Response: On Elmo Perera

“The National Peace Council and the Center for Policy Alternatives are two of the rapidly vanishing organizations in Sri Lanka where I see Sinhalese speaking up for Tamil rights. They uphold what remains of the nation rather than attack it. The attack on these organizations in Lanka Guardian, taken together with the ridiculing of Christians and Elmore Perera, tells me that Lanka Guardian is wavering from its high ideals. I feel sorry to see that happening.”
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by S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole

(July 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) In commenting on this, I am told anonymous comments are not allowed. But strangely the author of the terrible article on Elmore Perera is allowed to be anonymous. Elmore Perera is a fine Sinhalese gentleman who successfully represented me, a Tamil, in court without charging any fees when I was under attack by communally motivated forces. I am proud to count him not only as my firend but also as my mentor. If Sri Lanka had more Elmore Pereras, it would be the paradise it ought to be.

To me, it seems, the author of the nasty piece has singled out Christians for humiliation and ridicule. Yes, when we Christians pray like Elmore Perera, we talk to God. I wonder what Buddhists and Hindus claim to do when they pray. Are they not in a conversation with God? Why selectively refer to Christians at prayer?

The National Peace Council and the Center for Policy Alternatives are two of the rapidly vanishing organizations in Sri Lanka where I see Sinhalese speaking up for Tamil rights. They uphold what remains of the nation rather than attack it. The attack on these organizations in Lanka Guardian, taken together with the ridiculing of Christians and Elmore Perera, tells me that Lanka Guardian is wavering from its high ideals. I feel sorry to see that happening.

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- Sri Lanka Guardian