By Vipula Wanigasekera –
Dr. Vipula Wanigasekera
The recent video clip capturing a TV debate in Sri Lanka has ignited discussions surrounding the conduct and status of parliamentarians within the country. This video went viral and was commented on by several leading Youtubers. The footage reveals a factional dispute between members of the governing party and representatives from the JVP characterized by intense shouting matches, threats, warnings, and the use of indecent language.
Such heated debates are common, but it appears in this instance, that either these members in the debate were briefed to behave in that fashion or the Governing party does not have any spokespersons, leave alone decency and integrity.
Accessible through the provided link now available in many forms, the video shows a firsthand account of the intensity of the confrontation, shedding light on the underlying dignity and democracy within Sri Lanka’s political landscape.
Meanwhile a State Minister was seen through another video footage, assaulting a porter at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). According to sources, the minister and his armed security personnel attempted to enter the airport through the main entrance, but were stopped by airport security officers who informed them that firearms were not permitted inside.
This led to an alleged verbal outburst from the Minister, who reportedly threatened several security officers. The situation escalated when a porter assisting with the luggage of the minister’s wife was assaulted as seen in the video.
Witnesses claim the conflict began when the porter objected to receiving Rs. 750 instead of the standard Rs. 1,000 fee, which is posted at the airport. In response, Minister was seen slapping the porter in the face before leaving the premises which he admitted to media later. There was no action against the Minister nor was there a complaint made to the police by the porter until now.
These underscore broader concerns regarding the state of Sri Lanka’s political arena and the potential ramifications for upcoming elections. The particular worry is the emergence of thuggery and intimidation tactics merely scratching the surface of deeper underlying tensions.
After ending the war and as described by a leading Youtuber ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXicSTZMnHY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE3Fl1phgvU&t=201s many within the governing party adopted kind of an entitled posture, seemingly asserting ownership over the country and some placing themselves appear above the law.
Regrettably, party leaders turned a blind eye to the behavior of these members in the debate perpetuating a culture of impunity. To everyone’s surprise, this behaviors of the two MPs were praised by a fellow member on the May day rally in front of the party leaders.
While this being the current scenario, there are signs of change on the horizon. The worries seem to be emanating from the notion of having to hold on to power by hook or crook to prevent any pending cases or alleged corruption stories in the past from surfacing, should a new government come into power – a prospect eagerly anticipated by the majority of masses.
Against this backdrop, these videos serve as a stark warning of the lengths to which certain factions may go to when the change takes place. Needless to mention that the presence of unqualified and indecent representatives poses a significant obstacle to the nation’s advancement, highlighting the critical role of the electorate in selecting their parliamentarians wisely.
It is only through collective action and informed decision-making can Sri Lanka hope to overcome the challenges it faces and realize its full potential on the world stage. In doing so, it is necessary to acknowledge that Sri Lanka’s political history has been marred by war, violence, thuggery, protests and looting serving as painful reminders of the consequences of such behavior.
Despite the lessons learned from the past subsequent governments have veered off course by allowing individuals lacking basic human decency but brimming with arrogance to hold positions of power. The result of this negligence was evident in these video footages – a reflection of what the people may witness after the election period has been announced.
*Writer is a former Diplomat, Head of Tourism Authority , currently a senior lecturer for Edith Cowan University, Perth
Lakshman / May 18, 2024
It is true that this is a notorious state minister. But the media is totally blind to its most valid comments he made about how these porters are demanding and taking money from the travelers.
From foreigners they may be demanding very much more than the so called 18 dollar visa fee the entire country was talking.
One of my known friend’s mother was coming from Canada, and she was an old lady not a Canadian citizen. She had 50 dollars in her purse and this fellow had demanded and taken. Then one of my batch mates coming from Australia told me that he felt sorry about these porters and thought of giving about Rs. 300 /500 rupees as a help and allowed take the bags. When he was giving Rs. 500 the fellow had demanded 20 dollars. How can they demand dollars from locals and what is the position of the foreigners? We talk about tourism and no controls on these unethical earnings on demand.
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vipula / May 19, 2024
Yes agree, The point I was trying to bring to light is what the people of Sri Lanka may expect in the future when power bases gained so far has to be secured. The porters’ behavior, not all of them, is also the reflection of the prevailing law and order in the country, not to mention this is strategic location that has to attract the tourists. Just saw the travel advisory issued by the Australian Government presumably fueled by this kind of incidents that are snowballing. Thank you
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LankaScot / May 19, 2024
Hello Vipula,
My wife (Sri Lankan) and I landed in BIA, from Qatar a few years ago. We wheeled our Luggage to a Special Customs Point as requested. After taking some details we proceeded towards the exit when a man (Porter possibly?) seized our trolley and told my wife that he had helped to get us through. Rather than cause a fuss she gave him 1000 Rs, but he wasn’t happy. Luckily I am bigger and stronger than he was and took the trolley back. He could also understand the Scottish expression FO (Foreign Office 😉) and did so.
Many times we have noticed that some South Asians assume that Europeans are fair game for extortion. In India they call it “Gora Price”.
I don’t mind giving a tip (anywhere in the World). As a Resident I expect to be treated the same as Sri Lankans. In most of Europe it would be an offence to charge Tourists up to 10 times more than locals for entry to Gardens and Buildings etc. Now that I speak better Sinhala we don’t have so many problems in shops and cafes as before. So a tip for Tourists learn some Sinhala before you come, it’s also polite.
Best regards
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Mahila / May 19, 2024
Legally, AASL has fixed the fee as SLRs 1000!!?? The Notices are there in the terminal!!!??? Change the money at the Bank within terminal and have the exact amount of Cash to Pay!! Then No Issues!!?? The Minister Kuppadiaya tried a long shot to make 1000 Rupees 750 Rupees??? That was the problem!!!
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nimal fernando / May 22, 2024
I do not, in any shape or form, condone the minister hitting the porter. The higher status does not mean, the ministers behave any better than the porters. The ministers should first set the example.
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But to get/hire a porter or not should be a choice left to the passengers. Sometimes you need one sometimes you don’t.
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Over the sign where it says the price for a porter …… it should also be written, in bold letters, that a passenger must request a porter: the porters should not just grab bags. ……… It’s a two-way street.
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If I’m not mistaken ……. the Rs 1000 is per bag. This January, when leaving, we ended up paying, which I thought was an exorbitant amount, for very little work. My wife travels like Imelda Marcos ….. don’t ask me what she carries in all her luggage …… knuckledusters, flick-knives and hand grenades for all I know …. My kids were ensnared by 2 or 3 porters before I could intervene. In comparison, porters who carry much more to the top of Adam’s Peak get only Rs550 per trip …… which actually is a pittance and should be much more.
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In Lanka, the pols set the example and the rest follow …….. but only the pols – and the clergy – play holier-than-thou ……….
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