A newly elected MP from the Gampaha district, addressing his supporters has said that "my forte is not making money out of politics". Then another from the Colombo district has said that - he has 'not made any personal benefits during his academic and political career". Even before and certainly after the elections we have read and heard numerous politicians boasting that they are coming forward, and come forward to serve the people and country and not for their personal gain, benefits and not to feather their own or their family members' nests. Some Politicians have mentioned that they have not made any monetary gains or acquired any wealth during their entire political career, which clearly means that some have made hay while the sun was shinning. Now why this trumpet blowing about their honesty and clean hands. No one asked them, does a guilty conscience prick their unholy minds.

We must pity these innocent souls what terrible suffering and anguish they undergo to serve the masses and the country. They tear each other to prices, sling mud, assault, kill, burn, damage, injure our countrymen, give bogus promises, grin from ear to ear showing their dirty teeth and will stop to any low down thing under the sun. Why oh why all these dirty doings is the Big question - is it to serve us and work for the country. Once the greed for money and power enters a mortal mind, there is no stopping him from stooping to low down means to achieve his goals. Even the gods cannot stop him.

So dear politicians, please stop bragging and set about doing an honest for which you have been elected and amply compensated with fat pay packets, free transport, duty free vehicles, subsidized meals, security, telephones and a solid pension for just five years of service. To enjoy all these perks and benefits no qualifications are required and there is also no age limit. Before the elections, they come to us with a sly grin saying they are our servants and are coming forward to serve us and address us as Master, Sir etc.

But once they enter Parliament, they become kings. Politicians and political parties come and go, but this country has to go on and the future generations have to live, so live and let live.
Noel C. V. Joseph
Wattala