My wish and hope for Sri Lanka
Mahendra Gonsalkorale
You wanted
change
You needed change
You demanded change
You have this change
Fed up with dishonesty and greed
Fed up with nepotism and corruption
Fed up with lies and deception
Fed up with bullying and chauvinism
You now have your chance
Your new rulers can only succeed
If you change too
it is a two-way street
Temper your expectations
Change takes time, be patient
Embrace a New Culture
One Nation, One Country
With a proud multicultural heritage
Believe in Humanity and universal love
Cast aside Divisions and unite as one family
Mahen
ReplyDeleteI appreciate greatly your timely poems that encompasses most thing we despised about Sri Lankan politics and almost everything we expect for our future. I do wish you would send these to the Sri Lankan papers as you have so brilliantly summarised the hopes and aspirations of us all in so few lines and in simple English.
This brings back memories of the transition from Apartheid which Nelson Mandela managed with a genuine affection for South Africa. He ruled the country for the benefit of all its citizens whatever colour or creed.
Many in old Ceylon had these aspirations of a true utopia after independence from British rule. Bigotry and ultranationalism ruined it all. Our ambitions and expectations were dashed. There was an epidemic of corruption that engulfed our country. This was so entrenched in our society many felt that was the norm. With the fullness of time the country was brought to its knees. We were holding a begging bowl to our neighbours and the IMF.
Unity of all nationals in Sri Lanka is the key to a prosperous future. The ability to express our views without fear is important. Freedom of the media and the judiciary are the important tenets of democracy. Law and order need to be maintained. The due process should take over to punish and prevent corruption.
Let us hope for a bright future for Sri Lanka and all its citizens.
Thanks, Nihal. Let us hope that our dreams will come true. There is a long way to go but I feel we are moving in the right direction. The most encouraging aspect is their victory appears to be a genuine outcome of what the people want. I hope that external forces with their own agenda won't stand in the way. Our geopolitical position will always pose a danger.
Delete“The road to hell is paved with good intentions”.
ReplyDeleteChange for the better will take time. The consequences of more than half a century of poor governance cannot be changed overnight and would indeed take many years. It is like jetlag after a long flight. You just got to put up with it.
There is now a good workable 2/3 rd majority to bring about change. “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is a famous quote by 19th century English historian Lord Acton. Power also is addictive.
An effective opposition is crucial to provide checks and balances in the government. Without an effective opposition the government of the day can become dictatorial and unaccountable.
Patience is required. Results may take some time but the next steps taken by the goverment will indicate whether promises will be honoured. It is as much as steps taken as well as steps NOT taken that will be watched with interest. I hope our friends based in Sri Lanka will offer some pertinent comments, after all they are the swimmers while we are only watching!
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