Features
Need to preserve country’s school talent?

National Collegiate Athletic Association Model may have an answer
By Charith Gamage
“Don’t compare yourself with Amal; he is a beast. Ground or paper he can get through any of that,” onetime friends claimed as they confronted a classmate, Amal (not real name). Students at school knew how good Amal was with his grades and sports.
Amal was a promising student, but the university entrance exam, as he approached it, was competitive on a whole new level. Amal knew he had to make some huge routine changes to take on the challenge.
He needed to spend most of his time studying while also attending additional tuition classes, totally altering his groove. Amal wasn’t used to such a lifestyle; he was a sportsman who would go out on the ground to do what he likes and relieve any stress. Sports did not only help Amal gain fame, it was also a way of expressing himself. But with time, as he cloistered himself in with the stress of competitive exams, he lost his momentum.
Eventually, Amal ended up missing the initial targets on the examination, but it was not the end. To add insult to injury Amal also missed out on entering competitive sports, as his skills declined over time.
For a teenager in the Sri Lankan formal education system, being a top-level sportsman/sportswoman (athlete) in school, while maintaining high grades and obtaining minimal university entrance qualifications is a gruelling task. Consequently, the Sri Lankan education system is rife with such stories. It can encourage students to select their path at a very early stage and force them to focus on it throughout school life. These caveats result in the country’s labour force losing diversity and are responsible for stripping academics and sportsmen of talent.
By contrast, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) of US colleges could serve as a blueprint for retaining and best facilitating versatile students like Amal, by promoting education and sports at the same time. Consequently, while the country’s education system and labour force can benefit from this diversity, it can also be used to effectively head-hunt promising athletes for national and international representation.
NCAA business model
NCAA is a non-profit organisation that oversees college athletes and organises athletic programmes of colleges and universities. While its 90 championships in 24 sports across three divisions attract about half a million collegiate athletes each year, college football, basketball, baseball, and soccer are among the most popular sports sanctioned by the college sports giant. The organisation operates under the mission “…equipping student-athletes to succeed on the playing field, in the classroom and throughout life…”
NCAA’s support for college athletes in collaboration with universities mainly comes in the form of athletic scholarships that cover fully or partially costs of tuition, board, and course-related books during their undergraduate studies. In addition, NCAA funds member schools and 90 championships related to 24 sports, sometimes even covering athletes’ travel expenses. The institute also supports insurance policies and nutritional needs while also promoting health and safety (related to injuries, drug testing, mental health and so on).
On the other hand, the NCAA finances these expenses through lucrative television contracts, marketing rights, championship ticket sales, and alumni donations. Before the revenue shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NCAA generated more than 1 billion US Dollars in revenue per year.
How to adapt the NCAA model into Sri Lanka
While overhauling Sri Lanka’s existing education system is a discussion for another day, the truth is that even in the present context, some elements of the NCAA system exist. They are, however, scattered through the country’s university system and final years of schooling. Some or most of the leading Sri Lankan schools offer admission to talented athletes to play for their school teams during the final years. Their long-running ‘big match’ culture and other sports events such as school rugby tournaments attract corporates and rich alumni. On the other hand, on some occasions, the country’s higher education system offers lenient university entrance opportunities to those who perform well in sports.
Consequently, when adapting such a model, one should consider a programme that covers both final years of schooling and university. Sports are more popular at school level, and universities are more academic centred. A proposed system or body should bring these pieces together, enhancing, standardising and centralising towards a national plan. Thereby, such a body can effectively
* identify sports with a greater potential
* absorb potential candidates and lessen their academic stress
* organise championships
* generate revenue and
* channel them back to universities and schools for funding purposes
Starting at the latter stage of the school years and allowing leading schools to take the lead, this programme can then be linked with universities via a lenient entrance system with financial assistance towards a multi-year programme that allows them to participate in sports while engaging in academic activities.
In return, the centralised agency will bear the cost of education on behalf of the schools and universities and provide assistance to improve sports facilities, including better access to national and international coaches while keeping school-level events streamlined to make national and international representation. Even though such a programme is started with seed funds, with success, it will break the vicious cycle of low revenue potential school sports as it moves onto more notable international achievements.
Attracting funds and what’s in it for corporates
The model must be well connected to the business community and made an investment opportunity to be sustainable. Two of the fundamental questions regarding this are: Where do schools or universities figure in this and why would corporations sponsor it?
In the case of the NCAA framework, there are institutions equally focused on generating revenue by winning games and uplifting the overall sports ecosystem through strategic positioning. David Brandon and Pat Haden, former athletic directors of the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California respectively, are two examples for how leading institutions set up and run this business model under the framework of the NCAA. David was the CEO of Domino’s Pizza chain, while Pat, a partner at a private equity firm, both with business backgrounds, piqued the interest of those universities to gel them with the corporates. In particular, although Brandon’s time led to some controversies, his tenure managed to generate considerable amounts of funds, which were reinvested to revamp the university’s sports facilities, such as major renovations of the football stadium.
On the other hand, from the corporate perspective, in a survey of NCAA sponsors, including leading brands such as American Airlines, Coca Cola, Gillette and Pizza Hut, they mentioned that affiliation with sports, access to intercollegiate athletics and media exposure are among the main reasons for their sponsorships. In addition, as championships become popular, they can use tickets as incentives for their employees and introduce prizes during promotions. Among other reasons for reaching a broader consumer base, tie-in programmes and image improvements are crucial benefits that lead corporations to join these programmes.
Implications of NCAA model
The NCAA model is not free of criticism:
* Their monopoly on US college sports and bureaucracy
* The fewer scholarships compared to the large number of college athletes
* Rigorous rules for players to maintain ‘amateurish’ status that prevents them from being sufficiently compensated
However, on the bright side, a successful and well-coordinated ‘Business Model’ enforced by college players has multifaceted benefits for Sri Lanka. Exposing students to sports at a younger age has developmental, emotional and social benefits. It helps tap talent at the grassroots level and absorb them, and provides them with a platform and competition to showcase their talent. This helps them balance education with sports. The model provides opportunities to generate funding through high-quality championships, more spectators and corporate sponsorships, which are then channelled towards institutions to sustain the system.
In addition, the domino effect of those efforts are far-reaching, as it creates a productive celebrity culture backed by popular social media. Ultimately, such a holistic system will bring hope to students like Amal, to play a critical role in adding diversity to the education system, shaping the country’s future labour force and boosting its sports achievements in the international arena.
(The writer, an alumnus of UC Berkeley and the University of New Mexico, US, is a PhD candidate at Monash University, Australia. He could be reached at charith.gamage@monash.edu)
Features
Religious extremism set to gain from rising Israel-Iran hostilities

Many of the international pronouncements on the current dangerously escalating Israel-Iran hostilities could be seen as lacking in adequate balance and comprehensiveness. The majority of these reactions could be said to be failing in addressing the aspects of the conflict that matter most.
For example, there is the recent UN General Assembly resolution on the crisis which calls for an ‘immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire in the Gaza’ and which goes on to urge ‘Member States to take necessary steps to ensure Israel complies with its international legal obligations.’ An immediate and durable ceasefire is indeed the number one requirement in the Middle East today but could it be ‘unconditional’? Could it ignore the principal requirement of Israel’s security? These posers need to be addressed as well.
Besides, it is not only Israel that should be compelled to meet its ‘international legal obligations.’ All the states and actors that feature in the conflict need to be alerted to their ‘international legal obligations’. While it goes without saying that Israel must meet its international legal obligations fully, the same goes for Iran and all other Middle Eastern countries that enjoy UN membership and who are currently at odds with Israel. For instance, Israel is a UN member state that enjoys equal sovereignty with other states within the UN fold. No such state could seek to ‘bomb Israel out of existence’ for example.
As a significant ‘aside’ it needs to be mentioned that we in Sri Lanka should consider it appropriate to speak the truth in these matters rather than dabble in what is ‘politically correct’. It has been seen as ‘politically correct’ for Sri Lankan governments in particular to take up the cause of only the Palestinians over the decades without considering the legitimate needs of the Israelis. However, a lasting solution to the Middle East imbroglio is impossible to arrive at without taking into account the legitimate requirements of both sides to the conflict.
The G7, meanwhile, is right in stating that ‘Israel has a right to defend itself’, besides ‘reiterating our support for the security of Israel’ but it urges only ‘a de-escalation’ of hostilities and does not call for a ceasefire, which is of prime importance.
It is only an enduring ceasefire that could lay the basis for a cessation of hostilities which could in turn pave the way for the provision of UN humanitarian assistance to the people of the Gaza uninterruptedly for the foreseeable future. There is no getting away from the need for a durable downing of arms which could engender the environment required for negotiations between the warring parties.
Meanwhile, some 22 Muslim majority countries have ‘warned that continued escalation threatens to ignite a broader regional conflict that could destabilize the Middle East’ and called ‘for a return to negotiations as the only solution regarding Iran’s nuclear program.’ This statement addresses some important issues in the crisis but one hopes that the pronouncement went on to call for negotiations that would take up the root causes for the conflict as well and pointed to ways that could address them. For instance, there is no getting away from the ‘Two State Solution’ that envisages peaceful coexistence between the principal warring parties.
The ‘Two State Solution’ has been discredited by sections of the world community but it outlines the most sensible solution to the conflict. As matters stand, the current escalating hostilities, if left unchecked, could not only lead to a wider regional war of attrition but bring about the annihilation of entire populations. There is no alternative to comprehensive negotiations that take on the issues head on.
Besides, all who matter in the current discourse on the crisis need to alert themselves to the dangers of appealing to the religious identities of communities and social groups. When such appeals are made religious passions are stirred, which in turn activate extremist religious outfits that operate outside the bounds of the law and prove difficult to rein-in. This was essentially how ‘9/11’ came about. Accordingly, speaking with a sense of responsibility proves crucial.
In fact, it could be argued that a continuation of the present hostilities would only benefit the above outfits with a destructive mindset. Therefore, comprehensive and constructive negotiations are of the first importance.
The above conditions should ideally be observed by both parties to the conflict. Israel, no less than the Islamic and Arab world, needs to adhere to them. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has no choice but to say ‘No’ to extremists within his cabinet and to ‘show them the door’, inasmuch as hot-headed extremists in the Islamic and Arab world need to be opposed and alienated by the relevant governments.
Meanwhile, the US is on a duplicitous course in the Middle East. Whereas it has no choice but to rein-in Israel and convince it of the need to negotiate an end to the conflict, it is choosing to turn a blind eye to Israel’s military excesses and other irregularities that are blighting the Gazans and the ordinary people of Iran. It ought to be plain to the Trump administration that it is promoting a barbaric war of attrition by continuing to provide Israel with the most lethal weaponry. Currently, it is anybody’s guess as to what the US policy on the Middle East is.
The Islamic and Arab world, on the other hand, should come to understand the imperatives for a defusing of tensions in the region. Decades of conflict and war ought to have made it clear that the suffering of the populations concerned would not draw to a close minus a negotiated peace that ensures the wellbeing of all sections concerned.
As pointed out, the security of Israel needs to be guaranteed by those quarters opposing it. This will require the adoption of a conciliatory attitude towards Israel by state and non-state actors who have thus far been hostile towards it. There needs to be a steady build-up of goodwill on both sides of the divide. If this is fully realized by the Arab world a negotiated solution will be a realistic proposition in the Middle East.
Features
She deserves the crown

We had no luck coming our way at the Miss World 2025 contest – not even our immediate neighbour, India – but I’m glad that Miss Thailand was crowned Miss World 2025 as Thailand happens to be my second home … been to Amazing Thailand many times, courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
In fact, even before the Miss World 2025 grand finale, which was held at the beautiful venue of the HITEX Exhibition Centre, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, my colleagues at office all predicted that Miss Thailand, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, would emerge as the winner.
Yes, indeed, Miss Thailand not only won the hearts of millions but also became the first ever Thai to claim this much sought-after title.
Prior to winning the title of Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata was Thailand’s representative at Miss Universe 2024 and took home the third runner-up title.
Her Miss Universe crown, unfortunately, was subsequently forfeited, due to a contract breach, but she did not let that demotivate her, though, and went on to compete and win the title of Miss World Thailand 2025.
Coming from a family that was in the hospitality industry, her upbringing, in this kind of environment, made her aware of her culture and helped her with her communication skills at a very young age. They say she is very fluent in Thai, English, and Chinese.
Obviously, her achievements at the Miss World 2025 contest is going to bring the 22-year-old beauty immense happiness but I couldn’t believe that this lovely girl, at 16, had surgery to remove a benign breast lump, and that made her launch the ‘Opal For Her’ campaign to promote breast health awareness and early detection of breast cancer, which also became the topic of her ‘Beauty with Purpose’ at the Miss World 2025 contest.
Opal Suchata intends to leverage her Miss World title to advocate for other women’s health issues, as well, and sponsor a number of charitable causes, specifically in women’s health.
Her victory, she says, is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the dreams and aspirations of young girls around the world who want to be seen, heard, and create change.
What’s more, with interests in psychology and anthropology, Opal Suchata aspires to become an ambassador for Thailand, aiming to represent her country on international platforms and contribute to peace-building efforts.
She believes that regardless of age or title, everyone has a role to play in inspiring others and making a positive impact.
And, what’s more, beyond pageantry, Opal Suchata is an animal lover, caring for 16 cats and five dogs, making her a certified “fur mom.”
She also possesses a special musical ability—she can play the ukulele backwards.
Opal Suchata is already a star with many expressing admiration for her grace, leadership, and passion for making a difference in the world.
And there is also a possibility of this head-turner, from Thailand, entering the Bollywood film industry, after completing her reign as Miss World, as she has also expressed interest in this field.
She says she would love the opportunity and praised the Indian film indstry.
She akso shared her positive experience during her visit to India and her appreciation for the Telangana government.
Congratulations Opal Suchata Chuangsri from Amazing Thailand. You certainly deserve the title Miss World 2025.
What is important is that the Miss World event is among the four globally recognised beauty pageants … yes, the four major international beauty pageants for woment. The other three are Miss Universe, Miss Earth and Miss International.
Unfortunately, in our scene, you get beauty pageants popping up like mushrooms and, I would say, most of them are a waste of money and time for the participants.
Features
Wonders of Coconut Oil…

This week I thought of working on some beauty tips, using coconut oil, which is freely available, and quite affordable, as well.
Let’s start with Coconut Oil as a Moisturiser…
First, make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying the coconut oil. This will allow the oil to penetrate the skin more effectively.
Next, take a small amount of coconut oil and warm it up in your hands by rubbing them together. This will help to melt the oil and make it easier to apply.
Gently massage the oil onto your face and body, focusing on dry areas or areas that need extra hydration.
Allow the oil to absorb into your skin for a few minutes before getting dressed.
Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
* Acne and Blemishes:
Apply a small amount to the affected area and gently massage it in. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning. Remember to patch test before applying it to your entire face to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.
* Skin Irritations:
If you’re dealing with skin irritations, coconut oil may be just what you need to find relief. Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated skin.
Simply apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the affected area and gently massage it in. You can repeat this process as needed throughout the day to keep your skin calm and comfortable.
* Makeup Remover:
To use coconut oil as a makeup remover, simply apply a small amount onto a cotton pad or your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face, in circular motions. The oil will break down the makeup, including waterproof mascara and long-wearing foundation, making it easy to wipe away.
Not only does coconut oil remove makeup, but it also nourishes and hydrates the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Plus, its antibacterial properties can help prevent breakouts and soothe any existing skin irritations, so give coconut oil a try and experience its natural makeup removing abilities, and also say goodbye to acne and blemishes!
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