An Unbiased Voter.

A reply to ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-Use your vote wiselyƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚.

Thanks for the e mail, ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”Use your vote wiselyƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  No truer word was spoken.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  To do that one needs an unbiased assessment, devoid of party loyalties and personal agendas, of what is best for the Country and its population of 20 million people.

M.R. deserves kudos not brickbats for standing up to the huge pressure exerted by the West in its attempt to scuttle our war against terrorism and throw a lifeline to the movementsƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ leaders.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  I f they had succeeded, the fate of this Country would have taken a horribly different turn.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  He managed to supply our troops with their requirements by establishing links with Countries not antagonistic to us when the west was pressuring arms dealers into refusing to supply us, got India on our side and gave our Countrymen freedom from the terror and mayhem we had been subjected to, for over 3 decades.

Would we today be talking of ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”taking advantage of the promising future now that the war has endedƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ if we had followed the advice forced down our throats by a few bullies formed into an ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”International CommunityƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢, that does not even include most of the significant or influential Countries?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  My gratitude is towards the Leader who had the courage and the backbone to standup for what was best for his people rather than cave in and receive a condescending pat on the head as has happened up to now. So, the pariah status conferred on us is an honour proving that our Leaders will not be cowed into going against our best interests. Anyway, it has already been revoked by the U.S. which is talking of a more conciliatory approach in dealing with Sri Lanka, with what motive remains to be seen!

Development is not about coins [aid] collected in the begging bowl, which comes with the obligation of compliance with the giverƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s choices.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Just one example is the removal of subsidies for farmers in this agricultural land of rich soil and an abundance of water, making us dependant on imports for food while US and European Farmers are heavily subsidized.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  What a club that would be for use against us in the form of embargos!ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Anyway, dependent Economic policies are now under criticism as failures.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  As long as we continue to mistakenly view the West as a benevolent elder brother wishing to lead us towards an independent, developed land of plenty, we will stay where they want us, servile, dependent and underprivileged.

Development cannot be discounted merely because it takes place outside the sacred area of Colombo and its residents.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Major development projects [ports, highways, electricity] presently being implemented, improvements in the agricultural sector, putting in place the infrastructure for development of rural areas to name some, will kick in its benefits for all, in time.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  A man with a vision that encompasses the whole nation and its entire people rather than a segment, members of the business community and those living in Colombo. Urgently required projects held up by Ranil and Chandrika for the selfish purpose of gaining votes, have now been implemented for the benefit of the whole Country. Have we already forgotten the freedom from fear, the ability to move freely anywhere in the Country and the opportunities that have opened up due to winning the war? The reference to checkpoints and security clearance six months after the war doesnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t deserve comment. Please donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t refer to ChurchillƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s defeat after winning the war!ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Churchill was defeated by a British politician who also had the interests of the British people at heart.

So, the question is, do we want a leader favoured by the west [that has proved beyond doubt that their interest lies in gaining control of us] for complying puppet like to their dictates?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  I donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t think I need to detail his disastrous actions that cost us dearly during the war on terror. The leader of the U.N.P and some of its members run to complain of grievances to foreign Countries and ask them to pressure our Governments for redress, at times with grave consequences to the Country and the people he hopes to rule. Not too surprising considering his insensitivity in wanting to celebrate the arrival of the Portuguese with no regret for the loss of our sovereignty or the sufferings of our people. Have we no pride or self respect to think they are fit to rule us and do we want to be ruled as a colony even at long range?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Take a look at what happened to Countries that had puppet regimes imposed on them by the C.I.A if you think it doesnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t matter.

The performance of the share market, rated as being second only to Russia shows an investor confidence and is backed by praise for the CountryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s development and potential by International Analysts. Only the politically biased can take up the position of no development, no confidence and no potential. This, in spite of the financial crisis prevailing in the world, despicable efforts by the opposition to give ammunition to a hostile West waiting to browbeat us for not coming to heel, and having succeeded in spite of them. ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ It is ironic that the repercussions of their success would have hit the very people the UNP hopes to rule!ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  By the way, why not draw up a list of U.N.P projects for comparison?

The writer talks of IDPƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s and his only concern seems to be their votes.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Freedom from the tyranny of the LTTE, the safety of their children, the opportunity to live a normal life at long last are all discarded as insignificant [to whom, I wonder]ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  He/sheƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  also starts by lamenting the loss of foreign aid and amusingly, ends bemoaning our becoming dependent on foreign handouts!ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  It is a typical myopic view of people who labour under strong personal or political agendas. ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ No problems there, just donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t market it as concern for the Nation and its future, to hoodwink the gullible, is all I say.

Anyone who believes promises should be kept should consider the following.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Let me state at the outset thatƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  my undying gratitude will always be with the Army Commander who achieved the impossible on the ground and the rest of the team of Air force, Navy and Civil Defense personnel, up to the Defense Secretary and the Commander in Chief without whose joint efforts, this victory would not have been possible. It is with great disappointment that I view Sarath FonsekaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s reasons for entering politics and his performance as a politician, all of which have exposed the feet of clay of the man behind the uniform.

The promise of abolishing the Presidency made by S.F. cannot be kept as the circumstances for it to be done constitutionally, are extremely unlikely to come to pass.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  R.W made a Press statement that a condition for endorsing S.F as a common candidate by the UNP was abolishing the Presidency and installing him R.W., as the Premier of a Caretaker Government. The JVP, that is also backing SF is not agreeable to this.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  S.F. has said he does not intend to be another William Gopallawa, the ceremonial President at one time. Which of these contradictory statements are we to accept?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  His letter of resignation is more about personal dissatisfaction with the Rajapakshes than anything else thought he talks of coming forward to serve the Nation.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Is revenge for real or perceived grievances, just cause for coming into power?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Will a man who has taken up a bitter stand against the Rajapakshes who made him Army Commander [both Ranil and Chandrika overlooked his accomplishments] who fought regulations to reward him with more land than was given to the Navy and Air Force Commanders, whose children in the U.S. were afforded protection by elite Commandos etc. etc. be truly capable of forgiving those who ridiculed and downgraded his victory? Ranil ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” capture of uninhabited jungle for the Thoppigala victory, Mangala ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” a man not fit to lead even the Salvation Army, Kiriella ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” any fool can wage war, Ravi- going to Pamankada, instead of Alimankada, Medawachi instead of Killinochi etc.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The Rajapakshes after all are the ones who recognized his abilities and gave him the opportunity to gain the hero status he now enjoys.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Strangely, he now joins those who did their damndest to prevent just that!

Is a man who resigned from the post of CDS because it did not wield enough power, likely to give up the power once it is in his hands as President?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Will he hand it over to R.W. and meekly go home?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  What of the unlikely alliance between the JVP and the UNP with policies that are poles apart? Whose policies are going to be implemented or will they both be ditched?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  If so, is the Country going to be run by an authoritarian Army Officer with little experience in politics as seen by the contradictory and controversial statements made before and even after coming forward as a Presidential candidate. He said in an interview to the Indian Press that he got disgusted with MR a few weeks after wining the war because when he had requested a10 % increase of the army and armaments, Mahinda had said we cannot do that because this is a civil and not a military Government, a statement that does credit to the President.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  I remember the hue and cry of the anti national forces about Gothabaya, a U.S. citizen holding the post of Defence Secretary, despite his success.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Now we are to elect a green card holder as President simply to effect a regime change, with nary a protest!ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  His recent utterances, so inimical to the NationƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s interests, leave alone the army he commanded, cast strong doubts as to where his loyalties now lie.

There is no doubt that the combination of the 3 brothers was a big part of the winning team that defeated Prabhakaran.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  GothabhayaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s single minded effort to eradicate terrorism and his access to his brother, the President; the confidence the Commander in Chief reposed in his Defense Secretary, and the rehabilitation of the Tamil, Muslim, Sinhala Communities and bringing back the eastern province to normal, efficiently attended to by Basil to win the confidence of the people affected, played a big part in it.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Despite which, the propaganda against the Corporation of BrothersƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ was relentlessly circulated before, during and after, the war.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The SLFP was formed because DS brought in his son, depriving Banda of his rightful place.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  What of the BandaranaikeƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Even JR groomed his nephew, Ranil.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  This is not to condone the trend. But it is a factor in the East which has to be contended with ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” witness the Ghandhis, Bhuttos etc.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Forget the East, what of the Kennedy clan?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Is blood relationship the only barrier? ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ What of RanilƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s coterie of Royal College pals [and others] who no-one could get past because they formed a cordon around him?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  I agree that R.W would not rob but he allowed others close to him, to do so.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The COPE findings were against Ministers of the UNP.

Is corruption, cronyism and thuggery, the disgusting accompaniments of politics only?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  It is condemned in an opposing party and tolerated in the party of oneƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s choice.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Everyone speaks out against it and points fingers of blame at any category they donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t belong in, whilst being contributors themselves. It is not confined to certain Countries, races, political parties, or even certain sections of the community!ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  It is a universal, human failing.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  It does not mean I condone it in any way or form but it is the unpalatable truth.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The British who are held up as the epitome of honour, were recently exposed globally, the corruption in the U.S does not require elaboration, the King of Holland [motivated by poverty??], Sanjay Ghandhi from a great family, who has not fallen prey to it?. Gamini Dissanayake and Lalith Athulathmudali, President Premadasa, leaders whose loss is still mourned by our citizens, were not incorruptible but performed a great service for the Country.

Who but the Business Community offers Politicians money to get a head start? How many fund and campaign actively for individuals or parties during elections without thought of personal benefits?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  And are they not granted such?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  How many citizens in any community can stand up and say they have not tipped, tapped or bribed to ease their way?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  From an upgrade on a plane and easy clearance at Customs, to tapping someone influential for a job or a favour or to get your child into school, to look the other way when a fine is pocketed to avoid appearing in Court for a minor traffic offense, tipping lavishly for better service, who has not been guilty of these?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Who has not helped a friend or relative when in a position to do so?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Corruption, cronyism, we all indulge in it.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The degree depends on who you are, what position you hold and how much influence you wield!ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  How many benefit from tie ups to political big wigs?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  There is always an excuse for what we do, whether breaking a traffic law or taking undue advantage while others must be pure as the driven snow! As long as money rules and buys acceptance, integrity will go to the wall. Be a realist, we cannot change the world as long as we remain a part of the problem!

I am neither countering nor excusing the charges of corruption but do wish to point out the fact that Gothabhaya was accused of making money on the Mig 27 deal.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The planes would overshoot Sri Lanka on their take off, it was said.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  He sued the Sunday Leader who wanted to settle out of Court when the judgment went against them, but who remembers?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Who cares about the mud slinging?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Who is to separate the lie from the truth of what is so glibly passed on?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Do those who talk of freedom of the Press, ever link it with ethical reporting?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  The security of a Country can be jeopardized but the Press deserves the freedom of the Ass!ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Everyone has a responsibility not to deliberately lie, cheat and deceive.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Is it not corruption to get what you want by hook or by crook?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Whether you achieve your objectives by the use of money, deceit or force, it is still the start of corruption. It is a load of rubbish to talk as if the ills of bad Governance lie only with the Mahinda Rajapakshe Government and donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t go with each and every politician of every Party in power.

Do you believe that defeating terrorism was a good thing and has brought us to the threshold of development opportunity?ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Then remember also, that the solution has not yet been implemented. If you believe that SF will hand over the reigns to Ranil who will come in, not through the popular vote of the people [if he thought he could win, he would have contested] but through the back door on the back of a winner whose claim to victory is winning a war that Ranil and his gang tried their best to loose. What price the democracy and transparency that everybodyƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s shouting about?!!ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  If Ranil, with his track record of strengthening the terrorists and weakening our forces at the behest of the west driven by the Tamil diaspora money/votes, comes into power, he can still unroll the carpet and undo all that we have achieved at the cost of lives, limbs and development. It would be back to jumping when the imperial masters [who have proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that they shamelessly operate on double standards] cracked the whip, regardless of the repercussion on us, the people!ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Or the JVP may end up the stronger arm of the alliance depending on the stand SF takes.

If Sarath Fonseka does not hand over the reigns, you will have at worst a military regime or at best an untested, inexperienced Political novice.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  An authoritarian Army Officer who as the successful Commander of the Army, could not iron out differences even with the Navy Commander fighting the same war, blow by blow.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  A leader with little experience in politics and even less in consensus and compromise, with no party infra structure to back him.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  In fact, a dark horse whose only proven capability is fighting a war and winning and whose future actions none can predict.

M.R. is a seasoned politician who has juggled a tremendously difficult situation of fighting a war with powerful Countries allied against him, little money and people who had been brainwashed into thinking the war was unwinnable by the previous leaders of the Country, and come out with our flag flying over a united Sri Lanka.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  He has managed to bring the communities together and develop the war ravaged areas. He has had to protect the CountryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s security and contend with the LTTE terrorists camouflaged as civilians while settling the IDPs.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  He has had to contend with the enormous power and money clout wielded by the Tamil Diaspora. He has had to deal with a fifth column within the Country and Foreign Diplomats acting like viceroys meddling in our internal affairs. Yet, he has drawn former Terrorist leaders, Karuna and Pillayan into the democratic mainstream of politics. He has delivered on his main promise that he will see that peace dawns in Sri Lanka.

He is a man of the people.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  No leader who is alien to the hopes and aspirations of the people he hopes to rule, is fit to lead them .ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Blue jeans and gold bracelets for farmers and labourers doing manual labour and Computers for villagers who donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t have electricity.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  This is the vision of RW, a leader who probably has not stepped into a village except for campaigning.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Can anyone who votes for SF hoping that Ranil will come in, please explain to me how they justify bringing into power a leader who does not contest knowing he will loose and a party that is led by such a ruler?.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Is democracy about forcing on the people through the back door, a leader they have rejected and a party whose constitution demands that it be led by the policies formulated by the rejected leader?

How many will vote leaving personal agendas and party loyalties out of the equation, sincerely wanting whatƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s best for the Country as a whole and all its people irrespective ofƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  race or religion and how many will actually respect the transparency and democratic rights that they pay lip service to, remains to be seen.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  I hope I have at least provided food for thought. In conclusion, I have to say that I have voted for all major parties at one time or another other than the JVP, according to the issues of the time and therefore, can sincerely say that I do not operate on party loyalties.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  My personal agenda is that those of us who intend to live and die here, in the land where we were born, and who hope the generations that follow will do the same, cannot settle for short term gains at the expense of decisions that will bring long term disaster.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚  Please do pass this on, too.

An Unbiased Voter.