COVID-19 Lessons: ‘Free and Fair' Avurudu, May Day, Vesak and Elections

It would be rather immoral to say Covid is a blessing in disguise, but surely there is a ‘silver lining’ in it. Conducting elections without people’s participation would be a farce and not practical.

- KKS PERERA

My neighbour and former Lawyer’s clerk was making a huge noise with his political bête noire, a retired municipal employee next door. They both are ardent followers of the two major political divide, the devoted ‘kepuwath … paatai’ dim-witted types.

Nick-named Goda Perakadoruwa for his perverse or outlandish opinions to those who seek his advice on various legal matters on deeds, property, and boundary disputes, ignored the curfew, and was engaged in an argument on Covid Politics. Becoming emotional at criticism of his party leadership, he was on the middle of the road with one end of his sarong raised and the other hand gesturing violently. The piercing noise reached his wife’s ears, who hurried out of the pantry wiping her hand on petty-coat.

“I say, you see…, our leader hair splittingly argued, that according to Section 10 (1) (b) of the Elections Act 1981 and Section 24 (1) Section 10 (1) (b) of the …. Act and Article 70 (5) (a) and (b) and Article 150 (section 3) and (5) of the Constitution… Article 33 (3), and Section 24- 1(c) clearly states, without 2/3rd.., you know he interprets these sections and articles…”

The grumpy retired school teacher-wife reached the gate— “Geraaad…!”, she thundered, “SECTION of your Sarong is flying; your ARTICLES and TWOTHIRDS are …?, I won’t tell you my dear, now for God’s sake will you shut up and get back?”