True leftists have compassion for all living beings

By Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne-2017-10-05

If somebody wants to speak on the left, it is not sufficient, politically speaking, to go through merely Marxist philosophy, its ideology and its method of economy. It is an attitude and a belief in all that is best in humanity; as given in Russian literature it makes a woman or man give the best to the society, but expect the minimum from the society.

We are told, all that will enhance and ennoble the dignity and worth of each and every human being. We can go on; the left always stands for the equality of all, justice for all and universal (sisterhood/brotherhood) fraternity.

For the true leftist 'Common Good' is the primary concern, always taking priority over his personal privileges, perks or profits. However, in the recent past in Sri Lanka, leftists got divided on the question of minority rights. Many giants of the left could not stomach the right of self determination of Tamils and became slaves of fascistic rulers.

A true leftist is never satisfied with the 'status quo' as long as a single poverty ridden, oppressed person is found in the society in his surroundings. Oppression could be social or national; a leftist should be able to recognize national oppression before he is conscious of social repression. A sincere leftist is a woman/man full of Maithree and kindness, not only for her/his fellow human beings, but for all living beings, flora and fauna and even the inanimate planet earth, our common home.

Unfortunately the anti-SAITAM movement is full of leftists who cannot show any kindness to students struggling to study in the private sector simply because they have no space in the State-owned medical colleges. Rathana Sadu says a true and a sincere leftist, even though s/he may call herself/himself an atheist, is a hidden but an authentic Buddhist, a genuine Christian, a true Hindu or a true Muslim.

Father Peiris says a genuine leftist may not be perfect but s/he is a full human being. He is ready to sacrifice anything, even his life, for the good of the people, the common good. He is a humble man who is ready to set aside his personal views or ideas for the sake of serving the people better. He has no disgusting love for position, power or perks. All that may be true, but many leftists failed to recognize the tragedy faced by Tamils when Sinhala only started dominating the society. Father Peiris goes on to say: "If you accept as true the description given above of a good and a committed leftist, I'm sure what follows logically from that will also be acceptable to those who are genuinely concerned about our country and its future. I am addressing all people of goodwill, but especially the members of political parties and organizations that call themselves leftists. I certainly do not include the SLFP among them, though they pretend to be leftist, as the present day party leadership and its members are mere crooks, who have no interest at all in the welfare of the people or the country, and are in cahoots with the UNPers and their robber barons."

What's wrong with the left movement?

The left movement of our country has, as a whole, lost more than 80% of its credibility just by the fact that it is divided into so many political parties and organizations. It is pathetic to consider how small, weak and ineffective these many leftist entities are.

These divisions and enmities send a message of their small mindedness, their unconcern for the welfare of the people and the country. Yes, these great leftists today became small women and men because they joined with racists under the pretext of patriotism or anti-imperialism. Truth is they have become followers of Sinhala Buddhist chauvinists. In the course of that campaign they have become selfish sectarians or extremists. Only those who accepted the rights of the Tamil speaking people are capable of making a positive contribution in the present situation.