Features
Anura Bandaranaike: clean and honourable leader

Thirteenth death anniversary on Mar. 16
Anura Bandaranaike added colour to a certain period of Sri Lanka’s politics. March 16, 2021 marks 13 years since his passing. He was the only son of two internationally renowned Heads of Government – S W R D Bandaranaike and Mrs Sirima Bandaranaike, the world’s first woman prime minister. All eyes were focused on young Anura growing up amid the abundant affection of his parents because he was widely expected to be the head of government in Sri Lanka some day. However fate decreed that this beloved humanist leader did not reach that position. This may have been because he never engaged himself in crafty politics. His prospects may have been also harmed by undesirable friends who surrounded him. Due to these reasons the highest position in national politics eluded him even when it was almost within his grasp. Many remain disappointed even today at that turn of events.
Racism and religious bigotry were never part of Anura Bandaranaike’s politics. This emerges in his parliamentary speeches, public lectures and academic addresses. He was a genuine humanist winning the affection of all communities. He respected every religion. He never attacked anyone because of race or religion. Bandaranaike wrote and edited his speeches himself. I have seen his drafts in his beautiful English handwriting. He always ended his speeches with an appropriate quotation from a reputed western writer or poet. He had studied the works of dramatists like William Shakespeare and T S Eliot. He had good taste for appreciating such works. Dr, Sarath Amunugama once told me that Anura was a fan of foreign film classics. He also told me that he still retains handwritten notes from Anura who had a habit of sending such notes to his close friends.
Although Anura had a busy life, he always pursued his interest in books, writing and reading poetry, reading novels and viewing classical films and plays. His father too had been an avid reader and he possibly inherited this inclination from him. Whatever problems he faced, he always had a ready smile and took things lightly.
As I was fortunate to associate with him closely, I saw he had a wide knowledge of a multiplicity of subjects. There were few in Parliament with a comparable knowledge of history, literature, political philosophy and economics. Although the legislature in former times comprised of educated intellectuals and those of distinguished lineage, the common understanding is that it is not so today.
Those who benefited by Anura Bandaranaike’s guidance, association and help are today at the top of the political ladder. However none care to write something in his memory, arrange a commemoration event, or even hold an alms giving. They are so deficient in gratitude. Today’s political society has fallen to such depths. No sense of gratitude prevails
Anura Bandaranaike distributed among family retainers several acres of commercially valuable land bordering the Colombo-Kandy road from his ancestral Horagolla Walawwa property. There is nobody in present day politics who has done anything comparable. Earlier, only people like SWRD Bandaranaike and Philip Gunawardene had done so. In the present day, 99% of politicians are engaged in amassing wealth for their future generations. As the politics of the country underwent a massive change after 1977, one came to witness the unremitting pursuit of wealth and power by politicians. Politicians like Anura Bandaranaike are rare today and the problems of the people only keep aggravating and never reducing.
Anura Bandaranaike had his early education at Royal College, Colombo and thereafter obtained a degree in History with First Class honours from the University of London. He declined a lecturer’s position offered by his university and came back to Sri Lanka to give leadership to the political movement inherited from his family. From that time on he reorganized the SLFP from branch to national level and giving it valuable guidance. While his party suffered a humiliating defeat in 1977, he himself collected in excess of 49,000 votes at Nuwara Eliya- Maskeliya after just a six-day campaign. He became the Second Member in the multi-member Nuwara Eliya-Maskeliya constituency pushing the senior politician Thondaman to third place.
The SLFP does not appear to have won such a high percentage of votes since then in Nuwara Eliya-Maskeliya which has a preponderance of Tamil estate workers. This speaks for Anura’s popularity, organizing ability and eloquence. He went round the country during the 1977 election campaign. He addressed meetings in every electorate. It was Anura who rescued the SLFP from the abyss into which it was about to fall.
When the UNP, in power from 1977, was trying to crush the Opposition it was Anura together with eight MPs who faced the Government onslaught undaunted. Through his eloquence. Anura led his attack to the great discomfiture of the UNP leadership. Mr Premadasa dominated Parliament through his oratory. But Anura’s verbal attacks were so sharp and reasoned that Premadasa used to leave the chamber when Anura rose to his feet.
Anura systematically took action to resuscitate the SLFP after the 1977 debacle. Successfully facing the conspiracies of various people he reorganized branches, held seminars and conferences and rebuilt the party. Then, unlike today, there was no money-driven political activity, politicians were honest and genuine and politics was not a complicated mess.
Anura Bandaranaike was the youngest Leader of the Opposition in the Commonwealth and discharged his duties excellently dedicating himself to the service of the people and for the preservation of democracy in the country. He adorned the Speaker’s chair preserving its dignity and authority. His absence is acutely felt in the political sphere today. Sri Lanka’s political arena which reverberated to the eloquence of this colorful politician will never again see the like of him.
Gamini Gunasekara,
President, – Education Friendship Guild.
Features
Lingering world disorder and the UN’s role

Russia could very well be questioning the legitimacy of the UN system by currently challenging the right of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to arbitrate in the conflicting accusations of genocide brought against each other by it and Ukraine. Russia has countered Ukraine’s charge of genocide, occasioned by its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, by accusing the latter of perpetrating the same crime in the rebel region of Eastern Ukraine, which is seen as being within the Russian sphere of influence.
As is known, when Russia did not participate in a hearing sanctioned by the ICJ on the charge of genocide brought against it in March 2022, the ICJ called on Russia to halt the invasion forthwith. Russia, however, as reported in some sections of the international media, reacted by claiming that the ICJ has ‘no jurisdiction over the case since Ukraine’s request does not come within the scope of the Genocide Convention.’ The main sides to the Ukraine conflict are at present reportedly stating their positions in the ICJ with regard to the correctness of this claim.
Whereas, the law-abiding the world over would have expected the ICJ’s word to prevail in the Ukraine conflict, this does not seem to be the case. More precisely, it is the moral authority of the UN that is being questioned by Russia. Given this situation, the observer cannot be faulted for believing that Russia is ‘sticking to its guns’ of favouring a military solution in the Ukraine.
Considering the foregoing and the continuing lawlessness in other geographical regions, such as South-West Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa, the commentator is justified in taking the position that little or nothing has been gained by the world community by way of fostering international peace over the decades.
Most distressing is the UN’s seeming helplessness in the face of international disorder, bloodshed and war. The thorny questions from the 9/11 New York twin-tower terror attacks, for instance, are remaining with humanity.
One of the most dreaded questions is whether the UN Charter has been rendered a dead letter by the forces of lawlessness and those wielders of overwhelming military might who couldn’t care less for moral scruples. Those state actors who display these traits risk being seen as destruction-oriented subversives or terrorists who are impervious to civilizational values.
Commentators are right when they point to the need for UN reform. This is, in fact, long overdue. Of the original ‘Big Five’ who went on to constitute the permanent membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC) at the end of World War 11 and who oversaw the establishment of the UN, only the US and China retain major power status in the true sense of the phrase today.
The rest of the original heavyweights cannot be considered ‘spent forces’, but there are other powers of more recent origin who could easily vie for their positions. Some of these are India, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey and Indonesia. Inducting some of the latter into the UNSC could help constitute a more globally representative UNSC. That is, they will help put together an UNSC which is more faithfully reflective of the current global power distribution.
Theoretically, a more widely representative and inclusive UNSC could be a check against the arbitrary exercise of power by the more ambitious, expansionary and authoritarian members of the UNSC but a foremost challenge facing the UN is to induce such new members of the UNSC into representing the vital and legitimate interests of the ordinary publics within these states and internationally. Minus such representation of the world’s powerless UN reform could come to nought. In fact, this could be described as a prime challenge before the UN which could decide its enduring relevance.
Admittedly, the challenge is complex and defies easy resolution. Not all the countries that are seen as prospective UNSC members are democratic in orientation. That is, they would not be people-friendly or egalitarian. Most of them are governed by power elites that are part of what has been described as the ‘Transnational Capitalist Class’ and could be expected to be repressive and parasitic rather than caring or egalitarian. How then could they be expected to be committed to re-distributive justice within their countries, for example?
In the short and medium terms, the UN system could bring into being systems and institutions that could make it comparatively difficult for the power elites of the world to be parasitic, exploitive, self-serving and unconscionable. Strengthening and giving added teeth to systems that could prove effective against money-laundering and allied practices of self-aggrandizement is one way out.
Ironically, it is perhaps the UN that could lay the basis for and provide these mechanisms most effectively and non-obtrusively. It would need to work more with governments and publics on these fronts and lay the foundation for the necessary accountability procedures within states. It should prepare for the long haul.
In the longer term, it’s the coming into existence of democracy-conscious governments and ruling strata that must be sought. Here too the UN could play a significant role. Its numerous agencies could prove more proactive and dynamic in inculcating and teaching the core values of democracy to particularly poor and vulnerable populations that could fall prey to anti-democratic, parochial political forces that thrive on division and discord.
UN aid could be even directly tied to the establishment and strengthening of democratic institutions in particularly impoverished countries and regions. Thus will the basis be laid for younger leaders with a strong democratic vision and programmatic alternative for their countries. Hopefully, such issues would get some airing in the current UN General Assembly sessions.
Accordingly, the broad-basing of the UNSC is integral to UN reform but the progressive world cannot stop there. It would need to ensure the perpetuation of the UN system by helping to bring into being polities that would respect this cardinal international organization which has as its prime aim the fostering of world peace. Democracy-conscious populations are an urgent need and systems of education that advocate the core values of democracy need to be established and strengthened worldwide.
The coming into being of rivals to the current Western-dominated world order, such as the BRICS bloc, needs to be welcomed but unless they are people-friendly and egalitarian little good will be achieved. Besides, undermining the UN and its central institutions would prove utterly counter-productive.
Features
Country Roads …concert for children

I’ve always wondered why those who have hit the big time in their profession, as singers, have not cared to reach out to the needy.
They generally glorify themselves, especially on social media, not only with their achievements, but also with their outfits, etc. – all status symbols.
I’m still to see some of the big names grouping together to help the thousands who are suffering, at this point in time – children, especially.
However, I need to commend the Country Music Foundation of Sri Lanka for tirelessly working to bring some relief, and happiness, to children, in this part of the world.
Country Roads is said to be Sri Lanka’s and South Asia’s longest running charity concert for children, and this year, they say, the show will be even better.
This concert has consistently donated 100% of its proceeds to children’s charities in Sri Lanka. Over the past 35 years, this has resulted in several million rupees worth of aid, all of which has contributed directly to addressing the most pressing issues faced by children in Sri Lanka, a common practice since the concert’s first edition was held in 1988.
In 2014, the concert contributed Rs. 500,000 to Save the Children Sri Lanka, to support its mother-and-child programme for local plantations. During the same year, another Rs. 100,000 was given to the Oxonian Heart Foundation, to help treat impoverished and destitute children suffering from heart disease, while a further Rs. 100,000 was donated to a poor family caring for a special needs child. In commemoration of its landmark 25th anniversary concert in 2013, CMF donated a million rupees to aid in a special UNICEF project.

Astrid Brook from the UK
The 2023 musical extravaganza will feature the bright lights and panoramic cityscape of Colombo, as its backdrop, as it will be held at the picturesque Virticle by Jetwing, which is situated high above the city, on the 30th floor of the Access Towers building, in Union Place, Colombo 2.
The 35th anniversary Country Roads concert for children will take place on Saturday, 7th October, 2023.
Feizal Samath, President of the Country Music Foundation (CMF), the concert organisers, commented: “We are very much looking forward to this event as it’s being held after a lapse of five years, due to unavoidable circumstances.”
Fan favourites the Mavericks from Germany and Astrid Brook from the UK will once again return to headline the 2023 concert, and joining them on stage will be local outfit Cosmic Rays, as well as the Country Revival Band, with Feizal and Jury.
Dirk (from the Mavericks) has this to say to his Sri Lankan fans: “2018 was the last time we were in your beautiful country with the Mavericks band. Then Corona came and with it a long break. I missed you very much during this time.
“It has now been five years since my last visit to Sri Lanka. A lot has changed. The sponsorship that has always made this trip possible for us is gone. But we didn’t just want to end this tradition, which we have learned to love so much since 1992. That’s why we’re travelling to Sri Lanka this year entirely at our own expense, because it’s an affair of the heart for us.

Mavericks from Germany
“We very much hope that it won’t be the last Maverick performance in Sri Lanka. We hope that this unique journey will continue, that there will also be a Country Roads concert in the years to come.”
The 35th anniversary edition of the Country Roads concert for children will be supported by Official Venue Virticle by Jetwing, and Official Airline SriLankan Airlines, as well as its other partners, Jetwing Colombo Seven, Cargills, LOLC, and Firefly.
Tickets are currently available, for a charitable donation of Rs 2,000 each, at Cargills Food City outlets at Kirulapone, Kohuwela (Bernards), Majestic City, Mount Lavinia (junction) and Staples Street.
Features
Healthy, Glowing Skin

Give your skin a boost by including the following into your diet:
* Avocados:
Avocados contain healthy fats which can help your skin stay moisturised and firm.
They also contain vitamin C and E – two important nutrients that your body need to support healthy skin and fight free radical formation.
Avocados are also rich in biotin, a B vitamin that some nutritionists believe can help promote healthy skin and hair. A deficiency of biotin can lead to skin problems, such as rashes, ache, psoriasis, dermatitis and overall itchiness.
* Carrots:
Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which fights against sunburns, cell death, and wrinkles. Vitamin A also adds a healthy, warm glow to your skin.
You can get vitamin A by consuming provitamin A through fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based products. Your body then converts beta-carotene into vitamin A to protect your skin from the sun.
Provitamin A can also be found in oranges, spinach, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, bell peppers, broccoli and more.
* Dark Chocolate:
Dark chocolate is beneficial for your skin because cocoa powder boasts a bunch of antioxidants. These antioxidants hydrate and smoothen your skin, making your skin less sensitive to sunburn and improves the blood flow of your skin. Make a healthy choice by opting for a bar of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa for more antioxidants and lesser added sugar.
* Green Tea:
Green tea has been said to protect the skin against external stressors and ageing. This is because it is antioxidant-rich and contains catechins that protect your skin, reduce redness, increase hydration, and improve elasticity.
A diet rich in antioxidants along with adequate hydration may even out your skin texture, strengthen your skin barrier and improve your overall skin health.
Avoid adding milk to green tea as the combination can reduce the effects of the antioxidants present in green tea.
Additional tips for healthy skin…
Don’t forget to stay hydrated because water plays a big part in the appearance of your skin. Water ensures your skin has enough moisture, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps with nutrient absorption, removal of toxins and blood circulation.
Besides food and water, it is important to observe proper hygiene. This means no touching your face until you’ve washed your hands. Your hands carry more bacteria than you think and the occasional touch here and there can add up. After a long day out, cleanse your face thoroughly.
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