Features

Is nature punishing us with corona?

Published

5 years ago

2021/08/27

Sahan Weerasooriya

By Prof. O. A. Ileperuma, Emeritus

Professor, University of Peradeniya

‘Mother nature has sent us to our rooms, like the spoilt children we are. She gave us time and she gave us warnings. She was patient with us. She gave us fire and floods, she tried to warn us but, in the end, she took back control’ (Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York – March 2020)

Humans have existed on earth for over 300,000 years. History of human civilisations on earth shows the gradual transition from hunter gatherers during stone ages to agricultural civilisations. Stone age represents an era where man lived more like an animal but certain physical features such as erect posture, larger brain size relative to body size and the separation of the thumb from the rest of the fingers helped man to perform better compared to other animals. More importantly, man has ‘aptitude for culture’ which means that the knowledge gathered in one generation can be passed on to the next owing to the ability to communicate in a language combined with the ability to draw pictures in the caves where they lived using firewood charcoal.

The next phase of human development is the gradual shift to agricultural civilisations due to the superior brain of humans. He would have observed that smaller plants and animals in the forest grow into bigger plants and animals and decided to grow the plants and rear the animals near their rudimentary shelters. Cultivation of cereal crops began and this is the first time man came into conflict with nature by oversimplifying the mature biological systems. As a result of intensive agriculture, ancient Mesopotamian civilisation perished due to excessive salinity in their fields irrigated by directly damming rivers like Euphrates and Tigris. The population too continued to increase due to the abundance of food.

The third phase of human development is the advent of the science and technology era from the 1800s and due to advances in science, world population continued to increase. Important discoveries such as the Haber process to convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, discovery of antibiotics and chemical pesticides like DDT have all contributed to increased population. It took over one million years for the human population to reach the one billion mark at the beginning of the industrial revolution around the year 1800. However, the second billion was added after 127 years in 1927 and the third billion after 33 years in 1960. The fourth billion was added to earth in 1974 in just 14 years and the fifth billion mark was reached after 13 years in 1987.

World population currently stands at 7.8 billion and expected to rise to 9 billion by 2030. Some scientists believe that the carrying capacity for humans on earth is only 3.5 billion! People have to depend on the finite resources of the earth for their survival. On the average, around 350,000 humans are added to our planet daily while only 150,000 people die. Therefore, the world population increases by about 200,000 people in a single day and these people have to be housed, fed and clothed. All these put a tremendous pressure on the finite resources of the earth and when this becomes unbearable to Mother Nature, she finds a way to punish us.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic is a clear case of nature punishing us for exceeding the carrying capacity of this planet by artificially controlling nature. Nature has a way of punishing humans when they breach the delicate balances provided for the survival of all species including both plants and animals inhabiting the earth. When people clear forest lands, landslides occur with the devastation of human lives and property. A more serious consequence of human activities is global warming which is a major threat for the survival of the human race. Flash floods, cyclones and even tsunamis are all due to global warming. Climatic changes with excessive rainfall and long periods of drought seriously affect agricultural productivity.

In the present COVID-19 crisis too, global warming may have a role since viruses multiply faster at a higher temperature and there is a real danger of generating more virulent strains. During the last decade, we have witnessed major pandemics such as Ebola and SARS which are now under control. The deadlier Coronavirus appears to linger for a longer period compared to other viruses of the recent past.

Nature is sending a powerful message with the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing climatic change crisis. Imposing too much pressure on the natural environment will result in disastrous consequences. Earth has existed without us humans for a very long time and it does not need humans for its survival while we need a healthier earth for our own survival. It simply means that if we cannot take good care of nature, we cannot take care of ourselves.

COVID-19 is generally believed to have originated in the Wuhan province of China from bats used in markets selling live animals to satisfy the culinary desires of people. These viruses which exist in the wild are controlled by natural processes but human greed for bush meat exploring exotic animals has resulted in the uncontrollable growth of such viruses in the human body. Scientists say that global warming and population explosion has resulted in the destruction of forests for farming and housing and has driven wildlife into close contact with people. A classic case is the human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka where people have encroached on the already depleted forest cover. At the time of Independence the forest cover of Sri Lanka was 44 percent while it is 16.5 percent today and 26,800 hectares of forest are cleared every year. Hence a long-term goal of the world to control future pandemics like COVID-19 would be to control destruction of natural habitats and preserve biodiversity. In a single day the world loses around 1,000 species of both plants and animals.

Scientists estimate that 75 percent of all emerging infectious diseases come from wildlife. For example, Ebola, bird flu, SARS and Zika viruses have all crossed from animals to humans. According to Prof. Andrew Cunningham of the London Zoological Society, a research study in 2007 on the SARS virus concluded that the large reservoir of sars-cov like viruses in horseshoe bats together with the consumption of exotic mammals in southern China is a time bomb. China has now banned the sale of live animals in open markets. Similar markets exist in other parts of South-East Asia and the World Health Organization should immediately investigate such open markets. More research is urgently needed to investigate the occurrence of viruses in wild animals and their transmission to humans. These viruses do not affect the wild animals harbouring them because they have developed immunity mechanisms through long years of evolution and hence it is important to study how such animals have natural immunity to fight such viruses.

The COVID-19 crisis may provide an opportunity to change our current attitudes about respecting nature. Also, it is important to understand that health and environmental policies are intimately connected. Our health clearly depends on the climatic changes brought about by global warming and also on the other organisms we share our planet with. Individual governments and world bodies such as the UN have an urgent responsibility to save the natural habitat and take meaningful action to save the human race from falling again to pandemics such as COVID-19.

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Features

Rethinking global order in the precincts of Nalanda

Published

15 hours ago

2026/04/21

Thilina Walpola

It has become fashionable to criticise the US for its recent conduct toward Iran. This is not an attempt to defend or rationalise the US’s actions. Rather, it seeks to inject perspective into an increasingly a historical debate. What is often missing is institutional memory: An understanding of how the present international order was constructed and the conditions under which it emerged.

The “rules-based order” was forged in the aftermath of two catastrophic wars. Earlier efforts had faltered. Woodrow Wilson’s proposal for a League of Nations after World War I was rejected by the US Senate. Yet, it introduced a lasting premise: International order could be consciously designed, not left solely to shifting power balances. That premise returned after World War II. The Dumbarton Oaks process laid the groundwork for the UN, while Bretton Woods established the global financial architecture.

These frameworks shaped modern norms of security, finance, trade, and governance. The US played the central role in this design, providing leadership even as it engaged selectively- remaining outside certain frameworks while shaping others. This underscored a central reality: Power and principle have always coexisted uneasily within it.

This order most be understood against the destruction that preceded it. Industrial warfare, aerial bombardment, and weapons capable of unprecedented devastation reshaped both the ethics and limits of conflict. The post-war system emerged from this trauma, anchored in a fragile consensus of “never again”, even as authority remained concentrated among five powers.

The rise of China, the re-emergence of India, and the growing assertiveness of Russia and regional powers are reshaping the global balance. Technological disruption and renewed competition over energy and resources are transforming the nature of power. In this environment, some American strategists argue that the US risks strategic drift Iran, in this view, becomes more than a regional issue; it serves as a platform for signalling resolve – not only to Tehran, but to Beijing and beyond. Actions taken in one theatre are intended to shape perceptions of credibility across multiple fronts.

Recent actions suggest that while the US retains unmatched military reach, it has exercised a level of restraint. The avoidance of escalation into the most extreme forms of warfare indicates that certain thresholds in great-power conflict remain intact. If current trends persist-where power increasingly substitutes for principle — this won’t remain a uniquely American dilemma.

Other major powers may face similar choices. As capabilities expand, the temptation to act outside established norms may grow. What begins as a context-specific deviation can harden into accepted practice. This is the paradox of great power transition: What begins as an exception risk becoming a precedent The question now is whether existing systems are capable of renewal. Ad hoc frameworks may stabilise the present, but risk orphaning the future. Without a broader framework, they risk managing disorder rather than designing order. The Dumbarton Oaks process was a structured diplomatic effort shaped by competing visions and compromise. A contemporary equivalent would be more complex, reflecting a more diffuse distribution of power and lower levels of trust Such an effort must include the US, China, India, the EU, Russia, and other key powers.

India could serve as a credible convenor capable of bridging divides. Its position -engaged with multiple powers yet not formally aligned – gives it a degree of convening legitimacy. Nalanda-the world’s first university – offers an appropriate symbolic setting for such dialogue, evoking knowledge exchange across civilisations rather than competition among them.

Milinda Moragoda is a former cabinet minister and diplomat from Sri Lanka and founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, a strategic affairs think tank could be contacted atemail@milinda.org. This article was published in Hindustan Times on 2026.04.19)

By Milinda Moragoda

Features

Father and daughter … and now Section 8

Published

15 hours ago

2026/04/21

Thilina Walpola

Members of Section 8

The combination of father and daughter, Shafi and Jana, as a duo, turned out to be a very rewarding experience, indeed, and now they have advanced to Section 8 – a high-energy, funk-driven, jazz-oriented live band, blending pop, rock, funk, country, and jazz.

Guitar wizard Shafi is a highly accomplished lead guitarist with extensive international experience, having performed across Germany, Australia, the Maldives, Canada, and multiple global destinations.

Shafi: Guitar wizard, at the helm of Section 8

Jana: Dynamic and captivating lead vocalist

He is best known as a lead guitarist of Wildfire, one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised bands, while Jana is a dynamic and captivating lead vocalist with over a decade of professional performing experience.

Jana’s musical journey started early, through choir, laying the foundation for her strong vocal control and confident stage presence.

Having also performed with various local bands, and collaborated with seasoned musicians, Jana has developed a versatile style that blends energy, emotion, and audience connection.

The father and daughter combination performed in the Maldives for two years and then returned home and formed Section 8, combining international stage experience with a sharp understanding of what it takes to move a crowd.

In fact, Shafi and Jana performed together, as a duo, for over seven years, including long-term overseas contracts, building a strong musical partnership and a deep understanding of international audiences and live entertainment standards.

Section 8 is relatively new to the scene – just two years old – but the outfit has already built a strong reputation, performing at private events, weddings, bars, and concerts.

The band is known for its adaptability, professionalism, and engaging stage presence, and consistently delivers a premium live entertainment experience, focused on energy, groove, and audience connection.

Section 8 is also a popular name across Sri Lanka’s live music circuit, regularly performing at venues such as Gatz, Jazzabel, Honey Beach, and The Main Sports Bar, as well as across the southern coast, including Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, Mirissa, and Galle.

What’s more, they performed two consecutive years at Petti Mirissa for their New Year’s gala, captivating international audiences present with high-energy performance, specially designed for large-scale celebrations.

With a strong following among international visitors, the band has become a standout act within the tourist entertainment scene, as well.

Their performances are tailored to diverse audiences, blending international hits with dance-driven sets, while also incorporating strong jazz influences that add depth, musicianship, and versatility to their sound.

The rest of the members of Section 8 are also extremely talented and experienced musicians:

Suresh – Drummer, with over 20 years of international experience.

Dimantha – Keyboardist, with global exposure across multiple countries.

Dilhara – Bassist and multi-instrumentalist, also a composer and producer, with technical expertise.

Features

Celebrations … in a unique way

Published

15 hours ago

2026/04/21

Thilina Walpola

The attraction on 14th July

Rajiv Sebastian could be classified as an innovative performer.

Yes, he certainly has plenty of surprises up his sleeves and that’s what makes him extremely popular with his fans.

Rajiv & The Clan are now 35 years in the showbiz scene and Rajiv says he has plans to celebrate this special occasion … in a unique way!

According to Rajiv, the memories of Clarence, Neville, Baig, Rukmani, Wally and many more, in its original flavour, will be relived on 14th July.

“We will be celebrating our anniversary at the Grand Maitland (in front of the SSC playground) on 14th July, at 7.00pm, and you will feel the inspiration of an amazing night you’ve never seen before,” says Rajiv, adding that all the performers will be dressed up in the beautiful sixties attire, and use musical instruments never seen before.

In fact, Rajiv left for London, last week, and is scheduled to perform at four different venues, and at each venue his outfit is going to be different, he says, with the sarong being very much a part of the scene.