Tragic tug-o-war between President and PM

I refer to the article titled ‘Tragic tug-o-war between President and PM’ in the Daily FT of 5 July. It was most disturbing to read that the decision to appoint Coomaraswamy as Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka was an ad hoc decision done to pacify the ‘powers that be’. 

A compromise appointee!!! It bemoans the Yahapalanaya way of going the ‘right way’. The President’s preferred appointee, an astute economist and banker, Senior Deputy Governor Dr. Nandalal, was rejected by the UNP Prime Minister. 

It is tragic indeed to tamper with the careers of these proficient and loyal gentleman who have served their country with dedication for over 25 years, accumulating the knowledge and skill that is imperative to be a governor. They are now in the evening of their careers and hoping for honest recognition from the State.

It only matters that you have so-called ‘pedigree’ and ‘background’, education from Oxbridge and Harrow and a Ruggerite. Or maybe Royal and Rugby.

International civil servants are never challenged and warm the sets given to them. No serious policy decisions or battling with inflation, international and national monetary and economic upheavals. Thundering budget deficits and debt repayments. Managing ill-informed and intimidating politicians. 

‘Oh, what a show, Oh what a circus’.  Don’t cry for Sri Lanka. We deserve it.

Dilkie Umagiliya