Srilanka, Feb. 5 -- Such displays in the past were meant to foster parochial nationalism, which in turn fostered the personality cult of the Rajapaksas. Even worse was when, during the Chandrika Kumaratunga administration, the military assets were transported from the Northern front to Colombo to parade in the Independence Day celebrations. Such acts of petty personal aggrandisement were exploited by the LTTE, including one well-documented attack carried out exploiting the military vacuum in the North as troops and armaments were on display in Colombo.
Sri Lanka is not a military power, but it has so much else to flaunt: its rich cultural diversity, its scenic places, its easy-going way of life, genuine hospitality and even cricket- and pe...