Features
Democratic Chaos of Pohottuva politics

A referendum is becoming the catchword of politics and calls before the Supreme Court on the 20A.
With the new Rajapaksa and Pohottuva craving a return to the JR Jayewardene rule of non-democratic authority, it is good to recall the reality of the first, and so far only, referendum in Sri Lanka, way back in 1982. It was the move by JRJ to extend the life of the parliament elected in 1977 for another six years. To get the people’s vote to keep the people out.
It was the JRJ move to prevent a general election, when several by-elections held showed the government was losing support, and JRJ’s UNP would not get a huge majority in the next parliament. With the main opposition leader Sirimavo Bandaranaike deprived of her civic rights, JRJ wanted to ensure his continuity in power with a parliamentary majority.
The referendum came with a constitutional change for the purpose, and the country moved to the Lamp vs Pot, where the ruling UNP carried on a hugely corrupt campaign. The votes of the key opposition leaders, Hector Kobbekaduwa of the SLFP and Pieter Keuneman of the CP were cast before they came to vote. The largely pro-SLFP and Sirimavo electorates of Attanagalla Dompe were hugely won by the Lamp, shedding no light on corrupt JRJ politics. That Lamp vs Pot politics was such a fraud that the then Elections Commissioner, Chandananda de Silva gave his report on the referendum only four years later.
Most petitioners against the 20A now before the Supreme Court have asked for a referendum on the new amendments to the constitution. Can we be certain that any referendum, if held, will be conducted by the present Elections Commission, which gave us the cleanest general election in the history of our parliamentary politics?
Let’s not forget that the ruling politics of today is one of restoring the politics and governance of JRJ. Would those who now relish the two-thirds majority in parliament allow the voters of this country to bring in any changes to their power-play in corrupt politics?
The Pohottuva is now presenting various amendments to the 20A, which the Attorney General says will be taken up at the Committee Stage of the parliamentary debate on it. The Supreme Court had to direct that copies of such proposed amendments must be given to the petitioners.
Isn’t it strange that a government that refused to consider and Cabinet Sub-Committee suggested amendments to 20A, that has no known drafter, and is now accepted as the President’s own document, has even bothered to bring any amendments to what the President claims ownership and authority?
The petitioners and the public will certainly place their confidence and trust in the Supreme Court. There is an important legal opinion that no changes to the main substance and goal of an original Bill placed before the House, could be changed at the committee stage of a debate. How then will any major changes be brought to this hugely anti-democratic 20A?
Just look at this. The 20A as it is, seeks to give power to the President to dissolve parliament after one year from the parliamentary election that elects the parliament. The new amendment gives such power two-and half years since the election. What is hugely ignored or forgotten is that the parliament was elected by the people. The 225 members, whatever party they may belong to or independent, were elected by the people – for a period of five years. How can any power be given to reduce or curtail this people’s mandate, when half the term for election is completed?
Let’s look at the other aspect of this. The new or current MPs are seeking new accommodation, there is one who even wants an umbrella at public cost. They enjoy so much of the benefits of so-called electoral – largely JRJ – parliamentary privilege, which includes a pension after one term in Parliament. Will they not plead with the Executive President to allow them to complete their five year term of benefits, comforts and conveniences, without dissolving parliament…and what will the President demand from them?
“Support me, vote for my proposals, and remain in the House. If not, you lose everything you now enjoy, and that includes your family and close friends, too”, would be the call of a president, waving a power of dissolution of parliament.
A referendum would certainly be an interesting and useful move to curb the ever widening power of the Executive Presidency of JRJ being brought through the 20A, with or without Committee Stage amendments. Why not ask for another important amendment. One that will allow Parliament – the House of Elected Members of Parliament – to pass a resolution to reduce the term of office of an incumbent president?
Are the people and even the courts, or legal pundits who serve the needs of anti-democracy, to forget that the mandate given to all 225 MPs, whatever their politics or games, was far in excess of what the President received?
It is best to keep such realities, and look at the mockery of Democracy and Presidential Power that Donald Trump is showing today. Is this to be the goal of our own democracy, with support for dual citizenship with hugely American leanings of today and yesterday.
This country needs more than a Committee Stage democracy, that can lead to the Democratic Chaos of the Pohottuva. A lotus bud of Executive Dominance.
Features
BRICS’ pushback against dollar domination sparks global economic standoff

If one were to look for a ‘rationale’ for the Trump administration’s current decision to significantly raise its tariffs on goods and services entering its shores from virtually the rest of the world, then, it is a recent statement by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that one needs to scrutinize. He is quoted as saying that tariffs could return ‘to April levels, if countries fail to strike a deal with the US.’
In other words, countries are urged to negotiate better tariff rates with the US without further delay if they are not to be at the receiving end of the threatened new tariff regime and its disquieting conditions. An unemotional approach to the questions at hand is best.
It would be foolish on the part of the rest of the world to dismiss the Trump administration’s pronouncements on the tariff question as empty rhetoric. In this crisis there is what may be called a not so veiled invitation to the world to enter into discussions with the US urgently to iron out what the US sees as unfair trade terms. In the process perhaps mutually acceptable terms could be arrived at between the US and those countries with which it is presumably having costly trade deficits. The tariff crisis, therefore, should be approached as a situation that necessitates earnest, rational negotiations between the US and its trading partners for the resolving of outstanding issues.
Meanwhile, the crisis has brought more into the open simmering antagonisms between the US and predominantly Southern groupings, such as the BRICS. While the tariff matter figured with some urgency in the recent BRICS Summit in Brazil, it was all too clear that the biggest powers in the grouping were in an effort ‘to take the fight back to the US’ on trade, investment and connected issues that go to the heart of the struggle for global predominance between the East and the US. In this connection the term ‘West’ would need to be avoided currently because the US is no longer in complete agreement with its Western partners on issues of the first magnitude, such as the Middle East, trade tariffs and Ukraine.
Russian President Putin is in the forefront of the BRICS pushback against US dominance in the world economy. For instance, he is on record that intra-BRICS economic interactions should take place in national currencies increasingly. This applies in particular to trade and investment. Speaking up also for an ‘independent settlement and depository system’ within BRICS, Putin said that the creation of such a system would make ‘currency transactions faster, more efficient and safer’ among BRICS countries.
If the above and other intra-BRICS arrangements come to be implemented, the world’s dependence on the dollar would steadily shrink with a corresponding decrease in the power and influence of the US in world affairs.
The US’ current hurry to bring the world to the negotiating table on economic issues, such as the tariff question, is evidence that the US has been fully cognizant of emergent threats to its predominance. While it is in an effort to impress that it is ‘talking’ from a position of strength, it could very well be that it is fearful for its seemingly number one position on the world stage. Its present moves on the economic front suggest that it is in an all-out effort to keep its global dominance intact.
At this juncture it may be apt to observe that since ‘economics drives politics’, a less dollar dependent world could very well mark the beginning of the decline of the US as the world’s sole super power. One would not be exaggerating by stating that the tariff issue is a ‘pre-emptive’, strategic move of sorts by the US to remain in contention.
However, the ‘writing on the wall’ had been very manifest for the US and the West for quite a while. It is no longer revelatory that the global economic centre of gravity has been shifting from the West to the East.
Asian scholarship, in particular, has been profoundly cognizant of the trends. Just a few statistics on the Asian economic resurgence would prove the point. Parag Khanna in his notable work, ‘The Future is Asian’, for example, discloses the following: ‘Asia represents 50 percent of global GDP…It accounts for half of global economic growth. Asia produces and exports as well as imports and consumes more goods than any region.’
However, the US continues to be number one in the international power system currently and non-Western powers in particular would be erring badly if they presume that the economic health of the world and connected matters could be determined by them alone. Talks with the US would not only have to continue but would need to be conducted with the insight that neither the East nor the West would stand to gain by ignoring or glossing over the US presence.
To be sure, any US efforts to have only its way in the affairs of the world would need to be checked but as matters stand, the East and the South would need to enter into judicious negotiations with the US to meet their legitimate ends.
From the above viewpoint, it could be said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the most perceptive of Southern leaders at the BRICS Summit. On assuming chairmanship of the BRICS grouping, Modi said, among other things: ‘…During our chairmanship of BRICS, we will take this forum forward in the spirit of people-centricity and humanity first.’
People-centricity should indeed be the focus of BRICS and other such formations of predominantly the South, that have taken upon themselves to usher the wellbeing of people, as opposed to that of power elites and ruling classes.
East and West need to balance each other’s power but it all should be geared towards the wellbeing of ordinary people everywhere. The Cold War years continue to be instructive for the sole reason that the so-called ordinary people in the Western and Soviet camps gained nothing almost from the power jousts of the big powers involved. It is hoped that BRICS would grow steadily but not at the cost of democratic development.
Features
Familian Night of Elegance …

The UK branch of the Past Pupils Association of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya went into action last month with their third grand event … ‘Familian Night of Elegance.’ And, according to reports coming my way, it was nothing short of a spectacular success.
This dazzling evening brought together over 350 guests who came to celebrate sisterhood, tradition, and the deep-rooted bonds shared by Familians around the world.
Describing the event to us, Inoka De Sliva, who was very much a part of the scene, said:

Inoka De Silva: With one of the exciting prizes – air ticket to Canada and back to the UK
“The highlight of the night was the performance by the legendary Corrine Almeida, specially flown in from Sri Lanka. Her soulful voice lit up the room, creating unforgettable memories for all who attended. She was backed by the sensational UK-based band Frontline, whose energy and musical excellence kept the crowd on their feet throughout the evening.”

Corrine
Almeida:
Created
unforgettable
memories
Inoka, who now resides in the UK, went on to say that the hosting duties were flawlessly handled by the ever popular DJ and compere Vasi Sachi, who brought his trademark style and charisma to the stage, while his curated DJ sets, during the breaks, added fun and a modern vibe to the atmosphere.

Mrs. Rajika Jesuthasan: President of the UK
branch of the Past Pupils Association of
Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya
(Pix by Mishtré Photography’s Trevon Simon
The event also featured stunning dance performances that captivated the audience and elevated the celebration with vibrant cultural flair and energy.
One of the most appreciated gestures of the evening was the beautiful satin saree given to every lady upon arrival … a thoughtful and elegant gift that made all feel special.
Guests were also treated to an impressive raffle draw with 20 fantastic prizes, including air tickets.
The Past Pupils Association of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, UK branch, was founded by Mrs. Rajika Jesuthasan née Rajakarier four years ago, with a clear mission: to bring Familians in the UK together under one roof, and to give back to their beloved alma mater.
As the curtain closed on another successful Familian celebration, guests left with hearts full, and spirits high, and already counting down the days until the next gathering.
Features
The perfect tone …

We all want to have flawless skin, yet most people believe that the only way to achieve that aesthetic is by using costly skin care products.
Getting that perfect skin is not that difficult, even for the busiest of us, with the help of simple face beauty tips at home.
Well, here are some essential ways that will give you the perfect tone without having to go anywhere.
* Ice Cubes to Tighten Skin:
Applying ice cubes to your skin is a fast and easy effective method that helps to reduce eye bags and pores, and makes the skin look fresh and beautiful. Using an ice cube on your face, as a remedy in the morning, helps to “revive” and prepare the skin.
* Oil Cleansing for Skin:
Use natural oils, like coconut oil or olive oil, to cleanse your skin. Oils can clean the face thoroughly, yet moisturise its surface, for they remove dirt and excess oil without destroying the skin’s natural barriers. All one has to do is pick a specific oil, rub it softly over their face, and then wipe it off, using a warm soak (cloth soaked in warm water). It is a very simple method for cleaning the face.
* Sugar Scrub:
Mix a tablespoon of sugar with honey, or olive oil, to make a gentle scrub. Apply it in soft, circular motions, on your face and wash it off after a minute. This helps hydrate your skin by eliminating dead skin cells, which is the primary purpose of the scrub.
* Rose Water Toner:
One natural toner that will soothe and hydrate your skin is rose water. Tightening pores, this water improves the general texture of your skin. This water may be applied gently to the face post-cleansing to provide a soothing and hydrating effect to your face.
* Aloe Vera:
It is well known that aloe vera does wonders for the skin. It will provide alleviation for the skin, because of its calming and moisturising effects. The application of aloe vera gel, in its pure form, to one’s skin is beneficial as it aids in moisturising each layer, prevents slight skin deformity, and also imparts a fresh and healthy look to the face. Before going to bed is the best time to apply aloe vera.
* Water:
Staying hydrated, by drinking plenty of water (06 to 08 cups or glasses a day), helps to flush toxins and its functions in detoxification of the body, and maintenance the youthfulness of the skin in one’s appearance.
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