Last week, we spoke openly about the luxury vehicles owned by several prominent Sri Lankan rice traders. Our comments drew mixed reactions—some criticized us, while others expressed support. However, what must be clearly understood is the central message of that discussion. If their wealth and business activities are lawful, transparent, and free from deception, then there is no issue. But if they are built on unfair practices, falsehoods, or fraud, then it becomes a serious concern.
If wrongdoing exists, the solution is not to insult or attack individuals on social media. Public outrage alone achieves nothing. If crimes have been committed, those responsible must be investigated, prosecuted, and punished according to the law. Authorities must also ensure that such situations do not recur. Irresponsible accusations without evidence, due process, or accountability serve no purpose. Sri Lanka Latest News
In recent times, Dudley purchased a Rolls-Royce. Prior to that, Ratna had acquired a helicopter. Now Dudley is reportedly preparing to purchase a helicopter, while Ratna has brought in three Rolls-Royce vehicles. For the first time, a Rolls-Royce SUV has been imported into Sri Lanka. As Dudley prepares for a helicopter, Ratna is said to be preparing to acquire a private jet.
From a business perspective, everything appears to be progressing smoothly. Both individuals seem to be operating strategically and effectively, running their enterprises in a manner that leaves little room for formal fault-finding. Polonnaruwa, once celebrated as self-sufficient under King Parakramabahu, now stands as a symbolic backdrop to modern enterprise. Dudley established a hotel at the foot of the Parakrama Samudra. Although the project faced legal and public challenges, those challenges were unsuccessful, and Dudley prevailed. No further objections have crossed that boundary.
Ratna may not possess the same level of public recognition or political influence as Dudley. However, Ratna appears to be advancing rapidly. At times Ratna seems to move ahead of Dudley, and at other times Dudley surpasses Ratna. The two appear to be engaged in a competitive race. Many commentators on social media argue that regardless of who wins this race, it is ultimately the public who will lose.
Some label this situation as a “rice mafia.” If such a mafia truly exists, the question arises: why are they allowed to operate freely? If illegal profiteering is taking place, immediate investigation and enforcement action should follow. It is worth recalling that the current government rose to power promising to confront figures like Dudley and Ratna, pledging firm action against them. Yet within weeks, the narrative appeared to shift. Instead of subduing these powerful traders, critics claim the government itself was politically outmaneuvered.
Today, Dudley, Ratna, and the government appear closely aligned—like coconuts in the same sack. There is no visible conflict. No sign of discrimination or hostility. Instead, there appears to be cooperation and mutual understanding. Dudley has even reached the point of openly criticizing the opposition, suggesting that maintaining such a stance ensures political comfort and stability.
It has also been demonstrated that the government cannot simply remove these influential traders from the equation. While leading rice traders reportedly enjoy immense wealth and luxury—figures spoken of in the range of hundreds of thousands of pounds—another narrative circulates online: that rice farmers themselves are facing unbearable hardship.
Despite cultivating the land, many farmers remain trapped in debt. Generations have lived and died under financial burdens that seem impossible to escape. Their suffering continues quietly, year after year. Whether they perish suddenly or decline slowly under economic pressure, their fate remains uncertain. The question remains whether their hardship will ever truly end.
In the Rajarata region, kidney disease continues to claim lives. A major kidney hospital was built amid public praise and political celebration. Governments introduced various strategies, promising solutions. Yet administrations changed, leaders departed, and the disease remained. The country continues forward much as before.
This entire situation resembles a strategic game. In this game, Dudley and Ratna appear to hold the strongest cards. The government may have believed it could compete without such advantages, but it has become clear that it cannot prevail while others hold the decisive cards. At present, the balance of power seems to favor these influential traders. No matter how the game is played, they appear positioned to win.
Yet a deeper concern echoes among the public: that regardless of who wins this contest of power and wealth, it is the people who ultimately lose. That, above all, is where the real problem lies.
