The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has raised concerns about the recent trend of using currency notes to prepare ornaments and gift items and promotion of such activities through social media.
In a special notice issued to the members of the public, the CBSL’s Superintendent of Currency advised against wilful mutilation or defacement of currency notes.
Pursuant to Section 55 of CBSL Act, No. 16 of 2023, any person found guilty of cutting or perforating; affixing any seal or stamp by printing, stamping or drawing on; attaching or affixing things to; reproducing or making a facsimile of currency notes; or using such mutilated or defaced notes as a legal tender would be subjected to a fine of Rs. 25 million, imprisonment of up to 3 years or both.
As such, the CBSL urged the members of the public to refrain from engaging in the aforementioned unlawful activities.
General Kamal Gunaratne, the Defence Secretary as the Author of the Deegawapiya Aruna Trust and First Trustee of Deegawapiya Stupa Restoration Board of Trustees engaged in a field study tour at the historic Deegawapiya premises at Ampara and Neelagiri Maha Seya in Lahugala, today (March 20) and reviewed the progress in order to provide further directives on the restoration works.
The review focused on the current progress of the restoration works related to Deegawapiya Stupa and Neelagiri Maha Saya sacred sites. During the tour, General Gunaratne provided technical advice to the project officials to carry out the construction in a speedy and effective manner. Discussions were held regarding the existing problems and how to carry out future work.
Commander of the Army Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Security Force Commander (East) Maj. Gen. Prasanna Gunaratne, Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence Maj. Gen. Dammika Welagedara, Commander South Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Mahesh De Silva, Director of Architectural Conservation of the Department of Archaeology Mr. Prasanna Ratnayake, Col. Mohan Kumar and several members of the Technical Committee were also present at the occasion.
Several reports in mainstream US media outlets show how the CIA has helped to direct the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, and played a role in causing the conflict in the first place. Ben Norton examines the evidence.
By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham Courtesy NewsIn.Asia
Colombo, March 18: Sri Lanka has so far witnessed eight Presidential elections. But in no previous election have we seen the kind of confusion prevailing among the main political parties in the run-up to a Presidential election.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has not yet announced his candidacy, though the election is only six months away. He cannot think of entering the fray relying only on his United National Party (UNP).
After the three decades of Wickremesinghe’s leadership, the UNP is now at its weakest in its history. Wickremesinghe believes that his popularity among the people is gradually increasing as a result of the economic restructuring programme being carried out by his government with the help of the International Monetary Fund(IMF).
Moves by the President to forge a grand alliance ahead of his bid for the Presidency have not seen significant progress so far. He is relying entirely on a section of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP ) parliamentarians who defected from the Rajapaksas after the popular uprising the Aragalaya.
At the same time, the President is having talks with Rajapaksas also. It was reported that during their talks last week SLPP leaders Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa were unable to take a final decision on forming an alliance. The Rajapaksa brothers are said to have vehemently objected to the President approaching the ministers and MPs of their party bypassing the leadership.
The Rajapaksas, who are not ready to understand the current extent of their support among the people, do believe that their party has the capacity to decide the future of Sri Lanka. They say whoever gets their support will become the next President.
As for the Rajapaksas, they must either come to power or ensure that someone who does not hold them accountable for the past mistakes comes to power.
Although it is widely believed that President Wickramasinghe will contest the presidential election with the support of the Rajapaksas, it cannot be said that their support will be of great benefit to him either. But both sides almost have no choice but to support each other.
On the other hand, as far as Wickramasinghe is concerned, he always has the option of avoiding contesting if he finds that there is no conducive situation for his victory.
The Janata Vimukti Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power ( NPP ), which is said to be at the forefront of popular support in the South has been carrying out its campaign with great enthusiasm and conviction. Important foreign powers are also paying attention to its leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is seen as a front-runner for the Presidency. NPP leaders are talking about their future government’s plans as if they are forming the next government.
There is confusion within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (United People’s Power – SJB) led by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa also. He is unable to keep many MPs of the party including chairman Sarath Fonseka who has been openly critical of him under his control.
Premadasa seems to be imitating the NPP in several political strategies, including inducting ex-army and police officers into the party and mobilizing women’s support across the country.
Though President Wickremesinghe has not yet announced his candidacy, it is widely expected that the Presidential election will be a three-way contest between him, Anura Kumara and Premadasa.
Candidates from many other parties are also likely to contest the election. It is noteworthy that as many as 35 candidates contested the 2019 presidential election.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena, the leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), had earlier announced that he would also contest the Presidential election. But he hasn’t been talking about it in recent weeks.
The President of the United Republic Front (URF ) Champika Ranawaka has been meeting leaders of various parties including the President with his policy plan. He even said that he was ready to consider contesting as a common candidate if he was approached. It is unlikely that anyone will be fielded as common candidate of the opposition this time.
It is reported that many SLPP MPs want parliamentary elections to be held before the Presidential election. Basil Rajapaksa said in a television interview last week that people do not vote rationally when a parliamentary election is held after the Presidential election and if the parliamentary election is held first, there is a better chance for a balanced parliament.
This is a strange argument. When almost all the recent opinion polls showed clearly that it is impossible for any party to get an absolute majority in the next parliamentary elections, one is at a loss to understand as on what basis Basil Rajapaksa says that a strong government can be formed if the parliamentary elections are held before the Presidential one.
The President currently has the power to dissolve Parliament at any time. But it is not clear whether he would like to dissolve Parliament at the moment. A motion requesting the President to dissolve Parliament can be passed with a two-thirds majority. But with the ruling party lacking a two-thirds majority it is certain that the opposition will not support such a motion. Those parties are firm in their stance that the Presidential election should be held first.
Common Tamil Candidate
Meanwhile, an idea of fielding a Tamil common candidate has been floated in the Northern Province.
The leaders of the Democratic Tamil National Alliance, comprising five Tamil parties, have agreed in principle on the need for a Tamil common candidate. Politicians and observers have already commented on its pros and cons.
Even as 15 years have passed since the end of the civil war, the numerous humanitarian problems resulting from the conflict and the national ethnic problem have not been resolved. The argument presented to justify the idea of a Tamil common candidate is that the Presidential election should be used as a referendum in the Tamil North and East to tell the Sinhala South and the world about the current stance of the Tamil people regarding a solution to their problems.
A civil society organisation called ‘Makkal Manu’ (People’s Petition) has taken the initiative to take this idea among the Tamil people. Last week this organisation arranged a public seminar at Thanthai Chelva Art Gallery in Jaffna under the topic of ‘How to face the Presidential election?’.
Apart from the three political analysts who were invited to address the gathering, leaders of some Tamil parties also presented their views in this regard.
Since the Tamil people of the North and East have so far voted in Presidential elections mostly with the intention of defeating the Southern candidates they despised, the essence of the speeches of the analysts at the seminar was that the Tamil people should abandon the behaviour of voting in this way and treat it as a referendum using their votes to tell their present predicament to the world.
It was argued that the person who can be nominated as a common candidate should have no personal political ambitions. He should be an eminent figure in the society who enjoys the respect of the Tamil people of both provinces. That is, he will only be a symbol that will be used to tell the world about the political aspirations of the Tamil people today. It may be very difficult to find such a person in the Tamil community in the present context.
It cannot be expected that the Tamil people will be able to decide for themselves how to advance the next phase of their struggle for political rights or what kind of political solution to the ethnic problem should be found in the new internal and international political climate.
It requires a visionary political leadership with clarity of thought. It should have learnt proper lessons from past experiences. Such a leadership is absent among the Tamil people today.
While the Tamil polity is severely fragmented into various parties and groups with their leaders having different agendas, it should be understood that today’s Northern and Eastern Tamil community does not possess any characteristics of being a society that has gone through a three-decade of liberation struggle marked by great sacrifices.
Before thinking about a Tamil common candidate, the Tamil parties should come to a unified stance on the ways to find solutions to the immediate problems faced by the Tamil people and also on the short-term and long-term political solutions to the national problem.
Some Tamil politicians with extremist views have demanded for a long time that a referendum should be held to know the present opinion of the Tamil people regarding the national problem without a proper understanding of the exercise. There are those who asked that the referendum should include the Tamil Diaspora as well, but nobody heeded that.
In the end, the idea has been put forwarded that the Tamils themselves should think of the Presidential election as a referendum in the North and East.
The leaders of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF ) who put forward the demand for a separate state, used the July 1977 parliamentary elections to claim a mandate of the Tamil people and captured 18 seats in the North and East. Appapillai Amirthalingam became the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and made history as the first ever Opposition Leader from the Tamil community. History tells us what Tamil leaders could achieve with such a mandate”.
In the absence of a clear unified stance by the Tamil parties to guide the Tamil people in a prudent way the attempt to field a Tamil common candidate would not only become a political farce but render the votes of the Tamil people meaningless. It will create the risk of undermining the legitimate political aspirations of the Tamil people.
Colombo, March 16: Karuna projected himself as the Eastern national leader”, second only to Prabhakaran in the LTTE hierarchy. He kept the LTTE’s resistance alive during the days of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). He and his former deputy, Reagan, led the counter offensive against the ill-fated Tamil National Army after the withdrawal of the IPKF.
Twenty years have passed since he made a dramatic breakout from the LTTE. Much water has flown under the bridge since the eastern tiger revolt against the group’s North Lankan leadership. Nevertheless, the episode that fragmented the LTTE, remains an important chapter in the history of the ethnic conflict.
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) organization fought the armed forces of Sri Lanka for 33 years in pursuance of its political goal of establishing a separate state called Tamil Eelam in the Northern and Eastern provinces of the Island.
The LTTE known generally as the Tigers had the reputation of monolithic unity. This image was seriously dented in 1993 when the LTTE’s former Deputy Leader Gopalswamy Mahendrarajah alias Mahathaya” was arrested and executed on the orders of tiger supremo Veluppillai Prabhakaran for alleged treason. There was also a related purge of cadres suspected of being Mahathaya loyalists.
Despite this internal crisis in 1993, the LTTE continued to wax in the years that followed. Though the LTTE was basically a guerrilla outfit, the tigers began to acquire the attributes of a conventional army and engaged in positional warfare by seizing and retaining territory. The dawn of the new millennium in 2000 saw the LTTE controlling the greater part of the Northern mainland known as the Wanni, the lower part of the Jaffna peninsula and swathes of territory in all three districts of the Eastern province.
In February 2002, the Government of Sri Lanka with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the helm, entered into a ceasefire and peace talks with the LTTE. The peace process was facilitated by Norway. A monitoring mission comprising representatives from Scandinavian countries was set up to oversee and supervise the ceasefire.
It was during this ceasefire period that the LTTE suffered a very serious debacle.
The Tigers’ unity that was dented by the Mahathaya affair was shattered beyond repair by an internal split in the LTTE in 2004. The then Eastern commander of the LTTE Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Ammaan” and Col”Karuna rebelled against the leadership of Veluppillai Prabhakaran. Karuna framed the revolt as one of Eastern assertion of equality against Northern hegemony.
The Eastern LTTE revolt spearheaded by Karuna was militarily suppressed by the mainstream LTTE. Hundreds of Tiger cadres died in the fratricidal conflict. Karuna himself fled to the South of Sri Lanka and ultimately sought the protection of the Sri Lankan State. The breakaway Eastern Tiger group known as the Karuna faction” formed a politico-military organization called the Thamil Makkal Viduthalip Puligal” (TMVP) meaning Tamil People Liberation Tigers. The TMVP aligned itself with Sri Lankan intelligence authorities and played a crucial, decisive role in militarily combating the LTTE.
Twenty years have passed and much water has flown under the bridge since the eastern Tiger revolt. Nevertheless the episode that fragmented the LTTE, remains an important chapter in the history of the ethnic conflict. It is against this backdrop that this column re-visits the Eastern LTTE revolt led by Muraleetharan alias Col. Karuna this week. I shall be drawing from some of my earlier writings for this article.
Karuna’s Background
Let me commence with a brief description of Karuna and his background. At the time of his revolt in March 2004, Vinayagamoorthy Muraralitharan alias Karuna Ammaan” was in charge of the Batticaloa and Amparai districts of the East for 17 years since 1987. Karuna was Muralitharan’s nom de guerre in the LTTE while the suffix Ammaan meaning uncle was a form of respect. He was also one of seven tiger commanders given Colonel” rank in the LTTE.
Muralitharan alias Karuna is from Kiran in Batticaloa district. His father Vinayagamoorthy was an agriculturist. Kiran comes under the Kalkudah electoral district in Batticaloa. Karuna, born on 22 June 1966, is the fifth of seven children. The other siblings were three elder sisters, an elder brother and two younger sisters, His male sibling Reggie” was killed by the mainstream LTTE after Karuna’s split. Karuna’s sisters are schoolteachers or housewives. At least four of his nieces and nephews were members of the LTTE.
Young Muralitharan had his primary education at Kinniaddy Maha Vidyalayam and secondary education at Vantharumoolai Madhya Maha Vidyalayam and the Government College (now Mahajana) in Batticaloa. He was good at mechanical matters. Karuna is said to have repaired or upgraded a lot of LTTE equipment.
He became a Tiger helper” in 1982 as a GCE Advanced-Level student. After the July 1983 violence Karuna quit school and joined the LTTE formally. He was enrolled in the third batch of recruits, and he received training in 1984 at a tiger camp in Kolathoor in Tamil Nadu under senior tiger leaders Ponnammaan and Radha.
Thereafter he functioned as a member of the dreaded LTTE intelligence outfit TOSIS (Tiger Organisation Security Intelligence Service) in Chennai. Karuna was also a bodyguard of LTTE chief Velupillai Prabakaran for some time.
He returned to Sri Lanka in 1985 and began his fighting career under the then Batticaloa commander Basheer Kakka. Karuna continued serving in Batticaloa under Aruna and Kumarappa. He also worked under Pottu Amman when Pottu was acting chief of Batticaloa in mid-1987.
All these four men were of Jaffna origin. In 1987, the LTTE began appointing members from a particular district as the respective district leaders.
Assumed Command
Since the pioneering LTTE men from the East, Ramalingam Paramadeva alias Rajan and Ranjan Kanagaratnam alias Simon, had been killed earlier at Kaluwanchikudy and Kokkilaai respectively, Karuna was now the son of the eastern soil” next in seniority. He assumed command of Batticaloa district shortly before the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of July 29, 1987. When fighting against the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) began, the former LTTE military leader of Amparai (Digamadulla) district David was taken into custody. Thereafter, Karuna took over the adjacent Amparai district too and retained control of both districts until his revolt.
Karuna kept LTTE resistance alive during the days of the IPKF. He and his former deputy Reagan led the counter offensive against the ill-fated Tamil National Army after the withdrawal of the IPKF.
Karuna was instrumental in raising and training the LTTE’s second infantry division Jeyanthan Padaippirivu”. This comprised cadre from the East alone as opposed to the North-based Charles Anthony division. Karuna’s crowning moment of glory came in the mid-1990s when the government forces, conducting Operation Jayasikurui” (Certain Victory), were making rapid strides into Tiger-held territory in the Northern mainland of the Wanni.
On receiving an SOS from the high command, Karuna took his fighters to the North and helped resist the Army. Prabhakaran’s hideout in Kaeppaapulavu was on the verge of being encircled at the time.
Counter Offensive
Karuna also planned and launched the third phase of the LTTE counter offensive. He became the joint commander of all LTTE fighters in the Wanni and executed several successful operations, reversing the military situation.
He was also the field commander-in-chief for Operation Oyatha Alaigal (Unceasing Waves), during which the LTTE wrested back control of the triangular swathe of territory within Oddusuddan in Mullaitivu, Vidathaltheevu in Mannar and Omanthai in Vavuniya.
Special Commander
Karuna returned home in triumph, having won the confidence and respect of Prabakaran. He was promoted as Special Commander of both Amparai and Batticaloa districts.
He was given virtual autonomy and allowed to set up parallel structures of power. Karuna set up, in addition to the Jeyanthan brigade, the Visaalagan and Vinothan brigades for men and the Anbarasi and Mathana brigades for women. He also formed the Johnson artillery unit and began the Balendra Officer Training College. He took over the Government agricultural farm and school in Karadiyanaaru and constructed the Thenagam” base complex.
Eastern National Leader”,
When Great Heroes Day was observed on November 27, Karuna replicated the Wanni ceremony at Tharavai. At the same time that Prabhakaran lit the eternal flame in the Wanni, Karuna did the same in Tharavai. He also delivered a Great Heroes Day address like Prabakaran. Karuna projected himself as the Eastern national leader”, second only to Prabhakaran in the Tiger hierarchy.
Though Karuna raised the flag of revolt against Prabhakaran, the eastern warlord was regarded as the Tiger supremo’s blue eyed boy for years. An immensely grateful Prabhakaran allowed carte blanche” to Karuna due to the services he rendered in the Wanni. Moreover there were transport and communication difficulties between the Wanni and the East. Thus Karuna ruled the roost in Batticaloa and Amparai having virtual autonomy.
The advent of the Oslo-facilitated ceasefire changed this situation. LTTE leaders from the Wanni visited the East. What these Wanni-based tiger leaders perceived in the East was not complimentary to Karuna. Prabhakaran began to get negative reports about Karuna. Prabhakaran kept summoning Karuna to the Wanni for further inquiries but the latter disobeyed him and stayed put in the East. Karuna feared that Tiger intelligence Chief Pottu Amman who was to Prabhakaran what Beria was to Stalin.
The simmering tensions erupted into an open revolt on March 3, 2004. Technically the ceasefire facilitated by Norway between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE was in force then. Prabhakaran arranged for a helicopter on 2 March 2004 to pick up Trincomalee LTTE Chief Paduman and Batticaloa-Amparai commander Karuna and bring them to the Vanni for consultations”. Paduman complied but Karuna smelling a rat” (Pottu) did not. That was the flash point.
Thenagam” Conference
Karuna realised that he had crossed the Rubicon by this defiant act. He acted fast. He summoned an urgent conference for senior eastern cadres on March 3, 2004. Around 125 to 150 senior stalwarts of the Batticaloa – Amparai LTTE gathered at Thenagam” conference hall at Karadiyanaaru in Batticaloa district. Colonel” Karuna took the floor. He launched a verbal tirade against Prabhakaran and the Northern Tigers.
Many of those present could not believe their ears. Karuna Amman” related a litany of complaints against the LTTE hierarchy. His chief targets were Intelligence Head Pottu Amman, Financial Controller Thamilendhi and Police Chief Nadesan. What Karuna wanted was that the eastern LTTE component to have autonomous authority. He advocated that the eastern Tigers should be free of central control by the LTTE hierarchy. We will throw off the northern yoke and create an eastern renaissance,” Karuna said.
Many were flabbergasted. Some who knew Karuna’s mindset were not surprised but did not expect such open defiance. Whatever their inner thoughts or misgivings almost everyone seemed to agree. Some kept silent, but many articulated their willingness to go along with Karuna openly. Ironically some of the wildly enthusiastic lieutenants later went over to Prabhakaran’s side and turned vehemently against Karuna.
Kausalyan
There was only one open dissenter. This courageous lone wolf who dared to defy the eastern Tiger chief was the then LTTE Eastern political commissar Eliyathamby Nagenthiran Lingarasa alias Kausalyan. He respectfully told Karuna that the destiny of the eastern and northern Tamil was inextricably intertwined. The Tamil people had to be united. Disunity meant the end of the armed struggle, he pointed out. All problems with the leadership should be resolved through discussion. Kausalyan urged Karuna to refrain from this course of action and go to the Wanni and meet leader Prabhakaran directly.
Karuna argued back and did his best to change Kausalyan’s stance. At one point he asked Kausalyan himself to write the amount of income earned by the LTTE in the east and remitted to Wanni. With trembling fingers, Kausalyan did so. With all that money we can make our ‘Batticaloa motherland’ a golden Eastern Eelam,” said Karuna.
Kausalyan stood his ground. He could have been executed by the impulsive Karuna. Yet, Kausalyan did not relent. Finally, Karuna lost his temper. He scolded Kausalyan in foul language and asked him to get out. Go to Wanni immediately. Take your Manisi (woman) with you. I don’t want to set sight on you. If I see you again I will finish you.”
While a dumbstruck audience watched, Kausalyan left the place. Losing no time he went to Ambilanthurai and picked up his fiancee Pushpa then a final year undergraduate at the Eastern Campus. He made his way quickly to the Wanni even as news of Karuna’s revolt reached Prabhakaran. There was no doubt that the LTTE leader was happy to see Kausalyan. They were immersed in discussions for a long time.
Subsequently people like Ramesh, Ramanan, Ram, Praba and Karikalan too deserted Karuna and came over. But the man who fearlessly defied Karuna’s divisive revolt was Kausalyan alone. The Tiger leader was greatly appreciative of Kausalyan’s loyalty and in a few weeks’ time witnessed his marriage to Pushpa.
However, nine months later, Kausalyan along with four others including former Amparai district MP Ariyanayagam Chandranehru was shot dead by TMVP assassins on 7th February 2005.
Scandinavian Monitors
The open revolt by Col” Karuna became known to the world on March 3, 2004. Since the ceasefire facilitated by Norway was in force then, Karuna informed the Scandinavian ceasefire monitors that the Batticaloa and Ampara district component of the LTTE was chartering an independent course and wanted Oslo to arrange for a separate truce between Colombo and Batticaloa.
Declared Independence”
After communicating this to the Scandinavian peace monitors, Karuna held a news conference at the Thenagam” secretariat in Karadiyanaaru and declared independence” for the Eastern Tigers from the Wanni-based LTTE. He charged that the LTTE hierarchy had discriminated against the Eastern wing despite the sacrifices and contribution made by the Batticaloa-Amparai sections.
Karuna alleged that of the 32 departments within the LTTE, none was headed by an Eastern Tamil. The 15-man central committee had only two Easterners (Col Paduman and Col Karuna ) who were there by virtue of being Trincomalee and Batticaloa-Amparai commanders respectively. Karuna compared this with the military situation where the Eastern Tigers had made proportionately higher sacrifices. At that point of time as many as 4,543 Eastern Tigers had lost their lives in the armed struggle. Of these 2,302 died in Northern battles. Operations on Eastern soil took only 2,241 lives. Despite these sacrifices, Eastern Tigers had not received a fair deal after peace, charged Karuna. With that exercise, news of the LTTE eastern revolt began spreading like wildfire.
Understanding with Colombo
From the time of his rebellion Karuna tried to forge a separate understanding with the powers that be in Colombo. He wanted Norway to facilitate a separate memorandum of understanding between himself and Colombo. Karuna claimed that the ceasefire signed by Prabhakaran would not bind him but was willing to abide by it until a new one was signed.
Karuna knew he could not fight Colombo and Kilinochchi at the same time. He seemed to prefer a deal with Colombo. The LTTE, however, acted fast and foreclosed Karuna’s option. The Tigers threatened to pull out of the ceasefire if Karuna was recognised. This put all moves in that direction on hold in Colombo.
The Eastern Tiger revolt split the LTTE both horizontally and vertically. The military balance between the Karuna faction and the mainstream LTTE was quite intricate and precariously fluid. What happened thereafter would be narrated in detail in a forthcoming article.
D.B.S.Jeyaraj can be reached at dbsjeyaraj@yahoo.com
By Mohamed Aheeyar, Giriraj Amarnath and NirangaAlahacoon Courtesy IWMI
The FRESH Initiative, in collaboration with the ClimBeR initiative, is providing Sri Lankan farmers with climate information and agronomic advisories straight to their mobile phones.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has experienced the impacts of climate change with recurrent extreme droughts and intense rainfall events. Vegetable farmers in the upcountry areas traditionally rely on predictable seasonal rainfall patterns. However, climate change has disrupted these patterns, leading to erratic precipitation and an increasing number of extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rainfall. These climatic variations pose a significant challenge to vegetable cultivation, making crops susceptible to pests and diseases, potentially reducing productivity, and jeopardizing the quality of the harvests.
Bean Cultivation in Boralanda. Photo: Mohamed Aheeyar / IWMI
Integrated crop management: An un-beet-able approach
The CGIAR Initiative on Fruit and Vegetables for Sustainable Healthy Diets (FRESH) is implementing activities in four countries including Sri Lanka, to increase fruit and vegetable intake and improve diet quality, nutrition, and health outcomes. One of the research focuses is on safe and sustainable vegetable production for year-round availability by adopting options for sustainable diversification and intensification. FRESH is promoting the integrated management of vegetable production systems, including good agricultural practices that prioritize resource use efficiency, leading to greater productivity while offering safe food, environmental protection, and improved farmer well-being. The Initiative also addresses key constraints such as the lack of awareness and knowledge gaps in regenerative agricultural practices and climate change-related issues.
Despite the commendable efforts of Sri Lanka’s extension service in building farmer awareness and capacity, a critical gap remains in delivering essential services at the individual level. The limited number of field-level extension officers, each responsible for over 3,000 geographically dispersed farmers, creates a significant hurdle. This lack of personnel and expertise hinders the economic and environmental sustainability of Sri Lanka’s high-potential vegetable production system.
An urgent need is the substantial expansion of the extension workforce. Farmers require comprehensive training on integrated pest, disease and nutrient management practices. Tailored technological knowledge, specific to crops and local conditions, is also crucial for adopting integrated management approaches. This requires external support and collaboration to develop customized solutions for diverse farming contexts. By investing in a more robust and localized extension system, Sri Lanka can unlock the full potential of its vegetable sector, ensuring both economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.
A farmer reading a digital advisory in the field. Photo: Sugandika Nipuni / IWMI
Farming for the future
Using CultivateX,” a mobile platform developed by the International Water Management Institute, FRESH, in collaboration with the CGIAR Initiative on Climate Resilience (ClimBeR), is providing real-time climate information and agronomic advisories to farmers through existing mobile platforms. This is enabled by good digital infrastructure, including mobile phone penetration, usage, internet coverage and the high level of farmers’ literacy. Information sharing through digital platforms is expected to help minimize existing information asymmetries and extension gaps. On a pilot scale, 75 farmers received context-specific local weather alerts twice a week (at intervals of 3-4 days) and weekly agronomic advisories throughout the cultivation season. The provision of weather and agronomic advisories was designed to build the farmers’ climate resilience and capacity to understand climate variation and enhance knowledge of recommended agronomic practices.
Evaluation of the pilot farmers who read the delivered climate advisories indicates that the advisories were accurate for 74 % of the farmers and fairly accurate for all others. The agronomic advisories were very useful for 65% of the farmers. Farmers found the advisories on the effective use of fertilizers and agrochemicals, efficient planning of crop management activities, efficient scheduling of irrigation as per the climate forecast, and water and energy conservation to be the most useful. The agronomic advisories have helped the farmers to select the right pesticides, conduct the best crop management activities, reduce crop damage and minimize the use of agrochemicals.
Farmer reflections on the impact of advisories
Samaraweera, Kulatunge and Jinasena are three tomato farmers aged 48-55 in Balangoda area. During the 2023 dry season, Kulatunge and Jinasena received climate advisories through a family member’s phone and from his friend, respectively. All three farmers mentioned that the climate advisories provided were accurate and guided them to decide the appropriate days for fertilizer and agrochemical application (rain-free days to avoid washaway) to make use of limited resources efficiently.
Ratnasiri is a 74-year-old experienced farmer cultivating 0.25 acres of land in the same area said the weather forecasts he received helped him to plan 3-4 days ahead, including the hiring of labor and off-farm work. This has helped to save LKR 6,000-8,000.
Silva confirmed that climate and agronomic advisories helped her to save money by applying the right inputs at the right time and deciding the right labor requirement, saving LKR 4000.
A 41-year-old farmer said that the agronomic advisories helped him to identify many pests and diseases correctly and that he shared the messages received to his phone with many of his friends.
Initiative to offer students above grade 8 opportunity to delve into AI within realm of information technology, says Colombo
Sri Lanka has begun integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into school education, an official statement said.
The island nation’s Education Ministry signed an agreement with Microsoft on Tuesday to commence a pilot project to integrate AI into the school curriculum.
This initiative will offer students above grade 8 the opportunity to delve into AI within the realm of Information Technology,” said the statement.
Education Minister Susil Premjayanth said Colombo expects to fully implement the program by next year.
Initially, the project will be rolled out in 20 schools across 20 districts, with a commitment to provide conducive classrooms and necessary technical equipment.”
A dedicated team from Microsoft will extend support to facilitate online educational activities,” it said.
(Bloomberg) — Global investors and Sri Lanka officials expect to start negotiations aimed at restructuring $12 billion in defaulted global bonds next week, according to people familiar with the matter.
A group of bondholders, known as a steering committee, will begin talks as they weigh a proposal from the government to rework the overseas debt that has been in default since 2022, the people said, declining to be named because negotiations are private. The goal is to reach a deal quickly, the people said, particularly as Sri Lanka is scheduled to hold presidential elections later this year.
Rothschild & Co., which advises the bondholders, and Lazard Inc., an adviser to the government, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The government couldn’t be reached for comment when contacted outside regular business hours.
The prospect for a deal in Sri Lanka comes as creditor talks in two other stalled restructurings — Ghana and Zambia — are also gaining traction. Breakthroughs in those cases would mark a victory for the International Monetary Fund and G-20 leaders ahead of next month’s meetings of world leaders in Washington, D.C., where the topic of debt burdens for poor countries is on the agenda.
Read more: Zambia and Creditors to Restart Bond Restructuring Negotiations
Last month, Sri Lanka sent a proposal to holders of dollar bonds as part of its plan to overhaul $27 billion of foreign debt, including bonds and loans. The restructuring is critical to ensure financing from the IMF bailout keeps flowing. President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in February that authorities expect to complete the debt revamp within the first half of the year.
The government has already struck deals with official creditors, including China, India and the Paris Club as well as with holders of its local debt.
The Police Special Task Force (STF), in a raid conducted on Tuesday night (March 19), has managed to arrest three suspects involved in organized crimes.
Accordingly, a close associate of the infamous gangster Keselwatte Dinuka”, identified as Tharindu Ruwan Kumara, was apprehended in Borella. The STF personnel found 6.5 grams of heroin on the suspect at the time of the arrest.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Jeffrey Ahmed Rizwan alias Goda Rizwan”, a member of the notorious criminal figure Kanjipani Imran’s” gang, was arrested in Maligawatta along with 6.4 grams of heroin.
Finally, a close associate of the gangster Pookudi Kanna”, identified as Munaweera Arachchilage Susantha, was arrested with 6.62g of heroin in Kajimawatta.
Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe has assured that the economic reforms being implemented will not be disrupted by the coming elections and that the government is ready to make the ongoing reforms a law of the country.
The State Minister had stated this during a discussion with the IMF’s Executive Director for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan, Prof. Krishnamurthy V. Subramanian.
During the discussion, ensured that the reforms implemented will not be disrupted with election been announced and the government is ready to make the ongoing reforms a law of the country which demonstrates the dedication to stability and sustainable growth,” he said in a post on ‘X’.
Semasinghe further said that wide-ranging topics were discussed around the current IMF programme and attention was also paid to the challenges in digitising the tax process.
He said it was pointed out that the government has taken steps to increase the number of tax files, which had decreased due to various policy decisions, to approximately one million at present.
Meanwhile, the State Minister of Finance has also held a discussion with the Deputy Chief Economist at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Dr Fergus Cumming, and the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick.
He said the discussion delved into various aspects of current economic trends, exploring their implications and identifying emerging challenges and opportunities, particularly in the context of post-crisis recovery efforts.
Additionally, he said they examined the outcomes of the IMF programme and discussed reforms extending beyond the programme’s scope. The emphasis was placed on the significance of maintaining momentum with reforms,” he said in a post on ‘X’.
Furthermore, views were exchanged on enhancing tax administration practices, Semasinghe stressed.
A new study has challenged the alleged health benefits of intermittent fasting, a popular diet often praised by celebrities and health gurus alike.
Intermittent fasting is a well-known practice in which you eat all your food in an eight-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours of the day.
However, a study from the American Heart Association published on Monday, 18 March has found that limiting mealtimes to just eight hours a day was linked to a 91 per cent increase in risk of death from heart disease.
Researchers, led by Dr Victor Zhong of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, analysed approximately 20,000 adults in the US with an average age of 49 years who had followed intermittent fasting, also known as the 16:8 plan.
According to the study – which was presented at the AHA’s Epidemiology and Prevention conference in Chicago, Illinois – those who limited their eating to eight hours a day were 91 per cent more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those who ate across 12 or 16 hours.
Among participants with existing cardiovascular disease, an eating duration between eight and 10 hours per day was also associated with a 66 per cent higher risk of death from heart disease or stroke.
Meanwhile, people with cancer who ate for more than 16 hours a day were less likely to die from the disease. Researchers also found that time-restricted eating did not reduce the overall risk of death from any cause.
Restricting daily eating time to a short period, such as eight hours per day, has gained popularity in recent years as a way to lose weight and improve heart health,” said senior study author Dr Zhong. However, the long-term health effects of time-restricted eating, including risk of death from any cause or cardiovascular disease, are unknown.”
We were surprised to find that people who followed an eight-hour, time-restricted eating schedule were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Even though this type of diet has been popular due to its potential short-term benefits, our research clearly shows that, compared with a typical eating time range of 12-16 hours per day, a shorter eating duration was not associated with living longer,” he said.
The study analysed data from participants in the 2003-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, and compared it to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Death Index database on people who died in the US from 2003 through December 2019.
Researchers acknowledged that the study was limited in its findings because it relied on self-reported dietary information, as well as failed to focus on other factors that may play a role in participants’ health.
Overall, this study suggests that time-restricted eating may have short-term benefits but long-term adverse effects. When the study is presented in its entirety, it will be interesting and helpful to learn more of the details of the analysis,” said Dr Christopher D Gardner, the Rehnborg Farquhar Professor of Medicine at Stanford University.
One of those details involves the nutrient quality of the diets typical of the different subsets of participants. Without this information, it cannot be determined if nutrient density might be an alternate explanation to the findings that currently focus on the window of time for eating. Second, it needs to be emphasised that categorisation into the different windows of time-restricted eating was determined on the basis of just two days of dietary intake,” he said.
Approximately half of the participants were men and half were women. Around 73 per cent of the participants were non-Hispanic white adults, while 11 per cent were Hispanic. Eight per cent of participants were non-Hispanic Black adults, and nearly seven per cent of adults identified as another race.
It will also be critical to see a comparison of demographics and baseline characteristics across the groups that were classified into the different time-restricted eating windows,” added Gardner. For example, was the group with the shortest time-restricted eating window unique compared to people who followed other eating schedules, in terms of weight, stress, traditional cardiometabolic risk factors or other factors associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes?
This additional information will help to better understand the potential independent contribution of the short time-restricted eating pattern reported in this interesting and provocative abstract.”
In June 2023, a similar study analysed the weight loss results for adults with obesity who participated in intermittent fasting, compared to traditional calorie counting. The results, which were published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, found that those who engaged in eight-hour time restricted eating had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those in the control group who ate their calories any time over 10 or more hours a day.
If Sri Lanka continues to rely on borrowing to address the imbalance between imports and exports, the nation will inevitably confront another economic crisis within a decade, says President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
He also underscored his vision to establish economic stability and expedite the transformation of Sri Lanka into an export-oriented economy.
The President said that a new law is planned to be introduced to parliament in April, alongside another legislation aimed at improving financial governance within the government. These measures are designed to propel the nation’s economy forward.
Wickremesinghe made these remarks during his attendance at the inauguration ceremony of Bodhigara and Golden Fence, constructed near the historic Mangedara Tempita Viharaya in Kegalle today (March 20).
The President also noted that negotiations concerning certifying Sri Lanka as a debt-paying country are anticipated to conclude by June and July. He further emphasized that the foreign aid lost due to the country being labelled as bankrupt will be retrieved and returned to the nation.
Additionally, the President highlighted that the country’s economy will receive a boost as the national currency strengthens with the renewed engagement of foreign banks and companies that had previously refrained from conducting business with Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on how all citizens were impacted during the previous economic crisis, the President also stressed that the benefits of the growing economy are meant for everyone, not just a select few.
The President, who visited the historic Mangedara Tempita Viharaya in Kegalle, unveiled a commemorative plaque, inaugurating the new Bodhigara and golden fence, and offered flowers at the Bodhiya.
This new Bodhigara and golden fence were erected following guidance from Ven. Sri Jananandabhidana Nayaka Thero, the Viharadhipathi of the Mangedara Tampita Viharaya and Chief Sanghanayaka of Kegalu Maha Disawa.
The President also granted commemorative gifts upon Jagath Sumitra Karunaratne and Mallika Karunaratne.
Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further said:
We are looking forward to talking to the International Monetary Fund and wrapping up our work soon. In 2022, Sri Lanka was labelled as a bankrupt country. Because of this, international financial institutions and banks stopped providing us with support and loans. Our first priority is to lift this ban. Therefore, we need to reaffirm that we are a country that pays its debts.
Over the past year, we have played a crucial role in rescuing the country from economic troubles. If these challenges persist, we may endure another two or three years of hardship. However, as an initial step, we have now reached the final stage of the government’s program aimed at steering the country away from bankruptcy. Achieving this required numerous steps, but we’ve successfully executed them in a remarkably short timeframe.
The on-going discussions are reaching their last phase, and we anticipate wrapping them up by tomorrow. Following that, our objective is to proceed with negotiations involving the countries that have provided loans to us. This process is being overseen by France, Japan, and India, who are chairing the discussions involving all the countries that have officially lent money to us.
The local staff and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are anticipated to reach a staff-level agreement this weekend after concluding their discussions. Concurrently, discussions with China are on-going, and discussions with private creditors are underway. The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank are scheduled to return to Europe to engage in discussions with these groups.
Following the declaration of our bankruptcy-free status, a joint meeting of the World Bank and the IMF is planned for April. Subsequently, the relevant agreement is expected to be signed shortly thereafter.
I aim to complete all these tasks by June and July, especially considering the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. It’s crucial to finish these activities before the elections. Once completed, we will demonstrate to the world that we are capable of repaying our debts, which will lead to the return of aid money that we haven’t received yet and an increase in the country’s dollar reserves.
Currently, many banks and companies are hesitant to engage in business with us, but once these activities are concluded, they will resume business with us. Consequently, our available funds are expected to increase.
We have passed a challenging period and had to make tough decisions to overcome this situation. However, we have now reached a point where we can offer some relief.
The rupee has been strengthening, and it’s expected to reach Rs.280 rupees by June, leading to a decrease in the prices of goods. We anticipate the rupee will continue to strengthen next year as well.
Moreover, salaries of the government employees have increased by Rs. 10,000 before the Sinhala Tamil New Year. Additionally, the Aswasuma” program has been introduced to provide benefits three times higher than Samurdhiya to the people, with the number of beneficiary families increasing from 800, 000 to 2,400,000.
Considering these factors, the relief provided to the people as a bankrupt country is three times greater than what was provided during a stable economy. These efforts ultimately benefit the country’s economy. Additionally, the funds that were not used for decentralized budgeting over the past two years will be released, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Looking ahead, we have opportunities for further progress after June.
Stabilizing the country’s economy alone will not solve all our problems because we are currently reliant on imports, leading to a trade imbalance where exports are lower than imports. This gap is often bridged through foreign loans, which sets us up for another economic crisis in about a decade.
To prevent such a scenario, I plan to hold discussions with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund to initiate a program aimed at swiftly transitioning the country towards an export-oriented economy. As a fundamental step, we have introduced the agricultural modernization program, which will require another 6 to 7 years to achieve success.
It is worth mentioning that the proposed law aims to foster economic stability and transition the country into an export-based economy. I plan to present this law to Parliament by April. Additionally, another law focused on financial governance within the government will be introduced, enabling us to sustain economic activities effectively.
The previous economic challenges impacted everyone in the country. Therefore, the benefits of the developing economy should not be limited to a select few but should extend to all citizens.
As residents of Sri Lanka, we all play a role in maintaining a healthy environment for every living creature in our region. Today, I want to address several issues related to our local area, particularly focusing on poor city trash management. Having lived in Mahanuwara City (Kandy) for over four decades, I’ve witnessed and experienced the challenges of urban living. Whether we’re government employees or private citizens, it’s our collective responsibility to work together peacefully. Let’s set aside titles like ‘Governor’ or ‘Leader’ and recognize that we all share this village, city, country and this earth, and this. Trash management and environmental cleanliness go hand in hand, and it’s crucial to address these issues through collaborative efforts, awareness campaigns, and stricter waste management regulations. Additionally, safeguarding the Mahaweli River, the longest river in our country, is essential for both environmental sustainability and public health.
Let’s start from Mahanuwara-Kandy: Kandy, also known as Mahanuwara in Sinhala, is a major city in Sri Lanka, located in the Central Province. It was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The city is situated amidst hills in the Kandy plateau, which spans an area of tropical plantations, primarily tea. Kandy serves as both an administrative and religious city and is the capital of the Central Province. One of its most significant landmarks is the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which is one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. The temple houses the relic of the Buddha’s tooth and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Kandy attracts numerous visitors due to its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and historical significance. Here are some reasons why Kandy is a popular destination: which I am not going further to explain one by one. Anyone can imagine why managing waste effectively in a city like Kandy is crucial for maintaining cleanliness, environmental health, and the well-being of its residents. We have lived for a longer period in Mahanuwara-Kandy itself as students in famous Kandy schools and colleges. We lived there, as for the Vision and Mission of the Kandy Municipal Council, we don’t know who the founder is, but it clearly reflects the needs of our own people and our commitment to enriching our heritage. Living in Mahanuwara-Kandy, we witness firsthand how attractive our city is and how kind and honest the people in the area are. The KMC’s Vision and Mission align with these values.
Vision
An attractive city that leads through good governance enriching heritage”
Mission
Our mission is to provide and manage all the public utility services, thoroughfares and other welfare activities, ensuring welfare and good health of the people living within the Municipal limits and of those visiting the city daily in protecting historical and natural beauty of the World Heritage city by using the physical, financial and human resources available to the council efficiently and effectively by virtue of the powers vested in it by the Municipal Councils’ Ordinance and other Numerous Acts with much dedication and motivation.
As the author of these articles and a former member of the Commercial Grid Team, I served as Secretary, dedicating my free time to JICA’s collaborative public team, working closely with KMC and local authorities to formulate the Greater Kandy Urban Plan (GKUP). My commitment and goals are focused on fulfilling the second line of the KMC mission. In this paper, I will address critical issues, propose practical project suggestions, outline necessary personnel, and explore international approaches to managing the trash crisis. My overarching goal is to safeguard the welfare and good health of both residents living within municipal limits and visitors to our beautiful World Heritage city. Additionally, I am dedicated to preserving the historical and natural splendor that defines our beloved city here are some strategic steps for more effective waste management:
Sincerely, waste management in Kandy, like many other cities worldwide, faces several challenges. Let’s explore some of the key issues. All findings related to the Municipality can be true, or if they have currently been fixed, the relevant officers can ignore them and focus on the most relevant and latest issues.
Image: The accumulation of trash until the next morning in some places, from approximately 6 PM to early morning, due to tight garbage handling operations can indeed have significant consequences for the atmosphere and pedestrians in Kandy City. The impact may include air pollution, which affects the health and well-being of residents.
Inadequate Infrastructure:
Kandy lacks sufficient waste disposal infrastructure, including composting facilities, recycling centers, and waste treatment plants.
The absence of proper facilities can leads to illegal dumping, open burning, and environmental pollution.
Poor Waste Segregation:
Residents often mix different types of waste (organic, recyclables, and non-recyclables) together.
Without proper segregation, recycling efforts are hindered, and valuable materials end up in landfills.
Lack of Public Awareness:
Many residents are unaware of the importance of waste reduction, proper disposal, and recycling.
Educational campaigns are essential to promote responsible waste management practices.
Uncontrolled Dumpsites:
Kandy faces challenges related to unmonitored dumpsites.
These sites contaminate soil, groundwater, and air, posing health risks to nearby communities.
Health and Environmental Impact:
Improper waste management leads to vector-borne diseases (such as malaria and dengue fever).
Open burning releases harmful chemicals, affecting air quality and respiratory health.
Visual and Olfactory Effects:
Improperly managed waste negatively impacts the city’s aesthetics and quality of life.
Littered streets and unpleasant odors affect residents and visitors.
Limited Resources and Funding:
Municipal budgets may not allocate sufficient funds for waste management infrastructure and services.
Kandy needs sustainable funding models to address waste-related challenges.
Population Growth and Urbanization:
Rapid population increase in urban areas strains existing waste management systems.
As Kandy grows, waste generation escalates, necessitating better planning and resources.
Behavioral Change:
Encouraging behavioral change among residents is crucial.
Promoting responsible waste disposal habits requires community engagement.
Collaboration and Governance:
Effective waste management requires coordination among local authorities, Mindful NGOs, and citizens.
Transparent governance and stakeholder involvement are essential.
Addressing these above challenges requires a holistic approach, involving infrastructure development, education, policy enforcement, and community participation. Kandy can work toward sustainable waste management by prioritizing these aspects.
Remember that waste management is a collective effort involving residents, local authorities, and businesses. By implementing these strategies, Kandy can improve its waste management practices and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
Let’s go back to JICA and GKUP. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has played a significant role in supporting waste management and urban development in Kandy over the past years in Sri Lanka. Here are some key initiatives that have been implemented:
Kandy New Wastewater Management System:
JICA provided financial assistance for the construction of the Kandy New Wastewater Management System.
The project aims to address wastewater-related challenges in Kandy, benefiting over 300,000 people, including residents and daily migrants.
These collaborative efforts between JICA and local authorities demonstrate a commitment to sustainable waste management and city development in Kandy. Frankly, further evolution on the above subject is limited due to a lack of relevant knowledge and resourceful data from authority and public papers and articles.
Let’s jump to our target area, Lewella, where I have faced challenging times while discussing and addressing the current day-to-day issues. I have lodged numerous complaints regarding the area’s trash management sector, including the frontline employees responsible for daily trash collection. My long-term efforts aim to uplift people’s quality of life and find the right solutions to safeguard our county’s natural environment.
Where we live: Lewella, a village and northeastern suburb of Kandy in the Central Province, Sri Lanka, is situated along the banks of the Mahaweli River.
Here are some key details: It appears that my concern is related to a community with nearly 5,000 residents.
Trash Dumping: Improper waste disposal poses a significant challenge to the Mahaweli River.
Image:1, Residents fear that the garbage dumping and burning will continue here for a longer period, risking healthy living.”Image by Palitha A.
A few Unorganized and Unofficially directed trash collection areas are igniting fires after manual trash segregation. These areas contain all types of trash, and the resulting burning releases smoky emissions that affect nearby main roads and the riverside. The open fires pose a threat to the riverside environment, and the residual waste left over after several days of burning eventually washes into the Mahaweli River, affecting different climate conditions such as the effect of wind and rain
Challenges Facing Mahaweli River:
Water Pollution: Solid waste dumped into the river affects water quality and ecosystems.
Environmental Impact: Open dumping sites near the river contribute to pollution and harm aquatic life.
Health Risks: Polluted water can lead to health issues for communities downstream.
Life and Traffic issues: A few very narrow junctions are used for daily trash collection and burning activities. This has an impact on the lives and nearby properties, resulting in a very smoky environment. Burning trash poses serious health risks to both people directly exposed to the smoke and the environment. It can lead to respiratory issues, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term health problems. Proper waste management and recycling are crucial to mitigate these harmful effects. The road adjacent to the burning activity sites is approximately fifty meters from both the beginning and ending of Wagolla Road.
The issue of waste mismanagement in the Lewella area of Kandy is a pressing concern. Here are some observations and challenges related to waste management in that locality:
Image 2:,The smell is unbearable not to mention the health hazzards, say residents .”Image by Palitha A.
Improper Collection and Disposal:
The municipal authorities may not have an efficient waste collection system in place.
Irregular collection schedules or inadequate coverage can lead to waste accumulation on streets and in residential areas.
Lack of Segregation at Source:
Residents might not segregate waste properly at the source (homes and businesses).
Without proper separation of recyclables, organic waste, and non-recyclables, effective waste management becomes difficult.
Illegal Dumping and Littering:
Some individuals may resort to illegal dumping, especially in poorly monitored areas.
Littering in public spaces exacerbates the waste management challenge.
The notice is of no avail but somedays trash remian up to three four days and dump grows. ”Image by Palitha A.
Insufficient Awareness Programs:
Lack of awareness about responsible waste disposal practices contributes to the problem.
The municipality should conduct educational campaigns to inform residents about proper waste management.
Inadequate Infrastructure:
The Lewella area may lack sufficient waste bins, collection points, and recycling facilities.
Poor waste management affects the environment, soil quality, and water sources.
Open burning of waste releases harmful pollutants into the air.
One of the most critical consequences of free-roaming dogs in urban areas is their magnetic attraction to landfills or garbage dumps”Image by Palitha A.
Current Health Risks:
Accumulated waste attracts pests, leading to health hazards.
Residents may suffer from vector-borne diseases due to improper waste disposal.
Disposable diapers often referred to as nappies,” including adult and other diapers, pose significant challenges in waste management. Raising awareness about proper diaper disposal and exploring innovative solutions is essential for environmental health. In several cases, human-monkey complicity has been observed, due to the rising of many unhygienic trashes being dragged along to other houses. Additionally, unsupervised dogs in villages impact the scenario.
To dispose of Pedigree dog waste from home, you must monitor and ask the owner of a large or small puppy if they are collecting the waste. It should not be dumped in the nearby area or hidden away. Instead of flush their dog poops down the toilet; it’s one of the most eco-friendly ways of disposing of dog poop. Rather than unknowingly carrying out improper disposal poses a health risk for municipality staff and finely community. Register all dogs in the area will be advantage of starting management of this crisis. Also set up designated areas with waste bins for dog owners to dispose of their pets’ waste. Encourage villagers to use these stations and provide bags for collecting dog poop.
While implementing strategies to manage village dogs and their poop issues, it’s essential to acknowledge that achieving the desired goal might not always be straightforward. However, persistence and a combination of approaches can make a difference. Lack of Community Engagement:
The municipality should involve residents, community leaders, and local organizations in waste management initiatives.
Encouraging community participation can lead to better outcomes.
Lack Of: Staff, Equipment, Motor and Non-Motorized Equipment,
Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort between municipal authorities, residents, and relevant stakeholders. By implementing better waste management practices, the Lewella area can improve its environmental conditions and overall quality of life.
Lack of Occupational health and Safety Issues:
Ensuring the safety of municipal workers is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive community. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in keeping our cities and villages clean, safe, and functional. Municipalities should prioritize worker health and safety.
What do we have to do to reach the goal of proper trash management in the area? Here are some observations and potential solutions. It can be practical or manageable.
Door-to-Door Collection:
Establish a systematic collection system where waste is collected directly from households and businesses.
Regular collection schedules should be followed to prevent accumulation.
Recycling Programs:
Promote recycling by setting up collection points for recyclable materials.
Collaborate with recycling companies to process and reuse materials.
Composting:
Encourage composting of organic waste to produce nutrient-rich soil.
Educate residents on home composting techniques.
Conduct awareness programs on waste reduction, proper disposal, and environmental impact.
Involve schools, community centers, and local media to spread the message.
Landfill Management:
Properly manage existing landfill sites to prevent pollution and health hazards.
Explore alternatives to landfills, such as waste-to-energy facilities.
Public Awareness:
Encourage residents, businesses, and institutions to separate waste into different categories: organic (food waste), recyclables (plastic, paper, glass), and non-recyclables (such as hazardous materials).
Implement color-coded bins or bags for easy segregation.
Community Engagement:
Solution: Involve local communities, schools, and civic groups.
Activities:
Organize clean-up drives in popular areas.
Conduct workshops on waste management.
Encourage reporting of illegal dumping.
Collaboration with Businesses and Tourism Industry in the area and beyond:
Solution: Engage local businesses, hotels, and tourism operators.
Actions:
Encourage waste reduction practices.
Promote responsible tourism and waste management.
Collaboration with NGOs and Civic Groups:
Work with non-governmental organizations (Mindful NGOs) and community groups to organize clean-up drives, tree planting, and awareness events.
Strategic Bin Placement:
Solution: Install waste bins strategically in popular streets and public spaces.
Benefits:
Encourage proper waste disposal.
Discourage littering and open dumping.
Regular Clean-Up Drives:
Solution: Organize periodic clean-up events in popular areas.
Engagement:
Involve schools, colleges, and community volunteers.
Raise awareness during these drives.
Public Art and Beautification:
Solution: Use public art installations and beautification projects.
Benefits:
Enhance aesthetics.
Instill pride in maintaining clean spaces.
Increased Surveillance and Enforcement:
Solution: Strengthen monitoring and enforcement by municipal authorities.
Actions:
Deploy surveillance cameras in key locations.
Impose fines for illegal dumping.
Collaborate with law enforcement agencies.
Enforcement and Penalties:
Enforce waste management regulations and impose fines for illegal dumping.
Encourage responsible behavior through penalties and incentives.
Innovative Solutions:
Explore innovative technologies like waste-to-energy conversion, biogas production, and smart waste bins.
Consider partnerships with private companies for sustainable waste management solutions.
Reporting Mechanism:
Solution: Establish a user-friendly system for reporting waste dumping.
Features:
Mobile apps or hotlines for reporting incidents.
Swift response from municipal teams.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Regularly assess the effectiveness of waste management programs.
Collect data on waste generation, collection rates, and recycling rates.
Long-Term Sustainability:
Solution: Implement waste management practices that ensure long-term sustainability.
Considerations:
Proper landfill site selection.
Recycling and composting facilities.
Groundwater protection.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, tackling the challenges of waste management necessitates a joint endeavor involving municipal authorities, residents, and other stakeholders. By adopting more effective waste management practices, the Mahanuwara- Kandy City, Lewella area can enhance its environmental conditions and elevate the overall quality of life.
By Palitha Ariyarathna
Writer, Journalist, Author Publisher
Dip.HRM,CC.Dip, HMT, Marine Science ,SRM,PADI Advance Open Water Diver, Sky Diving, RLLS UK Rescue Craft and Boat Handling and Life Saving, CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder, Air Way Management RLLS UK, Fire and Water Safety, Former Beach Filed Officer and Life Safety Officer
If you thought everything in Bujang Valley was destroyed, you were right until now. In August 2023, a team of 11 researchers discovered a 1,200-year-old Buddhist stupa at Bukit Choras in Malaysia’s Bujang Valley in northwest Kedah.
The discovery of the stupa is exciting as it’s the best preserved in the country and experts say it could hold the key to Malaysia’s multicultural past, especially Ancient Kedah’s history.
Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, the chief researcher of the team from the University of Science Malaysia’s Global Archaeology Research Centre (CGAR) in Penang, said the site is an anomaly because it stands all by itself.
After archaeologists cleared vegetation on top of Bukit Choras, they discovered a Buddhist stupa. Image: Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw
According to Al Jazeera, the stupa is isolated on the northern side of Mount Jerai unlike the 184 archaeological sites discovered in the Bujang Valley.
Nasha said the stupa measured about nine metres long and the most important discovery was two stucco statues of Buddha in good condition that have not been found in the area before.
According to Nasha, stucco was thought to be only found in Java and Sumatra in Indonesia, and India, at the time.
The two Buddha statues feature an inscription in Pallava, the language of the Pallava Dynasty that ruled in South India between the 3rd and 8th century CE.
The statues also have architectural features resembling the other artefacts from the Srivijaya kingdom that prospered between the 7th and 11th centuries CE, in an area from southern Thailand, through the Malay peninsula and into Java.
Currently, the statues are being studied and restored at CGAR in Penang.
Nasha said the function of Bukit Choras is not clear but it might have been a military garrison or coastal trade outpost. He shared that preliminary findings showed there are plenty of similarities with other sites found in Java and Sumatra, Indonesia.
The team plans to work at the site throughout the first half of 2024 to unearth its secrets.
Asyaari Muhamad, a senior archaeologist and the director of the Institute of the Malay World & Civilisation at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said it was important for researchers to collaborate and reach a better understanding of the origins of civilisations in and beyond the Malay peninsula.
Any statements about new or previous findings need to be carefully examined so that […] a theory, discovery, and the results of a study do not become an issue and controversial in nature.
Asyaari Muhamad, a senior archaeologist and the director of the Institute of the Malay World & Civilisation at UKM
How did Nasha and the team discover the stupa?
Nasha said a British officer first reported about Bukit Choras in 1850 while looking for treasure. It was briefly studied by another British scholar, HG Quaritch Wales, in 1937.
Wales undertook minor excavations and found a squarish Buddhist stupa. He took note of the measurements but never provided any illustration or plate for the site.
In 1984, fifty years later, the then-director of the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum returned to Bukit Choras to do some site cleaning and documentation. Other than that, the site remained largely undisturbed.
Nasha realised no one had done a proper investigation since then. He managed to scrounge up funding to survey the site in 2017.
They used electronic waves to physically detect what was hidden underground and found big structures below.
In 2022, Nasha received more funding from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education to conduct proper excavations.
Nasha and his team were stunned to discover the well-preserved site compared to the other sites in the Bujang Valley that have deteriorated due to erosion, human activities, and accidental destruction.
Can you take a look at it?
The Department of National Heritage said the site has the potential to be a tourist attraction and it’s being preserved under Act 645 of the National Heritage Act 2005 at the moment.
Since the other sites have been damaged, it’s not a surprise if the authorities want to preserve and protect the latest site the best they can with the help of the public.
The department reminds the public to immediately report any findings that have significant historical and heritage impact to them or the relevant authorities.
What was the Ancient Kedah Kingdom” like?
The Bujang Valley sites showed that an ancient civilisation once thrived here. Referred to as the Ancient Kedah Kingdom, it prospered between the 2nd and the 14th century CE.
The kingdom predated the arrival of Islam in the region and stretches across the northwestern coast of the Malay peninsula and into Thailand.
Ancient Kedah grew on rich international trade and the production of iron and glass beads. Multiethnic and multireligious residents and foreign traders lived together.
Nasha shared that findings in the area suggested that traders from China, India, and the Middle East came to the area for centuries to do business. They often spent long spells in Kedah when the harsh monsoon seasons made sailing home impossible.
Archaeological discoveries showed that Ancient Kedah went into a decline when climate transformed the large maritime bay and accessible riverways leading to the iron smelting site of Sungai Batu into mangrove and tidal swamps that were impassable to ships.
By P.K.Balachandran/Counterpoint Courtesy NewsIn.Asia
Colombo, March 19: It was no surprise that Vladimir Putin won the Russian Presidential election last Sunday. With no one of any standing to challenge him, he bagged 88% of the vote, a record till date. The nationwide turnout was 74.22%, surpassing the 2018 level of 67.5%.
Communist candidate Nikolai Kharitonov finished second with just under 4%, newcomer Vladislav Davankov was third, and ultra-nationalist Leonid Slutsky fourth.
However, in some places, the followers of the anti-Putin leader Alexei Navalny (who died in suspicious circumstances in an Arctic prison in February) protested.
As expected, the Western press dubbed the election as a massive fraud, given Putin’s reputation as an iron-fisted ruler. But what is not taken into account is that the Russians have never tasted democracy as the West knows it. They transitioned from Tsarist absolutism to communist dictatorship, and then to Putinesque authoritarianism. Perhaps democracy had a brief look-in after the breakup of the USSR.
In Russia in the ruler is judged by other yardsticks. If Lenin ended Tsarist rule and established a modern State, Stalin made it an industrial and military power that could defeat Hitler’s army. His successors made the USSR a space and nuclear power to match the US, but failed to build the economy to match the West in a globalized world.
The West succeeded in dismembering the USSR, but Putin came and salvaged Russia. And to defeat the West’s plan to use Ukraine as a bridgehead to intimidate Russia and destroy Russia, Putin initiated military action against Ukraine in February 2022. The West imposed punishing sanctions on Russia and poured billions of dollars into Ukraine to enable it to drive out the Russians. But success has eluded it so far.
The war is now in the third year with no end in sight. But while the going has been bad for Ukraine, Russia has been able to circumvent the sanctions, keep its economy humming, and build international links principally with China. And thanks to burgeoning defence production, the Russian economy grew by 3%.
Though sections of Russians society dislike the war and many have fled the country, the bulk of the population has remained in the country, with most of them ardently supporting the war fired by the proverbial Russian nationalism.
Putin told supporters in a victory speech in Moscow that he would prioritise Russia’s special military operation” in Ukraine. We have many tasks ahead. But when we are consolidated – no matter who wants to intimidate us, suppress us – nobody has ever succeeded in history, they have not succeeded now, and they will not succeed ever in the future,” Putin declared.
Supporters chanted Putin, Putin, Putin” when he appeared on stage and Russia, Russia, Russia” after he had delivered his acceptance speech, Reuters reported.
Putin portrays the war as part of a centuries-old battle with a declining West that he says humiliated Russia after the Cold War by encroaching on Moscow’s sphere of influence in Eastern Europe.
A new survey of Russians highlights a sentiment towards Putin’s leadership. Most Russians see the war in Ukraine as defence against threats from NATO and the West and report little personal effect from the conflict.
A recent poll of the Russian public conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago finds little material improvement in the quality of life for many Russians since the war, but also not a significant deterioration in overall economic conditions despite international sanctions.
Overall, Russians have a favourable view of Putin’s job performance. While 67% approve of how Putin is handling foreign policy, fewer, 58% approve of his management of domestic affairs. But the Russian public on the whole views their country’s actions in Ukraine as a justified response to an outside threat.
Attitudes among Russians about their nation and its place on the global stage are palpably strong. 94% have at least a moderate level of pride in their Russian identity. 62% believe Russia is unjustly treated by the world.
A notable concern for many Russians is the perceived encroachment of Western values on traditional Russian beliefs. 64% see the conflict in Ukraine as a civilizational struggle between Russia and the West.
However, 74% agree with the importance of having an opposition in the nation’s political system. But only 42% feel an immediate need for an opposition.
The above mentioned survey was funded and conducted by the University of Chicago. The poll was conducted in Russian between November 13 and November 21, 2023, with Russian mobile numbers throughout Russia, including Crimea.
The most reputable public opinion data available in Russia are from the Levada Centre, a non-governmental research organisation conducting regular surveys since 1988.
Levada surveys on from 17 to 21 February found that the majority of respondents (52%) felt negatively towards Ukraine. Most (60%) blamed the US and NATO for the escalation of tensions in Eastern Ukraine, while only 4% blamed Russia.
Levada polls suggest that the net public approval of Putin had surged by about 13 percentage points since December 2023, a rally-round-the-flag effect, with almost three-quarters (71%) expressing approval of his leadership by February 2024.
These were not isolated results; even stronger sentiments were recorded in the pre-war poll conducted on 7-15 February for CNN in Russia by a British agency, Savanta ComRes, where half (50%) agreed that it would be right for Moscow to use military force to prevent Kyiv from joining NATO”.
Two thirds of Russians (64%) in the poll said that Russians and Ukrainians are ‘one people’, a position taught in the Soviet era and a view that Vladimir Putin has been pushing, compared to just 28% of Ukrainians.
In their survey of 25-27 February, VCIOM reported strong support for the special military operation” in Ukraine, with two thirds (68%) in favour, around one quarter (22%) against, and only 10% unable to provide an answer.
The Washington Post also reported that a poll conducted a week into the assault by a consortium of researchers again confirmed that the majority of Russians (58%) approved of the invasion while only a quarter (23%) opposed it.
Western commentators point out that Russians are not exposed to as much information as Westeners, even Ukrainians, are. The main of source of information is domestic television, which gives only pro-Russian or pro-government content. It is also believed in the West, that the Russians indulge in self-censorship, which is common in countries with authoritarian regimes.
Special correspondent Pravda.Ru Daria Aslamova met in India with the President of the BRICS International Forum, Ms. Purnima Anand.
Photo: Pravda.Ru by Daria Aslamova
Why are you participating as an international observer in the election campaign in Russia, including in the new Russian territories?
“Elections in Russia are very important for the whole world, because the Russian Federation is creating a new model of democratic values. In the European model, the new Russian territories are unrecognized, but it is Russia that saves the people in those regions. Russia also defends democratic values that are not recognized by the EU and the U.S., because the West exists in a post-World War II system.
Now the world is moving towards a new model that is developing in Russia, including in four of its new regions. These are very positive changes, because people themselves choose a country where they can preserve:
sovereignty
Traditions
Culture
History.
In this way, the people come first, not the authorities, and I hope that in the future it is the people who will become the levers of power.
Western leaders call Russia a dictatorship. What would you say to them?
“If some peoples or countries do not fit into the system of the West, it opposes such countries, and their interests are rejected. Russia has its own geographical and cultural features, its own traditions, which are unusual for Europe. The West is wrong to refuse to recognize other countries as democracies. Other states have the right to pursue their own interests, and this is one of the reasons why President Putin succeeds every time. People gather around such leaders.
I have visited many regions and cities of Russia and saw that people there are happy. They have jobs, they have a good education, they can communicate their needs to the authorities, and the municipalities respond to these requests. People have their own values, they hold regional events, historical festivals, cultural programmes dedicated, for example, to Afanasy Nikitin.
You were an election observer in the new Russian territories in Donbass. What are your impressions?
“I received an invitation to go to Donbass when international observers were actively discussing the crisis in Ukraine. When we had the opportunity to become observers at referendums in four new regions, I decided to take advantage of this chance. I was the only observer from India.
The journey was not easy, as we had to cover many kilometers by car. Once we stayed in a very nice and nice hotel, where we had dinner. When we left the hotel and drove to another place, our hotel was hit by a bomb. The façade of the building was destroyed. We were able to feel what it is like for people to live in such difficult conditions.
I can only admire the people of these four regions. Most of the young men serve in the army, and their women live without husbands and sons. They’re in danger all the time.
Where exactly did you work as an election observer?
“We visited several polling stations, mostly schools. The polling stations were decorated with balloons, people danced – it was a celebration of democracy and faith in the Russian Federation.
We arrived at one of the polling stations when it was already closing. A man with a young son came, voted, and gave his ballot to the child to put the form in the ballot box. After the vote, we asked the man why he had done so. He said very good words:
“I believe in the Russian Federation, I believe in the next generation. We don’t know if we will survive today, but we are giving our children the opportunity to preserve democracy here.”
In addition, I was in the Kherson region and in the Crimea. Observers from the European Union came with us: from France and Germany. They were independent media representatives, not official EU observers.
As far as I know, you were also the organizer of an international group of non-European observers in political elections.
“I had such an opportunity in March 2018, when the presidential elections were held in Russia. Even then, the West did not want Putin to become president again. The Russian government invited EU observers to the elections, but they refused. At that time, your government invited independent observers from India, Africa and other regions of the world.
This was my first experience of working as a political observer in the Russian Federation. Then we got our own observation group. We believe that the European Union has no right to interfere in the elections. We visited a number of small countries in Africa, such as Congo and Madagascar. There, we have developed our own parallel system of international election observation.
EU observers were also present. But now the European Union is not the only authority that can send its international observers to all countries of the world. There are parallel organizations: the African Union, our own groups, as well as EU groups. It’s more honest.
Are you going to go to Russia in the near future to act as an independent observer?
Yes, I will work there as a member of a civic organization that was recently founded by presidential decree. Representatives of about 50 countries were invited to the elections: from Brazil, South Africa, many African countries and the CIS. I would like to visit four new regions of Russia once again to see what changes are taking place there and how people perceive the transition to a new democracy.
It seems to me that if Western officials listened to you, they would consider you a victim of Russian propaganda.
“They’re actually listening to us. They criticize us, and this means that we are not an empty space for them. They are aware of the emergence of new blocks. This is very important for the development of democracy.
— Which region of Russia are you going to visit?
“I hope I’ll go to Crimea. I visited him three times. Once I went there for elections, then I visited Crimea on the way to the Kherson region, and then I visited an economic forum there. I have been observing the electoral process since 2014.
Crimea is indeed a very important region. It represents a new model of development. After World War II, the Yalta Palace hosted a meeting of three world leaders: Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill. They gathered there to develop a new model of democracy and civilization as a whole.
Today, however, government officials in the EU are convinced that any decision they make is final. They don’t think about Africa, Asia, the CIS. But everyone should be heard.
Today, the BRICS bloc has become much more important than before. The BRICS countries have a huge geographical territory and a large population. Today, countries that did not get a seat in the UN are joining the BRICS. This is another parallel system in which we are working to achieve a balance in politics and economics.
Does this mean that BRICS is a new model of democracy in the world?
“Yes, that’s right. The BRICS model is based on human-centered development. The previous model focused only on governments that control the people. The BRICS countries argue that equality and sovereignty are important first and foremost. We need to succeed in this direction for the sake of the future. We all have different models of civilization – different traditions, languages, currency, religion, laws. It’s very difficult to put everything in one basket.
But we have one goal – this is development focused on supporting people. Everyone should have their own rights, and our main rule is not to exploit people for the sake of money, the construction of infrastructure. Everyone should be a partner and a stakeholder in the development process. I believe that the BRICS economy will take care of this. We raise this issue every time we participate in BRICS conferences and seminars.
BRICS is a successful political platform, but it has economic problems. The bloc does not have a single currency, hence the difficulties with making payments. How can this problem be solved?
“If you want to make a difference, you have to see the light and move towards it. You are right when you say that the BRICS are more successful politically. Its economic development is the next stage.
BRICS is already active in the economic sphere. After the coronavirus pandemic and the Ukrainian crisis, we began to work on new trade rules. We try to make payments in local currencies. In the past, all countries had to exchange their money for dollars before paying off another country, and this led to additional costs. Today, the seller and buyer countries can skip the dollar part of this process, thanks to the BRICS economic model.
The BRICS economy is developing, and other countries are seeing it. If they don’t have a chance to join the World Trade Organization, they want to join the BRICS, because here they will have space for new technologies, innovation clusters, trade and development.
You were in Crimea at the 2014 referendum. Do you remember the feelings of the people when they voted to join Russia?
— Yes, people were very happy. They have come to this after overcoming many adversities and hardships. When the referendum finally took place, people rejoiced that they had achieved a better future for their children, safety, security and peaceful development.
I was there when President Putin inaugurated the Crimean Bridge, the “Bridge of Prosperity.” It was a historic moment and a major economic breakthrough for Crimea and all of Russia. The life of Crimeans has improved dramatically since 2014, but it must be remembered that the other four regions are still being shelled.
Do you think there will be another Yalta conference after the hot phase of the Ukrainian conflict has passed? Will there be a new agreement between Russia and the West?
“Of course. A peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine will be signed, and it will be a historic moment for Russia, because oppression will be ended and the peace mission will end.
Why does Russia occupy such an important place in your life? Why did you decide to become an international observer in Russia?
Russia has as long a history as India. After India gained independence, Russia has always provided great support to it, in all circumstances: in times of conflicts, wars, economic problems. Russia has also made a great contribution to India’s defense.
Today, we feel that everything the Russian Federation is doing is right, because your country has always been on the side of universal values. This has been the case throughout the history of the world, during the Second World War, and it continues to be so today.
The West has imposed a huge number of sanctions on Russia, only because it still believes in its monopoly on everything. Today, the Russian Federation is a strong country that can resist it. That is why so many countries support Moscow. This is not only political, but also economic support. Russia has new friends in the East, including China and India. Читайте больше на https://www.pravda.ru/world/1975335-gospozha-anand/
Parliament, March 19 (Daily Mirror)- The Central Bank has no powers to increase the salaries of its employees without the approval of Parliament in terms of the Constitution and the move to increase their salaries is wrong, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said today.
He told Parliament that Parliament has powers over Public Finance in terms of the Constitution and that the Central Bank cannot increase the salaries of its employees without Parliamentary approval.
The Minister said the claim by the Central Bank that it has the independence to take decisions in terms of the new Central Bank Act is wrong as any Act must come under the Constitution.
“The Central Bank was granted independence under the new Central Bank Act to ensure that it functions free of political intervention. We expected that the Central Bank would function according to the requirements of the country. Unfortunately, the Central Bank acted to increase its employees’ salaries as the first action,” he said, while explaining his position during the cross talk over the Central Bank employees’ salary increase.
Opposition MP Mohammed Muzammil said no action has been taken regarding the salary increase despite the matter being raised in Parliament for several days.
State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said the government will take a decision on the Central Bank salary increase after the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) submits its report to Parliament.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the government must not wait for the report of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) and said that the government must take a decision to withdraw the salary hike.
“The Central Bank is not under the COPF, it is under the government,” he said.
The buying rate of the US Dollar has dropped below the Rs. 300 mark for the first time since July 05, 2023.
According to the official exchange rates announced today by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the buying rate of the USD is Rs. 299.29 and the selling rate is Rs. 308.90.
Meanwhile the indicative rate is listed as Rs. 304.63.
The Cabinet of Ministers has given its approval to provide 10kg of rice per month for each low-income family for a period of two months.
As per the proposal furnished by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as many as 2.74 million low-income families will benefit from this relief program.
These low-income families will be identified through District Secretaries/Government Agents by involving small- and medium-scale mill owners, the government said in a statement.
In the first half of 2023, the government took measures to provide 10kg of Nadu rice per family for a period of two months covering 2.74 million families in the 25 districts, including Samurdhi beneficiaries.
In order to help maintain the nutritional level of the identified low-income earners, the government decided that it is only appropriate to resume the program this year as well.
The Cabinet of Ministers have approved a proposal to draft the necessary laws to amend the electoral system to elect 160 Members of Parliament directly from the voters of the respective constituencies, also known as the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system, and for the remaining 65 MPs to be elected according to the proportional voting system at the national or provincial level.
The need to revise the current electoral system has been identified in order to meet the objectives of the Election Expenses Regulation Act No. 3 of 2023 and to achieve a fully democratic election, the Government Information Department said.
Accordingly, a Cabinet sub-committee was appointed to ask the views of all party leaders and other relevant parties representing the Parliament and submit a report to the Cabinet with relevant recommendations.
Suggestions have been presented to the committee to elect 160 Members of Parliament directly from the voters of the respective constituencies and the remaining 65 Members of Parliament to be elected at the national or provincial level according to the proportional voting system and the agreement of the majority has been received for this, the statement said.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms to advise the Legal Draftsman to draft the necessary laws taking into account the recommendations made by the committee appointed under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister to amend the electoral system.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Education and Microsoft Company at the Presidential Secretariat today (19), marking the commencement of a pilot project to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the school curriculum. This initiative will offer students above grade 8 the opportunity to delve into AI within the realm of Information Technology.
The pilot project is slated to be rolled out in 20 selected schools across 20 districts, with a commitment to provide conducive classrooms and necessary technical equipment. A dedicated team from Microsoft will extend support to facilitate online educational activities.
Prior to the signing, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions with Microsoft representatives at the President’s Office. The representatives assured the President of their unwavering support towards incorporating AI into the educational framework.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft’s India and South Asia region, expressed gratitude for President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership in spearheading Sri Lanka’s advancement through the integration of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.
Education Minister Susil Premjayanth disclosed that the program aims for full implementation by 2025.
In attendance at the event was Mrs. Julie Chung, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, who highlighted the significant opportunity this initiative presents for the Sri Lankan people, urging all to seize it to its fullest potential.
Mrs. Julie Chung also noted the forthcoming support from volunteer groups aimed at enhancing the English language skills of Sri Lankan citizens and schoolchildren.
Among the distinguished guests who attended the event were Minister of State for Technology Kanaka Herath, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary of the Ministry of Education Wasantha Perera, Secretary of the Ministry of Technology Dharmasiri Kumaratunga, as well as senior officials from Microsoft. Representatives from various educational institutions including D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, and students, teachers, and principals from Muslim Ladies College, Pussellawa Hindu National School, and Tangalle Girls’ College were also present at the event.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
Dr. Sunil J. Wimalawansa, MD, PhD, MBA, DSc, Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, will be honored with the 2024 Eugene T. Davidson, MD, Public Service Award by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). The award ceremony will occur during the 33rd Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, in May 2024. The Eugene T. Davidson, MD, Public Service Award, named after a founder and former president of AACE, celebrates exceptional contributions to advancing AACE’s mission of providing quality healthcare for patients with endocrine diseases and enhancing public health. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding clinical excellence, education, research, public health, medical ethics, technological innovations, medical advancements, community involvement, and individual accomplishments within the endocrinology community. It is highly esteemed and sought after in the field of endocrine medicine. AACE is the largest clinical endocrinologist association globally, representing over 8,000 endocrinologists worldwide. Most members are certified in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, specializing in treating patients with a wide range of endocrine and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, growth hormone deficiency, lipid disorders, hypertension, and obesity [www.aace.com]. Dr. Wimalwansa is a renowned educator, author, researcher, innovator, executive board member, administrator, and philanthropist. He is also skilled as a process consultant and Lean Six Sigma executive. Dr. Wimalwansa obtained a diploma in medical administration from Johns Hopkins University School of Business in 2000 and an Executive aster’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University Business School in 2006. He has significantly contributed to academia and research with over 300 peer-reviewed articles and numerous book chapters. He has also authored books spanning various disciplines and taught undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduate levels.
Dr. Wimalwansa’s illustrious five-decade career has been marked by groundbreaking contributions to advancing global endocrinology and public health. In 1984, his pioneering work on inventing intraoperative hormone measurements revolutionized endocrine surgical procedures. This innovation enabled surgeons to precisely locate and remove endocrine tumors, significantly reducing the need for repeat surgeries. Widely adopted by endocrine surgeons worldwide, this technique has benefited millions of patients.
Dr. Wimalwansa’s development of once-a-week bisphosphonate therapy and affordable medications for metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, has profoundly transformed patient care in this field. He and his colleagues developed animal models of microgravity, MRI-based quantitation of muscle mass and bone density in small animals, and pre-eclampsia. His diverse pursuits include serving as a retired squadron leader, outdoor activist, an avid explorer (climbing the Himalayas in 1972), and a distinguished sportsman— among others, the recipient of the all-around sportsperson award from the university in 1974. With a legacy of scientific excellence, he continues to shape the future of global health through education and research focused on disease prevention and philanthropy.
In 1994, Dr. Wimalwansa pioneered the first live remote medical consultation clinics” (the first real telemedicine clinic) between Galveston, TX, and U.S.-Mexico border towns, covering over 250 miles. His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Dr. Boy Frame Award for Clinical Excellence in Metabolic Bone Diseases (1993), the Glen Foundation Awards from the American Endocrine Society, and an innovation award from the Asian Chamber of Commerce (2000). Recognizing his humanitarian endeavors, he received the Dr. Oscar Gluck International Humanitarian of the Year Award (2007) from the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sri Lanka Foundation, Los Angeles in honor of his remarkable contributions to science, humanity, and society.
Dr. Wimalwansa is the first trained Clinical Endocrinologist from Sri Lanka; previously served as a squadron leader in the Air Force. In addition to delivering lectures, he has significantly contributed to global endocrinology education by offering free courses worldwide. His commitment to serving society is evident through his founding of nonprofit organizations, including the International Foundation for Chronic Disabilities, the International Foundation for Revitalization, Empowerment, Education, and Development, the Hela Empowerment Foundation, the Wimalawansa Foundation, and the Preventive Health, Environmental Protection, and Research Organization. Dr. Wimalwansa’s extensive contributions extend to his service on the boards of directors for prominent organizations such as AACE, ISCD, and the Turner Foundation. Furthermore, he has played integral roles as a member or consultant for various national and international scientific committees, including NIH, VA, IAEA, DEA, and NASA. His commitment to advancing scientific knowledge is evident through his regularly reviewing manuscripts for granting organizations and national and international scientific journals. Additionally, he actively serves on editorial boards and remains deeply engaged in scientific research and publications. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication inspire positive change and advancements in healthcare globally.
By Sarath Wijesinghe President’s Counsel (LL.M (UCL)), former Ambassador to UAE and Israel, President of the Lanka Ambassador’s Forum – United Kingdom, Solicitor in England and Wales, and Suchithra Withanage (LL.M (UK) (LL.M (UK) MBA (UK | Reading) LL.B (Hons) (UK)) Diploma in Law (UK) MCIArb (UK) MBCS (UK) MCMI (UK) ACIPR (UK) ASIArb (Singapore)
Historically, Sri Lanka has been a significant player in international trade, with its strategic location making it a key hub in the ancient maritime Silk Road. The country’s history is marked by the export of spices, gems, and other valuable commodities, which have been sought after by traders from around the world for centuries. In the contemporary era, Sri Lanka has continued to play an important role in global trade, albeit with a diversified trade portfolio. The country has focused on sectors such as apparel, tea, rubber, and information technology. As of recent data, Sri Lanka’s top exports include black tea (fermented and partly fermented), solid tires, and gloves impregnated with plastics or rubber, amongst others. The country’s trade partners are widespread, with the United States, United Kingdom, India, Germany, and Italy being the top destinations for Sri Lankan exports. Sri Lanka’s import profile is also diverse, with petroleum oils, transmission apparatus for radiotelephony, semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel products, and knitted or crocheted fabrics being among the top imports. The country primarily imports from China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Singapore. In an effort to revive its economy and facilitate growth, Sri Lanka has been actively seeking to enhance its trade relationships. A recent example is the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Thailand in February 2024. This agreement aims to enhance market opportunities and covers various aspects such as trade in goods, investment, customs procedures, and intellectual property rights. The bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Thailand was worth about $460 million in 2021, with Sri Lanka exporting mainly tea and precious stones to Thailand and importing electronic equipment, food, rubber, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Sri Lankan trade missions are designed to promote the country’s exports, including key sectors such as apparel and textiles, spices, essential oils, oleoresins, food, beverages, diamonds, gems, jewellery, boat and shipbuilding, ICT, wellness tourism, logistics, electrical and electronics. These missions seek to identify and penetrate new markets for Sri Lankan products and services, thereby diversifying the country’s export destinations and reducing dependency on traditional markets. Trade missions are crucial in creating stronger economic ties with other countries, facilitating mutual trade, and encouraging foreign investment. They provide a platform for Sri Lankan businesses to display their products and services to potential buyers and investors in target markets. Moreover, they enable direct interaction with potential buyers, investors, and business partners, facilitating networking and the establishment of new business relationships. Participating in them helps Sri Lankan businesses understand market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive dynamics in foreign markets. An example of a specific trade mission is the RAK – Sri Lanka Business Forum & Trade Fair 2024, organized to strengthen economic relations between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The objectives of this event include exploring new opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses in the UAE, Gulf, and Middle East, promoting Sri Lankan exports in these regions, and enhancing bilateral trade, investments, employment opportunities, tourism, and financial cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UAE. Furthermore, the role of Sri Lankan missions overseas extends beyond trade promotion to include investment promotion, tourism promotion, and enhancing the image of Sri Lanka. These missions work towards strengthening relations with host nations, creating employment opportunities, and facilitating aid availability. Sri Lanka has strategically targeted key regions such as Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America for its trade missions. These missions aim to improve export opportunities, explore new markets, and strengthen bilateral trade relations. In Asia, Sri Lanka has a longstanding relationship with India. The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), in operation since March 2000, has facilitated trade between the two countries. Additionally, Sri Lanka and India are in discussions to further economic ties, including connecting to India’s oil and power grids, which could provide Sri Lanka with cheaper fuel and reliable electricity. There are also talks about integrating Sri Lanka into India’s emerging supply chain framework and promoting bilateral foreign direct investment flows. China is another significant partner for Sri Lanka in Asia. The two countries are negotiating a free trade agreement, which aims to provide Sri Lankan goods with greater access to the Chinese market. The discussions, which began in 2014, are focused on an “asymmetric” trade deal that considers the size difference between the two economies. This agreement could open up a market of 22 million people to Chinese exports and further strengthen China’s influence in Sri Lanka. In Europe, the European Union (EU) is Sri Lanka’s second-largest trading partner and a major export destination, absorbing 22.4% of Sri Lankan exports in 2020. Textiles and clothing dominate Sri Lanka’s exports to the EU, accounting for over half of the total exports to the region. Since 2017, Sri Lanka has benefited from enhanced market access to the EU under the Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme, which allows for the full removal of duties on a significant portion of tariff lines. In North America, the United States and Sri Lanka have a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) in place. The 14th U.S.-Sri Lanka TIFA Council Meeting, held in September 2023, discussed a wide range of bilateral trade and investment-related issues, including investment climate policies, labor reforms, intellectual property protection, and market access for various products. The two countries also explored collaboration and technical assistance in sectors such as the digital economy, gem and jewelry industry, and floriculture. The expansion of export-oriented industries, driven by trade missions, has led to the creation of numerous employment opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, services, and agriculture. This has contributed to poverty reduction and improved living standards in various regions of the country. Trade missions have thus helped position Sri Lanka as a competitive player in the global market by showcasing the country’s strengths and capabilities. For instance, the “Ceylon Tea” brand has gained international recognition, and the country is now known for its high-quality apparel, IT services, and gemstones. They have also been effective in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into Sri Lanka. By presenting investment opportunities and facilitating interactions between Sri Lankan businesses and foreign investors, these missions have contributed to the inflow of capital, technology, and expertise into the country. It must be stated that Sri Lanka has experienced periods of political instability, which can deter foreign investors and trade partners. The recent economic crisis and political turmoil in 2022 have underscored the need for stable governance to maintain investor confidence and sustain trade relationships. Inadequate infrastructure, particularly in transportation and logistics, can hinder the efficiency of trade operations. Investing in infrastructure development, such as improving port facilities, road networks, and digital connectivity, is crucial to support trade and attract investment. As a small, open economy, Sri Lanka is vulnerable to global market fluctuations, including changes in commodity prices, trade policies, and economic downturns in key markets. Diversifying export markets and products can help mitigate these risks. Tariff and non-tariff barriers in target markets can limit market access for Sri Lankan products. Negotiating trade agreements and addressing regulatory hurdles are essential to develop market access. Limited access to finance can restrict the ability of Sri Lankan businesses as well, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to expand their operations and engage in international trade. Improving access to credit and financial services is vital to support business growth. Improving the skills and capacity of local businesses to meet international standards and compete in global markets is crucial. Initiatives for workforce development, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer can support this goal. As global trade increasingly emphasizes sustainability, Sri Lanka must ensure that its trade practices align with environmental and social standards to maintain market access and appeal to conscious consumers. To address these challenges and seize the opportunities presented by trade missions, Sri Lanka needs a comprehensive approach that includes strategic planning, policy reforms, investment in infrastructure, and capacity building. Collaborating with international partners, leveraging technology, and giving rise to an enabling environment for business can further improve Sri Lanka’s trade prospects and contribute to its economic development. Looking ahead, Sri Lanka is poised to capitalize on its strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping routes and leverage its trade missions to tap into emerging markets. The focus is on several key areas: Technology: The country aims to position itself as a hub for information and communication technology (ICT) in the region. The country is already known for its IT and software services, and it plans to further develop its technology sector by nurturing innovation, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing its digital infrastructure. Renewable Energy: With an abundance of natural resources, Sri Lanka is exploring opportunities in renewable energy, particularly in wind and solar power. The government has set ambitious targets to increase the share of renewable energy in its power mix, which presents opportunities for investment and collaboration in this sector. Sustainable Tourism: Sri Lanka’s profound cultural heritage and natural beauty make it a popular tourist destination. The country is focusing on sustainable tourism development, promoting eco-friendly practices, and developing niche tourism products such as wellness and adventure tourism to attract more diverse and high-value tourists. Value-Added Exports: The country is also working on enhancing its export portfolio by focusing on value-added products in sectors such as apparel, gem and jewelry, and agricultural products as discussed above. The long-term aim is to move up the value chain and increase the competitiveness of Sri Lankan exports in the global market. Facilitating Innovation: To remain competitive in the global arena, Sri Lanka is emphasizing the importance of innovation across all sectors. This includes supporting research and development, encouraging startups, and creating an ecosystem that nurtures creativity and technological advancement. Trade Agreements: Sri Lanka is actively pursuing trade agreements with key partners to improve market access and strengthen its trade relations. Negotiations with countries such as China and India are ongoing, and new agreements are being explored to expand Sri Lanka’s trade network. It is important to recognize that trade missions can be a double-edged sword. They are necessary but can be dangerous and controversial, especially for a strategically placed country like Sri Lanka, which is significant for major powers. Concerns arise about trade agreements with major powers, as we may not be strong enough to safeguard ourselves like countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Self-criticism indicates that we are not, though educated. It’s the responsibility of academics to assist policymakers and the government in drafting holistic agreements to position Sri Lanka as a hub for trade and arbitration. There is a world to look at, and this area must be strongly dealt with, along with a word to the Sri Lanka Law College and judiciary to be more concerned about international law, arbitration, and international trade. The good news is that our youth are intellectually advanced, sophisticated, and capable of assisting in these processes, and it is time for governors to go the extra mile on this to make Sri Lanka a hub in South Asia for trade relations by taking small developed nations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia as examples. Overall, Sri Lanka’s future prospects in trade and economic development are promising, with a focus on leveraging its strategic location, diversifying its economy, and embracing innovation amongst other facets of development. By capitalizing on these opportunities, it aims to achieve sustainable growth and enhance its position in the global market in the forthcoming decade.
දණ්ඩනීති සංග්‍රහය සංශෝධනය කිරීම සඳහා පනතක් ගැසට් කර ඇත්තේ රටේ ස්ත්‍රී දූෂණ සහ ළමා අපචාර ප්‍රචලිත කිරීම සඳහා බව දේශහිතෛෂී ජාතික ව්‍යාපාරයේමහ ලේකම් වෛද්‍ය වසන්ත බණ්ඩාර මහතා පවසයි.
After archaeologists cleared vegetation on top of Bukit Choras, they discovered a Buddhist stupa. Image: Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw
ක්‍රි.ව 2-3 තරම් ඉතිහාසයට දිවයන වව්නියාවේ වඩුනාගල ඓතිහාසික සිද්ධස්ථානය බෞද්ධ පුරාවිද්‍යාත්මක ස්ථානයක් බවත්, මෙම ස්ථානයේ ශිව පූජා පවැත්වීම සම්බන්ධයෙන් අධිකරණය විසින් නියෝගයක්ද ලබාදී ඇත්තේ සවස 6.00 දක්වා පමණක් පූජා පැවැත්විය හැකි ලෙස පමණක් බවත් පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රී විමල් වීරවංශ මහතා පවසයි.
Parliament, March 19 (Daily Mirror)- The Central Bank has no powers to increase the salaries of its employees without the approval of Parliament in terms of the Constitution and the move to increase their salaries is wrong, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said today.