Letters to the Editor
View(s):Defending Dr. Manorani Saravanamuttu’s legacy
Having read several articles regarding the portrayal of Dr. Manorani Saravanamuttu in the film Rani in newspapers and on social media, I feel compelled to pen my response.
I was not privileged enough to call myself a close friend of Manorani. Nevertheless, I had the opportunity to interact with her as a respected medical colleague over many years. My first encounter with her was in 1985, outside the Operating Theatre at McCarthy Nursing Home, where she stood by the trolley of a patient awaiting a Caesarean section. At first, I assumed she was a relative, but I soon learned that she was the GP who had provided antenatal care for the patient and had come to offer her support and comfort. Manorani personally delivered the babies of her patients and, when a Caesarean section was necessary, referred them to Prof. Kingsley de Silva, the Senior VOG at Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital. Remarkably, she always accompanied her patients, even at 5 a.m., without charging an extra fee for this service.
She was always well-groomed and graceful, elegantly draped in a sari, wearing a pottu and a jasmine flower in her hair. Her gracious manner left an indelible impression on everyone who interacted with her.
Manorani was also incredibly courageous. I know firsthand that during the racial violence that engulfed our country, she fearlessly stood her ground, refusing to flee from her clinic despite the threats she faced.
I cannot and will not accept the portrayal of Manorani in Rani as an uncouth woman who used foul language, was a drunkard, or had questionable morals. Such a depiction is a travesty, a gross distortion of the truth, and an unacceptable insult to womanhood and the memory of a truly remarkable lady.
I do acknowledge Swarna Mallawarachchi as a gifted actress. I recall being enthralled by her riveting performance in the acclaimed film Dadayama. However, the distortion of truth in Rani, through its narrative, dialogue, and character portrayals, is entirely unacceptable. It amounts to character assassination of an outstanding and noble woman—one who was courageous, compassionate, and always willing to go the extra mile for others.
Dr. Suriyakanthie Amarasekera Via email
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