Transparency and bribes

With reference to the letter written by Mohamed Zaharain (19 May). The writer’s observation on municipal garbage collectors accepting money for removal of unsorted garbage. This act of a few crumpled notes pressed into hard-worked hands was a felony to him. He is shocked.

Is he not aware that people’s representatives elected to Parliament are accepting hundreds of millions of rupees, to avoid/defeat motions/bills presented in the August assembly at Diyawanna? This was a fully transparent action by the payer/payee and with the full authority of leaders. 

Today and in the recent past decades, graft giving/taking has become the order of the day. It will continue in full glare of the public with absolute impunity and complicity. It is a privilege demanded by these ‘honourable’ persons elected by the people to serve them and country.

Members of the elected legislature cannot deny the handling of filthy lucre for devious reasons. Their ill-gotten wealth is conspicuous and exhibited without shame.

What then does it matter if an impoverished garbage collector accepts a few crumpled notes of small denomination for services rendered. 

The Yahapalanaya Government continues to rule by default with arrogance and contempt for the helpless countrymen. 

The print, electronic and social media is choking with acts of mis-governance, misdeeds and continuous and utter incompetence of the Government.

Ministers and their acolytes/lackeys continue in bureaucratic bungling and contrived corruption which is tersely waved off by Government spokesmen.

To rule with such absolute impunity is treason of the worst kind. The limitless misuse of power to deceive and disregard the wants and aspirations of the people is criminal. Betraying the promises made to the citizens as democratically elected representatives is tyranny. An act of ridiculing democracy.

During the French Revolution, beheading was the punishment for crimes against the people.

Sadly the low brow politicians lacking in intellectual skills and informed knowledge do not read the FT. The excellent material contributed by guest columnists of high aptitude and knowledge is not making any impact or impression on political thought and plan. What a waste and shame. 

Sri Lanka has a wealth of people bursting with skills, knowledge and knowhow. Enslaved by politicians.

The Prime Minister publicly acknowledged he does not read this esteemed journal, for reasons only known to him!

His method of governance is devoid of knowledge, skill and any plan of action for long-term goals. His unintelligible rambling rhetoric is the only means by which he continues his rule by default. 

This country has hit rock bottom. We cannot see a Mahathir or even a Modi on the horizon. We will have to destroy ourselves and hope for the phoenix to rise from the ashes for a new beginning.

Dilkie Umagiliya