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

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

Published

17 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

18 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

18 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.