The Island Editorial

Media Blues

24 November 2016

 

President Maithripala Sirisena is reported to have lamented that it is depressing to read newspapers these days; they should adopt a positive outlook, help instill patriotism in people and develop the country, he has said.

We thought we would be left without anything negative to write about after last year’s regime change. But, alas, no sooner had the Rajapaksa government been dislodged than one half of the rogues responsible for its downfall pole-vaulted to the new administration while the other half chose to remain in the Opposition. Those who had been in the political wilderness for about 11 years without any opportunity to line their pockets at the expense of the public sprang into action like a colony of hibernating leeches after a drizzle. They joined forces with the thieves of the previous regime for political expediency.

The ‘yahapalana’ rule kicked off with a bang; the Central Bank was robbed of Treasury bonds to the tune of billions of rupees in broad daylight; fleets of super luxury vehicles were fraudulently released through the Customs at the behest of the new rulers and the molestation of Justitia did not stop. The wheels of justice were programmed to grind to a halt whenever the ruling politicians and their kith and kin happened to be on the wrong side of the law. When we report on such things it is only natural that newspapers look negative. The messenger should not be blamed for the unpalatable message.

One cannot but agree with President Sirisena that newspapers are full of depressing news. A case in point is yesterday’s front page picture of former STF Commandant, ex-DIG K. L. M. Sarachchandra, being taken to a paddy wagon. Having spent the best part of his life, serving the country in the face of risks to his life and limb, at this age the former DIG should be able to enjoy his retirement. The battle-hardened combatant led the elite police commandos during the war and ensured that they would make a tremendous contribution to defeating terrorism.

Former DIG Sarachchandra has been arrested and remanded for allegedly causing a loss of about Rs. 140,000 to the public purse by misusing a state-owned vehicle while those involved in bond scams which have cost the public billions of rupees have not only gone scot free but also are given VIP treatment. Many MPs have sold their duty free vehicle permits thus committing a financial fraud with impunity. Minister of Agriculture Duminda Dissanayake, a trusted lieutenant of President Sirisena, stands accused of wasting public funds to the tune of Rs. 23.5 mn a month as rent on an unused building.

Military and police personnel disabled in terrorist attacks during war unfortunately suffer injuries at the hands of the riot police when they protest, demanding their dues in peacetime. We thought the harassment of the ex-military commanders would end with the cashiering and incarceration of former war winning Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka under the Rajapaksa government. But, the practice continues.

We don’t enjoy being bearers of negative tidings. Let the President and other government grandees be kindly requested to rid the country of corruption, political witch hunts, near lawlessness and the blatant abuse of power besides ensuring that the people are given adequate relief and one million job opportunities created in keeping with the present administration’s election pledges. Once they get their act together, we will be left with no alternative but to write sunshine stories much to the liking of the President.

Meanwhile, all is not lost for the government worthies troubled by media induced blues as it were. They can always turn to the kept media for escapist entertainment such as journalistic cabarets, cancan and pole dancing if they want to cheer themselves up. That way they will also be able to lull themselves into thinking that everything is copacetic and there is no need to worry.