FONSEKA’S HEALTHY PRESS CONFERENCE

| by N.S.Venkataraman

( June 15, 2012, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) It is gratifying to read the proceedings of Fonseka’s first full fledged press conference after his release from prison , in Colombo on 14th June,2012. Mr. Fonseka made number of right observations that would find approval from the common men in Sri Lanka.

AP Photo

What is healthy about the press conference is that Fonseka clearly said that he would over throw the present political party in power in an election and has not asked for any violent or turbulent agitation against the government.

Sri Lanka is a country that has suffered extensively in recent times due to internal strifes and need long period of peace and quiet governance to rebuild itself , consolidate it’s gain and occupy it’s right place in the global arena. While political opposition is necessary in a democratic society, the opposition parties have to necessarily function within the democratic norms and ethos and must have firm faith in the electoral procedures and philosophy. This belief is what Fonseka has revealed during his press conference.

Fonseka is a man who has suffered in prison, which many believe should not have happened and seriously think that government of Sri Lanka has been unkind to him. But, during the press conference ,Fonseka gave an impression that he carries no malice and he would not return the political party in power in the same coin. This attitude of the opposition party would strengthen Sri Lankan democracy in the short and long run.

Fonseka has said that he would dedicate himself to the task of uniting the opposition parties against the President of Sri Lanka. On the other hand, he could have been more foresighted and said that he would dedicate himself to unite the Sri Lankans against corruption and nepotism in public life and in the governance. Fonseka should have kept in view the fact that the opposition political parties have also been accused of corrupt dealings at one time or the other and mere uniting the opposition parties will do no good to Sri Lanka. He should really strive to unite the positive and proactive forces and use his present position in public life to attain this objective.

People always desire that the politicians and political parties should maintain decorum and dignity in dealing with each other which is rarely done. This is one main reason why people tend to look at most politicians and political parties with suspicions and misgivings and some people even think that political parties are necessary evil in democratic systems.

Fonseka should adopt more lofty political style , clearly understanding that the people desire decent politics and healthy relationship amongst the politicians. There is no need for him to make any decrying statement about the President or any other person, in his attempt to convey his views and perspectives.

Overall, the press conference has been a good beginning after his release from the prison and his re starting his political activities. But, then politicians are always subjected to continuous tests and evaluation by the people and Fonseka is an experienced person and he would know that ultimately truth and desire for probity will alone find a place for any political leader in the history.