Text of my ‘When Worlds Collide’ column published in Ceylon Today Sunday newspaper on 4 November 2012

Last Monday, I discussed the end of the world on a live TV talk show. The latest date for ‘imminent doom’ is 21 December 2012.

I do have better things to do on a Poya day afternoon, but this modern myth has become pervasive that we might as well use it as an opening to get people to pause and think.

That’s why retired astrophysicist Dr Kavan Ratnatunga (ex-NASA and Space Telescope researcher) and I joined Hiru TV alongside an astrologer (a maker of horoscopes, not to be confused with astronomers who study the night sky) and a Buddhist monk.

Kavan and I were ready for a good debate, and to have some fun in myth busting. Over the years, we’ve tackled assorted superstitions, urban legends and tall tales on public TV and…