By Dr Sarath Obeysekera

I recently watched a BBC documentary discussing the growing immigration debate in Sweden and the tightening of immigration policies across Scandinavia. It brought back vivid memories of my own working years in Norway during the 1980s.

At that time, Scandinavia was one of the calmest and most orderly regions in the world. Society functioned with discipline, mutual respect, and social harmony. Norwegians and Asian migrant workers coexisted peacefully, particularly in the service and maritime sectors. Crime was low, trust was high, and people felt secure even walking alone late at night.

Today, however, the picture appears very different.

Violence, gang activity, drug trafficking, racial tensions, and social fragmentation are increasingly becoming part of political discussions in countries once considered models of peaceful civilization. Many native Scandinavians openly blame uncontrolled migration and failed integration policies for these changes.

Sweden in particular now faces serious challenges involving gang violence, migrant segregation, and rising public anger. Governments that once promoted highly liberal immigration policies are now introducing tighter border controls, stricter citizenship rules, and stronger policing measures.

What went wrong?

The answer is not simple.

Migration itself is not the enemy. Many immigrants are hardworking, law-abiding people who contribute enormously to European economies. Hospitals, transport systems, construction industries, and service sectors across Europe depend heavily on migrant labour.

But problems begin when migration grows faster than a country’s ability to integrate people socially, economically, and culturally.

When large communities become isolated, when unemployed youth lose direction, when criminal gangs recruit vulnerable migrants, and when politicians avoid honest discussion out of fear of appearing racist, tensions inevitably rise.

At the same time, blaming all migrants for the actions of criminals is both unfair and dangerous.

The real failure lies in weak governance and lack of balance.

A successful immigration system requires compassion together with discipline.

Countries must welcome genuine workers, students, investors, and tourists. But they must also firmly control illegal migration, organised crime, drug networks, and social extremism.

Scandinavian nations are now slowly realising that unlimited liberalism without strong integration policies can damage social cohesion.

The lesson is equally important for countries like Sri Lanka.

As we open our doors wider for tourism, foreign investment, labour inflows, and international business, we too must remain vigilant. Economic openness should not become an invitation for cybercriminals, drug traffickers, organised gangs, or exploitative networks hiding behind visas and tourism.

A nation can be compassionate without becoming weak.

Strong borders, disciplined law enforcement, cultural confidence, and fair integration policies are essential for long-term stability.

The tragedy of modern Europe is not immigration alone.

It is the failure to balance humanity with order.

That balance may well determine the future stability of many nations in the decades ahead.

Dr Sarath Obeysekera