Opinion

So, who is calling the shots?

Published

4 years ago

2021/10/6

Iwas going through the ‘editorial’ of The Island (29-09-21) titled ‘When heroes cower’ and as usual the ‘Editor’ stung again, where it hurts and matters most.

And suddenly my mind veered off the rails and there they are, right in front of me: Garlic, sugar and rice. And then there were others as well, too many to fit into this short letter; turmeric, milk powder, to mention a couple.

However, the three mentioned above occupied the centre stage: Garlic, sugar and, rice, of course, being kept in various forms of storage, some even cleverly hidden from the eyes of the casually curious to serious and honest investigators (sadly though, not many of them left now, of that quality).

Then I wondered. How come garlic, which in folklore of some countries is regarded as a substance capable of keeping the evil spirits away, took sides with some evilminded and let them steal it?

Finally, the ‘rice band’. I am sure many of us already know when, how and who laid the foundation and then subsequently kept building on it to such an extent, that now seems to have become a law unto itself and it seems to have no problem at all to say stubborn no’s even to the government,
which as we have seen very recently had to timidly bow down to its demands.

They came in, promising big to take those marauding bulls in all arenas of concern including political, by the horns, tackle them and tame them, once and for all. At the beginning it all looked well. However, many of those promises remain yet to be fulfilled and millions, who ticked the boxes in favour of them and not the other parties and their candidates, must be really disappointed, for very obvious reasons. And those bulls are still there (could be more now) and even more active than never before.

I am sure that our President is capable of putting things straight with stern action, sending those bulls where they belong and also let those roguish businessmen know who is calling the shots.
Laksiri Warnakula

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Opinion

Feeling sad and blue?

Published

21 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

21 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

21 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