In our university days, the very first lecturer we encountered was Professor Ariyapala Perera, who introduced us to the compulsory subject, ‘Cultural Foundation’. One day, quoting the renowned thinker Bertrand Russell, he remarked, “Politics is a dirty game for the rascals, not for the gentlemen.”

This statement holds true when considering many of today’s politicians, including those in our country. However, a few honourable politicians exist worldwide. With utmost respect for these individuals, I would like to reflect on the concept of the politician.

In the book Subashitharatnavali, which features several Sanskrit idiomatic expressions, there is a saying that can be translated as follows: “Those who are simple, who expect nothing in return,who offer kindness to everyone, and who do not harbour anger even against those who wrong them, are truly deserving of politics” The etymology of the words ‘Politics’ and ‘Politician’ closely aligns with this concept. The word ‘Politics’ is formed from the roots ‘Dish’ and ‘Pal.’ In the formation of ‘Politician,’ ‘Gna’ is added to these roots. ‘Dish’ leads to the creation of ‘Desha,’ meaning to indicate, show, or point out a marked portion of land. ‘Pal’ refers to safeguarding, governing, or organizing. ‘Gna’ is derived from knowledge and understanding. Thus, a politician is someone who knows how to protect, govern, and organize the land designated as a nation.

One day, quoting the renowned thinker Bertrand Russell, he remarked, “Politics is a dirty game for the rascals, not for the gentlemen.” This statement holds true when considering many of today’s politicians, including those in our country

According to this definition, the title of ‘Politician’ should be reserved for those who love and protect their country. While many may be called politicians, not all embody the true spirit of the term. History provides examples of both true and false politicians.

The great Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, in Anna Karenina, offers a portrayal of a state council that resonates with this idea: “Well, to put it shortly, I was convinced that nothing was really done by the district councils, or ever could be,” he began, as though some one had just insulted him. “On one side its a plaything; they play at being a parliament, and I’m neither young enough nor old enough to find amusement in playthings - and on the other side” (he stammered) “it’s a means for the coterie of the district to make money. Formerly they had wardships, courts of justice, now they have the district council—not in the form of bribes, but in the form of unearned salary”. May the people of my beloved nation possess the wisdom, strength, and courage to elect politicians who do not resemble the ones Tolstoy criticizes, but rather, are the embodiment of the true meaning of the word ‘Politician.’

(Translated by Sadarshie 
Kusumwarsha Ranasinghe)