Morning Spice by Ginger
The thoughtless jay-walker

Ginger tends to go for the erring motorist quite often but today he spares a thought of him and goes for the thoughtless jay-walker. I have time and again condemned those motorists who cross pedestrian crossings endangering the lives of those relying entirely on their ambulatory aids. These pedestrians at times can be a little annoying themselves. They seem to enjoy bringing vehicles to a dead halt and keep them that way for as long as they can. Sometimes they cross the road diagonally putting those who cross from the other side at risk. What is more they lack the civic and common sense to wait for others heading for the crossing and get across the road together without making motorists stop every few seconds.

Now this does not absolve the motorist from blame either. He is more often than not the man who violates the law. Just how is this problem to be solved? You just cannot have policemen at every pedestrian crossing leading pedestrians across. At what intervals should people cross those zebra lines and at what intervals should the motorist come down on those brakes? Will it not be possible to have small red and green light on the side of the road where you get these lines with the red light coming on for about five to 10 seconds for the pedestrian to get across and the green coming on for the next half a minute or so. This may be the best solution in a town where rules are mostly observed in the breach.

Smoking and athletics
No wonder our coaches used to beg of us to give up smoking during certain seasons when we were school boys. Athletes were asked not to smoke when the public schools meet was on. Cricketers during the cricket season boxers when the Stubbs Shield was round the corner and rugger players during the second term of an academic year. They knew that smoking made you short of breath.

Well, there is good reason for you to be short of breath if you smoke when you are a teenager. It has been found that smoking can stunt the growth of your lungs and prevent them from growing to their normal size. One strange discovery has been that girls are likely to be more affected than boys, few girls smoke though these days.

Mind boggling
Another one dayer washed out by rains by stubbornly insisting on playing in Galle. That was the one ground that did not have a ghost of a chance if there was a heavy shower the previous night on the morning of the match. Did the cricket board consult some palmist or the Met. Dept. whether there would be rain at that time the monsoon was on.

To add to the general misery of the cricketing scenario it made some mind boggling selections for the series. They decided to drop Mahela Jayawardena the in-form batsman and the most consistent scorer for Sri Lanka in the recently concluded test series after scoring a brilliant century and two or three half centuries to bring in the out of form Mahanama who was always suspect against good pace bowling.

Twelve questions for Kumar Ponnambalam

I wish to seek answers to 12 question from Kumar Ponnam-balam through your newspaper. I trust Mr. P. who rushes to print in defence of Prabhakaran and the LTTE whenever there is the slightest hint of any criticism of them, and also rushes to print to politically attack the Sinhalese and his other political enemies such as the TULF, EPDP etc. will oblige. The validity or otherwise of his public posture (or pose?) of almost absolute political rectitude can then be gleaned.

In many political debates in the past carried on thro' the Press both Mr. P. and Mr. Sivasithamparam the TULF Leader have branded each other as politically dishonest, as utterers of untruths, lies etc. I agree with both on this issue.

The LTTE gave a categorical undertaking to the UN Representative Mr. Olara Otunnu who visited here recently that a) the LTTE will not employ children for military activities, and b) the LTTE will not attack harm civilians. Hardly had Mr. Otunnu left our shores, the LTTE thro' a Front Organisation killed the Mayoress of Jaffna.

Mr. P. Please clarify the foll:

(1) has not the LTTE violated its solemn pledge to the UN and/or Mr. Otunnu/ the world community?

(2) If you agree, do you also agree that the LTTE is also politically dishonest and unreliable, and an organisation whose word, along with that of its leader Prabhakaran can never be trusted?

(3) if so, will you now condemn it in the same as you vilify the other Sinhala groups and Tamil parties.

(4) if you do not agree with (1) above, why not?

(5) if you agree with (1) above but are not agreeable to (2) and (3), why not?

(6) In a recent TV discussion on TNL you "let the cat out of the bag by revealing that the Tamils were not interested any more in airing "grievances" and "problems" but have "graduated" to insisting on their "aspirations". Is it not correct then that, as at today, here and now, that is even after Tamil has been made an Official Language, (conceding that implementation has been slow and is poor) that standardisation re University entrance adverse to Tamils has been removed, Sinhala qualifications for government employment has been done away with etc., and all discrimination on ethnic grounds have new been eliminated the Tamil claims of "grievances" and "Tamil problems" have been only a dishonest ploy to grab from government obliged to pander to the minority vote in order to obtain/retain power, various demands that are so grossly unreasonable vis-a-vis the majority community? (7) Is it not a fact that you were impelled to let the "aspirations" cat out of the bag at that discussion because when the moderator called your bluff and pressed you to itemise the "grievances" and "problems" you were talking of up to that point, you were were unable to do so, because the 'grievances' claim was palpably false a pretence, a sham.

(8) Can you advise as to any other country where a minority with such a large disparity population-wise as against the majority community, (viz 18.1% to 74%, that is a Tamil population of 1/4 the majority community, and inclusive of the Indian Tamils - 1981 Census) has its language made an Official language throughout the entire country; has its language included in most public places throughout the country; has the identical rights and privileges as the major community; has its members in all sectors of public life without let or hindrance, be it the Govt., mercantile, Sports, Social or whatever areas; can have its Special Law (the thesavalamai) in force in a particular area under which members of other communities are debarred from owning certain properties in that particular area (I am open to correction on details here) while the minority itself can own land anywhere in the island; who are not hampered by advantages legally conferred on the major community such as the Bhumiputras have in Malaysia which has a far lower disparity between its Tamils cum Chinese population vis-a-vis its Malay population; has a minority demanding the rescission of laws prohibiting secession and had minority parties with secessionist Party Names despite the Law prohibiting secession, when the one country which has the largest Tamil population in the world (50m) prohibits any such nonsense? Any other country Mr. P? does it not indicate that in minority-majority relationships this country and its govts have been more than fair to the minorities?

(9) In the above context do you not agree that the Tamils "have never had it so good as here in Sri Lanka? And then does it not mean that all this Tamil agitation of discrimination, grievances, problems and now aspirations is really a big fraud on the country? That the Tamils are trying to get as much as they can, even more than their due (eg, 1/3 of the land and 2/3 of the coast for some 6% who live in the North & East?). Is it not correct that the Tamils (and the Muslims to some extent) are taking advantage of power hungry Governments to scrape as much as possible?

(10.) Who is harassing the people of Jaffna & the North & East today in the main? Is it not the LTTE that cuts off electricity, water etc to those people by blowing up equipment & machinery in those areas?

(11.) On what grounds do you claim the Eastern province, an artificial delimitation by the British as a "Tamil Homeland"? Were not the Tamils confined mainly to the Coast in any case, as employs shown by others

(12.) What is your position and of the ACTU if the Sinhalese too demand their "aspiration" one of which could be the restoration of the East as part of the Kandyan Territories and hence a "Sinhala Homeland" no less. And the restoration of the hill country to the native Kandyans as a "Sinhala Homeland"/Kandyan Homeland"? What about "Sinhala Aspirations" Mr. P"?

(Undeceived Sri Lankan')

To the brave soldiers

Through the jungles - thick and vast
Across the waters - deep and fast
Without a moment - rest or sleep
Lonely endless vigils - you keep.

Climbing over - walls and trees
Creeping through the tunnels deep
Bearing the weight of heavy arms
Land mines death traps you have to pass.

No words of love - or tender care
Thrust and hunger - hard to bear
But chilling sounds of bloody fights,
Make gloomy days and sleepless nights

Weary footsteps dragging on
With distant rays of hope to cling on
Come sun or rain you just proceed
For this mission must succeed.

In the sea and on land on foot
Evading ruthless enemy's pursuit
Pain, anguish words cannot explain
Though you never stop to complain

Friend or foe its hard to know
Until they strike or let you go
Bent on the nation's call for peace
When will this madness of a war cease?

Do you ever stop to think,
Of all those loved ones left behind
Don't you ever yearn to be,
The happy go lucky, I've known you to be?

How my heart goes out to you
For the noble task you do
True sons of our dear motherland
Wish I could lend a helping hand.

With silent tears we pray for you
God grant you strength and courage too.
And protect you from pain and sorrow
Until the dawn of a better tomorrow.

Padma Attanayake
Pitakotte

S. A. A. Perera (Sappy)

When William Shakespeare, some centuries ago said "what’s in a name that which we calls a Rose, by any other name would smell as sweet" I wonder whether the Bard knew that Solanga Arachchige Ariyananda Perera will be born in Ceylon 64 years ago.

Known as Raja to his family, S.A., Saa, Sappy and Mr. Perera to many others, he stood like colossus towering over everyone with an equal large heart, ready to help anyone in need especially the downtrodden. He rendered yeoman service to society in the relatively short span of life he spent on this earth. Having known him for over four decades and moving with him very closely for almost 30 years, I learnt a lot and have lost a wonderful friend, a dear brother and a man in a million.

With his early education in Negombo he then entered St. Aloysius’ College in Galle and was disciplined under strict foreign Jesuits. He entered the University of Ceylon with the first batch to Peradeniya and resided at the Marrs Hall. On completion he joined the noble profession and first at his Alma Mater and then Royal College and a short period at Maradana Central. During this time he qualified as a Chartered Secretary and an Accountant.

He then joined the Cement Corporation at the inception of the Puttalam work site. Thereafter the National Savings Bank and rose up to the position of General Manager. He was closely attached to the JFI Group as a Consultant/Director upto his demise.

He was devoted to the St. Aloysius’ OBU, the University of Ceylon and Marrs Hall alumni and contributed to their activities in a big way. He was a great reader, chess and bridge player. A live-wire at a party, a member of some social clubs and was able to partake in any discussion of varying topics. A man with a fine sense of humour and was able to laugh at himself. As a son of a Senior Prison’s Official he was born in the quarters. Thus, when asked where he was born, his reply was ‘in jail’.

Whilst he served his peers with dedication, honesty and loyalty, he did not tolerate any injustice or victimisation especially to the lower order. Very forthright in speech and action he did not hesitate to criticise or correct any wrong action even though it affected him severely.

Volumes can be written about this giant. However, the distinguished gathering at the residence and at the last rites and their discussions overheard gave ample testimony to what a great man he was and what the country has lost.

Malani, Amali and all brothers and sisters of Sappy, you are not alone in the grief and sadness of this irreparable loss. There are thousands of others and me equally at a lose.

‘May he attain Nirvana’

Susantha Samaranayake

Stanley Dunuwille

Every body, both young and old, women or men, called him Dicky. With Dicky around there was always something happening, at least a fight.

Dicky was my first cousin and was also my boyhood hero, my father's favourite nephew. He was assigned the task of monitoring my performance and attendance at college since I was known to be fond of dodging school. Dicky kept a strict, if not fruitful, watch over me but I knew when to break away successfully. Many are the anecdotes I can relate.

Dicky passed away 25 years ago leaving behind his loving wife and adorable children, heart-broken and grieving, and also a whole heap of relations and friends.

He was a real friend in need, indeed. A man to back you in a fight, a man to ride the river with. He was a miniature C. B. Fry of England - superb athlete, champion boxer, the barefooted attacking left half at soccer and one of the best off spinners produced by St. Anthony's College, Katugastota. In later years, as a Grade I post master, he took up tennis and table tennis and as expected, shone at both at the public services club Badulla.

But I remember Dicky best as the regimental sergeant major, who commanded the Ceylon cadet battalion at the first Independence parade. He made us all very proud that day.

Trinity College in the old days had a bad habit of practically annihilating the Antonians year in and year out at cricket in their annual Battle of the Blues in Kandy. Until, the irrepressible Dicky bowled the Antonians to a great win after nearly 20 years. Since then, the Antonians have not looked back. His bowling feats are many and consistent, but his courageous effort against Trinity will always be remembered by past and present Antonians. Future Antonians will be told the legend of Dicky Dunuwille.

Stanley Jayampathy Milleva Dunwille was the eldest son of my father's (Charles Dunwille) elder brother Edwin Dunuwille and Soma Bameeveva Kumarihamy of Dunuwille Udaha Walawuwa Uda Harispattuwa.

Dicky is mentioned with sadness and many are the tales woven around his courage and good heartiness.

'Age shall not wither no custom stale' the memory of this great regimental sergeant major of the cadet battalion.

May the turf lie lightly on him.

Major S. Mervyn Dunuwille

Tribute to Charles Abeysekera

Charles Abeysekera was without question one of the leaders of civil society in Sri Lanka. Many have written of his distinguished career in the public service - but the last twenty years of his life after his retirement in 1978 were the most eventful years of his career. He engaged himself with all the energy and enthusiasm within his command in an extraordinary and even bewildering range of activities spanning the social sciences, the arts, human rights, peace and reconciliation, the media, the protection of democratic rights and the integrity of the electoral process.

He was distinctive for the catholicity of his interests, and the intensity of his social and human rights activism, the clarity of his social vision, and the certainty of his sense of moral purpose. He brought to bear exceptional intellectual and writing skills on the most mundane of tasks. His overriding characteristics were the extraordinary humility, compassion and generosity of spirit that informed his work and his life.

Charlie was supportive not only of the institutions that he founded, but of all other like minded institutions. He was one of three persons who helped conceptualise and secure initial funding for the annual Status of Human Rights Reports 'which have now been published by the Law and Society Trust for four consecutive years. He attended almost every important seminar/workshop or intellectual/cultural event sponsored by ICES. His most recent contribution was to a symposium on civil society issues organised by ICES to coincide with the enactment of the law on the Human Rights Commission. His thoughtful and reflective essay on the role and accountability of civil society institutions continues to frame the discussion on theses issues.

Charles agreed with Norbetto Bobbio, the Italian political theorist - that our need is create through the agency of the people 'a state apparatus which would be efficient without being oppressive'. He concluded that the contemporary Sri Lankan state is far removed from the legacy Sri Lanka received at independence in 1948, in that 'the integrity and cohesiveness of the state have been lost, perhaps irretrievably'.

The Movement for Inter Racial Justice and Equality (MIRJE) was a non-governmental organisation which was established by Charlie in the aftermath of the 1977 racial violence. The objective of the movement was to promote harmony between the ethnic groups. It has a mixed membership and branches in different parts of the country. Until 1988, it has even an active branch in Jaffna. MIRJE has been effective in continuing to caution on the deteriorating nature of ethnic relations and on the need to take effective measures to secure the individual and collective rights of the Tamils. It also documented the incidence of racial violence in 1981 and 1983, and engaged in several fact finding missions thereby ensuring that objective and impartial information is available on such incidents of violence.

The events of July 1983 deeply traumatised and disturbed Charles Abeysekera, Jonathan Spencer reflecting on the causes and consequences of 1983 riots described it as 'a dark night of the collective soul'. It was an event during which two to three thousand defenceless people were brutally murdered and thousands of homes and buildings were burnt or destroyed. Charlie was outraged by the organised and systematic nature of the violence and the degree of state complicity.

MIRJE also propagated the concept of multi-ethnic Sri Lankan society grounded on the bedrock of equality and equal opportunity. It has called for constitutional and political structures that recognises this reality, and gives room for the full expression to the social, cultural and political aspirations of all ethnic groups. With these objectives in view, MIRJE has engaged in the following activities. Firstly, it publishes two newspapers, one in Tamil and the other in Sinhala to ensure that there is balanced reporting on events relating to ethnic conflict and its resolution. Second, it is engaged in a programme of public education through cultural activity including organisation of a peace march to Jaffna. Third, it has been providing legal assistance to detenues and has filed more than 3000 applications in this regard. Fourth, it has framed a model constitution based on the federal form of devolution of power and effective protection of minority rights. It has lobbied for the acceptance of some of the concepts and ideas embodied in this draft.

Charles Abeysekera was also intellectually engaged in researching the nature and character of Sinhala and Tamil nationalism, the causes and consequences of ethnic antagonism and the structural arrangements and policies which may strengthen and reinforce the pluralistic character of Sri Lankan policy. At every important phase of ethnic reconciliation, he intervened intellectually and emotionally to support the forces of tolerance and accommodation.

In 1987 in the aftermath of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, he intervened in the Supreme Court together with Tissa Balasuriya and Godfrey Gunatilleke to support the constitutionality of the 13th Amendment. Since 1987 he helped in the assessment of the North-East Provincial Council and assisted in the preparation of a report which focused on the inadequacies and the deficiencies in the practical implementation of this scheme.

He believed deeply in the importance of genuine and comprehensive constitutional reforms which would provide the framework for the just resolution of the ethnic conflict. During the discussions between the government and the LTTE in 1995, three important civil society actors Charles Abeysekera, Jayadeva Uyangoda and Bishop Kenneth Fernando were invited to join the official delegation. They entered the process late when it was already in crisis. They made a genuine and serious attempt to re-establish confidence between the two parties but sadly these efforts proved to be abortive.

Charles Abeysekera never surrendered to despair or to disillusionment. He continued to work courageously and tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and focused on the terrible human rights and humanitarian consequences of a brutal and cruel civil war.

When he was appointed the Chairman of the Official Languages Commission, he was not entirely comfortable as a civil society actor who had again become part of the official establishment. The resources that were made available to the Commission were quite meagre and there were many practical constraints that they had to struggle against to ensure that the Language Rights were a reality in Sri Lanka. I had arranged on many occasions meeting between the Official Languages Commission and a group of parliamentarians concerned with language policy issues. These were difficult meetings as there was a great deal of frustration and anger at the gap between promise and fulfilment. Charles Abeysekera was able to handle these difficult meetings with his maturity, understanding and characteristic charm.

Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict remains one of the most protracted and intractable in Asia. The hope of peace and reconciliation has too often been overtaken by the despair of death, displacement and destruction. Neither side has been able to mobilize the resolve, the generosity of spirit, and the political imagination necessary to overcome the legacy of distrust. NGOs have to struggle against difficult odds to respond effectively to the consequences of the conflict. Charles Abeysekera's strength was his capacity to take principled positions on the important social, political and moral issues of our times, and to boldly articulate these positions and to defend them against the tide of public opinion.

Charles Abeysekera was an important bridge between the different communities as his life and work were grounded on the belief that the forces of tolerance and accommodation will ultimately triumph against the forces of bigotry and intolerance. It is our solemn duty to ensure that the deep and abiding faith that he had in the ultimate triumph of the human spirit will be vindicated in the years to come.

Neelan Tiruchelvam