Inside the majority

I lived on both sides of majoritarianism. By birth I belong to Sri Lanka’s ethnic/cultural majority. Later, spent a chunk of my life as a visible minority. Both experiences created very personal realisations about majoritarianism and the mindset it creates. It’s absurdity, it’s toxic pervasiveness and why politicians love it. The unifier of all these …

Intimate encounters with the world

This is the season for intimate encounters with the world. It can happen anywhere. During chance meeting at Odel. At one of the season's many presex parties. Or any social gatherings. Iresspective of the place, the best encounters occur through one portal: the eyes of visiting expats and the duller details of their daily lives.  …

Portrait of an Immortal : Sri Lanka’s eternal elite

His cologne takes your attention before you see him. Forcing your instincts to turn and notice. That his Versace, Patek Phillipe and the rest are real. That you are in the presence of a higher power. A power that does business with men who toy with the fate of nations. Over food, wine and single …

Sri Lanka’s Unsung Heroes : Undetected Mission Critical Personnel

Mission critical processes of large Sri Lankan organisations are often dependent on invisible people. Invisible to the planners, HR managers, executives and common sense. Yet they are essential for getting things done in the complicated chaos of daily Sri Lankan life. The seemingly unrelated support services of Undetected Mission Critical Personnel (UMCP) are often the …

Sri Lankan New Year Gathering’s Realisations

Sri Lankan New Year traditions are about renewal and continuity. But I feel an undertow of something cracking that illusion. It hard to notice or realise initially. There are children of cousins gleefully tearing through the house. A happy shrieking gaggle of British, American, Australian and Sri Lankan accents. Elders too senile or physically delicate …