Features

Between Diplomacy and Dissent: Reflections on an Intellectual Rebel

Published

1 year ago

2024/11/3

Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

by Kamaya Jayatissa
[Foreword excerpted from ‘Interventions: Selected Political Writings’, by Dayan Jayatilleka]

‘The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so free, that your very existence is an act of rebellion.’– Albert Camus

It is with great honor and profound admiration that I write this foreword for Interventions, the most recent publication of my mentor and friend, Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka. As is often the case with Dr. Jayatilleka’s literacy works (one would even say ‘always’ the case), this anthology compels the reader to engage in an intellectual gymnastic that pushes the boundaries of conventional thinking -an exercise that he, himself, has excelled in since a very young age.

I first crossed paths with Dr. Jayatilleka in the spring of 2011 during his posting in my hometown, Paris. I had just completed my masters’ degrees at the Sorbonne and Sciences Po and was looking to gain some experience in the diplomatic world. Little did I know that this encounter would be the premise to a unique intellectual journey that would significantly influence my perspective on the political landscape of Sri Lanka, but also on global politics and international affairs in general. Throughout this journey, I have had the privilege of engaging with the different persona that Dr. Jayatilleka embodies: the diplomat, the political philosopher, the teacher, the friend and most importantly, the rebel.

A rebel, he sure is! Much like Camus, for Dr. Jayatilleka every major life decision has been an act of rebellion in its own way. The man himself epitomizes the true essence of revolution; one that is fought both within and outside. This constantly permeates his writing, often reflecting a commitment to challenging the status quo. Yet, underlying it all lies an urge, one might even say an obsession, to rectify injustices prevalent in Sri Lanka’s political and social landscape. By drawing on historical context and contemporary realities, his writings emphasize on the urgency of addressing systemic injustices.

Remaining true to his father’s legacy and armed with nothing more than words, he has over the past decades transformed the prevailing political narrative in Sri Lanka by appealing to both the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, somehow transcending traditional divides. An ability that very few of his contemporaries were ever able to achieve, let alone excel in. Perhaps it’s this capacity to connect with both ends of the spectrum that propels him to constantly rise from his own ashes, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving political landscape that is Sri Lanka.

As I read through the manuscript, especially the many references to Israel that sadly hold greater relevance today, I couldn’t help but reminisce about shared anecdotes. One notable memory instinctively transports me to October 31, 2011, a historical moment where 107 countries voted to admit Palestine as a full member state within UNESCO, defying a mandated cutoff of American funds. I can distinctly remember the intense gaze of the Swiss delegates sitting beside me when, then Ambassador, Dr. Jayatilleka proudly casted a loud ‘YES’ on behalf of Sri Lanka. The patriot in me could not have been prouder that day.

While most are acquainted with his achievements at the UNHRC in Geneva, UNESCO, without a doubt, was the intellectual arena where Dr. Jayatilleka seemed the most in his element. Whether it was championing Irina Bokova’s concept of New Humanism or revitalizing a decaying non-aligned movement through informal state coalitions building, he constantly stood at the forefront of every intellectual battlefield. Throughout his tenure in Paris, his diplomatic finesse and philosophical acuteness had briefly elevated Sri Lanka to one of the most esteemed countries in the international sphere, making it a beacon of diplomatic excellence.

While UNESCO was his battlefield, Paris became his playing field where he sharpened and shared his political acumen by engaging in various political and academic stages. For Dr. Jayatilleka, Paris served not only as a backdrop for intellectual pursuits but also as a dynamic arena for practical engagement in the highest echelons of politics, contributing to the evolution of his political thought and strategy. His below essay ‘A Farewell to Fidel’ somewhat captures the reflective journey through which he engaged himself and others, long before those years.

These reflections are indeed underlined throughout his contributions, always connecting the rest of the world to Sri Lanka, and vice-versa. Like his father, Mervyn de Silva, Dr. Jayatilleka’s work indeed demonstrates a persistent effort to link global perspectives with the intricacies of Sri Lanka’s political landscape. His writings and actions serve as a conduit, fostering a reciprocal understanding that transcends geographical boundaries. Whether delving into international relations, mastering multilateral diplomacy, or addressing local issues, his ability to connecting the global North and the global South, but also the global and the local, is indeed a constant theme, reflecting a nuanced and interconnected worldview.

For any student, his writings, in particular those meticulously selected for the purpose of this anthology, not only offer intellectual nourishment, but also serve as a blueprint to understanding the intricate dynamics of blending theoretical discourse with practical engagement in the realm of politics. Regardless of whether one aligns with Dr. Jayatilleka’s perspectives or not, his analysis stimulates intellectual curiosity and pushes us to constructively question prevailing rationales, as well as established norms and ideologies.

In doing so, his contributions intend to become a basis for cultivating a generation of independent thinkers who are not merely passive recipients of information but active contributors to the ongoing discourse in Sri Lankan politics, and beyond. In a country where youth has historically played pivotal roles in two violent insurrections, Dr. Jayatilleka’s work is especially significant. It gives the opportunity for young people to reflect on the past, through a comparative lens, while at the same time offering a compass for those seeking a nuanced understanding of the complex political landscape that we are currently in.

For the past 13 years, I have had the privilege of engaging with both Dr. Jayatilleka and his wife, Sanja Jayatilleka, on various such themes, some of which are covered in the below anthology. These discussions have been the cornerstone of our friendship. A friendship that, to me, is invaluable in many ways. Yet, while most may only know the intellectual, a very few of us are fortunate enough to delve into the persona that emerges when the pen is finally laid to rest (if it ever truly is).

Dr Jayatilleka, as I have come to know him, is someone that cares deeply for others. One to whom loyalty and true friendship extend beyond the realm of intellect to the depths of genuine compassion. One who, even behind the scenes, would fight against injustices and ignorance expecting no reward other than a restoration of justice. A trait and passion he shares with none other than his wife, the central figure in his life. A connoisseur of jazz and cinematography, in those brief moments when the pen is set aside, he would be the first one on the dance floor and the first at a movie screening. For those astute enough to read between the lines of his writings, these dimensions of his persona may surface from time to time, offering a deeper appreciation for the individual he truly is.

[Ms. Kamaya Jayatissa holds a Masters in Public International Law and International Organizations from the Sorbonne University, Paris, and a Diploma in International Governance and Sustainable Development from Sciences Po, Paris.]

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Features

Political violence stalking Trump administration

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

A scene that unfolded during the shooting incident at the recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington. (BBC)

It would not be particularly revelatory to say that the US is plagued by ‘gun violence’. It is a deeply entrenched and widespread malaise that has come in tandem with the relative ease with which firearms could be acquired and owned by sections of the US public, besides other causes.

However, a third apparent attempt on the life of US President Donald Trump in around two and a half years is both thought-provoking and unsettling for the defenders of democracy. After all, whatever its short comings the US remains the world’s most vibrant democracy and in fact the ‘mightiest’ one. And the US must remain a foremost democracy for the purpose of balancing and offsetting the growing power of authoritarian states in the global power system, who are no friends of genuine representational governance.

Therefore, the recent breaching of the security cordon surrounding the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington at which President Trump and his inner Cabinet were present, by an apparently ‘Lone Wolf’ gunman, besides raising issues relating to the reliability of the security measures deployed for the President, indicates a notable spike in anti-VVIP political violence in particular in the US. It is a pointer to a strong and widespread emergence of anti-democratic forces which seem to be gaining in virulence and destructiveness.

The issues raised by the attack are in the main for the US’ political Right and its supporters. They have smugly and complacently stood by while the extremists in their midst have taken centre stage and begun to dictate the course of Right wing politics. It is the political culture bred by them that leads to ‘Lone Wolf’ gunmen, for instance, who see themselves as being repressed or victimized, taking the law into their own hands, so to speak, and perpetrating ‘revenge attacks’ on the state and society.

A disproportionate degree of attention has been paid particularly internationally to Donald Trump’s personality and his eccentricities but such political persons cannot be divorced from the political culture in which they originate and have their being. That is, “structural” questions matter. Put simply, Donald Trump is a ‘true son’ of the Far Right, his principal support base. The issues raised are therefore for the President as well as his supporters of the Right.

We are obliged to respect the choices of the voting public but in the case of Trump’s election to the highest public position in the US, this columnist is inclined to see in those sections that voted for Trump blind followers of the latter who cared not for their candidate’s suitability, in every relevant respect, and therefore acted irrationally. It would seem that the Right in the US wanted their candidate to win by ‘hook or by crook’ and exercise power on their behalf.

By making the above observations this columnist does not intend to imply that voting publics everywhere in the world of democracy cast their vote sensibly. In the case of Sri Lanka, for example, the question could be raised whether the voters of the country used their vote sensibly when voting into office the majority of Executive Presidents and other persons holding high public office. The obvious answer is ‘no’ and this should lead to a wider public discussion on the dire need for thoroughgoing voter education. The issue is a ‘huge’ one that needs to be addressed in the appropriate forums and is beyond the scope of this column.

Looking back it could be said that the actions of Trump and his die-hard support base led to the Rule of Law in the US being undermined as perhaps never before in modern times. A shaming moment in this connection was the protest march, virtually motivated by Trump, of his supporters to the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021, with the aim of scuttling the presidential poll result of that year. Much violence and unruly behaviour, as known, was let loose. This amounted to denigrating the democratic process and encouraging the violent take over of the state.

In a public address, prior to the unruly conduct of his supporters, Trump is on record as blaring forth the following: ‘We won this election and we won by a landslide’, ‘We will stop the steal’, ‘We will never give up. We will never concede. It doesn’t happen’, ‘If you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.’

It is plain to see that such inflammatory utterances could lead impressionable minds in particular to revolt violently. Besides, they should have led the more rationally inclined to wonder whether their candidate was the most suitable person to hold the office of President.

Unfortunately, the latter process was not to be and the question could be raised whether the US is in the ‘safest pair of hands’. Needless to say, as events have revealed, Donald Trump is proving to be one of the most erratic heads of state the US has ever had.

However, the latest attempt on the life of President Trump suggests that considerable damage has been done to the democratic integrity of the US and none other than the President himself has to take on himself a considerable proportion of the blame for such degeneration, besides the US’ Far Right. They could be said to be ‘reaping the whirlwind.’

It is a time for soul-searching by the US Right. The political Right has the right to exist, so the speak, in a functional democracy but it needs to take cognizance of how its political culture is affecting the democratic integrity or health of the US. Ironically, the repressive and chauvinistic politics advocated by it is having the effect of activating counter-violence of the most murderous kind, as was witnessed at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Continued repressive politics could only produce more such incidents that could be self-defeating for the US.

Some past US Presidents were assassinated but the present political violence in the country brings into focus as perhaps never before the role that an anti-democratic political culture could play in unraveling the gains that the US has made over the decades. A duty is cast on pro-democracy forces to work collectively towards protecting the democratic integrity and strength of the US.

Features

22nd Anniversary Gala …action-packed event

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Skyliners: Shanaka Viswakula (bass), Mario Ranasuriya (lead guitar), Daryl D'Souza (keyboards) and Kushmin Balasuriya (drums)

The Editor-in-Chief of The Sri Lankan Anchorman, a Toronto-based monthly, celebrating Sri Lankan community life in Canada, is none other than veteran Sri Lankan journalist Dirk Tissera, who moved to Canada in 1997. His wife, Michelle, whom he calls his “tower of strength”, is the Design Editor.

According to reports coming my way, the paper has turned out to be extremely popular in Toronto.

In fact, The Sri Lankan Anchorman won a press award in Toronto for excellence in editorial content and visual presentation.

However, the buzz in the air in Canada, right now, is The Sri Lankan Anchorman’s 22nd Anniversary Gala, to be held on Friday, 12 June, 2026, at the J&J Swagat Banquet Convention Centre, in Toronto.

An action-packed programme has been put together for the night, featuring some of the very best artistes in the Toronto scene.

The Skylines, who are classified as ‘the local musical band in Toronto’, will headline the event.

Dirk Tissera and wife Michelle: Supporting Sri Lanka-Canada community events, in Toronto, since launching The Anchorman
in 2002

They have performed and backed many legendary Sri Lanka singers.

According to Dirk, The Skylines can belt out a rhythm with gusto … be it Western, Sinhala or Tamil hits.

Also adding sparkle to the evening will be the legendary Fahmy Nazick, who, with his smooth and velvety vocals, will have the crowd on the floor.

Fahmy who was a household name, back in Sri Lanka, will be flying down from Virginia, USA.

He has captivated audiences in Sri Lanka, the Middle East and North America, and this will be his fourth visit to Toronto – back by popular demand,

Cherry DeLuna, who is described by Dirk as a powerhouse, also makes her appearance on stage and is all set to stir up the tempo with her cool and easy delivery.

“She’s got a great voice and vocal range that has captivated audiences out here”, says Dirk.

Chamil Welikala, said to be one of the hottest DJs in town, will be spinning his magic … in English, Sinhala, Tamil and Latin.

Both Jive and Baila competitions are on the cards among many other surprises on the night of 12 June.

This is The Anchorman’s fifth annual dance in a row – starting from 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 – and both Dirk and Michelle, and The Anchorman, have always produced elegant social events in Toronto.

“We intend to knock this one out of the park,” the duo says, adding that Western music and Sinhala and Tamil songs is something they’ve always delivered and the crowd loves it.

“We have always supported Sri Lanka-Canada community events, in Toronto, since launching The Anchorman, in 2002, and we intend to keep it that way.”

No doubt, there will be a large crowd of Sri Lankans, from all communities, turning up, on 12 June, to support Dirk, Michelle and The Anchorman.

Features

Face Pack for Radiant Skin

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

* Apple and Orange:

Blend a few apple and orange pieces together. Add to it a pinch of turmeric and one tablespoon of honey. Apply it to the face and neck and rinse off after 30 minutes. This face pack is suitable for all skin types.

According to experts, apple is one of the best fruits for your skin health with Vitamin A, B complex and Vitamin C and minerals, while, with the orange peel, excessive oil secretion can be easily balanced.

* Mango and Curd:

Ripe mango pulp, mixed with curd, can be rubbed directly onto the skin to remove dirt and cleanse clogged pores. Rinse off after a few minutes.

Yes, of course, mango is a tasty and delicious fruit and this is the mango season in our part of the world, and it has extra-ordinary benefits to skin health. Vitamins C and E in mangoes protect the skin from the UV rays of the sun and promotes cell regeneration. It also promotes skin elasticity and fights skin dullness and acne, while curd, in combination, further adds to it.

* Grapes and Kiwi:

Take a handful of grapes and make a pulp of it. Simultaneously, take one kiwi fruit and mash it after peeling its skin. Now mix them and add some yoghurt to it. Apply it on your face for few minutes and wash it off.

Here again experts say that kiwi is the best nutrient-rich fruit with high vitamin C, minerals, Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, while grapes contain flavonoids, which is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage. This homemade face pack acts as a natural cleanser and slows down the ageing process.