A phase in the precise route having entered an era of renaissance, curbed by the past rulers on aspirations of masses – By Sunil Thenabadu
Ominous aspirations of the people, which were suppressed by past rulers for decades, have finally come to the forefront. The people of Sri Lanka have been probing for light in the dark for periods after gaining independence which are now beginning to flourish by embracing a new way of rational, fostering enlightenment with evolution to all..Let us appreciate the beauty of cultural diversity by extending respect, acceptance, and brotherhood towards one another. The time has come for the Sri Lankan nation, which had faced attempts at division and weakening, to stand undivided and strong. By grubbing out injustice, discrimination, marginalization, hate speech, and violence, we can lead the way in ending the previous political cultures that creates divisions and fosters inequality between the privileged and the underprivileged. For the first time in Sri Lanka’s political history, a single party had gone beyond a two-thirds vote at the November 14th parliamentary elections. An overjoyed NPP’s General Secretary Dr Nihal Abeysinghe added ‘even we did not expect this overwhelming result’ as only120 seats was the target they anticipated. This was as people have imposed even greater poise in the party for this sweeping landslide victory achieved which even surpassed the two-thirds majority relished by the Mahinda Rajapaksa triumph in year 2010. Just two and half years later, their forte degenerated, when Gotabhaya had to go home. What is needed is a strong government that will meet the aspirations of the people. He said the new government should reciprocate the conviction placed by the vast number of voters. The comparison between the presidential and parliamentary elections revealed an interesting trend. Support for the NPP appears unprecedented historically.
The two massive victories have been stunning to say the least. Winning the top job by Anura Kumara Dissanayake was good enough ,the virtual clean sweep of the legislative chamber is more than inspiring. However, unprecedented is the victory in the North where for the first time in contemporary political history a Sinhalese Buddhist has been given a complete mandate by the Tamil Hindu Anura Kumara has certainly energised the nation of Sri Lanka. It is the fervent hope of all citizens to harness this energy to lift our nation to greatness again similar to when our great Kings ruled the country.
But vastness commences with small but relevant steps. In your short tenure in the top job you have verified foretastes of what lies us ahead. You have now been given an overwhelming second mandate by the people. You can virtually do anything you wish. But with unencumbered power comes huge accountability. We are confident that you will use your power wisely and always remember – you are but a servant of the people.
You have been definitely blessed with an richness of flair in your recently elected legislative chamber – a true patriot of the nation. Every ethnicity, religion, educational, competency, discipline and age are all represented. For the first time in the history of Sri Lankan politics a humble son of an survey labour worker has been afforded the unique opportunity to participate in gigantic political decisions.
Your party has presented a commendable manifesto, a prospectus that the electorate have bought into and as stakeholders they will be expecting the returns you promised. As the country’s President you must carefully appoint your senior executives who will implement your strategies to deliver results. There is no doubt that the IQ of parliament has arisen several slashes. You yourself have demonstrated an weird ability to grasp situations, understand the numbers and demonstrated a willingness to learn fast. You will no doubt appoint to your cabinet 25 ministers . Mindfulness of the advice of all cabinet ministers to work as a team. . Lead by example. Ensure you set key performance indicators for delivering your promised outcomes producing a regular tally of achievements.
Among the early signals of a national renaissance is the vast change that has been seen in the psyche of the masses. Quiet and peaceful elections, no over-enthusiasm of celebratory conduct but only a genuine sense of calm expectations. You have done away with the splendour and spectacle that your predecessors revelled in. All good signs of being a typical bloke of the people.
Please remember that the success of a country and its acknowledgement on the global stage is its level of governance and adherence to the rule of law – facades that sadly previous regimes failed to acknowledge. You now have the legislative powers to enact laws to bring to book the scoundrels. The people are watching and waiting.
Finally, Mr President let’s remind you that King Parakramabahu I ruled Sri Lanka for a long 33 years. His achievements are written on stone and can never be obliterated. You Mr President, have the opportunity to emulate or better the feats of Parakramabahu 800 years on and have your achievements written in the digital space.
Do not dissipate the opportunity to re-write the history of Sri Lanka you have already made a start! May you long rule this land.
Sunil Thenabadu
email sthenabadu@hotmail.com
