Leader by work
Day and Night a young man went from district to district, day by day across the miles with knapsack on his back with literature about the President of this country. He stopped at every corner touched the hearts of those around him with his polite speeches which he expressed with dignity and decorum. He had the aristocratic mannerism, gentle disposition and incomparable courage to fulfill his task. He went on alone with a small team and through the miles tens, hundreds and thousands joined him in the arduous task of campaign. They called themselves “Tharunyanta Hetak”. They left no stone unturned. This young man had a determination to work for the President for the only reason that he had the energy of a patriot, secondly he is the eldest son of President Mahinda Rajapaksa- Namal Rajapaksa. Political successNamal Rajapaksa will contest the Parliamentary General elections in April this year. His credentials are far mightier than any cabinet Minister. His credentials at his age now is far greater than any Sri Lankan politician. Suffice it to say, that all alone with his team in Tharunyanta Hetak he was the most effective campaigner for President Mahinda Rajapaksa and he deserves the credit for President Rajapaksa’s victory.
Authority for Development & EfficiencyIt is time that the political culture of this country changes. An American Professor who was talking to me the other day about Sri Lankan Politics said that the political culture should change in Sri Lanka to accommodate Namal Rajapaksa to hold a key position in the Government. I submit that he deserves much more than the post of a Cabinet Minister for he is the only man who has gone through the miles in Sri Lanka. His style is unique and incomparable. If Sri Lanka has to develop at a rapid pace then Namal Rajapaksa should have the controlling authority.
BritainIs this widening generational rift between the citizens and the political class desirable? Tony Blair relinquished office as prime minister of Britain aged 54, after a decade in power. In Britain, even the normally cautious Gordon Brown has demonstrated an admirable verve with the composition of his cabinet. At just 42, David Miliband is Britain’s second youngest foreign secretary and talked about as an eventual successor to Brown. Also in the cabinet is his younger brother Ed who at 37 has been entrusted with the task of drafting New Labour’s manifesto. There are others in the cabinet of a similar age bracket.
Political TraditionPart of the problem lies in an excessively hierarchical political tradition that treats a supine loyalty as the ultimate virtue. But when patronage is elevated to an organizing principle, dynamism and innovation are the likely casualties. Unsurprisingly, in this environment, there is a latent hostility to newcomers.
Very few political grandees have had the grace and dignity to withdraw voluntarily to the backbenches once their prime is over. Retirement does not feature in their political lexicon. Most of them are afflicted by a severe case of the Duracell syndrome: like the well-known battery they firmly believe in going on and on. While this approach might suit an individual’s self-interest it is open to doubt whether this serves the wider national interest.
Seasoned Voice & Dynamic SpeakerNo government can survive without seasoned voices. And some of the impressive performers of this government have also been its veteran campaigners. But what is evidently missing is a balance between youth and experience. Nor does any party show signs of wanting to correct its composition and leadership. Namal is far superior to any of the Parliamentarians who have held office so far.
Namal Rajapaksa DoctrineSri Lanka’s electoral make-up will change with Namal Rajapaksa- the absence of young politicians on the front benches is simply incredible. They are patronized, distrusted, relegated to the background and constrained by a milieu that encourages an uncritical deference. The seeds of cynicism are thus slowly sown in them. Unlike the private sector which has evolved considerably, the political culture shows little sign of embracing a necessary change. With the entry into Parliament, Namal Rajapaksa will with one sweep change the entire political culture into an effective and energetic political climate. This is the doctrine of Namal Rajapaksa.
Youth – Tharunyanta Hetak
All of this also presents a valuable opportunity for political parties. In April 2010, when the next general elections are scheduled a significant slice of the electorate will be eligible to vote for the first time. Political parties successful in connecting with the youth will reap the electoral rewards. Merely showcasing tired voices of the past again shall not be enough to win their votes.
Let us wait a few more weeks, Namal Rajapaksa’s voice will create an effective Parliament, efficient government and a clean administration.
source: news.lk
Monday, 15 February 2010 By Dr.Levins T.C.Rajaratnam
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has emphasized Defence Ministry will not forget the families of the war heroes and is bound to look after their needs in a responsible manner.
The Supreme Court has informed the President's Office that the new term of his six year second term will begin from the date of his swearing in and that could take place within two weeks of November 19, 2010.