ELECTION OF HOPE - THE FINAL ATTEMPT IN RESTORING SENSE

Tissa Sinhala Association, Australia

Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero, Mr. Dinesh Gunawardana, Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara, Patriots and Friends,

The "Election of Hope" has become a tug of war between two nationalistic fractions as expected and enjoyed by all "vijathika forces". The patriotic leaders of the United People's Freedom Alliance -UPFA (The Alliance) and the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) want to save the country in their own style. The policy statements released by both groups reveal that not a single difference between them regarding the future of the country that they expect to achieve for its people. The closer review of these statements confirms the compassion that both groups speak of for the people of Sri Lanka. For example:

1. The governing system of the country should be based on love, compassion and equality.

2. The recognition of a unitary state and the national security should be addressed within the constitution.

3. Peaceful coexistence of various ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, etc.

Yet, they contest as two different groups in the forthcoming election.

The Alliance has spelt out all the above policies without mentioning they are the "Sinhala Buddhist" principles and JHU straightaway recognised them as "Sinhala Buddhist" principles. Is this a valid reason for splitting Sinhala vote base?

What these two groups should understand is that there is no conspiracy against them or the Sinhala people in the country. The greatest treachery is happening now against Sinhala people in broad daylight. As a result, the evil forces and a few individuals who are against the Sinhala patriotism are working with a great success in destroying our unity as well our dignity. Unfortunately, both groups (the Alliance and JHU) have knowingly or inadvertently subjected to those forces. This is evident by the lack of enthusiasm in getting together to defeat the "common enemy" at this very decisive moment.

There is no doubt that the Alliance and JHU represent the patriotic force in the country. The first step towards building a unified country is to build unity and trust among themselves. Unless how do the people believe that any of these groups are capable of unifying the country? or capable of managing more delicate and complex issues when they assume the leadership of the country?

This is the last and very humble request from the people who foresee a win for the evil forces again in the 2004 April Elections, if the present situation and the nominations prevail. Please show empathy towards each other before talking compassion for fellow countryman. Please forget and forgive all differences if any (we do not see any difference between two groups) and unite for the sake of the Sinhala people in Sri Lanka. This may be the last democratic opportunity that you as our leaders will be provided with in saving our motherland from the clutches of the evil forces. Please unite and negotiate an amicable solution that both groups can achieve a win-win situation before the election.

We need all patriots including our most venerable Sangha to devise a collective approach in saving the only piece of land that we can call home. Please do not let our hopes go astray on this occasion.

The patriotic leaders in the Alliance and JHU, please touch your hearts and ask whether you are genuine in your principles and are you following the most practical cause of action in achieving the objectives written in your policy statements? If so, do not let an inch to get the Western influenced politics to squeeze through the next election. We all will become a laughing stock if the Sinhala aspirations are defeated on 2 April 2004. A hung parliament is no better than an outright defeat. Please get together and spearhead in the election as a united force to crush the evils in order to secure future of our country.

We appreciate tireless work by Venerable Elle Gunawansa thero, Mr. Dinesh Gunawardana, Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara and all other patriots, expatriates and professionals for your contribution in forming a much needed patriotic movement in Sri Lanka. Please continue with your efforts to confirm victorious outcome for our people in April elections by taking these two groups to the negotiation table before it is too late. Your relentless work for a secured future for our children and the country will be remembered forever!

Subha Pathum

Tissa Sinhala Association, Australia

4 March 2004