Time for unity

There was intense speculation in the weekend newspapers whether the Government would go in for a General Election early next year, given several positive factors such as the Forces’ victories against the LTTE, the reduction of fuel prices and bus fares and the overwhelming support for the Budget in Parliament.

Now the Government has dismissed such speculation, stressing that its stability was assured. Indeed, the Second Reading of the Budget vote was passed with a majority of 42, a very wide margin for any vote in Parliament. In fact, compared to last year when there were moves by certain elements to defeat the Budget and the nation held its collective breath on two days, this year’s Budget victory for the Government seems to be a foregone conclusion.

As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. There is absolutely no need to hold a General Election at this stage, as the Government is very stable. Besides, the country has witnessed several General Elections in a row. One must not forget the cost factor - each election needs at least Rs.800 million, which can be diverted to development or welfare. Sri Lanka cannot afford to have elections almost every two years spending such a large amount of money.

The other factors cannot be measured in terms of money. Elections in this country mean political violence, as we have unfortunately not gained a level of maturity that many advanced democracies have. That in itself is a cause of general instability during pre-election periods. Any perception of instability also affect foreign investment and tourism as well.

But the major concern among the general population is that the Government should go ahead with the humanitarian mission in the North until all the Tiger bastions are regained by the Security Forces. Any political alignment inimical to their mission will be rejected by the masses. This Government has proved beyond any doubt its commitment to defend the Motherland from the terrorist designs of the LTTE.

After all, the voting public have repeatedly rejected attempts by certain parties to hand over certain areas of the country to the LTTE on a platter.

It was pointed out that by voting against a Budget that contains many relief measures for the Forces personnel along with a record allocation for defence, the JVP and the UNP have acted against the interests of the country on the very day that the Forces regained Pooneryn after a lapse of almost 15 years.

Minister Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday that by doing so, the two parties were digging their own graves through unpatriotic actions. Although one can expect the UNP to vote against the Budget as the main Opposition, many have been surprised by the turnaround of the JVP, which has vociferously campaigned on behalf of the Forces.

Now is the time for all political parties to rally round President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who completes three years in office tomorrow, as the valiant Security Forces march towards Paranthan, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi, the last few bastions of the Tigers.

There is no doubt that they would emerge victorious soon and re-establish Government control over all these areas. This is a critical juncture in our history when all should support the Government and the Forces to achieve this aim.

While there would be no General Election, we are told that several provincial council elections are to be held next year. It is the earnest wish of the peace loving citizens of the country that the Northern Provincial Council would also be among them. That is precisely what President Rajapaksa has promised - the restoration of pluralism and democracy in the North as opposed to the dictatorial tyranny of the LTTE.

The Forces can liberate the Tamil civilians in the Wanni from the LTTE but the political wheels should begin to turn from that point. This process took place in the East after its liberation and a former child combatant of the LTTE is now at the helm of the East after embracing democracy.

The Easterners are now guiding their own affairs and the Northerners will get that opportunity before long. The entire Nation must stand as one at this juncture when the Forces are poised to make that happen.