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Archbishop calls for 'People Power'

by Nicholas Marcus Fernando, Archbishop of Colombo

My Dear Fellow countrymen, We are at the crossroads at a momentous time in the history of our country. The direction we take at the forthcoming election will determine our immediate and distant future. Let us therefore not be afraid to take the right decision in casting our vote. We as a people have to challenge the politicians of today and teach them that this country does not belong to them but to all of us its rightful citizens. This is what is meant by "People Power".

Let us therefore not cast our votes to the candidates of any party who in their regions have used violence. They have caused death and destruction. Let us not cow down before party supporters and hirelings who have threatened to distrupt the electoral process. Can such people be allowed to become our rulers? The answer is clearly "No".

Let us not cast our votes to those who instead of repenting of the past have declared that they will repeat their violence when expedient. Let us not cast our votes to those who have blatantly lied and deliberately fabricated stories with the hope of deceiving us.

If we let ourselves be deceived, we should deserve a government that befits our foolishness.

Let us not cast our votes to those who advocate a policy of retaliation and revenge. When leaders use such language, we wonder what kind of a country we are going to have under them.

Let us not cast our votes to those who have strained their throats and offended our ears with strident character assassinations which is as bad and even worse than murder.

For whom shall we vote then?

Let us vote for those who have promised to work towards peace in our country. For those who will advocate the ballot and not the bullet. We have had enough with those who have promised us victories in six months and twelve months. Let us not enrich the warmongers on both sides who make enormous sums at the cost of the poor and the voiceless. Let us vote for those who will at least attempt to bring about peace and give peace a chance.

Let us vote for those who have silently worked towards a new political culture. They did not paste posters and break the existing laws. They did not waste our time by talking about non-essentials but focused on worthwhile issues. They are men of courage who will deliver the goods.

Let us vote for those who have spoken not about other people's failures but about their own contributions to the nation, and about the burning problems of the day and the way to solve them.

Let us vote for those who will redeem our economy and make it support all the citizens of our country especially the poor and the marginalized.

Let us vote against violence, against falsehood, against corruption. Let us vote for representatives who can bring about freedom, truthfulness, fairplay and peace in our country. Religious values have been trampled under foot. We need to restore them.

Finally let me quote from scriptures and say: "Do not cast your pearls before swine. If you do, they will trample them and then turn on you and tear you to pieces."

Vote wisely and vote without fear.

Our appeal:

Our first appeal is to all grassroot, village based groups to be vigilant and help in whatever way they can to help maintain peace.

Our second appeal is to all broadbased organized civic groups to supervise and monitor the elections as done in the past.

Our third appeal is to the Media both state and private; to act in a responsible manner respecting truth and justice in these last few days before the election.

Our final appeal is to three very important persons in our country. They are the President, the Election Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police. Before, during and after the election, they are the key figures who can save this country for the future.

We look up to them for justice, fairplay and freedom. This is an opportunity for them to become true Patriots and Heroes by doing the right thing by our country. My hope and prayer is that they will rise to the occasion and win the gratitude of a nation and be remembered for ever.

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