‘Super Stars’: Reply to Mr. Mathias

I do feel it is time to stop talking about Sirasa Super Star Stage 2 and let bygones be bygones. However, I am compelled to write this after reading some of the comments made by Mr. Mathias on Sunday the December 30. Many readers have voiced their opinions and offered good suggestions to SIRASA to avoid the shortcomings of the previous show. It is obvious to many intelligent viewers that Super Star Stage 2 finals did encounter technical difficulties which prevented a massive amount of SMS votes from reaching the counting station. I myself experienced this, and made a complaint to the organizers of the show. Had such difficulties not occurred, I wonder whether the final decision would have been the same.

Although Mr. Mathias has formed his own conclusions on certain matters, I don't think he is right all the time. The SMS votes were for the most popular star and not necessarily for the best singer of all. This could be why those whom Mr. Mathias felt were better singers than Surendra got knocked out. Neither is he right in saying that only Pradeep and Nalinda could sing classical songs well. This is why I fell that it is important to lay down before hand, the criterion on which singers are to be judged.

Also, Mr. Mathias comments about the well known musician from Surendra's hometown, who publicly proclaimed his choice to be Surendra is uncalled for. This is a democratic country where people should be free to express their opinions. If the musician was honest enough to say what he felt in his heart, why should Mr. Mathias see it as wrong?

Another uncalled for remark made by Mr. Mathias is about the two female judges. I don't think it is fair to have called one person being averse to female contestants and the other was right in displaying her emotions so publicly because she is a mother who treated all the contestants as her children. In a show of this nature, it is essential for judges to be impartial. One stray comment or a silly endearing term could easily sway the voters. Therefore judges should be very careful not to influence the voters in any way.

Finally, I must congratulate all 12 finalists for their splendid performances during the past two months. Full credit should be given to Sirasa for the magnanimous way they have helped young Sri Lankan talent to surface from obscurity. It is now up to all of them to prove their worth. Time can only tell who the best will be.