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| Sunday, 26 February 2006 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Enter Five Stars - Password 'cash' by Rikaza Hassan I had been wanting to write a piece that had nothing to do with a particular event that took place, (news feature), or exhibition, fashion, or human interest stuff (ordinary features). So when my editor made a suggestion to me, I took it quite gratefully and enthusiastically.
Two such vehicles slow down, the drivers check me out and don't figure me to possess a full wallet, and simply speed by ignoring me. More than just a little ticked off, I decide to get more aggressive and step on to the road, one arm waving frantically, the other trying to hold on to my big bag. "........ ekata yanna kayak gannawada?" I ask him the charge to get to my destination. "Haththapahahak gannava missy," he tells me. I am aghast. "Eka vedi, Panahak dennang. Mang Crescat ekatath yanney panahatei." I put on my sweet smile as he ponders the simple white lies that we have both told in this common bargaining business. He agrees. I arrive at the five star hotel that I have chosen for this particular piece in the heart of Colombo, remove change from my wallet and hand it over. As I get out of the nice tuk-tuk, the doormen in their fancy white suits and frills give me a patronising smile as though I do not belong in this posh environment. Perhaps I would have received a better reception if I had a male partner with me, I wonder.
As my initial cheekiness runs dry, I take the tour of the nice corridors and walk myself out of the other entrance. And then I walk back to office. The next day, I get someone I know to drive me out to this very same hotel. The particular friend happens to own quite a nice looking driving machine as a matter of fact, and this time, of course I have a man in the same fancy uniform open the door for me a give me big smile as he closes the door, and usher, me in to the lobby with a sincere greeting. Of course, I am still no richer than the day before, perhaps a little poorer even, and I make my exit quickly and return to office with fingers itching to type. The question the whole experience has left me with is of course, why do we Sri Lankans hold to such double standards? It is almost taken for granted that a person who enters a fancy hotel must be rich and be ready to flaunt it, if he/she is to be treated by the standards touted by the particular hotel. The person who arrives at the entrance in some old reconditioned vehicle, a colourful tuk-tuk, or makes an appearance with the use of his legs is not presented with the same welcome as the former, unless of course one does not hold a Sri Lankan passport. This double standard of course is to be found in just about every local institution. One finds that hospital car parks inside the facility off-limits to patients suddenly open up if you happen to be driving a smooth Porsche or a BMW. Store assistants and others tend to be so much more helpful, actually smile and speak politely if they happen to notice that the vehicle you drove in costs more than a few millions. Even ordinary people start showing some extra respect if you happen to own a designer wardrobe, the latest Nokia and the perfectly cut tresses; an accent always helps as wells. So no wonder, Donald Trump, who is not so rich in comparison to the rest of the wealthy giants, is much more, revered than the geek-looking Bill Gates who has so many millions more but does not flaunt his affluence as much. |
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The first thing I did was check how much cash I had in my wallet. Despite
it being just a week since salary day, I nevertheless had no cash to burn,
as such. A bit dejected, but still very enthusiastic, I walk out of the
building, safely cross the road and hail the common man's cab - a
three-wheeler. 
The glass door is grudgingly opened, I am not greeted, and I walk into
the lobby of this famous and expensive Colombo hotel. I stand a moment to
gather my bearings, and then walk around the place, soak myself in a plush
cushioned chair and check out the paraphernalia. I find no one even bothers
to ask if they could help me, if I would like something to drink. 
