Moving to Burqa Governance

Sirasa TV is certainly having much more than its popularity. Its “Lakshapathi” weekly quiz programme has hit huge local, and global publicity, within a few weeks. Shukra Munawwar winning two million rupees, and her wide knowledge on national and social issues, and commitment to national unity, was certainly a big winner.

It is now followed by Bhagya Abeyratne, who didn’t win any money, but told the country what she had seen in the huge eco destruction taking place so close to her home; just as it is in so many parts of the country. This is certainly a “Lakshapathi” victory for the people, when the state keeps denying and making so many false claims about the destruction of nature under Saubhagya.

It is surprising that the Public Security Minister (Dr.) Sarath Weerasekera had not issued any warning that a Burqa order would be issued on Bhagya, to prevent her from any further comments or criticism of the Saubhagya policies.

As the eco and nature destruction continues, with possibilities this may soon become an international issue, considering the vast extents being destroyed, and the global nature zones that are being destroyed, we are now told about plans to import rice.

Rice, the daily meal of the people, is certainly an issue of concern for politicians, who need the votes of the people. The current talk about the need to import rice, is a total escape from the need to ensure that locally produced rice is brought to the market, and sold to the people at a reasonable price. What is seen here is the government chucking away the need to take firm legal action against the rice hoarders – the Rice Mafia – that transcends political divisions, and is a powerful manipulator of the people’s daily meals. 

No police or any other Minister will have the courage, or commitment, to act against the Rice Mafia. Such action is not the stuff of Prosperity and Splendour policies of Gotabaya Glory. The Rice Mafia will have its day. Make huge profits, share some of it with connected and also related politicians, and possibly go back to a Bajiri Yugaya in controlled food supply.

We are now in the midst of another pro-Burqa activity by the police. Politicians and former Western Province Governor, Azath Salley, was arrested under Prevention of Terrorism and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This can certainly keep Salley away from the people, for many months, as investigations continue. This is a policy adopted against some journalists, by the so-called Yahapalana government, too.

It is certainly the task of Salley’s lawyers, and those concerned about human rights, and independence of the people, to take whatever actions necessary, through the judicial system, to have him released if he has not violated any law.

But the broadcast comments by Salley on his commitment to the Koran, and to following its teachings, including issues of marriage, and his lack of interest in the law of the land, certainly raise many issues about the right to free speech. In the trend of events. What we see is the problems faced by members of ethnic or religious minorities in expressing their commitments to their religious or any other beliefs.

How wrong will it be for any Buddhist citizen to make a public commitment to the teachings of the Buddha? What if someone tells that he or she will follow the Pancha Seela or even extends the practice to the Dasa Seela in daily life? What if such a person states what is important is to follow the teachings of the Dhamma, and not the laws of the country, if the country’s laws are not violated?

What of a Christian who makes a public commitment to follow the Ten Commandments? Is it wrong for a citizen to publicly declare honour and respect, and to even worship one’s creator?

Is it wrong for a citizen to follow the commandments against killing, stealing, lying, adultery? What if such a follower of Christian or Biblical teaching states the observance of these are more important than the law of the land? 

Do we have any laws of the land that permit or encourage actions against what is taught to the followers of the Dhamma, Ten Commandments or the teachings of the Koran?

Salley may linger wherever he is held – under Prevention of Terrorism or the ICCPR. There may be so far undisclosed serious charges against him under these laws, and even having an imported pistol and bullets. But, are other citizens also to linger with fearful thoughts of arrest and detention, for believing or commitment to the teachings of their Dhamma or Faith – whether Koran, Bible or Hindu teachings?

The Cabinet did not endorse the Burqa ban regulation proposed and much publicised by the Minister Weerasekera. But, will we soon have to move towards another Burqa ban, not in any clothing, but in the publication of news on what will happen in Geneva next week? 

The Burqa Law is the call of failed governance. Will we soon have a Burqa /Niqab Minister in the Cabinet? It is the warning of the times to come, with much more of Prosperity and Splendour, under the cover of a Political Burqa!