Features
N. A. T. O.

A great “Ceylonism” or a bit of “Singlish” is the coining of the words No Action Talk Only to replace what these famous and world-renowned letters stand for. It has particular relevance to what is going on today in this land that was once the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. We are told of how the “pen is mightier than the sword” but that must be in another universe! In this land, one can thrust and parry with the pen and at the end of it all even if you are able to escape the white vans and death squads, all you get is a deafening almighty silence.
I have written faithfully and unrelentingly for over 60 consecutive weeks now. All subjects ranging from the disaster that our tourism has become, the utter mess of the education system, moronic economic policies, the messed-up vaccination plan, the banning of dual citizens and the return of same, various forms of bumsuckery and of course the Cretins in parliament have been covered with little or no reaction from the powers that be or even the general populace.
A few of my friends have acknowledged my efforts with words of encouragement. A few strangers have contacted me and have given me strength by the fact and realization that there are others who feel the way I do, and I am not a lunatic howling at the moon. So far, no anonymous attacker on the internet has been able to have the last word. I welcome the efforts of these morons because no doubt it meets some base needs of theirs but it also allows me to vent my frustrations and develop my swear words which have no inhibiting factors on the internet.
We have seen nothing but a government sail happily along in their dictatorial fashion, blatantly lying to their voters and anyone else who will listen and pushing the country closer and closer to the brink of disaster. Let me dwell on some reactions that there have been:
A Dual Citizen is back as a national list member of parliament. Now, this in a country that passed legislation that banned dual citizens from entering parliament. This of course is something I was and am, vehemently opposed to – dual citizens being banned – I can only pin the reason to something akin to the fear of the “Kaduwa” or the English language that prevails in our universities even today. It is fear of intimidation, fear, and revulsion of learning anything new from others and above all else the “frog in the well” mentality shared by all Islanders. Why else? Do you think our Country has any secrets that can be leaked to another power that a dual citizen has sworn allegiance to? Are there great military secrets or even intellectual secrets that anyone interested cannot obtain with a simple bribe? With regard to fighting for another flag, that only makes common sense, if the situation arises, for who will fight for commanders and politicians as moronic as those who currently hold such positions in the Pearl? The only good thing that has happened is that a dual citizen is back as finance minister, no less. Probably far too late to do anything except maybe pleading for and get help from the IMF. Even the nation that person shared citizenship with is unlikely to help a nation hocked to the eyebrows to a nation with totally opposed views and policies (China). Our entire national lists should consist of qualified dual citizens who have experience gained from the first world.
Regarding the vaccination process, I had the pleasure of experiencing the programme first-hand in Aotearoa – New Zealand. I took a friend older than me, as I was quite comfortable to await my turn later, my confidence in the integrity of the vaccination plan in place was pristine. When we approached the counter the person in charge asked me if I was interested in getting vaccinated as well. I agreed, provided it was not going to cause any inconvenience. They said it would only take a few seconds more as I was in the waiting line with my friend and going in with him. Lo and behold I came out with a card with my second vaccination date indicated on it and my name firmly ensconced in the database! I hear things are better now in the Pearl, I certainly hope so!
One bit of information that I hope will be common knowledge by the time this article reaches the popular press is the fact that a team from the Sri Jayewardenepura University has been selected for a WHO grant for developing antigen detection rapid diagnostic tests for Covid 19. I have spoken of these unacknowledged “silent heroes” of the battle against the disease. I sincerely hope they get recognition even now that they are one of only five recipients of this grant from the whole world!
It is not the pen but rhetoric that is the mightiest of all in the Pearl. Talk Only is the watchword that guides and directs all things in this land. So much so that a mighty speech was made from the precincts of one of our ancient capital cities and not even the Gods who are purported to live there could summon the smallest bolt of lightning to try and cut short that thundering flow of half-truths and fantasies. Mother nature did however send some of her more intelligent species of ape to listen from a closer distance! No doubt an analysis and a report will follow from those specimens in due course. Parliament has been supplemented or is the word I need enhanced by the addition (albeit through the back door) of a rather shaky master of the spoken word but a proven maestro of moribundity and we await further exploits with bated breath. Maybe a combination of the dual citizen and the master of moribundity will form a new government that will magically deliver us from our ills. Then again maybe pigs will fly, and pink elephants adorn the Dalada Perehera!
Features
‘Silent Majority’ abandoned to Long-suffering in regional conflicts

With reports emerging that India has attacked some ‘sites’ in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the question could be posed whether the stage has just been set for yet another costly India-Pakistan military conflict. Sensible opinion in South Asia could only hope that wise counsel would sooner rather than later come to prevail on both sides of the divide and that they would draw back from the brink of full-scale war.
The states concerned ought to know fully well the possible wide-ranging weighty consequences of another regional conflict. It should be plain to see that it would benefit none in the two theatres of confrontation, most particularly the relevant publics or the ‘Silent Majority’.
In fact, in connection with the mentioned initial military attacks, the Pakistani side has gone on record that some civilian lives have been lost. Such losses could burgeon in the event of full scale hostilities. These costs could of course be staggering and unimaginable in the event the nuclear option is resorted to by the sides, going forward.
Accordingly, the hope of the peace-loving world-wide is likely to be that India and Pakistan would give negotiations a chance and resolve their differences peacefully. It would be in the best interests of the world for the champions of peace to join their voices to that of UN chief Antonio Guterres and call on the sides to negotiate an end to their differences.
The utter helplessness and misery of the people of the Gaza ought to drive home afresh the horrors of war. Currently the news is that the Gazans are literally starving to death. Food and other essentials provided by UN agencies are reportedly being prevented by Israel from getting to the hapless people of Gaza. So dire is their situation that concerned quarters are calling on the compassionate worldwide to provide the Gazans with food, water and other essentials voluntarily. This SOS would need to be heeded forthwith.
Accordingly, it could be inferred that most formal arrangements, including those that are generally under the purview of the UN, geared to providing emergency humanitarian assistance to the needy, have, for all intents and purposes, been rendered ineffective in the Gaza. The UN cannot be faulted for this state of things; rather, Israel should be held accountable in the main for it.
The matter of accountability is central to the dramatic slide into lawlessness the world has been experiencing over the past few decades. As could be seen, International Law is no longer fully applicable in the conflict and war zones of the world because it is not being adhered to by many state and non-state aggressors. That the UN is hapless in the face of such lawlessness is plain to see.
We have of course the Middle East wherein International Law has fallen silent for quite a while. How could it be otherwise, when Israeli aggressions are being winked at by the US, for which the policy of backing Israel is almost sacrosanct?
Moreover, under President Donald Trump, it is difficult to see the US changing policy course on the Middle East. Trump made vague promises of bringing peace to the region in the run-up to his reelection but has done nothing concrete by way of peace-making. Consequently, complete lawlessness prevails in the Middle East. US policy towards Israel counts as another example of how the self- interest of US central administrations blinds them to their international obligations, in this case Middle East peace.
However, the commentator could be criticized as being biased if he holds only Israel responsible for what has befallen the Middle East. It has been the position of this columnist that Israel’s security needs should be taken cognizance of by its state and non-state adversaries in the Middle East and acted upon if the basis is to be laid for a durable Middle East peace. Inasmuch as Palestinian statehood must be guaranteed, the same should be seen as applicable to Israel. The latter too enjoys the right to live in a secure state of its own, unopposed by its neighbours.
The Ukraine of today is also sad testimony to the ill consequences of powerful, aggressor states wantonly disregarding International Law and its obligations. Nothing could justify Russia in invading Ukraine and subjecting it to a condition of Longsuffering. Clearly, Ukraine’s sovereignty has been violated and such excesses go to the heart of the current state of ‘International Disorder’. Of course the same stricture applies to the US in relation to its military misadventures in Afghanistan and Iraq, to name just two such modern examples.
There is no ducking the fact, then, that civilian publics in the mentioned theatres of war and outside, are being subjected to the worst suffering as a consequence of the big powers’ self-aggrandizement schemes and military misadventures. Longsuffering becomes the tragic lot of the people who have nothing to do with such unbridled power ambitions.
One would not be exaggerating the case if he states that civilian publics count for almost nothing in the present ‘International Disorder’. Increasingly it is becoming evident that from the viewpoint of the big powers and authoritarian governments the people are of little or no importance. Considering that self-aggrandizement is of the paramount interest for the former the public interest is coming to be seen as inconsequential.
Consequently, not much of a case could be made currently for the once almost reverentially spoken of ‘Social Contract’. For, the public interest does not count for much in the scrambles for power among the major powers who are seen at the popular level as the principal history-makers.
It is in view of the above that much is expected of India. Today the latter is a ‘Swing State’ of the first importance. Besides being a major democracy, it is one of the world’s principal economic and military powers. It possesses abundant potential to help to put things right in international politics. If there is one state in Asia that could help in restoring respect for International Law, it is India.
Considering the above, India, one believes, is obliged to bear the responsibility of keeping South Asia free of any more long-running, wasting wars that could aggravate the material hardships and socio-economic blights of the region. Thus, India would need to consider it imperative to negotiating peace with Pakistan.
Features
Memorable happening … Down Under

Under the Global-Ise Australia Advanced Sports Development Programme, a delegation of 15 swimmers from Lyceum International School, Wattala, had the remarkable opportunity to train and experience high-performance sports development in Melbourne, Australia.
The 10-day programme was carefully curated to offer intensive training, educational exposure, and cultural experiences for the young athletes.
The swimmers underwent specialised training through Swimming Victoria’s elite programme, held at some of Melbourne’s premier aquatic facilities.

Visit to Victorian Parliament
Each day began as early as 5:00 a.m. and continued until 7:00 p.m., ensuring a rigorous and enriching schedule that mirrored the standards of international competitive swimming.
Beyond training, the programme offered a wide array of experiences to broaden the students’ horizons.

Morning training
The tour group explored iconic landmarks such as the Victorian Parliament and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and enjoyed shopping at Chadstone – The Fashion Capital. They also experienced the natural beauty of Victoria with visits to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, and Cardinia Reservoir Park, where they observed kangaroos in their natural habitat.
An academic highlight of the tour was the group’s exclusive visits to three of Australia’s leading universities: the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and Deakin University. These visits aimed to inspire students and showcase the vast educational opportunities available in Australia.

Checking out the scene at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
As part of the cultural immersion, Global-Ise hosted a traditional Australian BBQ at the Tim Neville Arboretum in Ferntree Gully. The students also enjoyed a variety of diverse culinary experiences each evening, further enriching their understanding of local and international food cultures.
The tour concluded with a celebratory dinner at the Spicy Wicket Restaurant, where each participant received a presentation in recognition of their involvement.

Enjoying an Aussie BBQ for lunch
The evening was made especially memorable by the presence of Pradeepa Saram, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Victoria.
Global-Ise Management—Ken Jacobs, Johann Jayasinha, and Dr Luckmika Perera (Consultant from the University of Melbourne)—did a magnificent job in planning and the execution of the advanced sports programme.

Coaches from Sri Lanka presenting a plaque to Global-Ise Management team
Ken Jacobs (centre), Johann Jayasinha, and Dr Luckmika Perera (on the right
Features
Bright, Smooth Skin

Hi! How’s the beauty scene keeping with you?
Phew, this heat is awful but there is nothing that we can do about it.
However, there are ways and means to take care of your skin and I will do my best to help you in every way I can.
Well, this week, let’s go for a Bright, Smooth Skin.
Gram flour (also known as besan) is a traditional skincare ingredient known for its:
* Natural exfoliating properties.
* Ability to absorb excess oil.
* Gentle brightening and tan-removal effects.
* Suitability for all skin types, especially oily and acne-prone skin.
You will need 01–02 tablespoons gram flour (besan) and rose water, or raw milk, to make a paste.
You could add the following two as optional add-ins: A pinch of turmeric (for extra glow), and a few drops of lemon juice (for oily skin and pigmentation)
Add the gram flour to a small bowl and mix in the rose water (for oily/sensitive skin) or raw milk (for dry skin) slowly.
Stir well to make a smooth, spreadable paste—not too thick, not too runny.
Now apply this mixture, evenly, to your damp face and neck, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes (don’t let it dry completely if you have dry skin).
Gently massage in circular motions using wet fingers—this helps exfoliate.
Rinse off with lukewarm water, and then pat your skin dry.
Use it 02–03 times a week for best results.
Skin Benefits:
* Removes dirt, sweat, and oil without stripping natural moisture.
* Gently exfoliates dead skin cells, revealing smoother skin.
* Brightens the complexion and fades mild tanning.
* Helps clear clogged pores and reduce pimples.
* Leaves skin fresh and glowing—perfect for humid climates.
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