Will ‘Yahapalanaya’ Roll Back Racism ?

By Afreeha Jawad 
-December 15, 2015 

Afreeha Jawad

Canada’s celebrated Sikh soldier Harjit Sajjan is among the many Sikhs appointed to Justin Treaudeau’s new cabinet. His outstanding performance in the Canadian military has been duly recognized with his appointment as Canada’s Minister of Defence. Sajjan’s military brilliance was displayed in combat operations in Bosnia and Afghanistan .What message does this convey to those that  run  and those that ran the affairs of state over here in Sri Lanka for over half a century? Besides, what does this prestigious appointment speak of the Canadian mind.

Opposing Lakshman Kadirgarmar’s Prime Ministerial appointment despite all his efforts in proscribing the LTTE internationally was the restricted, warped ultra-nationalist mindset . They were not willing to let go but would still call themselves Buddhists and lay claim to a religion that vehemently calls for detachment. Contrary to this is all inclusive Indian pluralism so evident in the presidential appointments of Zakir Hussain and Abdul Kalam not to forget Sonia Gandhi a non national who even gave Congressional lead to the 2004 Indian election victory. A minority Sikh Manmohan Singh took control of Prime ministerial office. 
The swiss cantons and India’s state formation – Telangana the latest, symbolize the accommodation of ethno/religious minorities in those countries.

Very recently  the Lankan jingoistic membership could not help but grudgingly green light R. Sampanthan as oppostion leader – the international community focus on his appointment. Yet it was not without rumblings from certain quarters.

To be treated equal among equals is only on paper,  and a recent case in point displays the gross violation of this profound thought coming off the Sri Lanka police. Some DIGs during Rajapaksa’s era were promoted to the post of senior  DIG s overlooking DIG Latiff formerly of the STF with  a 37 year service record, masters qualification, numerous awards and ambidextrous ways. Can the former regime then deny the charges of racism staring at their face.

In another instance Sumeda Jayasena, Vijithamuni Soysa, Sashindra Rajapaksa, Jagath Pushpakumara and Chairman Moneragala Pradeshiya Sabha Gamini ganged up against him for the “unpardonable crime” of personally arresting their henchman – a team of  poachers, sand miners and illicit timber fellers. With just one stroke of a pen, this honourable officer was transferred out of Moneragala in a letter worded, ‘with immediate effect.’ That was the audacity and arrogance of the Rajapaksa era who now from roof top criticize the the present regime. That an officer of his calibre was humiliated by a set of empty brained vagabonds for the moral discharge of his professional duties is to say the least ,nauseating. The fate that may have befallen this country if not for that mysterious  January   8th revolution, followed by that discreetly manipulated creative hopper party is only God’s knowledge. Yet, this is certainly not to pay a glowing tribute to Yahapalanaya. There are moral meanderings and they too carry the potential to equal Rajapakse and company unless a stern Presidential eye is cast on them. Not to forget are the Rajapaksa acolytes now in presidential company who may disrepute him in corruption and racism.                                           Read More