Had UNP won in 2005, Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle would have been alive today

First things first, let me take this opportunity to condemn the ruthless act by terrorists and express my deepest sympathies to the family members of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. Two of us had one key similarity. He too, just like me, was a lawyer turned politician. His loss will be felt, not just by SLFP but by all of us. I wish Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle’s soul rest in peace.

Having done that, I cannot help wondering if UNP had won the Presidential Election in 2005, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Parami Kulatunge, Nadaraja Raviraj, T. Maheswaran and 5,000+ others would have been alive today.

Also, if Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe had won the Presidential Election in 2005, Sri Lanka would not have been the failed state what it is today. People of this country could have happily celebrated Sinhala Tamil New Year too, being able to buy the essential food items at affordable prices. They would not have to mourn for untimely deaths.

Unfortunately, now the whole nation suffers because of the wrong decision they took in 2005, being blinded by a set of shallow promises – never meant to be fulfilled and used as gimmicks only to win an election.

To the ordinary people of this country since 2005 November, it would have been like attending to a series of funerals. They only see ‘SUDU KODI’ (white flags) everywhere as if the country had entered a ‘BHEEMA SAMAYA’. It always happens in countries governed by incompetent, selfish and power hungry leaders. Ask citizens of Zimbabwe.

When President Rajapakse, after winning the Presidential Election largely due to the indirect support of tigers – for whatever the reason, decided to enter the war path in 2005, deviating from the successful negotiations of the previous UNP government, the true patriots of the land, the international community and basically every rational thinking individual was against it. Given the last 30 years horrid experiences of war, one does not have to be a defence expert to predict the fallacy of the decision to go for war. It could have only harmed the war ridden nation for 30 long years.

If power blinds an individual absolute power blinds him absolutely. In spite of all indications that staring war is seriously damaging to the nation, and serious warnings by those who know the destruction a war can make a blind decision was made to make a blind war.

Today morning Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle became the latest victim of the war madness of the post 2004 era. No doubt who did it, but nevertheless everybody who willingly supported the war madness, has to be responsible for his untimely demise. It is fruitless going on blaming the terrorists. After one puts the snakes to one’s ‘odokkuva’ what is the use of shouting ‘kanavo, kanavo’?

What lessons Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle’s demise teaches us? Let me list few.

Number One - It is dangerous to monger war. You yourself can be the next victim.

Number Two – There is a huge difference between a country governed by a competent experienced leader and an incompetent and selfish leader only interested in the welfare of his own family. (Nobody can deny the two year period under Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasnghe was the most peaceful and most economically successful period that we ever knew for a long period. Why? Because Mr. Wickremasinghe was an experienced and intelligent leader whose first concern was the people of this country, and not his family)

Number Three –You have to use your brains and think long term when exercising your vote. Otherwise when you realize the mistake it would be too late. (Had the majority of the people used their brains in 2005 Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle would have been alive today, a coconut would have cost no more than Rs. 20 and the county would not have been a failed state.)

Number Four – It is scaring to be ruled by a government who cannot even provide security to a high ranking minister. Better not rely on such a weak government.

Number Five – It is high time the country should have somebody who is strong enough to run it properly and bring peace. So better not be fooled for the second time too. Any idiot can present a set of shallow promises but only and experienced and wise leader can deliver.

We only wish the people, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political differences, will make the right decision next time to select a strong leadership that can bring peace to this land and prevent untimely deaths like that of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. That would be the greatest respect we can pay for Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.