Enough Is Enough!

By Shiranee Dissanayake –JUNE 12, 2019

Shiranee Dissanayake

Enough is enough! Having lived through the gruesome experience of 30 years of terrorism of the brand of Velupillai Prabhakaran, the people of Sri Lanka be they Sinhala, Tamil Muslim Burgher or Malay have experience the ultimate in physical and mental suffering. The LTTE was allowed to thrive on Sri Lankan soil, expand internationally and develop into the most dangerous, ruthless terrorist organization in the world. Although there were many attempts to resolve the conflict peacefully, political, religious, racial and other considerations by the politicians as well as civil society groups deterred the process from constructively moving forward. Looking back at 71 years of independence it is evident that those who wielded the reins of power have not had the foresight, the qualities of leadership or the political commitment needed to ensure lasting peace, let alone prosperity for this our motherland. The horrific senseless killings of innocent civilians on 21stApril 2019, by the ISIS based Islamic terrorist organization the National Thawheed Jamath (NTJ), which has been operating in Sri Lanka for over 12 years, speak volumes for the lack of concern and  commitment, and incompetence of the political leadership in handling issues of this nature. Indeed, another violent odious, terrorist organization is the last thing that Sri Lankans want on Sri Lankan soil. They have already had enough.

When the war ended in 2009, under the political leadership of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the military leadership of Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka, backed by the total dedication and commitment of the armed forces and the unstinted support and co-operation of the people of all communities who collectively deserve the credit for this victory, the door finally opened to usher in lasting peace and prosperity. However regrettably, the era that followed was one of bribery, corruption, politicization of government institutions and autocratic family rule. 

This prompted the educated elite, the intellectuals, professionals and civil society groups to band together under the guidance and leadership of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera to vote Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa out of power. As Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe was unable to summon the majority support of the people to run for the presidency, a common candidate in the form of Maithripala Sirisena was put forward by the UNP as the presidential candidate. His promise of a Maithri Palanayak, Sthawara Ratak, appealed to most Sri Lankans who had suffered at the hands of the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world, within a stagnant economy, for more than half of their lives.The Rajapaksa reign of politicization of government institutions, widespread bribery and corruption, and big time robbery of the wealth and resources of this country prompted the people to opt for the national government proposed by the UNP with Maithripala Sirisena of the SLFP as the common presidential candidate. 

To cut a long story short, there were great expectations that the national government of Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe would give priority to salvaging the country from the economic morass it was engulfed in. It was the fervent hope that this ‘national’ government would do away with racism, religious extremism and inequality. It was the people’s dream that it would ensure justice for all bring about an era of peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic communities and steer the country towards economic prosperity. 

However, the performance of the President and the Prime minister after four years of their term of office, has left the voters and all who worked day and night to ensure their victory, in a state of bewilderment and utter disgust followed by a total breakdown of trust and confidence in their leadership. 

One of the main reasons for this is that the President has got his priorities wrong. His first priority was to be the leader of the SLFP and nurture the party instead of adopting an apolitical stance, committed to protecting and developing the country in keeping with his position and his promise of a ‘Maithri Palanayak, Sthawara Ratak’. As time progressed, it became abundantly clear to all, that his first priority was not the country but his own political future.

The sudden indiscriminate sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the installation of Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister on October 26th 2019 with total disregard for the provisions of the constitution, put the lid on the collapse of the Maithri/Ranil coalition. Judging by the evidence that has emerged since the April  21st ISIS attack on innocent worshippers in Catholic churches, and guests top ranking  tourist hotels, it is clear that national security of the country has been given little or no priority by either of the two leaders. 

Looking back at the tragedy of 21st April where 243 innocent people were ruthlessly killed for no fault of theirs and nearly 500 seriously injured, it might be relevant to examine how the government in power handled this severe threat to national security. It has been established beyond doubt that information regarding the impending attacks was communicated to the security top brass as well as His Excellency the President more than two weeks before the attacks took place. It is also clear that there has been a sense of complacency or even indifference among all concerned, regarding the impending danger to the security of the people. 

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