Protest Of The Opposition Vs Fonseka’s Chauvinist Movement

By Vickramabahu Karunaratne -October 27, 2012

Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne

Rally held at Hyde Park to support of General Sarath Fonseka by the United Bhikshu Front, the dissident Buddhist monks’ wing of the UNP, was a turning point. As we expected the campaign for the removal of 13th amendment surged forward with this event. True, the general did not put forward that slogan. Addressing the gathering, former Army Commander said that mere changes of governments would not bring any solution to the problems which are currently faced by the public and called upon people to rally around him and the Bhikshu front to change the prevailing political culture in the country. Outlining that the rule of law no more prevails in the country, he reiterated the necessity of abolishing the executive presidency. Thus he limited the campaign to the latter issue. He also criticized the present leadership of the country and claimed the prevalence of child abuse, murders, frauds and several other crimes are due to the dictatorial Mahinda regime. These ills and harms should be rooted out. His entire speech was devoted to this and no word about peace, rehabilitation and reconstruction. Nor did he explain his views on the LLRCrecommendations. But this mobilization gave new energy to Sinhala chauvinist camp. Champika, Weerawansa, Somawansa and others denounced 13th amendment and put up posters demanding repeal of13th amendment. On the other hand Petition against Divi neguma became a mobilization against these forces. Though the chauvinist within the government claimed that the bill was for poverty alleviation, the Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa stated Tamil National Alliance has no rights to comment on Divi neguma bill. Chauvinists want to force this bill through the parliament as it arrest part of the devolution given in the 13th amendment.

Meanwhile, the UNP announced that they had called a meeting of opposition political parties, trade unions and civil organizations aimed at mobilizing people against the cost of living. Accordingly, they are to meet on October 30 to decide the actions to be taken unless relief is granted in the budget that is to be tabled on November 08. In the VV, protest of the opposition, press conference on Sunday 21 all parties there committed to defend the 13th amendment and press for implementation of the LLRC recommendation. While Sumanthiran and Kumar Gurubaran condemned the attitude of the government towards the Tamil national problem, UNP deputy general secretary Jayalath said “We started devolution in Lanka and we shall defend this against all obstacles.” This in contrast to what Gotabhaya said recently; who called for the abolition of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution without further delay. Stating that the 13th Amendment was nothing but an impediment to the post-war development process, Gotabhaya asserted that the SLFP-led UPFA should either do away with the 13th Amendment or amend it taking into considering ground realities. He was supported by Wimal Weerawansa, The Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities. He has requested from the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to hold a referendum to repeal the Provincial Council system. In a letter to the President, the leader of the government coalition party National Freedom Front has suggested replacing the Provincial Council system with a devolution unit based on the district.

It is interesting to note, that the JVP also clearly indicated their support to the chauvinist wing of the government. They will support abolition of 13th amendment. At the same time they are eager to join the campaign of the general. According to one media report Tilvin has asserted “If it was really to speak over the abolition of the Executive Presidency, they should have invited the JVP too. But, what happened here were a few UNP frontrunners and UNP’s Bhikku front, which have issues with the party leadership, showing their agitation.” All these developments show that as the crisis intensifies the political parties take strong stands on the basis of Tamil national problem. Protest of the opposition, VV, has attracted all anti government forces irrespective of race, religion or creed, while Fonseka movement will attract all chauvinists who are eager to build a patriotic front committed to anti corruption and Sinhala tradition.