Features

On Missing The Bus

Published

3 years ago

2022/10/2

Dr Upatissa Pethiyagoda.

When we look around, much is in turmoil, and there is no evidence of any rapid relief. Seventy years of folly cannot be repaired in a few weeks. It is as if the “Light at the end of the Tunnel, may well be that of an oncoming train”.

I can only look around from my own circumstances. My recitation may sound like self-glorification, but I seek the indulgence of Mr Editor and any readers, who do not mind a few minutes of boredom. I may have quoted this before, but repeat the sage advice, “If thou tooted not thine own trumpet, the said trumpet will oft go untooted.” One of the many joys in becoming old, is that it bestows the right to be silly.

In sharp contrast, just look at our politicians, who are able to continue well beyond their “Best before” date. And the MPs seem to continue, beyond the mandatory five years to a “well-earned” lifetime pension. I admit that I do harbour some envy, considering that I have served the State, in one way or another for more than half a century but do not get a “red cent” or more fashionably in Sinhala (thamba salliyak) as pension. This is technically quite correct, as the copper one-cent and half cent coins, disappeared more than 60 years ago. Maybe that I have been a donkey, for choosing to be an agriculturist rather than a politician. But, I do sleep soundly most nights.

In the medical field, the one specialty that suffers no scarcity, is Ophthalmology. The reason being that we have so many “I-Specialists.” One of the clever ones, and possibly the first, was our President JRJ, who was a canny operator, adept at using the “First Person Singular”, to suggest “a Singular First Person”.

Others less clever but more bigoted, were not able to avoid using the “I”, (not to mean, impaired vision) freely, instead of the much more elegant and accurate “we”. When one has gaffed, it would be a gentlemanly means of admitting responsibility. As an example, It was “we” who won the War, but it is I who takes the blame for battle defeats. In this context, it has been said that a good General, as in team games, the order to his men would always be “follow me” and not “you go “. That is true leadership: credit for glory goes to “us”, but infamy of defeat is “mine.”

Sadly, seldom is this seen in our public life, it being a lot more comfortable to blame “them” for our misfortunes, while the truth is that we and they are both equally culpable. “We are bad, but you are worse” is almost a refrain, (as Parliamentary deliberations often show).The ugly truth is that “one may be worse, but both are the worst” Sinhala puts it well. As the pithy “Unuth ekai Munuth ekai”, maybe we should also add “Apith ekai”.

“There are two kinds of elephants,- those who haul the logs, and others who strut in the perahera’ But, the unfortunate guy, who memorably said “Malli, ung okkoma yaluwo”, earned him four years of “rigorous imprisonment” for defaming the Court.

But in our present plight, correction is urgent. When the lights flicker, one wonders whether it is a “Power cut.” Rigorous Imprisonment for defaming the judiciary, merely by vocalizing what is thought by many, who however prefer to remain silent. Did not somebody say in essence, that “evil triumphs when or “Lights out”. Anyway, it is wise to keep your “boarding pass”, ready while awaiting the announcement of your flight, in most cases unaware of your destination.

Is it just that a poor woman, caught stealing a packet or two of milk powder off a Supermarket shelf, invites legal force, while a privileged one, who robbed billions of public money such as in the (James) Bond scam. The poor fellow, had to extend his stay beyond the birthday or wedding party, despite the then finance minister to whom he had promised to return in a fortnight.

Likewise the President, in his ill-advised enthusiasm, triggers a “fertilizer fiasco”, which has devastated the entire agricultural system, caused a loss of millions of dollars, and pauperized thousands of poor farmers, draws no punishment for his monumental folly escapes punishment by merely resigning, and just walking (or flying) away, but stubbornly defying even what seems a token and a gentle prod, for such a massive loss. What of the “professional” boot lickers of the “Vipathmaga” brigade, who have failed to advice the President to avoid what will certainly be disastrous, and could justifiably be regarded as an abominable “crime,” They seem to have retreated into their shells

In order to give some meaning to the heading of this piece, here are some random thoughts :-

=We must remember that we are a State, that prides itself as being a “five-star democracy”, and boasts incessantly about the famous “massive majority,” yet fails to achieve their undertakings and while realizing this, they should depart. This is the only respectable (or with some hesitation I say, “honourable,”) option. Otherwise the same majority that installed them, will dislodge them. Meanwhile, the lofty visions of “Prosperity and Splendor”, lie in soiled tatters, in a gutter. Partial extraction of an offending tooth, while leaving the roots, is bad dentistry and poor governance.

=Would the entrenched, dare to test their popularity by agreeing to a fresh mandate. We are told that this is possible by holding the much overdue (?) local G

=government elections, which in my opinion, is still a pointless waste of time and money). I remember how a very committed UNPer of the past, ruefully commented about a “historic” win, thus-: “The same lump of s…t, but different flies”.

=The fuss about a new Constitution, is a farcical Joke. When some party needs to have some 20 or 21 A (it matters not which), Committees to fulfill its promises during a relatively short life-span, does not speak of much cranial and editorial competence, does it? With all their numerous Committees, proposed by the recently minted PM, who is said to be our most experienced (and most tenacious) PM, who wants to set up some 15 new Committees, of various kinds, In this I cannot but be reminded of the definition of a “camel”, as the product of a “Committee” that set out to design a horse” With 15 such, we could possibly equip a whole caravan. But why only 15, when a few more would entitle us to a “quantity discount”.

A word about written Constitutions is warranted. Firstly, Is this what is urgently required? I believe that it is not. Many First World countries, including the UK, have no written Constitutions but manage better than us who do. It is far better to let integrity, honesty, compassion and incorruptibility to be our guide, rather than expend mere scraps of paper with debatable words.

Constitutions, whether written or not, need to be based on good values. This would be infinitely better than nit-picking battles about interpretations. This should be seen as relevant to the plight of Sri Lankans. It is far better that the basis and spirit should concern us, rather than convoluted “legalese”, which will do more for “legal eagles” than for us.

What the people in the long and endless lines want, are not Cabinets, Constitutions, Coalitions and Amendments, But what they are crying for, are basic food, fuel, medicines for the sick and milk for their crying children. Even if it means hours of standing in lines, without rest, sleep, water, food and even toilets. Many difficulties are bearable, if all of us who are able, share our difficulties equally, and by banding together. Human decency and compassion demand no less.

Cannot our “Representatives” share the burdens equally, with those whose “vedagath chandayas’ put them into their duty free luxury vehicles, from which some of them might not see the food, petrol, kerosene, bread, eggs, karawala, and parippu lines, often without even a Panadol peththa to relieve their exhaustion-caused headaches by waiting in lines in the scorching heat, enduring the full fury of the sun, for a miserly morsel which is all they can afford. It is an injustice brought upon them by some corpulent, apology of a man who, sticking out his head from the back seat of a driver- led, vulgarly large vehicle (duty Free) who has the cheek to ask, “What queues? , where? I saw none on my way to “office”. His whiskey soaked eyes are blinded by the booze- induced hangover, perhaps.

These highly paid, superannuated persons continue in office, unmoved by the misery brought about by their ilk, on suffering masses, perhaps for the last time one hopes, in the light of the (deserved) curses of the many.

A word about Constitutions is warranted. Is this what is urgently needed? I personally think that it is not. Several First World countries, such as the UK have no written Constitutions, but seem to get on even better than us who do, Written Constitutions seem only to encourage nit-picking battles about interpretations, which are not relevant to the current plight of Sri Lanka. It is far better that the basis and spirit, should concern us, rather than convoluted “legalese”, which will do more for “legal eagles” than for the rest of us.

The antics of our MP’s and Ministers, cruising around in their posh vehicles, probably representing a gross abuse, for interminable “discussions” (sakachcha), must (rightly) infuriate the poor citizens standing, sometimes overnight, in long lines, for bare existential essentials. It would be wiser if politicians would at least share their vehicles (car pools), and also avoid photographs and “voice cuts”. Most can certainly do without these inanities. I for one, don’t give a damn for absurdities such as this.

“Constitutions”, or ” Codes of Conduct”, whether written or not, are useless, seeing that they are broken, with gay abandon anyway. I would say, “please don’t bother me with having to listen to all this expensive crap. When I have the time, I would much prefer watching the current ongoing cricket against the Aussies. I apologize If I have been too harsh in my comments. But I do feel deeply, and cannot suffer fools gladly.

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Features

Misinterpreting President Dissanayake on National Reconciliation

Published

23 hours ago

2026/02/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Dissanayake

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been investing his political capital in going to the public to explain some of the most politically sensitive and controversial issues. At a time when easier political choices are available, the president is choosing the harder path of confronting ethnic suspicion and communal fears. There are three issues in particular on which the president’s words have generated strong reactions. These are first with regard to Buddhist pilgrims going to the north of the country with nationalist motivations. Second is the controversy relating to the expansion of the Tissa Raja Maha Viharaya, a recently constructed Buddhist temple in Kankesanturai which has become a flashpoint between local Tamil residents and Sinhala nationalist groups. Third is the decision not to give the war victory a central place in the Independence Day celebrations.

Even in the opposition, when his party held only three seats in parliament, Anura Kumara Dissanayake took his role as a public educator seriously. He used to deliver lengthy, well researched and easily digestible speeches in parliament. He continues this practice as president. It can be seen that his statements are primarily meant to elevate the thinking of the people and not to win votes the easy way. The easy way to win votes whether in Sri Lanka or elsewhere in the world is to rouse nationalist and racist sentiments and ride that wave. Sri Lanka’s post independence political history shows that narrow ethnic mobilisation has often produced short term electoral gains but long term national damage.

Sections of the opposition and segments of the general public have been critical of the president for taking these positions. They have claimed that the president is taking these positions in order to obtain more Tamil votes or to appease minority communities. The same may be said in reverse of those others who take contrary positions that they seek the Sinhala votes. These political actors who thrive on nationalist mobilisation have attempted to portray the president’s statements as an abandonment of the majority community. The president’s actions need to be understood within the larger framework of national reconciliation and long term national stability.

Reconciler’s Duty

When the president referred to Buddhist pilgrims from the south going to the north, he was not speaking about pilgrims visiting long established Buddhist heritage sites such as Nagadeepa or Kandarodai. His remarks were directed at a specific and highly contentious development, the recently built Buddhist temple in Kankesanturai and those built elsewhere in the recent past in the north and east. The temple in Kankesanturai did not emerge from the religious needs of a local Buddhist community as there is none in that area. It has been constructed on land that was formerly owned and used by Tamil civilians and which came under military occupation as a high security zone. What has made the issue of the temple particularly controversial is that it was established with the support of the security forces.

The controversy has deepened because the temple authorities have sought to expand the site from approximately one acre to nearly fourteen acres on the basis that there was a historic Buddhist temple in that area up to the colonial period. However, the Tamil residents of the area fear that expansion would further displace surrounding residents and consolidate a permanent Buddhist religious presence in the present period in an area where the local population is overwhelmingly Hindu. For many Tamils in Kankesanturai, the issue is not Buddhism as a religion but the use of religion as a vehicle for territorial assertion and demographic changes in a region that bore the brunt of the war. Likewise, there are other parts of the north and east where other temples or places of worship have been established by the military personnel in their camps during their war-time occupation and questions arise regarding the future when these camps are finally closed.

There are those who have actively organised large scale pilgrimages from the south to make the Tissa temple another important religious site. These pilgrimages are framed publicly as acts of devotion but are widely perceived locally as demonstrations of dominance. Each such visit heightens tension, provokes protest by Tamil residents, and risks confrontation. For communities that experienced mass displacement, military occupation and land loss, the symbolism of a state backed religious structure on contested land with the backing of the security forces is impossible to separate from memories of war and destruction. A president committed to reconciliation cannot remain silent in the face of such provocations, however uncomfortable it may be to challenge sections of the majority community.

High-minded leadership

The controversy regarding the president’s Independence Day speech has also generated strong debate. In that speech the president did not refer to the military victory over the LTTE and also did not use the term “war heroes” to describe soldiers. For many Sinhala nationalist groups, the absence of these references was seen as an attempt to diminish the sacrifices of the armed forces. The reality is that Independence Day means very different things to different communities. In the north and east the same day is marked by protest events and mourning and as a “Black Day”, symbolising the consolidation of a state they continue to experience as excluding them and not empathizing with the full extent of their losses.

By way of contrast, the president’s objective was to ensure that Independence Day could be observed as a day that belonged to all communities in the country. It is not correct to assume that the president takes these positions in order to appease minorities or secure electoral advantage. The president is only one year into his term and does not need to take politically risky positions for short term electoral gains. Indeed, the positions he has taken involve confronting powerful nationalist political forces that can mobilise significant opposition. He risks losing majority support for his statements. This itself indicates that the motivation is not electoral calculation.

President Dissanayake has recognized that Sri Lanka’s long term political stability and economic recovery depend on building trust among communities that once peacefully coexisted and then lived through decades of war. Political leadership is ultimately tested by the willingness to say what is necessary rather than what is politically expedient. The president’s recent interventions demonstrate rare national leadership and constitute an attempt to shift public discourse away from ethnic triumphalism and toward a more inclusive conception of nationhood. Reconciliation cannot take root if national ceremonies reinforce the perception of victory for one community and defeat for another especially in an internal conflict.

BY Jehan Perera

Features

Recovery of LTTE weapons

Published

23 hours ago

2026/02/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sri Lanka Navy in action

I have read a newspaper report that the Special Task Force of Sri Lanka Police, with help of Military Intelligence, recovered three buried yet well-preserved 84mm Carl Gustaf recoilless rocket launchers used by the LTTE, in the Kudumbimalai area, Batticaloa.

These deadly weapons were used by the LTTE SEA TIGER WING to attack the Sri Lanka Navy ships and craft in 1990s. The first incident was in February 1997, off Iranativu island, in the Gulf of Mannar.

Admiral Cecil Tissera took over as Commander of the Navy on 27 January, 1997, from Admiral Mohan Samarasekara.

The fight against the LTTE was intensified from 1996 and the SLN was using her Vanguard of the Navy, Fast Attack Craft Squadron, to destroy the LTTE’s littoral fighting capabilities. Frequent confrontations against the LTTE Sea Tiger boats were reported off Mullaitivu, Point Pedro and Velvetiturai areas, where SLN units became victorious in most of these sea battles, except in a few incidents where the SLN lost Fast Attack Craft.

Carl Gustaf recoilless rocket launchers

The intelligence reports confirmed that the LTTE Sea Tigers was using new recoilless rocket launchers against aluminium-hull FACs, and they were deadly at close quarter sea battles, but the exact type of this weapon was not disclosed.

The following incident, which occurred in February 1997, helped confirm the weapon was Carl Gustaf 84 mm Recoilless gun!

DATE: 09TH FEBRUARY, 1997, morning 0600 hrs.

LOCATION: OFF IRANATHIVE.

FACs: P 460 ISRAEL BUILT, COMMANDED BY CDR MANOJ JAYESOORIYA

P 452 CDL BUILT, COMMANDED BY LCDR PM WICKRAMASINGHE (ON TEMPORARY COMMAND. PROPER OIC LCDR N HEENATIGALA)

OPERATED FROM KKS.

CONFRONTED WITH LTTE ATTACK CRAFT POWERED WITH FOUR 250 HP OUT BOARD MOTORS.

TARGET WAS DESTROYED AND ONE LTTE MEMBER WAS CAPTURED.

LEADING MARINE ENGINEERING MECHANIC OF THE FAC CAME UP TO THE BRIDGE CARRYING A PROJECTILE WHICH WAS FIRED BY THE LTTE BOAT, DURING CONFRONTATION, WHICH PENETRATED THROUGH THE FAC’s HULL, AND ENTERED THE OICs CABIN (BETWEEN THE TWO BUNKS) AND HIT THE AUXILIARY ENGINE ROOM DOOR AND HAD FALLEN DOWN WITHOUT EXPLODING. THE ENGINE ROOM DOOR WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED LOOSING THE WATER TIGHT INTEGRITY OF THE FAC.

THE PROJECTILE WAS LATER HANDED OVER TO THE NAVAL WEAPONS EXPERTS WHEN THE FACs RETURNED TO KKS. INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED THE WEAPON USED BY THE ENEMY WAS 84 mm CARL GUSTAF SHOULDER-FIRED RECOILLESS GUN AND THIS PROJECTILE WAS AN ILLUMINATER BOMB OF ONE MILLION CANDLE POWER. BUT THE ATTACKERS HAS FAILED TO REMOVE THE SAFETY PIN, THEREFORE THE BOMB WAS NOT ACTIVATED.

Sea Tigers

Carl Gustaf 84 mm recoilless gun was named after Carl Gustaf Stads Gevärsfaktori, which, initially, produced it. Sweden later developed the 84mm shoulder-fired recoilless gun by the Royal Swedish Army Materiel Administration during the second half of 1940s as a crew served man- portable infantry support gun for close range multi-role anti-armour, anti-personnel, battle field illumination, smoke screening and marking fire.

It is confirmed in Wikipedia that Carl Gustaf Recoilless shoulder-fired guns were used by the only non-state actor in the world – the LTTE – during the final Eelam War.

It is extremely important to check the batch numbers of the recently recovered three launchers to find out where they were produced and other details like how they ended up in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka?

By Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne
WV, RWP and Bar, RSP, VSV, USP, NI (M) (Pakistan), ndc, psn, Bsc (Hons) (War Studies) (Karachi) MPhil (Madras)
Former Navy Commander and Former Chief of Defence Staff
Former Chairman, Trincomalee Petroleum Terminals Ltd
Former Managing Director Ceylon Petroleum Corporation
Former High Commissioner to Pakistan

Features

Yellow Beatz … a style similar to K-pop!

Published

23 hours ago

2026/02/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Yes, get ready to vibe with Yellow Beatz, Sri Lanka’s awesome girl group, keen to take Sri Lankan music to the world with a style similar to K-pop!

With high-energy beats and infectious hooks, these talented ladies are here to shake up the music scene.

Think bold moves, catchy hooks, and, of course, spicy versions of old Sinhala hits, and Yellow Beatz is the package you won’t want to miss!

According to a spokesman for the group, Yellow Beatz became a reality during the Covid period … when everyone was stuck at home, in lockdown.

“First we interviewed girls, online, and selected a team that blended well, as four voices, and then started rehearsals. One of the cover songs we recorded, during those early rehearsals, unexpectedly went viral on Facebook. From that moment onward, we continued doing cover songs, and we received a huge response. Through that, we were able to bring back some beautiful Sri Lankan musical creations that were being forgotten, and introduce them to the new generation.”

The team members, I am told, have strong musical skills and with proper training their goal is to become a vocal group recognised around the world.

Believe me, their goal, they say, is not only to take Sri Lanka’s name forward, in the music scene, but to bring home a Grammy Award, as well.

“We truly believe we can achieve this with the love and support of everyone in Sri Lanka.”

The year 2026 is very special for Yellow Beatz as they have received an exceptional opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the World Championships of Performing Arts in the USA.

Under the guidance of Chris Raththara, the Director for Sri Lanka, and with the blessings of all Sri Lankans, the girls have a great hope that they can win this milestone.

“We believe this will be a moment of great value for us as Yellow Beatz, and also for all Sri Lankans, and it will be an important inspiration for the future of our country.”

Along with all the preparation for the event in the USA, they went on to say they also need to manage their performances, original song recordings, and everything related.

The year 2026 is very special for Yellow Beatz

“We have strong confidence in ourselves and in our sincere intentions, because we are a team that studies music deeply, researches within the field, and works to take the uniqueness of Sri Lankan identity to the world.”

At present, they gather at the Voices Lab Academy, twice a week, for new creations and concert rehearsals.

This project was created by Buddhika Dayarathne who is currently working as a Pop Vocal lecturer at SLTC Campus. Voice Lab Academy is also his own private music academy and Yellow Beatz was formed through that platform.

Buddhika is keen to take Sri Lankan music to the world with a style similar to K-Pop and Yellow Beatz began as a result of that vision. With that same aim, we all work together as one team.

“Although it was a little challenging for the four of us girls to work together at first, we have united for our goal and continue to work very flexibly and with dedication. Our parents and families also give their continuous blessings and support for this project,” Rameesha, Dinushi, Newansa and Risuri said.

Last year, Yellow Beatz released their first original song, ‘Ihirila’ , and with everything happening this year, they are also preparing for their first album.