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CBK-Manmohan lunch upsets Government - Political Column of The Sunday Times
2007-09-26 22:29:00
CBK-Manmohan lunch upsets Government * Air Chief asked to explain MiG-27 purchase; Gotabhaya pushes for military solution * Fiery baptism for Basil in parliament; Senior SLFPers not enthusiasticBy The Sunday Times' Political EditorPresident Mahinda Rajapaksa and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda at the felicitation ceremony in Trincomalee. Pic by A.T.M. GunanandaThe all-powerful Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa unambiguously spelt out a vital piece of Government policy last Monday. He declared during a nationally-televised event from the Naval garrison at Trincomalee that there could be permanent peace in Sri Lanka only through defeating terrorism "one hundred per cent" militarily.The occasion was a return to port by a Navy flotilla that had destroyed three Tiger guerrilla cargo vessels. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, described them as "floating warehouses" in the deep seas some 1,400 nautical miles away from the eastern ...
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Matara : My friends and days in Matara
2007-09-26 21:41:00
My friends and days in Matara - Sunday TimesBy Dr. Lakshman AbeyagunawardeneThe Dutch Fort: A historical landmark in MataraWhat inspired me to write this article (and even some others that were published in Sri Lankan newspapers recently), is an interesting book entitled ?On Horseshoe Street? authored by Tissa Devendra. Although I had known him before, I got to know Tissa more closely when he came over as a provincial administrator to the southern town of Matara where I was serving as the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) in the early seventies. About five years prior to that, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to Tissa and his brother Somasiri, when they were frequent visitors of an indoor patient at Colombo South Hospital where I was a House Officer. Somasiri Devendra was my class teacher when I was a 15 year-old student at Ananda College.Brown?s HillIt was while I was attached to Colombo South Hospital that my bachelorhood ended. Soon after I married Mangala in 1970, I requested...
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US Senate turns against Lanka - The Sunday Times ' Political Column
2007-09-16 21:56:00
US Senate turns against Lanka * Severe blow if Bush approves bill to suspend military aid * India demands withdrawal of defence committee story * SB rises again at Getambe; is there a double dealer in the UNP (D)?By Our Political Editor- The Sunday Times It is a week where security considerations overshadowed political events. That is both in Sri Lanka and abroad. Main among them was the hitherto unpublicised vote in the United States Senate on September 6 approving the State Department Appropriations. Section 690 of the document said:"None of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading 'Foreign Military Financing Programme' may be made available for assistance for Sri Lanka, no defence export license may be issued, and no military equipment or technology shall be sold or transferred to Sri Lanka pursuant to the authorities contained in this Act or any other Act, unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that -(1) the ...
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My story behind the story - By Iqbal Athas
2007-09-16 21:30:00
My story behind the story * Let the court of the people decideBy Iqbal Athas - from The Sunday TimesThat evening, August 15 2007, I had returned home after a meeting with Norway's then Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Hans Brattskar.It was two fold - Firstly, I wished him farewell on his departure at the end of his tour of duty. Secondly, I extended my thanks to the Governments of Indonesia and Norway for inviting me to the second Global Inter-Media Dialogue in Oslo in June this year. I had been meeting him in the months before mostly over this event; giving some views, which I felt, would be useful.The first Dialogue was in the tourist resort of Bali in Indonesia. Some 100 journalists from 80 countries took part in the event in Oslo. They included journalists from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Norway, Jordan, the Philippines, Pakistan, Sweden, Singapore and Uganda. There were also officials from the United Nations. The theme of ...
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Lakbima Politics Of The WEEK !
2007-09-15 23:52:00
Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge kicked off last week?s Cabinet meeting saying that the first proposal to be approved was the presentation of an elephant to Romania. ?Our temples and devalas are also asking for elephants,? President Rajapaksa replied. ?How can we send elephants abroad without giving them some elephants.? ?Don?t worry sir, we will get a herd of elephants after November,? said Mano Wijeratne. ?How is that?? asked the President. ?Well, sir, Ranil has promised his MPs that they will defeat the Government at the budget vote,? Wijeratne explained. ?But his MPs know that Ranil can?t do it. If the Government doesn?t fall at the budget, they will all join the Government. Then there will be no shortage of elephants.? Everybody burst into laughter.A Jubilant RanilUNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinge in jubilant mood felicitating Senior Deputy Chairman Alick Aluvihare at the UNP?s 61st special convention held at the Municpal Grounds, Getambe, Kandy last Sunday (Sep 9). Pi...
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Judiciary stands tall amidst political scum , Politics in the week !
2007-09-15 23:37:00
Judiciary stands tall amidst political scum - The Nation?You see, anybody could become a minister like me if you follow my example?Judiciary stands tall amidst political scumIn most countries with a decent political culture, Silva would have had to resign and consigned to the dustbin of history. Not so in Sri Lanka. Silva is not merely tolerated, he is elevated to ministerial status and what?s more, has a doctorate to flaunt. In this respect, one heartening change witnessed is the proactive stance taken by the Supreme Court. However, the judiciary cannot remedy all the ills of a nation. Yet, when it takes the lead in matters of public interest, it is the duty of the public to follow that lead. Given the current sordid state of our society, where politicians have only contempt for the rule of law, this is an absolute necessity. If not, there will be more ministers threatening murder and mayhem at the slightest provocation. And then, we will have only ourselves to blame.The week that ...
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Govt in quandary as people support the UNP
2007-09-15 23:14:00
Govt in quandary as people support the UNP ---- The NationThe main question today is whether the UNP and its latest ally, the SLFP(M), can take on the government at the next budget as expected.This question is being asked not only in UNP circles, but by the masses who have rallied around the UNP, hoping to create a major mid -term upset by forcing the government to dissolve Parliament.The UNP?s Getembe Convention called upon the government to announce fresh elections, since people were undergoing tremendous hardships under the present regime. The cost of living is skyrocketing. There is hardly any rule of law prevalent in the country. People are being subjected to undue pressure by politicos and their cronies, on the roads and elsewhere: these are some of the pressing issues that the government has failed to solve, the public has charged.UNP?s roleWhile more people are now rallying around the UNP as a major party that could challenge the government over its failure to resolve these ...
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The East in retrospect
2007-09-14 23:19:00
The East in retrospectBy Nikhil Mustaffa - Daily MirrorMuch has been said for and against developments in the east. This column mulled over it and thought it appropriate to publish extracts from a speech by Sambanthan a very senior MP from Trincomalee, when it was debated recently on the Adjournment Debate in Parliament on 5th September 2007, on the Current situation in the North and East.The emotions expressed are very powerful and his address quoted many passages from writers featured in the Daily Mirror lately. For purposes of public debate it is useful to reflect on his words, given verbatim texts of parliamentary submissions are not always available.I refer to Special Report No. 26(UTHR) released on the 3rd of August 2007 under the heading, "Can the East be won through Human Culling in page 3 of their Report they have said, I quote:"Once more security is being equated with capturing areas and bringing them under Sinhalese hegemonic dominion. Against such delusions, the Governme...

Sri Lanka thrash Kenya with record total
2007-09-14 23:08:00
Sri Lanka thrash Kenya with record totalJOHANNESBURG (AFP) Sri Lanka went on a spectacular run spree to post the highest Twenty20 total of 260-6 in the world championship match against hapless Kenya here on Friday and then bowl out the African team for 89.Veteran Sanath Jayasuriya led the way with 88 off 44 balls and captain Mahela Jayawardene hit 65 off 28 before Jehan Mubarak smashed an unbeaten 46 from 13 balls at the end.Left-handed Mubarak took 29 runs off the 19th over bowled by seamer Lameck Ngoche as Sri Lanka beat by 39 runs the previous highest total of 221-5 by Australia against England in Sydney earlier this year. Jayasuriya, the oldest player in the 12-nation tournament at 38, launched Sri Lanka's brilliant innings with 11 boundaries and four sixes at the top of the order.Jayasuriya put on 75 off 39 balls for the second wicket with Kumar Sangakkara (30) and an incredible 87 in 30 balls for the third with Jayawardene.Jehan MubarakThe Sri Lankan captain helped himself to...
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Govt?s human rights record on a ?thin divide?
2007-09-12 22:56:00
Govt?s human rights record on a ?thin divide?The Human Rights Watch asked the EU Parliament to pass a strong resolution on Sri Lanka which would condemn violations both by the government and the LTTE and support a resolution calling for a UN human rights monitoring mission in the island.None of these augur well for the Rajapaksa administration. The outcomes of both the controversial meeting will have a serious effect on the government?s desperate bid to obtain foreign aid. There is a serious need for the government to understand the repercussions of failing to meet certain concerns of the internatiuonal community.The U.N. World Food Programme in May this year warned its food aid for Sri Lanka would run out within weeks, while imposing conditions, in the midst of donor concerns over fresh conflict between the government and Tamil Tigers.The United Kingdom also suspended approximately $3 million debt relief aid to the government in early April. They too expressed concern over the huma...
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How can HSBC loan lead to Eastern development?
2007-09-11 00:06:00
How can HSBC loan lead to Eastern development? - Daily MirrorBy Jehan PereraThe government completes 22 months with the general population facing an economic crisis that is worrying the government. The concern about the economic crisis faced by people is most pronounced in the urban areas, where the self sufficiency that buffers the rural economy is not at all present. The rate of inflation has touched 20 percent, with prices of essential commodities such as milk, rising by an even greater percentage. The government blames the increase in world prices and also the depreciation of the rupee as the cause for the rise in prices. To this must be added the printing of billions of rupee notes by a cash strapped government that have made more money chase after the same goods.This crisis is felt all over the country, and not only in Colombo, but even in President Mahinda Rajapaksa?s home base of Hambantota. Some of those who worked for the President?s electoral victory in November 2005 are ...
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9/11: Looking back and moving forward - 9/11: Six Years Later : hat we l
2007-09-10 23:38:00
9/11: Looking back and moving forward - Daily MirrorBy B. RamanOn September 11, 2007, the international community completes six years of the so-called war on global terrorism being waged separately and jointly by the countries of the world affected by the scourge of terrorism.The war has had a mixed record----positive as well as negative. The most positive has been the acceptance by the international community that terrorism is an absolute evil and cannot be justified whatever be the cause. Old cliches of one man's terrorist being another man's freedom-fighter and one nation's State-sponsor of terrorism being another nation's frontline ally against terrorism have not disappeared from common lexicon, but do not now carry the same conviction as in the past.The second important positive outcome has been the acceptance of the need for international co-operation in dealing with terrorism. There has been a greater co-operation since 9/11 and greater transparency in relation to the co-...
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Blind men and the elephant
2007-09-10 10:10:00
Blind men and the elephant - Daily Mirror By N Sathiya MoorthyOld habits die hard, and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa cannot be blamed altogether if he continues to harp on the concept of 'unitary State' as a sure-fire way for 'power-sharing', to address the 'genuine grievances' of the Tamil community in the island-nation. By referring also to 'my own political circumstances', 'political legacy and constraints', and also to the fact that he was elected 'primarily by a Sinhala constituency', he may have made a realistic assessment of the situation in which the polity and society, particularly in the Sinhala South, finds itself.It is true that the President, as he told an interviewer, has to carry the 'Sinhala voters with me'. But he needs to carry the Tamil population with him even more, if the political solution he proposes to the ethnic issue is to be the "outcome of a political process ? an outcome that must be long-lasting and acceptable to the people".It is...
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Change of course after talks in India - Political Column of The Sunday Tim
2007-09-09 05:48:00
Change of course after talks in India * New Delhi insists military approach not the answer, denies setting up of joint defence committee * UNP (D) saves the day for government in parliament * Ranil puts his act together; major new campaign from todayBy Our Political EditorIt was a week packed with local, regional and international significance for both the Government and the Opposition.Main among them was a surprise visit by the front runners of governance in Sri Lanka, led by senior-most official Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President. The other two, intimately engaged in the minute-to-minute running of governmental affairs, at the apex of the corridors of power, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Senior Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, both brothers of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.Though a visit to India by senior dignitaries of the Government has been the talking point in diplomatic circles, the actual departure came as a surprise. It was such a well-guarded secret ...
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This Is My Nation - The Nation
2007-09-09 05:44:00
It is the economy that mattersThe country?s major opposition party, the United Nation al Party (UNP) also appears to have realised that it is after all the economy that matters. They should know: many believe the short-lived United National Front (UNF) regime collapsed in 2004 partly because its economic benefits were designed to give only long term yields and there was no short term redress for the masses.When a then little known man named Bill Clinton launched his campaign against the incumbent President of the United States, George Bush (Snr.), his campaign strategist James Carville hung a sign in Clinton?s office in Little Rock, Arkansas to constantly remind his candidate what the campaign was all about. That sign simply said, ?It?s the economy, you stupid!?That Clinton trounced Bush at the election that followed notwithstanding the latter?s success in the Gulf War, is now history. But, if there are any strategists left in President Mahinda Rajapakse?s team of advisors at this po...
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Politics in the week - Lakbima News
2007-09-09 05:33:00
Big district, small squabblesAt the UNP Working Committee meeting on Tuesday, former Hambantota District MP Ananada Kularatne spoke strongly about an old dispute that was threatening to be renewed. ?Sir, the problem has started again,? he told Ranil Wickremasinghe. ?Sajith (Premadasa) is using the pretext of the Jana Suvaya programme to work in electoral divisions that don?t belong to him. He is setting up branch societies throughout Hambantota.? ?Jana Suvaya is a development programme,? responded Wickremasinghe. ?You can take over the setting up of branch societies.? ?Sir, Sajith brings busloads of people even from our areas to the govi samuluwa,? said Kularatne, fielding a separate charge. Sajith shot back: ?Sir, they want people to attend the farmer conferences but they charge bus fare from them. These poor people from Mulgirigala can?t afford bus fare. I transport people free of charge. So they prefer to join up with me.? Wickremasinghe, after giving heed, advised the pair to wo...
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Land reform: still a dream for Nepal farmers
2007-09-09 05:31:00
Land reform: still a dream for Nepal farmers by Ambar MainaliWorld viewIT is indeed quite alarming that Nepal, which once was an exporter of food grains, has now turned into an importer of the same. There has been a decreasing trend in per capita food grain production over the years.The population growth rate in the early eighties stood at 2.5 per cent while agricultural growth was nearly three percent. The then agricultural growth superseded the population growth rate by 0.5 per cent. But the case turned out to be different when entering the new millennium.The agricultural production over the span of twenty years has not been able to keep abreast with the burgeoning population. Though official statistics show that there has been an increase in the per hectare production of wheat and other crops, still the annual production is far from adequate to support the growing population.The per capita food grain production, which stood at 376 Kg in the year 2032 B.S. decreased to 277 Kg in t...
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Military push halted in favour of devolution package?
2007-09-09 04:35:00
Military push halted in favour of devolution package? The NationHaving secured Silavathurai, a relatively small area held by the LTTE in the Mannar District, the government has expressed the desire to hold talks with the LTTE to arrive at a negotiated settlement.However, the sentiments voiced by Minister Keheliya Rambukwella will not be sufficient to impress the LTTE, since he attached strings to his statement by proclaiming that such talks could only be possible if the LTTE renounces violence and terrorism as a means of achieving its objective.What is important to observe is that the government is, at least temporarily, not keen to go ahead with its military campaign in the north owing to international pressure and the unfolding drama of human suffering. Though there is a lull in the north right now, people are still living in fear of the war which they have experienced over the years in Wanni and other surrounding areas.On the other hand, it was reported that the LTTE too is well ...
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Unitary state and the concept of ?one country, one people, one army !
2007-09-07 23:59:00
Unitary state and the concept of ?one country, one people, one army? - Daily MirrowBy Subash WickramasingheWhether it is the nature of the State that has embroiled the country in an unending conflict is a different matter altogether but what matters here is this contentious issue continues to play an important role with regard to the conflict in Sri Lanka. The All Party Representative Committee (APRC) which is earmarked to find an all party solution to the problem finds it difficult to proceed any further due to this stumbling block of whether it should be unitary or federal. But when one analyses it deeply, one realizes that it is this very same unitary-federal debate that keeps the APRC going. Hence the unitary-federal debate acts as a multi-purpose utility item for the authorities to play around.Those who believe that it is the unitary tag that has become the stumbling block to find a solution pinpoint the fact that the Soulbury Constitution never referred to a ?unitary or federa...
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Out, out HSBC - in with 'Balu Badda'-
2007-09-07 23:57:00
Out, out HSBC - in with 'Balu Badda'-- Daily NewsNow Your turn to comment anything , Have Fun & Be Educated to be a human !On My watch by Lucien Rajakarunanayake Demonstration: If there ever was man in a hurry in politics we see him in Colombo today. The leader of the UNP is in such a hurry to grab power that his booting out his own constituencies in what can only be seen as a foolhardy thrust that can only lead to regret in the end.Following close on his letter to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Barclays Bank and JP Morgan vowing not to repay the US $ 500 million floating bond issue being raised by the present Government of Sri Lanka through these institutions, in the event the UNP is returned to power, the UNP made a huge show of folly when it organized a demonstration outside the HSBC office at Bambalapitiya.Such a display can hardly be expected from a political party that still has the business community in the country as its main political constituency, and to...

Snakes of Sri Lanka - 8
2007-09-07 03:27:00
Snakes of Sri Lanka - 8By Jayasri JayakodyGold and Black Tree Snake(Chrysopelea ornate) Polmal KarawalaA small arboreal snake with beautifully arranged dorsal black and dark green stripes, this snake?s underside is yellowish green. But its most prominent feature other than its ornamental colouration is it?s ability to pull its ventrals inward and form a ?parachute? which enables it to glide for considerable distances, often many metres. It can often be seen gliding from trees to the ground or from tree to tree.Arboreal and diurnal, this snake, if cornered never hesitates to attack and strikes at its adversary with utmost tenacity. It is seldom seen on the ground.Due to its spectacular gliding ability and striking beauty it is also known as the Ornate Flying Snake.Feeds mainly on lizards and may consume bats and other snakes occasionally. The prey is usually pursued or stalked and seized by the neck which is duly crushed by the strong jaws of the snake. It is notorious for its voraci...
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Pakistan?s poltical show, starring Mush, Bush, Bhutto and Sharif
2007-09-07 03:11:00
Pakistan?s poltical show, starring Mush , Bush , Bhutto and Sharif - Daily MirrorWith some 200 people killed in bomb blasts in the past two months and a political crisis getting curioser and curioser, Pakistan is attracting global attention.Pakistan People's Party leader and two-times prime minister Benazir Bhutto, surreptitiously supported by the United States and Britain from behind-the-scenes, has flown to Dubai for meeting with emissaries of the embattled Pakistan President, General Pervez Musharraf, a key ally of Washington's war on terror.In the meantime, upsetting the Western scheme aimed at manipulating events in Pakistan, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will be arriving in the country on Monday.The entry of Sharif, the spanner in the wheel, has apparently irked the West which has blessed a power-sharing deal between Musharraf and Benazir, both of whom are pro-western and hence regarded as anti-Islamists.Although hardcore Islamists are just a fraction of Pakistan's 150 m...
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Post conflict Sri Lanka
2007-09-05 22:42:00
Post conflict Sri Lanka - Daily MirrorBy Nikhil MustafaWe are transiting through a time when peaceful resoulution seems far removed from the vocabulary for an ultimate peace to reign in Sri Lanka.Much pain continues to be created by man. Read below excerpts of a sermon by South African priest which provides for reflection.In the political spectrum the APRC is expected to produce some form of a consensus document. It though is not guaranteed. For that reason this column dug out the Committee A report and features an edited text to remind ourselves once more of the peaceful negotiated path ahead for an ultimate lasting solution.?To be here at St Pauls is a great honour for me. I would like to thank Ian Woodall and Canon Warner for the invitation extended to me to preach here today.This last week Nelson Mandela has been here in London ? as Prime minister Gordon Brown described him ? the greatest person of our generation.Imagine for a moment, if Nelson Mandela had walked from prison aft...
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LTTE?s behaviour contributes legitimacy to government's war
2007-09-04 00:31:00
LTTE?s behaviour contributes legitimacy to government's war- Daily MirrorBy Jehan PereraThe government has justified its military operations in the Silavathurai area of the north as being in the nature of a humanitarian operation. This is similar to the language used by the government a year ago when it sent in the army to open the irrigation sluice gates at Mavil Aru that had been shut by the LTTE. On that occasion the government had reason to be concerned about the fate of around 15,000 people whose livelihoods were affected by the LTTE blockade. In the case of Silavathurai the government?s stated rationale is the need to rescue about 6000 people from LTTE rule. The LTTE?s behaviour gives a measure of credibility to the government?s justification for expanding the theatre of war.Reports emanating from the LTTE controlled areas of the north, and corroborated by international human rights organizations, speak of forced conscription by the LTTE. All families are required to provide ...
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The other woman : Short Story
2007-09-04 00:05:00
The other woman Daily NewsSunetha KANNANGARA?The day began like any other with just a hint of excitement in the air. It was a few days after ?pay day? that I took leave from work to go shopping, a pastime enjoyed by most women.This particular occasion was all the more enjoyable as I ventured out all by myself, unhampered by impatient kids or a bored husband.?I set off early so that I could shop and browse at leisure. I strolled from shop to shop admiring the beautiful window displays and the multitude of exquisite goods on offer with no compulsion to purchase anything - just look and enjoy.This was in strong contrast to my normal shopping which was a quick dash in and out of the shop with a hurried purchase of an essential item.I was, therefore, determined to enjoy this glorious pleasure to the fullest which I felt was a deserving reward to a busy working mother.?I ambled along and came to one of the large Department Stores.I wafted towards the perfume counters, ?tested? a few very ...
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Sri Lanka army 'takes rebel base' -BBC
2007-09-02 22:54:00
Sri Lanka army 'takes rebel base'Sri Lanka mapSri Lanka's military says it has captured a base of the rebel Tamil Tigers' naval wing in operations in the north-west of the country.Five rebel boats were captured, they said. The rebels have made no comment on the claim.In a new offensive that began on Saturday, troops advanced into an area held by the Tigers.Government forces have already taken control of the east of the island and want to do the same in the north.Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said the forces had met little resistance as they advanced into Silavathurai near Mannar, and overran a base of the Sea Tigers.Roadside bombBrig Samarasinghe said the base had been used as a transit point to smuggle in explosives.On Saturday a roadside bomb in the area killed nine fleeing civilians and injured four more, according to the rebels, who blamed government forces. The army denied involvement.The military operation has been taking place on the edge of a swathe of territor...
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Make or break vote in parliament
2007-09-02 06:01:00
Make or break vote in parliament * National Congress to move vote of no-confidence; JVP on political tightrope * CBK meets Ranil and Mangala, decides to keep low profileBy Our Political Editor- The Sunday Times reportsFormer President Chandrika Kumaratunga holding her first meeting with SLFP-M leader Mangala Samaraweera. Pic by Saman KariyawasamThe first tough test of strength for the fledgling almost two year-old Mahinda Rajapaksa regime will come in Parliament in the coming weeks. The opposition National Congress is to move a vote of no-confidence based on a number of critical issues. They include the skyrocketing cost of living, allegations of corruption, particularly in the procurement of MiG-27 aircraft from Ukraine, and the moves to raise dollar loans from foreign banks. The motion is now being drafted.Two important aspects make the no-confidence motion significant. One is the move by the National Congress leaders, particularly Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mangala Samaraweer...
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Politics in the week - Opposition gathers momentum as
2007-09-02 04:24:00
Opposition gathers momentum asRajapaksa takes on the media-"The Nation" by RavanaThe contradictions in the local political arena have gradually and steadily crept into the media too. Unlike in the past, the media is overtly divided and is advocating various political lines.The situation has been aggravated with the withdrawal of security given to senior journalist Iqbal Athas. Athas, who counts over 40 years in journalism, is essentially a defence writer who had been threatened by some unruly elements in the Sri Lanka Air Force on an earlier occasion. After the exit of Minister Mangala Samaraweera, he was not in the good books of this government either.Athas? forte was defence and he has written defence articles for more than two decades now, causing sheer embarrassment to successive governments on countless occasions.Athas issueWhile the defence establishment was not too keen to provide Athas with security since he often saw flaws in the defence administration, successive governme...
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Cupid - - the emblem of love
2007-09-01 22:06:00
Cupid - - the emblem of love - Daily NewsLionel WIJESIRIThe abduction of Psyche by William-Adolphe Bouguereau(1825 -1905) - French academic painter.THE STORY OF LOVE: Along with red paper hearts and bouquets of roses, Cupid, the chubby little fellow with curly hair, flapping wings and a golden bow, is one of the enduring symbols of love and romance. So who exactly is this flying cherub, and why does he go around slinging those arrows at everyone?Once upon a time when the world was young, mortals believed that all of the elements in the heavens and on the earth were connected.They saw gods and goddesses in the heavens, the passing of the seasons, the sounds and life of the forests, and the thunderous seas. They understood these supreme beings as powerful presences, each defined by unique attributes and limited by human-like frailties.Gradually, stories arose to tell of how life?s challenges and triumphs were affected by and affecting the moods of, squabbles between, and relationships...
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Star tortoises *************
2007-08-31 21:50:00
Star tortoises
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