JVP and saree pota politics

In the Land of Never Return, Comrades Wijeweera and Gamanayake were discussing recent events in Paradise.

"What do you think about what our boys have done?" Comrade Wijeweera asked.

"I wouldn't have approved of it, Comrade." Comrade Gamanayake said.

"Why is that?"

"They are only extending the life span of a regime we want defeated."

"Do we really want it defeated?" Comrade Wijeweera asked.

"We certainly do," Comrade Gamanayake said, "but the question is whether those who are in Paradise now want to do so."

"Why do you say that?"

"Why," Comrade Gamanayake said, "they could have easily forced the no-confidence motion."

"And," Comrade Wijeweera agreed, "if they had a general election now, we would have made significant gains."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Why, very few people are happy with the lady now; and then, the green gentlemen appear even more confused."

"Why do you say that?" Comrade Gamanayake queried.

"Why, they went for talks with the lady and came back empty-handed after fighting over the premiership; either they should not have gone for the talks at all or else, they should have grabbed what was offered to them."

Comrade Wijeweera argued.

"But," Comrade Gamanayake was doubtful, "do you think the people in Paradise trust us now?"

"Why shouldn't they?" Comrade Wijeweera asked, "We haven't obtained any cabinet portfolios or the premiership."

"That's exactly my argument," Comrade Gamanayake said, "if we are not getting anything in return why should we support them?"

"And," remembered Comrade Wijeweera, "it was only recently that they called us murderers and the lady accused us of killing her late husband."

"Why, they even organized exhibitions depicting what we allegedly did twelve years ago."

"So," said Comrade Wijeweera, "our colleagues in Paradise must remember that they will be happy to turn their guns on us again."

"Why," said Comrade Gamanayake, "the lady has already called us 'yakku'."

"She's certainly between the devil and the deep blue sea," Comrade Wijeweera observed.

"And they are already trying to disown us." Comrade Gamanayake said.

"Why do you say that?"

"Why, the very next day, they say that this is not a blue-red coalition but a mere working arrangement."

"Why did they say that?"

"I suppose they were scared that the investors would run a mile, seeing a red under every bed."

"And they should." Comrade Wijeweera said.

"Why do you say that?"

"Surely, we cannot sacrifice the revolution to keep a bunch of people who think they are aristocrats in power."

"So, do you think our comrades there will implement their agenda now?"

"I'm not sure about that." Comrade Wijeweera said.

"Why do you say that?"

"I think this arrangement is a bad omen for us."

"What makes you so pessimistic?" Comrade Gamanayake asked.

"Why, every party which clung on to the saree pota has lost its identity and eventually perished."

"And now we have joined that Club." Comrade Gamanayake observed.

Comrade Wijeweera sadly nodded his head in agreement.

The Jungle Telegraph

Editorial/ Opinion Contents