In the latest episode of “Drama in the Political Arena,” the nation is abuzz over the apparent snub that wasn’t—Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa’s failure to shake hands with President Ranil Wickremesinghe during nomination day. Some are spinning this as the political scandal of the century, but SJB Vice President Sujeewa Senasinghe is here to tell you, “Calm down, everyone!”
According to Senasinghe, Premadasa was simply preoccupied with something else at that crucial handshake moment. And really, who hasn’t been caught up in something more pressing when it’s time for social niceties? Perhaps he was adjusting his tie, checking his phone, or contemplating the mysteries of the universe.
Senasinghe also pointed out that a little cultural authenticity wouldn’t hurt. “Ayubowan”—the traditional Sri Lankan greeting—would have been healthier, nicer, and far more fitting than a handshake. “I mean, Ranil could have just joined his hands and said ‘Ayubowan’. That’s the real Sri Lankan way,” he quipped.
And as for those who think Premadasa was flexing his ego by not shaking hands, Senasinghe has a message: Look in the mirror. He humorously suggested that the real arrogance might just be in the eye of the beholder, particularly if that beholder is NPP candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who had some choice words about the incident.
So, let’s all take a step back and maybe join our hands in a friendly “Ayubowan” instead of making mountains out of molehills—or in this case, out of missed handshakes
