VOTE!
I got into a tri shaw today in Colpetty. The driver was this nice Muslim uncle with white hair who insisted on speaking to me in English. I like talking to tri shaw drivers. They’re always interesting, and most often very passionate and opinionated. Not long into our conversation, he asked me whether I’m going to vote. I said I would like to, but it doesn’t seem as though there is anyone worth voting for. I said this half-jokingly. It turns out that this guy is actually a candidate for an independent party! I can’t remember which, but the tea leaves are their symbol. Then he bombards me with his ‘help the poor help themselves’ propaganda, and gives me his card and gives me a leaflet and everything. I’m quite impressed and I promise to think about it when I get off and pay him.
I like it when Sri Lankans actually want to help themselves. I find that the general attitude towards our lives, our jobs, our problems is always a bit ‘pathetic’. I don’t mean I think it’s pathetic, I mean I think people feel too sorry for themselves. We wallow in playing the victim, when most often the only thing we’re bogged down by are our own complacency and inefficiency. People do not take pride in their jobs here, especially in the government sector, people don’t capitalize on good opportunities and make the most of them. People don’t manage their time well in order to be more efficient and thus do better for themselves. We are a fiercely intelligent and lovely people: I think we have forgotten that we are. It’s been too long since we’ve been poor and downtrodden and ruled over by someone else. We’ve let our humility turn into sheer laziness. And I don’t mean just the impoverished. The well-to-do’s of this country are plagued by their own brand of indolence and the absolute refusal to do anything more than what is required of them. If you look so far as even India, you will find that people are far more awakened, interested and eager to get ahead. Thailand is another great example of super efficiency and enthusiasm which is fuelled on by national pride.
Anyway, needless to say I am always impressed when I meet people who want to work hard to get places, who want to actually do something to change their life, or the lives of others, and don’t expect it to be served to you on a silver platter.
It may be a time when we can’t do much to change the country we live in, but a time is coming when we can all take the chance. Vote in the upcoming elections. Use your right to vote in a democratically selected candidate who will further your dreams and values. Do the research, follow their campaigns, meet the candidates and use this opportunity to make a difference. This is not some great humanitarian thing that is being asked of you: do it for yourself.
I see great potential in Shiral Lakthilaka and Rosy Senanayake. Ok, she maybe a bit strange personally, but I think she is intelligent, bold and diplomatic and has a certain worldly quality about her. She also has a great way with people I think, no matter who they are. He seems a very solid candidate; he has proven himself to be honest, hardworking and practical. He’s not just a talker, he seems to have some real solutions and ideas.
Indi has some interviews with him:
http://indi.ca/2009/03/shiral-lakthilaka-39-interview/
Anyway these are just my thoughts. I hope everyone uses their vote this time, it’s the least we can do.
mmm… This is the first election I’m gonna vote in Colombo (Previously Trinco). Its been 4 years since I moved to Colombo, but still I can’t find a guy whom I can vote!!!
Comment by Mayooresn — April 16, 2009 @ 11:31 am
Honestly, come Election day I can’t be bothered to don some clothes and waste petrol making my way to the booths, just to elect/see elected the same corrupt officials that we have had for the last 20 years.
That is mostly to do with past experience than with “sheer laziness” as you tend to suggest.
Comment by Caduceus — April 16, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
Fully agree with what Caduceus…didn’t get a voting card this time, but I only plan to vote when I get my first voting card…just want to see how the whole experience is…after that, the voting card will go straight into the trash from the postman’s hand….if only everyone boycotted elections and we didn’t have any elected officials, the country would progress beyond the realms of possibility…
Comment by Cricket Tragic — April 16, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
I’m a bit cynical, but the only thing that we must vote for is abolishing these stupid provincial councils. They do nothing but add another layer of fat for a new layer of politicians to feed on.
Comment by Jack Point — April 17, 2009 @ 4:21 am
Right on the money! I would rather have just the Parliament and one more body, rather than having municipal councils, pradeshiya sabhas, PCs and what not!
Comment by Cricket Tragic — April 17, 2009 @ 4:39 am
I think the can’t-be-bothered attitude of the so-called educated, middle class of this country is kind of a big problem, too. We always leave politics to thugs that are only in it for the money, and then complain about it when they show their true colours. And we never hesitate to complain about how the fickle masses of this country are easily swayed by false promises and then end up voting for all the biggest con men. If we’re so much smarter and have the privilege of being educated and therefore not so easily swayed, then why not use our one chance to actually give power to those that we would like to see in government? I think it’s your duty and your right. I don’t know. It’s just my opinion.
Comment by electra — April 17, 2009 @ 7:55 am
Hmmm…. she is a little strange, yet all those good qualities? Would like some definition and explanation of Rosy’s strangeness - Curious Husband
Comment by Athula Senanayake — April 28, 2009 @ 3:41 pm