The Tale of Two Presidents

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

“It was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair” we had everything before us, we had nothing before us”. Perhaps, this line borrowed from the memorable opening paragraph of Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”, one of the best-selling novels of all time, summarises that ill-fated political project, Yahapalanaya best. The President who initiated the train of events, after stabbing his leader in the back barely before the shared hopper-feed was digested, leading to the formation of Yahapalanaya and the President who crushed Yahapalanaya with defeat are in the fray together, albeit a distance apart. It is in a way understandable as the predecessor was spared a humiliating defeat not for lack of trying but because no party dared that ignominy! Is there anything in common between these two?

Strictly speaking, there are three Presidents involved, not two, but we can leave Mahinda Rajapaksa out as he has already earned his place in the history of Sri Lanka; as a leader who achieved the impossible by defeating a ruthless terrorist group considered invincible by international experts and politicians alike. Even the humiliating defeat at the hands of the betrayer did not put him off but used it to his advantage and has bounced back. What more he achieves is immaterial but most feel he should leave his Malli’s hands free, so that he may bask in reflected glory. But he is his own man!

Maithri started very well with a heartfelt acceptance speech which won the plaudits of the nation but in no time showed his true colours as an incompetent, unreliable head of state who agreed to do many things he knew were wrong, just to please those who used him as a front to achieve what they wanted. To his credit, he admitted that he did wrong and turned away from Yahapalanaya. In sharp contrast to his predecessor who defeated terrorism, he allowed a new type of terrorism to raise its ugly head with devastating consequences on Easter Sunday 2019. It was mostly due to his inaction and he refused to take any responsibility. He allowed a cover-up in the name of a Parliamentary Select Committee but, to his credit, set up a Presidential commission of inquiry, which is producing results, at last.

Towards the end of his term Maithri made the drug menace his top priority. He polished his sword, took out his Madu-walige, bought ropes for the gallows and hired executioners to execute drug lords. They, however were having a hearty laugh enjoying the high-life not only in Sri Lanka but also in places like Dubai. In sharp contrast, in a matter of a few months, energised by Gota’s drive and enthusiasm, authorities are fast getting at drug-lords. The daily detections are keeping elections news away from front pages. How corrupt some in the Police Narcotic Division has surprised many and a cynic may comment that they have lived up to their name. Surely, it should have been the Anti-narcotics division!

Politics is more about pleasing the electorate than getting the job done. This may be one of the reasons why these two Presidents contrast. Maithri is a professional politician who works for the benefit of politicians whereas Gota is no politician. He is an army man who has benefitted from the strict code of discipline imparted. He proved to be a capable administrator too and as his slogan during the presidential campaign stated, he accomplished what was assigned over and above expectations. His introduction to politics was through the presidential campaign but, so far, he has worked not as a politician but as an efficient technocrat serving the people, not politicians.

What Maithri should have done is retire gracefully on the completion of his term as he has reaped enough benefits. Instead, he opted to enter Parliament from the Polonnaruwa district and is fighting hard to get the highest number of preferential votes. If he does not get that, in spite of his claims of making a Tokyo out of Polonnaruwa, it would be utter humiliation. Would there be any circumstance under which Gota too suffer the same fate?

My scientifically orientated brain not comprehending the convolutedness of complex international relations, I have refrained in commenting on the MCC compact so far but have been closely following events and have been perplexed by what is happening. Pohottuwa vehemently opposed the MCC compact when in opposition. Now that they are in government, even though they are in caretaker capacity for the moment, clarity on this would have been most welcome. As those in strong support of the MCC compact claim it to be of significant financial benefit to the country, I can well understand Gota appointing a committee to study it. ‘Gunaruwan report’, which was not supportive, was released to the public on 23 June. It was stated that each minister would give their views in a week which was later extended to two weeks but there is an eerie silence since. I wonder why Gota cannot at least state that he is not prepared to sign it as it stands.

Of the many views expressed, the most considered and comprehensive was that by Dr Palitha Kohona. His presentation to the Ambassadors’ Forum titled “ACSA, SOFA, MCC Once concluded there is no walking away from treaties” was reproduced in ‘The Island’ of 13 July. He sounds a very strong note of caution, citing the main issue of concern:

“The land project, which has caused considerable disconcert, focuses on creating a parcel fabric map and inventory of state lands, digitizing the deeds registry, facilitating the ongoing work to move Sri Lanka from a deed registration system to a title registration system, digitizing key valuation information for properties in targeted districts, and establishing land policy councils to support the Government’ work on land policy and legislation.”

If by this we are facilitating a land-grab by multinationals then whatever economic gains promised would be of no use. Wonder whether there are behind the scene negotiations to alter the compact to get rid of harmful projects as well as clauses.

I was taken aback, the other day, when one of my very close friends who is a ‘Gota can do no wrong’ type of admirer and always refers to Gota respectfully as ‘Gota-sir’ told me that he feels the MCC would be signed after the elections. This got me thinking. Afterall, Gota was a US citizen too till recently. The engine of the Rajapaksa juggernaut, Basil opted to retain US citizenship than contest the elections which he could have won from any district. Would this affect judgement? Hope not.

If Gota signs the MCC unaltered it would be an act of ultimate betrayal and he would surely follow the Maithri path of sunset. Worse still, it may be the end of Sri Lanka, as we know.

Gota-sir, please don’t let the country down!