Features

Fence sitting; frank comment; front-paged on NYT

Published

5 years ago

2021/12/17

‘SJB challenges Vasu. Udaya and Wimal to leave Cabinet’, so read page one headline of Monday’s The Island. Cass adds her vote to this proposition as will so many other Lankan Ordinaries. At least will they vote against the Yugadanavi deal which they are protesting about? The deal was signed and sealed and we thought the entire Cabinet of Ministers had agreed to the project, promoted by the Finance Minister. But then these Cabinet Ministers said no vote nor discussion had taken place. So, Cass’ hypothetical questions remain valid, since a vote might be taken on the deal.

What Cass gathers from this headline and preceding incident is that while the inhabitants of this Isle are lazy lotus eaters, they are also fence sitters with an eye for dinun paththa so they can fall thataways with a cry of hoiya. The three critics who are vociferous now will meekly nod agreement or cast an ‘aye’ vote if the project is discussed again and put to the vote. Consequently, to Cass’ jaundiced eye, the three Ministers are branch hangers, like monkeys, who want to jump on to another branch but stay put as they are instinctively aware the other branch may not be safe. The monkey considers his safety; the politician considers his skin, power and perks and ignores the tempting branch he wanted to jump on to. If he jumps, he may lose all material goods but gain in popularity and be considered honourable. He may well ask himself ‘honour kantada?”

Tuesday, December 14 The Island has this headline: “Yugadanavi mess: Group led by Ministers stepping up campaign, won’t heed SLPP warnings.” So, it looks like Cassandra was wrong, jumped the gun in her remarks above. The three are not monkeys clinging onto one branch, wanting to jump on to another, but afraid to sever safe hold on the former branch. They seem to be poised to take the plunge, come what may. OK, let’s wait and see.

Justice Minister speaks truth, so help him God!

Ali Sabry has said he is fed up with the Parliament; he has had enough of the Parliament and will not re-enter it after serving the current term. We applaud him for speaking the truth and not being scared to do so. Most MPs and Ministers, especially on the government side, keep their lips clamped about internal matters, more particularly dissatisfaction with the status quo, which translates to dissatisfaction with how government is carried on. It is a judgement on the leaders. We admire Sabry for his arguments in the House, his apparent decency and honesty, standing out as a genuine man among such a motley of government MPs. He is definitely not a fence sitter. He says he will serve the time he was elected to serve and then leave.

Wide exposure

Ooh la la! We’ve made it to one of the world’s most prestigious newspapers. On December 7, 2021 Sri Lanka was featured on page one of New York Times with a long article carrying three pictures. The sure-to-have-been glaring headline was “Sri Lanka’s Plunge into Organic Farming Brings Disaster: the economically troubled country banned chemical fertilisers without preparing farmers; prompting a surge in food prices and worries about shortages,” reported by Aanya Vipulasena and Mujib Mashal. A vegetable seller from Colombo, a Ratnapura farmer and an ice cream vendor were pictured and interviewed. Cass will not summarise the article or comment on it, but it was objectively written with no blame laying, not at all. It is so sad, since we should have been applauded for being the first country to ban inorganic stuff but that would and should have been at least twenty years in the future. Now, instead of applauding us and holding our little island as an example and a first-to-do-it, we are touted pathetically and our troubles made internationally known. Bad advice; very bad decision. A single tree was seen by the powers-that-be ignoring the vast wood of consequent disaster. The worst is that we are yet to experience the full impact of the unwise and too hasty decision. Oh well! Tighten your belts. But how to, when we are already at can’t-breathe point.

Bombs in guise of gas cylinders

The deplorable, shocking, disgraceful, wanton killing of people through faulty mixture of gases in household cylinders still continues. Cass told you two weeks ago she was near starving, without a replacement gas cylinder. She cooked just a curry or two for both daily meals. Now she has to be more niggardly and has no money to spare for food packets. The scenario is worse in more disadvantaged homes. At least she transferred recently to a better gas dealer, one who seems to care about his customers. She phoned the gentleman (noun used deliberately) and he said all his stocks was returned and he expected new stocks in four days. Consequently, Cass has to lose weight for a further four or five days. Pity the helpless!

And to think that a couple of days ago a mother of four lost her life when a cylinder exploded in her face. The editor commented on the issue in The Island of Tuesday, December 14, lauding the husband of the tragically killed woman, who has decided to take legal action against Litro Gas and the government. He says all should help him, especially with legal aid paid for. We wondered why no court cases were brought forth earlier. Cass surmised it was a case of feeling that that course of action was hopeless, a dead end. No real punishment nor deterrent would result as most cases are just dismissed now.

So, Parliament was prorogued like the thunderbolt that shattered us in Kollupitiya on Monday afternoon at around 3.00 pm with a red light (not actually a ball of fire) shooting past Cassandra’s flat balcony. Her ear drums were nearly shattered. She surmised sadly, the gods too are angry with us. The President has gone (nearly used the rude-in-this-case term ‘fled’) on a private visit to Singapore. We are glad for his sake, as times are very bad here in this Paradise Island Like No Other. We wish him well.

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Features

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

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.