Features

Amunugama’s stories evoke many pleasant public service memories

Published

4 years ago

2022/10/23

Thilina Walpola

By GAD Sirimal

SLAS, Retired Asst. Sec. Ministry of Power and Energy

The excerpt from Sarath Amunugama’s autobiography you published last week was enjoyable and evoked memories of some of the giants mentioned during my own public service career when members of the now extinct Ceylon Civil Service provided the country with an excellent administration. I think JRJ did well recalling GVP Samarasinghe from retirement to help clean up the public service mess he inherited.

The then president almost always accepted decisions made by ministry secretaries. I remember an instance where he removed a minister over an incident involving a cabinet paper where the recommended award of a tender to the lowest bidder was changed. JRJ had a hand in the appointment of ministry secretaries as he wished them to guide sundry ministers, many of whom had little knowledge or experience in matters assigned to them.I remember an incident involving now-in-the-news power cuts. Some CEB engineers recommended the cut while others held the view that the turbines be run to lower water levels despite the risk of debris clogging them. Power and Energy Secretary James Lanerolle opposed this and the matter went up to the president. After hearing both sides, he said “James, you go ahead.” I was present at this meeting.

Before coming to some encounters with GVP Samarasinghe highlighted by Amunugama, let me recall an experience I had at the PWD with offices in the first floor of the red, brick-walled Transworks House in the Fort. The Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Telecommunications was on the ground floor.

I handled the subject of road projects that had a block vote in the printed estimates for the improvement of roads controlled by District and Provincial Road Committees. Their development was the responsibility of the area executive engineers. Politicians, wanting roads in their electorates improved had great interest in these projects. If I remember right, in the fifties an MP got Rs. 10,000 and a minister Rs. 15,000 for this work, sums which would seem ridiculous now. But it was then possible to metal and tar a half mile of road with a culvert or two and widen two or three miles with such a sum.

Since the minister wanted frequent updates of work in progress, it was agreed that I meet him as required keeping the Director of the PWD and the Ministry Secretary informed of anything that required their decision. One day I was called by the minister who’ll remain unnamed and told to sanction an estimate sent by an executive engineer. I was explaining the financial details to the minister with the secretary, Mr. Rajendra, present. Hearing the minister’s order, he said in his clipped accent: “Sir, it is I who should give that order as I’m the chief accounting officer.” Then turning to me he said, “put up the papers to me with your comments.” I did so and he minuted: “Put them up again in two months.”

A few days later, the minister asked me whether the work was sanctioned. I relayed the secretary’s instruction and heard no more about the matter. I later learned that the road to be improved led to the minister’s coconut estate! This shows the authority of the secretaries then which is, sadly, now no more. Hence the mess we’re now in.

I was particularly interested in Mr. Amunugama’s reference to Mr. GVP Samarasinghe setting up the Development Secretaries weekly meetings where he presided over a group of identified secretaries of so-called line ministries. To the best of my recollection they included finance, trade and shipping, agriculture and food etc. Observations of the different ministries were studied and a consensus reached with the concurrence of the various secretaries. I have attended these meeting as an assistant secretary (projects) of the ministry of power and energy, sometimes with the secretary and alone at other times when he was away or otherwise occupied.

It appeared to me that GVP had studied the papers making notes as required on clarifications that may be necessary. He opened the meeting with humorous anecdotes of his own experience as a GA in the provinces, making those present laugh, and laying the ground for the business at hand. He once related a story of a visit to a remote village with no access by motorable road. He parked his Morris car and walked five miles to the village over difficult terrain accompanied by the headman who had met him at a designated spot. The villagers addressed him as “ejantha hamuduruvo.” After concluding the business at hand he returned to his car exhausted from the walking.

My ministry had presented papers to that meeting seeking authority to purchase four cars for a transmission project under World Bank funding. The CEB’s GM had accompanied me to make any necessary clarifications. When our business was taken up, GVP asked why cars were needed when the wires were to be drawn overhead. We explained that our officers needed to get to the sites across rough terrain for inspection purposes. The cars were for the use of project engineers. He smiled cynically saying they may be for engineers’ personal use and one may even go to the minister! Eventually if was decided to acquire four-wheel drive double cabs as other crew like foremen could accompany the engineers and also haul material needed on site. His preamble of an exhausting walk to a remote village set the tone for the discussion.

The creation of a new post at the ministry of higher education where Prof. Staney Kalpage was secretary also came up at this meeting where GVP’s early remarks include over staffing in government institutions. He remarked that it was well known that while some officers worked hard, others idled running personal errands during working hours etc. All those present including Dr. Kalpage agreed not knowing what was to follow. When the proposal for creating a new post at the higher education ministry came up, GVP told Kalpage, “Professor you agreed right now that the government service is overstaffed. Get somebody in your ministry to do the work or distribute it around.” That closed the new post proposal.

I was involved in what followed with a proposal from our ministry to advance the clock by half an hour as a power saving strategy. This was the last item for the day, either deliberately so placed on the agenda or otherwise. Various reservations including changing of flight times, domestic arrangements of the public, school times etc. were expressed. One secretary said he rose at 5.30 a.m. and did his work and various chores until his 9.30 pm bedtime. Going to bed at 9 pm would mean his having to toss around till 9.30 when he would fall asleep. Great merriment arose when he was slyly told what he could do in that half hour!

The Development Secretaries conference chaired by GVP Samarasinghe and later his successors was a great idea. But many of them were without the guts to take independent decisions in the national interest. At one such meeting during the Premadasa presidency a proposal was presented as the big boss’ order which was “find the money and do it.” I wonder whether this once meaningful committee still exists. Probably not, with few secretaries having the backbone to take independent decisions without pandering to their political bosses. Let me close by expressing my gratitude to my bosses, James. H. Lanerolle, ex of the CCS, and Prof. KKYW Perera who gave me the opportunity to attend some of these important meetings making my public service career more meaningful and retire with satisfaction with what I was able to achieve.

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Features

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

Published

10 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

11 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

11 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.