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Opinion

We are tired of politicians’ sick jokes

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By Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva

The country is in dire straits. The economy is almost bankrupt, the pandemic is still on a deadly rampage, children have been denied schooling for nearly two years, and starvation of the populace is imminent. The politicians appear to be on a mission to enrich themselves, planning to make the best use of the opportunity, making hay while the sun shines. All systems are in place for those who fleeced the country over the years to prosper further.

Many businessmen, mostly cronies of those in power, are exploiting the misery of the people and profiteering from the pandemic. Some in tourism and related-travel industry, hoteliers, importers of pandemic-related material like testing equipment and drugs, others in private healthcare and importers and wholesale dealers of essential food items seem to be making more money than during normal times. This is when large sections of the populace are struggling to make ends meet on a daily basis. How in a predominantly Buddhist country, mostly Buddhist businessmen, let alone equally errant non-Buddhists, do not appear to believe in Kamma and keep on accumulating wealth, exploiting the misery of the people, with a ‘we shall never die’ attitude, is really depressing. In the apparent absence of legal provisions or lack of willingness of the authorities to apprehend the culprits, the masses are just hoping and praying that the effects of Ditta Dhamma Vedaniya Kamma will catch up to them sooner than later.

In the middle of all this, many politicians of all hues compete among themselves to amuse people with miserable jokes. Several ministers habitually give hilarious evasive answers to questions raised about important matters, thus exposing their gross ignorance of the subject. A suggestion was offered that mass scale deaths of fish, turtles and other marine life along the coastline after the recent fire in a sinking ship was just an expected seasonal phenomenon. Yet another minister talking of the same ship thought that rather than attempting to douse the fire, it would be far more profitable to let it burn out fully so that millions of dollars could be collected as compensation. Another, a medically qualified minister, claimed that the price of drugs was raised to prevent patients from hoarding drugs at home. He also blamed the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), the authority responsible, for delaying the vaccination programme by wasting too much time examining the documents without summarily approving the vaccines. Yet another parliamentarian, a lawyer by profession, suggested that the disorderly vaccine rollout was probably as instructed by the ‘donor’ country. A politician thought it was a good idea to bring in tourists from a country ravaged by COVID-19 to test how the disease would spread in our country. Another famously questioned why we need atmospheric oxygen at all while defending the wanton denudation of the land of vegetation. A former parliamentarian boasted of the leader of his party being accepted worldwide as a great man soon after he was totally rejected and reduced to a non-entity by the local electorate.

Another classic example is the recent gazette notification of over 600-strong list of items that will be discouraged from being imported. There are many items listed therein, a shortage of which could seriously affect the economy and could bring many industries to a standstill. However, the politicians have given full attention to lingerie. Even the Minister of Trade hurriedly summoned a press conference along with some garment manufacturers to reassure that the country is self-sufficient in underwear. The Opposition too probably fell into the trap laid by the government to divert attention from more important items therein and started making fun out of the lingerie issue totally ignoring the much more serious aspects of import restrictions. There seems to be a bunch of designated official jesters on both sides fully entrusted with entertaining the people with sick jokes. They turn every important discussion into a huge laughing matter, insulting the intelligence of the people. Even social media are full of such meaningless banter with hardly any serious discussion on matters of vital importance.

Thus in many instances being academically qualified does not seem to dampen their penchant for speaking falsehoods with ridiculous humour. The glaring lack of common sense among the representatives of the people is alarming. The general assumption seems to be that people are fools who will believe anything uttered by self-serving politicians. Unfortunately, this notion appears to be true for a significant segment of the electorate. At present, politicians are not accountable for their deeds and words. Ideally, party leaders or party whips should have some control over their utterances.

It is the general impression that the incumbent government elected, with an overwhelming mandate, is falling short in fulfilling many promises given. Hence it is high time that those offering themselves to the people as a viable alternative got their act together to convince the electors that they are a different lot capable of performing better than what has been happening for over 70 years. For those who had been in power earlier with nothing much achieved to boast about, this is going to be an arduous task. The people have lost faith totally in politicians, including the so-called educated ones (viyathun) who have proved to be mere treasure hunters no better than the rest, or even worse as they have no experience in governance. Perhaps the civil society activist groups should come to the forefront, to save us all from impending disaster.

Ideally, all parties or groups aspiring to gain power should have a long-term development plan. There should be designated spokesmen already academically qualified or have developed an in-depth knowledge in individual subjects like economy, finance, trade, healthcare, agriculture, industries and foreign affairs. Being a practising democracy, at least in name, all should be knowledgeable and free to express their views on various issues to some extent. However, those designated as above should take over when a crisis develops in a particular field so that the electorate can take part in a learned discussion and arrive at sensible conclusions. It is worth considering whether the concept of a shadow Cabinet as seen in advanced democracies could be adopted here so that if and when they come to power, they know exactly what their mandate and targets would be.

Politicians trying to surpass each other as jesters entertaining people with meaningless rhetoric will reduce the intensity, urgency and importance of the issues, making a mockery of the discussion. Concerted action is essential for a course correction the nation urgently needs to stall its rapid descent into oblivion.



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Opinion

A reflection on discipline and perspective

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Royal College

Crime and Punishment are perennial, vexed, debatable matters that can aptly be applied to the current controversy on the appropriateness of corporal punishment by schoolteachers.

Much publicity has recently been generated by an alleged corporal punishment by a teacher in Royal College. In the midst of all this, we must also consider the ripple effect such public scrutiny may have on other teachers. Many might now hesitate to correct or discipline a student out of fear of being misunderstood or publicly shamed.

A possible likely outcome is that a growing number of teachers may simply choose to limit themselves to merely textbook teaching – doing only what is required of them and nothing more. But if most teachers take a step back, fearing a backlash, what happens to discipline? What happens to the values, the life lessons and the personal growth that come from being held accountable? We risk creating a system where young students grow up without boundaries, without guidance, and ultimately, without the character that true education is meant to build.

The Royal matter

Much has been said over the recent incident involving a teacher at Royal College, which has now gone viral on social media. This is now in the hands of the Child Protection Authority, and naturally, emotions are running high.

Let me start by saying categorically that I do not condone violence or abuse in any form. If a student has been harmed—physically or emotionally—there is a legal process in place, and it must take its course, fairly and justly, without bias.

However, I write not to justify wrong, but to offer some perspective—especially to those who may not know the culture and values that shaped generations of Royalists before them.

I’m not an academic, nor a brilliant thinker. What I am is someone who learned life’s greatest lessons on the playing fields of Royal. Discipline, resilience, respect—these were not just words; they were lived experiences, often taught the hard way.

During my time at Royal Primary (from 1945 to 1950), corporal punishment was the norm. We were mischievous, as young boys often are, and the cane was a regular visitor. I, like many others, was caned more times than I can count. We didn’t run home to complain. In fact, the one time I told my mother, I received two additional slaps from her! That was the thinking back then—it taught us to take responsibility for our actions.

Let me be clear: I’m not saying things must remain the same. Times have changed and so have the boundaries of what is acceptable. What I’m questioning is the way we are responding as if one or two incidents can define the entire teaching profession at Royal.

There are nearly 500 teachers at Royal College now. Most are committed educators who give their best every single day. Why must we paint them all with the same brush because of the actions of a few?

We seem to be caught between two extremes: we complain about student indiscipline—hooting, bullying, misbehaving—but then we condemn every teacher who takes a strong stand on discipline. We can’t have it both ways.

Yes, Royal too has its share of “rotten apples.” So does every great institution in the world. But let us not forget the thousands of students who have been shaped by the silent, committed service of teachers who never sought recognition or fame.

I’ve personally experienced forms of punishment that, by today’s standards, would be considered extreme. Yet, those moments, though harsh, taught me resilience. They instilled in me the values that made Royal College the respected institution it is today.

I urge you all not to excuse wrongdoing—but to look at this situation in perspective. Let justice take its course but let us not allow a single incident to overshadow the legacy of an entire institution or profession.

Let’s respond with fairness, wisdom, and above all, respect—for our students, our teachers, and the Royal values we stand for.

Lorenz Pereira by email

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Opinion

Remembering Naval Officer we lost on Easter Sunday Attack 2019

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Lieutenant (S) Sugath Nadeeshan Silva

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

Today, is 20 April 2025 the Easter Sunday. Six years ago on Easter Sunday 2019. SLCG Ship Suraksha, a 100 meter long Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), was getting ready for a 14-days Patrol. Her tanks were topped up with fuel, all victuals (required for 10 officers and 100 men crew for 14 days) loaded. Both cold and cool rooms were full with fresh fish/meat and vegetables. Ship was ready to sail at 12 noon on 21st April 2019.

A young lieutenant on board, who took over his new appointment as assistant logistic Officer a few days back, was working hard. It was a new appointment, new ship, new friends and new crew, for him. He was keen to impress them with his work. A call came from home around 7AM from his mother to say they are on their way to the village Church in Kochchikade, Negombo.

He was the second son of a devoted Catholic family.

He thought of one thing. I am going miss Easter Sunday Mass. He suddenly got an idea and quickly went up to the Commanding Officer’s cabin. He gently tapped on the door.”Yes” the Commanding Officer replied. “The door is open”. His Commanding Officer was a decorated former Naval Special Forces Captain. He had served with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard on a two year tenure as Commanding Officer of OPVs. The young Lieutenant requested the Commanding Officer’s permission to go to Church. Even though the Commanding Officer was a veteran decorated Naval Officer with a career of bravery and valour, he was very understanding.

After all, his young subordinate was requesting to go to church on Easter Sunday, an important holy day for Christians. He knew his junior was a Catholic. He himself also was a devoted Catholic and had attended midnight Easter Mass. He gave permission to the young officer to go to Church and also said a few words which he regrets today. “Sugath, the closest Church to us is St Anthony’s Church Kochikade here. It was customary for many Naval personnel, whether they are Catholics or not, to light a candle in this church when they get their new seagoing appointment. We turn our ships towards church before leaving Colombo harbour to get the blessings of St Anthony. Because as you are very well aware, St Anthony is the Saint who looks after seafarers like us. So, please go Son. Take the ship’s vehicle. Come back by 11. We are sailing at 12.”

The young Lieutenant quickly changed into his best civilian clothes and went to church. He was thinking of lighting a candle, praying and returning to the ship in the same vehicle. The time was 0830. He heard the announcement that the Tamil mass starts at 0840. The Church was full of devotees. Families with their children dressed in best Sunday dresses. They were happy, chatting to each other and eagerly waiting for Mass to start. Our young Lieutenant spoke and understood Tamil very well. So, he changed his mind. His CO had told him to come back by 11. There was enough time for him to attend the Tamil Mass. He told the Navy driver to go back. He told the driver “I will attend Mass and come back to the ship. I can get a three-wheeler. It’s not that far from here to the Naval Base”.

The Tamil Mass started at 0840 sharp. The suicide bomber walked into the Church at 0845 and detonated himself.

With the deafening sound the Naval Base by the Church was activated. News started to spread after the blast inside the Church. The CO of the SLCG ship Suraksha knew his subordinate was in church. He rang on his mobile while rushing to the scene. The young lieutenant’s Mobile was ringing, but no answer. Ship’s crew look out for their officer whilst helping casualties. CO rang the mobile of his subordinate officer again. This time someone answered! A female voice! She introduced herself as a nurse in Accident Ward of General Hospital Colombo. She said in a faint voice, “Sir, he is dead!”

The CO sat on the road curb with tears in his eyes. He was a battle-hardened Naval Special Forces man. He had seen enough deaths and grief in his life, but this loss hit him hard. He kept saying “my son! Why did I allow you to go to Church.”

Lieutenant (S) Sugath Nadeeshan Silva was born in Kochikade, Negombo on 23rd November 1991, the second son in the family. He had an elder and a younger brother. He had his early education at Thoppuwa St Philip Neri Sinhala Mixed School, Kochchikade and Mari Stella College, Negombo. He proved to be a brilliant student, excelling in studies and sports.

He joined Sir John Kotelawala University as an Officer Cadet on 17th September 2012.

Sugath excelled in cricket. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Logistics Management in 2016 from KDU and successfully completed the Sub Lieutenant Logistics course at Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee. He joined SLCG ship Suraksha as his first sea appointment when his untimely demise occurred caused by a terrorist attack. He was promoted posthumously to Lieutenant Commander and buried with full military honours. May he Rest in Peace!

At the going down and in the morning, we will remember him. Please remember him in your prayers.

By Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne

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Opinion

Remembering Lankan squash veteran Lakdasa Cooray

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Five years ago today, the Sri Lankan squash fraternity bid farewell to one of its most dedicated and influential figures — Lakdasa Cooray.

Hailing from Moratuwa, Cooray entered the national squash scene representing Sri Lanka Army Squash in the early 1980s, not long after the establishment of the Sri Lanka Squash Federation. Being a former Defence Services Champion and Masters Player and talented all-round sportsman, he possessed a natural aptitude for coaching, which soon became his lifelong passion. Remarkably, many of the top squash players in the country rose through the ranks under his expert guidance, often provided without any remuneration.

Over a career that spanned more than three decades, Cooray served as Head Coach for numerous national teams on international tours. His reputation extended beyond Sri Lanka, earning him recognition across the Asian squash community.

He also contributed significantly to the development of the sport at the grassroots level. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Squash Federation, he worked tirelessly to promote squash in schools, clubs and outstation regions throughout the country.

Beyond coaching, Cooray was a respected referee, known for his fearless decision-making that often silenced even the most vocal critics, be they passionate spectators or competitive players.

His influence extended to inspiring players from the tri-services to take up coaching themselves, many of whom have proven their calibre at the highest levels of the sport.

In his later years, his active role in the squash community somewhat diminished, especially following the tragic passing of his only son, skilled squash player Kavinda Cooray. Despite his declining health, his legacy endured.

Today, the squash community in Sri Lanka remembers Lakdasa Cooray not just as a coach or official, but as a true servant of the game: a man who gave his all and asked for nothing in return. A legend, never to be forgotten.Rear Admiral Palitha Weerasinghe (Rtd)

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