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| Thursday, 11 September 2003 |
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The omnipotent wheat stalk Ringside Review by Afreeha Jawad Expressing a common Sri Lankan desire last week in the canteen was Ruwanthi, my friend. She did so in a rather unique and impressive way. "If I don't at least see some bread alongside my 'kola kenda' mug in the morning I feel some sort of huge emptiness. I simply love bread and all that kind of mouthwatering stuff made of wheat flour," she said. So that's just one among the hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans who perhaps would prefer life's extermination than be without that poisonous loaf. Poisonous I say because this was how a well-known doctor referred to that infamous but much loved loaf Sri Lankans unfailingly carry home every evening while not missing out on it other times of the day as well. This poisonous loaf includes genetically-modified food. No wonder its capacity to take the Sri Lankan palate by storm not to forget global anxiety over it. Good news anyway for the US that seeks to generate and expand what in international trade parlance is "bilateral economic ties". Bread and all wheat-based products keep world diabetes numericals progressively reaching record highs each year. Come what may - diabetes or no diabetes, Sri Lankans pine all through life unable to resist all those 'delicious' patties, pastries, pies, rolls, cakes and a whole host of 'delicacy' - all by-products of wheat. In sicknesses arising thereof, one needn't worry. Wheat growing giants push forward numerous drugs to fight these ailments - remember, no permanent cure. So, while creating sicknesses they provide the drugs as well whereby their economies thrive in no small measure - firstly out of wheat flour sales, secondly from monies that come following sicknesses out of its consumption. We who once were the East's granary today have become such of the West - only the grain is changed from rice to wheat - 'thanks' to this avid wheat-consuming populace. Though Bush's policies do not go down well with very many, his staple diet does, little knowing how much they contribute to his economy. Come to think of it, even national election victory is decided by the wheat stalk growing in far away American farmlands which invariably brings to mind the PA's one time promise of Rs. 3.50 a loaf of bread - a promise like any other unkept election pledge - not something unusual for the Sri Lankan electorate spreading over a 50-year time frame. The commanding position of that wheat stalk swaying in the breeze out there in US hinterland - its ability to decide on party colour of successive future governments, its vast potential to build a contending voter base; its strength to draw out vast monies into the land of its roots, its magnetic effect and intimate relationship with Sri Lankan taste buds let alone the world's, are amazing evidence of its global positioning. That Sri Lankans suffer from thought and word incompatibility is well-known. So while the Sinhala people lay claim to "Sinhala culture", just one look at a party table brandishes its non-existence. Cakes, patties, cutlets are among a varied Western legacy culinary delight - all by-products of wheat flour so neatly laid out. What of Kavum, Athiraha, Mun Kavum, Kiribath, Helapa and whatever is indigenous? Kiribath can even replace the birthday cake. Patriots and nationalists, what have you got to say? |
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