By Prof. Samitha Hettige

In Hindi & Bengali word ‘Deshabandu’ literary means ‘friend of the nation’ & it’s translated into English as ‘patriot’. Late F.R. Senanayake who pioneered independence from the English is referred a ‘Deshabandu’ by some. In post English Sri Lanka ‘Deshabandu’ is the 3^rd highest ‘National Honour’ bestowed on those who bring glory to the nation. Among them are many sporting personalities but it isn’t clear if there are those who excelled in ‘Mesapandu’ (‘Table Tennis’ or ‘Ping Pong’).

Mesapandu or Table Tennis

Table tennis AKA ‘Whiff-Whaff’ is played on a table top either individually or in teams of two. Players take turns returning the ball over the table's net onto the opposing half until they fail resulting in a point for the opponent. Speed, quick reaction & constant attention are key skills to be successful in the game (Ref TT history). The origins of the game go to the Chinese civilisation which is displaying above skills not only in the sport but as a fast developing civilisation in the 21^st century.

Ping – Pong Diplomacy

This was the exchanging of Table tennis players between the USA & China in the early 1970s when China began to renew its relations with the USA before introducing economic reforms in 1979.  China maintained its economic reform focused & became world’s 2^nd strongest economy.

The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China convened its 3^rd plenary session in Beijing (July 15 to 18, 2024) & a ‘Communiqué’ was issued adopting below with the focus of achieving the 2^nd Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country.

1. Fully & faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts.
2. Adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability.
3. Implement the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan & the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy in a coordinated way.
4. Give full consideration to both domestic & international imperatives ensuring both development & security.
5. Promote high-quality development.
6. Take further steps to advance & plan for the deepening of reform across the board advancing socialist democracy & rule of law.
7. Improve public communication & cultural work ensuring the people's wellbeing & protecting the environment.
8. Safeguard national security & social stability promoting the development of national defense & the armed forces.
9. Advance work related to Hong Kong, Macao, & Taiwan pursuing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics & strengthening full & rigorous party self-governance.

Patriots in Sri Lanka concerned about economic reforms & national stability may study above, develop above skills & work to benefit from the Belt & Road Initiative to stabilize global economy. Others may continue playing with the country as done during the past 75 years.

(Photo: Champion Chinese TT players in action in Paris)

(Views expressed are personal)