Letters to the Editor
View(s):Vajira, memories of the woman inside the dancer
On the morning of the 16th of July 2005 at the home of Anjali, his daughter, the great dance artist Chitrasena lay ill on a bed, two days before he passed away. Anjali and Chitrasena’s love and lifelong companion Vajira were standing by, Gamini Seneviratne and I on the sides of the bed were helping with his pain.
Chitrasena and Vajira: A partnership beyond the stage
While this memory still remains, the part of that scene now appearing more prominent today, after hearing that Vajira had died, is the portrait of her face conveying a depth of feeling for Chitrasena which he could not see, as she stood behind his head. He would have known though, for he gave his, and received her love even in challenging times, all through their partnership in life.
Vajira, the great inventive dancer has and will be written about much more. She is in the midst of artists like Martin Wickremasinghe, Ediriwira Sarachchandra, Lester James Peiris, Chitrasena, Amaradeva, to mention a few of many who gave joy and emotional stirring to wide social sectors, probably disconnectedly compensating for the other side of Lankan history of our times.
Vajira, like the artists mentioned had a life other than her artistry, even if closely interwowen. That portrayal on her face when her Chitrasena was dying was intensely personal but was drawn from who she was. Vajira was a caring and loving person, and I got to know somewhat, the person inside the dancer.
We lived not far from the Chitrasenas in Kollupitiya and visited frequently. There, in their large house and dance studio bordering Galle Road, I got to be a friend.
The Kollupitiya premises was generally crowded with dancers, drummers, flautists and other musicians. The place was a home as well as a dance studio, but socially and geographically the division was blurred because of Vajira’s feelings for this community. She could see the difference between the dance and the dancer. Chitrasena assisted by Vajira concentrated on the dance; Vajira looked after the dancers to create a community of warmth which contributed to the fullness of their performances. Vajira, the woman inside the dancer.
She was of great assistance to me when
I directed Chitrasena as Othello in the 1960s. And I remember when Vaji and Chithra, on our first return from Australia in 1976 hosted my wife Nalini and me to dinner and their dance duet in the memorable old home in Kollupitiya.
One last connecting memory was when
I saw Thaji Dias, Vajira’s accomplished dancing granddaughter perform in Sydney some years ago.
I said silently,
“Vajira continues”.
Ernest Macintyre Via email
Let us give the new President time
Whilst congratulating President Dissanayake on his win, I am sure he is aware that the win is not overwhelming as they thought. The count of the preferential votes and not reaching 50% +1 shows that President Dissanayake can’t be complacent, given that more voters voted against him than for him.
When the country continues to go through difficult times it will be unfair for people to expect change overnight from President Dissanayake. We
need to give him time and be patient. However, if he needs to get his numbers in the forthcoming Parliamentary election he will need to address some easy promises that he can fulfil in the short-term.
Sajith Premadasa – you are so unfortunate. You as a leader need loads of maturity. You need to keep those who have been rejected by the people at a distance. Bank on your good team and motivate them, they will do the rest.
Former President Wickremesinghe, you were harping that you got rid of queues but have you forgotten that during this period we had the highest malnourished and poverty percentages, and many had their electricity and water connections disconnected. There was also the appointment of an ineligible IGP and the e-visa scam. The voters have spoken out loudly, indicating that provided corruption is eradicated, the economic crisis can be handled.
You also have created history as the losing presidential candidate for the third time. Now it’s time for you to retire from politics and hand over the baton to the younger generation.
Royal and S. Thomas were defeated by the Thambuthegama Central College and received a trophy of thorns.
For those who hold different political views either support the new President or don’t whine about everything he does. This has been the plague of this nation. Give him a chance to deliver for all our sakes and wish him well for the good of our motherland.
Vinodini Jayawardena Via email
A big thank you Sir
The election for the Presidency is over, the people have delivered their verdict. This time people have defected from the common parties to a different culture.
But we cannot forget the immeasurable service rendered by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the past two years. It is true people were saddled with too much pressure and hardships in their day-to-day activities, which resulted in a heavy blow at the election.
The former President had undertaken a gigantic task to save the country from bankruptcy. He was under tremendous pressure to normalise the country. He faced the turbulence with his wisdom, rendering an immeasurable service to the country within a short period of two years. He professionally handled and encountered matters with the international institutions and managed to revive the economic indicators to a considerable degree.
A big thank you, Sir. Your service is much needed in the future too. Your supreme service will remain in history.
Mangalika Wijetunge Mattegoda
Tale of two leaders
Two years ago Sri Lanka was an international laughing stock. Former President Wickremesinghe guided the country to economic stability, facilitated an exemplary election and made a gracious concession speech.
The humility and wisdom contained in President Dissanayake’s inaugural address reminded me of Abraham Lincoln. President Dissanayake said he is a common man. Lincoln suggested that God must love common men as he made so many of them. May this common man guide Sri Lanka to its rightful place in the family of nations.
Dr. R.P. Fernando Epsom, UK
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