I am tempted to seek reasons for this inexplicable pettiness and unconcern. Psychologists know well that meanness of this sort is a reflection of inadequacy. In my personal experience of gentleman giants as my bosses, the few exceptions of small minded individuals were invariably those with  significant inferiority complexes. Big men are seemingly not troubled by evidence of excellence in their subordinates and colleagues. In fact they enjoy a huge "Muditha" or shared joy in the accomplishment of others. Lesser minds are driven to envy and jealousy and are apparently comfortable only when surrounded by even less accomplished minions.

Kadirgamar an intellectual, gentleman, orator, sportsman, lawyer, humanist, friend and statesman set a standard unquestionably difficult to match. Fireflies come into evidence on new moon nights when the lights are switched off!

Statues are only a superficial way of honouring heroes. They are nevertheless symbolic tokens of a nation’s tribute - Even popular singers sometimes qualify! A man who has set such scintillating standards should at least stimulate sufficient awe to warrant a decent tribute to his memory.

Else, we as a nation stand to shame.