Brain drain: who should be blamed?

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

I have been wondering whether there was an element of exaggeration in the media reports of a “brain drain”, but the truth struck me when I attended the annual general meeting of Rahula College OBA, UK Branch, on Sunday 8th, in London. I was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of new faces and wondered whether the unexpectedly large gathering was due to this being the first meeting, after a lapse three years. Ours, by comparison, is a tiny Association and, on previous occasions, the number attending rarely reached double figures but, on this occasion, there were more than 20. When we did the round of introductions, I noticed that at least three had arrived recently. I was told by two young doctors that there were many doctors, scattered over the UK, willing to join our Association. By deduction, it is safe to assume that a large number of doctors, educated in other schools, too, would have come across. It looks as if the UK has had a significant “Brain gain”!

During the lunch, that followed the meeting, talking to one of the recent arrivals, I learnt that he had extensive experience in banking in Sri Lanka but was working in Tesco, the largest supermarket in the UK. I purposely avoided asking him in what capacity he was working, knowing well that even if he started with a minor posting, he would be able to find ultimately a position in keeping with his experience, as the UK is a country of opportunity and fairness, contrary to what Prince Harry asserts.

Some may, quite justifiably, question my suitability to raise the issue of brain drain because I, too, have been part of the process. In my defence, I wish to recollect an episode that happened during my post-graduate training in the UK, from 1969-71. Having visited Sir John Kotelawala previously, during my stay, I thought it was prudent that I visit him, prior to my return to Sri Lanka, after obtaining MRCP. When I went, with my wife, to his country estate, in Biddenden in Kent, and told him that I am due to leave shortly, he blurted “Are you mad? The country is in a mess. You better stay here”. My reply was “That is exactly why I am returning sir; I have to do my bit for the country”. “Don’t be silly,” he retorted.

Though times were pretty bad, under Mrs B, there still was hope. Had I listened to Sir John, I would have been very rich but I returned and did my best, till 1988, when we decided to leave as the JVP had started the killings. Considering that I have great difficulty in refraining from expressing my opinions, I am sure I would not be alive today had I decided to stay. After all, the JVP killed my father’s younger brother, who was in his ’70s, for the crime of canvassing for my younger brother, who was contesting the parliamentary election.

The professionals, who leave Sri Lanka, may have different reasons for doing so; the main reason being lack of hope. All countries go through difficult times and professional classes are ready to help recovery but there should at least be a glimmer of hope of recovery, which is sadly lacking at the moment. Who is responsible? It is no doubt our political class. At a time when they should get together and make a concerted effort to get the country out of an economic disaster, they are bent on manipulating to their advantage.

The Rajapaksas let the voters down very badly. Besides the election of Gotabaya, as the President, they were given a two-thirds majority, which they misused. They allowed their hangers-on to make money and listened to crazy advisors. When the economy ground to a halt, due to not only the misdeeds of the Rajapaksas, but also collective blunders of others, over the decades, the expectation was that there would be a national government. It was not to be!

When opportunity arose, Sajith backed down. He has failed as the leader of the Opposition, excelling only in talking. To make matters worse for him, the Chairman of his party, FM Sarath Fonseka, criticises him at every turn. Further, Fonseka is instigating a revolution in the hope that he would be propelled to the presidency.

The SLPP has splintered into several groups, some of which have very high-sounding names. They do not seem to have realised that divided, they fall! JVP may stand a chance if it plucks up the courage to admit its past mistakes and unveil a credible roadmap for economic recovery. It has failed to do so and, as for policy, its usual response is that it has experts and the expertise!

Ranil, the luckiest, having realised his dream by sheer chance is trying to solve, with the help of crooks like Solheim and Cameron, ethnic problems, whilst the masses suffer from hunger. He must be plotting how to get the Rajapaksas off his back, whilst negotiating a UNP pact with SLPP, which surely would be the death knell of both!

If, instead of working to their own agendas, all these politicians had got together and formed a national government, a plan for recovery would have been in place now. What is sadly lacking is hope. If there was hope, all the professional classes would not be leaving in droves. Perhaps, politicians do not mind the intelligentsia leaving!

I do not think it is fair to blame anyone who is attempting to leave Sri Lanka, at this moment, as it has transformed from a ‘land like no other’ to a ‘land with no hope’! The blame lies entirely with the politicians, who are self-centred and devoid of any patriotism!!

My only wish is that there will be no bloodbath!