An enduring voice for the nation’s conscience

His own conscience has consistently been his guiding star, rising above lures and temptations of the moment 

By Professor G. L. Peiris

At a time of widespread cynicism about politics and politicians in our country, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar stands out as a refreshing example of a political figure who has steadfastly refused to succumb to expediency and held fast, through all vicissitudes, to his cherished ideals and convictions.

I have associated closely with him over a considerable span of his political career, and am personally aware of his unwavering integrity. Accolades sit lightly on his shoulders and, rather than compromise his values, he has on many occasions chosen to turn down the most attractive rewards. His own conscience has consistently been his guiding star,rising above lures and temptations of the moment.

His commitment to a cause he believes in, is total and immutable. An example is the Palestinian nation,whose entitlement to justice and equity in a capricious world he has espoused with the full force of his personality.

Many aspects of his thinking shine through his interventions in Parliament.

The speeches collected in this volume straddle an extensive array of themes, across the political and social spectrum. Chosen with care, they reflect every facet of his convictions.

Many of these themes have an immediate bearing on the priorities of Sri Lankan society at the present time.

A matter he deals with insightfully is a woeful lack of democracy within political parties in our country. This is one of the central challenges to a vibrant participatory culture. He examines, with sensitivity and perception, the provisions of oppressive legislation such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and their impact in eroding basic civil liberties.

A subject of the greatest importance at present is reform of the educational system and the need for greater linkage between education and livelihoods. Imthiaz persuasively expounds the issues in this area.

Education legitimately expands the threshold of expectation. Deep disenchantment in this regard, as our national experience clearly demonstrates, gives rise to unrest on a scale which imperils the foundations of the social order.

Imthiaz certainly strikes a chord in all perceptive observers of the social landscape when he explains the fundamental importance of accountability as the basis of all democratic institutions. He rightly points out the crucial need for expansion of youth representation far beyond the bounds of local government bodies.

One of the speeches selected deals with the extraordinary power of the Aragalaya, as an antidote against polarisation and division among ethnic and religious communities. The speech is couched in moving terms.

All in all, this is a representative collection of speeches in the country’s highest Legislature by a multifaceted personality, held in great esteem by all sections of our society. An exceptionally gifted speaker who won coveted awards during his student days at Ananda Vidyalaya for Sinhala oratory, Imthiaz has made a contribution of enduring value to awakening the collective conscience of our nation.

This book serves a salutary purpose at a time of considerable uncertainty and turbulence: I wish the publication all the success it richly deserves.