Opinion

Did ‘Peratugamians’ meet their waterloo?

Published

5 years ago

2020/08/8

My eldest child was unlucky as he was compelled to curtail his university studies only for a week due to his inability to tolerate the inhuman ragging by members of a group which do not have any public backing. After two years my second child still continue his higher studies in a Sri Lankan university amidst numerous initial hardships in the hands of those guys who do not have any voices outside the universities.

History and the records show that how many new university entrants lost their lives, compelled to give up higher studies, some becoming mentally and physically retarded, committed suicide and faced various hardships due to ragging in the universities. We have seen in the media the safe houses rented out by those so called idiotic and inhuman seniors to carry out their misdeeds. For decades neither any government nor the relevant authorities have taken any concrete steps to stop this menace.

A few days ago those members who tried to stage a protest just opposite the American High Commission were rounded up by the police for violating an order given by a court. Now they vehemently condemn the action taken by the police. They were joined by other union members, political party members and many others who were deaf and blind towards the intolerable ragging that took place and taking place in the universities. Unfortunately I saw a prominent university lecturer was also joining the others.

Surprisingly, the once powerful Sajin Vass also condemned the way that the police handled the protesters, entirely forgetting how he manhandled Dr. Chris Nonis, our former High Commissioner to the UK. It is the same with the members of the above political party called the “Peratugami”. For records their Presidential candidate, Duminda Nagamuwa polled only 8,219 votes at the last Presidential elections. A few independent candidates polled more than him. Shame! On you, Pubudu Jayagoda, Kumar Gunaratnam, Tampitiye Sugathananda Thero and the clan.

It is good news that one of their latest victims the undergraduate Pasindu Hirushan of JP University is out of danger. Just imagine the agony the young boy, his parents and siblings would have gone through during the uncertain times. However it is reported that it will take a longer time for him to be normal.

I saw in the media that the authorities have taken seven university students into custody for forcibly removing CCTV cameras in the university premises. This is the best chance to teach them a good lesson. If the government and the relevant authorities do not give the culprits, due punishments these inhuman gangs will continue their ragging culture.

The ragging story of a famous actress is not heard by the majority of the people of this country. In brief she was subjected to brutal ragging by the so called ‘educated’ brutes. She, once decided to commit suicide but was rescued by a professor. Her father who was a professor of the same university at that time witnessed the inhuman ragging of his own daughter. The result was he had a premature retirement, fell sick and died because of the enormous mental agony inflicted by the ragging incidents. (anybody can watch her pathetic story on You Tube)

Mr. President please get rid of this menace altogether and free the universities from these viruses for the sake of the innocent and helpless parents and the fresh students of our motherland. You are the only person who can do that.

A Parent

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Opinion

Feeling sad and blue?

Published

15 hours ago

2025/12/16

Sahan Weerasooriya

Rowan Atkinson

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

Opinion

There is much to learn

Published

15 hours ago

2025/12/16

Sahan Weerasooriya

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

Opinion

Disasters: Hidden danger

Published

15 hours ago

2025/12/16

Sahan Weerasooriya

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