By Rohana R. Wasala

The Midweek Review feature article under the title Hitler Reincarnate – And Sri Lanka’s Presidential Stakes by Susirith Mendis (The Island/July 4, 2018) embodies the soft soothing voice of wisdom, that got drowned in the cacophonous ‘sound and fury’ raised in the wake of the Asgiriya Anunayake Ven. Wendaruwe Upali thera’s ‘Hitler’ remarks made in the course of a sermon delivered at an alms-giving conducted at the residence of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, a potential presidential candidate for 2020. This is despite Mendis’s unquestioning acceptance of the garbled English version of the monk’s words given by certain intellectuals” as a true representation of the Anunayake thera’s Sinhala language remarks. Mendis seems to have missed the live video of the monk speaking.  Since, apparently, he hasn’t listened to what the monk actually said speaking in Sinhala, he assumes the distorted English rendering of the monk’s remarks given by those he calls with some awe ‘Sri Lanka’s pre-eminent political scientist and commentator’, and  ‘eminent social scientist’ to be authentic, which it is not. What Mendis describes as ‘This great revival of Hitler….’ (that was allegedly ‘triggered’ by the Anunayake thera’s words) is an airy nothing. It is an imaginary bogey created by you-know-who survivalists currently bogged down in a swamp of anarchy of their own making. (The farfetched Gotabhaya-Hitler analogy hit off as an ideal slogan for those who were waiting for the proverbial straw to hang on to” in Mendis’s own words.) The truth is that there will never be any Hitlers in Sri Lanka, come the polls. The sneaky ones who seized upon and benefited from the Anunayake thera’s verbal faux pas won’t have another chance when the people are allowed the chance to exercise their franchise freely at future elections.

Mendis quotes the monk as (mis)translated by the previously mentioned  eminent intellectuals: ‘As the clergy, we feel the country needs a religious leader… Some people have described you as a Hitler. Be a Hitler. Go with the military and take the leadership of this country” – or something to that effect’. (This is an intellectualist distortion of the prelate’s words. The prelate never said: …… ‘we feel the country needs a religious leader……’ or  ‘Be a Hitler. Go with the military and take the leadership of this country’ Please look at my own correct translation of his actual words given towards the end of this essay.) And immediately, he (Mendis) condemns those words in no uncertain terms, but wisely desists from blaming the whole Maha Sangha for any alleged advocacy of ruthless Hitler-like despotism; instead he looks askance at the indecent haste of the ‘intellectuals’ who unleashed an uncalled for blitzkrieg (on the monk) that is far out of all proportion to the target: ‘This kind of politically explosive profanity is usually uttered by politicians themselves – the not uncommon ‘foot-in-mouth’ disease amongst their kind. Not by erudite Buddhist priests during sermons to would-be leaders of the nation – even in the privacy of their homes’. Well said! Mendis does not believe that erudite Buddhist monks would utter words like these (although the venerable prelate in question did as he assumes on the authority of the two ‘intellectuals’). He is also justifiably impatient at the ‘formidable’ intellectuals who mounted devastating attacks on the Anunayake thera ‘the foolhardy Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) men who rounded up and mauled a prowling leopard in Kilinochchi – to intellectually club the Anunayake to pitiful incoherence and silence’. But I don’t agree with Mendis that the Anunayake was reduced ‘to pitiful incoherence and silence’ on account of being misunderstood or misinterpreted; where our nation is concerned, he is a far more authentic intellectual than these uncomprehending and incomprehensible intellectuals. The monk was very coherent and articulate in his attempt to explain himself. Mendis is making too much of the Anunayake’s suspected ignorance about Hitler. I don’t doubt that he knows enough about world history to know that Hitler was a universally hated dictator. However, Mendis is correct about the overreaction of the so-called intellectuals to the monk’s particular remarks. To me, these are some pedants who, for some reason, are or are behaving like pseudo-intellectuals (or mere intellectualists), selfish, coldhearted, and lacking in empathy towards their co-ethnics. Needless to say, the kind of deliberate misrepresentation of the ideas of people that they don’t agree with gravely contradicts their claims to intellectuality.

In the same context, Mendis adds: ‘Not surprisingly, someone exclaimed that it was an attempt at ‘killing a mosquito with a canon’. The last word here is an inadvertent misspelling (not, obviously, a misquote) on the part of Mendis. Though most probably a slip of the pen, it is a significant error. The word used in that quote is not ‘canon’, but ‘cannon’, the first means a general rule or principle by which something is judged, or a list of religious texts as being of the highest authority; the second is a large piece of artillery, a heavy gun mounted on two wheels (especially in ancient times). The error is significant because both these words could be considered relevant in the context implied. Actually, the ‘someone’ that Mendis mentions is none other than myself (the present writer). ‘Killing a mosquito with a cannon’ is the title of an article of mine published in The Island newspaper and in the Lankaweb online journal on June 29, 2018. Mendis implicitly reinforces my critical view of the intellectualists’ attack on the prelate for he says:  ‘Nay, it is more like ‘trying to kill a fly with (a) multi-barrelled rocket launcher’! But his lamenting ‘Poor Anunayake! He has had his day in the sun and on prime-time news for the worst of possible reasons!’ is uncalled for, because the monk did not make any outrageous ‘Hitlerite’ proposal to Gotabhaya, nor was he courting the limelight of media attention.

My article contains the correct English rendering of the Anunayake thera’s Hitler remarks. It is totally different from the version whose authenticity Mendis has taken for granted because it came from some ‘formidable intellectuals’. I have a problem with these intellectuals. The problem is that they don’t pay the same attention to Sinhala that they pay to English. The need for verbal explicitness is less important for spoken language than for written communication because the first enjoys certain advantages that the second doesn’t in making the intended meaning clear. A writer is obliged to find other devices to compensate for that deficit. A speaker uses their tone of voice, facial expressions, shared background knowledge, common cultural assumptions, immediate direct feedback from the listeners, their body language that provides

cues to the speaker to modulate their message so as to present it without ambiguity and without the risk of being misunderstood. The intellectualist commentators with ideological axes to grind have taken the monk’s references to Hitler and military rule out of context. I am reproducing my own translation of those remarks contained in the aforementioned article (‘Killing a mosquito with a cannon’) here with some further clarifications. The monk, Ven Wendaruwe Upali,  never said ‘Be a Hitler. Go with the military and take the leadership of this country’ as the commentators have claimed, (which would have been a seditious suggestion). Instead, this was what the monk said (my translation, with explanatory comments to help the non-Sinhala speaker):

‘You have been called a Hitler. So, what we finally remind you is that you might even become a Hitler (it’s not that we want you to become a Hitler) and rebuild the country. (Loud laughter was heard from the listeners at this point). What the Maha Sangha finally reiterates is that you rebuild this country even by resorting to a military administration (it’s not that we expect you to be a military ruler)’. (It was clear that he referred to these two images as unlikely options in Gotabhaya’s case.) The laughter that greeted the monk’s reference to Hitler was never reported or commented on in the media as far as I know. The guffawing indicated the Rajapaksa brothers’ lighthearted dismissal of the Hitler invocation as a joke. But the reverend monk’s cogent call for a righteous but firm government that will put an end to the present chaos was unlikely to be lost on the listeners to the sermon, and on the common people who subsequently heard it as reported in the media.

Incorrect is also the biased, culturally self-exiled intellectuals’ translation: ‘As the clergy, we feel the country needs a religious leader…’. It is completely wrong. These intellectuals, that Mendis has unfortunately relied on, have given an equally misleading translation of the Sinhala word ‘daehaemi’, ‘adhering to the dhamma’. The correct English word is ‘righteous’, not ‘religious’. As any person with average intelligence knows, the terms ‘righteous’ and ‘religious’ are not synonyms. To say that the country needs a ‘religious leader’ can only mean that the country needs a Buddhist ecclesiastic (a high monk) as ruler! That’s not what the prelate said. The monks are not demanding  that a Buddhist theocracy be established. That such a thing is inconceivable need hardly be stressed. But a false suggestion like that implying an alleged ‘threat of a religio-fascist state’ will be very useful for those who have evil designs on Sri Lanka. The recent conjuring up of the ghost of dead terrorism by a Tamil woman MP and state minister could be an orchestration at least partly inspired by this deliberate misinterpretation of the Anunayake thera’s urgent request to a potential leader of a future Sri Lankan government.

DHARSHAN WEERASEKERA, Attorney-at-Law

I read with amusement an article in The Island of 12^th July 2018 titled, ‘Dons condemn incendiary statements against HRCSL.’ It’s about a letter written by 50 academics condemning the conduct of a number of ex-military officers who had said that academics (or anyone else) found to have supported attempts by certain foreign countries, with the help of the Tamil Diaspora, to compromise the sovereignty of Sri Lanka should be treated as traitors, and if found guilty, hanged.

Today, the sad reality in this country is that academics are doing politics, and when this is pointed out, instead of mending their ways and doing what is traditionally – or perhaps ideally – expected of academics, which is to provide informed and scholarly commentary on issues of national importance, attack the critics, in this case ex-military officers.  As far as I’m concerned, if our fighting-men can’t call a spade a spade, then no one can.

In this article, I shall briefly comment on two key passages in the letter, then explain what I understand by the word ‘treason’ and why in a general sense it may not be entirely wrong for most Sri Lankans, not just ex-military officers, to consider that anyone aiding or abetting the agents of foreign countries to compromise Sri Lanka’s sovereignty ought to be hanged.

POINTS TO CONSIDER IN THE LETTER

I emphasize that, I am relying entirely on the letter as reported in The Island of 12^th July 2018.  Here’s the first passage on which I wish to comment.  The letter says:

‘It has been many months now since a certain group of individuals, led by ex-military personnel, proclaimed before the media that individuals who are supportive of a new Constitution ought to be considered as ‘traitors’ acting against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.  Such individuals, it was further stated, ought to be held accountable for their ‘traitorous’ acts in a court of law and punished with death and that action will be taken against them at a future date when a new political leadership assumes power.’[1]

In respect of the above, I draw the reader’s attention to the following matters:

If by ‘new Constitution’ the 50 academics mean the process that began on 9^th March 2016 with the entire Parliament converting itself into a ‘Constitutional Assembly,’ one must remember that the aforesaid event happened in the backdrop of the Government enjoying a 2/3 majority because 45 SLFP MP’s had joined the UNP to form a ‘National Government,’ something for which the said 45 did not have a mandate from their voters.

Further, Chapter 12 of the Constitution, which sets out the procedure for bringing constitutional amendments does not state anywhere that Parliament can or must turn itself into a ‘Constitutional Assembly’ in order to bring such amendments.

On account of both grounds above, many critics have argued that the constitution-making process launched under the Framework Resolution of 9^th March 2016.  These critics have included former Justice Minister Mr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse and former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva.

It is reasonable to suppose that, when a former Justice Minister and a former Chief Justice say that there’s a fundamental legal problem with a particular course of action being pursued by the Government, regardless of whether they may be correct in such assessment, a responsible Government would take some steps to obtain a definitive legal opinion on the matter, just to be on the safe side.

The Government has the means to obtain such an opinion, for instance, by getting the President to invoke Article 129 and request the Supreme Court for an Advisory Opinion on the matter in question.

To my knowledge, none of the 50 academics who have condemned a number of our ex-military men for allegedly exceeding the bounds of propriety in criticizing those who support the bid to bring a new Constitution have written an article assessing the legality of the constitution-making process.  Neither have they seen fit to publicly call on the President to invoke Article 129 and obtain a definitive ruling on the matter.

Meanwhile, to turn to the ‘Interim Report’ of the Constitutional Steering Committee which was tabled in September 2017 – the report will be the basis for any final Constitutional Proposal if and when such a proposal is ever tabled – it should be noted that one of the key proposals in that report is to delete the term ‘Unitary State’ in Article 2 of the Constitution and replace it with the term ‘aekiya rajyaya/orumiththa nadu.’

The legal effect of such a change will be to turn Sri Lanka into a confederation of the 9 Provinces, with each Province enjoying inter alia a right to unilateral secession.[2]  In short, it will put in place the legal foundation for a future secession by one or more of the Provinces.

I need hardly mention that, the above is happening while the Government is continuing to postpone Provincial Council elections, the best way since the 10^th February Local Government elections for the People to let the Government know what they think of the Government’s performance over the past three years, including the constitution-making process.

Under the circumstances, it would not be surprising if most Sri Lankans, not just ex-military men, consider that persons who support the bid to bring the new Constitution are ‘traitors’ bent on compromising the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country.   In fact, most Sri Lankans would probably say that hanging is too good for such persons!

The second passage on which I wish to comment is the following.   The letter says:

‘Statements such as the above [i.e. alleged statements by the ex-military men that the Chairperson of the HRCSL Dr. Deepika Udagama is unfairly preventing Sri Lankan military personnel from serving in UN peacekeeping missions] are not only threats directed at the life and liberty of the Chairperson of the HRCSL.  They amount to threats leveled at all public officials, academics and citizens of this country who subscribe to political opinions different from those who utter such statements.  These statements, which are of a hateful and defamatory character, amount to threats that endanger human life and personal safety and are thus punishable under the law.’[3]

In respect of the above, I draw the reader’s attention to the following matters:

If what the ex-military men have done is to ask that the law be applied to persons who may be guilty of treason, such a recommendation by itself cannot be considered a ‘threat that endangers human life and personal safety.’  Whether or not someone is guilty of treason is a question of fact and law that a court must ultimately decide.  Recommending that someone be tried for treason doesn’t mean that the trials will necessarily he held, let alone that anyone will be hanged.  So, no one needs to worry.

I am not sure exactly what the head of the HRCSL may have said or done to get the ex-military men in question annoyed at her, but, the general issue involved, if I’m not mistaken, is that numerous academics and NGO’ists in recent years have been claiming that our armed forces are guilty of war crimes.

Generally speaking, charges of war crimes fall into two types:  those leveled against individual soldiers, and those leveled against an armed force as such and by extension the State, i.e. where ‘command responsibility’ is alleged, which ties a particular offence to the chain of command of an army and ultimately the civilian leadership.  The aforesaid academics and NGO’ists are leveling both of these types of charges.

Whether one accuses a particular soldier or the army collectively of war crimes, it goes without saying that the accuser must be able to first substantiate his or her allegations with sufficient evidence.

To the best of my knowledge, soon after the end of the war in May 2009, the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, along with certain reports of the UN Human Rights High Commissioner, recommended that a number of incidents be investigated to see if war crimes had been committed by individual soldiers, and the armed forces promptly launched those investigations. Some of those investigations have now been completed while others may still be continuing.

However, to the best of my knowledge, there are only two reports associated with the UN that leveled a charge of war crimes against the State, i.e. which said that the chain of command of the armed forces plus the civilian leadership that oversaw the war is responsible for such crimes.

The two reports are:  ‘The Report of the Secretary General’s Panel of Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka (POE)’ in 2011; and, ‘The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL)’ in 2015.

Of these two, even the UN has now more or less conceded that the POE is of questionable legality.  That leaves the OISL report as the sole basis for the claim that the Sri Lankan armed forces are collectively responsible for war crimes.  Unfortunately, neither the UN nor the Government ever subjected the OISL report to an official assessment in order to find out if its conclusions followed from its evidence.

To my knowledge, no group of Sri Lankan academics, including the 50 who have signed the letter, have ever carried out such an assessment, nor have I seen any letter by them urging the Government to carry out such an assessment.

To digress a moment, in February 2017, a number of private citizens including myself carried out an assessment of the OISL report, and we found the report to be full of lies, obfuscations, contradictions, and also characterized by a total failure to consider exculpatory evidence.

The report of our findings, titled, ‘A Factual Appraisal of the OISL Report:  A Rebuttal to the Allegations against the Armed Forces,’ was handed over to the UN representative in Sri Lanka, along with the Presidential Secretariat, and also forwarded to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.  We have not had any response to the report so far in spite of repeated inquiries.

Therefore, as per the legal maxim, ‘Qui tacit consentire videtur’ (‘He who is silent appears to consent’) we have concluded that the aforesaid institutions have now accepted the analysis an conclusions of our report, and have formally notified them of this.  Hence, as far as I’m aware, there is at present no rational basis for anyone to keep claiming that the Sri Lankan armed forces are collectively responsible for war crimes.

Under the circumstances, if Dr. Udagama or anyone else argues that Sri Lankan armed forces personnel ought not to be given an opportunity to participate in UN peacekeeping missions because of allegations that the armed forces are collectively responsible for war crimes, (I’m not saying this is their argument but if it is) then not just ex-military men but any citizen of Sri Lanka can demand that Udagama et al show evidence for their claims, and if they can’t, hold them accountable for such failure.

TREASON

The constraints of time prevent me from discussing the above topic in the detail it deserves, but in general, ‘treason’ is understood as the waging of war against one’s country or helping the enemies of one’s country to wage war against it.  It is an offence under Section 114 of the Penal Code, and the punishment if found guilty is death.

It is also generally understood that, a person can commit treason only during a time of war, so normally persons who promote or advocate policies that can arguably be helpful to a country’s enemies cannot be considered as having committed treason, unless the aforesaid acts are done during a time of war.

However, when our Penal Code was written in the mid 1880’s, the country had not experienced Tamil Separatism, or the related terrorism.  We also did not have a Constitution that explicitly vests the sovereignty of the country in the People.  In my view, it may be possible given the realities of today that an act that compromises the sovereignty of the country even at a time when the country is not at war can be interpreted as an attack on the People and therefore by definition an act of war.

The whole thing will depend on the courts.  Interested parties can file an experimental case and see what happens.  The point is this.  I doubt that the Sinhalas when they take power will have the time to go after ‘small fry’ academics and NGO’ists for what the latter may have done in the past few years.  The Sinhalas will be too busy pulling the country out of the social, political and constitutional abyss into which the present Government has pushed it since coming to power in 2015.

However, academics and NGO’ists will do well remember that rights always go hand in hand with responsibilities.  If certain academics and NGO’ists have been in the habit of overtly or tacitly helping the cause of the Tamil separatists, and this includes helping to push a new Constitution that seeks to turn Sri Lanka into an ‘orumiththa nadu,’ they must know that they can be asked to account for their actions.

[1] ‘Dons condemn incendiary statements against HRCSL,’ The Island, 12^th July 2018

[2] See for instance my articles, ‘The Interim Report of the Constitutional Steering Committee of Sri Lanka:  A Brief Analysis, parts 1, 2 and 3’ published in www.lankaweb.com in early April and May 2018

[3] ‘Dons condemn incendiary statements against HRCSL,’ The Island, 12^th July 2018

වෛද්‍ය රුවන් එම් ජයතුංග 

මෙම අර්බුධය උත්සන්න වෙමින් පවතින විටදී කරාපිටිය ශික්‍ෂණ රෝහලේ ළමා රෝග විශේෂඥ වෛද්‍ය මහාචාර්‍ය සුජීව අමරසේන මහතා ගේ මෝටර්  රථයට පහරදී අලාභ හාණි කරනු ලැබීය​. ඔහුට නොකඩවා මරණීය තර්ජන දුරකථන මාර්ගයෙන් එල්ල කරන ලදි. තවද වේලාහෙට්ටි නම් සිසුවෙක්  සුජීව අමරසේන මහතා ඝාතනය කිරීම සඳහා කුමන්ත්‍රණයක් දියත් කල බවත් පසුව එය අසාර්ථක වූ බවත් ගාල්ල  නගරයේ  ව්‍යාපාරිකයෙකු පවසයි. 

අමරසේන මහතා පවසන පරිදි නඩුව අවසානයේදී චූදිතයන්ට වෛද්‍ය පීඨය තුලදී ගුරුවරුන් ගෙන් සමාව ගැනීමටත්, වාහනයට කළ අලාබය නිසා රුපියල් 170000 මුදලක් ගෙවීමටත් පහර කන ලද හෙදියන් සඳහා එක් හෙදියෙකුට රුපියල් 5000 බැගින් ගෙවීමට සිදු වූ බවත් පවසයි. සියළුම චූදිතයන් සති දෙකට රිමාන්ඩ් කරනු ලැබීය . නඩුව වසර හතක් අසන ලදි.  

මහාචාර්‍ය සුජීව අමරසේන මහතා පෙන්වා දෙන පරිදි එම් .වී .ප්‍රියංකා නම් ගැබිණි හෙදියට පා පහර දෙන ලද්දේ මාරයා යන අන්වර්ථ නාමයෙන් හඳුන්වන ලද ලලිත් පෙරේරා නම් සිසුවෙකි. ඔහු 22 කණ්ඩායමේ සිසුවෙකු විය​.  හෙදියන්ට පහර දීමට ක්‍රියා කල තවත් සිසුවෙකු වූ අමරසේකර  නම් තැනැත්තා පසු කාලයක මොලයේ පිළිකාවක් නිසා මිය ගියේය​. ඔහුගේ පියා බලපිටිය රේවත විද්‍යාලයේ හිටපු විදුහල්පතිවරයෙකි. ඔහුගෙන් පහර කෑ එක් හෙදියක් මෙම අමරසේකර  නම් සිසුවාව හඳුනා ගත්තද ඔහුට එරෙහිව සාක්කි දුන්නේ නැත​. හේතුව ඇය අමරසේකර ගේ පියාගේ සිසුවියක වීම නිසාය​.  මේ නඩුව නිසා කේ.ජී.ඒ කුමාර නම් සිසුවා අධ්‍යනය වසරකින්  පහත ගියේය​.  

මෙම නඩුව ගැන අදහස් දැක්වූ වෛද්‍ය ඉඳුනිල් විජේනායක නොහොත් WGID කුමාර මෙසේ කියයි 

” මම ගිය අවුරුද්දේ ලංකාවට ගියාම මට හම්බ උනා වෛද්‍ය පීඨයේ පර​ණසිකියුරිටි මහත්මයෙක් . එයා ඇවිත් මම එක්ක කතාකලා. පස්සෙ මම එයාට  කිව්ව ඔයා මම නර්ස්ලට ගහනව දැක්ක කියල සාක්ෂි දුන්න මතකද ? කියල. එයා කිව්ව පිස්සුද  මහත්තය මම තාම මූනුවලින් දන්නෙ නෑ මම සාක්ෂි වල දීපු අයගෙ නම්. අපි රස්සාව බේර ගන්න එයාල දෙන නමක් පොතේ ලියනව කියල. මට හිතෙනව එයා මම කියන තුරු දන්නෙ නෑ ඒක. විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ඉන්ක්වයරි වලදි එයාල කවදාවත් ඉඩ දෙන්නෙ නෑ සාක්ෂිකාරයො cross questioning කරන්න. ඒක ස්වාභාවික යුක්තියට පටහැනියි. එයාල එහෙම කරන්න ඉඩ නොදෙන්නෙ තමන්ට ඕන අයව දඩයම් කරන්න පාර ඇර ගන්න.  කැම්පස් වල උන් දන්නව සික්කොන්ට දෙන නම් ටික උන් දෙන්නෙ කියල. පරිපාලනේ මගේ නම දැම්මෙ W G I D kumara කියල රිජිස්ට්‍රෙෂන් එකේ තියන විදියටඔය සික්කො එකෙක්වත් මගේ නම කුමාර කියල දන්නෙ නෑ තාමත්. උන් දන්නෙ මම ඉදුනිල් කියල……… සුසිරිත් (මහාචාර්‍ය සුසිරිත් මෙන්ඩිස්)  කියන්නේ  අපරිණත පරිපාලකයෙක්. සිසුන්ගෙ පීඩනය තේරුම් ගැනීමට පරිපාලන බුද්ධියක්  ඔහුට තිබ්බෙ නෑ. කැන්ටිමට පුටුවක් මේසයක්.ඉල්ලුවත් ඔහු හිතුවේ ජේවීපී උවමනාව කියල. ලමයින්ට පාඩම් තැනක් ඉල්ලුවම ඔහු හිතුවෙ පෝස්ටර් අදින්න තැනක් ඉල්ලනව කියල. ඔහු ෆ්ලෙක්සිබල් පරිපාලකයෙක් උනේ නෑ.කිසිම දවසක ඔහුට බැරි උනා ශිෂ්‍ය නියෝජිතයො නියෝජනය කලේ පොදු ශිෂ්‍ය මතය කියල තේරුම් ගන්න.මම හිටිය කාලේ  ඩීන් හිටියෙ එයා. මුකුත් ලමයින්ට නොදුන්නත් මම එක්ක පුද්ගලික ගැටුමක් එයාට තිබුන කියල මම හිතන්නෙ නෑ.  ඔය සිද්දිය වෙනකම් එහෙම එකක් තිබ්බ කියල. හැබැයි එයා හිතුව  ඕකට ලමයි විරුද්ද් උනේ අපේ උවමනාවට කියල……  

මෙම අර්බුධය පිලිබඳව මහාචාර්‍ය සුසිරිත් මෙන්ඩිස් ගේ භූමිකාව පැහැදිළි කර ගනු වස් මම ඔහුට පණිවිඩ කීපයක් දුන්නද මහාචාර්‍ය  මෙන්ඩිස් නිහඞ වූවා මිසක පිලිතුරක් දුන්නේ නැත. එසේම මෙම පහරදීමේ සිද්ධිය නිසා නීතිය හමුවට ගෙන එන ලද දැනට විශේෂඥ වෛද්‍යවරයෙකු ලෙස කටයුතු කරන සාරද කන්නංගර මහතා ගෙන් ප්‍රකාශයක් ගැනිමට මා උත්සහ කෙරුවද ඔහුද මට පිළිතුරක් දුන්නේ නැත​. 

මෙම අවාසනාවන්ත සිද්ධිය විග්‍රහ කල බැලීමේදී  පෙනී යන්නේ සරසවි සිසු ත්‍රස්තවාදය , අන්තවාදී සිසු සංවිධාන , අපරිණත සහ දඩයම් මානසිකත්වයෙන් යුතු පරිපාලනය , අවස්ථාවාදී වෘත්තීය සංගම් විසින් මෙම අර්බුධය ඇති කල බවයි. 

රුහුණ විශ්ව විද්‍යාලයේ කරාපිටිය වෛද්‍ය පීඨයේදී හෙදියන්ට පහර දීමේ සිද්ධිය වෛද්‍ය පීඨය ලත් විශාල කැළලක් මෙන්ම අපකීර්තියක්ද වන්නේය​. මෙම සිද්ධිය සඳහා චෝදනා ලද වෛද්‍ය සිසුන් බොහෝ දෙනෙකු අද වෛද්‍යවරුන් ලෙස සේවය කරති. ඔවුන් බොහෝ දෙනෙකු මේ වන විට අන්තවාදී මානසිකත්වයකින් බැහැරවී සිටින බව පෙනෙන්නට තිබේ.  එය සතුටට කරුණකි. 

අවසාන වශයෙන් කිව යුත්තේ මෙවැනි අවාසනාවන්ත සිදුවීම් ඉදිරි කාලයේ සිදු නොවීම සඳහා කරාපිටිය සිදුවීම සෑම දෙනෙකුටම පාඩමක් වන බවයි.  තවද කරාපිටිය කළු පැල්ලම වර්තමාන සරසවි සිසුන්ටද පණිවිඩයක් දෙයි. එනම් ඔබ විසින් සරසවි ජීවිතයේදී යම් අකටයුත්තක් සිදු කලහොත් එය වසර දහයකට හෝ විස්සකට පසුවද ඔබව හඹාගෙන එයි.  

වෛද්‍ය රුවන් එම් ජයතුංග 

(සංවාදයට විවෘතයි. තමන් ගේ නියම අනන්‍යතාවය  හරහා අදහස් දැක්විය හැක ) 

කරාපිටිය වෛද්‍ය පීඨයේදී හෙදියන්ට පහර දීමේ සිද්ධිය (පළමු කොටස​)  ලින්කුව  :https://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2018/07/08/%E0%B6%9A%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%A7%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%BA-%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%9B%E0%B6%AF%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BA-%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%93%E0%B6%A8%E0%B6%BA%E0%B7%9A%E0%B6%AF%E0%B7%93/

කරාපිටිය වෛද්‍ය පීඨයේදී හෙදියන්ට පහර දීමේ සිද්ධිය (දෙවන කොටස​) ලින්කුව : https://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2018/07/10/%E0%B6%9A%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%A7%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%BA-%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%9B%E0%B6%AF%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BA-%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%93%E0%B6%A8%E0%B6%BA%E0%B7%9A%E0%B6%AF%E0%B7%93-2/

Economist Richard Wolff discusses the coming economic collapse of the United States of America.

https://youtu.be/0i1T72jfoWA

Editorial Monday 16th July, 2018 Courtesy The Island

July 15, 2018, 10:50 pm
Doctors have threatened to stop performing heart surgeries, at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital (KTH), owing to a defect in the airconditioning system, as we reported the other day. An intensive care unit has been seriously affected by the defective AC plant, with patients dying of infections.

The critical importance of post-surgical care cannot be overemphasised. Why Dr. Namal Gamage, a respected cardiothoracic surgeon, and his team have decided to stop heart surgeries, unless the airconditioning problem is sorted out, is understandable. Patients’s lives must not be endangered by keeping them in an infected ICU.

The yahapalana government has launched an ambitious development drive, obviously, in view of the next elections, having suffered a crushing electoral defeat a few moons ago. It claims that it has funds for that purpose while squeezing the hapless public dry by means of the newly passed draconian tax laws, which have not spared even the savings accounts of children and senior citizens.

How can a government which is not capable of fixing at least an airconditioner in a cardiac ICU of a vital hospital expect the public to take its much-advertised development programme seriously? Before trying to bribe the public with their own money by way of a politically motivated development drive, shouldn’t the government get its priorities right and take action to save the lives of needy people like the heart patients at the KTH?

What if the airconditioning system at Parliament develops a fault? It will be fixed in next to no time and, perhaps, the maintenance staff interdicted. Besides, billions of rupees have been allocated, since the 2015 regime change, for buying the whole bunch of useless ministers luxury vehicles and repairing their official residences. The government has also spent millions of rupees as rent on a building which was not used. The yahapalana leaders during their presidential and parliamentary election campaigns vowed to curtail wasteful state expenditure and corruption and use the funds so saved to grant relief to the public and develop the country. But, the country has come to such a pass that heart patients are dying due to lack of proper airconditioning, with their woeful appeals falling on the stony deaf ears of the yahapalana leaders.

It is being claimed in some quarters that the delay in fixing the KTH airconditioner is due to bureaucratic red tape, which is the bane of the public service. Why is it that such problems are conspicuous by their absence when it comes to feathering politicians’ nests? There are no delays in repairing the President’s House, Temple Trees and the Opposition Leader’s official residence? Why can’t the government act so efficiently in effecting repairs to the state-run hospitals as well?

Surely, the government is capable of cutting through the bureaucratic red tape if it chooses to, as we have seen on several occasions. President Maithripala usually issues executive orders, in disaster situations, that rules and regulations be disregarded in providing relief to victims expeditiously. He has had to do so because state officials are notorious for dragging their feet on virtually anything, trotting out various excuses. (However, the presidential orders, at issue, usually do not yield the desired results. The victims of the Salawa armoury blast and the Meethotamulla landfill collapse are still demanding compensation.) Either the President or the Prime Minister or the Health Minister should make an intervention for the sake of the patients waiting to undergo heart surgeries at the KTH.

By Suwatchai Songwanich CEO, Bangkok Bank (China) Courtesy The Nation

China’s investments in deep-sea ports in Myanmar and Cambodia will provide critical links in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), but there are also concerns that they could give China undue economic leverage in the region.

By Wang Se Source:Global Times

Recently, some Western media outlets have accused China of using debt trap to expand its influence to Sri Lanka and other countries along the Belt and Road route. They allege that China lures countries of strategic significance into the debt trap by giving them huge loans and then taking over infrastructural projects there after these less developed countries cannot afford to repay the debts. Indian scholar Brahma Chellaney described it as debt-trap diplomacy. But is it really the case?

To begin with, China has no intention of trapping other countries with debts. In developing the Hambantota Port, China has been following the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, and Sri Lanka has been taking the initiative on construction of the port all the time.

Elected in 2005, former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa promised to develop Hambantota Port. But given scarce finances, Sri Lanka turned to China after its request was turned down by India. Beijing agreed to offer loans considering the long-term friendship between the two countries and Colombo’s call for development. Western media’s hype of China’s “conspiracy” is baseless.

Before the deal was inked in July 2017 to hand over the port to Chinese firms, China was participating in the construction and hadn’t been involved in the port’s management. The losses are a result of Sri Lanka’s political instability and inability to deliver. China is unwilling to see the losses, which would only raise the risks of Sri Lanka breaking the contract.

Moreover, China cannot be blamed for Sri Lanka’s debt quagmire. Government debt to GDP in Sri Lanka averaged 69.69 percent from 1950 until 2017. This is rooted in the country’s financial deficit – triggered by low revenues and huge welfare costs. In 2016, Sri Lanka’s financial deficit accounted for 5.4 percent of its GDP. Hence, the government had to borrow money.

Since April this year, Sri Lankan government has launched tax reforms to generate more income. According to official figures, Sri Lanka owed China $2.87 billion in 2017, which is only 10 percent of the country’s foreign debt. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s debt to Japan reached 12 percent of its total. Why does the West not blame Japan for Sri Lanka’s debt problem? Western countries have double standards in viewing China’s loans to other developing countries.

Western media holds pessimistic views on the economic prospects of the Hambantota Port. In fact, the port has huge potential, which if fully tapped would bring promising economic returns to Sri Lanka. After taking over the port, China has been establishing industrial parks and developing infrastructure so as to draw more investments. This will bring economic benefits to the port. While China can take advantage of the port to strengthen economic ties with South Asian countries, the facility can help Sri Lanka boost exports, provide more jobs to local people and generate higher tax revenues. This reflects the Belt and Road initiative’s purpose of mutual benefit.

For developing countries, debt is not an absolute monster. It can boost economic growth if used properly. China’s loans can help recipient countries address financial problems and boost foreign exchange reserves. China will continue to cooperate with Sri Lanka and other countries along the Belt and Road route and create more favorable conditions for their development.

The author is an assistant research fellow at the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

Courtesy Xinhua

KAMALIKA PIERIS

REVISED 14.7.18

The Government of Sri Lanka defeated the LTTE in Eelam war IV on 18th May 2009. There was a spontaneous outpouring of joy at the crushing defeat of the ‘invincible army’. People showed their joy island wide. The entire island erupted in jubilation.  On 22nd May an estimated 150,000 people converged on Colombo for a mass celebration. They came from all parts of the country, including remote villages. Senior citizens, toddlers and   disabled persons took part in the celebrations.

President Rajapakse held a banquet for the officers of the armed forces. Journalists who had reported on the war were felicitated by the Thunhela National Movement. There was all night pirit at Sri Lanka embassy in Moscow, to invoke blessings on President, government, citizens and the war heroes. Monks were conducted to the venue in a colorful perahera.

The victory celebrations had started well before the war ended in May 2009. The public watched the war closely on the website run by the Defence ministry. When Kilinochchi, the headquarters of the LTTE fell on 2nd January, the website received 13 million hits within a few hours, the highest number of hits ever received by a locally hosted website. The public knew the importance of Kilinochchi.There were firecrackers throughout the country. The loudest crackers I heard at my home were for Kilinochchi.

Three days later, citizens across the country hoisted national flags and observed two minutes silence for the fallen heroes of Kilinochchi. A large crowd including Buddhist monks, gathered as the entrance to Parliament to praise the security forces for taking Kilinochchi. In Akuressa town, they celebrated with kiribath made of 500 kilos of rice.

In Nuwara Eliya they gathered in the town, chanted slogans praising the soldiers, let off a 150 meter line of fire crackers and listened to the Maha sangha at the Post Office. In all state schools pupils observed two minutes silence.  In Kandy, teachers and pupils went in procession along Dalada veediya and gathered before the Dalada Maligawa. Academic and non academic staff of University of Peradeniya observed two minutes silence. Unichela garment factory workers at Pannala   sang the national anthem and observed two minutes silence for Kilinochchi.

Durand Appuhamy observed that the victory celebrations in May 2009 were spontaneous. The sense of liberation and gratitude was so overwhelming that it needed spontaneous celebrations, with dansalas and kiribath at street parties, he said. It was an instinctive appreciation of the work of the armed forces. Why should one restrain such joy?  Why people cannot give vent to their emotions in a positive way, he asked.

N.A. de S Amaratunga said Sinhala nationalism has a history of self preservation rather than aggression.  It is this sense of nationalism that is on display in the celebrations, ‘resisting successfully everything that Tami separatism could throw at it locally and internationally’.

Nalin de Silva observed that Eelam War IV was undoubtedly a great victory. The government of a small country had defeated a terrorist outfit supported and

sponsored by the western powers. Col. C.R.Hariharan said LTTE has been outwitted, out-gunned and out-strategized by the Sri Lanka army, this must be accepted.

Dayan Jayatilleke said that by defeating the Tigers so completely and utterly, Sri Lanka and its armed forces made a contribution to regional and global security. ‘We have got

precious little thanks for making the region a little safer’ he added. Gotabhaya Rajapakse suggested that other countries facing terrorism should follow Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka had shown that terrorism could be defeated.

As soon as the war ended Ananda College, Royal College, and Thurstan College, Colombo had ceremonies to honor past pupils who fell in the war. Before that Thurstan College had commemorated their war heroes with a monument on 11.1. 2009. The newspaper carried photos of those who had fallen in war.

Ananda College proudly noted that in Eelam War IV, the secretary of Defence, Gotabhaya Rajapakse, Army commander Sarath Fonseka, Navy commander Wasantha Karannagoda, Civil Defence force director, Sarath Weerasekera and the commanders of the 53, 55, 57, and 59 brigades were from Ananda. The name of all old Ananda war heroes are inscribing the war memorial erected at school premises.

The Eelam victory continued to be remembered. In 2014 the Sri Lanka Consulate in Sydney, Australia honored the army for liberating Sri Lanka. Colonel Atureliya who delivered the Ranaviru commemoration speech said that their victory would not have been possible if not for the brave soldiers. They must never forget the heroic sons and daughters who laid down their lives. One has to live in the precincts of war, hear the explosions see the carnage, hear the cries of the injured, see human flesh dangling from heights, brains scattered, the damage to property, the sirens of ambulances to understand what it was like. ’

When Ananda celebrated its 125th anniversary, in Nov 2011, mention was again made of the ‘erudite and patriotic citizens produced by Ananda and the thousands of heroes to the armed forces who fought in 2009.  In 2013 Nalanda Vidyalaya OBA had a commemoration ceremony for its war heroes.

Sinharaja Tammita Delgoda said one of the most strking things about Eelam War IV was the chorus of derision and condemnation in which the operation was conducted. No other fighting force had faced this kind of ridicule during a campaign. Bogollagama noted that the war was fought in an unhelpful and hostile background.  The army was winning, but it was publicly ridiculed by a section of the political elite.  But this did not deter the armed forces. They were determined to win.

Certain sections of the media supported Eelam. They said that LTTE could not be militarily defeated, the army could not hold liberated areas, and the ‘international community’ would not allow the government to defeat the LTTE. The Eelam war was categorized as an unwinnable war.  The media protested when INGOs, NGOs, and UN agencies were asked to leave LTTE held territory and alleged that the Sri Lanka Air Force had used cluster ammunition and had targeted civilians including schools. ‘It was a shock to them that the LTTE was defeated on its own territory,’

On May 18, 2009, Sri Lanka ended the decades long civil war. The day after, May 19, was celebrated as Victory Day” and marked with military parades. The celebrations of the first victory day were presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose government won the war. There were annual victory day celebrations thereafter, in the month of May.  From 2010-2013 they were held at Galle Face, Colombo. In 2014 and 2015, at Matara . In 2016 and 2017, under Yahapalana at the headquarters of the Armed Forces, Battaramulla. Addressing victory day celebration at Matara, in 2014 President said the celebrating this great victory is a duty of a grateful nation. Freedom was bought through the sacrifice of thousands of lives.

‘Victory Day’ in Sri Lanka  however, was seen as an expression of ‘Sinhala triumphalism’. The victory celebrations in 2009 and after were criticised as ‘triumphalism’. Kumar David titled his weekly essay ‘Sinhala nationalism’s triumphal moment.’’ Sri Lanka was asked not to engage in triumphalism. Eelamists were upset about Sinhala ‘triumphalism’ because the LTTE lost, said anti-Eelamists. ‘In their despair, they are arbitrarily pinning on the Sinhalese a non-existent ‘triumphalism’. Among the Eelamists, there was open resentment of what they called Sinhala triumphalism. Tamils felt conquered, observed Shamindra Ferdinando. They were not prepared to accept the defeat.

Anti-Eelamists pointed out that the Eelamists had also shown ‘triumphalism’ whenever the LTTE won. ‘When they bombed Central Bank the LTTE were jubilant, in ecstatic mood, said naval officer Boyagoda who had been a prisoner in Jaffna at the time. It was one of the most successful and symbolically significant attacks the LTTE had ever made.

Then came the Mullaitivu debacle. As usual our jailer looked happy and told us the story, said Boyagoda. The Tigers had completely destroyed the military camp at Mullaitivu, 1200 government troops were killed. When something good happened they were ready to talk, when there were reversals they moody and monosyllabic, such as the Welioya incident where the Tigers were killed.

The victory monuments erected to mark significant battles, such as Muhamalai, and heroic deeds such as that of the Hasalaka hero, were also interpreted as ‘triumphalism’. Channel Four said ‘nothing so describes the arrogance of power as the vast and brutal war memorials celebrating the defeat of the Tamil Tigers, boasting of the army’s heroism and patriotism in defeating what they call the Terrorists”

This ‘Sinhala triumphalism’ was viewed with great concern by the Tamil seperaist movment. It showed a strengthening of Sinhala resistance to their bogus separatist claims.  Therefore, they got it included in the two UN reports that inquired into war crimes in Sri Lanka. ‘The Government celebrated its military victory in a triumphalist way’ said the OISL Report (2015).

There were several issues, which if left un-addressed will hamper future peace, said the Darusman Report (2011). Most notably, these include triumphalism on the part of the Government  expressed through its discourse on the means and will to defeat “terrorism”, and thus end Tamil aspirations for political, autonomy and recognition, and its denial regarding the human cost of its military strategy, by which they mean ‘war crimes’.”

‘Victory Day’ celebrations were opposed by those who supported Eelam. They questioned the annual Victory Parade. President Rajapaksa observed in 2011 ‘some of our opponents critique us for celebrating Sri Lanka’s victory over terrorism. They don’t want us to hold military parades, they allege we are exploiting the war victory for political gain and they demand that we stop recalling war victory’.

What is wrong with a Victory Day,   asked the anti-Eelamists. Victory days are celebrated all over the world to ensure that memories of a just struggle are not forgotten. Russia  annually celebrates its victory over Nazi Germany.  World War II Victory Day was still celebrated in Europe said analysts. No one speaks of triumphalism regarding these events. The Eelamists replied that WWII is commemorated because it was a war between sovereign states, but the Eelam is a ‘home and home quarrel’ and should be forgotten as soon as it is over.

In 2010 Tamil National Alliance wanted the Tamils to mourn Victory day, as a day of catastrophe”, a day of mass murder, genocide. Dayan Jayatilleke said that victory day was just that, it was ‘victory day’. It cannot be also a day of mourning. It commemorates a historically significant triumph over a cruel foe. The heroism the armed forces and our citizens who did not capitulate to terrorism and separatism. It celebrates the spirit of resistance of our nation. It salutes the memory of the service of the soldier sailors and airmen and their families. It was a glorious day of liberation and reunification of a divide state. It must stand alone.

Those who couldn’t stomach Sri Lanka’s victory over the LTTE resorted to various tactics to undermine the victory. Priyan Dias queried whether there is a need for rewards and punishments after a war. ‘One has to weep genuinely for the fallen enemies’.  Don’t the defeated have the right to mourn their dead? The north has a right to mourn their war heroes and even commemorate them as the government does in the south. It was implied that Eelam was legitimate and the Sri Lanka army should not be in the north. Also that the May 2009 victory was not a genuine victory. It was a spurious victory.  It was a victory full of war crimes.

Canada in 2014 demanded the cancellation of the victory parade, on behalf of all those, who had been pursuing war crimes allegations, against the Sri Lankan military. Sri Lanka quite rightly rejected this as blatant Canadian interference in purely a domestic matter, said Shamindra.

Canada then declared that it would not attend the victory parade. Canadian High Commissioner in Colombo, sent a strongly worded statement, saying that five years after the end of the conflict, the time has arrived for Sri Lanka to move past wartime discourse and to start working seriously towards reconciliation. Canada has encouraged the Government of Sri Lanka to retire its annual Victory Day Parade, which perpetuates roles of victors and vanquished within the country, for a day of remembrance for all those who suffered as a result of the conflict.

The Yahapalana government, being a puppet government, agreed with this line of thought and promptly cancelled the Victory Day parade. The parade was converted to a remembrance day for both sides, GOSL and LTTE. The 18 of May 2015 will be commemorated by all as a turning point, Yahapalana said.

Yahapalana celebrated Remembrance Day at Battaramulla. The move from Colombo and Matara to Battaramulla, a suburb of Colombo indicated a desire to downplay the event, and perhaps eliminate it altogether, thus erasing the victory completely. However, the ‘Pohottu’ victory of February 2018 put an end to this plan. The Victory celebrations   were resumed.

The 2018 National War Heroes Day celebration was at the War Heroes Memorial opposite the parliamentary complex. President Maitripala Sirisena tweeted, expresses his deepest gratitude to all Sri Lankan war heroes on this National War Heroes Commemoration Day”.Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted saying nine years ago, Sri Lanka became free from the terrorism of the LTTE and says we must remember and honour the brave members of our military and their families who sacrificed so much for us to be able to live in peace”.

Events were organized in many other places to mark this event. A special event took place at Gajaba Regimental Centre Army Camp in Saliyapura, Anuradhapura to remember the war heroes. The event took place under the auspices of Major General Shavendra Silva.Another event to remember those killed in the fighting took place in Wellamullivaikkal, Mullaitivu. The event saw the participation of students from University of Jaffna, Northern Province Chief Minister and several other politicians.The 58th Division of the Sri Lanka Army provided refreshments through a Dansala to the people who attended this event. MP Wimal Weerawansa presided over a remembrance event at Panaduwa Malamulla War Heroes Memorial. . Victory Day was back.

‘Sinhala triumphalism’ did not pop up overnight. There was a long history behind it. The progress of the war was watched carefully and the achievements of the   armed forces were celebrated well before the final victory. In 2007 residents of Siriwardene Road, Dehiwela, Colombo felicitated the armed forces at a ceremony. They had made arrangements to donate crutches to disabled solders.

There was long standing opposition to the LTTE. In 2010 a group of Sirasa employees had contacted Island after Sirasa management declined to report the LTTE seizure of a stock of relief items collected by the media to be distributed among people affected by the Tsunami.

A large cross section of Sri Lankans from all walks of life demonstrated before Houses of Parliament, London in 2007 against the British MPs who had formed a group all the All Parliamentary Group of Tamils (APPGT). The protest was organized by the ‘Action group on Sri Lanka –UK’. In the same year, Sri Lankans in Italy with support of Italian Buddhists staged an anti-LTTE demonstration in Sicily. In 2008 a group of Buddhist monks handed over a petition to the Indian High Commission, Colombo, asking the Government of India not to interfere with the ongoing military campaign.

There was support for the war from persons outside the military. Several  medical specialists from Colombo , including Drs. Roshnara Gunaratne, Michael and Kamalika Abeyratne, Narendra and Hiranthi Wijemanne  and Mohan de Silva   had offered to come and treat the wounded in Vadamarachchi operation. 1987. Consultant anesthetist Dr. B.S. Perera    returned to Sri Lanka from Australia in 1994 and worked at the Military hospital from 1997 to 2000 and donated his full remuneration to the National Defence Fund and the Kobbekaduwa Trust Fund.

In 2008 Tamara Nilkanthi Katuwawela donated one lakh to Ministry of Defense to help with the war. The money was initially for her parent’s trip to India, but they decided to donate the money to this cause. In the same year, the father and family members of Gajaba regiment Lance corporal Indika Pathmaruwan Gamage who died in action, at Mavil Aru, donated 3 lakhs to the ‘Api wenuwen Api’ fund.

In 2009 a prison inmate named Sita Kumarihamy had won first prise of Rs. 20,000 for her poem in an all island poetry competition and she had donated it to the Ranaviru seva authority for the welfare of war heroes.  In 2013 the parents of Lt Commander Prabath Jayawardene who died in action, donated one acre land in Ja-ela to the navy who built 23 houses in it for married naval officers.

The desire to fight was not confined to the army. In 2007 two bhikkshus, Ven Halloluwe Vijitha and Ven Bambarande Gnananda gave up robes and joined the army.  In 2008 young men and women in Buttala and Tanamalvila volunteered to join the Civil Defence Force in Monaragala district to provide security to the civilians of villages and assist in tracking down the LTTE cadres who blew up a bus and attacked villages in the district.   Two minor employees of Sri Lanka Ports Authority detected two frogmen carrying explosives near the Jaya container Terminal. They alerted authorities and prevented an attack on Colombo Port in 1996. .

‘Sinhala triumphalism’ had something else to be triumphant about, the Sri Lanka army’s epic hostage rescue. This is considered a feat of heroism and dedication. At the final stage of Eelam War IV the Sri Lanka army rescued a huge number of hostages held by the LTTE .The Defence Ministry called it the world’s largest hostage rescue mission. This rescue started in April, 2009 and ended in May 2009. Around 300,000 civilians were rescued.

This magnificent rescue has not been given the recognition it deserves. Sarath Amunugama commented that more publicity should have been given to this heroic rescue operation, particularly the operation at Puthumathalan at the final stage.  our forces were able to cross the Nanthikadal lagoon, take the opposite bank, go past the man groves, reach the bund and allow those forcibly held by the LTTE to cross over. The hostages came streaming out. ‘It was like hitting a ‘meevadaya’.

Can any other country boast of a comparable rescue, concerned observers asked. ‘Why is Sri Lanka army’s epic hostage rescue ignored.  Foreign military officers who attended the international seminar ‘Defeating terrorism, Sri Lanka experience’ in 2012, said that Sri Lanka armed forces were among the best in the world specially considering the way they handled this hostage operation.

‘We are being asked how we created a humane soldier’ said Army Commander Ratnayake. ’ It is not military training. It is our culture. In battle, you see the worst and best sides of a person. Our soldiers are well balanced. They can fight battles of high intensity and then turn to gently helping the elderly or feeble.’ He concluded ‘I do not think this is possible for the western soldier. Our soldiers are unique in that respect.’

LTTE delayed its defeat for four months, by hiding behind 200,000 Tamils as hostages. They took these hostages first to Mulangavil, then Kilinochchi, Dharmapuram, Vishvamadu and finally Puthumathalan from where they were rescued by the army. At Puthumathalan, the troops had infiltrated LTTE held positions along about one km long stretch and then fought their way out to clear a path for civilians to escape.

The army prepared carefully for the rescue operation. One unit was to cross the lagoon, while other units captured a three kilometer long earth bund on the banks of the lagoon. They were to launch their operations from three directions, then link up. The divisions rehearsed about 30 times, including at night, with emphasis on crossing the lagoon.

Commando and Special Forces carried out several deception drills and targeted the weakest section of the earth bund. The Infantry   dug trenches in the No fire Zone, crawled in and waited for orders. The army crossed the lagoon at midnight of April 20, 2009 using rafts built of local material. They suffered casualties but still crossed the lagoon. Thereafter, the Commandos attacked from one side, Special Forces from another side and the rest of the army infiltrated in between. The intention was to confuse the LTTE, so that a safe route could be opened for civilians to cross the lagoon.

An officer recalled that opening the safe route was like hitting a ‘meevadaya’. Before the day was over, army had rescued around 80,000 civilians including the parents of Prabhakaran and Daya Master. By following morning 174,564 more had come in. The 58 division set up about 40 points to welcome civilians. Hundreds of LTTE cadres had dropped their weapons and joined the large crowd fleeing across the lagoon. The LTTE had fired heavy machine guns at the fleeing civilians. When the civilians stepped into the lagoon to avoid the gunfire, three LTTE cadres ran to them and exploded themselves”.

When the heavily mined LTTE embankments were opened up, the hostages came streaming into the army lines for safety. We saw this on television. We also saw how the soldiers compassionately carried across the hostages who could not walk and helped others who could.  The civilians were then counted, registered and taken to the shelters prepared for them. They were not abandoned. The army looked after them.

Influx was 80,000 people on first day and 100,000 in the week that followed.  Government took all government schools and institutions in Vavuniya district with large buildings and      accommodated IDPs in 28 centers. And then transferred them to Menik Farm. Menik Farm was selected   as the main center. it was only 22 km away from Vavuniya town. 85-100 acres of Menik farm was cleared for the purpose. IDPs were processed and accommodated.  families were kept together as far as possible.

The refugees had to be provided with food, and shelter, and medical attention. the Sri Lanka armed forces took the lead role in this emergency humanitarian effort.    They were transported to safe areas, with 5-7 days.

Government took responsibility for the management of the welfare villages and took full control over all activities. The contribution of the Sri Lanka army in overall management supervision and maintenance of security has been a major contributory factor.   The villages had healthcare centers, schools primary schools community kitchens, tube wells, water tanks, welfare shops banks etc. and place of religious worship. Many organization and individuals from elsewhere in the country spontaneously and overwhelmingly responded by making donations of water, food and non food items.  The IDPs were to be sent back to their original homes and Sri Lanka army to be a partner in the resettlement process.

The hostage rescue and the’ triumphalism’ was followed by another Sinhala gesture, which could be called ‘Sinhala Generosity’. This’ Sinhala Generosity ’has not received the publicity it deserves.The Sinhalese in the south helped the Tamils in refugee camps by rushing essential items. Rajapaksa in interview with N. Ram, of the Hindu, in July 2009  said , ‘the mothers of our soldiers – some of them though their sons had been killed by the LTTE – when we told them that Tamil civilians fleeing the LTTE were coming and we must send them food and meet their other basic needs, these mothers contributed. The mothers of ex-soldiers contributed. Bhikkus contributed,  but not the Tamil business men. I had to remind them, shout at them, plead with them to get their support,

The Sinhalese did not fail to observe that the Tamils in the island were very slow to help, said an analyst. (Island Mid Week Rev 26.8.2009 p 1.) As late as 2011, President Rajapaksa complained publicly that not a single member of the so called Tamil Diaspora shouting in foreign countries to protect the rights of Tamils, has donated a single dollar for the welfare of Tamils in Sri Lanka. He was speaking at the commissioning of the ‘Kokavil Multi-purpose transmission tower at Kokavil in Kilinochchi

From mid 2008 civilians were entering government controlled territory. Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita, Mahanayake of Asgiriya chapter, along with Anunanayake Ven. Galagama Aththadssi and Ven. Dematuluwe Sumanagala had visited refugee camps in Vavuniya in February 2009 and provided the inmates with food, clothes, and other essential items. Ven. Sumangala who knew Tamil delivered a sermon in Tamil. The inmates said they had never seen a Buddhist monk in the flesh before.

Amidst the ‘triumphalism’ there was also much deep, lasting sorrow. The mothers who lost their sons in the army are still crying. The newspapers carry photos of them weeping at commemoration ceremonies and when they see their sons’ names on the plaques of those who died. Newspaper show photos of mother and grandmothers looking sadly at these plaques. In 2013 Nalanda Vidyalaya OBA had a commemoration ceremony for its war heroes, the photo showed a grieving mother touching the plaque erected in memory of the fallen heroes.

At the annual Ranaviru celebration in 2018 Island ran a photograph of a grandmother showing her granddaughter the photograph of her father at the commemoration of persons killed in action, held at Air force training ground at Ekala in July 2018. Derana news, June or July 2018, ran a quick shot of a mother weeping and calling out ‘ane mage puthe’ at the commemoration.

In 2008 families of fallen Sinha regiment soldiers gathered at Ambepussa headquarters to commemorate the soldiers, giving pride of place to next of kin. Each flag depicted a fallen soldier. The event, organized for the 24th consecutive year, transferred merit to 143 officers and 3719 other rankers ‘who made the supreme sacrifice while defending the country’s territorial integrity’.

Sinhala triumphalism was followed by instances of heartwarming Sinhala loyalty. There are many stories of faithfulness towards crippled soldiers, One soldier, Ravindra Rupasinghe was blinded and had both arms and one leg blown off in a min explosion during an army operant in Parayanakulama, Mannar in 1998 His girl friend stayed with him, married him and have three children, They live in Horowopotana facing great economic difficulties They have been gifted a trishaw to get about, the wife is driving it (2013)/

A soldier disabled and paralyzed form waist down married his love of 11 years, who had heard that he was at Ranaviru Sevana after the injury and went to see him. The marriage got publicity in the papers. (2014) Daily News and Island ran photos of the wedding of another soldier disabled in the hostage operation. He is blind and has lost an arm (2012). (Concluded)

ALI SUKHANVER

Hundreds of human rights victims, activists, diplomats, journalists and student leaders are invited to attend a summit which is organized on the eve of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s main annual session every year in the month of February. This summit is known as the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. This Summit is sponsored by a coalition of 25 human rights NGOs from around the world.

Usually it is a routine program of this get-together that human rights activists and former political prisoners from China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Venezuela and other countries testify about their personal struggles for human rights, democracy and freedom and join hands to plan action strategies. But to one’s astonishment, there is never a reference to human rights desecration of Palestine at the hands of Israel, the horrific human rights violations in Syria, the shaking human rights abuses in Indian Occupied Kashmir and the eye opening genocide of Rohingyas in Myanmar.

It seems that this summit is organized just to provide an opportunity of getting closer and getting united to the elements hostile to the countries like Pakistan, Iran, China, North-Korea or in other words to the countries not in ‘good-books’ of the US. It is a more interesting fact that from these countries only those people are invited to attend the summit that are emotionally and spiritually alien to their own countries.

In the summit they are given a full liberty of speaking against their own people, their own system and their own motherland. Most of such invitees are regarded in their own countries as traitors or foreign agents. And all this is done under the guise of ‘a war against human rights violations’. One finds a lot of similarity and resemblance between this ‘war against human rights violations’ and ‘the US war against terror’.

Everyone knows that US started the so-called war on terror just to target and destabilize the countries which could prove a threat to the US hegemonic designs at some later stage. Cruelties of Israel in Palestine and those of India in the Indian Occupied Kashmir were never treated as ‘Terror Activities’ and nothing was done to chain down them at the same time Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan were given a real tough time.

Though the countries like China and South Korea would also be in the list of ‘to be destroyed’ but the schemers would have marked them as ‘hard pills to swallow’. Activities like the Geneva Summit also seem a sequel to the same philosophy and unluckily one finds Pakistan always at the top of the list of target countries. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it is always a pinching thorn for the brains behind the Geneva Summit like activities.

They dream of a Pakistan dominated by a democracy of their own desire; a Pakistan where the Army and the Intelligence agencies are nothing more than a rubber-stamp; a Pakistan without Wahga Border and without the Durand Line. To materialize their illogical dream of turning Pakistan into a ‘banana state’, these brains keep on doing intrigues and conspiracies. They remain busy in searching for the so-called ‘lovers of democracy’, encourage and support them and ultimately throw them into the battle-field to fight a proxy war against their own people. Such anti-state characters are invited to different TV talk shows, international seminars and conferences and they are asked to write articles for various papers and magazines and ooze out their venom against their own country.

Why the western countries seem more worried about Pakistan than the people of Pakistan themselves; this question must also be answered. From US to the Great Britain, every year so many conferences and seminars are organized to discuss Pakistan’s political turmoil, Pakistan’s role in the war on terror and Pakistan’s economic ups and downs. Their worries no doubt provide the strongest proof of the ever-denied fact that Pakistan is always and everywhere important and that it has an un-ignorable role to play in world politics. And more interesting is the fact that the whole focus of all the speakers and participants of these seminars and conferences remains the Pakistan Army and the ISI. One feels that the speakers at these seminars and conferences are never happy with these two very sacred institutions of Pakistan.

The sin and the crime of the Pakistan Army and the ISI is that these two institutions are the hardest hurdle in the way of those who dream of seeing Pakistan as a shattered and scattered state with the worst law and order situation, poor economy and miserable political instability.  ‘Pakistan Politics’ was the title of an article which was published in the Global Security somewhere in the beginning of 2018, an article .

The article said, ‘The army generals are in charge of Pakistan; they have a firm grip over defense and security policies, foreign affairs, and internal matters. There had been a struggle between the army and Nawaz Sharif for quite some time. During his second term as prime minister in the early 1990s, Sharif attempted to remove a military chief but instead had to resign himself.’

The same concept was floated through another report published a few weeks back in the Economist. The title was ‘General dysfunction-Pakistan’s army is using every trick to sideline Nawaz Sharif.’ The said article also attempted to blame the Pakistan Army of ‘engineering’ the upcoming elections. The fact of the matter is that the only purpose of such propaganda articles, biased seminars and prejudice-based conferences is simply to spread disinformation and deform the actual face of the Pakistan. The Army has just one role to play in the elections, i.e.to maintain law and order situation and to provide security to the election process.

Who votes and to whom votes; Army has nothing to do with it. The so-called care takers of human rights must cast a look at the Indian Occupied Kashmir where life of every Kashmiri is a never ending tale of miseries and sufferings and of exploitation at the hands of the Indian army. Pakistan is a democratic country with a very strong accountability system which is supported by a very impartial judiciary. And above all, there are millions of Pakistanis who have a very strong weapon in their hands; the ballot paper. Let the people of Pakistan decide their own destiny using this strongest weapon.

KAMALIKA PIERIS

(REVISED 14.7.18)

The ‘Sinhala only’ story began in the 1920’s and 1930’s, when agitation for ‘swabhasha’ emerged as an anti-imperial or anti-colonial gesture. Sinhala Mahajana Sabha was set up  in 1919 under the auspice of the of the Ceylon National Congress, with the objective of ‘reaching out to the great masses of the people”, . These Mahajana Sabhas conducted their proceedings in Sinhala. The rules and regulations were printed in Sinhala. In 1936, Philip Gunawardene,  then leader of the  Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) brought a resolution in State Council that proceedings in the law courts and the recording of  statements in police stations should be in Sinhala and Tamil. the Ceylon National Congress  also adopted a resolution to make Sinhala and Tamil official languages.

In many countries, the indigenous language vanished under foreign rule, but in Sri Lanka, Sinhala survived. Sinhala was a sophisticated language with a well developed script, a substantial written literature and a long, unbroken history. It was Sri Lanka’s national language till   1815. It has also functioned as Sri Lanka’s language of science, trade, manufacture and administration. The people were proud of the Sinhala language and were not prepared to abandon Sinhala.

Throughout British rule, the people kept Sinhala going. Parents sent their children to the temple to learn Sinhala. Conversations in the home were conducted in Sinhala.  Discussions and debates, public and private, were also held in Sinhala.  There was a continuous production of poetry and prose in Sinhala. There was style, even in speech. Arisen Ahubudu recalled that when a Tantirimale gam vaddha was asked what there was to see in the nearby jungle his answer was ‘haa, kadimata nelaapu buduruve novae.’

Sinhala was used not only in the Buddhist temple but also in the Christian church, Roman Catholic and Protestant. This, in my view, is very important aspect of the preservation of Sinhala. There was functional use of Sinhala too. Y. Amarasena de Silva had been employed at Trincomalee   harbor as a signalman in the 1940s.  He invented the Sinhala Morse and semaphore. This was published in a book. He had later taught Sinhala Morse and semaphore to the scouts of Rajapakse College, Ahungalle.

Sinhala was made a subject in missionary schools. Trinity College,  Kandy had started an extra class in Sinhalese, in 1860 to be conducted after school. In 1908, Rev. A.G. Fraser, Trinity’s principal, announced that the Ceylonese pupils could neither read nor write in their native languages and he intended to reduce the emphasis on Latin, and make the vernaculars compulsory for all.

Fraser’s ideas influenced the other Christian schools and thereafter ‘every English school in the island gave a place to the vernaculars.’ S. Thomas College, Colombo, taught Sinhala from 1918. But G.D.Perera recalls that when he was studying at S. Thomas from 1928 to 1938, there was only one Sinhala period for the whole week.

Apart from this limited recognition however, Sinhala was suppressed in the missionary schools. Pupils   were forbidden to converse in Sinhala. If they did so, they were punished. Kirthi Abeyesekera (b.1924) states that in the convent he attended in Bandarawela, ‘we were punished if we spoke in Sinhala’ . Anne Abayasekara reminiscing about her schooldays in the 1930s also confirms that Sinhala was not encouraged in the classroom. She expected a reprimand when she answered in class in Sinhala instead of English.  As a result, very few of those who were educated in English [Christian] schools had any knowledge of the vernaculars, she said.

Sinhala was better looked after in the Buddhist schools. F.L.Woodward, Principal of Mahinda College, Galle from 1903-1919, had included   Sinhala in his school curriculum.  Ananda College too had taught Sinhala. Prizes had been awarded for Sinhala handwriting and Sinhalese literature. One student had got distinctions in Sinhala in the Cambridge Senior in 1919. Not only was this the sole distinction for the whole island, but it was also the first distinction ever obtained in the exam.

P de S Kularatne arriving in Ananda College as principal in 1918, decided to entrench Sinhala fully at Ananda. Kularatne had grown up in a Sinhala speaking village and therefore had experienced Sinhala as a living language. He knew that it was possible to provide secondary education in Sinhala and he thought also that is was desirable to do so. He said that the child who came from a Sinhalese speaking home, not only spoke in Sinhalese, he also thought and felt in Sinhalese. It was best to teach him in that language, not in English which was an alien language.

Kularatne said he had seen what education in an unfamiliar, alien language was doing to the children. A child at a Christian missionary school asked to recite in English, had done so with a set face, without knowing what she was saying, but had responded brightly as soon as she was spoken to in Sinhala.  He also pointed out, very bluntly, that only a small percentage were educated in English at primary school level and even among them, the majority were not sufficiently conversant with English, to use it as a medium of instruction.

In 1920, Kularatne introduced the study of Sinhalese as a subject ‘into every class’ in Ananda College and in 1923 he made Sinhalese compulsory for all students. As an incentive he pointed out in his Principal’s report that Sinhala could be offered as a subject for Senior Cambridge and London exams.

‘Right from the very beginning, Ananda has encouraged the study of our own languages when other schools despised them’ said Kularatne in 1936.’ Even today we, with our sister Buddhist institutions, are the only institutions that provide for the teaching of Sinhalese on the right lines. Judging from the boys that come to us from non-Buddhist schools, I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that Sinhalese is utterly neglected in them.’

Kularatne pointed out that the failure of these schools to teach Sinhalese on the right lines is largely due to the fact that they did not start Sinhala early, in kindergarten and they do not employ teachers with the best qualifications. Kularatne did both. There was a dearth of competent Sinhala language teachers at the time in Ceylon. Ananda could produce only two ‘very competent’ teachers of Sinhala. Kularatne solved the problem by getting bhikkhus to teach Sinhala. When he found that there was no satisfactory primer to teach Sinhala he wrote a book called ‘Parakrama’s first reader.’

At this time, in most English schools, the majority of which were Christian missionary schools, the Sinhalese teacher was laughed at and the Sinhalese period was an hour of entertainment.  Anandians also did not take the Sinhala lesson seriously at first reported K.D.  de Lanerolle,    but Kularatne was firm, ‘the idea took root’    and Ananda eventually achieved a high level of proficiency in Sinhala.

Kularatne then declared in his Principal’s Report, 1940 that ‘Sinhala will be the medium of instruction in all sections of the kindergarten for Sinhalese children. English will be taught as a subject’.  de Lanerolle who was teaching at Ananda at the time and was closely associated with Kularatne in his work, said that Kularatne started this without government approval, with only the consent of the parents. He ran the risk of losing the government grant over this. ‘The results produced were revealing and the government gave its approval.’   Lanerolle called it a courageous and confident move.

Kularatne also encouraged the study of Sinhala literature.   He prescribed Martin Wickremasinghe’s   Geheniyak and W.A. Silva’s Lakshmi for students in the senior classes. He also introduced Sinhala folk stories to Ananda College. This was derided in the English newspapers, saying that this would prevent students from appreciating Greek heroes and ‘the story of Cinderella’. A Sinhalese Literary Study Circle was organized by a member of the staff in 1936.

Next, Kularatne   wanted Anandians to be able to write creatively in Sinhala. The mentors for this were readily available. There were at least three creative writers on the staff to guide the pupils, Ven. S Mahinda, K.D. de Lanerolle and ‘Kayes’. From 1920 onwards, the school magazine included Sinhala articles. By 1939 this had developed into a separate Sinhala section with its own editorial. But Kularatne was not satisfied.   He asked the headmaster of the Primary school, K.D. de Lanerolle to get up a magazine with material in Sinhala suitable for the age group 5-12 years. The result was a monthly magazine called Sinhala Daruwa, commencing in 1937 with de Lanerolle as its first editor.

Sinhala Daruwa contained stories written and illustrated by students and teachers. Students and teachers of the Upper School also got interested and contributed material. There were articles from well-known writers as well. 500 copies of the magazine were distributed in the College. A number of other schools also became subscribers.  ‘The like of this had never been published before in Ceylon’ said de Lanerolle.

Ananda’s role in bringing Sinhala forward was recognized in British Ceylon. Times of Ceylon said in 1936, ‘the emphasis laid on national languages at Ananda is worthy of emulation.  There was a time when snobs in other schools, boys, masters, and principals   talked of the English accent being ruined by giving the national languages their due place in the curriculum. But today such warped minds are few and far between and other schools are following the lead given by Ananda College.”

Ananda College then went on to pioneer science education in Sinhala.  De Lanerolle noted that there was considerable resistance at the time, to teaching science in Sinhala, but Kularatne and Mettananda  together with other science teachers ‘silently showed’ that science could be taught in Sinhala.   when the government ordered schools to teach science in Sinhala,    and present them for the Senior School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate, in the 1950s, Ananda was ready. This emphasis on Sinhala in schools would have spread from Ananda to the other Buddhist schools, making it a broad movement.

I have included the above description of Sinhala at Ananda College because I wish to show that Sinhala was alive and kicking during British rule.  It is this, together with the cultural use of Sinhala, which led to ‘Sinhala only.’ ‘Sinhala only’ was a natural movement, not an unnatural one.

The British administration, however, did not recognize Sinhala.  During British rule, the island was administered in English, which the majority did not understand, even telegrams were in English.  The State Council and the Ceylon National Congress knew by 1943, that independence was round the corner.  It was clear that the island could not be administered in English after Independence. Hardly anybody knew English. The majority used Sinhala.

Therefore, in 1943, J.R Jayawardene presented a resolution to State Council that Sinhala be made the sole official language. The motion said ‘with the object of making Sinhalese the official language within a reasonable number of years, this Council is of the opinion that (a) Sinhalese should be made the medium of instruction in all schools, that (b) legislation should be introduced to permit the business of the House to be conducted in Sinhalese, and (c) that a commission should be appointed to report on all steps that should be taken to effect the transition from English to Sinhalese. Sinhala was also to be a compulsory subject at all public examinations. .

This met with immediate protest from the Tamil members of the State Council . A Commission was set up to make recommendations, during 1943-44, and on the basis of its recommendations, the State Council decided in 1944 to make both Sinhala and Tamil the official languages  of Sri lanka, once it becamee independant. . This was strongly opposed by the Sinhala lobby who wanted ‘Sinhala only’. A Communist Party meeting supporting parity of status for Sinhala and Tamil was broken up by Sinhala Only supporters.

The public found that even after independence, the administration continued to be in English. A letter from the government or a telegram had to be taken to someone who knew English.  The Courts of law and all office administration were in English. The ‘Sinhala only’ lobby gathered momentum throughout the 1950s.   Several town councils and village committees began to conduct business in Sinhala.

There were three groups which pushed strongly for Sinhala Only. They were   known as the ‘sangha, veda, guru’ group. The sangha were long standing supporters of Swabhasha. The ‘veda’ component were the ayurveda physicians.    ‘Guru’ were the vernacular (Sinhala trained) school teachers. They got less pay than the English trained teachers. There were also the ‘vernacular’ educated intelligentsia, who had studied in Sinhala medium and whose prospects, therefore, were limited. There was an Association of Swabhasha Qualified Unemployed” with a voting strength of 20,000 at the time. This ‘sangha, veda, guru’ group together with ‘govi’ and ‘kamkaru’ formed the Pancha Maha Balavegaya which influenced the 1956 General Election.

There was a strong economic basis  for the demand of Sinhala only, observed analysts. Firslty, there was no higher education in swabhasha, university  education  was in English. Secondly, the prestigious and high paying occupations and positions went to those who knew English, thus  affecting very seriously the social chances of the swabhasha educated.  Vernacualr education was a blind alley.Therefore the vernacular educated, primarily rural intelligentsia were, by the 1950’s very resentful of the limited opportunities available to them.

Popular support for ‘Sinhala only’ was so great that all the major political parties succumbed and announced support for ‘Sinhala only’ when the General Election of 1956 was announced. Viplavakari Lanka Sama Samaja Party (VLSSP) and the SLFP announced their support in 1955 and UNP followed in 1956.   If SWRD had not brought up the Sinhala issue someone else would have, observed P.A. Samaraweera.

The General Election of 1956 was a watershed in the modern history of Sri Lanka. The ruling UNP lost to the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, MEP in a resounding defeat. The MEP consisted of SLFP, its major component, with the original MEP, the Bhasha Peramuna, and VLSSP led by Philip Gunawardena. It had a no contest pact with LSSP and CP.  The MEP got 51 of the 95 seats, but only had 40% of the votes.

Weerawardana remarked that the electorate displayed a surprising maturity. Voter turnout was 69% which was considered good for that period of time. (It is considered good even today, in certain countries) and the electorate voted clearly for the party and not for individuals.  P.A. Samaraweera observed ‘people took all the money lavishly given by rich UNP politicians, wore the green bush shirts given by them, took the lunch packets, went to the polling booth and voted for the MEP.’

In 1956, Parliament passed the Official Language Act no 33 of 1956. It was passed after a marathon debate, with 66 ‘for’ and 20 ‘against.’ The Act said that the Sinhala language ‘shall be the one official language of Ceylon.’ The Act came into effect on 1^st January1964.  All government transactions throughout the country had to be in Sinhala from 31.10 1963.  Therefore it was not ‘Sinhala in 24 hours’. That statement is incorrect.

‘Sinhala only’ was never ‘Sinhala only’. Critics observed that the Act had failed to limit the use of Tamil and English, ‘as it should have done’. Nor did it make Sinhala compulsory in schools. No subsidiary legislation was passed under the Act either. Implementation was based solely on administrative orders and Cabinet directions. As a result, state administration was conducted in English above a certain level.

It was only after the Administration of Justice Law of 1973 that the original courts started to work in Sinhala. A critic observed recently that all the administrative legal enactments are not yet available in Sinhala. .  Education continued to be in Sinhala, English and Tamil. Cultural activity took place in all three languages. The private sector continued to work in English. certain levels of administration  were conducted in Englihs and Tamil as well as Sinhala.This was a great help to ‘Sinhala only’ which, in the 1960 could not suddenly stand on its own.

The changeover to administration from English to Sinhala, took place without much protest. The transition was not a problem for those who knew Sinhala. T.B. Ilangaratne, Minister of Finance, under whom the subject came, when ‘Sinhala Only’  had been introduced, told Neville Jayaweera,  that old entrants into government service were to be treated gently (‘widest accommodation’) and that new entrants must  be given time  ( ‘a few years’) to acquire proficiency in Sinhala.

The transition took place smoothly because officers who knew Sinhala were already in place in the government service. The transition to Sinhala was readily   supported by the bilingual officers who were working in government departments at the time, observed analysts. They made Sinhala administration possible.  Those officers mainly came from the ‘Buddhist schools’,   such as Ananda, Nalanda and Rahula, where Sinhala had been given prominence.

Anandatissa de Alwis, an Anandian,   declared that Ceylon was able to establish Sinhala as the state language because of Ananda College. D.B. Dhanapala another Anandian,  also  observed that  In  1956, when Sinhalese became a national language, Anandians who were well versed in Sinhalese were present, in significant numbers  in the Ceylon Civil Service, Official Languages Department and other state departments.  They were superbly bilingual and could assist in the move from English to Sinhala.

Sinhala had not been used as an official language since the fall of the Udarata kingdom in 1815. Sinhala was now pushed to the front of the stage. It now had to cater to a huge range of situations and activities for which it lacked the vocabulary. The chief criticism of the anti-Sinhala lobby was this lack of Sinhala words to express modern ideas. The Sinhala lobby   over came this very easily.

Sinhala was not a ‘dead’ language, which had to be revived. It was not a ‘new’ language or a   ‘backward’ language either. Sinhala had been existing parallel to three western languages, Portuguese, Dutch and English, for the last 400 years. There would have been interpenetration between these languages. Sinhala    already had a good vocabulary, a systematic grammar and many ‘root’ words, therefore finding suitable Sinhala words for its new role was not difficult.  Modernizing Sinhala was not a daunting task. Specialists in Sinhala language sat down to the task with great dedication.

The Official Languages Department, set up in October 1956 started work on Sinhala glossaries. Other professional bodies also contributed glossaries. There were a few conferences to which those interested in the subject of forming Sinhala technical terms were invited,’ recalled Aelian de Silva.

Opponents of ‘Sinhala only’ ridiculed the whole process. They said that the Sinhala term for ‘universal joint’ was ‘sarvaloka puttuwa’. M.J. Perera, head of the Official Languages Department declared that the word did not exist. This was a hoax. However, this was not an innocent hoax. It showed a deep animosity to Sinhala and fear of Sinhala’s emerging position.

At University of Ceylon, Peradeniya .Prof D.E. Hettiarachchi, as Head of Department, created a Swabhasha office, in the Sinhala department, headed by P.E.E. Fernando, and this office also compiled technical terms.  The Sinhala academics sat for long hours with specialists in the various subjects and compiled the terms.  The glossaries were cyclostyled and distributed.  Those glossaries were later acquired by the Department of Official Languages and formed the basis for the glossaries they published.  This valuable service of the University is now forgotten, said K.N.O Dharmadasa.

Spoken Sinhala also became important after ‘Sinhala Only’. Officials had to speak in Sinhala too, not only write in it. Their speaking had to be correct and effective. After ‘Sinhala only’ more debates in parliament were in Sinhala. There is no information on what the politicians and officials did about this, but Radio Ceylon took action.

Radio Ceylon focused on setting good standards of Sinhala speech. It held workshops where Sinhala scholars gave guidance. Ven. Kalukondayawe Pragnasekera was invited in the 1961 to advice on pronunciation. . K.N.O. Dharmadasa and J.B. Disanayake were invited later for workshops. Staff were drilled in the use of good language.  Later on, Rupavahini also had workshops which KNO attended. KNO had notified MJ Perera whenever he heard language errors on Rupavahini and MJ had taken action.

Foreign diplomats recognized Sinhala. A  Chinese diplomat had, some years ago called on a minister in Colombo.  The minister had instructed in Sinhala ‘this visitor may have diabetes, so bring the tea and sugar separately.’ As he left, the diplomat had said, also in Sinhala ‘I do not have diabetes’. China teaches Sinhala in the Foreign Language Institute in Beijing.

A Japanese diplomat had walked into a shop and the owner had shouted to his staff in Sinhala ‘tell him an inflated price’ and the Japanese had replied in Sinhala, if you inflate the price I will not shop here again’. In the German embassy on one occasion, an official had said in Sinhala ‘do not panic remain silent.’

K.N.O. Dharmadasa had drawn attention to a little known fact, that when the 1972 Constitution was under preparation, Minister of Constitutional Affairs, Colvin R De Silva insisted that that the initial drafting be done in Sinhala. P. E. E. Fernando travelled from Peradeniya to Colombo twice a week to take part in the drafting of the new Constitution and he used to share with us his experiences in constitution making, recalled KNO.

Dharmadasa observed that this was probably the first time the government deviated from the usual practice of drafting first in English with a Sinhala translation   thereafter. The official language policy was enacted in letter and spirit, on that occasion. The constitution says the Sinhala version takes precedence in matters of interpretation.

Today, Sinhala is the common language of discourse in Sri Lanka. This is evident in the discussions heard in shops, markets, railway stations, theatre foyers, and hotel lobbies. English and Tamil are also spoken, but to a lesser extent. Census of Population and Housing for 2001 showed that Tamils of local and Indian origin spoke Sinhala.  They needed Sinhala for jobs and for business. The customer base is Sinhala speaking.

A survey was conducted by an independent research institute, on behalf of the Public Survey and Research Unit (PSRU) of the Presidential Secretariat, in October 2010.  The sample was drawn from western, southern, central, and eastern and Northern provinces, of 1484 citizens of both sexes belonging to the three major ethnic groups, also a mix of occupations.    97% of the Tamils and 100% of the Muslims in the survey said they knew Sinhala. The learning of a language is based on its usability.  The chances of Sinhala being used across the island for wider communication are great, said Rohana Wasala. It was estimated in 2016 that approximately 76% of the population spoke only Sinhala.

‘Sinhala Only’ was an essential part of the re-emergence of   Sri Lanka as an independent state, after 450 years of colonial rule. ‘Sinhala only’ should have been implemented in 1944 itself. According to the 1946 Census there were 69.4% Sinhalese and 11% Tamils.  In   1953 it was    69.3% Sinhalese and 10.3% Tamils and in 2012 it was 74.9% and 11.1 % respectively. Therefore Sinhala was always the language spoken by the majority of the population.

‘Sinhala only’ should also be seen in its broader context. S.W.R.D Bandaranaike’s period as Prime Minister, though short, 1956-1960, was a period of high consolidation and movement towards a modern state. The Sinhala Only  Act was just  one feature of a much larger exercise which involved the Paddy lands Act, the EPF, nationalized services, takeover of Katunayake air base and Trincomalee  navy base and expanded diplomatic relations.

‘Sinhala Only’ was not ‘wrong. ‘Sinhala only’ was ‘right’. It was correct and timely.  ‘Sinhala only’ was a natural movement, not an unnatural one.  It should not be treated with contempt and it should not be sneered at.  Very few languages can show evidence of continuous use from ancient times to modern times as Sinhala can. This includes continuous use as the language of administration too.

Sinhala only should have been implemented in 1944 itself. According to the 1946 Census there were 69.4% Sinhalese and 11% Tamils.  In   1953 it was    69.3% Sinhalese and 10.3% Tamils and in 2012 it was 74.9% and 11.1 % respectively. Therefore Sinhala was always the language spoken by the majority of the population.

UNESCO is said to have predicted that in 25 years Sinhala language will be extinct. Sinhala, far from being a dying language, has many features not found in many world languages, said J.B. Disanayake. Sinhala is among the 15 most creative alphabets in the world along with Chinese, Greek, and Arabic. It is considered a unique language.

A language will not die, as long as there are speakers, say linguists. Today, Sinhala is ranked 75 in the hundred most spoken languages in the world   and 62 in the   top hundred languages ranked by number of native speakers.  Sinhala speakers are proud of Sinhala and have a deep love for the language. They wish to preserve the script too.  They do not want to see it romanised. (Continued)

By: A.AM.NIZZAM – MATARA

This is a roundup of news published in the Sinhala newspapers and Sinhala news websites this week excluding articles, interviews and messages

Sunday  8th July

Viyatg Maga an extension  of Mahinda Chintana (Lanka C News) LCN

Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa addressing the Hatri Maga Seminar in Kolonnawa xsaid that Mahinda Chintana should e carried forward with necessary developments for the future.  He said that Viyarg Maga was created to absorb professionals and entrepreneurs for this purpose.  He also stated that when the future government will be formed under Mr. Mahindqa Rajapaksa necessary plans for implementation wil be made by Viyath Maga.

Tax to be levied if you eat 3 meals a day  –  LCN

#The Leader of the National Freedom Front Mr. Wimal Weerawansa addressing a meeting in Beliatte said saecastically that the government hich has already announced that income tax will be levied from those who own a vehicle and those who visit overseas on holidays plans to levy income tax on those who consumes three meals a day as well.

Vihayakals’s interview with Dan TV  LCN

MP Mrs. Vijayakala in an nteeview with Dan TV has said that whoever liked or not liked she acknowledges that Prabhakaran struggled for his homeland.  She has sai8d that when the problems of the Tamil people are presented they are being branded as Chauvinists.  She has criticized Ranjan Ramanayake for speaking to her in front of media using the speaker of the telephone and therebt cheating her.  She has said that she would even resign even her parliamentary seat for the people of the North.

Mattala Airport Sale finalized – LCN

Reports said that Mattala Airport will be leased out to an Indian Firm with 5,000 acres of land for 99 years for 405 Million U.S.Dollars.  It has cost 409 Million U.S.Dollars for its construction.  The agreement for this lease will be signed on 6^th December this year.

Fuel Prices in a dilemma. – LCN

Ceyprtco sells at the new reduced prices while LIOC sells at Mangala’s increased prices.  It is reported if this situation continues forther there will be a total collapse of LIOC sales.Meanwhile have demnded to refund the extra charge made from them during the interim period.

I  do not know  I cannot remember  LCN

Alrgouh t had been reported that cheques fron Aloysius were received by his company he did not know that he had a company and those cheques were received by that company and he does not have any company.  This has been stated by the former Minister of Finance Mr. Ravi Karunanayake.  He has said that when he was the Minister of Finance nwither the Central Baank nor any other Bank was under his Ministry.  He has made rhwse observatiohs addrerssing the media in the Grandpass area.

King Parakr5amabahu was a Cinnamon exporter – Ranil (LCN)

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe said that King Parakramabahi got money for building Parakrama Samudraya by cultivating cinnamon in the Kalutara area and selling them abroad and present government should go forward thinking in that manner.   Mr. Wickremasinghe made this observation when he addressed a function held at the Divisional Secretariat office in Biyagama.

A secret midnight meeting of 3 Ministers, AG and IGP  Mawbima

A secret meeting between Ministers Mrs. Thalata Atukorale, Rajitha Senaratne, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General and the IGP has been held on 3rd July night at Ministry of Justice to discuss about expediting the cases against big wigs in the previous government, their arrests and hearing od these cases by the special Courts. It is reported that a schedule listing these cases on a priority basis was also prepared.

Prison becomes a Business Office for Aloysius  LCN

The Bond Scam accused Arjun Aloysius is reported to be conducting his business activities from the prison.  Already mobile phones that were being used for this purpose have been discovered. It is reported that transactions made though these phones are now being investigated.

Resignation of Vijayakala is insufficient – Mr. Mahinda – Deshaya

The former President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa said that mere resignation of Mrs, Vijayakala for her treacherous statement is not sufficient and the Peresident th Prime Minister and the Speaker should hold the full responsibility to mete out the due punishment for her.  He said that she should be meted out the same harsh punishments that the government is meting out to JO politicians. Mr. Mahinda pointed that if such a treacherous statement was made by a Buddhist leader or the leader of aany other religion, the so-called civil organisations, NGOs and politicians would have made a huge commotion demanding for maximum and immediate punishments an asked where are those elements in this matter?

Monday – 9t July

Gota tells the true story of Vajayakala.  LCN

Addressing the fully packed Elle seminar held in Matara yesterday former Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that in the recent speech made by the Staye Minister Mrs. Vijayakala Maheswaran about thee current situation in the Northern Province there was something which she failed to divulge and that was that from the day of ending the war until the end of year 2014 there was no trouble of any form whatsoever in the North..  He said that under a new government that will be formed under the leadership of Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa solutions for this situation will be found.

There is nothing wrong in Vihayakala’s statement – Sumanthiran  –  LCN

Addressing ameeting in Dehiowita TNA MP Sumanthian has said that there is nothing wriontg in Vijayakala’s speech n wgich called for the revival of LTTE,

Vihayakala is to leave for England with her children –  LCN

Sources from North said that she would come back to politics under a new political party with NP Chief Minister Wigneswaran.  .

Leaders of the Yahapalana pass out Urine when elections are mentioned  Prasanna Ranatunga  LCN.

The convenor of the JO Mt. Ptasanna Ranatunga speaking at Minuwangoda said that that the government leaders, Sirisena, Ranil er al who grabbed power to establish democracy pass out Urine wwhen the subject of eletion is mentioneed  He challenged th government to hold elections under old or new system.  He said 5that this country is now being rule by the most unsuccessful government in our history and under them the economy, development and security have collapsed.  Mr. Ranatun,ga listed the follies of this government which made the peple to suffer enormous hardships and said that they are now scared of facing th people in eletions.

No Leader  Country in peril and unstable. There are even np pieces of Yagapalana Ratnana Thero  Lankaadeepa

He said that there is no leader in the country today and the yahaplanabrought by them ith much hope has completely failed.

Explosives and Arms found n a jungle in Jaffna  LCN

Jaffna STF officers have discovere3d 714 gms of high calibre explosives and arms hidden in a jungle area of Maniamthottam. This catche of arms have been handed over to Jaffna Police fir further investigation

Students of Jaffna University commemiorated Black Tigers Day   Lamkadeepa

Jaffna University students commemiorated Black Tigers Day on thw night of July 5^th by lighting lamps.  This commemoraton was carried out in front o the monument that has been erected at the Jaffna University in the memory of those who died in the war  The Black Tigers Day is commemorated in the memory of the terrorist named Captain Miller who died while attacking an army camp at Nelliady on 5^th July 1987.

Bus and 3 Wheel fares to be increased – Lankadeepa

Bus owners; Associarions are to take a decision to increase bus fares as the government os to increase thw prices of fuel from time to time. Three wheel drivers are to increase their charges for the 2ns km onwards from Rs. 40 to 50 if petrol prices are increased to Rs. 150 or above.

Ptrotests in Jaffna demanding for the removal of the security forces  LCN

Activists of the All Ceylon Tamil Congress supported by the peope staged demonstratiojs demanding for the removal Army camps not only from the Jaffna Fort but from the whole of Jaffna district.   Following similar protests held in Jaffna recently the Arjyty has requested the government to permit them to establish their camps in Jaffna Fort and for which there has been no response from the government so far.  Meanwhile the NP Governor Reginald Cooray has said that Jaffna Fort is not a suitable place for establishing Army camps

Penalty for 33 vehicle offences increased – Lankadeepa

The Traffiic Police unormwd tha spot fine for 33 trqffic offeces has been ibcreased from the 15^th of this month.  A special gazette notification has been issued in this connection. The Police said that accordingly there will be 30  50 percent increase in the fines..

Ready to hold express trials by special Courts and attire Jumper to Gotabhaya.  First trial against Gotabhaya – LCN

Internet medi reports reveal that under the special Courts the first trial will be against Gotabhaya. And it will be relating to the allegation of state funds for thee construction of D.A.Rajapaksa memorial. These reports further indicate that 10 cases including cases relating to Rajapaksa family members have been scheduled to hear at these special courts.

Tuesday  10^th July

Mahinda says wgat Vijayakala missed to metion  LCN

The former President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa said the statement mae by Vijayakala was erranwous and what it says was that the gofernment has not fulfilled any of th promises made to the Tamil people.  He said that this government has misled the Tamil people, the Muslim people and the whple country.  He made these comments addressing the meia after attending a function held at Muthiyangana Viharaye in Mahiyangana.

The statement of Anura Kumara Dissanayaje is hateful – Dr. Ruwan M Jayatunga  Lankaweb

Anura Kymaera Dissanayaje gas said in a Parliament debate that both Mr Wimal Weerawansa’s mirher and sister were mental patents and thwy received treatment as inpatients at the Angoda hospuital  Ths is  statement that cannot be  accepted under any circumstances and it derides mental patients.  Mr. Weerawansa nay hace defects this statemeny of Anuea Kumaea is hateful.

Another complaint against Vijayakala and Wigneswaran    Lamkadeepa

Th Sathya Gaveshakayo organization (The truth Explorers Organization) made a complaint at the Police Headquarters yesterday morning against Vijayakala and Wigneswaran over their recent treacherous statements.  The convenor of the organization Attorney at Law Premanath Dolawatte and Attorney at Law Sminda Konaara made this complaint.

A Tax concession for Ministers and Deputy Ministers –  Lankadeepa

The government informed the tax that had been levied from Ministers and Deputy Ministers has been restricted to only one vehicle.  A large sum amounting to Rs. 150,000 for three vehicles at the rate of Rs. 50,000 per vehicle, Rs. 75,000 as driver allowance, and fuel allowance had been deducted from their salary.  Following protests made by Muusters and Deputh Ministers this new revision has been made.

Sri Lanka will become the battle ground of world powers – Mr. Wimal Weerawansa  LCN

After giving Hambantota Port to China and Mattala wqs sold to India. Sri Lanka will become a battle ground when both of them have a battle against each other and thaqt is what this inept visionless government is doing. This was stated by the lesder of the National Freedom Front Mr. Wimal Weerawansa delivering a lengthy speech at a demonstration that was held at Nihiluwa in Beliatte.  .

Deploring the rising crime situation, he said that the Mahinda Rajapaksagovernment noy only ended th war but also wiped out the underground and the underground leaders who fled the country have come back with thr complete protection of this government and ruuning the country

Critising the the taxing of the people im a manner worse than the colonial rulers, Mr. Weerawansa said that millions of rupees are being spent to maintain the Ministers, their vehicles and their staff.  He reminded that despite waging a war Mahinda Rajapaksa regime had an economicdevelopment rate of 7 percent but the Sirisena Ranil cabal who claimed to be economic wizards has constrained the economic development rate to 3 percent.

He also criticized the increase of fuel prices buy Mangala in the nitght and reducing I reducing it in the morning by Sirisena and said that this the government of clowns we ever had.

Mr. Weerawansa also severely criticized the hunting of war heroes, expansion of the drug menace and crime situation, lawand order collapse in the North, bogus claims being made about a debt crisis and the servile.,shameless behaviour of the Red e;ephants and urged the people to come forward in unison to topple this government without further delay.

Minister of Lagbour emphasizes th need to do away with pension payments  LCN

Addressing a seminar of Labour Commissioners the Minister of Labour Ravindra Samaraweera flayed them for their negligence to perform their duties properly and causing many hardships to the estate labourers when they come to Colombo to get their need attended to and said that due to this these innocent labourers are becoming victimized by various intermediaries..  He saId these officials should be transferred to remote areas without any sympathy. Referring to payment of pensions he said that an alternative method should be found to do away with the payment of pensions and added that the Asian Development Bank has advised to undertake some alternative measures since the country will not be able to survive in the future if this system existed further.

What we have today is a toothpaste Economy – Gota  – LCN

Addressing the Eliya” seminar held in Matara om 8^th Sunday the former Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that what we have today is a Toothpaste Economy under which people are being taxed up to their necks. He pointed out that today there is a significant increase in the violation of law and order, democracy, and violation of constitutional guarantees ane constitutional provisions.  He said that people all over the country are urging on the need for a Mahinda Rajapaksa era.  Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa not only ended the war but also introduced a populist development agenda by clearly identifying thee needs of the people.. Mr. Rajapaksa said that by understanding the people’s needs it is necessary to reintroduce this development process by providing concessions to the people.  In the past Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa not only implemented large scale projects but also created medium and small scale entrepreneurs and it were those medium and small scale entrepreneurs we used for urban development and city beutification. It was his plan to construct 5000 multi storied flats in Colombo but by end of 2014 we comstructed 2000 flats.  Under a future government a people centred development will be undertaken and the urban and village areas will be developed on an equal footing.  It was due to lack of development that 1971 rebellion took place in the districts such as Hambantota, Moneragala and Ampara.  It was to provide employment facilities to people in Matara, Hambantota aand Moneragala districts that the Port and the Airport and other facilities were constructed in the Hambantota district.. Unfortunately without realizing their commercial values steps have been taken to hand them over to foreigners.  It was the concept of the Mahinda Rajapaksa government to  protect the local entrepreneurs and industrialists and to develop industries and thereby palm over the economic development to all the people.  When we formulate plans for economic development it should be made on  a knowledge based  economi development concept.

Vijayakala obtained Rs. 500 Million to giv up the Ministry post – LCN

Posters were pasted in the Kopay area of the Jaffna district on 9^th Monday night by an organization called Siva Sena and the posters asked what Ministry posts for Vijayakala who protected the murderers of student Vidya foer Rs. 500 Million?  The poster said that her Prabakaran eevival speech was also made for a ransom of Rs, 500 million on the instigation of some partie.s.  The Siva Sena posters have also stated that she should not be given any Parliament priviledges..

If Prabhakaran was there Tamils would have been traated better than now  Sumanthiran – LCN  

Addressing a public rally the TNA Parliamentarian Sumanthiran has said that if Prabhakaran and the LTTE were there the government would have treated the Tamils better than now He has said that the leaders of this country have rejected to provide the solutions promised to the Tamils.He has stated that it was this factor that was implied by the speech of Vijayakala recently.

Fonseka blames about Police atrocities – LCN

Ministerr Sarath onseka adedressing the medipa personnel said that the Police instead of controlling underground activities taking innocent people into custody allege them of possessing drugs by planting on them with drug packets by the Police itself  He said that if the Police have a genuine desire, controlling of the underground and drug peddling will noyt be a major issue although some Ministers are involved in the trade.  He narrated an incident in which an innocemt boy from Kelaniya area has been taken into Police and he had been tortured by throwing chilli powder onto his eyes, hiitting with a pole onto his head and he had been hung by the legs and further tortured.

PM Ranl meets Arjun Mahendran in Sngapoewm entrusts hikm re task od Sri Lanka’s debt management and open up another avenue for robbing – LCN.

The leader of the National Freedom Front Mr. Wimal Weerawans said that there are reliable information rthat Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe is to meet fugitive Arjun Mahendran in Sngapore  and entrust him the task of managing the 10percent of loans of loans amounting to Sri Lanka’s total debt to gbe taken by thw Prime Minister under a new Act passed by rthe Parliament.  MP Weerawansa made these observations after appearing for a Court case.

There were more crimes during the Rajapaksa era and Gotabhaya gave protection to th Underground – Minister Amaraweera  LCN

Although the joint opposition claims that there is a wave of crimes taking place at present there were more crimes in the Rajapaksa era, This was stated by the Mnister of Agriculture Mr Mahinda Amaraweera at a function held at Medaketiya in Tangaalla.  He alleged that the former Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabhaya Rajaappaksa instead of controlling the underground activities gave political proyection to underground personnel.

Reconciliation unceased – Those who died in rhe war commemorated inJaffna  LCN

A special service was conducted on the night of 9^th in  memory of those died in a bomb attck that hit rhe Navaali St, Peters Church in which 147 people who were refuged in the Church died and 200 others injure.  The service was conducted by the Chief priest of the St, Peters Church Fr Roy Benedict.

The boat stranded in the sea for 26 days found  – Lakbima

The multi day fishing vessel with 7 fisheren that left for fishing from Galle fisheries harbour 26 days ago on 14^th June has been found near Maldives. Tjere were daily protest demonstrations in the Hikkaduwa area for the last few  demanding the Navy and the Air Frce to find these fishermen and their boat.

Line of Trees in th Kandy Town denuded to minimiza vehicle congestion.  Lakbima

Environmentalists have expressed deep sorrow over removal of several very old trees that were in front of the Kandy Central market. They point out that there is a heavy air pollution in rthe Kandy Town and this measure will further increasure the pollution levels.

Minipe Yoda Ela ubnder the hgrip of Sand Mafia – Mawbima

Farmers in rrrgw area complain that the longest canal in Sri Lanka the Yoda Ela has become a victim of the sand mafia.  Tjis 74 kilometer provides irrigation facilities to several thousand acres of paddy fields.  Farmers omplain that ther is a danger of several bridges across th canal ollapsing an falling down due to sand erosion

Jaffna Univercirty students to erect a memorial for the commemoration of the slain Tiger Terrorists in the Univercity premises. – LCN

Attempts  made earlier by the main student organiation odf the Jaffna Univercity to construct a memoral for the commemoration of tiger terrorists slain at Mullaivikkal in 2009 was  stalled even after laiyinf the foundation since they could not get permission for it from the Univeercity administration.  Members of the student body has met the Vice Chancellor of the Univercity Mr. Ratnam Wigneswaran to discuss  about this matter and he has requested them to seek permission from the Univercity Grants Commissuon as he has no authority t grant their request.

A Buddhist monk has killed a Policenan by strangling him and attempted to bomb another Police team – LCN

A Buddhist monk attached to the Gallenda Temple of Ratnapura who was under a warrant from the Courts has strangled and killed a Policeman from the Ratnapura Police Station who went to the Temple for an investigation.  He has also attempted to bomb a Police team that went to the Temple after this incident.  The concerned monk has been arrested.

9 Policy Statements for 3 years, Taxation increased by 100%, and Rupee depreciated by 22% – LCN

Addressing the Elitya” semunar held in Matara on 8^th Sunday Dr. Nalaka Godahewa said that ttempts are being made to tax those who own vehicles and those who go to overseas.  Compared to the year 2014 taxation in the ytear 2018 from the people has been increased by 100%.  It was by exploiting the people that the colonialists ruled this country.  In the post independent period no government has taxed the people like this inept government.  During Mhinda Raapaksa period steps were takem to reduce taxes in a systematic mnner. Now,,all that has been changed.  This government since the very first day it camee to power what it did was to waste the economy.  Due to wrong decisions takem by the government a damage of more than Rs.2,000 Billion has been caused to the economy.  The value of the Rupee has been deprciated by more than 22%.  For the first time in the history an inept and visionless government is in the country. Petrol prices are increased at 12 mid night and then reducedd in the morning.  There is no economic policy.

During the last three years 9 economic policies have been presented.  This country cannot be run with fairy tale narrators. To tell the fact the country has been ruined.  All economic nerve centres are beinhg destroyed.  The public service has become ineffective.  It is essential that this horrendous rule should be chased out.  The time has come for the people to unite for that purpose.  If the people get together and demand they will haveto go.

Let us ignite the people’s light (Eliya). Let us recommence our development programmes and make this country one of the powerful countries in the world.

Wednesday 12^th  July

A group of RAW agents in the JO   A plan to put an end to Gota – LCN

MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said that a group of RAW agents are functioning within the Joint Opposition and they are attempting to prevent a left government being firmed and that they are also helping for the sustenance of the Ranil Wickrenasunghe government. #He made these comments participating in the Salakuna” programme of Hiru TV

Gota requests to hear the case against him in the Express Decision Special Court –  LCN

Former Defence Secretaery Mr, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has said that he requests the government to make the Express Decision Special Courts to hear the cases against him, if any.  He made this statement to the media after participating in a religious function at Medagama in Bibile.

Ouur presudentiasl candidate is Chamal and only he can win  Vasu – LCN

MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara said that it is personal opinion that yhe JO candidate for the presidential election shiyld be Chamal Rajapaksa and a group of JO MPs have proposedhe namr of Mr. Chamal Rajapaksa.  Addressing a media conference in Colombo he said that other than Mr. Chamal Rajapaksa no one else from the JO can win the presidential election.

Clash of opinion in thee Cabinet meeting ofer fuel price increase   Lankadeepa

Government sources said that there were ctriticism by the Presient and several Minhisters about the manner in which fuel prices have been increased. Minister Mangala Sammaraweera has said that State Minister Eran Wickremaratne made prior intimation to the President about the inxrease/ Minister Arjuna Ranatunga has said that despite he being the Minister in charge he was unaware until the prices had been increased.  Minister Mangala Samaraweera has stated that prices were increased on the agreed price formula under which prices are to be increased or decreased every two months.  .

SLFP is ti appoinr new office bearers  Lakima

SLFP sources have said rhat iternal discussions are niw being held for the sekection of new office bearers for the paety and a new General Secretary will also be appointed and several names have been proposed for this post.

Dayasiri Jayasekera will chave to jump intoParakrama Samudraya and die at the next election  LCN.

The Deputy convenor of the JO Ratnapura District MP Ranjith de Soysa speaking at  Embilipitiya respomding to a statement that had been made by MP Dayasiri Jayasekera that if he goes after flower bud it would e like getting killed himself by jumping to Parakrama Samudraya said Dayasiri Jayasekera is not a character that is important to the SLPP and 15 persons who jumped to the Parakrama Samudraya have now come out from it and atre with the SLPP.  Niow Dayasiri Jayasekera will have to die by drowning in Parakrama Samudraya at the next election.

Speaking frther he said that there is no shortage in the JO, there is no shortage in the leaders, no shortage in the voters and they do not regret at all if Dayasiri does not come to SLPP

Mr. De Soysa said that it was Prime M9nister Ranil Wickremasinghe who has sent Arjun Mahendran to Singapore and he does not know whether it is possible to brimg him back.  However this government has a significant deal with Singapore.  He said that MP Bandula Gunawardene revealed that under this pact with Sri Lanka arrangements have been made to brung down garbage from Singapore and dump them in Puttalam. Similarly dump Singapore in knuckles mountain range as well The Prime Minister would have gone to Singapore for a plan to sell the country with Arjun Mahendran, or to attend a wedding there with him, or to find a suitable place for him to hide.

We the people of Ratnapura are farmers.  The prices of our produce have severly gone down.  Last week the ptice of cinnamon also got reduced by Rs 500. This government has no plan to protect the producers of export crops. If the Prime Minister opens his mouh there will be some disaster. Last week he said that King Parakramabhu built Parakrama Samudraya by exporting cinnamon cultivated in the Kalutaraa area  This week the price of cinnamon which stood at Re. 2400 has got reduced by 500 to 600 rupees.  It may get further reduced next week.  He said tht the Prime Ministe spoke about pepper and the ppper prices fell down and spoke about cinnamon and cinnamon prices have fallen down.  He urged th overnment to take immediate measures to protect the farmers in the Wlawe and the Sabaragamuwa regions. .

New Tiger Uniform and Bomb foun in Mullaivaikal  LCN

new tiger uniform and a bomb have been found hidden ubnderground in the MullaiVaikal area in Mullaithivu. Esrlier, a frew days ago three airforce officers carried out excavation work in the area and they were taken into Police custody charging they carried out excavation work without permission. Subsequently the Mullaithivu Air Force took court permission and carried the excavation which resulted in the discovery pf the uniform and the bomb

A bribery complaint against Prime Minister – Divayina

The Desha Hithaishee Vruththikayoo (Patriotic Professunals) Organization made a complaint yewsterday to the Bribery or Corruption Commission against Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe in connection with Central Bank Treasury Bond Scam. The complaint points out that Prime Minister’s connection with the Bond scam and presents several details related to the scam and highlights Prime Minister’s failure to prevent the loss that resulted from the scam and by his failure to act against the 2^nd Bond Scam that took place on 29^th and 30^th March 2016 and states that in this respect a major charge against him should be made under article 70 of the Bribery Act.

Professor Channa Jayasumana Senior Lawyers Kalyananda Thiranagama, T.M.N.A.Tennekoon and Attorney at Law Raja Gunartne filed this complaint yesterday on behalf of the Desha Hithaishee Vruththikayoo (Patriotic Professunals) Organization,

Attempts made by the Prime Minister to protect the former Governor of the Central Bank Arjun Mahendran, the continuous efforts made by the Prime Minister to suppress this issue have also been sighted under 8 points presented in the complaint made by the Desha Hithaishee Vruththikayoo (Patriotic Professunals) Organization. It also states that the Prime Minister has not shown any inclination to prevent the huge losses suffered by public funds due to this scam and there were many possibilities for the Prime Minister to prevent the second bond scam that took place on 26^th Feebruary, 2016.

This written complaint has been handed over to the Chairman of the Bribery or Corruption Commission Mr. T.B.Weerasuriya.

Cabral discloses about ship and frequenct deals  LCN

Addressing media the former Governor of the Central Bank MR. Ajith Nivad Cbral said that those who attempt to make allegtions against them are those who swindled tmillioms hrough ship deals and TV frequency deals.  He said that government official;s today are very much dissapponted and disgrusted as they have b een frequently symmoned by the FCID and questioned for long hours attempting to extract evidence for false allegations.  Mr. Cbral made these observations addressing a meeting held for forming an organization named Yukthiyarta Handak” (A voice fir Justice) which will be dedicated for helping victimized public servants.

Getting permission to open a Damma school today is more difficult than getting permission to cut a tree   former President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa    Mawbima

An all religions committee has been appointed to decide on giving permission To oipen a Damma school,. How long it takes to get permission to cut a tree? To open a Damma school also it is necessary too go after many people similar to getting a wood permit.  There had never been such an era in the history of this country.  The gformer President Mr. Mahinds Rajapaksa made these comments addressing the media after participating in a function held at Navamedagama Pahalagama Ashokarama Viharaaya in Dehiatttakandiya. Speaking furher he said that aftwe ending the 30 years of war we were able to lauunch a development programme and simultaneously renovate the temples that had been nehglected for years throughout the country.  Thereby we were able to reawaken the Buddhist atmosphere.  But during the last 3 ½ years not only a deterioration of religious values but the cultural and good manners have also taken plade..  At that time there was law and order and a dsciplinary rule.  Today when you switch on the TV what you see is that the President or the Prime Minister blaming me for their inabilities.  Not only for me they blame everyone in the country..  Cases are being filed aginst us. They think that filing revenge cases is a great achievement and give wide publicity to such things over all TV and Radio channels.

In Pannipitiya a student who became first in the class had been killed attacked by40 other students o the same class. . One man was shown thundering a student on the road.  These incidents make students’hearts cruel and spread hate, revenge and arrogance.  It is the responsibility of the parents and elders to protect safeguard and guide their children.

The economy has collapsed. The cost of living has increased by many folds. No proper price is  bwing paid for paddy.  The farmers have been forced to sell a kilo of paddy for Rs. 28. During our time we purchased a kilo for Rs, 60 by visiting to the fields itsef..  The government does notthink about the farmers.  Although they say that fertilizer can be purchased from everywhere there is nowhere to purchase fertilizer.  Children are being destroyed.  Businessses have become bankrupt.  The price of a coconut has skyrocketed. It is imperative that we should change this situation.  The time has come to change this situation and rescue the country

I am proud of Vijayakala – Gnanasara Thero    Mawbima

The General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena Organuzation Gnanasara Thero has said that he is proud of Vijayakala as she represents her community.  He has said that there are leaders for political parties but there is no proper leader for this country and all those who came to power only dvided and made us weak.  The thero made these comments aftrt attending a function held to bless him at Sri Dharmaeama Vihaaraya at Ulpana. The function was organized byHebariyawe Ratanasara thwero.

Speaking further  he said that those who camr to rule this country only made us weak but he is proud of Mrs, Vijayakaa Maheswaran because that lady stands for her nationality. He said that Prabhakaran took up arms on behalf of his nationality.  It is due to weaknesses of our leaders ladies like Vijayaala climb on to their shoulders.  .We should fulfil our duty for our chikdren, he said

Political Fronts cannot be formed without SLFP leadership,  Reginald ooray – LCN

A programme to establish SLFP high commands in several areas of Southern Province was held recently under the participation of NP Governor Reginald Cooray.  These bodies were established in Baddegama Akmeemana, Imaduwa, Elpitiiya and Ambaalaamgoda areas Speaking at these functions Mr Cooray said that he cancer in the UNP is friendship mania and the cancer in the SLFP is family bandytism.  He sai d in the past UNP was known as Unge Nedayange Pakshaya and the SLFPtoo gas now become an Unge Nedayange Pakshaya.

Cabinet approval to revise fuel prices on the 10^th of each monrh  LCN

Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratnee said that cabinet approval has been given to revise fuel prices on the 10^th of each month.  He said that these revisions are to be made based on the world market fuel prices.  Meanwhile, bus fares and 3 wheel charges are also to be increased due to the increase in fuel prices and their associations are reported to be discussing about the basis they should undertake in this regard

MP Kunara Welgama says that they want only Mahinda – LCN

MPKumara Welgama has said that they want only a democrsticleader and that democratic leader is only the former President Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa and there is nioissue beyond that.. The former Minister has made these comments in response to a question asked by journalists whether Mr. Gotaabhaya Rajapaksa will be brought forward as the next Presidential candidate.of the JO.  Speaking further Mr. Welgama has said that if Mr. Gotabhaaya Rajapaksa will be able to become a presidential candidate only if he enters the democratic sphere and the State Leader should not be anyone else but Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa. Mr. Welgama has made thesr comments while leaving after attending a discussion held at Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official residence jn Colombo.

Nimal Siripala to quuit the Minister post and join the Gang of 16. –  LCN

MP Dilan Perera has said that the Minister of Transport ans Civil Aviation and the Senior Vice President of the SLFP Mr. Nimal Siripala de Silva will shortly quit his Minister post and join their group of 16.  He has said that in addition to this 2 UNP MPs representing the Badulla district will also join the SLFP shortly.  He has made these comments at a media conference held in Badulla.

Thursday  12^th July

Cricket Selection Committee becomes more discriminative and Malinga leaves in disgust   – LCN

The super fast bowler of the Sri Lanka Cricket Team Lasith Malinga has decided to quit from Interntional Cricket.  It is reported that he has taken this decision because the interim selection committee has totally ignored his talents.  It is said that Malinga is in overseas at present and he would come back to Sri Lanka shortly and announce about his departure by holding a media conference.  It is also reported that after quitting cricket he will serve as a bowling coach

Fuel prices should be increase by another Rs. 7. Otherwise it will be a loss  LCN

.Tje Ministry of Petroleum Industry says that if the loss being suffered by the Ceypetco is to be cobered the price of fuel should be increased by another Rs 7. It has said tthat because of selling kerosene oil at Rs 70 prt liytr the Corporatiom already incurs a huge loss

Thye government is a mental asylum – Mawbima

The Kalutara di;strict JO MP Mr. Viidura Wickremanayake said that when the problems in the country gets accumulated to unsolvable level the government imnovates something day by day and week by week to mislead the people.  Addressing a media conference in Horana Mr. Wickremqnayake asked what has happened to the economy of this country? What are the problems facing the society? How much efforts are being made by the people for their living? He said recently there were talks about chasing elephants in the Sinharajah, then  ttheir were talks about attiring Jumpers to Buddhist monks, then there were talks about Hitler . Itis the government politicians who innovates these stories to divert thr attention of the people form their economic hardships.  We must get together and make an alternative plan to take this country away from this mental asylum.  There was no situation like this in this country prior to 8^th January, 2015.                                                                                                                                 

A new alliance under Mahinda’s leadership to end the monopoly of Pohottuwa   LCN and Mawbima.

At a meeting of party leaders of the joint opposition held at Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official residence in Colombo it has been unanimously decided to form a new alliance under the leadership of Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Joint Podujana Peramuna. MP Dallas Alahapperuma said that several decisios were taken at this meeting which included that the JO should function as an independent group within the Parliament. He said that the Speaker has deprived them their due rights of participating in Commiittees and allocartion of time for their speeches. He said that the government and the ‘official opposition’ are making all efforts to suppress the voice of the opposition.  The MP further stated that the young MPs of the JO have decided to stage a mammoth Satyagraha in Colombo om the 17^th of August on the 3^rd anniversary of the 2015 Parliament election.  He said that this Satyagraha will be a decisive turning pont on the programme of sending this government home.  He also stated that 3 people’s representatives have been assassinated within 30 days, 1260 robberies,74 rape cases, 274c murders have taken place, duing the last 6 month and this is a good indication of the direction that the government is taking this country He said that 4 years ago Colombo was considered as the Asia’s most beautiful and safe pace in the world. .Iit is a pity that the Deputy Minister in charge of Police has said recently that all these crimes are being organized by prison inmates.  That shows that the government has become an accomplice for these crimes.

SLFP’s temporarty General Secretary says there was a significsnt progress of the Party under him – LCN

SLFP’s temporarty General Secretary Mr. Rohana Lakhgman Piyadasa said the party reform activities are being carried out expeditiously.  He said that the Central Committee of the paerty would decide whether he should continue in the post after his term of 45 days.His temporary term ends on 18^th August.

Asia’s biggest stome quarry owned by the close reelative of high ranking politico. A huge palace also also built in the 15 acre land – LCM

This quarry initially started on a small scale has been expanded to a large extent of land and has become a multi million profit earning venture.  The owner is reporte to have built a huge palace with all indoor sports facilities in a 15 acre land

President claims assassinations have dropped these days compared to previous era – LCN

President Sirisena said that as per Polic erecords the crime, rape and robberies rates have significantly dropped during the last 3 ½ years.  Speaking at a function in Kandy and showing whar he called Police records he said that in the year 2017 crime rate has dropped to 452 murders.  He said anti government politicians talk much about media reports related to crimes.

 Joint Opposition smashes coconut at Seenigama – Divayina

A smashing of coconuts and a divine appeal agaimst government attrocotioes including increase of cost of living, corrupt administration, politically motovateed character assassinations and rise Commerce and Industrf underground activities were held at the Seenigama Devalaya yesterday. MPs Kumara Welgama, Rohita Abeygunawardene, Gamini Lokuge, Mohan Silva and Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Galle District provincial council members and the genral public participated in this event.  .

The laegest consignment of the CID history taken into custody – LCN

 About 10 kilos of Heroin worth Rs. 120 Million hasve been taken into custodty from a Saw  Mill in the Vakarai area in Batticaloa.This raid has been carried out by a Police team from Colombo and 2 suspects have been taken into custody.

Court action against increase of fuel prices

The Attormey at Law Vikum Basnayaka has intimated Minister of Commerce and Industry on the advice of the National Movement for the Protection of Consumer Rights in accordance wuth Civil Cases code No. 146 prior to filing a case in the Appeal Court demanding the Minister of Commerce and Industry to obtain a court order naming fuel as an essential item umder regulation No. 18.1 of the Comsumer Activities Authority Act No. 9 of year 2009.  The Attormey at Law has intimated in his letter to the Mini;ster that  due to increase od fuel prices intermittently it has caused much hardships to  the living conditions of the people and urged rthw Minister to take a court order within 30 days to declare fuel as a specific essential item under Comsu,mer Activities Authority Act No. 9 and states that if such action was not taken legal and judicial action will be taken against the Minister.

Peteol litre will be Rs. 243 and diesel 129 if wold market fuel prices increased to thr level that prevail;ed in Mahinda’s time – LCN

The price of a barrel of crude oil in the world market during the time of Mahimda was 121 USDollars and now it is only 72 USDollars. Under Mangala’s price formula a litre of petrol now is Rs. 145 and diesel is Rs. 119.  But if the price of a barrel of cride oil increased to that of the price that prevailed during Mahinda’s time Peteol litre will become Rs. 243 and diesel 129 under Mangala’s pricing formula.. The media spokesman of the National Freedom Front Mr. Mohammed Muzammil pointed out thaat under the Rajapaksa rule petrol litre was  givem to Rs. 115 when thw price of a barrel of crude oil was  asas high as 121 USDollars

Rajitha opposes President’s decisiom = LCN

Rajitjha Senaratne has opposed President’s decision to implement death penalty. He has said thaat there are countries that implement the capital punishment and evem if it is implemented there had been no reduction in drug related crimes.

MP .S.B.Dissanayake says the Prim Minister an the Finance Minister cripple Presidents attempt to resurrect the economy – LCN

MP .S.B.Dissanayake who has rejoined with Sirissena following his call for a meeting was rejected by the Group of 16 said that ehile the President is attempting to resurrect the economy the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister are obstructing the President’s moves.

A Tamilsn Gundu” hand bomb manufactured by LTTE found – LCN

A resident of Irattaaperiyakulam in Vavuniya has founs d a  Tamilsn Gundu” hand bomb while he was clearing the land for cultivation. The Police is to get the bomb deactivated under a Court order.

An International Airport to Trincomalee.  Lamkadeepa and LCN

The government which initiall used  the Mattala airport as a warehouse to store paddy saying that the country does not need an additional airpot and now has made arrangements to lease it outvto India for 99 years is reported to  be  planning to build an international airport in Trinco,alee.  This was revealed when the Trincomalee Development plan was released at the Temple Trees under the participation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. This airport which is to be completed in 2050 is to be built in Hingurakgoda area of Polonnaruwa.

President Council Ali Sabri appearing on behalf of the Comsumer Affairs Protection Autjority in connection wwith the case relating to government’s attempt to award the tender for the comstruction of the Kerawalapitiya Power Plant asserted the said that the bd submitted by the government preferred Chinese company was full of f;laws and if the tender as awarded to that company the country would incur a loss of Rs. 40 billion and if the Tupee depreciate further the loss may increase to Rs. 80 billion.  The case was taken up for hearing yesterday (11^th) before a 3 memer pamel of Supreme Court judges comprising Eva Wanasundera, Priyatha Jayawaedene and Murdu Fernando.  Upom submissions made by Mr. Ali Sabri further hearing of the case was posypomed to te 17^th o this month.  There are 82 respomdents in this caase including the Prime Minister, the Monister of Powwer and the members of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Esxecutivee Grade Government Officers stage a protest demo – lakbima

19 cateegories of Executive Grade government officers staged a protest demonstration yesterday (11th) over their salary salary anomaliew and other problems and against the government’s failure to find solutios to their ptonlrm.  In this commetiom the Lotus Rod was kept closed for traffic yesterday.

Minister Ranawaka presents concocted LG  Election resultss – Rivira

Minister Pa.Cha.Ranawaka has told a media comference without divulging the sources of imformtion that in the last local government election despite espousing Sinhala Biddhist communakism Mahinda camp got only 4.9 million votes whereas the opposition groups to Mahinda camp got 7.6 million votes and hence if Mahnda camp is to win the 2020 presidential election they should master at least another 1.y million votes and it is an extremely difficult task to achieve and as such the Mahinda camp can neer win the next presidential election.

Gotabhaya canoit win but Maithree can, Dilan Perera  LCN

Addressing a media conference called bythe group 16 MP Dilan Perera has said if Gotabhya comes as the presidential candidate he cannot win as he cannot get Tamil and Muslim votes.  However if Sirisena comes forward as the Pohottuwa candidate he can win. For this purpose, he has ssaid tha rhe SLFP should first leave the government.  He has also stated that Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa will nominate a suitable person as the presidential candidate. #

Friday – 13^th July

If President signs the order for execution the first person to hang will be an acolyte odf a powerful Minister – LCN

Political sources have said that a powerful Miister is much worried about President’s plan to sign the order for execution of capital punishment convicts.  It is reported that the top of the list of capitl punishment list of those convicted for drug related crimes is a person who closely associated and assisted this particular Minister.

FCID summons Major Generl Kamal Gunaratne  LCN

Majaor Generl Kamal Gunaratne, the Division under him was responsible fo the elimination of Praabhkaran in the last bttle at Nandikadal has been summoned for questioning by the FCID.  It is reported tht he has been summoned for questioning in respect of a death of a servant of Sri Lanka Embassy in Brazil when Mr. Gunaratne was the Deputy Ambaassador there.

All UNP Ministers and MPs boycott President’s function  LCN

All UNP Ministers aand the members of the Wwestern Provincial Council have boycotted the function held to declare open the new building complex of tte Western Privincial Council.  They have boycotted the function because Prime Minister Ranil Wickeremasinghe was not invited for this function. The Ex President Chandrika Kmaraatunga has been invited and it was reported that she occupied the seat that was reserved for the opposition leader.  When questioned by the UNP members the Chief Minister Isuru Devapriya has said that as this was not a national event only the President was invited.

The Prresidential candidate of JO Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa ?  LCN

Several internet and social media sites have reported that there is a plan to field Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa as the Presidiential candidate for the forthcoming presidenti;al election  These reports indicate tht due to the growing misunderstaneing between Raajapaksas and the JO members the former Presidentt Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to take thi decision

Former Prsident has riticised the government for fleecing the people by intermittenllly increasing fuel prices – Lankaweb.

A message issued by the former President says fuel prices have been increased yet again within a period of about eight weeks – a situation we have never experienced earlier. Now the price of petrol is Rs. 145 and diesel Rs. 118 while today’s price of crude oil in the world market is around USD 74 per barrel. In 2008, when Sri Lanka was buying crude oil at the much higher rate of USD 97 a barrel, petrol was sold at Rs. 120 and diesel at Rs 70. During the nine years in which we ruled the country, world crude oil prices were always high. According to the Central Bank reports, when I first assumed office as President back in November 2005, crude oil was imported to Sri Lanka at around USD 73 per barrel. Thereafter the price of crude oil increased steadily and during the last four years of my government, in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the average price of crude oil imports was over USD 109 per barrel. Hence the present crude oil price of USD 78 is very low compared to the prices that prevailed when we were in power.

The government should explain to the public why the retail price of fuel is disproportionately high today. The latest price increase is being justified in terms of a price formula which nobody has seen. It is quite clear that this government is aiming to collect more tax revenue from fuel by increasing and reducing fuel prices frequently so that at the end of the year, more revenue would have been collected from consumers. This kind of price manipulation is a standard practice in the large scale retail industry. The public should also take note of the devious manner in which the government implemented the fuel price increase. The Indian Oil Company was first allowed to increase their prices while the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation held back. After a few days when the people had reconciled themselves to a fuel price increase, the government increased the prices at the CPC stations as well. They sought to diffuse public outrage by such means. Such practices are all part of a government strategy to fleece the public through the manipulation of fuel prices.

The Electriity Board has incurred a loss o f18 Billion by overpaying to Kerawalapitiya West Coast Co. – Lankaweb

Despite signing agreement to purchase a unit of electricity for Rs. 16  18 the CEB has paid Rs. 29..85cand thereby incurred a los of Rs. 18 Billion. The Lskdanavi Co has obtained this temder saying tha their expenditure woul be 225 Million U.S..Dollars  instead the CEB has paid U.S.Dollars  294 Million U.SDollars.  The Caffe Organization has issued  lengthy statement givig details overpymet being made by the CEB and thereby forcing the electricity consumers to pay a higher price for a unit of electridity.

An agreement has been reached with IMF to revise fuel prices weekly  LCN

MP S.B.Dissanayake said that the government has reached an aagreement with the INF to revise fuel prices on a weekly basis. He said that the government has entered into an agreement with the INF in this connection. Addressing a media conferemce in Colombo Mr. Dissanayake said that the IMF and the World Bank very often advises to slash the conceswsions being given to the people and the government is aacting accordingly.

Remove War Hero monuments from North – MP Shridharan – LCN

If steps are being taken to erase the memories of the LTTE from the minds of the Northern people steps should also be taken all war hero monuments in the North..  This was stated by the TNA MP S.Shridharan addressing a protest demonstration held in Mulaitivu.

Group of 16 invited to attend JO party leaders meeting. SB and WDJ to attend –v  LCN

The Group of 16 has also got representation to attend JO party leaders meeting.  In this connection it is reported that S.B.Dissanayake and W.DJ.Seneviratne will attend.  They are at present functioning as the co-chairmen of the Group of 16. The party leaders meeting of the joinr pposiion are held under the leadership of Mr. Mahinda Rajapksa.  

Wigneswaean orders government servants in the North not to provide any information to Security Service personnel  LCN

The Chief Minister of the Northern Province Mr. C.V.Wigneswaran has issued an order to the government servants in the North not to give any information to Security Service personnel without his approval.  The Chief Minister made this announcement yesterday (12^th) when he declared open a development center for disabled people near the Kilinochchi Depot Junction.  Sprkimg at this function Mr. Wigneswaran said that there are three administrations in the North ome of which is Central government administration, the other is Provincial Council administration and the third is the Governor’s afministration.  All these administrations are only inconveniencing the people and that is why they are demanding for a federal form of administration.  He further stated that all the 9 provinces should have federal administrations.

Members of the group of 16 demands SB, Dilan, Dayasiri and Thilanga to call themselves as Group of 4 without insulting them – LCN

The Group I6 who joined the opposition by leaving the government has said that no one should make any individual statement without an all consrnsus decision. They ask the people to ignore statements being made by SB Dissanayake, Dilan Perera, Dayasiri Jayasekera and Thikanga Sumathipala and states that such statements are being made without the consensus of the whole group  One of the members said a comprehensive media release will be issued shortly aginst the statements being made by these 4 MPs.

Minister Rishad Bathiudeen should be hanged first – LCN and Mawbima

Ven. Ananda Sagara thero has said tha if drug peddlers are to be hanged it should be started with the Ministrs in the Cabinet smd the first to be hanged should be Ministwr Rishad Bathiudeen.  Addressing a media cinference he has said that it is his personal opinion.

Meanwhile Gmamasaara thero p Bodi Ba;;a Sena has said it is the poliyicians who protect the drig peddlers sjould be hanged first.  He has sad that drugs cannot prevail without the underground and the underground cannit prevail without the protection politicians.  While praising the President for his statement of imposing capital punishment he has urged the President to hang not only deug peddlers but rapists, robbers and phaedeophiles as well.

Winter season over, Cride prices fall down.  As per pricing formula fuel prices in Sri Lanka should come down – LCN and Lakbima

In the coming months crude oil prices in the world market is expected to come down significantly due to the end of winter season. The government has also informed the possibilityfuel prices coming down.  It has said that it increased the fuel prices necause there was an increase in the crude oil prices in the world market.

Prices of Bakery products to go up    Lakbima andLCN. .

The All Island Bakery Owners Association has decided to increase the prices of bakery products from Monday omwards.  They have said that their production costs have increased due to intermittent increase in gas and fuel prices and quantum of increase will be decided during the weekend and it may be between Rs 5 to 10.. LCN reported the price of buns and oher products will be increased by Rs. 5 each fro, midnight of 15^th. buns and

Kumara Weltgaama is alleged to be in a conspiracy with the government and that is the reason for his opposition to Gota   LCN

The War Heroes for the Motherland Organization claims that MP Kumara Welgama is being blackmailed by the government.  The convenor of the Organization Mr. Ajith Prasanna said that this blackmailing is being done on the basis of several court cases against Mr. Welgama and through him the government is getting all information aabout the joint opposition.  Refeerring to Mr. Welgsma’s opposition to Mr. Gotabhaya’s possible candidacy and his statement that anyone aspiring to become a President should have at least indulgeed in provincial politics, Mr. Ajith Prasanna points out that world’s first Prime Ministe Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the late Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yu and the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed became leaders of their respedtive countries without doing any ground level politics.

Saturday – 14^th July

‘Janabalaya Kolambata,’ protests om 17^th August = Lankadeepa

MP Namal Rajapaksa said yeterat that a massive anti-government protest campaign blocking all access roads to Colombo will be held on August 17 in Colombo on the 3^rd anniversary of this government.  Addressing a news conference MP Rajapaksa said the joint opposition, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the Podujana Youth Front would gather a large crowd and bring them to Colombo on August 17.. He sid the prptests  will be held against the government’s arbitrary actions, selling of national assets and weak fiscal policies which have resulted in the collapse of the economy.and they will voice against the lawless nature that has allowed the underworld to thrive. Fishermen as well as farmers who cultivate pepper, cinnamon, tea, rubber and chena have become victims of this government’s arbitrary actions. More details including the venue and time of the protest will be notified soon,” he said.

4 from group pf 16 to attend JO Party leaders meeting – Lakbima

In responsr to a request made by the group og 16 to allow 4 of their members MPs W.D.J.Seneviratne, S.B.Dissanayake, Susil Premjayanrh and Anura Priyadarshana Yapa to attend JO party leaders’ meetings Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa has rquested JO parliamentary group leader MP Dinesh Gunawardene to ivite them to sttend the meetings only two at a time.basis/

Spraker’s decision on Vijayakala thus week   Lakbima and LCN

Speaker’s decision on the controversial speech made by Mrs. Vijayakala Maheswaran at a Jaffna meeting is to be announced this week  Meanwhile the Speaker is reported to have been admitted to a private hospital in Colombo.

No response from Mangala when media personnel demanded to divulge the fuel pricing formula  LCN

The Minister of Finance Mangala  Samaraweera has kept silent when media personnel demanded several times to divulge the so-called fuel pricing formula as per which it was  reported that fuel prices will be increased or reduced based on world market fuel prices.  He has erlier sidd that fuel prices will be determined each month based on the world market prices.

Even a bbegger is to be taxed if the monthly income exceeds Rs. 100,000 – Mawbima and LCN

Minister off Finance Mangala Samaraweera said gat eveb a begger will be taxed if the monthly income exceeds Rs. 100,000.  He said that earlier the ta ceiling was Rs, 65,000 and it was increased to Rs. 100,000 and it was done so to increase the direct taxees.

04 from th Group of 16 bac;k to the government. Ready even take up Minister posts and one to be the General Secretary of the SLFP – LCN

04 MPs from the Group of 16 who joined the joint opposition from the  government are noe reported to be ready to go back to the government and take up Minister posts.  Talks ave been held in this connetion aand one of them is to be appointed as the General Secretary of the SLFP.  Meanwgile Minister Sarath Amunugaaama has said that several of them are due to re-join the government.

The First trial of the Special Corts will be against Gotabhaaya and the verdict to be delivered in three days – Mawbima and LCN

The first and second trials of the Special Courts to be established will be against Mr. Gotabhaya and Mr. Gamini Senarath respectively. A government spokesman has said that a decision on these trials was taken at a secret meeting among some Ministers redently.  As per this spokesman the trial against Mr. Gotabjaya will be the allegation against him over the construction of a DARajaapaaksa memorial museum.  The allregation aginst Mr. Gamini Senarathe is Rs. 4 billion from the Rs. 18.5vbillion allocated for the Hyatt Regency Colombo diverting for the construction Hyatt Regency Hambntota Hotel without permission

Nationl dress for the Police in place of Khaki dress – IGP  – LCN

The IGP Pujitha Jayasundera has said that he is ready to introduce National Dress to Police officers in place of the Khaki dress.  Showing the national dress he was wearing the IGP has said that when it is done, all Police office rs would look like him.  The IGP has made these comments at a function in which Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara and Deputy MinisterNalin Bandara were having a cordial discussion  with the NP Chief Minister Mr. C.V.Wigneswaran.

South Africa kneel down against Sri Lanka’s spinners.  All out in the nd Innings fo 73runs.  A massive 278 run win for Sri Lanka.

In the second innings of the first Tet between Sri Lanka and South Africa played at Galle, the South African team chasing aa target of 352 runs was all out for 73 runs

Gas Prices to go up

The government sources said that the price of domestic gas cylinder will Be increased shortly.Accordingly the price of a normal gas cylinder will be increased by about Rs. 135. When the gas price in the world market was high the government recently reduced the price of gas despite strong opposition from the two gas companies and the new increase will be made due to their protests. At present a normal gas cylinder in the local market is sold at Rs. 1538.

by C.A.Chandraprema Courtesy The Island

July 14, 2018, 12:00 pm
Last Thursday, the Professionals’ National Front (PNF) which brings together professionals from the medical, engineering, banking, IT, architectural, and many other spheres held a seminar to a packed audience at the Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandiraya in Thunmulla on the SL-Singapore Free Trade Agreement ahead of the debate in parliament on the same matter scheduled for the afternoon of July 17. The PNF is a body that took shape through agitation against the attempt by the present government to expand the free trade agreement with India to include the trade in services. One of the main demands by the PNF from its very inception is that Sri Lanka should have a national trade policy on the lines of which any free trade agreement should be entered into.

Since the government was dragging its feet in the matter of formulating a national trade policy, the PNF took the initiative to appoint a people’s commission to make recommendations for the formation of such a policy. In the meantime, a document styled ‘New Trade Policy’ appeared last year on the website of the Ministry of Strategic Development and International Trade purporting to be Sri Lanka’s national trade policy. It was supposed to be in accordance with this policy that the SL-Singapore FTA had been entered into. Speaker after speaker at last Thursday’s event bitterly criticized both the so called National Trade Policy formulated by Minister Malik Samarawickrema and the SL-Singapore FTA that the government entered into. One of the main criticisms made by the PNF against the purported national trade policy of the present government is that nobody had been consulted in its preparation and that it was only ‘an essay’ written by an expatriate Sri Lankan.

When the Indian government updated its Foreign Trade Policy last year, they got all stakeholders including exporters, trade associations, state governments, and even foreign missions involved in the process. But Sri Lanka’s New Trade Policy seems to have been formulated without any such process and had appeared suddenly on Malik Samarawickrema’s ministry website. This was tantamount to a deliberate insult to the professional organizations that had been agitating for a properly formulated national trade policy. In the midst of all this, the government entered into the SL-Singapore FTA without any consultation or discussion with stakeholders. In fact very few people were even aware that such a thing was on the cards until it was suddenly sprung on all of us. Even though a parliamentary debate is to be held next Tuesday on the SL-Singapore FTA, it’s being held after the FTA has been signed and the Customs Dept. instructed to adhere to its provisions. It was this FTA that for the first time opened up virtually the entire Sri Lankan services sector to competition from Singapore. To say that the professional associations have reached boiling point is an understatement.

New Trade Policy from nowhere

Among the main criticisms made at that seminar about the SL-Singapore FTA was the fact that Sri Lanka has undertaken to provide zero duty access to Singapore for 50% of all product lines immediately, and increase this proportion to 80% within various time frames going up to 12 years, without however obtaining any comparable concession for Sri Lanka. All product lines could be exported completely duty free to Singapore even before the FTA. The other matter taken up was the mandatory opening up of the movement of natural persons in categories such as managers, executives and specialists in a context where these phrases are not defined anywhere, not even in the legal text of the SL-Singapore FTA which defines the word ‘day’ but not the words manager, executive or specialist.

It’s no great wonder that such criticism would be made of the SL-Singapore when it was based on the so called ‘New Trade Policy’ of the present government which itself is a document lacking focus or depth. The Foreign Trade Policy of India is 150 pages long and is very focused whereas Sri Lanka’s new trade policy is just 29 pages and inconsistent in its assertions. This is why the PNF calls it an ‘essay’. The expatriate Sri Lankan who is supposed to have penned this trade policy starts off with the claim that in recent years (meaning the years before the present government came into power) Sri Lanka’s openness to international trade and investment has declined sharply and that the increased ‘protectionism and inward orientation’ have slowed economic growth.

The NTP states that the main reason for the inward orientation was Sri Lanka’s tariffs and para-tariffs which have increased the level of protection for Sri Lankan domestic industries at the cost of production for exports. It then goes on to state that this results in consumers having to pay more and local producers not being under any pressure to match international quality standards. It states that high levels of protection divert resources from production for export and that tariffs and other measures that protect domestic industries create disincentives to exports by directly raising the price of imported inputs and raw materials and intermediate and capital goods. However, it is a well known fact that any export oriented industry can import inputs and raw materials from overseas for their industries duty free and that this was the whole purpose in establishing free trade zones.

How then can Sri Lanka’s tariff regime be a dampener on exports? This talk of tariffs protecting local industry applies only to a few product lines such as footware where there are established local industries and the removal of those tarrifs will result in a flood of imported goods that will result in those industries being wiped out. Obviously the writer of this NTP is opposed to giving these few local industries any form of protection. While talking about reducing Sri Lankan tariffs to open the Sri Lankan economy to the outside world, the NTP at the same time talks of the protectionism that is ‘spreading globally’, particularly in the industrialized countries. But it has not said what we should learn from this wave of protectionism that is sweeping through the very countries that once advocated free trade.

While talking about opening foreign markets for Sri Lanka’s exporters through multilateral, regional and bilateral trade agreements, the NTP acknowledges the sub-optimal performance of the four existing FTAs (now five with the SL-Singapore FTA) with India, Pakistan, SAFTA and APTA. The NTP acknowledges that the preferences accorded under these FTAs are ‘partial and limited’ and are vastly underutilized by Sri Lankan exporters. Non-tariff barriers and stringent rules of origin are said to be among the reasons for the failure of these FTAs. While acknowledging that the FTAs that Sri Lanka have not succeeded because of protectionism at the other end, the NTP still says that most countries have become ‘more open to trade’ whereas Sri Lanka’s economy has become inward-oriented and markedly more protected.

Tripping over one’s own buzz words

How is it that the top professions that Sri Lanka has deployed to negotiate FTAs could not find countries that have become ‘more open to trade’ to sign FTAs with? If other countries have become more open, why is Sri Lanka having so much trouble trying to export to those countries? This NTP that Minister Malik Samarawickrema has got written, is a classic case of people tripping up over their own buzz words and platitudes. The NTP itself acknowledges that Sri Lanka will take a more strategic approach in future trade and partnership agreements, drawing on the lessons of experience, while simultaneously addressing shortcomings in existing ones. This means that negotiators will identify non-tariff barriers at the onset and address them along with tariff reductions, specify the mutually recognized or agreed standards, clarify and negotiate rules of origin that best serve its industry requirements, and aim to make market access more predictable for Sri Lankan exporters.

What the NTP has failed to state is that if it so difficult to negotiate more openness, then there must be less openness in the world than we think there is! It is observed in ths NTP that Sri Lanka’s high tariffs and para-tariffs are also motivated by the need to raise revenue for the government through trade taxes at the border which is relatively easy to levy. This is true. The biggest single item of revenue for the Customs Dept are the taxes on vehicles which the present government too has been plumbing for all they are worth. There is nothing in the NTP which shows how the government is going to meet the shortfall in revenue caused by the reduction or elimination of tariffs. The NTP is replete with the usual jargon such as improving firms’ ability to compete with imports, but without any indication as to how this will be achieved by removing tarrifs.

One concession to commonsense made in the NTP is with regard to the agricultural sector where it is observed that because any change in import policy may have a negative impact on incomes of farmers and prices of essential consumer goods, the government needs to be cautious in reforming tariffs and other levies at the border and that given the importance of agriculture in Sri Lanka, it is imperative for the government to formulate the long-term trade policy as an integral part of a comprehensive agricultural development strategy for the country. Such a policy should accord high priority to food security, livelihood and rural development, employment, and poverty reduction on one hand, and the improvement of productivity on the other.

The NTP observes that many of the poor can benefit greatly from trade liberalization insofar as it reduces the cost of staples, or creates new export opportunities but some can also be hurt by the lower prices of that which they produce. Trade reforms in the most sensitive sectors will be carried out cautiously with these considerations in mind and, where possible, mechanisms will be put in place to facilitate the migration of workers out of those sectors. This last point seems to indicate that whoever wrote this ‘essay’ on trade policy has the Singapore model in mind and forgets that this is a real country and not a city state. We have a semi-urban and rural hinterland unlike Singapore. The PNF is right in rejecting the NTP that the yahapalana government has put forward. What this country needs is a proper foreign trade policy modeled on that of neighbouring India which is formulated after taking the needs of the economy of the country and after extensive consultations with all stakeholders.

By Prof Rajiva Wijesinha Courtesy Ceylon Today

By Lakshman I. Keerthisinghe Courtesy Ceylon Today

By Dr. Tilak S Fernando Courtesy Ceylon Today

By Arjuna Ranawana Courtesy Ceylon Today

By Udaya P Gammanpila Courtesy Ceylon Today

UNP MP Vijayakala Maheswaran told a public rally on 2 July that the LTTE should be resurrected if the Tamil people are to get their freedom.  Although this controversial statement is two weeks-old, law enforcement officers have done nothing against her.

The LTTE have committed brutal terrorist activities to set up a separate State within Sri Lanka.  Promotion of separatism is a punishable offence under Article 157A of the Constitution.  If a person is found guilty,  he/she will lose their civic rights for seven years and assets will be confiscated.  If the person is a parliamentarian, he will lose that office as well.

Since the LTTE promoted separatism through terrorist activities, Vijayakala has abetted an armed struggle against the State.  In terms of Section 114 of the Penal Code, it is an offence punishable with capital punishment in addition to confiscation of assets.

In terms of Section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act No 56 of 2007, no person shall propagate war or advocate national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.  It is an offence where only the High Court can grant bail for the suspect under exceptional circumstances.  Hence, the suspect should be in remand prison until the conclusion of the trial.  The LTTE instilled fear in Sinhala and Muslim communities by lashing out violence and even including massacring the Sinhalese and Muslims.  Hence, Vijayakala’s statement is an advocation of racial hatred.  There is a similar provision in the Prevention of Terrorism Act as well.

In this backdrop, Vijayakala’s controversial statement is a gross violation of the Constitution, Penal Code, ICCPR Act and Prevention of Terrorism Act.  In terms of these laws, Vijayakala should be arrested and remanded until the conclusion of the trial.  She should be punished with the death penalty after confiscation of her assets.  Alternatively, she can be imprisoned after expelling her from Parliament.  She will be stripped of her civic rights for seven years.

According to the above legal analysis, promotion of separatist terrorism is a dangerous act with disastrous consequences.  Let us now review, how these laws have been applied to Vijayakala.

Police have so far failed to arrest Vijayakala.  In the least, she has not even been questioned by Police regarding the controversial statement.  The only outcome of the incident was her tendering her resignation from the post of State Minister on the advice of Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe.

However, the loss of a ministerial portfolio has not been stated as a punishment when separatist terrorism is advocated.  The punishment that should be meted out is much more severe than that.  Unfortunately, it seems that she is above the law!
It is true that the UNP has appointed a disciplinary committee to investigate Vijayakala’s statement.

However, it has not even failed to suspend her membership.  When UNP MPs supported the Rajapaksa government in support of the war against the LTTE, the UNP rushed to suspend their membership.  However, when a member publicly makes pro-LTTE speeches, the UNP shows no interest to suspend the membership.  This duplicity clearly demonstrates the UNP’s pro-LTTE stance.

This duplicity is found not only in the UNP but also in the action taken by government.  After anti-Muslim riots in Digana, several hundreds of people were taken into police custody.  The majority of those arrested have nothing to do with the violence.
The only sin they have committed was being in the wrong place at the wrong time! Hence, they were just on CCTV camera footage on that fateful day.

Over a 100 persons so arrested are still in remand custody.  They have been refused bail.  Since they have been charged under the ICCPR Act, the Magistrate has no authority to grant bail.  Even the High Court can only grant bail under exceptional circumstances.  When 105 persons are  in remand custody without a shred of evidence, Police fail to arrest Vijayakala for her pro-terrorist public statement witnessed by the entire nation.

Vijayakala has attempted to justify her speech by saying she was under tension after hearing the rape and murder of a young girl.  However, she protected and granted the opportunity for Mahalingam Shashi Kumar alias Swiss Kumar, the prime suspect for the rape and murder of Sivaloganathan Vidya to make good his escape which was confirmed by the suspect himself in his confession in the High Court of Jaffna on 29 August 2017.

Why did she not feel any tension hearing the rape and murder of Vidya?
The LTTE kidnapped schoolchildren and tied cyanide capsules around their necks after providing military training by force.  Thousands of Tamil fathers were killed labelling them traitors by the LTTE.  An infant who was suckling was grabbed and his head was crushed by hitting it on a nearby coconut tree at Gonagala.

Thirty novice monks were slaughtered in cold blood in Aranthalawa by the LTTE. Why was Vijayakala not under tension after hearing any of these incidents?  Hence, her justification that she was under tension when she made the controversial statement is unacceptable.

She also made a second justification for her statement that Jaffna was free of crime during the time of the LTTE.  Jaffna has been under government control since 1995.  The entire North has been under government control since 2009.  There was no record of widespread criminal activities in the North until 2015.  Criminal activity in the North commenced during the government of Vjayakala’s party.

In the light of above, none of the justifications put forward by Vijayaka are acceptable.  Hence, law enforcement agencies should immediately take action against Vijayakala.

Courtesy NewsIn.Asia

Chathuri Dissanayake Courtesy The First Post

Colombo: Questions are now being raised in Sri Lanka over the seriousness of India’s intent to set up a joint venture for Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota, which has the dubious distinction of not having any scheduled flights.

Almost one-and-a-half years after India submitted a proposal for gaining control over the airport, talks between the two countries have stalled after repeated rounds of negotiations ended in a stalemate.

India had submitted an unsolicited investment proposal to Sri Lanka’s ministry of civil aviation after the latter closed the call for expressions of interest for a business venture to turn around the airport, dubbed the world’s emptiest, in December 2016.

After China got the port, India wanted the airport

The airport is located close to the Chinese-run Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port and that explains India’s strategic interest in the desolated airport.

Sri Lanka had signed a framework agreement to lease Hambantota Port to Chinese state-owned China Merchants Port Holdings Company (CMPort) in December 2016.

The two infrastructure projects were carried out by the Rajapaksa government with Chinese loan funding. Struggling to repay the loans, the current Sri Lankan government called for investments to lease out both the airport and port, resulting in a lease agreement with China for the latter.

Since then, although several meetings have taken place between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and its Sri Lankan counterpart, the discussion is not taking off.

It seems the Indian government just wanted to block China from leasing the airport in the same region as the port.

According to Sri Lankan deputy transport minister Ashok Abeysinghe, a request was made by them for a detailed business plan for a joint venture with Airports Authority of India (AAI). However, the Indian counterparts are yet to come through with the plan.

Last week, an Indian team, including AAI officials and representatives from the Indian government, met Sri Lankan transport ministry officials. Designing of a business plan was, however, not featured in the discussions.

The Indian high commission in Sri Lanka had not responded to a request for more details on the talks at the time of publication.

Negotiations stalled

The Sri Lankan Cabinet had approved the start of discussions on the proposal submitted by India for Mattala. According to the Cabinet paper presented by the ministry of civil aviation, AAI proposed to invest $205 million for a 70 percent stake in the venture for 40 years, while its Sri Lankan counterpart was expected to share the balance $88 million, totaling $293 million, as per India’s assessment of the net worth of the Mattala airport.

The Sri Lankan government was determined to renegotiate the amounts and shareholding ratio, Abeysinghe said. They wanted a 60:40 ratio depending on the business plan.

As talks regarding the airport between the two nations failed to take off, the only airline flying to Mattala, Flydubai, ceased its flights from 8 June, pushing the Sri Lankan government to look for alternatives.

Analysts are also wondering if India is genuinely interested in committing large sums of capital in high-risk projects such as Mattala. A New York Times article on the Hambantota Port pointed out that India indeed turned down opportunities to invest in the port venture when the Rajapaksa government approached it.

China tightening grip on Sri Lanka, India gets wary

For decades, India has played the role of big brother to its southern neighbour Sri Lanka, not just because of its geographical proximity and strategic location but also because people of the two countries are bound by centuries-old cultural and religious ties.

Since Independence, India and Sri Lanka have also kept diplomatic relations tight, followed non-aligned policies, with India always making sure that Sri Lanka turns to big brother in times of need and keeps others, particularly China and the US, at an arm’s length.

All that has changed in the past ten years with the rise of China as a global economic power, and Sri Lanka coming under its spell, tempted by its willingness to fund massive projects – no questions asked.

The Sri Lankan government’s decision to award a contract to a Chinese company for construction of 40,000 houses in the northern province is another flashpoint for India.

According to sources, India has raised concerns against the opaque” awarding of tender to China Railway Beijing Engineering Group Co, which has no experience in construction in the northern region.

There are also fears of influx of Chinese labour in the northern province — traditionally affiliated to India owing to its ethnic makeup.

Two weeks ago, Indian representatives met minister of rehabilitation DM Swaminathan to raise concerns over the increasing Chinese presence but he said all fears has been dispelled.

There will not be a single Chinese worker in the north. The company has agreed to employ 5,000 workers in the construction field and another 2,000 in two factories,” he assured, quickly adding that I am a Tamil myself and would be worried if there was a sudden influx of foreign workers”.

He also pointed out that the call for housing has been there for three years; no one offered to build them till now”.

Analysing Sri Lanka’s reliance on China, former diplomat S Palihakkara says in The Island of the Lion and the Land of the Dragon that the former government in Sri Lanka had unwisely placed most, if not all, of their ‘eggs in the Chinese basket’ entailing serious debt management issues at home and troubling strategic concerns abroad involving India and the US”.

(Chathuri Dissanayake is a Sri Lanka-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.)

Written by Harish Damodaran | New Delhi |Courtesy The Indian Express

Updated: July 15, 2018 3:40:08 am

The government’s decision to raise the minimum support price (MSP) of common paddy from Rs 1,550 to Rs 1,750 per quintal this crop season may benefit farmers ahead of elections, but could impact the country’s export of non-basmati rice.

The government’s decision to raise the minimum support price (MSP) of common paddy from Rs 1,550 to Rs 1,750 per quintal this crop season may benefit farmers ahead of elections, but could impact the country’s export of non-basmati rice, annually worth almost Rs 23,000 crore.

Much of India’s non-basmati exports — which have zoomed from just one lakh tonnes to over 8.6 million tonnes (mt) in this decade — are to African nations, both West (Benin, Nigeria, Niger, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Guinea and Senegal) and East (Somalia and Djibouti), and also to Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

These are poorer countries relative to West Asia, UK, Europe, US, Canada and Australia, the main markets for the more premium basmati rice.

In 2017-18, India shipped out 4.05 mt of basmati rice, which was less than half the quantity of non-basmati (8.63 mt), but of higher value (Rs 26,841.19 crore versus Rs 22,927.06 crore for the latter). Unlike basmati, non-basmati rice is a highly price-sensitive segment. The MSP increase will totally erode India’s price competitiveness,” said an official from a major agri-commodity exporting firm.

Currently, long-grain (6 mm) parboiled rice with 5% broken grain content – which is what India largely exports – is quoting at $385-390 per tonne free-on-board (FOB, or the point of shipment). Paddy yields roughly two-thirds rice, with the milling costs – including salaries, interest and overheads – more or less recovered from sale of husk and bran. If paddy is sourced from Chhattisgarh, Odisha or Andhra Pradesh at an MSP of Rs 1,550 per quintal, the equivalent price of milled rice will be around Rs 23.25 per kg. After adding commission fees, local levies and transport charges of Rs 1.25, the delivered cost at Kakinada port will come to Rs 24.50/kg. On top of this are fobbing costs” (towards bagging, warehousing, inspection, customs clearance and cargo handling/stevedoring) of Rs 1.50, which takes the final FOB price to Rs 26/kg or $380 per tonne at Rs 68.5-to-the-dollar.

READ | Centre’s MSP hike decision betrayal of promises made to farmers: AIKSCC

But with the new paddy MSP of Rs 1,750 per quintal, the basic rice cost itself will go up by Rs 3/kg or nearly $44 per tonne. At this rate, we will be completely priced out. Today, even long-grain white raw rice with 5% brokens from Thailand is selling at below $400 per tonne FOB,” the earlier-quoted exporter pointed out.

The implications of it aren’t small. India produces about 110 mt of rice, out of which 36-38 mt is procured by government agencies and 12.5-12.7 mt is exported. The higher MSP is not applicable on basmati paddy and would anyway make little difference to the four-mt exports of this premium rice. But to the extent the 8.5-8.7 mt of non-basmati rice exports are affected, there will be that much of surplus grain in the domestic market, which may end up in government warehouses. This, when public rice stocks, at 23.25 mt as on July 1, are way above the normative buffer of 13.54 mt required to be maintained before the start of the new agricultural year.

ALSO READ | MSP hike: Farmers yet to reap gains on the ground

The entire 8.5-8.7 mt exports may not take a hit, but at least 3 mt or so can be impacted. The two offsetting factors could be a further depreciation of the rupee and a bumping up of prices by Indian exporters,” noted Ashok Gulati, agriculture economist and former chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices.

India, according to US Department of Agriculture data, accounted for 12.8 mt out of the total global rice trade of 48.98 mt in 2017-18, making it the world’s largest exporter, ahead of Thailand (10.5 mt), Vietnam (7 mt), Pakistan (4.2 mt), Myanmar (3.5 mt) and the US (3.05 mt). Being a large exporter, India can set prices. But the ability to pass on the higher MSP is limited by the low purchasing power, especially of African countries who may even switch to cheaper cereal substitutes like cassava. Besides, Thailand and Vietnam may respond by ramping up their supplies and grabbing our market share,” added Gulati.

But there could also be a third possibility – of rice meant for the public distribution system (PDS) getting diverted for exports. This, if trade sources are to be believed, is already taking place. Given that the Central issue price for rice under the National Food Security Act is just Rs 3/kg – states like AP, Telangana, Odisha and Chhattisgarh are offering it at Rs 1/kg – the incentives for diversion are obviously huge.

PDS rice typically has 20-25 % brokens. There are traders/millers who manage to get these through collusion with food department officials and transporters, which they then convert into 5% brokens (by adding unbroken or head rice bought from the market) and sortex (to remove discoloured and damaged grain) for achieving export quality,” explained an exporter, who, however, couldn’t quantify the extent of such PDS-diverted shipments.

Leading non-basmati exporters from India include the Singapore-based Olam International and also not-so-well-known domestic players such as Satyam Balajee Rice Industries, Pattabhi Agro Foods, HRMM Agro Overseas, Amir Chand Jagdish Kumar Exports and Sukhbir Agro Energy.

Courtesy The Asian Age

Two Sri Lankans, including a 38-year-old woman, suspected to be part of the racket, have been arrested, police said

Chennai: Police have busted a fake passport racket in Tamil Nadu, which helped Sri Lankan nationals fly abroad from the city as Indian citizens.

Two Sri Lankans, including a 38-year-old woman, suspected to be part of the racket, have been arrested, police said.

Earlier, the crime branch wing had arrested 11 people, including a travel agent, for allegedly preparing fake passports by collecting amounts of up to Rs 10 lakh from Sri Lankan nationals.

Police said investigations revealed that the woman had come to Tamil Nadu from the island nation on a tourist visa some time back and had been staying here well past its expiry date.

She had sought the help of the travel agent, who prepared a fake passport for her.

Her accomplice, who also possessed a Sri Lankan passport, managed to get a fake Aadhar card for her, police said.

The woman and her accomplice were arrested from a house in the city on Friday and produced before a local court, which later sent them to Puzhal central prison.

Describing the modus operandi, police said the travel agent used to prepare fake Indian passports for Sri Lankan nationals, based on the information he received from his aide in Colombo.

The man, with the help of his gang, collected expired passports from people of economically weaker sections and sold them to Sri Lankan nationals as valid Indian passports for a monetary consideration.

Police also recovered 77 Indian passports, 12 Sri Lankan passports and machines used to prepare them and cash of Rs 85,000.

Amrutha Vasireddy Samayam Telugu | Jul 14, 2018, 01.12 PM IST

HYDERABAD: Veteran female singer K Rani, who is famous for her song ‘Anthaa Braanthi Yena’ for Devasau movie, passed away on Friday night at her daughter’s residence in Kalyan Nagar, Hyderabad, at 75. K Rani, the most popular singer in the olden times, has sung more than 500 songs in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Bengali, Sinhala and Uzbek.

She started her singing journey when she was eight years old. She also sang the national anthem of Sri Lanka. Rani’s initial films in 1951 were Roopavathi (Telugu) and Mohana Sundaram and Singari (Tamil). A year later, she was singing for the lead characters in films like Kalyani, Kalyanam Panni Paar, Pelli Chesi Choodu, Dharma
Devadhai and Dharma Devadha. Rani’s “Antha Bhranthi Yenaa” (Telugu) and “Ellaam Maayai Thaanaa” (Tamil), from 1953’s Devadasu, became very popular.

She also gave a performance at Rashtrapathi Bhavan during the time of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Congress leader K Kamaraj called her “Innisai Rani”. Rani was invited to perform at the Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya centennial, travelling in a plane chartered by the government of Karnataka. Raj Kapoor provided the rhythms when she sang Hindi songs, including “O Maine Pyar Kia, Mai Kya Karu Ram Mujhe Budda Mil Gaya”, at a stage show.

She first performed in Sri Lankan cinema for Sujatha in 1953 under the direction of composer Ananda Samarakoon, and contributed to Seda Sulang in 1955 and Sirimali in 1959. She sang Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) songs and recorded Tamil Islamic songs with Nagore E. M. Hanifa.

After marrying Seetha Rami Reddy in 1951, she stayed away from singing.

By Charles.S.Perera

On the 3 July, 2018 the Prime Miniter speaking in the Parliament on  the statement made by  State Minister Vijayakala Maheswaran on the necessity to revive terrorism, said  that there is no need for a revival of terrorism and that he would take action against the Minister after listening to why she made that statement.

That was a reasonable statement but what followed after made light of that most serious statement with perhaps dire consequences, and certainly uncalled from a  Prime Minister to be made in the well of the Parliament .

In his usual circus clown style  turning round looking into the faces of his party yes men”,  who readily laugh at his  jokes and Wild Life Minister Sarath Fonseka the UNP’s Official Rajapakse vilificator” stated that the Joint Opposition that raised this issue made it to cover up the situation created by the New York Times report.

The Prime Minister  then added that the Joint Opposition has no right to make an issue of it as it was they who made a Minister of Karuna Amman who killed more than 600 police men,  and that they bribed the terrorist leader to win the Presidential election. What he said was quite irrelevant as Karuna gave up terrorism and said that he was opposed to terrorism as a means  to win the rights of the Tamil people. And there is no proof what so ever of any one bribing the terrorist leader to stop terrorism.

How ever  such arguments to blame the previous government  when they have no arguments to answer questions of  their mismanagement of  the country, have become  the UNP official methodology of  answering  their interlocutors ,  and in TV political debates. UNP has now  been provided further  ammunition by the New York Times,  and that is what  Maria Abi Habib  the American Journalist wanted.

A leading news paper in America providing material to be used against  popular leaders to make them unpopular and help the puppets put in place by America. That is how things have been done to remove leaders from countries like Ecuador, Panama, Chile, Iran, Congo etc. They also had the CIA and Economic Hit Men.

About this Mahinda Rajapakse’s presidential campaign fund of 7.6 million paid by China Harbour Company, the UNP makes a big issue of it, without answering what they did with the 585 Million Dollars  John Kerry said USA shared with Nigeria, Burma and Sri Lanka in January,2015, which was paid for the UNP  election campaign fund to change the  Rajapakse Regime.

If ,  the  Chinese Harbour Company paid  Campaign Funds to Mahinda Rajapakse  it should be a lesson to the ungrateful Sri Lanka voters  who voted out a great President a man with a vision to bring peace and Security to the people of Sri Lanka ,who had been suffering for thirty years from a ruthless terrorism, and develop the country for it to be in par with any developed country.

The  Chinese are a grateful people who know a good leader when they have one. They made Xi Jinping their President for life.

One should not allow UNP go scot free accusing Mahinda Rjapakse getting Chinese money for his  election campaign when the US State Secretary  of John Kerry himself stated that America gave 585 Million dollars  to be shared amoung Nigeria, Burma and Sri Lanka in 2015 on promoting democracy- for regime change .

Every one opposing the Rajapakses easily wag their tongues to  spit poison at  President Mahinda Rajapakse, when Rainil Wickramasinghe  and company are  neck deep in corruption.

The Yahapalanaya leaders are doing every thing to please the separatist Tamil politicians when unknown to them they are  clearing all obstacles in the North and East preparing the ground  for a resurgence of terrorism.

The UNP MP Vijayakala Maheswaran who openly demand a come back of terrorism should have been sacked from the UNP, removed from he Parliament  and taken into custody by the Prime Minister Ranil’s  FCID.

But they would not do it because  that is also a part of the American Agenda to divide Sri Lanka and both Sirisena and Ranil are undoubtedly  a party to the American strategy. The President Sirisena who should have demanded the MP Vijayakala Maheswaran to quit, has still not made any statement on the issue.

Both President Sirisena,  and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe who support each other , one because he became the President because of the other,  and the other  because he was made the Prime Minister by the other, are unpatriotic leaders walking  hand in hand to ruin Sri Lanka, selling the economic centres of the Country to India, China, Bangladesh and Singapore.

Ranil Wickramasinghe who did not consult the then President and the Parliament when he signed the CFA with the terrorist Prabhakaran , will not hesitate to sell even the whole of Sri Lanka to foreigners if he could be the President of Sri Lank in 2020 .

He has already signed a 1500 page trade agreement with  Singapore , the contents of which is not known to most of the Parliamentarians and not at all to the President Sirisena.  Ranil the Prime Minister- now in Singapore ( for what ?),  will sign many other agreements such as the Ecta with India and another with India to sell the oil wells in Trincomalee. He will soon begin writing the new Constitution and the President Sirisena will have no word to say on that as well.

If  Maithripaala Sirisena who calls himself a son of the land coming from a poor farmer’s family has an iota of patriotism should sack the Prime Minister, who is acting on his own without consulting the President,  taking advantage of the President’s   having no sufficient knowledge of English to understand the agreements and other documents.

The President who has already been made  powerless under the 19A is unable to sack the President or even dissolved the Parliament.  The only alternative the President Sirisena has if he can use his intelligence  at all is to get together with the President Mahinda Rajapakse and the Opposition,  and stop  further political activities of the Prime Minster and force him to resign.

ALI SUKHANVER           

Yes —-they push us into a blind alley with no way out when our desires and wishes are not supported by logic and wisdom. Most of us are misguided when we are ruled and governed by the gods of our wishes and desires. Same thing is happening there in the paradise like valley of Indian Occupied Kashmir. There is no concept of a normal life in that valley; every day is a day of bloodshed; every night full of incidents of rape and molestation.

You would find countless mothers waiting for their disappeared sons and daughters waiting for their fathers whose names are in the long lists of missing persons. Certainly if the police stations are asked about them, they would say, The disappeared and the missing ones were all terrorists. They were militants; we too are searching for them.” But matter of the fact is that they are neither the disappeared ones nor the missing ones, they are simply the murdered ones.

If some day the international peace-keepers start excavating the valleys of the Indian Occupied Kashmir, they would find thousands of unmarked graves and unidentified dead bodies hidden under the rotten leaves and in the depths of stagnant water ponds. Two things are the least important for the Indian soldiers deputed there in the Indian Occupied Kashmir; life of the Kashmiri people and honour and chastity of the Kashmiri women.

In short it is their hobby to play with these two. The people of Kashmir are so helpless that they have no power and force to save themselves from these atrocities. All they could do is to gather at some place and raise slogans in protest against the cruelties of the Indian forces. This situation of helplessness is no doubt very painful and agonizing for the Kashmiri youth. Some of them come forward and add aggression to this protest movement. Burhan Wani was also one of such youngsters who could not bear this sight of helplessness of their people.

The Indian forces labeled him as a terrorist though he was simply a social media activist. The Indian government blamed that he was a Commander of Hizbul Mujahidin, a Kashmiri militant group. He was kidnapped and then killed in a fake encounter with the Indian security forces on 8 July 2016. That time his age was just 22. His people worship and praise him like a hero because he fought for them with his words. His death anniversary is observed every year not in Jammu Kashmir but also in every part of the world where lives even a single Kashmiri.

Last July, a protest rally was organized by the Kashmiri people living in Birmingham to commemorate the martyrdom of Burhan Wani with the permission of the local city council. It is an old tradition of UK that it always stands with all the crushed ones; the government of UK as well as the people feels pride in supporting all those who have been deprived of the basic human rights; same tradition was followed when Kashmiri people asked for permission of organizing a protest rally on Wani’s first death anniversary. India, through its foreign office in UK tried to do all possible for stopping that rally but could not succeed. Even this year, a very successful rally was organized again.

The India authorities in UK were well aware of the fact that like 2017, in 2018 too, the lovers and followers of Burhan Wani would again stage a protest at his death anniversary. So to stop them from doing so, India’s deputy high commissioner in UK Dinesh Patnaik wrote a letter to the city council. The letter said, We have no objection to peaceful events on political issues but take serious objection to any effort to glorify terrorists.” He further said, Would any council give permission to glorify terrorists who commit acts in the United Kingdom, such as the person who committed the Westminster Bridge attack last year.” But his plea and arguments could not be entertained.

Earlier the minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju also expressed his concerns over anti-India forces functioning in Britain during his meeting with the security minister Ben Wallace in January. Here it is something very strange that the government of India exerted all its pressure on the local council of Birmingham for stopping the Kashmiris from protest on Wani’s brutal murder but it could not control the protest of the local Kashmiris. Indian authorities are misguided by their own designed notion that protesting voices could be crushed by use of force. If such voices could have been crushed by use of force, the valley of Kashmir would never have given birth to immortal characters like Burhan Wani.

Lasantha Wickramasinghe 

Janaka Perera

‘Viyarana Vivarana’ වියරණ විවරණ a book covering some debates that took place from the 1920s to the 1930s on Sinhala Grammar will be launched at the National Archives Auditorium, 14, Nidahas Mawatha, Colombo 14 on July 18, 2018 at 2.30 p.m.

The manuscript of the book, which the late Pracheena Pandith Bemthota Enulasiri Dharmawardhana authored and published by Sarasavi Publishers, last year, was prepared for publication by Dr. Nande Dharmawardena.

Pandith Enulasiri Dharmawardhana was nourished in the literary traditions set by the well-known centers of learning that prevailed in the Buddhist temples of the south. The author associated with the Bemthota-Yaathramulla Vanavasa group of temples, and the Vidyalankara Pirivena, where Rhys Davis, Wilhelm Geiger, Sir D. B Jayatilleke and many other scholars also learnt their “Praacheena Bhasha” or “oriental languages”, as they were known at the time.

In addition to his duties as a School Teacher, Pandith Dharmawadhana served in the pioneer editorial team of the Sinhala Dictionary, with Sir D. Baron Jayatilleke as the Editor in Chief, during the period 1932-1938.

The debates involve Sinhala literary figures like Munidasa Kumaranathunga, Baron Jayatilleke and others as well as the author.

 A previous book by Pandith Dharmawadhana dealing with the literary debate on Kumaratunga Munidasa’s accusation that the Ven. Sri Rahula was a plagiarist, entitled “Kukavi Vaada Sathya Prakashanee” (Godage Publishers) was published in 2011. The book was reviewed by Prof. K. N. O. Dharmadasa, the late Prof. Tissa Kariyawasam, and the Late Prof. A.V. Suraweera at its launch.

Prof. K.N.O. Dharmadasa and Prof. Kulathilaka Kumarasinghe will deliver specialist orations.  Prof. J.B. Dissanayake will deliver the oration from the chair.

The new book which Dr. Nande Dharmawardana arduously edited using an unpublished draft manuscript written in 1970 will be reviewed by Prof. J.B. Dissanayake, Prof. K.N.O. Dharmadasa, Prof. Sandagomi Coperahewa and Prof. Kulathunga Kumarasinghe.

The material, culled from the literary pages of the “Swadesha Mithrayaa” newspaper and other sources, gives a detailed view of the thinking of the Sinhala Scholars of the 1920s — 1930s era. Such material has been hither to inaccessible to the general public. As the first half of the 20th century was the formative period of modern Sinhalese, this period with its many literary debates, and this book itself should be of great interest to literary historians, linguists, grammarians as well as the interested public.

by Shyam Nuwan Ganewatte  Courtesy The Island

Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samarawweera yesterday alleged the major heroin dealers were key members of the civil society.

Addressing the media at his ministry, Samaraweera claimed that the narcotics menace couldn’t be eradicated by executing those already behind bars after being found guilty by courts as major dealers were among civil society organisations.

The minister identified members of three organisations including two international groups as heroin dealers. Samaraweera said that those drug kingpins held key positions in those organisations.

Reiterating his strong opposition to President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to resume judicial executions, Samaraweera said that only the second level dealers were behind bars.

The minister said that he was aware of the civil society involvement in the narcotics trade. According to the ministers, some female members of these organisations were involved in the narcotics trade, he stressed.