Features

Wrapping up the biography of Jetwing founder, Herbert Cooray

Published

2 years ago

2024/05/5

Thilina Walpola

Herbert Cooray in his later years

(Excerpted from A Man in His Time: the Jetwing story and the life of Herbert Cooray by Shiromal Cooray)

Standing six feet (180cm) tall and weighing around 220lbs (100kg), Herbert Cooray was a big man in person, as well as in personality. Handsome, despite his habitually casual appearance, his one small vanity was his hair, which remained thick and abundant well beyond middle age. He carried a comb and often used it.

His carriage and mien were such that people rarely failed to notice his presence, yet he was generally quiet and reserved. A business magazine described him as “a gentle, unassuming man with a soft spoken drawl and a charming smile.” If asked for his views, however, or if the matter seemed important enough to demand it, he could be as frank and outspoken as anyone.

Generous to a fault, he was always ready to help anyone in need, whether the petitioner was a friend, a relative, an employee or a complete stranger. Like many charitable people, he did not like to lend money, preferring to make an outright gift of it; he advised his children that, when asked for a loan by anyone, they should offer an amount they could afford to part with forever. He also advised them never to sign any personal guarantee, however pressing the circumstances, and never to violate the laws of the land in order to help somebody or themselves.

Such practical advice was typical of his approach to parenthood; he was not ambitious on his children’s behalf but allowed them to develop their own interests and personalities at their own pace. Praise and blame were both dispensed in moderation. The one thing he insisted on was that Shiromal and Hiran should complete their education.

When asked the question, “For someone who had managed over a dozen hotels singlehanded, and with careful attention to detail, wasn’t it a step in a different direction to relinquish control in the company?” (In fact many entrepreneurs do find it hard to relinquish control). His answer was, “My style of management has always been one of openness and flexibility. Certainly not the pyramid style of management. And I have always worked closely with others, many of them my good friends. So I was never the sole person with all the power. It was a new direction, yes, when my children came in, but the style of management didn’t change at all. I had built up a management team over the years, who could function well with less input from me. I could take a slower role when the children came into the firm, and I enjoyed doing that.”

Herbert encouraged his children to develop their own personalities and not be in his shadow.

Though Herbert worked hard, he made sure to devote time to the care of his family. Sundays were reserved for visits to the children’s grandparents. School holidays meant expeditions with friends to different parts of Sri Lanka, and sometimes abroad as well. He was also a spiritual person though not in the same manner as his wife.

His love of family reflected his own upbringing. He and his mother had always been especially close, and since the old lady had lived to the grand old age of 108, the relationship was also an unusually long one. Recalling his younger days, he liked to speak of the role she had played in shielding him from his father’s wrath in the aftermath of some youthful scrape.

Although he had been a student leader and political activist in his youth, Herbert Cooray was never tempted to involve himself in politics once he had chosen his entrepreneurial vocation. This is not say that he became apolitical with maturity: rather that he regarded his active contribution to politics as completed. As for his own views, he kept those for arguments around the family dining-table, and for deciding how to mark the ballot-paper every election day.

Not currying political favour might have meant missing some lucrative opportunities, but Herbert was all too well aware that such favour often comes with strings attached. Instead, he made it a point that Jetwing should engage with and support national economic and social policy with respect to tourism, the economy and other areas falling within the ambit of the group’s activities with whatever government in power. He was quick to take advantage of investment incentives offered to particular sectors by the government, as a result of which he found himself involved in a diversity of projects outside Jetwing.

Among these was a beautiful commercial orchid plantation he set up at his home during the 1970s, the government of the time trying to promote ‘non- traditional exports: Next, acres of potatoes were farmed on a leasehold land in the remote Knuckles mountain range, a security firm and even a feature film, Dandu Monara which he produced which went on to win many awards.

In 1992, Herbert bought into a finance company. By 1995, he had gained a controlling interest in it. With the help of another young man he saw a great deal of promise in the and he set about turning it into a strong, successful business. Today, Trade Finance and Investments Ltd. is a well-known, profitable and reputable part of Sri Lanka’s financial landscape, and is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has commended the company for the exemplary manner in which it is run. As a result of the financial sector consolidation plans of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the shares of the company have just been divested to another party in 2014, in keeping with the regulations of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Herbert Cooray was a man of his time and one ahead – a time when deals were made over a beer or a glass of whiskey and sealed with a handshake. Businessmen of his generation relied far more on their intuition than the managers of today, whose decision-making is supported by powerful analytical and predictive tools, information technology and teams of highly-qualified specialists. Today’s decision-makers are certainly more fully informed than their predecessors, but it is arguable whether or not they are better informed as anyone who has ever had to make an important decision quickly can testify, too much information – too many items to consider – can impede thought rather than facilitate it.

Entrepreneurs in Herbert’s day often had to guess and finesse their way through a project or deal. In the process they acquired a sort of businessman’s intuition, sensitivity to situations and nuance of character that often produced results as good as ‘by-the-numbers’ decision -making we practice in the 21st century. Entrepreneurs have been described as “driven, creative individuals [who] know plenty about battling adversity. They have overcome infrastructure and regulatory hurdles to start their businesses. Often they’ve fulfilled an unsatisfied demand and in many cases, actually built demand by introducing new products to the market.” This is true of Herbert too.

Of course- one could guess wrong. Herbert, no less fallible than the next human being, made his own errors of judgment. He was once used by the new board of directors of an under-par hotel in which Jetwing had a stake: Herbert had brought his people in and turned the hotel round, but was then coaxed to sell the Jetwing stake to the incoming board in exchange for the promise of a long-term management contract. The shares changed hands in a transaction greatly to the new directors’ advantage, but the management contract never materialized.

He made other errors too, and at times was simply overtaken by events. A major hotel project begun during the ceasefire period ran into innumerable delays of a bureaucratic nature; debts built up while opportunity slipped away. By the time the hotel was complete, the tsunami and a resumption of hostilities had sent tourist arrivals plummeting again. It was some time before things could be back on an even keel.

But such are, and have always been, the vicissitudes of entrepreneurship. It is in the long term that the story is told, and in the long term – in the end the story of Herbert Cooray and Jetwing is a story of remarkable success gained through hard work, integrity, pragmatism and self-confidence.

It is a story of which the final sentence has yet to be written. Though Herbert Cooray passed away on June 7, 2008, just two months after his beloved, long-lived mother, his legacy, and the enterprise he built live on; the latter informed and inspirited by the former. For as long as visitors to Sri Lanka find their experience of the country enhanced and their lives enriched by the efforts of Jetwing people – at a hote, in transit or on tour – his spirit will live on, touching the lives of all those who come into contact with his legacy.

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Features

Maduro abduction marks dangerous aggravation of ‘world disorder’

Published

16 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Venezuelan President Maduro being taken to a court in New York

The abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces on January 3rd and his coercive conveying to the US to stand trial over a number of allegations leveled against him by the Trump administration marks a dangerous degeneration of prevailing ‘world disorder’. While some cardinal principles in International Law have been blatantly violated by the US in the course of the operation the fallout for the world from the exceptionally sensational VVIP abduction could be grave.

Although controversial US military interventions the world over are not ‘news’ any longer, the abduction and hustling away of a head of government, seen as an enemy of the US, to stand trial on the latter soil amounts to a heavy-handed and arrogant rejection of the foundational principles of international law and order. It would seem, for instance, that the concept of national sovereignty is no longer applicable to the way in which the world’s foremost powers relate to the rest of the international community. Might is indeed right for the likes of the US and the Trump administration in particular is adamant in driving this point home to the world.

Chief spokesmen for the Trump administration have been at pains to point out that the abduction is not at variance with national security related provisions of the US Constitution. These provisions apparently bestow on the US President wide powers to protect US security and stability through courses of action that are seen as essential to further these ends but the fact is that International Law has been brazenly violated in the process in the Venezuelan case.

To be sure, this is not the first occasion on which a head of government has been abducted by US special forces in post-World War Two times and made to stand trial in the US, since such a development occurred in Panama in 1989, but the consequences for the world could be doubly grave as a result of such actions, considering the mounting ‘disorder’ confronting the world community.

Those sections opposed to the Maduro abduction in the US would do well to from now on seek ways of reconciling national security-related provisions in the US Constitution with the country’s wider international commitment to uphold international peace and law and order. No ambiguities could be permitted on this score.

While the arbitrary military action undertaken by the US to further its narrow interests at whatever cost calls for criticism, it would be only fair to point out that the US is not the only big power which has thus dangerously eroded the authority of International Law in recent times. Russia, for example, did just that when it violated the sovereignty of Ukraine by invading it two or more years ago on some nebulous, unconvincing grounds. Consequently, the Ukraine crisis too poses a grave threat to international peace.

It is relevant to mention in this connection that authoritarian rulers who hope to rule their countries in perpetuity as it were, usually end up, sooner rather than later, being a blight on their people. This is on account of the fact that they prove a major obstacle to the implementation of the democratic process which alone holds out the promise of the progressive empowerment of the people, whereas authoritarian rulers prefer to rule with an iron fist with a fixation about self-empowerment.

Nevertheless, regime-change, wherever it may occur, is a matter for the public concerned. In a functional democracy, it is the people, and the people only, who ‘make or break’ governments. From this viewpoint, Russia and Venezuela are most lacking. But externally induced, militarily mediated change is a gross abnormality in the world of democracy, which deserves decrying.

By way of damage control, the US could take the initiative to ensure that the democratic process, read as the full empowerment of ordinary people, takes hold in Venezuela. In this manner the US could help in stemming some of the destructive fallout from its abduction operation. Any attempts by the US to take possession of the national wealth of Venezuela at this juncture are bound to earn for it the condemnation of democratic opinion the world over.

Likewise, the US needs to exert all its influence to ensure that the rights of ordinary Ukrainians are protected. It will need to ensure this while exploring ways of stopping further incursions into Ukrainian territory by Russia’s invading forces. It will need to do this in collaboration with the EU which is putting its best foot forward to end the Ukraine blood-letting.

Meanwhile, the repercussions that the Maduro abduction could have on the global South would need to be watched with some concern by the international community. Here too the EU could prove a positive influence since it is doubtful whether the UN would be enabled by the big powers to carry out the responsibilities that devolve on it with the required effectiveness.

What needs to be specifically watched is the ‘copycat effect’ that could manifest among those less democratically inclined Southern rulers who would be inspired by the Trump administration to take the law into their hands, so to speak, and act with callous disregard for the sovereign rights of their smaller and more vulnerable neighbours.

Democratic opinion the world over would need to think of systems of checks and balances that could contain such power abuse by Southern autocratic rulers in particular. The UN and democracy-supportive organizations, such as the EU, could prove suitable partners in these efforts.

All in all it is international lawlessness that needs managing effectively from now on. If President Trump carries out his threat to over-run other countries as well in the manner in which he ran rough-shod over Venezuela, there is unlikely to remain even a semblance of international order, considering that anarchy would be receiving a strong fillip from the US, ‘The World’s Mightiest Democracy’.

What is also of note is that identity politics in particularly the South would be unprecedentedly energized. The narrative that ‘the Great Satan’ is running amok would win considerable validity among the theocracies of the Middle East and set the stage for a resurgence of religious fanaticism and invigorated armed resistance to the US. The Trump administration needs to stop in its tracks and weigh the pros and cons of its current foreign policy initiatives.

Features

Pure Christmas magic and joy at British School

Published

16 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Students of The British High School in Colombo in action at the fashion show

The British School in Colombo (BSC) hosted its Annual Christmas Carnival 2025, ‘Gingerbread Wonderland’, which was a huge success, with the students themseles in the spotlight, managing stalls and volunteering.

The event, organised by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), featured a variety of activities, including: Games and rides for all ages, Food stalls offering delicious treats, Drinks and refreshments, Trade booths showcasing local products, and Live music and entertainment.

The carnival was held at the school premises, providing a fun and festive atmosphere for students, parents, and the community to enjoy.

The halls of the BSC were filled with pure Christmas magic and joy with the students and the staff putting on a tremendous display.

Among the highlights was the dazzling fashion show with the students doing the needful, and they were very impressive.

The students themselves were eagerly looking forward to displaying their modelling technique and, I’m told, they enjoyed the moment they had to step on the ramp.

The event supported communities affected by the recent floods, with surplus proceeds going to flood-relief efforts.

Features

Glowing younger looking skin

Published

16 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hi! This week I’m giving you some beauty tips so that you could look forward to enjoying 2026 with a glowing younger looking skin.

Face wash for natural beauty

* Avocado:

Take the pulp, make a paste of it and apply on your face. Leave it on for five minutes and then wash it with normal water.

* Cucumber:

Just rub some cucumber slices on your face for 02-03 minutes to cleanse the oil naturally. Wash off with plain water.

* Buttermilk:

Apply all over your face and leave it to dry, then wash it with normal water (works for mixed to oily skin).

Face scrub for natural beauty

Take 01-02 strawberries, 02 pieces of kiwis or 02 cubes of watermelons. Mash any single fruit and apply on your face. Then massage or scrub it slowly for at least 3-5 minutes in circular motions. Then wash it thoroughly with normal or cold water. You can make use of different fruits during different seasons, and see what suits you best! Follow with a natural face mask.

Face Masks

* Papaya and Honey:

Take two pieces of papaya (peeled) and mash them to make a paste. Apply evenly on your face and leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it with cold water.

Papaya is just not a fruit but one of the best natural remedies for good health and glowing younger looking skin. It also helps in reducing pimples and scars. You can also add honey (optional) to the mixture which helps massage and makes your skin glow.

* Banana:

Put a few slices of banana, 01 teaspoon of honey (optional), in a bowl, and mash them nicely. Apply on your face, and massage it gently all over the face for at least 05 minutes. Then wash it off with normal water. For an instant glow on your face, this facemask is a great idea to try!

* Carrot:

Make a paste using 01 carrot (steamed) by mixing it with milk or honey and apply on your face and neck evenly. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes and then wash it with cold water. Carrots work really well for your skin as they have many vitamins and minerals, which give instant shine and younger-looking skin.