Autopsy of attack on invaders; Cabinet that inspires a huge yawn

Newspapers, TV programmes and video presentations have been dealing with the terrible incident that occurred in the premises of the Presidential Secretariat and on the steps leading to it, at predawn on Friday 23 July. Cassandra feels compelled to present her opinion though it is one week from that day. Experts have dissected it and presented their opinions in the print and electronic media. Cass’ opinion admittedly is emotional and thus subjective, but she includes opinions expressed by many friends and acquaintances; a blue-collar worker or two who keep their ears to the ground. I present my views below, listed in two categories:

Cons – No, the armed forces (group) should not have been called out to attack

Ambassadors of foreign countries and regional and international organisation reps were unanimous in their condemnation of the attack, the most forceful being the US Ambassador. It was rumoured that she was reminded that the police who went after the civilians (aka Republican hooligans) who invaded the Capitol, used force on them: baton and gun butt charged, but ours was not as violent as that. As seen on TV, it was violent enough though no deaths were caused.

The timing was also not judicious, calculatedly wicked. Why slink in the very early hours which are the most soporific and even protesters are at their least guard. Also why so frighteningly armed with even long poles – this large, black clad, face covered contingent against a comparatively small number of protestors in the premises.

It was precipitous in that another warning and clear order to quit the premises should have been given and then later, if the persons persisted in occupying even the steps of the building, they would be evicted by force. The attacked protesters maintain they were to leave the premises that Friday evening, and worse, that it was not the police or armed forces that attacked them but thugs and goons. They exhibited no symbolic medals or decorations on their black kits which were not the uniforms of either the police or army. Why the completely masked faces?

Pros that President RW acted correctly within one day of his swearing-in

It was pronounced by those in power that the protesters had reneged constantly on their promise to quit and therefore the decision to use the police to evict them. In the first place they did wrong by invading the Secretariat and other state buildings, moving freely, some even living in them. Those are criminal acts that call for very heavy and expensive repairs and re-construction; while the country is cash strapped even in rupees. No account of pilfered or damaged treasures within the three vandalised buildings has been released.

Cassandra adds that she has maintained from the time the protesters invaded President’s House, referred to as the ‘presidential palace’ with its connotations in the foreign press, that vandalism and high handedness should never have occurred. And worse was to follow: they lived in the President’s House. All that time there was forbearance and infinite patience with them from the police and armed forces.

Protesters’ fundamental rights were impinged on, it was said. What right had they to invade these top government buildings and stay on? The business of the country had to continue after so much and so long a disruption, and hence the decision to use force to evict them.

They did not attack GotaGoGama, where members of the earlier very peaceful ‘Aragalaya’ were probably resting in preparation for the next day’s vigil.

It is invariably stated by those who condemn the attack that they were peaceful protesters. Yes, the real ‘Aragalaya’ protesters and those who lined streets and held candle and torch lit protests were most definitely peaceful. But Cass holds the view that when the IUSF and Kumar Gunaratnam’s men came in, peacefulness was compromised by force, violence in protesting like climbing barricades and of course invading state buildings. The protesters who were in and on the steps of the Secretariat were certainly not the original peaceful aragalaya protestors. As an elderly VIP said during the Face the Nation programme two Mondays ago, the aragalaya was turning into a ‘Viplavaya‘ due to violent tactics perpetrated by intruders of a revolutionary nature.

Thus, weighing the pros and cons, Cassandra concludes that the more aggressive protesters had to be stopped and government buildings cleared; but the method adopted and time of attacking them was very wrong. Also, who really were the attackers?

Generation gap evident in opinions

Comment here: while watching the TV programme I mentioned and conversing with people of different ages, Cass discerns a marked divergence in opinion and judgment. The young see no wrong in the new style of the ‘Aragalaya’, while the older person is apprehensive and recognises revolutionary tendencies insidiously creeping in, encouraged by leaders inclined to strong tactics.

The new government

Cass is 40-60 on Ranil as President, the 40 indicating approval. He will have to rise up to be a statesman. He certainly has personality, knowledge, intelligence, fluency in both our languages. He is recognised by the outside world. He is not aligned to China but maintains strong ties with India and Japan. Considered ‘clean’ notwithstanding the atrocious bond scam. But his likely living up to the new surname he has been christened with, sends shivers down Cass’ spine. Now with RW the exec Prez, intensely disliked members of a family may emerge from hiding through fear into public life and get away scot-free from much evil perpetrated. MR has been seen and spilled a faux pas after the voting for Prez. Gotabaya is said to be returning. Maybe he feels confident in the fact that RW is now the boss. Certainly no extra judicial harm should be done to him.But the law must proceed with no hindrance or influence used.

Cass is disappointed that the Cabinet is all SLPP. Did the Prez invite other political parties to join? And they refused? We see the same old faces, some disliked and distrusted severely. Ironic to see Tiran a Minister under the man who lost his presidential bid in 2005 due to the debarment of Tamils from voting by orders of Prabhakaran. Surprised to have Ranatunga, who is under a suspended sentence of seven years imprisonment for soliciting a bribe, a Cabinet Minister. This is disgraceful. The only welcome person is Ali Sabry to Cass’ way of judging. My title says the Cabinet inspires a huge yawn; rather is the reaction to its fear of further disaster and bungling bringing in no alleviation of the intense suffering of people. We have to have our basic amenities like uninterrupted supplies of fuel and electricity.

A Sri Lankan living in a European country voiced a good idea: the expats living around the world to fund an election, nay, two elections in Sri Lanka so the people – now wiser and having learnt their lessons – chosen representatives will govern the country. They could easily cough up the needed money and would be glad to contribute to a cause beneficial to the entire country.