In the 1950s and 1960s it was very much gentlemanly elections mixed with a little 'buying of votes' at the cost of a bottle of arrack or even toddy. The 1970s and the '80s saw a drastic change in the attitude of politicians wanting to cling on to power by any means. J.R. Jayewardene's referendum on whether or not to hold an election to extend his term in the office was designed to circumvent the normal election process. This, in effect, was the beginning of tampering with the accepted democratic norms.

In addition, the loose cannons from the JVP uprising introduced weapons into democratic politics. Killings during elections have become commonplace. Vote rigging, abuse of power, massacres and extreme corruption are now part and parcel of Sri Lankan politics.

Politicians are public figures who need to set good examples to the citizens they represent. People should be able to feel that they can trust and rely on their representatives to legislate and make decisions on their behalf.

It is not the intention of this writer to list all the wrongdoings of politicians in this country. However, it would be interesting to look at a couple of incidents. Rowdy behaviour in Parliament leaves a lot to be desired. But then what do you expect from politicians whose election is marred by vote rigging and violence?

The establishment at present is so corrupt that it has become an embarrassment. It is not a laughing matter to employ a gangster or a thug as the President's bodyguard. He was also employed by the police force in some capacity. Sadly it was reality in Sri Lanka.

In a recent speech the President made, she claimed that the Government was planning to murder her and if any such attempt were made, she would jump on the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and bite his neck. Is this the type of speech you expect your President to make? Is this statesman-like behaviour?

So much good was expected from Prime Minister Wickremesinghe after his election victory. His leadership skills and ability will be a matter for future columns.

The clean-cut Ranil is no exception to the rule. In certain matters he has taken a tough line with his ministers and this is a welcome news.

However, appointments of certain Corporation Chairmen and important appointments seem to be no different to that of the previous regime.

That is to say the appointments of cronies to the important positions are an error of judgement, as these appointees have no experience or capability to manage large corporations. This shows the inability of our politicians to rise above party politics to serve the country and its institutions by doing the right thing without fear or favour.

Sri Lanka has the potential to become a great nation on earth. Unfortunately, the root cause of all the problems can be blamed on our politicians.

They are generally corrupt and look after their own interests. The general public simply become the pawns in this big game.

If Sri Lanka is to progress and go forward then there is the need for a mature political system and honest politicians.

There are issues such as law and order, corruption, public transport, health services, economic reforms, the ethnic problem, education, housing, media reform, independent commissions and many more which need to be debated and discussed in the interest of Sri Lanka and her people. We need people of honesty, integrity and sincerity to work for the improvement of Sri Lanka. The simple message to the politicians is grow up or get out before Sri Lanka is brought to its knees'.

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