by Gamini Sarath Gunawardana
If patriotism is not practised with restraint, it could cause more harm than good, former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka told a meeting of party activists and representatives of several social organization from the Maharagama electorate. “Many so-called patriots are racial bigots suffering from chauvinism. They do not display humanitarian concern towards different ethnic groups. Such people can be classed among Idi Amins and Hitlers of this world. They are unfit to engage in politics,” he said at the meeting held at Rochel Public Hall in Kottawa.
“Hitler was an ordinary soldier in the Army. Idi Amin was a mere cook in his country’s Army. When they seized power in their respective countries, they assumed higher ranks in their armies and became dictators. But there were many high-level Army officers who earned their high ranks through their personal brilliance and indefatigable hard work. They never became dictators, when they attained political power after their illustrious military carriers,” he said.
He also said that former American President, General Eisenhower and former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, are shining examples of such distinguished politicians who were former military leaders who led their country with good governance. “There is an increasing crime wave in the country. Cheap political cohorts of this government are involved in raping women and in violating the law of the country.
But the so-called chief patriot in the country turns a blind eye when the henchmen break the law of the land. Today one minister has put up a palatial house in Kaduwela, complete with watch towers, which are as big as the house itself,” he said. Parliamentarians, Arjuna Ranatunga, Jayantha Ketagoda, Ranga Bandara (UNP),Dilipa Wedaarachchi (UNP) and Maharagama MC Deputy Mayor Senaka Kalubowila (UPFA) also addressed the meeting.
