What is perhaps most offensive about Rajapakse's attempts to manipulate the electorate in the face of an election is how much he takes for granted the fickleness of his Sinhala-Buddhist following. Nothing could better personify the 'Sinhalaya modaya' stereotype than the President's disdain for his own people. And they love him for it. So long as a steady stream of Tamils are exterminated, there is little to impede Rajapakse's cruise to yet another victory.
For its part, the Rajapakse administration lies content in the knowledge that the Sinhalaya is indeed a modaya - so long as people vote like idiots, they have to live with the government they elect. There is no gainsaying that despite all the hardships the people face as a result of the maladministration and corruption the Rajapakse regime has ushered into government, so long as the bombardment of the north continues, the Sinhala-Buddhist majority will readily provide the President with the mandate he needs.
Lasantha's editorial on 04 Jan 09.
Any True Sinhalaya will not hesitate to take him. |