You’re a hero for simply being you!

While driving my children to school the other day I overheard an interesting debate on one of our radio stations and I thought that I should add my comments about this most absurd but rather typical Sri Lankan thought process. The debate was about the attack on none other than Lasith Malinga who happens to sport a rather unconventional look.

So what? What if he has slightly overgrown and coloured hair and what if he has tattoos? What if he wears an earring? Did any of this get in the way of him obtaining his record- breaking four wickets in a row? Did anyone at that all crucial moment raise their voices and say it was ungentlemanly – I doubt it, we were all too euphoric to notice hair, tattoos and earrings.

As the radio presenters so rightfully put it – this was just a malicious attack on a young man who truly seems to be rising to his true potential and bringing our nation much honour. Just because some of us don’t have the guts to be different like him, let’s not give Lasith any negativity on his choice.

If you are reading this Lasith Malinga, let these comments be treated as water off a duck’s back and remember that most of your fellow citizens are rooting for you with or without your most unusual but absolutely head turning presence but simply for being you..

By Shalini Peiris, Pita Kotte