Letters to the Editor
View(s):Landslides that call for critical reflection
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and the NPP deserve applause and heartfelt congratulations for their organisation, information gathering, and dissemination of a vision that resonates with the people. They have successfully created an enormous wave of funding and support, culminating in a decisive victory over the corrupt factions that have contributed to the destruction of our nation and motherland.
The NPP’s anti-corruption message resonated deeply with voters who have suffered across many sectors of society, including the economy, education, healthcare and nutrition. The public trust generated by this movement has led to an exemplary landslide victory for the NPP in this general election.
However, as voters, we must remain mindful that Sri Lanka has witnessed landslide election results in 1970, 1977, 2005, 2010, and 2020—all of which ultimately resulted in a landslide toward the nation’s ill-being, leaving the country burdened with massive debts, corruption, indiscipline, brain drain, and economic collapse.
What is ironic in 2024 is that this landslide victory may be one of the most significant of the century. However, it also calls for critical reflection. For the first time, even Jaffna voted in favour of the NPP. This could indicate the beginning of the end of the divisive politics that have historically exploited racial and religious divisions. Perhaps this marks the dawn of a new, more unified political landscape—one that promotes a united Sri Lanka as one nation working toward an equal society across every corner of our motherland.
Despite the landslide, we must be fully aware of the potential for disinformation if proper actions and preventive measures are not taken. The constitutional gates of covert and overt political corruption remain open while, as a nation, we lack the compensatory capacity to face another political or financial crisis. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and ensure the continuity of national oversight to keep our new Parliament and President on track despite the many distractions that could hinder their efforts for national freedom and development. One key strategy is to remain non-aligned but work with external forces through clear, transparent, and fair agreements that prioritise national benefit.
In this context, the priority for the NPP should be to make the Judiciary and the Bribery Commission independent, supported by a robust quality assurance system and a clear definition of ‘contempt of court’ to embed accountability. No national institution can thrive without accountability and transparency. A recent example from the UK, the Post Office scandal, underscores this point: a national service organisation made wrongful decisions that destroyed the lives of many innocent people, wrongly labelling them as criminals. A documentary exposing this injustice was widely circulated in the media, leading to justice for many victims, some of whom were no longer alive to witness it.
An independent Judiciary and Bribery Commission, free from political interference, can be achieved through a parliamentary act requiring a two-thirds majority. This is paramount and should be implemented at the earliest opportunity to prevent politics from undermining legitimate processes.
Such reforms will help resolve the deadlock that has stifled progress—particularly in addressing political corruption, including linked severe offences such as rape and murder.
Furthermore, these reforms will clarify the constitutional changes necessary to prevent the legitimisation of political corruption, enabling the cleanup of a constitution that has been manipulated countless times to allow corrupt politicians to act with impunity despite blatant violations of good governance.
Chula Goonasekera and Nagananda Kodithuwakku Via email
The need for a well-lit road
The street light directly opposite 15A, Rheinland Place, Colombo 3, on the road between Sri Kotha Lane and Alfred Place, has been out of order for the past few months. This has made the road, where a leading apparel company is also located, less safe at night for residents, employees, pedestrians (especially women), drivers, and others.
It is thus daunting to walk through this lane. The non-functional street light creates opportunities for crime, leaving residents and others vulnerable.
I request the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) or the relevant authority to replace the burnt-out bulb without further delay. A well-lit road will make the area safer for everyone.
Mohamed Zahran Colombo
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