A Brief Colonial History Of Ceylon(SriLanka)
Sri Lanka: One Island Two Nations
A Brief Colonial History Of Ceylon(SriLanka)
Sri Lanka: One Island Two Nations
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Thiranjala Weerasinghe sj.- One Island Two Nations
?????????????????????????????????????????????????Thursday, April 27, 2017
Meethotamulla & Corrupt Politicians
By Barbara Seneviratne –April 26, 2017
Oh! my heavens how lucky we are to have such conscientious ministers,
members of Parliament and C.M.C mayors who suddenly were awakened to the
cries of the folks who were victims to be buried alive by the so called
loving, faithful, dedicated politicians.
This
mountain of garbage at Meethotamulla was deliberately built with no
concern for the health hazard it created for the poor but not for the
unscrupulous politicians who with the help of the C.M.C. mayors and
contractors pocket nearly Rs.8 million a year. It is no wonder that they
gave no ear to the people of the area.
However, let us hope that garbage mountain at the Ginganga in Galle would not face the similar fate as Meethotamulla. This
garbage mountain at Ginganga could be seen if one takes a boat along
the river towards the Jet wing hotel. It will be another catastrophe and
the livelihood of most of the people living close to the river and the
garbage mountain is operating boat tours for tourists along the river.
These
politicians spend thousands of rupees on spirits and food at elections
not for the benefit of those who voted for them but to harvest a larger
amount of black money. Another instead reason why they want the old
system of provincial councils is because that system would enable
them to line their pockets from the funds allocated for the development of village roads, schools and local hospitals which they promise to do but they never do.
Unfortunately
we do not get people of the caliber of Lalith Athulathmudalie, T.B
Illangaratne, T.B Subasinghe or Anil Moonasinghe as members of
Parliament. It is said that 90% of our politicians are uneducated. This
was supported by Bandula Gunawardana’s speech and wherein he stated that
a family of four could comfortably live on an income of Rs 2000/ per
month. The majority of politicians of today are good at collecting their
10% commissions from tenders but lack the ability to propose or deal
with any of the outstanding problems of today in the areas of
education, health, water and electricity. They hardly have the capacity
to visualize or detect what is good or bad for the country, but good at
organizing strikes or dashing coconuts on the roads. They are also good
at delivering grandiose senseless speeches to hide their disabilities.
How can we expect these corrupt, unscrupulous politicians who extort
money or sexual favors and who take advantage of the innocent folks to
fill their pockets be concerned about the plight of the community. Their behavior in parliament also indicates their disability to be decent, and disciplined.
For decades politicians
have not taken garbage dumping issue seriously. The best part is that
it is for these politicians that the government gives free rides abroad,
duty free luxury vehicles and pension after just for 5
years for behaving like a bull in a china shop. Beside for
attending Parliament they get an extra payment. Sri Lanka may be the
only country that pampers politicians be they crook or to prevent them
from crossing over to other parties or through fear that they will
expose the culprits.
It
is time that the President realizes that preaching at all functions
will not deliver the goods. The prevalence of political corruption has
had a number of consequences. It’s affected the country’s economy to a
great extent. It is high time that the government and the President
guarantee that corruption in all institutions would be exposed to the
public and would instill discipline at all levels.
The
president must further ensure that racial discrimination is no longer
legitimate under the law and any sign of it that can be fought legally
is taken to the courts. He must further take serious action against
police manhandling of witnesses and presenting false charges in courts.