Features

What Bakeer Markar did for Beruwala

Published

2 months ago

2026/05/17

May 12 marked the commemoration of the 109th birth anniversary of Al Haj M.A.Bakeer Markar, who was considered the foremost son of the Beruwala community as he was the pioneer in the development of the Berwala town to what it is today. This account is a dedication to some of his services.

My memory is awakened on the extensive work done by him as a citizen of Beruwala for the town’s development. After being elected Chairman of the Beruwala Urban Council and later Mayor, it he who laid the foundation to develop the town from a small row of shops to what it is today.

At the time he became the first citizen of Beruwala, there was no major government building in the town other than that of the Urban Council which preceded the Municipality. It is he who initiated the process of upgrading Beruwala to the status of a separate Divisional Secretariat and the subsequent construction of many imposing buildings in the town.

At that time there were no shopping complexes, state banks or fisheries offices in Beruwala. Nor did it have a dedicated post office. The were no medical quarters as well.

From the first moment he was elected as a Member of Parliament, steps were taken to acquire a large extent of land for the development of Beruwala town. Accordingly, the Divisional Secretariat, the new post office in Beruwala, the Beruwala Youth Vocational Training Center, four medical quarters, the Beruwala Fisheries Complex and other buildings required for the hospital were constructed on acquired land. He had also acquired more land for the future constructions of the hospital.

Banks including the Bank of Ceylon, National Savings Bank, Rural Development Bank and others came to Beruwala under his leadership. The giant shopping complex that adorns the city of Beruwala was also built under his leadership, in accordance with the Beruwala city development plan that he pioneered. The Samoopakaara Mandiraya was built under his guidance on a land he acquired in his time. The telephone exchange too was built on such a land.

It was he who enabled the first two-storied building to Ariyawansha Vidayalaya for the educational purposes of the Beruwala community. Nearly 50 percent of the buildings of D.S. Senanayake Central College also known as Beruwala Central College were constructed during his tenure. The Education office, Meeting Hall and Century Building are some among them.

It was he who acquired the land for the playground of the Beruwala Central College amidst many objections and also constructed the two new buildings of the Roman Catholic School near the Beruwala Police Station. The two main buildings of Warapitiya School, the meeting halls of Gnanissara and Aluthgamveediya Balika Vidyalayas, the building of the Pambe School and the prayer hall of the Hettimulla Temple, the Munghena Century School building and the two-storied Duwegoda School, the Walatara and Kalavila School buildings, the Meeting Halls of Al Hambra Vidyalay Naleem Hajiyar Girls’ School and the two-storied building of the Roman Catholic School in Diyalagoda were among his achievements.

He enabled the expansion and development of numerous schools in the Beruwela area taking special interest in the construction of playgrounds for many schools within his electorate. At that time, water was brought to the shops in Beruwala town by carts. This water was sold to the shops. In some areas, people had to walk miles to get drinking water. He initiated the supply of piped water to all areas that came within the Beruwala electorate including Maggona, Payagala, Aluthgama and Dhargatown.

It was Mr. Bakeer Markar who proposed the inclusion of the areas of Beruwala, Aluthgama, Moragalla and Kaluwamodara in the Bentota Tourism Zone. It is no secret how the then Director General of the Tourism Board, Mr. Thahir, and a group of high-ranking officials of the Board opposed this decision by pointing out various negatives. But Mr. Bakeer Markar fought a lone battle to designate these areas within the tourist zone leading to the uplifting the economic conditions of the people of that area.

The people of Beruwala still remember how he took the initiative to establish several shopping complexes in his electorate with the involvement of the private sector. He also took the initiative to build a big shopping complex for the development of Aluthgama town, amidst the challenges faced in courts with regard to it. The Aluthgama Town Hall building was also built by him. The model village of Wellathuduwa, Aluthgama was built during his time. The Post Office buildings at Aluthgama and Beruwala (new), Maggona, Dhargatown, Halkadawila and the Beruwala and Payagala Telephone Exchange Centers were all built under the guidance of Mr. Bakeer Markar.

Mr. Bakeer Markar who became Chairman of the Beruwala Urban Council in the year 1950 (later Mayor and MP), built a housing scheme in the Massala area which is considered to be one of the first housing schemes to be built by an Urban Council. The fact that that housing scheme is still standing strong, better than the housing schemes built in recent times, reminds us of him.

Under his guidance, a large-scale housing program was implemented to provide shelter to many homeless people within the Beruwala electorate. A massive program to distribute land to those who did not have land to settle was prepared with his foresight and implemented in Beruwala during his time.

The by-pass road and bridge built connecting the Beruwala and Halkadawila areas as well as the by-pass roads and bridges in the Walatara, Akuressa, Warapitiya, Pambe areas, etc. were built during his time as were many sub post offices, and medical faciities and public buildings; so also providing electricity to 80% of the electorate. His services to his constituency were legion and the principals and education officers during his time, to date remember the support he provided to resolve the problems faced by schools.

It is impossible to end writing about the extensive service he rendered to improve the lives of the people of Beruwala, even after he became Speaker and Governor of the Southern Province. I am reminded of a statement made by Mr. Ronnie de Mel at Parliament about Mr. Bakeer Markar, “I really admire the manner in which he stood up against the power of the rich and affluent in his area…” (Excerpted from Hansard)

The service rendered by Deshamanya Alhaj M.A. Bakeer Makar for the people he represented, with vision, dedication and determination is a great example for those engaged in politics today. We in Beruwala will remember him with gratitude as an honest politician who did all he could for the people who placed their trust in him.

(Translated by Naadhia Zainudeen)

Jinasena Welaratne JP,
Kalawila, Beruwala

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Features

The hard challenge of clinching a political settlement in the Middle East

Published

16 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Bruised hearts: Displaced Palestinian civilians in the Gaza.(Photo by Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Despite some sections of the Trump administration persisting with the view that the possibility could not be entirely ruled out of there being a diplomatic solution to the current US-Iran hostilities in West Asia, the skeptic could not be blamed for thinking otherwise. The intensity, scale and frequency of the tit-for-tat strikes by the antagonists over the past few days against selected military targets and civilian infrastructure in particular in West Asia make the adoption of this stance excusable.

The continuing hostilities render the mentioning of the MOU signed between the warring parties in mid-June a laughable matter. While it could very well be that the foes are wishing privately for a cessation of hostilities before long, what seems to be uppermost on their minds right now is to negotiate with each other from a position of strength. This strategy compels them to incapacitate each other militarily to the extent possible, lest they have to concede too much to each other during negotiations. Hence the stepped-up hostilities.

However, even on the question of there being a negotiated political settlement in the West Asian theatre in the longer term, the skeptic could come to be seen as scoring over the optimist. Developments on the ground account for this.

At the time of writing Israel’s Netanyahu government is going ahead in fairly care-free fashion with the establishment of more Jewish settlements in the Gaza and the West Bank, and it’s all happening under the apparently complacent gaze of the US. In fact, some quarters estimate that Israel is in control of some 65% of the Gaza Strip. Ethnic cleansing, that is, is being drastically stepped-up.

Accordingly, in terms of the power relations of West Asia, the world is almost back to the status quo of the late forties of the last century when the state of Israel was established and the Palestinians were reduced to a microscopic minority in the land they came to inhabit. Therefore, even the impartial observer would be compelled to ask: ‘Will a negotiated peace be ever possible in the Middle East?’

The humanist in the observer would prefer to answer this question in the affirmative and it is indeed the ideal stance to adopt considering the staggering human and material costs of the conflict. But the way ahead to peace could be expected to be highly hazardous and arduous. Among other odds, it would also prove an uphill endeavour to win minds and hearts.

The US’ Trump administration would need to be counted out in this pursuit. This is on account of the fact that it has been far too wayward in its management of West Asian affairs in particular over the past couple of years. Given its unpredictable character it is a matter for conjecture whether it could be counted on to live up to its commitments.

Moreover, Israel could be expected to ‘go it alone’ in the Middle East regardless of whether US help is coming or otherwise. It has indicated as much in recent times and Israel could be doubted on this score only at the doubter’s peril. Because time and again Israel has demonstrated that it could steadfastly defend its interests even single-handedly in the Middle East. History bears this out.

However, a durable alliance with the US would stand Israel in good stead. On the matter of military and intelligence assistance, for example, the US’s help proved invaluable for Israel in the past and going forward this is bound to be so as well. Moreover, it is unlikely that the Trump administration would give up on Israel, considering that a strong Israel is crucial for the furtherance of the US’ strategic and economic interests in West Asia.

But whether the above factors would have a considerable bearing on the question of working out a durable solution to the West Asian tangle is an entirely different matter. Israel, as in the case of the Palestinian enclaves, is acutely security conscious and would need to satisfy itself fully that it could live in a security environment that would guarantee its complete safety, going forward.

The Middle East is badly in need of another peace effort on the lines of the Oslo Accords of the mid-nineties that brought the key actors together and helped hammer out a solution that addressed some of their notable concerns. To be sure, that process did not prove to be the ideal answer to the tangle, but it yielded some respite to the region and drove home that one-time sworn foes could indeed negotiate with a degree of success. The West Bank authority, although falling short of fulfilling some key Palestinian aspirations, is testimony that a degree of success is possible if the intent is right.

Given the current realities of West Asia, peace-making is bound to be an uphill challenge. The violence faced in recent times by the Palestinian community, in particular, has been nothing less than mind-numbing. Merciless has been the violence visited on them by the Israeli side. In such circumstances, durable peace in the region could smack of an idealist’s dream.

Nevertheless, there needs to be urgently, a meeting of minds over the divides. The US would need to be counted out as an honest broker in bringing the sides together but the rest of the West would do well to step up to the challenge.

In this exercise the onus would be on the world’s democracies to take the initiative and doggedly stay the course. An acceptable combination would be the EU and the UN. Given their credentials, the main sides in West Asia ought to find them the least controversial.

Even if the relevant institutional and political arrangements could be shored up to take a reconciliation process forward, winning hearts and minds for the peace drive would prove a grueling challenge. Over the past few years in particular tens of thousands of hearts and minds on both sides of the divide have been bruised badly in the runaway murderous violence that has come to define the Middle East.

These badly scarred personalities would need to experience healing without much delay. It is therefore a multi-faceted challenge that is at hand. Since wide-ranging expertise would be needed in the healing process, people’s participation in peace-making, ranging over the divides, would need to be made a durable reality. It will be a time for enthroning humanity and ensuring the rejection of all forms of violence and coercion.

Features

Amazing Thailand …right here in Colombo

Published

16 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

For many Sri Lankans, Thailand is the go-to holiday — beaches, temples, food, and that famous warm hospitality.

In fact, I’ve been to Amazing Thailand 24 times myself, and was honoured with the Friends of Thailand International Media Award by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for promoting Thai tourism.

The good news I have for you today is that you don’t even need a passport to get a taste of Amazing Thailand.

The Royal Thai Embassy, in Colombo, is bringing a vibrant slice of Thailand, to the city of Colombo, with Thai Festival 2026 — a cultural experience like never before.

Whether you are an avid enthusiast of Thai culture, a total novice, or simply just interested in exploring foreign cultures, Thai Festival 2026 is going to be the perfect opportunity for you to get more than just a glimpse into one of the most celebrated cultural heritages in South East Asia. And ENTRANCE IS FREE.

The festival will be held on the 1st and 2nd of August, 2026, at Siam Nivasa, 43, C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 7, and the East Parking Area, of the Colombo Municipal Council, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Both days will be full of live entertainment, and dispersed throughout with Thai cultural displays, including exhilarating traditional dance performances and breathtaking Muay Thai demonstrations.

Exploring art and craft specific to Thailand, tasting irresistible authentic Thai cuisine, and playing arcade games, are just a few more fun-filled events available for visitors at the festival premises.

An array of Thai products will also be available for purchase.

While at the festival, you will find Sri Lankan Alumni from Thai universities sharing their experiences with you and willing to answer any questions you might have, related to studying abroad in Thailand.

You can also register for the Muay Thai workshop that will be happening on the 7th and 8th of August, 2026, in Colombo.

Irresistible authentic Thai cuisine

Visitors can also stand a chance to win traditional Thai souvenirs, get exclusive photo opportunities, and, the big one — to enter the raffle draw, at the end of each day, for the grand prize of an all-inclusive round trip to Thailand.

Be sure to avail yourself of this exceptional opportunity and add a cultural spin to your weekend.

To keep up with the latest updates on Thai Festival 2026, head over to the Thai Festival official social media pages.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo official webpage:

https://colombo.thaiembassy.org

Official social media:

Facebook: @RTEColombo

Instagram: @thaiembassysrilanka

Thai Festival official social media:

Facebook: Thai Festival in Colombo

Instagram: @thaifestival_colombo

TikTok: @thaifestival.incolombo

Features

Thicker, stronger hair …

Published

16 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hair fall, in this heat, can be so frustrating, and noticing a thin patch is even more worrying. The good news is … yes, with a little care and kitchen ingredients, you can nourish your scalp and support healthy regrowth.

Try these four easy home remedies … even our grandmothers trusted:

* Coconut Oil and Curry Leaves Tonic:

Warm 04 tablespoons of coconut oil, with a handful of curry leaves, till the leaves turn black. Cool, strain, and massage into scalp 02-03 times a week. Leave for 01 hour, or overnight.

Why:

Coconut oil deeply nourishes, while curry leaves help strengthen roots and add shine.

* Onion Juice for Spot Treatment:

With cotton, dab the juice of 01 small onion, directly on the thin/bald patches. Leave for 20-30 minutes, and then wash with a mild shampoo. Use twice a week.

Why:

Rich in sulfur, onion juice helps boost blood circulation to the scalp.

* Aloe Vera and Castor Oil Mask:

Mix 02 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 tablespoon castor oil and apply to the scalp, focusing on thinning areas. Leave for 45 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

Why:

Aloe vera soothes the scalp, while castor oil coats hair to make it look thicker.

* Fenugreek and Curd Strengthening Pack:

You will need 02 tablespoons fenugreek seeds, soaked overnight, and 02 tablespoons plain curd.

Grind to a paste, apply to scalp for 30 minutes, and then wash.

Why:

Fenugreek strengthens strands and reduces breakage.

Extra Tips for Healthy Hair:

Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.

Eat iron and protein rich foods: greens, dhal, eggs, fish.

Use lukewarm water, not hot.

Be gentle when brushing and drying.