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Reminiscnces of University of Ceylon Hockey tour of India-1961

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The then University of Ceylon was a member of the All-India Universities Association from the beginning till about the mid nineteen sixties. As such, the cricket team, the boxing team, the athletics team or the hockey team used to travel to India to participate in the All-India tournaments. In the early fifties, the boxing tournament was conducted in the gymnasium of the University at Peradeniya, which I believe is the only time an All-India Universities tournament was held in Sri Lanka.

Whenever a team went to India they used to travel by air, stay in a hotel, play the first match, lose same and return home. However, in 1961 when the University of Ceylon hockey team traveled to India the team went by ship to Bombay and returned the same way. This was made possible due to the decision taken by the Manager of the team, Dr. Sarvesvaran, who was a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine, Colombo. There were 15 of us in the team, 11 from Colombo and four from Peradeniya. The team comprised Ken Rajendra (Captain), A. Thambirajah (Vice Captain), Hari Rasiah, HN Wickramasinghe, URP Goonatilaka, Percy Silva, Elmo Samuel, Maxie Fernandopulle (all from the Colombo Medical Faculty) and SP Ekanayake (from the Colombo Science Faculty), and WB Adikaram, Vijay Samaraweera, T Kirubaithilakan and myself from Peradeniya.

On the appointed day all of us assembled at the entrance to the Colombo Harbour. I travelled from Kandy by bus to Colombo. When all had arrived we went in and were taken by launch to board the Mesageries Maritime (MM) ship named Vietnam. It sailed from the Colombo harbour and proceeded northwards towards Bombay(now Mumbai). After two and a half days’ of sailing we reached the Bombay harbour. Here an interesting thing happened. The engine of the ship was switched off and a tug boat towed and turned the ship completely round so that the gangways for passengers to alight were on the side of the jetty.

The trip was really an enjoyable one. Each one of us had a cabin which was very comfortable. As it was a French ship there was plenty of wine served at meals. If anyone requested water, the waiters were not happy. The meal times were really enjoyable as we had a good time with the waiters who were French and as such not very conversant in English. Most of the time we used get on to the top deck and have sing songs enjoying ourselves as this was the only place where all of us could get together. Sometimes when the sea was a little rough the waves used to wash over the deck drenching everyone on deck.

On the ship reaching Bombay we disembarked and went by horse drawn carriages to the Victoria Railway station to travel to Ahmedabad where the tournament was to be held. When we entered the station we seemed lost as it was so large. We boarded the train to Ahmedabad and in a few hours reached our destination. We were put up in the university hostel where we spent one night before the match. Ours was the first match of the tournament which was played in the late afternoon. We got onto the field at the appointed hour and after the toss the selection of the sides were decided and the match started. I played fullback with Hari.

After about 20 minutes of play one of the players of the opposing side gave me a hard shot on the shin of my left leg just below the knee. As soon as I was hit I shouted at him in the choicest Sinhala used in such situations, which made all the spectators laugh even though they did not understand what I had said! I came off the field and they brought some ice and put on the injury which was bleeding profusely. After resting for a while I got back onto the field and played again. We lost the match by one goal to nil.

The pain due to the injury became very bad the following day and I was taken to hospital next morning and the injury sutured to prevent further bleeding. I went back to the hostel and was laid up in bed for three days while the others went out to play some matches with school teams.

After about three days in Ahmedabad we traveled back by train to Bombay, stayed a couple of days at the Mahabodhi Society Centre and then moved to a school. We were accommodated on the stage in the school hall. All of us bought handloom bedspreads and air pillows to sleep on. Early in the morning we used to get up, put all our belongings in one place and roam about in the city especially on the marine drive which was a wonderful place to relax like Galle Face. We arranged a few matches with schools too.

One day, we took the night train from Bombay to Poona (now Pune) as a match had been arranged with the Indian Defence Academy. As we alighted from the station we were taken to the Academy where we were served breakfast. After breakfast we played the match against the Academy team. They were a very fit bunch of players and ran around us in circles, so to say. Though defeated badly the experience gained stood us in good stead.

We spent about one month without paying for accommodation but only for food. We were taken to see the Elephanta caves which had paintings similar to Sigiriya frescoes, with most of them being related to the Ramayanaya. Another important place we visited was the huge marque style Crawford Market where one could get lost if he did not know the geography of the place as it is so vast with so many aisles amongst the large number of shops.

Now the time had come for us to depart and head homewards. On the scheduled date we went to the Bombay Harbour and boarded the MM Cambodge. We had no problem finding our way as this was an exact replica of the Vietnam. In fact they had three ships of the same design, the third being MM Laos. After a cruise of two and a half days we arrived in Colombo having enjoyed the return trip as much as the first. Thereafter we bade goodbye to each other and returned to our homes. It was indeed a memorable trip and we still maintain our friendship with those still with us as about half of that team have departed from this world.

Of the players who went on this tour, later Hari Rasiah played for CCC while SP Ekanayake, WB Adikaram and I played for BRC. I also played for Bloomfield as a fulback with Freddie White who had given up his goalkeeping.

HM Nissanka

Warakaulle



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Features

BRICS’ pushback against dollar domination sparks global economic standoff

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BRICS leaders at the recent Summit in Brazil. /United Nations

If one were to look for a ‘rationale’ for the Trump administration’s current decision to significantly raise its tariffs on goods and services entering its shores from virtually the rest of the world, then, it is a recent statement by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that one needs to scrutinize. He is quoted as saying that tariffs could return ‘to April levels, if countries fail to strike a deal with the US.’

In other words, countries are urged to negotiate better tariff rates with the US without further delay if they are not to be at the receiving end of the threatened new tariff regime and its disquieting conditions. An unemotional approach to the questions at hand is best.

It would be foolish on the part of the rest of the world to dismiss the Trump administration’s pronouncements on the tariff question as empty rhetoric. In this crisis there is what may be called a not so veiled invitation to the world to enter into discussions with the US urgently to iron out what the US sees as unfair trade terms. In the process perhaps mutually acceptable terms could be arrived at between the US and those countries with which it is presumably having costly trade deficits. The tariff crisis, therefore, should be approached as a situation that necessitates earnest, rational negotiations between the US and its trading partners for the resolving of outstanding issues.

Meanwhile, the crisis has brought more into the open simmering antagonisms between the US and predominantly Southern groupings, such as the BRICS. While the tariff matter figured with some urgency in the recent BRICS Summit in Brazil, it was all too clear that the biggest powers in the grouping were in an effort ‘to take the fight back to the US’ on trade, investment and connected issues that go to the heart of the struggle for global predominance between the East and the US. In this connection the term ‘West’ would need to be avoided currently because the US is no longer in complete agreement with its Western partners on issues of the first magnitude, such as the Middle East, trade tariffs and Ukraine.

Russian President Putin is in the forefront of the BRICS pushback against US dominance in the world economy. For instance, he is on record that intra-BRICS economic interactions should take place in national currencies increasingly. This applies in particular to trade and investment. Speaking up also for an ‘independent settlement and depository system’ within BRICS, Putin said that the creation of such a system would make ‘currency transactions faster, more efficient and safer’ among BRICS countries.

If the above and other intra-BRICS arrangements come to be implemented, the world’s dependence on the dollar would steadily shrink with a corresponding decrease in the power and influence of the US in world affairs.

The US’ current hurry to bring the world to the negotiating table on economic issues, such as the tariff question, is evidence that the US has been fully cognizant of emergent threats to its predominance. While it is in an effort to impress that it is ‘talking’ from a position of strength, it could very well be that it is fearful for its seemingly number one position on the world stage. Its present moves on the economic front suggest that it is in an all-out effort to keep its global dominance intact.

At this juncture it may be apt to observe that since ‘economics drives politics’, a less dollar dependent world could very well mark the beginning of the decline of the US as the world’s sole super power. One would not be exaggerating by stating that the tariff issue is a ‘pre-emptive’, strategic move of sorts by the US to remain in contention.

However, the ‘writing on the wall’ had been very manifest for the US and the West for quite a while. It is no longer revelatory that the global economic centre of gravity has been shifting from the West to the East.

Asian scholarship, in particular, has been profoundly cognizant of the trends. Just a few statistics on the Asian economic resurgence would prove the point. Parag Khanna in his notable work, ‘The Future is Asian’, for example, discloses the following: ‘Asia represents 50 percent of global GDP…It accounts for half of global economic growth. Asia produces and exports as well as imports and consumes more goods than any region.’

However, the US continues to be number one in the international power system currently and non-Western powers in particular would be erring badly if they presume that the economic health of the world and connected matters could be determined by them alone. Talks with the US would not only have to continue but would need to be conducted with the insight that neither the East nor the West would stand to gain by ignoring or glossing over the US presence.

To be sure, any US efforts to have only its way in the affairs of the world would need to be checked but as matters stand, the East and the South would need to enter into judicious negotiations with the US to meet their legitimate ends.

From the above viewpoint, it could be said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the most perceptive of Southern leaders at the BRICS Summit. On assuming chairmanship of the BRICS grouping, Modi said, among other things: ‘…During our chairmanship of BRICS, we will take this forum forward in the spirit of people-centricity and humanity first.’

People-centricity should indeed be the focus of BRICS and other such formations of predominantly the South, that have taken upon themselves to usher the wellbeing of people, as opposed to that of power elites and ruling classes.

East and West need to balance each other’s power but it all should be geared towards the wellbeing of ordinary people everywhere. The Cold War years continue to be instructive for the sole reason that the so-called ordinary people in the Western and Soviet camps gained nothing almost from the power jousts of the big powers involved. It is hoped that BRICS would grow steadily but not at the cost of democratic development.

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Familian Night of Elegance …

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The UK branch of the Past Pupils Association of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya went into action last month with their third grand event … ‘Familian Night of Elegance.’ And, according to reports coming my way, it was nothing short of a spectacular success.

This dazzling evening brought together over 350 guests who came to celebrate sisterhood, tradition, and the deep-rooted bonds shared by Familians around the world.

Describing the event to us, Inoka De Sliva, who was very much a part of the scene, said:

Inoka De Silva: With one of the exciting prizes – air ticket to Canada and back to the UK

“The highlight of the night was the performance by the legendary Corrine Almeida, specially flown in from Sri Lanka. Her soulful voice lit up the room, creating unforgettable memories for all who attended. She was backed by the sensational UK-based band Frontline, whose energy and musical excellence kept the crowd on their feet throughout the evening.”

Corrine
Almeida:
Created
unforgettable
memories

Inoka, who now resides in the UK, went on to say that the hosting duties were flawlessly handled by the ever popular DJ and compere Vasi Sachi, who brought his trademark style and charisma to the stage, while his curated DJ sets, during the breaks, added fun and a modern vibe to the atmosphere.

Mrs. Rajika Jesuthasan: President of the UK
branch of the Past Pupils Association of
Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya
(Pix by Mishtré Photography’s Trevon Simon

The event also featured stunning dance performances that captivated the audience and elevated the celebration with vibrant cultural flair and energy.

One of the most appreciated gestures of the evening was the beautiful satin saree given to every lady upon arrival … a thoughtful and elegant gift that made all feel special.

Guests were also treated to an impressive raffle draw with 20 fantastic prizes, including air tickets.

The Past Pupils Association of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, UK branch, was founded by Mrs. Rajika Jesuthasan née Rajakarier four years ago, with a clear mission: to bring Familians in the UK together under one roof, and to give back to their beloved alma mater.

As the curtain closed on another successful Familian celebration, guests left with hearts full, and spirits high, and already counting down the days until the next gathering.

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The perfect tone …

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We all want to have flawless skin, yet most people believe that the only way to achieve that aesthetic is by using costly skin care products.

Getting that perfect skin is not that difficult, even for the busiest of us, with the help of simple face beauty tips at home.

Well, here are some essential ways that will give you the perfect tone without having to go anywhere.

Ice Cubes to Tighten Skin:

Applying ice cubes to your skin is a fast and easy effective method that helps to reduce eye bags and pores, and makes the skin look fresh and beautiful. Using an ice cube on your face, as a remedy in the morning, helps to “revive” and prepare the skin.

*  Oil Cleansing for Skin:

Use natural oils, like coconut oil or olive oil, to cleanse your skin. Oils can clean the face thoroughly, yet moisturise its surface, for they remove dirt and excess oil without destroying the skin’s natural barriers. All one has to do is pick a specific oil, rub it softly over their face, and then wipe it off, using a warm soak (cloth soaked in warm water). It is a very simple method for cleaning the face.

* Sugar Scrub:

Mix a tablespoon of sugar with honey, or olive oil, to make a gentle scrub. Apply it in soft, circular motions, on your face and wash it off after a minute. This helps hydrate your skin by eliminating dead skin cells, which is the primary purpose of the scrub.

*  Rose Water Toner:

One natural toner that will soothe and hydrate your skin is rose water. Tightening pores, this water improves the general texture of your skin. This water may be applied gently to the face post-cleansing to provide a soothing and hydrating effect to your face.

* Aloe Vera:

It is well known that aloe vera does wonders for the skin. It will provide alleviation for the skin, because of its calming and moisturising effects. The application of aloe vera gel, in its pure form, to one’s skin is beneficial as it aids in moisturising each layer, prevents slight skin deformity, and also imparts a fresh and healthy look to the face. Before going to bed is the best time to apply aloe vera.

Water:

Staying hydrated, by drinking plenty of water (06 to 08 cups or glasses a day), helps to flush toxins and its functions in detoxification of the body, and maintenance the youthfulness of the skin in one’s appearance.

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