Who will be Sirasa Super Star?

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

There is a lot of excitement generated as the Sirasa Super Star  final draws near with mounting in tensity as the three semi finalists hone their skills better.

The title seems within reach for these competitors who have gone through rigorous training for nine months during this star-studded contest, the culmination of which would be the crowning of a supremely talented individual, just next week.

And tonight, another star will take a bow, leaving the stage open for the final two contestants to vie for the crown itself!

The Sarasavi Studio in Kelaniya pulsated with something - perhaps a melody still in the making. Or perhaps it is the hype associated with a mega contest which is reaching fruition. There sat the three stars, apprehensive yet supremely confident at the same time, rehearsing, recording and preparing for tonight and the night of nights -  October 27, the day on which the Sirasa Super Star 2007 will emerge.

Semi finalists

The three semi finalists, Surendra Perera, Amila Nadishani and Pradip Rangana have much in common. They share an indomitable spirit, undying love for music and humility in large measure.

Coming from three divergent backgrounds, the common thread that binds them is their love for the song. Equally talented and offering stiff competition, they come alive on stage with no visibility of stage fright. Which causes one to question, who will secure the crown given their enormous talent?

Amila Nadishani hails from remote Embilipitiya. She is unique, gifted with a melodious voice and a pleasing personality. Having survived the long contest and today, the only female contestant, she admits to the journey being 'arduous.'

"It is a dream come true. My life has changed overnight. I used to read books, cook, clean, exercise and perform with a small-time band in Ratnapura. I was studying music with much dedication, given my love for Indian classical music. All of that got suspended with my entry into this competition. I wonder what life would be when this is over," muses Amila.

From the village

Does she already feel like a star and a winner? Yes. If anyone knows, Amila knows the difficulty in surviving a male dominated battle for stardom. "I come from a village, but this is what I always wanted to do. Something within me comes alive seeking expression, when I hold that microphone."

Amila (27) overcame her stage fright some seven years ago. A musically inclined girl and a product of Kiriella Maha Vidyalaya and Ferguson Girls' School, Ratnapura, all she wanted to do was sing.

Having performed with a band as main vocalist and announcer, Amila now wants to evolve into a different being- not just a star but also an artiste. "I have recorded two originals, and shied away from stating this in public. As I said, this is what I live for. This is my self expression."

She does admit to the fact that retaining one's presence throughout the contest is more difficult for a woman. As popularity is expressed through text messages, she feels somehow women are at a disadvantage.  "We have to accept that. Also, girls have little opportunity to campaign. Boys could campaign even during the nights, but a girl has to stick to limited hours."

Less fortunate

Yet, she feels that in a way, she is already a winner having overtaken all other women contestants, but quickly adds that she feels that all others who fell by the way side were equally or more talented but perhaps less fortunate.

A confident Amila says, she wants to give her very best. "You can't be aloof and win the title. This is also a popularity contest. Your talent plus public acceptance matters.  I love being with people.

 "I'd rather leave the stage with a smile than act snobbish towards the people who have raised me to this level."

Is it difficult being a female performer, something she has done for seven years as lead artiste and announcer of Rajarata Swaranga? she smilingly adds, "it can be challenging. Perhaps that training helped me to survive this."

She feels that it is through the Super Star contest that she came to identify the true difference in performing on stage before a live audience as opposed to artistically express herself, the way she does now. "It helped me identify the real artiste within me, desirous of an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the arena of music."

Did she have an edge over others due to her physical appearance? Amila feels that while beauty is not the main factor, it is decidedly a contributory factor to her success. "One should be pleasant. What's the use of a stuck up artiste unable to smile? Smiles do make winners," she says, flashing her already famous smile.

It is a lot of perspiration, she insists, and claims that there have even been difficult moments faced as a woman contestant. "But that strengthens you. Out there, the world is going to be competitive and full of cut throatism. That is also part of the training," she laughs. "So far, no brickbats and personal attacks. But if they come, I am more than ready," she says with determination.

"My strength is knowing that I can perform and leave a stage without getting stoned," she smiles. While confident of greater success, Amila Nadishani wants to make the star studded contest one that records her transition from performer to artiste. "After this, people will judge me and want me on their stage, for what I have performed during this contest. It is a challenge and an opportunity, one I am eager to seize."

Surendra Perera, one of the most popular contestants in the star studded competition, in his own admission was a "real discovery." Surendra was one of the quietest contestants, happy to concentrate on his singing whereas there were self-proclaimed winners at the early stages of the contest.

Yet, Surendra's inherent gift of singing emerged during the contest and grew daily as a gem that is regularly polished shines better.

"I was amazed. I felt confident only after getting selected to the final 100. Then I told myself, now keep doing it and doing it well."

Surendra has certainly done well so far. The only semi finalist to have not learned music, he admits that it is a disadvantage, one he is now keen to overcome. Yet, he strums the guitar and is a much sought after performer in his native Chilaw.

"I live and breathe music in Chilaw. We are a musical people. Like a duck to water, I took to singing at a young age. Surendra Perera will lose his soul the day he can't sing," says the quiet 28-year old.

For him, the opportunity to perform with a band was good enough, at one time. But this contest has opened new vistas for a man who now knows that within him, there is an artiste waiting to express himself.

 "I am told I am a bit of an old timer. I love these old songs. They are a part of me and I love representing them to others during this contest. It has also brought me this far and I love this opportunity to prevent some of the finest of our songs from being forgotten and getting buried in a market driven music culture."

H.R. Jothipala is this young star's undisputed hero. "I could never be like him though I love to sing his songs," offers Surendra.

An unknown entity for a long time, Surendra Perera feels that this contest has altered his life forever. "Can you believe this? So much of love and support it is amazing, an I am so grateful," he says.

He recalls boarding a Colombo bound bus from Chilaw at 4 am to reach Colombo during the first stages of the contest. He used to carry a pillow to aid his sleep and a mini CD player to play songs during the long journey. "When I board a bus now, I feel I have done something right during this contest. People love me for reviving songs they heard decades ago."

 Surendra has no quarrels with the voting system and does not feel being male has given him an extra edge. "If I have an edge, it is thanks to my voice. The training has enhanced my performances. I have also learned to select songs carefully and project my voice professionally."

In his view, a super star has to have a combination of talent, luck, presence and an ability to sing any song. Looks are an aid, but not a decisive factor. "It is your voice that decides your fate. And lots of luck."

An expectant Surendra Perera prefers to take things in stages. When asked whether he will be the super star, he smiles. Considering himself a late bloomer and a reluctant star, he says that he is more artist that showman. "When I reached the first 100, I kept faith that I will survive. At each stage, I only wanted to clear the next hurdle. So I want to get through to the finals now," he says with a smile.

"I have learned a lot through this process, made friends and earned love and appreciation. Every time I sing, I try my best to do justice to the original song. I am just a spec of dust compared to those great artistes whose songs I sing. But I love keeping their memory and their creations alive."

As he faces the semi final stage of the contest, Surendra Perera says that his heart brims with gratitude for a contest that has transformed an unknown man to an emerging artiste. "After this, I will release some original work. There will be a Surendra Perera, the artiste and I owe it to Sirasa," he said.

Pradip Rangana (24), the semi finalist is a different star. He differs due to his sense of style, his stage presence which is more rhythm and blues in style and lastly - his status as a third year medical student pursuing his MBBS.

A supremely confident contestant, Pradip brims with enthusiasm and confidence as he declares, "I may not become the actual super star, but in the minds of may, I am already the super star."

Admitting that his education too would have caused viewers to cast their preference in his favour, Pradip feels that it is ingrained culture to appreciate someone with a combination of talents.

He acknowledges that people appreciate education and as such, to some extent, his chosen career has aided his second choice - music.

 "I am actually looking at a dual career. I know my real place in this society is primarily as a doctor, but I also want to leave my mark as an artiste. I think I am blessed for I can intellectually and artistically contribute to this society," he says.

Pradip Rangana, the youngest contestant to enter the semi finals, feels that presentation was key to earning popularity. "We should understand the style of this contest. It is different. We only reach a particular stage with professionals judging us, the rest of the journey is decided by viewers," he says claiming that stage performance was as important as singing quality.

In that case, is the selection of a song very important, and could the selection of a less popular song dent the fortune of a competitor? "It could. But panelists choose songs according to our voices and they mean to showcase our talents in the best possible way. But a song that fails to touch the hearts would mean less text messages and a drop from the competition too."

A bubbly contestant who feels that the whole world is there before him to be conquered, Pradip feels that sometimes the real artistes amongst the competitors could have suffered defeat due to lack of musical knowledge among the viewers.

"It is not a criticism. Some selections could be a reflection of Sri Lanka's lack of understanding of music. We do not have big indigenous traditions. Arts are often looked down upon or not taken seriously. Just look at India. Artistes are venerated and raised to the highest levels in society for they believe it is not just everyone who could perform and entertain, and that's a gift divine," explains Pradip.

This young star too believes that there is an artiste blossoming within him awaiting release.

While a full time career in music is not what he seeks, a 'qualitative contribution' is very much on the cards.

Is he a more fulfilled person today, combining two gifts in life? "Nobody is truly fulfilled. I am relatively fulfilled. But knowing that I have the opportunity to be of service in two different ways pleases me greatly. And yes, I live and breathe music and relish this opportunity to perform before my people."

Like Surendra, Pradip too believes that males do not have it easy in the contest and insists, "Talent comes first. When a viewer wishes to express his/her preference, it has nothing to do with our gender but has lots to do with how we appear on stage, how we project our voices and whether we have a pleasant countenance. That's important."

As the final week begins tomorrow, tonight will be decisive, as one star will take a temporary bow leaving the path clear for the other two. What remains next is the path to stardom - not just to become the Sirasa Super Star on October 27 but also to enrich the music industry of Sri Lanka and leave one's indelible mark in the field.

Back to the manioc era

By Nirmala Kannangara

Are we heading towards the infamous '70s era where people had to suffer im mensely due to a scarcity of food, especially essentials?

With the ever increasing cost of living the prices of essential commodities from the poor man's bread and kerosene oil to rice and milk powder escalating beyond reach people now have no other choice but to adapt to the living style of the 'manioc era' of the '70s.

This is the government which came into power with many pledges to wipe out hunger and to offer a better tomorrow for the people. Those promises have now become yet another political gimmick but can any responsible government let its people suffer?

"We are clueless as what to do with the never ending price hikes. I made my living as a labourer but now with this situation in the country people do not have money to give us odd jobs and the 'manioc' era has come again," said Gunapala, a labourer from Piliyandala.

Casual labour affected

According to Gunapala he earned more than Rs500 a day earlier but with the situation deteriorating with each passing day, the odd jobs are hard to come by as people find it difficult ot pay for extra labour. "I cannot blame them since I realise that in the current situation it is not possible to pay extra for casual labour. Even if they do offer me a job for the day I will have to ask for an increased wage as Rs. 500 is not sufficient to buy groceries and other essentials for my family,"  added Gunapala.

"Do you remember the early 1970's when rice was not available? Every Tuesday and Friday we had to eat 'manioc' and bread was a luxury item. We had to be in a queue to get a loaf of bread and sugar was also rationed," he recalled, saying it was a nightmare era he wished to forget.

Big business

The manioc vendor in the  Kottawa town is busy these days as there is increasing demand for this yam. "Earlier I bought around 50 kg per day and I had to be here from 10 in the morning till late in the evening to sell my stock. But with the price increase of bread people seem to have switched to manioc," said Dayasiri with a smile on his face.

Dayasiri who has been selling manioc for the last seven years told The Sunday Leader that he now finds it difficult to get sufficient manioc to meet the high demand. "I bring 50 kg in the morning and my son brings another 50 kg in the afternoon to meet the demand. I buy the manioc from Biyagama but with the present demand I wonder whether I can find another place to buy manioc as the present manioc plantation will not be productive for long," he added.

Karathelis, an old, feeble man who was near the manioc vendor told The Sunday Leader that his family of six needs three loaves of bread for breakfast but they have now switched to a substitute as his family finds it difficult to spend over Rs.100 on bread with the price hike. "Now a pound of bread is Rs. 37. For the breakfast alone we have to spend Rs.111 on bread, but now we only spend Rs. 57.50 for 1 1/2kg of manioc for the six of us," revealed Karathelis.

Powers that be are blind

Although those who are governing the country seem blind to the suffering that the masses are undergoing it is the common man who knows how difficult it is for him and his family to  survive on the meagre monthly remuneration they receive. A senior manager in a state bank on grounds of anonymity told The Sunday Leader that if the present situation continues he doubts if there will be a future for his children.

"What is the Trade and Commerce Minister Bandula Gunawardena uttering these days? He is talking as if he has come from another planet. A few months ago before crossing over to the government for perks, he accused the Rajapakse administration of not controlling the price hikes of essential commodities. But how on earth can any person change his position and do the opposite in a matter of days. He now says that the government cannot do wonders when the world market prices are going up. If they cannot control this then we do not want a government which is being maintained by our own hard earned money, at great cost" he added.

Regressive

Speaking with annoyance he further queried whether the present government is now trying to impose the 'polu' which was in practise during the tenure of Prime Minister Srimavo Bandaranaike in the '70s. "These rogues are now trying to introduce the 'polu' era again. As told by Velupillai Pirapaharan the Sinhalese forget everything in two weeks. We were deprived of bringing our own paddy or rice from our villages during the '70s because of the 'haal polla.' With the 'miris polla' we could not take chilies in big quantities. Can you remember the sakkara in the '70s? Since we did not have sugar we had to drink tea with sakkara (a kind of juggery) believed to be made of humbas meti those days. I wonder whether we are heading towards that era again. There is also a scarcity of milk powder. If this continues what will happen to the children?" questioned this banker. Referring to the early '70s period he said that that was the worst period in his life.

Sujeewa Perera who had come to the Wellawatte market to buy vegetables told The Sunday Leader that he finds it extremely difficult to survive with the salary he receives due to the price of every single item in the market going up almost daily. "I am an accountant in a private firm in Colombo and Iget free fuel and a good salary. But even with that it is really difficult these days as everything is going up every other day," he declared.

According to Perera he uses a firewood hearth instead of gas because of the continuous gas price hikes. "Like bread and buns gas too has become a luxury item now. How can we afford the basic necessities if things go on this way? Minister Bandula Gunawardena said over TV that a litre of petrol is much higher in England compared to Sri Lanka and although our neighbouring country India produces milk a packet is sold at a higher price than the price in Sri Lanka. It is a pity to note that this so-called economist has failed to understand that the per capita income of the UK and India is far higher than ours. These jokers may be thinking that we are fools to believe everything they say. They should realise that we are more educated than them. Since they could not make a living through their education they are now engaged in politics as they know that it is the only way they can make a lot of money," said Perera.

Meanwhile Felician, a fish vendor in Mt. Lavinia said that the government's intention is to introduce bathata thitha instead of mathata thitha. "It has been revealed that this government has given more liquor licences than any previous government though they claim they are against issuing new licences. With the price hike of wheat flour and rice their plan is for bathata thitha," said Felician.

"With the present situation we don't have much business these days. Our children are in hunger. How can we surview if things go on this way," added Felician.

Bread - the staple

Meanwhile The Sunday Leader met a porter from Nuwara Eliya at the Wellawatte market who was quick to express his displeasure as his family in Nuwara Eliya is undergoing severe hardships due to the price hike of wheat flour. "We are only worried about the price hike of bread as most of our community who engage in tea plucking always had bread for their meals. With a little sugar we ate bread which means we did not have to spend on firewood to prepare a curry. If we eat rice then we have to make a curry and a sambol  which we cannot afford as a coconut is now around Rs 35 in Nuwara Eliya. Now with the price of bread going up every month the plantation community has to suffer immensely," said Thangawelu.

With all these woes we wonder when this government would bring down the CoL which is not impossible if the government puts a stop to wastage and corruption within the government itself.

It seems the time has come for the Mahinda Chinthana to deliver.

Eat right to fight stress

Stress is inevitable. However, there are ways to minimise its grip on your life, starting with your diet.

Many of us recognise that certain foods have an effect on the brain - they alter productivity, mood and mental energy. Too much chocolate can leave you dragging after the sugar and caffeine jolts fade away. An overdose of salty chips dehydrates the body and the brain, bringing on fatigue. High fat meals raise stress hormone levels and keep them high.

Reach for the wrong

The problem is that these are precisely the foods we reach for at exactly the wrong times as they exacerbate tension from work and daily life just when we seek relief.

The Food and Mood Project, a nutrition research group in the UK identified "food stressors" and "food supporters" - foods that exacerbate stress from the inside and those that help people under stress. The lists were drawn on the basis of personal experience among 200 people surveyed.

Nearly 90% of those surveyed reported that their mental health had improved significantly with changes in diet they had made on their own.

Participants reported that cutting down or avoiding "food stressors" like sugar (80%), caffeine (79%), alcohol (55%) and chocolate (53%) had the most impact on mental health. So did having more "food supporters" like water (80%), vegetables (78%), fruit (72%) and oil-rich fish (52%).

The survey also found some dietary strategies particularly helpful in encouraging a healthful diet: eating regular meals, carrying nutritious snacks and planning meals in advance.

Alternative or complementary

"Despite evidence suggesting that dietary and nutritional interventions can provide symptom relief and benefits to health, these approaches remain alternative or complementary," says Amanda Geary, a nutritional therapist with the Food and Mood Project, which advocates dietary changes to boost mood before turning to medication.

Nevertheless, quality research now underway is seriously tackling how the foods we consume affect our internal chemistry. We already know that stress hormones like cortisol actually rob the body of vitamins, hijacking them to support such classic stress responses as the tensing of muscles and the rise of blood pressure, reactions fundamental to the fight-or-flight response.

Importance of vitamins

Thus at times when we're experiencing the nervous-system workout of anxiety, we are in special need of B vitamins, which help maintain our nerves and brain cells. B vitamins are also used up in converting food into energy for the body.

It is a double whammy for the body if calories consumed during stressful times don't come from nutritious foods, as they will then be depleted even more quickly. Even a slight vitamin B deficiency -say, from a few days of overloading on chips and soda -upsets the nervous system and compounds stress, according to Elizabeth Somer, R.D., a nutritionist in Salem, Oregon.

A better bet at trying times: bananas, fish, baked potatoes, avocados, chicken and dark green leafy veggies. All are loaded with B vitamins.

Extreme stress can create even more nutritional havoc. The "fight or flight" effect on our bodies is drastic. Some 1400 chemical changes occur as stress hormones sap the body of important nutrients, such as those B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin A and the mineral magnesium.

The calming hormone

The hormones released in response to stress can cause carbohydrate cravings by lowering levels of serotonin - the calming hormone. Increasing carbohydrate intake can strengthen tolerance to stress by boosting levels of serotonin, says Somer, but it can also cause weight gain and overeating, particularly of sugary foods.

When the pressure is on, it is difficult not to turn to junk food for solace. But sticking to highly nutritious, low fat, low sugar and low caffeine diet will be its own reward.

- Willow Lawson -- Psychology Today

Halloween - the scariest night of the year

by Kshanika Argent

Halloween though celebrated in a small scale in Colombo, is just not Halloween without trick-or-treating.

A club or two in Colombo  would have a special theme night, where teens and young adults come dressed up, but the essence of Halloween, the spooky costumes, the carved pumpkins, going out with a group of friends and knocking on doors screaming 'trick-or-treat'?!! and getting candy in return, is sadly missing.

There's nothing quite like Halloween for a child. In days gone by, Halloween was looked forward to more than Christmas and even Easter. What are presents and a few chocolate eggs for  a child compared to a night of scary stories around the fire, or a scary movie and then trying to outdo his friends in looking as frightening as possible? And getting bags and bags full of candy at the end of the night?

Although the practice resembles the older traditions of guising in Ireland and Scotland, ritual begging on Halloween did not appear in English-speaking North America until the 20th century, and may have developed independently.

Trick-or-treaters

Upon receiving trick-or-treaters, the house occupants who usually are prepared and who might also be in costume, often hand out small candies, miniature chocolate bars, loose change, soda pop, even fruit, or even crayons and pencils. It's been rumoured that some people even give out their business cards!

Some homes that really get into the spirit of things will use sound effects and fog machines to help establish an eerie atmosphere.

Other less scary house decoration themes might be used to entertain younger visitors. Children can often accumulate many treats on Halloween night, filling up entire pillow cases, pumpkin-shaped buckets, shopping bags or large plastic containers.

For those of you not all that familiar with Halloween or what the big deal is all about, it's a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. Traditional activities over the decades include trick-or-treating (walking around your local neighbourhood dressed like a ghoul, witch, pirate etc. and knocking on doors demanding goodies), Halloween festivals, bonfires, costume parties, visiting 'haunted houses,'  and watching horror films with friends and family.

Pagan festival

Halloween originated from a Pagan festival, celebrated among the Celts of Ireland and Great Britain. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the 19th century.

Other Western countries embraced the holiday in the late 20th century. Halloween is now celebrated in several parts of the Western world, most commonly in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and sometimes in Australia and New Zealand.

In recent years, the holiday has also been celebrated in various  parts of Western Europe. The term Halloween is shortened from All-hallow-even, as it is the evening of/before 'All Hallows' Day,' also known as 'All Saints' Day.'

It was also a day of religious festivities in various northern European Pagan traditions, until Popes Gregory III and Gregory IV moved the old Christian feast of All Saints' Day from May 13 to November 1.

All Hallows' Eve

In the ninth century, the Church measured the day as starting at sunset, in accordance with the Florentine calendar. Although All Saints' (or Hallows') Day is now considered to occur one day after Halloween, the two holidays were, at that time, celebrated on the same day.

In Ireland, the name of the holiday was All Hallows' Eve (often shortened to Hallow Eve), and though seldom used today, the name is still well-accepted, albeit somewhat esoteric. In Irish, the festival is known as O¡che Shamhna (Night of Samhain), or simply Samhain; in Scottish Gaelic it is Samhainn or Samhain;  Calan Gaeaf to the Welsh; "Allantide" to the Cornish and "Hop-tu-Naa" to the Manx. Halloween is also called Pooky Night in parts of Ireland, presumably named after the p£ca, a mischievous spirit.

Many European cultural traditions hold that Halloween is one of the liminal times of the year when spirits can make contact with the physical world, and when magic is most potent (according to, for example, Catalan mythology about witches and Irish tales of the S¡dhe).

The cancers of crime and violence

By Nicola Perera

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. The best way to conquer enemies is to identify their weaknesses and enable our spirit to become powerful against violence. In Sri Lanka, violence has hit 'red alert' due to the lethargy of the law enforcement arm. When a cupboard is full to overflowing and the doors are open, everything within tumbles out and nothing can stop it.

Likewise, when floodgates are opened, the water rushes forth with tremendous power carrying all before it. This is how crime is gushing throughout the country; it has become like a cancer that is spreading rapidly. Peace also is similar, for nothing can stop its flow as it spreads sweeping aside all negativity and disharmony.

Not a priority

However in Sri Lanka, the tables have turned and peace seems an agenda but not a priority as confusion and manipulative vendettas take the front seat. Naturally amidst the escalating crimes such as murder, rape, child abuse, robberies etc.,  people are now like lambs among the wolves.

The government initiates peace but it takes a lot more than words to curb crime. Action without ulterior motives has to be taken in a prudent manner. The challenge in eliminating violence requires fearlessness that arises from perseverance.

Fearlessness means standing for what is right by mastering fears and doubts, by having the power to rise after every fall and by respecting values.

Anger and revenge

When we reciprocate hatred, anger and revenge we are stooping down to a lower level. Instead if the government reciprocates with justice and values, it will create positive vibrations that will bring about peace and end  violence. Positive actions reap positive vibrations.

The time to trust is not just when all is calm, the most important time to trust is through the raging storm. The economic and political powerhouses seem to be hand in glove - that is how people ascertain the situation due to the fear that has infiltrated society.

Sri Lanka has become a breeding ground for all vices. The hub of civilisation and development is the heartland of moral degradation. Most of the crimes and violence, newer forms of war and fighting have their origin in the cities and towns. Most of the robberies, violent activities, abuse etc are illegitimate fruits of anger, vengeance, hurt and confusion.

Destroy seeds of violence

For people here they have a choice; think of it as when you are surfing and there's a big wave coming your way, you can either catch and ride it or be overwhelmed by it. The government has the power to infuse peace - they can infuse life in their compassion to the marginalised of society, they can infuse life in their involvement in society in confronting unjust structures.

Procrastination will be overcome when they take little steps towards making Sri Lanka get back its original beauty, peace and safety. With each step they can gain momentum, and with consistency, they can destroy the seeds of violence that has grown to destroy life in every possible way.

Demolish towers of crime

Violence should be an eye-opener to mending conflicts and working as a united team to demolish the towers of crime and ensure the growth of the next generation. Children have the right to live in a safe environment, they are the future of Sri Lanka but if this upheaval of violence continues, they too will grow up with fear, anger and bitterness.

Enforcing justice and peace is a tremendous task but it is never impossible, if the powerhouses make it their goal for the sake of the people. Treating violence with violence is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. The core of the eruption has to be understood and rectified with honesty, unity and humanity,the latter of which is hardly visible in Sri Lanka.

89th Poppy Day on November 11

By Shezna Shums

The 89th Remembrance Day ceremony will held at the War Memorial, Viharamahadevi Park with the tri-services and war veterans march past on November 11.

To mark this event the Sri Lanka Naval Association (SLNA) has organised a poppy campaign from October 16-  24 to sell artificial poppy flowers and raise funds for the well-being of service personnel who are putting their lives at risk so that every citizen will be able to live securely.

This campaign will see people selling poppy wreaths as well as single poppy flowers to the public. A wreath costs Rs.100 and a single poppy flower costs Rs. 10.

The Sri Lanka Naval Association requests the public to join them in their endeavour by buying  wreaths, stickers and flowers to make the event a success.

These poppy flowers which are made by ex-service personnel will be used to provide necessities to ex-servicemen who have served the country selflessly, putting their lives at risk.

The revenue from the sale of the poppy flowers which may not amount to much is nevertheless important. This is one way in which some of us can help those in the forces who have been maimed and injured.

The red poppy is a universal symbol of remembrance of the war dead.

It is stated that World War One ended at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918 and this year marks the 89th anniversary.

At 11 a.m. on that day, the last shot of the war was fired.

For many years afterwards most countries in the world observed this day on November 11, which later came to be known as Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday nearest to November 11.

Poppy Week is launched to commemorate this day. The Sri Lanka Ex-Service- men's Association and its affiliates from the army, navy and airforce will come together to sell poppy flowers.

Some of the aid provided by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen's Association includes indoor and outdoor treatment for ex-servicemen at the Military Hospital, financial aid for major surgery as well as minor surgery and monthly grants to buy drugs. Also worthy of mention is the financial assistance granted to children of ex-servicemen for university education. Hearing aids and spectacles for needy ex-servicemen are also provided.

A sex worker's  tears

By Ranee Mohamed

I envy all women with of-fice jobs," said young Nalini. It has been a long day for this sex worker who said she is `tired' after long hours with several inconsiderate `clients.'

"I never wanted to do this kind of work. My parents protected me and sheltered me," she cried looking around in fear at this dilapidated motel in Pamunuwa, Maharagama. "This is the area where I do my business, but I have been warned by magistrates that if I get caught again, I will be sent to jail for good," she said in tears.

Nalini says that without a proper education she has no other alternative. "I have worked in houses, washing clothes, dishes and cooking, yet the money I earned was not enough," she said.

Dark day

"I still remember that frightening day when my parents left me and my younger sister with my grandmother and went off to a funeral. My father's youngest brother was at home. In the night, he came to my room and locked the door. I was only thirteen years old. He put a heavy hand over my mouth and raped me, several times that night and my grandmother did not know," cried Nalini.

That had been the turning point in her life. "Every boy I had  a relationship with thought I was a virgin. When they found out that I was not, they were very happy. I tried to get married to several men but all they wanted was to have sex," she recalls.

"I was in love with a boy and he promised to marry me. We went to motels and to his room where he was boarded. When he found that I was pregnant he told me that he will get married to me somehow. Yet when my stomach started to show, he disappeared. I never saw him. I had a difficult time, but my elder brother helped me. I gave birth at a government hospital and brought the baby home. My elder brother is also having a difficult life, yet I managed to give my son everything he needed by working in houses," cried Nalini.

Fell in love

It was when her son was two years old that she fell in love again. This man was so concerned about her. He told her that he couldn't live without her. She felt sorry for him. He asked her whether she would marry him and she said 'Yes, yes'. One day he asked her to come and have sex with him. She was afraid of losing him if she said 'no.'

Soon Nalini found herself having sex with him several times a week. "He gave me nothing, only his love. Each day he would wait for me until I returned after work. We go to a room and he would have sex with me and I would rush home to my son," she said.

"Then one day I found that I was pregnant again. When I told him, he said that we must get married as soon as possible. He continued to have sex with me till about three months, then he told me that he has to go and tell his mother. When he came back from his hometown he gave me the devastating news that his mother does not approve of him marrying a woman with a child," said Nalini crying bitterly at the memory of her lost love. "I did not know what to do. It seemed like he too did not care. As my pregnancy advanced, he stopped coming. I used to work in houses and wait in the familiar spot for him. One day I waited for almost an hour, but there was no sign of him," said Nalini.

Soon Nalini found that she was the mother of two, with no income at all. " I just could not depend on my unemployed brother. I knew I had to find a way to support my two children. It is at this time that I met a neighbour who sym- pathised with me," said Nalini.

Neighbour's promise

"How can you look after two children by working in houses. Come with me and I will get you a good job," she had told Nalini.

Nalini, dressed in her best clothes had accompanied her neighbour to Colombo. "We were near a small restaurant. It looked like a Chinese restaurant. My neighbour and I were seated in a small room. Then two important looking gentlemen came. I was told by my neighbour that they wanted to interview me. I was surprised when they gave my neighbour Rs.5,000. Thereafter my neighbour left the room. Before I knew what was happening the two gentlemen were removing their clothes. I was forced to have sex with them. But they were very nice. They said that they had given money to the lady and then they gave me Rs.500 more. Both of these gentlemen had sex with me. They were in their forties.." said Nalini.

Nalini had not known whether to be angry with her neighbour or not. "She came to me and gave me Rs.500 and said that this is the best way to find money for my children. And truly I found that this was the easiest way. I was earning more money in an hour than I would earn in a week working in houses. Thereafter my neighbour would take me to different places and the gentlemen would give me money. Some of them would buy me Chinese food," said Nalini.

Young boys the worst

"It is not that I have always had caring gentlemen in my life. Last month I was taken to a dilapidated house by some young boys, they were in the age groups of 18-22. It was the most horrible experience. Many of them said they had to swallow a pill and moved away from me. The experience seemed to last a lifetime. After some time they did not know where they were and what they were doing. They were all after pills and they just would not stop. They were holding me by my ears and crushing my ears. They could not see the tears in my eyes..," said Nalini. When the horror ended, none of the boys had been in their senses to make any payment to Nalini.

"I have met many inconsiderate 'clients' and all of them have been in the age group of 17-22. I have noticed that my clients in the age group of 16-22 are increasing. More and more boys are after me. They tell me 'it is okay if we die, it is okay even if we get any disease, come with us for free for we don't have money.' But how can I go with anyone for free, this is my  livelihood," explained Nalini.

"Thankfully, I have a few clients who are very considerate. Some of them send milk food for my children and buy them books. They give me money when I want," she said. "Many of them say that I can depend on them for anything and I want to believe them. Some of the men who have sex with me promise me the sun and the moon during sex, but when they leave, that is the last I see of them. Men practise the most crude sex on me. What they do not know is that I have two children waiting for me to bring them their food and their milk," cried Nalini.

Ran away

One day I was taken to a large hotel by a man I knew. He was given Rs.4000 and he gave me Rs.500 and disappeared. When I went to the room, there was a middle aged foreigner eating a mixture of porridge. He asked me to remove my clothes and he began to hurt me. There was nothing I could do. He continued to eat his porridge too, while queeezing me roughly. Then he went to the bathroom and I grabbed the chance and ran out of the room, leaving my shoes and umbrella behind," said Nalini.

Of recent times Nalini is feeling ill. "I have an itching sensation in my genitals and when I went to a doctor, I was told that I am suffering from a sexually transmitted disease. I am under treatment now, yet I have to continue with my work. I cannot tell my children that I am ill and not go to work. I cannot tell my clients that I  am suffering from STD, then they will never come to me," she said.

Police want it too

Nalini has been with over 500 men. "I have had many frightening moments in my life. One day I was standing by a lonely road -  where I always stand. I was horrified when a police jeep drove up. I was caught by the police. There was an officer and three constables. They told me that if I had sex twice with each one of them, they would let me go. I agreed because I did not want any trouble. They took me to an old house where an old man lived. I first had sex with the officer who was more interested in oral sex. He asked me not to deviate from what he wanted. I had only some time to wash my mouth and face and then I had to have sex with the other three policemen, twice with each one of them. Thereafter they let me go. I did not earn any money. I was tired, bruised and I wanted to die," said Nalini.

Nalini continues her treatment which is becoming painful and her finances are plunging as she is unable to work as vigorously as she did. But she is told that she is on the road to recovery, yet there is no rest for this young woman who goes from motels to houses to hotels and boarding houses and remains at the whim and fancy of her customers.

scence & heard

Sanjitha wins a double Gold Award

Sanjitha De Alwis received a double Gold Award at the Tertiary Student Project and the Microsoft Award for the Best Project using Microsoft tools at the National Best Quality Software Awards 2007 organised by the British Computer Society ( Sri Lanka). Erani Srikantha received the Silver Award.

The group that won the Gold for the Tertiary Student Project and the Microsoft Award are Sanjitha De Alwis, Sukitha Magallage, Mohammed Hosny, Nishada Silva and Wimal Perera.

Winners of the Silver are Erani Srikantha, Rakitha Karunaratne, Chamara Nandasena, Gihantha Ratnayake and Garuka Serasinghe.

The Gold and the Silver Award winners represented  SLIIT. The groups will be representing Sri Lanka at the regional competition  (APICTA) to be held in Singapore in November.

Leo's mission of service

Lion Gilantha Fernando, District Chairperson District 306A12 who spearheaded Lions Opportunities for Youth is seen with his promotional team at the Wadduwa Holiday  Resort during an outing. Photo shows Lady Lion Ramya Fernando, Lamal Kotage, Leo Dilshan Fernando, Leo Rashmi Fernando, Leo Nirmali Fernando, Leo Thilina Eranda, Leo Piumi Colombage and Lion Gilantha Fernando.

With love from Ex-Servicemen in Australia

The Australian branch of the SL Ex Servicemen's Association (SLESA) has once again given a generous gift to its parent association. This time it is a gift of 42 hospital beds and six wheel chairs.

The hospital beds are equipped with wheels and mechanical devices to raise and lower them to desired configurations. They also have trays on each side to place bottles and other requirements of the patient.

Being informed by Major W.M.Weerasooriya, former president, SLESA whilst on a visit to Australia of the decision to shift the ex servicemen's wards from Baladaksha Mawatha to the new wing of the Army Hospital in Narahenpita, and of the need for equipment due to the increase in the capacity of the military hospital, the Melbourne unit decided to make this presentation.

The President of the Australian Branch of the SLSEA is Leslie Fernando who served in the Ceylon Signals. Arden Perkins who served in the CLI and an Old Trinitian is the vice president. He was the winner of the Earl of Caithness Shield and Baton for the best recruit in Intake 30 at the Army Training Centre, Diyatalawa. Perkins mentioned that he was very grateful to Lieutenant (Late Major) Eshin Fernando, CLI who was his recruit platoon commander, also an old boy of Trinity College, Kandy, who trained at Sandhurst, for the encouragement given and the tremendous effort made to enable him to win this singular honour.

Whilst making this gift to the Military Hospital, Narahenpita, Perkins says the Australian branch of SLESA will continue to help the country of their birth with abiding affection, especially in its hour of need.

Dehiwala housewives' fund raiser

Dehiwala Housewives Welfare Soceity are having their Annual Fund Raiser on Saturday October 27, at the Empire Ballroom, Mt. Lavinia Hotel, from 9 a.m. onwards.

This  society is a non religious welfare organisation and part of the  proceeds will be utilised to serve the needs of orphanages, home for the aged, and the under privileged in the area for their education and well being.

They have also made generous contributions to the National Cancer Institute.

GFS Sale

The annual GFS Sale organised by the Girls' Friendly Society will be heldon Saturday, October 27 at the GFS Hall, 58 Green Path, Colombo 3 from 9 am onwards. Clothes, books, greeting cards, stationery items, gift items,snacks, chutneys, plants and a variety of miscellaneous items will be on sale.

Fingara to present awards

The Fingara International Cricket Academy will award over 350  trophies and certificates to promising  schoolboy cricketers in a bid to encourage them, on Monday, October 22 at 3 p.m. at the BMICH. The chief guests at the event will be Chairman of Ceylinco Consolidated, Deshamanya Dr. Lalith Kotelawala and his wife, Deputy Chairperson, Ceylinco Consolidated, Sicille Kotelawala. The certificates will be endorsed by Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara.

"This presentation to cricketers bears testimony to the abilities of our cricketers who are indeed fortunate to undergo such training at this academy," said Deputy Chairman, F & G, Mervyn Jayasinghe.

UNP campaign to highlight many issues

A grassroot level campaign has been initiated by the main opposition UNP to inform the people about the many issues confronting them as a result of the corruption and inefficiency of the government. A campaign in this regard was conducted at the Narahenpita Pola recently spearheaded by the Party's Colombo West Organiser, Bodhi Ranasinghe. Former Colombo Deputy Mayor, Titus Perera also participated.

It's the dance season again

Alas and alack! The dance season seems to have started. I moan since I can predict that we will have to listen to the same songs we have been listening to for more than 20 years, several times over, at regular intervals. When you hear one number, you can predict what's coming next.

One of the bandleaders pointed out that they have to play what the majority of the crowd requested. True, but how about introducing just a few new numbers to their repertoire? As if the songs they play were the only oldies around at that time.

Considering the exorbitant rates they charge per function, the least they can do is provide good entertainment. What manner of suckers do they take us for? As if the old ones can't be replaced with other similar oldies and a few newer songs to please the younger crowd!

No time to practise

One lady at our table who worked in the hotel trade said that one excuse they made was that they stay up at night to perform and then have to come back to work the next evening, so they had no time to practise! The manager had said to find time or else depart.

Maybe most people are happy with the music played at these dances, but unfortunately we have to attend many of these events, and over the years, I must confess that it has become a bore.

Another common factor is that the sound increases as the evening progresses, and you have to scream to make yourself heard. When you have a mike in your hand you're heard anyway, and after a while, you begin to wonder if they can't tone down a bit.

I'm a big fan of DJ music, since you can play any kind of music you want. The quality also is much better, since most groups play compositions of other artistes, some performing a very poor version of the original.

Funky music

Of course most musical groups do their versions of our local baila songs very well, and since this is a crowd puller, must  certainly be included. I am not one of these people, since everyone seems to go wild and throw their inhibitions to the wind and fling their limbs all over with gay abandon. So if you want a good jostle and a few friendly jabs, this is just the thing for you!

I can't expect other members of my age group to like funky music. I have got used to listening to the kids music and I quite like some of it. In fact, one of Dancing Doll's friends recorded some music for me recently, which was supposed to be funky dance music. I asked her if he thought I was a belly dancer (okay, my belly is large) or I belonged to an African tribal dance troupe.

 No way I could keep up that frantic pace! I would certainly collapse after a while. Whew! Just listening to it made me exhausted. But when I mention I like certain songs to the kids, they start giggling hysterically. Why not, I ask them?

 Never assume things

Why can't I like London Bridge by Fergie, and Hump de Bump by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, for instance? When I mention this to my friends they look mystified at me and ask, "What by whom?"

This is my point. There may be stray people like me who like to occasionally listen to modern music as well. How can these musicians look at us and think, "Ah, these are some old uncles and aunties. They will want to listen to old favourites." Never assume things! Haven't they spotted some senior citizens boogying the night away?

A group of my friends have been planning to go for dance lessons for the past several years. I declined to join them, saying I'd like to dance in my own inimitable way and at my own sweet pace. They still haven't gone for a single class, but discuss the matter very earnestly almost every time we meet. Maybe they will start in the next five years or so!

Anyway, dancing is a fun way of exercising, only don't go and injure yourself in the process, like I did! Leave the complicated twirls and dance moves to the younger folk. Your blood circulation and spirits improve tremendously at the end of it all. I know we have another dance coming up in the near future, please, let it not be the same band with the same music!

- Honky Tonk Woman.

Question and answer time

The last few weeks have been a bit testy. In addition to being  sick, having to go to work and the usual plethora of plagues from bills  to rental inspections, I have had to think about my Honours year. 

The process

Over here, you do three years to get your degree and if you have gotten exceptional results you get the option of doing an Honours year  after that. Sometimes they allow you to graduate first and come back within a set period to do your Honours year. The University of Western  Australia gives you seven years after you graduate to start on your  Honours year. The University of Notre Dame where I am enrolled only  allows you to graduate once you have completed your Honours -  that is if  you graduate you cannot return to do Honours. 

So next year I will have to start on my Honours year. But it isn't that easy. I am trying for an Honours in Geography. My initial idea was  to do with Literature Honours but I have been told that I am better off  trying for Geography. Besides I would had to have done something to do with postcolonial theory which would have driven me mad, I am sure.  

Limitation

See, another limitation you have is that whatever you are interested  in, the topic has to be something that a supervisor can advise you on.  There is no point, for example, me rushing off to do something  concerned with postmodern literature or English traditional poetry or  something similar if the university does not have a lecturer who  specialises in that subject who is free to supervise me.

And of course the best thing is that you have to think up the topic  you want to do all on your own. It has to be something you are  interested in doing. So generally your supervisors hold off until you  have come up with exactly what you want to do. Which is the point that  I am at. 

Last semester, one of my lecturers said that it would be a good idea  to do something along the lines of studying how Fremantle developed  during the period 1880-1910 in terms of how it changed, what services  were brought in and so on. I was quite excited to do this but didn't  think that even when I narrowed it down to the West End of Fremantle  that I could get it done in a year. 

Interest ephemeral

But I was excited which to me usually tends to indicate that I am  interested. Then they told me to go away on holiday and forget all  about it till I came back because I was jumping the gun a bit. So after  many protests I did do exactly that and promptly when I came back, I  had lost all interest in it - or at least all enthusiasm for it. It  still interests me but I am no longer excited about it. 

Apparently I have to get obsessed about my topic to the point where like my friend Suzie I am convinced that it's manifesting itself around  me somehow. Suzie is a friend I have known for ages, who after  learning about Thomas Peel last year has gotten it into her brain that  he has been completely wronged and is completely obsessed with  researching everything about him. Now she is convinced that his ghost  keeps turning up and granting her good luck. She's a good friend of  mine but I don't vouch for her supposed control over sanity and  reason. But if that's what it takes to complete an Honours year, then I  wish I was as obsessed as she is. 

Ideas

So I had a meeting with my supervisors and they told me to go away and think about all sorts of topics and pick the one I am most  interested in. I have come up with ideas such as looking at the changes  in coral reefs before and after major events, and discussing how the soil types and thereby vegetation affected early settlement in the Swan  River Colony particularly in light of the mistaken assumption that it  was all fertile land.

Another suggestion was looking into the history  of brothels during a particular period because while written documents don't give us much about how women lived, looking into such taboo parts of society would give us a clearer picture of the kinds of things they  had to live through. The trouble is that that is a very historical  topic and I would have to somehow make it have a geographical aspect to it since my honours is in Geography. Pity because it would be really interesting and no one has done much in that area before. 

At the moment the soil type one is winning out but I am still sitting  here, waiting for that train of thought to pull into my station and for  the topic of obsession to alight from it wrap- ped up in a fur coat with  a line of porters carrying behind it all the baggage I'll need to make  it through next year. 

Challenge

Because next year will be the equivalent of boot camp for my mind.  And then I know that the end of it I will go through it and go "Well, what was so hard about that?" It's not the topic you pick that is the  most important. You could pick a topic that tens of thousands of others  have covered. The point of Honours is that you learn the skills to do  that level of research, theorising and writing which I have to admit I  am looking forward to a great deal. I want to learn something new. But it's very hard going which is why you need a topic that interests you  that you can obsess over. 

I am interested in too many things and as someone pointed out to me a  while back: "You tend to get excited about something and you rush into it and give it your 100% effort as you should but then you get  disillusioned so easily when something goes wrong." And I have been asked several times over by my supervisors whether I want to take on  Honours year for myself or for someone else or why I am interested in it because they want to make sure that it's my thing and mine alone. 

Answer?

So here comes another issue: Am I even the right kind of person to do Honours? I wouldn't give up once I started but am I still the right  person to do it? 

I'll let you know when I get an answer. Right now I'd settle for an  answer of any sort. 

- Marisa Wikramanayake

HUMOUR

A great paint job

A hobo comes up to the front door of a neat looking farmhouse and raps gently on the door. When the farm owner answers, the hobo asks him, "Please, sir, could you give me something to eat? I haven't had a good meal in several days."

The owner says, "I have made a fortune in my lifetime by supplying goods for people. I've never given anything away for nothing. However, if you go around the back, you will see a gallon of paint and a clean paint brush. If you will paint my porch, I will give you a good meal."

So the hobo goes around back and a while later he again knocks on the door. The owner says, "Finished already? Good. Come on in. Sit down. The cook will bring your meal right in."

The hobo says, "Thank you very much, sir. But there's something that I think you should know. It's not a Porsche you got there. It's a BMW."

Playing right

There was a boy who worked in the produce section of a super market. A man came in and asked to buy half a head of lettuce. The boy told him that they only sold whole heads of lettuce, but the man replied that he did not need a whole head, only half. The boy explained that he would have to ask the manager and so he walked into the back room and said, "There is some jerk out there who wants to buy only a half a head of lettuce."

As he finished saying this, he turned around to find the man standing right behind him, so he quickly added, "And this gentleman wants to buy the other half."

The manager okayed the request and the man went on his way. Later on the manager said to the boy, "You almost got yourself in a lot of trouble earlier, but I must say I was impressed with the way you got out of it.

"You think on your feet and we like that around here. Where are you from, son?" The boy replied, "Minnesota, sir." "Oh, really? Why did you leave Minnesota?" inquired the manager.

The boy replied, "They're all just whores and hockey players up there." "My wife is from Minnesota", exclaimed the manager. The boy instantly replied, "Really! What team did she play for?"

Filling in the blanks

The FBI is considering three men to be hired.  They bring them in to speak with the interviewer separately.

The first man comes in and sits down. The interviewer asks him "Do you love your wife?" so he replies "Yes I do, sir." "Do you love your country?" asks the interviewer. "Yes I do, sir." The interviewer continues, "What do you love more, your wife or your country?" The man replies "My country, sir." The interviewer looks at the man, "Okay. We brought in your wife. Take this gun and go into the next room and kill her." The guy puts the gun down and says "I can't do it..."

The second guy comes in and sits down. The interviewer asks him the same questions, and the responses are the same. The interviewer gives him a gun, and tells him to go kill his wife. The man goes into the room, and all is silent for about five minutes. He comes back, with his tie loosened and he is all sweaty. "I can't do it..." He puts down the gun and leaves.

The third guy comes in, the same thing happens. The interviewer gives him a gun, and tells him to go kill his wife. The guy goes into the room, and BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! This is followed by a bunch of crashing sounds that end after a few minutes. The guy comes out of the room with his tie loosened, and puts the gun on the table.

The interviewer looks at him and says "What happened?!?!", to which the guy replies, "The gun you gave me was filled with blanks so I had to strangle her!"

Guarding the coast

It is two o'clock in the morning and a husband and his wife are asleep when suddenly the phone rings.

The husband picks up the phone and before he can say anything, some talking came from the other end of the line and the husband says "How the heck do I know. What am I, the weather man?" and promptly slams the phone down.

His wife rolls over and asks, "Who was that?" The husband replies, "I don't know, it was some bloke who wanted to know if the coast was clear."

HUMOUR

Back to the manioc era

Eat right to fight stress

Halloween - the scariest
night of the year

The cancers of crime
and violence

89th Poppy Day
on November 11

A sex worker's  tears

scence & heard