This year the scaled-down Independence Day celebrations were just right. There was pageantry but no pomp. We must celebrate Independence Day and fortunately it was done. Every item was commendable: the mixed in race and gender choirs rendering so well the National Anthem, the Jayamangala Gatha and chant of blessing, directed at the President. Cass’ thought that after a long time he really deserved these chants of blessing, and good fortune for the country too. The National Anthem was sung in Tamil too by students. The President’s address was excellent in substance and delivery. The cultural event was superb. The best was that no armed vehicles drove past.

Statesman

A niece sent Cassandra a video clip of Prez AKD being mobbed – joyfully, admiringly, affectionately – on a recent visit to Velvataturai. He just got into the crowd, shook hands, patted little ones and posed for innumerable selfies, all smilingly with not a trace of self-promotion. He was just one of them. To have Tamils, Muslims, Catholic priests and nuns, Hindu dignitaries greeting him gladly brought tears to Cass’ eyes – tears of joy and the fact of reconciliation being evidently shown by the Tamil people. Accompanying the video Cass’ niece wrote: “Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought a Sinhala leader would be made so welcome in the North. They seemed to love him. He definitely has qualities of a leader.” And then she adds: “But I seriously fear for his safety, the way he is running around.” Agreed but not with crowds in the North, now that the suicide bombers are no more (or so we hope).

Judging the President and his manner of presenting himself (behaviour for short) locally and overseas in India and China within one hundred and something days of becoming Prez of the country, Cassandra declares she at last sees a potential statesman in him.

The only statesman we have had so far – D S Senanayake was a person of the people by his actions, notwithstanding his exclusive ancestry. He came from a land and plumbago mine owning, well to do family, but felt sincerely for the common people and hence his foremost policy being agriculture, since food is one of the three requirements for basic life. Air is free, and unpolluted then; water is/was plentiful through rain or containment in wewas, the largest of which he got constructed in Gal Oya, Ampara. DS seemed happiest when surrounded by villagers.

AKD was born to a simple family – but of integrity and worth – and thus he remains honest, simple, sincere, with very high ideals and love for Sri Lanka and its people, determined to do well by them. His head has definitely not been turned or swollen by the obvious adulation shown by our people and the VVIP welcome received in the two countries that dominate the world now. That is almost a humanely impossible achievement but he has succeeded in keeping his head while most other leaders before him lost theirs. That was principally because leaders of the past, starting from SWRD, had themselves and their political success in mind, later added to by greed of enrichment.

These qualities so far are missing in AKD and thus Cassandra’s prophecy – he will reach statesmanship because he has the qualities inherent in him and he gives the promise of not changing to be self-gratifying through imbibing greed for riches, greed for continued power, greed for the strength it gives a person to grab material wealth for himself and his family and cohorts.

Revenge

MTV 1 on Saturday February 1, carried the news of MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena visiting Mahinda Rajapaksa in his government-paid-for palatial home in Colombo 7 just to see to his well-being, as the MP said.

Now, the gist of what Rohitha A said, seated in his luxury car as he drove out of the ex Prez’s premises; “It is very wrong of the government to ask this great man to vacate the state-owned residence. Then he made this typical below par, oft used political accusation that government leaders were taking revenge on Ex Prez Mahinda R. Revenge for what act of the Ex Prez’s, pray? Cassandra cannot bear to hear the two words ‘jealousy’ and ‘revenge’. These two accusations are often made on political platforms by defeated leaders and lesser politicians.

Considering the case of ex-presidents being asked to vacate the huge houses bequeathed them by previous governments, started by JRJ, is a travesty of justice. Many of the past Prez’s contributed by the policies they followed and personal acts to the downfall of the country. A second reason: why should they live in absolute comfort and luxury, guarded by hordes of security personnel, when a large proportion of the population of the country have no decent housing nor adequate food to eat. In MR’s case particularly, he has many mansions in his name and his sons’ names. How about that Malvana grand house that finally had no owner?

Yes, what Rohitha A threatened could easily happen. Give a gang of ne’er-do-wells a large tot of kasippu, a bath packet and a monetary inducement and they will rise up with deadly rampaging anger anywhere and against anyone. Did we not see this happen against the Aragalaya protesters and rampage of Gotagogama on May 9, 2022, by an inebriated but ferocious horde that poured out of Temple Trees when Mahinda R was PM and in residence in this house?

A ray of sunshine

Along with a daily presentation of how money was wantonly wasted by previous governments in starting expensive projects in different parts of the country and then abandoning them, named What happened to the Village, MTV Channel One in its news presentation includes feel good happenings in the country named Happy Headlines. It’s so good to view a happy happening, a successful person, sports event, occurrence in nature within the daily dose of dismal news. It is a merciful occurrence for which the present government is thanked that news is no longer so dismal and we in Sri Lanka are fortunate to be living in a reviving country unlike Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, even Pakistan and the US of America which has a daily new edict proclaimed by President Trump, which sends shivers down American backs unless they are the white Supremacists who believe this proven to be dishonest businessman is set to Make America Great Again.

By Ifham Nizam

Mangroves, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” play a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecosystems. These salt-tolerant trees and shrubs thrive in the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical regions, forming a unique and highly productive ecosystem.

In Sri Lanka, mangroves contribute significantly to biodiversity, fisheries, coastal protection, and climate resilience. However, despite their immense ecological and economic value, these forests are under severe threat due to human activities and climate change.

“Mangroves are among the most productive and valuable ecosystems on the planet. They not only support marine biodiversity but also act as a natural buffer against coastal erosion and extreme weather events,”

says Dr. Nilanthi Rajapakse, a scientist on Plant Taxonomy.

As the world observed World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2025, Sri Lanka faces a critical moment in its efforts to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.

The Importance of Mangroves in Sri Lanka

Mangroves provide a wide range of ecological, economic, and social benefits. Sri Lanka is home to more than 20 species of mangroves, which are mainly found along the western, southern, and eastern coastlines. Notable mangrove-rich areas include the Puttalam Lagoon, Maadu Ganga Estuary, Negombo, Batticaloa, Mannar, Trincomalee, and Jaffna.

Wetlands: biodiversity

Biodiversity Hotspots

Mangrove forests support an array of wildlife, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, birds, reptiles, and marine mammals. Their dense root systems create breeding and nursery grounds for many commercially valuable fish species.

“Without mangroves, Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry would be severely impacted. These ecosystems serve as nurseries for juvenile fish, ensuring a steady supply for local fishermen,”

explains Wildlife Guard, Nuwan Jayawardena.

Mangroves also provide habitat for endangered and migratory birds, as well as reptiles like saltwater crocodiles and various marine mammals. Some species, such as Avicennia marina (Grey Mangrove) and Rhizophora mucronata (Red Mangrove), have unique adaptations like pneumatophores (aerial roots) and salt glands to survive in extreme coastal environments.

Coastal Protection and Climate Resilience

One of the most critical roles of mangroves is coastal defense. Their extensive root systems stabilize shorelines, preventing erosion and reducing the impact of tsunamis and storm surges.

“During the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, coastal areas with dense mangrove cover suffered less damage compared to those without. This underscores their importance as natural barriers,”

says Dr. Rajapakse.

Additionally, mangroves are powerful carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide. Studies show that mangrove forests store up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests, making them crucial in the fight against climate change.

The Wetland Newsletter of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) was first published in 2012 to share valuable information about wetlands. It is released twice a year and distributed among school children, undergraduates, government officials, naturalists, and wildlife enthusiasts. The advisory committee consists of M.G.C. Sooriyabandara, Director General of the DWC; Ranjan Marasinghe, Director (Operations) and Manjula Amararatne, Director (Protected Area Management) and edited by Dr. Nilanthi Rajapakse. The first volume of each year is launched on February 2nd in celebration of World Wetlands Day, while the second volume is released on October 1st to commemorate the founding anniversary of the DWC. This year, the official launch took place on Monday at the Ministry of Environment Auditorium during the national ceremony, where it was presented to the Chief Guest, Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment. The event was also graced by Anton Jayakodi, Deputy Minister of Environment; Rohitha Uduwawala, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment; M.G.C. Sooriyabandara, Director General of the DWC; and Tilak Hevawasam, Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority.

Threats to Mangrove Ecosystems

Despite their significance, Sri Lanka’s mangroves are facing an existential crisis due to:

Human Activities

· Deforestation: Mangrove forests are being cleared for shrimp farming, agriculture, and urban expansion. The destruction of mangroves for economic gain often leads to long-term environmental and economic losses.

· Pollution

: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and plastic pollution degrade mangrove habitats, affecting water quality and marine life.

· Unregulated Development

: Coastal infrastructure projects, such as hotels and resorts, encroach on mangrove areas, disrupting their delicate balance.

Climate Change

· Rising sea levels threaten the very existence of mangroves by increasing salinity levels beyond their tolerance.

Stronger storms and extreme weather events

lead to physical damage and habitat loss.

· Temperature fluctuations

affect the reproductive cycles and growth of mangrove species.

“If we do not act now, Sri Lanka could lose a significant portion of its mangrove forests within the next few decades,”

warns Dr. Rajapakse.

Conservation Efforts and Restoration Projects

Government and International Initiatives

Sri Lanka has taken several steps to protect and restore mangroves. The country is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which emphasises the conservation of wetland ecosystems.

The establishment of protected areas and national parks has helped safeguard some mangrove habitats.

However, enforcement of environmental laws remains a challenge. Conservationists argue that stronger policies, stricter regulations, and better coordination between government agencies are necessary to curb illegal activities.

Community-Based Conservation

Engaging local communities in mangrove conservation has proven to be one of the most effective strategies. Several NGOs and local organisations are working to:

· Educate coastal communities about the importance of mangroves.

· Promote sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices.

· Conduct mangrove restoration projects, where degraded areas are replanted with native mangrove species.

“When local communities understand that their livelihoods depend on healthy mangroves, they become active participants in conservation efforts,”

explains Dr. Rajapakse.

Successful Restoration Projects

Several mangrove restoration projects have yielded positive results. In some areas, mangrove saplings have been replanted in degraded zones, leading to the regeneration of native species. International organisations have also collaborated with Sri Lankan researchers to monitor mangrove health and develop strategies for long-term sustainability.

The Road Ahead: A Call to Action

While progress has been made, conservationists emphasise that more action is needed to protect Sri Lanka’s mangroves. The following key steps are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of these ecosystems:

Strengthening Environmental Laws

– Enforcing stricter regulations against illegal deforestation and pollution.

Expanding Protected Areas

– Designating more mangrove forests as protected zones.

Promoting Eco-Tourism

– Developing sustainable tourism models that benefit both conservation and local communities.

Investing in Research

– Supporting scientific studies to better understand the impact of climate change on mangroves.

Empowering Coastal Communities

– Providing training and financial incentives for sustainable livelihoods.

“Protecting mangroves is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic and social necessity,”

says Dr. Rajapakse

Sri Lanka’s mangroves are priceless assets, offering countless benefits to people and nature alike. Yet, without urgent and sustained conservation efforts, these ecosystems could disappear, leaving coastal communities vulnerable and biodiversity at risk.

As the world celebrated World Wetlands Day 2025, the call for immediate action has never been clearer. Governments, conservationists, and local communities must work together to protect and restore Sri Lanka’s mangrove forests. The choices made today will determine whether these vital ecosystems thrive or vanish in the years to come.

Mangroves are not just trees—they are lifelines.

Preserving them is essential for a sustainable and resilient future for Sri Lanka and the planet.

A helpful warning to NPP: 

By Rohana R. Wasala

Vinasha kale vipareetha buddhi is an ancient Sanskrit proverb. It means: “When a person’s doom approaches, their intellectual power becomes reversed/disoriented or turns against them (causing their destruction)”. This pithy saying seems to be as much applicable to incumbent president Anura Kumara Dissanayake as it once was to former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.   This was brought to my mind by president Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s absurd  treatment of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa in his keynote address at a public rally dubbed  ‘Suhada Hamuwa’ (Friendly Meeting)  held by the ruling JVP/NPP alliance at Katukurunda in Kalutara on January 19, 2025.

President Dissanayake stated that he won’t hesitate to remove altogether even the already  reduced security detail of sixty policemen recently left for Mahinda Rajapaksa to retain, if the latter didn’t stop whining about it! President Dissanayake also suggested that the former president could be asked to vacate his high rent (according to AKD) official residence (at Wijerama) made available to him rent-free and might be required to accept a monthly allowance that is equivalent to one third of his monthly pension to use for renting an alternative residence.

AKD’s obvious tyranny in this instance sounds laughable because he was a member of the committee appointed by the Yahapalanaya (presumably, in 2015) that approved the allocation of that house to Mahinda Rajapaksa as former president. This piece of information was revealed by Ranil Wickremasinghe who addressed a meeting of leaders of opposition parties at Kollupitiya on February 1 as reported by the Sinhala language Lanka Leader website the same evening.  

According to media reports, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s lawyers, on his behalf, filed a fundamental rights (FR) petition with the Supreme Court, Colombo on January 25, 2025 against the current Malimawa (JVP/NPP) government’s alleged decision to curtail the security that he is legally entitled to as a former president. Downgrading the security of war winning Mahinda Rajapaksa, apparently  on a whim, is likely to be seen by the sensible public as an indication that the ruling alliance is already veering off its promised course of ‘clean’ governance. Remember that, just as the SLPP led by the Rajapaksas fought the elections of 2019 and 2020 on the single platform of One Country One Law (aimed at preserving the unitary state and communal harmony), the JVP/NPP alliance organised its presidential and parliamentary election campaigns of 2024 around the exclusive theme of eliminating corruption, punishing the corrupt and ushering in a clean Sri Lanka, while rescuing the country from its current economically bankrupt state.

 Owing to his having failed to skilfully utilise the tremendous opportunities that the democratic electoral victories of 2010 and 2019/20 offered him for pursuing the nationalist cause that he claimed to champion to its ultimate triumph in the face of internal and external challenges Mahinda Rajapaksa has tragically lost his original charisma and heroic stature as a senior politician. He is virtually a spent force. But he is not your average past president. If president Anura Kumara Dissanayake is determined to enhance his own image by harassing Mahinda Rajapaksa, it would not take long for him to realise that he is gravely mistaken. Opinions are being voiced that AKD has succeeded in giving MR a new lease of life in politics!.

 Among the five surviving former presidents, Mahinda Rajapaksa is the most vulnerable to possible assassination attempts. Had it not been for his courageous political leadership, the mindless separatist terror campaign that had ravaged Sri Lanka for over thirty years (1975-2009) would not have been defeated. The crushing of terrorism earned him many enemies who are waiting to settle old scores with him. However, the grateful citizens, young and old, can either remember as a direct experience or as something they have learned from older adults or from books, the indescribable suffering that the terrorists were inflicting on all Sri Lankans irrespective of their diverse ethnicities, religious beliefs, cultural practices and political ideologies.

They won’t forget how deeply relieved they felt when, at long last, they found themselves safe from the threat of mental and physical agonies, torments and tortures that they had experienced during that dark period. Ordinary Sri Lankans have a special niche in their hearts for Mahinda Rajapaksa despite the many allegations critics raise against him which remain to be properly investigated..

Besides, Mahinda Rajapaksa has earned the envy as well as the anger of Western imperialists and their local lackeys by being one of the only two post-independence Sri Lankan political leaders who brought well deserved recognition and distinction to our beloved Motherland and refurbished her image in the world as an independent sovereign nation through their unique service; the other is the late Mrs Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike. The United Left Front (a coalition of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and some left parties) led by Sirimavo Bandaranaike  swept the parliamentary polls in 1970 with a two thirds majority.

The ULF government, under her leadership, proclaimed the country a republic in 1972, severing residual colonial ties (to the expired British empire) which had survived the dominion type of incomplete independence of 1948. How the JVP unintentionally served as a catalyst for the introduction of the republican constitution is a different story.

The Punarudaya (Renaissance) that the present day leader of the JVP (none other than AKD) is championing seems to be a reversal of the genuine national revival or renaissance that Sirimavo Bandaranaike was instrumental in bringing about in 1972.   Mahinda Rajapaksa made history by ending the armed Tamil separatist threat to unitary Sri Lanka in 2009. Both leaders had to endure stiff external and internal resistance, which unfortunately persists to this day.

Allegations of wrongdoing levelled against the once iconic Mahinda Rajapaksa are a different matter. They should be looked into in the relevant context where worse wrongdoers are lurking in the shadows. But as suspects or defendants, they should all be considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, whom many have already begun to consider a sort of arrogant upstart, should not betray the trust that the people (the majority of them are baiyas/nationalists) placed in him by electing him to power for lack of a better alternative leader at this hour of unprecedented existential crisis that they are facing. AKD should not forget that the baiyas (nationalists/patriots who come from all the communities) form the majority both in the government and the opposition. They want him to succeed as president, for the sake of the nation/country by outperforming his predecessors including Mahinda Rajapaksa.

 The subject of security due to a former president of the republic is beyond dispute as legal experts tell us. It is an inviolable right of a person who has served the nation in that most exalted position, a right  established by an Act of Parliament. Security provided for a former president after due assessment of relevant factors cannot be scaled down or withdrawn completely at the behest of a political rival who has suddenly been catapulted to power by volatile circumstances. The Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986 clearly stipulates the terms relating to the provision of an ‘appropriate’ residence for a former president.

It is no surprise that Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the president who succeeded in putting a decisive end to three decades of armed terrorism,  remains a constant target of potential assassins. He has also earned the wrath of racists and religious extremists (powerful in both the local and global political spaces); they know (though they don’t acknowledge it publicly) MR as the leader of inclusive pan-Sri Lankan nationalism, which they oppose deliberately misconstruing and misrepresenting it as Sinhalese Buddhist racism or chauvinism.

Despite the chorus of uninformed approval of and impulsive support for AKD’s hateful denunciation of MR heard from the immature brainwashed sections of the JVP’s young novitiate membership,  numerous critics have already pointed out that AKD is wrong in his behaviour towards the former president and that he (AKD) is most likely in violation of the Sri Lankan Constitution in this regard.

To be continued