-Written by Shantha Jayaratne
(Lanka-e-News -12.Nov.2024, 11.15 pm) Anura Dissanayake, the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), has recently been making a bold statement at rallies: “This time, we need to win so that others will be the ones crying.” Observing recent remarks from some politicians, it’s clear that Dissanayake’s words have provoked a sense of unease among them. Another one of his key statements, “We need to clean up Parliament this time,” seems to have struck a nerve with prominent opposition figures.
At a recent rally in Kalutara, former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena was seen tearfully addressing the public on TV. This display could have many explanations. Rohitha’s journey began humbly, starting his career as a simple coachman, eventually moving on to become a driver for a politician, and then climbing the ranks of politics to reach the position of a Cabinet minister. Just days before the last presidential election, he celebrated his 27th year in politics with Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya, Basil, Ranil, and close allies by his side. At that event, he swore his loyalty, declaring he’d do anything to see Namal Rajapaksa succeed.
Yet, a few days after the celebration, Rohitha announced to the media that, following his mother’s advice, he would now support Ranil Wickremesinghe. This shift, and that of other MPs like Mahindananda, Prasanna Ranatunga, Shehan Semasinghe, and Kanchana Wijesekara, is speculated to be less about political loyalty and more about “skeletons in their closets.” These politicians now find themselves in tears, not out of newfound sorrow, but likely from the knowledge that hidden “skeletons” may soon be revealed, threatening their political careers and possibly leading them to prison. Their sudden support for Ranil Wickremesinghe may thus be a strategic effort to shield themselves by staying in Parliament under the cover of MP privileges.
It’s possible that Rohitha’s tears stem from the expected revival of an old corruption case involving 450 million rupees of his assets (though reports vary on the amount). The bribery commission, which initially investigated this case, reassigned its officer and buried the investigation under the watch of the former commissioners. If this investigation resumes and his assets are confiscated or if jail awaits him, Rohitha’s concerns might be justified.
While these figures beg for sympathy to get back into Parliament, they represent a faction unfit for trust. Any commissions or offices established to address corruption need to be held accountable to ensure genuine reform. Cleaning up Parliament is only the first step; cleansing public service and other institutions from corrupt officials is essential to build a truly Clean Sri Lanka. This is the moment for wise action. Sending such individuals back to Parliament out of pity would be a mistake, as they belong to a faction that cannot be trusted. Let’s cleanse Parliament and move towards a cleanest Sri Lanka in Asia.
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by (2024-11-12 18:26:31)
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