Features
Sri Lanka: to be or note to be!

A Reflection
By Ashley de Vos
Tourism, as we have observed on many occasions, is a fickle industry. It is easy to disrupt the industry, all one needs is a bomb or even a bomb scare. So, while tourism is an illusion, culture is not. A rich cultural matrix has sustained this country for centuries and saved it from invasions. It was the sworn role of the Sri Lankan Kings to take on the responsibility and safe guard the country from harm. The Presidents followed suit.
Today, Sri Lanka is at a crossroads, and it may be asked whether we sustain this rich cultural matrix for the purpose of handing it over intact to the future generations as our forefathers did for us or do we scuttle this irreplaceable rich cultural wealth for the sake of imprudent personal aggrandisement and cupidity.
Throughout history Sri Lanka has been non-aligned. The country’s very existence in this important central location in the great ocean confirms this fervent tenacity. Even through the Portuguese and the Dutch adventurism passed through and treaties were signed only to be observed in the breach, the Kings who were faithful to Sri Lanka, wherever their original roots stemmed from remained proud Sri Lankans to the end and used every subterfuge even to the extent of setting up one colonial against to get rid the other, to free the country from the colonial menace and the country remained inviolate and invulnerable.
The British, who were to follow the Dutch, were handed a section of coastal belt of Sri Lanka that was occupied by the Dutch, on a platter, all in keeping with a deal based on results that took place in Europe. The innocuous colonial countries which had no say were cast-off as pawns on the colonial chessboard. This time there were superior numbers, and using intrigue and exceptional cunningness, they enticed a small ambitious group, and annexed the whole country in 1815. The aim of the British was development for profit maximisation, whatever the price to the local population.
With the introduction of the British plantation enterprise, all expansion, be it roads, railways, the decimation of the forests, and the culling of the herds of elephants never even had a say in what was happening, and all the abuse that followed was interconnected to further facilitate exploitation and fill the coffers of the colonial power. Sri Lanka was stripped of all its resources. All taxes and revenue benefitted the colonial crown.
In addition, they were successful in breeding, a small rootless, but ambitious caste based group of black men within the country, imitative and docile enough to do their colonial bidding. After Independence, they continued the exploitative trajectory while encouraging all to join in.
Today, the electorate is somewhat intelligent but still gullible. People expect their leaders to be honest Sri Lankans, not deal makers, and be passionate about this island nation. They want to see an end to this inordinate dependence on the exploitative foreign powers for whom democracy and human rights mean something totally different when they themselves indulge in violating them.
While much is said of the Chinese investments, the rhetoric that follows, ably documented by David Wine, disregards the three thousand odd confirmed military bases forced on gullible countries around the world, usually far from the perpetrators home turf. Countries which are expected and even forced to endlessly invest in weapons of mass destruction if only to enhance the economies in the manufacturing countries.
The Sri Lankan electorate expects their leaders to stand tall and take decisions that shall always remain beneficial to Sri Lanka and play the role of the kings who fought for the protection and the preservation of this country, Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan sea shall be declared a nuclear free zone. The equal respect Sri Lanka has for all Nations, shall be enriched in its firm declaration of being nonaligned.
In the case for dual citizenship, there is a need to be truthful and swear loyalty and allegiance to Sri Lanka, first. One cannot serve two masters, unless one is an insurance policy, a promise of ethereal exoneration. The citizens of Sri Lanka, value the fact that the President has revoked, his American citizenship. We thank him for his example, which is worthy of emulation. However, as a history unfolds in the most unpredictable fashion, the future will disclose, what is closest to her heart.
Features
BRICS’ pushback against dollar domination sparks global economic standoff

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.
Features
Familian Night of Elegance …

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.
Features
The perfect tone …

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.
-
Features4 days ago
One of the finest foreign ministers the nation missed
-
News4 days ago
Cheap alms bowls imports hit Sri Lanka makers, monks
-
News6 days ago
New KDU Medical Faculty admission policy challenged in Supreme Court
-
Features4 days ago
Going through Colombo Medical School
-
Latest News13 hours ago
Search for survivors after Houthis sink second Red Sea cargo ship in a week
-
Editorial6 days ago
‘Celebration of debt’ and harsh reality
-
Sports4 days ago
Liverpool team join family of Diogo Jota, brother for funeral in Portugal
-
News4 days ago
Nestlé Lanka inspires environmental awareness through nationwide schools art competition