By Dr. Nadee Dissanayake
The story of the Salt March is not a legend or a political myth. It is a real historical event that reshaped global understanding of peaceful resistance and demonstrated the influence of collective public action.
In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi led a 24-day march from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi in India. His purpose was simple yet significant: to protest the British colonial tax on salt.
At that time, the British authorities maintained a monopoly over salt production and imposed a tax on it. This meant that even the poorest citizens had to pay for something as basic and essential as salt.
The power of collective action
Gandhi recognised that salt was not merely a commodity; it represented survival and daily living. Every household depended on it. By choosing salt, he selected an issue that connected all sections of society, rich and poor, urban and rural, educated and uneducated. It was a simple resource with strong symbolic meaning.
Gandhi and his followers walked nearly 390 km along India’s western coastline, passing through villages, fields, and towns. They encountered farmers, fishermen, and families who observed or joined the journey.
The sea itself was central to his message, a natural resource available to all, beyond the ownership of any single authority. On 6 April 1930, Gandhi picked up a handful of natural salt from the Dandi shore, openly breaking the colonial law.
This act sparked a nationwide response. Thousands joined the movement, and millions were influenced across the country. The event demonstrated that collective action, grounded in principle, can generate powerful national momentum.
The Salt March showed that political resistance does not always begin in formal institutions such as parliaments or courts. Often, it begins when ordinary people question everyday challenges that affect their lives.
Gandhi transformed a common natural resource into a symbol of dignity, participation, and self-reliance. Policies that directly affect daily living can mobilise public attention when their meaning is clearly understood. Salt was tangible, relatable, and personal, making the issue immediately clear to citizens.
Lessons for Sri Lanka
For Sri Lanka, this history offers relevant reflections. Present-day challenges, economic pressures, public trust, fairness, and the relationship between citizens and the State continue to shape national discourse. Many policy decisions today directly affect daily life, including taxation, public services, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
These are not abstract matters; they influence how families live and plan for the future. When citizens feel disconnected, policies may be met with hesitation or resistance. When they feel informed and respected, cooperation and participation are more likely.
The Salt March illustrates that public response is shaped not only by policies themselves but also by the values associated with them. Gandhi’s movement was not solely about opposing a tax; it also emphasised dignity, inclusion, and participation. His leadership encouraged reflection and voluntary engagement. People participated because they recognised a sense of fairness and shared purpose.
Sri Lanka today faces a period of important economic reforms, revenue measures, and governance improvements aimed at national stability and long-term progress. Their effectiveness depends not only on design and implementation but also on public understanding and perception of fairness.
Trust plays an essential role in this process. Without it, even well-planned measures may face difficulties; with it, modest initiatives can produce meaningful results.
The Salt March provides a useful reference point. Gandhi did not compel participation; he encouraged awareness and engagement. As a result, the movement became people-centred rather than purely political. It connected policy to daily life.
Sri Lanka can draw similar lessons. Clear and respectful communication of policies can support public cooperation. When citizens understand how their contributions support education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social protection, they are more likely to see themselves as participants in national development.
An enduring message
The enduring message of the Salt March is that meaningful change begins when people feel their realities are acknowledged and considered.
Leadership involves not only decision-making but also engagement with citizens’ experiences and perspectives. When this connection exists, governance becomes more participatory and responsive. Policies gain strength not only from legal authority but also from public understanding and acceptance.
Sri Lanka’s progress depends on this connection. Economic recovery and social stability require more than regulations and fiscal measures; they require public confidence, civic responsibility, and a shared national direction. Social cohesion provides the foundation for effective policy implementation. Without it, reforms may struggle; with it, challenges can become opportunities for improvement and inclusion.
Gandhi’s journey demonstrated that significant change can begin with simple, relatable issues. For Sri Lanka, progress may similarly depend on strengthening trust, fairness, and shared responsibility. When institutions and citizens work with a common purpose, complex national challenges become more manageable. Collective effort, guided by clarity and cooperation, can produce lasting outcomes.
The Salt March also highlights the importance of understanding how policies affect everyday life. Governance is closely connected to human experience. It requires moving beyond enforcement towards engagement and participation. A nation is shaped not only by its laws and regulations but also by the trust, involvement, and shared vision of its people.
In conclusion, the Salt March remains a relevant historical lesson for societies pursuing sustainable and people-centred development. It demonstrated how dignity, fairness, and collective action can influence national direction.
Sri Lanka continues its own journey towards stability and progress. When citizens and institutions work together with transparency and integrity, meaningful transformation becomes achievable. Even simple actions, when supported by shared understanding and responsibility, can contribute to long-term national development and collective well-being.
(The writer is an independent researcher)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official position of this publication.
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