A few weeks ago the political opposition in this country was "written off" by even their most die- hard supporters. Ranil continued to be branded a loser and other assorted plaudits that have become hackneyed now and the likes of Mangala were maintaining a deafening silence.

Things have changed now haven’t they? Albeit for a few days or even weeks, who knows but there is some hope on the horizon for those who crave for good governance.

The family bandyism, even the deployment of thugs we can think of tolerating in a war situation where literally no one could be trusted. Now since it is over we do not see any abatement. The mindless thuggery continues with opposition procession being attacked, strikers being intimidated and even the ultimate war hero being hooted at. No detractions or reprimands issued from the top means that all this is condoned and even fostered by the highest in the land…doesn’t it?

Now the opposition has pulled one out of the hat! Give the devil his due (be it Ranil, Mangala, the JVP or a combination of same) they have stunned the Government to a certain extent and have at least temporarily put a spanner in the works of the Rajapaksa juggernaut.

Of course all this could peter out into nothing but at least we who are clutching at straws have another one to hang onto and postpone the inevitable watery grave!