Men Of Little Brains Or Advising Academics

By Liyanage Amarakeerthi -December 5, 2014

Dr. Liyanage Amarakeerthi

Professor Sarath Wijesooriya at University of Colombo, a well-known figure in Sinhala literary circles, writing a long piece to Sinhala weekly Rawaya on November 30^th touched on something extremely important in these times of election.  It is very rarely that an important Sinhala essay is commented upon in the English language press, and I want to bring that article to the attention of our English language readers. The article talks about “Niwatayan and thakkadiyan”.Niwataya is a coward. “Thakkadiya” is a word difficult to translate. It could mean something between “shrewd one” and “opportunist.” In some contexts it could mean “rogue.” It could also mean one who sells out his conscience for material gains.  Professor Wijesooriya tells us about a new brand of thakkadi and they are at universities. Another epithet he uses in describing these animals is “podi molakarayo” – ‘guys with little brains’. As the professor explains it, there is a peculiar situation at the contemporary Sri Lankan universities where these ‘guys with little brains’ have found themselves some lucrative jobs at various government institutions. This is how you get them: You go behind some politicians and pretend that you are one of most important scholars in your field and that you have some much wisdom to offer.  If it does not work right away you do some dirty work for the politicians and show them that you are almost the same as any thug working for the political bosses. Then, you get some permanent jobs and additional directorships with a hell of a lot perk. Before you know it, you have a car with unlimited fuel, fancy phones, an air-conditioned office and what not. With several directorships at state institutions such as banks bringing you several thousand rupees for just a single sitting you are well-set for a comfortable life, with some foreign tours with the Boss or bosses just for the fun of it.

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