Bandula blind to President at exhibition of Camillus!

Bandula blind to President at exhibition of Camillus!

A certain incident that happened at the exhibition held on behalf of completing 50 years in the life engaged in the field of Art of well-known cartoonist Camillus Perera at Bandaranaike Commemoration Hall this evening (25) has become the talk of the town in media circles around the country.

Mr. Camillus who has won the hearts of among everybody in the country for his creations of

Gajaman has for some time been the political cartoonist of the Rivira newspaper and several political comrades who appreciated his cartoons had been present on this occasion. To encourage him the President Maithripala Sirisena, Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera and Minister Gayantha Karunatilleka too were present among the invitees. Only  a primary speech and a brief speech by the Minister of Mass Media appreciating the services of Camillus were on the agenda for this ceremony the President entered the hall at the inception of the ceremony itself and took his seat perhaps with the intention of giving an ear to all that.

The opening speech was assigned to the mediaman Bandula Padma Kumara the Chairman of Lake House during the past regime who rendered the contribution of popularising cartoons from the 'Mulpituwa' Programme in the past days. Though he was labelled as a supporter of Mahinda, a speech by him did not oust any problem and when he was invited he stepped on stage and began his speech with due permission from those present. Although he began the speech by mentioning the Sangha, Mr. Camillus, members of Mr. Camillus's family separately, he had on purpose omitted the First Citizen the President who appeared right under his nose in that instance. He had not made mention that the President of the country was present on that occasion. It was observed that this was an oversight of a person who has delivered enough speeches and also being a distinguished media person. At that point whispering was heard here and there in the audience, it was reported. It was understood that a majority in the audience realised that this was done purposely. Those who were there noticed that Minister Dayasiri and Minister Gayantha were feeling quite uncomfortable, it was reported. The President of course had brushed it aside.

Whatever it is, the name President Maithripala was not thus mentioned at any point in Bandula's speech. He had made his speech for 27 minutes and had afterwards stepped down from the stage and was observed that he had not even approached the President. Whatever political contradictions exist, it was the opinion of the majority that at a ceremony when the President of a country is present, those who display such an attitude are of course few and far in between.