Monk’s advice to Mandarin
Island Editorial 12th Nov. 2014
Politics is a disease which popularity predisposes some people to. Those who excel in their chosen fields are often asked whether they intend to take to politics. Some of them stoop so low as to go behind politicians, seeking nominations or allow themselves to be lured into partisan politics. Among them are scholars, former judges, sports personalities and various other professionals like doctors, engineers, accountants et al.
Ven. Rahula Thera of the Namal Uyana fame has recently urged Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa not to take to active politics. The monk is of the view that the top bureaucrat can continue to render a better service to the country while holding his current position.
Defeating terrorism is thought to be Gotabhaya’s greatest achievement. True, winning a protracted war considered ‘unwinnable’ is no mean achievement. But, he can preen himself on winning a bigger war elsewhere—on public roads. He got Sri Lankan drivers to wear seat belts, a task that many thought was impossible! He has also been instrumental in carrying out urban beautification and densification projects in the face of stiff resistance from some quarters.
The Defence Secretary is a privileged mandarin unlike others. He has enough political clout because of his brothers to carry out the difficult tasks assigned to him. So, why should he take to politics and waste time in Parliament characterized by lethargy, inefficiency and inquorate proceedings?
It is popularly believed that the best way to cleanse politics is to encourage educated, capable persons to enter it. But, unless the incorrigible dregs already in it are got rid of, the entry of decent men and women will be as futile as adding some clean water to a dirty, stinking pond.
Politics is a crucible in which people are re-moulded. The fate of former war winning Army Commander Gen. Sarath Fonseka is a case in point. He, his campaign managers and other backers were happy with the picture he presented to the public as a tough, no-nonsense military commander when he entered the presidential fray in 2010.
But, today, he finds himself in the same predicament as a person who, in his wisdom, uses a lidless saucepan to collect frogs; he is fighting a war of sorts to prevent his party members from decamping. When he started life on Civvy Street, harbouring as he did presidential ambitions, he may have expected all his would-be loyalists to do as he said like soldiers who comply and complain or do and die with no questions asked. But, no sooner had he entered active politics as a presidential candidate than the sobering political reality dawned on him. Some of his trusted lieutenants broke ranks, riling him beyond measure. He vented his spleen on them in public and the rest is history.
Politics is a different ball game which not everyone can play well. Mastering it requires compromising one’s principles, willingness to take corruption, inefficiency etc. for granted and, above all, one’s readiness to suffer fools gladly.
One does not necessarily have to take to active politics to serve one’s fellow citizens. Mahatma Gandhi would not have become so venerated a leader if he had sought or held political office. The same is true of most of the national heroes in this land as well; influential laymen and erudite monks who inspired and guided the nation had the wisdom to avoid politics like the plague. They had greatness thrust upon them and rendered invaluable service to the country because they remained above partisan politics and mobilized the entire nation.
It is hoped that the prominent Sri Lankans toying with the idea of entering politics will heed Ven. Rahula Thera’s advice to the Defence Secretary.
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