The State Of The Nation
Never before has the moment been more opportune than now to reflect on the choices before us and the future of this country and its people. It is a done deal. The third term of the Rajapaksa regime is now inevitable. The plan was not only simple but do-able.
A presidential election as soon as the four years were over followed immediately by general elections.
A nincompoop in the form of Ranil Wickremesinghe, not only contributed to ensuring a dynastical but tyrannical continuation of the Rajapaksa conglomerate but in the process stamped on the UNP so hard – it is today decapitated.
Wickremesinghe if nothing else deserves a good hard kick where it really hurts for what he has reduced the United National Party to including for having effectively robbed this nation of its rights for voices of dissent, checks and balances. Unfortunately he is surrounded by a plethora of stooges who are equally spineless and gutless as he.
A master manipulator for his own survival Wickremesinghe does not give a toss for the state of this nation or the future of its people.
As a result all citizens can do is choose between an arrogant, authoritarian and kleptomaniac ruling party, (though party might be too generous a word for what is effectively a band of brothers plus their assorted bootlickers) or, a feeble, divided and generally pathetic opposition that doesn’t seem to have any idea what it stands for. To add to the mix there are a large number of mavericks and independents who have predictably ended up throwing in their lot with the UPFA.
Leading the race as ever is the UPFA aka bootlickers VS us. Not because of the skills or popularity of such eminent politicians as ‘corruption king’ Rambukwella, or Mervyn ‘the murderous’ Silva but because their leader Mahinda has, as usual, his finger on the pulse of the people.
Crucially at some point in his political career he realized that so long as a steady stream of enemies, traitors, and terrorists, could be produced and persecuted he and his henchman would keep winning the vote of the crucial Sinhala majority.
To this end our leader has defeated a string of enemies – the LTTE, NGOs, the interfering West, journalists, treacherous Generals etc. some of course very real threats to the nation and others mere paper tigers ‘defeated’ to heighten the popularity of our main man and his motley crew.
Confounding the wishes of various observers this simple strategy which we shall call the Mahinda doctrine; persecute your way to victory, has proved virtually infallible.
And somehow Sri Lankans rather than demand the end of our eternal emergency laws or ask that amendments be made to the nation’s fundamental problem — its positively satanic constitution, taken a diabolical step further in the form of the 18th Amendment, is happy to continue voting in an assortment of villains so long as the beloved President keeps the nation safe from ‘enemies.’
But while Sri Lanka’s current morass can in large part be blamed on a skewed constitution which allows the president to appoint among others the chief justice, and fosters a political culture that makes parliamentary crossovers de rigueur perhaps the single largest factor in the debacle that is Sri Lanka’s politics is its indolent, fat, failing and foundering opposition.
Both Ranil Wickremesinghe and Karu Jayasuriya, have failed utterly to convey to the country their concerns about the issues of our time.
Wickremesinghe is of course a write-off (to put it mildly) while Karu Jayasuriya has been reduced to issuing a press statement once a month or thereabouts and THAT is the be all and end all of Karu Jayasuriya’s contribution to ensuring change in a country that is on a fast track to madness and tyrannical rule.
The UNP no longer seems to entertain any vision of its own. Even long time party members struggle to articulate what the party stands for. Has it promised an end to the emergency? Or real constitutional change? What on earth did Wickremesinghe discuss with Mahinda Rajapaksa? Passing through the 18th Amendment and in the process losing a few more UNP MPs to government ranks? Perhaps he giggled over coffee with MR at the very prospect before licking his lips and convincing his addled self that without him the UNP will fall apart. What there is left of it.
At the presidential election the UNP effectively pledged the people a president from a different party (SF) plus some gimmickry about an executive prime minister.
What the UNP’s stand is regarding the age old ‘national question’ is, remains a complete mystery despite the fact that it claims to try desperately to court the minority vote.
Adding to the general hopelessness that surrounds the UNP is of course the General. Now languishing in jail Fonseka reared his head at the last General Election to divide what little vote base the opposition had left.
But just why was old SF clamouring for your vote – other than a possible get out of jail free card — what is the man interested in? Good governance? Eradicating Corruption? Empowering the minorities with equal rights? Months after his entry into politics few if any of us know.
One thing we do know however is the General’s previous utterances.
Including his famous gem, “I strongly believe that this country belongs to the Sinhalese. But there are minority communities and we treat them like our people.” Of course similar utterances have been made by a raft of government politicians notably some of the President’s oldest acolytes, those eternal hangers on of political parties.
Fonseka’s comments however are unforgivable as the man should, quite simply, know better. Why?
Because the great patriot in a supreme act of selfless patriotism — applied to emigrate to of all places, the United States, leaving his beloved Sri Lanka and his majority Sinhalese brethren. And was rewarded for his trouble with…… a Green Card, the technical term for which is — wait for it — a Diversity Visa.
Here then is a man who really should appreciate the value of diversity. But instead Sarath went from hardened chauvinist, to half hearted champion of the minorities and then to jail.
Of course the UNP has over the course of its political life also gone full circle. The party whose leaders presided over the 1983 riots has become the party of the minorities. But for its change of heart the UNP has been branded what else but — treacherous. A grouping of elites pandering to the whims of inferior minorities and the hated West. While the Tamil community has in reality never been strongly supportive of the UNP – boycotting previous elections, the party has allowed itself to become the whipping boy of the government’s relentless propaganda.
By failing to articulate its stance on the war, the ethnic question, the constitution or justify any of its policies the UNP has been unable to present itself to the people as a platform for diversity, unity, tolerance and progress.
Instead it has through its own sloth become another treacherous enemy of the Sinhala people. An enemy that Mahinda Rajapaksa embraces knowing full well he can surely defeat them at any contest. Largely because people know, more or less what he stands for; Sinhala nationalism, authoritarianism, huge infrastructure projects and against; the meddling West, NGOs and the Free Media. They also know he delivers results.
The LTTE were quickly dispatched, various Western ambassadors and even certain secretaries of state, used to lording it over small third world nations, have been shouted into silence. The NGOs have been sent packing and the free media has virtually ceased to exist. While the opposition has been systematically dismantled.
But what the public fails to realise is that many of these victories are not victories over enemies of the nation but victories for the Rajapaksas over the people of this country.
Without the media or an functioning opposition who then survives to provide the public with a contrarian view? Who or what can protect them from the excesses of a government bloated by hubris and power? Dozens of journalists are already dead, but ordinary members of the public, state sector employees, and even soldiers who fail to see eye to eye with the ruling clan now find themselves under threat.
Yet, the failure of the opposition to articulate clearly and convincingly that diversity is not treachery, that human rights and tolerance are not western conceits, means that Rajapaksa gaining the two thirds majority he needs to step mercilessly on the population for decades will be presented as nothing less than yet another victory for the Sri Lankan people over treachery.
For those who stood by this president during the Eelam War IV and for those who thought this president deserves a second term, this is a huge disappointment. Today we are speechless, angry and very sad.
I keep asking “WHY”? Why is this happening to my people? Why are we so unfortunate? Is this part of our “DNA”, part of our culture that does not create personalities bigger than life? Is it that extreme greediness and power hunger that destroy our people and our leaders? This is like a bad dream unfolding in real time. One day you become a hero and next day you shoot yourself or self emulate and become nothing but a hateful character. MR could have left a great legacy as someone who changed the direction of our country but instead, he put himself and his family first and destroy or kid’s future and their hopes.
What part of MR’s brain does not understand that these changes are going to have a far reaching negative consequence on our unborn children? What part of his brain does not realize that over the years people will hate him just like the way our generation hate politicians like Bandaranayke and Jayewardene for their short-sighted decisions.
Wll said man
Why are you so worried about third term of the presidency. If the president continues his term without an election then there will be an issue. People will decide whether to extend his period or not. CBK came to power after 17 years UNP rule. If people wants to keep the current president what is the provision in the constitution for that? People’s leaders like Mao Tse Tung, Fidel Castro ruled their country continuously with the full blessings of people. One can see it against the democracy but from the people’s point of view, that provision should be there in the constitution. For example Sri Lankan cricket team has a brilliant player. He is asked to leave the team due to number of matches he played. That is his brilliant time of playing. If you are a cricket lover what is your opinion? Are we going to lose him just because of the law? Same thing applies here. If Mahinda delivers what people expect from him why should people throw him away. On the other hand if this post was renamed to an executive prime minister position what these pundits are going to say? From the recent experience from Maldives we understand group of parliament members can blackmail the executive president or executive prime minister at any time. In the modern world some MPs are sold for big money pumped from outside powers to go against peoples wish in the parliament. These types of parliaments sabotage the forward march of developing countries. Since we are just emerging after the war we should have a strong leadership to overcome all kinds of sabotaging from inside and outside the country.
I am/ we are worried because he is a Tyrant. Even before his 2nd term as Prusident starts, why is he interested of (mindful of) 3,4,5… terms? The MR & Company will become the world’s Number One gang.
Because, you imbecile, the cricketer playing X number of matches is also appointing the selectors and the SLC hierarchy who will ensure he will continue to be selected no matter what his performance.
Give it a couple of terms and lets see if you still agree with your current opinions.
What a constitution should say
…people will be empowered,
… people can decide…..
….people will be protected
….people will seek
what this constitutional amendment will say ( addition to already exucutive powers)
.. President will appoint
…. president will decide
…President will dismiss
… president will dictate
Basically what this says is nothing for the people or future generations.or the country …….. but MORE FOR ME ME ME ME ONLY !
Who cares for the people !!!!!!
Did JR let you to write these poems when he bring the constitution in 1978 with 5/6 power of the parliament? Everybody kept their tails between legs. No journalists were allowed to write any article against him.SC judge’s houses were attacked by organized thugs. Police officer who funished by SC was promoted. I can’t forget that dictator’s period ended up with so much of destruction to the country.
Mahinda,
Your aimless reference to the past is pointless and self destructive.JR or UNP or JVP have been duly punished and eliminated by the people.They have been voted out for their miscreants and people have taught them a lesson.Rajapakse family is in power now and you have look what THEY are doing.This country is not their personal property.People have the power and PEOPLE like are readily willing to betray that power,You are digging your own grave.
Is there any clause in the amendment to the constition that the term of MR be extended? As correctly said by Paul people will punish him if he does wrong. Why so excited by the opposotin and some so called journalists? What is the assuarance you can give that MR will win the 2017 presidental election. If he wins that it is the peoples wish and nobody should concern for it.
Tiny is completely correct. MR still beleives that he could manage the people for ever. But SriLanka is a diffent Case. With his anti-democratic acts the people will re-organize once again with burning economic problems. It will take some time to gather the Momemtum.
I have yet to see such a grand eulogy to Mahinda Rajapaksa as a successful politician within the democratic process of any country in history as this factual article written by Ms Janz. Well done Madam. JRJ would have given his right arm to get such an accolade as a “foxy” strategist as you describe MR to be.
What a shrewd national leader MR has developed to be over 40 years. Please send a copy of this article to MR. He may love it.
All may be against MR – the Media specially. The long-term effect is what RW is
waiting for. The power is with the People – so they will decide -. No tyrant will
last that long even with fraudulent elections. This is our History. The silly
sinhala voters will have to bear-up the curse on the land for sometime only.
RW was waiting for the “long term” effect of the 2001 peace accord as well.
Sri Lanka is a nation which changes swiftly, though its people have had a rather enduring political inclination towards voting for ruling dynasties. MR rather shrewdly thinks that particular behavior will support his family’s political ambitions as long as they deliver economic prosperity to the rural masses who were his voters anyway. The very same rural masses contributed their children to the war effort and carried the economic burden of the war on their shoulders without a complaint. He is their president and understands that fact quite well. Irrespective of how business-friendly his administration is, the Colombo elitists will never be his fans, he already knows.
MR is in the game for keeps. He is the only morale support Ranil W has, when the UNP spits in his face. MR needs to prevent a young dynamic leader developing from the UNP, to challenge his son someday. Ranil’s continued leadership will negate that threat.
MR and clan will be the next Lee Kwan Yew’s of Asia. If they are able to lower the cost of living and improve the standards of living while bringing about law and order, most people will continue to vote for them. It may be un-democratic, but then the big question is, are we really democratic to the point where the right to change leadership is more important than achieving the prosperity that has eluded us for over half a century?
I personally think not.
I can only laugh at the current situation, how eagerly the Sinhala people of the nation rejoiced the utter destruction of the north, how vehemently they denied war crimes or mere inquiry into the alleged crimes. How the public sat quiet when the Tamils were abducted in white vans etc. Now my fellow Sinhala brethren let us wait so we can become another Congo or another Somalia. The sheer ignorance of the Sinhala people and their chauvenism has created this pathetic state of affairs. Between China and India the country will be pillaged and the people of the land will become coolies to foriegners.- but I will continue to laugh.
People elected the corrupted government and spineless opposition party, but unfortunately our people was disappointed find no ways to proctect our motherland from greedy crocodiles. Very Shame.
Petulance typical of the woman scorned! At least you have the freedom to call people kleptomanics and not have to see a dentist about your lopsided smile! Why is Ranil getting all this? Is your boss not eating out of his hand and Ravi’s begging bowl! Turn it on lady. Dicky backs the wrong horse now it is your turn to say that only Sarath Fonseka walks on water! Rubbish! Get into that kicthen and rattle your pots and pans if you want to age gracefully. The twist in your green knickers is showing girl, never mind the soddy blue dress. Go on go away and leave everyone in peace.
Rowdypeter- Your rant says it all!
It’s always moron like you who wants to kill the “messenger”.
No surprise here! When bigots like you grow up in a corrupted intolerant society you naturally become a substandard human being.
“Never before has the moment been more opportune than now to reflect on the choices before us and the future of this country and its people.”
No, no, no, we had that opportunity on the 8th of April 2010. Now the people can’t do anything but watch what their elected representatives will do on their behalf. May be the author should have come out with his message a bit earlier to help the people make a correct decision. Now, let’s just watch this drama and see the horror unfold before our eyes (as people of this country).
If anyone doing a great job let him go on and rule for 8 terms. Ok, he may corrupt, but tell me who isn’t in SL politics??????? Was Pramadasa a Chandrica a saint??? At least this man had done something while others could only ever dream of. What a lot this man has done other than crushing a ruthless bunch of terrorist. Go on son, rule for another 10
Ok Ranil, you are getting smarter now. Can’t beat them just join them son.
(Basically what this says is nothing for the people or future generations.or the country …….. but MORE FOR ME ME ME ME ONLY )
You are absolutely right.. The 18th Amendment is a question of “for MR or for the country first”.
The state of the nation is really pathetic.This is happenning in many countries in asia,africa,latin america etc., Mostly bad people enter into politics & so they do
all bad stuffs.India,Pakistan,Burma,china,cambodia to name a few in our midst.
See how the indians play dirty politics and they teach our politicians too.
Watch pakistan today, they are in big trouble.China & their greed,Iran & their madness, these are all our friends,advisors,helpers. Have we ever had a good politician ..ever ? Every politician & their parties went on doing things against their own nation,people.They systematically destroyed the country.If we had any sensible
decent party or politician we will be living in a real paradise today. Religion & race
was used by politicians to hoodwink the people & it’s destroying all of us.
Politicians organised pograms,riots,burned libraries,houses,businessess.
How on earth one can expect prosperity,peace & rule of law or good governance ?
Even the few who raise alram are silenced.Who fight or even argue for justice , freedom are thrown into jails or killed. This is the political culture of these third world- third grade countries like ours. I do not see any correct change happenning in the near future. Our future is so bleak, it may or may not change that easily.
We can only get used to live in this hell with all these rascals.
Thank you Fredrica for the eye openning article. Let some people learn something from this…if they wish to.