This is an open letter to Chief Buddhist prelates. It’s no secret that Sri Lankans are probably now witnessing the worst of all election campaigns in the political history of the country.
“Hatred and vengeance” is the obvious theme of most political speeches. Such politics can divide the country on political and ethnic lines. What is more disturbing is that Buddhist monks are also politically divided and slinging mud at each other, sowing hatred instead of compassion. Already we have seen a large number of incidents of election violence; a lot more we can expect.
On January 26, one of the two major presidential candidates will win the race. One may say, “that’s democracy.” But, what is the significance of a victory gained by foul means? As we see, the rivalry between the two main candidates is so bitter that they are not in a position to genuinely shake hands as gentlemen do when results are announced.
If these two are not power hungry or wealth crazy and their sole objective is developing this new country – both of them jointly fulfilled a Herculean task by freeing this country from the clutches of LTTE terrorism; hence the word “new country” – they have to give up this cobra-viper hatred and get together again, for a country cannot be developed until leaders and citizens shed their political attachment and unite, al least after an election is over. But that has never happened and is unlikely to happen under this system.
Only fools and savages admire this type of election campaigns, not the disciplined people of this Dharmadveepa. As you believe and preach, the Lord Buddha came to this blessed land thrice to settle matters of this nature. We have no time to wait till the next Buddha comes here.
This country is begging your immediate intervention. You all must get together first please and mediate to make the two main candidates friends again and advise them to -
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Carry out a gentleman’s election campaign or
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Cancel this election and form an all-party government or
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Adopt any measure that will not only suit them but also the country.
Sri Lankans should not forget the fact that these two heroes saved billions of rupees and thousands of lives by ending the war within a short period. It’s time for us to repay what we owe them and gratify them both.
H.M.P. Wickramarathne,
Kengalla |
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