Video: Malsha glad of publicity over “Ice Bucket” challenge

2 September 2014 04:32 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Western Provincial Councillor Malsha Kumaratunga said today she did not take up the “Ice Bucket” challenge to gain publicity but she was happy that she was able to open the eyes of the people of Sri Lanka to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which was not talked of earlier.

“I did not even think of getting publicity but it came unexpectedly. I did it as it was a good deed to help combat a fatal disease, she said.

Ms. Kumaratunga said she would not let this talk about ALS be forgotten but would discuss the subject with the health minister to help persons afflicted by the disease.

She said several who were afflicted by ALS had telephoned her after seeing her video and thanked her for her good deed as no one had talked about the disease before.

“One lady named Salgado phoned me and invited me to see her husband who was suffering from ALS. I went there myself and witnessed the agony the family was going through. I realised that I had done the correct thing to draw peoples’ attention to this disease which had been a secret so far, she said.

Responding to a question about whether it was waste of water to take up such a challenge, she said one who took up the challenge did not waste water, but some Opposition MPs who bathed in swimming pools alleged that it was a waste of water.

She said some alleged that they donated money to foreign countries through this, but it was donated for a good cause like research work to find a cure for ALS. “Medicines for AIDS and cancer were not discovered in Sri Lanka, but Sri Lankans benefited from the medicines. So when a cure is found for ALS it will help Sri Lankans as well”, she said. (Ajith Siriwardana and Indika Sri Aravinda)

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Comments - 20

Rizky Wednesday, 03 September 2014 04:25 AM

It would have be a generous deed if you had collected water and distributed amongst the drought victims

kayde Wednesday, 03 September 2014 06:15 PM

can someone please say who this person is. via DM Android App

kithudugama Wednesday, 03 September 2014 08:44 AM

Dumb idea

channa Wednesday, 03 September 2014 08:00 AM

I'm not sure whether she knows what is the meaning of ALS . Cheap politics to gain publicity

Stanley Rajeewa Wednesday, 03 September 2014 07:46 AM

Bullshit!Who voted this stupid woman?

tony Wednesday, 03 September 2014 07:37 AM

WHY DONT YOU GET SOME FUNDS FOR THE POOR TO SUPPLY AT LEAST ONLY FOOD FOR THE NEEDY

DRP Wednesday, 03 September 2014 07:03 AM

Wish people could educate themselves on ALS and see how it affects an individual and the family. Any "good" cause that draws attention to this death sentance should be commended. Loose comments are pathetic and shows pure ignorance of individuals.............

First Lady Wednesday, 03 September 2014 06:59 AM

Doubt she even made a donation to begin with.

simon Wednesday, 03 September 2014 06:16 AM

Cheap publicity. Do something worthwhile to Sri Lankan who deserve to have clean drinking water. Make your own footprint rather than following others. Good Luck.

SAM_SPARROW Wednesday, 03 September 2014 05:53 AM

Who the hell is she anyway? I still don't know her.

mount Tuesday, 02 September 2014 10:18 PM

Another publicity . How poly tricks .

Talking Nut Wednesday, 03 September 2014 04:06 AM

[quote name="Rajesh Nair"]Well done.. keep it up....[/quote]
What? Bathing at public places?

Saman Kolla Wednesday, 03 September 2014 07:47 AM

She is absolutely correct on this one. Some of our people are so stupid that they dont know more than 99 percent medicines we use today came from western countries. When Mahela and Sanga did the challenge people were praising them but when a politician does such a thing people hate them. Thats normal in any country as politicians have very low respect from public in general. Our countrys politicians are always talk against west but send their kids to west for education and everything. So this rhetoric is part of that consequences. However she did the right thing and explained it nicely here. Congrats Malsha

ANTON Wednesday, 03 September 2014 01:27 AM

NOW SEND SOME WATER BUCKETS TO UVA , UVA IS ON FIRE.

bat Wednesday, 03 September 2014 01:27 AM

In 30-35C' Colombo heat taking water bucket from pool(funded by tax payers) putting on you is not a challenge. Rather blessing.

Waco Wednesday, 03 September 2014 01:10 AM

You open your own eyes and do some service to the country to justify the salary you draw.

Cobra Wednesday, 03 September 2014 01:04 AM

I'd say it was adverse publicity that she got in the whole episode!!!

lankan Wednesday, 03 September 2014 01:05 AM

Doesnt matter you took bucket water or mud water but take serious causes currently affecting Sri Lanka before you think International. via DM Android App

Rajesh Nair Tuesday, 02 September 2014 07:32 PM

Well done.. keep it up....

good job Tuesday, 02 September 2014 10:31 PM

wot is good is good n should be appreciated.congrats malsha best of luck for a meaningful political career. via DM Android App

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Video: Malsha glad of publicity over “Ice Bucket” challenge

Comments - 20

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