What can we do?

December 29, 2016, 9:15 pm 

The above is the plaintive cry heard of a populace, driven to hopeless desperation by the ongoing succession of events in our land. Frustration almost justifies the question whether "the cure is worse than the disease". The promise of January 8 , 2016 has ushered a colossal let down. No amount of pious posturing and flippant dismissal of deeply-felt pain and disappointment will do. It is unnecessary to labour the point that virtually all of the spectacular disclosures of corruption and other misdeeds fed to us was blatant lying or distortion. Dishonesty and bluff are sadly, very much what has to be expected. Soon, one fears, silent acceptance may no longer be possible and deteriorate into unpleasant reaction.

Every single government since Independence - and it has been a regular change of tenancy - has been far short of promise and fulfillment. Statesmen have been as sorely lacking as are vitally needed. The first Government at Independence carried away with it all decency, standards and class. Name any of the successors and even some semblance of rectitude is hard to find. The record has been uniformly dismal.

Change of crew, has on past experience been useless. Once venality is practiced, it becomes ingrained. The possibility of a reshuffling of the pack rekindles the fear that history will repeat. As so tellingly encapsulated in "Unuth ekai, munnuth ekai"!

What then can we do? For a Reform within the present electoral system, where corruption and dishonesty are of prime value nothing short of fundamental awakening of the electorate to change their mindset and criteria of evaluation may be necessary.

Two recent events suggest that such a re-awakening may just be possible. The "Gammedda Dina Seeya Programme" and the "Trail Walk'', to me, offer great signs of hope. The former showed the effectiveness of self help when modestly catalysed and imaginatively led. The latter showed public admiration of selfless devotion and compassion. Both showed the powers of virtue and sympathy for fellow Sri Lankans. Both showed that there is a way outside of cheaply selfish politics. Concurrently were the moves to increase astronomically, the perks and privileges of MPP, the attempts to cover up cases of fraud and impropriety, diluted by the diversions of a giant tree, a promised Constitution, neither of which can be expected to attract a mass , obsessed as they are with the harsh existential realities. They are irrelevancies as also the contortions of new flower buds and self-centered efforts to secure or preserve privilege, dressed with an orgy of floral offerings, puja visits, Atapirikara and flower trays. They are insufferably boring and irrelevant.

We are a people in search of a decent system of governance, untainted by the squalor of what prevails. This country is not short of talent, ability and promise. Objectivity and incorruptibility should embellish competence. Can civil society give thought to evolving a minimal curriculum vitae, to be activated and popularized with urgency. Posturings and pretended purity are insufficient. Clarity of such a message is urgent and should replace the groans and moans of a distraught and disillusioned nation.

May Peace and contentment decorate the coming Year for us all!

Dr U.Pethiyagoda