Patriots and label-bearers - Editorial

When Ven. S. Mahinda Thera in his patriotic poem ‘Jathika Thotilla’ (nation’s cradle) wrote, “My son, you grow up witnessing the cowardice of the people who grovel at the powerful but become stuffed heroes in front of the weak,” he would have never thought his successors would fit the description.
World would have spun many a round after the words were written. Sri Lanka is no more a colony of any empire, but of itself. Though the Ven. Thera together with the other freedom fighters would have rejoiced over the independence, there is a slippery slope of cultural degradation that could not be ignored any further. Distorted cultural trends would come and go, yet, what is more disturbing is the statue-like silence of the self-appointed guardians of Sri Lankan culture and heritage.

The weekend filled with speed, glamour and fun would have been picture perfect had not the snapshots and videos of the post celebrations of the sports event took the media by storm.  The sight of a dozen of half-clad Russian women on stage, shaking their bodies in the most repulsive manner was definitely an unpleasant surprise to the spectators, among whom were children. Nowhere was it said the event was for adults only; hence, what made the after party otherwise is a question worth pursuing.

The government that piggybacked on patriotism and cultural values, on its route to power has walked the streets last weekend—with its emperor’s clothes.
Shame!

On one hand, if the organizers wanted to conclude the event in a memorable note and had enough money in their hands, as one could see that they did, inviting an internationally acclaimed artist or performer from the neighbouring India  for that matter,  would have sealed the deal.
After all, no amount of money can buy taste!

Four days have passed since the event was held and the photos were revealed in media. The self-appointed guardians of Sinhala Buddhist cultural values have surprisingly chosen to be dormant. There is intolerable indifference where an outcry should have been.

If the so-called patriots thought, Russian women cannot be part of a Western conspiracy hence opted to be mute, or if the Sinhala Buddhist political ideologies in the government are of the opinion that such distortions to the culture and heritage could be ignored when it has the blessings of the head of heads; they have become overnight traitors to the nation.

With the speculation that D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha be converted into a casino zone, Colombo’s new found beauty should not come in the expense of family values, culture and the rich heritage that make us Sri Lankans. After all, no tourist land on these shores in search of Russian women or casinos.
Patriots are those who raise their cries against the wrong, irrespective of the hand which commit them. The others are mere label-bearers.