Even as the country watches the on-going tussle for governmental power, a serious matter of national security that remains un-resolved is the mystery over the alleged attempt to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. And, the Police high command still seems unable to come forward with the truth about this scandal.
Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara’s own role in the whole murky affair, unfortunately, has not helped. While it is the duty of the Police to thoroughly investigate the whole matter, the fact that police personnel also may have been involved and that there may have been a security breach over police weapons requires urgent and full clarification. The public needs assurance that there is, indeed, no conspiracy involving the Police.
Despite repeated requests, the IGP has persistently failed to appear before his own Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to provide information regarding the matter which is being probed by the CID. By this failure, the IGP gives the impression that he is reluctant to co-operate with his own investigative units. Such strange behaviour by the sitting head of Police only serves to prompt speculation as to whether he is trying to impede the investigation or, is playing some deeper political game.
After all, a death threat to the Head of State undermines overall national security and the country’s security agencies cannot afford to be lax in the matter. The so-called plot to assassinate the President has already muddied diplomatic waters in relations with Sri Lanka’s big neighbour, India. The President himself was compelled to clarify matters with Delhi and did not waste any time doing so.
The police high command also cannot afford to keep the country waiting on a matter of such importance.
As it is, the Police must fulfil its law and order role to the maximum amid the constant outbursts of political remonstrations and demonstrations over the constitutional controversy and dispute over governmental power.
Even as Friday’s vote in Parliament on House administrative matters cannot be construed as a definitive vote on the Government, the political forces unseated from governmental power are not dormant and constantly threaten to stir up further controversy. There continues to be a heated contestation over the question of governmental power and the nation cannot afford to experience unending disturbances and provocations that tend to present to the world a scenario of instability and uncertainty. This is neither good for the economy – especially, for tourism and exports - nor is it encouraging to potential investors here.
The Opposition owes it to the nation to not only restrict its political manoeuvres to the parliamentary floor but also to refrain from sensationalising issues in a manner that will render a picture of the country that is worse than it actually is.
Just as much as the routine business of Parliament was conducted last Friday without fisticuffs, it is up to both Government and Opposition to continue to conduct proceedings in our national legislature in a dignified manner.
The Government, meanwhile, has taken quick steps to ease economic burdens on the ordinary people through numerous price reductions and price controls and, also through tax holidays and exemptions for more vulnerable income layers.
After all, irrespective of disputes over power, the country must continue to be governed and be done so in a manner that benefits the people. While the Opposition remains wrapped up in its continuing struggles for the return to power, it is time that the major Opposition parties return to their role of critically monitoring governance. Merely dwelling on grievances over the loss of power is not likely to produce a suitable political role that can engage and negotiate with the other relevant actors.
With the Rupee still under pressure from international market tendencies, no time should be lost in finding solutions to our various economic and developmental challenges. Development projects and programs must continue unabated and public participation maintained at a suitable momentum to ensure maximum benefits accrue to the mass of people.
Only the enemies of democracy will attempt to use political controversies as a means of disrupting the smooth working of the Republic.
As we battle the crisis, the citizens need the reassurance of a caring government that stands ready to respond quickly to immediate challenges in managing the economy and ensure general social well-being.
Ultimately, the current political conundrum may need to be resolved by the exercise of the popular vote. A general election will be the best and clearest way forward to obtaining a fresh popular mandate for governing the country.
Answers to both questions are important: the mandate to govern and, the threat against the Head of State.