President Macron: congratulations and good luck in finding the voice of sanity

This is the English version of a letter sent to Emmanuel Macron, President of France. Scroll down for the French version.

May 11, 2017

TO:

His Excellency Emmanuel Macron,

President,

Republic of France

THROUGH:

His Excellency Jean-Marin Schuh

The Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives 

89 Rosmead Pl, Colombo 00700

Dear Mr Macron,

Greetings, congratulations and good luck in finding the voice of sanity

This is not the moment to talk of ideological issues.  This is the moment to acknowledge and celebrate a historic victory, more for the people of France than for you, I am sure you’ll agree.  

This is a moment when the dominance of mainstream parties was shattered.  Some would call it a revolution for this reason alone.  As you’ve pointed out, in this sense, a new page has indeed been turned in the history of your country.  

You’ve spoken of hope and trust.  You’ve spoken of fighting the divisions that undermine France. I wish you all strength, courage and humility in securing these important things for your people.  With the people, needless to say.  

We too, in Sri Lanka, have learned the worth of hope and trust, more so in their absence.  We know how divisions undermine our nation.  We have also suffered under the tyranny of mainstream political parties.  We too want it ended.  

François-Marie Arouet, bettern known as Voltaire, the great French writer, historian, and philosopher once said that “no problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking”.  That, and solidarities that matter, I would add.  And so I wish you and the people of France the necessary wisdom and relevant solidarities, now and always, and hope that sanity will prevail over all insanities that divide and cause blood to be shed.   

Sincerely,

Malinda Seneviratne