Political somersaults by Parliamentarians for perks are nothing new in Lankan politics. But, in recent times, they are done en masse. That is the only difference.

They say that they cross over to strengthen the hands of the President to salvage the country from ruin and to find a political solution to the national question. Some defend their stand they have joined the government to remain within its fold and persuade the President to proceed on the lines of a peaceful resolution.

This has been the tone of these politicians such as Ceylon Workers Congress Leader Thoondaman, Upcountry Peoples’ Front Leder Chandrasekaran, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rahuf Hakeem or the leader of the UNP dissidents’ Leader Karu Jayasurya.

Although they make pronouncements justifying their crossovers on the basis that they want to ensure peace, in reality it is not so.

The reality is that they have held hands together with the present government which is committed to a military solution and which is pursuing a military agenda.

Having joined the government voicing sentiments that they would stand for the welfare of the Tamils, what have Thondaman and Chndrasekaran done towards this cause? Have they been able to prevent the government from committing atrocities in Tamil areas. Have they been able to do anything meaningful to the cause of the Tamil people? In fact, it was only after they crossed over, the government intensified its military offensive.

In contrast the only development after they aligned with the government is that there was harassment of Tamils in the south, Tamils were arrested without any basis, they were abducted and there were disappearances. They could not convince the government to engage in Political resolution. What they have done is that they have ensured a majority for the government in the Parliament.

Therefore political somersaults are good for the government and not for the country.

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