Exceptional problems warrant exceptional solutions

Of late, Sri Lankans have been faced with acute existential threats, and other huge problems. Standing in queues, some overnight or for several hours or even days, with no water, food and sanitation. This is no picnic, especially for senior citizens. This has eaten into the earnings of daily workers and the self employed. The sufferings, made even more frustrating by hoarders, awaiting price hikes, and misleading official promises, of early relief. Failure causes ugly brawls and arguments. Through many weary eyes, often red from sleep deprivation, it would appear that the rich and influential are unaffected and the poor neglected.

The insensitivity of remarks such as (former Minister Lokuge), who, answering a journalist’s query, in a “voice cut” asked, “What kerosene queues are you talking about? I have not seen any such crowds at any petrol station on my daily travel to my Office”. This delivered from a posh limousine, with a deadpan and weary puzzled look. This is the same person who took it upon himself to order shops in Piliyandala to open during a Covid lockdown. Small wonder that protesters are furious about such types of arrogant excess that they are compelled to tolerate.

It is heartening to note that he, along with other superannuated worthies, who are well past their ‘best-before dates’ have been retired (?) in the recent shuffling of the pack. Some among us may recall the incident, where during a televised ralk show, the then PM, Margaret Thatcher when asked, “Madam, are you a fancier of antiques?” quipped: “Yes, indeed I am, I have a Cabinet full of them”. Class!

One of the most saddening laments was from mothers who tearfully spoke of their infant children, for whom, infant formula milk powder was unavailable.

It is widely known that coconut milk (polkiri) is the nearest in composition to (Human/mother’s), or fresh dairy milk. In other coconut growing countries, many use the fresh coconut milk as a drink by itself as a beverage or as an ingredient in cocktails, the best known being the fancy “Pinacolada”. I have myself tried it in tea and coffee and found it very acceptable: and in fact blending well with the natural flavours. I am still alive!

So, desperate mothers, could try this (of course subject to medical and, if available, pediatric advice) rather than wasting time in slow-moving lines. My guess is that it will not do any harm, if the child is not known to be allergic to any of the ingredients in coconut milk. It may make the stools a trifle softer—a good thing.

I have avoided any reference to the confusing chemical basis of this suggestion. I may finally add that coconut oil is the best for frying. Because it has a very high boiling point and hardly any unhealthy trans fats and can therefore be the only oil that is safe for repeated use, (Doubters, please try frying a papadam in any other cooking oil). Also, you will see that your frying pans are free of any stubborn sticky residues if coconut oil is your (most sensible) cooking option.

Dr Upatissa Pethiyagoda.

(pethiyagodau@gmail.com)