Maithiri’s 100 Days Lack Luster Performance

By M.K. Eelaventhan -April 29, 2015

Eelaventhan Manickavasakar

Maithiri’s much publicized vote catching 100 days promised actionscommencing from January 8 started with a whimsy and has ended with a whimper, much to the disappointment of all Sri Lankans. However, some actions have been taken and/or initiated and the noteworthy step is the introduction of the 19th amendment. Reviving the independent police judicial and public service commissions and reducing the powers of president without abolishing it as promised and demanded by some political parties. This bill is likely to reach the statute book. The other notable changes are:

• The reduction of fear psychosis from government sponsored criminals and ruling politicians
• The fresh air of press freedom in the south while the north is still a haunting region for the Tamil journalists
• Avoiding diplomatic and state appointments based on political favouritism and nepotism
• Curtailing China’s hold on Sri Lanka while forging more friendly relationships with India and U.S
• So far there are no signs of any abuse or misuse of power by Maithiri and also any dictatorial attitude. Maithiri has also not shown any lust or designs to cling onto the position of Executive President
• Maithiri is still lacking the dominant spirit and move like a President with decisive step

The Maithiri-Ranil brittle and uneasy union is meandering and plodding to fulfill the promises and meet the aspirations of all Sri Lankans. Firstly, the disgusting pampering of the past regime’s corrupt officials, ministers, and including the self-made king of corruption, the former president Mahinda Rajapaksa is still continuing. Maithiripala Sirisena promised to close the airports to stop the fleeing of the corrupt including criminals. This promise is dead and no one knows the names of those who fled to avoid the long arm of the laws in Sri Lanka.

Secondly, some investigations have been initiated against the members of the Rajapaksa dynasty for their involvements in bribery, tamashas, frolics, misuse and abuse of state machinery, sexual trysts in homes and airlines. The media is exposing the disgusting details of various disgraceful episodes, but there is inexplicable slowness and reluctance to bring them to face the crimes and culpability upholding the rule of law, though the arrest of Basil Rajapaksa is a bold step and it is hoped that this will be followed by many more arrests including the defiant Mahinda. Ranil Wickremesinghe for his part has blocked the arrest of Gothabaya Rajapaksa, thus freeing from more grilling investigation. This lawless step of Ranil is just the writing on the wall and one can be rest assured that the Rajapaksa dynasty could be leniently dealt with while giving a body blow to good governance in Sri Lanka. It looks like Maithiri is haunted by the menacing spectre of Mahinda like a phoenix bird.

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