Arise Sri Lanka

So how do we find ourselves a passage out of this labyrinth?

There is no disputing the fact that the ‘Aragalaya’ which attracted a phenomenal backing of the masses in support of the main front-liners, succeeded in inducing a former, ruthless strongman to abdicate his Presidency and flee from his official residence. To face this eventuality, he either had to be the most Democratic President our country had or his family deserting him or both together, with a few more undisclosed reasons known to him and his family. 

This chapter is closed and we have to move forward. RW accepted the challenge at the most difficult period in our post-Independence history and for what he has brought about, deserves our gratitude, even though the actual situation is that it is nothing more than a temporary respite.

Let us now get down to brass tacks. We need a corrupt-free regime to govern us. We need to eliminate the drug menace – zero tolerance. We need to sink our teeth into educational reforms. We have to strengthen our economic policies whilst increasing production, eliminating waste and enhancing our exports. Privatising all the white elephants and attracting the best possible alternatives to make these profitable, is mandatory. Exploiting our natural resources should be given top priority.

The present administration cannot and will not bring to book the corrupt rulers of the past. They are not eliminating the drug menace with zero tolerance – possession has to carry a death sentence. Enforcing the rule of law to the letter needs a lot of work. Establishing an even playing field? Not yet, in our country. All these are just an example of the debacles we are faced with very much more, needing immediate attention.

So how do we find ourselves a passage out of this labyrinth? A way out of this complex maze?

Whilst the uprising was on overdrive there were leaders emerging proclaiming their own doctrine. The unprecedented success gained by dismantling a President, Prime Minister, an entire Cabinet, a Governor of the Central Bank and a few more upheavals did not yield the desired results – a system change or fresh untainted progressive leaders. No leader was allowed to emerge from the uprising since the main players strengthening the movers and shakers were incumbent political forces. The main players did not have the acumen or muscle to tear themselves away from the unseen hands and elect an independent leadership. Thus, though many battles were won the war was lost. Though this may be the raw truth, many positives were also achieved.

A brief glimpse of unity was on show. Progressive and ambitious leaders aspiring to enter the main framework of politics came out of the woodwork. Every one of them has to bear one decisive element in their hopeful journey. It is none other than the next elected President who can clear the deck and provide a platform for them to climb on to the main stage of governance. Misconceptions and egoistic notions must be cast aside and all law abiding, democratic citizens who wish that the youth of today and future generations will live in a developed, united Sri Lanka should fearlessly come forward to elect such a leader.

So who amongst the current leaders are capable of turning the page and rewriting a fresh chapter for our nation? Who are the present contenders – Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumar Dissanayake and more recently there is strong evidence that many groups, religious leaders and the grassroots level voters are making strong steps to propel Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka as a Presidential Candidate.

The ideal situation is for the opposition to field one common candidate and the strong, irrefutable evidence clearly points out that SF is a clear winner for the role in terms of national service, discipline and benevolence. His 13 odd years as a politician has without doubt transformed him to a future statesman who we can look up to as being honest and upright. The only man who can shake the rafters of the present administration. This is my personal opinion inspired by nothing but the truth.