Dr. Mrs. Mareena Thaha Reffai 23a, auburn side Dehiwala

Dear Mr. President,

There is no doubt  that we, the people had great hopes when we brought you into power. Whatever the masses may say, the majority  still believe in you and we recognize the fact that you need time to fulfil all your promises and some are harder than you imagined and it is highly appreciated  you’re allowing the Ministry of justice take its independent course without political interference.

All well and commendable, but unfortunately you have failed miserably in one aspect, which, the intellectuals, the decent people, the educated masses of this country expected dearly. It is the way the behavior of today’s  politicians in the  parliament. In spite of boasting of educated majority in the parliament – at least on your side, I must say, watching the happenings of the parliament procedures is – to say the least, painful, worse than a fish market.

I remember being taken to watch the parliament procedures as a student those days when my uncle Mr. A.C.S. Hameed was a parliamentarian. I still remember the awe and respect I felt for the politicians – though, then too, there were heated arguments and vehement opposition but all were expressed with due respect and dignity. No thumping of desks nor shouting matches – certainly no personal insults. We students learnt how to conduct a debate or a negotiation and we felt  great  respect for our law makers.

But now! The procedures may serve as vulgar entertainment for some but certainly it is repulsive and horrible to watch the so called lawmakers. Even in our class rooms such childish, uncouth  behavior will not be tolerated, leave alone in any respectable organization. These uncultured so called leaders often behave like village thugs, shout without prior permission to speak often going beyond his/her given  time, while the Speaker shouts himself/herself hoarse. Half of what is said is lost in the roar by the opposition. All in all, it is an unruly, unattractive, ugly  circus. Yes, that’s what it is.

Known for discipline, we expected from NPP, decent behavior, as opposed to the past   politicians,  when you took over. But no, the same attitude, same disrespect for the highest echelon of the country, same thuggery and boorish behavior   goes on. Those days it was seen only be visitors, but knowing that not only the whole country, even the entire  world is watching, these bunch of LEADERS   do not feel ashamed to behave in this  unbecoming way.

Its time we put this right. Strict rules must be applied in our parliament and the parliamentarians must be given a training on the etiquette of performing in  front of million of viewers;  and decorum, decency and dignity must be maintained. No wonder there are no manners, no chivalry and no  respect to be seen among our countrymen either, as the Tamil saying goes, How the leaders are, so will be the citizens”.

I sincerely hope as our country marches towards a clean, non corrupt governance, it will also bring in the manners of gentlemen and ladies, the manners of the true exemplary  leaders to  the country and the people, specially  the  youngsters will really respecting the elders and will feel like emulating them.

Over to you Mr. President !

Dr. Mrs. Mareena Thaha Reffai

23a, auburn side Dehiwala

0777707775