Of all the detections done in the last two to three decades by the officials of government and municipal authorities on the consumer and grocery fronts, the attempted racket of surreptitiously introducing ‘nongu,’ the similar looking succulent fleshy pulp onto the exotic lobster dishes served in the bigger hotels was noteworthy.

Here’s more of the good work done over the years by the smart inspectors:

a) The well-known ‘feather touch’ manipulation of the many beef stalls ceasing

b) Pure tea packets minus fluff

c) Chillie, salt, gram minus fine sea sand and sauces minus pumpkin pith.

d) Correct weighted sugar, spice, coffee etc. in satchels

e) Aerated water bottles changing sizes conveniently to balance the controlled prices

f) Dilution and adulteration of bees’ honey, ghee, squash, and cordials etc.

Good enough!

But how about the negative side. Why have the authorities turned a blind eye to the uninterrupted supply of carbide-processed fruits to all our Colombo and suburban markets? The fruits are unnatural, putrid and insipid, especially the papaw fruits with its insides in jaundiced colours and fungus ridden. Are the authorities not the least worried of the health hazards faced by those consuming these fruits?

There appears to be a mafia type monopoly in the supply of fruits to the market. These fruits are collected from wayside village outlets in lots at ‘sweet’ prices to be disposed of profitably at fancy prices to us, the already burdened citizenry.

When, oh when, are we ever going to taste the once pristine, delicious, mouth watering fruits of the tropics exclusively blessed with that God-given juxtapose of the ‘sweet and sour’ blend?

Dehiwela

Singing the praises of the present powers

The opinion of the retired editor H.L.D. Mahindapala appearing in a Sunday paper of June 29 provided much mental diversion. To some, the contents may be a matter of revulsion. The latter may possibly be the reason why these articles evoke a blanket of silence.

The disregard for the opinions of H.L.D.Mahindapala may be based on the theory that barking dogs seldom bite. To this writer the effusions of the retired editor are always interesting as most often than not there is a discharge of multi barreled missiles directed not at the denizens of the Wanni but at those who have earned the wrath of the bespectacled quondam editor of a paper claiming to have the highest circulation in the country.

I am only a hansi puttuwa reader of that paper. I have long abandoned reading the slanted news and views of the state press. I cannot use my pen to duel with the ex-editor as he is an accomplished and competent writer and critique. In this effort I may be a foolish intruder into an arena where the more enlightened would not bother to enter.

The ex-editor is probably capable of dispassionate objective writing without flaunting outpourings as a pamphleteer or as a political Sciolist. One even wonders whether the lens he wears is impregnated with the colour blue, which makes him blind to other colours and hues.

In this context it appears there is a strange correlation in the suffix ‘pala’ to the name ‘Mahinda’ which is that of the highest in the land. It is difficult to accept, even though there is material to the contrary, that the retired Editor is a toadeater of a political party.

The writer is not aware whether the retired editor is still in the warm home climes of his native land or enjoying the plenitude of a consumer society of a more salubrious country not bogged down with the with political cross currents as in this country.

It is only a Lankan expatriate away from one’s home country who could refer to with disdain to a penman colleague — Lasantha Wickrematunge — as a ‘part time editor.’ The ex-editor may have forgotten the niceties of his own editorial parameters and bounds of language when he apparently in the exultation of a vested new power described one who till recently was the highest in the land as "Queen of Thieves."

Being away from an editorial chair has made him forget the niceties of language. Rude and impolite language boomerangs on the user. One should also not exercise the dubious rights of a nomenclature, calling names as in response one could well be called tuft hunter!

Janaka Perera, the retired General has exhibited himself as valorous officer in the field of battle but it appears now he is not safe from the verbal grenades thrown at him with little sense and no gratitude by the retired editor.

Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, a peace idealogue cannot shield himself from the brickbats flung at him by the ex editor. Ranil Wickremesinghe is his pet bete noire and the only safety he could have from the continuous verbal barrage is if R.W. joins ranks with the retired editor to blow trumpets for his demi gods.

The cardinal sin of R W. is his alleged stance against the war. In this context the ex editor, is disregardful of accepted opinion that a negotiated settlement is the best. This seems to be contrary to the political wisdom of the retired editor.

The retired editor would possibly gain acceptance if he ceases to write with coarseness and asperity on others. The ex editor may be of the view that the pen is a formidable political engine but he would soon be derailed if he continues to write with prejudice and with a jaundiced eye and continue to use such infelicitous language.

The abuse of journalistic freedom creates antipathy towards media men and only wins the opprobrium of the public. Hope the ink in his pen would soon dry out.

Oh! Kandy, in this beautiful Isle

Seat of ancient kings and national pride

Everywhere is seen her enchanting smile

With Kandyan damsels, walking head high.

The gurgling Mahaweli slithers her way

Through mountains, valleys, hills and dales

Majestic jumbos bathe during perahera days

Mahouts besides, to keep them at bay.

The fragrant flowers, murmuring brooks

The singing of the birds from every nook

Where devas and mortals worship the sacred tooth

Gives Kandy a paradise look.

Fancy free people, gentle and kind

Lead simple lives in Kandyan pride

The climate is cool, but the sun shines bright

Make visitors feel cosy, fine and nice.

The Peradeniya Gardens near varsity site

The river Mahaweli flows gently by

These are the sights that please the eye

Where else do we get these enchanting sights?

Kandyan ‘Menikes’ bewitchingly fair

In Kandyan sari, with parted hair

In hundreds they come to the Esala Fair

Making Lotharios, simply stand and stare.

Their coy, shy, side glancing smile

Hip-swaying walk makes one sigh and pine

This sight of damsels passing by

Heightens the beauty of this blessed Isle.

The name of courageous Madduma Bandara

The fierce battle at Gannoruwa

The unique Kandyan architecture

Adds lustre to the island’s ancient culture.

Days, weeks, months and years may pass

But Kandy’s beauty will always last

It will never be a thing of the distant past

As the Sacred Tooth will religiously guard.

Prof.  Rajiva Wijesinha, the Head of SCOPP (Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process) and now also Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights seems to be spending all his time writing articles attacking people who hold views contrary to his or defending himself from attacks from others.

His predecessor, Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala never stooped to this low  level of attacking people and also trying to show off his grasp of the English tongue. Does the Professor have no other work than to be issuing statements? I hope he is not being paid two salaries ( like somebody who drew two pensions) since even one salary is an absolute waste of tax payers’ money as he does not appear to be engaged in productive ‘peace’ work.

For all his rhetoric and brag  perhaps the Professor can tell us why he had to vacate the post of sub warden at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia inspite of his father being on the board of governors.

At least the Professor is a genuine Professor from Oxford unlike another from the same school who suddenly became one.

Colombo

One more to Murali-Mendis combo

All are praising Murali, Mendis and the century makers for the easy win over India. Yes indeed they played a major role to bring such an outstanding result and should be congratulated.

But there is a silent baby in the game as the 12th man, playing for both sides, who helped SL in a great way to win this game. This is the new born baby, the ‘Referral System.’ If not for this system, the result would have been different.

A word of thanks to the ICC for putting this system as a trial in this game. The majority of all referrals went in favour of Sri Lanka – no hard feelings for anyone.

Baby Referral did the job and he has come to stay. All cricketing circles would want this baby to grow up as a strong person who will help to bring out ‘real’ results in future matches.