Lanka Page

UNP Parliamentarian Gayantha Karunatileke emphasised that a Govt. elected by the people should not think of them and their welfare at elections period only, while burdening them with acute hardships and breaking Govt.promises given to the people all the other time.

He said, when the UNP pointed out, earlier, that rice price was shooting up beyond Rs. 80.00 per kilo when the price of paddy was as low as Rs. 16.00, and to bring about a price control, the Govt. ignored the pleas; and allowed its Minister and his brothers, owners of the biggest Rice Mills in Polonnaruwa to continue to operate a rice Mafia manipulating and monopolizing the rice market which allegedly was the cause of the steep price hikes about which a hue and cry was raised by the UNP, Media and Opposition .

But, now when the Elections at Eastern province is round the corner, the Govt. and its Minister Bandula Gunawardena are introducing a rice price control as an election ‘gundu’ to deceive the people by cheap publicity and tricks, for which the Rajapakse Govt. and his Minister have shown great skills since their advent to power. Indeed, the Minister of consumer affair is best known among the consumers, only if he is described as Minister of consumer despair and the Mahinda Chintana as Mahinda Karadara. Minister’s deceitful intentions are very clear because the Govt. which refused to price control when the paddy was Rs. 16.00 and Rice price was Rs. 80.00 per kilo, now, desperately, feels fit to introduce a muddled up price control when the paddy price is Rs. 35.00 and Rice price is Rs. 80.00, he asserted. The so called people’s Govt. did not even care about giving relief to the people during the Sinhala New Year when the rice price shot up to over Rs. 100.00 along with all other essential commodities making it the blackest Sinhala New Year ever in Sri Lanka’s history attributed to the ‘Sathakaye Saapaye’ or the ‘curse of the shawl’.

Only profuse lies and its endless false media reports which are sustaining this Govt. and the bloated Cabinet: when the Govt. cannot keep the rice price down, it blames on an imaginary world rice shortage. When Milk foods go up in price, they try to falsely explain it by pointing to Australia‘s shortage, the supplier of milk foods. Practically, every price hike due to Govt. bungling is justified on false excuses, he said. He recounted how during the UNP regime, Late Lalith Athulathmudali who was the relevant Minister did not allow the people to suffer on milk food shortage or by price hikes even when the milk food factory was burnt down !

Adverting to the forthcoming Eastern province elections, Karunatileke said, all what the UNP is asking of the Govt. is a democratic fair and free election. Let everybody be given protection and security, not to the Pillayan group alone. What the UNP is urging is to give the same security to all candidates legally and democratically without allowing Pillayan to carry arms. Which is against the laws of the land? The UNP is not against security to Pillayan, it is only against the Govt. not providing security to all equally, particularly because the Pillayans are involved allegedly in intimidation and violence.

Lincoln Wijesinghe says… A front-page picture in a prominent newspaper recently portrayed the President of Sri Lanka with a notorious ex-convict serial killer he had entertained at his official residence and is said to have rewarded him with a new house, at public expense no doubt!

Shortly thereafter another front-page picture appeared of the President walking over the fly-over bridge he had just opened at Peliyagoda, flanked by a widely despised character who apparently enjoys his patronage and protection despite the demands of the people and his own ministers for expulsion of this man they consider a disgrace to the title of "Minister."

These events were an insult to the people of this country! A disgrace to Sri Lanka!What did the pictures imply? What was the message to the people, of this country and to the world at large?

Birds of a feather?

If the President could not understand the implications of his company where were his numerous ‘advisers’ and ‘ministers’ maintained at public expense to give him good advice he obviously so badly needs?

If there are no decent people left in the SLFP to support the few outspoken ministers trying to introduce some decency to the government at least the UNP crossers-over - if they have any self respect - should lend their weight to put things right unless they are the self seekers they are reputed to be!

via eMail

Dr. Mrs. Mareena Thaha Reffai says… It is a pity the JVP is falling prey to the plot set up by the government to break them up. I am no sympathizer of the JVP. However I do feel that JVP was the only party in recent times who stood up against the doings of the government. It is quite plainly known that the government is taking the country downhill and thanks to the laid back attitude of opposition leader Ranil, they are having an easy time. Ranil is too much of a gentleman to be a politician. It is a pity he does not realize this. Either he must change or he must let the party leadership change.

The JVP must get some intermediaries to bring about a reconciliation and get back to its strong position once again. It will never be the same if it breaks up. Wimal must give up his "worldly" inclinations or must have talks with the party to change some of its’ policies. It is absurd saying – as it was quoted in one news paper last weekend – that his hairstyle and manicured nails do not fit the JVP style. What has that got to do with the policies of a party? O.K., they started as a rough shod group but that does not mean they have to look the same even now.

Anyway, the ultimate truth is that the country needs a strong opposition to keep a check on the government, to make sure they do not have a ball, governing the country without a murmur from anyone at all.

For the sake of the country, someone should come forward and keep this party alive, at least until the UNP wakes up from it’s long slumber; that is if it ever does.

via eMail

Dr. Manodha Gamage says… If we are to raise the question why Sri Lanka is in a mess today, we all would point our fingers to politicians, so called leaders of the country. That may be just a part of the reason and I have a different idea. I believe we have to blame no body else, but ourselves, the general public for this mess.

We always say that most politicians are corrupt, they accept bribes/commissions, misuse public funds and their authority, don’t do their job as expected, don’t care for the future of the country and the public, encourage underworld and crimes, never fulfil the promises etc. This is all true for almost all politicians. It is not only the politicians are at fault with regard to most of the above allegations.

Let me consider a typical government employee, though most of these things are common to employees in the private sector too. We know how hard it is to get any work done at most government offices without offering bribes and how inefficient most of the government workers are.

Most government workers don’t come to their offices at the specified times, though they always leave early. Even if they come in, to mark the attendance before the red line, they are not ready to start work at the specified time. How many workers can we identify, who wish to do their jobs with responsibility? They make all their private calls from the office, use the official vehicles for their private travel, use the photocopy machines and printers for their personal work, always take the stationary, pens, pencils and many other little things home for their personal use, don’t feel guilty to go out of the office during office hours for private matters. These are almost the same wrong doings of politicians. May be these things are not done on a large scale as in the case of politicians, but we have to understand that there are only a few hundred politicians compared to millions of workers in both the public and private sectors. Therefore the impact on the economy through the wrong doings of the general public, could be the same or even more than that of the politicians.

So it is not only the politicians who are at fault for the downfall of the country; but we all are. It is ingrained in Sri Lankan culture to be selfish, lazy, do the minimum work and expect the maximum return, be corrupt, to steal and cheat, break all the rules and regulations etc. Until we change our attitudes, and work hard not only for us, but for the country, we would never come out of this mess. There is not much of a difference between our politicians and the general public. After all, this is a democracy - the politicians are the true representatives of the public!

via eMail

A.J.N. Selvadurai says… Many Sinhala people including young writers are now putting the blame on the LTTE for starting the war. Some of them were not born, or too young to remember S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike’s disastrous "Sinhala only" language policy of 1956, which instantly divided the country on ethnic lines by the mere stroke of a pen.

He got the blessings of the Maha Sangha and the Sinhala majority because they were so elated and could not see into the future, beyond their noses. Many Sinhalese feel that they are the real victims of the LTTE forgetting the state terrorism created under President J.R. Jayewardene in 1983.

Instead of befriending the minorities, the biggest mistake they made was forcing the hitherto docile Tamils to take up arms and demand a separate state of Eelam. The GOSL pressed this self-distrust pattern and shot themselves in the foot.

Now they have abrogated the peace pact and declared war on the LTTE, determined to destroy them in order to bring about peace. It is like Chandrika’s disastrous "war for peace" which failed miserably.

Now they have started a completely new thing called "operation eviction," carried out against Tamil lodgers in Colombo, indicating the government’s polarised mind-set, which led them to categorise those Tamils as terrorist subjects.

In fact, a friend of mine in London who is a doctor and went on a short visit to Colombo, was one of the unfortunate ones to be rounded up. This is what the LTTE have been trying to prove to the world that there are two ethnic groups, namely Sinhalese and Tamil. The GOSL has now by its actions of thuggery only confirmed to the world the existence of two separate nations.

The LTTE has successfully trapped them into doing this. The world is now fully aware that the north and east is the homeland of the Tamils and that they should live there. What else do the Tamils need now to prove their case for secession?

The war of attrition in the LTTE not only affects the enemy but also its own people. It is clearly counter productive. The cost of living is rising and the people are highly demoralised to the extent that the Ariya Sinhala people are now in a rebellious mood. They have now formed their own "Sinhala Tigers" to fight the government.

Many Sinhalese now seem to think that it has been such a waste — aparadey — and that peace and co-existence with the Tamils is the only option they have instead of perpetual conflict.

I hope the UN and the international community now realise that there is no option but to stop this war and listen to the just demands of the oppressed Tamil minority. The GOSL is now not in a position to prove to the world that secession is not an option. The LTTE has proved that there is no other option.

Cuda Banda Ratwatta says… There is a cry by all manner of dubious organizations such as the OPA and some other persons to appoint the members of the constitutional council. I must say that, that is the prerogative of the President and not an issue about which civil or professional organizations can or should shout themselves hoarse. He must have a good reason for not making the appointments.

An executive President is a blessing for a country to both the minorities and the majority. Under parliamentary democracy, the minorities are ignored. They may be equal before the law and that is it. It is the right that the majority must rule with a degree of fairness to the minorities.

Their clamour to have a vice President for each minority is an absurd suggestion. Minorities must learn to live as minorities or go to a country where every minority has majority status like the UK. In our country much of the commerce and business is in the hands of the minorities. The gem trade is in the hands of a minority. Much of the Galle road frontage up to Bambalapitiya is minority owned. One minority group populates the Colombo district.

I believe that the country is well served when the President has the right to make these appointments and not as some members of parliament of various parties want it. I hope the President does not make these appointments as A, B, and C wants, but have the procedure to appoint the constitutional council amended so that he has a greater say in these -vital appointments like the IGP. As it is, what if these three appointees do as they please and do not please or serve the majority? After all we are a democracy, and the majority must have the final say.

Finally, when the President has greater authority we develop faster.

via eMail

F. A. Rodrigo says… Australia celebrated "Harmony Day" on the 21st March 2008. This signifies the Australian Governments campaign to promote Australia’s cultural diversity and desire to say ‘no’ to racism. As part of Harmony Day celebrations the SBS Television network in Australia, together with the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural launched ‘Harmony Heroes’ a competition that promises the spirit of what Harmony Day represents.

Australian is a great country where more than 190 ethnic groups and multi-religious people from other parts of the world live in Peace and Harmony, speaking 200 languages including 45 indigenous languages.

Australia is also known as a "lucky country" as so it is. It has a wonderful climate and vast natural resources.

We have many people from different nations and cultures and they all seem to blend together like a beautiful tapestry or mosaic.

In the last November 2007 elections, Australia’s 26th Prime Minister Kevin Rudd promised he would be Prime Minister for all Australians. During his election campaign he pledged greater attention and support to the migrant community and a fair go to everyone under his Labour Government.

Again on the 42nd opening of the new Parliament on the 13th February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised to the Aboriginal community for the ‘stolen generation’, saying several times in his speech "Sorry" on behalf of the government, parliament and the people of Australia - a significant and powerful decision. What a courageous man! The Leader of the Opposition Brendan Nelson joining hands with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd opened a new page in the history of the Australian people.

Sri Lankans have to learn many lessons from the present Labour Government under Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who put an end to the sorry situation of the Aboriginal community.

To err is human to forgive is divine.

On the 4th February 2008, Sri Lanka celebrated its 60th year of Independence from the colonial masters. Ceylon as it was known then, was the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, where Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays, Burghers and others lived in peace and harmony, irrespective of caste, creed and colour. The hospitality of the Ceylonese was well known to the outside world. People always were with a smile. Fingers were never pointed at each other to say that somebody was a Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Malay or Burger. We lived as "Machans." The English language helped and fostered unity among all Ceylonese people and helped everybody remain united.

Now the whole country is in turmoil. Innocent people - men, women, students and children are gunned down daily, somewhere in the country, irrespective of whether they are Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays, Burghers or others. Bombs are placed, killing innocent people. Many are maimed for life. What is all this in aid of?

It is good to go down memory lane in times of crisis, to find out when the "rot" started. It is an unforgiveable crime that power hungry politicians whipped up communal feeling for short terms gain in order to come to power.

The political cry at that time was "Sinhala only", Fifty fifty", "21 Demands" "Rice from the moon" "Eight pound of cereals", "Employment for all unemployed", Unemployment allowances" etc., all these were slogans that were used then. As usual the masses were gullible.

The leadership of all political parties in the country are fully aware that Sri Lankans are gullible and get taken in by anything said at election platforms.

Politicians of the pre-independence era spent all their wealth fighting for Independence and uplifting of the masses. They did not amass wealth after entering politics. All political parties that were formed from the post-Independence period up to the present day should take full responsibility for the chaos, tension and turmoil that prevails in the country today. Many of the Leaders who preached communal discord may be dead.

The present situation in the country is going from bad to worse, people are now being abducted/kidnapped and held for ransom. There is no trace of missing persons. Who is responsible for these happenings? A democratically elected government should answer to the people who elected them.

Many of our own people Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslim, Malays, Burghers and others are displaced in our own country and are in refugee camps, due to the North-East conflict, it also appears that no one is safe in the country today.

Let all the political parties join hands now and settle the ethnic problems for once and all. The politicians and their families are safe with their army and police guards and travel in bullet-proof cars/vehicles and some have earned enough money for several generations.

via eMail

Lanka Page wishes its readers a happy and prosperous Sinhala and tamil new year

“The Sinhala and Hindu New Year is a festival celebrated by the majority of the Sinhalese and Hindus. It is a religious and cultural festival, where people of Sri Lanka celebrate the New Year irrespective of class, creed or community.

In April (the month of Bak) when the sun moves from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries) Sri Lankans begin celebrating their National New Year Aluth Avurudhu in Sinhala and Puththandu in Tamil. However, unlike the usual practice where the New Year begins at midnight, the National New Year begins at the time determined by the astrologers. Not only is the beginning of the New Year but the conclusion of the old year also specified by the astrologers. And unlike the customary ending and beginning of new year, there is a period of a few hours in between the conclusion of the Old Year and the commencement of the New Year, which is called the nona gathe (neutral period). During this time one is expected to keep off from all types of work and engage solely in religious activities.

Stanley Weerasinghe says… A friend of mine remarked, JVP without Wimal Weerawansa, is like the SL cricket team without Sanath Jayasuriya. Popularly known as JVP firebrand, with his forceful style of addressing meetings, Weerawansa added life and lustre to the Marxist party.

The only surviving JVP ’Old Guard’, Somawansa Amarasinghe, having gone underground when rest of its leaders were killed in the purge following 89 insurrection and returned to the fold when things settled down, sat reflectively, looking at the empty chair besides him (evidently, that of Wimal Weerawanasa who used to sit next to him on previous occasions), at the commemoration of yet another JVP insurgency (that of April 1971) held on 5 April at Vihara Maha Devi Park (6 April Sunday Island front page photo story).

’The Sunday Times’ lead news story of April 6 titled, ’Axe falls on JVP strongman’, reported that, JVP parliamentary group leader and propaganda secretary Wimal Weraswansa is to be suspended wef. 10 May, after conclusion of EP PC pools, on a decision taken by the JVP Central Committee meeting held on March 21.

The immediate cause for the dispute known to the public is that, when the JVP leader had called for the disarming of the TMVP contesting EP PC polls, Weerawansa is reported to have said that this is not the time for such disarming. He is also reported to be under fire for taking a friendly approach to Rajapaksa government.

This is not the time to pick up internal disputes for any party, particularly for JVP that had been crying hoarse for military operations to eliminate Tiger terrorism. When the government forces are engaged in a decisive battle against the LTTE, it is unethical for the JVP to create such dissension that will be give life blood to enemy forces and their sympathizers. JVP leader also had reportedly said that he planned to win the EPC polls and then call for fresh parliamentary election ahead of the next Budget (6 April Sunday Island).

This reminds one of the story of a poor man who had a flowering murunga tree in front of his hut. One day, he sat looking at the murunga tree and reflected, ’soon I will have a bountiful harvest from my murunga tree, which I will sell at the market. I will invest the money thus earned in a business which will soon flourish, and I will become rich. Then, I will need a spacious house to live in. But most of my small plot of land is covered up with this murunga tree. It is an obstacle to put up my big house’. So saying, he took an axe and cut down the flowering murunga tree.

JVP leader’s reflections on winning the EPC and then calling for fresh parliamentary elections, has similar bearing to above story. How can he imagine of winning the PC elections, after the JVP’s humiliating defeat in 2006 March LG polls in which they could win only one out of 266 local bodies? In a future parliamentary election too JVP would lose most of the seats it has in Parliament.

It was the younger generation of JVPers that built up the party after its 89 debacle of bloody insurrection. In Aug. 2003, JVP went on a protest march from Galle to Colombo against UNP government’s proposed move to offer interim administration in N/E to LTTE. At Wellawatta, late SLFP strongman Anura Bandaranaike had offered his Lion Flag to JVP fire brand Weerawansa, commending the valiant effort of the JVP to display patriotism. At the Lipton circus gathering of over 100,000 people, JVP parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake (incidentally, reported to have conspired with a UNP heavyweight to oust Weerawansa) had said, ’come what may, JVP will brave all odds to sacrifice everything, including lives, to safeguard the unitary character of the nation’ (29 Aug. 2003 The Island).

JVP walked away from the UFPA government in June 2005, when President CBK was about to sign an agreement on JM to share power with LTTE. These were occasions when JVP acted with courage and determination to save the country from impending danger.

Now, when the government is engaged in a war to wipe out LTTE terrorism, JVP’s attempt to dislodge the government, is evidence of JVP leader’s hypocrisy.

via eMail