The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom, courage.” – Simon Bolivar
Does that even exist realistically? Sovereignty is not just a political theory limited to states.
It is the very right to think, choose, decide, and live a free life according to one’s inner truth. We humans, have been in a constant struggle to retain our personal sovereignty since antiquity, or perhaps from the day humans set the very idea of civilization. It has always been under constant siege by not just the external forces with vested interests but also by well-meaning loved ones.
Be it a decision to buy a pair of shoes, a bottle of wine, vote in an election, speak our minds, or express an opinion, all the decisions come down to personal sovereignty. Can we decide true to our hearts, honest to our minds, and align with our conscience? How much free will is the basis of one’s decision?
The corporate giants, religious establishments, political parties, pressure groups, lobby groups, media, peers, and family are some of the parties with a vested interest in our decision-making. They could influence, change, intimidate, force, or simply make a decision on our behalf.
Imagine the day of voting. You surf through social media, and an external political player shows a violent crime committed by an immigrant through a deep-fake animated video. It shocks you to the core, resulting in you voting for a party that has campaigned on an anti-immigrant platform. Although you are a traditional, liberal-minded social justice warrior, the day’s sentiments, fueled by the video, clouded your decision-making. One month after the election, you see the party you elected to govern committing unthinkable, inhuman acts. But you are too late, and no amount of regret could reverse what you have done.
Perhaps you are an artist who wants to pursue a career in painting, sculpture, or songwriting. The path is long, and the guarantee of you emerging as the next Pablo Picasso or Michelangelo is slim. Yet, it is the true passion that defines your soul. But your beloved partner reminds you of daily commitments, from grocery bills to electricity bills to a small holiday at the end of the year with your kids. You leave your artistic dream and become the best cashier in the nearest supermarket. You will spend the rest of your life regretting it, but others will say that was a soulless sacrifice—the highest in nature.
So I wonder, how sovereign are our thoughts? Can they really be sovereign at all?
Retaining personal sovereignty is an uphill battle, a swim against the strongest current, making you the only soul that does not fit the flock. If one could somehow make that journey, one would end up being an original thinker. Your ideas may not see eye to eye with the rest, your opinion might not sound common, you may be well ahead of the time, and you may well be a minority. But you will have the satisfaction of having a lighter heart and being true to your soul. Your presence may be invisible to the masses, but your thoughts will hold the line. The fire you ignite will create a movement that may one day turn the tide to create a beautiful world. It is tiring and frustrating to win in this freedom, but it is a total waste of a life that you get to live once if you let others make decisions on your behalf.
True sovereignty is not the absence of influence, but the courage to resist assimilation, even at great personal cost. Claim your sovereignty and be the original thinker you are supposed to be.
Dhanuka Dickwella is a distinguished Sri Lankan poet, author, and multifaceted professional whose work spans literature, geopolitics, and social activism. Holding a Master’s degree in International Relations, he has established himself as an expert in geopolitics and geoeconomics, fields that inform his analytical and creative endeavours.
His professional portfolio includes significant editorial and journalistic roles: he serves as the Executive Editor of The Asian Reviews magazine, a platform dedicated to bridging the literary worlds of East and West. Additionally, he contributes as a guest writer for the Chicago-based Armenian Mirror-Spectator, focusing on geopolitical issues in the Caucasus region, and as a columnist and guest speaker for Force, an Indian magazine addressing security and defense matters. Dickwella’s career in public service is equally notable. Dhanuka Dickwella is the Chief Coordinator for Canada for the Panorama International Literature Festival 2026. He has been actively involved in Sri Lankan politics, having served as a grassroots politician, political campaign director, and council member of a local government body in a rural Sri Lankan town. Prior to his political engagements, he founded and led a foundation dedicated to empowering youth and supporting underprivileged communities, reflecting his commitment to social equity. Currently, he advises youth groups on political activism and broader political trends, leveraging his extensive experience to foster the next generation of civic leaders. Beyond his analytical and political pursuits, Dickwella is a celebrated poet and blogger whose literary work explores the complexities of human emotion and experience. His debut poetry collection, Voices of Lust, Love and Other Things, showcases his ability to weave personal narrative with universal themes. An ardent climate and social activist, he champions sustainable development and social justice, driven by a vision of a better world for future generations. A proud Sri Lankan patriot, Dickwella is also a devoted father to his daughter, whose influence is a cornerstone of his personal and creative life. Dhanuka Dickwella’s diverse achievements reflect a rare synthesis of intellectual rigor, artistic expression, and civic dedication, positioning him as a prominent voice in both Sri Lankan and global contexts.
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