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‘Ridi Reyak 5’ was held at BMICH on December 22. I have attended all
‘Ridi Reyak’ shows from the inception and found them to be very
interesting and entertaining. But it is with regret that I wish to state
that in ‘Ridi Reyak 5’, the standard had gone down and there were many
shortcomings.
* The usherers did not know the location of the seats and there was
confusion in the hall due to this. Even at 7.00 p.m. when the show was
scheduled to start, many people were trying to locate their seats and
the usherers were utterly confused and unable to help the people.
* The show started at 7.35 p.m. (35 minutes late) and no announcement
was made regarding this as it is normally done in other shows. When the
show started, the compere did not have the courtesy even to apologise
for the late start.
* Then inside the hall, there were some objections by some audience
as a television camera was placed in the centre of the aisle completely
obstructing the view of some of the audience who were seated behind the
camera.
The announcement made regarding this by the authorities was for the
affected audience to bear with them and they could view the show again
on TV on the 29th.
If that is so, why should they have paid Rs. 3,000 and come to the
hall to view the show? They could have waited at home and seen the show
on TV free of charge. A very bad announcement on the part of the
organisers.
* There was no proper co-ordination among the technicians. A past
show was being shown and halfway, the screen was lifted up and the
projector operator was going on showing without a screen. The projector
light was on the audience.
* At one stage, the compere came onto the stage and the spotlight was
put on and he started announcing not knowing that the show on the screen
was not over. The show went on and he had to withdraw under the
spotlight.
* Refreshments were available downstairs and it caused much
inconvenience to the people. Other occasions, the refreshment stalls are
in the lobby making it easy to access them.
* It has been the practice, for the artists to mingle with the crowd
in the lobby after the show. This creates a cordial atmosphere among the
actors/actresses and their fans get an opportunity to speak to their
favourite artist. But this time many were disappointed as the practice
was not followed.
I hope that this catches the eye of Chairman, Cinestar Foundation,
the organisers of this show and I presume that he will take necessary
action to rectify these shortcomings in future shows.
VIVIAN WEERASINGHE -
Colombo 5
I read your write-up on cruelty to animals and rabies. Most of it was
very sensible, keeping with popular feelings, I would yet comment on a
few matters.
1. The amended Rabies Bill with suggestions from the public is
abandoned or suppressed and filed in the Health Ministry. The Ministry
wants to register all dogs with an ulterior motive to kill strays.
2. Sacrifice is not acceptable even for ‘religious reasons’.
Sacrifice should be a consent; as a widow who does it voluntarily in
India. An animal cannot be dragged unwillingly and bled barbarically.
Eating its flesh is not sacrifice. It’s greed.
Besides, religion should be separated from cruelty to animals for
food. It’s an insult to religions. You have been contradictory,
encouraging people to slaughter. Home slaughter is banned in civilised
countries, but not in Sri Lanka. The ‘cruelty to animals’, law is abused
by the police.
A lorry load of cattle is normally fined (Rs. 250) and returned to
the butcher as the police lead charges only for cruelty for which the
fine is Rs. 150 - 250.
They don’t bring charges for theft, no transport permit, no Vet.
certificate.
Young cattle and cows cannot be slaughtered - this part is ignored.
The vehicle is not confiscated. So the thieves repeat with the help
of corrupt police. We drink chemicalised milk powder. Forex goes!
TUDOR WICKREMASINGHE -
Colombo 9
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