Celebration of treasured independence and self rule of 72 years

January 31, 2020, 7:47 

We Sri Lankans are poised to celebrate the winning of independence from the British Raj on 4 February. Truth to tell, we received independence from British rule on a platter as it were, with not a drop of blood shed; only polite requests, round table conferences and to-ing and fro-ing of Lankan politicians from Ceylon to London and British Whitehall (name of London street used as metonym for the British civil service and government) chappies from England to our shores. Earlier they sea voyaged around the Cape of Good Hope; later across the high seas through the Suez Canal and during the final years of negotiation flying over land by BOAC. For the actual independence ceremony on 4 February 1948, the Chief Guests: the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, representing her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, flew to Ratmalana airport in a plane named ‘Endeavour’.

Lanka lucky

I said we shed no blood nor did we give the Brits stiff resistance. non-violent or otherwise. Those whose statues commemorate them on the grounds of the Old Parliament opposite Galle Face Green and other patriots had not to even raise their voices, leave aside fists and gun toting wrists since India did all that and more in their Quit India bid, and we benefitted. We watched, waited, and were rewarded with Dominion Status and later full independence. Thus unlike in India, no really bad taste was left on the tongue nor bruises from lathi charges and injuries leading to death from blazing guns; no Jallianwala massacre as at Amritsar for us; no burning of British chintz materials and donning khadi; no imprisonments barring just a few sporadic cases.

Cass for one sees much good in the British having been here: English language and the door open to the vast treasure trove of English literature; roads and the railway; Westminster style of government and the bureaucracy. Same in India. Their retention of English as a working, nation-wide language kept that subcontinent together with its still efficient civil servants. Celebrations

Cassandra, the toughie, sits straight with pride as she watches on TV the hoisting of the Lion Flag by the Prez of the Nation at the Independence Parade every Fourth of February, now our National Day. Teary when she hears the lovely girls sing Jayamangala Gatha and the stanzas of blessing. Since 2015, more tears as the bevy of national dressed young ones sang the National Anthem (NA) in Sinhalese and then a group of Tamil and Muslim boys and girls sing it in Tamil.

Language argument continues

A decision seems not to have been made (as I write this on Wednesday 29 January) as to whether the National Anthem will be sung in both languages. Letters to the editor are more for it being sung in Sinhala and Tamil but the loud mouths Wimal Weerawansa and Bandula Gunwardena, to name but two opponents, were recently heard denouncing the very thought of allowing the NA to be sung in Tamil. Cass dares to ask what high qualifications Wimal Wee and Bandula Gee possess to so vociferously deny the Tamils also that bit of expressed respect to our common motherland. At least Bandula Gee was an economics tuition teacher. However, his subject of speciality is far removed from cultural and aesthetic studies. In Wimal Wee’s youth he had not even visited Sigiriya; on his own admission. So how is he an arbiter in this cultural matter? The only reason they oppose the Tamil version being sung is to gather Brownie points. But, and here’s the Big But: the present ‘Scout Master’ of the nation has shown himself to be a person of right thinking and right action. He does not seem to want to be beholden to anyone, but to do right by the people of the country. Cass says this with all sincerity. Thus she is sure the President will permit the singing of the NA in both languages.

Correct venue

The President has also acted wisely in deciding to hold National Day celebration on 4 February 2020 in Independence Square, Torrington Avenue, Colombo 7. That is the right venue for this celebratory event and parade. Why then did the yahapalanaya government and even before them, select Galle Face Green for the event? Cass meanly supposes it was for the greater grandeur of the place, the greater visibility of themselves and the longer ride for the VVIPs, with horses, men, bright motor cycles and vehicles, before, behind and beside their luxury limo. On 4 February 1948, the first ceremony was at Queen’s House when Sir Henry Monk-Mason was installed as Governor General. Then with guests seated in the improvised, half constructed Independence Building, the Duke pronounced our independence and the Union Jack was lowered and the Lion Flag hoisted to the resounding beat of magul bera. So we congratulate and express our gratitude that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to go back this year to that historic site which is also completely appropriate.

One little happening on Independence Day that Cass rejoices in and thinks ought always to be done, is laying flowers at the foot of the statue of D S Senanayake. In the context of us becoming a free nation with Lankans governing the country, he has no political party and should be revered just as our first prime minister who was very much in the negotiations for freedom from British rule. Even if acknowledged as a UNPer, he deserves recognition and respect as the Father of the Nation. We hope President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who has opted for less extravaganza and less light shone on him, would go that little step forward to place flowers at the statue that dominates Independence Square.

Efficient Grama Niladari

She came in jeans and wind cheater on a motorbike to verify residences as stated on pensioners lists and probably electoral lists too. Cass barely recognised her though the lipstick was still on. Cass met her at her office dressed smartly in sari. She was truly what a public servant should be: offered a seat first to the member of public she was prepared to attend to, then politely asked what his/her business was, gave correct replies and even advice.

Cass offered the motorcycling Niladari a cup of coffee. "Thank you but no time to even come into your flat. I have many addresses to check on." Cass also must add that this efficiency is because the Niladari is a woman, hence her extra dedication to work!

Authors taken note of

The National Library Services Board was a giver of financial help to authors. They would go through submitted manuscripts (all three languages) and if approved by a committee, would buy copies of the published book to the value of around Rs 50,000. Then the good deed lay dormant. Lack of money allocation was the reason but maybe lethargy to go that one step further to convince higher-ups it was a needed service of a National Library. Cass thought it was dead and done with. Surprise! Surprise! Authors who had applied for financial assistance from 1916 to 1919 were summoned for a dignified ceremony where agreements were signed, thus helping many authors to get their writings published. The added plaudit was that around sixty agreements were signed with every detail seen to, eliminating delay and even traces of chaos.

Cassandra reading her week’s verbal peregrination above, is glad it’s all bouquets presented with just two thorns. Hope still exists for Sri Lanka to rise from the doldrums; the pits of corruption; economic distress and public lethargy.