Features

Congratulations to Yuni Dewaraja, PhD, my little cousin

Published

1 year ago

2025/04/20

"Dr Yuni Dewaraja, "my little cousin" in the essay, is the little girl on the right. On the left is her older sister, Aruni Dewaraja Wijewardena, who served as Foreign Secretary from 2022 to 2024".

It gives me a great sense of pride and delight to write this. We all change as we traverse the pathway of our lives. I have had very little contact with Yuni after I left Sri Lanka until now, but Yuni will always remain my little cousin. We moved in our different worlds outside of our home country with a trajectory that is remarkably similar.

Yuni Dewaraja is the William Martell endowed Professor of Radiology (Division of Nuclear Medicine) at the University of Michigan, where she has spent her entire career. She received her PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1995, specializing in the area of radiation detection and measurement. With the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of her invention, Yuni immediately becomes a trailblazer in her field, which opens a new chapter that will inevitably result in new ways of delivering radiation to patients with cancer. Truly, a gift to humanity.

The diagnosis of cancer strikes fear into the hearts of patients. Depending on the cancer site and type, there are four potential methods of treatment: surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Radiation is used as the primary treatment for tumors that are in places that are not amenable to surgical removal and for which there is no effective chemotherapy. It is also used as an adjuvant treatment after surgery to control residual tumor that surgery has failed to remove. To the patient who hears that radiation is necessary for control of the cancer, there is often a sense of dread. At the present time, that sense of dread is often justified by side effects of treatment. This may change with Yuni’s invention.

Sad to say, this is the limit of my knowledge regarding radiation in the treatment of cancer. I do not treat cancer patients or use radiation. For the past few days, I have tried to understand what Yuni has been doing for the past twenty-five years and failed miserably; her work is beyond my comprehension. I tried to decipher a Press Release about her work and had enormous trouble understanding the language of her academic world. Medicine is so specialized.

Dr. Yuni Dewaraja

Fortunately, upon request, Yuni sent me a summary of her work yesterday. This was wonderful. She writes:

“Radiation for cancer treatment can be delivered from external beams or as an internally administered radiopharmaceutical therapy, sometimes referred to as nuclear medicine therapy. Radiopharmaceuticals are designed to specifically target cancer cells, while limiting uptake in healthy tissue. The specific area I work in is called Radiation Dosimetry, which is the measurement and calculation of the ionizing radiation that is absorbed by different tissues in the human body.

“Early in my career, I was able to secure funding from the National Institute of Health to develop methods to perform personalized dosimetry calculations for patients undergoing nuclear medicine therapies. We first worked on dosimetry calculations for radioimmunotherapy, where antibodies labeled with radioactive iodine (I-131) target and destroy non-Hodgkins’s lymphoma cells.

“Accurate dosimetry was needed to determine how much of the I-131 can be injected without causing too much damage to the bone marrow. My group developed a software code to perform these calculations in a highly personalized manner starting with the patient’s own images. The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and the Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) images show how the injected radiotracer is distributed in the body.

“Computer Tomography (CT) images provide the density of the different tissue in the human body. Starting with these images, we used the Monte Carlo method to simulate how the radiation is transported throughout the body and where the radiation energy is deposited.

The Monte Carlo method is a numerical technique widely used in many fields for solving statistical problems.

“Over the past 20 years, we have further developed our software, Dose Planning Method for Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (DPM_RPT), to expand its use in other therapies such as Lu-177 peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for neuroendocrine tumor and Lu-177 PSMA radioligand therapy for prostate cancer. An ongoing clinical trial at our university uses DPM_RPT dosimetry estimates to determine if additional external beam radiotherapy is needed to parts of the tumor that do not get enough radiation from radioembolization, a therapy where radioactive microspheres are implanted in liver tumors.

“Four years ago, I received an Academic Industry partnership grant from the NIH, where the goal is to work with industry to translate research findings and tools into clinical practice. Working with the technology transfer office of our university, we licensed DPM-RPT to our industry partner GE Healthcare’s MIM Software. The software was recently approved to be marketed in the USA. Furthermore, to streamline the dosimetry process, DPM_RPT was coupled with other tools including Artificial Intelligence based contouring of organs such as kidney and liver on the patient images.”

Yuni’s story is the successful first end-point to the work of an intensely dedicated medical researcher. It started off with entry into the prestigious PhD program at the University of Michigan. To be selected, she must have been one of the best graduates. Here she learned the basic rules of research and stimulates students to develop specific and highly selective topics to work on. The more successful of these PhD graduates like Yuni are offered faculty positions to begin, plan and execute their ideas. This initial research is funded by the university and carries with it collaborations with other like-minded scientists.

Now comes the hard part. The researchers must immerse themselves completely in their research. They must dedicate the rest of their lives toward producing results. They must obtain grant funding from various sources to continue.

The majority of researchers never attain success. Yuni is a golden exception, who was able to reach multiple objectives to get her research into the patient care world, transforming the lives of many patients now and into the distant future. Those who read about Yuni’s story must understand how exceptional her achievements are. Yuni’s research has led to over 150 publications in medical journals, and authorship of books.

Yuni’s parents were exceptional people. Her father became the Director of Archives of Sri Lanka. He may not have agreed, but I believe the major success in his life was to convince Lorna, my aunt, to marry him while they were students at Peradeniya. Lorna punchiamma was a brilliant historian who went to Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar from the University of Ceylon. She published numerous papers and books on various aspects of Sri Lankan history.

Our families were close while my mother and aunt were alive and there are many stories. I will tell you just one: I must have been in my teens. I do not know why (I think this was when Lorna punchiamma was doing her stint in England as a Rhodes scholar). Yuni and her sister Aruni were staying in our house in Fifth Lane. My room had two beds added to accommodate the two little girls. One night we all went to sleep. In the middle of the night, Aruni wakes up and says she is thirsty and wants water. I get the water and we all go to sleep. A few minutes later, Yuni awakes and says: Praki aiya, bayai (frightened by nightmares). I remember sitting with her until she fell asleep again. Imagine: this little girl in Colombo turning out to contribute a miracle that has the potential to improve the treatment of millions of cancer patients all over the world.

Yuni, the world is grateful to you and your family is proud of you.

Parakrama Chandrasoma, MD
Emeritus Professor of Pathology
University of Southern California
Los Angeles

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Features

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

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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.