5 December, 2024

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Dilith Jayaweera Shame On You 

By Nishthar Idroos

Nishthar Idroos

“To foment grievance and to set men at variance is the trade by which agitators thrive and journalists make money. A dogfight, a brawl, or a war is always news; if news of that kind is lacking, it pays well to contrive it”. ~ Creed or Chaos by Dorothy L. Sayers

As it was amply demonstrated the effervescent Chathura de Alwis was caught plumb and there was no need whatsoever for the usual spontaneous and stentorian appeal as is the case in a game of cricket.

Chathura thought he was stage-managing, engineering, and orchestrating something big for his infamous employer. His great idea being pitting one community with another, the hallmark signature of Ada Derana and another news station. He even wanted the egregious piece taken for the following day’s news. These are his words not mine. 

All hatched with the aid of local politicians and legislators. Process made patently clear thanks to whoever was capturing this degrading, disgraceful and disreputable spectacle during a commercial break when cameras are off for the public. I personally found it outrageous and difficult to digest. 

The persona and caliber of our elected parliamentarians? The very ones who speak for the people and vouch openly to maintain peace and harmony amongst communities stooping quite well and liberally too. This is stark nakedness or what?

Millions and Millions of replays of this horrible news piece currently in circulation it seems, both nationally and internationally. This writer picked it up in North America and raised his index finger immediately. In other words confirming that Chathura was clean out and had to make the long walk back. 

What will the umpire do? Will he rule him out? Will Chathura walk back to the pavilion pack-up and leave? After all the game of cricket is a gentleman’s game, even if the umpire is hora a gentleman will have to go. Or will he continue to bat regardless and put the lives and livelihood of Sri Lankan Muslims at great risk? 

TV Derana we appeal to you do not play with the lives of the Muslim populace of Sri Lanka. News merchants are known for their utmost care. Living in Canada this writer has seen it firsthand. There are huge consequences for those who flout or violate the code of ethics or the law. 

There is no country on the face of earth as diverse as Canada and responsibility and ethics in journalism come quite naturally for the scribes here. For sure they’re fully cognizant of the legal consequences irresponsible journalism entail.

As for you TV Derana you’re chartering a very dangerous course. The overwhelming responsibility for informing citizens is the burden of the media. This is the explicit obligation by statute for the electronic media and by journalistic standards. This is how the media serves the public interest. TV Derana’s kind of behavior is quite aberrant and it has been so for a pretty long time now.

My first piece of advice for the umpire Mr. Dilith Jayaweera be mindful of the One above. Your Creator, Maker. Whether you accept, believe in Him or not that does not make any difference. Secondly continued harassment and injustice aimed at a section of the legitimate population of Sri Lanka will have consequences and this is not a threat, we just leave it to our Lord Allah. He is our best Dispenser.

Dilith as someone who learned the fine craft of Advertising from you, as someone who had great regard for your knowledge, credentials and achievements, I was appalled and outraged at what I saw and heard. How could someone as responsible as you take this precipitous slope and fail to take corrective measures in keeping with colossal aberration. Atleast in the interest of the country and  broadcasting fraternity and the allied association whose code you’re bound to follow.

Dilith since when did your TV station become an incubator to churn out highly opinionated callows bereft of the essentials in journalism? Over-rated personalities riddled with virulent seiolism unable to elicit or extract the best in an interview with the aid of insight and cautious probing. 

Journalism’s first obligation is for the truth. This truth is a process that begins with the professional discipline of assembling and verifying facts. Then journalists try to convey a fair and reliable account of their meaning, subject to further investigation. Can you prove to us that you postulate this kind of due diligence as a responsible and committed corporate media entity?

Dilith, this shocking video exposes beyond any reasonable doubt the clear, unalloyed double standards and hypocrisy you so viciously seem to peddle, and quite efficiently too until now. You make it very clear “The Agenda” that has always been jealously guarded. Your TV station is a serious danger to the community. You truly must be ashamed of yourself.

Dilith, you have been pursuing a politically parochial yet precarious path, besmirching the very fundamentals of responsible journalism and accepted norms of Social Responsibility. Who the hell am I to teach you all of this?

Dilith the tacit understanding you have with the political Czars of the country is an open secret. Regardless why can’t we provide the true dividend of peace to all Sri Lankans! Are you against this noble enterprise?

Communalism it seems is deep rooted in the land and an incurable malaise. You just need a news organization like Ada Derana to play the role of the “enviable catalyst”

If this was to happen in my adopted country of Canada the CEO of the organization wouldn’t have had any choice but to tender the resignation and even face possible legal prosecution.

Clause 2 of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters code of ethics which is a voluntary outfit states the following. Recognizing that every person has the right to full and equal recognition and to enjoy certain fundamental rights and freedoms, broadcasters shall ensure that their programming contains no abusive or unduly discriminatory material or comment which is based on matters of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or physical or mental disability.

It seems lots need to be learnt from the Suddah.

Latest comments

  • 29
    35

    Don’t get distracted. The real issue is cremate or bury. Cremate all Corona dead. End of story.

    • 15
      7

      I don’t think that Derana boy, Chatura who is not even a professional journalist but just a drudge in Derana media deserves this much of attention. The real issue, one should think is, why all of a sudden all these burial issues, racism seem to surface at this time. Chatura could just be a tool and the leaked video can be intentional. Knowing the global situation very well, why cremation was made an issue by few Muslim writers followed by Muslim politicians when large number of Muslims seemingly had no issues with it?

      Remember, in SL, racial tensions have more power than coronavirus in diverting people’s attention.

      • 3
        6

        Kader

        You seems to be fake Muslim in Sinhala clothing. Talking nonsense without understanding the core issues yourself

        • 6
          2

          Dignity for all, Haji, unmayana brain use pandra sonan here. Aduththa wanuku thoppi podura, oru adi neetathuku thadi vecha Bazaar party illa…

          BTW, what are your ‘core issues’? There are too many real ‘core issues’ like no leadership, lack of education, women rights, unhygienic living conditions, improper public behavior of Muslim youngsters due to lazy sleeping mothers, ready to do any illegal things for money, selfishness, greed, etc..etc.. these are the real issues

          • 0
            0

            Solli vela illa…

      • 2
        2

        Are you muslim

    • 11
      3

      Forget the religious issues. Almost all religions are united to Spread the Corna virus. They have no way of putting a stop to it,
      All that we have to understand is, under the prevailing circumstances which is safer- burial ar cremation? Burial means more involvement with the body, unlike cremation which will kill the virus in the body simultaneously.

    • 2
      1

      GATAM

      Don’t get distracted, follow the head of health authority.

      The law is to creamate or burial is accepted 8 feet internationaly accepted and agreed from the head of health authoruty, so that no one will hide the sickness.

  • 18
    2

    Please keep racism out of this. It is not going to help anyone. We all must work together.

    Peace to all.

  • 20
    11

    Well, no amount of chest beating and complaining cannot deny the fact that Muslims infected with COVID 19 have been caught trying to hide from the authorities, and pretending to be sick with other diseases.Poruthota and Atulugama were one exmples of this conspiratorial behaviour.

    They have put the entire nation at risk through their secretive, myth-based behaviourand their demands for burial is just another part of this conspiracy. Dr Jagoda, the Head of the National Hospital has pointed out that the high water table in our country will likely to flood entire areas with the virus from dead Muslim bodies and they should stop this ridiculous demand NOW.

    Don’t be a curse on other people!

    • 5
      1

      Hi man don’t be a Racists, if Sirisena does a blunder punish him, why bring Muslim dimension into it. When a Sinhalese is Covid-19 victim from Timbuktu, your Racists Media will say, a man from Timbuktu has got it. Guys come where is your Nut on the head or your ass

    • 3
      1

      Whether a Muslim , a Buddhist or Christian hide the virus is not a question for debate. All are Sri Lankns. Thats the way the media should look in to it if there is any media ethics.Unfortunately these Careers of the virus are ignorant and irresponsible to commit such a grave error of judgement. Blaming Muslims and highlighting it specially by the media is not the right way.Under the present circumstances the media has immense responsibility not to create hatred but to educate the mass.

    • 7
      2

      What about the guys came from Italy drinking paracetamol?? Please don’t bring someone’s religion for his actions

    • 8
      3

      High water table?? Netherlands is under sea level and they allow the burials so stop this nonsense of making excuses and bringing up race . The dead have an integrity so don’t ruin it who knows who’s next what goes around comes around be mindful of the so called researches you put through

    • 3
      2

      Well spoken Sir. This selfishnrace is now the core problem for hiding the sick and also being aggressive towards authorities tracking them down. They are now the spreaders of this virus. Sadly. I hope they get some empathy towards society without always clinging onto religion. It’s so sickening now.

  • 22
    3

    There will not be any adverse consequences for Chathura or Dilith for that matter. In Sri Lanka it is not justice that prevails, but who you know and can influence. That is another aspect that makes SL unique compared to developed countries. There are no ethics in advertising or selling merchandise. There are no lawsuits against medical negligence. Patients who die as a result of and not in spite of doctors’ actions often thank the doctors for trying to save their relative. Pensioners who are helped to obtain their medicines at great risk often thank the govt as their saviours. So, in the “Wonder” of Asia, you cannot expect a fair go for all. The Muslims are partly to blame for their own doggedness in pursuing burial options against medical opinion. That is not to absolve the media anchors of guilt. It is simply how the cookie crumbles. Most people are thankful that unlike in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (for example), other infidel religious symbols do not invite public whipping so far. Hakeem has not helped either. Lets get rid of SARS Cov-2 first though, and not let the crisis outcomes be seen as valour and chivalry of the prez for a 2/3rds but the efforts of myriad dedicated workers. Best wishes..!

    • 0
      0

      we need unbias poeple like you who can call a spade a spade. my respect.Sri Lanka will stay live until many like you prevail.

  • 12
    10

    Human Rights Commission & I international Body, should take stern action against Dilith Jayaweera & Chathura Alwis. Also, all international recognition awarded to Derena to be revoked.

    • 6
      8

      Why are you scared of Derana speaking the truth eh ?????

  • 7
    16

    “It seems lots need to be learnt from the Suddah” indeed! That must be the reason Suddahs have finally learned from us Asians to greet by placing their palms together rather than shake hands. Toilet paper is fast disappearing and it will not be long before Suddhas learn from us to clean their backsides. Why don’t you just stick it up in your ‘adopted country’ (it can’t be paradise as it does not have too many virgins!) and leave us to get on with our lives? By the way, do you enjoy MMDA permitting bigamy and child marriages in your adopted wonderland???

    • 1
      1

      But we are even fail to scrap mmda

    • 10
      10

      What kind of low life will take an article like this, showing how racists these people are, and turn it into anti Muslim comment, when the article shows that Muslims have once again been attacked by Sinhala Buddhists lying in a racist channel, run by racists, who have a history of spreading fake news about Muslim professionals, and yet this commenter/islamaphobe adds to it. Bad upbringing and low intelligence.

    • 3
      1

      Hi man don’t be a Racists, if Sirisena does a blunder punish him, why bring Muslim dimension into it. When a Sinhalese is Covid-19 victim from Timbuktu, your Racists Media will say, a man from Timbuktu has got it. Guys come where is your Nut on the head or your ass

    • 0
      0

      Just like the blind eagle never about the topic st hand. Why is that people can’t stick to facts but attack someone personally and their beliefs. I don’t like the writer nor his opinions however attaching his beliefs and personalities is a shame

  • 0
    1

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

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  • 9
    4

    Whatever it is, I give Nishtar Idroos the credit of writing about something different. Rather than whining about having to cremate the Covid patients.

    Good job.

  • 2
    5

    Abdul Kader – why all of a sudden all these burial issues, racism seem to surface at this time ?
    Please ask Hakeem……….. To answer you, it must come your own camp. If you are a COVID patient, be it a Muslim or any other all are treated same.
    Simply do not know Y V R creating a mountain of a Molehill.
    All of us want to live.

    Pethiyagoda, – Just mind your own business and focus on what the World is going through instead looking at issues through a political periscope. grow up.

    • 4
      0

      Thondamany – Oh yes I remember, you were that germy little nosy attending our porterage when Hakeem & I had gone hiking, right? Ha..ha..

      Fool, when people carry names that belong to the same ethnicity, doesn’t mean they live in the same camp.

  • 1
    4

    Chathura is currently part of the tip of a growing iceberg of hate against minorities’ susceptibilities. Whether it is conversion, cremation or whatever becomes the flavour of the day, the extremist will have a contrary opinion. The saddest part of this is neither the President nor other notable figures of influence have spoken out against hate speech.

    Meanwhile, the other side of the hate coin is busy too recruiting behind the high walls of Kattankudy.

    Hate speech? Coronaviris. Innocent people have become the ham in the sandwich.
    In short, we’re fucked!

  • 2
    3

    Agree with what Idroos has to say about Derana and this dubious presenter. I have seen some of his shows and quite frankly, pretty low quality stuff. Then again, almost all Sri Lankan TV presenters are pretty low quality. I understand they are trying to look good (even appear to be independent) but they have some ways to go.

    I disagree however Idroos’ portrayal of Canada the Utopia. Get real bro, Canada has its fair share of biases (99% of the time justifiable). Idroos must be some retired chap who does not deal with the real world so one does not find fault with his “all equal Canada thing”. Enjoy the dream bud.

  • 1
    1

    Whether a Muslim , a Buddhist or Christian hide the virus is not a question for debate. All are Sri Lankns. Thats the way the media should look in to it if there is any media ethics.Unfortunately these Careers of the virus are ignorant and irresponsible to commit such a grave error of judgement. Blaming Muslims and highlighting it specially by the media is not the right way.Under the present circumstances the media has immense responsibility not to create hatred but to educate the mass.

  • 3
    0

    Please bring the country under one law for all,one flag and one Nation !

  • 2
    0

    Corrupt minds , have no other objective than been even more corrupt. The stock market investors and participants know who he is, and even the other fraudsters and front-runners, and those who were churning the stocks for their own benefit, to ultimately satisfy their greed, nurtured and promoted by politics. Those whom the Gods want to dstroy, will first make them mad.

  • 0
    0

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

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  • 3
    1

    When you are in Sri lanka you obey the Sri Lankan LAW or you are welcome to re locate to where you originated and have your own say or what not….Make no mistake this time around …WE will ensure 100 percent LAW enforcement in Sri lanka and those who flout the law faces legal action.

  • 3
    2

    Chathura thought he can play the game of Pinch the baby and rock the cradle meaning and bring prominance for him not to bring unity to the country as his face language is visible of his agenda, look at the vedio. A Golden rule -If it is not Right do not do it; if it is not tRue do not say it. he has not learned great lessons before doing this job

  • 3
    0

    Shut your mouth please. All those who talk about religion and some practices associated with such religions must understand that the virus does not care the religion. We must follow what the scientists say.

    • 2
      1

      nanda

      We must follow what the scientists say.

      To follow science there are many question to be asked.

  • 1
    1

    Nisthar you are spot on! Chatura was not “Leg Before Wicket” he left the ball and was “Clean Bowled” and the public has ruled him “Out”! He is now in review mode, awaiting the decision of the “Third Umpire”, if the “Third Umpire” rules in his favour, the public will know Derana is not playing “Cricket” but some other “Game”!

    In this instant I don’t want to comment on whether the health security experts at WHO (with experience including related to Ebola) is wrong and the Director General of Health (with no pandemic experience) is right! I want to address the Derena news issue and raise the following questions and ask what was Derana’s agenda?
    1. Why bring politicians for a debate on the Pandemic, when SL has several medical experts, what was the motive?
    2. Was, the theme of the advert break “Pow wow”, the intended agenda of the debate, and not the pandemic?
    3. Does the statement by a politician from the gutter “19 of the 20 Persons” of the last 20 detected are muslims, without providing a racial breakdown of the previous 120 infected, provide a rational and productive basis for a debate?
    4. Coupling 2 and 3 above, can a rational person conclude, the objective of this debate was rational?

    The answers to these question will help the public to decide what the decision of the “Third Umpire” will be and whether the public should still follow the “Game” Derana is playing in the guise of “Cricket”, OR continue to watch the stage being setup for a “Dog fight” in order to fulfil the pleasures of the “Third Umpire”, his Patrons and lackeys!

  • 0
    0

    Issues are to be discussed and sorted by respective learned people. Not paid street drama jokers.
    Its like a boy going to see an under 18 film and give a view of it.
    Even today the discussion is to keep parliament or not. First an foremost do we have learned people fit to come forward and address the issue? Is it going to help the purpose? Can we say 225 are worth giving an outcome or 20 percent?
    What about the Fort Red Mosque issue? Has it being clarified?
    Can you expect a Tea Man who has lost his business run a Telecom Company?

  • 0
    1

    Burial/Cremation has been recognized in law as the right way to dispose of a dead body. There is no controversy over that. But the people are now facing a faceless enemy who is killing people in their thousands in lightening speed. The coronavirus/COVID 19 does not make a distinction whether one is a Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim or Christian. The overwhelming medical opinion is that COVID 19 victims should be cremated rather than buried. Where the water level is high there is the chance the virus may seep through and enter the water. The problem with Muslims, they always demand their pound of flesh. Anything that is done not according to their religion they reject it. They call it blasphemy and all Muslim-majority states, have the death penalty for it. Sharia law (God’s immutable divine law) permits such punishment. However, there are situations where freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs may have to be subject to limitations prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. The present situation is one such instance. It may be added that a number of Muslim law have become outdated, irrational and unfair. Many laws like marrying 4 wives, instant divorce which has caused so much hardship to Muslim women and children have been scrapped in developed countries as well as countries like India.

  • 0
    1

    In Israel cremation of dead bodies (because of COVID) is mandatory, and even Orthodox Jewish Rabbi’s support it. (https://www.timesofisrael.com/state-mandated-cremation-a-posthumous-mitzvah-says-leading-orthodox-rabbi/) Why can’t Muslims be moderate like the Jews?

    I did not listen to Chatura’s video. If he have said something unacceptable (used derogatory/offensive words for Muslims, have talked vengeance with them) it can’t be justified. But It should be stated that there may be racist/propagandist journalists even in Tamil newspapers or among Muslims. Racism does not case about race. It affects anybody regardless of religion or ethnicity. WE are talking about Chathura because he’s the one who had to be exposed . We don’t what Tamil/Muslim journalists/announcers are saying in breaks about the Sinhala people.

    If Chathura’s “racism” (If ther’s any) have no effect on his career his career must be saved. However should be warned about seriousness about his behavior. (However most of friends are appreciating him since he said there should be only one law for everyone regardless of religion. – as they says)

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