Opinion
Pohottuwa dispute: Corruption and Ingratitude
Ingratitude is a trait common to mankind, more pronounced in this part of the world than anywhere else. Anyone who has read Shakespeare’s ” Merchant of Venice” would not have missed that part of Portia’s outburst – “I hate ingratitude more in a man than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness or any trait of vice where strong corruption inhabits our frail blood.” This beautiful and very apt quote seems to fit well to Sri Lankan politics, no less to the current “dog-fight” among some of the Podujana Perumana brethren, where Wimal Weerawansa has been made to stand in the dock. The trait of ingratitude, although given more prominence over vainness, babbling and corruption by Portia, seems to be well balanced with the section of the Podujana Perumana clan, which has emerged with daggers drawn against Weerawansa.
The whole country knows who the “kasakarayas” were in the run-up to the presidential election, and later eeneral elections in 2020. These “kasakarayas,” led by Weerawansa, included the likes of Gammanpila, Vasudeva, Dayasiri J, Tissa Vitharana, Dinesh, Gunewardene, Roshan R and certain others, who, by their rhetorical and debating skills, had a Herculean task in camouflaging the Opposition allegations relating, inter alia, to drug offences where a VIP took the extreme step of taking a helicopter ride to smother the polluted air, the Malwana episode which stinks to high heaven, the dual citizenship issue, the motor races, and last, but certainly not the least, the Daisy Aachchie’s gem tale. Ironically, the helicopter beneficiary has been the most vociferous critic of Weerawansa. To now make “karapincha” out of them speaks volumes of the character of those behind the scenes of this sordid endeavour. It only provides chunks (not morsels) of food to appease the appetite of the mass media, the Opposition and enemies of the government. It would not be surprising if the “given-up for dead” UNP of Ranil W rises like Phoenix out of the ashes!
The Right of Expression
The right of expression is a fundamental right, more-so in a political outfit expressly formed as a Peramuna (a front) although it is simultaneously recognised as a political party. The NFF, headed by Weeraawansa, is a constituent member of this Peramuna, which backed the manifesto of President Gotabhaya and the SLPP in the General Election that followed. It is clear from the many blunders that have emerged, the contradictions so apparent in the recent past, that there is some hidden force which seems to go counter to the agenda of President Gotabhaya, and he is hamstrung without control of the Podujana Peramuna, but invariably has to face the music at the end.
It may be a far-sighted move for future prospects of designing individuals, which President Gotabaya has to be careful and mindful of. The tail should not be permitted to wag the dog! The victory of GR can also be mostly attributed to his own record as Defence Secretary. One may not always agree with the politics of Weerawansa, and his NFF, but in this instance he seemed quite right in his analysis that President Gotabaya needs to strengthen himself with some power and authority in the Podujana Peramuna. The SLPP certainly did not succeed on its own with its dwindling popularity and strength, although PM Mahinda Rajapaksa’s image and record contributed, in no small measure, greatly assisted by the horrendous conduct of the yahapalana regime! Sri Lankan people forget everything in two weeks, as Prabhakaran quite rightly said not so long ago. Weerawansa’s comment is timely and worth serious thought.
Let ingratitude bring its retribution in good time.
I. P. C. MENDIS
Here is what you can do!
Comedy and the ability to have a good laugh are what keep us sane. The good news to announce is that there are many British and American comedy shows posted up and available on the internet.
They will bring a few hours of welcome relief from our present doldrums.
Firstly, and in a class of its own, are the many Benny Hill shows. Benny is a British comedian who comes from a circus family, and was brought up in an atmosphere of circus clowning. Each show is carefully polished and rehearsed to get the comedy across and understood successfully. These clips have the most beautiful stage props and settings with suitable, amusing costumes. This is really good comedy for the mature, older viewer.
Benny Hill has produced shows that are “Master-Class” in quality adult entertainment. All his shows are good.
Then comes the “Not the Nine o’clock news” with Rowan Atkinson and his comedy team producing good entertainment suitable for all.
And then comes the “Two Ronnies” – Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, with their dry sense of humour and wit. Search and you will find other uplifting shows such as Dave Allen, with his monologues and humour.
All these shows have been broadcast in Britain over the last 50 years and are well worth viewing on the Internet.
Similarly, in The USA of America. There are some really great entertainment shows. And never forget Fats Waller in the film “Stormy Weather,” where he was the pianist in the unforgettable, epic, comedy song “Ain’t Misbehavin”. And then there is “Bewitched” with young and glamorous Samantha Stevens and her mother, Endora who can perform magic. It is amazing entertainment! This show, although from the 1970s was a milestone in US light entertainment, along with many more.
And do not overlook Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy, and all the Disney films. Donald Duck gives us a great wealth of simple comedy.
The US offers you a mountain of comedy and good humour on Youtube. All these shows await you, just by accessing the Internet! The internet channel, ‘You tube’ itself, comes from America! The Americans reach out to you with good, happy things right into your own living room!
Those few people with the ability to understand English have the key to a great- great storehouse of uplifting humour and entertainment. They are rich indeed!
Priyantha Hettige
After the recent disaster, a great deal of information has been circulating on WhatsApp and YouTube regarding our reservoirs, highways, etc.
In many of these discussions, people have analysed what went wrong and how the damage could have been prevented. My question is this: why do all these knowledgeable voices emerge only after disaster strikes? One simple reason may be that our self-proclaimed, all-knowing governing messiahs refuse to listen to anyone outside their circles. It is never too late to learn, but has any government decision-maker read or listened to these suggestions?
When the whole world is offering help to overcome this tragedy, has the government even considered seeking modern forecasting equipment and the essential resources currently not available to our armed forces, police, and disaster-management centres?
B Perera
A great deal has been said about Cyclone Ditwah and its impact. To my mind one important aspect of it has not been addressed.
During the 1,400 odd landslides, it washed off a vast volume of soil which entered the various water bodies like tanks, lakes, rivers and streams etc. This process has raised their water levels reducing the water holding capacities (water holding capacity has a different meaning in soil science). What it means is that they cannot hold the same amount of water as before without spilling. Therefore, a precipitation which would not have been significant then can cause spilling of tanks leading to floods now. Hence there is a possibility of experiencing more floods in the future. Due to silting the tanks will carry less water than before, thus reducing the irrigable areas under their command. They will not be able to irrigate the same extents of paddy, thus affecting production.
How do we rectify this situation? It is desilting which can be very expensive.
It is good if these are considered in future planning.
Gamini Peiris
Panadura
Experienced agriculturist
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