Former Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Lionel Bopage has issued a stark warning about the dangers of blind party loyalty, arguing that unwavering partisan allegiance threatens to undermine Sri Lanka's nation-building efforts and economic prosperity. His comments come as the country grapples with political instability and seeks sustainable pathways to recovery.
The Cost of Partisan Politics
Bopage's critique centers on how excessive party loyalty creates barriers to effective governance and national unity. When political actors prioritize party interests over national welfare, critical policy decisions become hostage to partisan calculations rather than evidence-based analysis. This phenomenon has plagued Sri Lankan politics for decades, contributing to policy inconsistencies and missed opportunities for sustainable development.
The former JVP leader emphasizes that blind loyalty prevents healthy internal debate within political parties, stifling innovation and critical thinking. When dissent is discouraged and conformity rewarded, parties lose their capacity for self-reflection and adaptation to changing circumstances. This rigidity ultimately weakens democratic institutions and reduces their effectiveness in addressing complex national challenges.
Historical Context and Lessons
Bopage's perspective carries particular weight given his involvement with the JVP during its transformative periods. The party's evolution from a revolutionary movement to a mainstream political force provides valuable insights into the dangers of ideological rigidity. The JVP's second insurrection, which ended tragically in 1989 with the death of founder Rohana Wijeweera, serves as a stark reminder of how extreme partisan positions can lead to devastating consequences.
The commemoration of Wijeweera's death on November 13 provides an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned from Sri Lanka's turbulent political past. The extreme political violence that characterized that period, involving state forces and affiliated groups, demonstrates how polarization and unwavering loyalty to political positions can spiral into destructive conflict.
The Case for Inclusive Politics
Bopage advocates for a more inclusive approach to politics, emphasizing complaisance and cooperation across party lines. This vision requires political leaders to prioritize national interests over narrow partisan gains, fostering an environment where constructive dialogue and compromise become possible. Such an approach could help break the cycle of political gridlock that has hindered Sri Lanka's development progress.
Inclusive politics doesn't mean abandoning ideological principles or political identity. Rather, it involves maintaining core values while remaining open to collaboration and learning from opposing viewpoints. This balance requires political maturity and a genuine commitment to democratic governance that serves all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
Economic Implications
The economic dimensions of Bopage's argument are particularly relevant given Sri Lanka's current financial challenges. Blind party loyalty often leads to policy reversals when governments change, creating uncertainty that discourages long-term investment and planning. International investors and development partners value political stability and policy continuity, both of which suffer when partisan considerations override economic logic.
Effective nation-building requires sustained effort across multiple electoral cycles, something that becomes impossible when each new government feels compelled to reject its predecessor's initiatives purely on partisan grounds. This pattern has contributed to incomplete infrastructure projects, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and missed opportunities for economic diversification.
Building Consensus for Progress
Bopage's call for reduced partisan loyalty aligns with successful examples of consensus-building in other countries. Nations that have achieved sustained development often demonstrate the ability to maintain policy continuity despite changes in government, suggesting that some degree of cross-party cooperation is essential for long-term success.
Creating such consensus requires institutional reforms that incentivize collaboration rather than confrontation. This might include strengthening parliamentary committees, enhancing public consultation processes, and developing mechanisms for cross-party dialogue on critical national issues. Political parties must also cultivate internal cultures that reward thoughtful analysis over blind obedience.
The Path Forward
Implementing Bopage's vision requires fundamental changes in political culture and public expectations. Citizens must demand more from their representatives than simple loyalty to party positions, instead rewarding politicians who demonstrate independence of thought and genuine commitment to national welfare. Media and civil society organizations play crucial roles in promoting this cultural shift by highlighting constructive political behavior and calling out destructive partisanship.
Educational institutions can contribute by teaching civic engagement that emphasizes critical thinking over tribal loyalty. Young people, in particular, need to understand that healthy democracy requires active participation and informed decision-making rather than passive allegiance to inherited political identities.
Lionel Bopage's warning about blind party loyalty represents more than political commentary; it offers a roadmap for democratic renewal and national progress. By embracing inclusivity and reducing partisan rigidity, Sri Lanka can unlock its potential for sustainable development and genuine prosperity that benefits all citizens, regardless of their political preferences.