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| Sunday, 19 December 2004 |
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Dinesh: Suffering yet to end by Prasad Gunewardene Sri Lankan truck driver, Dinesh Rajaratnam held hostage in Iraq and subsequently released following the rescue operation launched by our Ambassador in Lebanon, Amanoul Farouque is back at his planked house in Hendala, Wattala reunited with the family when the 'Sunday Observer' visited him on Thursday. He obtained Rs. 150,000/- on interest to proceed to Kuwait in search of greener pastures to look after his family. But misfortune stepped in when he was directed by his employer to proceed to the Baghdad International Airport to unload some telecommunication material for the use of troops stationed there by the United States. Ambassador Farouque had launched the rescue operation to get Dinesh released at the risk of his life. He had driven to Baghdad even without informing his wife. The services rendered by this diplomat is commendable. He had been so courteous that Dinesh who did not have clothes to return to Sri Lanka had worn a shirt and a trouser that the diplomat carried with him as extras until the operation was over. Within a few days Farouque had educated the Iraqi people by way of printed pamplets being distributed in mosques, schools and other important sectors which pleaded for the release of Dinesh. Be that as it may, the unfortunate Dinesh still suffers from contusions and abrasions as a result of assault by wires and cables by those who held him hostage along with his Bangladeshi colleague. His left eye appears to be damaged and, this man promised the heaven by the politicians who visited his Wattala residence to console his weeping wife a fortnight ago are now missing. Dinesh commended the role played by Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Deputy Foreign Minister Wishwa Warnapala and UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya towards his release adding that the Foreign Minister even sent his wife to the Katunayake airport to receive him on his return. On October 19 as he entered Iraq passing the Kuwaiti border, two men in a car had opened fire at his truck and had ordered them off the vehicle. They had been assaulted, blind folded and driven to an unknown location. The attackers have thought that Dinesh was a black American while the Bangladeshi had been reprimanded for working for Americans being a Muslim. As October was the month of fasting, they had been fed on a single 'Chapathi' a day. A few days later, a woman had arrived to interview them to ascertain the nationality of Dinesh. Satisfied with the details, the woman had confirmed that Dinesh was a Sri Lankan. Thereafter they had been video recorded for television publicity which helped Colombo to know that a Lankan was held in hostage. From this point, Ambassador Farouque had moved into action to get this man released. In Colombo, Ministers Kadirgamar, Warnapala, Felix Perera and Karu Jayasuriya had been regularly sending emissaries and making personal visits to Dinesh's house to see the welfare of his three little sons and the wife. Jayasuriya had personally worked out with the Kuwaiti employer to have the salary of Dinesh sent to his wife using the good offices of Labour Minister Athauda Seneviratne. Foreign Employment Bureau Chairman, Karu Hettiarachchi had been of immense assistance to Mrs. Rajaratnam. Given the unfortunate fate that befell Dinesh, he and his family laments in sorrow. He got to pay interest for the money he borrowed to proceed to Kuwait. The planked house he lives does not belong to him. This temporary plank shed is constructed on an encroached State land. He sought greener pastures to build a house. During the period he was held hostage, politicians who visited his home had promised his wife a house at the expense of the State and educational facilities for the children. Some have even pledged compensation from the State. He was on a mission for the Americans when he fell in deep trouble risking his life. The Americans have turned a blind eye in their usual style. Today Dinesh has no income to support his family. Above all he is a sick man. A week has lapsed after his return, politicians who promised the heaven for the Rajaratnam family have even failed to telephone them to inquire their welfare. The pathway to their small planked house is yet clear and Dinesh's doors are open for those who could help him. He should be taken for medical treatment early. "We are now left with no hope and where is the money for medical treatment when we are in debt", Mrs. Rajaratnam asked as few tear drops rolled down her cheek when she hugged the youngest son. It is timely that the politicians honour their pledge by Dinesh. Let him not be treated as a forgotten man. Certainly this is not an episode where politicians could make election promises and conveniently forget. |
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