S. L. Gunasekera, in his brilliantly incisive style has summed up the "Maharajaneni Syndrome" superbly.

I wish to add a few points. It is probable that the cutout , hoardings and banner exhibitors have displayed their loyalty at public expense. Where such is the case, the Presidential Secretariat should forthwith ensure full cost recovery. The officials responsible for such illegal approval of funds should also be docked a months salary and increments suspended for three years - or until the next elections whichever comes later!

In a fantastic revelation on TV of a few days ago, a JVP MP declared that his total "take" for the previous month was Rs 118,000/=. Not bad for a simple untitled MP (a distinct minority in today’s day and age!) So payment for displayed loyalty by a more lofty peoples’ representatives will be no big deal!

The media too has to take some blame. For instance, the purpose of a photograph is to kindle the memory of what a person looks like. Is it really necessary for the Presidential picture to be repeated each time he is mentioned in a news item?  He is so outstandingly popular that few will not remember what he looks like!  When his photograph appears four or five times in the same newspaper issue, it becomes stale and tiresome. The same goes for "Supplements" with their repetitive and basically inane "It gives me great pleasure....." messages. These too are frequently State Institution sponsored - unnecessary luxuries  in these times of severe financial difficulty!. The news bulletins on state sponsored electronic media are pathetic displays of servility - feeling themselves obliged to open, often lengthily,  with what the President "declared" "revealed" or "emphasized". Since no man can be expected to proffer brilliant dicta on a daily basis, the quotes, of necessity, hardly project an image of profundity!  Further, the apparent need to detail meetings with tribal leaders, three wheel drivers, private bus conductors, school children, women’s organizations and others - presumably designed to project "the common touch" image conveys the wrong message of time management!  It is sad that the hordes of "advisors" and "consultants" who adorn the Presidential Office do not proffer the right advice. Recall how the eras of "Bandaranaike Policies", "Mao’s thoughts" and (cynically) "Siri Mao’s thoughts" have sunk into oblivion. Let not the "Mahinda Chintanaya" suffer the same fate by irrelevant and servile invocation. Also remember the "Sereppu Soup" loyalist of President Premadasa’s time and avoid a queue for used Rajapaksa footwear!  

In a salutary reference, a reader quotes His Excellency as having once remarked "Mawa gonata andanna epa!" It would do well for him to direct his officials to ensure that this does not happen through insincere adulation and self-serving displays of pretended loyalty. His true strengths are not the servile crumb seekers but those who have the heart to provide him with sincere and well meant support - even if seemingly critical!  We cherish the image of an exemplary President. 

– ‘Nettle Grub"
 "Nettle Grub"