Sri Lanka is positive, optimistic and encouraging.

Therefore it is quite fitting that the Council of Asian liberals and Democrats in association with the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung decided to hold its annual international conference in Sri Lanka.

At this conference, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, will deliver the inaugural keynote address, while Lakshman Kadirgamar, M.P, will deliver the keynote address at the closing ceremony.

Distinguished overseas members of CALD will address the conference. Some of them are: Prince Sukhumbhand Paribatta. MP, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Chairman CALD; Dr. Werner Hoyer, M.P. former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Germany and President of the only European Political Party (ELDR); Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, former Foreign Minister of Thailand and UN commissioner for Human Rights, Dr. Wolf Dieter Zumpfort - Vice Chairman of the FNst and former German Parliamentary Representative to the EU Parliament; Lord John Alderdice, Deputy President of Liberal International and Speaker of Parliament, Northern Ireland (U.K.) and P. Chidambaram, former Minister, of Finance India.

More than 100 delegates representing over fifteen countries will participate in this conference.