Sri Lanka, Aug. 17 -- A recent statement made by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the effect that the present government's leaders including the President and the Prime Minister were spending Government funds on propaganda activities drew much mirth and ridicule on mainstream and social media.

This is to be expected, since President Rajapaksa was well known for engaging in ego-boosting propaganda activities literally at public expense, from lavish opening ceremonies to huge cutouts. This habit also spread to the extended Rajapaksa family, from the liberal use of Air Force helicopters to business class rides on the national carrier.

It goes without saying that President Rajapaksa, during his tenure, ignored repeated calls by the rel...