Shameful incident at Chinese cultural show

Friday, 18 October 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cultural section of the Chinese Embassy Colombo on 24 September presented a cultural show by Hubei Province to celebrate their 70th anniversary. The public was invited to view it free of charge and seating was offered on first come first served basis.

It was a rainy day and the show was scheduled to commence at 6 p.m. There were many families who had travelled in adverse weather from considerable distances with little children. They had lined up patiently and excitedly from 5 p.m. onwards. When the doors opened people found that rows upon rows of best seats were blocked by few young people in civvies. The seats they were blocking were clearly the seats meant for the public who had arrived on the Embassy’s open invite. Those which were for guests with official invitations were clearly marked and properly reserved.

And those seats commandeered forcibly for the families and friends were kept empty for considerable time as some of the occupants arrived only after the show started. And some of those clearly lacked taste and appreciation for different cultures as they were clearly heard of making derogatory comments comparing Chinese singing to cats’ meowing!

I understand a new Chief Executive has recently assumed duties at Lotus Pond. Brigadier Mahinkanda; please ensure such incidents do not occur again during your watch!

– Citizen Silva