Coup theory

Sri Lanka's forth coming election date has one uncomfortable historical association. Election day falls on the day before the anniversary of the 1962 coup attempt was supposed to happen (January 27th). Fact that a former general is contesting the election has elevated this ignored anniversary into annoying prominence. It creates a cocktail of superficial symbolism …

Sri Lankan Drive through

Image of a roadside snack stall below was photographed from a speeding chariot somewhere in rural Sri Lanka. Sadly didn't pause to check the menu. The lives of the people in such areas are a world away from the virtual universe of blogs and brawls of the media sphere. Despite their lush landscapes, places such as these are …

Post war Sri Lanka – the hard part begins

I never thought I'd see the day when the LTTE was militarily defeated. Or to hear that the death cult's leader is no more. The sense of relief that the war is over is shockingly exhausting. Feels like I have held my breath for most of my life and will have to learn how to …

NGO friends vs NGO sceptic friends

Managing friends who work for Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and NGO sceptic friends have always been the trickiest balancing act of Colombo's social scene. Mrs C and I avoid the inevitable verbal trench warfare over politics by meeting the two groups separately. But there are occasions when the two groups do meet. Resulting in a …

Numbers accounted

Passed an 8th of a million, inching towards the 500th post. Its a long way from the first day and the its timid words. Of course I haven't said anything of worth and I'm safe in the knowledge that I never will. Meanwhile, on beaches which many would pay a lot of money to lie in the hot …