Letters to the Editor
View(s):Samarakoon’s original version may herald a better tomorrow for Lanka
“Namo Namo Matha” the original National Anthem was composed by Ananda Samarakoon. One of his early compositions “Namo Namo Matha” was nominated as the National Anthem and officially adopted as the National Anthem of Ceylon on November 22, 1951, after being approved by a committee headed by Sir Edwin Wijeratne.
Some advisors of the then Prime Minister Mrs. Bandaranaike who claimed to be specialists on music and “Gana” connected to songs, advised her that particularly the “Gana” significance of the introductory words in “Namo Namo Matha”, designate disease and ill-luck to the country and its politicians/ leaders. We must bear in mind that Mrs. Bandaranaike’s husband S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike who was the Prime Minister had been assassinated by a Buddhist monk only four years before.
The advisors and/or critics won the day, and the suggestion to change the words “Namo Namo Matha” to “Sri Lanka Matha” was accepted.
Without the consent of Ananda Samarakoon, the composer of the anthem, the opening words were changed to “Sri Lanka Matha” so that the “Gana” significance would now designate victory and prosperity. Ananda Samarakoon was invited to listen to the new National Anthem. He was said to be heartbroken at the change and died just over a year later.
Samarakoon completed the “Gana Shasthra” studies in India. Knowing the “Gana Shasthra” well, I am sure, he would have applied his knowledge when composing the song “Namo Namo Matha” .
The change in words was expected to bring good luck and prosperity. But within a year the infamous coup to overthrow Mrs. Bandaranaike’s government took place. The conspirators were arrested and prosecuted. Ten years after, the JVP insurrection took place and many lives were lost. The LTTE was born in 1976 and grew by the early Eighties. The second JVP insurrection was during the 1987 – 1989 period. Many leaders were assassinated. After so many years the Eelam war ended in 2009. Since the end of the war we have been going down economically.
Today the government is struggling to find forex to purchase the essentials to keep our lives going.
It is my humble submission that we return to our first National Anthem starting with the words “Namo Namo Matha”.
Hemal Perera Via email
Reintroduce WHT on interest as a once and for all payment
When this government came into power, as one of the so-called relief measures, the once and for all Withholding Tax on interest was abolished.
This has created enormous problems, especially to senior citizens with limited sources of income. Prior to the removal of this tax, whenever an interest payment was made, the tax was automatically deducted by the bank or finance company as a once and for all tax.
Now, if the income is above a certain threshold, they are expected to submit assessment forms annually to the Inland Revenue Department where the interest received is declared, tax computed and remitted to the Tax Department. While most senior citizens with no other income do not receive tax declaration forms, they are expected to get a file opened for the purpose. The problem arises when trying to fill the forms. The assistance of a tax consultant is essential and a fee of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000 has to be paid, the sum sometimes being higher than the ultimate tax payable. I am aware that so many Fixed Deposit holders receiving taxable interest payments do not declare and pay tax due to the cumbersome issues involved.
Please reintroduce WHT on interest as a once and for all payment with a provision to obtain a direction for those whose total income is below the taxable threshold. This will also provide a steady stream of income to the State.
Nimal Kodituwakku Via email
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