Poems of curse and blessing View(s):Years ago, I lived in the suburbs of Colombo and commuted daily to the University of Colombo in a 45‑minute journey. Invoking blessingsIt is a common belief that poems or chants intended to curse, harm, or bring misfortune upon others can indeed have an impact. The underlying belief is simple: if people read such verses repeatedly, they will have an impact—whether intended as a blessing or a curse. It is not difficult to understand from the “fuel panic” described above how the concept of public speculation works. Maintaining stabilityIn conclusion, public speculation is one of the most powerful forces in macroeconomics because it shapes expectations—and expectations often drive real outcomes.

Source: Sunday Times March 14, 2026 19:02 UTC