IN RETROSPECT AND LOOKING FORWARD

The New Year 2026 has already eroded several days but is still in its infancy, opening up vistas of hope, fulfillment, hopeful anticipation and optimism, for "hope springs eternal in the human breast" and always at the dawn of a New Year; with the country spurring on with determination to restore normalcy in the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah and the ensuing deluge.

- By Jeannette Cabraal

and the little boy with a loaf of bread. What admirable magnanimity was displayed by the community and well-wishers who rallied round the family of the victim with whatever was possible within one's means. They reacted instantly as the plight of the family was highlighted in the media. That is the spirit of Sri Lankans.

This time round the nip in the air that usually spelt Christmas turned out to be a cold shiver that chilled the spine and froze with the destructive effect of Cyclone Ditwah which left a trail of death, disappearance, destruction and despair throughout the country. True enough it completely dampened the spirits of the Sri Lankans who were looking forward to the annual seasonal binge.