Things fall apart, even the desktop printer's jamming.
It's not just Biden's debate disaster and Sunak ouster. It's my dead car battery, and the nozzles of my color printer need a decongestant.
Sorry to start off on a dismal note, but it’s 115 degrees here in Arizona (46 for you Aussies, and Brits). My wife’s Monsteras are showing signs that I’m not very good at plant-sitting. But enough of that. Lets focus on more cheerful things. Some highlights:
My letter to the editor about having to jump through hoops to get an eVisa was published in DailyFT in Sri Lanka. You could read it here.
My friend Wilhelm Euphraums and I are about to publish a 40th anniversary edition of a book of poetry we put together at the University of Peradeniya during the 1983 ethnic riots. Wilhelm, who lives in Melbourne was the more prolific writer/poet. (I was the Garfunkel to his Simon, if you catch my drift.).
Since I returned (not a trace of jet lag!) I’ve been seeing these promos of Sri Lanka by Australian weatherman, Sam Mac. It’s obviously a tie-in with Dilmah tea, but it’s quite well done. Here’s one story:
The reason it’s all dark in the background, is they are syncing these stories for Melbournites who are waking up four and a half hours ahead of wherever the cameras are —on tea estates, in Colombo etc —in Sri Lanka.
I just completed an amazing novel by a historical fiction writer in Sri Lanka and am shaking my head as to how she conceived of this story, set in World War 2. You see, the author, Shannel Pinidiya is an A-level student. Her story craft is so mature and the plot is so well constructed, you never know what would happen next. It was a window into the world of education in Sri Lanka that we often don’t hear about.
It’s been published by Jam Fruit Tree Publications.
And finally, I’ve had some time to update the website, and promote the amazing work Tanu has been doing over the past 18 years. Here’s what goes on at Li’l Sprouts Montessori School.
The video below gives you an idea of how these kids go about their work day.
Maybe I should have a tie-in with a weatherman, to promote how we survive during a time when one could fry an egg on the sidewalk. Sam Mac, are you listening?