28 March, 2024

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50 Days Of Madness By The Executive & MR, Courage Of Speaker & Supreme Court & Calmness By The People: A Tribute To A Stoic Nation

By Vishwamithra –

“Reputation is for time; character is for eternity.”  ~ J. B. Gough

It was indeed a fascinating period of time. The Executive branch of our government ran amok; it did not understand the fundamentals of democracy, leave alone its nuanced constitutional interpretations. He did not bend the rules; he broke them. On whose legal and constitutional instructions and guidance, one may never know. Yet he did it, almost at the cost of the country’s precious democracy. For fifty long days, before the country’s populace on whose tired and weary shoulders he ascended to power and before the world whose sympathy he needed most at this hour of crisis, he chose to play a very partisan game. Apparently, the survival of his beloved political party, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), was uppermost in his limited scope of governance. Political priorities overshadowed the grim realities of the moment.

The Executive

When the Executive was expected to exercise his stupendous judgment on matters of governance-affairs, that judgment not only came into question, it was proven to be unequivocally deficient. Irrational conduct of the Executive took the country by surprise; all the respect and honor one would bestow upon the office of Presidency was not to be; its glamour and luster gone, the holder of office became a laughing stock, not only in the social media, but it was even more evident among his own close supporters. The social media went to town on him. The ‘Smart Phone’ fraternity was busy, sending either on Whatsapp or Viber many a creative cartoon or musical clip that made the highest officeholder in the country a minion subjected to disparage and mockery. A deplorable behavior on the part of the Executive did not do justice to either the Legislature or the Judiciary, the other two pillars of our government structure. But for 50 days the people had to suffer this pitiful melodrama of willful violation of our Constitution. 

No one enjoys eating humble pie. Yet the Executive was forced to eat it, not at the behest of his conscience; he was compelled to do the right thing by the country’s Judiciary and the Speaker of the Legislature. All in all, the Executive’s dissemination and his crazy conduct, specifically in relation to the unconstitutional dissolution of Parliament of our Constitution without any due regards for due diligence for wise governance speaks volumes for the lack of understanding of the nuanced aspects of constitutional matters and challenges to democratic wellbeing of the country. Wisdom is not a talent one is born with; nor is it a product of association with those who are below one’s grade in life and education. Wisdom is a human quality that is, as George Bernard Shaw remarked: ‘We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future’. The Executive seems to be bogged down in the past. His unwinnable battle to save the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) from extinction has taken priority surpassing the winnable wars against rampant corruption, nepotism and erratic exercise of powers to suppress and overturn the rightful dues form the ordinary men and women in the country. Wisdom has not dawned on the Executive and one cannot expect for such a miracle in the context of what occurred in the last fifty (50) days.

The Speaker and the Legislature

One conspicuous and hopeful side of the confusing drama that was played before our eyes during the last 50 days is the courageous and spirited part played by Karu Jayasuriya, the Speaker of the House of Parliament. He, in arguably the darkest days of our Parliamentary history, stood his ground and showed the entire world that the spirit of our constitution was indeed alive and pulsating without any breakage. Such courage is indeed rare and calls for praise and applause. The unruly bands of parliamentarians who claim to be loyal cohorts of the shameless Mahinda Rajapaksa went berserk; they resorted to the lowest of human behavior and were successful in making Madávi Some and Choppe of a bygone era look like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Theresa. Armed with chili powder and water, they soiled and desecrated the floor of the House of the People, Parliament; knowing very well that they did not have the numbers to defeat the resolution which was before the Members, an utterly uncouth and despicable conduct as was displayed by petty thugs who were elected to Parliament, managed only to reaffirm the general opinion of the Mahinda Rajapaksa loyalists as puny representatives of a culture that was nurtured and nursed by the Rajapaksa family and their immediate bedfellows.

It was against such anarchical and pagan behavior of the Mahinda Rajapaksa-supporters that Karu Jayasuriya made a gallant effort to uphold the fundamental values and ethos of a human fraternity which we call Parliament of Sri Lanka. However, he was not alone in his fight. The members of the United National Party (SLFP) backed by the other members of the Opposition too exhibited some guts and poise in the face of these marauding armies of parliamentary hooligans unleashed by the Rajapaksa clan. Parliament used to be an educative institute which had within its hallowed walls some giants and luminaries who were role models for the younger generation of that era. We have bidden adieu to that domain some time ago. A new culture has replaced that particular powerful force of our society. Holding one’s own stead, keeping calm at all times and delivering legal and constitutional deathblows to the opposition is indeed a very daring and fearless act. Karu Jayasuriya did just that.

The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the country is the last refuge for those who seek justice and the rule of law. It is the sacred institution in which many a gallant and heroic argument is made for and against one’s position on any given supposition. During the years of the Rajapaksas, this institution came under severe criticism and disparage. Many a member of this ultimate arbiter of the law of the land is usually held in highest of esteem and honor. Considered to be in the elite of the country’s social pyramid, members of this small group of professional men of law, in the past have written and interpreted some complicated legal issues and passed judgments on them without any prejudice to the men and women whose arguments for and against a distinguished attorney would argue.

The infamous 50 days witnessed the splendor of our Supreme Court; its conduct and delivery of orders in each of the cases put before them represented a microcosm of an independent court of justice. They justified their very presence in the Court with honor and admiration. Some wonder whether the Supreme Court during Rajapaksas would have been so impartial and just. But to pass judgment on the Supreme Court for a mundane writer would amount to questioning their intent more than the very substance of the issues involved. I would leave that to legal luminaries of a future time. Yet one cannot disregard one reality: What was placed before the Supreme Court in the last few days of November, 2018 was of great value in the legacy that each of the decisions would have left behind. Each and every member of that court would be remembered for the decision they made. 

‘Legacy’ value of that decision would certainly have played an unambiguous part in their decisions. They certainly left a grand legacy of right against wrong; legal against illegal and constitutional against unconstitutional. As  a matter of fact the Supreme Court saved the day for democracy and its continued sustenance in Sri Lanka.

The People

One cannot forget the role played by the people in Sri Lanka during these 50 days. Each party to the arguments for and against the Ranil Wickremesinghe-led government has its fringe elements. However wrong their party’s stand, these fringe groups would not desert their political allegiances. But a great part of the electorate does not belong to these fringes. They inhabit in the middle; their allegiance is basically to the more sensible and conventional principles of democracy and fair-play. Those people still chose to trek in the middle without reaching the threshold of the fringes. They were patient and thoroughly poised; their demeanor did not change and they lent their ears to everyone but made no comment or pass judgment. That is a mark of a mature nature of character.

That character stood tall. That is the most remarkable feature in the midst of broken down Executive and the Rajapaksa-legacy. That character of our people deserves undiminished admiration and applause. 

The write can be contacted at vishwamithra1984@gmail.com   

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Latest comments

  • 17
    0

    YES ! Indeed.

    Our people stood tall when madness was perpetrated by the President and aptly fuelled by MR and his bailed out cohorts.

    Bouquets should go out to our Police and the Armed forces too. They stood back and looked on at the unfolding drama like all of us. They never stepped out of line. The people of Sri Lanka would always be grateful grateful for that. They made us proud. A BIG THANK YOU to the service Chiefs and the IGP.

    It is very difficult to comprehend as to why the President resorted to such stupidity.

    It is difficult to understand that it was the survival of the SLFP that was at the center of his madness. It may be more on what legal advice he is being offered and of course his rural upbringing.

    I read an interesting article just after MY3 was propped up as the Common candidate somewhere around November 2014. which comes to mind.

    I don’t remember who wrote it but it said that, Ranil and MY3 being more or less together in Parliament for about 35 to 40 years had not exchanged pleasantries or spoken to each other on a one to one basis.

    This say’s it all I think. MY3 probably had an axe to grind with Ranil but did not know when to use it. It shows that “jealousy can make everyone blind, even the President of Sri Lanka”.

    We should all sigh a sense of relief that “All is well that ends well”and move on now. The UNF’s announcement that the Cabinet would be restricted to 30 and that Mano & Rishard would not take up Ministries shows that we are maturing as a nation,

    We all hope that something good would come out of the “50 DAYS OF MADNESS”.

    • 14
      0

      AshyD

      Of course this must be “A Stoic Nation” to put up not just with Dr Mahinda during the past fifty days but for the past 70 years of abuse by the crooks, killers, war criminals, racists, fascists, bigots, thiefs, Wimal Weerawansa, Dayan, Udaya Gamanpilla, …………. ………………

      • 3
        0

        Native Vedda

        The problem that we have had with politicians of ALL HUES, is not limited only to our blessed country. See the carnage humans are inflicting on fellow humans, around the world in the name of country, sex, religion, economy, ethnicity, skin color, caste, creed, language, tribe, ….. the list goes on and for good measure we have politics too.

        This is because of one simple reason as I see it. That is we humans do not have the CAPACITY TO REASON.

        This is evident with our blind belief in religion. The main religions are thousands of years old with Hinduism the oldest, which is believed to be 10,000 years (some chronicles say 30,000 years) and what good has it done to the world? NOTHING.

        Christianity is about 2,019 years, and has it done anything? NOTHING. Buddhism (some may call it as a Philosophy) is said to be 2,500 years and has it done anything good? NOTHING.
        Islam tags along by being present for 1,400 years, has it done anything good for humanity? SWEET NOTHING

        This aptly shows that we don’t have the CAPACITY TO REASON because….

        Our head can hold only one brain and the brain can hold only 100 billion neurons. Until our skull grows our brains will not grow, and until our brain grows our REASON TO CAPACITY will never expand.

        And until then we will follow religions blindly and until then we humans will always be like this. END OF STORY.

        P.S – A point of interest to consider would be that, ALIENS are always depicted with disproportionately large heads. That is food for thought. My contention is that they are watching us but when they see us as STUPID they just don’t intend to interfere, and they are letting us COMMIT SUICIDE.

        • 1
          0

          I agree. Inadequate capacity for reasoning has lead to the origin of multiple religions. We have walked a long path since then, however, still hanging on blind faiths. Inadequate people are going to occupy ruling positions until the citizens get enlightened. It isn’t easy since the current political system controls the population opinion through mainstream media.
          A radical reformation of modern democratic system (unlikely to find a perfect one) needed to filter out the beings who come to power to improve their wealth and power. There shouldn’t be wealth and power incentives to this positions. There should be a series of filtration systems to keep the weeds out its done with many other critical professions. Power and authority to should be dispersed decisions should be argued with the necessary expertise. There should be direct consequences for the inadequately thought out and below the expected level of performances.

          Ps
          There is no evidence to suggest that Hinduism is 10000yrs old or older than that. The current scientific consensus is that agriculture and animal domestication originated around 12000-15000 BCE. It’s more likely that current religions have originated much later than this.

        • 1
          0

          Vishwa, you are right on!
          The past 50 days showed that Lanka and her working people can function just fine without the Parliament of corrupt politicians led by Bondscam Ranil, and his partner in crime, Mahinda Jarapassa, or the so called ‘international community’ grand-standing about “democracy”, without understanding what the SPIRIT of democracy means or need for Economic Rights and Justice for the people..
          Now Bondscam Ranil who is Trumpland’s puppet (who should be impeached for looting CBSL), in its Cold War with China in the Indian Ocean, continues to promote horse trading in the “Cesspit of Corruption” called the Parliament of Sri Lanka with funds looted from Central Bank just like MR did. But Civil society and the NGO ladies who walked the streets for Bond Ranil who ignored them in his victory speech now looks the other way..
          Parliament is a UNP-SLFP corruption racket with the JVP and TNA also indulging in the legalized looting of the people of Lanka. JVP must first bring in a motion to stop MPs crossing the floor of parliament for the highest bidder before abolishing the Presidency which should be kept to check the excesses of the corrupt parliament or legislation.

        • 3
          0

          AshyD

          Thanks for your Sermon for Agnostics.
          Whatever happens outside this island is not our business though as fellow human being we ought to be concerned about people. Let us limit our discussions to this island and its stupid people.

          Why do the politicians, analysts, …………. especially the political crooks believe in and propagate the idea of sovereignty if the people cannot manage their own affairs amicably? Don’t you think the pundits, Mahanayakes, academics, myth makers, crooks, war criminals and politicians should stop using sovereignty as if it exists and sacred if they cannot determine the destiny of the island in the short to medium term?

          By the way the greedy crooks and their supporters are now looking for scapegoats for their failed coup. They have already started blaming the minorities, LTTE and foreigners for the 50 days of homegrown political pandemonium.

  • 15
    1

    Even after Judiciary confirmed that executive (half) president Sirisena was illegal and unconstitutional, both Sirisena and Mahinda and other crooks behave like truely mad people. Our nation needed an honest, trustworthy, people oriented leadership. It is sad that Sirisena & Co say they respect the verdict of the judiciary but they continue to deny they are wrong. They continue to act against the law, against the parliament and against the judiciary. I have never seen such a ruthless brutal dirty politics of these monsters. Day by day they are sinking in the deep dirty water.

  • 13
    0

    50 Days Of Madness as advised by Dr Dayan Jeyatillike

    by the way where is he?

  • 12
    0

    Consider how much it cost to Sri Lanka economy and it’s reputation …
    Shame for m&s to stay in power after all this lost?
    He must have made a public apoplogy ?
    Shame on him to hang on power ..
    He is lost man now ..
    He better to go ..
    Now one by one MP will leave him..
    Time will tell how M&S fool Mahinda .
    M&S damage Mahinda ..
    M S for his greedy power put MR under pressure ..
    This moda m&s has done all damage .

  • 12
    0

    The happy fact is, that we Sri Lankans managed our affairs extremely well WITHOUT these political scoundrels for that many days. Of course, there was that helicopter rides…….

  • 12
    0

    Vishwamithra,

    Your article makes no mention of the principled and critical role played by the TNA, in addition what the Speaker and the SC did.

    I hope this not the typical majoritarian blindness to Tamil issues and Tamil suffering that we have seen in the country in the past.

    • 5
      0

      “principled and critical role played by the TNA”

      This is very true!

      All the kudos and appreciation to the opposition leader Mr Sambanthan and the TNA for the principled stance they took that saved the country.

      Kudos also to the Muslim parties and the leaders who did not waver. And the JVP for rousing public opinion and marshalling it in the right direction.

      Given the reputation of our MPs and their past behaviour ……… and Mahinda’s aura of invincibility …….. when the putsch took place I thought it would be a piece of cake for Sirisens/Mahinda to just “buy” the majority. ………. But to their credit, except for a very few, most held the line.

    • 1
      0

      I have often wondered about the fate of the Tamil Nation when senior leader Hon. Sampanthan leaves the scene. From the looks of it, there is nothing to stop it from splintering into several parts – all to the detriment of the Tamil people. Sinhala analysts and scholars are already speculating and counting on the significance.
      Sumanthiran is new to politics – too young, from Colombo, somewhat unknown quantity – to be unanimously accepted as leader. That he is a Christian will not matter too much in the secular Tamil Nation. Yet Tamils should remember with gratitude his sincere commitment and splendid service to the Tamil cause so far. That he has sacrificed his brilliant legal career for the Tamils also should be taken into account. It is in the interest of the Tamil Nation, particularly at this juncture in our political history, for the various katchikal/iyakkangal to close ranks and fight for the regaining of our economic and political rights. There will be time and space if and when in the near future Tamils regain their share – in the Sinhala majority country. These are delicate and testing times for the much suffering Tamil people. Fortunately these are times when the Sinhala side – including Sinhala cleric and JVP-JVP type extremists are re-examining their attitude towards the Tamils in context.

      Kettikaran

  • 8
    0

    We as an electorate have certainly matured – so hopeful for the future of this our beloved land.

    • 3
      0

      Rosemarie John

      “We as an electorate have certainly matured”

      You are kidding aren’t you?

      “so hopeful for the future of this our beloved land.”

      This is a self destructive nation, with self destructive people who cannot or won’t see beyond their nose and their leaders and politicians are void of wisdom driven by greed taking this island to hit the bottom.

  • 8
    0

    Yes, Siree. The Honourable Supreme Court, Speaker Hon. Karu J, Hon. Ranil W,
    Gallant men and women of the UNP by the tens of thousands who defended the
    Temple Trees -they were the heroes who wrote, in indelible ink, the new history
    of Sri Lanka – a country that once against escaped the jackboot of a super-ambitious family. They did not allow a clearly lunatic President, the power hungry
    Rajapakse gang to subvert democracy again. Due credit to Hon. Sampanthan and colleagues too. They stood just as tall and just as fearless. All this time while the Mahanayakas, of whom much was expected, remained eerily silent.

    Bu the danger, or the madness, is not over. The lunatic still raves and rants. His
    untested threat of “setting the country aflame” remains. 22 million innocents watch with a mixture of fear and anxiety.

    Anything ugly is still possible.

    Backlash

    • 6
      0

      Backlash

      Where is Wimal windbag Weerawansa who wanted to send in a mob to evict Ranil from Temple Trees?
      Where are those sanctimonious humbugs who remained silent when Wimal said what he said?
      By the way where is Dr Laksiri Fernando?

      • 0
        0

        Dear Native V,

        What a motley of “political leaders” we are fated to have to take this country economically and politically forward – the unscrupulous drummer Booruwansa entrusted with the important Housing Ministry; that Oranguttan Mapilla who blindly swindled an Australian couple in a clear Breach of Trust case. And the man, we are told is a graduate from English-speaking Australia. When I met him, his English reminded me of the Galle Face waiters of the 1960/70s; the ultra-racist Dinesh G who cannot, at any given time, command 10,000 votes; that gangster Rajitha (UNP, yes). With a lot like this do you think any country can make an inch of progress??? As someone told me he is ashamed even to sit near these “honourable political leaders” Pity Wijeweera and Thalaivar are no more.

        Forgive Laksiri. The man means well. Let us forgive him for the silly blunder of recent times in overestimating MR and Gamarala.
        For his part, Laksiri admitted he made his mistake – albeit using different phrasesology.

        BTW, thank you for your energetic and upright intervention regularly in these pages. In times hopeless as this, some genuine
        humour is necessary as an anti-dote to the misery we are inflicted with almost daily. What unethical Neanderthals and troglodytes we are fated to share the same part of Planet Earth with!!!

        Here’s to Happy holidays.

        Backlash

        • 1
          0

          Backlash

          Happy Holidays
          You are restassured for humour and pure entertainment you could rely on our 225 MPs + and their supporters on a 24/7/52 basis. You are also guaranteed further entertainment in or from India.

          Wijeweera and Thalaivar were not only public racists but also psychopaths. Both could have made themselves great alternative leaders but their understanding of people, country and their approach to liberation and their parochial fascistic vision betrayed many young people, destroyed many lives, ………….. A big mistake.

          That should have taught the traditional leaders a lesson they should not have forgotten.

  • 0
    0

    Vishwamithra describes the ‘removal’ of RW on 26 October, the ‘crisis’ that followed, acceptance of the SC verdict and pays , “A Tribute To A Stoic Nation”. The ‘stoic’ is ‘calmness’ NOT ‘indifference’.
    The ‘crisis’ was between to two teams in the same square to reach the top. People were aware that it was ‘us’ vs ‘us’. The fiasco in Parliament was expected to flow into streets. This did not happen.
    .
    Successive GoSL have allowed pogroms against minorities to run the full course. Was the indifference because of the ‘us’ vs ‘them’ syndrome?
    Is our present impasse a result of this indifference?

    • 3
      0

      K.Pillai

      “Successive GoSL have allowed pogroms against minorities to run the full course. Was the indifference because of the ‘us’ vs ‘them’ syndrome?”

      You have just said what I was going to say.
      Thank you.

  • 3
    0

    Some interesting comments from shit heads, Rambuk says he will not accept the court (of course this SOB dosent accept any court verdict , just wait for his turn). Vijithamuni who crossed over to UNP says MR is surrounded by wolves and rabid dogs (agreed., but what was he thinking while he was with MR????), Fraud electricity minister and thug by profession Siyambalapititya has reportedly given 47 new appointments to supporters from his electorate in 50 days of stay. Looks like MR,s gang dosent need any warm ups, right from the word go they are up and running, screwing the country. MR went on a signing spree , that too millions worth of contracts. And so called supporters seems to enjoy it all and want them back .

  • 6
    1

    Maithripala is a danger to the functioning of the country. Their has been no President (which is the highest position of this country) found guilty of abuse of power by no other than the highest Judicial body of the country, the Supreme Court and still continues in his position in disgrace without a morsel of self respect & honor to resign. This happens when low quality street fellows fit to be 3-wheel drivers & coconut pluckers obtain such positions.

  • 1
    0

    Now that Geedrick Mutta has had his say, we can put the whole matter to rest.

    • 1
      1

      No, no, I haven’t had mysay yet. I am still working on one after the Venezuela comparison. Await!!!

  • 5
    0

    The one positive thing that happened is that Sirisena by his stupid actions stabbed Mahinda in the back a second time, this time unwittingly!

  • 2
    0

    Yes indeed; we need to give merit to the different players who contributed significantly to bring this shameful political situation created by Sirisena to a close. The Speaker of the House and the Judiciary played a major role in regaining a kind of face validity to our country. The people, their disciplined yet firm stand by the UNP and the other parties, political, civil and social, who stood up and stood by the right of the people, their right of vote and the spirit of the Constitution, should be applauded for not causing any damage to property and for not endangering public life. While sympathizing with the loss of life of Mr Arjuna Ranatunga’s body guard we have to proud of the citizenry that no harm was caused to human lives.

  • 1
    0

    I hope the average voter will think long & hard before voting for the thugs who created havoc in Parliament at the next elections. Many in SL still vote for the party, irrespective of the credentials of the man/woman to be elected, therefore, it is up to the political parties to put forward responsible & educated candidates.
    Sirisena’s strategy in his desperate bid to hold on to power backfired spectacularly with not only he having to eat humble pie but his chosen candidate having egg on his face as well. Any man (or woman) with an iota of shame & integrity would have stepped down after all that has happened but not Sirisena, his thick hide is even thicker than armour plating. He says he took advise from legal experts, so who ever they are, shouldn’t they be sacked for their incompetence? He was stupid enough to state that MR was unable to get the support of parliamentarians because the ‘bidding price’ for loyalty was Rs 500 million. Shouldn’t he inform the bribery commission? Why isn’t any parliamentarian charged with vandalism or assault? Sirisena’s lack of leadership, vision, integrity & competence is abundantly clear but tries to justify his conduct by blaming others. He implies the judges were biased, not only on the verdict but to the extent of not appointing those he thought were suitable for promotion to give a ‘fair’ verdict. Whatever his explanations, he seems to have forgotten that he said he will not stay 2 hrs as President if RW is reappointed as PM. When we have such a blatantly self serving & stupid head of state, it is obvious that he will be comfortable only with similar yobs & crooks around him.

  • 0
    0

    What the ’50 days of madness’ exposed is the destructive potential of power in the hands of an ignorant person (monkey with a razor blade). It revealed what a deeply flawed character Sirisena is. He is completely out of his depth. He has diminished the position he holds and made the country a laughingstock in the eyes of the world. He will be remembered as the silliest person ever to hold the position in terms of his lack of understanding of the Constitution and lack of judgment.

  • 0
    0

    A very analytical article of the 50 days of unconstitutional & illegally created anarchist situation by MS & MR. Hats off to the SPEAKER, the JUDICIARY for a splendid judgement & to the majority of the peace loving citizenry of this country who displayed remarkable resilience & preserved the calm.

  • 1
    0

    The people are indifferent.

    It is not certain the supreme court was right.

    We will have to wait for an election to see what the people think.

    MS tried to remove Ranil, a corrupt and sinister man.That does not mean MR is good, he is also corrupt and only wants family rule.

    This is a tragi-comedy

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