On Rasika Jayakody's Roadmap For The Opposition

What do Oppositions do? They oppose. Why do they ‘oppose’ in the first place? Well, they are supposed to keep governments on their toes, help keep things in line, point out flaws etc. In a nutshell, offer constructive criticism and, in the event that parliamentary majority and executive authority is abused, mobilize the people to mitigate.

- Malinda Seneviratne

In an ideal world, that is.

What happens, typically, is that the Opposition or rather the major player(s) in the Opposition allow the intention to capture power governs word and deed. Mountains are made of molehills, sand is thrown in the wheels, typically. Such has been the bread and butter of oppositional politics. Such has evolved into being the crux of oppositional culture.

It could be different of course but this would call for a complete rethink on the part of the Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition and the party he/she represents are ideally positioned to engineer a change in the culture of engagement but we haven’t seen anything of the sort from parties and politicians who have been in the opposition. Not in a very long time.

This is why a proposal by Rasika Jayakody warrants comment. Now Rasika is not an MP. He is a young and fresh entrant into the rough and tumble of party politics. He is affiliated with the youth wing of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB). He is, then, on the fringe. Therefore it would not be surprising if the so-called ‘seasoned’ seniors of the party pay little or no attention to what he has to say. Of course this is not a situation that’s uncommon and neither is it the preserve of political parties.