Our sad political culture and breakdown of law and order

(September 10, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The provincial elections are over. Billions of rupees have gone up in flames causing an irreparable loss. Once again the reputation of the ‘Paradise Isle’ has been tarnished throughout the whole world at a time when there is a need to get the goodwill of all nations.

The criminal attack on Dr. Johnpulle’s residence has shocked the people here as well as abroad. A respected senior UNP strongman and one time ambassador to the USSR he is known far and wide for his efficacious treatment of patients.

To have a doctor or such calibre in that area was a boon to the people of that town. His desire to serve the people kept him there, resisting the lure of going abroad for greener pastures. He was benevolent and helped various causes and institutions both religious and otherwise, including Buddhist temples.

His house, dispensary and office were attacked by 500 UPFA thugs who reduced the buildings to ash after looting them in the presence of over 100 policemen including high-ranking officers — a complete breakdown of the rule of law. All that was built up through 40 years of toil in the service of the people went up in smoke: precious documents, invaluable mementos, albums, certificates and even the IDs were destroyed.

At the instigation of two politicians the police officers including the DIG and the policemen, some of whom got free treatment from the doctor, turned a Nelsonian eye to the criminal activities including the prevention of the fire fighting vehicles from reaching the place. A lone, noble person risked his life to inform the doctor of the threat to his life, which enabled him to escape in the nick of time with minor injuries.

The following day when the doctor went with his wife to see what was left of his home, people from all walks of life including religious dignitaries flocked to empathise. While many sighed, cried and cursed the criminals, the doctor uttered words of mercy to his persecutors, "May they never have my experience," was what he kept on saying.

This political thuggery was a crude exhibition of our culture for the world to see. This happened in a country that boasts of an ancient civilisation and this very same city — Anuradhapura — is considered the birthplace of our civilisation and the area where Buddhism was introduced.

After two millenniums these incidents exhibit to the world the depth of our degradation, thanks to the power hungry politicos hell-bent on winning elections by hook or by crook.

It is time to reflect on Lord Buddha’s sublime teachings, which show the path to true happiness. Our country can be saved if our political leaders meditate on the shortness of life, the law of retribution and realise that crabs in the pot dance only until the water reaches boiling point.

M. Nirmalee - Sri Lanka Guardian