Features

LAWYERS CAN BE HUMAN

Published

4 years ago

2022/07/17

by ECB Wijeyesinghe

When lawyers die there are no comets seen. Unlike judges who leave the stamp of their personality in their pronouncements the average lawyer splashes about in Court, bamboozles the opposition if possible, collects his fee if any, and then proceeds to face his last judgment. What happens after that is anybody’s guess.

Judges are different. They find it so much easier to get a visa into the Hall of Fame. Take the case of Sir Thomas de Sampayo: his erudite judgments cover several buckram-bound volumes, but he is chiefly remembered by the layman for his egg-shaped head and for his having given utterance to that paradoxical aphorism “a joke is a serious thing”.

One sometimes wonders whether he meant what he said, or whether he was merely joking. There is another historic case: Pontius Pilate. Some readers may recall the lackadaisical role he played in a famous trial nearly 2000 years ago. He just asked one question, “what is truth?”, made a quick exit from the Judgment Hall and thereby gained immortality. Pilate was, of course, intelligent enough to know that there were a thousand answers to that question and had he dilly-dallied any longer he would have been pestered by endless supplementary queries.

Camera Artists

I was assailed by these thoughts when the portrait of George E. Chitty Q.C., was unveiled a few days ago at Hulftsdorp. As a lawyer he would have been in the top rung in any civilized country but half the income he received from his practice must have gone on his expensive hobby – photography. In this respect he reminds us of his illustrious neighbour across the road – Lionel Wendt –who was essentially a musician, but devoted most of his time to an art which placed him in the world class among camera artists.

Those Philistines who think of the law merely as a parasitic profession should have known lawyers of the calibre of George Chitty. Apart from photography, music and art, one of his most rewarding hobbies was dipping his hand into a fund from which he gave freely to his less-fortunate brethren. By that I do not mean merely his poor relations, but any miserable acquaintance who has had a rough deal from Life.

Nimble brain

It has been my good fortune to have seen and met a few of the great lawyers of the past. There are cynics who maintain that the only good lawyers are the dead ones. A man now almost forgotten is E.J. Samerawickrema, father of Mr. Justice George Samerawickreme, the unassuming recluse of “Villa Cecillia.” E.J.S was a slightly built man with a merry twinkle in his eye. Physically he was unlike some of his sons, but he made up for his lack of avoirdupois by the weight of his legal opinions.

His nimble brain was in great demand not only by aspiring politicians, but by businessmen and society women in a tight corner. In a word, he was the trusted adviser of all those in distress in his time and the iron safe in which their secrets were locked up. The memorials on constitutional reform which he wrote for D.S.Senanayake and his friends cannot be counted on the fingers of one hand. As the draftsman of legal pleadings in Ceylon he had no peer. But alas, illness struck him where it hurt most. Though he lost the power of his vocal chords the voice of his opinions could not be stilled. From then onwards till his death, everything he had to say had to be written out and his children proved most cheerful amanuenses.

H.V.Perera

E.J. Samerawickrema’s mantle as the Solon of Ceylon fell on H.V. Perera whose memory is still alive and whose Appeal Court exploits have acquired a legendary aura. One of H.V’s favourite stories concerned a witness who bore an extraordinary resemblance to the presiding judge. All those present in Court twigged the similarity and also the judicial embarrassment.

In order to keep the record in proper perspective, the Judge, whose father’s Walauwa was in the village from where the witness came thought he would rise to the occasion. “Tell me,” he told the villager, “was your mother ever in the habit of visiting the Walauwa ?” “No my lord,” replied the man, who was simple but knew something of the facts of life, “it was not my mother, but my father who worked in the Walauwa and used to spend his nights there.”

Laughter held both its sides as the judge adjusted his wig and wiped the perspiration from his brow.

Leonine face

A lawyer whose face was his fortune, was H.J.C.Pereira. His handsome leonine countenance was an inheritance of the legal family from which he hailed. His brother, Mr. Justice Walter Pereira, and his nephew, R.L.Pereira, had the same cast of features and the same sonorous voice, which caused confusion among witnesses and persuasion among juries.

During my first experience of Jury service there was a memorable battle of wits between H.J.C.P. and the slim, slightly-bald Counsel for the Prosecution, Stanley Obeyesekere, whose retorts sounded like whip-cracks on a recalcitrant horse. Obeyesekere like all Obeyesekeres, had the prominent nose of his clan. It made him look like a bird of prey, especially when he was summing up for a conviction.

He was, besides being a first-class lawyer, a first-class horseman and used to take part regularly whenever the Turf Club meetings had an event for Gentlemen Riders. Even otherwise, he used to compete on level terms with the professionals. The jockeys kept a respectable distance from him when the starting tape went up, because the sting of Obeyesekere’s whip-lash was mild compared to the fury of his tongue-lash.

Punters used to back Obeyesekere’s mount even when the odds were fairly long because they were sure of a clean race and the bumping and boring of the more aggressive riders would be reduced to a minimum. In every race reserved for Gentlemen Riders, Obeyesekere’s mount was always the favourite. His chief rival was a planter, Capt. A.J.S. Featherstonhaugh, who later acted as the Turf Club’s official starter most efficiently.Going back to the Courts, the case in which Obeyesekere was pitted against H.J.C. the leader on the Criminal side, was one in which a fairly elderly man was charged with rape.

Clean rider

The Judge was Mr. Justice Akbar who spent all his leisure in communion with the Deity. Even when he traveled in his rickshaw from his home to Hulftsdorp he used to read the Koran, and when the jury retired, Akbar would be praying in his room hoping their verdict would be correct. In this particular case, the salacious details must have been absolutely abominable to a man of Akbar’s temperament.

The accused was found guilty and he staggered as the maximum sentence was awarded. I believe it was 15 years’ rigorous imprisonment. H.J.C. Pereira pleaded hard for a remission and said that the man would never complete the sentence. Akbar was adamant. “Try to do as much of it as you can,” he said and went back to the Koran in his chamber.

(Excepted from The Good at Their Best first published in 1977)

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Features

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

Published

18 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

18 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

18 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.