Politicians at Olympics: Public workers on roads

While watching the large numbers of Principals and Teachers on the streets for quite some time, I was kept wondering why such a vital segment of society was badly treated by the state. After all, the next generation is in their hands and it goes without saying that those to whom a generation to come is entrusted merited better treatment. It was said that they were a neglected lot from time immemorial. The answer dawned on me, Mr. Editor, and I have no doubt your readers will agree with me when I say that it’s due to state employees observing how much it costs to get governed and where a large number that got washed into legislature had no basic education. If such types were to secure employment in the national legislature the only opening will be conservancy services. However, having cottoned on to a political party today they live in luxury at great cost to the country.

I read, in the print media, that pursuant to the provisions of the RTI ACT TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL had sought information on the educational qualifications of those who are now in Parliament acting as SIGNAL POSTS. Though the Speaker had circulated the request in terms of the law, presuming that the patron saints will look after they had not responded. I guess the act makes it mandatory and has not exempted any category. It is the responsibility of the SPEAKER to ensure that the law is respected by the same people who enacted SUCH LEGISLATION.

Another noteworthy fact is that with the pandemic hitting the world, most legislators offered PAY CUTS voluntarily, but such noble qualities are unknown to Sri Lankan politicians. While they have a good time, the hard-working state employees, of such a vital sector, are unable to get their anomalies sorted out for survival with the cost of living over the roof, so to say.

While such drama takes place on the streets, the country also witnessed the adequately vaccinated Minister of Sports taking wing to Japan, with a group of legislators, to witness the Olympics.

It’s worth mentioning that out of 206 countries that participated, TWO MINISTERS OF SPORTS GRACED THE OCCASION – NAMELY THE MINISTER OF SPORTS JAPAN AND THE OTHER FROM CASH-STRAPPED SRI LANKA.

The nation owes a deep debt of gratitude to you for commenting editorially on the Japanese jaunt as your comment reflected public thinking when millions of hard-to-come-by dollars were squandered. It is abundantly clear that despite the financial crisis, the ostentatious lifestyle of ruling politicians had not changed. If the 225 legislators, who volunteered to serve the people, treat their entry to the legislature as a service to the country they should give up this immoral act of drawing a pension after five years and also extend the benefit to the spouse in the event of their death. I guess a substantial amount will be available for helping the deserving.

It is to the credit of the President that he lives in his private house while the previous incumbent, who spent nearly 200 million to refurbish, claiming that will be the official residence, manipulated while in office, continue to dwell there. The only man worthy of recognition who did not bleed the country after, relinquishing office, is the late DB Wijetunga. All this is in the name of service to the poor.

The anomalies in the education sector can be met by.

A. Scrap the pension scheme for MPs fully as such luxury does not exist in rich countries even.

B. Scrap the provision of houses and staff to ex-Presidents and use such savings to meet compelling obligations of the state.

The beneficiaries will claim that the law provides, however it must be borne in mind that these are laws passed by them for themselves and with conditions drastically changing they too must make sacrifices. The very same people treat the law with scant regard, to name a few sacking of the President of the SLMC at the behest of the GMOA, the violation of a law where bail was not possible namely the demolition of an archaeological site in Kurunegala, aided and abetted by an ethanol dealer,

In conclusion Mr. Editor, the biggest problem facing the nation is the THE TRUTH DEFICIT WHERE PEOPLE HAVE NO RESPECT FOR POLITICIANS.

Jeewaka Randeniya