Editorial-Learn from Mandela

10 December 2013 06:42 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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In the afterglow of the World Anti-Corruption Day on Monday Sri Lanka finds itself in a situation where the cost of living keeps soaring along with allegations of corruption.

The latest scandalous allegations involve the once-powerful Lakshman Hulugalle, Director General of the suddenly-disbanded Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) and the Northern Provincial Council’s Opposition Leader Kandasamy Kamalendran who is a leading member of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party.

According to media reports, the Hulugalle story fits more with fiction and seems too good to be true. It was exposed when Police raided a casino in a well-known building. The next day, the 23 police officers who raided the casino were transferred, some of them to remote stations. The Police media spokesman denied that the transfers were connected to the casino raid and claimed they were routine transfers which were overdue. But the coincidence was too much.

The exposure exploded when a weekend newspaper splashed an interview with the shopping mall owner who made shocking allegations about the casino raid and of blatant if not unbelievable abuse of power.

It was alleged that the former MCNS chief had given orders to the police for the transfers, and questions are raised as to why the police obeyed such orders. It is alleged that the former MCNS chief not only got the casino-raiding police officers transferred but also got police escorts to carry on his illicit affair as well. All this wrecked the family, and the shopping mall owner finally received some justice only when he managed to get through to the President. Thankfully the President disbanded the MCNS immediately, but action should be taken against those who carried out these orders. If the rule of law still prevails in this country, then we hope the President will at least to some extent rise to the stature of a legendary statesman like Nelson Mandela and ensure that justice is done in such cases.

"Madiba Mandela in 1994 became the first democratically elected President of South Africa. He was a just steward and sincere servant of all the people providing their basic needs of food, shelter and clothing, health and education with equal opportunities for all, not only his party supporters"

More than 100 world leaders have gathered in South Africa for the funeral of this patron saint of political miracles. Madiba or father Mandela suffered in jail and was tortured for more than 27 years. After the liberation of South Africa from the tyranny of the white minority rule, Madiba Mandela in 1994 became the first democratically elected President of South Africa. He was a just steward and sincere servant of all the people. Although unrest and inequality still torments South Africa which has seen the ruling black elite too degenerating with allegations of corruption and abuse of power being made against those who succeeded Mandela.

However, Mandela leaves behind a legacy where he was instrumental in forgiving those who brutally persecuted him and the black people. Through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission he gave an opportunity for the oppressors to confess the truth, seek forgiveness from the people and play their role in society. After four years Madiba Mandela resigned because he sought no personal gain or glory. Though he was the President for only four years Madiba Mandela will be an example and inspiration to billions of people. All leaders need to learn from this man for all seasons, as a man who was humble, forgiving and not only lived for peace, justice and equality but was even ready to die for it.

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Editorial-Learn from Mandela

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