Cabinet reshuffle is Mahinda’s requirement?

Expose` : Good governance commander in chief completes two years but MR ‘s control still within army !

May 14, 2017

These days are being spent with the Vesak festivities.

Therefore, politics is temporarily forgotten by the people. But, the political battleground continues to be active. For the past few weeks, there has been talk about an impending cabinet reshuffle. The latest is that the cabinet reshuffle is due soon. But, there is a question – is a cabinet reshuffle required at this moment?

The ‘Yahapaalana’ government continues its second year after toppling the Rajapaksa regime. The good governance concept was able to bring down Mahinda Rajapaksa who rewrote part of the country’s history. A question remains as to whether that concept has become a reality. The present day politics is decided by the difference between preaching and practicing. Therefore, the president is in a dilemma as to what should, and should not, be done.

Reports say the ministries of Ravi Karunanayake, Mangala Samaraweera, Sagala Ratnayake and Malik Samarawickrama are to be changed in a cabinet reshuffle. Their portfolios are powerful ones. Therefore, society is having various ideas in that regard. If personal political agendas are set aside, there are many more other things that have to be done for the country first. The government does not comprise a single political party, but a coalition, and therefore, conflicts of opinion do occur. It appears that everyone’s final objective is to achieve their own political agendas.

After making a hero out of Mahinda, the same people brought him down. Maithri and Ranil emerged victorious according to a decision by the people, who asked one thing from the two of them. Also, representatives of ‘Yahapaalanaya’ made their story clear to the people before 08 January 2015. Thereafter, the people supported what had to be done before everything else, as they had not rejected it. But, so far, nothing has been done to their satisfaction. It’s a trot now, and there are suspicions about it too, which is not good for the government. Also, the opposing forces are making interventions actively. Due to its own fault, the government finds its opponents becoming stronger. Mahinda is raising his head slowly. The central and northern provincial councils are on fire. It is the president, with executive powers, who should decide as to whether he should add fuel to the fire or extinguish it.

He should think about the January 08 promises. The foundation should be laid for an atmosphere suited to fulfill those promises. The country does not need another Rajapaksa or Rajapaksa regime. It is not surprising that conflicts occur in politics. What is required is to overcome such conflicts. When that does not happen, we have to ask the question if president Maithripala is dancing to the tune of his predecessor Mahinda.