The way forward

There is little one can add to the subjects of the day unless we can actually make a change. Many ideas though sensible are not practical unless there is a grassroots uprising that can push for change.

We have not been able to elect people who can put petty differences aside and work for the common good. There is a saying that we deserve the government we have elected as it is us to blame for who we have put in power. So making statements like forming new parties can change the body politic is foolish unless this groundswell of public opinion can be harvested at the polls.

Sri Lanka like the UK and US has a two party democracy and the spoiler parties that come and go just make it easier for minority rule. What I mean by minority rule is that less than half the electors have elected the government of the day in all these countries.

If change can be affected it has to be done from within. I believe those currently in power cannot do so and it is for the grass roots to rise up into these two parties to add fresh blood by overthrowing those who are comfortable in their shoes knowing full well that no one will be able to upset the status quo. One must either demand performance, and results if not all sinecures, as that is what a position in government has now beocme, will be removed and given to one who can perform.

Sri Lanka only needs a strong judiciary and impartial police force that can enforce the law. Thats all. The laws in the country are in place and watertight. Therefore given the laws, and its fair enforcement so that all citizens, rich or poor, of all ethnicities are treated equal, then we do not need government, foreign aid, INGOS or UN organizations. We have the most intelligent people, the hardest working, industrious, charitable and selfless whose hitherto buried talents need to be aroused. It can only be done when they realize it is a level playing field that they can operate in. That can only be done by proper enforcement of existing laws fairly.

This is not difficult to do. It does not need any money just a change of heart and a determination to do what is right. We have looked for leadership to set the example from the top but as that has been lacking we have to work in reverse and show the people in the 'top' it can be done from the bottom.

Sri Lanka's most valuable resource is its people and we have done a shoddy job in maximising their potential within our shores and have readily accepted that our best people can leave the country to benefit their new hosts as we don't know how to exploit their true worth.

Just to use a small example to make a point. It is easier to prevent a newly qualified doctor from leaving the country for greener pastures by providing him or her with the tools to do the job better in the country than alienate them by preventing them from leaving the country even for a medical conference without getting them to sign a bond, when they have no resources to use as collateral. The tools I refer to are the working conditions without interference, and use of equipment currently lying idle and rotting from bureucratic and hierarchical red tape.