An Open Letter To President Sirisena

By Hilmy Ahamed -February 6, 2015

Hilmy Ahamed

I thank you, Mr. President for your bold attempt and resolve to bring back rule of law, good governance, minimize corruption and bring to book perpetrators of vices that were lacking in our country for the last decade. This is what the majority of Sri Lankans had silently prayed for, during the tenure of the last regime, which allowed political goons to override any sense of rule of law.

Your attempt, with the support of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to propel the government with support of crossovers from your former leaders coterie, who would continue to demand their pound of flesh, is no mean task. Political patronage for drug peddling, illegal import of ethanol and alcohol production, unprecedented corruption and violation of human rights were hallmarks of a sizable fraternity of your former colleagues in the UPFA government, who have now pledged to support you to implement your 100 day reforms. Their holding you to ransom is evident on your continued inactions and not booking these criminals since you are in need of their support to get through the constitutional reforms you envisage. Your voters would forgive you, should you have difficulties in honouring all your election platform pledges and promises in your 100-day marathon, but will not if you allow these political scoundrels to cut deals with your government to abscond their place at Welikada. The promise of reestablishing the rule of law is as important as the label on the cigarette packs that you resolved to implement at any cost.

The Rajapaksas were accused of controlling all revenue generating activity in the country during their tenure, while some accuse theSirisenas of controlling trade in Polonnaruwa. Your proclamation to halt the destruction of the environment due to the sand mining is most welcome, which is mostly controlled by your siblings in your hometown, Polonnaruwa. The majority who voted you would also carefully monitor the implementation of your edict. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) who has become the unofficial policemen of the 100-day programme too would ensure that there are no lapses in the implementation of these bold and vital endevours.

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