The Fifth Column

24th January 1999

To the Wayamba voter

My Dear Wayamba Voter,

I thought I must write to you today, even if I am trying to catch you just in time, before you decide what you would be doing tomorrow.

I guess you must be pretty tired now too, having to listen to the Blues, Greens and even the Reds all competing with each other for your attention these past four weeks.

But more than that, you must be tired also of all the violence that has erupted in what was a peaceful region of this not-so-peaceful country.

As many people expect, dear voter, the choice will be between the Blues and the Greens though I dare say the Reds will get a good percentage too. But we all know that your's is a very difficult choice. And that is not because you have to choose between two good sides but because of an entirely different reason: you have to choose between the lesser of the two evils, don't you?

Take the Blues, for example. They seem to have succeeded in breaking each and every promise they gave all of us four years ago. Remember dear voter how they promised to end the war? To abolish the Executive Presidency? To give media freedom? To give the bread that you and I eat at three fifty? Well, now they are saying that these things can't be done overnight!

Now, remember how they talked so much about the 'Beeshanaya' of the Green era and how they promised to eradicate it. Well, I for one would have thought that they would keep at least that promise, but the ever rising number of incidents can only mean that even the promise has become a "Kadawuna Poronduwa", at least one person has died in campaigning for this election so far, and in my opinion such a sacrifice is not worthwhile for the task of electing a few "Palaa Babaas" for Wayamba!

Now, if the Blues are so bad it shouldn't be difficult for you to vote for the Greens, you might think. But what makes your choice so difficult is the fact that the Greens are equally guilty.

Of course, there are those who agree that little has changed in the Green camp since those days when they presided over a regime of terror. Most of those who were there at that time are still with the Greens.

But, while it is true that the leadership has changed and there is talk of a 'Nava' or 'New' Green team they seem to be able to do little except stage a few 'Virodathaa Vyaparayas' here and there, which is what they have been doing for the past four years, not only in the Wayamba, but elsewhere in the country too.

So, while you in Wayamba are wondering whether it would do any good to vote for the Greens tomorrow, those of us in the rest of the country are wondering about a more serious question: whether it would do any good to vote for the Greens at the next general election! As it is, no one seems to have any confidence in them.

Meanwhile, we hear that you in Wayamba are being showered with promises from both sides. In the rush, Richard has even offered you a University! But remember, dear voter, these are only promises and they are worth only till the election results come in. Believe me, in a few weeks time the very people who promised you these things will be explaining to you why those promises cannot be kept in a hurry.

So, dear voter, you have a big task ahead of you tomorrow. And, like the Elections Commissioner, I too would advise you to vote early because, if not what happened to Hector Kobbekaduwe might happen to you too.

And, then, I would also advise you to stay indoors, thereafter. If the "trial" matches are any indication, we are in for a very hotly contested "Big Match" tomorrow. So, for your own safety, put your crash helmets on and stay at home after voting. Best of luck.

Yours truly,

Punchi Putha.

P.S: Finally, remember when you wake up on Tuesday that you will no longer be the Kings and Queens of Wayamba. You will feel somewhat like our cricket team, must be feeling right now - heroes yesterday but abused and scolded the next day!

Rajpal Abeynayake's Column

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