Veteran diplomat, academic, author and columnist Mr. N.M.M. Izeth Hussain has passed away today.
Izeth Hussain
Born in 1927 and educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo, and University of Ceylon between 1946 to 1950. Graduated with a BA (English Honours) in 1950.
He held the post of Assistant Controller of Immigration and Emigration from 1951 to 1953. He was a member of the Foreign Service from 1953 to 1988. Served in diplomatic missions in the UK, Pakistan, France, Egypt, Philippines, and China. He was an Ambassador in the Philippines from 1982 to 1985. Even after his retirement from the Foreign Service, he was appointed as the Ambassador to Russia from 1995 to 1998.
He has published a large number of articles, seminar papers etc. on a wide variety of subjects including Islam, the Sri Lankan Muslims, International relations, Sri Lankan politics, and literature.
He was a member of the Board of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies from 1989 to 1994. He has been actively involved from the inception in the effort to establish the Sailan Muslim website.
He has written more than 200 articles to Colombo Telegraph voluntarily like most of our contributors.
The funeral will take place tonight at 10.00 p.m. at the muslim burial grounds, Dehiwela Jumma Mosque, hospital Road, Dehiwela.
Sinhala Madayan / June 14, 2017
RIP
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Radical Ideas / June 14, 2017
We lost a valiant warrior who fought against the falsehood and tried to bring sense to the senseless conflicts that the TAX PAYING population is pitted against one another by the TAX MONEY EATERS (Politicians, Ruling Elites and their minions).
May He Attain the highest in his afterlife…..
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roy / June 14, 2017
“Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return”
May the Almighty illuminate his grave , and forgive all his sins.
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soma / June 14, 2017
I was always amazed at his mental agility and the logical faculty at that age which he retained until the last day and envied his fluency and the power of expression in the English language. An educated man in true sense of the word we all Sri Lankans can be proud of.My heartfelt sympathies to his family. —-Soma
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Fukushima / June 14, 2017
the stupidity of the artist actor overflowed for he never read life itself -the hate monger glorified by CT seeing a mirror of itself.
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Native Vedda / June 14, 2017
somass ji———–“I was always amazed at his mental agility and the logical faculty at that age which he retained until the last day and envied his fluency and the power of expression in the English language. “—————————————————————————————————–Aren’t you comparing yourself with him? I can see your inability. I can also see your envy towards him. ————————————————————————————————————The only way you know how to deal with your jealousy is to start a riot against Muslims and better yourself. ——————–May be you ought to take a few saffron clad thugs with you. —————————————“My heartfelt sympathies to his family” ———————————Have you already planned what you are going to do and is this your advance sympathies to his family?
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Dr Laksiri Fernando / June 14, 2017
My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I always appreciated his articles and comments. It is a great loss to the country particularly at this juncture. His many thoughts will remain in my/our memory.
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Desperate Sinhalaya / June 15, 2017
There are inhuman among the commentators that would want to allow any kind of condolences to him. Most o fthese buggers should be buddhists.
I am ashamed to my people back in home country.
Sure, IH s had been beyond the understanding.But he enjoyed it.
I am so pleased ot know he used his pen even few hours before leaving the world.
He was no servile like muslim politicians. The number one of them are Azwer.-Azwer would betray his community for Rajapakshe goons. We saw how the bugger argued. He woujld even eat the extrements of Rajapakshe not leaving to decay.
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Fathima / June 16, 2017
[Edited out] We welcome debate and dissent, but persistent trolling will not be tolerated. For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
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Bensen Berner / June 14, 2017
My deepest sympathies to his dear family. May God help his soul to rest in peace. Bensen
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Bodin / June 14, 2017
Deeply saddened to hear of Izeth’s passing away at a time when the medieval minded muslim mullas and imams are coming out of the woodwork, trying to keep women and also under-previlaged groups under their thumb. As a Muslim I could be proud iof his writings. He was deeply needed, but he has nowbeen called to witness the glory of Allah Himself.
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Mallaiyuran / June 14, 2017
The fruit was ripen; but hanging from fall to earth, not be to stay as burden to the tree, but felt more of the duties towards the tree, the creator of it, was not discharged for full satisfaction. On my arrival to CT, Izeth picked up on me to using the word “Modaya”. Though it was only at the tip, we never could agree on the path to solutions to minorities at deep bottom. Izeth was intellectually and artistically drafting his essays at and fiercely defending his points even at his last days. In field of battle, if one arrow misses the target, his hand automatically reach back for the quiver to fetch another, but doesn’t relent. He wrote with the writers on the stage and commented with readers on the floor. Izeth had his strong liberal opinion on Muslim women social status, Middle East’ violent Movements, Sri Lankan Muslims needs for fresh leadership, more progressive civilized practices of his religion, Patriotic feeling to land he was dwelling…… It is for the forest of CT to follow up and bring out the Virudcham-s(massive trees) from those strewed seeds of that fruit. May his soul reach its creator and rest in peace with him.
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S.H.Moulana / June 14, 2017
May Allah grant him jannathul firdous Ameen
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Real Siva Sankaran Sharma / June 14, 2017
Very sad. His articles generated so much debate and thought in this forum. May you rest in peace.
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Eagle Eye / June 14, 2017
May your soul rest in peace.
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Native Vedda / June 14, 2017
Eagle Eye—————“May your soul rest in peace.”———–He is a Muslim yet you wish his soul to rest in peace. What a hypocrite you are.
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Faithful / June 14, 2017
Sad news to Hilmy Ahmed and the band of conspirators crying Islamophobia and anti-Islamic discrimination as cover for their hidden agenda of dispossessing the Sinhalese. May God forgive Hussain for his part in this sneaky movement.
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Lester / June 14, 2017
Faithful: No doubt, Izeth was the most talented of the gang. With his diplomatic experience he understood the Wahhabi mentality well. Unlike IH, the others are blind apologists with little understanding of the underlying dynamics. I only wish I had come across Izeth’s writings sooner.
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Amarasiri / June 15, 2017
Lester: “Unlike IH, the others are blind apologists with little understanding of the underlying dynamics. I only wish I had come across Izeth’s writings sooner.”———Yes. This is the lament of many, and Amarasiri sees similarities with Izeth’s fight and criticism of the Wahhabies and their clones, with the fight Averroes, Ibn Rushd, waged 900 years ago, with the Ulema, Theologians, and the Mutzalites, the Islamic Rationalists and Philosophers waged, 1,000 years ago. ——————————————————————————————————————————-Izeths tasks in the 21st century were more challenging,: the Petro dollar pumped Wahhabies and their c;ones, the Sinhala “Buddhist” racists, and the Tamil Racists and castists, were not problems for the Islamic rationalists and Philosophers, 1,000 years ago. —————————————————————————————– We all are going to miss his intellect. May Izeth Hussein rest in peace and achieve paradise, and condolences to his family.
Unlike IH, the others are blind apologists with little understanding of the underlying dynamics. I only wish I had come across Izeth’s writings sooner.
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Lester / June 16, 2017
Amarisiri:
Izeth will not be around to witness the collapse of the Gulf, which I believe could take place within the next quarter century. Syria should have been an easy Wahhabi conquest. Indeed things were going well until Russia & Iran stepped in. Now given the rift between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Qatar could easily turn to Iran in a big way. This would isolate Saudi Arabia and set the stage for a new paradigm in the Mid-East. Izeth always had great respect for the Shias, now if things play out, Iran will emerge as a dominant force in the region. It will be the counterbalance to Wahhabi influence in the region that has been missing for so long. The elephant in the room is the US, since it has military bases in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The petrodollar you mention is nearing its end. That is why the Wahhabis in House of Saud are making desperate moves in Yemen, Syria, and now against Qatar.
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vetmahadeva / June 14, 2017
Rest In Peace
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The Oracle / June 14, 2017
The unflappable Mr.Hussein , a man of great character has gone to the great beyond .
I sincerely hope some of the comments made here did not cause him pain . May you be born again among us , in the land you obviously loved very deeply .
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sinhalese buddhist / June 14, 2017
I shall miss his articles and the unique perspectives that evinced his cosmopolitan experiences and familiarity with diplomatic and minority cultures.
My dad is in his mid-eighties and quickly losing it, so it’s great to know that a contemporary of his was intellectually very active until his passing.
Condolences to family and friends.
Peace.
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Mahinda Kelegama / June 14, 2017
I was frequent reader of his articles appeared in CT as well his articles appeared in late Mr.Mervyn De Silva’s “Lanka Guardian” magazine some years ago.
My deepest sympathies to his family.
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Spring Koha / June 14, 2017
Agree or disagree, one had to read his point of view which was always well written and supported by his wide experience in life, diplomacy and politics.
R I P.
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donald / June 14, 2017
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Heliotis / June 16, 2017
“”supported by his wide experience in life, diplomacy and politics.””small minded wind bag hitler loved his catholics and muslims and did not bomb the church or mosque. The japs did. brown bum Hug the neo nazi if they let you stupid crusade catholic ancestry you are firmly built on. Moron, Picasso(Guernica) never saw your way.
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chiv / June 14, 2017
Though I did not agree with some of his views , he was never the less a tireless writer, RIP.
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A W Abdulkany / June 14, 2017
Izzeth fought with his pen, expressed his opinion boldly fearing none. May Almighty Allah grant him Jennathul Firdouse. Deep condolences to his family members
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Ben Hurling / June 14, 2017
Rest in peace Izzeth.
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Perriamama / June 14, 2017
At least try and get his name correct please, the least you can do to honour the dead!
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MirakRajBanda / June 14, 2017
If you write for rights and don’t get any negative comments, anonymous calls and even death threats then you don’t write at all!
A big salute to Mr. Izzath and may his soul rest in peace!!!
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Hafeel Farisz / June 14, 2017
A great loss of a vibrant intellectual. He kept with the changing times and tides always updating his knowledge- never fearing to learn from debate and discourse, from the young and the opinionated. A great loss to intellectual thought and unique perspective. Thank you CT for giving him space and encouraging debate, for not letting all his knowledge be confined at dinner table discussions. Farewell Sir, farewell.
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Adrian / June 14, 2017
May your soul rest in peace.
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AVB / June 14, 2017
You will be remembered.. Thank you Izeth Hussain ..
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Fathima / June 14, 2017
We all will miss you Izeth. Heartfelt condolences family.
(everyone was sad and condoled. I don’t know why I see some dislikes in these comments also)
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Edwin Rodrgo / June 14, 2017
Fatima:, who you are is more defined by the people who dislike you than by those who like you. In accordance with that definition Izeth was a great man as in all other ways. We are sad that he is no more. But he lived a useful and active life up to 90. How many of us can say that? I consider him with the same esteem as Kadiragamar, someone who rose above racial, cast and religious divisions and fought a nonviolent battle against such divisions.
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Bunjappu / June 14, 2017
Oh, your knowledge. How can you compare his with that of Mr Kadirgamar.
Yes, both are interllectuals. But Kardirgarmar is the best politician while Mr IH had been a great diplomat. Anyways, from what I happened to read from Mr IH lately caused lots of tensions. May well be, it was his only way to express himself, while being caughtby 4 walls that way.
Besides, the gentleman is nonagenarian. I never thought he could be that old from what I read him. He was somtimes very like responding so blunt. I enjoyed his posts. I really did.
You Edwin Appu had lot to with hiscomments, since your Comments were mostly not containing substaence but about your subjective thoughts. Anyways, he was a writer and you were a commentator. I believe our gentleman has enjoyed his writing and the comments back and forth. It was his tool to stay connected with the world not thinking about his later day life.
Let s wish him his soul rest in PEACE.
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Edwin Rodrgo / June 14, 2017
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F. N. Stein / June 15, 2017
More than one of Mr. Edwin Rodrigos comments here have been
disallowed by the Editor. What in the world is the man writing in a
page confined to eulogies?
F.N. Stein
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Edwin Rodrigo / June 14, 2017
Dear Brother Izeth Hussain: The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living. (Marcus Tullius Cicero) and that is exactly what can be said about Izeth Hussain. Some of us agreed with what he wrote while a great many did not. The verbal exchanges were sometimes brutal and scathing. But one thing is common to us all – he will live in our memories until we too depart form this world. Most that Izeth got while he was alive were brick bats – not flowers though loads of flower have started coming in now with his death. In his verbal duals he was ruthless and never gave any quarter to his opponents and asked for none. Most of the time, the onslaught was horrendous with so many joining in the attack, but he fought bravely like a lion for what he believed in. Though a Muslim, he fought for the Sinhalese Buddhists, while the fake Sinhalese Buddhists ran away from the country and started attacking the motherland for a piece of Tiger Rump (a phrase coined by Izeth, that I love) money. I am an atheist through and through. But today, I will go to the Al Fateh Mosque and pray for his soul. I do that because that is what he would have done for me had our exits been reversed. Farewell, my brother. May Allah have mercy on your soul and bless you for your bravery and service to your motherland. I am afraid of death, and I wish I would be able to do 1% of what Izeth has done for Lanka before I too depart. It is not that I’m afraid to die, but I just don’t want to be there when it happens, especially when Izeth is no longer there to protect me.
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Sam Fernando / June 14, 2017
I think his articles were much better than those of Mr Jayathilaka who always made it dificult to understand.
And the impact of IH s articles were very high and numbers of comments went upto 300 or more.
He was interesting. Back and forth he commented to the commentators too. That is no common in CT platform.
We will miss you Mr IH
May your soul rest in peace !
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Edwin Rodrigo / June 14, 2017
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Edwin Rodrgo / June 15, 2017
There is freedom of speech. There is freedom of thought, freedom of worship etc. And then there is also the all important freedom of insult. In CT only certain commentators have the freedom of insult. The others’ ‘insults’ are removed with the above note.
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Simon De Silva / June 15, 2017
Sadly, none of these are the case where you have been caged right ?
Do you at all have got some food to eat these days ? I stopped flying with QUATAR AIRWAYs … from last week on.
No Edwin, please get it right. Yours was very hurtful most of the time. We are no against ot you. CT is no against to you.
But there should be some limits. You were pro.. while masses are against Rajapakahes.
You are pro while masses against Ghanasara the most abusive monk who damaged lanken buddhism we protected for such a long time.
Sure, there are some islamic threats growing in the country, But Ghansara should not betray our nation that way…. he is no SIRLANKEN police.
Just now the bugger sends the message across as if it is right- to just ignore police orders… if he feels not to have done any wrong doings, why the bugger monk to go hide. He could and should better enter his lay life, by getting married to his fiance in France/w e dont know the person is he or she..
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Edwin Rodrigo / June 15, 2017
[Edited out] We welcome debate and dissent, but persistent trolling will not be tolerated. For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
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rabbi- la / June 15, 2017
“”In CT only certain commentators have the freedom of insult. “
Send a bullet through his tip cut. kayya part eke adopted by marakala Sithie-ltte.
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cholan / June 14, 2017
R I P
Why this person hated Tamils?
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Native Vedda / June 14, 2017
cholan————————“Why this person hated Tamils?”—————————Why do you hate Sinhalams, Muslims and Tamils?
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dinesh patel / June 14, 2017
Ye kisi ke baap ki jagah nahi hai veddo! (the land does not belong to anyone’s pop or mom stupid native vedda)
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Amarasiri / June 15, 2017
Native Vedda———————Cholan, must be Tamil, because he hates even Tamils, at least half of them, who belong to the so-called “low’ castes.—Does he he the Para-Portuguese, Para-Dutch and Para-English as well?
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Emanuel / June 16, 2017
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Mama Sinhalam / June 14, 2017
I now regret my sometimes intemperate responses to his writings. I wish I could apologise. It is a good lesson not to be intemperate. Life is too short for that. I admire that at his age he still wrote with vigour. He belonged to the old Ceylon which is no more. May he have peace.
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kumaran / June 14, 2017
I had interesting dialogues with him, though we never agreed. I respected his ideals, and his intellect.
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Ralli Ameen / June 14, 2017
I was very sad to hear his death. I always follow his articles and he makes his point very clear. May Almighty Allah grant him Jennathul Firdouse and my deepest sympathies for his family.
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Ben Hurling / June 15, 2017
Ralli Ameen, Izeth’s Islam was a private matter, I always felt. I was always a bit provoked, he were not more vocal in knocking down extremist, political Islamists such as yourself. Who seek to impose medieval, absolute moral codes on others. You want stoning, chop-chop squares etc in the 21st century. I don’t think Izeth did. Keep your faith to yourself Ralli Ameen. Always remember it is a faith, not a science. Show humility as you might be wrong. Believe in Speggheti Monster, if you so wish. That is your right, a matter between you and the fairytales you choose to believe in. In doing so, you may end up respecting Izeth’s memory after all. Cheers!
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Rtd. Lt. Reginald Shamal Perera / June 14, 2017
Did anyone from this forum attend the funeral? If not, that is a terrible let down from all of us. We may fight with each other while we are alive but when someone dies it’s our duty to pay our last respects.
At least that’s how I’ve been taught. If I was in SL, I would have definitely gone to the funeral. [Edited out]
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Seelawathie Jayasinghe / June 14, 2017
Mr Retired, not just only you but over 70% of commentators to this forum are from sinhala /tamil diasphora .
So, I dont think it coul dhave been possible to arrange any CT representative to be there.
No doubt, we will all miss him.
May his soul be rest in peace.
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Edwin Rodrigo / June 15, 2017
Yours will be the next. And I will certainly attend it.
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Sam Fernando / June 15, 2017
Edwin, you NOW see IF you ve still been not in the same mode that you too need to be very human NOT being stuck to your usual misbehaviours as the way you had been sofar. I know it is too much from your side. So is the case with DJ and HLD. Latter though became more like rabble rousers of the year, but they too are human beings that should know the GROUND REALITIES of the people. Minority folks suffer in OUR island. This problem is becoming of serious concern. So we can just ignore it. That is why I always, sounded different to that of yours. Most on this platform got hurt by your two cts worth.. mostly.
CT set ban on you on and on… then again let you in. You the kin dof people should have to learn it.
We respect Mir IH, the manner he aruged. I really respect him. He di dnot let abuse him the way Azwer or the like low lifes would do. He just expressed himself what he thought was right about his worries. He really had worries about Muslim problems in the country.
You Edwin, just make every effort to dilute the harm being done by Rajapakshe idiots or those BBS dogs.
You always took the side of the criminals and hit us back calling us as the ones working for Tamil diasphora.
Latter is the view of the average down there in SL, since they bear the “frog in a well mentality”:
I am telling you, I am very against Ghanasara for one single reason he does NOT respect moral behavours. His mouth piece is no different to that of a street thug in maradana area.
But the very same pseudo monk is used to recite ” KAVI BANA ” and send the gentle feeling as if a Devil also has good values too.
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Rtd. Lt. Reginald Shamal Perera / June 15, 2017
Edwin,
You are welcome to attend my funeral someday when I pass away. I have already made plans how my funeral should be held and given the plans to my son to execute.
I want all my guests to be served alcohol at my “farewell” party. I want only Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon by Karl Lagerfeld champagne to be served and nothing else. I want Scotch, Gin and Grey Goose Vodka to be available.
I want my coffin to be placed between two Elephant Tusks we have brought from Sri Lanka. Nothing pleases me more than to be placed majestically between those two tusks. I have told my son that hors’ d’oeuvres must be ordered and served along with drinks.
I would like a replica of a Gun placed next to me in my coffin so that in my next life too I can continue my using my combat skills.
Last but not least, I would like my Mercedes to be buried alongside me so that in my next life, I can be taken home straightaway in a MB from the Hospital. That way I don’t have to depend on the prosperity of my future parents to have a good life. I have my vehicle from Day 1.
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Edwin Rodrgo / June 15, 2017
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Edwin Rodrigo / June 15, 2017
[Edited out] We welcome debate and dissent, but persistent trolling will not be tolerated. For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
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Native Vedda / June 15, 2017
Rtd. Lt. Reginald Shameless Perera–The women sniffer ————–Did you attend Velupillai Prabaharan’s funeral? Did you attend Rohana’s funeral?
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Leelawathie / June 15, 2017
There are rumours that former Lt Perera is believed to be running a brothel in Toronto today .
That is why he says, no challenge, but be ready to even issue funds to the womanizer Ghanasara to damage srilanken buddhism. Reliable sources say that Ghanasara s girl friend /boy friend is reported to be living in France.
This man spreads thoughts to support Ghanasara, but he himself is a christian.
I am no that indebted to the kind of soldier mentalities, even if their direct mediation caused elemination of LTTE terror within the country.
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