The recent tidal wave or tsunami which has now become a household name internationally has killed several thousands of our innocent fellow citizens. The thousands who were able to survive this calamity are thrown into greater challenge and are facing immeasurable hardships to re-build their homes and re-start their normal life.

The government and the political leaders of all parties irrespective of their policies have a greater responsibility to rehabilitate these unfortunate victims. Immediately after the calamity we were gratified to see our political leaders participating in an all religious ceremonies at which they pledged to shun their political differences and assist the unfortunate victims and they also pledged to re-build their country and face the challenges.

Six months after the tragedy, Sri Lanka and the political leaders are back to their game of politics and are exploring various avenues to enhance their political base and win power. The International community has been very prompt and generous towards our country and has been magnanimous in their assistance. The world was watching Sri Lanka as several world leaders came to the country to gain a first hand knowledge of the tragedy and report to their respective countries.

The President, and the government although slow in acting have accepted the international donor funds to re-habilitate the victims throughout the island.

The first challenge the President and the government faced was the establishment of the tsunami Management Council which ensures the equal distribution of funds in all areas including the LTTE-controlled North & East. It was unfortunate that this simple administrative machinery was opposed by certain parties and individuals who do not believe in a United Sri Lanka. The country during the last few weeks witnessed the protest demonstration some of which were violent and uncontrollable. The people were worried and most importantly several students who were preparing for the GCE (A.L) were disturbed as the TV news gave wide prominence to these protests at which the Buddhist clergy played a major role. The situation was so tense and a certain amount of uncertainty prevailed in the minds of the people.

However, the President gave strict orders to the Police and it was relieving to note that the demonstration was contained before it could go out of control. The action of the President as the Commander-in-Chief needs to be appreciated.

The writer was a witness on 24th June near parliament house and also had the opportunity to witness the noisy demonstration in parliament which prevented the debate on the P-TOMS bill. The President was bold enough to go ahead with the signing and the statesmanship displayed by the leader at a time of crisis needs commendation. At least at this instance history has not been repeated.

It was distressing to note that certain politicians of the government have protested against police action in using tear gas to control the unruly elements. What can a responsible government do? It cannot shun its responsibility and allow the unruly elements to disrupt the peace and normal life of the people. We still remember, how the violent protest in July, 1983 went out of control due to the inaction of the then President J. R. Jayewardene and the resultant calamity where thousands perished and the resultant economic loss.

If the then President and his government took their responsibility seriously and stood by their constitutional responsibility and taken immediate action to control the mob violence the country would have immensely benefited and several lives could have been saved. May be it could have been even a different story altogether. The present day politicians should act in a responsible manner and should not play to the gallery. The action of the President and the police need commendation in bringing the situation under control without the loss of any lives and economic destruction.

It is also very unfortunate that the UNP which originally pledged its full support to the government for the establishment of P-TOMS and gave its blessings for the signing has now taken a contrary position. The UNP spokesman Prof. G.L.Pieris has expressed his opposition to certain clauses in the agreement. Earlier, the UNP was even opposed to the agreement being presented to Parliament and repeatedly insisted on its signing and implementation. The people, especially the minority Tamils are disappointed with the current stand of the UNP spokesman. Some of the party’s earlier strong proponents are now silent.

The P-TOMS has now resulted in political instability in the country due to the JVP’s withdrawal from the UPFA government which has now been reduced to a minority. The main opposition party, the UNP, is in no hurry to form a government of its own at this juncture and they do not want to topple the government either. Their decision and the present stand is understandable.

The UNP, if it defeats the government on the P-TOMS will lose international recognition and will also cause a slice in its voter base especially among the minority communities who feel the P-TOMS as an opportunity to re-build their lives.

Forming a government of their own at this time of economic hardship will be suicidal as in any election the cost of living will be the main factor. Any citizen will agree that during the last 12 months several economic burdens have been placed on the people and they are struggling to survive with the high cost of living and the increased bus fare etc. If the UNP forms the government at this juncture the PA or UPFA will be on a strong wicket to face a future general election or a presidential poll. Past history shows Sri Lankan voters have always voted against a government and not for a government.

Speculation is rife that the government will now go for a parliamentary snap election in view of its lack of majority. Even if there is no necessity now for a parliamentary election, an election before the end of the year will become inevitable considering the present arithmetic in parliament. Added to this uncertainty the presidential election is also due as President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s term is due to come to an end shortly.

However, the exact date of the election is in suspense as the government contends it expires in December, 2006 and the UNP says it expires in December, 2005. Several legal luminaries have entered the fray giving differing opinions and the public are confused. However, according to the constitution the date of the election will be determined by the Elections Commissioner who will make his determination at the appropriate time.

The P-TOMS and the controversy have overtaken all other economic issues and political parties now with the intention of increasing their voter base have found this a marketable slogan which could be used at a future election. Some other coalition partners too have now started to make noises and it will not be surprising to see some of them leaving the government and forming new alliances.

The most important question at this moment is can the country afford to have a general election at this moment? As everybody knows the violent culture which prevails in the country during an election will cause immense damage to the country economically. During the past few years we had three general elections and local government elections. The present climate is an ideal opportunity for the president to take some bold initiatives.

The first initiative should be to have the General election and the Presidential election on one single day at the same time. This will allow the voter to go to the polling booth and elect their President and the Member of Parliament at the same time. Millions of rupees could be saved and this will also give the country some sort of political stability and will deprive any party of gaining political advantage.

The Sri Lankan culture of elections in the past has been such whichever party wins an election also wins all follow-up elections during the new government’s honeymoon period. In the United States for instance every four years it has been constitutionally stipulated the electoral process and the voter elects their President, Governor, Members of Congress and the representatives to the Senate, even though the later positions are subject to rotation.

The President could take this initiative and arrange to have these elections in one day which will result in an end to the present stalemate and uncertainty and give the country the much awaited political stability.

Considering the very bold decisions taken by the President in the past few months let us hope that the President will put an end to this current political stalemate by initiating the process of having these elections on one day. The people of the country will certainly appreciate this move and the political parties will also have no room to oppose.

Source: DailyMirror

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