A test for all

Thursday, 20 October 2011 00:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

POLITICIANS are a source of amusement and derision rather than respected public representatives in this country. They operate with impunity and have random displays in an attempt to fool the public into believing that they are addressing the pressing concerns of the country, including the breakdown of law and order.

This is precisely the issue that is being debated before Parliament on Wednesday, but in reality everyone expects much talk and next to zero action. The clear fact that the worst crimes in Sri Lanka are perpetrated and supported by the every people within the House means that it is a moot point to have them discussed within those once-respected walls.

Presidential Advisor Baratha Lakshman Premachandra’s family has questioned why MP Duminda Silva is not a suspect in the murder investigation carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). However, this is just the latest in a long, long line of incidents that have gone unpunished in Sri Lanka.

Take for example the number deaths that occur in Police custody, the concerns over the new laws that have been drafted to prevent terrorism in Sri Lanka, the number of unpunished crimes, blatant corruption and wastage that happens as part of the political environment of this country.

Sri Lanka’s precious forests are denuded and wildlife hunted under political protection. The list goes on and on, but not towards a better Sri Lanka. The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) reports show gross mismanagement by public employees every year, but are regularly ignored after the appropriate shocked outrage is made.

Even the recent law of wearing seatbelts to increase the safety of civilians does not take into account the need for the Police to enforce road rules, starting with ministerial convoys first, so that thousands of people who commute by bus and train are protected. Where is the concern for the common man?

If the powerful end up doubting the impartiality of the judicial system, then what hope is there for the average man? Surely those within Parliament are aware of the fact that they are largely to blame for the culture of lawlessness in the country, which is actively promoted in their unending march for more power?

Parliament itself cannot live in denial any longer. They have to do more than talk or debate about whom and what is responsible for the sad state of affairs that Sri Lanka finds itself in. The question is whether they have the strength of character to probe their actions and take honest action to end this culture of impunity. That means they have to empower the Police and Judiciary to act independently and provide an effective balance against the excesses of the Government – right from the top.

It is said that absolute power corrupts absolutely and as the power given to the Government grows, more and more wrongs are done against the people who appointed them. This is not just true of the ruling party, but also opposition members who have allowed their own greed and narrow mindedness to forget their duty to the people.

It is only if the public enforce their rights that these parties get their act together – so this is a test for the entire country.