Features

The World and Sri Lanka in 2022

Published

4 years ago

2023/01/8

The Editor of this newspaper titled his editorial on January 1^st 2022 ‘Our Annus Horribilis’. Justified since the year was horrible but most of the recent past years have been horribilis and unpardonably so because the horrors were man made by our leaders.

The late Queen Elizabeth II brought the Latin expression to prominence by using it to label the year 1992 in a speech she made at the London Guildhall celebration of her Ruby Jubilee (40 years) as queen. In that year she suffered three immediate family breakups and divorces, and fire at Windsor Castle to cap it all.

I failed to find out who first used the term and when to name a year of disaster and misfortune. Many have used it. Kofi Anan, UN Secretary General said 2004 was an annus horribilis for the world as so many upheavals occurred – in Afghanistan, the Congo, Palestine and even allegation of corruption leveled against UN officials in Iran. In 2020 the US awarded the Golden Raspberry to that year as the worst calendar year of events.

To come back to the editorial of the first day of the New Year, the Editor listed the political, agricultural, economic and health disasters that battered Sri Lanka. The saddest and most unacceptable fact is that Nature, though it blew tornadoes, stormed, flooded, ignited forest fires, warmed some countries and caused cold blizzards in others, left our country only slightly bruised by heavy rains and slight droughts, and even these few and far between. All the horrendous disasters were mostly man-made as I said earlier and accusing fingers can justifiably be pointed at one family and its cohorts for much of what hit us.

Global disasters

I list these according to my opinion of the gravity and how badly affected people were. The worst was the war in Ukraine which ushered in a war in Europe after about 78 years. The UN set up to prevent international conflicts seemed helpless. On February 4 Russia launched a ‘special military operation’ that it said was needed to force the ‘demilitarization and denazification’ of Ukraine. Warnings of what was comingt had been issued by many countries and organizations, but no serious note of these were taken. Hence Ukraine was taken somewhat by surprise though Russian troops and vehicles had been massing on its border.

I well remember columnist Gwynne Dyer whom I never miss reading in The Island, pronouncing Russia would not advance on Ukraine nor attack it. However, to the surprise of the Kremlin and most military experts, Ukraine withstood the onslaught. It continues to see- saw and Putin remains adamant in his desire to recreate a modern USSR, not minding one jot the mass murder of his men and Ukrainians as they are showered with Iran made drones. Of course NATO and western countries are pumping arms and ammunition to battered Ukraine. Let us admit President Volodomyr Zelensky, ex-comedy actor, is proving his mettle and leading his country courageously.

Many more disasters are ongoing such as protests in Iran over the death of young Mahsa Amin who was caught in public by a morality police with her head uncovered – no hijab. Her death drew millions out in protest. They continued their marches and slogan “Women, life, freedom’ even in the face of government decreed public executions. No peace or settlement of this women’s issue is seen.

Sad stories of people escaping their countries seeking greener pastures is daily news and many of these attempts to start new lives end in death – at sea on frail boats or unseaworthy trawlers or by suffocation in prime movers of cargo. Refugees in 2022 numbered well over 32 million it is estimated, and over 100 million when internally displaced, in-country refugees are added. This is a severe indictment on governments the worldover.

A disaster which affects the entire world is climate change. Forty years ago scientists warned the world was heading for trouble and that if not taken serious note of and remedied, could and would turn catastrophic. Heat waves intensified; just as freezing descended in winter. These disasters severely affect the people and the economies of countries; so also food production. The UN Panel of Scientists on Climate Change warns that the deterioration of the climate if not checked could soon be irreversible. There however are positive signs that the world, threatened by extinction, is waking up to danger and attempting remedial measures. To mention but one advance: electric cars are on roads, even a few in Sri Lanka. On the other hand this country is still importing coal to generate electricity with the sun beating down on us but not harnessed to produce solar energy.

COP 27 held recently did not achieve startling success in curtailing emission of poisonous gases to the atmosphere but ended with ‘loss and damage agreements’ where wealthy countries are called upon to compensate poor countries harmed by climate change. President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act with very important steps outlined to reduce emission of heat trapping gasses that cause climate change.

Britain had many PM changes during the last year. It pushed out Boris Johnson of the ‘endless parade of scandals’ and installed Liz Truss who holds the record of being the shortest serving PM of Britain having been in that position for only 45 days. Finally the first Prime Minster of colour, Rishi Sunak, was appointed and seems to be turning the economy of the country around.

The most noted event was the death of the longest reigning royal of Britain and its former Empire. Queen Elizabeth II lived to 96 serving her nation as she promised “as long as I live.” The entire world realized how honourable and duty bound she had been; a woman to be greatly admired and respected. People loved her and sorrowed at her death. King Charles III seems to be doing fine.

I read a line running below BBC TV news broadcasts –”Harry: I want my father and brother back.” It’s wrong in meaning and syntax too. Father and brother did not leave Harry, so how say he wants them back. He should say, I want to go back to my father and brother. This prefaces the fact that Prince Harry will release his book provocatively titled Spare on January 10. It was ghostwritten by J R Moehringer. To me he seems unable to accept the fact he is second prince in waiting. Perhaps Meghan and her prejudices have encouraged even that grouse. Will his book be another mean expose like the documentary Harry and Meghan and the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey? Or perhaps it will create no ripples and have no comments forthcoming from Buckingham Palace. .

Needless to say Covid 19 was a minus factor, which however reduced from pandemic level to almost just another virus infection. China is again under its spread; and losing its dynamism in development.

Our country

Many have detailed the happenings in Sri Lanka during the year just passed. It was an Annus Horibilis, but not at all the only one. We have suffered other horrible years – 1989; worst of civil war years; suicide bomb explosions on Easter Sunday 2019. Turmoil we suffered in 2022; the worst was Mahinda Rajapaksa, just before or after resigning as PM, unleashing thugs who were offered lunch and alcoholic drinks and then sent forth to destroy Gotagogama. The previous day he placed his head against the sparse branch of the sacred Bo Tree. Then he mingles with the dregs of society and gets them to do his bidding, never mind even killing peaceful protesters.

He, the projected father figure, carrying babies from among adoring crowds, was the violent one, while his brother Gotabaya, dreaded ordering shooting, sheepishly crawls out of President’s House and is secretly sailed to Malé. This topsy turveyness continued. A leader who lost his seat at the last elections and saw total defeat of his party is made in double quick succession PM, Acting Prez and President. The most hard-to-believe double turn is the projected conjoining of the elephant and the pohottuwa: SLPP and UNP

Women were seen and heard more – the good, the bad, the OK. Sandya Ekneligoda, widow of 12 years who seeks closure of the mystery of the disappearance of her journalist husband, traveling annually to Geneva, was nominated one of 100 famous women by BBC. Shocking Diana Gamage acts concerned about Sri Lanka while allegedly being a British citizen, or so reported, and threatened to bring crashing down the entire SJB if she loses her parliamentary seat. Powerful lass promoting gambling in Mannar, growing cannabis all over the isle and keeping bars open24/7. The OK dame is Hirunika. I admire her. Rip Van W of the Sunday Times considered nominating her Person of the Year. Not a bad choice, I add.

The Editor pronounced 2022 was annus horribilis. I say it was not all disaster and misfortune. We suffered a surfeit of these which will move to 2023, but there were the bright spots too. The brightest to me was the clean, self sacrificing Aragalaya of true patriots who protested peacefully. They achieved much: drove the President out and added the bonus of kicking out the PM too. With him departed the most incompetent Minister of Finance and son and nephew. But the brother keeps coming back from his home in the USA to develop his kumanthrana.

Also the Aragalaya opened people’s eyes, ears and more importantly, mouths. We speak freely now. Most significant of all: politicians and those in high posts cannot just rob and enjoy pickings. The public is alert.

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Features

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

Published

23 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.