Lionel Rajapakse

No doubt, recent resignation of government Muslim MPs from their portfolios, helped to widen the gap between the Muslim and Sinhala communities. It was unexpected and no body asked for all of them to resign. Ven Rathana Thero demanded only Eastern Province Governor Hizbulla, Western Province Governor Azath Salley and Minister Rishad Bathiudeen to resign. Joint opposition brought a no-confidence motion against only  Minister Rishad Bathiudeen. But in solidarity with Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, all the Muslim MPs resigned en block. It is sad to see even Mr. Kabir Hashim, who publicly accused a Muslim politician for interfering with the Wanathavilluwa investigations, joined in hands with the solidarity group for Mr. Rishad Bathiudeen.

Now it is perfectly clear that this is a temporary move to allow some time to settle the dust and then start the same game again. Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader, Mr. Rauff Hakeem gave only a month to prove any allegation against any of his colleagues. Is this a practical challenge? No way. Even a kid can understand the plan is to reinstate  them in their former positions after few months. We haven’t forgotten what happened with Tilak Marapana and Ravi Karunanayake. These politicians still think we are idiots.

As a positive gesture for the people’s demand, rather than giving time frames for public to prove his colleagues are corrupted, Mr. Hakeem should have asked from Mr. Rishad Bathiudeen to declare his assets before and after he entered the politics, at least.

Irrespective of who comes to the power next, Sri Lanka needs a change as soon as possible. No body can disagree.

There is a no confidence motion against the current government in the horizon. If the Muslim MPs really want to win the hearts of the Sinhalese, best thing they should do is, stay neutral at this critical point.  If the Muslim MPs vote against this motion, that will be an  irreversible mistake they are going to make in the history.

Hope, in the name of Allah, they will stay neutral and not miss this golden opportunity!

Lionel Rajapakse