The govt. should lead by example

But what is becoming increasingly noticeable is that the same faces that have been harping on protecting cultural values and Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism are emerging on different platforms

During his recent visit to Jaffna, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake highlighted actions of Sinhala-Buddhist extremists. He said that some would pass by the Sri Maha Bodhi and observe sil in the North,  but these actions are done with an intention of spreading hate. He said that people were left without houses, their loved ones, much loved belongings and property in the aftermath of the war. Therefore, Sri Lanka doesn’t need another war or bloody racial tensions fueled by extremist agendas. 
The President and certain MPs came under much scrutiny for comments passed on the Buddhist clergy over the past few weeks. It only takes a millisecond to upset the clergy over matters that could be resolved in a matter of seconds. But they make sure that they make mountains out of mole hills every time such claims are being made. One monk even went to the extent of claiming his relationship to US President Donald Trump!
But what is becoming increasingly noticeable is that the same faces that have been harping on protecting cultural values and Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism are emerging on different platforms. This is perhaps to find more followers for their cause. So their call is to protect a majoritarian ideology. 
One would say that this is common for a majority Sinhala speaking Buddhist country. But if one takes a closer look at the country’s cultural fabric, it’s beautifully woven with many cultures and ethnicities. The country carries many wounds with it. Some are still sore and some are on their slow path to recovery. This country has paid the price for protecting majoritarian ideologies. So now it’s time to build a level playing field for everyone,   where it becomes a land for everybody to live in. 
Even 17 years after the war, many individuals are still left without a house, some don’t know what happened to their loved ones during the last stages of the war, some survivors have died while awaiting truth and justice, some are permanently disabled, some are psychologically traumatised. There has never been a proper mechanism to expedite rehabilitation in the first place. 
While the scars of the past remain, there are more stresses that keep worrying people. In the aftermath of the cyclone, many people still haven’t received compensation or relief promised by the government. According to civil society activists voicing for rights of the Malaiyaha community, they claim that this community has been at the receiving end of discrimination when it comes to cyclone relief distribution. Sources indicate that the Grama Niladhari assigned to different divisions in disaster-struck areas seem to be overwhelmed with the workload. The government continues to function under emergency regulations; somewhat similar to a previous government. 
During its election campaign, the government delivered several promises. A news item recently indicated that President Dissanayake has been able to deliver 10 out of 30 promises he had made. Ten is alright given the prevailing situation, but it could have been much more if the government wasn’t quick enough to jump into certain conclusions. Several decisions were revoked, because they seemed impractical. 
The NPP government is relatively new to governance,  but they have much experience in politics and each one of its politicians have their own wealth of experience. This is not the time to pass immature comments on the political stage. Their own ministers are made immune by the law,  and are free to pass hints on social media, but the moment a lay person passes comments on a renowned author or a religious figure for instance -– the ICCPR Act comes into effect. So why the double standard? 
So while protecting majoritarian ideologies, the so-called popular culture, pleasing those who need to be pleased, the government also needs to walk the talk as well as protect its voice. Ensure that their representatives speak sense in public; ensure that their seniors respect citizens and their own ministers alike, because the government ultimately has to lead by example.

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