Friday Nov 15, 2024
Wednesday, 28 June 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Our Prime Minister’s much-maligned visit to USA in the onslaught of the floods that ravaged our country needs to be put in the correct perspective.
Ruwan Fernando seems to be blissfully unaware; or, perhaps prefers to remain unaware of the fact that the Prime Minister was indeed in Vietnam when tragedy struck. He returned immediately and summoned all his (“open-mouthed officials”) to give them the necessary guidelines on dealing with the situation. The Prime Minister did face the necessity of keeping a private medical appointment which had been made and could not be postponed; and, which he paid for from his own private funds.
Based on what happened in the previous regime, our country has garnered an evil reputation for itself. It is surely understandable that Ranil has found it necessary to open the eyes of the world to the grim reality of Sri Lanka’s economy by visiting friendly countries and projecting a correct image on the main issues in order to receive the assistance our country so desperately needs. This was amply demonstrated by the quantum of assistance that came almost immediately in the form of humanitarian aid for our flood affected areas.
In Ruwan Fernando’s words, we are a small irrelevant country with an insignificant economy. Those words, even from the most cynical, borders on treachery! Do we not have some little self-respect and should we not aspire to be internationally recognised and to interact abroad to take advantage of globalisation?
Fernando while choosing to remain oblivious to the facts; seems to enjoy going for the jugular to write his own story on what he perceives to be the truth. His piece of fiction portrays real life jealousy and a cunning reinvention of the truth!
Sometimes, those who go for the jugular have an ‘at your throat or at your feet’ syndrome, which can lead to foot and mouth disease, an affliction similar to the bovine ‘hoof and mouth.’ Necessary precautions are sincerely recommended.
Citizen Silva