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A timely code of conduct

A code of conduct for Ministers of State and their Deputies, which is a long-felt need, has finally been met. It must be rigorously implemented. Once that is done, a change for the better could certainly be witnessed in our political culture. This is what the people want.

We congratulate the President for having the guts to lead the crusade against corruption, nepotism and the abuse of power, which were predominant features of the UNF government. This measure is revolutionary by Lanka's standards. We join our voices to the chorus of commendation for the code of conduct, which emanates from a vast cross-section of the Lankan public.

A sad spectacle in the local scene was the transformation of some bigwig politicians, Ministers and their deputies, and others holding high office, into fat cats living off the cream of the land. A whole host of them met with their nemesis on April 2nd, when the UNF was voted out of power. In fact, that vote by the people could be considered an anti-corruption and an anti-self-aggrandisement ruling. What was seen as a parasitical order was given the boot by the people.

This ruling by the people could be seen as the writing on the wall. Public office could no longer be seen as a dowry by those who are voted to power. We hope the President's insightful measure would be forcefully implemented for the good of all. In fact, a verification mechanism of the code of conduct is an essential requirement.

The people would particularly welcome the requirement that Ministers and their deputies drastically reduce their trips abroad. Not so long ago such foreign jaunts averaged around 12, per Minister and his deputy. Thus is the country's resources voraciously savaged by those who enjoy public trust.

However, in terms of the paternalistic politics which are widespread, it is not only some Ministers and their deputies who grow rich at public expense. Their close kith and kin are handsomely benefited too because invariably they are appointed as "aides", "personal secretaries" and the like.

This has been the order of things thus far and we are glad that the President has decided to put her foot down on these excesses. We call on her Cabinet colleagues to cooperate closely to end the rot. The people do not suffer the corrupt very gladly. They are sooner rather than later shown the door.

We call for spartan simplicity in governance. The resources of the State should from now on be used judiciously and not be embezzled by the holders of office. A sad end awaits those who plunder public coffers.

An important tour

Sri Lankans begin yet another cricket tour today, with the commencement of the first one-day international against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. This tour is important for Sri Lanka for a number of reasons.

First, Sri Lanka has to prove its mettle in the cricketing arena after the first ever Test whitewash at home. True, the opponents were the mighty Australians, undoubtedly the best team in world cricket. But that is no excuse, given that the Lankans had the upper hand in at least two of the Tests. In other words, they could have won the matches had they shown more resilience and determination. Sri Lanka is ranked a lowly seventh in Test rankings after this debacle.

Second, this is Marvan Atapattu's first full Test tour as captain of both one-day and Test sides. The burden of captaincy fell on his shoulders after the resignation of Hashan Tillekeratne. Many critics argued that the former two-captain policy was distinctly unhealthy for Sri Lanka's cricket. Judging by some of the disastrous results, this does seem to be the case.

Now with one captain in charge, players do not have to adjust to playing styles and instructions of two persons. Marvan has been given a golden opportunity to resurrect our cricketing fortunes. He has to rise to the occasion in Zimbabwe and ensure that Sri Lanka gains a respectable position in the Test rankings.

Third, if all goes well, this should be a dream tour for Muralitharan, who is on the cusp of Courtney Walsh's bowling world record of 519 wickets. He is just six wickets shy of the mark set by the West Indies great. The two Tests in Zimbabwe might be all he needs to overtake Walsh.

His greatest rival Shane Warne, himself just two wickets away from the record, has acknowledged that Murali is potentially capable of reaching 1,000 wickets. And why not?

He is only 31 and has played only 88 Tests to get so close to the record. Give him a few more years in the middle and Warne's prediction could indeed come true. Hopefully, he should be able to get over the 'Doosra' controversy and continue to bowl over batsmen with his wily deliveries.

Fourth, Sri Lanka's tour comes at a time when Zimbabwe cricket is facing an unprecedented crisis. The tussle between administrators and senior players over deposed captain Heath Streak and selection matters has plunged Zimbabwe cricket into disarray.

The Zimbabwe team facing Sri Lankans today includes just three players with international experience, including the youngest-ever Test captain Tatenda Taibu.

We hope that these matters will be sorted out soon. Otherwise, Sri Lanka will be compelled to face a second-string side during the entire tour. That does not augur well for cricket in Zimbabwe and for our cricketers' morale. A full-strength Zimbabwe side will add spice to an entertaining contest between bat and ball.

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