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The visit of British High Commissioner Dominic Chilcott to an office
of a daily newspaper has hit headlines in Sri Lanka. Most articles have
been very critical of Mr. Chilcott's visit describing it as a direct
interference with local affairs which undermines the national security
of the country.
Newspaper Editors, no matter what freedom one has in one's country,
must always protect the national security of that country. This is
paramount and cannot be negotiated. People who act contrary to this must
be taken to task, whether they may be editors or newspaper owners.
But one asks why did the British High Commissioner took such a rash
step risking a good relationship which his predecessors have developed
over the years? Mr. Chilcott is new to this role. Prior to his
appointment as the High Commissioner (his first senior appointment) he
has been a junior ranking officer in the Civil service serving in a few
countries such as Turkey and Pakistan.
In Sri Lanka, these diplomats are treated like demigods by the
Colombo Society and Mr. Chilcott like most other ambassadors only hear
one sided stories well articulated by non-national, whisky drinking
cocktail goers of Colombo.
It is very easy to fuel emotions of a diplomat who lacks experience
in the fine art of diplomacy. So instead of being critical of Mr.
Chilcott, one must give him a chance, and must convince him and the
other ambassadors that we Sri Lankans are quite capable of solving our
own problems and we are proud to be Sri Lankans.
M. P. DE SILVA,
Nugegoda
I have written an innumerable number of letters to the press and so
were so many other civic minded people about the dangerous uncovered
man-holes and gullies and other death-traps in the Colombo city together
with suggestions not only drawing the attention of all the Mayors but of
the Ministers of Local Government too. But all those who were pompously
enjoying their high seats on the expenses of the tax payer hardly took
any concrete steps to provide safety to the pedestrians.
There had been so may cases where people were injured during rainy
days falling into different holes in the city. And on May 3, a young
female life was lost at Wijerama Road during the heavy showers.
We know that the six area District Engineers of the Colombo City have
been allocated several areas for the purpose of maintenance under them.
But as they travel in their vehicles, we are unfortunate, that they are
unable to see the shortcomings that require repair, replacement or
reconstruction.
So, we the public write to the press to draw the attention of the
Mayor and in certain instances send registered letters to the latter
anticipating immediate action, spending our money and time, to prevent
casualties. But who cares?
However, it is heartening to note that the President has instructed
the UDA to take safety measures and to clean the blocked drains
immediately after the May 3 incident which claimed a life. Every time an
instruction but no action!
NAZLY CASSIM,
Colombo 13
The UK's organised body for the Sri Lankan ethnic problem actually
has many agendas initiated by the LTTE terrorists. (Reference DN May
05). Its organiser, Keith Vaz has involved in many scandals. He even
refused to cooperate with a Parlimentary investigation a couple of years
ago.
Millions of pounds are being spent to voice for the LTTE terrorists
to lift the ban.
A few UK parliamentarians have been paid large sums of money by the
pro LTTE terrorists organisations. It is all about money whoever whether
Ranil, Karunanithi or UK parlimentarians speaks for the LTTE terrorists.
They don't care about Sinhalese or Tamils who suffers at the hands of
the LTTE terrorists.
RAABALA,
via email
This is in response to the letter with the above title, stating that
"His presentation tarnish the respectable outlook of the rest of the
team". I myself was not impressed by Malinga's hair style etc. However,
he did bring a fresh and fun attitude to the field.
His appearence certainly does not make him less of a 'gentleman' -
that is determined by his character and behaviour and we saw nothing to
indicate that he is anything less than a gentleman, sportsman and decent
human being as well as a great cricketer.
Congratulations to the team - it goes without saying that they are
great cricketers - we are also very proud of them as some of the most
'gentlemanly' players in the cricket field today.
ROMAINE L.,
via email
Of course Malinga is living up to his youth and enjoying life!
(Reference DN May 04).
He is allowed to do so, why are you folks complaining about him not
living up to sub-continent standard? he leads his life the way he wants
it, not to any others expectations!
Our standard system never leaves one's blood I guess! Gamey vidiyata
indapan (stay the village way) is what you want him to be and not come
up in life! Common people, wake up and lead the life that will make you
happy! Let him enjoy his youth!
Malinga, you are the sexiest and we are happy to see you in the
field, enjoying your cricket, representing the country as well as living
your life! Keep up Malinga! The best is yet to come for you along with
Sangi and the others!
Nina Harim Kamal,
via email
I refer to Ranjith Chandrasekera's views under 'Malinga the sexiest'
(DN May 04).
Your attitude reflects the thought process of a majority of middle
class Sri Lankan citizens who are quick to categorise and
compartmentalize people into narrow definitions of what is ideal. To use
sentiments like 'third grade look' to describe a person is quite
derogatory in a civilized society with morals.
It brings to mind the question of what constitutes a look of a
gentleman and what physical characteristics reflect and define that
quality and whether a quality of a 'gentleman' should be measured at all
by such a superficial yard stick.
It would have been quite comical if you described what one must be
constituted with to 'look like a gentleman'. I assume that in your list
of constituents you would have listed down a bottle of coconut oil, a
big comb and a deli pihiya?
UPULA MADHUSHANKA,
Mt. Lavinia
Sri Lankan cricket and the Sri Lanka Government must look into what
action they can take. probably take legal action if this is (having a
foreign object embedded inside the batting glove to help improve the
grip) really illegal.
Australia's win should be nullified if they have violated the rules
of the game as mentioned in this article.
Please write to the authorities and the ICC immediately demanding an
investigation.
P. ABEYWICKREMA,
via email |
