The metamorphosis

On Sunday the public witnessed the first of the Opposition theatricals in the run up to the Presidential poll. We also saw the metamorphosis of a General into a politician, albeit a ‘reluctant one’, to use his own words.

The highly publicised press conference of the General did not offer any clear-cut policy that would guide his campaign. Much time was spent on his perceived injustices against him and other personal matters.

On vital questions of the economy he could do no better than to say that the UNP has a more credible economic policy and that he would be consulting its experts in formulating his policy. Though he may not be aware the public knows very well the repercussions of the UNP economic policy on the masses. If the General’s words are true one could expect a revival of the disastrous ‘Regaining Sri Lanka’ policy which was introduced at the behest of the international financial institutions and even formulated by borrowed foreign consultants.

As to the 13th Amendment he could only say that the circumstances in which it was brought were much different from the present and the issue has to be discussed with his allies.

Even on the much publicised promise of abolishing the Executive Presidency he said within six months of assuming office he would initiate steps to abolish it, which is a far cry from abolishing it. He said he would obtain a two-thirds majority at a general election for the purpose. Little did he know that it is impossible in the present context under the existing Constitution and the ground realities.

As to safeguarding democracy, good governance, ending corruption and implementing the 17th Amendment he was merely repeating a mantram echoed by so many national and international actors without any substance.

All in all he was harping more on the past than on the future. He seems to have forgotten that the war is over and the task now is development. The task now is to look ahead and take the country towards sustainable development. He still has not got his brief on development from his mentors, both local and foreign.

Even on the question of war he cannot claim total credit for it was a team effort. Further, war is only the continuation of politics by other means as General Clauswitsz said. Hence, political leadership of the war is of paramount importance. War as such cannot be prosecuted without political leadership. To imagine so would be the height of foolishness. At the press briefing he tended to undervalue the contribution of the political leadership when he hinted resisting foreign pressure at the last leg of the humanitarian campaign was relatively easy as the war had entered a point of no return. Perhaps he was bathing in his own glory he could not see the tremendous pressure brought upon Sri Lanka by the Western powers, the United Nations and national and international NGOs.

Though he could stand tall in the battlefield, in the unfamiliar terrain of politics he could be easily dwarfed even by a provincial politician. Perhaps, the metamorphosis is not yet complete.

Snake charmer and the snake

There was once a snake charmer who was earning well through his charge. It could be said that he had landed a winner. For those who flocked to witness the spectacle was hypnotized by the snake’s antics and kept throwing their pennies and dimes into a piece of cloth set for the purpose. The trickle turned into a flood and it was brisk business as people gathered in numbers to be entertained by this unusual snake who was faithfully doing the bidding of its master. Everyday the snake did its quota of contortions and gyrations to the great pleasure of the people. But the snake was also not slow to observe the riches that was being amassed by its master through its own toil and labour. Things came to a breaking point and the snake could not stand it any longer. Here, the people were flocking to see its performance and who profits but the master who collects the spoils. No this cannot go on. So one day the snake thought to take matters to its own hand so to speak. It opted to go freelance and have the booty all to itself. It killed its master and set out on its own.

But those who hitherto flocked to be entertained by it turned hostile when they did not see the master and one day they clubbed it to death.

This is an age old parable that would also amply fit into the present day.