Fighting Corruption; Government Resolve Depends On Public Resolve !
By Lukman Harees –May 15, 2016
Lukman Harees
‘The misfortune of a republic…happens when the people are gained by bribery and corruption: in this case they grow indifferent to public affairs, and avarice becomes their predominant passion’ – The Enlightenment philosopher Baron de Montesquieu
It was in the news that President Sirisena attending the Anti-Corruption Summit in UK reiterated : ‘We were elected to office on the policy platform of democracy, good governance and rule of law. Therefore, we consider our prime duty to root out of corruption from the country. We have already taken significant measures for this purpose’. Quite a good assertion indeed! But have this lofty rhetoric transformed itself into actionable plans and walking the talk? Sadly not (fast enough), which leads the people who voted for the change of government to ponder: Is this ruling coalition decked in Yahapalana clothing, another case of mere old wine in new bottles?
True there are apparent signs of this government’s willingness to open up, be transparent and close some gaps in fighting corruption. But despite the change of the government, many of the ‘shady’ characters who were identified with political abuse and corruption in the last regime are still being seen within influential circles of this government too. The people of Sri Lanka, voted for a clear and structural change and not for a mere cosmetic one. They yearned for access to justice and transparent institutions, and the elimination of the corruption and bribery that makes their lives far harder and far more expensive. It is therefore the duty of thisYahapalana government to eliminate political and institutional corruption and to create a society founded on justice, fairness and the rule of law. The people count on this government to take bold decisions and act decisively to strengthen the fight against corruption and bribery without being on the defensive saying that it is better than the previous one in comparison.
Few weeks ago, General Sarath Fonseka gave a piece of the political ego embedded inside the psyche of a Sri Lankan Minister in current times, during an interview with a prominent TV. He sought to justify the absurd amounts being spent on the vehicle he demanded by stating that they (meaning other ruling politicians too specially the Ministers) needed sufficient comfort to serve the people whom they represent. It was comical for 2 reasons; firstly, he was not even elected; but came through that ‘wild’ footpath –the national list, and secondly the absurd reasons he gave for adopting such luxurious lifestyles when compared with the simple lifestyles of some political giants of the yester-year such as W. Dahanayake. However, views expressed by him obviously may not have surprised many as the present corrupt political culture tolerates ,encourages and even have attracted the worse amongst us, rather than the best amongst us to indulge in politics to further their family fortunes. Perhaps, the bystander ‘indifferent’ mentality of the ‘nice’ Sri Lankan people has consciously or unconsciously led to this growing process of political degeneration in our Paradise Isle.
