Features

Rallies and police brutality along with a shaky rise from hiding; and two slim slivers of silver in the sky

Published

3 years ago

2022/10/21

People, mostly well-groomed and decent, gathering at Gotagogama on Saturday, October 9, to commemorate the inauguration of the peaceful protest on April 9 against the then rulers of the land – principally the Rajapaksa family of Prez, PM, several Ministers and of course legions of hangers on drooling in servitude waiting to pick up crumbs. People had brought their children, even babes in arms. Then swooped down dressed-for-battle police persons in large numbers. One would have thought they were prepared to tackle a mutiny, not a mere commemorative gathering. Mayhem resulted. One is sure that if left unattacked, the protestors would have registered their remembrance of the start of the originally peaceful aragalaya, and gone home. It seemed to be the usual family visit to Galle Face Green for fresh air, room for children to romp around and a mite of respite from the eternal struggle to exist that is now the norm for most people. The use of strongarm tactics was not necessary, but it occurred; proving the police no longer protect the people they are paid to do, nor maintain peace, at least no conflict. They are out to instill fear in the people, repress them and attempt having them protesting no longer. Contrary to this aim of those above the police who dictate terms, this kind of blatant harassment of persons protesting about genuine grave grievances, and manhandled, will lead to real trouble.

The threat of complete anarchy is clearly discerned; important persons and organisaiton have warned the government to resist using strong arm tactics unnecessarily; it will sure bring about more protests with violence ensuing.

The police had every right to be on the alert, but away from the scene. They exceeded their duty by attacking the protestors on October 9 and again on October 18 when the IUSF started a protest which was peaceful from Kelaniya Uni.After October 9, a hue and cry resulted from a father holding up a red trouser-clad small child. This was labeled by some as holding the child as a shield to defend himself. TV record of the incident was very different: the father seemed to be lifting him up to save the kid from the pressing of the police attacked crowd. If you hold a human shield to protect yourself, the shield is held against your chest. Another incident recorded was of police women grabbing a young woman very roughly ignoring completely the small girl with her. The child was not only terrified but crushed in the melee.

Of course, the parents with children should have moved away when the police starting manhandling the crowd. But isn’t Galle Face Green a space for family recreation? Also, the benefit of doubt should be given the two parents: they could have come for an evening stroll and fresh air and were not aware of the commemorative gathering of people.

Comment on editorial

The editor of The Island is always spot on in his daily comment. Additionally, he says it as it should be said – factually and boldly. On Monday October 10, he titled his editorial as When severed heads bite, and maintained the metaphor of certain ex-govt bods being vicious snakes.

First truth stated: The SLPP lost the presidency due to public protests, but its ‘head’ has retained the bite reflex, and continues to sting fiercely as evident from numerous corrupt deals, the on-going witch-hunt against anti-govt protestors, and the ouster of the Chairmen of COPE and COPA. He writes about a rally held in Kalutara organised by Rohitha Abeygunawardena, an abject supporter of the R family. Jeffrey’s cartoon pictorially shows who is the master mind of this testing-the-water resurgence: a shawl bedecked black kaputa – Kaak Kaak! Rohitha shed tears. Cass hears crocodiles are proliferating in our swamps and rivers. And why the tears? Bemoaning the ingratitude of people forgetting the Father, Son and Brethren who did so much for the country. You can interpret ‘so much’ as you think fit; Cass adds the word ‘damage’.

Son and heir Namal R was on a house to house campaign in Suriyawewa; stroking kids’ heads, patting elders on the back, chatting solicitously. Aney, so sweet, chile! Cass did not hear what he said, maybe that all are suffering until he and his kith and kin return to power.

A rally of so-called supporters of the Pohottu Party was also held Upcountry, more recently, organised by Mahindananda Aluthgamage. We remember his effigy set on fire by farmers several times over, with, Cass is certain, curses that the real was not available for burning. He categorically denied sharing the blame for banning chemical fertilizers et al, while being such a yes man and acolyte of Prez Gotabaya. He stopped short of denying knowing about it, like MPs have averred they did not know the country was burning economically. Idiots not to even hear rumours.

Second truth in the editorial: The question however is whether the ruling party politicians care two hoots about the ordinary people’s tears. Namal did not cry but shone forth in a shiny shirt. Nice, no? He pontificated at fair length at the Nawalapitiya rally. Barring supporters, all Sri Lankans will shout a shattering NO to this rhetorical question posed by the Editor. These politicians brought us our tears, hunger, lack of medicines, malnutrition of the majority of poorer children, and they have the gall and gumption to reappear on stages campaigning for another round of ruling. Of course, one never knows, recognizing full well our people who are easily bribable to sing hosannas and vote for a paltry pittance.

Third truth: Abeygunawardena should be asked what he did for a living before entering politics, and how he raised funds for the acquisition of the assets which the Helmet Brigade destroyed in May. The arsonists must be apprehended and punished. Plenty work for the police instead of attacking peaceful protestors. But even more emphatically do the people say: pay no compensation for those whose houses were torched. Most, except Ranil W, came to politics with no means, no riches at all. Saving on salaries and perks can never account for the wealth they acquired.

Woman swindler

Sir Lanka is a great copycat; not the good from other countries but evil and crime. Latest is about Thilini Piyamali, who swindled greedy men out of their money, working from a posh office. Cass remembers that in her youth she heard that Chicago was the centre of crime. She now feels we have far exceeded that city in the extent of corruption and crime over here and the variety of it. VIPs are supposed to be busy trying to haul her out, not for her sake, most certainly, or through chivalry but to save their skins, because they not only had financial dealings with her hoping to recoup much more than invested, but wanted and had, we suppose, intimacy. Their strategy is enjoy, even exploit and discard. Facades have to be maintained, though most of the country knows about their dilly dalliances.

Silver linings to the thunderous clouds of doom and gloom

Render heartful thanks! Sing hossanahs of praise! Laud the glorious winners!

Shehan Karunatillaka, by winning the 2022 Booker Prize for the best English novel, has brought this little island such honour and prestige. Started in 1969, it became the Man Booker Prize from 2002 to 2019 and has reverted to being known as the Booker Prize. Shehan won it for his macabre but described as “searing, mordantly funny satire set amid the murderous mayhem of a Sri Lanka beset by civil war.” Its protagonist Maali Almeida – photographer, gambler and closet queen – finds himself dead and in a group of also recently dead characters “in what seems like a celestial visa office.” The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida places us firmly on the map of prestige. Shehan was not only handed his prize by Queen Consort Camilla but also pecked on both cheeks. The best was his speech of acceptance in English, Sinhala and Tamil, mentioning how our country is now horrors-stricken; but not forever.

Yupun Abeykoon received the Bronze Medal in Birmingham for the 100 metre dash, the most difficult of athletic competitive items to Cass, just 4 seconds behind the winner. Great!

Let you, Cass and others who moan a country that has been brought to the depths, take courage and hope from these successes. Push the corrupt off our minds but remembering to beat them at the next election. Let’s celebrate our WINNERS!

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Features

Maduro abduction marks dangerous aggravation of ‘world disorder’

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Venezuelan President Maduro being taken to a court in New York

The abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces on January 3rd and his coercive conveying to the US to stand trial over a number of allegations leveled against him by the Trump administration marks a dangerous degeneration of prevailing ‘world disorder’. While some cardinal principles in International Law have been blatantly violated by the US in the course of the operation the fallout for the world from the exceptionally sensational VVIP abduction could be grave.

Although controversial US military interventions the world over are not ‘news’ any longer, the abduction and hustling away of a head of government, seen as an enemy of the US, to stand trial on the latter soil amounts to a heavy-handed and arrogant rejection of the foundational principles of international law and order. It would seem, for instance, that the concept of national sovereignty is no longer applicable to the way in which the world’s foremost powers relate to the rest of the international community. Might is indeed right for the likes of the US and the Trump administration in particular is adamant in driving this point home to the world.

Chief spokesmen for the Trump administration have been at pains to point out that the abduction is not at variance with national security related provisions of the US Constitution. These provisions apparently bestow on the US President wide powers to protect US security and stability through courses of action that are seen as essential to further these ends but the fact is that International Law has been brazenly violated in the process in the Venezuelan case.

To be sure, this is not the first occasion on which a head of government has been abducted by US special forces in post-World War Two times and made to stand trial in the US, since such a development occurred in Panama in 1989, but the consequences for the world could be doubly grave as a result of such actions, considering the mounting ‘disorder’ confronting the world community.

Those sections opposed to the Maduro abduction in the US would do well to from now on seek ways of reconciling national security-related provisions in the US Constitution with the country’s wider international commitment to uphold international peace and law and order. No ambiguities could be permitted on this score.

While the arbitrary military action undertaken by the US to further its narrow interests at whatever cost calls for criticism, it would be only fair to point out that the US is not the only big power which has thus dangerously eroded the authority of International Law in recent times. Russia, for example, did just that when it violated the sovereignty of Ukraine by invading it two or more years ago on some nebulous, unconvincing grounds. Consequently, the Ukraine crisis too poses a grave threat to international peace.

It is relevant to mention in this connection that authoritarian rulers who hope to rule their countries in perpetuity as it were, usually end up, sooner rather than later, being a blight on their people. This is on account of the fact that they prove a major obstacle to the implementation of the democratic process which alone holds out the promise of the prgressive empowerment of the people, whereas authoritarian rulers prefer to rule with an iron fist with a fixation about self-empowerment.

Nevertheless, regime-change, wherever it may occur, is a matter for the public concerned. In a functional democracy, it is the people, and the people only, who ‘make or break’ governments. From this viewpoint, Russia and Venezuela are most lacking. But externally induced, militarily mediated change is a gross abnormality in the world or democracy, which deserves decrying.

By way of damage control, the US could take the initiative to ensure that the democratic process, read as the full empowerment of ordinary people, takes hold in Venezuela. In this manner the US could help in stemming some of the destructive fallout from its abduction operation. Any attempts by the US to take possession of the national wealth of Venezuela at this juncture are bound to earn for it the condemnation of democratic opinion the world over.

Likewise, the US needs to exert all its influence to ensure that the rights of ordinary Ukrainians are protected. It will need to ensure this while exploring ways of stopping further incursions into Ukrainian territory by Russia’s invading forces. It will need to do this in collaboration with the EU which is putting its best foot forward to end the Ukraine blood-letting.

Meanwhile, the repercussions that the Maduro abduction could have on the global South would need to be watched with some concern by the international community. Here too the EU could prove a positive influence since it is doubtful whether the UN would be enabled by the big powers to carry out the responsibilities that devolve on it with the required effectiveness.

What needs to be specifically watched is the ‘copycat effect’ that could manifest among those less democratically inclined Southern rulers who would be inspired by the Trump administration to take the law into their hands, so to speak, and act with callous disregard for the sovereign rights of their smaller and more vulnerable neighbours.

Democratic opinion the world over would need to think of systems of checks and balances that could contain such power abuse by Southern autocratic rulers in particular. The UN and democracy-supportive organizations, such as the EU, could prove suitable partners in these efforts.

All in all it is international lawlessness that needs managing effectively from now on. If President Trump carries out his threat to over-run other countries as well in the manner in which he ran rough-shod over Venezuela, there is unlikely to remain even a semblance of international order, considering that anarchy would be receiving a strong fillip from the US, ‘The World’s Mightiest Democracy’.

What is also of note is that identity politics in particularly the South would be unprecedentedly energized. The narrative that ‘the Great Satan’ is running amok would win considerable validity among the theocracies of the Middle East and set the stage for a resurgence of religious fanaticism and invigorated armed resistance to the US. The Trump administration needs to stop in its tracks and weigh the pros and cons of its current foreign policy initiatives.

Features

Pure Christmas magic and joy at British School

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Students of The British High School in Colombo in action at the fashion show

The British School in Colombo (BSC) hosted its Annual Christmas Carnival 2025, ‘Gingerbread Wonderland’, which was a huge success, with the students themseles in the spotlight, managing stalls and volunteering.

The event, organised by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), featured a variety of activities, including: Games and rides for all ages, Food stalls offering delicious treats, Drinks and refreshments, Trade booths showcasing local products, and Live music and entertainment.

The carnival was held at the school premises, providing a fun and festive atmosphere for students, parents, and the community to enjoy.

The halls of the BSC were filled with pure Christmas magic and joy with the students and the staff putting on a tremendous display.

Among the highlights was the dazzling fashion show with the students doing the needful, and they were very impressive.

The students themselves were eagerly looking forward to displaying their modelling technique and, I’m told, they enjoyed the moment they had to step on the ramp.

The event supported communities affected by the recent floods, with surplus proceeds going to flood-relief efforts.

Features

Glowing younger looking skin

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hi! This week I’m giving you some beauty tips so that you could look forward to enjoying 2026 with a glowing younger looking skin.

Face wash for natural beauty

* Avocado:

Take the pulp, make a paste of it and apply on your face. Leave it on for five minutes and then wash it with normal water.

* Cucumber:

Just rub some cucumber slices on your face for 02-03 minutes to cleanse the oil naturally. Wash off with plain water.

* Buttermilk:

Apply all over your face and leave it to dry, then wash it with normal water (works for mixed to oily skin).

Face scrub for natural beauty

Take 01-02 strawberries, 02 pieces of kiwis or 02 cubes of watermelons. Mash any single fruit and apply on your face. Then massage or scrub it slowly for at least 3-5 minutes in circular motions. Then wash it thoroughly with normal or cold water. You can make use of different fruits during different seasons, and see what suits you best! Follow with a natural face mask.

Face Masks

* Papaya and Honey:

Take two pieces of papaya (peeled) and mash them to make a paste. Apply evenly on your face and leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it with cold water.

Papaya is just not a fruit but one of the best natural remedies for good health and glowing younger looking skin. It also helps in reducing pimples and scars. You can also add honey (optional) to the mixture which helps massage and makes your skin glow.

* Banana:

Put a few slices of banana, 01 teaspoon of honey (optional), in a bowl, and mash them nicely. Apply on your face, and massage it gently all over the face for at least 05 minutes. Then wash it off with normal water. For an instant glow on your face, this facemask is a great idea to try!

* Carrot:

Make a paste using 01 carrot (steamed) by mixing it with milk or honey and apply on your face and neck evenly. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes and then wash it with cold water. Carrots work really well for your skin as they have many vitamins and minerals, which give instant shine and younger-looking skin.