As the searing summer begins in Dubai, most of the expatriate community scuttle back to their own countries for relief from the heat. As is customary, I, too, made a short sojourn to Sri Lanka recently.

As one would expect, I saw the heavy presence of army and police personnel on the roads. I also saw street lights blazing in broad daylight along many of the main roads. I thought the country was on an energy saving mode, motivated by the Government? Even traffic lights were shut off, as cars piled up bumper to bumper and drivers burnt more petrol than normal in the ensuing chaos. We have become a popular lot for challenging the ethics of normal logic, haven’t we?

Above all the tribulations, I observed that the cost of living has marooned the ordinary folk in grief and gloom. They are gasping for relief, while the State says, just hang in there, we’ve got a war on our hands! Even some of my neighbours who own homes at Athurugiriya have switched to kerosene cookers as they find usage of gas an astronomical expenditure. But it is the poor people who are in a very sad state, unable to feed themselves with even two meals as prices of essential items are beyond their means.

The cost of living situation is viewed by many as worse than fighting the current war.

The last time I was in Sri Lanka in December 2007, I witnessed some "live" entertainment on Rupavahini where a Minister and his goons met their Waterloo. But alas, it seems the government has yet to take any sensible and definitive action against the culprits. Instead, the Rupavahini staff have been at the receiving end for defending their boss. So where is justice, everyone wishes to ask, but are reluctant to do so fearing their own safety. The only bold and forthright editorial that regularly asks questions the public want to, but are afraid to, could be read exclusively in "The Island." Bravo! More strength to your arm.

Watching the Sinhala teledramas was a real treat after the barrage of western fare over here. Some of them I thought were outstanding. But, what is this dim-witted idea of censoring every scene that depicts someone smoking or drinking? Have we elevated ourselves to such a righteous and clean society that we think television pictures can soil our life? Once again common sense does not seem to be the State’s favourite medicine for ordinary ailments!

Yes, I have been observing the fiascos of the opposition party with much amusement, particularly their recent "toot- toot" protest, for which the Ministers came in shiny four wheel drives. Sometime back they appealed to the public to bring their pots and break it on the road to protest the cost of living. Do you seriously think the government cares a tinker’s dime? You seriously think such obtuse action benefited the poor people. I, seriously think it was all pure street side fun for the whole family to enjoy!

Wake up Mr.Ranil!

On the day before I left Lanka, I visited the Osu Sala to obtain medication for my old age ailments. I parked the car inside their premises and while my wife waited in the queue, I sauntered out to the entrance of the Osu Sala. I was reminiscing the old days when this same building was a Chinese restaurant and I used to bring my then wife-to-be for a soft drink! I must have been in deep thought for not more than six or seven minutes when I suddenly found myself in the company of two policemen. They were very polite and wanted to know what I was doing there. I explained. They had a look at my vehicle from where we were, and then, the older policeman suggested very gently that it is better I be seated in the car than be seen simply standing and doing nothing.

Given the sensitive situation in the City, everyone is jittery about the other unknown person, especially the cops. So, I don’t blame anyone, but, it saddened me to think that our beloved country has finally come to this sorry state of affairs…

In my heart I pray for better holidays like the ones we used to enjoy in our childhood!