Features

Of cabbages and kings

Published

5 years ago

2022/01/29

Sahan Weerasooriya

… the walrus said,

“Let’s talk of many things;

Of shoes and ships and sealing wax,

And cabbages and kings…”

By Ransiri Menike Silva

There were others, plenty of them, occupying rooms that faced an airy quadrangle open to the skies. The grassy lawn was a treat to the eyes of residents, both upstairs and downstairs, except on the days it was to be mown.

Spotting the human ‘mower’ approaching with the tools of his trade, we would retreat into our rooms and barricade ourselves behind closed doors and windows. Then the ordeal began. Deprived of fresh air we would flop down on chairs or beds to watch shreds of grass and grass-hoppers splattering the windows.

When the gentle sliding down of the ‘bits and pieces’ ceased and silence prevailed, a brave person would open his or her door gingerly and then let out a triumphant yelp, “He’s gone!” and we would be left the onerous task of ‘cleaning windows’ like George Formby.

At other times, idling at our respective doors we would enjoy a jolly get-together. We would talk about general topics, the latest news, gossip and other trivialities. The most titillating of these sessions was when one member was away. Then each of us would air our grievances against him or her, and they were many and varied. We laughed a lot to unburden ourselves. There were no snitches, for we knew that it would be our turn next!

We were a motley crowd. There was a retired Bank Manager; a run-away-bride of a railway guard; a widow of a state plantation boss assassinated by rebels; the grand-daughter of one of the country’s greatest patriots; a popular songstress who had sung with C.T. Fernando while still in school; a terminally ill cancer patient; a retired English teacher who conducted classes at another venue. He was well-read and discerning and we would exchange books, with him commenting on my writings.

There was Sammy, a child in a man’s body with an underdeveloped brain, who lived with his widowed mother in the row behind us. She was very protective of him and took him with her everywhere holding tightly on to his hand. But there were times, when she was busy with some household work, he would scoot out without her knowledge and go roaming around the quadrangle. She would panic at finding him missing and come looking for him often to find him at my desk grinning, sipping a drink and drawing pictures.

Then there was the self-appointed manageress whom everyone disliked and ignored. Every evening she would lock herself in and after a bath, don her night-wear and devote herself to religious devotions. She would have already gathered flowers from other people’s gardens without permission. The first indication of her rituals was the scent of incense that wafted out of the window. This would be followed by the chanting of ‘gathas’ that reached us via the same source. At first, the recital would be very loud, then would gradually lose volume to stop in mid-air. After that, total silence. This was puzzling. The housemaid giggled as she revealed the secret. “You know madam, she does not worship standing or kneeling in front of the Buddha statue as we do but reclines in the comfort of the ‘hansi-putuwa’ (recliner), feet stretched out and palms together. Soon she falls asleep!”

In the row of rooms behind us were a bed-ridden retired English teacher whom I would visit for some worthwhile conversation. But she passed away soon after and all the groundwork was attended to by the landlord and staff personally before the undertaker moved in.

Also in the same row was ‘Bhavana Miss’ noted for her hot temper. She was supposedly practising meditation and refused to let anyone disturb her all day. She was accepted as a fraud by all. I saw her only on the day she left. She was in a wheelchair directing sternly the packing away of her things into the lorry. I was shocked at the maliciously expression engraved on her face.

There was also a six-foot-something areca pole who invariably locked herself behind a door painted blue. She was daft, her looniness having its ups and downs. She would dress up in flashy clothes, jewellery, hair decorated with flowers to drop meaningless scraps of notes through other people’s windows. Later I chanced upon her history. Highly educated, her job had kept her away from home for long periods. The lonely frustrated husband finally sought other distractions in the form of her best friend with whom he eloped. This drove her to seek refuge in liquor. She was mentally maimed.

At the time I became aware of her condition she was ‘down’ but not ‘out’, but she began climbing upwards gradually. Finally, she was left with only some minor eccentricities that affected no one. We came to know each other, fitting well into each other’s intellectual backgrounds. On realising my need for good reading material she lent me many worthwhile ones from her well stocked personal library.

One day she had visitors, a father and son, who found difficulty in locating her room, and on seeing me at my door approached me. It was her son and husband! They spent an entire morning with her, taking her out for the day later. Leaving the son to talk to her in his absence, the husband came to talk to me. It is from him that I learnt her story. She was still there when I left, but am often reminded of her upon hearing or seeing her family name, well known personalities in the financial world. The ‘hubby’ left his visiting card with me, he too is a well known highly placed personality!

The next in line is a lively male whose name I still do not know. Not so his family history, which I came to learn later. He could be spotted going up and down several times a day, though he did not join us for meals or associate with any one of us. Once a month his elder sister would meet the landlord to pay his rent and also dole out a little pocket money to her brother, for his personal needs. What were they? We soon found out. It was just one – liquor.

When his pocket money ran out, he resorted to begging – mainly outside supermarkets, at the canteens of business establishments during their lunch break, outside prosperous restaurants to fleece their customers and at major traffic lights. We had all spotted him at one time or another at these locations while driving through.

One day the landlord, awaiting his turn at the amber light of the traffic lights, spotted his tenant approaching him from the opposite pavement, hand extended. He shivered inwardly at the inevitable encounter ahead. Then the light flashed green and he sped away to safety. He was still apprehensive as he related it to us later, “I don’t know what I would have done if he had come up to me and there was mutual recognition!”

Gradually, I learned his story. He was from a high-class family and was highly educated, married with a family to support. Moving in high circles he had been introduced to a few ‘drinks’ by his colleagues. This caught his fancy and his intake increased in quality and quantity until he became an alcoholic. This ruined him and his family, resulting in divorce. That affected him not, but his siblings felt otherwise, for by this time he had also been fired from his job. So they took him under their wing, to protect and care for him, their youngest and favourite brother.

I continued to observe him, walking to and from the gate at various hours throughout the day, swaying just a little. He did not join us for meals and I wondered on what solid sustenance he survived. He was much younger than us and appeared physically fit. On what did he survive? Then it hit me, the ‘bites’ that went with the liquor. At each store, he probably begged for or purchased packets of ‘bites’ which were tasty and fairly ‘filling as well’. I felt a protective fondness for him and whenever we passed each other he would acknowledge my smile with a nod and a sheepish grin, but did not extend his hand to me.

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Features

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

Published

2 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

3 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

3 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.