You are talking of racism in Cricket in India, what about the rest of the world? What about the ICC? Look at the way ICC treats Cricket Innovations by non – white people. The Player – Referral concept which is the foundational basis of DRS (Decision Review System) was conceived and published by Senaka Weeraratna as a letter to the Editor of the Australian (March 25, 1997). The four critical elements that are core to the DRS are there in the letter: Player Empowerment: Allowing players (not just umpires) to challenge a decision. Hierarchical Review: The team captain (fielding) or the dismissed batsman (batting) must initiate the appeal. Third Umpire Authority: A third official reviews the decision using technology (video replays). Limited Referrals: A restricted number of appeals per innings to prevent time-wasting. The ICC has historically credited the developers of the technology or math (like Hawk-Eye or DLS) rather than the origin of the concept of the rule change itself. In no literature of the ICC is the name of Senaka Weeraratna (Sri Lankan lawyer) mentioned as a claimant for ownership of the concept. The ICC for some time was run by people with an Apartheid mindset (from South Africa). Everybody knows how they treat dark skinned people in South Africa even with respect to innovations. ICC, the governing body favours Western-originated systems. It is unfortunate that such racial prejudice still continues to influence decision making by the ICC.
Comments Off on Laxman Sivaramakrishnan recalls team-mates’ ‘racist’ ‘dark chocolate for dark boy’ jibes
he Russian Deputy Minister of Energy, Roman Marshavin, agreed to supply refined fuel to Sri Lanka, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Managing Director Mayura Neththikumarage stated.
The agreement followed the arrival of Deputy Minister Marshavin and a Russian delegation in the island today (26).
The visit aimed to conduct diplomatic discussions regarding the supply of petroleum and coal to the country.
Comments Off on Russia to provide refined fuel to Sri Lanka
For three decades, I worked overseas, sending hard-earned foreign exchange home during some of this country’s darkest hours.
Those remittances weren’t just personal savings; they were a lifeline for a nation embroiled in a civil war, a war we eventually won decisively.
Now in retirement, I haven’t sat back.
We’ve taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint and ensure our own energy security.
We bought a hybrid car and invested in solar panels for our roof.
Today, we don’t owe the electricity board a cent; in fact, we produce what we need and sell the excess back to the national grid.
So, when I hear calls for us to “switch off” our fans and lights to save the system, I find it hard to heed such requests.
Our household is already a net producer.
This isn’t the late ’80s.
We are long past the era of “curfews by chit” and living in fear.
Instead of asking citizens, who have already tightened their belts for a lifetime, to sacrifice more comfort, perhaps it’s time to look at the “why.”
Why are we constantly shifting from coal to expensive diesel?
Why is there a lack of transparency in energy tenders?
We need to hold the decision-makers accountable for these “fishy” dealings rather than penalizing those who have already invested in the country’s future.
We are in the evening of our lives.
We have done our part.
It’s time for the system to do theirs.
Sasanka De Silva Makumbura.
Self-education builds wealth; formal education earns a wage.
Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter prohibits member states from using threats or force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Violating international law, the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, 2026. The ostensible reason for this unprovoked aggression was to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
The United States is the first and only country to have used nuclear weapons in war, against Japan in August 1945. Some officials in Israel have threatened to use a doomsday weapon” against Gaza. On March 14, David Sacks, billionaire venture capitalist and AI and crypto czar in the Trump administration, warned that Israel may resort to nuclear weapons as its war with Iran spirals out of control and the country faces destruction.”
Although for decades Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, opposed nuclear weapons on religious grounds, in the face of current existential threats it is likely that Iran will pursue their development. On March 22, the head of the WHO warned of possible nuclear risks after nuclear facilities in both Iran and Israel were attacked. Indeed, will the current war in the Middle East continue for months or years, or end sooner with the possible use of a nuclear weapon by Israel or the United States?
Widening Destruction
Apart from the threat of nuclear conflagration—and what many analysts consider an impending ground invasion by American troops—extensive attacks using bombs, missiles, and drones are continuing apace, causing massive loss of life and destruction of resources and infrastructure. US–Israel airstrikes have killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top Iranian officials. Countless civilians have died, including some 150 girls in a primary school in Minab, in what UNESCO has called a grave violation of humanitarian law.” Moreover, the targeting of desalination plants by both sides could severely disrupt water supplies across desert regions.
Iran’s retaliatory attacks on United States military bases in Persian Gulf countries have disrupted global air travel. Even more significantly, Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz—the critical maritime energy chokepoint through which 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas pass daily—has blocked the flow of energy supplies and goods, posing a severe threat to the fossil fuel–driven global economy. A global economic crisis is emerging, with soaring oil prices, power shortages, inflation, loss of livelihoods, and deep uncertainty over food security and survival.
The inconsistent application of international law, along with structural limitations of the United Nations, erodes trust in global governance and the moral authority of Western powers and multilateral institutions. Resolution 2817 (2026), adopted by the UN Security Council on March 12, condemns Iran’s egregious attacks” against its neighbors without any condemnation of US–Israeli actions—an imbalance that underscores this concern.
The current crisis is exposing fault lines in the neo-colonial political, economic, and moral order that has been in place since the Second World War. Iran’s defiance poses a significant challenge to longstanding patterns of intervention and regime-change agendas pursued by the United States and its allies in the Global South. The difficulty the United States faces in rallying NATO and other allies also reflects a notable geopolitical shift. Meanwhile, the expansion of yuan-based oil trade and alternative financial settlement mechanisms is weakening the petrodollar system and dollar dominance. Opposition within the United States—including from segments of conservatives and Republicans—signals growing skepticism about the ideological and moral basis of a US war against Iran seemingly driven by Israel.
A New World Order?
The unipolar world dominated by the United States—rooted in inequality, coercion, and militarism—is destabilizing, fragmenting, and generating widespread chaos and suffering. Challenges to this order, including from Iran, point toward a fragmented multipolar world in which multiple actors possess agency and leverage.
The BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, along with Iran, the UAE, and other members—represents efforts to create alternative economic and financial systems, including development banks and reserve currencies that challenge Western financial dominance.
However, is BRICS leading the world toward a much-needed order based on equity, partnership, and peace? The behavior of BRICS countries during the current crisis does not indicate strong collective leadership or commitment to such principles. Instead, many appear to be leveraging the situation for national advantage, particularly regarding access to energy supplies.
A clear example of this opportunism is India, the current head of the BRICS bloc. Historically a leader of non-alignment and a supporter of the Palestinian cause, India now presents itself as a neutral party upholding international law and state sovereignty. However, it co-sponsored and supported UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemns only Iran.
India is also part of the USA–Israel–India–UAE strategic nexus involving defense cooperation, technology sharing, and counterterrorism. Additionally, it participates in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) with the United States, Japan, and Australia, aimed at countering China’s growing influence. In effect, despite its leadership role in BRICS, India is closely aligned with the United States, raising questions about its ability to offer independent leadership in shaping a new world order.
As a group, BRICS does not fundamentally challenge corporate hegemony, the concentration of wealth among a global elite, or entrenched technological and military dominance. While it rejects aspects of Western geopolitical hierarchy, it largely upholds neoliberal economic principles: competition, free trade, privatization, open markets, export-led growth, globalization, and rapid technological expansion.
The current Middle East crisis underscores the need to question the assumption that globalization, market expansion, and technological growth are the foundations of human well-being. The oil and food crises, declining remittances from Asian workers in the Middle East, and reduced tourism due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and regional airspace all highlight the fragility of global interdependence.
These conditions call for consideration of alternative frameworks—bioregionalism, import substitution, local control of resources, food and energy self-sufficiency, and renewable energy—in place of dependence on imported fossil fuels and global supply chains.
Both the Western economic model and its BRICS variant continue to prioritize techno-capitalist expansion and militarism, despite overwhelming evidence linking these systems to environmental destruction and social inequality. While it is difficult for individual countries to challenge this dominant model, history offers lessons in collective resistance.
Collective Resistance
One of the earliest examples of nationalist economic resistance in the post- World War II period was the nationalization of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company and the creation of the National Iranian Oil Company in 1951 under Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. He was overthrown on August 19, 1953, in a coup orchestrated by the US CIA and British intelligence (MI6), and Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was installed to protect Western oil interests.
A milestone for decolonization occurred in Egypt in 1956, when President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal Company. Despite military intervention by Israel, the United Kingdom, and France, Nasser retained control, emerging as a symbol of Arab and Third World nationalism.
Following political independence, many former colonies sought to avoid entanglement in the Cold War through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), officially founded in Belgrade in 1961. Leaders including Josip Broz Tito, Jawaharlal Nehru, Gamal Abdel Nasser, Kwame Nkrumah, Sukarno, and Sirimavo Bandaranaike promoted autonomous development paths aligned with national priorities and cultural traditions.
However, maintaining economic sovereignty proved far more difficult. Patrice Lumumba, the first democratically elected prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was assassinated in 1961 with the involvement of US and Belgian interests after attempting to assert control over national resources. Kwame Nkrumah was similarly overthrown in a US-backed coup in 1966.
In Tanzania, Julius Nyerere’s Ujamaa (African socialism”) sought to build community-based development and food security, but faced both internal challenges and external opposition, ultimately limiting its success and discouraging similar efforts elsewhere.
UN declarations from the 1970s reflect Global South resistance to the Bretton Woods system. Notably, the 1974 Declaration on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order (Resolution 3201) called for equitable cooperation between developed and developing countries based on dignity and sovereign equality.
Today, these declarations are more relevant than ever, as Iran and other Global South nations confront overlapping crises of economic instability, neocolonial pressures, and intensifying geopolitical rivalry.
Comments Off on A World Order in Crisis: War, Power, and Resistance
In late November 2025, Cyclonic Storm Ditwah stalled over Sri Lanka, unloading a deluge that would trigger one of the most devastating landslide events in recent memory. While the immediate toll—lives lost, homes destroyed, families displaced—captured the nation’s heartbreak, a slower-moving disaster is now unfolding on the denuded slopes of the central highlands. Unless urgent action is taken, the environmental aftermath could threaten the very infrastructure that powers the country’s economy for decades to come.
The storm’s relentless rainfall saturated the steep, fragile terrain of districts like Badulla, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Kegalle, triggering an estimated 1,200 landslides. According to data from the UNOSAT Geodata platform, these events scarred approximately 2,200 hectares of land. Kandy District bore the brunt with 618 hectares impacted, followed by Nuwara Eliya (507 ha), Badulla (434 ha), and Matale (262 ha).
These are not just blemishes on the landscape. The landslides have violently stripped hillsides of vegetation and fertile topsoil, leaving behind expanses of bare, compacted earth. In this state, the ground acts like concrete. Instead of absorbing rainfall, water rushes off the surface, carrying massive amounts of sediment with it.
This leads to a critical, and largely overlooked, threat: the siltation of Sri Lanka’s lifeblood—its major multipurpose reservoirs. Many of the landslide sites are located within the catchment areas of critical dams, including Kotmale, Victoria, Randenigala, and Moragahakanda. The sediment washing into these reservoirs accelerates siltation, which slowly but surely chokes their capacity. This directly undermines hydropower generation, threatens irrigation reliability for farmlands, and degrades water quality for millions downstream.
The Slow Recovery of a Wounded Forest
In a healthy forest, soil stability is maintained by a complex root system that binds the earth, while leaf litter together with the plant cover acts as a shield, absorbing the pounding power of raindrops, significantly reducing the risk of soil particle detachment and subsequent erosion. The exposed slopes are highly susceptible to even moderate rainfall, which carves deep gullies into the hillside and raises the risk of secondary mudflows. These subsequent events can be just as dangerous as the initial landslide, threatening villages, roads, and rivers below.
Nature does attempt to heal these wounds. Grasses and shrubs slowly creep in from the edges. But on poor, unstable soil, this natural regeneration is a process that can take centuries. Sri Lanka cannot afford to wait that long.
A Blueprint for Rapid Intervention
The solution, experts argue, lies in rapid revegetation. Re-establishing plant cover is the most effective, and most urgent, way to stabilize these fragile slopes. Plant roots bind the soil, leaves break the fall of rain, and organic matter slows runoff, allowing water to seep back into the ground.
However, replanting a landslide scar is not as simple as scattering seeds. It requires a coordinated strategy, beginning with a thorough geotechnical assessment to identify the most unstable areas. Some locations may require structural reinforcements like check dams or contour terraces to provide a stable foundation. Others need improved drainage to safely divert surface water.
The biological strategy is equally important. The focus must be on native species. In the first one to two years, fast-growing pioneer” species—grasses, sedges, and nitrogen-fixing plants—are essential to quickly cover the soil, control erosion, and create a nurturing microclimate. Once this initial layer is established, the focus can shift to planting slower-growing shrubs and trees that will, over the following five years, build a permanent, resilient forest.
Revegetation Operations: Restoring Stability to Landslide-Scarred Slopes
The method used to restore vegetation after a landslide depends largely on the size of the damaged area and how easily it can be reached. Smaller, accessible scars can often be treated through manual seeding with the support of local labour. But where landslides have carved out vast, steep and unstable slopes, mechanical solutions become essential. In such terrain, hydroseeding has proven to be one of the most effective techniques for rapid slope stabilization.
Hydroseeding involves spraying a carefully prepared mixture of water, seeds, mulch, fertilizers, soil amendments and binding agents onto exposed soil. In landslide zones—where both vegetation and nutrient-rich topsoil have been stripped away—this slurry provides immediate surface protection. The mulch layer softens the impact of heavy rainfall, conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature, while binding agents help the mixture cling to steep gradients. To compensate for lost topsoil, compost, biochar and suitable fertilizers can be added to improve soil structure and nutrient content. Fast-germinating grasses and legumes are typically included to establish quick ground cover, alongside selected native species to support long-term ecological recovery.
Traditional hydroseeding systems use truck-mounted tanks that spray large volumes of slurry through hoses or high-pressure cannons. Operations are most effective when timed with the onset of the main monsoon, when consistent rainfall promotes seed germination—usually within five to fourteen days, depending on the species used.
However, in extensive and inaccessible areas such as the central highlands affected by Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, drone-assisted hydroseeding offers a safer and more practical alternative. With appropriate technical modifications, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can distribute seed mixtures over unstable terrain without exposing ground crews to hazardous conditions. This approach allows rapid treatment of erosion-prone slopes and can cover tens of hectares in a single day—an important advantage in preventing freshly exposed soils from becoming long-term sediment sources during subsequent rains.
In addition, for hydroseeding drones can also be deployed for targeted broadcasting of grass and tree seeds. These seeds may be coated with soil-binding agents, nutrients and beneficial microbes to enhance establishment success. Similar technologies are already being applied in countries such as Australia, demonstrating their potential to accelerate vegetation recovery while minimizing operational risks.
Modern agricultural and reforestation drones further enhance precision and efficiency. GPS-guided flight paths ensure uniform seed distribution, while variable-rate dispersal enables higher seed densities in high-risk erosion zones identified through slope mapping and modelling. Compared with manual broadcasting or ground-based hydroseeding in remote hill terrain, drone-assisted seeding reduces manpower needs, lowers logistical complexity and minimizes long-term costs. Crucially, it eliminates the need for heavy machinery, preventing additional soil compaction or disturbance of the fragile surface layer essential for seed establishment.
A coordinated national strategy is now urgently needed. Key government institutions—including the Forest, Agriculture and Environmental authorities, together with the National Building Research Organisation—should develop a comprehensive restoration framework that can be applied not only to current landslide-affected areas but also to future events. Successful implementation will require collaboration with international funding agencies, the private sector and local environmental organizations. Without timely and technically sound intervention, landslide scars risk becoming chronic sources of erosion and sedimentation, with lasting consequences for Sri Lanka’s fragile hill country ecosystems.
Comments Off on Rapid Revegetation as a Post-Disaster Mitigation Strategy for Landslide Effected Slopes After Cyclonic Storm ‘Ditwah’, Sri Lanka
The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), graced as the chief guest of the India–Sri Lanka Defence Industry Seminar held today (25 March) at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo.
Upon his arrival, the Defence Secretary was warmly received by the Indian High Commissioner H.E. Santosh Jha. The third edition of this seminar is being organized by the Indian High Commission under the theme Identifying New Opportunities and Forging New Bonds.”
Speaking at the event, the Defence Secretary said that the enduring Indo – Sri Lanka partnership, built on mutual trust and shared security interests.
He further noted that India’s rapidly advancing defence manufacturing sector presents valuable opportunities for Sri Lanka. Access to reliable, cost-effective technologies, along with prospects for training, technology transfer and joint ventures, could enhance Sri Lanka’s operational readiness while strengthening long-term strategic cooperation between the two nations.
A large number of participants, including tri-forces Commanders, senior military officers, senior Indian High Commission officials, industry experts, and state officials were also present at the occassion.
Comments Off on Defence Secretary Graces India–Sri Lanka Defence Industry Seminar in Colombo
An Asset Betterment Test (or method) would be a highly effective forensic tool for a public inquiry into Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) corruption allegations. This method is a standard investigative technique used to identify unexplained wealth by comparing an individual’s reported income against their actual net worth and lifestyle expenditures over a specific period.
How the Test Supports an Inquiry
The application of this test to SLC officials from their date of joining would help the inquiry in several critical ways:
Identifies Unexplained Wealth: The test calculates the net increase in an official’s assets (property, luxury cars, bank balances) each year and adds back non-deductible private expenditures (e.g., international holidays, private school fees). If this total significantly exceeds their official SLC salary and declared legal income, it serves as a “red flag” for potential bribery or embezzlement.
Relevance to Current Demands
Recent developments emphasize the need for such forensic measures:
Systemic Allegations: Demands for inquiries have been fueled by reports of massive financial losses in television broadcasting rights and alleged attempts by officials to destroy old documents.
Public Accountability: Sri Lanka’s Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023 already mandates the declaration of assets and liabilities, providing a legal basis for the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to use these forensic methods.
International Precedents: The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ICC-ACU) has previously investigated SLC and noted that the country has faced some of the highest numbers of cricket-related investigations globally.
While asset betterment is a “blunt tool” that can sometimes be inaccurate due to fluctuations in asset values, its use in a high-profile inquiry would provide the necessary financial transparency to address public anger and hold officials accountable for any illicit enrichment.
An Asset Betterment Test (forensic audit of wealth accumulation against income) would be a highly effective, objective tool for an inquiry into Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). It would directly identify unexplained wealth, providing concrete evidence of potential corruption for accountability and public transparency
.
Evidence of Corruption: Such a test compares an official’s income, assets, and liabilities at the start of their tenure versus the present, highlighting any wealth increases that cannot be explained by legitimate earnings.
Accountability: The process helps uncover illicit enrichment, making it easier to identify, track, and potentially recover assets acquired through corrupt practices.
Public Confidence: Implementing this rigorous, independent audit would directly address widespread public anger by ensuring transparency and holding officials accountable.
Legal Basis: Findings from such a test could provide the legal basis for further investigations by law enforcement authorities.
While the query raises a significant issue regarding Sri Lanka Cricket, the provided search results focus on the Debt Conciliation Board and World Bank policy, not specifically on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) corruption inquiries. However, asset betterment tests are widely recognized in forensic audits as key methods for identifying corruption, as outlined in this World Bank report.
Comments Off on SLC has caused nationwide anger with demands for public inquiry of corruption. Would an Asset Betterment Test of each and every SLC official help such an Inquiry?
India’s Sagarmala Programme is transforming the maritime and industrial landscape of the region, particularly along its eastern seaboard. Ports such as Kakinada Port are being developed into integrated industrial and energy hubs.
Sri Lanka, due to its strategic location, is uniquely positioned to integrate with this regional growth. Trincomalee, with its deep natural harbor and historical energy infrastructure, presents a rare opportunity to emerge as a complementary hub.
This paper proposes a national strategy to develop Trincomalee as:
A regional energy hub
An industrial processing zone
A bulk logistics and maritime services center
while safeguarding Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and maximizing national economic returns.
2. Strategic Context
2.1 India’s Maritime Expansion
Under Sagarmala, India is:
Investing in port modernization
Creating Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs)
Linking ports with industrial corridors
Key east coast ports include:
Kakinada Port
Visakhapatnam Port
Chennai Port
These ports are increasingly integrated with:
Petrochemical industries
LNG infrastructure
Bulk cargo supply chains
2.2 Geostrategic Importance of Trincomalee
Trincomalee offers:
One of the world’s finest natural deep-water harbors
Proximity to East–West international shipping lanes
Existing oil tank farm infrastructure
Strategic positioning between India, ASEAN, and the Middle East
3. The Strategic Opportunity
Sri Lanka can leverage regional dynamics to develop Trincomalee into a multi-functional hub:
3.1 Energy Hub Development
Expansion of oil tank farms in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation and other partners
Establish LNG terminals and regasification facilities
Develop bunkering services for global shipping
3.2 Industrial Zone Development
Establish petrochemical and fertilizer plants
Promote export-oriented manufacturing
Create Special Economic Zones (SEZs) linked to port operations
3.3 Logistics and Bulk Cargo Hub
Handle bulk imports (coal, clinker, LNG) for regional markets
Support India’s east coast industries as a complementary node
Develop ship repair, marine engineering, and offshore services
4. Risks and Strategic Concerns
4.1 Risk of Strategic Dependence
Over-reliance on a single partner may limit national policy flexibility
Existing agreements may contain restrictive clauses affecting future development
4.2 Underutilization of National Assets
Historical delays in developing Trincomalee have resulted in missed opportunities
Competing regional hubs may reduce future relevance if action is delayed
4.3 Governance and Institutional Weaknesses
Fragmented decision-making among agencies
Lack of a unified national port and industrial strategy
5. Policy Recommendations
5.1 Establish a National Trincomalee Development Authority
Empowered body with cross-ministerial authority
Fast-track approvals and investments
5.2 Adopt a Balanced Partnership Model
Engage India, Japan, Middle East, and ASEAN investors
Avoid exclusive agreements that limit sovereignty
Ensure:
Revenue sharing
Technology transfer
Local employment generation
5.3 Develop an Integrated National Port Strategy
Align roles of:
Colombo – Financial and container transshipment hub
Trincomalee – Energy and industrial hub
Hambantota – Manufacturing and logistics hub
5.4 Legal and Contractual Safeguards
Review existing agreements for restrictive clauses
Position Trincomalee as a regional energy trading hub
Integrate with global supply chains
Achieve full operational capacity
7. Conclusion
India’s Sagarmala-driven expansion presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Sri Lanka must act decisively to ensure that Trincomalee becomes:
A national asset of strategic importance
A regional hub under Sri Lankan control
A driver of long-term economic growth
Failure to act promptly risks relegating Sri Lanka to a peripheral role in a rapidly evolving regional maritime economy.
8. Final Note
This policy direction requires:
Strong political will
Institutional coordination
Strategic clarity
Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture. The decisions taken today will determine whether the nation becomes a regional maritime leader or remains a passive participant.
Regards
Dr Sarath Obeysekera
Comments Off on Positioning Trincomalee as a Regional Energy, Industrial, and Logistics Hub in Alignment with India’s Sagarmala Initiative
National Development Bank PLC (NDB) conducted its Analysts Earnings Call on 17th March, following the release of the financial results and annual report for the full year ended December 31, 2025.
The session, led by Kelum Edirisinghe, Director/ Chief Executive Officer of NDB Bank, together with the Bank’s senior management team, was held virtually via Zoom. During the call, the CEO delivered a comprehensive overview of the Bank’s financial performance for FY 2025, outlining key strategic priorities, operational highlights, and the Bank’s future plans. His presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A session, offering analysts the opportunity to gain deeper insights into NDB’s performance and future trajectory.
The forum attracted a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including research analysts, stockbrokers and fund managers among others, reflecting continued interest in the Bank’s progress and strategic direction. Organised by NDB’s Investor Relations Team, the session once again underscored the Bank’s steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and proactive stakeholder engagement. Since 2014, NDB has consistently hosted its quarterly and annual earnings calls, reinforcing a culture of openness and trust. Transcripts and recordings of the call will be made available on the Bank’s website, ensuring ongoing accessibility to key information.
During the presentation, the CEO highlighted the Bank’s performance in 2025, shaped by a disciplined strategic focus on strengthening core banking operations, enhancing portfolio quality, and driving sustainable, long-term growth. Continued investments in digital transformation, broad-based loan book growth, with notable expansion in the SME loan book, reflecting support extended to the sector, and strong emphasis on transactional banking and fee-based income streams were other highlights.
The discussion also covered other key areas of interest, including deposits and CASA growth, capital and liquidity, and outlook on credit demand and interest rate movements. Participants engaged in insightful dialogue during the Q&A session, on the Bank’s growth drivers and performance aspects.
Amid a gradually stabilising economic landscape, NDB continued to demonstrate resilience, supported by its robust risk management framework and customer-centric approach. The Bank remains focused on leveraging opportunities, strengthening its market position, and delivering consistent value across all stakeholder segments, whilst being fully mindful of the risks emerging from the global geopolitical tensions with cascading impact on the Sri Lankan economy.
The Analysts Earnings Call continues to serve as a vital platform for NDB Bank, reinforcing its commitment to building investor community confidence and fostering long-term relationships. As the Bank looks ahead, it remains dedicated to empowering communities and supporting national economic progress through innovative, customer-focused financial solutions.
NDB Bank is the fourth-largest listed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. NDB was named Sri Lanka’s Best Digital Bank for SMEs at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 and was awarded Domestic Retail Bank of the Year – Sri Lanka and Islamic Banking Initiative of the Year – Sri Lanka at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025. NDB is the parent company of the NDB Group, comprising capital market subsidiary companies, together forming a unique banking and capital market services group. The Bank is committed to empowering the nation and its people through meaningful financial and advisory services powered by digital banking solutions.
Comments Off on NDB Bank Hosts Analysts Earnings Call on FY 2025 Financial Results
Colombo, March 25 (Daily Mirror) – Against the backdrop of disruptions to global oil supply, Sri Lanka expects to finalize an oil purchase deal with Russia next week, an official said.
Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath held discussions with Russian Ambassador Levan S. Dzhagaryan, on the possibility of purchasing Russian fuel to navigate the current energy crisis. After that, the Russian Embassy in Colombo forwarded Sri Lanka’s request to Moscow for consideration by the Russian authorities.
Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna told Daily Mirror the matter is being discussed at the moment. He said that Sri Lanka expects to purchase both crude and refined products required for three months from Russia.
We hope to make a final decision next week,” he said.
Russia has largely shifted its oil exports away from the US dollar, requiring payment primarily in Russian Roubles (RUB) or Chinese Yuan (RMB).
Asked how Sri Lanka will address it, Mr. Rajakaruna said, Everything will be addressed next week.”
Earlier, Sri Lanka could not buy oil from Russia due to US sanctions.
The US has loosened sanctions preventing other countries buying Russian oil and petroleum already loaded on vessels at sea to try to ease the energy supply crunch sparked by the US-Israel war with Iran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the “short-term measure” was aimed at promoting “stability in global energy markets”.
According to figures from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Russia earned an additional 672 million euros ($777m) in oil sales in the first two weeks of the war on Iran, which began on February 28 when Israel and the US launched strikes on Tehran, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials, as reported by foreign media.
Comments Off on Sri Lanka, Russia to strike oil purchasing deal next week
In complex investigations, facts are expected to lead the narrative. But sometimes, the narrative begins to lead the facts. When that happens, certain names rise above others — not necessarily because of proven significance, but because of how they are used and manipulated and spread. Such is the name of Pulasthini Mahendran, also known as Sara Jasmine. How is it that her name became the only name flogged across media from the time of the Sainthamaruthu suicide? On the same day, Saheeda — sister of two individuals linked to the Mawanella Buddha statue vandalism — was arrested. She claimed a group of 15 women including herself pledged ‘bayat’ (allegiance) in 2018. This raises a far broader concern regarding the scale and spread of indoctrination than the number of times a DNA is done. Yet, this dimension receives little sustained attention compared to the repeated focus on a single name. Whether Saheeda remains under arrest is not known but that potentially there are 14 women suicide bombers should pose more of a concern than Sara Jasmine. Yet, her name continues to surface — in court references, media discussions, political commentary, and public speculation. Yet, a simple question remains unanswered:
Why parrot only her name — and why repeatedly and who are repeating her name?
Not the Only One — But the Only One Highlighted
At Sainthamaruthu, multiple individuals died, including close family members of Zahran Hashim:
his mother
his father
his sister
his brother
his sister-in-law
his son
and six children
Yet:
their names are rarely mentioned
their roles are not debated
their identities are not repeatedly revisited
Silence surrounds them.
Not a hum is spoken about the wife of the Ibrahim brothers who detonated her suicide vest killing her pregnant baby and 2 children.
Why this imbalance?
Sara is the favored name in Parliament even among politicized Church fathers.
Their presence was immediate, expected, and directly tied to the core network.
We are really curious – why are Zaharans mother never mentioned, or his sister or sister-in-laws – why only Sara Jasmin – why is the spotlight only on a 24-year-old Hindu convert?
Shifting the narrative
What is the basis for her prominence?
She was married to a suicide bomber.
But so were other suicide bombers – why are their names not mentioned or highlighted?
These are important facts.
But there has been nothing to prove as evidence or even common-sense logic that any of them had any operational authority, planning, or command responsibility.
Pulasthini, meeting Hashtoon (Katuwapitiya suicide bomber) in 2015 itself, being married off to him the same year and then 6 months later in January going to Abu Dhabi to be with her mother and then returning 4 months later. Sara’s mother testifying before the Presidential Commission claims after returning her daughter was taken by Zaharan’s wife to a house in Narammala where Sara’s mother received the last call from her daughter on 19 February 2019 at 1230p.m. asking her not to call.
Yet over time, the narrative surrounding her evolved:
She was choreographed as a wife – a witness – a key link – even the one who had answers to who was the mastermind”.
This is not a progression of evidence. It is a progression of narrative weight.
How one name becomes central
The law enforcement arrived in Sainnamaruthu
They were shot at
Those inside exploded themselves.
For any identification process:
A name must exist before DNA
A candidate must be selected before testing
A narrative must exist before repetition
At which point did this name become dominant — and why only this name?
Therefore, who brought up the name of Sara to its prominence for the DNA to be associated with her!
Who first introduced this name into the investigation?
Were all other possible identities tested with equal rigor?
What criteria elevated one individual above all others?
Where is the evidence of operational involvement?
There are several reasons why a single name can take on disproportionate importance:
The Need for a Narrative Anchor
Complex networks are difficult to explain.
A single identifiable person becomes a convenient focal point — someone through whom the entire story can be told.
Whether they are dead – alive – fugitive makes the yarn more sensational and easier to manipulate and twist the minds of the people to the advantage of those that control the propaganda or the faces that promote propaganda.
Sara, with a traceable background and a known association, fits this role perfectly.
The Power of the Unknown
Uncertainty amplifies attention.
Unlike others who were presumed dead, Sara’s status was, for a time, unclear.
That ambiguity transformed her into something more than a victim — into a question.
And questions attract repetition.
And repetitions attract doubt.
Seeds of mischief are planted
The Link Between Worlds
She was not part of the immediate family structure of the core group.
She entered it through marriage.
That alone makes her appear — at least narratively — as a bridge between different individuals and locations.
But a bridge in narrative is not the same as a central pillar in evidence.
Repetition Creates Importance
Once a name enters:
police reports
court documents
media headlines
tv debates/discussions etc
it begins to generate its own momentum and circulate independently
Each repetition reinforces the last, creating an impression of significance that may exceed the underlying evidence.
Over time, the question subtly shifts from:
Who is she?”
to She must be important — why else is she mentioned so often?”
Different Actors, Different Uses
The repeated use of her name is not random — it serves different purposes:
Investigatorsuse her as a link between locations and individuals.
Legal narrativesuse her to demonstrate association within a network.
Mediauses her as a compelling, human-centered story.
Political voicesuse her as a symbol of unresolved questions and new breakthroughs and breaking news.
Public discourseturns her into a focal point for speculation.
The result?
One name — carrying multiple meanings, depending on who is using it.
The Critical Distinction: Evidence vs. Emphasis
Here lies the most important point:
Repetition is not evidence. Emphasis is not proof.
There is a difference between:
being connected
being present
being central
That distinction must not be blurred.
The Question That Still Stands
The NarrativeWhat people are repeatedly hearing / seeing
Legal / Evidentiary RecordWhat is established in law and investigation
· Repeated references to Sara Jasmine· Continued emphasis on DNA· Speculation about links to broader narratives· Frequent media and public discussion around one individual· Ongoing attention on a single identity
· Over 23,000 indictments filed in relation to the Easter Sunday investigations· Extensive court proceedings and evidence submissions· Multiple accused formally identified and charged· No indictments naming Suresh Sallay· No charges established against him within those proceedings
Narrative OutcomeHigh repetition and public focus
Evidentiary OutcomeNo corresponding legal linkage established
If one individual’s name continues to dominate discussion, a fair and necessary question arises:
Is this prominence based on proven evidentiary value — or on narrative utility?
And equally:
Were all others subjected to the same level of scrutiny, identification, and public emphasis?
Most importantly when the bigger questions are not being asked which returns to the main question of who knew about an attack but didn’t prevent or warn people” it creates the impression that the loudest repetition of the ‘Sara’ narrative may be drawing attention away from more uncomfortable questions.
The case of Pulasthini Mahendran (Sara Jasmine) is not just about one individual. It reveals something deeper about how investigations are understood, communicated, and remembered.
Those calling for justice must also address the broader issue of extremism and indoctrination, including reports that individuals within these networks — including women — had pledged allegiance and were drawn into violent acts of suicide.
Equally important are the unanswered questions regarding prior warnings and whether more could have been done to prevent the loss of 269 lives.
Answers to these are far more critical than repeated focus on DNA or evolving narratives.
It shows how:
a name can evolve into a symbol
a person can become a narrative anchor
and repetition can shape perception and merged together it can manipulate minds and divert the entire story to a different direction and more spice may be added by introducing more new faces to claim they saw” they heard” Suresh ….. when 23,000 indictments could not.
But in any serious inquiry, one principle must remain firm:
Facts must lead — not follow — the narrative.
Ultimately, it is evidence — not repetition — that must guide judgment.
Until that standard is consistently applied, the question will remain:
Why one name — and not the others?
When one name is repeated enough, it can begin to define the story. The real question is — is it revealing the truth, or replacing it?
Names do not circulate on their own. They are introduced, repeated, and sustained through channels — for reasons not always made visible. It is for the public to question, not simply accept.
Let us not allow a name to divert justice on the pretext of justice.
Comments Off on When Sara Jasmin alian Pulasthini Mahendran fits multiple agendas.
Sampath Samarakoon (Convenor) Internet Media Action (IMA)
The landmark Supreme Court verdict finding that the fundamental rights of Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail have been violated has once again exposed the dark reality surrounding Sri Lanka’s law enforcement machinery and freedom of expression. As an Internet Media Action (IMA) standing for rights in the internet and social media space, we are deeply concerned about the serious democratic crisis emerging through this incident.
Stripping nine precious months from a person’s life under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) — based solely on a social media post and without a shred of evidence — is a deeply troubling state of affairs. This arbitrary detention carried out in the name of the law, and the unprofessional conduct of the police who presented fabricated grounds to justify it, is a fatal blow to the Rule of Law.
Of particular concern is the fact that this arrest took place under the very “NPP” government that came to power promising to repeal the PTA — and that under this same administration, repressive new legislation such as the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), which suppresses even digital rights, is being proposed. This gravely calls into question the political conscience of the government. Furthermore, the government cannot absolve itself of responsibility merely because a police officer offered an apology or paid compensation privately — and the President in particular cannot escape this accountability.
Therefore, as Internet Media Action (IMA), we urge the government on the following:
Stop the use of PTA immediately: The use of PTA to persecute those who express opinions must cease at once, and this repressive act must be repealed unconditionally.
Ensure accountability: Strict disciplinary action must be taken against the officers responsible for the arbitrary imprisonment of Suhail.
Protect freedom of expression: All new acts and draft legislation being introduced to suppress freedom of expression — a fundamental right in a democracy — must be withdrawn.
Bring about systemic change: It is essential to ensure that the Police Service operates on the basis of human rights and constitutional standards rather than political interests, and that the Sri Lanka Police be subjected to a deep reform process.
Justice is not merely the compensation received after a wrong has been committed — it is the complete and systemic closure, in law and in practice, of any possibility of such a wrong occurring again.
Sampath Samarakoon (Convenor) Internet Media Action (IMA) +94 777 248304
Comments Off on Mohamed Suhail’s Supreme Court Verdict: Misuse of PTA and State Silence Pose a Serious Threat to Democracy!
‘This vessel, and two other vessels were invited, I repeat it, invited by the Sri Lankan side to come here,’ says Iranian Ambassador to Colombo Alireza Delkhosh
ISTANBUL
The Iranian warship attacked by the US earlier this month was sailing at the invitation of Sri Lanka, said Alireza Delkhosh, Iranian ambassador to the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, on Monday.
The IRS Dena was not ready for war and it was not here for war. It was not here for conflict,” Delkhosh said, according to a video record of his news conference held in Colombo.
It was participating in a peaceful exercise in India and during its presence there, this vessel, and two other vessels were invited, I repeat it, invited by the Sri Lankan side to come here,” he said.
And when they were here, they didn’t receive any alert in advance from the United States. They attacked… without any alert,” he added.
A US submarine attacked the Iranian warship IRIS Dena on March 4 in waters off India, killing 104 sailors and wounding 32 others, who were rescued by the joint forces of Sri Lanka.
Days later, Sri Lanka evacuated 208 crew members from a second Iranian vessel, IRIS Bushehr, after the ship requested assistance from Colombo.
Both Iranian vessels were returning from the Milan Peace 2026 naval drills in India.
According to the Iranian ambassador, several other people on board were not from the army. They were… (a) music band,” he said.
Delkhosh said that during the exercise in India, the Sri Lankan navy commander invited” the Iranian navy vessels for a friendly visit.
All three of them,” he said.
One went to the Indian coast, and two of them came here. Dena was attacked, and Bushehr is here,” he said.
He said that Tehran is working on taking the remaining personnel in Sri Lanka “to their country and their family as soon as possible.”
Earlier this month, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said Tehran had requested on Feb. 28 that three Iranian ships in the region dock at Indian ports.
New Delhi granted permission, and the crew of the final one, IRIS Lavan, docked in the southern Kochi port.
Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing over 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage and disrupting aviation and global markets.
The Iranian ambassador Delkhosh also said that Tehran will provide oil supplies to Colombo if demanded.
“Sri Lanka is our friend country,” Delkhosh told reporters, adding that the Strait of Hormuz “is not closed to our friend(ly) countries’ vessels.”
Tehran is currently controlling the critical waterway through which most of the energy supplies from the Middle East go to Asian nations.
Comments Off on Iranian warship attacked by US was invited by Sri Lanka: Envoy
The first labour migrants from Sri Lanka have arrived in Russia, with some already reporting unpaid wages, as Moscow looks to South Asia to address a deepening workforce shortage, TASS reported on March 24.
Russia’s ambassador to Sri Lanka, Levan Dzhagaryan, told the agency that the arrivals so far involved only small groups and that there were no grounds to expect a mass influx in the near term.
He said organisational difficulties and problems encountered by the first arrivals were dampening enthusiasm among potential migrants.
Some of the Sri Lankan workers had not been paid in the Pskov region, Dzhagaryan said, without providing further details.
Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Moscow, Shobini Gunasekera, had previously said her country was ready to send both skilled and unskilled workers to Russia, citing their adaptability, capacity for integration and strong work ethic.
She described the Russian labour market as a promising area for bilateral cooperation, particularly given Russia’s workforce deficit.
Russia’s labour shortfall spans multiple sectors. Accounts Chamber auditor Elena Boytsova previously reported a shortage of around 12,000 specialists in construction and road maintenance alone.
Recruitment agencies have recorded growing hiring of workers from Africa and Asia, including India, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Experts said Sri Lanka could become one of several new labour sources for Russia as traditional migration flows from Central Asia come under pressure. The Sri Lankan ambassador first raised the prospect of expanded worker migration in December 2025.
Comments Off on Sri Lankan workers arrive in Russia as South Asian labour migration grows
Sri Lanka’s latest fuel price revision, which saw prices rise by around 25% on average, ranks among the highest increases compared to many Asian and global peers, reflecting the sharp impact of global oil market pressures.
The revision, announced on Sunday, pushed up key fuel categories significantly. Auto diesel rose 26.1% from Rs. 303 to Rs. 382 per litre, while super diesel increased 25.5% from Rs. 353 to Rs. 443. Petrol 92 octane went up 25.6% from Rs. 317 to Rs. 398, and petrol 95 octane rose 24.7% from Rs. 365 to Rs. 455 per litre. Kerosene recorded the highest increase of 30.8%, rising from Rs. 195 to Rs. 255 per litre.
Among Asian countries, only a few recorded higher increases than Sri Lanka. Myanmar saw petrol prices rise by approximately 30%, while Bhutan reported sharp hikes, with diesel increasing by 54% and petrol by 34%,” Economic analysts said.
However, several countries reported more moderate adjustments. Vietnam recorded a 20% increase in petrol and 34% in diesel, while Malaysia saw petrol prices rise between 18%–22% and diesel between 20%–26%. In the Maldives, petrol increased by 18.6% and diesel by 26%, while Pakistan and Singapore both recorded around 20% increases for fuel.
Other countries experienced comparatively smaller increases. Japan reported petrol price increases of around 18%, while South Korea saw petrol rise by over 12% and diesel by more than 20%. In Nepal, petrol prices rose 8.3% and diesel 6.1%, while Thailand recorded marginal increases of 1% to 2%. Afghanistan saw fuel prices rise by about 5%.”
Outside Asia, countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and South Africa reported petrol price increases in the range of 7% to 8%, while diesel rose between 13%–20%.
Notably, China and India have largely held retail fuel prices steady in recent weeks, with India limiting increases to premium fuel categories while keeping regular petrol and diesel prices unchanged.
The comparison highlights that Sri Lanka’s latest fuel price hike is among the steepest in the region, adding pressure on consumers and businesses already grappling with rising living and operating costs.”
Comments Off on “Sri Lanka fuel price hike in a month among the world’s highest”
‘Before you study the economics, study the economists!’
e-Con e-News 15-21 March 2026
The USA is waging war on the world, and demanding their allies, pitbulls, poodles and puppets, fall in line. US Secretary of State MarcoRubio recently declared at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, billed as the world’s leading forum for international security, that the glory of ‘Western Civilisation’ depended upon a recolonization of the world.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government has rejected the accusation that Sri Lanka is an US colony already. With regard to the sinking & drowning of the sailors of an Iranian ship, who had been guests of the Indian government, the Sri Lankan government insists that they were confronted by requests from both sides in the US war on Iran, to enter the country’s waters and airspace. The Sri Lankan government therefore decided to be ‘neutral’. The Iranian government however insists that the Iranian ship had already been invited, but refused entry at the last moment, leaving it open to attack by the USA. This has led to enduring suspicions that there was indeed collusion with the USA, and Sri Lanka is a US colony in everything but name.
Our intellectuals & policy makers are fearful & paralyzed (see ee Focus, Rethinking Underdevelopment). Yet as a great leader once declared: ‘Heaven & earth are in great turmoil; the situation is excellent!’ But excellent for what? To finally get rid of the import-export plantation economy that has ruined Sri Lanka for far too long!
*
The laziness & backwardness of the Sinhala worker & Sinhala peasant is a common grumble, mumble & jumble in the media. Both blatantly & subtly, these myths operate behind such tropes as majoritarianism & superstition. And it has a very intriguing history (see ee Focus, SBD de Silva).
*
The IMF is in town yet again, bearing ‘tranches’, while their main shareholder, the USA is waging war on West Asia & indirectly on Sri Lanka itself, as West Asia has been made to have an outsize influence on our economy. As we have pointed out before, the US propensity to wage endless wars should be part of the calculus in determining the liability? to pay debts. The moment they wage war, all bets and debts should be off! However, the demand of their many mouthpieces here, the Chambers of Commerce, as well as their economists, is the demand that we keep to the IMF’s prescriptions.
Alongside the IMF’s visit, the lawyers’ Bar Association (BASL) is holding the National Labour Law Symposium 2026, bringing together ‘legal, regulatory & industry leaders’ (see ee Who’s Who?)One of the IMF’s many demands to control the economy is to prevent the organization of labor in the interests of workers & the nation. The first organization to be registered as a union in 1935 was the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC). BASL was set up in 1974. The IMF demand is for flexibility – the right to hire & fire as they please, with labor laws enabling such ‘freedom’. Democracy may exist except at work. And the media coverage in Sri Lanka of the world of labor is typified by such headlines as this:
‘Unions unplug unsuspecting homes, shops’
– Sunday Times, ee Workers
Really? The government has been forced by the IMF to deny electricity to 100,000s of homes. What kind of mentality would formulate such a callous throw-away headline. This Wijewardene-oligarchy-owned rag is speaking of an organization representing the same workers who just gave light to the whole country in dangerous conditions after the devastating cyclone.
Some labor unions can end up being taken over bycompanies or mafia, no doubt, but this is usually done at the behest of a criminal capitalist state & likeminded employers. So where does this slave master & mentality attitude come from?
*
Many myths about the Sinhala workers and of the working class generally are spread by the media. And why not? Freedom of the press is for those who own it. The Tamil worker in Tamilnadu has been called lazy, but then they cross the Palk Straits and are suddenly declared industrious when compared to the Sinhala worker?
These myths are traced to the Sinhala worker (who despite creating great monuments such as Ruwanwelisaya in the past) supposedly loathed working on the pristine plantations – perhaps because it was borne out of and transported from the slave culture of the Americas. Such myths of laziness are gaily repeated by academics and economists, many of whom are Sinhala themselves. These fictions have been methodically obliterated (to use a currently too familiar but misused term) by SBD de Silva in his classic The Political Economy of Underdevelopment.
The last few chapters of de Silva’s classic that ee have reproduced examine, for instance, the widespread and intricate uses of money by Sinhala men & women. Sinhala people’s lack of understanding of money has been given as a reason for them not enjoying work on plantations. In this ee Focus, SBD de Silva carefully examined ‘the so-called aversion to wage labour among people of precapitalist economies’. He provided extensive examples of Sinhala workers, and the types of work, including the high wages they demanded. Caste was also no barrier to work. They worked if the work was profitable and they were not treated as slaves and cheated of their wages. English employers and their agents on the plantations were wont to indulge in such perfidious ‘American’ practices. Yet de Silva also offered examples of English officials and employers who did not participate in such games.
*
The slave mentality promoted by that plantation system of chattel slavery born in the Americas, predominates to this day. It has long been hidden from the world, but now is being brought into the open, and no one offers a better example than the current US Secretary of State – slightly dark and linked to major Miami, Florida drug traffickers. He descends from the kangany (overseers) who best exemplify the system of chattel slavery that has fostered the so-called ‘human resources’ business. The Colombian President Gustavo Preto has named Dubai, Miami & Madrid as the top 3 centres of drug trafficking in the world. Rubio as US Senator represented Florida for 14 years.
*
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is threatening officials of neighbouring Caribbean (West Indian) countries who failed to comply with Washington’s plans to strangle Cuba. A measure of its hysteria, the USA says it will revoke the visas of ‘non-compliant government officials & their immediate families’. 3 leaders have already refused to go along with the US demands. We imagine this threat has been applied and could soon apply to many of Sri Lanka’s ruling classes who stash their children & their wealth in the imperialist centres. In Sri Lanka, former President Gotabhaya Rajapakse was supposedly prevented from visiting his children, and court cases were pursued against relatives.
If adherence to the USA’s imperialist objectives is one of the criteria for travel to the USA, we recall India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s children, such as his son Druva Jaishankar who lives in Washington DC. He is Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation America (ORF America), a public policy thinktank, which regularly pumps anti-China propaganda into the media in Sri Lanka.
Jaishankar Jr helped establish ORF in 2020, partly funded by the Dhirubhai Ambani family, who own the Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries. Jaishankar Jr also joined a US War Department-linked thinktank Marathon Initiative (MI) to advise US President Donald Trump on his plans for war on China while pushing Europe to fight Russia.
MI is a brainchild of Trump’s earlier Assistant Secretary of State for European & Eurasian Affairs, A Wess Mitchell. Mitchell has teamed up with former CIA director William Colby’s grandson Elbridge Colby, now the third-ranking official at the Pentagon, as Trump’s Undersecretary of War for Policy. We recall Colby as wishing to fabricate a ‘counter-hegemonic coalition’ in Asia, against China. Both Mitchell and Colby spend their time ‘sequencing’ world wars – which countries should the US attack first, second, and third, or all at once: Iran, Russia, China (see ee 26 April 2025). In addition to Jaishankar, MI also recruited Admiral Dennis Blair, a former Pacific fleet commander & Director of National Intelligence (2009-10); Thomas de Maizière, German Defense Minister in the Merkel Administration, and 2 first-term Trump appointees.
*
‘We depend on imports for over 90%
of our inputs, mostly petroleum-based…
All our raw materials & synthetic rubber
prices have gone up by 50%.’
(see Who’s Who, Imported-Exporters)
*
‘The West Asia crisis does not invalidate fossil fuels overnight,
but it exposes the fragility of regimes whose reproduction still
depends heavily on geographically concentrated, geopolitically
vulnerable & thermodynamically mature energy sources.’
– Warwick Powell (ee Economists, West Asia’s Energy Shock)
*
It will soon be one year since the US government declared another ‘Liberation Day’ (what happened to July 04?), which asserted their right to impose tariffs on trade ‘partners’, when and how they please. A year later and the USA is waging a genocidal war on Palestine, Iran and Lebanon, and blocking access to the abundant energy sources resources of West Asia. All our fake businessmen (import merchants & moneylenders, really, dressed up in the transvestist drag of high-sounding ‘entrepreneurs’ in coats & ties) are crying fake tears dosed with the real. They all act as if they didn’t know that a made-in-USA armageddon has long been in the making and now is on its way. From tea and garment exporters, tourism operators, to small manufacturers, cultivators, all complaining about their dependence on imports, on West Asian fuels & fertilizers, seem to be acting too shocked.
*
This week’s ee Focus, re-titles the Sunday Observer essay ‘Rethinking Sri Lankan Development After the Neoliberal Order’ by Shiran Illanperuma as ‘Rethinking Underdevelopment in Sri Lanka midst the Latest Capitalist Disorder’. He describes how a ‘neoliberal’ order was built to benefit US capitalists, by pushing loans to bribe countries into ‘opening up’ their economies to control by Wall Street. He traces the tearing up of this order beyond the trade war on China to the 1985 Plaza Accord, which brought French, West German and Japanese industry under greater US control. The USA under capitalism seeks not to repeat history except as farce:
*
‘India should understand that we [the US] are not going
to make the same mistakes with India that we made with
China 20 years ago in terms of saying, ‘You will be able
to develop all these markets, & then the next thing we
know, you are beating us in a lot of commercial things.’
– US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau
at India’s 2026 Raisina Dialogue
*
Illanperuma also traces the undermining ofimport substitution policy (a dirty word in the capitalist media) and the World Bank’s promotion of the ‘East Asian model’, which would also meet its Nanthikadal in 1997. He also shows how comparing Sri Lanka with Singapore is based on an ignorance of that city-state’s economy, which is fully linked to the US military industrial machine. The major country to escape US dictat has been China, controlling its home market, and there too, local economic hitmen, trying to attack Mao Zedong et al, ignoring the modern industrial foundation established 1949-79.
*
As for Sri Lanka, we remain paralysed by an import-export plantation system, denied food & energy security, a paralysis that can only be overcome by a people’s movement that prioritizes economic sovereignty, and will not be diverted by populist diversions such as petty corruption while ignoring the larger depredations of multinational corporations (MNCs) that have larger budgets than most countries (see ee Random Notes, How Multinationals Avoid Taxes).
We always look forward to Ilanperuma’s analyses which succinctly frame the latest challenges faced by the working class & peasantry of Sri Lanka, as well as around the world. Re-titling his essay is because we believe Sri Lanka has been more underdeveloping (as pointed out by SBD de Silva) than ‘developing’ (which appears to be a state in perpetual stasis). We have long pointed to the word ‘development’ as a polite synonym for ‘colonial’ as coined by the MNC Unilever. We also do not accept the word ‘neoliberal’.
As ee noted 2 years ago: ‘Neoliberalism was a term coined by European economists (funded by the Exxon-oil-tax-hideout, the Rockefeller Foundation) who later formed the secretive Mont Pelerin Society (MPS), which has also met in Sri Lanka. These economists warned of an imminent ‘suicide of the West’ – this is a trope reamplified recently by US official Marc Rubio in his white-power speech in Munich). They were deeply concerned about controlling the ‘hordes’ of non-white countries who could take over the United Nations. They wanted to block the rise of a so-called ‘postcolonial world’, especially to maintain white power (protecting settler white South Africa & Zionist Israel being essential) anchored in the North Atlantic aka White Atlantic (buttressed by its military wing, North Atlantic Treaty Organization/ NATO), which now bleeds through US & EU warships into our ocean called Indian’ (see ee, 16 March 2024).
*
‘Successful societies are those that master negentropic interventions:
they renew their energy systems, improve the efficiency with which
energy is turned into useful work, & build institutions that keep
the whole metabolic process coherent.’ – Warwick Powell (ee Economists,
Why I Wrote Thermoeconomics in a Time of Monsters)
Negentropic is a word our numerous English professors probably have never heard. Neither had we, until coming to understand that it is the opposite of ‘entropy’ (ie, the opposite of the descent into disorder, the opposite of ‘a thermodynamic quantity representing the unavailability of a system’s thermal energy for conversion into mechanical work, often interpreted as the degree of disorder or randomness in the system’).
We guess that negentropy, however, maybe a fancy yet intriguing term for what SBD de Silva always referred to as the ability of modern industrialization to make ‘one thing lead to another…’, one product lead to another product, what Karl Marx called ‘capital accumulation’, where we get an unending progression of skills & goods to serve humankind.
This ability is not evident in our underdeveloping economy, based on labor-intensive plantations (still plucking tea by hand) and garments (no pin or needle or fabric made), tourism (most machinery imported), etc. All the talk about AI, etc, concentrates on its ability to dis-employ and harm workers. This is of course claimed as natural, but that is the role of the capitalist mass media. The word ‘negentropy’ of course speaks to the ability of a different society to produce & use the latest goods & services, including AI, etc., to people’s benefit.
*
The US Peace Corps was expelled from Sri Lanka (then Ceylon, still under the English) after the attempted 1962 Anglo-US coup d’etat against the world’s 1st woman head of government, Sirimavo Bandaranike. These ‘Corps’ were re-admitted into Sri Lanka in 2024, two years after the aragala putsch in 2022. And since then, they have been giving Sri Lankan youth, ‘English lessons’ in certain strategic areas. Now after over 500 years of invasions, all areas in Sri Lanka are strategic, yet we also wonder about the kind of English they are teaching. Is it Washington Beltway or Manhattan AdLib, Wall Street Wail, or Chicago Boys Bluster, Seattle Boeing or Virginia Spook Speak or Baton Rouge Redneck? Whatever, we twang… knowing their curriculum does not have to underplay such English lessons as Palestine, Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, etc. These are meant to be the real English lessons, promoting such variations on the theme, ‘There is no Alternative’, and the older ‘Resistance is Futile’…
For this is one of our problems in learning about the world in English. Every new generation of English readers suffers a minor brain stroke when learning English, when they are forced to deploy certain words that are euphemisms for the white world & the honorary white world, like ‘West’, knowing full well that west to us is mostly southwest India, East Africa, and West Asia, which they insist on still calling like their English forebears – the Middle East. Who knows where that really is, unless Europe is the actual West Asia?
So, the major English language problem is their constant misnaming, and the ‘US Peace Corps’ is yet to really learn real English. US media talk of the ‘Korean War’, ‘Vietnam War’, etc etc, and now they call it the ‘Iran War’. When it is really the ‘US War on Iran’. When forced to admit their active role, they call it the ‘US-Israeli War…’ The truth is that it is not just Trump but an entire mostly invisible ruling class which is behind this war.
*
‘The word is that Israel tricked Trump into war with Israel.
& they played a role. But that’s a subtle way of saying
Jews did it. However, this war is about oil & the heads
of the 5 biggest US oil corporations are not Jewish.
They’re WASPS. It’s true. Don’t believe the hype &
get tricked…’ – Communist Party of the USA
The CPUSA is referring to the publicized resignation of Joe Kent, the top US counter-terrorism official in Trump administration who blames Israel for the war on Iran. Many suspect that Kent as a Nazi & a top former CIA employee, who is trying to deflect blame from the US ruling class.
The Nazis saw the US settlers as their older brothers. Further, Miami Cubans don’t make US policy on Cuba. The Tamil diaspora does not make US/Canada/England/EU policy on Sri Lanka. Irish Americans don’t make US policy on Ireland or England, etc. Yet are not all of them very useful tools of the US ruling class?
And so we come to the WASPS – White Anglo-Saxon Protestants – a minority group that never ever get called ethnic… and are not that familiar to the conspiracy theorists of the cyber-universe. Yet all such analysis reduces the complexity of an imperialist ruling class, dominated by monopolies & cartels, to a matter of race, ethnicity, etc. And this is the problem. The last thing, the merchants & moneylenders, agents of multinational corporations who misrule us, wish to do, is name reality correctly. The USA’s current plans are to sequence and synchronize wars against Iran, Russia & China, who they see as the main obstacles to their attempt to reinforce white supremacy. The USA claims they have but a few years before China ‘overtakes’ their capitalist system. ‘Overtakes’ for them is not about advancing people’s livelihoods, but anxiety about military & economic dominance. The USA therefore seeks to pull Sri Lanka into their war on China just as it is pushing Japan, to ignite a war over Taiwan, by provoking China. Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi was hosted in the US White House this week, where the US President reminded her about Japan’s ability to surprise, as in Pearl Harbor, when Japan attacked the USA. Japan has been a colony of the USA for over 80 years, with 45,000 US troops parked there.
*
The ghost of DJ Wimalasurendra nowhaunts the nation as never before… Wimalasurendra’s vision to develop hydropower to electrify the whole country over 100 years ago was thwarted & sabotaged by the usual suspects, who now rule over Singapore etc, as once again we are being held hostage by the suppliers of oil, led by the USA who is waging war. There are those who claim that we can be saved by green energy, yet the machineries that enables wind & solar etc, have long been controlled by the same oily MNCs, led by the US Rockefellers. Others claim that China has been able to get out of the grasp of these old pale patent holders. But without any discussion allowed on the role the making of machines plays in an economy, how can we even begin to discuss economic sovereignty?
In the classical tradition of jurisprudence, the Court is not merely a government department; it is the Marketplace of Grievances. It is the only forum where the “Sovereign”—the People—can trade their vulnerabilities for the currency of Justice. Yet, a chilling wind has swept through the corridors of Hulftsdorp. A new “jurisprudence of the threshold” has emerged, where the Leave to Appeal (LA) and Fundamental Rights (FR) applications are being met with mass-scale refusals at the gate.
If the Supreme Court continues to treat “Leave” as a weapon of docket-clearing rather than a filter for justice, it risks transforming from a sanctuary of rights into a mausoleum of silenced pleas.
I. The Usurpation of Sovereignty
Under Article 3 of the Sri Lankan Constitution, sovereignty is in the People and is inalienable. When a citizen files an FR application, they are not asking for a favor; they are exercising their sovereignty. By adopting an attitude of mass refusal at the “Leave to Proceed” stage, the Court is effectively staging a quiet coup against the citizen’s right to be heard. Jurisprudentially, “Leave” was intended to weed out the frivolous, not to provide a shortcut for the Court to avoid complex, politically sensitive, or “inconvenient” litigation. To refuse leave without a reasoned order is to tell the Sovereign that their grievances are not worth the Court’s time.
The Threshold of Exclusion: Devaluing the Currency of Justice
In the architecture of our legal system, the Supreme Court is not a court of “error correction” for every minor factual slip in a lower court; it is the architect of the Law itself. This distinction is maintained through the mechanism of Leave to Appeal (LA). However, what was intended as a filter for quality has become a wall of quantity.
I. The Orthodox Definition: What is a “Substantial Question of Law”?
Traditionally, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has defined a “substantial question of law” (the primary ground for granting leave) as one that possesses three distinct characteristics:
1. Debatability: The question must be “open to argument” and not one that is already settled by a clear line of authority.
2. Materiality: It must have a direct and material bearing on the rights of the parties.
3. Public Importance: It often transcends the immediate dispute to affect the general development of the law.
In the classical view, if a petitioner presents a point that is fairly arguable and has not been definitively put to rest by a Full Bench, the Court is obligated to grant leave. The purpose is to allow the “sovereign” to ventilate a grievance that the existing law has not yet adequately resolved.
II. The Deviation: The Rise of “Threshold Jurisprudence”
The “mass scale refusal” to grant leave observed recently marks a radical departure from this principle. We are witnessing a shift from Substantive Review to Threshold Rejection.
The Court has deviated in three critical ways:
• The Mini-Trial at the Gate: Instead of asking “Is there an arguable point of law?”, the Court is increasingly asking “Does the petitioner deserve to win?” at the very first hearing. By deciding the ultimate merit of the case during a brief “support” session, the Court denies the parties the right to a full hearing, written submissions, and the rigorous scrutiny that a final appeal deserves.
• The Silence of Refusal: Jurisprudential transparency requires that a “Court of Record” gives reasons. The current trend of issuing one-line orders—”Leave is Refused”—without identifying why a question is not “substantial,” creates a black hole in our legal history. It turns the “Marketplace of Grievances” into a “Black Market of Discretion.”
• The Erosion of the “Fit for Review” Standard: Beyond questions of law, the Court has the power to grant leave if a matter is simply “fit for review”—a safety valve for gross injustice. By ignoring this broader mandate in favor of mass dismissals, the Court is signaling that “administrative efficiency” (clearing the docket) has superseded the “ends of justice.”
IV. The “Appalling Vista” of Judicial Silence
The current trend suggests an “appalling vista” (to use Denning’s famous phrase)—a future where the Supreme Court is no longer the “Sentinel on the Qui Vive” but a mere “Gatekeeper of the Status Quo.”
A Supreme Court that refuses to hear its people is a Court that has lost its way. It forgets that its power does not come from the silk robes or the high bench, but from the trust of the man on the street. When that man is turned away at the door, time and time again, he stops looking to the law for solutions. And that is when the social contract truly unravels.
IThe Denning Warning: The “Appalling Vista” of a Closed Court
Lord Denning’s philosophy was rooted in the idea that the court must be the Sentinel. In Gouriet v Union of Post Office Workers, he reminded us that if the law is to be respected, it must be accessible.
“If the gates of the court are closed to the citizen, the law becomes a dead letter. A judge who refuses to hear a case because it is difficult or numerous is a judge who has forgotten that his power is a trust from the People.” By curtailing new actions through mass refusals, the SL Supreme Court is creating what Denning feared: an “Appalling Vista” where the public loses faith in the legal system as a peaceful resolver of conflict. When the “Marketplace of Grievances” is closed to the sovereign citizens, they do not stop having grievances—they simply stop bringing them to the Court.
Restoring the Social Contract
The Supreme Court must recognize that every time it grants leave, it is not “adding to its workload”—it is validating the sovereignty of the citizen. The current “threshold jurisprudence” is a devaluation of the constitutional currency. To restore the marketplace, the Court must return to the “Bold Spirit” of Denning: it must be willing to open the door, hear the argument, and let justice be seen to be done, rather than strangling the plea at the threshold.
The Jurisprudential Verdict
The “Mass Refusal” of leave is not an administrative efficiency; it is a constitutional withdrawal. The Supreme Court must once again become the “Bold Spirit” that Denning championed. It must reopen the marketplace of grievances and remember that its primary duty is not to finish its calendar, but to dispense justice to the Sovereign from whom its very power is derived.
The Recent Trend: From “Sentinel” to “Gatekeeper”
Historically, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court was seen as the “sentinel on the qui vive” (the watchful guardian). However, the recent attitude adopted in 2024–2026 reflects a troubling “jurisprudence of avoidance.”
• Mass Refusal of FRs: Fundamental Rights are the heart of the Constitution. By refusing leave at the threshold, the Court assumes a “pre-trial” certainty that often ignores the nuanced violations of state power.
• The LA Bottleneck: Leave to Appeal is intended to ensure only cases with a “substantial question of law” proceed. However, when this is used as a tool for “docket clearing,” the Provincial High Courts and the Court of Appeal effectively become the final arbiters, despite the Supreme Court’s constitutional role as the final court of record.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court must remember that every “Refusal to Grant Leave” is not just a procedural order; it is a rejection of a sovereign citizen’s plea. To keep the marketplace of grievances healthy, the Court must return to being “Bold Spirits.” As Denning would argue, it is better for the Court to hear a difficult case and find no merit than to refuse to hear it and leave a potential injustice to fester.
Chinese contributions to the spread of Buddhism were instrumental in transforming it from a regional Indian tradition into a dominant world religion. China served as the primary “mother culture” for Buddhism in East Asia, developing unique schools, massive scripture canons, and a network of pilgrims that exported the faith across the continent. Contributions Within China China’s primary role was the Sinification of Buddhism—adapting Indian concepts to fit Chinese culture, which facilitated its local acceptance. Imperial Patronage: Multiple dynasties, notably the Sui and Tang, established Buddhism as a state religion. Emperors like Wu Zetian and Emperor Ming (of Han legend) funded monasteries and supported the faith’s integration into political life. Massive Translation Projects: Figures like Kumarajiva (4th century) and Xuanzang (7th century) translated thousands of Indian texts into Chinese. These translations replaced Sanskrit as the primary medium for Buddhist study in East Asia. Cultural Synthesis: To make foreign concepts accessible, Chinese Buddhists used Daoist and Confucian terminology (e.g., using “immortality” for nirvana). Indigenous Schools: China developed original Buddhist traditions that did not exist in India, such as Chan (Zen), Pure Land, and Tiantai. Pure Land eventually became the most popular form of Buddhism in the region Contributions Outside China China acted as a central hub from which Buddhism radiated to neighboring nations. Transmission to East Asia: Korea: Buddhism reached the Korean peninsula in the 4th century via Chinese monks and official diplomatic missions. Japan: In the 6th century, Chinese-inspired Buddhism was transmitted from Korea to Japan, later followed by direct missions of Chinese monks and Japanese students returning from China with new schools like Tendai and Vajrayana. Vietnam: Northern Vietnam adopted Chinese Mahayana traditions and the Chinese
Buddhist canon during centuries of cultural interaction. Standardization of the Canon: The Chinese Buddhist Canon (Dazangjing) became the official scripture for all of East Asia, ensuring a unified philosophical foundation for practitioners in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.
Diplomatic Tool: Buddhism was used as a “soft power” tool in diplomacy. For example, Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty through her marriage to King Songtsen Gampo. is credited with helping introduce Buddhism to Tibet Pilgrimage & Records: Chinese pilgrims like Faxian and Xuanzang provided the most detailed historical records of Buddhism in India and Central Asia, which served as “study guides” for later generations of Buddhists across Asia.
see also AI Overview Chinese contributions to Buddhism involved transforming it into a uniquely Sinicized religion, facilitating its spread via the Silk Road and maritime routes. Key contributions included massive translation projects, scholarly commentary, creating indigenous schools like Chan, and exporting this developed Mahayana tradition to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Key Contributions Within China Translation and Synthesis: Chinese monks and scholars translated countless Sanskrit texts into Chinese, overcoming language barriers and creating a “linguistic breakthrough”. Figures like Dao’an (4th century) organized these translations and compiled the first catalogues, facilitating organized study. Sinicization of Buddhism: Buddhism was integrated with local philosophies like Daoism and Confucianism, making it more accessible to the Chinese populace. This led to the development of uniquely Chinese traditions, such as Chan (Zen), Pure Land, and Tiantai Buddhism. Establishment of Institutions: By the Tang Dynasty, Buddhism flourished with imperial support, establishing monasteries that served as educational and religious centers. Role of Monastic Scholars: Chinese pilgrims like Xuanzang (629-645 AD) traveled to India to bring back authentic texts and relics, which helped standardize Buddhist doctrines in China. Contribution to the Spread Outside China Transmission to East Asia: China served as the primary conduit for the spread of Mahayana Buddhism to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. The Chinese Buddhist canon, which included translated texts and Chinese commentaries, became the standard in these regions. The Silk Road and Sea Routes: Buddhist monks utilized the extensive trade networks established during the Han Dynasty, sharing Buddhism with traders and neighboring regions. Modern Global Expansion: Contemporary Chinese Buddhism, including organizations like Fo Guang Shan and Tzu Chi founded by Chinese monks/nuns, has spread to various parts of the world, serving millions of practitioners globally. Key Figures Dao’an (312–385): Initiated key projects in organizing translations and establishing monastic order, forming the foundation of Chinese Buddhism. Xuanzang (602–664): Travelled to India and brought back over 650 texts, significantly advancing the study of Buddhist scripture. Kumarajiva (344–413): A Kuchean monk whose translated work in China was essential for the spread of Mahayana Buddhism in East Asia.
The latest salvo from Mr Donald Trump and the response from Iran poses a catastrophic aftermath for the whole world. Individuals are powerless in this situation and it appears neither the UN or any world leader is able to do anything to cool tempers of both sides.
Donald Trump – US will ‘obliterate’ Iran’s power plants if Strait of Hormuz not open before 48-hour deadline
Iran – ‘‘If Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked by the enemy, all energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure belonging to the United States and the (Israeli) regime in the region will be targeted,’‘ a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the body overseeing Iranian military operations, said in a statement reported by Fars News Agency
It is time, sadly long overdue but better late than never, for Australia to take the leadership along with as many key world leaders as possible to basically call for AN IMMEDIATE UNCONDITIONAL CEASEFIRE by the parties to this unwanted conflict, the USA, Israel and Iran. Along with this call, Australia should propose that finding a pathway to end the conflict should be handed over to the Secretary General of the UN. It is time that introducing some semblance of order, and a negotiated solution to conflict is handed back to the UN. Countries like China, Russia, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the European Union, UK, Japan, as a minimum, should back this proposal and empower the UN to commence discussions on ways and means to find a way to end this conflict.
If nothing is done at this juncture, the repercussions for the whole world will be massive and perhaps even irreversible.
There is a choice, Mr Albanese. Do nothing and let the world destroy itself or do something and show you had the guts and the foresight to do your part to even be the last bastion in a world that is disappearing in front of our eyes.
As individuals we are powerless. You as the Prime Minister of Australia has some voice in the world. You must use it. If do not do so now, there may not be anyone to hear your voice.
Kind regards
Raj Gonsalkorale
P O Box 4, Annandale NSW 2038
Comments Off on Open letter to Mr Anthony Albanese
Sri Lanka has, over the decades, stood at the crossroads of opportunity and indecision—nowhere more evident than in the development trajectory of Trincomalee.
Blessed with one of the finest natural harbors in the world, Trincomalee should by now have evolved into a regional energy and maritime hub. Instead, it remains a case study in missed opportunities, fragmented policy decisions, and inconsistent governance.
Historically, several strategic industrial ventures were established under circumstances that raise important governance questions.
When land and operational space were allocated to major players such as Tokyo Cement and later Prima for milling operations, these were reportedly done without competitive tender processes.
While these investments did contribute to industrial activity, the absence of transparent procurement mechanisms has long-term implications for public trust and value optimization.
Similarly, arrangements in the maritime sector have also drawn scrutiny.
There are growing concerns that certain contractual frameworks—particularly those related to port services such as pilotage of bulk carriers—may not fully reflect the revenue potential due to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
If true, this represents not just a financial loss, but a systemic weakness in negotiating and structuring national asset utilization.
The energy sector presents an even more complex narrative. The entry of the Indian Oil Corporation into Sri Lanka during a politically sensitive period brought much-needed investment in petroleum infrastructure.
However, it is widely believed that clauses embedded within these agreements have had long-term strategic implications. Specifically, provisions that may require external concurrence for future energy projects could limit Sri Lanka’s autonomy in developing its own energy assets—particularly in Trincomalee, where vast tank farm potential remains underutilized.
Today, a different but equally challenging barrier has emerged. Regulatory institutions, including the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, are increasingly citing environmental concerns as grounds for delaying or blocking new development initiatives.
While environmental stewardship is essential, it must not become a blanket constraint that stifles strategic national development. What is required is a balanced, transparent, and science-based framework that enables sustainable growth rather than administrative stagnation.
This brings us to the present moment—a critical inflection point.
With shifting global trade patterns, evolving energy logistics, and increased demand for offshore support hubs, Sri Lanka has a narrow but real window of opportunity.
Trincomalee, by virtue of its depth, location, and historical infrastructure, is uniquely positioned to emerge as a regional offshore hub catering to energy, logistics, and maritime services.
To realize this vision, a paradigm shift in approach is necessary.
Rather than waiting for traditional, often slow-moving procurement processes, the government should actively encourage unsolicited proposals from credible international and local investors.
Such proposals, when evaluated under a robust and transparent framework, can unlock innovation, capital, and speed—three elements that Sri Lanka urgently needs.
However, this must not be a return to opaque deal-making. A well-defined policy for unsolicited proposals should include:
Competitive benchmarking mechanisms
Independent technical and financial evaluation
Clear environmental compliance standards
Transparent disclosure and public accountability
The objective should be to combine the agility of private sector initiative with the safeguards of public sector oversight.
Trincomalee’s development is not merely a regional issue—it is a national imperative. In an era where maritime geopolitics and energy security are increasingly intertwined, Sri Lanka cannot afford to remain a passive observer.
The choice is stark: continue along a path of hesitation and lost opportunity, or decisively position Trincomalee as a cornerstone of the Indian Ocean economy.
The time to act is now.
Regards
Dr Sarath Obeysekera
Comments Off on Trincomalee: From Missed Opportunities to Strategic Revival
The false narrative of the Buddha being born in Sri Lanka will cause irreparable harm to the integrity of Buddhism, unnecessarily create division, and most importantly undermine the saddha ( faith and trust) in the credibility of the life story of the Buddha and eventually damage the Buddha Sasana.
AI Overview
The assertion that the Buddha was born in Sri Lanka is considered a false narrative by mainstream historians, archaeologists, and the global Buddhist community, who widely recognize Lumbini, Nepal—part of the ancient Indian subcontinent—as the true birthplace
. Proponents of this view argue that such claims are harmful, creating unnecessary conflict and undermining the credibility of the life story of the Buddha.
Impact on Buddhism and the Buddha Sasana
Undermining Saddha (Faith): Spreading unsubstantiated myths, such as “Sinhalizing” or ‘ nationalizing’ the Buddha, can lead to doubts about the historical authenticity of Buddhist scriptures, ultimately weakening the faith and trust (saddha) of followers.
Creating Division and Conflict: This narrative has been described as a “canard” that promotes schisms within the Buddhist community and encourages “super-nationalism” over genuine spiritual practice.
Distortion of History: Experts warn that ignoring the extensive archaeological evidence—such as the Ashoka Pillar in Lumbini and various ancient Pali sources—to promote a local origin myth disrupts the established historical foundations of Buddhism.
Political Motivation: Observers suggest this narrative is often pushed by groups with political or ideological agendas rather than historical accuracy, which can create unnecessary social and political tension, and schisms within the Buddhist followers.
Historical Consensus on the Birthplace
Lumbini, Nepal: The consensus, backed by UNESCO and archaeological findings, is that Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini, Nepal, in 623 BCE, and later attained Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in India.
Archaeological Evidence: The Ashoka Pillar, erected around 249 BCE, explicitly marks the spot in Lumbini as the Buddha’s birthplace.
The “Jambudvipa” Argument: Some proponents of the Sri Lankan birth theory misinterpret Jambudvipa (the ancient name for the Indian subcontinent) as a term for ancient Sri Lanka, a claim rejected by specialists.
While Historical chronicles (like the Mahavamsa) record that the Buddha visited the island three times, this is distinct from being born there, and the visits themselves are treated as historical events that occurred after his enlightenment in India.
Source: AI Overview
Comments Off on The false narrative of the Buddha being born in Sri Lanka will undermine the saddha ( faith and trust) in the credibility of the life story of the Buddha and eventually damage the Buddha Sasana.
On February 13th, 1835, in the small Indian village of Qadian, Punjab, India, a man named Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was born. He belonged to a well-known and noble family.
All religions contain prophecies that foretell the advent of a special individual, who will come as a reformer in the latter days. In Islam, Muslims await a promised Mahdi and Messiah. The advent of the Promised Messiah was prophesized by the Prophet of Islam Muhammad (PBUH) himself. According to a tradition, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was sitting among his companions, two verses from Holy Qur’an (Surah al Jum’uah) were revealed, it reads:
He it is Who has raised among the unlettered people a Messenger from among themselves who recites unto them His Signs, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and Wisdom though before that they were in manifest error; And He will raise him among others of them who have not yet joined them. He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (62: Verse 3.4).
One of the companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) questioned to who this verse relates to, and the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) replied while putting his hand on Salman– A Companion, (a Persian man),
If faith were to go up to the Pleiades, a man from among these would surely find it.” (Bukhari).
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad – Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Islam) is that Promised Reformer of the later age.
Starting from his childhood, the Promised Messiah’s unusual interest in religion was noticed by many, including his father, who nicknamed him ’Maseetar’ meaning ‘one who spends most of his time in a mosque observing prayer’.
At an early age, he began to receive revelations from God, as well as visions and true dreams. In the years 1864 or 1865, the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, had a vision where he saw the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH). This verified further, that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, had a strong connection with the Holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad (PBUH). Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, was shown that he would have a fruitful spiritual future.
The Promised Messiah’s father wanted for his son to pursue government service, which would allow him a handsome means to support his family financially. However, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, felt his time pursuing his worldly occupation was like a prison sentence” as he was deeply attached to spirituality and enhancing his religious knowledge. Therefore, during his spare time, he continued to study the Holy Qur’an, and always strove to serve humanity, often helping those who were in need. He also spent his time debating with Christian missionaries who lived in his neighborhood, defending his beloved faith, Islam.
The June of 1876 was a tragic time for the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, as his father passed away. Earlier, on the same day, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, had received a revelation from God revealing about his father’s death. The Promised Messiah, peace be on him, was quite saddened by the death, and was worried about the troubles his family would now face, with limited financial means. However, since Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, was an individual loved by God, Allah Almighty sent another revelation,
Is Allah not sufficient for his servant?” (Holy Qur’an: 39:37).
This assurance filled the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, with contentment that Allah Almighty would always provide for him. In 1868 or 1869, the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, received the revelation,
Thy God is well pleased with what thou hast done. He will bless thee greatly, so much so that Kings shall seek blessing from your garments.”
This seemed a strange revelation at the time–why would kings seek blessings from the clothes of someone hardly known outside this small remote village in India? But, history bears witness that this revelation became reality, as the legacy of the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, unfolded and reached people from all over the world, from all walks of life, rich and poor, till today.
The flow of revelations and visions continued, until in 1882 he received the revelation which made it clear that he, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, was to be the appointed one, the one commissioned by God to serve His cause; he was the Promised Messiah, peace be on him.
In January of 1886, he received a prophecy that foretold of a handsome and spiritually purified son, who would be born to the Promised Messiah, peace be on him. This prophecy was followed by one other. The second prophecy specified the context within which the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, would be granted his promised son. Both of these prophecies were indeed fulfilled on the 12th of January, 1889 when God blessed the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, with a son who was named Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad. This Promised Son also became the second Khalifa (Caliph) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Islam.
In 1889 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, received the Divine revelation:
When thou hast determined, put thine trust in Allah. And build the Ark under Our eyes, as commanded by our revelation. Verily, those who swear allegiance to thee indeed swear allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah is over their hand.”
After this revelation Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, published a public announcement that read:
‘I have been ordained to announce that those who are seekers after truth should swear allegiance to me so that they may be enabled to find a way to the true faith, true purity and the love of God.’
The call for Initiation or Bai’at” was answered immediately by those who had already recognized that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, was indeed the Promised Messiah, and was appointed by God Almighty himself. The first Initiation ceremony took place in Ludhiana, India, on 23rd March 1889, laying the foundation for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Hazrat Maulvi Nurudin (r.a.) became the first person to be initiated at his hand.
Saturday 23rd March 1889 was the momentous day when Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah, peace be on him,, accepted the hands of forty faithful servants in allegiance to the Ten Conditions of Bai’at (initiation) and founded the community which he called ‘The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’.
The Promised Messiah, peace be on him, took this oath of allegiance at the house of a spiritual preceptor Hazrat Sufi Ahmad Jan in the city of Ludhiana (Punjab, India). As stated, Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Noor al-Din (r.a.) was the first person to have the honor of taking the first Bai’at. This was a revolutionary yet a very modest beginning to a new chapter in the history of Islam.
In 1891 in Qadian, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him, received repeated revelations that Jesus, peace be on him, of Nazareth, in whose second advent both the Muslims and Christians believed, had died a natural death and that what was meant by his second advent was that a person should appear in the spirit of Jesus and that he himself was that person, the Promised Messiah, peace be on him.
After writing over 80 books and tens of thousands of letters, delivering hundreds of lectures, and engaging in scores of public debates, the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, passed away on May 26, 1908. Yet his legacy as the founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to prevail throughout the world today. He was a man, deeply in love with and treaded on the footsteps of his beloved master, Prophet of Islam Muhammad (PBUH), with every breath of his life. He was man beloved by Allah Almighty, and was vouchsafed a revelation, Kings shall seek blessing from your garments”, which rings true to this very day.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes that God sent Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed, and restore morality, justice, and peace. He reformed Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true teachings. He also recognized the noble teachings of the great religious founders and saints, including Zoroaster, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tzu, and Guru Nanak, and explained how their original teachings converge into true Islam.
Today, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the world’s largest Islamic community under one Divinely appointed leader (Fifth Khalifa), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) (born 1950). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans over 200 nations with membership exceeding tens of millions.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the leading Islamic community to categorically reject terrorism. Over a century ago, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be on him emphatically declared that the Jihad by sword” has no place in Islam. He instead taught Muslims to follow the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) example and defend Islam with a bloodless, intellectual Jihad of the pen” Accordingly, as stated, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad penned over 80 books and tens of thousands of letters, delivered hundreds of lectures, and engaged in scores of public debates. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to use education to peacefully reform Muslims and revive Islam worldwide.
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad reminded Muslims of God’s promise to safeguard Islam through Khilafat (the spiritual institution of successorship to prophethood). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes that only Islamic khilafat can peacefully unite humanity. Five Khalifas have succeeded Mirza Ghulam Ahmad since his demise.
The current Khalifa Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) resides in the United Kingdom and serves as the community’s spiritual and administrative Head. Under the leadership of khilafat, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has built thousands of mosques, hundreds of schools, and number of hospitals. It has translated the Holy Qur’an into 76 languages including Sinhala.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community propagates Islam’s true teachings of peace and tolerance through a 24-hour satellite television channel (Muslim TV Ahmadiyya international), the Internet (www.alislam.org), and print (Islam International Publications). It stands at the forefront of disaster relief worldwide through Humanity First, a non-profit charity.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic Community to endorse the separation of mosque and state. Despite facing bitter faith-based persecution in some Muslim majority nations, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to advocate for universal human rights for all religious and other persecuted minorities. It likewise invests heavily in women’s equality, education, and empowerment programs. Its members are among the most law-abiding, educated, and engaged Muslims in the world.
Comments Off on Ahmadi Muslims observe Promised Messiah Day.
Though our resplendent island is blessed with ample water casading over valley and dale and wind blowing me off on my many minor irrigation inspections in the Districts of Kegalla, Nuw
ara Eliya and Kandy the coal and oil lobby has been so strong, that the attempt by a few of us to emphasize the power that lies in water and wind has taken us nowhere.
I have been among the few administrators who have written on the power that lies in the wind and water.
It is now the time to write again hoping that the present situation of hostility between the USA and Iran which has set the price of oil beyond our reach, will make some one in authority to listen to my true story.
To deal with the Power of Water , a number of our old tea estates used the power of water to run their tea processing machines. My own uncle owned Janet Valley Estate in Gampola and used the power of water from a small stream to run his tea factory. Some Seventy years ago I tried to convince him that what he had to do to get more power was to marshall the water in the stream to provide more power. I was no engineer, only an administrator and I failed to convince him. That attempt of mine was when I served in Nuwara Eliya in the mid Fifties. The Electicity Board convinced him and he gave up using water for power and instead turned to the Electricity Board.
Some eight years later I met my uncle again and he was then manhandled by the Electricity Board by shooting up the price of the power they supplied and my uncle told me that he should have listened to me.
We have now gone climes- myself moving out of Sri Lanka living in London, the USA, Bangladesh and in those years my uncle has passed away and now a foreign man from Europe had leased out the tea factory and is marshalling the water to provide more power, and I have not been there for some three years and I am certain that this foreign leaseholder is now providing electricity from that stream and is selling the power to people, and mind you the profit so derived from the Gampola water is fritted away to a bank overseas- somewhere in Europe.
Our Gampola water had become dollars and is sent abroad as earnings.
Sri Lanka is the net user. This is a true story.
My estimate is that the USA will bully Iran and they will fight for long and had I been in my shoes as an administrator I could have convinced the authorities to get down to make electricity from water and use that power instead of using coal and oil.
Though old if called upon, I can spearhead to commence a programme to make power from water and hand it over in a year to our young administrators to continue.
The Youth Self Employment Programme I established in Bangladesh in 1982, where I worked for two years as a Consultant has grown strong and has guided millions to be self employed. This Programme is now being administered by members of the Bangladesh Administrative Service.
Garvin Karunaratne
formerly of the Admnistrative Service,last working as the GA at Matara
Sri Lanka raised fuel prices by about 25% for the second time in a week as the Gulf conflict disrupts global oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz.
The Sri Lankan government on Sunday raised fuel prices by around 25 per cent, the second such increase in a week amid the West Asia conflict.
The step comes in the backdrop of the joint US-Israel strikes against Iran and the retaliation by the Islamic nation that has spread to the entire Gulf region. It has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important choke point for the world’s energy supplies.
Comments Off on Sri Lanka hikes fuel prices 25%, second such increase in a week amid Gulf war
Sinopec revised its fuel prices, effective midnight today (22).
The price of a litre of Octane 95 Petrol is increased by Rs. 122 to Rs. 487, and Super Diesel by Rs. 219 to Rs. 573, higher than the prices set by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
The prices of Octane 92 Petrol and Auto Diesel are maintained at CPC prices, at Rs. 398 and Auto Diesel at Rs. 382.
Donald Trump – US will ‘obliterate’ Iran’s power plants if Strait of Hormuz are not open before the 48-hour deadline
Iran – ‘‘If Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked by the enemy, all energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure belonging to the United States and the (Israeli) regime in the region will be targeted,’‘ a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the body overseeing Iranian military operations, said in a statement reported by Fars News Agency
The catastrophe before the entire world is evident if the above threats are carried out by the USA and Iran. Food insecurity will spread throughout the world and the most vulnerable will be the poorer countries of the world like Sri Lanka.
Amongst many challenges facing Sri Lanka from the conflict in the Middle East, even prior to the above threats, is the country’s food security and the impact on export income from plantation industry crops like Tea, Rubber and Coconut. From the context of the conflict, besides logistics issues arising from challenges to transportation into and out of the country, central to the production of all agricultural products, is the impact arising from shortage of chemical fertiliser and the cost of fertiliser. While longer term strategic options have to considered relating to fertiliser, the current dependency on chemical fertiliser as an essential food” for agricultural crops (food and plantation industry crops) is inescapable and unless this food is provided, there will be mass shortages of food for the people. Impact on the plantation industry will result in drop in production and drop in export income for the country.
Based on data (USDA Foreign Agricultural Service) from previous disruptions (such as the 2021 import ban) and current 2026 economic projections, it has been reported that a serious supply chain disruption of inorganic fertiliser would likely cost Sri Lanka between $700 million and $1 billion per year in direct agricultural losses.
This estimate is primarily driven by the high cost of food imports and the impact on the tea sector and other plantation crops.
Estimated Breakdown of Costs
Lost Export Revenue (Tea): $425 million. Historical data from the World Bank and International Water Management Institute (IWMI) shows that fertiliser shortages caused an 18% to 30% drop in tea production, resulting in roughly $425 million in lost foreign exchange earnings.
Food Security & Import Substitution (Rice): $200M – $300M+. While Sri Lanka typically produces enough rice to be self-sufficient, a severe fertiliser shortage can cause yields to drop by 32% to 40%. This forces the government to spend hundreds of millions in foreign currency to import rice, which is far more expensive than importing the fertiliser itself.
Other Plantation Crops: $100M – $150M. Shortages hit rubber and coconut sectors heavily, which combined earn over $1.5 billion annually. A 10%–20% decline in these sectors adds significantly to the total economic burden.
While the government is very likely looking into these issues and discussing how best to mitigate the impact of likely production and transportation challenges, the writer wishes to suggest that in view of the criticality of the twin issues involved which will impact on food availability for the people, and on the governments foreign exchange income, the government elevates the coordination and management of this challenge to a high level Agricultural Command Centre (ACC) reporting direct to the President.
Establishing such a centre vested with the necessary executive power is a practical and effective way to move beyond policy wish lists into execution. To be effective in the Sri Lankan context, this body must sit above the individual ministries, and relevant ministries should work closely with this Unit which will be like a war room dealing with food security and the impact of the Mid East crisis on sectors that are dependent on imported chemical fertiliser.
A very important area that the ACC should be tasked with is to ensure government subsidies (already roughly $300M–$400M annually) are provided to keep prices stable for farmers as a huge rise in production costs could further exacerbate the crisis if farmers cease producing food crops. The government will have to increase its subsidy allocations and manage this exercise in consultation with the Finance Ministry.
Why a war Room?
In the agricultural sector, a food crisis and a drop in production of export-based plantations is a crisis that could hurt the country in the immediate and the long term. Tackling this crisis is not about appointing committees and having talkfests. It requires immediate action. Traditional ministerial approaches led by laid back bureaucrats is not the way to address a crisis of this nature. It needs an approach akin to a war room that is a, dedicated, centralized entity that is used for high level planning and collaboration, and rapid decision-making. Originating in military strategy, the concept is now commonly used in business for crisis management, project launches, or complex operational problem-solving. A war room as proposed will be making quick decisions, ensuring decisions are acted upon and monitoring and reporting on progress made. An entity armed with sufficient executive powers to give directions to ministries will provide avenues to fast-track crucial decisions. Hence a war room.
What does data show?
Data shows that the ongoing Middle East conflict has introduced new supply costs as of March 2026:
Urea prices jumped roughly 50% (from $482 to $720/t) in just three weeks. The amount spent in 2025 is reported as around USD 200 million. Given the price hike and the likelihood of further price hikes, the cost to import the same quantity will be at least double this amount, ie USD 400 million. Sri Lanka imports bulk of its requirements from China which has a coal-based manufacturing methodology which is not directly impacted by the mid-east crisis. However, as reported by Reuters, it has triggered a significant shift in China‘s urea strategy, primarily causing a halt in exports rather than a drop in domestic production. It has moved to restrict shipments to protect its own food security and domestic prices as global fertilizer markets destabilize. Although China’s urea is mostly coal-based, the Middle East crisis impacts production costs and raw material availability indirectly:
Energy Costs: Rising global oil and natural gas prices, driven by the conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have increased the operational and production costs for all fertilizers.
Sulphur Squeeze: China is heavily dependent on the Middle East for sulphur (importing roughly half its 9.6 million ton requirements from the region in 2025). While primarily used for phosphates, the extreme price volatility and supply risk for sulphur have forced China to “conserve” energy and resources across its entire chemical sector.
LNG Imports: China gets roughly 25%–30% of its LNG from the Middle East. Disruptions in these flows strain gas-based urea plants, particularly in southwest China.
Shipping & Freight Surcharges: Disrupted routes have increased transport costs by approximately 35%, directly raising the retail price for Sri Lankan farmers.
Impact on food production, Tea and Plantation Sectors
Rice (Paddy): Previous shortages of inorganic fertiliser led to a 40% to 53% drop in rice production, forcing Sri Lanka to spend hundreds of millions on imports to ensure food security.
Vegetables and Other Crops: Production of vegetables and cash crops like bananas and maize crashed by 50% to 70% during previous input shortages.
Production Decline: Past data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) shows that a sudden withdrawal of chemical fertilizers caused tea production to plummet by 18% to 28.7%. Since smallholders produce about 75% of the national tea crop, they are most at risk from price spikes or supply disruptions.
Export Revenue Risk: Tea brings in over $1 billion annually (roughly 11% of exports); significant shortages could lead to permanent loss of market share to competitors like Kenya and India.
Coconut and Rubber: Experts warn that these sectors, which earned $1.5 billion in 2020, would see similar yield plummeting without chemical inputs.
The proposed Agricultural Command Centre should be tasked with the responsibility of developing a Risk Mitigation Plan within a week of its formation and submitting the plan to the cabinet for approval. Among other key requirements, the plan should includeStatus on the existing fertiliser stocks and any stocks shipped and not received yet.The duration of this stock based on current rates of distribution.Future sources of supply and risks associated with such suppliesEstimates on cost of fertiliser and funding availability Expenditure on current subsidies and estimates on future subsidies and funding availability.Assessment of local transportation challenges and alternate plans for distribution of fertiliser and produce should the fuel situation exacerbate.Alternate plans to address food security should the international energy situation worsens
The APP should also look into ways and means of sourcing more inorganic fertiliser from countries like China and Russia (who supplied around USD 52 million worth in 2024) as well as other sources, considering that Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE which supplied around USD 68 million in the same year may be unable to supply in the near future.
Long term measures to address challenges arising from fertiliser and other inputs to the Food and Plantation Sector
While a War room should focus on the immediate crisis and take steps to mitigate it, considering the importance of food security and plantation management in the longer term, and the need to address the key issue of fertiliser that impacts on the entire sector, a suggestion is also made that a ministerial committee headed by the Prime Minister and comprising of the Minister for Agriculture, Minister of Plantation Industries, the Minister of Irrigation and Water Management should be instituted to update the respective ministerial strategic plans ensuring inter dependencies between the activities of each ministry are taken note of in the respective strategic plans.
The policy decision taken to ban the importation of chemical fertilizer in 2021 may have been a sound in principle” strategic decision, but an ill thought of implementation decision. It failed to recognize the need to basically wean the affected plantations away from inorganic fertilizer and the fact that this weaning process is a long-drawn process.
Consequent to the ban, some progress was made in the initial production of organic fertilizer in Sri Lanka. However, by 2025–2026, the sector had contracted with many of these startups failing, leaving only a handful of survivors as farmers reverted to chemical fertilizers due to severe yield losses and food insecurity.
The Middle East crisis has highlighted the strategic importance of a fertiliser industry in Sri Lanka to ensure food security and to support the plantation industry. The high-level ministerial committee mentioned earlier should assess the current status of the industry and develop a long-term strategic plan to make the country self-sufficient in fertiliser. A long-term strategy needs to be developed for a transition to organic fertiliser via a hybrid model. Experts believe the transition period will be 10 to 15 years.
Long term planning is often absent in Sri Lanka due to the constant shift in government priorities toward short-term policies that fit 5-year election cycles over long-term structural planning. Long-term agricultural roadmaps are often viewed by officials as “luxury planning” that can wait until the fiscal deficit is stabilized.
Besides this, fragmentation of agricultural policy in Sri Lanka where it is split across multiple, often competing, entities have contributed to the absence of a mindset to undertake long term planning.The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for policy making on paddy and food crops, and the National Fertiliser Secretariat, The Ministry of Irrigation is responsible for water management, while the Ministry of Plantation Industries is responsible for tea, rubber, and coconut industries. Provincial Councils are responsible for local implementation. Without a single overriding authority or a unified delivery unit to drive the National Agriculture Policy, long term planning initiatives get lost in bureaucratic silos.
The fundamental importance of food security in the country and effective performance of the plantation sector is unquestionable. It is also important for both to have irrigation and water management as a key component of the country’s National Agricultural Policy. This fundamentalism is crucial for immediate planning and execution via the Agriculture Command Centre or long term, strategic planning via the hight level ministerial committee headed by the President. If this fundamentalism is not understood, food insecurity will prevail and export earnings from the plantation industry will dwindle and will not move to an upward trajectory as needed by the country.
Comments Off on From Wish Lists to a War Room: Why Sri Lanka Needs an Agricultural Command Centre Now
