The Dynamics of the “War Heroes’ Battleâ€
Undoubtedly, Comrade Wickramabahu will attract a politically mature vote-base around him – particularly those who are disgusted with the Mahinda-regime’s fascistic rule the way it’s been treating the Tamil civilians. This minority consists of convinced opponents of the government, and they’ll be happy to vote for Wickramabahu whose politics appear to be closest to their own mindset.
Obviously, Mahinda Rajapaksa also will be happy to see Wickramabahu’s presence as a blessing – as the most effective way to divert the already established anti-government vote-base away from Sarath Fonseka (SF).
Wickramabahu’s propagandist approach, however, seems to have failed to see the objective logic (the dialectic) of the unprecedented social process taking place as a unique consequence of the Sarath-Mahinda split. A substantial section within the Sinhala majority who backed the war unconditionally before seems to be rallying round Sarath Fonseka in rejecting Mahinda-regime on democratic and humanist issues. It is this fast-changing social force which Sri Lanka’s Left movement should be orientated towards in the coming period. The Left should base itself on this social force and fully equip them with the democratic values that’ll be crucial for the next stage, i.e. the socialist economic transformation. The likely defeat of Rajapaksa’s dictatorial regime by Sarath Fonseka on a program of democratic change would, I believe, mark the beginning of the end of JR’s executive presidential system. And, how far SF will be ready to carryout this democratic change remains to be seen.
A united left front should have effectively linked up with Sinhala majority’s changing consciousness with its banner of democracy held high. A united front of the Tamil-speaking communities too should have joined this evolving social force with their own democratic demands. Unfortunately, however, only the JVP has been subtle enough to take this prudent line in supporting Sarath Fonseka.
Still it is not too late for Wickramabahu to correct his mistake. He can pull out at an appropriate time prescribing his supporters to contribute the final impetus for SF’s victory.
Let me reiterate what I’ve already stated elsewhere, that the escalating political duel is a blessing for Sri Lanka’s future – irrespective of the immediate causes that triggered the protagonists’ conflict. Those analysts who get bogged down in the past will fail to see the real significance of the erupting historical forces. The next few weeks will see a major shift in Sinhala/Tamil consciousness in understanding what the country needs. And, Sri Lanka’s political scene will begin to change dramatically paving the way for substantial social and economic metamorphosis, whoever wins. On my part, I sincerely hope General Fonseka emerges victoriously for very good reasons. Let me explain:
Sarath Fonseka’s dreadful personal circumstances along with his strong personality are bound to make him the ideal agent of change. Presently he’s facing the full wrath of the state more than anybody else. His strong will, his sensitivity to personal honour and his potential to absorb fresh political views are all noteworthy attributes. But remember, how effectively Sri Lanka’s leftist movement can rise to the challenge of influencing him to carry out the democratic transformation remains to be seen.
Eradication of Sri Lanka’s widespread poverty requires socialist-orientated socio-economic program. Without scientific planning of island-wide infrastructure and massive investment of state-funds to raise peoples’ living standards the rich-poor gap in the country will continue to widen. Will the state do it just like it spent billions of dollars for the war? I don’t think so unless a committed socialist government is formed.
The two main political parties – the UNP and the SLFP – are guided by avowed capitalist economists whose vision is conditioned by the discredited ‘trickle-down’ economics according to which the poor majority will have to wait until the private investors’ profits grow with the backing of the state so that the benefits would eventually trickle down to lower-classes too.
It’s the duty of the leftist-movement to expose this disgraceful myth and educate the masses on socialist values and the noble vision of common welfare. Sarath Fonseka should be made aware of the truth that Sri Lanka’s democratic change can never be completed without socialist economics. The reason is this: “Trickle down” economics will only widen the rich-poor gap and social chaos and unrest will be the inevitable result; and, Sri Lanka’s capitalist state will be compelled to resort to dictatorial methods to crush people’s struggles. That’ll mark the end of Sarath Fonseka’s democracy. Thus, one should realize that the democratization of Sri Lanka is inseparably intertwined with the economic transformation.
This is why it’s important that the Left should do everything possible to guide General Fonseka in the right direction. I’m sure many Tamils and leftists will raise their eyebrows at this suggestion. “How could we trust a man who led the war to ruthlessly crush the LTTE?” they ask. Some even compare him to Hitler who crushed the Jews. I think this comparison is totally misplaced. Let me explain:
Most of Sri Lanka’s Sinhala Buddhists supported the war not because they are anti-Tamil racists; it was Tiger-leadership’s ideological commitment to separatism and the methods it used to achieve its goal that led to most Sinhala-Buddhists’ uncompromising opposition to the Tamil struggle.
Tiger leaders failed to realize that their main aspiration went directly against the Sinhala Buddhists’ deep-rooted national aspiration – i.e. their belief that the Buddhists in Lanka have a historic commitment to Lord Buddha himself to defend the island’s integrity. Sinhala Buddhists believe that Buddha himself foresaw Sri Lanka as the only place on the planet to protect authentic Buddhist philosophy.
It was this belief that made them extremely nervous to even federalist solutions; they thought this could eventually lead to splitting the country. In fact, it was this deep-rooted national aspiration and the related fears that Sinhala politicians hijacked for grabbing political power in elections.
Now that the war is over the Sinhala majority’s undue fears are subsiding and the political and economic aspirations are rapidly coming to the forefront. They want peace and fully-fledged democracy; they want to put an end to corruption, and eradicate poverty. It is in this respect that the Mahinda-regime has failed them miserably. Mahinda Rajapaksa failed to win the hearts & minds of the Tamils. His administration resorted to nepotism and corruption. He began to use dictatorial methods to crush dissent. Underworld criminal activities, lawlessness and disappearances became rampant. His associates’ dogmatic commitment to capitalist “trickle-down” economics has failed to solve the problem of widespread poverty.
A substantial section of the Buddhist majority sees Sarath Fonseka as someone they could trust to carry out the necessary political changes while defending their afore-mentioned national/religious aspiration.
The fact that Sarath Fonseka has been cornered, isolated and bullied by Sri Lanka’s corrupt political establishment seems to be working extremely well in the General’s favour. His detachment from political parties of the establishment is also likely to be seen as a positive quality by the masses.
SF seems to be a man with a strong will-power; his politically fresh mind is still in a process of evolution. And, that’s not a bad thing at all in the context of fast changing circumstances, both globally and locally. Particularly, in the field of economic policy Sri Lanka’s Left has a crucial responsibility in influencing Sarath Fonseka’s thoughts in this respect. This is why I say that the JVP’s decision to back him is a prudent one; and, this is why I oppose Comrade Bahu’s decision to contest in the election.
Instead, his Left Front should have formed an alliance with the JVP to make Sarath Fonseka’s victory a reality. Socialists must not underestimate the general’s potential to emerge as Sri Lanka’s Hugo Chavez in the coming period, but only if the SL Left did the right thing. Remember, the globally collapsing capitalism and the locally degenerating socio-economic conditions are extremely conducive to unprecedented changes. Sri Lanka’s leftists should thoroughly grasp what the great German poet Goethe wrote, and Lenin approvingly quoted in his April Theses: “…Theory is grey my friend…Reality is green”. For, preconceived ideas would be the biggest obstacle in seeing the potential that is evolving right in front of their eyes.
If SF wins he may, in all probability, dissolve the present administration and call for fresh parliamentary elections in a free and fair environment. The task of the Left should be to form a broad alliance (including the JVP and the parties of Tamil-speaking communities of course) under the banner of democratic & socialist change to challenge both parties of the status-quo.
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I have 2 questions for you Mr. Raj.
1. What “Left”? You can’t possibly be referring to the JVP right?
2. You on SF’s payroll or something?
Dear Mr. Silva,
1. Considering JVP’s origins and evolution I see JVP as Leftist party despite my opposition to its nationalist outlook and many other attributes. But then I would still consider the utterly degenerate LSSP too as a Left party despite my opposition to its despicable politics.
2. Mudslinging and slandering are the last resort of cynics to dodge solid arguments
This is a funny article. I didn’t read it but got the idea by glancing at a few lines. In his misguided admiration of the retired General, he goes onto say the Ret. General is a man for all seasons that he didn’t join an established political unit but decided to be independent. Dear me.. pal, it is not he is a light at the end of the tunnel, but he is trying to be clever to jump the hurdles to win the power. That’s all what he is interested in. He couldn’t cash in from the war as much as Gota may have done, so he wants more before it is too late, while his popularity is at the helm. But once he’s lost the elections, his popularity will only be within the UNP. All he will do is, join the UNP and become an MP.
But just to help you the author understand the ground reality, Sf is clever than you, that’s all I can say. He didn’t join the UNP on Mangala’s advice so that he could muster support from the JVP as well. Do you get it?
At the crux of this article is the belief that the Sri Lankan Leftist parties are build on the solid foundation of Socialism. I am highly doubtful of this opinon. There long periods in parliment have blunted there socialist aspirations and made them slaves to money.
Sri Lankan have already seen where the incumbant president ‘Helping Hambantota ‘fame Mahina Rajapakse is heading during the last 4 years. He only wanted to defeat the LTTE to gain popularity and use that advantage to try and get 2/3rd majority in parliament to repeal the constitution to make him the all powerful president so long as he lives. It is alright even if he becomes the all powerful president of Sri Lanka for life if he is a honest person who respect the voices of dessent and transparent in his activities. But we all know this manis a thick skinned rouge who is swindling the country. He openly got a public servant who was fined heavily and sacked by the former Chief Jutice back to his seat to rob the country.All Sri Lankans know that this man is responsible for approving bogus VAT claims to the tune of billions.We all know how the Sunday Leader Editor was murdered for trying to expose the corrupt deals of Gotabaya Rajapakse.We know how this corrupt president is using a ex-domestic servant now being appointed as a Minister to intimidate opponents and murder them. The story is endless. Do we want to put a top to corruption or appoint General Sarath Fonseka and clean the stables.Well thgis maybe the last chance for Sri Lankans to escape the clutches of this deadly monster Mahinda Rajapakse. Lets get rid of him while we still have a chance and ensure peace for all Sri Lankans.
Mr. Raja, firstly, it’s Ms. de Silva, not Mr. Actually, Marisa would do.
As for “mudslinging and slandering” I only posed the question. No specific accusation was made. Yes, of course I was being sarcastic but, only because I find it difficult to digest your opinion of the “General” you seem to be placing so much hope and faith in. I can’t see the basis to this so called “assurance” you seem to be offering rather liberally.
And I also find it difficult to understand why you place so much confidence in the “non-existent” (at least in my opinion) Left, in which even you seem to have very little regard for! Pray elaborate…
The Professor’s comment begins with a rather silly line. He says he hasn’t read the article except glancing at a few lines. Yet, he had the arrogance to freely comment about an imaginary theme of the article – of which he’s absolutely clueless. He categorically says that I “go on to say the Ret. General is a man for all seasons”. I said nothing of the sort. What I do claim is that “the escalating political duel is a blessing for Sri Lanka’s future – irrespective of the immediate causes that triggered the protagonists’ conflict. Those analysts who get bogged down in the past will fail to see the real significance of the erupting historical forces. The next few weeks will see a major shift in Sinhala/Tamil consciousness in understanding what the country needs. And, Sri Lanka’s political scene will begin to change dramatically paving the way for substantial social and economic metamorphosis, whoever wins.” Also, I added that SF has a POTENTIAL to change given his unique personal plight and the fast changing global and local circumstances.
I strongly suggest that the Professor should learn the basic academic requirement of reading the relevant article or the book before passing judgments on them. Also, since the Professor has expressed his criticisms on one of the contestants the readers are entitled to ask him which candidate he’d recommend to the electorate to support in line with his subtle wisdom.
Dear Marisa…You’re right to say that I don’t have much confidence in any of the Left parties at present. But I strongly believe that the global and local circumstances are ripe for SL’s Socialist Left to re-emerge. Therefore, everything I write now should be seen as a contribution to an “emerging consciousness” that is not yet properly formed.
Every positive thing I said about the general’s circumstances is intended to point at the ‘potential’ he has even to rise as Sri Lanka’s Hugo Chavez – which may or may not happen.
I fully agree with the comments made by”a concerned Sri Lankan”. If we miss this golden opprotunity to get rid of these bandits and murders with their multiplying family clutches we are done for life.Our younger generation too will have to work under these rouges as slaves when they buy the whole of Sri Lanka with the money of the poor tax payer.
After the war-victory everybody thought Mahinda Rajapaksa’s corrupt-despotic tyranny will last for years, like a rock. But within months the situation changed dramatically due to the internal split. Sri Lanka’s progressive forces should use this opportunity to impose significant structural changes within the state as the first step towards Big Changes.
Bahu’s propagandist stance doesn’t help this. His action only helps the present regime to remain in power.
To whom it may concern,
It is good to support Dr.Vickramabuhu for the simple reason that he
represents the “non-capitalists” and the “oppressed” who are the
actual ‘MAJORITY’ in this country..
To get the support from the “majority people” he should get on the
platform of “good governance”.
By “good governance” it is meant “a government that is against
injustice, discrimination corruption and oppression”.and is for
transparency in its dealings, be accountable and answerable to the
people and be courageous enough to take full responsibility for its
actions.
All the problems including the ethnic and terrorist problems in our
country came into being because of the above-mentioned “four evils” in
the absence of the other four – transparency, accountability,
answerable and responsibility
So it is humbly requested that you be good enough to read the
under-mentioned requests of mine, which if implemented, could show the
way for good governance and to eradicate the “four evils”.
For the kind perusal and consideration of all concerned.
01. Abolition of the Executive Presidential system and the Provincial
Government system and these to be replaced with a suitable alternative
system (Regional Government System) that would enable more people to
participate in the Governance of the country without “duplication and
triplication” of powers and duties for the evolution of a fair and
just Society.
02. People’s Councils to be established at Grama Sevaka Divisional
area level for the people to voice their needs and recommend ways and
means of achieving them and it must be made mandatory for those
concerned to heed these calls and respond positively.
03. People’s Councils to be established at Divisional Secretary area
level with suitable powers to deal with injustices, discrimination,
corruption and oppression in government and semi-government
institutions.
04. People’s Councils to be established at District levels to
supervise and participate in the implementation process of all
projects within the District.
05. Legislation to be brought in to allow trade Union representatives
to part-take in the making of legislation.
06. The Right To Information Act which is now in cold storage would be
improved for the benefit of the people and introduced and activated.
07. Action would be taken to see that each and every clause in the
constitution including all amendments is put in operation properly
without any exception irrespective of personal views.
The poor, down-trodden and those “power-less” (people who are unable
to use their power and those people who do not know their power) who
are the “majority” in this country as in any other country will surely
support him if they – the poor, power-less and down trodden – are made
aware of these evils that caused them all the misery and the urgent
need to have them eradicated FOR PEACE AND HARMONY AND CONSEQUENTLY A
PROSPEROUS SRI LANKA where everyone will lead a happy and pleasant
life.
Some would say that by voting for Dr Vickramabahu, a candidate who has no chances of
winning you are “wasting” your “valuable” vote. I would say that it is
“wrong” to say so in this Election because we have got a “second
preference” vote which we can use simultaneously in favour of the
candidate whom we prefer, if left to choose within two candidates
only.
In this way we are “stopping” our “second preference” candidate from
winning in the first round, but helping him to win in the second round
and thereby “adding value” to our “valuable vote”. The winner will
also be humbled down to recognize that he won due to the “second
preference” vote of those who did not want to support him outright.
So make it a point to vote at this election to register your protest
to the leading candidates and helping them with your “second
preference” vote and there by add value to your vote and help to
build-up DEMOCRACY.
To save Democracy, please participate at the forth coming election by
voting to a person of your choice – you will be having nearly ten to
choose from.
Sie.Kathieravealu
Obviously, Bahu is not going to win. He’d be mainly helping MR to win. That’s not good at the present juncture. After the war-victory most people thought MR-Regime will be rock-solid for the foreseeable future. But, within months the whole myth is crumbling. That’s a positive thing.
Remember, due to unprecedented circumstances, SF has the potential to either become a Bonapartist dictator (as SEP thinks) or Sri Lanka’s Hugo Chavez. [By the way Wije Dias' analysis in WSWS is good, though I don't agree with it entirely.] The outcome is dependent on many global & local factors. But for the present, the existing corrupt regime should go. I accept there’re many unknown factors, but it’s worth taking the risk. There’re many unique factors we know. If you cannot understand that, you would understand nothing about the present election. Don’t be dogmatic. As Goethe wrote: “Theory is grey my friend while reality is green.”