As Sri Lanka elected Anura Kumara Dissanayake as its new president on September 21, 2024, Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines, a documentary directed by journalist and peace activist Beena Sarwar, has shone light on the interplay between debt, democracy, and governance.
Supported by the Pulitzer Center, the 25-minute documentary delves into Sri Lanka's 2022 economic collapse which crippled the island nation, highlighting the fragility of democratic institutions under fiscal mismanagement.
To trace the root causes of the country's startling economic collapse, Beena Sarwar interviews farmers and teachers with conversations among Colombo-based policymakers and academics. It explores the stark rural-urban divide, the erosion of democratic norms, and the ongoing struggle for economic stability.
The documentary has been screened in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the United States, and other countries, accompanied by engaged discussions which have challenged audiences to look beyond the headlines.
At the film premiere in Colombo, prominent political commentator and former ambassador Dr Dayan Jayatilleka praised the documentary for shedding new light on an issue he knew well. He recommended the film to all Presidential candidates, stressing the need for greater awareness of the crisis' long-term effects. In Pakistan, Shahid Nadeem of Ajoka Theatre, after viewing the film at Lahore’s Alhamra Arts Council, warned local policymakers to avoid "taking the road to Colombo."
From bustling screenings in Colombo and Karachi, to close gatherings in Texas and California, Democracy in Debt has attracted diverse audiences, including students, journalists, activists, and policymakers.
Beena Sarwar, who also teaches journalism at the Emerson College in Boston, expressed surprise at the overwhelming response her film had received. One reason for its immense response has been the documentary’s urgent message which resonates far beyond Sri Lanka, providing a universal reflection on the challenges of governance, accountability, and democracy under threat.
Over 20 screenings have been scheduled across continents as part of a global series of public and private viewings, continuing until September 22, 2024.