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The Opposition's role

We will only be stating the obvious by saying that this country hardly has a political Opposition worth speaking of. The recent wild scenes at the UNP headquarters, Sirikotha, highlighted most graphically the furiously divided house which is the UNP. Obviously, the 'Grand Old Party' would need to get its act together, unless it wants history to write it off as a thoroughly spent force which is beyond revival.

While the majority of the UNP's political enemies are very likely to enjoy the spectacle of the party descending from bad to worse, in terms of unity and inner cohesion, seen from a national interest viewpoint, the dismemberment of the main Opposition political party is not something to be gloated over. No less a person than President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed concern over the implosion of what the majority of political constituents consider the country's main Opposition political party and called on it to reorganize itself for the purpose of carrying out the legitimate functions expected of it.

It is not only the bizarre happenings at Sirikotha that drove home to the public that the UNP is now dismembered beyond recognition. Even during the budget debate it could be seen that the party lacked a true centre on account of the fact very little constructive criticisms were made by it of the proposals, besides it not having been at full strength in the House on some occasions. As the President explained in Parliament on Wednesday, in the course of his winding-up address, personal ambition had got the better of some of the UNP leaders.

Now that a party leader has been elected by the UNP's decision-making bodies, the party could not have any excuses for not living up to the role expected of it. President Rajapaksa has taken an enlightened view of the Opposition's role in democratic politics and it should be amply clear to well meaning and reflective sections that a strong Opposition is a boon rather than a bane to a democracy.

The democratic system is deeply intertwined with this country's national interest and it would be in keeping with the legitimate aspirations of the people to ensure the continuity and vitality of the democratic system of government. Come what may, democracy has to emerge the winner and it is for this reason that the political Opposition in democracies must be in a state of vibrancy and not allow itself to disintegrate into oblivion, as nearly happened in the case of the UNP.

As exemplified by the President, the more enlightened of our politicians consider it to be in the country's interests to have a vibrant and constructively- oriented Opposition. For, it is plain to see that it is an alert Opposition that could have a government on its toes, as it were. It is only a vibrant and indefatigable Opposition that could ensure that governance is being carried out in keeping with the mandate the governing party has received. It is only a vigilant Opposition that could ensure that the rulers of the day are not dissipating themselves by enjoying excessive power, but are working towards the legitimate interests of the people. In a sense, therefore, a democracy's Opposition too is a watchdog of representative governance and its cardinal values.

Needless to say, this country's Opposition, for the most part, has veered away from the ideals expected of it. Whereas what is needed is constructive criticism of day-to-day governance, the Opposition has considered it fit to engage in destructive criticism of the state. Thus, nothing good is seen in anything the government does. All policies and practices of the state are seen as deeply flawed, although just the opposite could be the case.

This negative mindset of the Opposition would not help in achieving the national interest because no constructive criticisms have been offered to the governance process. Opposition viewpoints should act as correctives to excesses and distortions of governance. If this is not happening satisfactorily, it is the democratic system which would suffer grievously.
 

Moving forward: an assessment of ongoing initiatives

I should note that better planning for education is something through which we can also ensure that the particular talents of the Jaffna Peninsula are put to good use. One factor to which I believe government has not paid sufficient attention is the difference between the Wanni and Jaffna.

Full Story

The Lotus Heart

Four wives

Aravinda had an invitation to dine at his rich friend’s mansion. He was celebrating the fourth anniversary of marriage to his fourth wife. Aravinda has known his friend ever since his marriage to his first wife.

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Dr. T. B. Jayah-Great humanist

Anyone associated with Zahira College, Colombo knows that it was during his period as Principal that Zahira took root as the premier Muslim Educational Institution in the country. Yet Jayah's services were multifaceted and impacted on the Muslim community in more ways than one.

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Thinking CAP

Procrastination- the thief of time

It was never easy to get a job of work done at a government department unless you really pay for it in terms of time and anxiety. In the commercial sector, of course, since their survival depends on their productivity and hence persons engaged therein are made to either work or bust. But in the government sector there is job stability and the results of its service, even in a democracy is reviewed only periodically and that too could be in a mire of loads of election propaganda.,

Full Story

 

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