SLFP-UNP accord — a damp squib
By Rita Perera
[Kelaniya]
Despite the great rejoicing and wide approval, if not relief that attended the signing of the historic accord between the two main opposition parties who represent over 90% of the voting public in this country, it increasingly appears to be a damp squib. They both claimed amidst a great deal of fanfare that they would work together for the greater good of the country.
Alas that early euphoria is fast withering away. First there was the bickering and self-seeking within the ranks of the UNP which seems to have weakened its very structure and integrity. The government too with its top heavy cohorts of ministers, deputies and aides, who as usual are only concerned about increasing their pay, perks and pensions to excessive heights, is dragging its feet without devising a mechanism to make the MoU operative.
The welfare of the country and the majority of its citizens appear to have the lowest priority as they struggle against the ‘fearful odds’ that beset them daily to barely keep alive. Rampant bribery and corruption abounds with the Bribery Commission looking on helpless to tackle the culprits and bring them to book.
Wouldn’t the much vaunted accord have had some practical benefit to the country at large, if it gave priority to setting up a mechanism whereby UNP members in the opposition could have been appointed to sub-committees in each ministry depending on their experience and special expertise.
Their roles should be clearly defined, not just to be critical watchdogs but also to have a positive function in devising and suggesting ways to make the work of each ministry more effective.
This would be a positive step to meet the legitimate criticism of a two party democracy. With every change of government the country is losing the valuable expertise of the former government functionaries. If such UNP members of parliament need some remuneration for the services they are called upon to render they could be paid a stipend, but not a salary.
Our politicians are generally adept at pontificating on moral and religious values at the drop of a hat. However, shouldn’t they too, be imbued with even a wee bit of the love for the country that impelled countless patriots to make untold personal sacrifices with little or no financial recompense in the struggle for independence of which they are the chief beneficiaries? Why should they then hesitate to give paramount importance to finding ways and means to save this country from the morass it is in without trying to feather their own nests?
[A Letter to the Editor, published in thesundayleader.lk]
