My dear Anura sahodaraya, I thought of writing to you because there appears to be some issues that are bothering even those who supported the ‘maalimaawa’. Of course, there is no one else to write to as well, because no one seems to be able to do anything at all about such matters, unless one [...]
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I thought of writing to you because there appears to be some issues that are bothering even those who supported the ‘ maalimaawa ’. Of course, there is no one else to write to as well, because no one seems to be able to do anything at all about such matters, unless one writes to Tilvin sahodaraya himself!
To start with, those who were worried about the PTA were at first relieved when they heard that it was to be repealed. It was, after all, a promise made by you and the ‘ maalimaawa ’ when you campaigned for the big elections two years ago. Here was a government that kept its promises, or so we thought.
Now we are told that the PTA is to be replaced with another law called the ‘Protection of the State from Terrorism’. Some say it is as bad as the PTA. Others say that, in fact, it could be worse because it can prevent protests and detain people for long periods due to the very broad definition of ‘terrorism’.
Just as a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, an Act by any other name could be as draconian. You might be creating a monster with these laws. Surely, being in the opposition for most of your political career, you must know what it is like to be at the receiving end of such laws.
When you said in your manifesto that the PTA will be repealed, we all interpreted that to mean that it will cease to exist or be replaced by less authoritarian laws. If what we now hear is true, that is not so. That is what is worrying many people. That is also why many are opposed to the proposed new laws.
Since the ‘ maalimaawa ’ chaps have a comfortable two-thirds majority in parliament, if you want the new laws passed, that will happen without a doubt. I don’t think anyone in your camp has the courage to vote against a party decision. That is why you should be even more careful about what you do.
There are two matters I would like you to think about, in relation to the new laws. Firstly, remember the speech you made after the swearing in of your cabinet. You quoted that famous statement, ‘power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely’. Is there a danger of that with the proposed new laws?
Secondly, I want you to imagine yourself in the opposition again with the proposed new laws in operation. Of course, you are at the height of your powers and any thoughts of being in the opposition might sound very distant. Someday though, the ‘ maalimaawa ’ will indeed be in the opposition.
If you have any doubts about that, just look at what has happened to the ‘ pohottuwa ’ today. Their leaders are being tried under new laws passed by Uncle Ranil with their support. They wouldn’t have dreamt that day will come, but it has. That is why you too should be careful, Anura sahodaraya .
The other issue I want you to act on is that death in Police custody. Now if this happened when either Mahinda maama , Gota maama or Uncle Ranil was in charge and you were in the opposition, you would be the first to raise this in parliament, accuse the government of the day and call for an inquiry.
Instead, it has now happened under your watch. Now, I am not for a moment suggesting that this death was your fault. However, what it shows is that while the government and ministers have changed, nothing seems to have changed for Police officers who continue with their bad old ways.
We recall you saying sometime ago that while you have won government, you are still to take full control of the state apparatus, its officers and functions. This is an example of that. Each such death will erode not only the credibility of the Police, but your credibility too. It is time to act.
This is one instance where you can use that ‘absolute power’ and come down hard on the alleged errant Police officers if indeed they are found responsible. Being in custody is not a death warrant and it is high time that the gentlemen in the khaki uniform realise and respect that.
The last issue I want to write about is this no confidence motion against the Speaker. Like the provincial council elections, that too seems to be getting postponed indefinitely. We are told that Bimal wants it amended because some matters can affect legal proceedings, but is that an excuse?
Just like any other motion, even if it is presented, your ‘ maalimaawa ’ chaps with their two-thirds majority will ensure it is defeated. So, why not get it over with? Is there a fear that having the debate in its original form will be quite damaging? Or, is it finally time for Speaker No. 3, Anura sahodaraya ?
PS: Remember he who inhabits the Vihara Maha Devi by day and recuperates in 5-star hotels at night? His antics, and actions of those like him, mean that issues such as replacing the PTA do not make headlines. You must thank them for their inadvertent service to the ‘ maalimaawa ’, Anura sahodaraya !
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