Twin challenges

It was revealed yesterday that over 1,800 persons detained during Sunday's search operations in and around Colombo have already been freed. Only around 360 persons are still being questioned.

The Security Forces and Police must be lauded for their swift action to release all those who had no charges against them, as directed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. An attempt has been made to describe the arrest as an act of harassment against the Tamil community. However, it has emerged that Sinhalese and Muslims who could not establish their identity were among those arrested.

The Government acted swiftly to address the human rights concerns raised by HR organisations, political parties and the relatives of arrested persons. President Rajapaksa took a keen interest in this regard, assuring Tamil Parliamentarians on the Government's commitment to the rights of the detained and directing Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe to personally inquire into their well being and take steps to release all innocent persons.

Accordingly, the Human Rights Ministry set up a hotline and a help desk for disseminating information on arrested persons. Minister Samarasinghe inspected some of the detention centres, met detainees to ensure they were being treated humanely and with respect for their dignity.

The police were asked to share the list of names of persons detained with the relevant authorities including the Human Rights Commission.

He has brought to the attention of the Police, all relevant authorities and the public, the Presidential Direction on "Arrest, Detention and matters incidental thereto" of June 2006 which was re-circulated in April 2007 by the Ministry of Defence, Public Security and Law and Order, to ensure that all arrests made comply with the guidelines issued by President Rajapaksa for the safeguarding of Human Rights of persons arrested or detained. The Government's policy of zero tolerance toward torture has also been stressed.

In fact, the Government gives priority to educating the Police and Security Forces on their human rights obligations. It was only yesterday that the Army began another such programme for battalion commanders.

Army Commander Sarath Fonseka has reiterated on this occasion that the Army was committed to respect human rights and the fundamental freedoms of every citizen, regardless of ethnicity. The other two Forces and the Police Department too follow the same principles.

They are faced with the twin challenge of defeating terrorism while protecting the rights of all. This is no easy task, but one which they have taken on with aplomb.

Amaradeva

As far as Sinhala music is concerned, there is no doubt that Visharada Amaradeva will be immortal. The maestro, who turns 80 today, has symbolised the potency of indigenous Sinhala music to several generations of listeners. And long after we are gone, future generations will still be mesmerized by his melodious voice.

When Lanka's 'Golden Voice' began his singing career, indigenous music was just emerging from the shadows of North-Indian and South Indian dominated style. These were the days when Hindi songs tunes were copied beat for beat.

Sunil Shantha, Amaradeva and a few of their compatriots were like a breath of fresh air in the Lankan music scene. They were backed by song writers of the calibre of Mahagamasekara, whose song Maa Mala Pasu Sohon Kothey performed by Amaradeva still pierces one's deepest feelings on life itself.

In his inimitable style, Amaradeva could appeal to both young and old generations through his wide repertoire of songs. Hanthane Kandu Muduna Sisara evokes a long-distance romance between a university student at the Peradeniya hostel and her lover in another part of the country.

Nim Him Sewwa Maa Sasare celebrates the marriage of a couple who had always been together in their Samsaric journey. Sannaliyane bares the hollowness of our mortal life as we go through the various stages of life. Ratna Deepa Janma Bhoomi is a tribute to the Motherland.

And Sasara Wasana Thuru tells us that true solace lies in the Buddha's immortal words. Amaradeva also focused on contemporary social issues in his songs. For example, the little known Duru Rataka Viraha Gini Meda describes the agony of migrant workers.

A few of his other well-known songs include Ipida Marey, Kandulu Kathawe, Kolomthota, Singithi Puthey, Pera Dinayaka Maa, Wakkada Langa, Kumariyaka Paa Salamba Seluna and Swarna Wimaneta.

Unlike most of today's songs, his songs are timeless, truly meaningful and pleasing to the ear.

Much to the delight of purists, Amaradeva is also one of the few musicians who did not fall prey of the wave of 'modernisation' sweeping Sinhala music wherein old songs are 'jazzed up' by the infusion of electronic music. It is true that music is not a static industry, but the timeless appeal of Amaradeva's mellifluous voice will be lost if such modifications are introduced.

Amaradeva has brought fame to our Motherland, performing all over the world and winning international awards, including the coveted Magsasay award. His career is a lasting legacy to the musical world.