Dashing coconuts for divine intervention

POLITICS: Sri Lanka is unique for its politicians seeking divine intervention when they find themselves in a jam. We saw how a one time President who was facing mutiny within his ranks resorted to Bodhi poojas and other offerings verging on the bizarre to ward off the malefic influence.

Most of these propitations are of course in their own self interest. But instances also abound where local politicians invoked the wrath of the deities to vanquish their opponents. These came in various forms either as kannalawwas or seth kavi.

We saw a similar spectacle the other day when some farmers of an area that was constantly in the news dashing coconuts and inviting divine wrath against critics hurling corruption allegations against a Government Minister.

The farmers consider the Minister as one of their ilk. This is now bound to figure as a regular event given the frequency of allegations against politicians.

There is a likelihood that erring politicos belonging to a particular social class or caste having their defences taken care of by those souls of their own tribe.

They could now become bolder in their misdemeanours knowing that there is a bulwark of support to inure them from suspicion. If the practice continues to any degree of length it is bound to create an impact on ordinary mortals too who would want to demonstrate their innocence in a more vocal fashion.

The trend could intrude into domestic life as well with wronged wives dashing coconuts at a devale and holding public demonstrations at Viharamahadevi Park with doormat husbands doing their thing at Independent square.

There is a looming threat of the country’s justice system being made redundant in the unfolding scenario. For judgements would be delivered on the spot in the full glare of television where the alleged wrongdoer will be exonerated by a people power which may or may not be mightier than judicial writ.

A group of ranting supporters would do the trick in painting their MP lilywhite. Not only the justice system but also the Bribery Commission too would have to wind up in the face of slogan shouting hordes who will hold aloft their man as a shining example of integrity.

We once saw how a band of protestors instigated by an MP known for his clownish antics staged an agitation in front of a private television station over an imagined slight to their benefactor.

There could also be parades in the city espousing the virtue of politicians notorious for their escapades. This could also breed a class of untouchables who could do no wrong.

Rambler