Malin Abeyatunge

The reasons for Arjuna RanatungaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s decision to support Sarath Fonseka (SF) as reported in the print media were that SF is honest and has a vision to re-establish democracy and eradicate corruption. Let us discuss each of his reasons. He will be honest until SF declares his assets both here and overseas. He says SF has a vision to re-establish democracy and the question is whether has he got any vision other than what has been borrowed from UNP and JVP? Further, whatƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s there to re-establish democracy? We already have a flourishing democracy with all elections held in time allowing the people to choose the party they prefer and he even advanced the Presidential elections by two years albeit he could have comfortably run for another two years. I cannot fathom what Arjuna says that SF will re-establish democracy. Are there democracy in countries where the military Junta rules? Being SF a military man, we can only expect autocracy and the death to democracy.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Then he speaks that SF will weed out corruption. There is no doubt there is corruption but when did we have corruption free Government since gaining independence. Even Obama administration has been crticised for corruption and nepotism. To weed out corruption, SF should come as Mr. CLEAN. I am sure Arjuna is aware of the arms deals which SFƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s has done thro his son-in lawƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s company which is now an open secret.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Yet again, when the Government decided to donate 10 perches of prime land as a grateful gesture for his dedicated service to the country, he demanded 25 perches. How will Arjuna interpret his greed? DoesnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t SF also become a partner of this land issue which I call it corruption (giving state land according to whims and fancies of the Government to satisfy one individual). Greed is the stepping stone for corruption. Can Arjuna expect MR.CLEAN to weed out corruption when he was so greedy to demand 25 perches of prime land against the original offer of 10 perches. There is a popular sinhale saying ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-hadena gaha depatthen daneyƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Common Captain, why donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t you call a spade a spade i.e you are turning against President Rajapaksa as he didnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t give you the sports ministry. ThatƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s the crux of the matter. IsnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t this another case of vendetta against President Rajapaksa for not making him the Minister of Sports? Of course, President Rajapaksa would have faulted by not giving him the sports ministry which he deserved and giving it to a person who has never held a bat or ball, instead. ItƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s a pity and sad that he has joined a group of politically bankrupt clowns of which SF is one of those and Arjuna the next one to join . Arjuna by this move has shattered his political career into bits and pieces. However, I doubt that his move to support SF will make an iota of dent to President RajapaksaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s ever increasing popularity as Arjuna is a forgotten captain now.