(Lanka-e-News -26.Nov.2024,11.00 pm)
Dear Mr. Sajith Premadasa, (opposition leader)
Ah, memory lane—a curious place, especially for those of us who have lived through the tangled, passionate mess of South Asian politics. As I dust off my recollections from my days as the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka (1987-1991), I find myself compelled to address you, the current Opposition Leader of your fine island nation.
Let us start at the beginning. Your father, Ranasinghe Premadasa, a man of firm convictions, low caste, filthy loudspeaker , once deemed my actions as “unwarranted interference in an internal matter of the country.” I had the audacity to suggest that election irregularities should be addressed through proper channels—a suggestion that apparently ruffled feathers. When local voters in the Southern Province accused the government of ballot-box hijinks, I had the simple idea that they should report these to the police. But the police, bless their administrative indifference, refused to take down their complaints. Naturally, I accompanied the complainants to the station. This, I suppose, is where I crossed the line from “high commissioner” to “persona non grata.”
So, your father sent me packing back to London. But before we get too harsh on his legacy, allow me to recall a softer moment—29th July 1987. That historic dinner, the day of the Indo-Lanka Accord, where I met your father. Amidst the small talk and the shadow of Rajiv Gandhi, your father spoke of your education in London, the lofty ambitions of the Premadasa family, and the plan for you to join the London School of Economics. How the mighty have studied! I heard lots of things about your LSE Qualifications.Fast forward to today, and here you are, the leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), wielding the torch of opposition, with a fake degree certificate.
Which brings me to the crux of my letter: leadership. Allow me, an old diplomat, to offer a gentle nudge. Democracy, as you well know, stands firmly on the pillars of free and fair elections. It is disheartening when these foundations crumble, as I saw during the local government elections on 10th May 1991. When young SLFP supporters in Matara accused Colombo-based operatives of stuffing ballot boxes, it felt like democracy was being smothered in its sleep. My “interference,” as it was called, was nothing more than ensuring the people’s voices were heard. The expulsion that followed—well, I wear it as a badge of honor.
And yet, history, as it often does, outdid itself. On 1st May 1993, your father was tragically assassinated by the LTTE, a group benefited from your daddy’s generosity, a grim reminder of the fragility of Sri Lankan politics. His death had nothing to do with my departure, but it underscored the volatility of the era.
Now, as Opposition Leader, you face a choice. Leadership is not just about rallying speeches and party loyalty—it’s about integrity. A word of caution: be wary of empowering figures like Imtiaz Bakir, whose VAT fraud accusations make for colorful headlines but questionable alliances. The cornerstone of democracy is trust, and trust is built by leading with honor.
So, as you stride forward in your political career, remember the lessons of history—both your father’s and your own. Democracy is no easy affair, but it is worth fighting for.
With a mix of nostalgia, advice, and a pinch of humor.
(A Column)
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by (2024-11-26 22:03:14)
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