Features

Officers’ Mess by Sandra Joseph Nunez

Published

3 months ago

2026/04/26

There came out last year, though where is not specified, a book called Officers’ Mess, an account of the 1962 attempted coup by the daughter of one of the accused, Major Victor Joseph. He and the husband of his wife’s sister, Major Wilton White, were amongst the last to be discharged, before the last eleven defendants were found guilty. This was at the end of the trial, so by then they had spent over three years in jail.

Sandra Joseph Nunez was a little girl at the time, and she gives a vivid account of the suffering of the two families, deprived of their heads for what seemed to them a preposterous accusation. Based on what she heard from her families, she is convinced that the incarceration of her father and her uncle was unfair. This may well have been the case, but obviously she is not quite accurate in suggesting that the whole case was a trumped up job.

For there clearly was an attempt to overthrow the government, and there is no doubt that at least the ringleaders were guilty of what was a capital offence. Certainly the government reacted excessively, in introducing new legislation, but Sandra does less than justice to the enormity of what was planned, and the understandable fear of the government which prompted measures designed to squash the attempt conclusively.

But the book was fascinating, not least in its account of how the government case was strengthened by what seems to have been inordinate folly on the part of Colonel F C de Saram. When news of the attempt broke and questioning began, he handed himself in and said he took full responsibility for the coup, and that others had only been following his orders. His personal confession became the basis of the prosecution case, and it is possible, as Sandra claims, that without that they would have found it difficult to get a verdict in their favour.

F C’s contention in court, that he had not planned a coup but was preparing counter measures in case Felix Dias Bandaranaike tried to take power illegally himself, did not hold water, not least because there was no evidence at all that such a step had been contemplated. Besides, there was the original reason for government having to take steps, which was that Stanley Senanayake had been approached by Senior D I G Jungle Dissanayake to join the coup, and he had told his wife who had informed her father P de S Kularatne.

That this happened was not in question, and Sandra’s claim, that Jungle thought his subordinate officer would be more loyal to him than to his family, underscores the essentially schoolboy mentality of these officers who embarked on a plot with no understanding of the gravity of the step they had undertaken.

In passing, I should note that this account is not entirely accurate, because the book claims that Senanayake’s father-in-law was a cabinet minister, which was certainly not the case. It also claims that N Q Dias was a Minister, whereas he was only the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and External Affairs.

Interestingly, the sheer immaturity of many of those involved was something I had looked at in a short story I wrote many years ago called ‘A Climax for the Colonel’. Its protagonist was based on F C, whom I knew well then, for he had clung to me for ages, on the strength of us both having been at Oxford. Indeed when I got in, he had come to see me, since he thought it a great achievement to have been awarded an Exhibition to Oxford when I was just 16.

When my story based on F C was published, I was called by Shelagh Anghie, wife of Tony Anghie who was one of those who had been convicted along with F C. This was 20 years after the coup, and they had long been divorced.

Shelagh told me that the story seemed to her to explain better than anything she had thought of over the years the reasons for her husband’s involvement in the coup, and the fascination F C had for the youngsters under him. As he aged, though his fascination for impressionable young men did not wane, schoolboys at the time I knew him, they took him less seriously. But at the height of his prestige, the youngsters were fascinated by him, with an emotional commitment that Sandra enunciates and which her father and uncle and it would seem Tony Anghie had obviously felt, to the detriment in the last case of his marriage.

Sandra’s mother and her aunt, sustained perhaps by their Catholic faith, did not think of questioning what their husbands might have done, and perhaps indeed, as their acquittal indicates, they were not as involved as Anghie had been. Certainly Sandra focuses on what seems to have been evidence trumped up against them, ridiculed by their brilliant counsel G G Ponnambalam who appeared for the defendants without charging a fee.

The scenes in court are interesting, as are the descriptions of life in the Bambalapitiya flats, where both families lived, a haunt as I experienced a few years later of the Burgher middle class. Descriptions of Christmas, bleak without fathers but nevertheless celebrated as best possible, with nativity plays, were delightful. But all these subjects were interspersed with accounts of reliance on God, and sometimes the repetitions of the need for faith and prayer can overwhelm.

This is not the case with the religious elements in the description of school, Holy Family Convent, with harsh nuns attempting to impose discipline on lively schoolgirls. That they were talented in what they were interested in was a problem for the nuns, though repeated assertions of the lessons they disliked smacked of schoolgirl trivia. But I suppose all this was part and parcel of recreating that world of long ago.

It was a very different world from that of the jail in which the men were held, and Sandra’s narrative recreates vividly the suffering of the men, held for a long time in isolation, and the anguish of their families when they visited. But the men managed to keep going, and the families found ways of communicating privately despite the guards who stayed right through any visit.

Shortly after the verdict, there was an appeal to the Privy Council, which was allowed, and all those who had been convicted were released. This was then followed by allegations about another coup, this one by the Sinhala Buddhist officers whose access to high positions in the forces the first coup plotters had resented. All the accused in this coup were acquitted, but two of them were said to have committed suicide in custody. Later the verdict was changed to culpable homicide in the case of Dodampe Mudalali.

All this is not part of Sandra’s brief, but it does show a contrast between the restraint with which those connected with a definite plot were treated, and the violence used against those who were victims of what seem to have been trumped up charges, including the then army commander General Richard Udugama.

He was the only senior officer amongst the accused then which suggests either that he was totally impractical or else that the charges were frivolous. The prosecution was by an Attorney General who had been brought in from outside, whereas the Attorney General at the time of the earlier coup was the universally respected Douglas Jansze.

I cannot help feeling that this was in the end of F C de Saram’s schoolboy antics, politicization of public offices and a hardening of attitudes, an acceptance of violence against political opponents, so that the state seemed quite happy with them falling out of windows. Felix Dias Bandaranaike, portrayed as a devil by Sandra, got his evidence by questioning, four years later the new government was not so restrained.

Reviewed by Rajiva Wijesinha

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Features

The hard challenge of clinching a political settlement in the Middle East

Published

21 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Bruised hearts: Displaced Palestinian civilians in the Gaza.(Photo by Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Despite some sections of the Trump administration persisting with the view that the possibility could not be entirely ruled out of there being a diplomatic solution to the current US-Iran hostilities in West Asia, the skeptic could not be blamed for thinking otherwise. The intensity, scale and frequency of the tit-for-tat strikes by the antagonists over the past few days against selected military targets and civilian infrastructure in particular in West Asia make the adoption of this stance excusable.

The continuing hostilities render the mentioning of the MOU signed between the warring parties in mid-June a laughable matter. While it could very well be that the foes are wishing privately for a cessation of hostilities before long, what seems to be uppermost on their minds right now is to negotiate with each other from a position of strength. This strategy compels them to incapacitate each other militarily to the extent possible, lest they have to concede too much to each other during negotiations. Hence the stepped-up hostilities.

However, even on the question of there being a negotiated political settlement in the West Asian theatre in the longer term, the skeptic could come to be seen as scoring over the optimist. Developments on the ground account for this.

At the time of writing Israel’s Netanyahu government is going ahead in fairly care-free fashion with the establishment of more Jewish settlements in the Gaza and the West Bank, and it’s all happening under the apparently complacent gaze of the US. In fact, some quarters estimate that Israel is in control of some 65% of the Gaza Strip. Ethnic cleansing, that is, is being drastically stepped-up.

Accordingly, in terms of the power relations of West Asia, the world is almost back to the status quo of the late forties of the last century when the state of Israel was established and the Palestinians were reduced to a microscopic minority in the land they came to inhabit. Therefore, even the impartial observer would be compelled to ask: ‘Will a negotiated peace be ever possible in the Middle East?’

The humanist in the observer would prefer to answer this question in the affirmative and it is indeed the ideal stance to adopt considering the staggering human and material costs of the conflict. But the way ahead to peace could be expected to be highly hazardous and arduous. Among other odds, it would also prove an uphill endeavour to win minds and hearts.

The US’ Trump administration would need to be counted out in this pursuit. This is on account of the fact that it has been far too wayward in its management of West Asian affairs in particular over the past couple of years. Given its unpredictable character it is a matter for conjecture whether it could be counted on to live up to its commitments.

Moreover, Israel could be expected to ‘go it alone’ in the Middle East regardless of whether US help is coming or otherwise. It has indicated as much in recent times and Israel could be doubted on this score only at the doubter’s peril. Because time and again Israel has demonstrated that it could steadfastly defend its interests even single-handedly in the Middle East. History bears this out.

However, a durable alliance with the US would stand Israel in good stead. On the matter of military and intelligence assistance, for example, the US’s help proved invaluable for Israel in the past and going forward this is bound to be so as well. Moreover, it is unlikely that the Trump administration would give up on Israel, considering that a strong Israel is crucial for the furtherance of the US’ strategic and economic interests in West Asia.

But whether the above factors would have a considerable bearing on the question of working out a durable solution to the West Asian tangle is an entirely different matter. Israel, as in the case of the Palestinian enclaves, is acutely security conscious and would need to satisfy itself fully that it could live in a security environment that would guarantee its complete safety, going forward.

The Middle East is badly in need of another peace effort on the lines of the Oslo Accords of the mid-nineties that brought the key actors together and helped hammer out a solution that addressed some of their notable concerns. To be sure, that process did not prove to be the ideal answer to the tangle, but it yielded some respite to the region and drove home that one-time sworn foes could indeed negotiate with a degree of success. The West Bank authority, although falling short of fulfilling some key Palestinian aspirations, is testimony that a degree of success is possible if the intent is right.

Given the current realities of West Asia, peace-making is bound to be an uphill challenge. The violence faced in recent times by the Palestinian community, in particular, has been nothing less than mind-numbing. Merciless has been the violence visited on them by the Israeli side. In such circumstances, durable peace in the region could smack of an idealist’s dream.

Nevertheless, there needs to be urgently, a meeting of minds over the divides. The US would need to be counted out as an honest broker in bringing the sides together but the rest of the West would do well to step up to the challenge.

In this exercise the onus would be on the world’s democracies to take the initiative and doggedly stay the course. An acceptable combination would be the EU and the UN. Given their credentials, the main sides in West Asia ought to find them the least controversial.

Even if the relevant institutional and political arrangements could be shored up to take a reconciliation process forward, winning hearts and minds for the peace drive would prove a grueling challenge. Over the past few years in particular tens of thousands of hearts and minds on both sides of the divide have been bruised badly in the runaway murderous violence that has come to define the Middle East.

These badly scarred personalities would need to experience healing without much delay. It is therefore a multi-faceted challenge that is at hand. Since wide-ranging expertise would be needed in the healing process, people’s participation in peace-making, ranging over the divides, would need to be made a durable reality. It will be a time for enthroning humanity and ensuring the rejection of all forms of violence and coercion.

Features

Amazing Thailand …right here in Colombo

Published

21 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

For many Sri Lankans, Thailand is the go-to holiday — beaches, temples, food, and that famous warm hospitality.

In fact, I’ve been to Amazing Thailand 24 times myself, and was honoured with the Friends of Thailand International Media Award by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for promoting Thai tourism.

The good news I have for you today is that you don’t even need a passport to get a taste of Amazing Thailand.

The Royal Thai Embassy, in Colombo, is bringing a vibrant slice of Thailand, to the city of Colombo, with Thai Festival 2026 — a cultural experience like never before.

Whether you are an avid enthusiast of Thai culture, a total novice, or simply just interested in exploring foreign cultures, Thai Festival 2026 is going to be the perfect opportunity for you to get more than just a glimpse into one of the most celebrated cultural heritages in South East Asia. And ENTRANCE IS FREE.

The festival will be held on the 1st and 2nd of August, 2026, at Siam Nivasa, 43, C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 7, and the East Parking Area, of the Colombo Municipal Council, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Both days will be full of live entertainment, and dispersed throughout with Thai cultural displays, including exhilarating traditional dance performances and breathtaking Muay Thai demonstrations.

Exploring art and craft specific to Thailand, tasting irresistible authentic Thai cuisine, and playing arcade games, are just a few more fun-filled events available for visitors at the festival premises.

An array of Thai products will also be available for purchase.

While at the festival, you will find Sri Lankan Alumni from Thai universities sharing their experiences with you and willing to answer any questions you might have, related to studying abroad in Thailand.

You can also register for the Muay Thai workshop that will be happening on the 7th and 8th of August, 2026, in Colombo.

Irresistible authentic Thai cuisine

Visitors can also stand a chance to win traditional Thai souvenirs, get exclusive photo opportunities, and, the big one — to enter the raffle draw, at the end of each day, for the grand prize of an all-inclusive round trip to Thailand.

Be sure to avail yourself of this exceptional opportunity and add a cultural spin to your weekend.

To keep up with the latest updates on Thai Festival 2026, head over to the Thai Festival official social media pages.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo official webpage:

https://colombo.thaiembassy.org

Official social media:

Facebook: @RTEColombo

Instagram: @thaiembassysrilanka

Thai Festival official social media:

Facebook: Thai Festival in Colombo

Instagram: @thaifestival_colombo

TikTok: @thaifestival.incolombo

Features

Thicker, stronger hair …

Published

21 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hair fall, in this heat, can be so frustrating, and noticing a thin patch is even more worrying. The good news is … yes, with a little care and kitchen ingredients, you can nourish your scalp and support healthy regrowth.

Try these four easy home remedies … even our grandmothers trusted:

* Coconut Oil and Curry Leaves Tonic:

Warm 04 tablespoons of coconut oil, with a handful of curry leaves, till the leaves turn black. Cool, strain, and massage into scalp 02-03 times a week. Leave for 01 hour, or overnight.

Why:

Coconut oil deeply nourishes, while curry leaves help strengthen roots and add shine.

* Onion Juice for Spot Treatment:

With cotton, dab the juice of 01 small onion, directly on the thin/bald patches. Leave for 20-30 minutes, and then wash with a mild shampoo. Use twice a week.

Why:

Rich in sulfur, onion juice helps boost blood circulation to the scalp.

* Aloe Vera and Castor Oil Mask:

Mix 02 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 tablespoon castor oil and apply to the scalp, focusing on thinning areas. Leave for 45 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

Why:

Aloe vera soothes the scalp, while castor oil coats hair to make it look thicker.

* Fenugreek and Curd Strengthening Pack:

You will need 02 tablespoons fenugreek seeds, soaked overnight, and 02 tablespoons plain curd.

Grind to a paste, apply to scalp for 30 minutes, and then wash.

Why:

Fenugreek strengthens strands and reduces breakage.

Extra Tips for Healthy Hair:

Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.

Eat iron and protein rich foods: greens, dhal, eggs, fish.

Use lukewarm water, not hot.

Be gentle when brushing and drying.