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Editorials from Sinhala and Tamil Newspapers of
September 7, 2001

Voice of the Sinhala and Tamil Media

Dinamina

MEANINGFUL STEP

A Memorandum of Understanding between the PA and JVP was signed ending the political instability which plagued this country for nearly two months. Implementation of specific programmes of action within a definite period was agreed by this Memorandum of Understanding.

The novelty of this Memorandum of Understanding is that the JVP will function as an independent unit in the Opposition, unlike in previous alliances with other parties. The JVP has also agreed to co-operate with the government in matters outside the scope of the Memorandum of Understanding, if they are not against its basis. This entire scheme is a historic milestone in the political activity of our country and a significant step for the benefit of the masses. There is hardly any difference between its condition and the PA's '94 election manifesto.

Implementation of those conditions were obstructed continuously by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe and Prabhakaran by preventing a peaceful solution to the main issue-the war.

The other reason that prevented the PA from implementing such measures is the lopsided electoral system and the Constitutional issue. In this context, the Memorandum of Understanding is a people's victory and the first meaningful step to fulfill public expectations.

Divaina

THE MIGHTY CANDLE

The candle has assumed the status of an essential item today due to the existing dark age. But sadly enough, candle manufacturers have been compelled to shut down production due to a shortage of wax. This raw material scarcity is reportedly due to ships not calling in at the Colombo Port. This entire situation reveals the complex problems of the power crisis - shortage of an item essential to dispel darkness, ships boycotting Colombo Port and workers of candle factories being shut out. There are threatening signs of the power cuts being extended to five hours per day. In no time candles will be sold at very high prices since it is not a declared essential item. It is left to be seen whether the government will be able to control its price when it is so helplessly inactive in controlling prices of goods essential to the burdened masses.

In this condition of the government, traders take the upper hand and increase prices of flour, sugar and rice at will. They enjoy the license to exploit the consumer due to the weakness of the rulers.

Lakbima

MOU AND REALITY

There is no doubt, the independent commissions as laid down by the PA-JVP Memorandum of Understanding are of significant importance. Motions on the establishing of four commissions are to be passed in Parliament before September 24. These are the independent commissions on Public Service, Judiciary, Elections and Police.

It has also been agreed to promulgate necessary laws and establish the independent commission on Media within six months from September 24.

The importance of the other commissions can be realized when one thinks of election malpractices under the UNP and PA during the J.R.

Jayawardene Referendum and Wayamba polls. It is also well known how the police service too has been politicized to the extent of forming a deadly triangle comprising politicians, underground criminals and police. Both Public Service and Judiciary too are riddled with problems requiring independent commissions to make them productive and effective.

Prices of essential goods also increase at will due to the lack of a controlling mechanism. We hope the Memorandum of Understanding will not be confined to its paper value but implemented with full force.

Lankadeepa

POLITICAL THUGGERY

Yet another act of political thuggery was reported from Pettah. This PA politician had stormed into the Pettah wholesale market with thugs and collected drought relief by force. This is certainly not the first report of thuggery by PA politicians. A powerful PA politician had once ordered his supporters to occupy state land by force. Yet another held a musical show near Angoda Mental Hospital defying a Court order and causing a great deal of harassment to the inmates. Still another threatened the OIC of a police station and sat in his chair before ordering the release of some of his supporters locked up for alleged crimes.

Some of the Pettah traders had not yielded to political thuggery claiming they have already voluntarily contributed for drought relief.

This is a welcome resistance on the part of the public. We ask both the government and the JVP whether this shocking and shameless situation will be rectified by their Memorandum of Understanding. If the State is deaf and blind for the undisciplined and high-handed lawlessness of its own members the people themselves should take action to resist.

Thinakaran

CUSHIONING OF EFFECTS OF NATURAL DISASTERS

Due to insufficient rain during the past two years, a severe drought is being experienced in several parts of the country today. However, the entire country is being affected in the form of power cuts as a result of this drought. The situation is so bad that it has been decided to abolish the loans granted to farmers in the drought victim areas.

Drought relief activities are going on in worst affected areas. The government has set apart Rs. 410 million for this purpose. India has also gifted food items and money to alleviate the sufferings of drought victims. These are all temporary measures. The government should find a lasting solution to the drought in the Southern Province, by undertaking irrigation and settlement programmes.

Virakesari

HISTORIC ACCORD

An end has been found to the political crisis that was gripping this country during the past few months, with the signing of an MoU between the PA and the JVP. A new political culture has been created by the JVP, by declining to accept any portfolios for assisting the PA government to form a stable government.

The terms of the MoU contains several provisions that are beneficial to the people and aimed at safeguarding democracy. Austerity measures and helping the farmers are too main issues that have been given priority in this agreement. This MoU will be effective for one year only. It is, therefore, essential to implement these proposals speedily, during this period. The Opposition too, should give up their negative policy and assist the government to realize the goals set out in the MoU. The people will expect it to do so.

Thinakkural

A WELCOME VOICE FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

At a time when the economy of the country is sliding due to mismanagement, corruption and other administrative irregularities, there is a welcome voice from the business community urging the people and the government to take note of the ultimate danger in allowing things to drift.

The power cut is a classic example of administrative bungling. After giving a solemn promise that there would be no power cuts in this country, a couple of years ago, we are facing the brunt of power cuts of a long duration. The Minister in charge of Power, a relation of President Chandrika Kumaratunga, is saddled with the security of this country in addition to his duties in the Ministry of Power and Energy.

He should have handed over this Ministry to somebody else, since his hands were full with security. The general trend in this government of not giving up power easily, has been a bane of the government.

The interest shown by the business community has, no doubt, been prompted by disgust over the activities of both major parties in this country, whom they help immensely at election times. With the government not grappling with the burning issues adequately, the community has come out on its own to protest. They have urged the stopping of the war and ushering in peace. Politicians should pay heed to this request.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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