A slogan that changed a regime

                                Good Governance

If there was an attractive slogan that entered into the hearts and minds of the Sri Lankans from all walks of life that would be 'Good Governance'. The war in the North and East had distracted people from all kinds of attractive slogans for democracy. Eliminating terrorism by hook or crook was number one. People wanted to put an end to the bloody war. The dream of all the Sri Lankans was to see a peaceful nation without war. 

Thanks to the bold decisions taken by the Rajapaksha regime the country could finally see an end to the merciless terrorism. The long chapter of separatist terrorism was closed. The country gradually started recovering from the wounds of terrorism. The GDP started increasing and foreign investments started flowing into the country. A dramatic increase in tourism could be observed. New airports, harbours , highways etc. were added to the long list of development activities of the nation. In short a new Sri Lanka was in the making. 

Politically the economic and social changes which were undergoing in the country dealt a heavy blow on the opposition parties.The voter base of the major political parties started eroding. The Marxist parties lost their slogans. The elections appeared a nightmare for the opposition.

The west wanted a change in Sri Lanka. The Tamil diaspora played a big role here. They knew very well that with the Rajapaksha in the government they never could achieve their ulterior movtives.Hence a well planned conspiracy was launched under the attreactive banner of 'good governance'. 

First the brain clean up backed by the western countries, with America and England at the front, was launched. India also played a leading role here. The tool they used for this was 'the social media'. After bringing the campaign to the expected level they dealt the final blow with Sirisena, the secretary of the SLFP.The journey was smooth from there.

It did not take one year for people to understand the blunder they made. The economic progress has collapsed. The cost of living has risen sky high.The production cost of agricultural products has increased forcing the farmer to abandon agriculture which was booming not so long ago.

The central bank issue and how the government is reacting to it have raised questions over the government policy of good governance. There is clear political victimization in matters regarding the investigations into corruption. Meanwhile the massive financial allocations for the huge cabinet for vehicles, offices and other benefits while the voter is paying huge taxes is another accusation being levelled at 'good governance'. 

Could the Sri Lankans see their dream of 'Good Governance'? is a question that every one asks from each other today.

Sajendra Kumara