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An Open Letter to Anura, Dinesh, Indika, Mahinda and Rukman

(Names in alphabetical order)

Somaweera Sirisinghe writing from New Zealand

December 5 elections is going to be a crucial turning point in the political annals of Sri Lanka. Already the polarisation of the two main political forces has taken place. The most distinct feature is the re-grouping of the vested interests, monstrous business interests and transparently opportunistic power broking elements of the ethnic divide into a hurriedly formed United National Front based on a series of secret MOUs individually agreed with the main opposition party. This latest political gimmick is now menacingly glaring at all progressive forces of the country.

With this alarming situation threatening the country, this letter is addressed to a group of politically maturing second (and third) generation of politicians of Sri Lanka by a fellow Sri Lankan who grew up in the post-1956 socio-political evolution.

Although the people with wealth have formed an alliance with those who are seeking wealth and other perks and some others seeking specific benefits for a specific community or a class of people, the so-called United National Front is neither united nor national. It is not a front but only a loose formation of self-seeking elements into an exhumed "hathhavula" that reminds us of the proverbial "kenda heliya".

How can a leader who fervently resisted the formation of a national government, a leader who has been insisting of positions not only for himself but for the political turncoats who were ready to push him into power, suddenly change his spots and work for national redemption? Dogged by failure due to political immaturity and lack of depth in the advice he receives from a coterie of people bereft of any vision surrounding him, he is playing his last trump.

In this scenario, the backing by the business interests (the money) and the usurious vendors of "vote banks" represented by SLMC and the CWC can cause irreparable damage if the progressive forces do not use their heads to meet the challenge in a co-operative effort that should span all the spectrum of progressive elements in the country.

It is the responsibility of all of you to make "progressives" electable. The wisdom to concentrate on the challenges faced by the common man is the need of the hour.

A reckless adventure of a group of power seekers in a new "hathhavula" could destroy an already fragile country. This has to be avoided at all costs. The central question the voters are asking is which political group is more capable of making lasting solutions to our problems. The on going war, the ruined economy, the degenerated public service and the "dooshanaya" that has reared its ugly head need solutions. The country is asking a lot from leaders like you. Failure to respond at this crucial moment will never be forgiven by the masses!

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