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 to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Vegetables, Grocery, Flowers, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Sending Money,Online Books, Delivery Service, Food Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop 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

TNA was Born in 2001 Due to Elections Shock of 2000

Pain and punishment

Health System in the emergency room

Canada’s targeted sanctioning of Gota and Mahinda

SC judgement on Easter attack: Court rules negligence stood in the way of avoiding most heinous crime

Lasantha was a Fearless Editor who Spoke Truth to Power

That bullet wasn’t intended for her

Most Viewed in News

Grade 5 Scholarship Exam results likely this week

Maithripala accepts Rs.1,810 collected from begging

Race Course murder: Probe reveals boyfriend murdered girl fearing she would love someone else

House of Fashion assault - What really happened?

India’s Gautam Adani accused of pulling the ‘largest con in corporate history’

UPDATE - Seven dead, several people injured in Thurstan College bus accident

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Robbers remove CDM with Rs.8 Mn from private bank in Gampola

IDB suggests international conference in SL to find ways to address liquidity

Nine Independent Commissions including Election Commission to get new members

IMF tells govt. to tax those who earn above Rs 45,000: Bandula

MIRROR CRICKET

Hasaranga, Ranaweera in ICC T20I teams of the year

U19 Women’s captain Vishmi Gunaratne registers for WIPL

Royal, St. Peter’s declared joints champions

Milestone man Kohli leads India to record ODI win by 317 runs

Thisara Perera to play Legends League in Qatar

Wellalage clinches a triple crown

Goonethilleka crowned national badminton champion for second consecutive year

Army Keen for Strong Finish