Janaki Chandraratna, Western Australia

The forthcoming Presidential election in recent times has unearthed a heavy load of sludge and morass as expected. The allegations and slander broadcast in the media are patently bewildering to the unsuspecting electorate. The opposition candidateƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s (SFƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s) actions and utterances are more akin to that of a chameleon rather than a retired army commander. It is very apparent that the motives and the impact of SFƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s actions are indeed a threat to the integrity and sovereignty our country. His allegations on the conduct of the terrorist war, although denied later, have given much awaited opportunities for the UN to probe into war crimes against Sri Lanka. The opposition leader and supporting parties are full of glee of gratifying the West with their requests and are hoping to be compensated for their efforts in the event of a loss at the elections as was the case of the fugitives from other countries such as Pakistan and the Balkans.

It is therefore time to act, Mr. President. The Govt. needs to undertake necessary investigations, as a matter of priority, in order to respond to the UN clarifications and expose SF of the motives of his allegations. The present scenario reminds me of the last stages of Sadham HusseinƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s regime in Iraq where US overtures for inspections of so called Weapons of Mass Destruction were ignored to the extent that the world was led to provide tacit approval for IraqƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s invasion.

In the case of Sri Lankan situation, it is heartening to note that the Govt. has accommodated all reasonable requests made by the world leaders so far on human rights violations and there is no doubt every action would be taken to explain the current allegations as well. Yet it is important that we use the diplomatic channels to inform the world media and keep the world assured that right action is being taken by the SL Government.

It is also time to act on local issues. SF poses himself to be the saviour of the nation from corruption and as the liberator of the economy. Although the readers of these columns and patriots of our country are aware of SFƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s record in these matters there is a challenge for the Govt. to inform the electorate of the incompetence and the deceptions of this so called unpredictable saviour.

It is also time to act to inform the electorate of the goals and expectations of the next Presidency. Mother-hood statements such as developing a ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”moral societyƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ are not sufficient. There should be an election manifesto with clear goals and specific strategies to overcome corruption and improve the economy. In terms of corruption, the strategies can include declarations of assets of all Govt. politicians including share portfolios; reduction of Ministries; investigate and action taken on all allegations of corruption; establish a proactive Public Service with public servants accountable for departmental services; revamp the role of auditors to provide assurance to the Parliament on probity, compliance and performance of the public service etc.

Some of the economic and social strategies can include the changes and milestones that can be expected in the next Presidency in the living standards, education, English education, health, justice and ethnic and religious issues.

I believe it is time to act on the above as a matter of priority as the Sri Lankan electorate is a well educated democracy wanting to know of their future in the next term of office of the new President. ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”More of the same,ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ is not a good strategy for any election. I hope our President would take charge of the situation as he has always has done in the past.