Military Sri Lanka is emerging now as Burma
February 12, 2009
The Union of Burma is ruled by a military junta that currently calls itself the "State Peace and Development Council" (SPDC).
Burma consists of 14 states and divisions. Administrative control is exercised from the central government through a system of subordinate executive bodies and regional military commanders.
Power is centered on the SPDC, which maintains strict authoritarian rule over the people of Burma. The Prime Minister is appointed directly by the SPDC. Control is maintained through intimidation by a pervasive security apparatus, a military-led system of economic patronage, the strict censoring of information, repression of individual rights, and suppression of ethnic minority groups.
The military regime has a contentious relationship with Burma's ethnic groups, many of which have fought for greater autonomy or secession for their regions since the country's independence.
In 1948, only Rangoon itself was under the control of national government authorities. Subsequent military campaigns brought more and more of the nation under central government control.
Since 1989, the regime has signed a series of cease-fire agreements with insurgent groups, leaving only a handful still in active opposition.
The SPDC continues its harsh rule and systematic human rights abuses, and insists that any future political transition take place on its terms. Although the National League for Democracy (NLD) overwhelmingly won the last national elections held in 1990, the ruling junta has never recognized the NLD’s victory.
The national convention convened intermittently and in September 2007, the regime concluded the process of "drafting" principles for the new constitution.
Delegates to the convention were not allowed to openly debate, discuss, or attempt to amend the principles.
The government carried out the referendum on May 10 and May 24 in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation and in the midst of the humanitarian disaster caused by Cyclone Nargis, claiming a 92.5% approval rate and 98% voter turnout.
The referendum process and outcome were not credible. The Burmese regime claimed that its draft constitution was approved in the referendum; parliamentary elections are scheduled for 2010.
Under the new constitution, the regime will maintain strict control of the government, giving the military the power to step in and control the government whenever it deems necessary.
That was the story of Burma. Now, Sri Lanka is also emerging as a powerful Military State. Very soon, Sri Lanka will have their military junta that may be called as the "State Peace and Development Council of Sri Lanka".
The process may involve the following steps. First step is to cut-off foreign nations interference in internal affairs of Sri Lanka. Second step will be, bringing the media under military control. Third step will be eliminate all opposition leaders or have them under house arrest. Almost all small countries and islands are under military rule.