Mahinda’s war honeymoon is over. In the past month there have been crippling petrol and student strikes, plus a wholesale collapse of the national electrical system. Water, ports and railways have also threatened strikes. These are mundane things, but they are the type of grievances that topple governments. The only thing missing is a narrative to bind them together.

We took the bus up to Batti, had parata, beef curry and kiri hodi at Thammy’s in the Fort. Five checkpoints coming in. Took the bus out to Kalkudah, Passikudah. One checkpoint going out. The military is organizing a big show on the beach so we went swimming in, effectively, a camp. Nice guys. Took a jog to the rocks across land that’s been given out to hotels. Kalkudah’s deserted. Not for long.

So, we rented some push bikes and set off for Peanut Farm. 100 meters out of the gate, Jerry fell over and skinned his knees. He had blood running down his legs but the cuts weren’t deep. We said we’d wash it in the ocean and moved on. South of Arugam Bay is a surreal landscape, surrounded by a sea of dry paddy fields, parades of water buffaloes, peacocks. Even elephants.

I was watching this very interesting story about the Daily Show’s trip to Iran. It’s a simple trip that just shows the common humanity between Iranians and Americans. I think, indeed, that most people in the world are default friends. We are all pretty hospitable to guests. On a personal level we all kinda get along, but things get so messed up between nation states. Why?

Does sex need to be regulated? Yes. I think society and government should regulate marriage, contraception, abortion, prostitution, etc. The problem is that men in power tend to regulate women and behave like dicks. I think sexual regulation is important, but it’s only fair if women also get to decide. We need many more women in power. When power and sexuality are imbalanced, people get fucked.

The storm drains of Colombo are full of love affairs, abortions, wedding rings, blood and tears. Beneath the veneer of civilization is the beating heart of lust. My heart, indeed, poor pilgrim, is taking a beating of its own. I wish for an arranged marriage. I wish for order in this world.

The government has called for expats and business to return. I think this is great, but we should welcome them back. Right now repatriating is a royal pain in the ass and in many cases impossible. I know ‘foreigners’ who have lived here for decades and still have to get their visa renewed every year. I know young people (and old) trying to get their dual citizenship and going through hell. We ask people to come, but we don’t make it easy for them. We should.

Ah the three wheeler, trishaw, auto rickshaw, tuk tuk. Vehicle of many names and many curses. Personally, I hate three wheelers from the car but like them when I need one. I like them aesthetically but would never drive one. Three wheelers are, however, an innovative form of transportation and they may see some growth in the future. They are cheap, versatile, use minimal petrol and can be converted to environmentally friendly fuels quite easily. Pictured herein are some new designs for trishaws and comments on their development.

There’s another ‘issue’ of Kottu Print deep in the Sunday Leader today (Review section). Have a look I suppose. There has been some debate about the selection criteria for the articles. I suppose what it comes down to in the end it that I choose. I am not particularly fond of control, but I can’t think of a simpler way. I pay attention to stuff that gets a lot of clicks (cause I don’t have time to read everything) and I took suggestions via comments.

They were shooting fireworks near the port, to celebrate Deepavali (Diwali) I think. The last fireworks I remember was the LTTE sending attack planes and anti-aircraft guns strafing the sky. So this is an improvement. Deepavali is a Hindu festival, but like anything else people end up celebrating together. My neighbors had lights all around their doors. Muslims were wishing people on Facebook.