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Books

And we write of war...
She calls it “the unravelling…” Having embarked, seen and portrayed, Frances Bulathsinghala presents to us words and pictures depicting war, logic, human emotion and life, with the publication of her book of poetry and photography 'And we write…'

Frances’s poetry consists of short stanzas, but they convey a wealth of meaning. They are words that succeed in penetrating the hearts and minds of the reader.
And we write… covers the impressions of a journalist who has pretty much “seen it all” in terms of war coverage. Having been a journalist for 10 years, she has been exposed to politics, the bureaucracy, the war, the victims and the suffering. It is no wonder then that she has produced such a thought-provoking reflection on something she has seen often and knows only too well.

The beautiful photography complements her reflective words. Ranging from a sunset to the children of the north, to a sun penetrating the openings of a thick forest, the moments captured on camera are remarkable. Pictures of the children of the north and their mothers, taken by the author herself on visits to Jaffna and the Wanni, make your heart go out to them. It is, however, the words that move the reader to reflect and rethink. In simple words and free-verse, she takes us on a journey of life, the futility of war and the human suffering that most of us, as the foreword to the book says, either do not acknowledge or are not quite aware of.

She looks at one meaning of ‘Silence’ in five simple lines:
Into a bottle labelled silence
Are packed mouths
Which have been gagged
And minds
Which scream

On the irony of life she says, "There is always too little, And there is always too much"; she looks at Life's orchestra, comparing it to a combination of sounds and she looks at the profession of journalism in 'Bread and Butter'. In a nutshell, she has put into words what she has seen, and she makes one reflect on what one may have seen, but has chosen to ignore.

And we write... is a comprehensive little book that provides thought-provoking reading and is written by someone who has understood what she has seen. The author is the Sri Lankan correspondent for the Dawn newspaper of Pakistan and The Week magazine of India.

The profits from this book will be used for the upliftment of two schools in the north and two in the south. -(AC)

Reasons to care about the global economy
By Aaysha Cader
“We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them,” said author Gerard D. Muttukumaru, at the launch of his book ‘Why should I give a damn for the global economy?’- A pre and post 9/11 perspective. In a book that organizational heads, leaders, managers in business and government, students, parents, teachers, men, women and citizens of the world should read, the author explores the problems and possible solutions to the crisis that struck us on 9/11, the second anniversary of which fell just a few days ago.

Born in Sri Lanka, Mr. Muttukumaru, who lives in California, is the founder of the US-based Centre for Global Leadership Inc. and has served on the faculties of many universities in the USA. He lectures on leadership, managing the global economy, advertising and global marketing and has addressed professionals and business executives the world over. Published by Vijitha Yapa, the book was first launched in Sri Lanka at the Galle Face Hotel last week.

It opens with World Headlines across the globe, something we all read, but maybe something about which we do not give a damn. Moving on to the power of advertising, it explores the three driving forces of global business - global capital, the global consumer and the global labour force. In a separate chapter on global brainpower, Mr. Muttukumaru looks into the increasing power of the woman, in almost every aspect of life. He tells us of the importance of women in the global economy, as they begin to take on the role of the deciders and drivers of the global market and advertising. The question: Are women smarter than men? is addressed.

The role of American products, especially in the media, communications and entertainment scene, and their direct impact on teenagers around the globe are actively discussed.

The book also explores the world monetary and political organizations and their effectiveness and purpose, posing some relevant questions: After all the billions that have been poured into the underdeveloped and developing nations over the past 50 years, has the world become a better place? Why is there a crisis and meltdown of the global economy? The answers are discussed in depth.

It provides the reader with an insight into the all-too-well-known 'love-hate' relationship of the USA with the rest of the world. The chapter questions why America, a nation with the capacity to do so much good for the betterment of this planet, is loved, and hated, so much. Offering a detailed perspective of the pre and post 9/11 outlook of world citizens, this book also discusses the heart of the world's problem with America, exploring the 'Go-it-alone' policy of the USA, and the resulting show of condescension and contempt for global institutions and opinion.

It also suggests frank solutions to the obviously widening gap between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' in this world, and the growing problem of uprisings in every corner of the world: A transformation of the US diplomatic service and serious dialogue between America and each country is advocated; or better still, a simple act of 'listening' to what others have to say. The USA cannot change the other nations and their perspective, it says. "It must first respect them, understand them and then work with them to help reach their aspirations."

The book, however, is not just an analysis of the before and after of 9/11. It delves into the intricacies life, how to be happy, while at the same time caring for that other half of the population that lives on less than US$1 a day. It gives valuable advice to the teenager and the adolescent at the brink of facing the challenges of life. It tells you to enjoy life, appreciate the arts, develop curiosity, make better use of your time, and enjoy youth while you have it.

It also contains guidelines on good parenting. Do not put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Be authentic, passionate and understanding, it says. For those interested in world affairs and the global economy, this book is probably the most contemporary publication that addresses these issues. It is however, not simply a compilation of facts and figures: it provides inspiration on how to care for others and make life better for everyone. It is an insight to the fact that we are, indeed, our brother's keepers.

It is stimulation to act today, because, as the author says, tomorrow may never, never come. In a frank address of the challenges facing the inhabitants of earth, this book tells you WHY you should, in fact, give a damn for the global economy.

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