The Fifth Column 

All in a hurry

"Satellite wants to amend the constitution, Bindu" Bindu's father Percy explained.

"So, what's wrong with that?" "And every one is saying that she is doing it in a hurry."

"But thaaththa," Bindu urged, "she is usually late isn't she? So, why is she in a hurry now?"

"that is what everyone wants to know" Percy said; "it may be because elections are near."

"But wasn't she talking to the Greens for a long time about this." "Yes", Percy said, "but now they are saying that Satellite has changed some of the sections on which they agreed.

"Is that why they shouted at her when she came to Parliament?"

"Don't forget that a Green leader was treated in a worse manner when he came to Parliament" Percy recalled.

"When was that, thaaththa?" Bindu wanted to know.

"That was during the Impeachment Motion, Bindu. And those who shouted most at that time are those in the government today." Percy said.

"But thaaththa, " Bindu wanted to know, "what is wrong with this new constitution that Satellite is proposing?"

"apparently there are features which are not quite popular like another national anthem and the appointment of two vice-presidents." Percy observed.

"But what about this devolution of power?". Bindu wanted to know. "That is the problem, Bindu" Percy said.

"Why, what is the problem with that, thaaththa?" Bindu wanted to know.

"Remember, Bindu, when the Indo-Lanka Accord was passed in order to have more devolution of power, at least initially the Tigers supported it." "Or, they were forced to support it by India."

"Yes" Percy said, "but now we are almost certain the Tigers won't support this constitution."

"Then, thaaththa, why is Satellite so keen to have this constitution?"

"It may be because she realises that without it, it will be difficult for her to survive after the elections."

"But thaaththa, when the Indo-Lanka Accord was proposed, people took to the streets everywhere and there was rioting and curfew."

"We haven't seen that yet with this constitution."

Percy agreed, "except a few people who were hired by the Blues to take to the streets in support of the government."

"So, does it mean that the 'janathaawa' supports this constitution?"

"No Bindu," Percy said, "not necessarily."

"Why do you say that, thaaththa?"

Bindu wanted to know.

"Most people are sick and tired of what all these politicians are doing to stay in power, when they themselves are struggling to stay alive.

So, as someone said, 'janathaawa budi', Bindu, the people are asleep."

"Then," said Bindu, the Leader of the Opposition is right when he claims that the people are with him."

"Why do say that?" Percy asked. "Why thaaththa, the Leader of the Opposition is also asleep, isn't he?" Percy didn't disagree.

Rajpal Abeynayake's Column 

Editorial/ Opinion Contents