Features

GOLDEN AGE OF THE SILUMINA

Published

3 years ago

2022/09/4

Thilina Walpola

by ECB Wijeyesinghe

The Lake House Sinhala Weekly is 50 years today (Mar. 30, 1980).

All the blithe spirits that used to haunt Lake House are bound to return from their Elysian fields today to rejoice over a notable birthday anniversary. Fifty years ago, almost to the very day, was born one of the miracles of modern journalism, the Sinhalese newspaper that reaches the crest of its Golden Age today after five decades of glorious effort and endeavour.

In the process it has passed and surpassed all the high-watermarks in circulation touched by any publication in any language east of Suez. It is an achievement of which not only Lake House but Sri Lanka can be proud. To the average Sinhala newspaper reader, a Sunday without the Silumina is inconceivable. It is something he looks forward to for one whole week.

The secret is that it caters to the whole family and husbands, wives and children scramble for their own particular page when the paper appears on the doorstep, sometimes causing minor domestic discords. That is why its publication has strained the resources of the most efficient Rotary presses, and given endless headaches to the Circulation department, who have to obey the inexorable laws of supply and demand.

THE START

But it was not ever thus. D. R. Wijewardene, the Napoleon of the local newspaper world, invaded the Sinhala Sunday paper business with considerable trepidation. He started off at the height of the Great Depression. The year 1930 was perhaps this country’s gloomiest period for the commercial world, with coconuts selling at five cents each, and rubber and tea similarly scraping the barrel. Salaries were cut all round by ten per cent, and everything appeared to be wrong except the stars which had moved into the right places for a great adventure.

Wijewardene, people said, had the devil’s own luck. But he had more than that. He was a man of vision and was a believer in the old adage that anything that goes down must eventually come up. He also had tremendous faith in his staff whom he had chosen with meticulous care. For seven years the idea of a Sinhala Sunday newspaper was simmering in his head.

That is, ever since the phenomenal success of the Sunday Observer which enlivened the day of rest and gave people something better to do than spend their time either playing the card game known as “cutting the baby” or hugging the bottle. At this time the Dinamina was going great guns, with a splendid staff, some of whom were destined to win literary laurels abroad.

When the history of Lake House comes to be re-written, there are two Martins whose names will be remembered. They are Martin the personal peon of D. R. Wijewardene, and Martin Wickremasinghe, the eminent journalist, novelist and philosopher. Martin the peon was always immaculately clad in white and sported a tortoise-shell comb with gleaming points which gave him a Mephistophilean look. He also wore a black belt, like a Karate expert, but that meant nothing because he was a physically harmless man.

It was not his fault, however, that he was paid to be the harbinger of doom to most of the staff who were at the receiving end of the Boss’s wrath. Even Martin Wickremasinghe, the editor of the Dinamina at the time, dreaded the appearance of Martin the peon who stood at the half-open swing-door and with bulging eyes merely nodded his head and said “Katha karanawa”. That meant more than a friendly tete-a-tete with the boss. The demeanour of Martin, the peon was like the barometer that indicated the temperature in the Managing Director’s room.

When the Silumma was started Wijewardene entrusted the new weekly to Martin Wickremasinghe’s able assistant Piyasena Nissanka. The two men were a study in contrast. Martin Wickremasinghe was a mercurial character, an unorthodox Buddhist, a brilliant self taught philosopher and a student of comparative religions. He was born south of the border down Koggala way.

Nissanka was a stolid son of Siyane Korale, a truly rural and conservative product of his village, the gracious Gampaha gamarala whose ambition was to become a Vedamahatmaya. In fact, Nissanka pursued his Ayurvedic studies in Calcutta for some time, until they were cut short by his father’s death. But he had the instincts of a physician and the gift of “ath vasi”, which he applied successfully when he became a journalist, and began to feel the pulse of the nation.

As the first copies of the Silumina rolled off the presses and began to capture the imagination of the masses, Professor C. E. Cooray Bulathsinghala, who was then known as the Astrologer Royal, predicted a fantastic future for the new weekly. The Professor, who was then in and out of Lake House, used to watch the infant publication growing, as the advertisers would say, in vim, vigour and vitality and take most of the credit for its success.

PREDICTION

He seemed to suggest that he was responsible not only for giving the auspicious time for its start, but also for the lucky sound of its title. It appears that Bulathsinghala had said that any name beginning with “Sil” should hit the jackpot, but it was the Boss himself who completed the title in order to make it rhyme with Dinamina and thus make it bear a family resemblance to the daily paper that was already a power in the land.

Nissanka, the first Editor of the Silumina, was a sound thinker, though he did not have the flair of Martin Wickremasinghe. It was an amusing experience for other inhabitants of Lake House to hear Nissanka composing an editorial. He would write a paragraph or two and recite them in a loud voice in order to test their effect on the aural sensibilities of his listeners. Generally the audience consisted of a couple of junior journalists. From the reactions on their faces, Nissanka knew whether his shots had hit the target.

FICTION

Nissanka’s modus operandi reminded me very much of the methods of a trio of Vedamahatmayas, who treated me for typhoid long long ago. One of them would hum a Sanskrit verse and if the diagnosis was right and the going was good, the others would take up the refrain and continue chanting with zest until a junior acolyte took down the drugs and wrote the prescription. The result was a “kasaya” or decoction which, when distilled into one cup, seemed to put the Witch’s brew in “Macbeth” in the shade. It is a curious thing that a large number of journalists have made their name writing fiction. Cynics may say that it is nothing to crow over, because that is what they have been doing all their lives.

Martin Wickremasinghe and Piyasena Nissanka excelled in writing stories with a rural background. Some of Martin’s work has passed the linguistic borders into the international realm of literature and translations have appeared in English, Russian, Chinese, Rumanian and Czechoslovakian journals. Nissanka’s vignettes of village life such as the “Oya Badda Gedera” (The House by the Stream), are still sought after, especially the cameo of the sprightly damsel who has been described by the author as the “Magul Kadana Baba Noni”.

To the uninitiated, I must explain that it concerns the life-story of a woman oozing with sex-appeal whom that perspicacious reviewer, Edwin Ariyadasa, once referred to as a one-woman demolition squad who could be depended upon to break up not only made-marriages, but marriages in the making. There is supposed to be a Baba Noni in almost every village and the name of Nissanka’s fictitious character has passed into the language as a term of opprobrium.

Besides Martin Wickremasinghe and Nissanka there was one other unforgettable character who bore the slings and arrows of the Boss in order to keep the Silumina well ahead of its rivals. He was Srilal Liyanage. He succeeded the two giants in the editorial chair but managed to quit it just in time in order to enjoy his retirement.

On Saturday night, in my time, he used to be the sole occupant of the Silumina office. With his gaunt figure, his unkempt hair and dishevelled clothes one could easily mistake him for an apparition. His only redeeming features were an infectious smile and a razor-sharp mind which he utilized to give cutting double-edged headlines. Liyanage is still going strong and lives on his little estate in Nugegoda where his jak trees are thriving like the Biblical palms and producing enough kos to feed half of Colombo.

Today, while kavun, kokis and kiri bath flow out of the Silumina’s sanctum and the Golden Jubilee celebrations reach their climax there will be one thought uppermost in everybody’s mind. That will be how on earth Edmund Ranasinghe the present Editor, manages to do two things: –

Firstly, to maintain the momentum generated 50 years ago by its founder, the dynamic D. R. Wijewardene;

Secondly, to retain the goodwill of the cultured classes of the Sinhala people created by such stalwarts of the Press as Martin Wickremasinghe, Piyasena Nissanka, Srilal Liyanage, Meemana Prematilaka, Denzil Peiris, S. Subasinghe, D. D. Wettasinghe, Wimalasiri Perera, Ben Dodampegama, and several others who kept the Silumina circulation moving ever upward, regardless of the effect it had on their own blood pressure.

(Excerpted from The Good At Their Best first published in 1980)

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Maduro abduction marks dangerous aggravation of ‘world disorder’

Published

12 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Venezuelan President Maduro being taken to a court in New York

The abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces on January 3rd and his coercive conveying to the US to stand trial over a number of allegations leveled against him by the Trump administration marks a dangerous degeneration of prevailing ‘world disorder’. While some cardinal principles in International Law have been blatantly violated by the US in the course of the operation the fallout for the world from the exceptionally sensational VVIP abduction could be grave.

Although controversial US military interventions the world over are not ‘news’ any longer, the abduction and hustling away of a head of government, seen as an enemy of the US, to stand trial on the latter soil amounts to a heavy-handed and arrogant rejection of the foundational principles of international law and order. It would seem, for instance, that the concept of national sovereignty is no longer applicable to the way in which the world’s foremost powers relate to the rest of the international community. Might is indeed right for the likes of the US and the Trump administration in particular is adamant in driving this point home to the world.

Chief spokesmen for the Trump administration have been at pains to point out that the abduction is not at variance with national security related provisions of the US Constitution. These provisions apparently bestow on the US President wide powers to protect US security and stability through courses of action that are seen as essential to further these ends but the fact is that International Law has been brazenly violated in the process in the Venezuelan case.

To be sure, this is not the first occasion on which a head of government has been abducted by US special forces in post-World War Two times and made to stand trial in the US, since such a development occurred in Panama in 1989, but the consequences for the world could be doubly grave as a result of such actions, considering the mounting ‘disorder’ confronting the world community.

Those sections opposed to the Maduro abduction in the US would do well to from now on seek ways of reconciling national security-related provisions in the US Constitution with the country’s wider international commitment to uphold international peace and law and order. No ambiguities could be permitted on this score.

While the arbitrary military action undertaken by the US to further its narrow interests at whatever cost calls for criticism, it would be only fair to point out that the US is not the only big power which has thus dangerously eroded the authority of International Law in recent times. Russia, for example, did just that when it violated the sovereignty of Ukraine by invading it two or more years ago on some nebulous, unconvincing grounds. Consequently, the Ukraine crisis too poses a grave threat to international peace.

It is relevant to mention in this connection that authoritarian rulers who hope to rule their countries in perpetuity as it were, usually end up, sooner rather than later, being a blight on their people. This is on account of the fact that they prove a major obstacle to the implementation of the democratic process which alone holds out the promise of the progressive empowerment of the people, whereas authoritarian rulers prefer to rule with an iron fist with a fixation about self-empowerment.

Nevertheless, regime-change, wherever it may occur, is a matter for the public concerned. In a functional democracy, it is the people, and the people only, who ‘make or break’ governments. From this viewpoint, Russia and Venezuela are most lacking. But externally induced, militarily mediated change is a gross abnormality in the world of democracy, which deserves decrying.

By way of damage control, the US could take the initiative to ensure that the democratic process, read as the full empowerment of ordinary people, takes hold in Venezuela. In this manner the US could help in stemming some of the destructive fallout from its abduction operation. Any attempts by the US to take possession of the national wealth of Venezuela at this juncture are bound to earn for it the condemnation of democratic opinion the world over.

Likewise, the US needs to exert all its influence to ensure that the rights of ordinary Ukrainians are protected. It will need to ensure this while exploring ways of stopping further incursions into Ukrainian territory by Russia’s invading forces. It will need to do this in collaboration with the EU which is putting its best foot forward to end the Ukraine blood-letting.

Meanwhile, the repercussions that the Maduro abduction could have on the global South would need to be watched with some concern by the international community. Here too the EU could prove a positive influence since it is doubtful whether the UN would be enabled by the big powers to carry out the responsibilities that devolve on it with the required effectiveness.

What needs to be specifically watched is the ‘copycat effect’ that could manifest among those less democratically inclined Southern rulers who would be inspired by the Trump administration to take the law into their hands, so to speak, and act with callous disregard for the sovereign rights of their smaller and more vulnerable neighbours.

Democratic opinion the world over would need to think of systems of checks and balances that could contain such power abuse by Southern autocratic rulers in particular. The UN and democracy-supportive organizations, such as the EU, could prove suitable partners in these efforts.

All in all it is international lawlessness that needs managing effectively from now on. If President Trump carries out his threat to over-run other countries as well in the manner in which he ran rough-shod over Venezuela, there is unlikely to remain even a semblance of international order, considering that anarchy would be receiving a strong fillip from the US, ‘The World’s Mightiest Democracy’.

What is also of note is that identity politics in particularly the South would be unprecedentedly energized. The narrative that ‘the Great Satan’ is running amok would win considerable validity among the theocracies of the Middle East and set the stage for a resurgence of religious fanaticism and invigorated armed resistance to the US. The Trump administration needs to stop in its tracks and weigh the pros and cons of its current foreign policy initiatives.

Features

Pure Christmas magic and joy at British School

Published

12 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Students of The British High School in Colombo in action at the fashion show

The British School in Colombo (BSC) hosted its Annual Christmas Carnival 2025, ‘Gingerbread Wonderland’, which was a huge success, with the students themseles in the spotlight, managing stalls and volunteering.

The event, organised by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), featured a variety of activities, including: Games and rides for all ages, Food stalls offering delicious treats, Drinks and refreshments, Trade booths showcasing local products, and Live music and entertainment.

The carnival was held at the school premises, providing a fun and festive atmosphere for students, parents, and the community to enjoy.

The halls of the BSC were filled with pure Christmas magic and joy with the students and the staff putting on a tremendous display.

Among the highlights was the dazzling fashion show with the students doing the needful, and they were very impressive.

The students themselves were eagerly looking forward to displaying their modelling technique and, I’m told, they enjoyed the moment they had to step on the ramp.

The event supported communities affected by the recent floods, with surplus proceeds going to flood-relief efforts.

Features

Glowing younger looking skin

Published

12 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hi! This week I’m giving you some beauty tips so that you could look forward to enjoying 2026 with a glowing younger looking skin.

Face wash for natural beauty

* Avocado:

Take the pulp, make a paste of it and apply on your face. Leave it on for five minutes and then wash it with normal water.

* Cucumber:

Just rub some cucumber slices on your face for 02-03 minutes to cleanse the oil naturally. Wash off with plain water.

* Buttermilk:

Apply all over your face and leave it to dry, then wash it with normal water (works for mixed to oily skin).

Face scrub for natural beauty

Take 01-02 strawberries, 02 pieces of kiwis or 02 cubes of watermelons. Mash any single fruit and apply on your face. Then massage or scrub it slowly for at least 3-5 minutes in circular motions. Then wash it thoroughly with normal or cold water. You can make use of different fruits during different seasons, and see what suits you best! Follow with a natural face mask.

Face Masks

* Papaya and Honey:

Take two pieces of papaya (peeled) and mash them to make a paste. Apply evenly on your face and leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it with cold water.

Papaya is just not a fruit but one of the best natural remedies for good health and glowing younger looking skin. It also helps in reducing pimples and scars. You can also add honey (optional) to the mixture which helps massage and makes your skin glow.

* Banana:

Put a few slices of banana, 01 teaspoon of honey (optional), in a bowl, and mash them nicely. Apply on your face, and massage it gently all over the face for at least 05 minutes. Then wash it off with normal water. For an instant glow on your face, this facemask is a great idea to try!

* Carrot:

Make a paste using 01 carrot (steamed) by mixing it with milk or honey and apply on your face and neck evenly. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes and then wash it with cold water. Carrots work really well for your skin as they have many vitamins and minerals, which give instant shine and younger-looking skin.