Democracy, Nomocracy & The Oligarchy

By Mass L. Usuf –JULY 7, 2017

Mass Usuf

“The kind of president (and Prime Minister) we need has little to do with ideology and more to do with a willingness to wield power to moral ends.”― George Friedman, The Next Decade: What the World Will Look Like.  (Addition in parenthesis is mine).

Democracy is a system of government by the people typically through elected representatives.  According to political scientist Larry Diamond, democracy consists of four key elements: (a) A political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; (b) The active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life; (c) Protection of the human rights of all citizens, and (d) A rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.

In Sri Lanka, the Constitution states that the legislative power of the People shall be exercised by Parliament, consisting of elected representatives of the People and by the People at a Referendum. (See Article 4 (a)).

To this extent, Sri Lanka is a practising democratic nation.

The Rule of law implies that every citizen is subject to the law, including lawmakers themselves. In Latin Lex, Rex (The Law is the King) as Samuel Rutherford (1644) would have it.  Our Constitution states:

“All persons are equal before the law and are entitled to the equal protection of the law”. (12 (1)).

In this sense, it stands in contrast to an autocracy, dictatorship, or oligarchy where the rulers are held above the law. A government based upon the rule of law is called Nomocracy.

Oligarchy on the other hand is a model where power rests and is wielded by a minority or a small number of people. This can be a form of control by a noble class, a family or religious authority.

Article 3 of the Constitution reads, “In the Republic of Sri Lanka sovereignty is in the People and is inalienable. Sovereignty includes the powers of government, fundamental rights and the franchise”.

The Constitution further states that the Sovereignty of the People shall be exercised and enjoyed through the legislative power of the People exercised by Parliament, the executive power exercised by the President elected by the People and the judiciary. (vide. Article 4).

These are universally accepted as solid principles of democracy and governing pillars of modern civilised society.   It is very clear from the above that at least constitutionally, there is no place in this country for a small number of people, whoever they are, to have control, influence, direct or command in an oligarchic fashion the affairs of the State.

Responsibility Of The Government

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Rising populations and decreasing resources

 2017-07-08

Tuesday, July 11 is the United Nations World Population Day which seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. The day was officially proclaimed by the then-Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989, an outgrowth of the interest when the world population reached five billion, on July 11, 1987.  

According to the UN, around 225 million women who want to avoid pregnancy are not using safe and effective family planning methods, for reasons ranging from lack of access to information or services to lack of support from their partners or communities. Most of these women with an unmet demand for contraceptives live in 69 of the poorest countries.  

The UN says, access to safe, voluntary family planning is a human right. It is also central to gender equality and women’s empowerment and is a key factor in reducing poverty. Investments in making family planning available also yields economic and other gains that can propel development.  

This year’s World Population Day coincides with the Family Planning Summit, which aims to expand access to voluntary family planning to 120 million additional women by 2020, the UN says.  

According to a world populations website with the dawn of the agriculture era about 8000 B.C., the world population was about five million. Over the 8,000-year period up to 1 A.D. it grew to 200 million though some estimates put it at 300 million or even 600 million, suggesting how imprecise population estimates of early historical periods can be with a growth rate less than 0.05% a year. During the 20th century alone, the world population has grown from 1.65 billion to six billion. In 1970, there were roughly half as many people in the world as there are now. Because of declining growth rates, it will now take more than 200 years to double again.  

This year, the world population has reached 7,515,284,153. This month, the world population was estimated at around 7.5 billion. The UN projects that the world population will reach 10 billion by 2056.
According to a recent study based on the 2010 world population of 6.9 billion, there were 2,173,180,000 Christians or 31% of the world’s population. Some 50% were Catholic, 37% Protestant, 12% Orthodox, and 1% other. There were some 1,598,510,000 Muslims (23%), of whom 87-90% were Sunnis, 10-13% Shia. Some 16% had no religious affiliations while there were 1,033,080,000 Hindus (15%), the overwhelming majority (94%) of whom lived in India. There were 487,540,000 Buddhists (7%), of whom half lived in China. According to a world population research centre, the religious profile of the world is rapidly changing, driven primarily by differences in fertility rates and the size of youth populations among the world’s major religions, as well and by people switching faiths. Over the next four decades, Christians will remain the largest religious group, but Islam will grow faster than any other major religion.  

If current trends continue, by 2050, the number of Muslims will nearly equal the number of Christians around the world.  

Atheists, agnostics and other people who do not affiliate with any religion – though increasing in countries such as the United States and France – will make up a declining share of the world’s total population.  The global Buddhist population will be about the same size it was in 2010, while the Hindu and Jewish populations will be larger than they are today.  

India will retain a Hindu majority but also will have the largest Muslim population of any country in the world, surpassing Indonesia.  By yesterday, the population of Sri Lanka was 20,906,672, based on the latest United Nations estimates.  

India is expected to become the largest country in population size, surpassing China by 2022, while Nigeria could surpass the United States by 2050. This years’ UN theme is “Family Planning: Empowering People and Developing Nations.” We also need to remember the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi who said, the world has more than enough to meet every persons’ need, but not the greed of some people in the context where nine of the world’s super billionaires have more wealth than 50% of the worlds’ population.  

Anunayake Thera tells Gota not to jump the gun

Print Edition-Saturday, July 8, 2017

Slams Dinesh for speeches with no basis:

The Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thera told former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa that opposition to the proposed Constitution has no basis.

“It is akin to making a horoscope for an unborn baby,” the Anunayake Thera said, stating that the opposition to a Constitution for which a draft has not been finalised is futile.

Rajapaksa met the Prelate to recieve blessings yesterday after visiting and paying homage at the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter visiting the Mahanayakes of the Asgiriya and Malwathu Chapters.

The Anunayaka Thera said it was futile protesting a proposed Constitution for which there is no draft let alone it being adopted.

The Anunayaka Thera further said that he watched Joint Opposition leader Dinesh Gunawardena speaking aggressively in Parliament and that the speeches made by him lacked substance.

“We met the President and we infomred him that they should pay heed to the sufferings of the common man. The cost of living has risen and people cant afford food,” the Anunayake Thera said. 

Sagala counters President’s tirade against police

Minister Ratnayake addressing the media at Temple Trees

by Shamindra Ferdinando-July 7, 2017, 10:23 pm 

Law and Order and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayake, MP, has stoutly defended the police in the wake of President Maithripala Sirisena’s onslaught against them at the last Cabinet meeting.

Addressing the media at the Temple Trees on Thursday (June 6), Minister Ratnayake emphasised that he had fulfilled his responsibilities 100 per cent and was satisfied with the performance of the institutions under him.

The UNPer said so in response to questions regarding President Maithripala Sirisena’s claim that the police had failed in their duty.

Co-Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said he had asked the President to take over those institutions which had failed to haul up at least a single former SLFP heavyweight before courts for bribery and corruption.

The UNP and the SLFP shared defence and law and order portfolios with President Maithripala Sirisena taking defence and Ratnayake receiving law and order in addition to Southern Development.

Minister Ratnayake, who is also the Chief of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's staff, didn't mince his words when he said that unsubstantiated allegations were being directed at law enforcement authorities.

Temple Trees called Thursday's briefing to explain the objectives of a three-day SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) meeting in Colombo commencing from July 11.

Minister Ratnayake said that though he was confident that he had carried out his duties and functions properly in the present capacity, he was ready to accept any other portfolio.

Fielding more questions from journalists, Minister Ratnayake said he would call a separate briefing to explain the situation with permission from President Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Minister Ratnayake declared that he didn't have anything to hide and was concerned about his self-respect. The institutions tasked with investigations and the follow-up action had been free to operate without political interference, he added. The government expected them to function independently and as the minister in charge of the portfolio he wouldn't under any circumstances interfere in their work.

However, the civil society organisation that campaigned for Maithripala Sirisena and the UNP at January and August 2015 presidential and parliamentary polls, respectively, yesterday backed President Sirisena’s condemnation of the police. However, the grouping rejected President Sirisena's assertion that he could achieve success within three months in case failed institutions were placed under him.

Gamini Viyangoda of Purawesi Balaya told The Island that the top UNP and SLFP leadership had caused irreparable damage to the yahapalana cause by not heeding their advice.

The National Movement for Just Society (NMJS) and Purawesi Balaya had repeatedly requested President Sirisena to strip Ratnayake and Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakse of their portfolios, Viyangoda said. Those ministers had interfered in investigations and in some instance went out of their way to protect those who had been in power before, he added. The civil society activist said President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe couldn't absolve themselves of responsibility for the current sorry state of affairs. Responding to a query, Viyangoda said: "Ministers in charge of law and order as well as Justice are responsible for the inordinate delay in bringing high profile investigations to a successful conclusion. We have requested at least on six occasions to remove Ratnayake and Rajapakse this year."

Viyangoda said civil society felt that President Sirisena shouldn't take over those so-called failed institutions, including the Attorney General's Department. He recalled that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had brought the Attorney General's department under the latter’s purview.

Viyangoda also pointed out what he called the absurdity of the government accommodating UNP National List MP and former Attorney General Tilak Marapana in the Cabinet in spite of his close relationship with the Avant Garde Maritime Services (AGMS) under a cloud. He added that yahapalana leaders should be ashamed of accommodating former foreign affairs minister Rohitha Bogollagama. "Having condemned waste and irregularities under the previous regime, the government has appointed Bogollagama the Governor of the Eastern Province," he said.

The civil society member hailed the recent appointment of Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake as the army commander, Kapila Waidyaratne, PC, and former Additional Solicitor General as the Defence Secretary and experienced civil servant Austin Fernando as the Secretary to the President. "Why on earth, did President accommodate Bogollagama, a person rejected by people at the last general election in August 2015?" Viyangoda said that those rejected by people shouldn't be accommodated through National List in parliament or given key posts.

Lakshan Dias claims to have factual evidence

By Shaahidah Riza

Human rights lawyer Lakshan Dias asserted that he has factual evidence of churches being intimidated by hate groups and that he can, when necessary, produce evidence to support his claim. He went on to note that the mainstream media is biased and distorts facts, thus incidents of hate crimes are either under reported or distorted. Dias recently came under scrutiny when Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe accused him of concocting stories of attacks on places of worship and threatened to remove him from the legal profession. Since then Rajapakshe has come under fire from law makers and politicians alike for his statement which was deemed irresponsible and does not befit the position of a Justice Minister.

Excerpts of the interview with Lawyer Lakshan Dias:

?: Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe has drawn a lot of criticism over his behaviour. Yet, the Government has not taken any action in this regard. What is your view? Did the minister apologise to you?

A: What the Minister is uttering is baseless and it's all his own finding, whereas what I said was based on facts that were assimilated by the National Council of Evangelical Alliance in relation to their member churches and other churches that they work with. There are few more attacks that took place on non-NCEASL churches as well and I appear on behalf of some of those churches as well. So the numbers can be higher than what NCEASL reports indicated. Therefore, I stand by what I said and we have our own way of looking at the gravity of the attacks. If the Minister confuses Catholics with Evangelicals, it's his problem.

Further his sinister campaign against me coupled with foul mouthed comments and threats cannot be accepted and the UNP must sack him from the party and the Cabinet as well. Some UNP leaders and Yahapalana leaders too are of the same view. The Minister is a disgrace to the UNP, and the Government as whole, he has been accused by many sectors, including two Government Ministers over his conduct and it is unfortunate that he still remains in his position. We all respect Buddhism, but it's a disgrace that he holds such a Ministry. I strongly feel that the Minister must apologize to me immediately and I am not foolish to expect one within 24 hours. I will send a Letter of Demand and then also complain to the BASL over his attitude and reactions towards a lawyer. This needs to be inquired into as it is a violation of Professional ethics of Lawyers and he must be disbarred. I have already complained to BASL and sent another letter to them, after their 24th meeting, asking for action to be taken against the Minister. If this happens in a democratic country the minister has to resign but I am puzzled as to why Yahapalana Government still allows him to remain in his position.

?: The Asgiriya chapter criticized the Government through a strong statement in defence of BBS monk Gnanasara Thera. They conceded that the Thera's approach was wrong and that lay people cannot arrest a monk. Since the Asgiriya chapter doesn't condone the Thera's behavior isn't it the duty of the Asgiriya chapter to discipline the monks when they violate the law? So far they haven't done anything about it. What is your view?

A: All the bishops, the Cardinal, kurukkals and Maulavis are under the rule of law. The Rule of Law is prime, nobody is above the law or the law cannot be bent for anybody. There are no people in this country who are superior and above the law. Any culprit must be taken into custody according to the law. Law is supreme and therefore no authority, Chapter, Order, or denomination can stand against it. Anybody can have his or her opinion but we are all under the law. Even the President is within the ambit of the law, that's the uniqueness of the 19th Amendment. Neither the Police nor the Judicial officers should worry or seek instructions from any religious order to simply arrest anyone who violates the law. It's simple as it is and there are a lot of provisions in Sri Lankan laws for this. What is worrying is this is not happening, that's why I have to bring those issues to light. Intra religious matters are not my concern, especially with regard to others' religion. I do struggle for my church and I have a right to do so, but I don't like to comment on others' intra religious matters. If this happens in my church I will go to town with those facts.

?: The Bar Association passed a resolution, a few days ago indicating that you should name all the churches that were attacked. Will you be able to do that?

A: No such resolution was passed as per my information. I asked the BASL about it, when the newspapers reported it. So the BASL has to clarify, but I am sure about my sources. In my letter, I even requested the minutes of the Bar Council meeting of 24th June, as it's my right to ask for at least the content of their discussion. I also informed the BASL that when it is necessary I will submit all the needed information. Anybody can get it on the NCEASL website.

?: Churches, Mosques and other places of worship, of the minority communities are under reported. What is your view of the current state of the media?

A: The media is irresponsible. They have to report these incidents, but they don't. That's why I have to raise it and bring it to light.

There were certain incidents which were reported in the media, however the facts were distorted and biased. This is unacceptable, the media also succumbs to stereotypes so they can't see the reality as it is. When we report the attack on churches to the Police, they ask whether we are registered and they say that if we are not registered then that's the reason for our victimization. Victims have to be protected and they cannot be harassed. When someone goes to the police, the latter can't refuse to take the complaint, they have to accept it, but it is unfortunate that such things don't happen.

?: You quoted a report from the NCEASL. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said that no Catholic churches were attacked. If there is an anti-Christian sentiment, shouldn't catholic churches be attacked too? Don't you think you should have consulted the Cardinal as well prior to making the statement?

A: I generally don't like hierarchical leaders religious or otherwise, but the incumbent Pope - Francis, I love him. He initiated ecumenical work with Catholics, evangelicals and mainline churches like my church; Anglican and World Council of Churches (non-Catholic) so it's happening at that level. I don't need to consult the Cardinal as he is only the leader of Colombo Diocese of the Catholics, he is not the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference that's why he said that he can speak only about the Western Province. As far as he knows there are no such incidents. Catholics and Evangelists are very different groups and there is a big gap between them, until we all come onto a common platform we don't have to consult each other. I can expect the same from the Cardinal as well. In some cases Catholics are being accused of being perpetrators. A case filed by the Madhu road Police in the Mannar Courts, is one such example. There is a conflict between Catholics and Evangelists and we have to accept that in Sri Lanka the two parties don't work together. It's like the Shias and Sunnis. This may not be the best example but something like that. We worship the same God but practise two different rituals. So I, as an Anglican, don't need to consult anybody, other than my Bishop, the Bishop of Colombo. But, I never consulted him on my social activities as we are not slaves of our religions.

?: When evangelicalism is mentioned, it is always associated with fundamentalism. This was also raised by certain parties who criticized you. How will you respond to them?

A: I also have differences with Evangelicals. As an Anglican it's a different way of worship and liturgy etc, but it doesn't mean I can refer to them as fundamentalists. 'Fundamentalism' is used to describe them but I don't do so. Fundamentalism is contextual and needs to be looked into case by case and cannot be taken in a blanket description. Fundamentalism is prevalent in other religions too.
For example we have fundamentalism in all South Asian countries including Myanmar.

?: You have worked extensively in the field of reconciliation in the North and East. How will you rate this Government's progress?

A: I visited Jaffna in the North in April 1987, at the age of 19 as part of a goodwill mission during a ceasefire. Just before Operation Liberation. Since then and even before, I have to date stood for the rights of the Tamil People, but little has been done even though this Government is committed and has expressed its commitment. There is still more to do. Words must manifest in deeds. The fact is we hurt Tamil people and we hurt the Muslim people, but we have to live side by side. We can't fight with each other, therefore we have to listen to their reasonable demands. Devolution is a must. I belong to the student Christian Movement where we accepted the Rights of the Tamil people in 1976. I am bound by that tradition and extensively work with the Movement for Inter racial Justice and Equality (MIRJE) on these issues. So, I urge the Government and the President to come together to solve this problem so that we can live in peace and happiness and to do everything possible to avoid a repetition of the horrendous issues we experienced. As Sinhalese people we have to reconcile with Muslims, we have to reconcile with Tamils, Tamils have to reconcile with Muslims, Muslims have to reconcile with Tamils in the East, we all have to reconcile with estate communities and Burghers as we have totally neglected their language rights. This Government has a mandate to do so and they have taken many beneficial steps towards that and what we need is for it to continue. Nothing can be achieved overnight, we have to struggle for the next ten years but don't lose the commitment as that's important. We shouldn't live in denial like the Justice Minister, we should identify issues accept them and then correct ourselves.

By denying we won't achieve anything, we missed the bus but by accepting issues and taking measures to remedy it, we can win others and that's the very essence of reconciliation. I am a trained peace worker, and trained on reconciliation and transitional justice as well. So, if the Justice Minister would agree, I can coach him.

Taking back control of the country

Friday, 7 July 2017

The President this week said that anyone watching TV would feel there is no government. While some people may argue that it is a creation of some sections of the media and the opposition, some others would say it is the actual state of the country. Where there is no discipline or order and often decisions are not thought through by people of substance.

The President and the Prime Minister must take control of the country. For a start before unveiling the big stuff, the hygiene issues like the garbage and health risks in the city, must be addressed. Someone must be entrusted to take back Colombo City, which is now dubbed ‘The Garbage City’.

We have a situation that looks like many things are totally out of control. The country needs decisive leadership and leaders who put the country first to address many of the issues we are currently facing.

For example, if SriLankan Airlines is so badly managed as some Government Ministers claim, the President and the Prime Minister must hold those people in charge responsible for their action, if found guilty they should be sacked. The airline belongs to the public, not to a handful of private shareholders.

We often refer to the late Lee Kuan Yew. Many years back he told a group of civil servants “Don’t change ‘No’ to ‘Yes’. Don’t be a fool. If there is a good reason why it is ‘No,’ it must remain ‘No’,” but tell the public politely.

In 2011, I listened to Lee Kuan Yew officially launch his book titled ‘Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going’ at the St Regis Singapore. He spoke passionately of the need to promote meritocracy. Undoubtedly, his uncompromising stand for discipline, consistency, meritocracy, efficiency and education during his tenure as Prime Minister transformed Singapore into one of the most prosperous nations in the world. He is unquestionably, one of the outstanding world leaders of the last hundred years.

Few leaders have so far matched Mr Lee’s achievement in propelling Singapore from Third World to First World. Moreover, he managed it against far worse odds: no space, no water, beyond a crowded little island; no natural resources; and, as an island of polyglot immigrants and not much shared history.

Some people have dismissed the relevance and transferability of the Singapore experience with the off-hand remark that Singapore is too small to offer any lessons of value to larger countries. Tell that to the world’s two most populous countries that Singapore doesn’t matter – that its mindset and psyche of governance is not scalable, for example India declared a day of mourning at the passing of Lee Kuan Yew and the reiteration by the Chinese leaders that China emulated many of Singapore’s policies after Deng Xiaoping’s visit to Singapore in November 1978.

Unlike Lee’s friend Deng Xiaoping, Lee worked on a small canvas and demonstrated that an impoverished country can turn into a flourishing one with strong and engaged leadership. Singapore’s per capita income in 1959 was about $400, today it is in excess of $56,000 and has reserves of over $ 343 billion.


The importance of leadership 

Lee Kuan was perhaps the last of that generation of leaders who guided their countries through the challenges and turmoil of decolonisation to independence. It is hard now to recall how difficult and challenging those times were for Singapore. He brought Singapore into being a sovereign independent state against the background of the fight against communism in the Malayan Emergency, the contest with Sukarno’s Indonesia in Confrontation, the bitter split from the union with Malaysia, and Britain’s strategic withdrawal from Asia.

He found himself leading a country deeply divided on religious and ethnic lines, surrounded by powerful potential enemies, with a weak economy and no natural resources at all. Those who criticise the authoritarian style of government he developed to deal with all these issues need to consider the scale of the challenges Singapore faced.

Lee’s PAP offered the people of Singapore an implicit deal: in return for accepting his system of politics, he offered them stability, security, clean government and prosperity. And he delivered on that deal way beyond anyone’s wildest dreams — including perhaps his own. Lee demonstrated that superior performance requires superior leadership. Lee demanded of leaders both intellectual and moral superiority.

Contrary to modern Western democratic theory that emphasises citizens’ participation in governance, his views were closer to Plato’s conception of the “guardians,” or China’s historical Mandarins. Through all this he demonstrated that good government is only possible when leaders put the public good unquestionably above their own personal interests.


The legacy of Lee Kuan

Singapore today has the third highest per capita GDP of USD in the world, measured in PPP terms, behind only Qatar and Luxembourg. It is 50% higher than Switzerland’s, and double of Australia’s. That is the scale of his achievement.

There can be few examples in history of such an outstandingly successful nation created so completely by the vision, will and leadership of a single individual. Mr. Lee was a firm believer in meritocracy. He would often say, “We decide what is right. Never mind what the people think,” as he put it bluntly in 1987.

His Government’s ministers were the world’s best-paid, to attract talent from the private sector and curb corruption. He had no place as he often said for, fossils and dinosaurs. Corruption did indeed become rare in Singapore. Like other crime, it was deterred in part by harsh punishments ranging from brutal caning for vandalism to hanging for murder or drug-smuggling. Singapore’s objective of attracting foreign investment was in tune with its education policy and its manpower policy. As Mr. Lee also said: “Between being loved and feared, I have always believed Machiavelli was right. If nobody is afraid of me, I’m meaningless.”

Lee Kuan Yew, the man behind modern Singapore clearly left a political legacy behind that demonstrated beyond doubt that superior and moral leadership can turn an impoverished country into an economic powerhouse and the ultimate test of the value of political leadership is whether it helps a society to establish conditions which improve the standard of living for the majority of its people. In the final analysis, we like to hear the President or Prime Minister saying like PM Lee often said during the 1964 economic and political crisis in Singapore, “Don’t worry we have taken control of the situation” and then demonstrate that with solid results.


(The writer is a thought leader.)

Is it necessary to nurse, nurture and feed a ‘Maithri dragon’ to escape from MR ? President bringing Police and AG under him is a horrendous joke.!

(Lanka-e-News - 08.July.2017, 2.25AM) The president said on the 4 th at the Cabinet meeting  that if the law and order ministry and the Attorney General’s department are entrusted to him, he would show how to seize the rogues before three months elapse , cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne at the media briefing recounted  at the  meeting to reveal the cabinet decisions. Rajitha went on to say he expressed his  consent at that very moment. Irrespective of what revelations the rumors and idle gossips made   , Lanka e news   reported that the president is moving heaven and earth during the past several months to bring the law and order ministry, and the Attorney General’s (AG)  department under him .The police  and a number of related departments  come under the purview of the law and order ministry , whose minister is Sagala Ratnayake . Indeed the methods and modes followed by Sagala to bring the crooks and the corrupt before the law  had been most controversial and dubious from our point of view.  

May we recall Lanka e news  earlier on reported  with great concern that about 100 files forwarded to the AG’s department after conclusion of investigations by the CID and FCID are languishing there without cases being filed. Although the  statement made by the president seems  well intentioned, it is not. Hence it is our  duty in the best interests of the masses to delve deeper into it .

Though we have no personal issues in relation to Maithripala Sirisena , as a pro good governance group we are against the theory  of the president to bring the law and order ministry, and the AG’s department under him. This is because when  the urgent need is to abolish the Executive powers of the president, this change on the contrary will only  further augment those powers .

It is well to recall late president J. R. Jayawardena the founder of the executive presidency did not have the defense ministry under him. His defense minister was Late Lalith Athulathmudali. Late Premadasa who was J.R.’s successor broke with  the tradition and took over the defense minister post  . Yet after introducing a state defense minister post appointed Ranjan Wijeratne as the minister .  Thereafter he carried on the functions smoothly after delegating all those  duties to Ranjan Wijeratne.

Former president Chandrika Bandaranaike too followed  the same route .  Though she had the defense ministry under her name it was her uncle Anurudha Ratwatte who carried out all the duties at defense ministry as deputy defense  minister. It is also significant to note, not a single  ex president  mentioned abovementioned  brought the AG’s department under him/her

It was Machiavellian  despotic ex president Mahinda Rajapakse the  evil personified who brought all those under his control thereby changing the entire political and Democratic landscape to the detriment of the country . He grabbed everything and became a despot. It is a well and widely known fact he even  totally overturned the legal traditions and brazenly disregarded the rule of law. That is something  that  everybody knows , and will endorse.  

Theory behind the opposition …

The Rainbow revolution emerged victorious on 2015-01-08 after saying the executive presidency will be abolished within 100 days of capturing   power . If that promise was fulfilled duly there cannot be an executive president today. Hence based on our theory , Maithripala Sirisena who became president in order to abolish the executive presidency , continuing as executive president now is unethical , unacceptable and against the wishes of the people.

The executive presidency while having all the three forces  under it  is divested of the police force not without reason or for   nothing . A  civil ministry being  allocated in the name of law and order , and  bringing the police force under the independent commissions is a great  Democratic  move. It is with the view that the police force shall have a civil character and not military this measure was taken . 

In that backdrop, the police force being brought under the executive president who is also  the commander in chief of the forces is a regressive step , and an usurpation of  the democracy  won on 2015-01-08. In the same way , bringing the AG’s department under the Executive president too is to tread the same despotic   path. That is , to follow  the same odious and rejected route of deposed ,discarded ,despotic Rajapakse. The pro good governance masses personally may not be with president Maithripala , yet at the cabinet meeting on the 4 th , the theory proposed  before the cabinet should have been rejected in toto. 

Opposing sans personal  reasons

Let us analyze whether president Maithripala Sirisena would personally initiate  measures against the corrupt in keeping with his brags  , his proposed theory notwithstanding .

1. It is Malith Jayatileke the national list M.P. and not us who disclosed that Maithripala Sirisena within a few hours of his becoming the president negotiated a deal with Gotabaya Rajapakse after meeting him  at the residence of Mahinda Amaraweera. This is mentioned in the essays of the book ‘ January 8 th that  I witnessed’ of Malith Jayatileke.  Curiously  this revelation has not been contradicted by Maithripala until today.

2. It was only ex Bribery commissioner Dilrukshi Dias Wickremesinghe who hauled up Gotabaya Rajapakse before the Commission . Interestingly and intriguingly it was the same president Maithripala who is trying to bring the AG’s department and the law and order ministry  under him now who got cold feet no sooner than he heard Gota had been hauled up before court.  He panicked so much so that he blurted out ‘ war heroes are being taken without my knowledge’ , while relating   his infamous  ‘cyanide theory’ story. 

Some days later it was Maithripala himself who retracted his statement shamelessly , by saying  , ‘ It was not Gotabaya I was referring to.’ This deplorable denial was given credence to only by Maithripala and his former media secretary Nimal Bopage. If Maithripala truly was antagonistic  to the corrupt culprits , when Dilrukshi tendered her resignation folowing Maithripala’s abhorrent utterance , the president could have refused to accept her resignation. Strangely , the president did not do that , thereby confirming  that he is not against the corrupt but with them. 

3. Unbelievably , the army officers who were responsible for the abduction and murder of Prageeth Ekneliyagoda, (one of our staff members)  were granted bail after the abominable ‘cyanide theory’ story of president .It was  president Maithripala who made a huge din that criminals are  ‘war heroes’, and said therefore  they should be considered as such and granted bail. What’s more ! these criminals were reinstated  in their posts by the president as defense minister flagrantly violating all the army regulations as well as government administrative and financial regulations.

Thereafter these suspects using their official powers intimidated  the witnesses , and crippled  all the investigations. It is Maithripala who should hold himself responsible for all those criminalities therefore. 

The  one who suffered most  in this ghastly ruthless murder was the victim  Prageeth’s wife, Sandya. When the latter requested the president  to give her an opportunity to meet him, she was never given an appointment even until today despite her repeated requests. Even UN general secretary realizing her plight gave  Sandya  an opportunity to meet her , but our own president of good governance had still not found the time . This  again bears testimony that  our president is with the criminals and not with the victims. 

There is  a long list of instances which  clearly proves that   president Maithripala  has extended protection to the corrupt and criminals  most outrageously.

The dangerous ‘joke’ that ought to be opposed

No matter who says what , it is president Maithripala Sirisena who has been giving calls to the FCID and CID , and exerting  pressures. We  have still not received a single report that the prime minister gave calls .The JVP will corroborate this . Since those departments have kept a record of the calls received , this is no secret.( We exposed these details earlier on , and recently a group of pro Mathri gossip mongers revealed this) 

We are having in our possession evidence to prove that Maithripala gave calls recently to the FCID to suppress the corruption crimes of Dilan Perera.  In addition we have  evidence which  confirms that Western province chief minister Isuru Devapriya went  along with culprit  Mahindananda Aluthgamage recently, and met the president to rescue the latter from the grave criminal charges against him . We have also all the evidence to attest  that the president gave a guarantee  he will help Aluthgamage  out. If he denies this accusation we can reveal the relevant audio tape to substantiate  our allegation.

It is in this factual and lurid  background we have revealed the afore-noted three main grounds . The latest shocking  rudely example which everyone is aware of is the appointment Maithripala  Sirisena  made  recently …. 

The president recently appointed  Rohitha Bogollagama a most notorious corrupt scoundrel of the Rajapakse era as the Eastern province Governor. Much worse than that was the ludicrous and ridiculous announcement made by  president Maithripala , a few hours after  that appointment . He said , punishment will be meted out to the corrupt and the criminals within three months after appointing  that notorious crook just a few hours prior to that announcement.  In the circumstances , are we to laugh at Maithripala Sirisena or mock at his antics and acrobatics ? Thankfully we haven’t the   mouth of Maithripala to glibly lie . We can therefore only laugh at him rather than laugh with him. 

UNP is not free from blame 

In any event we are not gainsaying the fact that  the ministry of law and order , as well as the ministry of justice (which includes the AG’s department)  of the UNP faction of the consensual government are not discharging the duties duly and efficiently or without any illicit deals.

It is we who reported  how P.M. Ranil Wickremesinghe met with corrupt discarded ex president Mahinda Rajapakse in Singapore , and about Sagala Ratnayake meeting with Gotabaya at the residence of a lawyer. In addition  we exposed how  minister of justice Wijedasa Rajapakse spoke to Kaduwela magistrate and requested not to remand Yoshitha Rajapakse (another crooked sibling  of ex president MR) , and that  if  the corrupt and crooks are to be punished this rascally minister should be changed . 

At the same time if anybody says  if this incompetent ministry is to be made efficient  it should be brought under the purview of the president nothing can be more nonsensical . The president is there to see to it , if a ministry is not functioning efficiently or duly to make it efficient and effective- not to bring everything under his purview.Maithripala who has not still abolished the executive presidency has those powers even now .

The president who is already having a number of ministries under his control , and is in a muddle and muddy puddle ,clearly unable to discharge those duties duly , seeking to take over some more responsibilities is not because he is capable of efficiently discharging them  or in the best interests of the people. Rather it is only another facet   of his political struggle and power greed which has surfaced.    It is unfortunate  we cannot elaborate those details  in this article  , however it is our conviction we will be failing in our duties towards the people if we do not reveal the Democratic  remedial measures that ought to  be taken pertaining to the inefficient ministries of Sagala and Wijedasa .

….Those can be made efficient without taking over

1. The ministers in charge of the two ministries - ministry of law and order , and ministry of justice should be compulsorily changed .  The president has every right to take appropriate action in that direction. 

2. As any change of ministries should be effected  along with the UNP leader after discussions , the president in the interim can change the two secretaries of the ministries, because the president has legal powers to do that.

3. The IGP dubbed Imbecile General of Police who has by now been confirmed as a koloma (eccentric) can be ordered to resign . Though president cannot dismiss the IGP, the former can explain the true situation to Poojitha in the best interests of the country , and appoint a new IGP .

4. The delays at the AG’s department can be averted mainly by eliminating  the human resource shortfalls .  We understand there are only six members of the staff to finalize files . Some files contain as many as 3000 pages. To read and complete one file may take several days. In any case , so far we have not received any report that the AG is a political pimp or a wheeler dealer. Hence , more staff shall be recruited to clear the backlog and rid delays , as well as  install latest technologies for which funds  shall be allocated.

5. One more important thing can be done to improve the services in order that those can   efficiently and effectively mete out punishment to the culprits:  The civil organization leaders have met with the president and the P.M. on 21 occasions to tell about this, and both of them have accepted their views though  nothing was implemented. The civil organization leaders   had advised to commence an additional   court to hear these cases and to continue the hearings without interruption.  This can be done without bringing new enactments, merely by introducing another court , and allocating the necessary grants towards that.

In the circumstances , the announcements made by the president to bring the ministries under him are something the pro good governance masses must frown upon and think carefully not once or  twice but many times.

In the Russian drama “The Dragon’ , of Evgeny Schwartz, there is a piece of dialogue in which a  crafty ruler advises the people , ‘in order to escape from a dragon, have your own dragon close to you. ’ However in order to escape from a dragon like Mahinda Rajapakse , it is not necessary at all for the pro good governance masses to nurse and nurture a ‘Maithri dragon ‘

We shall via   another article  dissect the hidden political  motives of president Maithripala and Ranil Wickremesinghe behind the attempts made by the president to take  over the ministries .

By Wimal Dheerasekera 

Translated by Jeff

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by     (2017-07-07 21:02:45)

People prepared to eradicate dengue but rulers have no plan – Bimal

July 6, 2017

The government has no proper programme to curb the dengue epidemic that is spreading at an alarming speed throughout the country says the National Organizer and Member of the Political Bureau of the JVP Parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayaka.

Sspeaking at a press conference held at the head office of the JVP yesterday (6th) Mr. Rathnayaka said the people and the media were prepared to eradicate the mosquito menace from the country but due to the absence of a proper programme the situation has worsened he pointed out.

He said the JVP has taken a decision to carry out a programme, especially in schools, throughout the island to make the school going population aware of the menace and tell the people the political impotency of the rulers that has lead to the pathetic situation the country and the people are confronted with at present.

Garbage: Together, let’s turn the crisis into a blessing - EDITORIAL

 2017-07-07 

he garbage disaster, which exploded at Meethotamulla on the National New Year’s Day, is still contaminated with much controversy and criticism but the government says it has a long-term plan to recycle polythene or organic waste.   
On Wednesday, the crisis took a new turn with the Supreme Court issuing an order restraining the Colombo Municipality from dumping garbage at Muthurajawela. The order, valid till July 20, was based on a fundamental rights petition filed by 35 residents who said they feared a disaster similar to Meethotamulla. The residents said Muthurajawela was a sanctuary consisting of 192 distinct species of flora, 209 species of fauna,102 species of birds, with large paddy fields across 635 acres, canals, marshlands and mangroves across 7,000 acres of lush forests.  

Colombo’s Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and other leaders have also appealed to the government to stop the dumping of garbage at Muthurajawela. The Archbishop said he had received reports alleging that even human body parts had been dumped there. But the Health Minister told Parliament there was no basis for this allegation and that hospitals had a different way of disposing of body parts. Prime Minister Ranil Wickermesinghe also spoke out, telling Wednesday’s parliamentary session that he was concerned about the court issuing stay orders without giving a hearing to both sides. The Prime Minister said he believed that garbage lying at various places was aggravating the dengue epidemic.   

On Wednesday, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) at a news conference, claimed the Health Ministry had been given orders to stop issuing figures relating to dengue victims. Last week the ministry said there were about 70,000 victims with some 200 deaths but since then no statistics had been issued. The JVP claimed it had information that the number of dengue victims had risen to more than 87,000 this week and may soon reach the 100,000 mark.  

 At the meeting this week, the Cabinet decided that the entire garbage issue should be handled and coordinated by  Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka. The minister, an engineering graduate now specializing in modern technology, said he was working out plans for the recycling of plastics or polythene to make various products and for the recycling of organic waste into compost fertilizer.   

All over the world, creative, imaginative and enterprising men and women have come forward to find eco-friendly and productive solutions to the climate-change crisis. It is known that our oceans are so filled with plastic or polythene waste that in the coming decades there will be more plastic bottles than marine species in the seas. With this in mind, one creative woman designer has launched a worldwide enterprise to manufacture shoes and sandals, handbags, purses and other items from recycled plastic bottles. She says the products are as good and hardy as leather which we obtain by killing animals.   
In a crisis, be it garbage or the disaster at Uma Oya, we need to look for solutions instead of indulging in the blame game and finding fault. While the government and other institutions work out midterm or long term mega solutions to turn trash into cash, every eco-friendly family needs to cooperate in finding a sustainable solution. Families need to act wisely in collecting organic, plastic or polythene and other wastes separately and disposing of it in a responsible manner. Families also need to be given compost bins at a low cost so that they themselves could turn their organic waste into good fertiliser for their home gardens. In these and many other ways a curse or a scourge could be turned into a blessing when we act in a selfless and sincere manner for the common good of all our people and the country.  

Unrevealed stories of H.R. Jothipala in his triumphant journey

 Friday, 7 July 2017

Beyond doubt H.R. Jothipala was the most recognised popular playback singer in Sri Lanka whose image has become immortal. The miraculous fact is that the name of this innate talented singer with an unsurpassed singing excellence and incredible humility still shines at the zenith of its glory even after 30 years of his demise. Here is a revelation of certain hidden stories behind Jothi’s life to coincide with his commemorative 30th death anniversary falling on 7 July.

Born on 12 February 1936 in Ketawalamulla, Dematagoda, Colombo to a middle class family, this future giant play-back singer Hettiarachchige Reginald Jothipala or H.R. Jothipala displayed his innate talents of vocals since his boyhood. His mother was H.K. Podinona Perera and father Hettiarachchige Reginald Jamis was a tailor by profession. He studied at St. Lawrence College, Maradana and St. John’s College, Dematagoda. As the family did not own a radio, he was tempted to visit a Tea Kiosk in his area very frequently to listen to music. Since his salad days he was fondly called by abbreviated name Jothi which later became incredibly popular.

He was fortunate to be born in Maradana area because it had become the central location where most of the famous Radio artists met at various places. The environment was so encouraging that the artists used to spend the evenings leisurely associated with one another. Jothi utilised this golden opportunity of meeting favourite artists at the time.

There are many stories spread on the first step of Jothi’s entry in to music field or Kala Lokaya. According to the information gathered from a soundful face book paged called ‘Supembara Jothi’ created by certain group of his fans led by Harindra Lakmal, first formal attempt was participating the completions conducted by Ceylon Broadcasting (now Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation). A book named ‘The Dignitary of Malays’ has quoted that the famous musician late Stanley Omar was in the same room with Jothipala in Maligakannda, Maradana and Jothipala was introduced to Ariyadasa Pieris by Omar for an opportunity to sing in ‘Adhunika Peya’.

‘Adhunika Peya’ conducted by Ceylon Broadcasting (now SLBC) and sponsored by Regina Losingers Company in 1952 was his first step in his endeavour which became incredibly a success. One of the hot favourite Hindi film songs ‘Sukriya’ sung by Talat Mahamood was the song sung by Jothi at this competition for which he was awarded the first place with a parcel of sweets from the sponsors. Subsequently, in presenting his innate indisputable singing skills at Jayagrahaka Pelapaliya, he was crowned the Best Singer for which he was awarded a Parker 51 pen by the organisers.

His first song ‘thotiyo thotiyo’ was mainly sung by Wasantha Sandanayake in the latter part of 1954. It was only three words ‘thotiyo thotiyo thotiyo’ sung by him. However ‘Lebeiee Sithalada Ale Kale’ is considered as his first full song sung with G.S.B. Rani Perera in 1954. Again in 1955 he sang a duet ‘Ada Ada Eyiee Maruwa’ with Wasantha Sandanayake in 1955. Joth’s first solo was ‘Mage Ran Rajaniee’ with the music of Stanley Omar in 1955.

There is a very interesting story on Jothi’s entry to Music world (Kala Lokaya). This story was told by Darshani Chandrasena, the daughter of R.A. Chandrasena, a legendary maestro Music Director who introduced a number of singers who later rose to the apex of popularity. The significant factor is that this story was told by Darashani with the historical documents including a letter written by Jothi in his own handwriting as proof of evidence to a true story.

A get-together of musical evening (Peduru Sajje) was organised by famous journalist Sisira Kumara Manikkaarchchi at his residence Nugegoda on 13 February 1953 on the occasion of the popular female playback singer G.S.B. Rani Perera’s marriage with Anton Perera. Music was directed by the great musician R.A. Chandrasena. At this friendly event, an invitee who was a famous personality from Maradana introduced a young amateur singer to Anton Perera and requested to give him an opportunity at this evening. It was a magnificent opportunity for this amateur to impress not only the audience but also R.A. Chandrasena by his masterly performance of singing with his mellifluous voice. He was none other than H.R. Jothipala who later became the indomitable playback singer in Sri Lanka.

Since then Jothipala became closely attached to Chandrasena and Sriyani Chandrasena who treated him as their own son. The letter written by Jothipala in 1954 to Chandrasena who was in India for Mathabhedaya recordings addressed as ‘My friend and Teacher’ is a case in point. He in early days always respected both Chandrasena and Chandrasena at his best.

Chandrasena in recognition of Jothi’s talents continued to help sing at his fully packed musical events like Chathurangani and Panchangani and also selected him to sing in his films.

Chandrasena selected Jothipala to sing in the Film Mathabhedaya directed by B.A.W. Jayamanne. It was his first experience of Chandrasena as a music director of a film directed by himself. B.A.W. Jayamanna mostly preferred to use Mohideen Baig as the male voice in his films. One day Chandrasena visited to B.A.W.’s residence with Jothi to discuss music on film Mathabedhaya with a hidden objective to make a path to young Jothipala to entre play back singing of films.

Chandrasena was so nice to influence B.A.W. Jayamanne for young singer Jothipala to sing in Mathabhedaya directed by B.A.W. Jayamanna in 1955. Chandrsena took much interest in having rehearsals with Jothi for the song ‘Ginnaki Hada Mage’ at his own home. Chandrasena requested Jothi to get prepared to fly to India for recordings. As advised by Chandrasena Jothi reached Ratmalana Airport on a specific date with his bag and baggage but he did not have his passport. His ignorance unfortunately missed a golden opportunity that would have changed his singing career in becoming the playback singer for Mathabhedaya.

His determination to traverse against numerous challenges with strength and courage helped him achieve his potential. These stories begin with film Perakadoru Bena. He was then later selected by the music director B.S. Perera to sing in ‘Perakadoru Bena’, a chance he again missed by an adverse comment made by film director A.B. Raj who dismissed his voice as unsuitable for recording.

Failing to sing in Mathabhedaya and Perakadoru Bena, Jothi was introduced by musician T.F. Lathif to Film Director Sirisena Wimalaweera. Jothi was invited by Sirisena Wimalaweera to sing a duet with G.S.B. Rani Perera in the film Podi Putha. He missed this opportunity too as his voice was decided unsuitable after audition by the Sound Engineer and Sirisena Wimalaweera. On release of the film he went to watch the film proudly with his friends. He was surprised to notice that Haroon Lanthra and Rani Perera had later recorded the song ‘Oh Kiri Muhuda Kalamba’ for the film.

Jothi’s dream to be a playback singer became a reality with the release of Surathalee in 1956, a triumphant achievement of a long experienced struggle through hurdle after hurdle. Once when Jothi approached the Giant Film Producer Jabir A. Cader with support of Jothi’s influenced friends, Carder had asked Jothi to see him back with a recorded song before he decides the suitability of the voice. Musician Stanley Omar was so generous to encourage Jothi with Rs. 35 which was high in value at the time. Jothi was able to do a recording accordingly. In recognition of his talented skills in vocals after listen to the song, Cader generously opened the avenue of opportunity to sing in Surathalee, a film produced by Carder.

Subsequently, Jothi joined Cyril P. Abeyratne Director and the cast of the film to fly to India for filming and recording for Surathalee. But again he faced another challenge in his attempt to prove his talents in vocals. His voice was rejected by Indian music director T.R. Papa as unsuitable for recording. At this moment Jothi had informed Abeyratne of this incident over the phone. Abeyratne in return had phoned her husband Director Cyril P. Abeyratne. She had pointed out that the film would be screened in Sri Lanka and not in India. It was Sri Lankan music fans who would enjoy his miraculous voice and not Papa and Indians. She had firmly requested to let Jothi sing in the film. As a result of an informal struggle of this lady Jothi became the most indomitable voice of the music world. Finally he sang three songs for the film. The songs were famous ‘Siriyame Sara’, ‘Aloka Deya’, a duet with Suwarna Abeyrathne, and ‘Pudumeki Loke’, with Dharamadasa Walpola, Rani Perera and Suwarna.

Two years after Surathalee, Jothi was selected to sing a song ‘Bole Yakada Yakaa’ in film Ekamath Eka Rataka in 1958 directed by Sirisena Wimalaweera who earlier rejected Jothi. He had recorded songs in around 400 films, some of which were released after five years of his death. Another important factor of Jothi’s popularity is even after 30 years of his death his film songs and songs recorded for other purposes are being used as playback songs in many a films.

Jothi won the Sarasavi Awards in 1983 and 1986 for his performance for songs ‘Sara Sande’ for film ‘Mihidum Sela’ and song ‘Palu Susaane’ for film ‘Obata Divra Kiyannam’ respectively. In addition Sarasavi awards Jothi won the Dipasika Award in 1972 as the most popular play back singer. Nearly 3,000 songs have been sung including film songs during a period of 1954 to 1987.

Almost all the recognised songstresses were happily partners who sang with Jothi. Rani Perera, Sujatah, Anjallen, Rukmani, Srimathi and Indian artists like K. Rani, Jammuna Rani are among the key partners. After his death some of his duet songs were dubbed with voices of new songstresses entered in decade 2000 with their voices. This proves the need of Jothi’s voice to become popular. Due to unknown reasons Latha did not sing with Jothi till 1978. With the duet Latha and Jothi sang ‘Sihina Veile’ in Anupama film created a new chapter of Jothi. After that they sang a number of songs which became popular among Sri Lankans. If they sang together from the ‘60s the fate of other female singer would be changed. Another important note is that some reputed songstresses who got help from Jothi refused to sing with him mainly branding Jothi as not playing good songs.

A tale has spread through that Jothipala sang Sinhala songs to Hindi melodies before he met Khemadasa and Amaradeva. The truth is that he displayed his vocal skills both in classical and indigenous songs even in the latter part of 1950s. It was fortunate for him to have worked with great musicians like Shelton Premarathna, Edwin Samaradiwakara, P.V. Nandasiri and Sunil Shantha in his early days for films Sandeshaya, Daskama Pini Bidu and Vedibima.

The high level classical song ‘Ridi Walakulen Ebi’ recorded with Srimathi Thilakarathna for the film ‘Devana Pepase’ in 1965, music directed by P.V. Nandasiri, was a proven example of his talents. Later this song was sung by P.V. Nandasiri and Srimathi for musical events.

Jothipala whose handsome and attractive physique opened the avenue of opportunity for him to become an actor, was fortunate to play a minor role in Daskama screened in 1958 displaying his skills in acting. After five years he was offered to play characters in Sudu Sande Kaluwala, Sulalitha Sobhini and Sithaka Mahima. Playing the main role in Ethulweema thahanam in 1966 as his fifth film was a significant milestone in his contribution to Sri Lankan cinema. Furthermore, he played the major role in the film Sumithuro which was produced by Jothipala himself. Jothipala proved his acting skills in playing characters in 33 Films starting with Daskama and ending with Kirimadu Wel from 1958 to 1985.

In conclusion it reminds me of the comments made by Professor Walter Marasinghe on Jothi at the ceremony of the centennial birthday of Sunil Santha, indisputable respected musician singer. Professor Marasingha emphasised that Pruthugeesi karaya, the melody composed by Sunil Shantha on high scale note based on baila tune for Sandeshaya was undoubtedly a difficult song sung by Jothipala and Sydney Attigala. Professor Marasinghe further articulated that even if Jothipala was famous for singing Sinhala songs to Hindi tunes, he displayed his innate talents of a maestro in vocals through Pruthugeesi karaya admired by the entire nation. He would have achieved his potential to emulate even Mohammed Rafi if Jothi had studied classical music.

(The writer is retired former Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications – Sri Lanka Export Development Board and Ex-Director of Sri Lanka Trade Centre in Maldives. He can be reached at t.k.premadasa@gmail.com).