Features

People’s role in NPP govt.

Published

2 years ago

2024/11/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Dissanayake

by Anushka Kahandagamage

The election of the NPP as the new government of Sri Lanka is a victory for the people, whether they recognise it or not. While I don’t believe the election results reflect a major ideological shift, the government has the potential to spark one. However, for this to happen, the citizens of the country must also do their part

To begin with, citizens should avoid glorifying trivial actions of politicians. For instance, the Prime Minister bending down to speak with a child or the President climbing Pidurangala are not acts deserving praise; they are simply ordinary human behaviours and certainly not newsworthy. My understanding is that we often tend to glorify these actions by comparing the newly elected parliamentarians to their predecessors. However, what we need to keep in mind is that the politicians of earlier times frequently relied on propaganda tactics to elevate such symbolic actions because they did not do much else that was of benefit to the nation. These were often superficial gestures designed to attract public attention and boost their personal popularity, without addressing the real issues or fulfilling their core responsibilities. Instead of focusing on implementing well-designed, effective policies or maintaining integrity, their efforts were aimed at creating a public image, often at the expense of genuine governance and also at public cost.

As citizens, we are conditioned to scrutinise and interpret every action and behaviour of politicians, often using exaggerated language and overemphasising their significance. This tendency can be traced back to a culture where political leaders are frequently treated as larger-than-life figures, and even the smallest gesture is magnified for public consumption. This exaggerated focus often tend to distort our perception of what really matters in governance, shifting attention away from the critical issues of governance and the real achievements — or failures — of those in power.

Politicians are elected and compensated to serve the best interests of the country and its people. As Harini Amarasuriya, the Prime Minister, aptly stated, they are in a social contract with the public, meaning that their role is not voluntary or philanthropic, but rather a responsibility that comes with the authority entrusted to them by the citizens. The decisions they make and the policies they implement are part of their fundamental duty, not acts of charity or benevolence. It is crucial to recognise that politicians are not doing the public a favour by fulfilling their obligations: rather, they are carrying out the tasks for which they were elected and are paid for. In a functioning democracy, this contract between the government and the people requires that politicians prioritise the welfare of the nation and ensure that their actions align with the promises made during their campaign. The real measure of a politician’s effectiveness lies not in the praise they receive for ‘doing good deeds,’ but in the tangible results of their work—the policies they enact, the laws they pass, and the positive impact they have on the lives of citizens

Many academics and civil society members post images on social media showing their closeness to the Prime Minister or the President. The government has promised to abolish nepotism, yet it is ironic to see these images circulating, showcasing how some individuals appear to be personally connected to the ruling powers. In urban settings, nepotism is not necessarily tied to blood relations; it can also exist within close friend circles. This behaviour contradicts the very principles of transparency and fairness that the government claims to uphold. When influential figures in society publicly display their proximity to those in power, it not only undermines the government’s anti-nepotism stance, but also raises questions about the authenticity of their commitment to equitable governance. Such images can create an unhealthy perception of favouritism, where access to political leaders seems to be based on personal connections, thus perpetuating the same power dynamics the government aims to dismantle.

Many academics have positioned themselves as staunch supporters of the new government, effectively trying to claim ownership of its success. While it is true that academics — particularly those in the humanities and social sciences — are often privileged with a deeper understanding of society, they should, in my view, maintain a significant degree of impartiality when it comes to political affiliations. Academics possess the tools to analyse complex societal issues from multiple perspectives, and this should enable them to remain objective rather than become overtly aligned with any one political party. Their role, in my opinion, is not to be the driving force behind a government, but to serve as critical thinkers who hold powers to account. By remaining neutral, academics can more effectively challenge the government when it strays from its responsibilities, promote healthy criticism, and spark constructive dialogue between the state and the citizens. Prof. Sasanka Perera raised similar concerns in the People’s Movement for Renaissance Forum, where he addressed the role and responsibilities of academics under the new government. In a democratic society, this role of impartial oversight is essential to ensuring that policies are well thought out, citizens’ voices are heard, and the government remains responsive to the needs of the people.

Finally, I sincerely wish the newly elected government all the success and strength in fulfilling their responsibilities. As they take on the enormous task of leading the country, I hope they prioritise expanding democratic spaces and fostering meaningful dialogue. A strong democracy thrives when citizens have the freedom to engage in open discussions, voice their concerns, and participate actively in shaping the direction of the nation. It is crucial that the government not only respects these principles but also actively works to create an environment where diverse perspectives can be heard and valued.

(Anushka Kahandagamage is reading for her PhD in the School of Social Sciences, University of Otago).

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Features

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

Published

7 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

7 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

7 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.