Articles

BLATANT SHORTCOMINGS: by Joe Van Langenberg Image Source : climatecontrolnews While extending my heartfelt Congratulations to Dan Andrews on his historic re-election as Premier of Victoria, his attention needs to be drawn to the undeniable fact, that one of the leading public hospitals in Heidelberg, namely the “Austin” happens to be in urgent need of a panacea to fix its blatant shortcomings. Like a multitude of others, I have been on the waiting list for the removal of cataracts from both my eyes. The waiting period has been hitherto almost three years. Time and time again, I have contacted the hospital in question. Nonetheless, time and time again, I have been fobbed off with excuses. Notwithstanding my optometrist faxing a referral or two, stressing the urgency of my condition; which has worsened over the years, the medical authorities have been seemingly unmoved. This is lamentable to say the least. On behalf ...

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BOOK LAUNCH “A LIFE IN THE LAW by NIMAL WICKREMANAYAKE ” – By Hugh Karunanayake The exclusive Essoign Club of the Victorian Bar in the  Owen Dixon Chambers in Melbourne was the venue on Monday 28 November for the launch of the book “A  Life in the Law” an autobiographical memoir written by retired  Victorian   Queens Counsel Nimal Wickramanayake.  A gathering of distinguished lawyers including at least a dozen Judges of the Supreme Court, reputed Queens Counsel,  and other leading barristers were present  at the launch presided over by Barrister Graham Robertson. Robert Richter the leading criminal lawyer in Victoria and former President of the Victorian Bar Council and of the Victorian Council for Civil Liberties, was the keynote speaker associated with the launch. He launched the book following a 45 minute address to the distinguished gathering , on the author’s  journey at the bar, and focusing on the highlights ...

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Sri Lanka’s batters find form to thwart Afganistan charge – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE Sri Lanka’s batters found fluency at long last and it made the difference between saving face, and humiliation, as they sealed a pulsating 4 wicket win with two balls remaining against Afghanistan,  to level the series.  On a Pallekelle track that showed few terrors, Afghanistan led by prolific run machine Ibrahim Zadran who smashed a dominant 162 off 138 balls took them to an imposing target of 313. Zadran was joined by Najibullah Zadran 77 Off 76 balls with the Afgans shaky at 57 fo 3 to lead a fantastic recovery.  But it was not to be their day of glory.  Even the return to form by Rashid Khan who grabbed 4 for 31 in his spell wasn’t sufficient to turn the tide Afghanistan’s way as the Sri Lankan batsmen went on a rampage to ...

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Toddy Tapping in Sri Lanka Source : bestofceylon Toddy is a local alcoholic drink made by fermenting the sap of the coconut’s flower. It is produced in tropical Asian and African countries. In Sri Lanka, toddy is called thal ra ,kithul ra ,or pol ra according to the plant used to make toddy. Toddy can be further distilled to make stronger alcoholic drinks such as arrack. Toddy tappers task is to climb the tree and get the flower from the coconut when the time is right. This is considered dangerous due to use of weather-worn ropes, slippery trunks of the palm trees and the wind.The toddy tapper usually walks a tightrope tied high above between two adjacent coconut trees. He holds on to a one rope at shoulder level and walks on the other ever so carefully, because a single misstep would be fatal. This is a frequent sight in the ...

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Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo 134 02 12 2022 It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as we get into the Christmas spirit at the Shangri La, get more serious with chats on an impending recession & a gift to Mannar’s children, indulge in some Christmas craft, twisty records, green undertakers & Christmas trees! ...

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Greetings at Advent – By Claude Perera – President SLNSWCA Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,                       I write to you today in this season of advent as it’s the time to reflect on how we can prepare our hearts and homes to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is a time for faith, communities and families to remember through prayers, reflections and good deeds, the true meaning of Christmas.  As you may be aware in November this year the Association had its Annual General Meeting and a new team for the executive committee was elected. This was as per the constitution of the Association and in keeping with best practices recommended for organisations of this nature.  For those who missed the news items sent earlier the new team is:  Vice President Liturgical & Religious Activities –  Flavian de Silva  Vice ...

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Christmas in a Crisis- by Dr Remy Perumal      Dr Remy Perumal , retired Consultant Physician and freelance journalist living in the UK Chill winds of recession are threatening the festivities.  With the effects of the Pandemic,  economic crisis,  and runaway inflation causing uncertainty,  what  can  we expect this Christmas? A ‘Crisis at Christmas’ sadly, seems inevitable. At these uncertain times, families have to contend with the phenomenal rise in the cost of living and huge increase in the prices of fuel and energy. Impact of these would be redundancies, job losses  and loss of homes. Annual family gatherings could be hampered by prohibitive travel costs, thereby, elderly parents could be  isolated and lonely at Christmas. The Christian message ‘Peace  on earth goodwill to men’ must signify that Christmas is a time for celebrating the best of humanity – of generosity, self sacrifice and kindness. Therefore, instead of spend, spend, ...

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Grand Victory & Huge Totals at Pallekele-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis  Sri Lanka 314 for 6 (Asalanka 83*, Mendis 67, Rashid 4-37, Nabi 2-56) beat Afghanistan 313 for 8 (Ibrahim 162, Najibullah 77, Rajitha 3-60) by four wickets ………. Charith Asalanka produced the innings of his ODI career so far, hitting 83 high-pressure runs off 72 balls to help Sri Lanka orchestrate a record chase of 314 at Pallekele and help his side level the three-game series 1-1. While Asalanka produced the roaring finish Sri Lanka’s ininngs required, with some help from Dasun Shanaka and Dunith Wellalage, Kusal Mendis had delivered the early impetus, breezing to 67 off 61 balls in an opening stand worth 101 with Pathum Nissanka. Their efforts bested Ibrahim Zadran‘s epic 162 off 138 balls – easily the highest ODI score by an Aghanistan batter, the previous best being Mohammad Shahzad’s 131 not out against Zimbabwe. His innings had formed the spine of the Afghanistan batting performance, while he and Najibullah ...

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How To Always Be Happy & Blissful | Sadhguru Exclusive Sadhguru looks at the nature of the human sensory, neurological and energy systems, and explains how we can utilize the sensory process to create a constant sense of bliss within. ...

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