Educated young leaders, the need of the hour

I have lived in this country as a medical professional for nearly 70 years and have seen tragedies that have taken place from colonial times upto the time we received Independence in 1948 and what has taken place after that with “old cronies” in power.

We faced a terrible tragedy during the past fortnight due to the President, carrying out unconstitutional and illegal acts, which I have not heard of or seen happening in any other democratic country in the world.

He has betrayed three key persons over the past few years. Firstly he betrayed the SLFP when he left in November 2014 after a meal of hoppers. Next he betrayed Ven. Sobitha Thera, who was instrumental in making him the President of Sri Lanka in January 2015. The President promised, at his funeral three years ago, that he would carry out his wishes for the country by abolishing the Executive Presidency. Thirdly, he betrayed the UNP, which made him the President with 6.2 million votes, without ever having been the Prime Minister of the country.

All this has taken place in a matter of weeks, from October 26, during which time he sacked the Prime Minister of the country and appointed another. Within a span of two weeks, he dissolved Parliament, while in the process of appointing ministers and deputies to ministries in the new Cabinet.

I am sure the world will be laughing at the present impasse that has tragically befallen this paradise island.

It is high time that youth leaders come to the forefront. There are in 12 countries of the world currently led by young leaders, among them Emmanuel Macron of France (40 years), Justin Trudeau of Canada (46), Jacinda Alvern (38), Sebastian Kurz of Austria (32), Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (38) of Bhutan, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (38) of Qatar, Carlos Alvarado Quesada (38) of Costa Rica and of course, the highly controversial North Korean leader Kim Jong-un who is 35.

By and large, the young leaders are doing a wonderful job in those countries; they are all very educated and not corrupt.

Although more than 40% of the voting population in Sri Lanka is less than 40 years of age, it is pathetic that they are not represented by sufficient young Parliamentarians.

I’m quite certain this country has enough and more highly educated young leaders who are professionals, who certainly can take over the reins of this beautiful country, which was ranked the No. 1 tourist destination in the world by ‘Lonely Planet.’

Unfortunately, in this country there is no minimum qualification required to be a Parliamentarian, unlike other categories of professionals in this country. No wonder, 1/3 of the Parliamentarians do not have at least the very basic minimum qualification which is the Ordinary Level pass.

I certainly hope that the younger generation of this country will rise up to appoint just and uncorrupt young leaders to man this sinking ship and guide it safely to port.

Prof Wilfred Perera Via email