- by our special correspondent in London -
This story is all about the kindness and humanism of a Sri Lankan army officer. I do not know, neither this army officer, nor the person who narrated this story. Yet, this story tells us a lot of about Sri Lankan army officers and their discipline in their profession and public service. Therefore, I have decided to narrate this story for the benefit of Non-Tamil speaking readers in Sri Lanka. This story is originally narrated in the Tamil language so, it would be best to narrate it in the English language so that our fellow Sri Lankans could read it. It is reported that a Muslim brother from Colombo has been quarantined in Batticaloa due to the corona pandemic. He is guarantied because one of his neighbours has died due to this deadly virus.
The Muslim community all over the world is preparing for the holy month of Ramadan and it is recommended to fast in this month especially on particular days. This Muslim brother who is living in quarantine has approached the chief army officer in this camp, he made a kind request to allow Muslim’s their dinner sometime later in the evening (around 11.pm). This type of request may have stunned the army officer, so he asked him why do you need late dinner in the middle of night? He then proceeded to tell the officer that it is their religious tradition to wake at dawn and to eat in order fast. Then, the kind army officer has asked this Muslim brother what time do you need to break the fast? Then, this Muslim bother told the officer that we break the fast at sun set.
A dinner was served to all those who were quarantined at night. In their routine time as it has been scheduled. The Muslim brother and his friends assumed that their request had been rejected. So, they decided to keep their dinner food at dawn for breakfast so that they could break their fast with the food they had been given as dinner. Yet, to their surprise, the army officer came back to the dinner table to say that they can eat their dinner now. He stated that he will make sure they get served food at 3am so that they could fast. As promised, this army officer requested his kitchen staff provide them morning food. Moreover, the army officer had given them an abundance of food, saying they would not be able to eat for long time until Sun sitting. Moreover, during the time that they would break their fast, the officer has given them extra fruits and sweets. The officer had treated them with kindness and respect. The officer has treated them well and looked them after with kindness and hospitality.
All the Muslim brothers were shocked and surprised to see this kindness of this army officer in the Sri Lankan army. This officer has respected the religious sentiments of Muslim brothers in quarantine. Moreover, he provided them with extra facilities and food to fulfil their religious needs. The army officer has demonstrated his professionalism and competence towards his public service. Although, he is not a Muslim the officer respected the religious sentiment of Muslims who were in quarantine. There are so many good officers in the Sri Lankan forces today. We really salute such virtuous officers in the Sri Lankan army. This story has changed my perception of Sri Lankan army.
Yes, there are some racist elements among Sri Lankan politicians and yet, we should not generalise this to include all. There are thousands of good army officers, civil servants, police officers, and other officers who are providing a wonderful public service without any prejudice and discrimination. This officer is one of them and we must appreciate and acknowledge these good people in public service. By nature, Sri Lankans are kind people and yet, some racist politicians are spreading hatred among people.
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