Sunday Times 2
“Sithamu” – call from a thinking politician
View(s):Talk is cheap in the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Members rattle on about corruption, pointing fingers at each other. There are serious accusations of misconduct and criminality against some. There are convicted criminals occupying seats. If there is any substance to these allegations made under privilege, it is a grave concern for those who love their country.
Imthiaz Bakeer Markar
Amongst these characters, it is refreshing to find someone who has devoted his time to using his wisdom to think about serious issues, analyse them and offer solutions. Whether one agrees with his political philosophy and allegiance or not, one must admire the sincerity, dedication and commitment displayed in these essays.
Imthiaz Bakeer Markar was a few years junior to me at Ananda College. I remember his disarming smile, outstanding eloquence, and notable ability at creative writing. He was “the Muslim boy” who was well acquainted with Buddhism and possessed superior skills when it came to spoken and written Sinhala.
His political journey does not fit into the mould unique to Sri Lanka. As far as I am aware, there are no allegations against him; no signs of unexplained riches; no accusations of nepotism or abuse of power.
Instead, there is a wealth of ideas in this gem of a book. I commend it to patriots around the globe, particularly to the residents of Diyawannawa.
Sri Lanka’s gradual decline on every front since independence is not hard to explain. Unlimited greed, corruption, and disrespect for law and order are only some of the reasons. Internationally, we are down on our knees. Sadly, there does not appear to be any light at the end of the tunnel.
If Sri Lanka is to survive, it is important to listen to those who devote their time to highlight these issues and encourage debate; to those whose concerns go beyond self-interest.
Imthiaz Bakeer Markar is one such person. He must be held in higher esteem, well beyond his political party allegiance.
Maithri Panagoda AM
Adjunct Professor,
University of Notre Dame