A NATION’S PRIDE

The Pride of the Nation was historically displayed on 4th February, with the Tri Forces and Police taking pride of place!!!  Seventy-two years of Independence are indeed cause for celebration but the question is with the country in such economic and political chaos, did it warrant a celebration of the caliber put on display???  After all, the people of a country, any country, are a Nation’s Pride and if they aren’t, they should be!!!  Since I want to comment lucidly on the fallacy of our Independence, I would like to quote ad verbatim from an article which, to my mind, uniquely presents the situation and I quote: “After seven decades of Independence, we have come to see Independence as an essential marker of our Lankan-ness.

To our utter disappointment, even after 72 years, independence did not however bring socio-political freedom or economic progress; only disaster after disaster in these areas. There is a poignant lament expressed by writers and analysts about the collapse of the vision of equality and prosperity which inspired the Independence struggle. But no one has questioned the validity of the Independence Day and exposed its’ cultural, political and psychological underpinnings and associations as false.

Yet, this falsehood has been maintained year after year over the Post- Independence period in our history. After seven decades of Independence, we have come to see Independence as an essential marker of our Lankan-ness. To our utter disappointment, even after 72years, independence did not however bring socio-political freedom or economic progress; only disaster after disaster in these areas. There is a poignant lament expressed by writers and analysts about the collapse of the vision of equality and prosperity which inspired the Independence struggle. But no one has questioned the validity of the Independence Day and exposed its’ cultural, political and psychological underpinnings and associations as false.

Yet, this falsehood has been maintained year after year over the Post- Independence period in our history.”  Yes, the fallacy of our Independence underlines the hypocrisy of our leaders!!!  They are continuously tearing each other apart, creating division and derision in Parliament, bringing about one disaster after another. Not so long ago the THEN PRESIDENT swore never to speak to the lawful incumbent Prime Minister again, what absolute and utter chaos the country had to deal with till the Supreme Court stepped in and thankfully gave the correct verdict!!!

The President has further instructed to expand facilities for diagnosis and treatment of the virus.  He is acting to keep the people safe and must indeed be commended for that

Sri Lanka displayed her military might with pomp and pageantry; pomp and pageantry which the country could ill afford!!! The Kafir fighter planes were even taken on trial runs, notwithstanding the phenomenal cost of aero-fuel!!!  Again we ask, Was this necessary??? So many rehearsals – at what cost???  We have a larger more dangerous matter to deal with –the Coronavirus has put the entire country at risk and we should be exploring possibilities of both western and indigenous medicine to help combat this deadly virus. At least our President has realized that the country is at risk and is asking all medical personnel to explore remedies to fight this deadly virus.  The President continues to urge all people to take necessary measures to combat this virus and has commended the action taken by experts to prevent the spread of the virus.  A special SriLankan flight has also been deployed to Wuhan to bring back the Sri Lankan students and their family members.  The President has further instructed to expand facilities for diagnosis and treatment of the virus.  He is acting to keep the people safe and must indeed be commended for that.

The President’s speech on Independence Day was indeed worthy of applause.  Also worth mentioning is the simplicity of both the President and his wife, who is the most unassuming and simple lady we have had so far.  The President must further be commended for being gracious enough to acknowledge the salute of every regiment that went past.  Up to now, I can’t think of one thing he has done wrong and in his capacity as President this is indeed commendable.

The usual procrastination in the UNP carry on regardless.  Sajith is trying hard to reach some acceptable conclusion but nothing seems to be working.  Most of them, including Ranil, are displaying the same nonchalance and negativity that was evident when they were in power.  It seems like it is not the well being of the country that matters but rather their personal vendettas!  There is much speculation about a National Government in the offing, all things being equal; it will probably be the best solution for Ranil.

Looking at comments in the Colombo Telegraph I quote: The revelations of high level corruption by politicians and their acolytes has made people wonder whether there is anything to celebrate on their Independence Day. President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa appears to be making a valiant effort to steer the path of good governance and rejection of unnecessary pomp and pageantry. 

The UNP candidate Sajith Premadasa also appears to be following the same path, realizing that people of Sri Lanka are sick of corrupt and inefficient politicians. I hope Sri Lankans will be able to face the next Independence Day with greater confidence in a brighter future for the people of Sri Lanka.

Let’s put personal vendettas aside and look collectively at what the country is facing – the Coronavirus, the public being cautioned to use Electricity sparingly, because of the prevailing dry weather.  Chaos seems to reign the world over – Coronavirus, poor Polar Bears facing hot weather and possible extinction, people being gunned down for no rhyme or reason, human life treated with absolutely no value.  What may we ask is this world coming to?

THE VOICE