"Seest thou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings and not before mean men". So wrote Mr. J. S. L. Fernando, member of staff (who went on to become Headmaster) S. Thomas' Preparatory School, Kollupitiya, way back in 1952 in my autograph album on my leaving school. (Those days, S. Thomas' Prep had classes only up to what was then known as "Standard Six" and thereafter, students had to enroll in other schools of their parents' choice to continue "senior" schooling).

The above words of deep meaning and significance penned by a revered teacher came to mind amidst the circus acts in the run up to the anticipated Presidential/General Elections.

The desecration of the name and character of General Sarath Fonseka is a matter for regret and grave concern. It is my fervent hope and I am sure, of the general public also, that the good General will steer clear of the quagmire that he is being lured into by self-seeking politicians. Having earned the love and respect of all peace loving and law-abiding citizens of this Country irrespective of class, communal and to a significant extent, political party affiliations, it will be foolhardy, nay, tragic for General Fonseka to squander his good name by treading mud. Wily Coyotes, well versed in the art of ego boosting to achieve their hidden personal agendas and adept at getting others to pull the Chestnuts from the fire are on the look out to lure the unwary. Those who lamented ad nauseum about the "unwinnable war", cast aspersions on the conduct of operations launched to neutralise the Tiger terrorists with farcical comments of "Pamankade vs Alimankada", proferred unsolicited advice on the conduct of military operations; who waxed eloquent on the irrelevance of the Thoppigala operation; who acquiesced in the LTTE - nurturing Norway's agitation for removal of High Security Zones in Jaffna and denied the establishment of LTTE artillery positions within striking distance of Trincomalee harbour High Security Zone; who permitted unopened container loads of heaven knows what (arms, light aircraft in broken down form, transmitting equipment etcetera, no doubt) into LTTE held territory; who permitted access to LTTE cadres to operate in Government held territory under the guise of "political activity", who, in general, resorted to a traitorous appeasement policy vis a vis the LTTE and signed the infamous Cease Fire Agreement, are, now conniving with proven LTTE front organisations and other politically bankrupt elements to entice a man who stands tall, to his doom. My reference to the machinations of anti-Government elements does not in any way infer that I endorse General Fonseka venturing into a political career on the side of the Government. My fervent wish and hope is that he gives politics a wide berth. Editorials of "The Island" frequently refer to the fact that in politics there are no permanent friends, or, permanent enemies. Marriages of convenience are aplenty. General Fonseka the man, should completely disassociate himself from knaves. His place is "before kings and not before mean men!"