Gloom and doom continue

The two disastrous conditions in the title this Friday prevail in our Paradise stolen. Note: Cass does not say ‘lost’ which goes with the term Paradise, the other being ‘regained’. Our paradise was stolen by a certain set of brothers and their henchmen, the principal one being the ex-Gov of the CB. They sent Paradise descending to the depths of existence for at least 95% of Sri Lankans. There is absolutely no need to elaborate. And the worst slap was a message that went along that the Kaputa was in waiting for the top job in the island. True or false, Cass does not know but why else stick around in this sunken hole when the summer sun of US or LA or whichever place, shines brightly.

The lowest depths of depravity

It is unbelievable that a family friend could kill a little girl after failing to rape her; killing only to silence her. And kill her by holding her head down in a marsh; suffocation being one of the most tortuous of deaths. Death was the easier way out for this father of two, who were playmates of the girl he so fiendishly killed. That really is symptomatic of the depths our country citizens have descended to.

We have overlooked extra judicial murders; killing of about 300 and injuring more in churches and hotels, for a reason now outed. No punishments, at all. Cass believes that all women in Sri Lanka and most men deplore how the rugger player was murdered and his murder made to look like an accident in a very slip shod manner since true culprits would never be known, never ever meted out due punishment. Cass had not even glimpsed the young man who seemed to be pugnacious, but she still mourns his death as a mother and straight-thinking woman.

We must never forget these crimes; religions ask for forgiveness, not overlooking crimes.

Nineteen kids gunned down

Sri Lanka holds records for inhumanity and unthinkable-as-possible crimes and heights of political hubris, but heinous murders take place elsewhere in the world too. Sick rot is everywhere. Murders always took place but never before as now. I refer here to the killing of 19 little primary school kids of 7 to 9 years and two teachers in Robb Elementary School in Texas by a 19-year-old youth who shot his grandmother before he left on his mission of murder most foul. Another death has to be counted in – that of the husband of one of the teachers who was killed, who had lived happy for forty years together. The youth was shot dead by police persons, who are faulted for taking long to arrive at the school. President Biden with wife visited the place and met mourning parents. He vowed to tackle gun laws and restrict sale over the counter to any adult.

Ironically, on the day of the mass funeral – May 29 – the National Rifle Association (NRA) held its AGM in Texas with, most probably Donald Trump present. It had been hoped that the meeting would be postponed or shifted elsewhere. Not done, typifying the behaviour of the likes of Trump. The NRA lobbies against gun control, their sole reason being that the possession of a gun by an adult is self-preservation. They have remained unmoved by so many school shootings.

Canada was quick on the trigger, so to pun. A law has been passed freezing guns in people’s possession and making unlawful any gun sale/purchase/ exchange/transport.

Justice has been done

Sashi Weerawansa was sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment for obtaining a DPL passport with the submission of false documents. The punishment of two years for this offence seems too light; more so in the light of Ranjan Ramanayake serving four years imprisonment with hard labour for cocking a snook at a Court of Law. Of course, the Colombo Chief Magistrate, who convicted Mrs Weerawansa, was going strictly according to the law. Her appeal is being heard later. One wonders why ever she needed a special passport when a usual one would have taken her places.

She has been given bail. We are glad for the sake of her two children.

On a happier note of pure civilised behaviour

The Queen of Britain celebrates the Platinum Jubilee of her being on the throne of Great Britain and much more 70 years ago, only of Britain now. The coronation was on June 2, 1953 when she was 25 years old. This particular weekend, made longer with holidays, has been decreed as crux of year long Jubilee celebrations. Trooping of the Colour was yesterday – June 2 in celebration of her official birthday too and will have more than 1200 officers and soldiers from the Household Division with musicians et al. It is a 260-year-old annual event.

One traditional event is the lighting of beacons which were originally message conveyers, now celebratory. A beacon will be lit on the grounds of Buckingham Palace and 1200 all over the country and British Isles.

The world goes on even with celebration while we poor Sri Lankans are sunk in despair. We may have three meals a day but often the food sticks in our throats remembering the very many who are suffering hunger not only due to lack of money.

Even more inspiring

India was one of the worst hit countries by the C19 pandemic which was an epidemic over there with people dying on streets. And where is it now – one of the steadier countries economically and sought after by powerful nations. It is one of the Quad – alongside the US, Australia and Japan. Some may sneer saying it’s just to keep the Chinese at bay. Never forget however that Modi said he’ll combine with the Japanese PM to help Sri Lanka, attached strings or not. What we need now is mere survival.

One reason for India’s success is that it throws up superb patriots. One such less known in comparison to Gandhiji and Nehru was Dr Abdul Kalam (1931- 2015). He was India’s 11^th Prez in 2002 to 2007. One fact recently listened to was that 53 of his relatives and friends from Tamil Nadu wished to visit him. They stayed in the majestic Rashrapati Bhavan and were taken around. It was all billed and he paid more than 3 lakh rupees. Reflect on this in contrast to the utter extravagance of some of our leaders. A never to be forgotten fact is that Dr Kalam commissioned our Stanley Kirinde to paint his official portrait, telling him he wanted a small smile included rather than the usual stern look.

On that softened note Cass bids goodbye to you, hoping her next Friday’s chat will include cheer and hope. As a PS she notes that BBC had a news item streaming across the bottom as progremmes continued, which said: “Sri Lankan farmers asked to grow more rice.”

Absolutely rich! No person was named as requester. If it is GR, it will be even richer – the man who destroyed paddy cultivation in this former Granary of the East.