Opinion

“No Easy Day with AKJ”

Published

2 years ago

2024/04/7

Thilina Walpola

Yet professionally rewarding and personally satisfying

(In tribute to the Late Major General Asoka K. Jayawardhana RWP RSP VSV USP)

These lines are penned in honour of the late Major General Asoka K. Jayawardhana who departed on December 17, 2023. AKJ, my Army Guru, imparted the ABCs and XYZs of professional soldiering during my time as a cadet under him at the Officer Cadet School, Army Training Centre, Diyatalawa, in 1971. Becoming an Officer Cadet under AKJ was a challenging journey, yet one that proved professionally rewarding and personally satisfying. Following an arduous 18 months of training, I graduated, receiving a Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps.

In the early 1970s, we schoolboys in our late teens and early twenties, chose the noble profession of soldiering after completing our ‘A’ Levels. ‘Kalu Asoka,’ an adoring nickname for AKJ due to his dark complexion, a Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, trained Captain of the Ceylon Light Infantry, served as our Course Commander. My first encounter with him occurred on a chilly Monday morning in June 1971, at the Officer Cadet School auditorium, after a long, night journey from Colombo in army trucks.

We arrived in Diyatalawa and were taken ‘On the double’ to a WW2 barrack room in Elle Camp for breakfast. It was a disappointing near frozen meal of fish curry, dhal, pol sambol and bread. During the first weeks, grudgingly known as ‘Hell Weeks’, cadets are not allowed to walk, they only run. We ran in squad formation for every conceivable activity, including meals with plate and mug in hand.

After the disappointing breakfast, and allowed a few minutes for ablutions, we ended up in a cold auditorium. The gentle early morning wind blended with the fragrance of ubiquitous conifer and eucalyptus trees was comforting. As we anxiously waited, the eerie silence and the cool breeze put me to a fitful slumber. Suddenly there were loud voices and the sound of heavy army boots. The Wing Sergeant Major standing sentinel at the auditorium door yelled, ‘Cadets Steady, the Commandant’. We braced up with our chins held high.

Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Perera, a towering six – foot giant of a man walked through the aisles and stood behind the podium. His size and stature dwarfed the small wooden lectern in front of him. He opened up by saying Gentlemen, sit at ease and welcomed us to the Officer Cadet School. His tone and tenor was powerful and penetrating, yet motivating and comforting. After a brief talk, the Commandant walked away wishing us well. Simultaneously, in classic parade square style, there came another yelling, this time by the Course Sergeant, a senior CLI Non-Commissioned Officer. He thundered “Cadets Steady, Course Commander, Captain A.K. Jayawardhane”

A medium built tall dark man walked through the aisles and stood behind the lectern and scanned us. His looks were unsettling. After a brief self-introduction, he spoke about the Officer Cadet School and told what is expected of us. He concluded the talk with some chilling words; ‘In this institution we will first break you down and then remake you so that you will never ever breakdown in combat’.

Fast Forward to the early 1980s; During this time, I was a Major, and later a Lieutenant Colonel commanding soldiers fighting a brutal and bloody separatist insurgency. AKJ’s chilling yet prophetic words often came to mind during difficult moments that I faced in combat.

Course Commander AKJ remained inconspicuous during the first few weeks barring a few lectures he conducted. The wiry Physical Training Instructors, Drill, and Weapon Training Instructors and the Course Sergeant ran the show. The senior cadets who were in their final term of training took care of us – not in a caring manner though, but harshly and at times brutally. The word ‘Ragging’ is taboo in the army. Therefore, the practice is sugar coated with the term ‘Breaking Down’. Some cadets simply could not face the relentless pressure and wanted to resign but pulled – along because of the counseling and encouragement given by the mature and experienced Course Sergeant. One cadet could not take it and resigned. I was in the school cadet contingent for many years and was used to army bashing. The Cadet School, however, was different, and a hell on earth, during the first weeks. Once I told someone who knew AKJ quite well that I was a cadet under him. He asked me with a smile, ‘how did you survive’. I survived because I liked soldiering.

As I write these lines, 50 years later, the lyrics of the fascinating 1986 song “I am In the Army Now’ sung by the British Rock Band ‘Status Quo’ comes to mind.

At the end of fourth week of training cadets face the first test known as ‘Passing off the Square’. The Course Commander personally conducts the test and does a One – on – One closed – door interview later in the evening. I found AKJ more amenable during interviews. He highlighted my strong traits and cautioned me to guard against the negatives. A few weeks later, AKJ, unpredictable like the weather, punished me for dozing off during a classroom lecture. I had to run up to ‘The White Gate’ and come back to class. The dreaded White Gate is a small wooden wicket gate perched on top of a steep hill where cadets regularly run up and down carrying heavy wooden logs and mock artillery shells during endurance training and of course, for punishment.

The Quarterly Commandant’s Parade is a big event in the Army Training Centre where recruits in the Recruit Training Wing and the Cadets go on parade attired in their best. During one such parade Lt. Col. Denis Perera while reviewing the troops stopped right in front of me and adjusted my ‘Side Cap’. The headgear may have got displaced while performing drill movements. As the Commandant moved on, AKJ walking behind him ordered ‘Two Pack Drills’ for me. A harsh punishment!

Pack Drill is a midday highnoon punishment drill done in the parade square in full Battle Order wearing the steel helmet, military backpack weighing over 20 kg, full water bottle and personal weapon. During my cadet days we had the British made Self Loading Rifle – SLR which was introduced mid-way during our training. The weapon was designed and developed for the much stronger British soldier and weighed about 11 kg. With the bayonet fixed it was four and half feet long. The grueling punishment includes non-stop quick marching, running with the weapon raised high over the head and lasts 40 minutes each. I did the drills on two consecutive days. Fortunately, they were my first and last Pack Drills in the Cadet School.

Field exercises depict realistic war scenarios. During the Platoon in Defence exercise, we had to dig trenches, fight day/night mock battles, eat, live, and sleep in a trench for four days. One section of the trench known as the Shelter Trench should have strong overhead cover purportedly for protection against mortar and artillery fire. In principle, overhead protection must be reinforced with locally available tree trunks, a layer of boulders and earth. Trench digging and preparation is excruciatingly hard work and cadets often cheat by having flimsy overhead cover.

AKJ once came and checked our shelter trench and found we had cheated. He told two of us manning the trench to get under the shelter trench. Then he got on to the top and started jumping on the overhead cover making the timber, boulders, and earth fall on us. He shouted saying these are artillery and mortars falling on you. Steel helmets protected our heads, but we had a few bruises and scrapes. There was no easy day with AKJ!

During the tail end of training, cadets face a tough physical endurance test ‘The Mother of All Tests’. It is a 10-mile run ‘In Battle Order- wearing the steel helmet, combat backpack weighing nearly 25 kg, full water bottle (although water is there, you are not supposed to drink because the instructors would check the water bottle after the run), and the personal weapon with which a cadet has lived, slept, carried, and maintained, during training.

Our instructors often told us to treat the personal weapon like the way you would care for your spouse. Gospel truth! Its your weapon that would ultimately make you live or die in battle. Even in a game of chess the Queen protects the King. Our endurance run started at the Maha Thotilla Oya Bridge on the Welimada-Bandarawela road, then went through the Badarawela town to Diyatalawa. The run had to be completed within a specified time. After running ten miles, we reached the Army Polo Grounds hoping to drop on the grass and take a breather. The course Commander was there to push us further. He said one of the buddies was wounded and ordered each one of us to carry a course mate using the ‘Fireman’s Lift’ and run another hundred yards. There was no easy day with AKJ!

I could write more about Major General Asoka K. Jayawardhana until the ‘Cows come home’ as he would have said it, but I beg your forbearance. In my final Officer Cadet School Course Report, among other things, he described me as “Good Officer Material.” The tough, hard driving yet nobly generous Officer and Gentleman is no more, but his legacy remains indelible. Thank you, General!

Brig Sri Mudannayake (Rtd)

All News Advertisement

Opinion

From the Lecture Hall to the Global Market: How Sri Lankan students are mastering the “Gig Economy”

Published

2 days ago

2026/02/6

Thilina Walpola

Image : Courtesy South China Morning Post

Have you ever wondered how a university student, between heavy textbooks and late-night study sessions, manages to earn a professional income in US dollars? It sounds like a dream, but for thousands of Sri Lankans, it’s becoming a daily reality through online freelancing.

A recent study published in the Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies has pulled back the curtain on this digital revolution. By interviewing 21 successful student freelancers across Sri Lanka, researchers have mapped out exactly what it takes to turn a laptop and an internet connection into a thriving career.

The Rise of the “Earn-as-you-learn” Era

In Sri Lanka, the number of online freelancers has exploded from about 20,000 in 2016 to over 150,000 today. While our traditional education system often focuses on preparing students for 9-to-5 office jobs , these students are diving into the “Gig Economy” a digital marketplace where they sell specific skills, like graphic design or programming, to clients all over the world.

The Secret Sauce for Success

So, what makes some students succeed while others struggle? The research found that it isn’t just about being good at coding or design. Success comes down to six “Core Pillars”:

· A Growth Mindset: The digital world moves fast. Successful students don’t just learn one skill; they are constantly updating themselves to ensure they don’t become “outdated”

· The Balancing Act:

How do they handle exams and clients? They don’t use a magic wand; they use strict time management. Many work late into the night (from 6 p.m. to midnight) to accommodate international time zones.

· The Power of “Hello”:

Since most clients are in the USA or UK, strong English and clear communication are vital. It’s about more than just talking; it’s about negotiating prices and building trust.

· Proactive Problem Solving:

Successful freelancers don’t wait for things to go wrong. They update their clients regularly and fix issues before they become headaches.

Why This Matters for Sri Lanka

Right now, our universities don’t always teach “how to be a freelancer”. This study suggests that if we integrate freelancing modules and mentorship into our degree programs, we could significantly reduce graduate unemployment. It’s a way for students to gain financial independence and bring much-needed foreign currency into our economy while still in school.

You Can Do It Too

If you’re a student (or the parent of one), the message is clear: the global market is open for business. You don’t need to wait for graduation to start your career. With a bit of flexibility, a willingness to keep learning, and a proactive attitude, you can transition from a learner to an earner.

The Research Team Behind the Study

This groundbreaking research was conducted by a dedicated team from the Department of Business Management at the SLIIT Business School (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology). The authors of the study include:

· Lihini Niranjana Dasanayaka

· Thuvindu Bimsara Madanayake

· Kalana Gimantha Jayasekara

· Thilina Dinidu Illepperuma

· Ruwanthika Chandrasiri

· Gayan Bandara

by Ruwanthika Chandrasiri

Opinion

Is India a ‘swing state’? A response

Published

2 days ago

2026/02/6

Thilina Walpola

In an article titled “India shaping-up as model ‘swing state” (The Island 29.01.2026) Lynn Ockersz says, “Besides, this columnist would go so far as to describe India as a principal ‘Swing State.’ To clarify the latter concept in its essentials, it could be stated that the typical ‘Swing State’ wields considerable influence and power regionally and globally. Besides they are thriving democracies and occupy a strategic geographical location which enhances their appeal for other states of the region and enables them to relate to the latter with a degree of equableness. Their strategic location makes it possible for ‘Swing States’ to even mediate in resolving conflicts among states”.

A ‘swing state’, as in elections, should be able to decisively influence the final outcome. In the context in which India is recognised as a ‘swing state’ the final outcome should first be regional and then, if possible, extend to the rest of the world. And the desirable outcome must entail regional peace, cordial relations and economic stability which would constitute the most vital needs for any part of today’s world. Military power should not feature in the equation, for more often than not, such power is used to brow beat into submission the weak and the poor.

India no doubt is growing fast to be a global economic power and militarily also it is way ahead of the region. Its democracy, in the sense that democracies are measured in today’s world, also may be as the columnist says “thriving”. However, periodical elections, however fair they could be, should not be the sole criterion to judge democracy. If democracy cannot solve the problem of inequality it may lose its credibility as a mode of good governance. As a means of finding who rules, the system may be satisfactory but the other vital components of democracy, such as equitable wealth distribution, if lacking, the system may not serve its purpose.

Inequality in India is among the highest globally, with the top 1% owning nearly 40% of national wealth and the top 10% holding roughly 65% of total wealth and 58% of income. While the economy grows, the bottom 50% receives only 15% of the income. This disparity, driven by wealth concentration and low female labour participation, persists across class, caste, and gender. The income gap between the top 10% and the bottom 50% remained stable, with no significant reduction in inequality over the last decade.

India ranks very low in gender parity (127 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023). Female labour force participation is very low, at 15.7% (though government data suggests 41.7% by including agriculture and unpaid work). Women earn significantly less than men, working 53 hours per week compared to 43 for men. Inequality is intensified by existing social divides based on caste, religion, region, and gender. Access to healthcare is limited for many, with 63 million people pushed into poverty annually due to costs. Approximately 74% of India’s population could not afford a healthy diet in 2023. Roughly 64% of the total Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India comes from the bottom 50% of the population, whereas only 4% comes from the top 10% (Global Inequality Report 2024).

This sad state may not be the fault of democracy but the economic system of all so called democratic countries. The other three countries, Indonesia, South Africa and South Korea, that the columnist has named as suitable to be ‘swing states’ are no better. Neoliberalism and democracy are increasingly viewed by critics as an “evil nexus” or a destructive pairing, where the logic of the free market—privatisation, deregulation, and austerity—subverts the principles of democratic self-governance and social equality.

However, my main argument concerns the more important qualities that a country must possess to qualify as a ‘swing state’; the capacity to lead from the front in campaigning for peace and cordiality in the region. In this regard India fails miserably. The past with regards to good neighbourliness, where mighty India is concerned, tells a sad story. How it tried to solve the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka may be etched in the minds of those who lived in that era. The “parippu-drop” followed by gun-boat diplomacy saved the LTTE enabling it to continue with its murderous terrorism aimed at dividing the country. It was India who provided the initial “infra-structure” for training of terrorists who waged a thirty year war in Sri Lanka, committing brutal genocide against the Sinhalese and Muslims and not sparing the Tamils as well. India did not lift a finger to stop the bloodletting. Then it rammed the 13^th A down our throats as a solution to the problem but did not keep to its terms and conditions which required it to disarm the LTTE. 13^th A hangs over our head like the Sword of Damocles and India doesn’t fail to remind us about it from time to time. And we are burdened with the white elephant of provincial councils. Moreover, evidently India continues to interfere in our internal affairs, apparently colluding with the US, it may have had a hand in the regime change in Sri Lanka in 2022 (Shamindra Ferdinando, The Island, 04.02.2026). Another matter that appears to be perniciously secretive is that the Indian government doesn’t want the Sri Lankan government to reveal to its people the contents of the defence agreement it has entered into with the latter, as if people didn’t matter !

Now that tiny Sri Lanka is weakened and pliable after suffering multiple crises, India comes to its aid at the slightest mishap, very much like the hero who comes to the rescue of the damsel in distress, seemingly competing with other suitors. It doesn’t want the damsel to fall into the arms of China, given its geopolitical beauty.

Take the case of the other neighbours of India, does it have the capacity to swing, for instance, Pakistan into at least a position of less animosity. And what about its eastern neighbour, Bangladesh? They can’t even play cricket. Relations between India and Bangladesh, are currently under severe strain as of early 2026, driven by the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been given asylum in India to the chagrin of Bangladesh. Tensions are high due to attacks on diplomats, stalled visa services, water disputes, and alleged interference. The unresolved sharing of the Teesta River and other transboundary rivers remains a major contention, with Bangladesh accusing India of managing these to its detriment. Concerns exist in New Delhi regarding Bangladesh strengthening ties with other nations like Pakistan, seen as a shift away from Indian influence (Altaf Moti, 2026).

Coming back to the conflict with its western neighbour Pakistan, since the 1947 partition, both countries have claimed Kashmir, a region inhabited by a majority Muslim population but initially ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, leading to wars in 1947, 1965, and 1999. India accuses Pakistan of supporting militant groups in Kashmir, a claim Pakistan denies, which has frequently led to military escalations, such as the 2019 Pulwama incident and 2025 strikes. The Indus Waters Treaty is under strain, with potential for conflict over control of water resources. Both nations are nuclear-armed, raising international concerns about regional stability. Recent tensions included increased cross-border firing, drone warfare, and suspected militant attacks in Kashmir, leading to retaliatory missile strikes. The conflict remains a major geopolitical issue, with tensions frequently escalating due to nationalist sentiment and a lack of diplomatic progress (Britanica, 2026).

Another matter of relevance is that India-Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are defined by a complex, triangular, and competitive dynamic. Following the 2021 Taliban takeover, India has adopted a pragmatic, security-focused approach, delivering humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Iran to circumvent Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan-Afghanistan ties have deteriorated over border disputes, prompting Kabul to seek warmer relations with India as a counterweight to Islamabad. Without formally recognising the Taliban, India has re-established a technical mission in Kabul to secure its interests, monitor anti-India groups, and maintain developmental influence, which directly challenges Pakistan’s historical influence in the region. Is such manoeuvring of regional relations a virtue of a ‘swing state’!

Paradoxically, India is developing a special friendship with the murderous regime of Netanyahu in Israel focussing on defence and anti-terrorism. Indian prime minister is planning to visit Israel towards the end of this month which would obviously boost the image and credibility of a ruler who has committed genocide of the Palestinians. The barb no doubt is intended to prick Pakistan. Could such a country bring peace to the region, which it must if it is to qualify as a ‘swing state’.

India seems to have good relations with its northern neighbour, little Nepal, though minor but persistent issues remain. Disputes, notably regarding the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh area, have caused tensions. Nepal has, from time to time, requested, a revision of the 1950 Treaty, viewing it as unbalanced. Growing influence of other foreign powers (particularly China) in Nepal poses a strategic challenge for India.

The other northern neighbour, the giant, is a different kettle of fish. India has fought several wars with China and there are frequent border skirmishes. The rivalry between these two giants is second only to that between the US and China. The war for markets, influence and hegemony between these countries may one day tear the world apart.

India seems to be having border disputes with most of its neighbours. Fortunately, we have no common border with it but there is Katchatheevu, on which they have recently made a claim.

India being the big brother must take the initiative to resolve the disputes it has with its neighbours and work towards lasting peace in the region. The inability to do so reflects, more than the external factor, the internal depravity that plagues its politics. One has only to listen to its political leaders during election times to gauge the depth of racism they descend to in order to swing the votes. This phenomenon is more evident in their own ‘swing states’. This racism cannot be confined to its borders, it has to cross the borders and be projected to the neighbourhood, if the politicians are to appear to be truly patriotic. Thus, the border disputes and acrimony continue.

If peace, cordiality and economic stability are the desirable goals for the region – one cannot think of anything more important than these – India may not be the ‘swing state’ that could give leadership to the struggle that would finally bring these qualities to the region.

by N. A. de S. Amaratunga

Opinion

Sovereignty without Governance is a hollow shield

Published

3 days ago

2026/02/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

Globalisation exposes weakness and failed governance; and invites intervention – A message to all inept governments everywhere

The government of Burkina Faso has shattered the illusion of party politics, dissolving every political party in the nation. Its justification is blunt: parties divide the people, fracture sovereignty, and allow corrupt elites to hijack the sacred powers that belong to the citizenry.

This is not an aberration. It is the recurring disease of fragile states. Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela, Sri Lanka—their governments collapse under the weight of incompetence, leaving their people abandoned and their sovereignty hollow. These failed states do not merely fail themselves; they burden the world. Their chaos spills across borders, draining the strength of nations that still stand.

Globalisation does not forgive weakness. It exposes it. And as global opinion hardens, a new world order is taking shape—one that no longer tolerates decay. The moment of rupture came when US President Donald Trump seized Nicolás Maduro from his Venezuelan hideout and dragged him to face justice in America.

Predictably, the chorus of populists cried “oil!” They shouted about imperialism while ignoring the rot of Maduro’s failed government and his collapse in legitimacy. But the truth is unavoidable: if Venezuela had been competently governed, Trump would never have had the opening to topple its leadership. Weakness invited conquest. Failure opened the door.

Singapore offers the perfect counterexample. It is perhaps the best-governed nation on earth, and for that reason it is untouchable. Strong governance is the only true shield of sovereignty. Without it, sovereignty is a brittle shell, a flag waving over ruins.

Trump’s precedent will echo across continents. China, Russia, India—regional powers are watching, calculating, preparing. The message is unmistakable: Sovereignty is conditional. It is not guaranteed by history or by law. It is guaranteed only by strength, by competence, by the will to govern effectively.

This is the revolutionary truth: nations that fail to govern themselves will be governed by others. The age of excuses is over. The age of accountability has begun. Weak governments will fall. Strong governments will endure. And the people, sovereign and indivisible, will demand leaders who can protect their destiny—or see them replaced by those who can.

By Brigadier (Rtd) Ranjan de Silva
rpcdesilva@gmail.com