True independence or merely a term?

Just as Cassandra sat down to word process her weekly Cry on Tuesday, February 1, she heard fighter jets, or whatever stream pass, with a violent noise. This was heard for the past four days and it is in rehearsal for the great event on February 4, when we are supposed to celebrate our 74th Independence Day. Of course, it is now termed ‘National Day’, calling for national-mindedness and loyalty to the country. Cass has been hearing about shortages these days and feared petrol shortage too. So she supposes the fuel used by these streaking planes is available in great store; plenty to waste – oops sorry – plenty to play with in practice sessions. So must be the fuel for the buses that lined Marine Drive, seen a couple of days ago. The show must go on, whatever the circumstances.

Independence. Yes, it was first celebrated as throwing off the yoke of British colonial rule over the island and the granting or achieving of self rule, with no violence. That was something to celebrate and there was truth and justification of the meaning of the word ‘independence’. But as the years rolled by and restrictions came in; inequalities intensified and supremacy of one race or religion over another spoilt the wonderful unity in diversity we enjoyed and was internationally noted for in 1948, and for a short while thereafter. This parity was nurtured and actively promoted by the Father of the Nation as the government he ruled was secular and assured equal rights to all races and religions. The two PMs who followed: Dudley S and Sir John Kotalawela followed the previous leader. Fingers point, and justifiably, at SWRDB for most definitely bringing about Sinhala chauvinism through pancha maha balawegaya or ‘five great forces’. The nail in the coffin of true independence for Ceylon/Sri Lanka was the Sinhala Only Act. It discriminated against the Tamils and Tamil speaking Muslims, also against the Burghers who migrated to greener pastures, however sad to say goodbye to their island home. We Sinhalese too were discriminated against. Cass need not further dwell on the independence we feel, politically. As a society and individually our dependence/ independence lies on wise decisions of the government; our dependence on food availability at affordable prices; our rupee, as valuable as it was before the huge devaluation; knowing the country’s dependency on massive loans. These gnaw at our minds continually. Consequently, we are not independent of worry and deprivation.

Cass was one loyal bod who watched every single Independence Parade. Seeing the VVIPs arrive, the attire of the wives, and all that followed increased patriotism. She got emotional tears in her eyes when the bevies of schoolgirls and schoolboys rendered the national anthem, Jayamangala Gatha and the seekintg of gods’ blessings. An added pride and joy was hearing the National Anthem sung in Tamil during the Yahapalanaya government. No longer for sure; it was not sung in the two languages during the 2021 parade. The parades, which had more performers than armed forces and their vehicles, made anyone proud. Again no more.

This year, hearing that 6,000 armed forces personnel would parade, as well as armoured vehicles, has turned Cass off. She respects, almost reveres armed forces personnel but to sit watching so many march-pasts is not her cuppa. Surely, she is entitled to likes and dislikes? This grand march of showing off military strength is reminiscent of the ‘patriotic shows’ in North Korea. And why exhibit armour when India and Pakistan are so much superior? Children should not be exposed to the virus moving around freely, so we will be glad to note their absence in the Parade.

But now February 4 is named ‘National Day’. Its meaning? “A day having significance for, and usually celebrated throughout a nation”. Is it such a day for us Ordinaries right now? No. Consider the farmers’ legitimate protests; housewives’ daily battle to make ends meet; food shortages prophesied; the fear that essential medicines will not be available due to the dollar crunch; rotten egg throwing and hooliganism taking hold.

A thinker Cass met recently asked what the four most significant issues are in present day Sri Lanka. Our answers were vague. His answer: Corruption, the economy, the decline and breakdown of national systems, and the exodus of Sri Lankan youth to developed countries. Cartoonist Jeffrey had a fine depiction of another of the present worrying significances – the judiciary (in the light of impunity) in The Island of Wednesday, February 2.

Virulently, viciously prevailing and spreading alarmingly. But silver linings are discernible in the world sky. Ten countries including Britain, Sweden, Spain, Singapore and Japan have lifted COVID-19 restrictions. The last two countries in the list acts as a go-ahead beacon that notifies that we have to live with this virus and probably treat it like the common flu. Cass hopes the email ‘report’ she quotes here was genuine news and not the fake stuff that floats around.

A strong recommendation for the prevention of contracting the virus is gargling with a warm solution of salt. An alkaline base is anathema to the clinging and proliferation of the cursed virus.

Brexit promoting Boris Johnson seems to believe his begging pardon of Parliament and supposedly of the Brit people, for attending a couple of 10 Downing Street parties during the 2020 lockdown, has given him a reprieve from the call for his resignation. Most of us feel the fault he is blamed with is comparatively minor and the demand for his resignation from the premiership far too drastic.

So it’s bye for now. Celebrate National Day and watch the Parade which took so many days of rehearsal and road closures. Gun toting officers were even seen on bylanes of placid Colombo 7. Who’s afraid of what? Me thinks, muses Cassandra, we Ordinaries need to be afraid. Goons are roaming, not merely slyly pelting rotten eggs and stones but out in the open, even in ministerial vehicles as per the Ragama Medical Faculty incident, reported in newspapers of Thursday, 3 February. Nationalism? Independence? Self rule?

Hope rotten eggs will be correctly disposed of and not surreptitiously toted by stooges and in ‘lady’ Municipal Counsellor’s handbags. What a come down for the Sri Lankan Woman!

We already have lost faith and trust in the hoi polloi who dance to pulled strings with carrots or favours dangled before them, but had faith in our women.

A most wonderful country ours is, to be celebrated and honoured on National Day, but horribly sullied by Man who is vile.