Features

Advisability of SL addressing India’s security concerns

Published

2 years ago

2024/02/29

Democracy in action: Indian voters at a polling booth.

In a welcome development in relation to Sri Lanka’s regional policy, some state functionaries of the Ranil Wickremesinghe regime have gone on record as having stated that Sri Lanka would be taking notable cognizance of India’s security concerns, going forward. This is as it should be. None of India’s immediate neighbours could afford to overlook such considerations if they are in fact acting in deference to their national interests.

Only time would tell whether the Maldives has acted in its best interests by giving its regional policy a markedly pro-China tilt. It does not follow from this policy premise that the Maldives would be henceforth abandoning the requirement of balancing its regional relations by neglecting to maintain cordial ties with India. But a clear grasp of regional political realities and linked compulsions would have rendered it incumbent on the Maldives to give priority to India rather China, while anchoring its foreign policy in the central tenets of Non-alignment.

It ought to be plain to see by all of India’s closest neighbours that they cannot be blind to India’s best interests. After all, India is the region’s preponderant power. India could not be described as seeking to establish any sort of ‘suzerainty’ over South Asia, but given the multiplicity and vastness of its interests it cannot but be constantly vigilant over what is occurring in its neighbourhood, particularly in the security sphere.

Too much is at stake for India in the current ‘world disorder’ and its neighbours would be acting in their interests by looking at regional and global developments from an Indian viewpoint as well. After all, as a major regional and global power, India cannot be expected to ‘look the other way’, so to speak, while events overtake it in particularly its neighbourhood. Moreover, plain commonsense dictates that countries would do well not to fall out with their closest neighbours, if they are seeking peace and quiet on a durable basis.

It is up to the Maldives’ government and the country’s people to decide on the fundamental tenets of their foreign policy but the region’s past experience in inter-state ties, or ‘geopolitics’, ought to convince them of the advisability of keeping India’s best interests at heart always.

A peek at Indo-Lanka relations, for instance, would drive home the advisability of adopting such a course. In the mid-eighties, for example, Sri Lanka chose to enlist the close support of some Western intelligence agencies in its efforts to quell the LTTE rebellion but this move had India deeply worried.

This was mainly on account of the fact that the Indian government of the day was implementing a more pro-Soviet foreign policy and was tilting Eastward in the then ongoing East-West global confrontation. Sri Lanka’s initiatives were seen by New Delhi as undermining its security interests. The consequence was a most troubled spell in Indo-Lanka relations. Among other things, Indian cooperation for Sri Lanka in the latter’s fight against the separatist LTTE was not at its best.

This episode alone in Indo-Lanka relations establishes the point that cordial relations with India are a must for the latter’s neighbours, if it is regional stability that is sought. Accordingly, India’s close neighbours would do well to follow a policy of establishing ‘equidistance’ in their ties with India and other regional or global powers. In other words, Non-alignment is best.

We need to dwell just awhile on the public comments that were spurred by a recent state visit to India by a JVP team. Most of these comments were not quite to the point. The JVP, or any other political party for that matter, reserves the right to revise or amend its policy on India or any other state party. Such policies are not sacrosanct or immutable.

Policy changes need to be initiated to meet current, legitimate requirements, and this is true of most public entities, including states. Accordingly, the JVP visit to India is really no eye-brow raising affair and ought to be treated as such. A ‘storm in a tea cup’, so to speak.

Moreover, there is no doubting India’s continued economic vibrancy in South Asia and the world in the years to come. India’s market capitalization, for example, is expected to reach nearly $10 trillion by the turn of this decade, according to some commentators, from the current $4.3 trillion. This is calculated to be a 132 per cent rise during the mentioned period. In combination with the fact that India is continuing to be the most successful democracy in South Asia, India’s neighbouring democracies ought to see it to be in their best interests to maintain stable relations with her.

This consideration ought not to prevent India’s neighbours from cultivating close ties with economic powers outside the region, such as China. The latter is central to the functioning of the world economy and it would be foolish on the part of any country to overlook the presence of China, but it would be more counter-productive for a South Asian country to cultivate ties with big powers outside the region and downplay in the process, the crucial, multi-faceted importance of India.

International politics at present are volatile and unpredictable as never before and it would be unwise for the more economically vulnerable countries of the South to team-up rigidly with the West or the East; the latter referring in the main to China and Russia. Given their weaknesses, they should find it advisable to refrain from linking too closely with these power blocs. They would do well to pursue a pragmatic foreign policy and adhere to the Non-aligned principle of maintaining cordial links with all the state actors that matter.

However, the challenges ahead for the South could be quite formidable. It is not very clear, for example, whether Sri Lanka has put firmly on hold its decision to join the West in the latter’s military standoff with the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. However, increasing pressure by the West for Sri Lanka to join its alliance in the Red Sea in the days ahead cannot be ruled out. If it does cave in to Western pressure, Sri Lanka would stand exposed as a pliant tool of the West.

In the final analysis, though, economics drive politics. Considering that Sri Lanka is an abject economic failure, it is not too difficult to foresee Sri Lanka succumbing to Western pressure. Rather than dither further, countries such as Sri Lanka would do well to explore the possibility more and more of integrating their economies with those of the foremost powers of the South. South-South cooperation needs to be revived in conjunction with India’s ‘Look East’ policy.

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Features

The hard challenge of clinching a political settlement in the Middle East

Published

18 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Bruised hearts: Displaced Palestinian civilians in the Gaza.(Photo by Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Despite some sections of the Trump administration persisting with the view that the possibility could not be entirely ruled out of there being a diplomatic solution to the current US-Iran hostilities in West Asia, the skeptic could not be blamed for thinking otherwise. The intensity, scale and frequency of the tit-for-tat strikes by the antagonists over the past few days against selected military targets and civilian infrastructure in particular in West Asia make the adoption of this stance excusable.

The continuing hostilities render the mentioning of the MOU signed between the warring parties in mid-June a laughable matter. While it could very well be that the foes are wishing privately for a cessation of hostilities before long, what seems to be uppermost on their minds right now is to negotiate with each other from a position of strength. This strategy compels them to incapacitate each other militarily to the extent possible, lest they have to concede too much to each other during negotiations. Hence the stepped-up hostilities.

However, even on the question of there being a negotiated political settlement in the West Asian theatre in the longer term, the skeptic could come to be seen as scoring over the optimist. Developments on the ground account for this.

At the time of writing Israel’s Netanyahu government is going ahead in fairly care-free fashion with the establishment of more Jewish settlements in the Gaza and the West Bank, and it’s all happening under the apparently complacent gaze of the US. In fact, some quarters estimate that Israel is in control of some 65% of the Gaza Strip. Ethnic cleansing, that is, is being drastically stepped-up.

Accordingly, in terms of the power relations of West Asia, the world is almost back to the status quo of the late forties of the last century when the state of Israel was established and the Palestinians were reduced to a microscopic minority in the land they came to inhabit. Therefore, even the impartial observer would be compelled to ask: ‘Will a negotiated peace be ever possible in the Middle East?’

The humanist in the observer would prefer to answer this question in the affirmative and it is indeed the ideal stance to adopt considering the staggering human and material costs of the conflict. But the way ahead to peace could be expected to be highly hazardous and arduous. Among other odds, it would also prove an uphill endeavour to win minds and hearts.

The US’ Trump administration would need to be counted out in this pursuit. This is on account of the fact that it has been far too wayward in its management of West Asian affairs in particular over the past couple of years. Given its unpredictable character it is a matter for conjecture whether it could be counted on to live up to its commitments.

Moreover, Israel could be expected to ‘go it alone’ in the Middle East regardless of whether US help is coming or otherwise. It has indicated as much in recent times and Israel could be doubted on this score only at the doubter’s peril. Because time and again Israel has demonstrated that it could steadfastly defend its interests even single-handedly in the Middle East. History bears this out.

However, a durable alliance with the US would stand Israel in good stead. On the matter of military and intelligence assistance, for example, the US’s help proved invaluable for Israel in the past and going forward this is bound to be so as well. Moreover, it is unlikely that the Trump administration would give up on Israel, considering that a strong Israel is crucial for the furtherance of the US’ strategic and economic interests in West Asia.

But whether the above factors would have a considerable bearing on the question of working out a durable solution to the West Asian tangle is an entirely different matter. Israel, as in the case of the Palestinian enclaves, is acutely security conscious and would need to satisfy itself fully that it could live in a security environment that would guarantee its complete safety, going forward.

The Middle East is badly in need of another peace effort on the lines of the Oslo Accords of the mid-nineties that brought the key actors together and helped hammer out a solution that addressed some of their notable concerns. To be sure, that process did not prove to be the ideal answer to the tangle, but it yielded some respite to the region and drove home that one-time sworn foes could indeed negotiate with a degree of success. The West Bank authority, although falling short of fulfilling some key Palestinian aspirations, is testimony that a degree of success is possible if the intent is right.

Given the current realities of West Asia, peace-making is bound to be an uphill challenge. The violence faced in recent times by the Palestinian community, in particular, has been nothing less than mind-numbing. Merciless has been the violence visited on them by the Israeli side. In such circumstances, durable peace in the region could smack of an idealist’s dream.

Nevertheless, there needs to be urgently, a meeting of minds over the divides. The US would need to be counted out as an honest broker in bringing the sides together but the rest of the West would do well to step up to the challenge.

In this exercise the onus would be on the world’s democracies to take the initiative and doggedly stay the course. An acceptable combination would be the EU and the UN. Given their credentials, the main sides in West Asia ought to find them the least controversial.

Even if the relevant institutional and political arrangements could be shored up to take a reconciliation process forward, winning hearts and minds for the peace drive would prove a grueling challenge. Over the past few years in particular tens of thousands of hearts and minds on both sides of the divide have been bruised badly in the runaway murderous violence that has come to define the Middle East.

These badly scarred personalities would need to experience healing without much delay. It is therefore a multi-faceted challenge that is at hand. Since wide-ranging expertise would be needed in the healing process, people’s participation in peace-making, ranging over the divides, would need to be made a durable reality. It will be a time for enthroning humanity and ensuring the rejection of all forms of violence and coercion.

Features

Amazing Thailand …right here in Colombo

Published

18 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

For many Sri Lankans, Thailand is the go-to holiday — beaches, temples, food, and that famous warm hospitality.

In fact, I’ve been to Amazing Thailand 24 times myself, and was honoured with the Friends of Thailand International Media Award by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for promoting Thai tourism.

The good news I have for you today is that you don’t even need a passport to get a taste of Amazing Thailand.

The Royal Thai Embassy, in Colombo, is bringing a vibrant slice of Thailand, to the city of Colombo, with Thai Festival 2026 — a cultural experience like never before.

Whether you are an avid enthusiast of Thai culture, a total novice, or simply just interested in exploring foreign cultures, Thai Festival 2026 is going to be the perfect opportunity for you to get more than just a glimpse into one of the most celebrated cultural heritages in South East Asia. And ENTRANCE IS FREE.

The festival will be held on the 1st and 2nd of August, 2026, at Siam Nivasa, 43, C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 7, and the East Parking Area, of the Colombo Municipal Council, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Both days will be full of live entertainment, and dispersed throughout with Thai cultural displays, including exhilarating traditional dance performances and breathtaking Muay Thai demonstrations.

Exploring art and craft specific to Thailand, tasting irresistible authentic Thai cuisine, and playing arcade games, are just a few more fun-filled events available for visitors at the festival premises.

An array of Thai products will also be available for purchase.

While at the festival, you will find Sri Lankan Alumni from Thai universities sharing their experiences with you and willing to answer any questions you might have, related to studying abroad in Thailand.

You can also register for the Muay Thai workshop that will be happening on the 7th and 8th of August, 2026, in Colombo.

Irresistible authentic Thai cuisine

Visitors can also stand a chance to win traditional Thai souvenirs, get exclusive photo opportunities, and, the big one — to enter the raffle draw, at the end of each day, for the grand prize of an all-inclusive round trip to Thailand.

Be sure to avail yourself of this exceptional opportunity and add a cultural spin to your weekend.

To keep up with the latest updates on Thai Festival 2026, head over to the Thai Festival official social media pages.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo official webpage:

https://colombo.thaiembassy.org

Official social media:

Facebook: @RTEColombo

Instagram: @thaiembassysrilanka

Thai Festival official social media:

Facebook: Thai Festival in Colombo

Instagram: @thaifestival_colombo

TikTok: @thaifestival.incolombo

Features

Thicker, stronger hair …

Published

18 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hair fall, in this heat, can be so frustrating, and noticing a thin patch is even more worrying. The good news is … yes, with a little care and kitchen ingredients, you can nourish your scalp and support healthy regrowth.

Try these four easy home remedies … even our grandmothers trusted:

* Coconut Oil and Curry Leaves Tonic:

Warm 04 tablespoons of coconut oil, with a handful of curry leaves, till the leaves turn black. Cool, strain, and massage into scalp 02-03 times a week. Leave for 01 hour, or overnight.

Why:

Coconut oil deeply nourishes, while curry leaves help strengthen roots and add shine.

* Onion Juice for Spot Treatment:

With cotton, dab the juice of 01 small onion, directly on the thin/bald patches. Leave for 20-30 minutes, and then wash with a mild shampoo. Use twice a week.

Why:

Rich in sulfur, onion juice helps boost blood circulation to the scalp.

* Aloe Vera and Castor Oil Mask:

Mix 02 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 tablespoon castor oil and apply to the scalp, focusing on thinning areas. Leave for 45 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

Why:

Aloe vera soothes the scalp, while castor oil coats hair to make it look thicker.

* Fenugreek and Curd Strengthening Pack:

You will need 02 tablespoons fenugreek seeds, soaked overnight, and 02 tablespoons plain curd.

Grind to a paste, apply to scalp for 30 minutes, and then wash.

Why:

Fenugreek strengthens strands and reduces breakage.

Extra Tips for Healthy Hair:

Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.

Eat iron and protein rich foods: greens, dhal, eggs, fish.

Use lukewarm water, not hot.

Be gentle when brushing and drying.