One of the greatest science fiction writers, Arthur C.Clarke has died at 90 in Sri Lanka. Clarke predicted many things that have come to pass-like satelites and such and one of his books "Rendevous With Rama" is now in pre-production with Morgan Freeman producing, directing and starring in the 200 million dollar epic.

Many people may remember the scandal that engulfed the poor man just before he was about to receive his knighthood-which doesn't deserve being rekindled but JK might like to know-as a very good friend of mine was also a mutual friend of Clarkes and was with him when he passed away. The scandal devestated the poor man.

The Sri Lankan government was so incensed with the scandal that was started by a Fleet Street gutter rag ( no prizes for guessing which one) that they questioned the people who made the original complaint who confessed they had been paid large sums of money by the newspaper to make the original complaints about Sir Arthur.

They issued arrest warrants for 2 UK journalists and 1 photographer which are still in force today and they have been told-never set foot in Sri Lanka-ever.

I remember this disgraceful incident vividly. Remind anyone of the Gary Glitter situation?
Anyone know the names of the UK Journos involved?

I remember the scandal. It was an inexcusable attack on a wonderful guy. I didn't know any arrest warrants had been issued for the journalists involved, but I'm glad they are still in force. The British authorities should take note.

I remember the incident only vaguely. Don't think I even questioned it much at the time. I have learnt a lot about the nature of the press and false allegations since. Shame millions still haven't, but maybe the tide is just starting to turn.

There is surely a brilliant fillum to be made about this incident.

It speaks loudly about the 21st Century morality.

Which I predict - in true Arthur Clarke fashion - will lead to the destruction of the human species.

Whilst others moan about global warming, I hiss on about the death of decency.

Here is the BBC coverage after the spread...
Science fiction writer Arthur C Clarke has been cleared of allegations of child abuse.

A Sri Lankan police chief said there was no evidence that Sir Arthur, 80, was a paedophile.

The novelist, who moved to Sri Lanka in 1956, said he had never been worried by the claims, which surfaced the day before he was due to receive an honorary knighthood from Prince Charles on his tour of the island in February.

The Sunday Mirror claimed Sir Arthur had paid for sex with boys.

But Sir Arthur said: "Quite frankly I have never been worried about it. I was annoyed, but not worried."

The deputy inspector-general of police, MSM Nizam, said: "We are satisfied that he has not violated any Sri Lankan laws or committed any crime.

"He denied the allegations and spoke about his abhorrence of child sex and paedophilia."

Police interviewed three young men who had told the Sunday Mirror they had sex with Sir Arthur when they were teenagers.

Mr Nizam said all three had now withdrawn their allegations.

He said: "We have now sent the reports to the Attorney General to seek his opinion on how to proceed with this case."

But Mr Nizam stressed that the inquiry is not yet over. Sri Lankan police did not interview any journalists from the Sunday Mirror, which claims it has an audio tape on which Sir Arthur admits to having had sex with boys.

He made his contribution to the six word story project, but strangely insisted on using ten.

"God said, 'Cancel Program GENESIS.' The universe ceased to exist."

I'd like to offer the first words of my When Caravaggio Met MichelAngelo lyric...

It was a hot July day in Heaven
And the sky was blue below.

Without wanting to appear ignorant or stupid but could somebody fill me in on 'the incident??'

You remember the very tall TV host as well ( I don't like mentioning names when people are innocent ) who also got a going over in Sri Lanka..but the newspaper..and yes they are the one that's helped JK's sales along and given have Gary Glitter hell, didn't quite realise who they were taking on this time.

I think they just thought he was an old man living in Sri Lanka surrounded by kids..which he was ( but worrth an absolute fortune), But he's lived with the same Sri Lankan man for 40 years and his friend's brothers and sisters families were like Sir Arthur's extended family. They looked on him like a grandfather figure.

He lived in a pretty old rambling house and his large family in houses he brought for them nearby. Everyone ran in and out of everyone's houses all day..that's how they live.

But to the Sri Lankan government and people, Sir Arthur C.Clarke is like their most treasured and honoured citizen. They put him on stamps. They'd give him awards-they've made him a part of their national history and they were excited Prince Charles was on his way to give him his knighthood. Even the Tamil Tigers respected Clarke.

There were also stories that he plastered everyone involved ( included Murdoch) with million dollor libel suits and that Murdoch suddenly realised his own reputation in Asia was at stake. A bit like he's totally bungled his attempts to get into the Chinese market.

Personally-I reckon if that little team who began the scandal had gone back they would never have forgotten out of the country alive. You don't attack a God.

Actually Veritas I think it was the Sunday Mirror and not a News International paper.

You are spot on as usual. The Mirror did break the story first.

I should have qualified my whole tale-it was the NoTW not to be outdone that immediately went in after , found some new "victims" conjured up a couple of victim's rights groups who gave suitable quotes claiming they "had been watching the man for years" that really incurred the wrath of local authorities etc etc. Clarke hit the victims rights groups with writs and then felt sorry for them later and gave them big donations and ensured they actually spent the money on the poor.

The story at the time was that it was really meant to be a way of ambarrassing the Royal Family-I think the Mirror was "anti-establishment" at the time.