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Ethno-religious tensions under Rajapaksa regime
Former Ministers Dr. Tissa Vitarana, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and
like-minded others say, the Rajapaksa rule was progressive and the
country had no trouble at that time. They also say the USA and the West
bring a divide and rule policy which destabilizes countries, which may
be true looking at certain situations in the world.
But can these erudite politicians tell us why in the world were
ethno-religious tensions were brought to the surface as never before and
that too, after the end of a war. What any progressive administration
should have done was to build national unity, stability and take the
country forward without creating problems after the end of the war.
Did they call for a genuine probe on the Aluthgama-Beruwala incident
which would have been a countrywide program like the 1983 pogrom and a
fresh ethno-religious conflict would have broken out? As if the end of
the horrible 30-year ethnic war was not enough for the so-called
‘progressive’ Rajapaksa regime? There was widespread ultra-nationalism
and racism witnessed throughout the country, so much so some of the
Sinhala people could not broadcast Mohideen Baig’s Buddhist songs
because he was a Muslim.
It is clear that even the majority Sinhala people had enough of
Rajapaksas racism ultra-nationalism and ensuing instability, rising
against him in subsequent elections. If the USA is promoting a divide
and rule policy, what did the so-called ‘Progressive’ regime of the
Rajapaksas promote? If Mahinda Rajapaksa makes a comeback how can Dr.
Vitarana or Vasudeva Nanayakkara ensure that the Rajapaksa family cabal
followed by racism and the divide and rule policy will not return making
Sri Lanka unstable again?
Does this kind of racism prevail in Cuba or China?
Amir Afshar
Via email
Former President’s henchmen ruined the country!
The former President’s henchmen who are answerable for corrupt
practices such as racketeering and exploitation of public funds, have
now formed a ginger group to sabotage and criticise any profitable
motion in favour of the public brought up in Parliament.
The public now know what these henchmen were upto in the past ten
years. They were in the process of achieving their selfish ends instead
of working for the betterment of voters. It is a waste of time talking
about that as the public is aware that these henchmen have been involved
in, otherwise they wouldn’t have been summoned by the courts of law.
The credit for nipping in the bud, the war against terrorism
shouldn’t be given to a single person but to many. Firstly, we must be
grateful to the Forces including the police. Secondly, for those who
sacrificed their lives. Then the Commanders of the Forces and the IGP
for their devotion and dedication towards the motherland. The former
President placed his signature for the orders to be given to commence
the war against terrorists but it was Field Marshal, Fonseka who did the
preliminary planning. The reward he got for all this was a jail term!.
The aim was to hail Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as the war hero.
Nepotism was given pride of place but every citizen of this country
knows the blunders made by the former President to get his people into
high posts sans qualifications and experience. Yet, his henchmen are at
stake to understand the fooleries of their leader.
In sharp contrast, President Maithripala Sirisena who has a different
goal and motto, based on honesty, sincerity, simplicity and humbleness.
Today, the President stands for justice, truth and fairplay.
It is time for genuine rulers of this country to come to the
forefront, not for personal gain but to think of the country and to work
for the good of society.
Dharma Kaviraj
Angoda
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