It is only correct that we recognise some of the achievements of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. After all, people  voted for him to play a vital leadership role in the affairs of the country.. The question of a continuation of his role as an executive president is open to debate, but what is not open to debate is his singular determination to lead the country in times of war and peace.

The President has successfully terminated the notorious LTTE and put an end to the atrocities they have committed over many years. As to whether he has succeeded in giving the Tamil minority the recognition and rights they demand – the jury is still out! It is truly impressive to see how in just a few years, many major roads have gone from Third World to First World in the quality of their surfaces. The numerous rural initiatives  inaugurated by the President can only make for a better life in some of the poorer communities. Many supporters and opponents of the government would argue that he is only doing his job, and doing it well. That is what he was elected for.

 In naming 2009 "Year of English and ICT" it remains to be seen if he will achieve the same success. The end of the current year is rapidly approaching and despite the fanfares, speeches and proclamations about the "new English" there is little to show for it. The Presidents dream of a rural population with recognisable English and  computer skills, has a long way to go, and has hardly covered the initial mile. One of his trusted advisors has the responsibility to lead the way in bringing everyday English to the masses through one lesson each week. Even if this single lesson of around 30 minutes duration does take place, it is highly likely that by 2011 another failed initiative will be recorded.

It’s a puzzling thought that  the President has so ably initiated many projects that are of real benefit to the country, why have over one hundred Ministers failed to act in a similar way? And not only Ministers, but also local officials who seem powerless or lack political will to bring about some more mundane changes. Do they need the President to tell them what to do? Do they need the President to sanction their initiatives? Do they need the support of the President to institute law and order?  Every day on the highways and byways there are laws being ignored. Numerous vehicles, lorries, tankers, buses, and virtually every kind of vehicle driven at night without proper lights and some without any lights. Numerous vehicle, especially those in the public transport sector,  that are mechanically dangerous and/or overloaded. Numerous vehicles of every type putting the lives of pedestrians at risk in their failure to observe the law regarding pedestrian crossings. Numerous children being transported on motorbikes, and not wearing safety helmets and the majority of drivers not using seat belts. Laws regarding noise pollution and use of plastics for packaging are blatantly ignored.

In the education sector matters have only got worse. Unregulated International schools,  tuition centres and pre-schools, have made a mockery of the state education system, and we are seeing more and more an education for the rich and an impoverished one for the poor. Has the Minister of Education and his numerous cohorts given up and now sit idly in their air-conditioned offices and luxury vehicles?  The President would do well to use his executive powers to replace the old with those who can look creatively to the future. He would also do well to give Presidential directives to clean up urban areas to be free of rubbish and free of thousands of peeling posters on every available surface, of which a sizable number are adorned with his picture. While he is ordering these directives, he could include the removal of the ever increasing huge billboards obscuring countryside views on major highways. He should also not overlook the scourge of stray dogs that are dangerous to life and limb and cause millions of wasted rupees to be spent on rabies injections to the many thousands receiving dog bites.

If an Executive Presidency enables progress to be made in so many areas affecting the country, then more power to his elbow. Over 30 political parties and a hugely inflated civil service have failed in so many ways. Singapore, may not be the democracy espoused by Sri Lanka, but is succeeding on all fronts beyond the wildest dreams of any President.  Voting on an empty stomach in ugly, rubbish lined urban areas and roads, and sending children to schools with a failing education system – does little for democracy. India is admired as the largest democracy in the world with 50% of the population living in squalor, poorly educated, deficient in good health, and little hope for the future. Is that the kind of democracy that this world needs?

As a parting comment to these views, it should be noted that this article does not criticise the President, but is it really necessary to have his photo appearing 14 times in The Island issue for 19th. November?  By now everyone, apart from those with severe visual handicaps, is familiar with the photo of  President Mahinda Rajapaksa , and surely pictures of his accomplishments and initiatives would serve him far better.