Tag Archives: Ceylon

ELEPHANTS Vs. Man In Sri Lanka — CNN Documentary, Sunday, April 21, 2024.

Leave a reply

by Anura Guruge
on April 20, 204

Click to ENLARGE. Link to ‘CNN’.

I am am recording it, but I am not sure whether I will be able to watch it in its entirety. It might be TOO distressing. I know the situation is dire — & not getting better. This is an issue very close to my heart.

Way back, when I was in my late teens, I had this plan that when I was 30, I was going to liquidate everything I had in the West, go back home to Ceylon, and (using our family contacts & clout) get a ‘job’ looking after the elephants. That was in the 1970s. I knew then that the elephants needed help. Well, none of that happened. I, as with all things in my life, FAILED — & failed miserably.

Sri Lankans have an unusual confused & conflicted relationship with our elephants. We have FOUR (4) types of elephants in Sri Lanka (nee Ceylon). Temple, Working, Tourist & WILD. In theory we are supposed to (literally) worship the Temple elephants. Many think they do, BUT we are rather unkind to them. Working elephants don’t do too bad. Tourist elephants get some abuse. The real problem is the WILD elephants. They get short shrift. That is what this CNN documentary will be about.

Just wanted to make sure you knew of this. OK?

That ‘Good Friday’ Is NOT A Federal Holiday In The U.S. Still Confounds Me — After Nearly 40-Years.

2 Replies

by Anura Guruge
on March 29, 2024

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

Click to ENLARGE. Click for ‘Google‘.

I just can’t get used to this. The MOST IMPORTANT day in Christianity and it is NOT a holiday.

I get caught out each year BECAUSE the STOCK MARKET is closed. My life revolves around the stock market because I TRADE every day. SMILE. Terrible thing … addiction. I am addicted to trading. It could be worse. I could addicted to something that costs money.

I saw mail being delivered. I was taken aback — though we now have USPS parcel delivery on Sundays thanks to Amazon.

But, I had to check. Good Friday is NOT a federal holiday. How can that be.

Growing up, in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) & in the U.K., both Good Friday & Easter Monday were holidays. 4-day holiday.

Baltimore Key Bridge Collision: The Container Ship, ‘DALI’, Was Heading To ‘Colombo’, Sri Lanka.

Leave a reply

by Anura Guruge
on March 26, 2024

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

Click to ENLARGE. Underlying picture from the U.K. ‘Daily Mail’.

It just struck ME because ‘Colombo‘ is my hometown — where I was born 70-years ago. [I left in 1969.]

That is a LOT of cargo going to Sri Lanka. WOW. I thought they were short of foreign currency and had strict import controls. I wonder what is in ALL those containers. A lot of containers. Doubt whether any of those will make it to Ceylon any time soon. Wonder what the impact will be.

I had never given it much thought prior to this. What does Sri Lanka IMPORT from the U.S.? What is it that they can’t get (for cheaper) from Asia? Interesting. I need to look this up.

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

I Had No Idea That ‘Sri Lanka’ Now Has Russian Enclaves — One Called ‘Little Moscow’.

Leave a reply

by Anura Guruge
on February 29, 2024

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

From ‘Google News‘.

I thought that it was just the Chinese and Indians that were carving up Sri Lanka. But, I have no visibility as to what happens in what was the country of my birth — 71 years ago. I left in 1967 & last visited in 1992. So, I only glean occasional tidbits from what I see on the news. That was the case today. I happened to see the ‘BBC‘ post about this ‘White Party’, in Sri Lanka, in my ‘Google News’ feed. (2nd story in the image above.)

I was amazed. In my days there were no Russians, other than a few at the embassy and some NGOs, living in Ceylon. In those most Russians weren’t allowed to leave the country.

I don’t think this is good. But, no skin off my nose. I have no skin in Sri Lanka. Just feel bad.

Sri Lanka Independence Day 2024: For The 2nd Year, The Government Panders To India — This Time By Inviting A Submarine!

4 Replies

by Anura Guruge
on February 3, 2024

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

Click to access the original from the Indian ‘The Hindu‘.

Last year. A stamp to honor ‘Jawaharlal Nehru‘.
See my post.

Click to ENLARGE. From ‘Google News’.

Sri Lanka got its political independence from Britain on February 4, 1948.

That was a BIG DEAL.

But now, due to decades of corrupt and inept governments both FINANCIAL & MILITARY independence has been squandered.

Sri Lanka is mighty beholden to China & India — both jockeying to get the edge over the other.

Inviting an Indian submarine for Independence Day celebrations is like a JOKE. It doesn’t convey strength, resolve and independence.

Last year the stamp. This year a submarine.

Yes, I have heard that large chunks of the locals are NOT happy.

It is a shame. I grew up, in Ceylon, as the 1st generation born after Independence. Those were happy days with much optimism and promise. Shame.

I have NO skin in the game — other than being born there. I gave up my Sri Lankan citizenship in 1983. That was 41 years ago.

But, I still mark ‘February 4‘. Always remember that as Independence Day.

February 3: Anniversary Of “Mahatma Gandhi’s” Funeral (1948) — The Day Before Ceylon Independence Day.

Leave a reply

by Anura Guruge
on February 2, 2024

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

Click to ENLARGE & view here. Click to access ‘Indian Express’ from the Google Newspaper archive.

‘Ceylon‘, now ‘Sri Lanka‘, Independence Day (from the British) was on February 4, 1948.

Ceylon’s Independence was overshadowed across the world by the GREAT MAN’s funeral. We as kids were never told this, & I only found out about it, accidently, well into my 50s. I was shocked.

To be honest, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you as to when he was tragically gunned down — though I have watched the outstanding ‘Gandhi’ movie (below) at least thrice.

It was on January 30, 1948.

The funeral was 4 days later on February 3. Ceylon Independence was the next day.

Since I found out, I can no longer think of Ceylon Independence WITHOUT connecting it with the Mahatma’s untimely passing.

Yes, he is ONE of my heroes. I admire him greatly and think of his sayings, often, especially about respecting the labors of others.

When It Comes To Controlling Diabetes, You MUST Opt For ‘Ceylon’ Cinnamon (NOT The ‘Chinese’).

Leave a reply

by Anura Guruge
on November 11, 2023

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

Click to ENLARGE. From ‘Google‘ (where else?)

I am NOT diabetic AS YET — but I just crept into
the prediabetes range.

Coming from ‘Ceylon‘ (now ‘Sri Lanka‘) {albeit leaving just before I was 14} I am NO STRANGER to Cinnamon. Ceylon, from time immemorial, has been famous for its spices — but in particular cinnamon. I have eaten cinnamon all my life & actually like the taste.

Until recently I had no idea, whatsoever, that cinnamon was supposed to be a potent means for keeping diabetes at bay. I discovered that when I started doing some research — once I was told that I had finally crept into the dreaded pre-diabetes range (albeit just). That is also when I found out that for diabetic control you MUST only go with CEYLON cinnamon. I had no issue with that — especially since Ceylon cinnamon is easy enough to get on Amazon.

But, this claim about Ceylon cinnamon helping to keep diabetes at bay kind of surprised me BECAUSE I have always known that Ceylon/Sri Lanka has a high incident of diabetes. I know many that do {though I can’t actually say ‘family members’ because I am a ‘hospital mixup‘ and have no idea who my biological relatives are}.

I looked it up. I was right. Things have not got better.


Click to ENLARGE. From ‘Google‘ (where else?)

Yes, there is racial/genetic predisposition PLUS their VERY CARB HEAVY diet — called ‘rice & dahl‘ (the latter being lentils). I have not eaten rice & dahl in decades (though I am rather partial to that diet).

I just thought I will let you know.

‘Archie’, My Childhood Hero, & I — At His Birthplace In ‘Meredith’, New Hampshire.

Leave a reply

by Anura Guruge
on September 28, 2023

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

60-years ago, growing up in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), I devoured ‘Archie‘ comics.

I grew up during the time Ceylon had STRICT import restrictions (due to the lack of foreign currency). Only essential items could be imported — & comic books sure did not count as essential.

I was, however, lucky. We had ‘contacts’. SMILE. I had a steady supply of American comic books — many ‘Archie’.

Archie was MY HERO. I thought that he represented America.

40-years later I was lucky enough to meet & interact with two of the daughters of ‘Bob Montana’, the gifted artist who created Archie. He, like his daughters, lived in Meredith. Hence the statue — opposite where his studio was.

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

‘The Transcontinental Railroad’ Historic Comic By Highly-Talented ‘Andy Hirsch’ Is Certainly Worth Checking Out.

Leave a reply

by Anura Guruge
on August 8, 2023

Click to ENLARGE. For Amazon listing.
Click to ENLARGE. For Amazon listing.

It is the first comic I have read in at least a decade. I enjoyed it.

‘Andy Hirsch‘ is a remarkably gifted & inspired cartoonist. Probably among the best. I particularly like his illustration of people at work. You can actually feel the effort.

I am in the process of fulfilling another of my VERY MODEST ‘Bucket List‘ items — i.e., doing a bit more reading on the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. I have already read a few books, so I was somewhat au fait with the story. NONETHELESS, I learnt a few valuable things, in particular the ‘Casement brothers train’.

The emphasis of the comic is on the WORKERS & the racial issues that they faced — in particular the long-suffering Chinese. Andy Hirsch does a good job with this. Bravo.

I grew up reading comics — though comics were hard to come by growing up in Ceylon. As an adult I reveled in ‘Tintin‘ (again) & ‘Asterix‘ comics & introduced them to all my kids — to their delight & enchantment. So, I like comics. Kind of getting too old for them THOUGH I plan to order ALL OF Adam Hirsch’s other comics. (I am like that).

It is NOT expensive. Give it a spin. You will enjoy it & even learn from it.

Thank YOU, Mr. Hirsch.

Follow Anura Guruge on WordPress.com

I Had My Teeth Cleaned By A Dental Hygienist Today — For The First Time In Nearly 4 Years.

Leave a reply

by Anura Guruge
on February 14, 2023

Click to ENLARGE (if YOU dare). I am SORRY it is NOT a pretty sight, & luckily one that people never have to see.

My dentist, Dr. Paul Singh in ‘Gilford’, New Hampshire.

I have an aversion to dentists in general — the current one, a very nice gentleman who we have been seeing for over a decade the one exception.

But, then again dentists don’t like me either, for two very good reasons. As one U.S. dentist told me, point blank, nearly 30 years ago: “I will never make any money from your teeth”. I have teeth like a horse (& haven’t had a cavity in decades). The other reason is that I bitch & moan incessantly.

About 4 years ago I stopped going to the dentist. Bang. No cleanings, no X-rays, no check-ups. Nothing. Just as if I was living in a village in Ceylon. But, as some of you know, as does my dentist, I am, however, obsessive about my oral/dental health. I don’t want any problems BECAUSE then I would have to go see a dentist. My logic, as always, is impeccable. I brush, v. diligently, twice a day & use mouthwash (though sparingly because I think mouthwash can cause diabetes). I use ‘good’ toothpaste.

I did go & see my dentist, last May, because I wanted X-rays taken. My teeth & gums were OK — maybe even fine. But, he was insistent that I get them professionally cleaned. So, I finally relented. I had them cleaned today. I did NOT enjoy it though the hygenist, who we know, was as NICE as possible. I just don’t like things done inside my mouth.

Well, I survived. I even agreed to come back in a year’s time. Given today was Valentine’s Day — we made next year’s appointment on the same day. Easy enough to remember. Same time, same day.

I learned something NEW about mouthwash though they didn’t know that I learnt that. SMILE. I will share it with you once I have done a bit more research.

I really, really, really must do some research into how many people WORLDWIDE get their teeth cleaned.