Ovi Magazine Issue #24: Nationalism - Published: 2013-01-31

Ultra-nationalism threatens economy
Theme
Muslim businessmen and corporate leaders expressed
concern and disappointment over being targeted by the
radical group ‘Bodu Bala Sena’, warning that it would
have an adverse impact on the economy as the country
struggles to mobilise both domestic and foreign investment
while business chambers decried growing ultranationalistic
sentiments in the country, putting the very
foundations of the economy at risk.
The Bodu Bala Sena last weekend carried out a vociferous
picketing campaign outside clothing retail chain
Nolimit’s outlet in Maharagama, alleging that complementary
sweets given to customers were laced with
chemicals inducing impotency.
Sources told The Island that the sweets were manufactured
by a popular local confectioner, not controlled by
Muslims.
“Businesses run by Muslims have increasingly come under
various smear campaigns in the recent past. The allegations,
such as the sweets, are baseless and designed
to create doubt in the minds of consumers. We are interested
in doing business, not religion nor race. We serve
people from all walks of life, race and creed. They trust
us and keep coming to us because of our products and
services,” one Muslim businessman said not wanting to
be named.
“The spread of false information by certain groups with
vested interests are shrugged off by many our clients.
Many of our non-Muslim clients have expressed disappointment
and disgust over the latest trend and they are
with us. We hope the government would do something
about this because it could lead to something far worse.
The fear psychosis that some people are trying to create
about the Muslims would only hurt the peace that was
won in 2009, and have a negative impact on the economy,”
he said.
From street vendors, to corner shops, retail giants and
diversified listed corporates, the country’s Muslim community
has made its mark in the country’s economy.
“Our economy depends on oil exports from the Muslim
world, and if not for their credit lines where would we
have been? West Asia is also fond of our tea. This government
cannot and should not lay back and watch what
is happening. The consequences would be too severe
for all communities if things are allowed to go out of
hand.”
Another corporate leader said it would not be in the best
interests of Muslim-owned businesses to press charges
against those spreading rumours and false information.
“This would only aggravate the matter. But the government
should step in and play a more active role. Protect
the peace; be fair by all; that is all the government should
do,” he said not wanting to be named.
Business Chamber of Commerce Secretary General Jagath
Savanadasa says ultra-nationalistic impulsive behaviour
would hurt the entire country, not just its economy.
“This kind of behaviour is very bad. We should, together,
uplift the country’s economy and not bring it down by
creating enmity. Even during the worst of times during
the decades long conflict there was no enmity between
Sinhala and Tamil businesses, so it is shocking that the
Muslim community is being targeted.
“We should maintain healthy relationships with the Muslim
community in Sri Lanka because we are all, after
all, Sri Lankans. If there are any accusations against this
community it must be examined first before ultra-nationalistic
impulsive behaviour gets the better of us. This
would also send bad signals to the international community.
We trade heavily with the Muslim world and
how can we survive without them? A little nationalism
is good, but ultra-nationalism is a very dangerous thing
and would do a lot of harm. It is saddening to note the
merging trends. We can only hope sanity would prevail,”
Savanadasa said.
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