Turning a blind eye

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama has pledged to take legal action against defaulters who have so far failed to pay rent for occupying land belonging to the Railways Department.

"Certain people allegedly backed by politicians have misappropriated railway property. We will take legal action against all of them within the next few weeks," the Minister had told the media.

We could only laud the Minister for his good intentions and wish him well. He should be praised for taking up a challenge which had escaped the notice of former Ministers, however powerful or charming they may have been. We remember that almost all Ministers have vowed to clean up the mess that is the Railways. One fair Minister even went to the extent of sweeping the platforms at the Fort railway station. Another was in the habit of taking 'simple train rides' along with usual commuters in an effort to turn people-friendly in an age when other Ministers used to 'fly past' on highways with dozens of security personnel. As the Minister had said it was the political patronage offered to these defaulters that had emboldened them to flout the law. This is no revelation. It was common knowledge for ages. People consider State property as their own private property. While the law protects private property it becomes lethargic when confronted with the violation of State property.

Misappropriation of public property has been so common that it has become a norm. It happens not only in the Railways or in transport as a whole. It is found everywhere. It was not long ago that the media flashed the story of hospital lands being used by private individuals to build private residences with Municipal authorities even sanctioning the construction and settlement. Then there were also stories of illicit gem mining in a hospital land in the Sabaragamuwa area openly violating several laws of the land.

We have also seen the unauthorized occupation of government quarters by politicians and bureaucrats even after several requests to oust them. The Police would be able to provide detailed accounts of political patronage received by those who clash with the law and law enforcement authorities.

All these point to the need for good governance, the need for accountability and the need for justice in administrative action. What is necessary is to establish a transparent mechanism that would ensure good governance. Examples should be provided from top downwards for otherwise it would be difficult to prevent the lower officials and politicians from emulating the faulty top ones. In the difficult times faced by the country on account of natural disasters, the impending world food prices and the possible rise of fuel costs which would give rise to all round cost escalations, every effort must be made to earn whatever is due to the State by way of taxes, rents and other revenues. Efforts must also be taken to eliminate waste and reduce corruption without fear or favour. The country needs prudent policies and practices that would make thrift a necessary virtue.

Dangerous manoeuvre

The United States has begun repositioning its air and naval forces in the Mediterranean region consequent to the civil unrest in North Africa and West Asia, particularly Libya. US warships are on their way to Libyan waters with thousands of assault troops.

The US and Britain are preparing to establish a no fly zone in the Libyan airspace in direct violation of its sovereignty. One should remember how a no fly zone was established in the Iraqi airspace prior to US invasion of that country.

All signs are that the United States and other imperialist powers are interfering in the internal affairs of Libya. The revolt in Libya, just as those in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain and Yemen are internal developments. The fact that the United States is contemplating direct military action in Libya is also an indication of the nature of the revolt. Already foreign mercenaries are reported to be fighting alongside the rebels in Libya. The revolt is developing into a civil war.

This has dangerous consequences. If the US and its allies invade Libya ostensibly to assist the 'rebels' invoking the infamous R2P doctrine it would set a bad precedent endangering the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, especially those that have less cordial relations with Washington.

It is time to tell the United States and its allies "Hands off Libya!" Let the Libyans decide their fate independently of foreign powers.