Features

Gota made scapegoat?

Published

3 years ago

2022/08/18

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

Scapegoat, according to the third book of the Torah and of the Old Testament – Leviticus, is the goat that was sent to the wilderness after the Jewish priest had symbolically laid all the sins of the people on it. It looks as if we had done the same to Gota, heaping the sins of his predecessors too on his back, but has it reversed our fortunes? Have we seen the green shoots of recovery of our economy with his exile? Aragalaya, which started as a peaceful protest movement by the masses suffering from severe economic hardships was soon hijacked by cunning politicians of varying shades and there have been acts of violence as well as dramatic political changes. So drastic are the changes, it is hardly imaginable they could occur in any place other than in the ’Land like no other’! Can you imagine a party leader who was not able to return to parliament on the popular vote being elected president by the same parliament!!

Politicians seem to be addressing the wrong issue. Whilst the masses continue to suffer severe economic hardships, no concerted efforts seem to be directed towards the burning issue; solving the economic crisis. Instead, politicians are fighting with each other to capitalize on their misery to gain pollical advantage. Instead of working together, under the present system, to find solutions to the economic problems, they are finding flimsy excuses not to do so. Politicians of all shades seem keen on constitutional changes whilst some go to the extent of demanding an immediate election in the belief that this is their only chance to grab power. It should not be forgotten that some attempted to grab power by force, which failed on 31st July! High time a new Aragalaya is launched to enlighten our dim-witted politicians that neither constitutional changes nor elections relieve hunger pangs!

Coming back to the Bible story, there were two goats, not one. There was another goat who had less luck than the scapegoat; it was sacrificed! Considering the violence and hatred demonstrated by the invading mobs, though political commentators audaciously continue to describe them as peaceful protestors, surely that would have been Gota’s fate had he not made a quick escape. In spite of Gota insisting that no brute force be used to supress the protestors, even when his own life was in danger, many writers continuing to call him a dictator is a gross distortion of the truth. In fact, had he demonstrated any dictatorial tendencies, which many thought he had, he may still be president. At least, we should be grateful for having avoided a blood-bath by his actions.

Though many commentators try to portray that the political class was corrupt since independence, it certainly was not so. When Dudley died, after being PM three times, he had only a few hundred rupees in his bank account and the millions who flocked to Colombo for his funeral in April 1973, even though he did not hold any high office at the time, showed the affection of the nation. Perhaps, systematic corruption started from the time of JRJ and since then every government has distinguished itself by being more corrupt than the previous. Voters have acted as executioners getting rid of failed governments mercilessly and have always lived in hope but politicians have let them down repeatedly. What a dismal failure Yahapalanaya was and there was optimism with Pohottuwa but it withered without blooming!

When Mahinda resigned, a sombre moment in our political history turned to a farce by the actions of some close to him, Gota offered the position of PM to the leader of the opposition but Sajith Premadasa found an excuse to refuse which made Gota turn to Ranil. Though he could have offered to Dulles or another MP of Pohottuwa, he probably did not do so as it would not have pleased the Aragalists.

Ranil started well and there was optimism that he would address the economic issues urgently but, again, in no time started being his normal self! His cronies are coming out of the woodwork and he is doing his utmost to ensure that he remains in power. Yet another constitutional amendment is in the offing and it is rumoured he is exploiting it to preside over a jumbo cabinet. What we need is an all-party interim administration to solve the economic crisis but he has other ideas. Negative attitudes of Sajith and AKD indirectly allow Ranil to further his interests.

Ranil should be held responsible for the bond scams as he imported the Singaporean who did the damage. By the way, Arjuna Mahendran had the audacity to discuss with CNN the economic problems of Sri Lanka whilst hiding away from Sri Lankan justice! Sirisena, who was found responsible for the lapses that resulted in the ‘Easter Sunday Massacre’ by the Presidential commission he himself appointed, continues to thrive on lies. Fonseka, who let down the army to curry favour with the West for his presidential ambitions, is now attempting to be the leader of the Aragalaya. Meanwhile, Gota is country hopping. Is this fair?

Even at this low point in the history of Sri Lanka, we should behave as a civilised nation. The government should facilitate the return of Gota and provide him security. If he had committed any crimes, he should be brought to justice. We cannot have kangaroo courts in operation. The same laws should apply to Sirisena and Ranil as well, when he comes out of presidential immunity.

More one explores, more a pattern of a well-planned action becomes apparent. The grand plan against Gota started immediately after his election with the Swiss Embassy in Colombo complaining that one of its Sri Lankan employees had been abducted. Immediately after Gotabay’s exit, funds for Aragalaya dried up. It goes without saying that Gota’s own actions contributed his downfall but it would be ungrateful if we do not give credit for the whatever good he has done.

It is still not too late for all politicians to get together and save the nation from this economic disaster. At the same time let us stop this farce of our ex-president hopping from country to country. Gota, come home!

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Features

Maduro abduction marks dangerous aggravation of ‘world disorder’

Published

6 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Venezuelan President Maduro being taken to a court in New York

The abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces on January 3rd and his coercive conveying to the US to stand trial over a number of allegations leveled against him by the Trump administration marks a dangerous degeneration of prevailing ‘world disorder’. While some cardinal principles in International Law have been blatantly violated by the US in the course of the operation the fallout for the world from the exceptionally sensational VVIP abduction could be grave.

Although controversial US military interventions the world over are not ‘news’ any longer, the abduction and hustling away of a head of government, seen as an enemy of the US, to stand trial on the latter soil amounts to a heavy-handed and arrogant rejection of the foundational principles of international law and order. It would seem, for instance, that the concept of national sovereignty is no longer applicable to the way in which the world’s foremost powers relate to the rest of the international community. Might is indeed right for the likes of the US and the Trump administration in particular is adamant in driving this point home to the world.

Chief spokesmen for the Trump administration have been at pains to point out that the abduction is not at variance with national security related provisions of the US Constitution. These provisions apparently bestow on the US President wide powers to protect US security and stability through courses of action that are seen as essential to further these ends but the fact is that International Law has been brazenly violated in the process in the Venezuelan case.

To be sure, this is not the first occasion on which a head of government has been abducted by US special forces in post-World War Two times and made to stand trial in the US, since such a development occurred in Panama in 1989, but the consequences for the world could be doubly grave as a result of such actions, considering the mounting ‘disorder’ confronting the world community.

Those sections opposed to the Maduro abduction in the US would do well to from now on seek ways of reconciling national security-related provisions in the US Constitution with the country’s wider international commitment to uphold international peace and law and order. No ambiguities could be permitted on this score.

While the arbitrary military action undertaken by the US to further its narrow interests at whatever cost calls for criticism, it would be only fair to point out that the US is not the only big power which has thus dangerously eroded the authority of International Law in recent times. Russia, for example, did just that when it violated the sovereignty of Ukraine by invading it two or more years ago on some nebulous, unconvincing grounds. Consequently, the Ukraine crisis too poses a grave threat to international peace.

It is relevant to mention in this connection that authoritarian rulers who hope to rule their countries in perpetuity as it were, usually end up, sooner rather than later, being a blight on their people. This is on account of the fact that they prove a major obstacle to the implementation of the democratic process which alone holds out the promise of the prgressive empowerment of the people, whereas authoritarian rulers prefer to rule with an iron fist with a fixation about self-empowerment.

Nevertheless, regime-change, wherever it may occur, is a matter for the public concerned. In a functional democracy, it is the people, and the people only, who ‘make or break’ governments. From this viewpoint, Russia and Venezuela are most lacking. But externally induced, militarily mediated change is a gross abnormality in the world or democracy, which deserves decrying.

By way of damage control, the US could take the initiative to ensure that the democratic process, read as the full empowerment of ordinary people, takes hold in Venezuela. In this manner the US could help in stemming some of the destructive fallout from its abduction operation. Any attempts by the US to take possession of the national wealth of Venezuela at this juncture are bound to earn for it the condemnation of democratic opinion the world over.

Likewise, the US needs to exert all its influence to ensure that the rights of ordinary Ukrainians are protected. It will need to ensure this while exploring ways of stopping further incursions into Ukrainian territory by Russia’s invading forces. It will need to do this in collaboration with the EU which is putting its best foot forward to end the Ukraine blood-letting.

Meanwhile, the repercussions that the Maduro abduction could have on the global South would need to be watched with some concern by the international community. Here too the EU could prove a positive influence since it is doubtful whether the UN would be enabled by the big powers to carry out the responsibilities that devolve on it with the required effectiveness.

What needs to be specifically watched is the ‘copycat effect’ that could manifest among those less democratically inclined Southern rulers who would be inspired by the Trump administration to take the law into their hands, so to speak, and act with callous disregard for the sovereign rights of their smaller and more vulnerable neighbours.

Democratic opinion the world over would need to think of systems of checks and balances that could contain such power abuse by Southern autocratic rulers in particular. The UN and democracy-supportive organizations, such as the EU, could prove suitable partners in these efforts.

All in all it is international lawlessness that needs managing effectively from now on. If President Trump carries out his threat to over-run other countries as well in the manner in which he ran rough-shod over Venezuela, there is unlikely to remain even a semblance of international order, considering that anarchy would be receiving a strong fillip from the US, ‘The World’s Mightiest Democracy’.

What is also of note is that identity politics in particularly the South would be unprecedentedly energized. The narrative that ‘the Great Satan’ is running amok would win considerable validity among the theocracies of the Middle East and set the stage for a resurgence of religious fanaticism and invigorated armed resistance to the US. The Trump administration needs to stop in its tracks and weigh the pros and cons of its current foreign policy initiatives.

Features

Pure Christmas magic and joy at British School

Published

6 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Students of The British High School in Colombo in action at the fashion show

The British School in Colombo (BSC) hosted its Annual Christmas Carnival 2025, ‘Gingerbread Wonderland’, which was a huge success, with the students themseles in the spotlight, managing stalls and volunteering.

The event, organised by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), featured a variety of activities, including: Games and rides for all ages, Food stalls offering delicious treats, Drinks and refreshments, Trade booths showcasing local products, and Live music and entertainment.

The carnival was held at the school premises, providing a fun and festive atmosphere for students, parents, and the community to enjoy.

The halls of the BSC were filled with pure Christmas magic and joy with the students and the staff putting on a tremendous display.

Among the highlights was the dazzling fashion show with the students doing the needful, and they were very impressive.

The students themselves were eagerly looking forward to displaying their modelling technique and, I’m told, they enjoyed the moment they had to step on the ramp.

The event supported communities affected by the recent floods, with surplus proceeds going to flood-relief efforts.

Features

Glowing younger looking skin

Published

6 hours ago

2026/01/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hi! This week I’m giving you some beauty tips so that you could look forward to enjoying 2026 with a glowing younger looking skin.

Face wash for natural beauty

* Avocado:

Take the pulp, make a paste of it and apply on your face. Leave it on for five minutes and then wash it with normal water.

* Cucumber:

Just rub some cucumber slices on your face for 02-03 minutes to cleanse the oil naturally. Wash off with plain water.

* Buttermilk:

Apply all over your face and leave it to dry, then wash it with normal water (works for mixed to oily skin).

Face scrub for natural beauty

Take 01-02 strawberries, 02 pieces of kiwis or 02 cubes of watermelons. Mash any single fruit and apply on your face. Then massage or scrub it slowly for at least 3-5 minutes in circular motions. Then wash it thoroughly with normal or cold water. You can make use of different fruits during different seasons, and see what suits you best! Follow with a natural face mask.

Face Masks

* Papaya and Honey:

Take two pieces of papaya (peeled) and mash them to make a paste. Apply evenly on your face and leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it with cold water.

Papaya is just not a fruit but one of the best natural remedies for good health and glowing younger looking skin. It also helps in reducing pimples and scars. You can also add honey (optional) to the mixture which helps massage and makes your skin glow.

* Banana:

Put a few slices of banana, 01 teaspoon of honey (optional), in a bowl, and mash them nicely. Apply on your face, and massage it gently all over the face for at least 05 minutes. Then wash it off with normal water. For an instant glow on your face, this facemask is a great idea to try!

* Carrot:

Make a paste using 01 carrot (steamed) by mixing it with milk or honey and apply on your face and neck evenly. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes and then wash it with cold water. Carrots work really well for your skin as they have many vitamins and minerals, which give instant shine and younger-looking skin.