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War 'called off' what of 'paan' and 'parippu'
My Dear Green Man,

I thought of writing to you because everyone appears to be only singing your praises these days because of your role as a peacemaker. And anyway you are about to meet Anton in Oslo, so perhaps you could do with some advice!

No one disagrees with the fact that you have indeed achieved peace-at least in this short term. Your critics may say that some of your predecessors did the same thing only to be deceived later but I think we all agree that this time it is indeed different because all the world will aim their guns at the Tigers if they go back on their word.

But of course, there is still some debate as to whether it is peace with dignity and many say that it is not. Some are even pointing to the fact that you are meeting Anton on almost equal terms and that it is not quite right. We would have to wait and see whether this peace is worth the price we are paying for, but if it lasts, then maybe it is justified.

But Green Man, Sri Lankans do not live on peace -and cricket- alone. There was a time when they were able to live on cricket alone while we were winning the World Cup but that is no longer possible, with our cricketers playing the way they are!

If you remember, while you were in the opposition, you and everyone else in your camp believed that if the war was over, the economy would recover automatically. Now it is some time since the war was "called off" but life appears to become more and more difficult for the average Sri Lankan and it is high time that you took notice of this, Green Man.

You were one of the "babies" of politics in 1977 but you would recall that when Junius changed the economy forever and the average man began to receive his share of rewards as a result of that, people didn't care whether the politicians were corrupt or not, probably because they knew that they would always be corrupt.

But now, Green Man, while politicians are becoming more and more corrupt, the people are becoming increasingly hit by rising prices and other burdens and that is when they will retaliate. If that happens, no amount of peace will save you at the next elections!

And remember, Green Man, when a government reaches that stage, the opposition does not have to be good enough to get elected. You must surely know that, having been the beneficiary of such sentiments not so long ago!
So, while you fly to Oslo and shake hands with the man who must have had a hand in the murders of many innocents in a spirit of 'forgive and forget', think about the price of 'paan' and 'parippu' too. After all, people vote with their stomachs, not with their hearts and minds!

Yours truly,

Punchi Putha

PS- And may I also offer you a timely reminder that the 'magic date' of the fifth of December is fast approcahing-when Satellite is empowered to dissolve the House if and when she wants. She must surely be counting the days and I have a feeling that this is the one occasion where she wouldn't be late. There is only one way to prevent that, Green Man, so do you have your Impeachment Motion ready?

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