Features

When Ceylon Tobacco went into agriculture with Navajeevana at Alutharama

Published

3 years ago

2023/12/31

Thilina Walpola

PM Dudley Senanayake with peasants in Mahiyangana.

By ACB Pethiyagoda

In 1965 the late Hon. Dudley Senanayake, Prime Minister, introduced a Special Leases Scheme whereby several thousand acres of virgin jungle land in the Mahiyangana area were leased out to 19 companies for agricultural development. Several of them were then well known plantation management companies and the others were in other businesses. These organizations cleared vast tracts of jungle without proper plans for development but seized the opportunity to take away millions of cubic feet of valuable timber.

Many companies are said to have lapped up a lot of gravy from this exercise; a social crime of huge magnitude where the land was totally cleared of the forest cover and consequently left bare and exposed to winds to blow and rains to wash away the invaluable top soil.

A friend, Mr. Maher Siriwardena’s article in a recent issue of The Island’s Saturday Magazine describes events up to this stage of development or better described as destruction of the land. In a more recent issue of the Sat Mag Mr. I.K. Weerawardena writes that by the time System C of the Mahaweli Accelerated Programme commenced in the 1980s all that was found in the leased lands were abandoned camps sites. The purpose of this writing is to show that all was not lost.

Ceylon Tobacco Co. which always took its social responsibilities seriously was one of the lessors which kept faith with the Prime Minister. Drawing on its experience in the development of thousands of tobacco growers, both in the Wet and Dry Zones, it planned carefully with the guidance of some of the most experienced men in the country in the area of land development and colonist settlement. The Company commenced clearing the land leaving out in selected areas large blocks as wind breaks, natural spring reservations and sources of fuel wood for future colonists.

Mr. J.M. Burditt was Chairman of the Company when operations commenced while the greater part of its development period came under the purview of Mr. S.V. Wanigasekara the first Sri Lankan Chairman of the Company. The Company named the project Mahiyangana Colonisation Scheme (MCS) or Navajeevana (New Life).

This writer came on the scene in 1972 overlooking the activities of MSC in addition to his duties in the Leaf Division of the Company in Kandy. By this time about 60 colonists were already settled. Their cottages and in addition all ancillary buildings offices, workshops, stores, staff quarters were built with brick burnt at site and timber from the felled trees. Some timber was also stored for future use thus none of it was taken away.

It was a period of transition like between a war and peace which has its own problems. By that time the United Front Government (SLFP and the old left) was in power and with it came difficulties arising from the severe lack of foreign exchange (FOREX for short) which was felt even in far away Alutharama, the ancient village nearest to MCS.

The most serious problems were due to strict import restrictions resulting in the lack of spares for the dozens of tractors and numerous items of other allied machinery which were made available on hire to the colonists for land preparation and maintenance of the infrastructure. The colonists’ cottages were provided with electric lighting for three hours in the evening and one hour in the morning with Perkins diesel generators.

Water for irrigation, domestic and other uses by about 2,000 persons was lifted from the Mahaweli (one boundary of the leased land) at the rate of 200,000 gallons per hour with three giant Pulsometer pumps powered by equally big Lister generators. This was supplemented with water from the restored ancient irrigation tank (later called CTC wewa) located in the jungle land reserved for future expansion

For the resident staff in the Scheme it was a period of making do with the available facilities which were fast dwindling and oft times a period of helplessness in the face of mounting complaints from equally helpless and sometimes angry colonists whose programmes for cultural operations had to meet seasonal deadlines and they were unable to do so due to unserviceable machinery; every possibility of `canibalisation’ having been long over.

The more serious of these situations were conveyed to me for what assistance the Leaf Department’s Engineer, the late Mr. Gamin Tammita, or the Supplies Division could give. Our constant fear was that if the water supply broke down a catastrophe of major proportions would result with all the good work done in the past being brought to naught. The search for spares covered all the towns in the Province and further away.

For our good fortune a not very well known supplier in Ratmalana who was traced somehow produced the spares for faulty parts for the Pulsometers and Perkins generators. Mr. Wanigasekera, the very pragmatic Chairman, being well aware of these difficulties had answers. He directed that facilities we could not continue to provide be withdrawn due to a situation where the Company had no control. He wanted the exercise carried out in stages to ensure the least inconvenience to the colonists with the ultimate objective being to develop a sense of self reliance among them and free themselves of dependence on the Company a difficult exercise if ever there was one in social engineering at the time.

With Nihal Perera, Edison Kumarage and others at the site facing the explosive situation this delicate operation was carried out with tact and diplomacy. The first to go was the electric lighting which the colonists themselves did not value very much. Instead each family was gifted a Petromax kerosene lamp. The recipients valued this change as the lamps apart from domestic use could also be taken to the threshing floors, watch huts and even on short journeys at night in the vicinity.

With hardly any items of serviceable machinery for land preparation the facility was gradually withdrawn with the offer of cash to each family to purchase a pair of buffaloes. With manual ploughing remarkable increases in paddy yields were recorded in some fields. (Would deep penetration of disc harrows and tine tillers bringing up the sub soil and taking down the nutrient rich top soil to levels beyond the reach of the feeding roots of the crop be the answer?)

The colony had a school, bakery, tailor shops, dry provisions stores, smithy; owners of which were originally selected for their skills in these areas to make the community as self sufficient as possible.

However, it lacked a much needed dispensary with the nearest being some 15 miles away at Mahiyangana.

A suitable building from the developmental stage was selected, refurbished and arrangements made fora visiting Apothecary from Mahiyangana. Hearing of these arrangements a local politician of considerable standing in the area indicated his wish to be present at the formal opening. There was snag. He was an ex-employee of CTC who had left under a cloud, a heavy one at that. He was known to be vindictive and loud mouthed and therefore was certainly not the most welcome visitor.

However, a conciliatory approach was decided on although with considerable apprehension. The ceremony went off without a hitch and our concern was in vain as the man would not stop repeating that the colonists must have gained a great deal of merit in their past births to now be associated with CTC officials like us! So the saying that the last resort of the scoundrel is politics is not always true – at least our man had a touch of magnanimity.

(The writer of This article published some years ago, the late ACB Pethiyagoda, a senior planter who after retirement from plantation management joined the Ceylon Tobacco Co Ltd.)

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Features

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

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.