Features
PRAISE OR BLAME? OR LOOKING THE OTHER WAY

by Goolbai Gunasekara
There is a vexatious question which all Principals of school face on a daily basis. Children will always get into scrapes big ones, little ones, dangerous ones, funny ones, embarrassing ones, awkward ones, silly ones, serious ones and others too numerous to name. In the course of my days as Principal I must have dealt with every possible misdemeanor ever invented.
The question of how to correct and/or punish these junior law breakers is far more difficult than one imagines for the punishment must not only fit the crime but should also consider certain psychological factors which children of today face.
Hearken to these two examples..
At a school Sports Meet many years ago one of the older girls sneaked out and went for a drive with a boy. They were gone half an hour and were caught by sheer accident and bad luck. No Principal is unrealistic enough to imagine that this does not happen on a large scale at ALL such events. One cannot seal all entrances and exits at these grounds after all.
The `crime’ was twofold. The boy was underage and should not have been driving and the girl and boy were out without permission, to say nothing of the fact that a little forbidden romance was probably on the cards.
I was not on the grounds at the time and the chastising fell to someone who clearly did not understand children. She berated the couple in front of an entire stadium and humiliated them beyond belief. Short of accusing them of outright of sexual misconduct she all but implied it.
The girl was a brilliant student. Double promoted twice in her school career with a blameless record. Her parents were highly traditional and coupled with the publicity given to her little scoot she was vilified severely by an unsympathetic mother. The miscreants were suspended from school for a fortnight.
The boy was able to weather the storm better since his parents wisely (and correctly) accepted their son’s apology for taking the car. They also believed him when he said he had not so much as held her hand.
I did not approve of the punishment but naturally did not wish to overthrow the decision of a Senior Head. The effect on the girl was noticed gradually. The formerly outstanding student gradually lost her impetus. She graduated from school with one A, 2 Bs and a C. She had been expected to get all As. Those results, given her capabilities, were pathetic.
Why do we always imagine the worst scenario I wonder? The girl wanted to be a doctor but as the family left the country I have no way of knowing if she managed to get a place in a Medical College. With those marks I doubt it. One incident blighted a promising career. But who will take the blame?
The second incident occurred when one of the Supervisor Maids brought two quaking Senior students by the scruff of their necks into my office. She had nabbed them in the Shower Room.
“What were they doing there?” I asked the maid quietly in Sinhala
” Er — Just talking anney. Isn’t that enough?” She glared at the two youngsters.
“Well that’s not too bad is it?” I smiled at the irate one trying to diffuse her fury.
“Madam! When the talking is stopping other things are happening. Then Madam will tell me, ‘Piyaseeli why are you not checking properly.”‘
I happened to know the boy was having horrendous personal problems with his parents. His mother had gone off to the USA with her eldest and left the youngest with his father to finish his AL. The girl was a quiet, charming child who I can imagine instilled some calmness into his life which was certainly extremely volatile just then.
“Why did you need to chat in Shower Rooms?” I asked, “Because it was private Miss.”
“But why not chat in a classroom? After all school was over was it not?”
“The maids were cleaning them just then and our cars were waiting. -to take us home.”
“We had only five minutes to chat Miss.”
I studied the two in front of me. They were petrified thinking of the coming parental reaction.
They were more than contrite. There was a deep unhappiness in the boy’s face. The girl smiled at him encouragingly.
“Miss may I talk?” “Certainly.”
“We talk a lot together Miss and then we get teased by our classmates. I only try to help him with his problems at home. I cannot use the home phone. I am not allowed.”
Needless to say, her wise parents did not give her a Mobile.
Acting on my own initiative I decided not to bring it up at the next Staff Meeting.
“If I have your word you will not meet behind closed doors again I will not tell your parents this time.”
Their relief was almost palpable.
“Of course, we promise,” they vowed fervently.
I calmed Piyaseeli’s fury and assured her that predictions of a sad end for both of them would probably never materialize. Her discretion could be depended on however reluctantly it was given!
I am glad to say that both children kept that promise and now have Degrees from good Universities. I think one of them is already married happily.
My point is this. Accepted punishments do not always work. In fact leniency is often the better way to go. Principals should learn to act outside the box. It pays.
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!
-
Features7 days ago
They came, they won, they returned to Jaffna isles
-
Features5 days ago
As I remember, from 50 years ago: the 75-80 Katubedda Engineering Batch
-
News7 days ago
ITAK candidate elected B’caloa Mayor as NPP seeks alliance with Pillayan
-
Opinion7 days ago
When life becomes more painful than death
-
Features5 days ago
Writing History on Paris Clay – French Open 2025
-
Life style5 days ago
Miss World from Thailand!
-
Editorial7 days ago
‘Abaran goes to prison’
-
Features4 days ago
When the water rises: Climate change and the future of Yala’s Mugger Crocodiles