Editorial: Siripala’s Mea Culpa

EDITORIAL 

( November 17, 2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The widely published mea culpaby the Minister of Transport, Mr. Nimal Siripala De Silva, rang a political toll of the future of the ‘hybrid’ government for good governance. The government in which Nimal Siripala also a part, earlier appear to be a formation based on the concept of national governance but now seems to be reproducing the bitter taste of the internal conspiracies by scamps.

Let’s thank Nimal Siripala for being somewhat “honest” and exposing his real intention to fulfil his personal desires.  Like other politicians in this country, he too has many dreams, dreams that are not to make this country equally comfortable for all but to consolidate his own power and resources to become a “leader” and make his own history.

History has taught us a primary lesson. The politics in this country is the most useful tool of scoundrels. They used this tool in order to disorientate the people, to either remain in power or to grab a position in any government.  Once disorientated the ordinary citizen can be easily controlled with beautiful hopes and promises. This traditional way of engaging in politics, out of dilution was changed in last two elections, therefore we have elected the new government followed by the elections.

People in this country elected the governments by spending their time and money to have a better life than in the past. Their hopes is nothing more than to make a comfortable and respectful nation for all.

What would be the first step taken by the good hearted man who has a respectful spine, if he has no faith in the government of which he is a part? Well…! He will be immediately step down and convince the people about the wrongdoings of the government.  If the so called good governance government has already failed, as the minister yapped  on about, why is the Minister still enjoying ministerial privileges? Why is the minister spending public money?

However, Minister of Transport, Mr. Siripala, who is vocal by all means but being meek in actions shows nothing but hypocrisy. Transportation is the most important subject in any country. However, what we are seeing in this country, like other important areas such as education and health is that this too has been hampered by corrupted politicians and their bedfellows as it could earn them a great deal unlike engaging on another ministerial subjects. Therefore the subject equity contributes towards a deteriorated nation. Unfortunately not a single politician has stepped-up to solve the lamentable situation of the public transport.

Despite the responsibilities he has accepted, the minister starts talking on the failure of the government in an effort to conceal his own failures.  He should take note that the people of the country are not as naive as he would like to think.

However, the core problem in this country is not to have yet another new government, but to solve the basic systematic problems the country faces.   It is the people who elected the new government, and it is people who have fundamental rights to be aware of the responsibilities of those who are engaging in the subject. It is people who must hold politicians accountable. If the people failed, then it is people who have to pay the price for the receipt of those politicians.

Let us recall Thomas Jefferson, “When the government fears the people there is liberty; when the people fear the government there is tyranny.”

So the mea culpa of the Minister is nothing but an attempt to deceive the public. The county is flooded, hundred thousands of people were displaced. There is no adequate public transport to help the victims. What have you done Mr. Minister Siripala, for make them comfortable?