“Monkey See, Monkey do:” A Rural Version Of The National Scene
Emil van der Poorten
If people think that urban models cannot be adapted to rural circumstances, I have an example that should dispel that myth quite conclusively!
Backhoe #1 at work with a dog seeming to ask “Monawa Karannada?”
The whole business of “Familial Rule,” with the active support of particularly less-savoury elements within the political firmament has constantly been thrust on the consciousness of the public of this country where probity and decency were considered the hallmarks of decent politicians in the years immediately following independence. Exceptions there were, even then, but that is precisely what they were, exceptions, and not the broad rule that they are today. In fact, what should have been exceptions have become completely a part of the ruling power structure that governs this country. Thieves, murderers, rapists and common-or-garden thugs have become part of the elite of Sri Lanka and at every level of government, it seems. Read More
The Biological Death Of Gamani Corea – A Farewell
Dr Gamani Corea “A gentleman par excellence”, as mentioned in the funeral oration by Dr Tissa Vitarana, and a son of the soil who rose to one of the highest international positions ever held by any Lankan is now ashes and dust. A trickle of people gathered for the last service for him, on strangely his Birthday. I am sure those of us who gathered there annually for a Birthday service and refreshments to share his gentle smile and few comments, felt a tug at the heart strings. The brilliant brain had gone into hibernation leaving only the amiability and that lovely full smile in the past few years. Malini Kotelalwala the ever constant supervisor of Horton Lodge (lately with largely clipped wings owing to circumstances rather than her health and defiant spirit) summoned us all every 4th of November be it rain or shine….
Dr. Gamani Corea
Horton Lodge was an open house for people from all walks of life. There was always food and drink and rest and conversation there. Two prime ministers of this country John Kotelawala who grew up there and Dudley Senanayake (who visited Gamani’s mother every day if he was in Colombo) were frequently seen there. You could say the house and its women (Alice K / Freda C) hosted the country’s unofficial planning and policy making always with the best interest of the country and people. Hot arguments between dissenting cousins like RG Senanayake the ever rebellious son of FR would have also helped streamline and shape the process. I for one consider myself privileged that young and raw as I was that a place would be cleared for me at the dining table always when I happened to be present. I benefitted much from the food and the lunchtime conversation.Read More
