Ex-Prez’s hotel bills; modesty of Indian PM; opinion on MPs by an expat Sri Lankan

There are many who feel sorry for him as the least evil when in absolute power in his family of power men. But we the people recollect the past. Pity he had to suffer, while others who did worse by Sri Lanka are living free, easy and in comfort. The master mind of his presidential bid and the previous spendthrift are well away. They are even coming out but highly protected and not yet in public.Unanimously, we admire Mrs Gotabaya R. She has been true and faithful and followed her husband in his travails. For her sake, we hope they can return to safety here or in the US.

Poor Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa becoming quite the wandering ex-Prez. He is far from homeless having a large home here down Pangiriwatte way and, reportedly, a truly palatial mansion in LA or California with two or three more owned large houses to select from over there. Now, where is he? Living off a suitcase in hotels, the governments of foreign countries he takes refuge in giving him limited time within their borders. Can you imagine a worse fate for a proud person who wielded such power since our civil war began and later, the power increased with him being the sole occupant of the pinnacle of Sri Lankan authority? But his stubbornness and wanting his own way even in matters governmental, aided and sycophantically encouraged by foolish/incompetent/self seeking advisors, he dug his own hapless future. The shame of it all, slinking from one country to another. The worst is the fear he has been imbued with, and home meaning Sri Lanka taboo as of now and the US not giving him a visa to return to that home.

There are many who feel sorry for him as the least evil when in absolute power in his family of power men. But we the people recollect the past. Pity he had to suffer, while others who did worse by Sri Lanka are living free, easy and in comfort. The master mind of his presidential bid and the previous spendthrift are well away. They are even coming out but highly protected and not yet in public.

Unanimously, we admire Mrs Gotabaya R. She has been true and faithful and followed her husband in his travails. For her sake, we hope they can return to safety here or in the US.But one certainty is that people with hubris and shot through with power and consider themselves above all else and invincible, should look at this ex-prez; there lies a warning example. Act foolish, you suffer; disregard, belittle others and lack humanity, you fall from a great height; act vile, evil comes to you as sure as the sun rises in the east or night follows day.

A question tossed around with fair fear is: who pays Gota‘s bills of suite occupation in ultra luxury star hotels? Not the government we hope, accompanied in the second breath by a vehement – why should we pay after all the damage done, especially to the entire agricultural sector, including tea, and beggaring farmers? He must pay his bills as the country pays ex-Prez’s and widowed spouses and offers them a home and security if and when they are resident on home turf. Incidentally this and pensions for MPs after just five years in Parliament are two very extravagant expenses that must be eliminated in the new constitution being drawn up.

India and its PM to be admired

India and Pakistan celebrated their 75th anniversaries of Independence from British rule and birth as a free nation respectively, on 15 August. India has progressed streets ahead in all spheres of a country’s wellbeing and for the benefit of its people. Battered, bruised and badly bloodied during partition, carrying a very heavy load of poverty and disease, ignorance and growing population, India is now so advanced that even the US approaches her seeking good relations with the power balancing sub-continent.

I invariably look forward to 15 August to relive memories of a sound and light show enjoyed at the Red Fort in Delhi and to watch Prime Minister Modi arriving to deliver his Republic Day speech. Ever since his first delivery of this momentous speech, I wait to see his headgear, remembering the elaborate red with mixed colours turban he wore that first time, a style representative of one indigenous culture of the vast country. This year he looked extra elegant in a white turban streaked in red and green patterned entirely different on one side where the turban was pleated. It had a long trailing scarf at the back, making Modi look plenty royal.

He has acted majestically magnanimous in donating the only bit of land he owned, No other assets except a mite of money. He has declared his assets and thus other MPs will have to follow suit. When ever will our 225 do this, and the R brothers, son and nephew?

Delayed Chinese ship received with aplomb

Wonder who ordered that the Yuan Wang 5 be rapturously welcomed to the Hambantota Port. Stupid, Cassandra labels the reception offered the controversial ship that almost launched a diplomatic row of offending either India or China and little Sri Lanka wedged uncomfortably between the two trying to maintain peace, show non-partisanship and act non-aligned. Orders were sent out delaying the ship’s arrival from 11 August to 15. And then the welcome reception by Chinese Embassy Staff and Lankan politicians. Of course, the former are to be expected on land in Hambantota to welcome its prime spying and intercepting –oops sorry – scientific ship, but what were our politicos doing in the reception line? For publicity? To gather benefit in whatever way? Mentioned in the newspaper is that MPs Dr G Weerasinghe, Vasudeva N, Sarath Weerasekera, Atureliye Rathana Thera and Wimal Weerawanse were present and WW even made a speech of welcome, no less. It must be mentioned however, that he made a very important point: “We hope China will help Sri Lanka in the form of investments and not loans.” Wimal W extended no begging bowl, rather a request for a helping hand and very wisely not charity but investment. He has promised plenty cheap petroleum fuels from Russia which will not be jeopardized by rendering honours to the Chinese.

Shame Blame

A must read for all: the public, politicians and particularly MPs, is a strong opinion vehemently expressed in The Island of Wednesday August 17 by Channaka Gooneratne of LA, Calif. He titles his opinion: Shame on today’s Opportunistic Politicians! echoing the sentiments we constantly expressed and now, after the initial Aragalaya, have hope that the shamelessness of politicians to grab opportunities for gathering illicit wealth, power, or currying favour with leaders or parties for self promotion, will be reduced. People are no longer abjectly fearful of shouting stop thief; you cannot get away with that crime; your powerful leader will not be able to extricate you from due punishment.

Channaka takes Harin Fernando as his example to explain his thoughts and opinions. No better choice than this time server and loud mouth. Channaka ends his excellent expose thus: “They (the public) see you as unintelligent, opportunistic, third rate politicians. Please do not forget that, EVER.” We totally agree and can get an entire thesaurus of words to depict their stupidity, venality and selfishness.Cassandra says no more, until she comes out with more crit next Friday. Bye for now!