The Real Star

There was a time where people were killed.everyday. The stories how soldiers, terrorists, civilians died were everywhere. The pain, the tears, the agony became a part of the life style of the remaining ‘living’ people. They started to wake up with a death notice. Went to sleep not knowing whose notice would be tomorrow’s. but knowing there will be one definitely in the morning. The evening news was viewed the same way you watch a cricket match.

“10 Army soldiers were killed in war today. The number of terrorist deaths confirmed is 22. But sources say could be more.”

 Then, you do the math. 10 against 22. Ah!! is not bad. You are relived.  We are winning!!  The next day let’s kill 50.

The mind sets were changed. You did not let the tears ruin your daily work. You cry for 5 minutes, and then move on with the bread.

I too have few war affected deaths in my life. I am sure we all do. 20 million population is very small to not to be affected by such a long devastating war.

 With the end of the war we all have forgotten how it was to be in tears. General public’s contribution to the armed forces ended with buying a yellow colored ‘api venuwen api’ handband. The responsibilities were left out with the government. the heavy hearts faded away with time and the sound of Malinga’s toe crushers.

The demolishing of LTTE ended the emerging of Sri Lankan heroes too. The time of Hasalaka Gamini’s, Major Tuan Mutalif’s, Colonel Fazly Laphir’s (shortening the list else I will not stop) is replaced with Sanga’s gentleman decision to resign and Murali’s genuine smile.

It was a not so sunny Sunday evening and I was just after my weekly cleaning of the house. Had a kind of heavy lunch and sat down for a Sunday movie. My pick was one of Brad Pitt’s early movies- A river runs through it. His time before Angelina, possibly before Jennifer too. I went to FaceBook just before the movie and noticed a video clip, little over 6 minutes, decided to have quick look at it.

And it bombed by mood . (Log in to Facebook and click the link. I could not download nor find the video in youtube)

check it here, 

[This is an extract from a reality show called Ranaviru Real Star]

It is an amazing to see how people tend to forget and move forward after a tragedy. I my self, have had few tragedies in my life, (ok, well may not be tragedies- but lets say very hard times) but was always could walk ahead after a few tears and sighs, AND with some “long times” on denial.

I am a 27 year old male and do not have a weak heart. But the way Jackson Anthony spoke, the story he said and above all the expression of the brigadier Rajitha Ampemohotti. (If it was an expression at all). Made me CRY. Actual salty tears ran down my cheeks before I realize it. I think what I saw was strength in his muted eyes. Guts in his closed mouth. The proud dignity of a man who refused to cry, to accept defeat.  To have people’s sympathy. These are the people that fought the war. The people that got killed. Voluntarily.

No wonder we won the war! No wonder I feel like a loser. And I am certain that I don’t mind being a loser near men like him.