Friendly discussions on the way to London

I am busy in England participating in a series of activities in London. As we expected the budget gave the big investors what they wanted and ruined the hopes of the working masses.

One can see that they expect absolute poverty to become a problem. Hence the proposal for food rations. We are in a challenging situation.

It is time for action which social democratic unity which should be seriously considered. Tamils whether in the Tamil homeland, or in the estates, or in Colombo are given second-hand treatment; they have no way out except to join in the social democracy set-up and fight back.

That line of thinking is emerging in the Tamil Diaspora as well. I got a good reception from them and I am scheduled to address several meetings. I have been invited to a get-together at Cambridge by Mark, the son of our Dean of Darwin College in my time. They were so nice to me when I was there as a research student. Cambrian cold weather frightens me but I cannot let Goodwin down.

Entered

When I was going I entered the Katunayake airport hesitatingly, somewhat concerned. You never know when some crazy guy at the top could get a bright idea of an interrogation! From the way they harass opposition politicians, one should expect the worse.

However, as I entered, a Customs officer came with a friendly smile raising the question of the present political situation. This is so common; I am always ready with my answer. As usual it expanded to a group discussion and I was invited to a cup of tea in their waiting room. I had come far too early, hence their was enough time for me to spare.

I had one of the best cups of tea I had had for a long time and I was happy to be in the company of a group of graduates. Customs officers have a problem; as their cardre is very limited, they have only limited space for promotion. Why should promotions be restrained by administrative job arrangements.

I suggested a promotional scheme based on seniority, knowledge and achievements. I believe that I made use of my time. At Doha airport too I had a quite a bit of spare time. Again I was surprised by the Sinhala voices I heard all over. Almost all the security arrangements in that airport are handled by Lankans.

Many were eager to find out what was happening in Lanka. In addition, I met a group of Lankans going to Dhaka in Bangladesh via Doha. Apparently this zig zag path is the best way to go to Bangladesh from Lanka. These young people are doing management jobs in Bangladesh. I was happy to spend time listening to their stories.

Policies

Those whom I met so far here are very much concerned about the policies put forward by the baby faced Cameron. Many were deceived by the smooth talk and the pleasant face.

Cameron is moving fast with his cuts and reductions. All classes of students are angry about his policies towards college and examination fees. As a student Cameron lead an expensive life. He was a member of the student dining society the Bullingdon Club, which has a reputation for an outlandish drinking culture associated with boisterous behaviour and damaging property.

A photograph showing Cameron in a tailcoat with other members of the club surfaced in 2007, but was later withdrawn by the copyright holder. Cameron’s period in the Bullingdon Club is examined in the Channel 4 docu-drama When Boris Met Dave.

He also belonged to the Octagon Club, another dining society. However, Cameron graduated in 1988 with a first class honours degree. There is no doubt, that as a Tory leader he would do a good job for the ruling classes.