Intellectuals do not engage in politics anymore

In this era, intellectuals and those with experience do not get involved in politics, Human Resources Management Senior Minister D.E.W. Gunasekera stated.

In an age where money rules everything it is extremely difficult to engage in politics, he stated while addressing a gathering in Galle today (April 9).

He stressed that those who engage in politics in the modern era must have a suitable knowledge and intelligence to face the complex problems of today. He also said that in 1947 there were parliamentary representatives who were teachers, principals, trade union leaders, doctors and lawyers but now only a handful of MPs come from those backgrounds.

He described the current situation as embarrassing.

He charged that when Minister Sarath Amunugama spoke in parliament regarding the Finance Act, not even 20 representatives of the government party and opposition parties were present. Gunasekera said that the true public representatives were not opting to represent their constituencies within the local of national bodies including the Pradeshiya Sabhas, Provincial Councils and the parliament.

Politics has become a personal business and it can be seen trending around the world, he added.

The Minister stressed that the world moved forward through debates and conflicts and Sri Lanka was in desperate need of the same.