Monks when they deliver a sermon at funerals quote this stanza to enable all those present to reflect on the impermanence of life. But, our political leaders and others in positions of authority seem to have no time for such reflections. They obviously think they have a permanent divine right to rule and nobody should have the audacity to challenge their actions. Woe betide the person – journalist, cartoonist, trade unionist, rights activist, legislator, judicial officer or an ordinary citizen – who dares to raise the voice of dissent. Such ‘traitors’ or ‘pawns of foreign conspirators’ will receive their just desserts. Wimal Weerawansa, who sees conspiracies under every bush, has this week told a group of public officials that the attack on Judge Manjula Tillakaratne, Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, was a result of a political conspiracy. "A premeditated political conspiracy is being hatched in many countries to tarnish the image of the government in the eyes of the people. This type of situation is prevalent in countries governed by patriotic and liberal minded rulers. Certain NGOs, Western missions and separatist forces are drafting the agendas of these conspiracies. These elements are behind the FUTA strike too", this "true patriot" has said.