Features

Rising human insecurity triggering a civilisational crisis

Published

2 years ago

2024/08/29

Ukrainian civilians displaced in Russian air attacks

The steeply rising human costs of war point to the outbreak of a civilizational crisis which seems to be growing well beyond the managerial capabilities of the international community. The increasingly callous disregard for human life on the part of particularly the world’s major powers and their allies starkly characterizes the crisis.

Since civilization is defined essentially by the existence of empathy and care among humans, the current unconscionable overlooking of the value of life among warring human collectivities and countries points to the steady erosion of what has come to be recognized as civilization or humanity. In other words, barbarism and complete lawlessness are perilously close to defining the principal essence of dominant human groups and their members.

Accordingly, how to sensitize humans to the need to be standard bearers once again of all that has hitherto been seen as central to being human in the true sense of the phrase, emerges as a principal challenge for the world community and its prime institutions.

While the UN has been hapless in the face of rising lawlessness, for quite understandable reasons, given that it is usually the stage for self-destructive power struggles among the world’s foremost states, humanity’s main religions have been proving equally ineffective as protectors of civilizational values.

The latter observation is prompted by the fact that, more often than not, principal religions, over the centuries, have tended to be in league with states that have been on the wrong side of International Law. Likewise, they have found it advantageous to ‘look the other way’ in the face of power abuse by governments and the oppression of their citizenries.

What the humanist is likely to find most distressing is a tendency on the part of some religious formations and institutions to team up cozily with repressive regimes and political actors who thrive on divisions and antagonisms. The extreme Christian Right in the US and the principal religious institutions of Russia, also of a purported Christian bent, come easily to mind in this connection. The former is usually a handy ally of the political Right, while latter has been hand-in-glove with the Putin regime, for example.

What the above religious groups perceive as their Christian obligations or calling could prove controversial to those who are familiar with the central values of Christianity because these religious actors have not found it compulsory to call in question the excesses and lawlessness perpetrated by their political allies. For example, the extreme Christian Right in the US has been backing Republican regimes in their humanly costly military interventions abroad, while the main conservative religious formations of Russia have been firmly behind the Putin administration, which is persisting in its invasion of the Ukraine, disregarding the resultant blood-letting.

However, the principal message of Christianity is humanity or ‘love for one’s neighbour’. In Christian terms, ‘one’s neighbour’ is any human one happens to relate to in the normal course of things. This tenet is central to humanity and consequently to civilization. Minus the empathy and human warmth that goes along with humanity, civilization is well- nigh impossible.

That said, it needs to be recognized that the rest of the world’s major religions have over the centuries nourished civilization and enabled it to flower as well. Some of these are Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

However, against the backdrop of barbarism showing signs of being on the ascendant, a duty is cast on the clergies of all religions that revere life, to say ‘No’ to their cloisters and go forth to preach humanity to the world, and above all, practise it. In the process, they would need to establish their credibility by opposing governments that oppress their publics. This would be their acid test.

Meanwhile, the challenge of UN reform would need to be taken up afresh by the world community and resolved to the extent possible. If the UN is looking on helplessly at the current globe-wide lawlessness and bloodshed, it is mainly because the composition of the UN Security Council (UNSC) has been continuing unchanged from the time of the establishment of the UN system. Consequently, some of the old imperial powers and authoritarian states, such as Russia and China, are continuing to wield decisive power within the UN.

Needless to say, the global power distribution, or “structure”, has changed drastically since the fifties. Currently, countries such as India, South Africa and Brazil wield sizeable economic, military and political power and easily qualify to be permanent members of the UNSC. Their induction into the latter organ could help in containing the substantial power that has been hitherto wielded by the original ‘Big Five’ of the UNSC.

The induction of the mentioned new powers into the UNSC would not necessarily translate into speedier resolution of global conflicts and wars by the UN system, but it could go some distance in helping to effectively manage and curtail any irregularities that the original ‘Big Five’ may commit in the exercising of their power. Therefore, UN reform needs to be persisted with and speeded-up, regardless of the grueling nature of the task at hand.

Meanwhile, the ‘Massacre of the Innocents’ is continuing relentlessly in the world’s war and conflict zones. At the time of writing, the Gaza blood-letting is showing signs of degenerating into a regional war with the Hezbollah in Lebanon taking on Israel’s unrelenting military machine. Neither side is prevailing over the other, but civilians in rising numbers are losing their lives. Big powers, such as the US, which are mediating in the stand-off are proving more or less ineffective and the West Bank too is coming under Israeli attacks.

The crisis in the Middle East has been further compounded by a withdrawal of the UN from humanitarian operations in the Gaza. Needless to say, the Longsuffering of the Gaza civilians would continue.

There is no let-up to the pain and agony of the Ukrainian civilians as well. In response to the latest military setbacks in the Ukraine, Russia is hitting on the strategy of targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This would result in mounting deaths among Ukrainian civilians.

Accordingly, humankind would need to work on several fronts to save and protect its civilizational values. While taking on UN reform and rendering governments accountable to their publics, the international community would need to explore every possibility of inculcating strongly in the consciences of the rulers and the ruled a profound respect for life.

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Features

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

Published

22 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

23 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

23 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.