Features

Walpolamulla trail in the Knuckles range

Published

9 months ago

2026/01/25

Walpolamulla was a village hidden deep within the Knuckles Rainforest. Nearby village is Ethanwala which is about five kilometres away through the forest and the Office of the Wildlife Department is located there. Today, Walpolamulla village no longer exists except one family running a small campsite on their land. The village was relocated outside the forest around 25 years ago. Some moved to Ethanwala, while others settled in villages like Mahalakotuwa, Ratninda, and Narangamuwa.

Walpolamulla was a very prosperous village. Its paddy fields were extremely fertile. The sun rose over the Kalupahana mountain. The area had many streams and a tank. The village never lacked rice, vegetables, or fruits. Every house had fruit-bearing trees like oranges, limes, and mangoes and was complete with a traditional rice storage shed. It was a self-sufficient village where people lived with minimal needs. For them, walking 16 kilometres was as easy as a game; they walked to Ethanwela school every day and it took only thirty minutes to complete the journey. The villagers were very healthy; instead of chewing betel, they chewed Miristhala leaves. Diseases like flu or tooth decay were non-existent. Their food was free from toxins—simple meals of rice, greens, and occasionally wild meat or fish.

They could find various wild yams, jackfruit, breadfruit, turmeric, and pulses like Thumba Karavila. The entire area around the village was covered in dense primary forest. Wild animals like elephants, leopards, bears, sambars, and wild boar lived there, along with porcupines, pangolins, civets, mongooses, and a wide variety of birds and butterflies. Trees like Galkesel, Gal Siyambala, Malaboda, Etamba, Milla, Kahamilla, Thimbiri, Balukeena, and Keena surrounded the area and various timber producing trees. Black pepper was cultivated as an undergrowth crop. The pepper grown there was pungent and of high quality. The Veddas used this pepper.

Walpolamulla

Agararathna’s abandoned house at Walpolamulla village (Ivor in the foreground)

Ginikeliya is a cattle trapping area on a hillock, where cattle were released and trapped with a single sturdy gate. This area, surrounded by rocky terrain, acts as a natural enclosure. Whenever needed, people would go and retrieve the cattle. Covering about ten acres, Ginikeliya had no thorny bushes due to cattle grazing. The spot was beautiful, with fresh water streams, ideal for the cattle to eat and drink peacefully until the next cultivation season. Also, one can have a panoramic view of the surrounding area from the hilltop.

During the harvesting season, or when protecting the fields from wild animals, the men would venture into the forest and collect honey, kirivel bark, batapothu (a resin), various types of cane, kithul sap (used to make jaggery), herbal medicines, and aromatic oils. These were carefully stored. If you poured crushed cane juice into the stream, the fish would become intoxicated and float to the surface—this method worked especially well in the Heenganga river, which flowed below the village. In the shallow waters of Heenganga, aquatic fauna like inland prawns could be seen inside the leaf litter.

A cave

Outdoor activities were limited during the monsoon season. The overflowing streams made the forest dangerous. Duwili Ella waterfall could be seen from a distance. During the rainy season, villagers would take out their stored forest goods and productions to the market, and they included mats, baskets, containers woven from palm leaves, rattan, and bamboo.

Disappearing of Walolamulla Village

Conservation laws related to the Knuckles Forest Reserve disrupted the villagers’ peaceful way of life and their ancestral lands. Then came the elephant invasions caused by the Kalu Ganga project and Moragahakanda development programme. Elephants, driven up the mountains, destroyed the villagers’ crops and homes. Some villagers even lost their lives in elephant attacks. Gradually, people abandoned the village. Eventually, only about 15 people remained, led by a respected elder named Kapilarathna Mama. But one day, near the upper mountain of the Walpolamulla reservoir, he was attacked by a wild elephant. Thereafter, the last few residents also left the village for good and protection.

Historical Perspective

During colonial times, a wide eight-foot footpath was built from Riverston, passing through Ratninda, Malkirigoda, and Manigala which is huge rock, crossing Heenganga, with stone bridges and shoe crossings. Today, ruins of that road can still be seen. It passes through villages like Ethanwala, Walpolamulla, and Veddahena. Eventually, it reaches a former tea estate, subsequently converted into a coconut plantation which is abandoned now. The trail to Duwili Ella falls through this coconut estate. A few old coconut trees still stand, though most others were likely destroyed by elephants.

Among the villages along this route, the first to vanish was the coconut estate, followed by the road itself being overtaken by the forest. Then Veddahena village, located at the lower end of the slope, disappeared. Finally, only Walpolamulla village was left, and that too is now disappearing, with only a single family remaining. The only existent village is Ethanwala, which is the gateway to the forest reserve, located between Manigala and the Telgamu Oya. But it is prone to landslides. Cracks four to five inches wide have appeared on the walls of houses. The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau has warned that the village should be relocated.

One person has stayed back—Agararathna, who lives in his ancestral home in Walpolamulla. The Forest Department does not object because his house has become a valuable rest stop for forest trekkers—a kind of jungle lodge. With the Forest Department having established a ticket counter at the base of Manigala and trained guides now operating legally under the Tourism Authority, this unique jungle home is likely to last long.

Trekking

Trekking activities are increasing. Manigala and Walpolamulla have become world famous treks. Villagers work as guides and earn a reasonable income. The area is fast developing with an increase in the arrival of foreign and local tourists mainly for adventure hiking. Salubrious climate and the beautiful view encourage the tourists for more and more attractions. But all these achievements were gained mainly by the enthusiasts and the general public and state assistance is minimal. Villagers are facing difficulties. They are not allowed to release cattle to the grasslands in the forest or to catch a fish in a tank have done so for generations. The government should find ways and means of promoting tourism while conserving the environment. The credit for our wonderful trek must go to professional hiker Major Ivor Jayasundara, who is eager to explore untouched landscapes and expose these areas to enthusiasts and help promote Sri Lanka as a tourist attraction.

by Lt Col. Chandana Weerakoon ✍️
Photography by Major Ivor Jayasundara

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Features

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

Published

2 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

3 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

3 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.