This is not enough, not at all We have to mobilize and fight for more!

DR.Vickramabahu Karunaratne-2017-08-31

Some say the resignation of Minister Ravi Karunanayake due to a suspicion created in the issue concerning the Central Bank bond scam is a gallant step and it created an example to everybody.
In particular the entire episode shows against the political opponents of the Yahapalana Government whom it accused of far worse wrongs. Latter includes fascistic murder of media men and groups of minority people. Democratic masses that support the government are happy that the reforms it has instituted, in particular to empower State institutions to act independently are being used more resolutely by those who wish to undermine it than by the government itself. Two examples would be the protests against the lease of the Hambantota Port to China and the SAITM private medical school, the grounds for both of which were laid by the previous government. Making use of free media and the democratic establishment pro- opposition political and social organizations created anarchy. However, in the end Yahapalanaya in a fair game won the battle.

When the electorate voted at the presidential and general elections for change of government, they did so because they understood that Mahinda Rajapaksa regime was a fascistic menace. Also promises that the new government leaders and democratic activists made were ones they could identify with. The pledges to bring before the law, those accused of brutal fascistic killings such as Lasantha, horrible racist violence such as Beruwala, war crimes, vast corruption and abuse of power under the former government and to institute good governance by reinstating the rule of law took centre stage in the government's election campaign. Today the disillusionment of the electorate is primarily due to these promises not being delivered. Their disillusionment is increased by the failure of the government to deliver economic benefits to the masses who are struggling to keep afloat amidst the rising cost of living. However, people are willing to keep faith and push the government forward as shown by the very successful sathyagraha recently launched by the 'Sixty Two Movement.'

It is correct to say that despite the failures of the government it has support. Its continuing strength comes in two ways. The first is that the brutal truth is there is no alternative; Mahinda clan is no alternative at all. Hence people continue to hope that Yahapalanaya will deliver on its promises, as they have no alternative to go, as good governance and the protection of human rights too, are their goals. The second is that the government has delivered on the most important aspect of governance, which is to give them a sense of security that their human rights will not be subjected to arbitrary violation. In particular women have come forward to be in charge of the rights won. On the other hand, minority communities feel they are free and treated as equals. During the period of the last government this latter fear was widely prevalent. Even people in business, and those at the grassroots equally felt uncertain; who were far from the centres of power, feared for their lives on this count. They felt that there was impunity in the system and those at lower levels too, could take the law into their own hands. Such things are no more; relatively speaking everybody feel relieved. However, this is not enough, not at all; we have to mobilize and fight for more!