Politics Without Principles

Are we Sri Lankans prepared to lose our democratic rights on the altar of so-called "Development" – which is nothing less than the self-aggrandizement of politicians?

by S. Kadirgamar

"Politics without Principles is a Social Sin". I quote Mahatma Gandhi.

(October 24, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) This is what confronts us citizens of Sri Lanka.

A party manifesto is a pledge given to the people by individuals and parties seeking votes that they would govern the country accordingly. Most, if not all parties, pledged to do away with the Executive Presidency. Instead we see the winning party not merely disregarding its pledges, but strengthening the stranglehold of the executive presidency on citizens. I believe that the parties should be made accountable in a court of law, to stand by its manifesto. Otherwise the votes would have been obtained under false pretences. Politics without principles.

In a democracy parties put forward their agenda seeking support for their party based on that agenda. The people cast their vote for a candidate on the basis that they support the political agenda of that party. The candidate has no right to cross over to another party and betray his voters on the grounds of conscience. They should tender their resignation and bide their time until the next election to come forward in support of a party of their choice. I cannot understand a judicial system which permits them to cross over with impunity. Again, politics without principles.

Yet again, we have party members who violate the party rulings and yet continue to function as members of that party and have the audacity to threaten the party with legal action for disciplining them. Discipline is a requirement in any society. Yet again – politics without principles.

The 17th Amendment had an almost 100% consensus when passed by the last Parliament. The moral force behind it was to depoliticize certain areas of governance – the Election Commission, the Judiciary, Police, Public Service were to be depoliticized. If in practical application certain flaws or difficulties were encountered, the parties should have got together to address those flaws – not throw the baby out with the bath water. Is it that citizens do not wish to depoliticize these areas of governance or that politicians wish to continue exercising their power and influence? It is difficult to comprehend how the learned Doctors and PhDs and intellectuals who spearheaded the 17th Amendment could suddenly do a volte face and abandon it without attempting to rectify its shortcomings. Again, politics without principles.

It is obvious to the meanest intelligence that the 18th Amendment was rushed into in an unprincipled manner in order to undermine the independent Constitutional Councils and thus completely neutralize and defeat the aims of the 17th Amendment.

Without creating a level playing field it would be impossible to expect the next elections to be conducted in a free and fair manner. We have recently experienced the total abuse by the state of the services of the Police, Public Service and state resources, disregarding the rulings of the Election Commissioner. Are we Sri Lankans prepared to lose our democratic rights on the altar of so-called "Development" – which is nothing less than the self-aggrandizement of politicians? We have politicians who are ready to squander state resources on luxury vehicles - Benzes and Land Cruiser, whilst citizens groan under the rising cost of living. Politics without Principles.

Unprincipaled Politics was unleashed under the Presidency of the late J. R. Jayewardene in the name of Development. The Incumbent President should not make the same mistake in the name of "Development". He should feel sufficiently secure of his support in the country to put it back on the track of Democratic Governance and the Rule of law. A country which boasts of its spirituality needs principled politics.