18th Amendment, Colombo, Peace and Conflict, Politics and Governance, Post-War

The Death of Democracy in Sri Lanka

“The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment.”
Robert M. Hutchins

It is indeed terrifying and demoralizing to see the backward slide of our nation from a democracy to a dictatorship. We have never seen, in the course of our history, the likes of such unprincipled governance and self seeking deception by a leadership cloaked in the finery of patriotism and national interest.

Even more distressing is the timidity and servility of the majority of the  legislature, judiciary, public sector, private sector, religious institutions and media in expressing their very serious misgivings over the craftily concocted interpretations provided by the state in defending the proposed changes to the Constitution.

All power blocs have been effectively silenced, through intimidation and sabotage, into a forced consensus with the leadership who has effectively declared a ‘fait accompli’ on the matter.

Through our silence and inaction, we have paid the price of sacrificing not only the freedom and rights of all citizens, present and future, but also our own precious progeny who will eventually hold us accountable and bring us to disrepute which we rightfully deserve.

Very few are prepared to defend their principles by standing up for justice and truth and even those courageous few are ridiculed for their foolish attempt at trying to fight a Lion with their bare hands.

The ethical base of our society has gradually crumbled away exposing an abyss of greed and deceit arising out of vain attempts at achieving our selfish goals of wealth, position and power.

Alas! It seems we have reached the bitter end with little hope left but to wither away in apathy, indifference and undernourishment.