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Sri Lanka Independence Day 2024: For The 2nd Year, The Government Panders To India — This Time By Inviting A Submarine!

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by Anura Guruge
on February 3, 2024

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Click to access the original from the Indian ‘The Hindu‘.

Last year. A stamp to honor ‘Jawaharlal Nehru‘.
See my post.

Click to ENLARGE. From ‘Google News’.

Sri Lanka got its political independence from Britain on February 4, 1948.

That was a BIG DEAL.

But now, due to decades of corrupt and inept governments both FINANCIAL & MILITARY independence has been squandered.

Sri Lanka is mighty beholden to China & India — both jockeying to get the edge over the other.

Inviting an Indian submarine for Independence Day celebrations is like a JOKE. It doesn’t convey strength, resolve and independence.

Last year the stamp. This year a submarine.

Yes, I have heard that large chunks of the locals are NOT happy.

It is a shame. I grew up, in Ceylon, as the 1st generation born after Independence. Those were happy days with much optimism and promise. Shame.

I have NO skin in the game — other than being born there. I gave up my Sri Lankan citizenship in 1983. That was 41 years ago.

But, I still mark ‘February 4‘. Always remember that as Independence Day.

Sri Lanka Issuing A Stamp Honoring India’s ‘Nehru’ As Part Of Lanka’s Independence Day Celebrations Is Sheer, Shameless Political Pandering.

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by Anura Guruge
on February 7, 2023

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

Click to ENLARGE. From ‘Google News’.

I am fortunate enough to have met & spoken to the charismatic ‘Jawaharlal Nehru‘. He, as Prime Minister of India came to our house for dinner during his official visit to Ceylon in 1962. {Smile. What can I say? My father was in charge of that visit & I guess he wanted something other than a very fancy, state dinner for at least one night.} I still remember meeting him. I would have been 9. He towered over me, all dressed in his trademark white. He GLOWED. He was so tall. So erect. Wow. What a man.

I have nothing, whatsoever, against Nehru. He was a GOOD MAN. One of my third-tier heroes. Under any other circumstances I would have applauded Sri Lanka honoring him with a flag.

But, this is so, so shameless. Political pandering, bordering on political prostitution.

Yes, Sri Lanka is so, so desperate for India to bail it out of its dire financial crisis. But, this is so obvious & pathetic. It will also annoy the Chinese. The Indians must be falling over themselves laughing at the weak, groveling Sri Lanka. Not good. Very sad. We were once a proud nation.