by Dr Upul Wijayawardhana
Perhaps, every one of us who has opted to live abroad could be considered an unofficial ambassador as our actions may have reflections on the country of our origin. However, most of us are so insignificant from a global perspective that we may be able to escape minor misdemeanours without affecting the reputation of our motherland. But this does not apply to those who achieve anything of significance, whether they reside outside or live in Sri Lanka but have achievements on the global stage. It goes without saying that our official ambassadors are dutybound to protect the honour of the nation but, unfortunately, it does not happen always; not due to any fault of well-trained career diplomats but for the simple fact that the foreign postings are heavily overloaded with political appointees totally unsuited for the task. That is another story!
At a crucial juncture like the present, when we are in the global spotlight for all the wrong reasons; when the masses are suffering severe economic hardships whilst the politicians are busy addressing issues on governance, actions of some high achievers may bring some solace whilst those of others may add to our woes. Actions of some could be understandable though not totally inexcusable; for instance, the disappearance of some athletes who came over to UK for commonwealth games. They could be added to the vast numbers of economic refugees who are risking life and limb to seek asylum in UK, which has become a hot political topic, threatening the career of some UK cabinet ministers.
In recent times, there have been differing effects by the actions of three high achievers: an actor, an author and a cricketer. Without any shade of doubt, all three of them are unofficial ambassadors of Sri Lanka and it is well worth going into the details of their achievements or otherwise, in addition to their reactions.
The West End in London and Broadway in New York are considered the most prestigious venues for theatre in the world, the crème de la crème of productions emanating from these two sites. To recognise and honour the excellence in professional theatre, a series of awards were established in 1976 by the Society of London Theatre and are now called ‘The Olivier Awards’ in honour of the great British actor Sir Laurence Olivier. The Olivier Awards are recognised internationally as the highest honour in British theatre, equivalent to the BAFTA Awards for film and television, and the BRIT Awards for music. The Olivier Awards are considered equivalent to Broadway’s Tony Awards and France’s Molière Award.
As mentioned in my article “Hooray, Hiran!” (The Island, 13 April), Hiran Abeysekara winning this coveted award made us all proud and gave us some respite at a time of despair. Even more important was his acceptance speech that garnered sympathy for the country, which thrilled me so much to comment as follows:
“Hiran Abeysekera, congratulations! I am sure the whole nation would join me in thanking you for bringing some joy to Sri Lankans who are in the depth of depression as never before. Not only you won the coveted Olivier award for the Best Actor but also, by what you said in your acceptance speech, demonstrated that fame has not spoilt you and you have your feet firmly rooted to the ground. You referred very affectionately to your Motherland, “My Sri Lanka is going through a bit of trouble, I think of you and wish I were with you”. Quite unexpectedly, then you stated in Sinhala “Machanla, Mang umbalata adarai, Jayawewa!” bringing tears to our eyes.
When people who achieved very little in life, unlike you, speak in acquired accents, often terrible cockney accents, and forget their mother tongue, it was totally refreshing to note that you spoke as if you were speaking to your Nalanda classmates! You were full of smiles throughout and it was, undoubtably, one of the most lovable acceptance speeches I have ever listened to. However, it did not lack seriousness either because, in a tangential reference perhaps to the prevailing situation at home and the unnecessary war in Ukraine, you ended your speech, hands clasped in our traditional manner, with Sabbe Saththa Bhawantu Sukhithatha. May all beings be happy!”
To cap on our achievement in drama, Shehan Karunatillaka achieved the highest possible in creative writing by winning the Booker Prize. As mentioned in the Booker Prize website, the Booker Prize is the leading literary award in the English-speaking world, and has brought recognition, reward and readership to outstanding fiction for over five decades. Each year, the prize is awarded to what is, in the opinion of the judges, the best sustained work of fiction written in English and published in the UK and Ireland. It is a prize that transforms the winner’s career. Shehan won the 2022 Booker Prize for The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, which tells the story of a war photographer who has woken up dead in what seems to be a celestial visa office. He has ‘seven moons’ to try and solve the mystery of his death and to help unveil a cache of photos that will rock war-torn Sri Lanka.
Unfortunately, Shehan’s success has been soured by two things. The first is his acceptance speech which evoked a lot of criticism specially in Sinhala newspapers. I too felt that instead of expressing his ‘ultra-liberal’ views, Shehan should have attempted to project a more positive image of the country during a period of hardships, irrespective of political views held. I have not read the book but in it he may well have been very critical of our governments and had no choice but to defend what he wrote. By this action, however, I am sure he is a hero to some!
The second is the accusation by a senior journalist of plagiarism, though it seems on flimsy grounds. At best, it may be inspiration more than plagiarism as, by sheer chance, I found what may have inspired both of them. On Sky Arts channel, a Freeview UK TV channel, are broadcast episodes of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”, each episode being a black and white short film lasting about 25 minutes made in 1956. I am amazed how the ‘master of suspense’ can keep us in suspense even today! One episode was about a very successful crime writer, who goes to heaven after being murdered, when his interviewing angel questions why he has not solved his own murder! His request for a reprieve of death by 24 hours to solve the murder is granted. Shehan may well have cleverly substituted a journalist and rebirth instead. Whatever it may be, we should not forget that his win was due not only to the plot but also to his style of writing., which was highly commended by the judges.
Sri Lanka had to bow out of the Cricket World Cup in shame, not so much due to bad play (after all not every team can win), but due to the extra-curricular activities of one player; so much so that the Minister-in-charge had to make an open apology to all concerned. As court actions are pending, it unfair to go into details but what is intriguing is the decision by the Cricket Board to bear the legal expenses. There is no doubt whatsoever that he should be provided with consular support but using tax-payers money, especially at a time when we have no money to import even essentials, for an act committed totally outside play is wholly indefensible. I greatly doubt Sri Lanka Cricket contracts cover sexual adventures. Maybe, our selectors are offering incentives; after all, there is nothing impossible in the land like no other. This is not the first offence either and as Rex Clementine has meticulously analysed in the article “VVIPs still backing Danushka” (The Island, 8 November).
What is wrong is that by these actions we are sending a wrong signal to our children. Though mentioned in reference to a separate incident, I totally agree with the editorial comment “The process of coaching children in lying and flouting rules and regulations commences at a tender age.” (A shocking incident, The Island 10November). At this rate, is there any hope for Sri Lanka?
