Features

Brit opinion of Trump; timely, pertinent discussion on Covid-19

Published

6 years ago

2020/10/16

Thank goodness for Trump! I ducked the brickbats that remark earned me. Diehard Demos of US of A would lynch me though that is a prerogative of American White Supremacists, particularly those hooded guys carrying torches and pistols, still surreptitiously active due to the Gun Lobby that Trump promotes.

The calculated comedy that the US Prez is

Getting back to Trump, I thanked goodness for his availability as a subject to write about. One is rather stymied now since controversial topics regarding Sri Lanka are dangerous to comment on. Of course the US Prez to such as Cass is more than a bit of grist to the writing wrist. He can be laughed at and also accepted as a person who turns one’s stomach so one looks on other Presidents of the world with tolerance and respect. Thus the enjoyment derived from an email received recently where a British writer commented on the man. The Brits we admire for their innate ability to laugh at even themselves. They have reserve and wit and the ability to look below the surface, being sophisticated. For them humour is clever, far from the slapstick cheap funny that most Americans guffaw at. The writer White, (only this name was given) Cass quotes below – abbreviated. White gave an analysis of why he does not like Trump.

“Trump lacks certain qualities which the British traditionally esteem. For instance, he has no class, no charm, no coolness, no credibility, no compassion, no wit, no warmth, no wisdom, no subtlety, no sensitivity, no self-awareness, no humility, no honour and no grace – all qualities, funnily enough, with which his predecessor Mr. Obama was generously blessed. So for us, the stark contrast does rather throw Trump’s limitations into embarrassingly sharp relief.

“Plus, we like a laugh. And while Trump may be laughable, he has never once said anything wry, witty or even faintly amusing – not once, ever. And that fact is particularly disturbing to the British sensibility – for us, to lack humour is almost inhuman. But with Trump, it’s a fact. He doesn’t even seem to understand what a joke is – his idea of a joke is a crass comment, an illiterate insult, a casual act of cruelty.

“There is never any under-layer of irony, complexity, nuance or depth. It’s all surface. Some Americans might see this as refreshingly upfront. Well, we don’t. We see it as having no inner world, no soul.

“And worse, he is that most unforgivable of all things to the British: a bully. That is, except when he is among bullies; then he suddenly transforms into a snivelling sidekick instead. He punches downwards – which a gentleman should, would, could never do – and every blow he aims is below the belt. He particularly likes to kick the vulnerable or voiceless – and he kicks them when they are down.

“After all, it’s impossible to read a single tweet, or hear him speak a sentence or two, without staring deep into the abyss. He turns being artless into an art form; he is a Picasso of pettiness; a Shakespeare of shit. His faults are fractal: even his flaws have flaws, and so on ad infinitum. Rarely has stupidity been so nasty, so stupid. He makes Nixon look trustworthy and George W look smart. In fact, if Frankenstein decided to make a monster assembled entirely from human flaws – he would make a Trump.”

So there – such an accurate assessment! We Sri Lankans agree. The average Sri Lankan has depth, culture is ingrained in him/her and even though we be mere readers, we appreciate depth in writing, wit and explicitness of expression. Trump lacks all. We have two wonderful national languages, and being Sinhala, Cass knows how cleverly writers use the language, its words, cadences, and inner music. Clever writers twist words around, sometimes abbreviating them. So is it any wonder that almost to a man/woman we look askance at the Prez of the US and hope he will be defeated come early November.

Face the Nation documents multiple angles to Covid-19 resurgence

A bouquet now after the brickbat thrown at miraculously cured, campaign stomping Trump. Cass pays a huge compliment to MTV TVI Monday nights’ programme Face the Nation. Not only do they get panellists knowledgeable in the subject under discussion but the anchors are superb and journalists present ask probing questions.

Monday 12 October had Nadim Majeed anchoring the programme with four panelists: Dr Amanthi Bandusena of the Health Promotion Bureau; Dr Deepa Gamage, Epidemiologist from the MRI; Prof Athula Sumathipala of the Institute of Fundamental Studies, also lecturing in Britain and Mangala Randeniya, Deputy Director of Foreign Employment Bureau. Thus you see how four vital aspects of the pandemic and its resurgence in Sri Lanka were discussed, with Prof Sumathipala a consultant psychiatrist.

New info that emerged was that the pandemic can be controlled if people abide by recommended strictures. It is not too late pronounced Dr Gamage. Dr Bandusena said that all promotional and awareness activities are undertaken stringently and while tackling the Covid-19, other public health care activities like immunisation of children are continued by her department.

Mr Randeniya gave facts and figures about Sri Lankan migrant workers who are waiting to be brought back – delayed due to huge new cluster of those needing hospitalization and quarantine – and said that some were re-employed in the countries they had migrated to like South Korea.

Prof. Sumithipala outlined a new angle to the pandemic: the emotions of individuals who are patients and contacts. He said panic is inevitable in a situation like the present and can lead to psychological mental conditions. There is stigma attached to the disease and the media particularly have to take care not to mention names of patients since blame is often laid on them. Stigmatisation should never be allowed as Covid-19 is just another fl, though so virulent. He said those in charge of prevention, contact tracing, medical treatment were doing an excellent job of selfless service. He made the point that soon after the tsunami struck the island, even before the powers could get to the disaster struck areas, neighbours and civil society were already present and helping. Thus the very important message to be taken was that every individual was responsible for his/her safety and that would help the country immensely.

Cass’ strongest opinion was that the women in our country, on the whole, are outstanding. The two women panellists were vocal, easily and accurately conversant in English and projected that charm that most Sri Lankan women exhibit – clever, dedicated, cultured.

One aside before Cass says goodbye till next week: cheers to the AG for acting on the release of the Bathiudeen brother who seemed to have associated closely with at least one of the terrorists of 21 April 2019 which left hundreds dead, more injured and thousands mourning. A curse on any who helped the planners and bombers! They have to be punished. (Cass easily changes from prophesying to cursing. After all she is more Sinhala than Trojan and the consort of our legendary race was THE curser of cursers. Doesn’t the curse she vent on the island in BC years, still cause panic and pandemonium off and on?)

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Features

Rethinking global order in the precincts of Nalanda

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/21

Thilina Walpola

It has become fashionable to criticise the US for its recent conduct toward Iran. This is not an attempt to defend or rationalise the US’s actions. Rather, it seeks to inject perspective into an increasingly a historical debate. What is often missing is institutional memory: An understanding of how the present international order was constructed and the conditions under which it emerged.

The “rules-based order” was forged in the aftermath of two catastrophic wars. Earlier efforts had faltered. Woodrow Wilson’s proposal for a League of Nations after World War I was rejected by the US Senate. Yet, it introduced a lasting premise: International order could be consciously designed, not left solely to shifting power balances. That premise returned after World War II. The Dumbarton Oaks process laid the groundwork for the UN, while Bretton Woods established the global financial architecture.

These frameworks shaped modern norms of security, finance, trade, and governance. The US played the central role in this design, providing leadership even as it engaged selectively- remaining outside certain frameworks while shaping others. This underscored a central reality: Power and principle have always coexisted uneasily within it.

This order most be understood against the destruction that preceded it. Industrial warfare, aerial bombardment, and weapons capable of unprecedented devastation reshaped both the ethics and limits of conflict. The post-war system emerged from this trauma, anchored in a fragile consensus of “never again”, even as authority remained concentrated among five powers.

The rise of China, the re-emergence of India, and the growing assertiveness of Russia and regional powers are reshaping the global balance. Technological disruption and renewed competition over energy and resources are transforming the nature of power. In this environment, some American strategists argue that the US risks strategic drift Iran, in this view, becomes more than a regional issue; it serves as a platform for signalling resolve – not only to Tehran, but to Beijing and beyond. Actions taken in one theatre are intended to shape perceptions of credibility across multiple fronts.

Recent actions suggest that while the US retains unmatched military reach, it has exercised a level of restraint. The avoidance of escalation into the most extreme forms of warfare indicates that certain thresholds in great-power conflict remain intact. If current trends persist-where power increasingly substitutes for principle — this won’t remain a uniquely American dilemma.

Other major powers may face similar choices. As capabilities expand, the temptation to act outside established norms may grow. What begins as a context-specific deviation can harden into accepted practice. This is the paradox of great power transition: What begins as an exception risk becoming a precedent The question now is whether existing systems are capable of renewal. Ad hoc frameworks may stabilise the present, but risk orphaning the future. Without a broader framework, they risk managing disorder rather than designing order. The Dumbarton Oaks process was a structured diplomatic effort shaped by competing visions and compromise. A contemporary equivalent would be more complex, reflecting a more diffuse distribution of power and lower levels of trust Such an effort must include the US, China, India, the EU, Russia, and other key powers.

India could serve as a credible convenor capable of bridging divides. Its position -engaged with multiple powers yet not formally aligned – gives it a degree of convening legitimacy. Nalanda-the world’s first university – offers an appropriate symbolic setting for such dialogue, evoking knowledge exchange across civilisations rather than competition among them.

Milinda Moragoda is a former cabinet minister and diplomat from Sri Lanka and founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, a strategic affairs think tank could be contacted atemail@milinda.org. This article was published in Hindustan Times on 2026.04.19)

By Milinda Moragoda

Features

Father and daughter … and now Section 8

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/21

Thilina Walpola

Members of Section 8

The combination of father and daughter, Shafi and Jana, as a duo, turned out to be a very rewarding experience, indeed, and now they have advanced to Section 8 – a high-energy, funk-driven, jazz-oriented live band, blending pop, rock, funk, country, and jazz.

Guitar wizard Shafi is a highly accomplished lead guitarist with extensive international experience, having performed across Germany, Australia, the Maldives, Canada, and multiple global destinations.

Shafi: Guitar wizard, at the helm of Section 8

Jana: Dynamic and captivating lead vocalist

He is best known as a lead guitarist of Wildfire, one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised bands, while Jana is a dynamic and captivating lead vocalist with over a decade of professional performing experience.

Jana’s musical journey started early, through choir, laying the foundation for her strong vocal control and confident stage presence.

Having also performed with various local bands, and collaborated with seasoned musicians, Jana has developed a versatile style that blends energy, emotion, and audience connection.

The father and daughter combination performed in the Maldives for two years and then returned home and formed Section 8, combining international stage experience with a sharp understanding of what it takes to move a crowd.

In fact, Shafi and Jana performed together, as a duo, for over seven years, including long-term overseas contracts, building a strong musical partnership and a deep understanding of international audiences and live entertainment standards.

Section 8 is relatively new to the scene – just two years old – but the outfit has already built a strong reputation, performing at private events, weddings, bars, and concerts.

The band is known for its adaptability, professionalism, and engaging stage presence, and consistently delivers a premium live entertainment experience, focused on energy, groove, and audience connection.

Section 8 is also a popular name across Sri Lanka’s live music circuit, regularly performing at venues such as Gatz, Jazzabel, Honey Beach, and The Main Sports Bar, as well as across the southern coast, including Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, Mirissa, and Galle.

What’s more, they performed two consecutive years at Petti Mirissa for their New Year’s gala, captivating international audiences present with high-energy performance, specially designed for large-scale celebrations.

With a strong following among international visitors, the band has become a standout act within the tourist entertainment scene, as well.

Their performances are tailored to diverse audiences, blending international hits with dance-driven sets, while also incorporating strong jazz influences that add depth, musicianship, and versatility to their sound.

The rest of the members of Section 8 are also extremely talented and experienced musicians:

Suresh – Drummer, with over 20 years of international experience.

Dimantha – Keyboardist, with global exposure across multiple countries.

Dilhara – Bassist and multi-instrumentalist, also a composer and producer, with technical expertise.

Features

Celebrations … in a unique way

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/21

Thilina Walpola

The attraction on 14th July

Rajiv Sebastian could be classified as an innovative performer.

Yes, he certainly has plenty of surprises up his sleeves and that’s what makes him extremely popular with his fans.

Rajiv & The Clan are now 35 years in the showbiz scene and Rajiv says he has plans to celebrate this special occasion … in a unique way!

According to Rajiv, the memories of Clarence, Neville, Baig, Rukmani, Wally and many more, in its original flavour, will be relived on 14th July.

“We will be celebrating our anniversary at the Grand Maitland (in front of the SSC playground) on 14th July, at 7.00pm, and you will feel the inspiration of an amazing night you’ve never seen before,” says Rajiv, adding that all the performers will be dressed up in the beautiful sixties attire, and use musical instruments never seen before.

In fact, Rajiv left for London, last week, and is scheduled to perform at four different venues, and at each venue his outfit is going to be different, he says, with the sarong being very much a part of the scene.