Rallies and police brutality along with a shaky rise from hiding; and two slim slivers of silver in the sky

People, mostly well-groomed and decent, gathering at Gotagogama on Saturday, October 9, to commemorate the inauguration of the peaceful protest on April 9 against the then rulers of the land – principally the Rajapaksa family of Prez, PM, several Ministers and of course legions of hangers on drooling in servitude waiting to pick up crumbs. People had brought their children, even babes in arms. Then swooped down dressed-for-battle police persons in large numbers. One would have thought they were prepared to tackle a mutiny, not a mere commemorative gathering. Mayhem resulted. One is sure that if left unattacked, the protestors would have registered their remembrance of the start of the originally peaceful aragalaya, and gone home. It seemed to be the usual family visit to Galle Face Green for fresh air, room for children to romp around and a mite of respite from the eternal struggle to exist that is now the norm for most people. The use of strongarm tactics was not necessary, but it occurred; proving the police no longer protect the people they are paid to do, nor maintain peace, at least no conflict. They are out to instill fear in the people, repress them and attempt having them protesting no longer. Contrary to this aim of those above the police who dictate terms, this kind of blatant harassment of persons protesting about genuine grave grievances, and manhandled, will lead to real trouble.

The threat of complete anarchy is clearly discerned; important persons and organisaiton have warned the government to resist using strong arm tactics unnecessarily; it will sure bring about more protests with violence ensuing.

The police had every right to be on the alert, but away from the scene. They exceeded their duty by attacking the protestors on October 9 and again on October 18 when the IUSF started a protest which was peaceful from Kelaniya Uni.After October 9, a hue and cry resulted from a father holding up a red trouser-clad small child. This was labeled by some as holding the child as a shield to defend himself. TV record of the incident was very different: the father seemed to be lifting him up to save the kid from the pressing of the police attacked crowd. If you hold a human shield to protect yourself, the shield is held against your chest. Another incident recorded was of police women grabbing a young woman very roughly ignoring completely the small girl with her. The child was not only terrified but crushed in the melee.

Of course, the parents with children should have moved away when the police starting manhandling the crowd. But isn’t Galle Face Green a space for family recreation? Also, the benefit of doubt should be given the two parents: they could have come for an evening stroll and fresh air and were not aware of the commemorative gathering of people.

Comment on editorial

The editor of The Island is always spot on in his daily comment. Additionally, he says it as it should be said – factually and boldly. On Monday October 10, he titled his editorial as When severed heads bite, and maintained the metaphor of certain ex-govt bods being vicious snakes.

First truth stated: The SLPP lost the presidency due to public protests, but its ‘head’ has retained the bite reflex, and continues to sting fiercely as evident from numerous corrupt deals, the on-going witch-hunt against anti-govt protestors, and the ouster of the Chairmen of COPE and COPA. He writes about a rally held in Kalutara organised by Rohitha Abeygunawardena, an abject supporter of the R family. Jeffrey’s cartoon pictorially shows who is the master mind of this testing-the-water resurgence: a shawl bedecked black kaputa – Kaak Kaak! Rohitha shed tears. Cass hears crocodiles are proliferating in our swamps and rivers. And why the tears? Bemoaning the ingratitude of people forgetting the Father, Son and Brethren who did so much for the country. You can interpret ‘so much’ as you think fit; Cass adds the word ‘damage’.

Son and heir Namal R was on a house to house campaign in Suriyawewa; stroking kids’ heads, patting elders on the back, chatting solicitously. Aney, so sweet, chile! Cass did not hear what he said, maybe that all are suffering until he and his kith and kin return to power.

A rally of so-called supporters of the Pohottu Party was also held Upcountry, more recently, organised by Mahindananda Aluthgamage. We remember his effigy set on fire by farmers several times over, with, Cass is certain, curses that the real was not available for burning. He categorically denied sharing the blame for banning chemical fertilizers et al, while being such a yes man and acolyte of Prez Gotabaya. He stopped short of denying knowing about it, like MPs have averred they did not know the country was burning economically. Idiots not to even hear rumours.

Second truth in the editorial: The question however is whether the ruling party politicians care two hoots about the ordinary people’s tears. Namal did not cry but shone forth in a shiny shirt. Nice, no? He pontificated at fair length at the Nawalapitiya rally. Barring supporters, all Sri Lankans will shout a shattering NO to this rhetorical question posed by the Editor. These politicians brought us our tears, hunger, lack of medicines, malnutrition of the majority of poorer children, and they have the gall and gumption to reappear on stages campaigning for another round of ruling. Of course, one never knows, recognizing full well our people who are easily bribable to sing hosannas and vote for a paltry pittance.

Third truth: Abeygunawardena should be asked what he did for a living before entering politics, and how he raised funds for the acquisition of the assets which the Helmet Brigade destroyed in May. The arsonists must be apprehended and punished. Plenty work for the police instead of attacking peaceful protestors. But even more emphatically do the people say: pay no compensation for those whose houses were torched. Most, except Ranil W, came to politics with no means, no riches at all. Saving on salaries and perks can never account for the wealth they acquired.

Woman swindler

Sir Lanka is a great copycat; not the good from other countries but evil and crime. Latest is about Thilini Piyamali, who swindled greedy men out of their money, working from a posh office. Cass remembers that in her youth she heard that Chicago was the centre of crime. She now feels we have far exceeded that city in the extent of corruption and crime over here and the variety of it. VIPs are supposed to be busy trying to haul her out, not for her sake, most certainly, or through chivalry but to save their skins, because they not only had financial dealings with her hoping to recoup much more than invested, but wanted and had, we suppose, intimacy. Their strategy is enjoy, even exploit and discard. Facades have to be maintained, though most of the country knows about their dilly dalliances.

Silver linings to the thunderous clouds of doom and gloom

Render heartful thanks! Sing hossanahs of praise! Laud the glorious winners!

Shehan Karunatillaka, by winning the 2022 Booker Prize for the best English novel, has brought this little island such honour and prestige. Started in 1969, it became the Man Booker Prize from 2002 to 2019 and has reverted to being known as the Booker Prize. Shehan won it for his macabre but described as “searing, mordantly funny satire set amid the murderous mayhem of a Sri Lanka beset by civil war.” Its protagonist Maali Almeida – photographer, gambler and closet queen – finds himself dead and in a group of also recently dead characters “in what seems like a celestial visa office.” The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida places us firmly on the map of prestige. Shehan was not only handed his prize by Queen Consort Camilla but also pecked on both cheeks. The best was his speech of acceptance in English, Sinhala and Tamil, mentioning how our country is now horrors-stricken; but not forever.

Yupun Abeykoon received the Bronze Medal in Birmingham for the 100 metre dash, the most difficult of athletic competitive items to Cass, just 4 seconds behind the winner. Great!

Let you, Cass and others who moan a country that has been brought to the depths, take courage and hope from these successes. Push the corrupt off our minds but remembering to beat them at the next election. Let’s celebrate our WINNERS!