War on corruption: Ball is in President’s court

It was a foregone conclusion that the government would win, although the opposition cried otherwise. Knowing the outcome, why did the JVP wait till the last moment? It was to see whether the UNP could muster enough support. If so, the JVP would have voted with the government as it was an avowed opponent of the UNP.

Those who voted for the budget did so, probably because they want to qualify for their pensions by serving the full term of office. What next? Understandably, the war against the LTTE and the reported victories had the support of the masses, although the cost of living has risen to unbearable heights. Now that the government could go on till the next Budget, 2009 and thereafter, if nothing untoward happens, the President should address his mind to the issues of corruption and waste and win the hearts of the people.

He should take immediate action to punish those who have been already found guilty as in the case of a deputy minister and two provincial ministers in the Western Province. Their deeds were highlighted in an article in The Sunday Times of October 7, 2007.

The findings of a party inquiry have been sent to the President. The sincerity of the President’s commitment to fight corruption can be judged if immediate action is taken against his party men.

By R. Ranchagoda, Homagama