Synopsis:

The article stresses the importance of prioritizing national security in managing refugee migration, particularly focusing on the role of navigators. These individuals, who facilitate migration, may be connected to criminal or extremist groups. Authorities must closely monitor their activities to prevent security risks and ensure the safety of the host country.

As the world faces unprecedented challenges related to population growth, cultural integration, and economic sustainability, it is essential for every nation to adopt policies that balance the needs of their citizens with the pressures of migration. One such example comes from the ancient land of Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), where rulers of the past established unique laws to preserve the culture, economy, and resources of the nation while also managing foreign influences. This historical approach offers valuable insights that could be adapted by any nation today to address concerns of unchecked population growth and cultural preservation.

In ancient Ceylon, the kings recognized the importance of maintaining their country’s cultural and demographic integrity. To manage the impact of foreign settlers, they introduced specific laws that regulated the number of children foreign families could have. The kings of Ceylon implemented a policy that required foreign families wishing to settle in the land to limit their number of children to just one. If a family had more than one child, they were required to pay a 10% tax on their monthly income, known as the “Ulian tax.” This tax could be paid either in goods, money, or by participating in government-prescribed development works for two days each week. If these requirements were not met, the family would be deported.

Additionally, foreigners wishing to be accepted as part of the Sinhalese community had to meet certain conditions. These conditions, based on the article of former Lt. Colonel Wisjesundra Mudalige Asoka Alles, were derived from ancient sources such as the Neethi Nigantuwa and historical records, including the reign of King Gajabha. The conditions for being recognized as a part of the Sinhalese community were as follows:

1. The number of children in the family must be limited to one for three generations.
2. The family must be able to speak the Sinhala language.
3. The family must practice Buddhism.
4. The family must adopt Sinhala surnames.
5. The family must wear traditional Sinhala clothing.
6. The family must preserve and follow Sinhala customs and traditions.

These rules were crafted to ensure that foreign families who wished to settle in Ceylon did so in a way that respected the culture and traditions of the indigenous Sinhalese people, while also ensuring the sustainability of the country’s resources.Amidst concern over the slow growth rate of the Sinhala population, some wise country leaders criticized the small family concept, claiming it was part of a broader agenda to reduce the Sinhala population. This UN action was understood by people in the country as a kind of genocide plan against the Sinhala nation.

The small family concept, also known as “Punchi Pawula Raththaran,” was heavily campaigned in the 1980s but was later deemed irrelevant by some local leaders. They argued that the country needed more children to ensure a prosperous future. Additionally, some wise country leaders criticized the concept, claiming it was part of a broader agenda to reduce the Sinhala population.

Today, many countries, including Sri Lanka, are grappling with the complexities of the refugee crisis. Sri Lanka’s capacity to absorb refugees is already stretched, given its ongoing economic and social challenges. With the country’s own citizens struggling with inflation, unemployment, and inadequate public services, the arrival of refugees could add further pressure on these limited resources.

The refugee issue is not just a local concern for Sri Lanka but one that affects nations around the world, each with unique sets of challenges. Some countries face the risk of refugees straining public resources, while others must also contend with security concerns associated with unvetted arrivals.

The principles outlined in ancient Ceylon offer insights into managing population growth, cultural preservation, and resource sustainability, and can serve as a guide for modern nations.

One key issue to address is the vetting process for refugees. Modern systems must be rigorous to ensure that those entering a country are genuinely seeking refuge, rather than exploiting the system. Just as Ceylon implemented measures to ensure foreign families adhered to cultural norms and values, contemporary nations must establish integration policies that ensure newcomers contribute positively to their societies. These could include language requirements, cultural orientation programs, and efforts to prevent any groups from undermining the social fabric.

Another critical consideration is the risk of illegal immigration, which can lead to unvetted individuals entering a country with the potential to exploit the system for criminal purposes. Refugee movements often involve individuals seeking passage via illegal channels—this is where the role of smugglers and navigators becomes crucial. These facilitators, sometimes with nefarious ties, may not only assist refugees but may also enable criminal networks, including those involved in terrorism. Smugglers and navigators are key players in facilitating these journeys, and some have been known to have links to organized crime, which may inadvertently or intentionally assist terrorist groups by facilitating their passage under the guise of refugees.

Nations must, therefore, focus not only on the refugees but also on the individuals who guide these journeys, ensuring they are properly vetted. Authorities must keep a watchful eye on navigator activities, including their connections to bribery, illicit networks, and potential links to extremist organizations. History has shown that such routes have been exploited by terrorist groups, who have used smuggling networks to infiltrate countries undetected. Understanding the motivations of these navigators and tracking their operations is essential in preventing the misuse of migration routes by individuals with malicious intent.

Sri Lanka must also recognize the risk of illegal immigration. Public security officials have raised concerns over the potential arrival of a large number of illegal immigrants, a threat that has been observed in various regions, even in the West and other Asian countries. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has highlighted the growing concerns in Parliament regarding illegal migration, specifically from Myanmar. In one instance, 116 illegal migrants from Myanmar entered Sri Lanka, having paid significant amounts for transportation. As a result, nations must exercise caution, ensuring their policies are balanced to avoid overwhelming their systems and enabling effective, sustainable integration.

Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that navigating illegal migration is not just a question of numbers but also a matter of national security. Terrorist groups have exploited refugee flows in the past, and it is possible that the use of navigators and facilitators is a method through which such groups may infiltrate countries undetected. Security forces must take proactive steps to understand the full scope of smuggling and navigation networks, focusing on those who facilitate the movement of individuals, and ensure they are not inadvertently aiding terrorism.

The refugee crisis is not just about providing a place of refuge but also about ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of the nations that offer sanctuary. As Ceylon’s rulers ensured the cultural integrity of their land through thoughtful policies, modern nations must adopt similar measures to safeguard their identities while fulfilling their responsibilities. Refugee management requires a thoughtful, balanced approach that not only addresses immediate needs but also promotes sustainable integration and the preservation of national identity and security.

By drawing on the lessons of ancient Ceylon and understanding the role of navigators in refugee and illegal migration routes, modern nations can navigate the complexities of migration, prioritizing national interests and fostering a secure and prosperous future for the host country.

“Authorities must maintain a keen eye on the activities of navigators, as they play a crucial role in facilitating migration routes. By tracking their connections to illicit networks and potential links to extremist groups, nations can prevent the misuse of these routes and ensure that security is not compromised.”

By Palitha Ariyarathna
Former Beachfield and Life Safety Officer and Deep Sea Diver
Note: Geopolitical Analyst – On the Duruthu Poya Day

References:

1. Wisjesundra Mudalige Asoka Alles, “Ancient Practices in Modern Society: A Historical Perspective.”
2. Neethi Nigantuwa, Historical Legal Codes of Ceylon.
3. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala’s address to Parliament on Illegal Migration, Sri Lanka, 2023.
4. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), “Refugee Movements and Security Risks.”