-Written by a Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -22.Oct.2024, 7.45 pm) It has been a month today since Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Comrade President took office. It is worthwhile to examine what he has accomplished during this time.
Upon his arrival, a significant shift occurred in the political culture. He continues to lead a modest life, unlike the typical grandiose lifestyle of politicians. We see him as a more down-to-earth figure, absent from the usual lines of vehicles and security details. Although it may not be as extreme as Western standards, it’s a notable improvement over the previous system. However, it will take time before we see a politician arriving on a bicycle or driving themselves due to the current systemic issues in the country. Nonetheless, this beginning lays a solid foundation for future progress.
Several longstanding ministers and MPs, who previously held on to power until the end, have voluntarily stepped aside. They realized that not only were they unlikely to win, but they also couldn’t account for their campaign expenses. This has led to a cleansing of the political landscape even before the elections.
Moreover, with his ascension, the smear campaigns spread by the Ranil-Sajith-Namal factions have been dismantled within a week. Rumors about gas tank explosions, fuel shortages, the country being in turmoil, the dollar reaching 400, and impending global sanctions have all dissipated. Even those who shared and believed in these stories now seem to be rallying around him. Likewise, monks who once preached of impending doom during Poya days have disappeared from public view. One monk even publicly apologized. Despite some resistance, the majority might still grant him a two-thirds majority.
Anura’s cabinet is one of the smallest in the world. Although the system has somewhat changed, many officials who initially resisted the new ministers are now aligning themselves with them. This is partly because the three ministers cannot monitor everything closely. There are plenty of examples of this, such as issues with the Presidential Fund, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Environment. The Presidential Fund was notoriously managed based on personal connections rather than need or priority. The secretaries appointed to the Agriculture and Environment Ministries have also been the subject of much public scrutiny.
A notable example is the Ministry of Fisheries, where officials linked to Douglas Devananda’s corruption have been promoted to key positions. Many are questioning why someone with a tainted reputation was given such authority in Anura’s administration.
The harshest criticism has been directed at the Ministry of Environment. A discredited individual, previously sanctioned for disciplinary issues at the National Institute of Science and Technology (NISTEC), has been appointed as the head of the Central Environmental Authority. This individual has been accused of abusing power, misusing vehicles, falsifying documents, and even being convicted by the courts. How such a person was recommended remains a mystery. Anura must remain vigilant about the bureaucratic mafia surrounding him, as Gotabaya faced similar pitfalls by relying too heavily on the advice of one faction.
Despite these errors, we are not as cynical as certain media outlets in declaring Anura a failure. It’s important to remember that it was Sirasa that tried to topple Ranil, and now Dilith and Ali Raja seem to be working against Anura in different ways. Therefore, it’s essential to be cautious of media plots and misinformation.
Some officials are creating unnecessary problems for the government, such as the confusion surrounding the taxation of food items. While this was merely an extension of a previously existing gazette, certain media outlets sensationalized the issue, misleading the public. We are not quick to label the government a failure, but if Anura succumbs to the administrative mafia, then the entire system could become even more corrupt.
We support the President’s journey but will not hesitate to expose any corruption or manipulation around him.
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by (2024-10-22 14:24:36)
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