Features

The Ceylon Journal

Published

1 year ago

2024/08/18

Review by Rajiva Wijesinha

Earlier this month I attended the launch of a new journal, the brainchild of a youngster called Avishka Mario Seneviratne. I had been urged to attend by Goolbai Gunasekara, a great patron of imaginative learning, whom I much admire, but in fact I had met Avishka previously, when he turned up at home to look through books from a library that I was disposing of.

All learning seems to be grist to Avishka’s mill, and what he conceived of is a journal that covers a multiplicity of subjects, looking at a range of aspects of Sri Lankan history. For this purpose he got together a brilliant team of writers, ranging from my old Peradeniya colleague Prof C R de Silva to the evergreen Elmo Jayawardena. There is a vivid account by Chandran Ratnam, who has done much to put this country on the map, of the making here of an Indiana Jones film, while Avishka himself has contributed an account of the life and work of Roland Raven-Hart who wrote a great deal about this country. His most famous book in this regard was Ceylon History in Stone, which covers, as Avishka puts it, ‘travel, history, heritage and people’.

With regard to people, Avishka does not miss out Raven-Hart’s ‘weakness for young boys’, but he deals with this elegantly, without the prurience which affects some critics of Raven-Hart’s work. Interestingly, the article suggests that he influenced Arthur C. Clarke, who shared some of his perspectives, to settle in Sri Lanka. Clarke in turn described Raven-Hart as ‘a fusion of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Professor Summerlee and the traveller Sir Richard Burton’. I should note that I find the comparison with Summerlee strange, and wonder whether Clarke meant Challenger, the adventurous protagonist of The Lost World rather than his sceptical colleague Summerlee.

There is a beautifully evocative account of the ’43 Group, while a much earlier artist is brought before us in an article by the Chairman of the George Keyt foundation about Andrew Nicholl who produced some lovely watercolours in Ceylon in the middle of the 19^th century. It mentioned what I had not known, knowing about the two in two different compartments as it were, that he had been a protégé of Emerson Tennant, Colonial Secretary, who wrote one of the best known tomes about Sri Lanka.

The journal is a fund of information about many subjects, but it is all information that anyone, whatever their concerns, would find interesting. And the articles are all immensely readable, written in simple language that conveys much very readily. This applies to pieces by senior academics as well as the youngsters to whom Avishka has given space, notably the Secretary of the Journal Committee, Ashan de Alwis, who has produced a very readable account of the persecution of Muralitharan in the nineties and the forceful response of Captain Arjuna Ranatunga.

Though all credit goes to Avishka for his brainchild, he did not produce it on his own, but with what seems to have been an efficient support team, including not only his school friends, but also senior public figures.

Amongst these is our most senior and distinguished Civil Servant, Dharmasiri Pieris, who had agreed to be the patron of the journal. Its legal advisor is Manohara de Silva who has contributed a fascinating piece about how the Supreme Court overturned a sensible judgment by Paul E Pieris, and thus contributed to the triumphalism that led to the Sinhala-Muslim riots of 2015. I had not realized before that the lead role in this was taken by Justice de Sampayo, a Sinhalese, and the British judge in the case seems to have followed his lead.

A less well known topic, also quite fascinating, is looked at by two Peradeniya medics, whose wider concerns are exemplified in an account of the tree under which Major Davie, whose ill fate it had been to be left in charge of the 1803 British expeditionary force in Kandy, found himself surrounded despite the safe conduct that had been negotiated. Horrible though subsequent British treatment of the Kandyans was, both of the king and the nobles and people who revolted, the bitterness caused by the king reneging on his word may have seemed to perfidious Albion to justify continuing perfidy.

Less dramatic elements in recent history are presented in accounts of female Marxist activists in the early 20^th century, including the dynamic Gunawardenas (and Vivienne Goonewardene too) and the British wives of Ceylonese idealists such as Doreen Wickremasinghe, and the now forgotten first female MP from the LSSP, Florence Senanayake, mother of Laki. As a counterpart to this we have a sympathetic study of George Wall, a merchant prince of the 19^th century who was however sympathetic to the people of the country and fought in the Legislative Council, along with Charles Ambrose Lorenz and James de Alwis, against the Paddy Land Tax. Incidentally it was Lorenz who started in 1850 a journal called Young Ceylon which was the inspiration for Avishka’s undertaking.

The erudite academic Sandagomi Coperahewa has written about linguistic culture in early colonial Sri Lanka, highlighting the impact of Portuguese as well as the efforts of the Dutch to gain familiarity with the local languages. Coperahewa’s pluralism is apparent too from his highlighting the role of Tamil in the Kandyan kingdom.

An academic of earlier times, Prof Paranavitana, writes of the early cartography of the island, while there is also a less erudite but equally fascinating account of early banknotes. All these articles, if brief, clearly make their points, the one exception being a piece of Colombo architecture which introduces many interesting ideas and characters but with no clear conclusions – but perhaps that simply reflects the confusion that has overcome the city.

All in all the Journal is a joy in both conception and execution, and I hope the energy of its founder leads to many more numbers. Certainly the enthusiasm of the young, in a context is which so much around us seems moribund, is immensely welcome, and I hope heralds a renaissance in this country.

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Features

US’ drastic aid cut to UN poses moral challenge to world

Published

7 hours ago

2026/01/1

Thilina Walpola

An UN humanitarian mission in the Gaza. [File: Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency]

‘Adapt, shrink or die’ – thus runs the warning issued by the Trump administration to UN humanitarian agencies with brute insensitivity in the wake of its recent decision to drastically reduce to $2bn its humanitarian aid to the UN system. This is a substantial climb down from the $17bn the US usually provided to the UN for its humanitarian operations.

Considering that the US has hitherto been the UN’s biggest aid provider, it need hardly be said that the US decision would pose a daunting challenge to the UN’s humanitarian operations around the world. This would indeed mean that, among other things, people living in poverty and stifling material hardships, in particularly the Southern hemisphere, could dramatically increase. Coming on top of the US decision to bring to an end USAID operations, the poor of the world could be said to have been left to their devices as a consequence of these morally insensitive policy rethinks of the Trump administration.

Earlier, the UN had warned that it would be compelled to reduce its aid programs in the face of ‘the deepest funding cuts ever.’ In fact the UN is on record as requesting the world for $23bn for its 2026 aid operations.

If this UN appeal happens to go unheeded, the possibilities are that the UN would not be in a position to uphold the status it has hitherto held as the world’s foremost humanitarian aid provider. It would not be incorrect to state that a substantial part of the rationale for the UN’s existence could come in for questioning if its humanitarian identity is thus eroded.

Inherent in these developments is a challenge for those sections of the international community that wish to stand up and be counted as humanists and the ‘Conscience of the World.’ A responsibility is cast on them to not only keep the UN system going but to also ensure its increased efficiency as a humanitarian aid provider to particularly the poorest of the poor.

It is unfortunate that the US is increasingly opting for a position of international isolation. Such a policy position was adopted by it in the decades leading to World War Two and the consequences for the world as a result for this policy posture were most disquieting. For instance, it opened the door to the flourishing of dictatorial regimes in the West, such as that led by Adolph Hitler in Germany, which nearly paved the way for the subjugation of a good part of Europe by the Nazis.

If the US had not intervened militarily in the war on the side of the Allies, the West would have faced the distressing prospect of coming under the sway of the Nazis and as a result earned indefinite political and military repression. By entering World War Two the US helped to ward off these bleak outcomes and indeed helped the major democracies of Western Europe to hold their own and thrive against fascism and dictatorial rule.

Republican administrations in the US in particular have not proved the greatest defenders of democratic rule the world over, but by helping to keep the international power balance in favour of democracy and fundamental human rights they could keep under a tight leash fascism and linked anti-democratic forces even in contemporary times. Russia’s invasion and continued occupation of parts of Ukraine reminds us starkly that the democracy versus fascism battle is far from over.

Right now, the US needs to remain on the side of the rest of the West very firmly, lest fascism enjoys another unfettered lease of life through the absence of countervailing and substantial military and political power.

However, by reducing its financial support for the UN and backing away from sustaining its humanitarian programs the world over the US could be laying the ground work for an aggravation of poverty in the South in particular and its accompaniments, such as, political repression, runaway social discontent and anarchy.

What should not go unnoticed by the US is the fact that peace and social stability in the South and the flourishing of the same conditions in the global North are symbiotically linked, although not so apparent at first blush. For instance, if illegal migration from the South to the US is a major problem for the US today, it is because poor countries are not receiving development assistance from the UN system to the required degree. Such deprivation on the part of the South leads to aggravating social discontent in the latter and consequences such as illegal migratory movements from South to North.

Accordingly, it will be in the North’s best interests to ensure that the South is not deprived of sustained development assistance since the latter is an essential condition for social contentment and stable governance, which factors in turn would guard against the emergence of phenomena such as illegal migration.

Meanwhile, democratic sections of the rest of the world in particular need to consider it a matter of conscience to ensure the sustenance and flourishing of the UN system. To be sure, the UN system is considerably flawed but at present it could be called the most equitable and fair among international development organizations and the most far-flung one. Without it world poverty would have proved unmanageable along with the ills that come along with it.

Dehumanizing poverty is an indictment on humanity. It stands to reason that the world community should rally round the UN and ensure its survival lest the abomination which is poverty flourishes. In this undertaking the world needs to stand united. Ambiguities on this score could be self-defeating for the world community.

For example, all groupings of countries that could demonstrate economic muscle need to figure prominently in this initiative. One such grouping is BRICS. Inasmuch as the US and the West should shrug aside Realpolitik considerations in this enterprise, the same goes for organizations such as BRICS.

The arrival at the above international consensus would be greatly facilitated by stepped up dialogue among states on the continued importance of the UN system. Fresh efforts to speed-up UN reform would prove major catalysts in bringing about these positive changes as well. Also requiring to be shunned is the blind pursuit of narrow national interests.

Features

Egg white scene …

Published

7 hours ago

2026/01/1

Thilina Walpola

Hi! Great to be back after my Christmas break.

Thought of starting this week with egg white.

Yes, eggs are brimming with nutrients beneficial for your overall health and wellness, but did you know that eggs, especially the whites, are excellent for your complexion?

OK, if you have no idea about how to use egg whites for your face, read on.

Egg White, Lemon, Honey:

Separate the yolk from the egg white and add about a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and about one and a half teaspoons of organic honey. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are mixed well.

Apply this mixture to your face and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes before cleansing your face with a gentle face wash.

Don’t forget to apply your favourite moisturiser, after using this face mask, to help seal in all the goodness.

Egg White, Avocado:

In a clean mixing bowl, start by mashing the avocado, until it turns into a soft, lump-free paste, and then add the whites of one egg, a teaspoon of yoghurt and mix everything together until it looks like a creamy paste.

Apply this mixture all over your face and neck area, and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off with cold water and a gentle face wash.

Egg White, Cucumber, Yoghurt:

In a bowl, add one egg white, one teaspoon each of yoghurt, fresh cucumber juice and organic honey. Mix all the ingredients together until it forms a thick paste.

Apply this paste all over your face and neck area and leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then gently rinse off this face mask with lukewarm water and immediately follow it up with a gentle and nourishing moisturiser.

Egg White, Aloe Vera, Castor Oil:

To the egg white, add about a teaspoon each of aloe vera gel and castor oil and then mix all the ingredients together and apply it all over your face and neck area in a thin, even layer.

Leave it on for about 20 minutes and wash it off with a gentle face wash and some cold water. Follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.

Features

Confusion cropping up with Ne-Yo in the spotlight

Published

7 hours ago

2026/01/1

Thilina Walpola

Ne-Yo: His management should clarify the last-minute cancellation

Superlatives galore were used, especially on social media, to highlight R&B singer Ne-Yo’s trip to Sri Lanka: Global superstar Ne-Yo to perform live in Colombo this December; Ne-Yo concert puts Sri Lanka back on the global entertainment map; A global music sensation is coming to Sri Lanka … and there were lots more!

At an official press conference, held at a five-star venue, in Colombo, it was indicated that the gathering marked a defining moment for Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry as international R&B powerhouse and three-time Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo prepares to take the stage in Colombo this December.

What’s more, the occasion was graced by the presence of Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs of Sri Lanka, and Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, alongside distinguished dignitaries, sponsors, and members of the media.

Shah Rukh Khan: Disappointed his fans in Sri Lanka

According to reports, the concert had received the official endorsement of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, recognising it as a flagship initiative in developing the country’s concert economy by attracting fans, and media, from all over South Asia.

Nick Carter: His concert, too, was cancelled due to “Unforeseen circumstances

However, I had that strange feeling that this concert would not become a reality, keeping in mind what happened to Nick Carter’s Colombo concert – cancelled at the very last moment.

Carter issued a video message announcing he had to return to the USA due to “unforeseen circumstances” and a “family emergency”.

Though “unforeseen circumstances” was the official reason provided by Carter and the local organisers, there was speculation that low ticket sales may also have been a factor in the cancellation.

Well, “Unforeseen Circumstances” has cropped up again!

In a brief statement, via social media, the organisers of the Ne-Yo concert said the decision was taken due to “unforeseen circumstances and factors beyond their control.”

Ne-Yo, too, subsequently made an announcement, citing “Unforeseen circumstances.”

The public has a right to know what these “unforeseen circumstances” are, and who is to be blamed – the organisers or Ne-Yo!

Ne-Yo’s management certainly need to come out with the truth.

However, those who are aware of some of the happenings in the setup here put it down to poor ticket sales, mentioning that the tickets for the concert, and a meet-and-greet event, were exorbitantly high, considering that Ne-Yo is not a current mega star.

We also had a cancellation coming our way from Shah Rukh Khan, who was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka for the City of Dreams resort launch, and then this was received: “Unfortunately due to unforeseen personal reasons beyond his control, Mr. Khan is no longer able to attend.”

Referring to this kind of mess up, a leading showbiz personality said that it will only make people reluctant to buy their tickets, online.

“Tickets will go mostly at the gate and it will be very bad for the industry,” he added.