Sarath Fonseka for President: The Case Against a Military Dictatorship

A lot has been said, speculated and anticipated regarding the future of Sri Lankan politic and the unfolding drama. The die has since been cast, and events unfolded as expected by many – to the dismay of a few. With approximately sixty days remaining until arguably the most anticipated presidential election in the country, this would be as good a time as ever to examine the candidacy of Sarath Fonseka, and the possibility of a military dictatorship enveloping this island from one coast to another, as proclaimed by some.

What makes this election special seems to be the candidate himself: the most successful commander of the Sri Lankan defense forces – the celebrated war-hero who gave leadership to, and chased down a victory that remained notoriously elusive and painfully expensive in terms of men and material. This, unfortunately also seems to also be the rallying call against him – a man with over 40 years of military experience; a man who has not known anything but taking and giving orders, all the while using his authority and weaponry to enforce those orders. Could he, this military man, ever give leadership to a democratic institution without resorting to a military-like dictatorship?

First, let’s take a look at what a dictatorship is. A dictatorship is established when a person or a group of people ascend to a position of leadership position through illegitimate means, and subsequently continues to hold on to that position using force and fear. Cuba, North Korea, Libya, Iran and Myanmar are some of the obvious dictatorships, while some may argue that countries like China and Singapore, given their questionable human rights records and overbearing governments, also fall into the same category. For the purpose and scope of this essay, let us only consider the former set – where we can agree at least broadly, that they are indeed dictatorships.

What do these countries and their rulers have in common? Apart from Iran, all these countries are ruled by military leaders who assumed power through a coup, and to this day rule their subjects while wearing the military uniform. In order to stay in power and to protect themselves further, these leaders have resorted to carefree and shameless nepotism. All decisions are made centrally, and without consideration to opposing opinion. Corruption is rampant leading to massive if not an unimaginable gap between the rich and the poor. The perks of government service befalls only those currying favor to their dictatorial masters, while anyone who dares express a divergent view is either banished, or worse yet, physically or emotionally harassed. Opposing forces are crushed using absolute force or with the assistance of a corrupt judiciary.

Having looked at ‘them,’ let’s now take a look at ‘us.’ Even though this country has been blessed with an enduring democracy even under the most trying circumstances, one would be hard pressed to agree that democratic institutions always function as expected when they are most needed. While numerous examples can be cited from the past, it would be an exercise in vain. For, dwelling in the past is of no use as it is over. We can only learn from it. The future is yet to be written; we can only hope to shape it. The present, on the other hand, is the only true thing we have control of. Then, let us take a look at the present – the present state of affairs in Sri Lanka.

One need not look too far, or point to others to understand the situation. Just think back to examples from your own life or those close to you. Corruption has become a plague that has infested us since independence – only getting worse with each electoral cycle. The law has been made a mockery of, with its institutions manipulated to serve the leadership. Fear is instilled on those who dare to oppose, with beatings, kidnappings and murders carried on with such frequency that news of such events may have to battle a victorious cricket team to get front-page news coverage! Nepotism has flourished faster than a dangerous virus for which there is no cure.

What institutions, then, I dare ask, have we left to protect?

Who then, I challenge you to name; shall we commission to rescue those institutions?

Sarath Fonseka and his achievements, as mentioned in the beginning of this paper, are not strangers to any Sri Lankan. However, what may be pertinent is to take a look beyond his achievements, beyond the guts and the glory, into Sarath Fonseka – the man, the leader, and the soldier. How did he achieve what none of his predecessors were able to? Was it political leadership? How then, were commanders under former President Chandrika Bandaranaike unable to achieve the same? They received tremendous political and financial support even in the face of great military sacrifice and debacle. Yet, “tactical withdrawal” was the constant mantra we heard from the military spokesman. Was it money and equipment? Again, as anyone who followed procurements for the Sri Lankan defense establishment would know, the largest and most expansive procurements for the forces were done under her supervision. Yet, success remained elusive dream.

For Sarath Fonseka, it was perhaps the humble honor of keeping his word that made him end the war in less than two years. Perhaps, it was his sheer determination and focus on his job. At any rate, it is perhaps left better for him to state than for me to speculate. Regardless, the undisputed truth is that he achieved what he set out to do.

Like the captain of the cricket team, upon assuming his duties, Sarath Fonseka positioned his officers in the field according to the needs of war, not personal preferences, relationships or interests. He was not bothered with keeping his personal score at the expense of the team, and did not see it fit to milk the war for its financial potential. Such actions no doubt lead to a coherent strategy in the military, with individual interests being set aside for the greater good.

Having accomplished his mission as a soldier, Sarath Fonseka has now embarked on a new journey. The absence of war does not, by itself, lend itself to peace. Peace can only be established when other menaces that thwart individual freedom and collective responsibility are forever defeated.

In most countries, a decorated war hero stepping into a civilian leadership role is a celebrated event. Thirty six out of forty-four United States presidents have had military careers. Examining our own history, we study that some of our most successful kings were also successful warriors. Sarath Fonseka’s modern day victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, can then be compared and contrasted against the decisive win of King Dutugemunu against the ancient Prabhakaran, known as Elara. At the risk of offending some, I ask, was King Dutugemunu a dictator? Ironic then, isn’t it, when a modern day self-proclaimed descendant of the great king declares that Sarath Fonseka entering the democratic electoral process, after shedding his uniform mind you, is the beginning of a military dictatorship?

The reality is that now is a time like never before. Even though our country – her democracy and economy, has endured some tough tests, we are now at the threshold of pulling beyond her limits of elasticity.

We, as a country, are at a unique juncture where the past has just been done, and the future is about to begin. What we do now, will shape that future and influence generations of Sri Lankans to come. It is time that we took a hard look at our history, and ask ourselves: are we satisfied with the status-quo? Is this what we want for our future generations?

We need not look beyond the seas to see dictators, or dictatorial actions and behaviors. If a dictator is someone who came into power through undemocratic means, condones and promotes nepotism and corruption while hounding out dissenting opinion, then I suppose we already have a dictatorship.

If, on the other hand, a dictator is someone who is disciplined, and uncorrupt, someone who is single-mindedly dedicated to the solemn oath that he has undertaken, with no fear or favor to anyone, well then – it will be a breath of fresh air to the polluted politic in this country.

Then, I hope; nay, I pray, that for the sake of mother Lanka and all her unborn children that a dictator will take over the reins of this country. That, under the discipline and guidance of a dictator, we will once again be able to establish our democratic institutions, and rule of law in this country. That, under a dictator, peace and prosperity will once rain down on this Island of Serendipity – from coast to golden coast, and lush valleys in between. That one day, we will all wake up and die under one flag, one nation; in a brotherhood of Sri Lankan identity, in a place where a million gods descend upon once again to have a glimpse of this blessed land of ours.