JIHAN HAMEED
COLOMBO : Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture where inclusivity in governance is paramount. Yet, the Cabinet under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake starkly lacks representation from the Muslim minority, despite Muslims constituting over 10% of the population and electing nearly 10 representatives to Parliament. This omission is particularly glaring when two members from the Tamil minority, four Christians, and a majority consisting of atheists, Marxists, and a few Buddhists have been included in the Cabinet.
The absence of Muslim representation raises concerns at a time when the government appears to have secured a two-thirds majority. This level of political control paves the way for sweeping reforms, but it also creates apprehension that policies may be introduced that do not align with the interests and values of all communities. While many voters, disillusioned by rampant corruption, supported this government in the hope of systemic change, they may not have fully anticipated the potential risks of a Cabinet that lacks balanced representation.
The Muslim community has been integral to Sri Lanka’s social and economic fabric. Yet, their exclusion from the Cabinet sidelines their voice at a critical moment when their interests could be at risk. Without representation, how can the government address the unique challenges faced by Muslims or ensure their concerns are reflected in policymaking?
Representation is not a token gesture; it is a safeguard for minority rights and a means of ensuring equitable governance. The inclusion of a Muslim representative in the Cabinet would not only honor the democratic principles of fairness and equality but also build trust among communities that feel alienated by this decision.
It is vital for the government to reconsider its stance. Muslim representation in the Cabinet is essential to protect the interests of the Muslim minority, particularly at a time when the government has the power to push through significant policies. Leaving out such a significant segment of the population risks alienation and undermines the very foundation of inclusivity that a diverse democracy like Sri Lanka must uphold.
The current situation is not just an oversight—it is a call for immediate action. A Cabinet that truly represents the nation’s diversity is essential for unity, progress, and the trust of all Sri Lankans.