They said it was a peaceful protest …
They called for peace …
They called for ethnic harmony …
They said it was a spontaneous uprising of the masses …
They came in peace …
They wanted peace …
The government allowed them to vent their grievances in public in very a tolerable and gracious manner. But what did the protestors do? They retaliated with violence not only against the goons that attacked them but also against innocent civilians, police personnel, and even opposition politicians. They destroyed government and private property. Vandalized cars, trucks, and public transport. At Bera lake they had the mob in the water for over many hours, this is not a spontaneous uprising or protest, this is a well planned aggression against a democratic government by sinister forces.
The Tamils of the north and east can share the experiences with you, when LTTE bombed the military convoys the people cheered, when LTTE burnt CTB buses people cheered, when LTTE shot government-appointed civil servants people cheered, when petty thieves were shot and hung on lamp posts people cheered, but then LTTE began ruling the North and East, the cheers turned to silent whispers of despair, loved ones were forcibly conscripted, LTTE’s primitive and draconian ideologies were instilled on the masses. And as it is the norm some profited from this archaic governorship, others found undue recognition and influence, but most were enveloped in agony and silent despair.
If Mr. Rajapakse’s government does not stand strong against these agitators at Galle Face, tolerance, peace, harmony, and love will be forgotten words in this enchanting land. Anarchy will prevail, anytime someone is disenchanted with a government ruling they will resort to violence, they will impose their ideas of morality on the masses, and all aspects of our daily lives will be controlled by others from dressing, language, display of affection, religious symbols, etc. Correctly the police and CID have identified 59 outlets and organizations that have been willing participants in this unnecessary violence and agitation, we urge the government to take preventive measures to ensure that this kind of disruption does not occur again.
Good intentions to begin with but metamorphoses into something violent and without an end in sight. Collectively Sri Lankans should avoid the same peril that fell on our brethren in the North and East. People’s voices have been heard by the president, immediate changes have been made and more will come. If a kneejerk reaction is carried out by the President, Sri Lanka will be back to “Square 1”, thus proper planning is needed.
Selecting a neutral West friendly “nonbaggage holding” stateman like Ranil Wickremasinghe is a brilliant idea by Mr, Rajapakse. New PM, a man who can work with the IMF and World Bank who are proxies of the US, a man with extremely good relationships with the EU, India, and Japan, a great choice indeed.
Thus, Sri Lanka can achieve the following
- Mend fences with the West
- Immediate access to loans from IMF and World Bank
- Unite metropolitan and suburban Sri Lankan citizens with the rural population.
- UNP candidate in power always gives confidence to the private sector.
- The western investment will again trickle in.
- Service sector outsourcing can begin again.
- The manufacturing industry especially the garment industry can renegotiate its favored status with the EU.
- Diaspora funds will start flowing in again.
- India will be happy, and Sri Lanka will not have to be under the thumb of India or China.
We strongly believe under the leadership of Mr. Rajapakse a new chapter is unfolding in Sri Lanka, with a savvy prime minister, a fresh untainted cabinet, and without any undue interference, our nation can progress peacefully and rapidly.