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It is well known that a large community of expatriates, comprised of Sri Lankan professionals, are presently scattered in the developed countries. Although there are many reasons contributing to this situation, in our opinion, an adequate attempt has not been made to study this issue in depth. Therefore, inevitably, none of the successive governments could come up with any appropriate, sustainable programme of action to address this issue.
We have listened to maliciously and vituperatively worded analysis on the exodus and accusations leveled against the expatriate community. We have also witnessed knee-jerk reactions and literary exercises executed from time to time with a view to ostensibly remedying the situation. We have, therefore, prepared this draft proposal to invite the concerned parties to examine the issues from a broader perspective so that, we could collectively propose practical and fair awareness of solving the problems. Therefore, we intend placing these proposals before professionals for discussion and further consultation.
By understanding the phenomenon, we expect to discuss the optimum strategies to win support and valuable services of the expatriates. This contribution, although should be based on the national needs, should also take in to account the expatriate views, what they are prepared to offer according to their ability.
As a result of the country’s chaotic disintegration, the remedial action of implementing a systematic programme has become the responsibility of the professionals. Lost in bewilderment and isolation, the professionals too have become disillusioned. Not only the expatriates are hesitant to return but also have developed apathy even to contribute whatever service they could, while living overseas. This is the gloving and naked truth that cannot be ignored.
There is no short and simple, good enough answer to this question. There are complex reasons behind this phenomenon. These include political, socio-economic, scientific, educational and perhaps very intricate personal or financial considerations. We are cautious not to discard the view that the exodus is mainly due to the personal ambitions and expectations for a better living in the economically prosperous world, of those who has the correct ties and links. However we wish to reiterate that there is a considerable segment of expatriates who are dissatisfied with the atmosphere created by the bureaucratic and political interference preventing the intellectual freedom to practice what they wish to. Narrow educational policies resulting in lesser opportunities for furthering knowledge and expertise; also contribute to fleeing of professionals to other technologically advanced countries. We believe a large number of professionals left the island due to the escalation of the ethnic conflict and also following the civil unrest in the south and the general worsening of the political crisis during the last two decades. The estimated total number of intellectuals who have left the country is around 500,000. There is one more unique category that cannot be ignored. They are the subsequent generations of the expatriates who were entirely brought up in foreign countries. They may have not had any direct benefit from Sri Lanka but have retained their identity as Sri Lankans.
In the context of this abhorrent past as narrated in this short essay, what we require today is a pragmatic solution embedded in a vision with a short term, medium term and a long term solution. In formulating such a programme, it is absolutely essential to approach from two directions, one from professional point of view and the other from a national point of view. Once again, even from a professional point of view it has two facets. While recognizing the importance of integrating the contribution of the expatriate community, it has to be done without undermining the value of the intellectuals who remained in the country in spite of numerous adversities.
Within such a solution, the expatriates should be given the choice to come back or to stay. However it is absolutely essential to create an environment conducive for them to come back, if they wish to do so. If their choice is to stay behind, they should be allowed to decide as to how they can contribute to the development of the nation even if they do not return indefinitely. This, we believe, should be mutually beneficial and respectable approach. The importance of this programme will be elevated if it is carried out in a coordinated manner. If and when the professionals decide to return, they should be accepted and their return should be carefully planned and facilitated, as there will be many issues created by the return of expatriates.
Since we understand the basis of the exodus, we treat any attempt to bring legislation preventing free movement of intellectuals as a violation of a human right. It is also a shortsighted counter productive measure against true participation of the intellectuals to the development of the nation. It is no matter where one would be in the global village; a significant contribution can be made for the development of the country. Of course, it demands new thinking for such an innovative approach.
In this preliminary examination, we have made certain suggestions on a short-term and a long-term basis, which we are sure, would salvage our country from the science and technological backwardness and abysmal chaos to which we have been pushed.
We hold the view that scientific technology goes beyond territorial boundaries and know, due to historical reasons scientific knowledge; technology, expertise and skills are available in the west and being utilized by developed countries for the welfare of their own countries. We, therefore, reiterate the need to surpass the territorial boundaries and barriers so that we could reach such repositories of scientific wealth, in order to develop our own country.
In the same strain, we do not believe that the physical presence in a particular country is a prerequisite to share one’s expertise in developing and improving the conditions in own country. We also believe that the availability of technical expertise in this advanced era of communication revolution is so vast. In such an arena of distance learning and tele-medicine, the only condition required is a solid programme committed to the agenda in hand.
Therefore one of the most urgent requirements of the day is to launch a database to gather information on expatriate professionals, using the web facility. This should enable the expatriates to provide their details of expertise and the ways they are willing to contribute back to the knowledge base of the country. This will open an avenue for those with similar interests and expertise to form a constructive dialogue. This database should be maintained solely on a voluntary basis. We demand from the politicians that the resources they found to be available, be utilized correctly and properly for the development of the country. We also reiterate the importance of utilizing knowledge and evidence based data, in decision making and formulating national policies.
We also foresee the historical reality that the exodus continuing for many more years under the prevailing situation of the country. Therefore we emphasize the possibility and the importance of manipulating this ironical situation of the exodus of professionals to our advantage by work into a treasury of expertise. If carried out systematically we could even ensure that repatriate professionals are correctly disposed and placed in all countries with highest levels of technical and scientific advancements, thus assisting to obtain a very high standard of technical and scientific knowledge, which could be utilized for the welfare of our own country.
In order to satisfy the demand and hunger for educational and knowledge we should create more and more professionals. Thereby we will even be in a position to cater to the needs of those countries requiring expertise of these professionals. Rather than allowing unskilled labour to be exploited by foreigners we will be able to earn much more foreign exchange with dignity. Instead of leaving the issue of the exodus of professionals to be a loss, lets convert it to a programme of intellectual and financial investment for the nation.
We are therefore submitting this proposal for discussion among people of interest and concern so as to formulate a strategy for the best use of intellectual capabilities of Sri Lankans no matter where they live.