By Malinda Seneviratne –
Meanwhile In A Parallel Universe
‘We have to do something about it,’ Psychosothy Paranamuttu started things off at Celery Café, Colombo 3 where some hardcore HR hawks had gathered to obtain comfort of companionship in trying times.
‘Yes, since we are not nationalists, we have to show nationalists and everyone else that we are internationalists,’ J.C. Galamuna opined.
‘I agree. We are beyond narrow identities. We don’t do identity politics. We do identifying politics. We are not racists. We are human racists.’ That was Bimalka Ferdinando.
‘I second that!’ Mohan Edirmanne, on a short visit home from Nepal, chipped in.
‘Hey Mohan, long time no see. Where were you hiding, man?’ Johanne Perera was curious.
‘Doing this and that men, don’t you know?’
‘Did you order?’ Sankajaya Hattotuwegama was interested in getting on with the business at hand.
‘Your favorites, brother!’ Paranamuttu calmed the young man down.
‘I know I am not exactly an HR man, but we are all in this together, and I hope you don’t mind me tossing in my two pennies worth,’ Charlie Hadaland cautiously wanted inclusion.
‘By all means buddy, go ahead and give us the low down!’ Bimalka said graciously.
‘Ok. Thanks. Here goes. Judges at the European Court of Human Rights, that’s ECHR folks, have upheld France’s burqa ban, claiming that the ban encouraged citizens to live together.’
‘Three cheers for the liberal attitude of the French towards relationships and sex!’ Maurice Gonzales of the International Centre for Ethnic Cleansing didn’t hide his jubilation.
‘Er….Mo…I don’t think that’s what it’s about, is it Charlie?’ Psychosothy tried to keep things sober.
‘Yes. This is about a law introduced in 2010 which made it illegal for anyone to cover their face in a public place. While it also covers balaclavas and hoods, the ban has been criticized as targeting Muslim women,’ Hadaland explained.
‘Are you sure Charlie? It sounds like something that can only come from the Sinhala Buddhist State, certainly not France,’ Bimalka wasn’t convinced.
‘It’s France alright,’ Charles assured her and added, ‘the question is, since we are not nationalists and since our ideology is not contained by national boundaries, we can’t be twiddling our thumbs over this issue.’
‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’ Gonzales showed off his sloganeering skills.
‘Charlie, you are right,’ Paranamuttu ignored Maurice, ‘we have talked so religiously about religious freedoms that we just can’t let this pass without comment.’
‘But we have not uttered a word about the lack of religious freedoms in Arab countries,’ Galamuna broke his silence, making people squirm in their chairs, despite long-standing growth of layers and layers on selectivity-tissue on their self righteous bums.
‘That’s different Machang,’ Sankajaya brought in nuance, ‘because there are places where we can do things and places where we can’t.’
‘Yes, where soft religions are strong, there’s room for us to talk about religious freedoms and in its name defend all kinds of intrusions that would not be allowed in countries where intruding religions are dominant,’ Johanne Perera made a careful intervention to support Hattotuwegama.
‘But this is France,’ Paranamuttu reminded everyone of the matter at hand.
‘Let’s go there, let’s go there!’ Sankajaya was excited.
‘Let’s not be hasty, after all the French would not see us as human rights activists but a bunch of brownies who are trying to teach them how to run their affairs,’ Mohan was cold sober.
‘No, they won’t. They give us money and tell us how to teach Sri Lankans how to live their lives. It’s all in the spirit of cooperation, common human values and so on. That’s what we’ve learnt from all the workshops we’ve attended, remember?’ Bimalka was optimistic.
‘You can’t be serious!’ Johanne said.
‘Come on Bimalka, we can rant and rave about the BBS, but we won’t utter one word about the clashes in Kalmunai where two Muslim sects are fighting it out, do you even wonder why we don’t?’ Mohan put Bimalka on the spot.
‘We are moving away from the topic,’ Paranamuttu tried to keep the peace.
‘Hey guys, it’s getting late,’ Sankajaya looked at his watch.
‘True, true, let’s meet again and put together a project proposal to organize 1000 workshops all over Sri Lanka where we will debate whether or not we should go to France!’ Galamuna said.
‘Who is picking up the bill?’ Johanne was always particular about such thing.
‘I will,’ Paranamuttu said, adding with a grin, ‘we will put it down to transport costs!’
Everyone laughed but in the midst of all that gaiety Bimalka had the presence of mind to whisper into Charlie’s ear, ‘Don’t you write about it!’
‘Hey, I am a friend, a beneficiary and I know what I am supposed to do and when to play deaf and dumb!’ Hadaland said reassuringly.
‘As long as Colombo Telegraph doesn’t get to know about it!’ Paranamuttu hissed.
As they trooped out of Celery Café, Mohan was struck by a thought. He turned around and asked, ‘Hey J.C., how come you still go with the name Galamuna?’
The man was embarrassed. He stammered out, ‘I know, I know, I’ve been busy, but don’t worry, I am going to change it to Kalmunai very soon.’
‘Good,’ said Mohan as he turned back, almost knocking down a woman in a burqa, to whom he quickly apologized, ‘Sorry Ma’am, please be assured, I am not a supporter of living together!’
The woman, obviously not making head or tail of it, gathered herself and walked away, entering the safe precincts of Celery Café.
*Malinda Seneviratne is the Chief Editor of ‘The Nation’ and his articles can be found at www.malindawords.blogspot.com
Fathima / July 6, 2014
As usual Malinda keeps steadily trying to divert the discussion away from cats to rats.
Well done…
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Amarasiri / July 6, 2014
Malinda,
RE: Human Rights Activists Plan A Trip To France
What a joke.
They should take a trip to Aluthgama, Breuwala ans Wellipenna.
They should see what Sinhala Buddhist Nationalism has done do Human Rights, Courtesy of Para-sinhala-Para-Buddhism.
Then they van go to France,
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Amarasiri / July 7, 2014
Malinda,
You are challenged to Sign this petition. Not signing means you are a BBS Racist and Apologist. Signing means you agree with the petition.
UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISION: Charge the BODU BALA SENA,(BBS) Its Leader GNANASARA Thero for GENOCIDE
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/UN_HUMAN_RIGHTS_COMMISION_Charge_the_BODU_BALA_SENABBS_Its_Leader_GNANASARA_Thero_for_GENOCIDE/?copy
Why this is important to me
To STOP further GENOCIDE in Sri Lanka against its peaceful Muslim community similar to the Genocide unleased against them on 15th of June 2014, in southern Sri Lanka. 90% of the people of Sri Lanka are AGAINST this racist violence but NO ACTION is taken by the Government which indirectly supports this groups racist actions and agenda.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/UN_HUMAN_RIGHTS_COMMISION_Charge_the_BODU_BALA_SENABBS_Its_Leader_GNANASARA_Thero_for_GENOCIDE/?copy
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JULAMPITIYE AMARAYA / July 7, 2014
Amare;
This Guy, Maerenda; He Forgot that there was a Human Rights Crusader called Dahja Jarapassa, Who Went to Genève and Had Fun with Some Fun lovers there on poor people’s funds and Came back to Paradise with so many Lies.
And Maerenda wants Whitewash all the Sins Done By His Pay Masters.
Nice Try!!!!!! Man.
Trying Hard But He is a failure, like foreign PEERISK, even though He got his Harvard Cardboard Cap.
What about the Bill which Paid to Hotel Astoria in New York When F king visited Washington last time.
Why This guy Maerenda Also Not Start a Whit washing N G O for himself???????.
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Bruno Umbato / July 7, 2014
Trying to divert discussion away from cats to rats, Fathima?
Oh! No …
This is one of the best from Malinda … All these pseudo ‘idealists’ who blame Sinhalese Budhists and Sri Lanka should read this … I know it is like very bright mirror holding into their faces … Image they see is ugly and evil … But, it is the reality guys … Without trying to kill the messenger, try to read it without ugliness and evil thoughts towards the country they were born into …
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Palayang yako! / July 9, 2014
Buru Wambotta:
When are you going to buy that primer for those trying to write English? Or does your Jarapassa allowance not provide for such things?
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Lanka Liar / July 8, 2014
That is his habit. Not intentional. May be his laptop is playing up.
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Palayang yako! / July 9, 2014
Fathima:
“As usual Malinda keeps steadily trying to divert the discussion away from cats to rats.” Why would he want to do that when it would only draw attention to him?
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TS Ganepola / July 9, 2014
Marinda meets the President of Sri Aknal
President: You are the editor of….what paper?
Marinda: Your Excellency, it is The Nation Straits
Pres: Ah..! that’s right.. so many newspapers in the country means so many journalists to have an eye on..You see, I have told ATOG to keep a close eye.. these fellows are up to no good – they are working secretly with NGOs
Marinda: Not me, your Highness..a..a your Excellency (to himself: “my pants are getting wet-like.”)
Pres: You are loyal, Merv tells me. That’s why I spoke to Dr Gratien about your health.
Marinda: Thank you Your Excellency..t..t..thank you
Pres: Now why did you come here?
Marinda: (loosening his throat) Your Excellency
Pres: Now, now don’t keep telling ‘Excellency,’ all the time like to JR. JR is a Radalaya..I am an ordinary Game Chandiya. Tel me..quick!
Marinda: I hear the CDN big chair is getting vacant… I have been over five years in this Nation Straits but no one reads it and it is running at a loss. I can do wonders at Bere Gedera and write to send the NGOs home. I will write against that US Ambassador who is trying to give funds to Ranil for the elections.
Pres: Can you do that well? Merv tells me you are capable. GL also. Good you don’t criticize any of them-although they jolly well deserve to be attacked. Keep going at Ranil, UNP..say Ranil cannot win.. keep saying that and the people will believe. Like Hitler…you know?
Marinda: I already gave tight to the HR fellows Pakiaya and Weliya who are going round the world attacking all your good work. Now we cannot get any funds from the Sinhala Diaspora because these guys have done damage.
Pres: Not that.. Marinda (that’s your name isn’t it?) I will tell you something but 100 per cent secret. You know what will happen if you let out this secret?
Marinda: Trust me… your..er.. honour. I will do anything.
Pres: Can you get some Jihadist to shoot both these fellows when they go to Paris next week? I will give you a top place to make something.
Marinda: er..er..er..(meekly) I will try… but won’t a Press attack do the job… especially if I get the Bere Gedera job?
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meezan / July 6, 2014
Cheap jibes at the NGO community, on a Laptop received as Santhosam for favours granted. That too, soon after MRs very recent tirade against NFGOs. Malinda SeneviRotten has surely lost no time in pleasing the Master.
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Amarasiri / July 6, 2014
Who is this guy Malinda?
a person who tries to get an advantage from other people by being extremely pleasant to them in a way that is not sincere
(Definition of arse-licker noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary &
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/british/arse-licker
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sarong johnny / July 6, 2014
Hey hey. He caught you sideways did he? This is a fine piece of exposure. Where do you go to see Human Rights values upheld? France? I lived there for 30 years and the extreme right is on fire. They want all the Muslims out; then they will get the Tamils so keep your god damned comments about the NGO community to your self and your cesspit. Buddy. You have nopt got a clue.
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Ram / July 6, 2014
Kuwait, unlike Saudi Arabia allows it’s womenfolk to drive on public roads. However, some 20 years ago they were allowed to drive ONLY if their faces were exposed (This, after a terrorist bomb had gone off in a public place). It must be this limitation imposed on them by the State, that forced them to migrate to France, where they assumed that had had the freedom to do as they wished. Now they’ll be forced to move to Britain.
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Bodi / July 6, 2014
Now they’ll be forced to move to Britain.
No, they will move to Dhargatown or Kalmunai, or Akkaripattu.
It is much cheaper there, and lots more room for fun and games
and having 5 wives (not allowed in UK) is allowed in Serendib.
Muslims can marry girls at the age of 7, while the Sinhalese
cannot. of course the NGo wallas can, because they have the money to
have mistresses.
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Sunil Warangala / July 10, 2014
Muslims can marry girls at age 7, and Sinhalese are capable of molesting babies of 7 months with a government licence.
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Native Vedda / July 7, 2014
Malinda Seneviratne
You look like Tamil film villains.
Are you one of those Sinhala speaking Demela from South India?
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Amarasiri / July 7, 2014
Malinda,
“Are you one of those Sinhala speaking Demela from South India? :
Det your DNA Tested. It will prove that you are a Sinhala speaking Demela from South India. Science and Molecular Biology never lies.
It will also show that your ancestors had 48 Chromosomes, and now 46.
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Lanka Liar / July 8, 2014
No Tamil speaking Sin Ha La from south Sri Lanka
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Yoka Touchibana / July 10, 2014
How did you smelt it precisely Native. His Cephalic brain doesn’t suggest otherwise.
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Ram Balram / July 10, 2014
Hare Ram,
So, do you mean to say that all Muslims of France are exiles from Kuwait? True sense from a Ramming mind?
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Navin / July 6, 2014
If I get a chance “[edited out] a”. He is no doubt [Edited out].
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Park / July 6, 2014
This guys is doing what his friend “Dayan” does all the time, suck up to the regime!
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Jay Pathbey / July 6, 2014
Well, this is how Human Rights Activists, Amnesty International as well as hundreds of other so called do-gooders spend their easy money and plan revolutions (or is it revulsions).
Nosey governments spend (or waste) the tax payers money on useless NGO’s to screw up countries and of course the NGO mafias have to eat, drink and plan too.
Thanks Malinda, Good Job.
JP/USA
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Javi / July 8, 2014
Jay Pachebahu,
Ever heard of funding of NGO’s outside of USAID (is govt funded for defence purposes only-statement made by bush during tsunami)
The rest of the NGO’s by concept arrange their own private funding and the government/tax payer has no claim.
Para Sihala Buddhist that is what non government means.
`Goo`ta dictatorship means he must control or he does not sleep But does he sleep nowadays I doubt.
You are typical fascist like cyril mathew the coward dimwit because ?? Offshot like Mussolini/Franco.
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Selwyn / July 6, 2014
What’s happening Malinda? Is there a need to stoop to such low standards? So you too now belong to those unethical Editors of SL Rags like the Daily Noise, Daily Muck etc.,
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alimankada pamankada / July 7, 2014
What a shame for the Ingratien award winner to stoop so low. I thought he was better bred than the foul-mouthed RajpalAbeyKnicker. I certainly was wrong.
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Amarasiri / July 7, 2014
alimankada pamankad
Malinda is lost in alimankada and pamankade after Shilling for So long…for MaRa..and white washing
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Palayang yako! / July 9, 2014
Selwy:
He doesn’t have to join those useless fellows because he is one of their leading lights in case you haven’t noticed!
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Ben Dover / July 6, 2014
Yawn.. yawn… yawn … just go away Malinda, you totally boring piece of worthless muck.
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Nadeson Press Monitor / July 6, 2014
Malinda learning fast from Rajpak Abeynayaka. What happen to what you learnt from Haverd University? Is this change after you got Gratien prize?
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Al Satian / July 10, 2014
… and Gratien Ananda now trembles with his voice.
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Piranha / July 7, 2014
Miss Melinda’s continued attempts at slinging mud at the NGO community – the real opposition to the Rajapaksa cabal shows how disturbed he is by their success in calling the regime to account for its anti people criminal activities. I salute the courage of the NGOs to stand up to the dictator and their apologists like Miss Melinda and I hope they do travel to France, Geneva and elsewhere to expose the Rajapaksa atrocities against the people of Sri Lanka.
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JimSofty / July 7, 2014
All Human Right business men and women have met in an UPPITY class restaurant in Colombo.
I think they all have INFERIORITY COMPLEX. So, they try to show that they are big shots.
Otherwise, what is the different between those-kade and this restaurant ?
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Petrocelli / July 10, 2014
Bum Softy
Nobody can enter into Pamankade and have a drink, for Pamankade is not a Toddy tavern.
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Dr. Laksiri Fernando / July 7, 2014
This may appear funny and humorous. But underneath there is contempt and/or misunderstanding of human rights on the part of the author!
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Hooker / July 7, 2014
A regime white-washer dabbling in a bit of humour. Reminds you of Nero – the Fiddler in Rome. MS has trashed every one in his list of
Who I ain’t inviting for Dinner. Why doesn’t MS, for starters, try to
make something out of the Nation on Sunday as something readable
and newsworthy.
Hooker
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Crazyoldmansl / July 8, 2014
I do not think that Malinda is trying to make a critique of the doctrine of human rights. He seems to be pointing at how the doctrine is being used.
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Sunil Dahanayake / July 7, 2014
Dear Malinda,
Occasionaly, you write something interesting.
But you forgot to write about the “Friday Forum” guys. I hope next time.
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Ram / July 7, 2014
It seems ONLY one person on this column is allowed to insert links to articles by the CT. Is it because he is a resident troll.?
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Sapumal / July 7, 2014
How much did they pay you to write comments here# …. Agents!
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Robert.R / July 7, 2014
If you don’t like it I suggest “lanka web” as a good place for your postings lol
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muruks / July 8, 2014
So writes ‘Mad-in-de Sorry-a-rat(n)a’
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Siva Sankaran Sarma / July 8, 2014
Good one Malinda. It’s funny cos it’s true :D
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Native Vedda / July 8, 2014
Siva Sankaran Sarma Menon
“The woman, obviously not making head or tail of it, gathered herself and walked away, entering the safe precincts of Celery Café.”
Whether the woman made head or tail of it or not definitely we haven’t.
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Lanka Liar / July 8, 2014
I thought Malinda is a man
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Piyumi Welikala / July 8, 2014
Marinda belongs to the Jarapakse writing cabal like Dayani Jayatlleka. They form the more sophisticated ring of writers. Marinda uses sarcasm to make fun of HR fighters because Jarapakses think that way.MR has not spared any institution in Lanka-not even the Gratien Prize administrators.
Is this all Marinda can do?
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Kirri Yakka / July 9, 2014
Malinda Ayia,
Was the NGO Kakka there? in this meeting ?
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Punsara / July 10, 2014
Malinda de Kihiliratna, now you started your journalistic scribbles with the words ‘Psychosothy Paranamuttu’ extolling on how puerile your scholarship is, long-live your Sinhala chauvinism until you feel the spasms of your heart.
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