April 16, 2012 Contributors: Nilantha Ilangamuwa
Let him, though suffering in consequence of his righteousness, never turn his heart to unrighteousness; for he will see the speedy overthrow of unrighteous, wicked men. -- The Laws of Manu
I recall my experience some time ago at the University of Peradeniya, where I had an interview for the newspaper I was working with at that time. The interview, with a Professor on the political situation in the country and his newly released book on the JVP, was conducted in his vehicle. The Professor had been an active political figure since the 60s, and he genuinely participated in the first JVP insurrection in 1971. I recall us debating for hours about the political culture and social crisis in the country and the Professor concluded the discussion with core norm of our socio-political evolution. " You have brain when you don’t have power, but you don’t have brain when you are in power, " was how he phrased his conclusion.
