Features
BIDEN’S COURAGEOUS VISIT TO ISRAEL ENDS IN ALMOST COMPLETE FAILURE

by Vijaya Chandrasoma
War does not determine who is right. Only who is left. Bertrand Russel
Saturday, October 7, 2023 was yet another Day that will live in Infamy, like December 7, 1941, when US President Roosevelt coined the phrase after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, which paved the way for America’s involvement in World War II.
Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, in a telephone call with President Biden before his proposed visit, said that the Hamas attack represented “savagery I can say we have not seen since the Holocaust”. Rightly so. That one day, when 2,000 Hamas terrorists butchered 700 innocent Israeli civilians and wounded hundreds more, was indeed eerily reminiscent of the atrocities committed by the Nazis against innocent Jews, men, women and children during the Holocaust.
The difference is that the Holocaust against Jews continued for least a decade, or more than 3,650 consecutive days, day after day of incredible cruelty, of torture and death. Atrocities by Nazis, not for any crime committed by Jews, but out of historic, inherent racial and religious hatred.
The Jews never forcibly tried to take possession of any land that was the homeland of Germans or any other Europeans. They simply wanted to live in peace and integrate with the Germans, and with the citizens of nations of Russia and Europe. This in spite of the regular eruption of pogroms (ethnic massacres) they endured for centuries.
During the mid-1930s, there was a significant anti-Semitic movement in the USA, which overtly endorsed Hitler’s atrocities. In fact, American national hero, Charles Lindbergh, once considered by the right wing of the Republican Party as a potential Presidential candidate in 1940, had a close relationship with Hitler and actively worked for the anti-interventionist cause. At that time, more than 80% of the American public shared his views, opposing any involvement in the European conflict. The question of going to the aid of the Jews was never on the American table.
This was until the end of the war, when the atrocities committed by the Germans, with the massacre of six million Jews and five million Europeans of “impure blood”, gassed and baked in ovens and gas chambers, were exposed to a horrified, disgusted world. Until Europeans, Americans, even some Germans felt the extreme shame of not going to the aid of these innocent victims, even though they well knew exactly what was happening in these Nazi concentration camps.
The Nazi’s “Jewish Problem” then became, out of guilt, the British and Americans’ “Jewish Problem”. They took the easy way out. They stole the land of the Palestinians by Divine Order, after which it became the Palestinians’ “Jewish Problem”.
As Pablo Casals, famed Puerto Rican cellist and conductor said, “The world is in greater peril from those who tolerate or encourage evil than those who actually commit it”.
There have been pro-Palestinian protests in cities around the world, including America, against the continuing Israeli attacks on Gaza in revenge for the Hamas atrocities on October 7. Students of prominent educational institutions in America, including Harvard, are joining worldwide protests against the injustice of land being stolen from the people of Palestine.
A historic and mostly forgotten irony has been erased from the minds of these students at Harvard University, and most Americans. They are protesting the stealing of Palestinian land by the Israelis, unaware that they are standing on land stolen by their ancestors from native Americans.
Harvard students are protesting the annexation of Palestinian land by the Israelis, so doing on land stolen from the original native American tribe of Massachusetts. A tribe that exists no longer, but endures in memory only in the name of the state.
But I digress. Going back to the gift that kept on giving, also known as the Balfour Declaration of 1917, the British committed Palestine, a country where Arabic culture, traditions and language were dominant, “to the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people”.
The Jewish people accepted the twice-promised land, gifted by both the British and the Bible (the most sacred of title deeds), and emigrated to Palestine in their thousands, fleeing centuries of European persecution.
The Divine Gift of the Promised Land proved to be fruitful. Today, 3.5 million Palestinians are confined to the narrow, 140 sq. miles of the Gaza Strip, and share the West Bank of the Jordan River in dots of settlements amongst hostile Jewish settlers. The rest of the land of Palestine, now Israel, is under the military control and occupation of the Chosen People.
The map at the top of the essay shows the progressive and illegal Israeli annexation of Palestinian land since 1947.
A Two-State solution, proposed earlier by the United Nations, seemed to be the only equitable way to end this conflict, with equitably divided sovereign states, possibly according to pre-1967 borders. Jews and Palestinians living in peace in lands neighboring each other may be an impossible dream.
The virtual genocide and displacement of the Palestinian people and the complete annexation of Palestinian land, with American assistance, is almost a fait accompli. Today, Jews, with a population of 9.7 million outnumbering 3.5 million Palestinians, occupy the major part of the “Holy Land”. So where is the Israeli need for a Two-State solution? The Jewish State, as foretold in the Bible is a virtual reality.
President Biden visited Israel last Wednesday, in a display of American solidarity with Israel. He had three major missions for this historic visit: to make possible the release of 250 hostages, including about 20 Americans, held by Hamas in Gaza; to warn other actors in the region, like Hezbollah and Iran, not to escalate the conflict; and to ensure that Israel does not imperil the human rights of innocent Palestinians in their stated motive of exacting revenge for the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7.
The bombing of a hospital in Gaza, which killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians and patients, a war crime, changed the trajectory of Biden’s short visit even before his arrival in Tel Aviv.
The Israelis first said the hospital bombing was an airstrike targeting Hamas that went wrong; then they accused terrorists operating in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, of bombing their own hospital. The hospital bombing occurred during Israel’s intense and continuing airstrikes on North Gaza for 11 days after the Hamas attack on October 7.
As expected, Biden stands with Israel Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. On meeting Bibi, Biden hugged him and said he believes the Israeli version of the Gaza hospital bombing, that it was done by “the other team, not you”. The American propaganda machine is busily gathering questionable satellite evidence to absolve their allies of this dastardly attack. No Arab will accept such evidence, doctored or not.
The Israelis’ stated intention of targeting only Hamas in their strikes in Gaza is as ridiculous as it is perfidious. Hamas operatives live with Palestinian civilians, they do not wear a Scarlet Letter T on their foreheads to identify themselves as terrorists. Collective murder of innocent Palestinians in the Israeli quest for revenge is inevitable. The Israeli blockade of food, water and medical supplies in Gaza is aimed at all Palestinians, not just Hamas terrorists. The relentless bombing by the Israeli Defense Forces of the area refutes their claim that the Gaza hospital bombing was done by a stray Hamas rocket.
Finger pointing is to no avail. The damage is done. The protests of Arabs throughout the Middle-East resulting from this atrocity led to the cancellation of the scheduled summit in Jordan for President Biden with Arab leaders in the region.
Biden left Israel, with little to show for his courageous though risky visit to a war zone. He said the Americans have learnt from past mistakes; grave mistakes, when they failed to intervene as Hitler was carrying out genocide of the Jews in Germany in the 1930s; and when America overreacted after 9/11, embroiling America in an illegal war for 15 years against the wrong enemy, with enormous cost to life, property and credibility.
Biden had limited success when he persuaded Israel to temporarily open the Egyptian border and allow American humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinians in North Gaza, desperately in need of such aid of medical supplies, water and food. One million Palestinian civilians under siege to be supplied 20 trucks of emergency provisions, sufficient for maybe a few days. Whether more trucks will be allowed access is anyone’s guess.
But while Biden condemned the terrorism of Hamas, he did not demand any assurances from Netanyahu of the cessation of retaliation against innocent Palestinians in North Gaza. Nearly two weeks of airstrikes and bombings, blockage of essential supplies, which have already claimed the lives of over 4,000 innocent Palestinian men, women and children. The hostages have still not been released. He received no assurance from Netanyahu of the suspension of the imminent ground offensive in North Gaza which will endanger the lives of nearly a million Palestinian civilians. Their strategy seems to drop thousands of bombs on North Gaza, destroy everything, and follow though with a ground invasion. What is their endgame – genocide?
The Israeli offensive if allowed to take place, will escalate exponentially the risk of the conflict spreading to other regions.
In that sense, Biden’s visit was a complete failure. But a complete success for Netanyahu, who got everything for Israel and gave away almost nothing.
President Biden is making a speech to the American people from the Oval Office, as I am writing this. A moving speech, emphasizing American values, determination to support democracy wherever it is under threat. He reiterated his steadfast support of both Ukraine and Israel, valued and loyal allies. He made a request from Congress for a funding package of $100 billion to help these allies in their wars against, as he said, aggressors who threaten their very existence as sovereign nations. He is asking for funding to help them in providing weaponry for their self-defense. He has no plans of having American boots on the ground in either of these arenas.
At first and admittedly ill-considered analysis, it has to be agreed that Americans must aid their allies. However, these two allies, Ukraine and Israel, are fighting their wars in different roles. One, Ukraine, in defense of their sovereignty against the aggressor, Russia. The other, Israel, is the aggressor, putting the finishing touch on targeted genocide, completion of the annexation of the land of an erstwhile sovereign nation, Palestine. An annexation in which Americans have been complicit since the end of World War II.
One ally is the defender, the other the aggressor. But helping both, morality and justice notwithstanding, is in the best interests of the Americans. That has always been the prime American motive in all the numerous wars they have involved themselves in since World War II.
Does the fate that befell the native American tribes centuries ago, when their lands were violently stolen and they were systematically and brutally “eliminated” by Europeans, await the Palestinians? History seems to favor that ultimate outcome, in the not too distant future.
Fifty years ago, Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir is reputed to have told then Senator Biden on a visit to that embattled region, “You know, Senator. We have a secret weapon here, in Israel. We have no place else to go”.
The tables certainly have turned. Today, the Palestinians have been almost completely defeated in their almost century-long struggle to hold on to their land against impossible odds. They are facing imminent genocide, displacement and extinction. Neighboring Arab nations are not, as a rule, prepared to accept them as refugees. They have no secret weapon in Palestine. They have no place else to go.
Features
Thunberg deported; various frauds; two women

Richard Gere, known to be a meditator and friend of the Dalai Lama, stunned the Hollywood audience that gathered to see him receive a lifetime achievement award recently. He began his address with the usual platitudes and then switched to the country that he said was in a mess. He blamed the US voters who brought Donald Trump in as Prez. And then he called Trump ‘bully and thug’. They are strong words, repeated to make sure his opinion got through.
Another actor, Alec Baldwin, donned an orange hair wig and acted in skits of Trump in the Oval Office and while electioneering. Hilarious and yet of import as it displays the extent to which Trump is derided and openly abused in his own country. Tweets came streaming in from Trump that the actors are old, spent forces, etc. But the public heard and saw the opinion of two very popular and respected actors.
To Cassandra, the disgraceful display of feuding between Elon Musk and Donald Trump made public on X, is the best thing that could have happened to America and the world at large. They are both acting child-like (an insult to children to class these two with them) while displaying their ignorance except about money. The latest as Cass pens this is that Musk has apologised for some of the tweets he sent maligning Trump.
Pro-Palestinian Activists pushed out of Israel
Conveying a symbolic amount of emergency supplies, pro-Palestinian activists from France, Sweden, Brazil. Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Turkey, calling themselves the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, sailed to Israel in their barge the Madleen to protest against what Israel is doing to the few people left in Gaza – shelling them day and night and determined to chase them all out of the Strip. But the protestors’ visit was short; they were not allowed to dock or land, rather was the aid boat seized by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean on Monday. Thunberg and twelve others were deported from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion airport to France, the following day. However, six French activists refused to sign their deportation orders and would be brought before an Israeli judicial authority and probably transferred to Ramle Prison, near Tel Aviv.
Such a brave onslaught on Israel in person should be highly acclaimed. Protests occur all over the world, but Netanyahu and the Israel Armey Commander seem not to take notice. As long as the US under Trump supports Israel, the Palestinian bid for freedom to occupy their land in Gaza
Local shark caught in the corruption net
Bureaucrats are being netted in; not only politicians. We have seen the highest in the prison’s department remanded. True, it may not be he who released a prisoner surreptitiously when on the last Vesak Poya, prisoners were pardoned and released. But he signed the papers and so is ultimately responsible.
A member of a former ruling family has been questioned on how come he claimed damages for the destruction of a house of his by the Aragalaya thugs. The question is how a non est house, maybe one dreamed up, came to be claimed as one gutted. The money, of course in millions, seems to have been paid to this elder Rajapaksa brother. Now, he is being questioned and one firmly hopes the money received by the foulest means will be paid back to the country’s till. Cass for one is shocked beyond words and belief at the lies and dastardly subterfuges thought up by these self-seeking minds, and the greed for more and more lucre. The immunity they conferred on themselves being a family that could not be touched by the arm of law and thus the carte blanche they enjoyed to do as they pleased AND with the nation’s money, seems to be ended. It looks to be.
Two local women: one celebrated, the other mourned
Iranganie Meedeniya Serasinghe
, well beloved by all Sri Lankans, celebrated her 98 birthday recently. We wish her very well and hope she can go through the rest of her life with minimum pain and illness. One fact that can be said about her is that she gained in facial beauty as she aged.
She is considered an iconic artiste who was a pioneering figure in theatre, the local silver screen and small screen. She did not just take to acting, she imbibed the art and craft of it at the well-known (probably the world’s best) Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. She also studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School under the mentorship of Prof EFC Ludowyk, a founder of Sri Lankan theatre.
My brother hired her ex-Ayah to look after his son, so this dame was ever fond of regaling us with stories of her beloved Chandi Appo (the child Iranganie). She was born in the Meedeniya Walauwa very close to Yatiyantota and schooled at Bishop’s College, Colombo, and for her ALs at Girls’ High School, Kandy. This exam was known as the Higher School Certificate Exam (HSC) – entrance exam to the University of Colombo or Peradeniya. It was actually at KHS that she went into theatre acting. Well remembered by Cass as a younger student is Mrs de Mel producing Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, forerunner to My Fair Lady. Producing and staging Pygmalion was certainly a hazardous task, but probably intrepid Mrs de Mel thought she had a star player to tackle the role of Professor Higgins. Iranganie was him and Rani Perera was Eliza Doolittle, fluently speaking Cockney and then metamorphosing to a near princess.
Iranganie was first in theatre but then, as good fortune would have it, Lester James Peries scripted and directed Rekawa (Line of Destiny) in 1956. It was the first Sinhala film fully shot in Ceylon and outdoors, eliminating any Indian influence. Iranganie played a major role while Winston Serasinghe too was in it. Willie Blake was cinematographer. Entered in 1957 to the Cannes Film Festival, it was included in the main competition and was nominated for the Palme d’Or; honour enough and is still the only Sinhala film honoured thus far.
Iranganie outsmarted traditional conventions, especially Kandyan radala conservatism, by going into films. Remembered best by Cass is her role in Yashorawaya where she played self-sacrificing mother to Richard de Zoysa.
She also founded Ruk Rekaganno, and went about trying to prevent the wanton cutting down of trees. Cass’ second brother was in the movement. Once on a journey out of Colombo. Iranganie had wanted a cup of tea. Only wayside tea kiosks were available. All four were willing to patronise one of them. The boutique keeper was nonchalant and even wary of these city types until his wife recognised Iranganie. “Aney appé,” she shouted and out came levariya and tea in cups and saucers!
Malini Pethiyagoda Kulatunge
passed away in Australia a couple of days ago. Mention is made here since she was the first woman to pass the newly instituted CAS examination for recruitment of Ceylon Administrative Services officers which replaced the Ceylon Civil Service, started by the British under their colonial rule. This first exam was in 1971. Malini, too, had her education at Girls’ High School from where she entered the University of Peradeniya. Malini, sister of Dr Upatissa Pethiyagoda, migrated soon after to Australia with her young family.
What have we to look forward to next week? A Colombo Municipal Council formed, with hopefully Vraie Cally Balthazaar, graduate, researcher, entrepreneur and media professional of the bright sparkling face, as Mayor?
At least we hear fumigation going on. We also hope mosquito breeding places are being eliminated. Fast spreading dread diseases have to be stalled. It’s the duty of the local councils of the country, and if extra care is taken, we could live safe and healthy.
Features
As Prof. Arjuna De Silva turns 60 …

I first met Professor Arjuna de Silva as his patient. I was immediately impressed by this consultant physician, especially by his considerable knowledge, remarkable efficiency and commitment. I also remember thinking that he was a bit arrogant, even bordering on the rude. He was just being matter-of-fact, strictly focused on diagnosis, prognosis and prescription. In the 25 years that have passed since then, I have had ample reason to conclude that behind the confident and sometimes stern exterior that I first encountered, there was a sensitive, intelligent, and scrupulously honest friend just waiting to be discovered.
Over the years this no-nonsense physician, affectionately known as Prof. Arjuna, became one of my closest and dearest friends. His selfless service to our circle, especially his steadfast care for our parents, is nothing short of heroic. The dedication with which he looked after my own parents, particularly my late father, speaks volumes about his loyalty and kindness. In fact, if there was an Olympic medal for “Friendship and Care,” Arjuna would be standing proudly on the podium, gold medal and a bouquet of roses, probably delivering an acceptance speech explaining why he deserves it more than anyone else!
We became firm friends and eventually our brotherhood would include a third, Johann Wijesinghe. The three of us shared a bond tested in the toughest of times. When Johann fell seriously ill, Arjuna stepped up not just as a friend but as a guiding light. Emotionally shaken though he was, Arjuna managed to steer Johann and his wife Kalpana through complex medical treatments while keeping the rest of us, who were understandably anxious, calm and hopeful. Watching him juggle this immense responsibility without panicking was nothing short of inspiring. It was only when Johann passed away that I was able to see him with his guard down; I had never seen Arjuna so deeply shaken before.
His sobriety in his professional life was quite in contrast to how he was when he put aside his ‘doctoring.’ It is no exaggeration to say that I have never met any medical professional who parties like Arjuna does. Arjuna and his wife Thulani are the ultimate hosts; they are supreme when it comes to hospitality and entertainment. Arjuna loves company and celebrations so much that I often joke that if there is a lot of light and music Arjuna would be there or should be. He wouldn’t miss these things if he could help it.
An Oxford-qualified professor, Arjuna’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. His contributions to sports, both specific disciplines and the broader sporting community, cannot be matched by any doctor I know. A proud Thomian, he embodies grit, determination, and just the right touch of flair that has earned him the affectionate nickname “Dr. Shahrukh Khan.” And yes, he encourages it with that charming smile and a mischievous wink.
Arjuna isn’t one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, but as a very close friend, I can vouch for his sensitivity and sometimes even a need for attention. Those close to him know he has his weaknesses, for example his legendary reluctance to forgive easily. Arjuna remembers both the good and the bad. For all this, he is the first person many would call in a medical emergency, knowing he will be there without hesitation. I will never forget how he visited my father almost every single day when he became critically ill.
Above all, Arjuna is a proud and loyal Sri Lankan, a true patriot in every sense.
My dear friend Arjuna knows how sorry I am that I cannot be with him tonight as he celebrates the milestone of reaching 60. However, as we have joked and agreed, his party would be better without me for I share his weakness to be unforgiving at times. He will have a blast, nevertheless, for Arjuna is irrepressible. He will take note and smile when I wish him a wonderful time. It will be a blast, as always and Arjuna will enjoy every moment and raise a cheer with those present with a nod to those who, like me, are not there, to many more years of friendship, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
Happy 60th, Prof. Arjuna!
by Krishantha Prasad Cooray ✍️
Features
They came, they won, they returned to Jaffna isles

This is about the children of Kytes Island J/Thambaddy Government Tamil Mixed Vidyalayam and J/Delft Maha Vidyalayam in the northernmost inhabited island of Sri Lanka. They travelled to Colombo and won in the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Regatta Junior (Under 18) section held in the Diyawannawa lake last week.
Delft Maha Vidyalam commenced on 17 January 1946, as one of the first Maha Vidyalayam established by the Father of Free Education, Dr C. W. W. Kannagara, then Education Minister. Declared open by Sir John Kotelawala with five teachers and 23 students; the school has classes from Grade 1 to Grade 13 today. There are 179 students (117 boys and 62 girls), 20 teachers (10 males and 10 females). This is the northernmost Maha Vidyalayam in Sri Lanka. A ferry voyage from the Jaffna mainland to Delft takes about one and a half hours.
Thambaddy Government Tamil Mixed Vidyalayam is on Kytes island. It has 179 students in classes from Grade 1 to Grade 11, and 19 teachers. It has produced excellent swimmers who won 18 medals in the last Provincial Swimming meet, even though they do not have a swimming pool. They practise in a village pond!
- J/ Thambaddy Government Tamil Mixed Vidyalayam
- Girls category competition
Boys Junior Dragon boat event was won by J/Thambaddy GTMV team consisting of twelve paddlers who pulled their boat in unison with much vigour and morale. They were followed closely by another team from Jaffna Islands (Delft) J/Delft Maha Vidyalayam. During the last stages of the race, there was a close competition between these two teams. The results were as follows:
1. Gold medal – Thambaddy GTMV, Kytes Island, Jaffna
2. Silver medal- Delft Maha Vidyalayam, Delft Island, Jaffna
3. Bronze medal- D S Senanayake College, Colombo
4. St Patrick’s College, Jaffna
5. Wesley College, Colombo
6. Gateway International College, Colombo
7. Wesley College, Colombo, (team 2)
This great achievement by Jaffna Island schools was due to unstinted support and guidance they receive from the Sri Lanka Navy, especially Secretary of the Canoeing and Kayaking Association of Sri Lanka, Captain (SBS) Chaminda Wijesiri, an injured war veteran. This potential international level talent was spotted by him when the Canoeing and Kayaking Association held the National Canoeing and Kayaking Regatta six months ago in the Jaffna lagoon adjacent to the picturesque Jaffna Dutch Fort.
The Chinese Embassy of Sri Lanka and Sports and the Youth Affairs Ministry jointly organised the Regatta at Diyawannawa lake, which was to be held near the Port City. It had to be shifted to the Diyawanna Lake due to rough seas. The Army and Navy Commanders and Director General Sports (Retired senior Naval officer Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando) helped transport the Jaffna teams to Colombo.
The teams were provided with accommodation at the Sports Hostel, Colombo, and the Youth Council Hostel, Maharagama free of charge, and Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando took care of their meals.
Girls from these two Jaffna islands also performed extremely well. They lost to Vishaka College Colombo team, but secured Silver and Bronze medals. The final results of Girls category were as follows:
Gold medal- Vishaka College Colombo.
Silver medal- J/ Thambaddy GTMV, Kytes Island, Jaffna .
Bronze medal- J/ Delft Maha Vidyalayam, Delft Island, Jaffna.
WP/ Jaya/ Janadipathi Balika Vidyalaya, Nawala.
Five fully equipped Dragon Boats donated by China were handed over by Chinese Ambassador in Colombo Qi Zhenhong to the Canoeing and Kayaking Association. Chairman of Canoeing and Kayaking Association, Rear Admiral (SSD) HNS Perera has already decided to keep two boats in Jaffna for the use of the northern children.

Winners with Rear Admiral Damien Fernando (Chief of Staff of Navy) and Captain (SBS) Chaminda Wijesiri
Our next step is to train combined Jaffna schools teams (both girls and boys) to take part in the world famous Snake Boat Race in Backwaters of Kerala, India scheduled to be held in September this year. Bravo to these children! Mother Theresa once said, “We can’t do great things – but we can do small things with great love”. Keep paddling children!
(The writer is Former Navy Commander and Former Chief of Defence Staff, Former Chairman, Trincomalee Petroleum Terminals Ltd., Former Managing Director Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, and Former High Commissioner to Pakistan.)
by Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne ✍️
WV, RWP and Bar, RSP, VSV, USP, NI (M) (Pakistan), ndc, psn, Bsc
(Hons) (War Studies) (Karachi) MPhil (Madras)
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