Features

Changing global economic power balance and Southern development

Published

3 years ago

2023/06/22

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa meets Russian President Vladimir Putin.

From the viewpoint of the South, the recent visit by a delegation of African political leaders to Russia for the primary purpose of impressing on President Vladimir Putin the need to end the conflict in Ukraine is welcome news. The visit is doubly important for at least two main reasons; first, the mounting economic pressures on the people of Africa and those outside the continent need to be mitigated. Second, the increasing significance of the African continent in the affairs of the world is being underscored.

Needless to say, the people of Africa are among the worst affected by the current global economic crisis, which has been considerably aggravated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Their vulnerability to economic pressures, given their general poverty level, needs no stressing. Their economic misery and that of the people of South Asia remains a prominent feature of the current world economic landscape.

The suffering of these populations needs to be alleviated and quickly. Hopefully, the Russian political leadership would explore the possibility of doing what is possible for it to reduce the material suffering of these the world’s ordinary people.

However, the burden of de-escalating the current round of economic misfortunes does not fall on entirely Russia. It is incumbent on the West or the Northern hemisphere as well to restructure the contemporary world economic order in a manner that would ease the material lot of ordinary people everywhere.

It is of note that some principal actors of the West have already initiated moves in this direction, particularly in the form of the currently unfolding Macron Summit, also referred to as ‘talks for a new financial contract between the Global North and the Global South.’

Hopefully, the Macron Summit would recognize the South as an equal, dignified and independent partner in the evolving world politico-economic system. There should be no question of the South surviving ‘on the crumbs that fall off the rich man’s table.’

Much will depend on the capabilities and sense of vision of those Southern political leaders and policymakers who participate in these talks. They should steel themselves for some hard bargaining and essentially point out to the North that it is economic interdependence between the two hemispheres that would render the global economic order effective, productive and equitable.

These Southern leaders would do well to revisit the forgotten ‘New International Economic Order’ project of 1974 while engaging in these discussions. That is, ‘trade and not aid’ needs to remain their fundamental motto in this context.

Instead of seeking endless aid, as the Sri Lankan government is doing at present, the South should, among other urgent matters, impress on the developed North that what it needs most are markets for its produce and increasing and meaningful capital investment in the productive sectors of its economies. The worst that Southern leaders could do is to join these talks with the mindset of economic underdogs and minions in the world system.

However, these Southern leaders would need to focus strongly on the interests of their publics and not on the selfish needs of their classes; which attitude has brought many of their countries to ruin. If they persist in these parasitic ways, the North could not be blamed for treating them degradingly.

In these tasks of working towards the legitimate needs of the Southern people African political leaders could prove to be of considerable importance. It is quite some time since Africa re-captured the attention of the world as brimming with development potential. Some months back the US’ Biden administration stepped-up its rapport with African leaders in recognition of the contribution they could make towards mutually-beneficial economic interaction. It should only be expected, given this backdrop, that top African political leaders should take on themselves the responsibility of seeking to end the Ukraine crisis.

The fact that South Africa is part of the BRICS grouping should prove re-assuring to the ordinary people of Africa and those outside it. Come August and the next BRICS Summit would be held under the leadership of South Africa. Although the West continues to dominate the world economic system, BRICS is catching-up with it fast and would soon be among the foremost economic blocs of the world. A number of up-and-coming economic powers are tapping on BRICS’ door, seeking membership. Among them are: Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

However, the challenge before economic blocs, such as BRICS, is to involve themselves in the running of the global economic order for the benefit of the Southern hemisphere in general and that of its ordinary people in particular. The latter responsibility will prove an acid test for Southern leaders in the on-going Macron Summit, for example. Their interventions on behalf of the wellbeing of their peoples would be of inestimable weight.

Australian High Commissioner’s comments

Responding to my column of June 15th titled, ‘Stiffer challenge to democracy from Far Right’, the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, among other things, states that my comments present ‘a false picture of Australia’. It is not possible to ascertain as to how this observation was arrived at considering my comment in the column concerned that, ‘given Australia’s democratic vibrancy it is highly unlikely that the Far Right would be emerging as a dominant political force in the country any time soon..’.

Australia has been a successful democracy with a rich pluralistic heritage. This is the reason why signs of the emergence of a Far Right in the country, though in the form of small but seemingly assertive groups, should prove worrisome to the Australian government, its people and its admirers the world over.

Deteriorating economic conditions within countries usually lead to the emergence extremist political formations, such as the Far Right. The overall thrust of my column was to highlight this potentially worldwide tendency. Nowhere in my column have I suggested, though, that the Far Right is rampant or widespread at present in Australia. But its emergence, even in the form of small formations, needs to be viewed seriously.

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

23 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

23 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

23 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.