Midweek Politics: Towards Constitutional Deadlock
Dharisha Bastians
Sweeping changes are taking place on Reid Avenue, Colombo. A shiny white colonial building looks set to be the city’s next favourite shopping precinct and hangout. A twin construction is being erected adjacently. As the Urban Development Authority under the purview of the Ministry of Defence continues beautifying the capital city, large and ancient trees that in living memory have always lined the street, are being felled to make way for paved walkways and cycle lanes.
The heartbreaking sight of enormous trees stumps soon to be removed by backhoes and large leafy branches piled up on the side of the road have sparked outrage amongst naturalists and in the tree-hugger community, but none of this is likely to deter the authorities. The tree-felling occurred suddenly and without warning – much like the other business of this Government – and those shade-givers will soon be relegated to being just another victim in the country’s march towards development. Like the weeping willow trees that lined Independence Avenue. Like the shanty dwellings that were razed in Slave Island and elsewhere, turning hundreds of people out of their homes overnight.
In so many ways, the arbitrary decisions to destroy the city’s green landmarks are symptomatic of an entirely different problem. The ruling administration is enjoying the perks of absolute power, in the face of a helpless citizenry, in the face of an increasingly apathetic and impotent opposition. Just ask the beleaguered Chief Justice, Shirani Bandaranayake.
