15th October 2000

Thank you for a system that saved our seats

"Thaaththa," Bindu Udagedera asked, "what do you think of the election?"

"Why, Bindu," Percy, Bindu's father said, "they are saying it is a free and fair election."

"Then, why was Di Moo complaining on election day?"

"That was because the General had become a little over-enthusiastic on election day in Kandy."

"Ah," Bindu said, "if only he had the same enthusiasm for the war we would have been better off."

"But Bindu, all this is because of the 'manaapa' fights even among people from the same party."

"And many people blame JR for introducing that system."Bindu observed.

"These days," Percy said, "now that Methini has left us, they are blaming him for depriving Methini's civic rights also."

"But Thaaththa," Bindu said, "I think that everybody should be thanking JR, especially after this election."

"Why do you say that?" Percy wanted to know.

"Why Thaaththa, Satellite should certainly thank JR."

"Why is that?" Percy wanted to know, "after all, it was JR who put Vijaya behind bars "

"Why it is because of JR's presidential system that she is able to retain control and do as she pleases because she has almost absolute power."

"Alright," Percy conceded, "but why should the greens thank JR then?"

"Why thaaththa, if not for JR's PR system, they would have been reduced to about twenty five seats in Parliament and the blues would have been left with a two-thirds majority."

"Maybe that is true," Percy agreed, "but why should the reds thank JR? After all, it was only JR who put them in jail."

"Why, thaaththa, again if not for the PR system, they wouldn't have a single seat whereas they now have ten."

"That is also true," Percy admitted, "but then, why should the Tamil parties thank JR?"

"Why thaaththa, it is because JR dragged the war for so long that none of the major parties can contest in the North and East.

So, only the Tamil groups can contest and they become MPs with a few hundred votes."

"That is also possible," Percy said, "but why should Rauf thank JR?"

"Why, it is JR who taught people like Thonda from the minorities how to bargain and win their demands when the government is weak. Rauf is also doing just that."

"Alright," Percy conceded, "so, all these people have reasons to thank JR. But if this mess is all due to what he did, should we thank him?"

"I think so." Bindu said.

"Why is that?" Percy wanted to know.

"Remember, thaaththa, at the end of his twelve years in office, most of the people wanted him out and he at least left gracefully."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Why, thaaththa, at the end of Satellite's twelve years she wants to come back as Prime Minister."

"And that will be the time when we realise what a benign ruler JR was."

"No, Bindu." Percy disagreed.

"Why do you say that, thaaththa?"

"I think most people are beginning to realise it even now." Bindu didn't disagree.

The Jungle Telegraph

Editorial/ Opinion Contents