Archives

Editorials from Sinhala and Tamil Newspapers of September 18, 2001

Voice of the Sinhala and Tamil Media

Divaina -COMEDY COUNTRY - 5

When writing the political history of Sri Lanka in the 21st century, a chapter will compulsorily be captioned as 'the era of resignations'. But, these resignations are not due to smite of conscience but for political expediency. Strategies may be essential for political life, but trying to live by them alone will be like substituting the staple food with seasoning additives such as curry leaves and 'rampe'. It is now evident that the exercise of containing the Cabinet to 20 is being done with great discomfort, inconvenience and indecision.

There are 20 Ministers except the Prime Minister and President Chandrika Kumaratunge. Arumugam Thondaman will be the 21st Minister. As such, there is yet another crisis in the making. The UNP is enacting a further comedy. Spectators are now concentrating on the JVP.

Meanwhile, Prabhakaran who missed out being another Osama Bin Laden is threading the South with terror. People remain deceived by politicians who promise power with or without rain. Some are to hold hands expecting Prabhakaran to offer peace on a platter.

Lakbima -THE CONTINUING INSTABILITY

Much was expected from the PA-JVP MoU towards dispelling the instability that is scourging the country.

But, the government is now faced with yet another crisis. Appointing a reduced 20 strong Cabinet has become a mind- bobbling exercise with resignations and appointments inter-twining in a maze of portfolios confounding confusion. The task, meant to be completed by the 12th still remains undone. And chances of completing it in any realistic and meaningful manner also seem to be remote. Ministers are mere passengers floating about with uncertain portfolios forever changing.

It is obvious that no planned action could ever take place in such a highly unstable and unpredictable climate. This political confusion will undoubtedly affect the bureaucracy and percolate down to other public servants. JVP's Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa has said in Panadura that the government is again trying to go for a Referendum on the 17th Constitutional amendment. The sad state of anarchy seems to be very much alive as efforts are being made for political survival.

But, they should think seriously of the country.

Lankadeepa -FOLLOW ACCEPTED NORMS OF BEHAVIOUR

A cluster meeting of the UNP's Nawalapitiya branches was reported to have been attacked by a PA politician and his supporters. This will no doubt, be condemned by everyone who values the spirit of decency and democracy. The attackers had acted so violently damaging furniture at this meeting that police had to escort Nawalapitiya UNP organiser to the safety of his home. Not only the errant PA politician but also the entire PA should hang its head in shame. Or else, does it permit such acts of belligerence, gun toting and indecency to be brazenly committed by its politicians.

This is not the first time its men have misbehaved with callous disregard for all sense of respect, decency and ethics. The Wayamba era of political mayhem and riotous assault of stripping opposing women in public are still fresh in the minds of the people. The urgency and significance of independent commissions are aptly demonstrated by such political thuggery. Human rights and individual freedoms will be respected and protected only if the country and its politicians set themselves on a course in line with accepted norms of behaviour.

Dinamina -PROTECT VALUES

The gobblesman media mafia are using all their resources in a ceaseless and sustained effort to prove that the PA-JVP MoU was nothing but an attempt to grab power. Following the Dr.

Gobbel's theory that any job incessantly, continuously and repeatedly given wide and intensive publicity will eventually and ultimately be accepted as the truth.

They maintain the greed demonstrated by the PA and JVP is most unethical. It is mean inhuman, degrading and callous. But, lo! and behold! the UNP is not greedy for power.

It is perpetually committed to uphold ethics and civilized human values.

That is why it tried all tricks of the trade and all guile's and strategies to win the favour of the JVP. It demanded the Premiership to be vested with Presidential powers from the PA only to protect these noble values. So why is the UNP so indignant so wild and furious about the PA power hungry safeguarding its power. Why not protect your civilized cultural values?

Virakesari -CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL

The meeting held between the UNP and the JVP on the establishment of Independent Commissions is said to have ended in a deadlock. As a result, the 17th Amendment to the proposed Constitution may not be presented in Parliament on 24th September, as scheduled. Even if by some chance, the Amendment is passed and through which these Commissions are established, the appointment of Commissioners will be in the hands of the Constitutional Council.

It is said that there is disagreement over the Composition of the Constitutional Council. The UNP is not agreeable to the composition of the Constitutional Council. Today would be the last day, before which agreement should be reached and the Bill referred to the Supreme Court, if its report is to be expected to reach Parliament on September 24.

Any delay would make it impossible for the presentation of the 17th Amendment Bill in Parliament.

Thinakaran -LAST INVITATION TO FIGHT TERRORISM

The Frankenstein Monster which terrorism has become, has made this country suffer badly.

Being a small country, it is difficult for Sri Lanka to wipe out terrorism all by itself. We, therefore, require the assistance of world countries in this task, as has been stressed by President Chandrika Kumaratunga on Sunday at the BMICH.

The root cause for terrorism should be identified . The ever widening gap between the haves and the have nots should be narrowed down and equal opportunities provided for all. Terrorism has enveloped the whole world and has to be tackled at international level. The attack on the US last week should be considered as a last indication for mankind to fight the terrorism, unitedly.

Thinakkural -AN UNTENABLE POLITICAL SITUATION

An end to political conflict and crises has still not been found. With political parties maneuvering for power without regard for the welfare of the country and its people, everything is in a state of confusion. There is uncertainty even in the composition of the Cabinet, the Deputy Ministers, Ministry Secretaries etc. This is a clear indication of the absence of good governance and a tendency to allow things to drift.

With the change of Cabinet and portfolios, the future of development projects such as Urban Development and development work in the port have become uncertain. Unlike in many countries, there is no guarantee in this country, that whatever started by a previous Minister would be continued without change. Several former Ministers have become Deputy Ministers in their own Ministries. It is indeed an embarrassing, if not, an untenable situation. the general political situation in this country today is not any better.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager