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An Unpleasant Incident at Sri Lanka Airport

Sampath Wijesinghe Nebraska, USA

On July 01, 2006, an incident happened at the Sri Lanka airport, which I believe that I ought to share with the citizens of Sri Lanka. I am a citizen of the Sri Lanka, who resides in the United States. We visited our families in Sri Lanka in the month of June. Our departure flight was scheduled on the 2nd of July early morning, thus we came to the airport on the 1st night. The time was about 10.30pm and our 3 year daughter was in deep sleep. I and my wife, who was holding the 3 year old, entered in to the airport with 3 hand baggage and 6 other luggage, totaling 9 personal belongings.

As a security measure, which is a standard in any airport, our luggage was monitored to confirm that there was no illegal item found in any of them. Although it was not a hectic time, there were 6 security personnel engaged to carry out the safety procedure. I assume that certain number of personal should be employed to perform this task regardless it is a hectic time or slow time. I do not know whether it was necessary to use the services of six people to inspect only one family’s baggage. This is definitely an appropriate situation to analyze and investigate further, but it is out of the scope of my article. The purpose of this article is to criticize those security people, who were present at the time.

During the procedure, one after another bag cleared and reached the end of the security belt. I began to lift bags and load them on a trolley. I anticipated that someone will volunteer there to lend a hand, particularly no one was performing any duty. However, within a short period, I realized that no one was willing to help or at least considering to help. Up to this date, I believed that helping some one in need is one of the few positive attributes existing in our nation.

Disappointed my wife could not wait there any longer and started to assist me while holding the baby. Unexpectedly, one of the baggage fell over on her foot leading to a minor injury. I had been having lot of patients up to this point and could not tolerate their heartless behavior any longer. I accused them and explain in plain words how sorry I am about my country and their cruel action.

When we arrived at the international airport in Chicago, an African American gentleman, who worked at the custom, observed that we have a baby and assisted voluntarily with every single bag. I do not know his name, but his behavior and action are truly appreciated. This is probably one of the many reasons that United States is developed and is in a very steady position as a nation. Of course, it is not my objective to compare the positions of the Sri Lanka and the United States.

My objective is that Sri Lanka was formerly a well known nation as hospitable and caring. Already we have loss too much as a country and there are at least a few things we have control over to protect. Certainly, this is one of them and I hope our citizens will realize it. Hopefully, this article will reach many Sri Lankan citizens, who truly care about our country, as I believe that you will take actions to protect it.

Another essential point is that most of the employees at any airport as well as airlines facilitate the travelers, who accompany children. However, this was not the experience that we encountered at the Sri Lanka airport during our most recent visit. I am disappointed regarding the incident occurred, but optimistic that you do something constructive to prevent similar incidents in the future!

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