Emasculating war heroes - Editorial

19 September 2012 06:30 pm - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

At a time when plenty of dramas are directed for the benefit of the theatre-enthusiasts in the capital, there are other dramas scripted and acted out for the sheer benefit of the individuals who appear in them. These are for those who cannot afford to buy theatre-tickets. Though one does not always have a choice over the stories, they are accurate portrayals of bitter realities and indigestible incongruities.

Such was the drama that succeeded the alleged assault by a minister’s son and Co. In the latest turn of events, in an affidavit filed in court, the army major who was injured during a clash at a hotel in the heart of Colombo said the Minister's son and his friends were not involved in the brawl.

His change of tune hardly comes as a surprise, given the magnitude of power the other party wields. Commenting on this improvement, the UNP in Parliament said there was a possibility that the army officer had been compelled to withdraw the complaint under duress.

While letting justice take its due course, one cannot entirely rule out the possibility pointed out by the Opposition. The man in a uniform has been the symbol of pride for 21 million people, who witnessed their unbending dedication and perseverance during the dark period of war. It was the members of the security forces, not the politicians in their glass palaces who fought death in the frontlines. Thus, if one of their kind was subject to such treatment at the hands of a politician’s son, it is no less than a blatant insult to the army, that was dubbed the best in the world.

Given the history of the influential father who has been the government’s device of mass-distraction, one may not be surprised if he has rubbed off some of his distraction skills on the son. Like the kingship that goes from one generation to the other, these cheap theatrics may also be part of their political inheritance. Yet, under no circumstance should it be that, heroes who defeated the ruthless terrorists in a three-decade battle are portrayed as helpless damsels or jokers in the post-war political farces.

People, who have been spectators of these plays, will realize that even though the lines and characters change with time; the script remains the same. The villains become guardians and heroes become jokers. The entertainment ends where impunity begins.

True enough, until proven guilty everyone is innocent. Even proven guilty, the privileged guilty could remain innocent. And that is the tragedy of all these comedies.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 6

Lion Wednesday, 19 September 2012 10:58 PM

Well said sir

Publik Abilik Thursday, 20 September 2012 01:59 AM

Sri Lanka's own WMD's. Politicians: weapons of mass distraction.

The Revelator Thursday, 20 September 2012 04:54 AM

I second that

C. Seneveratne Thursday, 20 September 2012 06:42 AM

This puppet show as been going on for the last 63 years.
Encouraging this sort of thing is the biggest crime

Punnakku Thursday, 20 September 2012 06:41 PM

What happened to the worlds best army.

liyanage Friday, 21 September 2012 05:26 AM

What a set of fools are we Sri Lank ans to accept these mockeries of politics and bloody crimes against innocents.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Emasculating war heroes - Editorial

Comments - 6

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Will more Dharshinis be tortured in the Middle East ?

Migrants, communal tensions leave Batti’s original cattle farmers ruffled

A life without taxes, that’s what the people want

Electricity tariff revision in October: Sri Lankan consumers struggle to beat govt.’s third electric shock

Will Online Safety Bill crush virtual freedom of expression?

5000 days later, Sandya still awaits truth and justice...

Sri Lanka: The killing field of elephants?

Most Viewed in News

Man attempting to take nude photos of daughter hacked to death by wife

President meets Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Lightning strikes cause islandwide blackout: CEB

Parliament to be prorogued in January?

Government imposes special commodity levy on various goods

What is Mahela doing in Dubai with Ranil?

MIRROR CRICKET

Sports Minister appoints new members led by Upul Tharanga to SLC Selection Committee

Revised schedule unveiled as ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 heads to South Africa

Stop clock introduced to reduce time wastage by the fielding side

Asad Shafiq opens up after announcing retirement from cricket

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Reduction of VAT- exempted list Government faces headwinds in Parliament

All-island blackout Biyagama - Kotmale line was carrying one-third of electricity demand

Sri Lankan who got forged Canadian passport for Rs.4Mn nabbed at BIA

Dengue cases in SL cross 80,000 mark

Sports Minister appoints new members led by Upul Tharanga to SLC Selection Committee

Tanish Suri guides UAE U19 to stunning win

Revised schedule unveiled as ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 heads to South Africa

Stop clock introduced to reduce time wastage by the fielding side