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MP and Former President Mahinda Rajapakse speaks at the the Annual Convention of the Viyath Maga – Professionals for a better future on Saturday
By Shanika Sriyananda
Calling on all professionals and academics to take an active interest in the country’s affairs, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday claimed that Sri Lanka’s future was bleak with no Government officials making effective and prompt decisions due to the fear of being produced before various commissions such as the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).
Addressing a packed audience at the Annual Convention of the Viyath Maga – Professionals for a better future, he said that during his tenure he had given freedom to state officials to make decisions for the betterment of the country and he assured them that the Government would back them in their decisions.
The second convention of the Viyath Maga, a network of academics, professionals and entrepreneurs, was held on Saturday with the participation of 2,000 members.
According to its organisers, Viyath Maga is not a political organisation but is a civil society movement wishing to contribute towards the betterment of the country.
“Today some in the Government believe that the country can be ruled with the Police and the Prison. The present questioning system of the Government has prevented state officials making even some of the vital decisions which will affect the country’s future,” he said.
Rajapaksa said that over 2,000 state officials were being questioned and jailed for performing their duties.
“Today, no state officials make decisions alone. They don’t sign any documents unless they get the directives of the respective Minister. This has hindered the progress of the country’s development work,” he noted, adding that he gave freedom to state officials to make vital decisions but was unaware that the FCID would be formed.
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa chats with Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero at the at the Annual Convention of the Viyath Maga on Saturday. Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero are also present
He also said that politicians could be put in jail but not professionals, who did their duty in good faith.
“I request you as professionals to actively take part in the country’s affairs and do not allow only the politicians to control the country’s affairs. You need to be a part of that process,” Rajapaksa stated, adding that politicians who show that they are aware of everything needed to be guided by professionals to take the country forward.
Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was responsible for creating Viyath Maga, explained the motive behind initiating a forum for professionals. He asked whether singers like Bhathiya and Santhush could be invited for functions after calling for tenders.
“This is what some of the officials questioned me on as we have invited them for a function. Most of the Government officials are reluctant to make decisions for fear of being questioned,” he said.
Speaking about the sacrifices made by soldiers to end the war, he said: “Over 5,000 soldiers got killed and over 29,000 became disabled. They have sacrificed their lives for you to live peacefully today in this country. I believe that there are people who are ready to sacrifice their lives for the betterment of future generations. This is why a few of us got together and decided to form this forum for academics, professionals, entrepreneurs and the youth of this country, to formulate a strategy on how can they contribute towards the country’s future.»
The former Defence Secretary, who earlier said that he did not have any plans to enter into politics, said those gathered did not have any expectations to hold any positions in the next Government but as professionals, they expected to contribute to the Government through their knowledge, talents, skills and experience for the betterment of the country.
“We as professionals strongly believe that the academics, professionals and entrepreneurs should be a part of the Government and this does not mean that they should be politicians,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said that the success of the previous Rajapaksa Government was because former president Rajapaksa had deep faith in the contribution made by professionals.
“The then Government progressed as he gave the opportunity for professionals to contribute during the war and in post-conflict development. He believed in them,” Rajapaksa said.
Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Dr. Dayan Jayatilake, Major General Kamal Gunaratne and several other professionals spoke at the convention.
