by A. Abdul Aziz.Sri Lankan Correspondent Al Hakam, London.
On June 10, 2024, the Deputy Police Commissioner of Chakwal has issued orders to detain three Ahmadi Muslim leaders in order to prevent religious observances, which the officials claim are unlawful activities” that threaten public order.”
They include President of Ahmadiyya Community District Chakwal Malik Naveed Ahmad, former President of Ahmadiyya Community District Chakwal Malik Riaz Ahmad and Secretary General Affairs Malik Tahir Ahmad.
The orders follow a meeting in which they were forbidden to perform Qurbani, a Muslim rite. At that meeting, the Ahmadi leaders clarified that nothing in the law prevents Ahmadis from performing the rite, citing the recent Judgement of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the case of Tahir Naqash etc vs The State, which clearly stated that Ahmadis have the right to practice their faith within the confinement of four walls.
The detention order is unlawful based on both Pakistani and international law,” according to the U.K. based International Human Rights Committee (IHRC).
The IHRC urgently appeals to the highest Pakistani and international authorities to take measures to protect the fundamental religious freedom of the Ahmadiyya community.
According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 18, Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
The United Nations and global human rights groups have long expressed serious concern over the poor treatment of Ahmadis in Pakistan which continues unabated.
In view of such hate-filled actions, there is a likelihood that Ahmadis would be deprived of fulfilling this fundamental practice associated with this event (Eid-ul-Adha) and many would have to face criminal prosecution just because of practicing their faith.
The Eid ul Adha Festival is going to be celebrated in Pakistan in the middle of June 2024 and, as the situation of Ahmadis living in Pakistan is precarious and Mullahs as well as police are trying to persecute them only because of performing their religious rituals, hence, once again we plead to the International Community to take urgent action to urge the Government of Pakistan to safeguard the civil and religious freedoms of Ahmadis and provide them with the safety and security in order to observe and practise their faith.
We once again urge the international community to pressure the Government of Pakistan to honor its responsibility to provide protection to all its citizens, ensure freedom of religious practice to Ahmadis, and bring perpetrators of such vicious attacks to justice. The Government of Pakistan must also bring its laws and practices in conformity with international standards as ordained by Article 2, 18 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Article 25, 26.
The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Islam Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (1835 – 1908) claimed to be Promised Messiah and Imam-al-Mahdi as foretold by Prophet of Islam Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Major religions of world also had prophesies about such advent, as long-awaited Reformer of latter days.
Beside these 14,000 houses on the hills, India has already implemented a 60,000-housing scheme for Tamils in Sri Lanka as follows, for which the Sri Lankan government has already singed MOU with the Indian government the conditions of which are not known to the general public of this country.
India builds 60,000 houses in Sri Lanka
In June 2010, Government of India announced that it would construct 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka at an outlay of 33 billon LKR. A Pilot Project involving construction of 1,000 houses was launched in November 2010 and was completed in July 2012. An MOU with the Government of Sri Lanka on the modalities of implementation of the remaining 49,000 houses under the Project was signed on 17 January 2012.
• Pilot Phase: Government of India entrusted an agency to construct 1,000 houses for beneficiaries in the Northern Province. The project was completed on July 2012.
• Second Phase: The second phase launched on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2 October 2012, which envisaged construction of 45,000 houses in the Northern and Eastern Provinces was completed in December 2018.
• An innovative owner-driven model was adopted to implement the second phase, wherein the Government of India arranged technical support and financial assistance for the owner-beneficiaries to undertake the construction / repair of their houses themselves.
• Financial assistance of LKR 550,000 per beneficiary (LKR 250,000 in case of repair cases) was released in stages, and transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries by the High Commission of India. (Where?)
• Third Phase: Third phase of the Indian Housing Project involves construction of 4,000 houses for estate workers in the Central and Uva Provinces through an innovative community-driven approach. Letter of Exchange with the Government of Sri Lanka for this phase was signed in April 2016 and work started in October 2016.
• In the third phase considering the difficulties in the terrain and accessibility of materials and other logistics LKR 950,000 is disbursed per beneficiary.
• As on date close to 2300 houses are complete in the third phase and the construction of the remaining houses is currently underway.
• Fourth Phase: During his visit to Sri Lanka on 12 May 2017, Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi announced an additional 10,000 houses for the estate workers and the agreement was formalized in August 2018. This entails an additional commitment of LKR 11 billion. Preparatory work for these additional houses is currently underway and the construction of these houses is expected to start soon. This makes the total number of houses being built in the plantation areas 14,000.
• As on 31 December 2019, more than a total of LKR 31 billion has been?
My Comments on this serious and important news item.
I welcome the construction of such a large number of houses for any citizen of this country by any government. But I don’t agree with this selective preference given only to Tamils of this country as it is bound to create a special kind of attachment and allegiance to India of a section of citizens of a particular ethnic group, that is Tamils, an imminent threat to the independence and sovereignty of this country.
The only way to overcome this imminent disaster.
First of all, we must thank the NBOR for releasing this important information for the information of the general public so that firstly, there will be increased public awareness and secondly, they will take serious notice of this imminent danger and open their eyes to take precautionary action and thirdly, they will corporate with the authorities to mitigate these disasters first, in their own interest and second, in the broader interest of the country.
If immediate action is not taken to arrest this catastrophe, before long, the entire 13,000 square kilometers of lands spread over in Badulla, Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Matale, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara, Galle, Matara and Hambantota- comprising 1/5th of the area of this Island as they have estimated, will be converted to an area unsuitable for human settlements. Considering the ever-increasing population with the land extent remaining constant, the Sri Lanka society will be faced with a major problem of finding sufficient space for people, increasing in millions annually to live in the short run.
Therefore, the crying need firstly, to take short term measures to arrest this calamity. Secondly, to find out the causes that have brought about this situation and finally to immediately find a permanent workable solution to stop this manmade disaster.
The problems one can visualize in the long run can become far more serious and can even go beyond our imagination for the following reasons resulting in the total disappearance of the 2566-year-old Sinhala Buddhist civilization from the face of this earth as Tamils can go to India and Muslim to countries from where they have come. But where are we going. We have no place on this earth other than this tiny Island. The causes for what we are experiencing today in these regions of this type of landslides are a direct legacy we have inherited from 103 years of British colonial devastations from done for 133 years from1815 to 1948 and the 1.2 million Indian labour they left behind when they left for their home. The actual problem at stake is much wider and deeper than the NBOR report has indicated. What we are facing today are the result of cumulative causes that have been in operation for a long time on the hill sides are attributed to many factors other than those mentioned in para 3 of the above report. Among them the most important reason was the large-scale deforestation for Coffee and Tea on these hills, running in to about 1.3 million acres of never touched before as they were reserved crown forest.
The onslaught on this forest began with the opening up of these lands for Coffee. The first commercial coffee plantation was started by George Bird, in Singhapitiya, Gampola in 1824.The Same year, Edward Barnes, who became Governor of Ceylon in 1824, established another plantation in Gannoruwa in 1825 (now a part of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya). This was followed by Tea after the Coffee blight in 1869. The first tea plantation estate in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) was started in1867 by Scotsman James Taylor in Loolekandura, in the Kandy district near Hanguranketha. Thereafter Tea cultivation spread all over the hill country in no time. This resulted in the deforestation of the entire hill country within few years. With the expansion of the Tea industry nearly 1.3 million acres of prime jungle that remained as Thahanchi kele (protected forests) by Royal decree from the inception of Civilization in this country were removed to give way for Tea bushes sprawling all over the hill country.
This large-scale deforestation, followed by setting fire to the forests, uprooting stumping the felled trees, digging for planting tea and earth cutting for drains, constructions of buildings ,factories and thousands of line rooms for nearly 1.2 million indentured south Indian slave labour brought by the British to work on these newly opened up land and their discriminate cuttings and digging around the line rooms for cultivations followed by a massive network of roads and a Railway line across the country’s hilly terrain up to Badulla. This entire 1.3 million acres of covered with prime forest over the whole hill country that remained undisturbed for millennia got directly exposed to heavy rain and elements of weather got eroded and degraded and the streams dried up. The inner layers unable to withstand this sudden weakening of the binding effect of the decaying root system and opening up of underground cleavages due to heavy exposure on the surface coupled with indiscriminate land use disturbing the underlying structural harmony of the whole hill country followed by heavy rain were the main causes of these earth slips As the prime forest was removed the earth got dried up, streams dried up underground water deposits vanished fauna and flora disappeared. In fact, it is the aftermaths of all these destructions that we see as landslides and earth slips all over the hill country,
Now reminding me the famous Sinhala folk ‘tale of As if the man fallen from the tree was also attacked by the Bull” adding to all damages done by the white people to this Heartland of the mother Lanka for 133 years from 1815 to 1948, today our own government elected by us has started to destroy it completely beyond recovery by aiding and abetting the Indian Government sponsored settlement and housing program followed by large scale building programe that churn up the little physical stability left behind by the British on these hills by a massive housing and settlement building programe including large scale infrastructure development projects with Indian and international funding all over the hill country with no regard what soever to the massive and irreversible damages already caused to the Physical stability of the Geographical Heartland of this country.
Way back in 199I, I have declared this geographical are as HADABIMA of Sri Lanka since it functions as the Heart of the body Sri Lanka. Thus, not only functionally but even analogically it resembles a heart when you turn the physiographic map of the central hill country 15 degrees clockwise with two outliers, the Rakwana hills on the right-hand side and the Dumbara hills on the left side with the central massif at the center resembling heart flanked by two lungs on either side. With the peculiar radial drainage pattern of 103 rivers having their sources on these hills that flow in all the directions providing the water to sustain all the water to keep the entire life system in the country guaranteeing the survival of the civilization of this Island nation.
Thus, its physical stability determines and dictates the survival of the entire life system and the civilization of this Island nation. Therefore, the need to protect its physical stability by protecting its forest cover, the land and the river system without disturbing its critical physical stability as the main and the only watershed that decides the survival of life on this Island. When the heart stops the man dies. Similarly, the day physical stability of the central hills is not there the curtain will fall on the entire life system and the civilization of this Island. It is in this perspective one has to look at the need to protect the physical stability of these central hills.
Removing the forest cover on these hills will first make these rivers dry. All 103 main rivers in this Island have their sources on these hills. Continuous landslides and deforestation followed by land degradation and bad land use practices will soon lead to drying up of all these rivers. Since these rivers form the life arteries that provide the water needed for the entire life system in the down streams area in the lowland surrounding the central hill country, their drying up will lead to the extinction of life in the Island and inevitably thereafter human civilization in the country will vanish in the long run, in the lowlands around the entire Island together with the hill country.
The only way to avoid this disaster is the protection of the physical stability of the central highlands, the Geographical heartland, the HADABIMA” of Sri Lanka just like you protect your own heart. Because as much as you die if your heart stops, the same way Sri Lanka’s entire life system and the civilization will also come to an end if the physical stability of the central highlands is lost.
The first step in this mission is to declare all land above 5000 ft as strictly protected and banned area for any human intervention. Second to restore its original position and maintain it regularly.
Unfortunately, none of the governments that came to power after the so-called Independence has taken any step to arrest this devastation done to this country by the British for 133 years and to retore status quo, that was there before 1815 as a heritage coming down from the inception of history. Instead, they also have continued to accelerate the destruction done by the invader by cruelly stabbing the heart of the nation to death, for narrow political gains.
Even the Kandyan Peasantry commission set up in 1949 did not look at this critical problem. I am asking the present-day government as to why it keeps deaf, blind and dumb. Why don’t you understand the gravity of this disaster. Why can’t the NBRO who impose strict conditions on innocent native villagers imposing all unnecessary conditions when they make an application to put up a wattle and doab hut on their ancestral land, take action against this wanton national crime committed by the government a under pressure from the Indian government by constructing 60,000 new houses on hill slope even over 60 degrees slope on land going up to almost 8000 ft MSL. In my opinion everybody including the Government and all government department are responsible for this crime of erasing a great nation in the world from the surface of this earth by keeping deaf, dumb and blind on this issue just to woo the votes of a band of Indian cooly labour left behind by the British high and dry, who have no love for this country.
As none of the post independent government or any responsible citizen had opened their eyes on this subject and done their duty by a great nation who had defended and protected their motherland for 443 years (1505-1948) by paying with their lives. Therefore, I am making the following proposal on their behalf to arrest this death march and restore normalcy in the Central hill country of restoring its physical stability for the Sinhala nation to protect this heritage that comes down from the sacrifices of their brave forefathers.
In order to avoid this imminent disaster, I propose to the government that it should take following steps
1 Declare all forests above 5000 ft above MSL as strictly reserved heritage forest of the country, as it had been done throughout history leaving Nuwara Eliya Bandarawela, Hakgala Botanical Garden, Ambewela farm and the Horton Plain as tourist attractions. The roads network all over the hill country must be maintained for tourists’ purposes.
2.Evacuate all settlement in the region between 3500 ft and 5000 ft msl and settle them at a lower contour that is between 1000-3500 leaving only the tea factories and allied offices to remain within the zone 3500 -5000. These settlements also will provide the labour required for the tea plantations between 3500-5000 ft msl.
The largescale tea plantations between 3500-5000 should be managed by JEDB and SLPC, USAWASAMA or big native private Companies. None should be given to foreigners.
3.Relocate all displaced plantation workers, who are willing to abide by the laws of the land in the area between 1000-35000 ft lands on 2 ½ acre farm lots together with landless Kandyan peasant in the adjoining villages. Here priority should be given to landless Kandyan Peasants, as they were the original owners of these lands. These settlements should be developed as mixed farm lots of the HADABIMMA model giving rise to a unique settlement model. Land allocation should be done by drawing lots to avoid discrimination. That will also help social integration between the native Sinhalese and estate Tamil labour. These farm lots will be HADABIMA model mixed farms with animal husbandry and these villages right round the hill country will also provide the labour for the 3500-6000 plantations in the neighboring estates. This settlement belt right round the central hills will develop a unique settlement model with a Kandyan forestry garden type adapted to suit the present-day socio-economic needs.
The present estate labour should cease calling themselves naam 200 and they are Indiana Tamils. They all should accept the historical fact that this is the land of the Sinahla nation as it had been for the past 2600 years. They also accept the conditions in the Nehru-Kotalawala Pact of 1953 and cease to be called Indian Tamils any longer. No naam 200. No Malahayaha as they dream at present. Those who insist they want to retain their own nomenclature and the Indian identity should go back to India. If they want to be identified in those terms then they should get repatriated as we cannot have Indian citizens within our territory. But if they want to, they can observe their religion and customs in private. Those who want to integrate they can do that. Those who refuse they should get back to India or ask their colonial masters to provide land and citizenship in UK. In the event they refuse to fall in line, with this naturalization process,they have no alternative but to go back either to India or the other legitimate motherland Briton as the UK is legally bound to take them back as they were British citizens at the time of their leaving this country in 1948.
Herewith I propose a pragmatic and humanitarian action plan to see an end to all these problems mentioned in this note, for once and for all,
This Action plan if implemented will find a permanent solution for the following national problems.
1 First and foremost of them all, restoring the physical stability of the HADABIMA (The central hill country) of Sri Lanka that will guarantee the survival of the entire life system in this country and will protect the continuity of the civilization of this country that had been there from the dawn of history until the Sun and the Moon shall last.
2 It will solve the problem of landlessness among the Kandyan peasants, highlighted by the KPC Report 1951 but not touched up to date.
3. Thereby, partly rectify the historical injustices inflicted upon the Kandyan Sinhala patriots, the sons of the soil, whose ancestors were annihilated in tens of thousands in battle and hunger in 1817-1818 Uva Rebellion and 1848 Matale rebellions/Freedom struggles against the British colonial invaders, under orders of Brownrigg and Torrington the white murderers.
4 Solve the landlessness, unemployment problems and other socio-economic problems of the Estate labour in the present plantation sector by converting them to respectable full native citizen status of this country.
5. It will also stop the exploitation of the estate labour by the pseudo-Indian labour leaders of the Thondaman clan within the estate sector as feudal lords did in medieval Europe.
6. This will end the 224-year-old (1799-2023) ethnic animosity created between the native Sinhalese and these Malabar Tamils, first, planted by the Cleghorn report 1799 and second, by the Wesleyan Methodist Mission that met in Jan 1819 in Galle whose most important resolution, as they said was the division of Ceylon in to two districts, to be designated as the Sinhalese and Tamil districts” to destroy the native Sinhalese. They also imported Malabar Tamils, using their divide and rule policy and later used by the British as sepoys in their struggles against the native Sinhalese in the freedom Struggles of 1817-1818 Uva Wellassa and the 1848 Matale rebellion and thereafter exploited them to enrich the British and Indian Banks up to date by the British by engaging this as cheap labour working under trying conditions.
And since the British left in1948, leaving the Indian labour high and dry as a band of stateless destitute exploited by the feudal minded Estate Tamil labour leaders and communal Tamil politicians led by Thondaman and his heirs up to date and also by selfish native Sinhala political leaders who woo them for their vote at every election, (even though they never get it) and finally, using them as fodder by Indian Mandarins and politicians, partly in pursuance of their expansionist agenda and partly, to meet domestic politics exigencies of winning the 39 seats in Tamilnadu.
7.The implementation of this plan will also see the end of Tamil communal politics in the central hill country of this country.
8 With the completion of this humanitarian settlement programme Sri Lanka will be relieved once and for all of the presence of a headache of an anti-Sinhala anti Buddhist pro Indian enclave consisting of 1.2 million band of Malabaar Tamils in the Heartland of this Sinhala Buddhist Kingdom that was there for the last 2600 years and instead we will be blessed with a band of naturalized native citizens who love this as their own motherland, even better than the original Sinhalese, as it was done by the naturalized and integrated south Indians who came to this country in the medieval times, presently living in the South Western quarter of the country.
With the completion of this project all the fallowing institutions should be closed down.
1. Ministry of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development
2.The Ministry of State infra structure a development
3 New Villages Development Authority for Plantation Region
and all other agencies with direct foreign intervention and funds, to this sector based on ethnicity
The practice of creating separate ministries and Institutions and appointing these plantation sector Tamil politicians to high posts, such as Ministers and Governors, just to woo the estate sector Tamil votes should be stopped forthwith.
This is the type of houses built with Indian assistance on the central hills indiscriminately without any regard for the physical stability of the Central hill country, which is extremely crucial for the survival of the entire life system in the whole island, the extinction of which will draw the curtain on the 2600-year-old Sinhala civilization of this island nation.
Now look at the above location at Bogawanthalaawa (above 4000 ft msl) a place where these pigeon nests have been built. The day the top layer of nearly 125 houses with their mass will slip down, first of all, all these houses with their inmates will get buried together with all those houses with their inmates that cannot be stopped by Modi or even if the entire pantheon of Indian gods led by Mahaa Brahma descend on this earth. Second, the effect of this mass debris on the downstream areas with devastating floods will be beyond one’s comprehension.
This is only one of hundreds of such housing complexes built all over the hill country. So, you can just imagine the scale of their cumulative effect of their devastation. Thereafter the failure on the part of these deforested and degraded rock outcrops in the hill country as the main watershed to serve the nation’s all 103 rivers with water, will make this Island a sterile barren desert san any water.
Then the curtain will fall on the 2600 year old civilization of this Island.
This country today needs a patriotic Sinhala Buddhist leader who knows his country, its history and its potentials, who can withstand this Indian expansionism and make this country the miracle of Asia in 10 years.
It is high time that India gives up this Panikkar philosophy of annexing neighboring states. This is particularly relevant to Sri Lanka, as Bharath had never been able to annex this Island although it had been struggling to do so from the time of Rama 5000 years ago.
It is said that already 60,000 houses have been built and another 40, 000 are to be built very soon. I ask Prime Minister Modi as to why he does not first provide lavatory facilities to those 60 % 0f Indians on the continent who don’t have it now, before he spends on these pigeon nests to bag the Thamilnadu votes.
Indian built Housing schemes in other parts of the country outside the hill country. It is high time that both these Indian politicians and crazy Indian mandarins should realize that the recipients of these Indian largesse will benefit their largesse, only if they renounce their Indian citizenship and also the Indian their mentality and get fully integrated with the native Sinhalese in this country.
An application was brought forward against Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for judicial review, challenging his message on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, issued on May 18, 2023. The primary intention of this Application is to obtain a clear legal position regarding the Tamil genocide. Canada’s top court, the Federal Court, states as follows and rejected Tamil genocide.
[Prime Minister Trudeau’s] Statement is not a decision or an order that gives rise to a binding obligation, nor is it conduct that affects legal rights, imposes legal obligations or causes prejudicial effects. At its core, the Statement, with reference to the House of Commons motion, encourages Canadians to reflect on the conflict” in Sri Lanka in the broader context of human rights, peace, and democracy generally.”
The federal court also discussed the legal validity of the motion brought by MP Gary Anandasangaree. The court’s position is very clear: Trudeau’s statement and MP Anandasangaree’s motion are non-binding and have no legal impact on Canada’s official position. It means no Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka. Judge Janet M. Fuhrer issued her decision on this matter at the federal court.
The Federal court identified incidents in Sri Lanka as a conflict” between the Tamil Terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Armed forces in Sri Lanka.
Canadian politicians continually exploit the most vulnerable Tamil communities, propagating fake Tamil genocide to obtain political advantage using highly racist campaigns to enhance their vote bank.
Due to his double-standard policies, Trudeau’s government is expected to be voted out by Canadians in the next federal election.
An application was brought forward against Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for judicial review, challenging his message on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, issued on May 18, 2023. The primary intention of this Application is to obtain a legal position regarding the alleged Tamil genocide, whether the prime minister declared or recognized it. Canada’s top court, the Federal Court, stated as follows and rejected Tamil genocide, saying no such declaration.
Paragraph 19 of the decision [Prime Minister Trudeau’s] Statement is not a decision or an order that gives rise to a binding obligation, nor is it conduct that affects legal rights, imposes legal obligations or causes prejudicial effects. At its core, the Statement, with reference to the House of Commons motion, encourages Canadians to reflect on the conflict” in Sri Lanka in the broader context of human rights, peace, and democracy generally.”
The federal court also discussed the legal validity of the motion brought by MP Gary Anandasangaree. The court’s position is very clear: Trudeau’s statement and MP Anandasangaree’s motion are non-binding and, therefore, have no legal impact on Canada’s official position. It means no Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka. Judge Janet M. Fuhrer issued her decision on this matter at the Federal Court.
The Federal Court identified incidents in Sri Lanka as a conflict” between the Tamil Terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Armed forces in Sri Lanka.
Canadian politicians continually exploit the most vulnerable Tamil communities, propagating fake Tamil genocide to obtain political advantage by using highly racist campaigns to enhance their vote bank.
Due to Trudeau’s double-standard policies, Trudeau’s government is expected to be voted out by Canadians in the next federal election.
May 18, 2024 Ottawa.
May 18, 2024 Sri Lanka celebrated the 15th anniversary of the defeat of LTTE Tamil terrorism
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) waged a nearly three-decade armed campaign against Sri Lanka to create a mono-ethnic state for Tamils in the North and East parts of Sri Lanka. However, more than 70% of Tamils live peacefully in southern Sri Lanka and are well-integrated with other communities, including Sinhalese and Muslims.
LTTE was militarily defeated by eliminating the leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, and its senior cadre. Since then, all communities in Sri Lanka have been living peacefully.
May 17, 2024 Ottawa
LTTE Tamil Terrorism Education Week 2024 Global Screening – 3 Documentary Films
LTTE Tamil Terrorism Education Week 2024 Global Screening – 3 Documentary Films Buried Truth – 22 min Butterfly – 45 min Truth Behind Dare – 11 min Please join On May 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM, in Toronto, Ottawa, CanadaAbstract Tamil terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) based in Sri Lanka waged three decades of armed conflict with the Sri Lankan government. Their prime motive is to create a mono ethnic state for Tamils living in the North and East. However, more than 70% of Tamils are living in the Southern part of Sri Lanka and are well integrated with other communities such as Sinhalese and Muslims.On May 18, 2009, Sri Lanka’s military successfully eliminated LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and its senior military cadre in combat. Sri Lankan armed forces rescued 365,000 innocent Tamil civilians used as human shields.This documentary explores LTTE atrocities and their fake propaganda on the Tamil genocide.
May 16, 2024 Ottawa
Socio-economic and Political Exploitation: Canadian politicians exploit the most vulnerable Tamil communities by propagating fake Tamil genocide
Canadian politicians are expected to release statements on May 18 regarding the fake Tamil genocide to gain political advantage by targeting the most vulnerable Tamil communities in Canada.
Sri Lanka’s government forces militarily defeated the most ruthless Tamil terror group, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), eliminating its terrorist leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and senior carder on May 18, 2009. Since then, sympathizers of the terror group, its military defeat orchestrated as the Tamil genocide to conceal their humiliating defeat.
Canada’s official foreign policy confirms that there was no Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Trudeau is facing political downfall due to his failures in government policy. To take political advantage, Trudeau issued a Tamil genocide remembrance messages and is expected to do the same in 2024. Trudeau considers his political survival over Canada’s official foreign policy position regarding the alleged Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka.Regardless of his low-level political tactics, Trudeau’s government is expected to be voted out by Canadians at the next federal election.
Patrick Brown Mayor of Municipality of Brampton Next to Neru Gunaratnam LTTE cadre
Patrick Brown had to resign from Ontario’s premier candidacy due to his sexual misconduct allegations. Brown was again disqualified from the Conservative Party leadership race. Conservative leadership selection committee found that Brown was involved with serious financial irregularities. For his political survival, Brown put forward the Tamil genocide to the Tamil communities and sought their support. Brown has promised to build a Tamil genocide monument in Brampton. Patrick Brown was not allowed to enter Sri Lanka due to his alleged association with the Tamil terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
MPP Vijay Thanigasalam praised Tamil terrorist leader as his National hero
Former refugee MPP Vijay Thanigasalm brought the Tamil Genocide Education Week Act (TGEWA), now facing a constitutional challenge. The applicants requested that the court declare TGEWA unconstitutional. Fake Tamil genocide promoter took advantage of the most vulnerable Tamil communities in Scarborough to secure his seat in the Ontario legislature. Thanigasalam continually exploits Tamil communities, promoting fake Tamil genocide for his political advantage.
MP Gary Anandasangaree at the Book launch of Prabhakaran Tamil terrorist leader
MP Gary Anandasangaree arrived in Canada from Ireland with his mother and claimed refugee status. However, he had to claim refugee status in Ireland due to the safe country environment. The immigration analysts alleged that Anandasangaree defrauded Canada’s generous asylum system. LTTE operatives involved with human smuggling activities collect $35,000 to $50,000 to arrange asylum in Canada from each Tamil asylum seeker. The fake Tamil genocide campaign is part of an illegal human smuggling project operated by LTTE.
Ottawa May 10, 2024
Official Foreign Policy: Canada rejects Tamil genocide
A diplomatic note issued by Foreign Affairs Canada in reply to TPN -42-2021 states Canada’s Official foreign policy position. Foreign Affairs Canada confirms that the Government of Canada has not made a finding that there was a Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka.
Also, Foreign Affairs Canada noted Mayor Patrick Brown’s statements and activities at the Municipality of Brampton and the Tamil Genocide Education Week Act passed by the Ontario legislature. It states that under Canada’s federal system, provincial and municipal governments are independent, and the federal government does not pronounce their initiatives or positions nor represent federal policy.
Also, MP Gary Anandasangaree’s recent private member’s motion regarding the Tamil genocide does not reflect the Government of Canada’s official position. Canada’s acting High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Amanda Strohan, referred to the motion and stated that MP Anandasangaree’s motion is non-binding, non-legislative, a private member’s motion, and does not reflect Canada’s Official foreign policy.
The Tamil Genocide Education Week Act and the proposed Tamil Genocide Monument by the City of Brampton are currently facing Constitutional challenges. The applicants have requested the Court to declare them unconstitutional, and the legal proceedings are ongoing, instilling confidence in the due process of law.
Diplomatic Note Issued by the Government of Canada. Please download it here. Statement by Canada’s acting High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Amanda Strohan. Please download it here.
Statement by the Prime Minister on Armenian Genocide Memorial Day
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
April 24, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, also known as Medz Yeghern:
Today, we join Armenian communities in Canada and around the world to mark Armenian Genocide Memorial Day. We reflect on this dark chapter in history, honour the victims who lost their lives, and reflect on the trauma that so many still endure.
Twenty years ago, the Government of Canada joined members of the international community in officially recognizing the historic and tragic reality of the Armenian Genocide. This recognition carries a deep significance for many Canadians, and especially Armenian-Canadians. Together, we will ensure the stories of those affected are never forgotten.
In Canada, April marks Genocide, Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month, which reminds us of the consequences of indifference. We must remember and honour the memories of the victims lost to the Armenian Genocide. We must stand up against hate and stand for diversity, inclusion, and human rights – it is our shared, collective responsibility.
Armenian Genocide Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance. As we observe this solemn day, I encourage all Canadians to learn about the events that led to this senseless loss of humanity. Let’s build a society where everyone feels safe from discrimination and violence.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the 42nd anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
April 17, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 42nd anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedomsis one of our country’s greatest accomplishments. Central to who we are as Canadians, the Charter represents freedom, democracy, and the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Forty-two years ago today, the Charter was adopted, and every year, we reaffirm its principles.
The Charter guarantees our fundamental rights, affirming equality for all Canadians, regardless of race, age, or ability. The Charter protects rights relating to our use of both official languages. It ensures that we can express our thoughts or practise our religion in our own way. It preserves the right of everyone to be treated with respect and dignity – something that every Canadian deserves.
On this occasion, we also celebrate the 42nd anniversary of Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which recognizes and affirms Indigenous and Treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. Section 35 serves as the foundation of our ongoing efforts to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, notably through the 2023-2028 Action Plan – our evergreen roadmap to achieving the objectives laid out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Together, we will continue to walk the path of reconciliation and work toward building a renewed and meaningful relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite everyone to learn more about the Charter and recognize our collective responsibility to help advance the values it enshrines. Together, we will help keep Canada the free and prosperous country we proudly call home.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau April 7, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement marking 30 years since the beginning of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda:
Today, we remember one of the most tragic losses of human life in history. Thirty years ago, the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda senselessly took the lives of over a million innocent people in just 100 days.
On this sombre occasion, we stand with the people of Rwanda to honour the victims and the survivors of this genocide. Our thoughts go to their families, their loved ones, and all survivors who continue to live with the trauma.
To those survivors who have chosen to make Canada their home, we stand with you always, especially throughout this painful period of commemoration.
In the decades since this tragedy, the people of Rwanda have shown incredible courage and taken important steps to foster reconciliation and rebuild their country. Canada is a proud partner in this ongoing process. We reaffirm our support to Rwanda as it advances its development.
Today, we also pay tribute to the United Nations peacekeeping force, which included a small number of Canadians and was led by Major-General Roméo Dallaire, facing extremely challenging circumstances to help those seeking refuge. Their service, which saved many innocent lives, will always be remembered.
What happened in Rwanda in 1994 is a painful reminder of how hateful ideologies can lead to extremist violence. As we mark Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month this April, I invite Canadians to join in commemorating the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and all victims of genocide around the world. By confronting these painful truths and standing up against hate, we can ensure such atrocities are never repeated. Together, let us reflect on how we can foster a better, more inclusive, and more peaceful world for future generations.”
May 18, 2023 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau clarified Canada’s position on the past conflict in Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau May 18, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement remembering the loss of lives due to past conflict, reiterating Canada’s official position.
The statement says, On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to recognize the many contributions that Tamil-Canadians have made – and continue to make – to our country. I also encourage everyone to learn more about the impact of the armed conflict” in Sri Lanka and express solidarity to all those who suffered or lost loved ones.”
Canada does not recognize the alleged Tamil genocide” but identifies it as an armed conflict” between LTTE Tamil Terrorists and the government of Sri Lanka.
May 18, 2023 Sri Lanka celebrates14th Anniversary of the end of LTTE Tamil Terrorism Sri Lankans Celebrates End of LTTE Tamil Terrorism
It has been 14 years since the three-decade civil war in Sri Lanka drew to an end after the leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and the senior cadre of the Tamil Terrorist group LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), were eliminated by the Sri Lankan security forces at the Nandikadal” Lagoon on May 18, 2009.
With reference to the UN Panel of Experts report and UN Human Rights commissioner’s reports on Sri Lanka (OISL) LTTE Tamil terrorists involved with war crimes under six core categories, i.e. (i) using Tamil civilians as a human buffer; (ii) killing Tamil civilians attempting to flee LTTE control; (iii) using military equipment in the proximity of Tamil civilians; (iv) forced recruitment of Tamil children; (v) forced labour; and (vi) killing of Tamil civilians through suicide attacks.
Sri Lanka’s government acted under its constitutional responsibility to protect the sovereignty of Sri Lanka and its citizens. Since then, all Sri Lankans have lived in peace and harmony regardless of ethnic origin.
Statement marking the birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan
December 13, 2022 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement marking the birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan:
Today, we celebrate the 86th birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims around the world, including the 100,000 Shia Ismaili Muslims who call Canada home.
His Highness is a global leader in the fight for equality who, through the Aga Khan Development Network, has partnered with Canada to reduce poverty around the world, advance gender equality, and improve access to health care and education internationally, including the Ottawa-based Global Centre for Pluralism and the Toronto-based Aga Khan museum – the first Islamic museum in North America.
The Aga Khan, an honorary Canadian citizen, embodies Canada’s values of compassion, kindness and tolerance, and reflects our shared vision of a better, more equal, and more peaceful world. This special year, we marked the 50th anniversary of the arrival of thousands of Ismailis in Canada after they were expelled from Uganda. Since their arrival, they have become a vibrant part of Canada’s social and economic fabric and made our country a better place to live.
Today, I join people around the world in wishing the Aga Khan a very happy birthday. We wish him good health and happiness on this special day and for years to come.
Salgirah Khushiali Mubarak!”
UNHRC RESOLUTIONS WITHOUT A RESOLUTION UNHRC 51st Session LTTE Tamil terrorist sympathizers represent Tamil Diaspora groups want to perpetuate accusations to undermine Sri Lanka
Whatever the result will be, Sri Lanka will stand firm against the new UNHRC resolution.”
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry
Sri Lanka’s foreign minister pointed out there was a chance of Sri Lanka being defeated at the UNHRC Resolution, as some of the countries who had previously been members of the UNHRC supporting Sri Lanka were no longer members and added that it is difficult to compete with powerful nations in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The Government has already opposed the proposed UN resolution for accountability that would also include responsibility for economic crimes, emphasizing that ‘external forces’ should not guide it on how to manage the country’s economy.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2022 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
Today, we mark the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – an opportunity to come together to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing impacts on Survivors, their families and communities, as well as commit to continuing the hard, but necessary work to build a better future for all.
Between 1831 and 1998, at least 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forcibly removed from their families and communities to attend residential schools, where they had to abandon their languages, cultures, spiritualities, traditions, and identities. Many experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and thousands never came home. The experiences and intergenerational trauma of these so-called schools continue to live on for Indigenous Peoples across the country every single day.
It is our shared responsibility to confront the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing impacts on Indigenous Peoples, so we can truly move forward together. That is why, last year, Parliament voted unanimously to establish the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more, honour the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities, and remember the many children who never returned home. Reconciliation is not the responsibility of Indigenous Peoples – it is the responsibility of all Canadians. It is our responsibility to continue to listen and to learn.
This past July, His Holiness Pope Francis offered an apology to Survivors, their families, and their communities here in Canada, and recognized the abuses experienced at residential schools that resulted in cultural destruction, loss of life, and ongoing trauma for Indigenous Peoples across the country. It was a step forward in all the work that remains and a reminder that we still have more to do. We will continue to be there to support the painful but necessary work to locate unmarked graves, and to support Survivors as they tell their stories, including through the efforts of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites, Kimberly Murray, who was appointed this past June. We are also ensuring the appropriate supports are available for communities to heal and commemorate the lives that were lost.
Last month, alongside the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation leadership, Survivors, and members of Indigenous communities, I witnessed the Survivors’ Flag raising on Parliament Hill to honour Survivors and all the lives that have been or continue to be impacted by the residential school system. The flag serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to Survivors and future generations to never forget what happened at these so-called schools. Over the last year, we updated Canada’s Oath of Citizenship to recognize First Nations, Inuit, and Métis rights, and introduced legislation to establish a National Council for Reconciliation to track and report on the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, we continue to work with Indigenous Peoples to ensure their human rights are fully recognized, respected, and protected.
On this day, which is also known as Orange Shirt Day, I invite everyone to listen to Survivors and learn more about the history and legacy of the residential school system by participating in a local event or wearing an orange shirt. Let’s take a moment today to participate, learn, and reflect. We all have a role to play on the journey toward reconciliation.”
In parallel to UNHRC 51 st Regular Session of the Human Rights Council September 12 – October 07, 2022
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry addressed the Council on September 12, 2022 UNHRC RESOLUTIONS WITHOUT A RESOLUTION
September is the month when the UN Human Rights Council presents its latest Resolution on Sri Lanka. It is reported that the latest version has graduated from violations of human rights and international humanitarian law to include violations of economic crimes”. Whatever the scope of the Resolution, the dogged fact remains that every sovereign country is compelled to function within the provisions of its own Constitution, because it is the fundamental law as recognized by the Vienna Convention; a fact unequivocally stated by the President and Foreign Minister of this Government, and repeated earlier by previous governments. This fundamental fact was the rationale for rejecting the former co-sponsored Resolution UNHRC 30/1. Therefore, if the UNHRC is serious about its Resolutions, it has to start with Sri Lanka’s Constitution. Incorporating provisions in Resolutions beyond the provisions of the Constitution become a meaningless and distracting exercise for all concerned, without Resolution. Read More
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Statement by the Prime Minister on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
September 8, 2022 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II:
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
For most Canadians, we have known no other Sovereign. Queen Elizabeth II was a constant presence in our lives. Time and again, Her Majesty marked Canada’s modern history. Over the course of 70 years and twenty-three Royal Tours, Queen Elizabeth II saw this country from coast to coast to coast and was there for our major, historical milestones.
She would proclaim ‘it was good to be home’ when returning to her beloved Canada. She was indeed at home here, and Canadians never ceased to return her affection. Her Majesty vowed to devote her life to the service of the Commonwealth and its people. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank Queen Elizabeth II for honouring this vow and for a lifetime of service.
Her Majesty’s reign spanned so many decades – a period when we came into our own as a confident, diverse, and forward-looking country. It is her wisdom, compassion, and warmth that we will always remember and cherish.
Today, a page has not only been turned, but a chapter in our shared history has drawn to a close. I know Her Majesty’s service to Canada and Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history. The coming days will be a period of mourning for Canadians, as it will be for all Commonwealth citizens, ending with a national day of mourning when a commemorative service will be held to mark the passing of our Sovereign.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I express our heartfelt condolences to members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Statement by the Prime Minister welcoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
September 6, 2022 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to welcome the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth Truss:
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Elizabeth Truss on becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Canada and the United Kingdom enjoy one of the strongest relationships in the world, rooted in centuries of shared history, values, and traditions. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Truss to further strengthen the relationship between our two countries and make life better for people on both sides of the Atlantic. This includes continuing to build a strong economic recovery from the pandemic that benefits everyone, and strengthening democracy, human rights, and the rules-based international system, while also standing up for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. With the goal of being the world’s first net-zero consistent cap and trade market, the United Kingdom is a longstanding partner on climate action and pollution pricing, as well as protecting nature and biodiversity.
The United Kingdom is Canada’s largest commercial partner in Europe and one of our most important globally. As we continue negotiations toward a comprehensive, ambitious, and inclusive Canada-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement, as well as the U.K.’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, we will keep working to increase trade and create good middle-class jobs and new opportunities for people in both countries. Our countries also work closely together through the United Nations, the World Bank, and other international organizations. We are the only two countries to be members of the G7, the G20, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the Commonwealth.
I thank former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his partnership over the years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Note by admin: UN has reported that Transnational Tamil Terrorist Group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had recruited over 7,000 child soldiers during the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. However, LTTE sympathizers’ propaganda campaign deliberately ignored the harm that LTTE has caused for Tamil children. Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers February 12, 2022 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, also known as Red Hand Day:
All children have a right to a safe environment where they can grow and thrive. The use of child soldiers is wrong, inhumane, and a clear breach of human rights and international humanitarian law.
Today, on the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, Canada reaffirms its unwavering commitment to work with global partners to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts.
No child should be forced to commit acts of violence. Canada continues to be a strong voice on the world stage against the recruitment and use of child soldiers through education, intervention, and prevention. By working together, we can protect children from harm and work to ensure they are given every opportunity to realize their full potential.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Statement by the Prime Minister on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2021 Ottawa, Ontario
Today, I invite everyone across the country to recognize and observe the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to reflect on the painful and lasting impacts of residential schools in Canada, and to honour survivors, their families, and their communities. It is also a day to remember the many children who never returned home, and an opportunity for us all to learn more, and to affirm the need for reconciliation and commit ourselves to the work ahead.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes that at least 150,000 Indigenous children from across the country were forcibly separated from their families and their communities. Children were brought to residential schools where too many experienced abuse and were removed from their cultures, languages, and traditions. This federal day builds on the momentum of Orange Shirt Day, which was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad and chosen by Indigenous peoples to remember the legacy of residential schools and promote the path of reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established through legislation passed earlier this spring, and is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action number 80. As part of commemorations for this historic day, I was honoured to participate in a sunset ceremony to commemorate survivors and those who never returned to their families and communities, as the Peace Tower and other buildings near Parliament Hill were illuminated in orange, and a newly commissioned Survivors’ Flag from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation was raised.
This year, the tragic locating of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across the country has reminded us of not only the impacts of colonialism and the harsh realities of our collective past, but also the work that is paramount to advancing reconciliation in Canada. Today, we also recognize the harms, injustices, and intergenerational trauma that Indigenous peoples have faced – and continue to face – because of the residential school system, systemic racism, and the discrimination that persists in our society. We must all learn about the history and legacy of residential schools. It’s only by facing these hard truths, and righting these wrongs, that we can move forward together toward a more positive, fair, and better future.
Since 2015, the Government of Canada has been working in partnership with Indigenous peoples to close the gaps that still exist for far too many – and together we’ve made real progress. Over 80 per cent of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action that fall under the sole or shared responsibility of the federal government are completed or well underway. We’ve ended 117 long-term drinking water advisories, with a concrete plan to end all of them in the near future. We’ve passed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, protected Indigenous languages, and invested in education so thousands of Indigenous children are in new or better schools. We have also taken steps together to address the important issues identified in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Final Report and Calls for Justice, and we have co-developed Indigenous child and family services legislation to ensure that Indigenous children remain with their family and community. And we will continue to invest directly in Indigenous communities, as outlined in Budget 2021, to build a better future for everyone.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about the history of residential schools in Canada, listen to the stories of survivors and their families, and reflect on how each of us can play a part in the journey of reconciliation. I also encourage everyone to wear an orange shirt today to help spread awareness, because every child matters.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
July 1, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Canada Day:
On Canada Day, we celebrate the amazing place we call home – and the people we share it with. Whether you are firing up the barbecue or playing outside with the kids, this is a chance to reflect on where we are as a country, and where we are headed.
The last few months have been difficult for all Canadians, but throughout this pandemic, we have been there for one another. We are neighbours helping neighbours, small businesses being there for their communities and their staff, Armed Forces answering the call to help protect our most vulnerable, and doctors and nurses keeping our families healthy. Because that’s what it means to be Canadian.
Canada’s success is because of its people. People who strive to live up to our shared values of peace, equality, and compassion, and know that diversity is our strength.
People who know that, only together, we can build a better country, where every senior has a safe place to live, and where we say no to racism, injustice, and hate. A country where we understand that our work to ensure everyone has an equal and fair chance at success is never finished.
What makes Canada special is not the belief that this is the best country in the world – it’s the knowledge that we could be, and that we will keep working to build that country. Because no challenge we face will be too great, if we face it together.
I invite all Canadians to join this year’s virtual celebrations and the #CanadaDay conversation online. Today, we celebrate the country we share and tomorrow, we look to the future and move forward, together.
Happy Canada Day, everyone!”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister announces new members of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
June 15, 2021 Ottawa, Ontario
The Government of Canada continues to do everything it can to keep communities safe. Canadians can count on our country’s national security and intelligence agencies to respond to threats while ensuring that their work protects the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced five new members of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians. With these new appointments, all seats on the Committee are now full.
Chaired by the Honourable David J. McGuinty since its launch in 2017, this multi-party Committee includes representatives from both the House of Commons and the Senate. It provides a non-partisan approach to the review of national security and intelligence activities carried out across the Government of Canada. This includes activities undertaken by the Canada Border Services Agency, the Communications Security Establishment, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, among many others.
The Committee provides the Prime Minister with an annual report, and special reports when needed. The reports, which include findings and recommendations, are tabled in both the House of Commons and the Senate.
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau
Statement by the Prime Minister on the 12th anniversary of the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka
May 18, 2021 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka:
Today, on the 12th anniversary of the end of armed conflict in Sri Lanka, we remember all those who were killed, or injured, and all who were impacted by the many years of conflict, including during the last phase of the war in Mullivaikal. We also offer our deepest sympathies to the survivors and their families, and to everyone living with the pain and trauma caused by this conflict.
Twelve years later, the wounds and scars of this conflict linger as survivors and all those who faced adversity, suffered loss, and endured trauma still seek answers, including on the fate and whereabouts of missing family members and loved ones.
Canada was part of the core group at the United Nations Human Rights Council this past March where the High Commissioner for Human Rights was given the mandate to ‘collect, consolidate, analyse and preserve information and evidence’ relating to violations in Sri Lanka.
On this anniversary, Canada reiterates its call to the Government of Sri Lanka to find a solution to the underlying drivers of the conflict. We will continue to advocate for a meaningful accountability process and extend support to all those working toward justice, reconciliation, and inclusion, all of which underpin long-term peace and prosperity in the country.
Statement by Canada Following UN Security Council Session on the devastating violence in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Statement May 16, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Canada is appalled by the ongoing violence, rising tensions, and the devastating loss of life. The toll —particularly on civilians, including women and children — has already been too great. Canada continues to express grave concerns over the escalating violence in Israel, West Bank, and Gaza. Canada joins its allies and friends in urging all parties to take steps to immediately end all violence, prevent further loss of life, protect all civilians, and de-escalate tensions. All parties must uphold international law.
The continued indiscriminate barrage of rocket attacks fired by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad into Israel against civilians is completely unacceptable and must cease immediately. Those foreign entities which support Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad must end their material and financial support to these groups. Canada supports Israel’s right to live in peace with its neighbours within secure boundaries and fully supports Israel’s right to assure its own security. This right also comes with immense responsibility and obligation to act in accordance with international law. The use of force has led to significant civilian loss of life and we urge utmost restraint.
Statement by the Prime Minister on Israel Independence Day
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
April 15, 2021 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day:
Today we join Israelis, Jewish communities, and others in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.
For over 70 years, Canada and Israel have been close friends, steadfast allies, and partners in many international organizations. Our personal ties and common values unite us, including our commitment to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
Canada is proud to stand with Israel. We will continue to oppose efforts to isolate Israel internationally and to condemn BDS and any movement that attacks our Israeli friends, Jewish Canadians, and the values we share. On this important day, Canada reiterates its commitment to lasting peace for all people in the Middle East.
We also reaffirm our promise to fight antisemitism and hate wherever and whenever they occur, including through our support for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, which we adopted as part of our Anti-Racism Strategy.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish everyone celebrating this historic day a Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach.”
Statement by the Prime Minister announcing a National Day of Observance for COVID-19
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
March 8, 2021 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to announce the Government of Canada is designating March 11, 2021, as a National Day of Observance to commemorate the people who lost their lives and the significant impacts we have all felt because of COVID-19:
Early last year, our lives, and the lives of everyone around the world, were forever changed by the emergence of COVID-19. Today – one year after the first known death of a Canadian to the disease – we now mourn the tragic loss of more than 22,000 parents, siblings, friends, and loved ones.
COVID-19 has infected over 864,000 other Canadians, and has had an immeasurable impact on how we all work and learn, connect with friends and family, and live our daily lives. All Canadians have experienced sacrifice and loss over the past year. Our kids have missed birthday parties, seniors have felt isolated from the ones they love, and for far too many, this virus has meant the loss of their job or the closure of their business.
Our health care and other essential workers have put themselves at risk, working long hours, so we could get the services and care we needed. And as efforts continue to get vaccines to every Canadian as quickly as possible, we thank them now more than ever.
During this crisis, Canadians have remained resilient. They have helped neighbours, given to organizations, put signs in their windows to support our health care workers, and lent a hand wherever possible. As we continue to deal with the impacts of the global pandemic, your government will continue to do whatever it takes, for however long it takes, to support you – because here in Canada, we help each other through challenging times.
We all have a role to play in ending this pandemic, and the crisis is not over yet. In recognition of how far we have come and how far we still have to go, the Government of Canada is designating March 11, 2021, as a National Day of Observance. On this day, I invite all Canadians to join together in honouring the memory of those we have lost, and the people they left behind. We will also recognize everyone who has been impacted by COVID-19, and pay tribute to all those who continue to work hard and make incredible sacrifices in our fight against the virus. Together, we will beat COVID-19.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Tamil Terrorists have recruited 7,634 child soldiers as young as ten years and put them into battle, with cyanide capsules around the neck in Sri Lanka. Child soldiers have been used for hard labour and sexual pleasure for senior LTTE cadres.
In Canada, Tamil terrorist supporters display Tamil terrorist flags and put forward children for their separatist campaign against innocent Tamils in Sri Lanka. This practice must end.
February 12, 2021 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, also known as Red Hand Day:
Children have the right to grow up in a safe environment, to access basic care, to pursue an education, and – above all – to be children. Taking them away from their families and putting them on the front lines of conflict robs them of these fundamental rights.
Whether they are trained to fight, armed with deadly weapons, used as spies, sexually exploited, or forced into marriage, child soldiers face unimaginable violence and abuse, and suffer long-lasting, scarring effects. These horrible practices must stop.
That is why, every year on this day, we reaffirm our long-standing commitment to help end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts. Since 2017, Canada has mobilized close to 100 countries to endorse the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers. These commitments, which were developed in partnership with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, the United Nations, UN Member States, and other organizations, help protect children through education, training, and prevention.
No child should bear the brunt of conflict and be forced to participate in acts of violence. Canada will continue to be an unwavering advocate against the use of child soldiers and to bring countries together to endorse and implement the Vancouver Principles. Children have the right to be children, away from the atrocities of war.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau
January 27, 2021 Ottawa, Ontario The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day:
Today, I join Canadians in paying tribute to the over six million Jews who were murdered and the countless other victims who suffered under the heinous crimes perpetrated by the Nazi regime. The pain and loss endured during the Shoah will never be forgotten. We also honour the survivors whose stories and memories paint a vivid portrayal of suffering, courage, and hope in the face of such despicable acts. The atrocities of the Holocaust have left an unfathomable stain on our history, yet antisemitism, discrimination, xenophobia, and violence remain a lived reality for Jewish communities, both here at home and around the world. That is why the Government of Canada will not waver in its commitment to combat antisemitism and all forms of hatred. Through the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, adopted as part of our government’s Anti-Racism Strategy, Canada is equipped with the tools and resources needed to combat antisemitic attitudes and Holocaust denial. In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, we will also continue to fight against disinformation and hate online, including by supporting the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force on Online Antisemitism and the government’s Digital Citizen Initiative. Only through effective education, research, and remembrance can we foster a society free of prejudice and discrimination. In November, I appointed the Honourable Irwin Cotler as Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism. By leading Canada’s delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, Mr. Cotler is collaborating with domestic and international partners to preserve the memory of the Holocaust for generations to come and strengthen human rights both at home and abroad. Learning from our past is key to building a more inclusive future. On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I encourage Canadians to remember the victims, survivors, and heroes who bore witness to the Shoah. Together, we will vow ‘Never Again’.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Thai Pongal
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
January 14, 2021, Ottawa, Ontario. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Thai Pongal:
This week, the Tamil community in Canada and around the world will celebrate Thai Pongal.”
During the four-day festival, family and friends usually gather to give thanks for the year’s bountiful harvest and share Pongal, a sweet rice pudding. While things will be different this year as we continue to follow public health guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19, I know people will still find new ways to bring to life the values of peace and community at the centre of this festival.”
January also marks Tamil Heritage Month in Canada. This month, we recognize Tamil Canadians’ contributions to building a better, fairer, and more inclusive country. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the history, resiliency, and strength of the vibrant Tamil community in Canada and around the world. Recently, we saw Tamil-Canadians from coast to coast to coast come together in solidarity to condemn the destruction of the Mullivaikkal memorial at the University of Jaffna, in Sri Lanka, and call for its reinstatement. It is a reminder for all of us that commemoration is essential for reconciliation.”
On behalf of our family, Sophie and I offer our wishes for peace and good health to everyone marking Thai Pongal, here in Canada and around the world.”
Iniya Thai Pongal Nalvazhthukkal.”
January Tamil Heritage Month (Photo credit, Twitter) A unanimous decision was made at the House of Commons, Canada declaring the month of January as Tamil Heritage Month. The Tamil Heritage month will recognize the contributions that Tamil-Canadians have made to Canadian society, the richness of the Tamil language and culture, and the importance of educating and reflecting upon Tamil heritage for future generations.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Statement by the Prime Minister on the fifth anniversary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
December 15, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the fifth anniversary of the release of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada:
Five years ago today, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its final report. Established on June 1, 2008, the Commission worked to uncover the truth in one of the darkest and most painful chapters in Canadian history – the Indian Residential Schools system – and the tragic legacy that continues today.
The report is an appeal to mobilize all orders of government, as well as organizations and individuals, to make concrete changes in Canadian society. It lists 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of reconciliation in Canada.
The Government of Canada has accepted its responsibilities and its failings, which is why it offered an apology to former students, and has taken important steps to fully implement the Commission’s recommendations. We have worked across all federal government organizations and with our partners so that 80 percent of the Calls to Action implicating the Government of Canada are now completed or well underway. This includes introducing legislation to allow for the full adoption and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to move forward on the shared path of reconciliation, as well as passing the Indigenous Languages Act to support the revitalization, maintaining, and strengthening of Indigenous languages in Canada.
We recently announced over $542 million in funding over five years to advance First Nations, Inuit, and Métis engagement to co-develop the implementation of the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, and to assist Indigenous communities and groups in building the capacity to establish their own child and family services systems. This funding is in addition to the $3 billion that we have already invested, starting in 2019, to continue delivering and improving the government’s funding support for First Nations child and family services.
We are implementing Jordan’s Principle to make sure all First Nations children in Canada can access the products, services, and supports they need, when they need them. In 2019, we implemented a new policy and funding approach for funding First Nations education on reserve – co-developed with First Nations representatives – to transform First Nations education funding to be more directly comparable to provincial education systems. The new approach also provides full-day kindergarten on reserve for children ages four and five, and $1,500 per student, per year, to support language and culture. We are also working with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners, to respond to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the Calls for Justice, to develop a national action plan to end the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ and two-spirit people.
We recognize that there is still much more work to do. We will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples, provinces, and territories to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. As we outlined in the Speech from the Throne, the government is committed to not just moving forward, but moving faster, on ending the unacceptable injustices that too many Canadians still face. That includes addressing systemic inequalities in the criminal justice system, closing the infrastructure gap in Indigenous communities, and legislating First Nations policing as an essential service.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to honour the courage of the former students and families who came forward to share their stories of pain and losses, and to reflect on how we must all play our role in the implementation of the Calls to Action and in our journey of reconciliation.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister’s remarks for the Global Conference for Media Freedom November 16, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario
Hello everyone. Thank you for being with us today for the second Global Conference for Media Freedom.
I am pleased to be here with you, along with Canada’s outstanding Minister of Foreign Affairs, François-Philippe Champagne, and Minister Morwaeng of Botswana, who will be co-chairing today’s conference. At the last global conference in London a year and a half ago, we would never have known the challenges that 2020 would bring. But what we already knew was that press freedom would be part of the solution.
In the last few months, we have seen how free, open debate – based on facts – is the only way forward. Not only is press freedom a cornerstone of democracy – it’s a fundamental building block of strong, healthy societies. When journalists can do their jobs, when citizens can get good, reliable information – everyone does better. Now, that’s how things should be. But as you all know, all too often that’s not how things are. Today, we see citizens calling for change – from Hong Kong to Belarus – only to have the authorities attack the freedom of the press.
We see journalists casting light on human rights abuses and on this pandemic – people like Kyaw Soe Oo, Wa Lone, and Maria Ressa – only to face repression and violence. It is never acceptable for a journalist to be attacked for doing their job. It is never acceptable for a reporter to be thrown in jail for interviewing a peaceful protester. And it is never acceptable for anyone, anywhere, to have their freedom of expression denied. A crackdown on the media puts democracy in danger. It puts lives in danger. So when we see it happening, we can’t turn away. We can’t wait for someone else to act. After all, a free, independent press doesn’t happen by itself. It happens because as citizens, we know it is vital to our shared future – and so we accept nothing less. Canada will always stand up for freedom of the press, just as we will always stand up for freedom of expression.
At home in Canada, we have taken the lead by investing in local journalism, and internationally, through initiatives such as the G7 Charlevoix commitment and the Media Freedom Coalition. Together, we are doing some very important work. So, thank you for getting involved. A little later today, Minister Champagne will have more to say about how Canada will continue to invest in global initiatives that defend free media and push back against disinformation. I know you’ll also be discussing the findings of the High-Level Legal Panel of Experts on Media Freedom – a group on which Canada is very ably represented by The Honourable Irwin Cotler. This panel is a great example of the power of working together – as civil society, government, and global organizations – to stand up for the kind of future we all want to build. When living in times of change, it is up to us to seize the opportunity and decide what to do next.
It’s up to us to fight for a fairer and healthier society where everyone, everywhere, is free to make their voice heard. Together, I know we can do it. Thank you again for participating in this conference, and thank you for all your hard work.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Statement by the Prime Minister on Global Dignity Day
October 28, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark Global Dignity Day in Canada:
Today, students and young people in Canada are marking Global Dignity Day. On this day, we reaffirm that everyone – regardless of who they are or where they come from – deserves a fair and equal chance at success, and acknowledge that together, we still have a lot of work to do in achieving a fairer and more inclusive world.
This year, the Global Dignity movement’s #UniteKindness campaign aims to connect young people around the world through positive actions during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign is also a reminder to be kind to one’s self and to others. Demonstrating that by being there for others and by showing compassion, and recognizing everyone’s worth, we can appreciate that everybody deserves dignity – no matter their identity, beliefs, or circumstances.
As Canada and the world continue the fight against COVID-19, let us remember that we must all do what we can to uphold and respect the dignity of every human life. That includes ensuring Canadians can put food on the table, pay their bills, and have access to the supports they need to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy. During this difficult time, Canada will also continue to work with our partners to help build a world guided by compassion, equality, and dignity – because we know that we can’t end the pandemic in Canada without ending it everywhere. Together, we can build a more resilient Canada and a world that is fairer, safer, and more inclusive for everyone.
As one of Global Dignity’s National Role Models, I call on Canadians and everyone around the world to rally behind young people and to show that, by working together as a global community, we can help advance human rights and dignity for all.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I applaud all those involved in the Global Dignity movement for their passion and hard work, and wish them success with this year’s activities.”
Deadliest terrorist attacks in the history of the United States shook Canadians – National Day of Service – September 11, 2020 We remember… Never forget…Denounce all terrorist activities against civilians
Statement by the Prime Minister on the anniversary of 9/11 and the National Day of Service Prime Minister of Canada Hon. Justin Trudeau
September 11, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and on the National Day of Service:
Nineteen years ago today, the deadliest terrorist attacks in the history of the United States shook Canadians and people around the world.
On this solemn anniversary, we remember the tragedy of 9/11 and its nearly 3,000 victims, including 24 Canadians. We offer our condolences to all those who lost loved ones, and those whose lives were forever changed.
We also recognize the bravery and sacrifice of first responders, including the hundreds who lost their lives while trying to protect and save others. Firefighters, police officers, military personnel, paramedics, and ordinary people climbed the steps of the burning towers to rescue those inside. They battled flames at the Pentagon, tended to the injured through rubble and smoke, and attempted to take back control of a hijacked plane. Amidst the fear, panic, and horror emerged incredible courage, heroism, and selflessness.
On this National Day of Service, we honour first responders in Canada and around the world, and all those who come to the service of their neighbours, their communities, and their country. We are reminded of the people of Gander in Newfoundland and Labrador who opened their hearts and their homes to thousands of stranded airline passengers on 9/11. They showed us that compassion conquers hate, and that our values of diversity, inclusion, and peace can overcome the darkest of days.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite Canadians to take part in acts of service today – by giving back in ways big or small – to honour those who courageously and selflessly helped others on 9/11.”
International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, 30 August
Report on Sri Lanka: Activity of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka, including arrests, whether LTTE members have been responsible for extortion, disappearances or bombings since the government defeated the LTTE, and whether the LTTE has the capacity to regroup within Sri Lanka with financial and material support of Tamil Terrorist LTTE sympathizers specifically in Scarborough Rough Park, Canada. Read more
During the bloody armed conflict, from 1983 to 2009, between the Sri Lankan government and the separatist Tamil terrorists, LTTE committed numerous abuses, including enforced disappearances. Most of them had been taken by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) or forcefully conscripted.
UN member states at the Human Rights Council in late February should call upon Tamil terrorist LTTE proxies to comply with its international legal obligations, protect victims and witnesses, and keep its UN pledges in a time-bound manner.
Family members of Sri Lanka are many ‘disappeared’ have a right to know what happened to their loved ones,” Ganguly said. The UN Human Rights Council is the one flicker of hope many families have that the fate of those disappeared will one day be known and that justice will be done.”
Enforced disappearance has frequently been used as a strategy to spread terror within society. The feeling of insecurity generated by this practice is not limited to the close relatives of the disappeared but also affects their communities and society as a whole. Enforced disappearance has become a global problem and is not restricted to a specific region of the world. Hundreds of thousands of people have vanished during conflicts. Read more
Rohingya crisis needs lasting solutions, renewed commitment amid COVID-19 pandemic – UN refugee agency The Rohingya Crisis 3rd anniversary of the 2017 Mass Exodus August 25, 2020
August 25 marks the third anniversary of the 2017 mass exodus of Rohingya from in Myanmar when over 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. In November 2019, the Gambia initiated a case against Myanmar for violations of the UN Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ has issued a prevention of Genocide provisional measures. Read More
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Statement by the Prime Minister on the anniversary of Black July
July 23, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the anniversary of Black July:
Today, we remember the horrific events of Black July in Sri Lanka and honour the memory of its victims.”
Canada responded by opening its arms to those fleeing violence in Sri Lanka. Through a Special Measures program introduced in the months following Black July, more than 1,800 Tamils resettled in Canada to rebuild their lives – and help build a better country. Their contributions in the face of tremendous loss and adversity helped shape a stronger, more inclusive Canada, which is now home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world.”
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my deepest sympathies to all those who suffered and lost loved onesduring Black July and the ensuing conflict.” Canada remains committed to facilitating an accountability process that has the trust and confidence of all victims, which is central to achieving lasting peace and reconciliation. We continue to offer support to all those working toward these goals.”
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Statement by the Prime Minister on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism
June 23, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism:
Thirty-five years ago today, an explosion on Air India Flight 182, bound for the United Kingdom from Canada, killed the 329 innocent people on board, including 280 Canadians.
The attack was an act of unspeakable malice and remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history. It was a shock to our country and a threat to our collective sense of security. Terrorism in Canada did not begin with this heinous act and, sadly, did not end there either.
Today, on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, I join Canadians across the country to remember and pay tribute to all Canadian victims of terrorism. We offer our deepest sympathies to families and friends who have lost loved ones, and to everyone living with the pain and trauma caused by these senseless acts of violence.
Those who commit these cowardly acts seek to instill fear and divide us. They will not succeed. Canadians will always choose compassion over hate and acceptance over intolerance. We are at our best and most resilient when we embrace diversity and equality, and these acts of terrorism only strengthen our resolve to build a more inclusive Canada.
We stand in solidarity with all those affected by terrorism worldwide and will continue to work closely with our international partners to end violent extremism, promote inclusion, and defend peace and justice within our global community.
Today and every day, we will honour those we have lost to terrorism by continuing to fight hate and intolerance and work to make Canada and the world a safer and more secure place for everyone.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the 11th anniversary of the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
May 18, 2020 Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on the anniversary of the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka:
As we mark the 11th anniversary of the end of armed conflict in Sri Lanka, my thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones. This is a time to reflect on the 26 years of conflict, including the last phase of the war in Mullivaikal, and the lives that were lost, and to remember those who were injured, went missing or were displaced from their homes and communities.
Over the past 11 years, I have met with many Canadians, who were personally affected by this war. Their stories of incalculable loss, tremendous adversity, and continued resilience are a solemn reminder of the need to continue working toward lasting peace and reconciliation.
Learning from the past is crucial to building for the future. Canada continues to offer its support to the Sri Lankan government and all those working toward justice, reconciliation and inclusion, all of which underpin long-term peace and prosperity in the country.”
Canada is made stronger by its diversity, and the many cultures and heritages that that call this country home.”
Romeo Dallaire wins UVic’s first-ever Public Humanist award
Retired lieutenant-general, a former Canadian senator and best-selling author Roméo Dallaire will receive the first-ever Public Humanist award this month from the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Humanities for his tireless efforts to change the world for the better.
Dallaire’s deep humanitarian commitment evokes the spirit, impact and importance of the humanities. His life’s work enriches human dignity, provokes critical inquiry and inspires humane feelings. Twenty-five years ago, as commander of the United Nations’ peacekeeping-mission during the Rwandan genocide, Dallaire tried to protect the country’s vulnerable minority Tutsi population even as world leaders ignored his warnings of the coming violence. Some 800,000 people were killed.
Since Rwanda, Dallaire has dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts and is striving to eradicate the use of children in conflict. He has also worked tirelessly as an advocate for veterans returning from combat.
UVic Dean of Humanities Chris Goto-Jones says the retired lieutenant-general embodies the ethos of the faculty’s newly launched Humanitas Awards. Full report please read here
by A. Abdul Aziz.Sri Lankan Correspondent Al Hakam, London.
In the midst of a rash of lethal violence against Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan, the Lahore High Court Bar Association directed regional police officials to take legal action against Ahmadi Muslims gathering, observing and praying during Muslim Eid celebrations.
In directives on 6 June 2024, the lawyer’s association referred to laws that declare the Ahmadis to be Not-Muslims, used pejorative language (referring to Ahmadis as Qadyanis”), and otherwise adopted positions that have been taken by numerous extremist Mullahs and Clerics that have incited violence in recent months. On 8 June 2024, two Ahmadi Muslims from Sad Ulla Pur were murdered following open threats by TLP Clerics (Tehreek-e-Lebbaik Pakistan).
Human Rights and Religious Freedom activists worry that directives from lawyers to persecute Ahmadis for peacefully practicing their faith will result in further violence.
It is appalling that a Pakistani bar association should advocate, not for freedom of religion according to international legal norms, but rather for persecution of a peaceful religious minority,” according to Dr. Aaron Rhodes, president of the Forum for Religious Freedom-Europe.
We are calling for bar associations around the world to urge their Pakistani colleagues to help reduce religious intolerance and violence,” he said.
The United Nations and global human rights groups have long expressed serious concern over the poor treatment of Ahmadis in Pakistan which continues unabated.
In view of such hate-filled propaganda, there is a likelihood that Ahmadis would be deprived of fulfilling this fundamental practice associated with this event and many would have to face criminal prosecution just because of practicing their faith.
The Eid ul Adha Festival is going to be celebrated in Pakistan in the middle of June 2024 and, as the situation of Ahmadis living in Pakistan is precarious and Mullahs as well as police are trying to persecute them only because of performing their religious rituals, hence, once again we plead to the International Community to take urgent action to urge the Government of Pakistan to safeguard the civil and religious freedoms of Ahmadis and provide them with the safety and security in order to observe and practise their faith.
We once again urge the international community to pressure the Government of Pakistan to honor its responsibility to provide protection to all its citizens, ensure freedom of religious practice to Ahmadis, and bring perpetrators of such vicious attacks to justice. The Government of Pakistan must also bring its laws and practices in conformity with international standards as ordained by Article 2, 18 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Article 25, 26.
The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Islam Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (1835 – 1908) claimed to be Promised Messiah and Imam-al-Mahdi as foretold by Prophet of Islam Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Major religions of world also had prophesies about him as long-awaited Reformer of latter days.
Minister Harin Fernando today (14) revealed that an election is scheduled to take place on October 05 this year.
He made this announcement during a press interaction in Galle.
Expressing confidence in the outcome, Minister Fernando asserted that President Ranil Wickremesinghe would emerge triumphant in the forthcoming election.
State Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Ashoka Priyantha, announced that the Grama Niladhari Service Constitution has been approved by the Public Service Commission following the approval of the Cabinet Ministers.
He also mentioned that the new constitution allows for necessary amendments.
>State Minister Ashoka Priyantha disclosed these details today (13) during a press briefing titled “Collective Path to a Stable Country” at the Presidential Media Centre.
Addressing the media personnel, the state minister further stated that,
The government has recently undertaken several significant projects, such as “Urumaya” and “Aswasuma”.”” Additionally, many development projects that were halted last season have now resumed. Redevelopment efforts in both villages and towns are also underway through decentralized allocations.
It is important to note that supporting these initiatives is the duty of government officials. As we fulfil our responsibilities to the people, it is essential that everyone performs their duty.
When we assumed the duties of these ministries, the country faced numerous challenges. Nonetheless, we have made steady progress in strengthening public services. Despite the initial inability to recruit for public service, we managed to appoint GN officers for 1,942 Grama Niladhari Divisions, and their training is currently underway.
Additionally, the issue of the Grama Niladhari Service Constitution had persisted for a long time. The newly proposed service constitution has now been approved by the Public Service Commission following the endorsement of the Cabinet Ministers. Provisions have been made to amend this constitution if necessary.
During the trade union actions of the GN officers, a disaster struck. However, government officials, along with the majority of GN officers in the country, stepped up and fulfilled their duties. At the moment, we extend our gratitude to all of them.
Additionally, rural food security and nutrition committees were established across the country, enabling the provision of a safe and healthy diet to the population.
Sri Lanka was declared economically bankrupt in 2022. Its 2024 and we are fast on our way to becoming socially & culturally bankrupt as well. This situation is sadly brought about as a result of foreign funding & diplomatic pressures that are promoting an agenda that even the parents in the Western world are now condemning & demanding reversal of legislations passed. The failed experiment in the West, no doubt has little meaning for those promoting the ideology in Sri Lanka, primarily because these programs come with $$$ and nowadays the evil are ready to sell their soul to any devil.
If anyone has been following the developments in the sports arena they would understand the gravity of the situation. Men are competing in women’s sports and the injustice to the biological women & women’s sports has resulted in many women boycotting games unless only biological females participate. In an increasing number of states in the US, parents are coming out against the LGBTQ curriculum where the famous Gingerbread Man has suddenly become the Gender-based Person! It’s a lucrative new business – opening up a whole arena for those writing new children’s books completely changing Man/Woman, Father/Mother, He/She traditional terms to a new & confusing vocabulary.
Jennifer Lopez wants her daughter to be referred to not as she but they”. Angelina Jolie too dressed all her adopted children in opposite sex clothing & they too were referred to in this new terminology. A string of other artists are obviously roped in to use their celebrity status to promote this as an in thing”. However, the US experiment has not lasted too long for parents to be coming out in large numbers against it. Even teachers are opposing having to indoctrinate children as per the new LGBTQ curriculum. Some teachers have given up their jobs & started their own schooling following traditional values. This may soon start a new trend across Europe as well. In Europe, the side-effects of puberty blockers and hormone treatments have even resulted in some governments banning their usage. In a country where the health minister now lies in prison for bringing sub-standard medicines, Sri Lanka’s experiment is likely to have far more dangerous side-effects if same medications are prescribed for children. Sadly, Big Pharma is part of this evil ideology as they stand to gain the most from gender changes – which include operations, post-operational operations, life-long medication, psychological therapy, psychiatric treatment and the list goes on.
The internet and social media are the two most evil tools that lure children to believe this new gender ideology as a fad & this coupled with peer pressure from friends and social circles that they move in, will eventually result in decisions they will regret for life & imagine carrying the burden of changing one’s sex at 15 years, to have to take medicines for life, the expense it will cost, more operations, inability to ever have normal sexual relations & more than anything unable to reverse what has been done in haste.
In the US & parts of Europe, parents who oppose their children’s impulsive decisions to change sex” are having to be separated from their children who are put into homes where unmonitored they are given all types of medications preparing them for sex change. Eventually, these children end up hating the world & themselves & we all know the final decision they end up taking. What agony this outcome must be for their parents.
All this has been brought about because their MPs have not read the dangers, heeded warnings and simply agreed to accept Bills that include clauses that sneak in provisions to enable rolling out of the LGBTQIA agenda. MPs are more concerned about enjoying power than worrying about the fate of other people’s children. This attitude is going to cost the nation dearly. From the shocking examples of the true face of the LGBTQ world outside of the well-funded campaigns promoting a pride paradise, parents & the LGBTIQ victim-children are living in a sad & reclusive world of regret & inability to reverse their decisions. Imagine carrying this trauma from age 15 to age 70!
Sri Lankan MPs from all political parties stand guilty of neglecting their duty to the State & the People since independence. If they had functioned in the interest of the State, Sri Lanka would not be in this abysmal state. Now, to remain in power agreeing to anything that comes with $$$ and contributing to ruining Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and destroying the society completely is unforgiveable. People’s personal choices cannot be legalized and forced down upon people who wish to lead normal lives & funding should not legally change that status quo. A piece of paper can never replace centuries of customs and traditions Sri Lanka is proud of especially promoted by nations that hardly have 250 year history to boast of.
Taxation needs to be looked at from a different perspective and models of taxation needs to be examined. Taxation should be looked at as part of a social contract between a government and the people who pay tax. It is part of a partnership between the government and the public and it must give a sense of ownership to the public that their money is being used judiciously for their benefit. Besides this, they must have a belief that their taxes are investments, not just expenses, and that they will have a return on their investment. Better hospitals, better schools and universities, better roads, better transport and more affordable energy costs are some returns they should be able to expect with their taxes.
According to the above news report, after 76 years of independence, Sri Lanka has for the first time had a national dialogue on taxation to address contemporary issues surrounding taxation and fiscal policies in the island. While it is better late than never, it is disturbing that such a dialogue took so long to eventuate. Tax revenue is a major source of income for the country and in 2024 the government expects revenue of Rs 4106 billion, of which 93% is tax revenue. According to CEIC data, Sri Lanka Tax revenue was 10.8 % of GDP in Dec 2023. (https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/sri-lanka/tax revenue#:~:text=Sri%20Lanka%20Tax%20Revenue%20was,to%202023%2C%20with%2034%20observations).
The 2023 fiscal numbers, recently released through the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Annual Economic Review, reveal that the Government of Sri Lanka’s total expenditure for 2023 was LKR 5,357 billion. Total government expenditure for the year 2022 amounted to LKR 4,472 billion. Out of which total revenue and grants could only cover 45% of spending while the remaining 55% was financed via borrowings (https://publicfinance.lk/en/topics/how-did-sri-lanka-finance-government-expenditure-in-2022-1684156853)
The importance, and dependence on tax revenue to meet government expenditure is unquestionable. As mentioned above and as many are aware, the country has been borrowing heavily to bridge the gap between recurrent expenditure and income in addition to fund capital projects, some of which were not astutely evaluated and costed. Consequently, such accumulated borrowings have taken the debt to GDP ratio to almost 130% now.
Sri Lanka has few choices as to how it can reduce the gap between income and expenditure without borrowings. It can reduce expenditure, or it can increase income. Reducing expenditure is a politically unpopular decision as stakeholders associated with major areas of expenditure are bound to oppose expenditure cuts, except perhaps token cuts.
Increasing income looks feasible on paper but considering that the country is already so dependent on tax revenue will make it hard to raise more taxes. One key avenue that can and should be explored is the fairness of the tax system that reportedly was a topic of the National Dialogue on taxation. A fairer system perhaps could yield a grater income for the government. The lack of confidence in how governments of all persuasions have managed expenditure makes it difficult to convince the public that they have to pay higher taxes to increase government. Income.
Increasing exports and investments is talked about by all political parties although few detailed strategies are yet to be made known. These are areas that must be improved along with industrialisation, agriculture, and sustainable energy projects. These are however long-term projects, and they all need long term strategic policies and plans, something Sri Lanka has not done effectively and efficiently.
In regard to increasing tax revenue, while definitive statistics are not available, tax evasion by high earning individuals and companies, by under reporting or not reporting income, is reportedly very substantial. Amongst high earning individuals, several professional categories have been mentioned as operating in a cash economy.
It is more than likely that such individuals either do not declare their income or under report their earnings resulting in tax avoidance or tax minimisation using illegal means. It is not an insurmountable challenge to raise a fair tax revenue from tax evaders if there is a will to do it. The lack of such a will is perhaps the reason for not having a dialogue on tax.
A tax system has to be fair to a low- and middle-income individual as it must be for a high-income individual. Inordinately high taxation is unfair irrespective of income levels, as all individuals work hard to earn money. Sri Lanka is not a socialist country where individual enterprise has limitations imposed by the State. It is a free country with a market economy. High levels of taxation is also a disincentive for investment and therefore a counter productive measure in the context of increasing tax revenue as it can close opportunities for expansion of business enterprises.
The State has a responsibility to look after the less fortunate, but it does not and should not have a responsibility to curb free enterprise. However, every citizen should also have a responsibility to look after the less fortunate and contribute towards fundamental values of the country. These include a universal healthcare system provided free to all its citizens and a free education system.
Looking at taxation, fair and reasonable, also needs to be looked at from a different perspective and models of taxation needs to be examined. Taxation should be looked at as part of a social contract between a government and the people who pay tax. It is part of a partnership between the government and the public and it must give a sense of ownership to the public that their money is being used judiciously for the benefit of the public. Besides this, they must have a belief that their taxes are investments, not just expenses, and that they will have a return on their investment. Better hospitals, better schools and universities, better roads, better transport and more affordable energy costs are some returns they should be able to expect with their taxes.
In this context, rather than imposing high taxes, individuals could be encouraged to invest in specific government or semi government ventures where their investments are tax deductible. Investments that have the capacity to provide more productive employment opportunities will have the added benefit of increasing tax revenue as increase in employment numbers will lead to higher tax collections.
Sri Lanka is yet to learn any lessons from Singapore’s experience and how they have managed their economy so well. It has three investment entities with the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) responsible for managing Singapore’s foreign reserves. Their portfolio reportedly was worth USD 770 Billion in 2023. In comparison, Sri Lankas foreign reserves have never exceeded USD 9 Billion and in 2021, they had dropped to less than USD 1.5 billion.
The other two entities responsible for investments in Singapore are the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Temasek. MAS is the Central Bank of Singapore and their mission is to promote sustained non-inflationary economic growth, and a sound and progressive financial centre.
Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited, or Temasek, is a Singaporeanstate-owned enterprise established as far back as June 1974, Wikipedia states that Temasek had a net portfolio of US$287 billion (S$382 billion) as of 2023, with S$27 billion divested and S$31 billion invested during the year. Headquartered in Singapore, it has 13 offices in 9 countries around the world, including in Beijing, Brussels, Hanoi, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, New York City, Paris, San Francisco, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Washington D.C. It is an active shareholder and investor, with four key structural trends guiding its long term portfolio construction—Digitisation, Sustainable Living, Future of Consumption, and Longer Lifespans. Temasek’s portfolio covers a broad spectrum of sectors. Its key focus investment areas include Consumer, Media & Technology, Life Sciences & Agri-Food, and Non-Bank Financial Services
Even at this late stage, Sri Lanka could set up State owned investment entities where the public could make tax deductible investments and be rewarded with annual dividends, besides the social rewards accruing from the investments that these State-owned entities will be making in the country and overseas.
Paraphrasing George Bernard Shaw, Sri Lankans should not continue to look at things as they have been all these years, always asking why, but look at things as they never have been and ask why not? Unlike a brand-new experiment with a possible high-risk element, Sri Lankans have the advantage of studying and knowing the path to success of the above-mentioned State entities in Singapore
I have recently had a disappointing experience with my former department of Agriculture. Being aware of the acute protein malnutrition among our children and having read about the use of dried and powdered murunga leaves (which is around 25 % protein) as a protein supplement in the food of children in India. Murunga is said to provide 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, 17 times more calcium than milk, 9 times more protein than yoghurt, 15 times more potassium than bananas, and 25 times more iron than spinach. Murunga leaf powder market is estimated at 10 billion USD. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8373516/)
I browsed the internet for more information and discovered that India has developed a number of hybrid varieties which could be harvested for both leaves and pods in less than 8 months. I was able to persuade an investor to try out the hybrid varieties in his land. I wrote to the FAO in Colombo to help me get hybrid seeds of murunga from a reliable source. They replied promptly advising me to get in touch with the Department of Agriculture (DA) which I did indicating that I need only a small sample. DA had endorsed my request to the Horticulture Division on September 19 on which I received a reply on November 21 after a lapse of two months quoting the quarantine regulations governing import of seeds.
I have no grouse about strict restrictions on import of seeds. They are essential to protect our agriculture. Of course, a cynic would say that if strict regulations were there in the past none of our principal plants like tea, rubber, breadfruit and many others would not have come to the country. While applying strictly the regulations a primary responsibility of the DA should be to introduce new and improved varieties of horticultural products. It is well known that the upgraded verities of Rambutan, Guava, Papaw and new plants like Dragon Fruit were smuggled and established in the country by private parties.
India has developed a number of hybrid varieties of Murunga. For example, a variety developed by a Chennai University has the following properties.
Propagated by seeds, it yields around 400-500 fruits/plant annually. The fruits are 25-30 cm long. Harvesting is easy as the plants are like shrubs. After first harvest, the plants are headed back leaving 1 m above the ground and used as ratoons. Ratooning is done for 2-3 years. It starts bearing from 6th month onwards.
India has done research even on our Jaffna and Chavakaccheri varieties as well. India exports Murunga to a number of countries. But our authorities refuse to learn from other countries and neglect to do any homework on their own.
A study by HARTI has revealed that Sri Lanka has 46 agro-ecological zones with a wide variation in soil and climate. Each zone is characterized by specific climate and soils making it possible to cultivate number of different types of fruit crops. Sri Lanka’s per capita consumption of fruits (88.2 grams) remains far below the required average daily intake (200 grams)”
There is a demand and a potential, but the DA has not delivered.
When I was at the EDB I invited the Chief Horticultural Officer of Thailand (CHO) to advise us on Horticultural exports. At the end on a one-month consultancy assignment he told me that he will make his report once he gets back to Thailand. I agreed to this but asked him whether there are any comments which he does not include in the report but would like to share with me. He said that having observed the well managed Tea plantations in the country if Sri Lanka went into horticulture with the same management excellence Sri Lanka would have been a leading horticultural exporter in Asia and would have earned much more foreign exchange that from tea. He reminded me of our visit to a small pomelo farm closed to Bangkok and said that in that farm at a minimum harvest of 100 fruits per tree and with 200 trees per hectare and at 1dollar per fruit the return is over 20,000 US dollars. He said coconut can never give such high returns. (Even with today’s farm gate price of Rs 80 per nut and 5000 nuts per hectare the return in coconut will be only Rs 400,000 which at current exchange rate would be less than 1500 US dollars). (in 2024 Vietnam was exporting pomelo at VNĐ85,000-100,000 (US$3.5-$4.1) per fruit. It is reported that with the use of cutting-edge farming techniques, each orchard in Vietnam is expected to yield up to 20,000 fruits per hectare per crop worth VNĐ2 billion ($82,000).
He said that SL should covert coconut lands, where irrigation is available, to the cultivation of crops like pomelo which also has a good export market due to long shelf life and resistance to impact during long-distance transport. It is noted that pomelo has a huge market in USA. In 2021,value of US imports of pomelo was 20 billion dollars. In Sri Lanka some work has been done of Jambola and Grapefruit and not on the Red Pomelo which has a growing world market.
I met the Thai CHO during a study misson I had organized to Thailand to observe their developments in horticulture. The mission comprised of the Director Genenal of Mahaveli Authority , Additional Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and led by the Deputy Minister of Trade.
In one of our visits to a research orchard the Chief Horticultural Officer took me to a corner of the orchard and pointed at a mango tree and asked me whether I could identify the variety. It was a Karatha Kolomban. He said that he brought the seeds from Sri Lanka 15 years ago. He also said that he has been collecting seeds of fruits from Sri Lanka for many years as it is an isolated island where rare varierties are found found, There were more than 10 more varieties of mango trees of Sri Lankan origin there. I mentioned this to show how dedicated public servants serve there country. That application and dedication is rare in our Horticulture Division.
In this visit we also identified a few prospective investors. I followed up with one who was interested in a mixed farming (integrated farming) in a 100-acre nucleus farm and 1000 acre out grower project in the Mahaweli area. They proposed to introduce, baby corn, button mushroom, bamboo shoots as new crops. The project also envisaged a canning facility, livestock and fishponds with catfish and fresh water big head prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii).
Man proposes but God disposes. In this instance it was the JVP which was the evil god which destroyed every agricultural extension facility in the area in the NCP which were earmarked by us for the project. The uncertainty created by the JVP in their second adventure in 1987 and the Indo/Sri Lanka Accord kept away that project as well of another Thai investment for cultivation” of clams off Mannar/Puttalam coast. They assumed that any area which was good for pearl fisheries should be good for clams.
Now that the Sri Lanka is developing a close relationship with Thailand it will be good if these ideas are taken up with Thailand. Their experience in integrated farming where number of activities like horticulure, fisheries, prawn culture are blended together and supported by processing opereations like canning.
There were many useful and practical recommendation in the report of the Thai consultant. The last few years of the decade of 1980 with the JVP miliancy and Indian military intervention was perhaps the worst time for innovative action of development. But the recommendations in the Thai report could have been taken up in later years. Unfortunately this report and a valuable report by the Fundamental Research Institution on the resources of semi precious stones in the country have disappeared with the mindless application of the Seiri Step of the Japanese 5S System by a later Chairman who indiscriminately destroyed all old documents. Even good intentions of some can be very damaging.
India is the biggest consumer and grower of Arecanut. India has developed a number of high yielding dwarf hybrid varieties and made them available to cultivatores from the year !972. I have not heard of any upgrading of our arecanut trees other than cutting them down for pandals. It is another area which can bring us export earnings but not neglected by DA.
MEDIA RELEASE RANJITH SOYSA spokesperson /SPUR – Australia
Our attention has been drawn to an article written by one Rajesh Kurup, courtesy the Financial Express, pertaining to the Wind Power Project proposal that has been made to Sri Lanka by Adani Group of India. We wish to make the following clarifications, for better understanding of the facts by the readers, as the said article appears to be containing incorrect and distorted information. First and foremost, it must be said that the quoted and compared tariffs from renewable and traditional energy sources are misleading. The compared cost from traditional sources appears attributable to diesel power generation. Diesel is backup generation, but not for baseload operations in a power system. For some reason, the cost to CEB of power generation from coal energy, approximately Rs 18 per unit (at the present international prices of USD 110 per tonne of coal), which is much lower than Rs 25 per unit to be supplied by Adani wind power plant but has not been compared or cited by the writer Rajesh Kurup. If such was compared, the reader would immediately perceive that Adani’s tariffs become much more expensive than the present electricity generation using conventional fuels. Besides, the formula-based adjustment of power purchase tariffs from renewable projects less than 10 MW” have not been undertaken since 2022. Had the current dollar exchange rates and bank interest rates are duly taken into account, the feed-in tariff adoptable for all renewables including rooftop solar and projects less than 10 MW by now should have been lesser than Rs 20 per Unit of electricity. Thus, it may be questioned from the Governmental authorities whether it keeps on postponing adoption of the formula-based tariff calculation to enable this sort of irrational comparisons, and for some elements to twist the picture to show that Adani project is more economical to the Government than the alternatives. We wish to state that the tariff offered by Adani has to be compared against the current electricity generation cost, figuring around Rs 15 per Unit, as we learn, at the Mannar wind power project of CEB; and if anyone does so, will perceive that going for Adani project, at the claimed tariffs, would be economically disadvantageous for Sri Lanka
Secondly , the writer is surprisingly silent about the fact that the tariff offered by Adani is not based on any competitively bid procurement. One of the most fundamental premises of Good Governance is transparent competitive bidding when even a packet of paper clips is purchased by the Government, and we would urge the writer to comment as to how he could justify these tariffs, not determined through such competitive process, as the most economically procurable rates for the CEB. Since Adani is not the Government of India, but only a commercial entity of Indian origin”, such a procurement without competitive bidding is contrary to the specific provisions of the prevailing legal provisions. We hope that the stakeholders in Sri Lanka and the political representatives of the public will prevent signing of such a non-transparent and apparently uneconomical deal with Adani. It may also be emphasized here that the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, it is recent determination, has categorically insisted that procurement of electricity by the State entities has to be compulsorily on competitive basis. It is a matter of concern that this Adani offer, not based on any such competitive process, is rushed now, so that the contract could be signed before the new Act, including the said amendment specified by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, gets implemented. We specifically mention that any supplementary cost the Government would incur owing to any sealing of such procurement deal without competitive process amounts to nothing but corruption, and should be investigated at length. Thirdly, we wish to state that Sri Lanka and its economy is not the private property of any political party or any Government in power. Those belong to the general public and their future generations.
The decision makers in any given time have to safeguard such sustained welfare of the nation. Therefore, we urge that the proposed Adani project be subject to competitive process and entertain further bids from other potential investors, before determining which offer is most competitive in terms of tariffs and thereby most economically advantageous to Sri Lanka.
Finally, let it also be reminded that renewable energy resources belong to the Republic (ref. Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Act), and it is the responsibility of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) to safeguard the resources and ensure its optimum use for national economic benefit.
The recent performance of the Sri Lankan cricket team at the T20 World Cup in the USA has sparked widespread disappointment and debate among fans and critics alike.
Many argue that the players have become complacent and corrupted by the high salaries they receive, despite their lacklustre performances.
This raises an important question: Should the remuneration of Sri Lankan cricketers be aligned more closely with the economic conditions of the country?
The Current Scenario
Sri Lankan cricketers enjoy considerable financial benefits, including high salaries, allowances, and fully covered expenses for travel, accommodation, food, laundry, and healthcare.
These benefits are provided by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the governing body for cricket in the country.
In contrast, some of the nation’s highest-ranking officials, such as the Chief Justice and the Governor of the Central Bank, do not receive comparable compensation.
This disparity prompts a critical examination of the justification for such high payments to cricketers.
The Case for Revising Cricketers’ Salaries
Economic Context
Sri Lanka is currently facing significant economic challenges.
In such a context, it seems incongruous for cricketers to receive exorbitant salaries when many other vital sectors are underfunded.
Aligning the salaries of cricketers with the country’s economic reality could reflect a more equitable distribution of resources.
Performance-Based Compensation
High salaries should ideally correlate with high performance.
However, if cricketers’ performances are not meeting expectations, their remuneration should reflect this.
A performance-based pay structure could incentivise players to strive for excellence and ensure that they are rewarded commensurately for their contributions on the field.
Comparative Value of Roles
The roles of the Chief Justice and the Governor of the Central Bank are highly technical and require extensive expertise, experience, and dedication.
These positions have a direct impact on the country’s governance, legal framework, and economic stability.
While cricket is a source of national pride and entertainment, the responsibilities of these high-ranking officials are arguably more critical to the nation’s welfare.
Therefore, it is reasonable to question why cricketers should receive higher compensation than these key public servants.
A Proposed Pay Structure
To address these concerns, a revised pay structure for Sri Lankan cricketers could be implemented.
This could include:
Daily Allowances:
Paying a daily allowance of LKR 15,000 for overseas settings and LKR 10,000 for local settings.
This ensures that players are fairly compensated for their time and effort without receiving disproportionately high salaries.
Performance Bonuses:
Introducing performance bonuses based on individual and team achievements.
This could include rewards for winning matches, scoring centuries, taking wickets, and other significant contributions.
Basic Salary Adjustment:
Reducing the basic salaries of cricketers to align more closely with the economic conditions of the country, while still ensuring they are adequately compensated for their skills and dedication.
Attracting Talent and Preserving National Pride
Some may argue that lower salaries could deter talented players from pursuing cricket as a career.
However, the honor and prestige of representing the country should be a primary motivator.
Many young, talented players would still aspire to play for Sri Lanka, driven by national pride rather than purely financial incentives.
Conclusion
Revising the salary structure of Sri Lankan cricketers is not about diminishing their importance or contributions.
It is about ensuring fairness, accountability, and alignment with the country’s economic conditions.
By adopting a more balanced approach to remuneration, Sri Lanka can foster a more dedicated and performance-driven cricket team while ensuring that resources are allocated more equitably across all sectors.
This call for reform, if heeded, could restore the pride and performance of Sri Lankan cricket to its former glory.
The Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) organized a closed-door Round Table Discussion (RTD) on Sri Lanka’s Economic Security in 2024 – Evaluating the Outlook and Risks” on Thursday, the 06th June 2024, from 1600 to 1800 at the Nandimithra Auditorium, Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Overlooking Director General and Acting Director (Research) of the INSS, Colonel Nalin Herath warmly received the Chief Guest to the discussion.
INSS, the premier think tank on national security established and functioning under the Ministry of Defence organized the RTD which brought together esteemed voices to deliberate on pressing thematical issues.
Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, Professorial Fellow in Economics and Trade at Gateway House (Indian Council Relations) and Visiting Senior Fellow at ODI, United Kingdom, moderated the session. Distinguished guest speakers for the event were Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara, Vice Chancellor and Chair Professor of Business Economics of the University of Colombo Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne and Executive Director of the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) Dr. Herath Gunatilake.
Following an insightful introduction by the moderator, Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara initiated the presentation by examining the macroeconomic outlook and key points in the IMF program. He reflected on past social, political and economic challenges that impacted real GDP growth rates, macroeconomic stability, exchange rates and inflation. Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne delved into medium-term challenges in educational reforms, the aging population and skill outmigration, highlighting issues in education quality, resource disparities and professional organization regulation.
Dr. Herath Gunathilaka focused on poverty resulting from crises, including insights on the ‘Aswasuma’ initiative as an alternative to the ‘Samurdhi’ program and the potential use of electricity consumption as a poverty indicator. During the Q&A segment, the audience posed pertinent questions, demonstrating their keen engagement. The speakers responded thoughtfully, addressing current and future concerns with factual analysis and pragmatic considerations.
The audience consisted of Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Additional Secretary (Administration) Gaminie Mahagamage, Additional Secretary (Defence) Harsha Vithanaarachchi, Chief of National Intelligence Maj. Gen. Ruwan Kulatunga (Retd), Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence Maj. Gen. Dhammika Welagedara, former diplomats, economists, academics, researchers, policymakers, INSS Staffers and representatives from the Tri Forces and Police.
ISIS, as an ideology and group, has also attracted many crossovers: ideologically radicalised, predominantly youth, leaving behind more regional and hyper-local entities to join ISIS’s brand of pan-globalist jihad is a trend that continues even today.
The past half a decade has been tumultuous. A continuing global recovery from the pandemic. Geopolitical flashpoints such as wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The US left Afghanistan in 2021 as part of an exit” deal with the Taliban and maintaining minimum forces in both Iraq and Syria to counter the Islamic State (ISIS or Daesh in Arabic), signalling the end of the war on terror”.
This, however, does not mean that the threat of terrorism is over, or even diminished. At best, attention has moved to more pressing matters of the day, until the next attack. The recent arrest of four Sri Lankan citizens in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, piques interest.
The Sri Lanka story
The Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) arrested the four people for allegedly having links to ISIS — more specifically the Afghanistan-Pakistan-based Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) — and travelling to India with intent to conduct terror attacks. The Sri Lankans were reportedly moving on the orders of the pseudonymous Pakistani handler Abu Pakistani”. Sri Lanka’s security agencies also arrested another alleged local handler, Pushparaja Osman. The accused also reportedly explained that they were previously associated with the Sri Lankan extremist outfit National Thowheeth Jamath (NJT).
ISIS is not a group commonly equated for its presence in Sri Lanka, where over 70 per cent of the population is Buddhist. Muslims constitute less than 10 per cent and are a minority. But in 2019, several explosions ripped across the island nation’s capital, targeting churches and upscale hotels. Over 260 people were killed, and ISIS took responsibility, without providing any evidence of directly supporting the act of terror.
ISIS is not a group commonly equated for its presence in Sri Lanka, where over 70 per cent of the population is Buddhist.
Immediately after the Easter attack, links between the terrorists and certain entities in India’s southern states were highlighted. The leader of the Easter bombings ring, Zahran Hashim, was reportedly in touch with individuals in India via social media. Indian security agencies have since dismantled several self-styled pro-ISIS groupings across the country, but some much more specifically in the south.
Over the years, India has also taken back individuals from Gulf states who have been involved in extremist activities, including in favour of ISIS. A level of translucency remains on how these individual cases were approached legally. Much like other countries, many accused of supporting banned outfits like ISIS eventually were released from custody due to lack of evidence presented to the courts, or investigations hitting a dead end.
ISIS crossovers
The four arrested individuals from Ahmedabad and their history with NJT is not an anomaly. The decay of ISIS Central since 2018-19, which was at its territorial and ideological peak in Iraq and Syria under Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, has not meant the group’s influence has debilitated. In fact, it has only been subsumed more aggressively by regional affiliates of the Islamic State, from those in Africa to the likes of Islamic State Khorasan operating in the political and theological crevasses between Afghanistan and Pakistan. While the regional wilayats look to exert more influence and power alike, ISIS central itself is also consistently looking to rebuild, forcing the US, for example, to maintain a minimal but visible military deployment in both Iraq and Syria as part of its anti-ISIS mission.
But ISIS as an ideology and group has also attracted many crossovers: ideologically radicalised, predominantly youth, leaving behind more regional and hyper-local entities to join ISIS’s brand of pan-globalist jihad is a trend that continues even today. For example, ISKP’s cadre base is ethnically diverse, ranging from Tajiks and Uzbeks to Uyghurs and Pashtuns. A few Indians have also been known to have joined the group. Most recently, an Indian-origin man from Kerala was arrested in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, the Taliban’s ideological home. Sanaul Islam made his way across the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border, reportedly in an attempt to join ISIS.
An Indian-origin man from Kerala was arrested in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, the Taliban’s ideological home.
Localised terror groups have much clearer political aims than say a pan-Islamist group such as ISIS. Unless these narrow political aims are shared in the same manner and depth, some radicalised, particularly those in their youth, tend to look for bigger and broader aims to satiate their ideological extremism. In this case, ISIS continues to represent, for some attracted to the group a globalist war for the protection of Islam.
This is represented through ISIS propaganda, where it criticises not only states like Israel, the US, and India for what they perceive as anti-Muslim agendas, but also aims Arab monarchies, and even the Taliban in Afghanistan, for working closely with states and entities perceived as being anti-Islam. For example, in its latest propaganda video release, ISKP has criticised the Taliban for taking developmental help from the United Nations and associated entities.
The Sri Lanka example highlights the disparity between the terror attacks that get appropriate international attention and those that don’t. A noted scholar of terrorism, Professor Rohan Gunaratna, recently wrote that Sri Lanka and its religious leaders and elites need to come to terms that there is an underbelly of radicalisation in the country.
Need for counter-terrorism cooperation in South Asia
However, beyond such issues that come under the ambit of a sovereign nation’s judiciary and law enforcement, there has been no institutionalisation of counter-terrorism cooperation in South Asia. In an ideal world, an organisation such as SAARC would host a robust counter-terror cooperative to discuss these issues. And an even further idealistic world, through such a regional entity, an India-backed and funded version of an intelligence-sharing apparatus such as the Five Eyes (made up of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand) would be mobilised, excluding Pakistan and even Afghanistan for now.
Pakistan’s inability to clean up its own house and reorient its national identity away from an obsessive view of India’s downfall to its economic well-being has had regional-wide consequences.
Pakistan remains a huge hindrance to any such institutional undertaking in the region. A prime sponsor of cross-border terrorism as state policy, its designs have been detrimental to regional security for years. The fact that Pakistan today faces security challenges with a group such as the Taliban on the contested Durand Line showcases its myopia on what it has perceived as a useful tool against India’s rise for decades. Pakistan’s inability to clean up its own house and reorient its national identity away from an obsessive view of India’s downfall to its economic well-being has had regional-wide consequences. That today Islamabad, with a straight face, can raise the alarm of it facing a terrorism threat is worthy of the Oxford Dictionary re-defining the term irony” in its pages.
Finally, the Sri Lanka case, and the arrests in Ahmedabad, highlight that the pro-ISIS threat has a strong probability of often slipping under the radar. India should look to build a regional mechanism, focusing on most border states, to debate countering terrorism under one roof. Even as the world remains distracted between pandemics and warfare, from Ukraine to Gaza, or big power competition between the US, China, and Russia, the threat of terrorism has only abated, or depleted, till the next large-scale attack occurs.
This commentary originally appeared in India Today.
In this last in my series of nitrogen articles, I turn to the question if we can do without synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
The Sri Lanka case – not an organic case
You have probably heard the story about how Sri Lanka turned organic” and that it ended in a disaster (if not, you can read here or here). This is taken as a proof of that organic farming, or any other farming system that rejects the use of chemical fertilizers is bound to fail. Still, you can’t draw any such conclusion from the failure of a ban on imported fertilizers in Sri Lanka. The rationale for the ban was mainly to save money as the country was in a desperate financial crisis. Since 1962, successive governments provided fertilizer subsidies in various forms. In 2019, the rate of fertilizer subsidy provided to paddy farmers was approximately 86% and it ranged between 48% – 88% for other crops. In 2020, fertilizer subsidy was provided for all crops at a subsidized rate. From mid – 2020, for the first time in history, fertilizer was provided free of charge for paddy up to a cultivation extent of 5 acres. This led to that more than half of the agriculture budget was spent on fertilizer subsidies (Weerahewa et al 2021). International fertilizer prices also started to climb rapidly towards the end of 2020. In 2021, the country found itself in a financial crisis and needed to cut spending drastically and among other measure, president Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced a ban on the import of agrochemicals. Almost overnight, farmers who were used to get fertilizers virtually for free could no longer use any. Clearly, not even an organic agriculture fanatic would recommend such a strategy for converting a whole country into organic.
Sri Lanka is rather a showcase for how not to convert or transition (the term more often used in North America) to organic. It is also an example for how many statements about the implication of a conversion to organic agriculture are produced. You take an existing farming system and quit the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides – the yield will drop dramatically depending on the baseline, the crop and many other factors. In the worst cases (in some pest stricken horticulture crops grown in huge monocultures) yields will go to zero, in some cases there will be hardly any effect (low intensity polycultures). But you can’t change one thing in an ecological system. The whole system will have to change if you exclude chemical fertilizers.
Organic, regenerative, agroecology, permaculture…
In this article, I will use organic” as shorthand for an agriculture system that works with natural processes without the use of agro-chemicals. There are competing” concepts such as regenerative agriculture, permaculture, agroecology. Many proponents of any of these claim that their concept is superior to the others. I will not go into any detailed argument about the strengths and the weaknesses of the concepts (I will quite soon write an article about it). I have used regenerative” as more or less synonymous to organic” for more than a decade already, and on my own farm I apply permaculture principles to a rather large extent. The social/political component of agroecology is good and largely missing in the other concepts. Having said that, organic is the only concept that consistently rejects the use of chemical fertilizers.* So the question boils down to if organic agriculture can feed the world”, even though I resent the question because it implies that who gets to eat is about production, which it is not.
Luis and Maria Vieria practice organic, regenerative, agroecological permaculture in Mato Grosso, Brazil, photo: Gunnar Rundgren 2011.
Researchers say no…
Pietro Barbieri and colleagues concludes, in an article in Nature food 2021, that in a fully organic world food production would go down with 36 % of dietary energy needs with nitrogen shortage the key determining factor. Protein would not be a problem though.
A third paper on the possibility to reshaping the European agro-food system published in One Earth (2021) by a team headed by Gilles Billen claims that Europe can be self-sufficient in a fully organic diet, with a huge reduction in the consumption of animal products.
All three papers are, quite naturally, based on modelling and the results are basically determined by the input data as well as the assumptions made and constraints imposed.** Knowing these assumptions and constraints it becomes considerably easier to understand the difference in results and conclusion. The main difference between Barbieri et al (Global organic impossible) on the one hand and Morais et al (Global organic possible) and Billen et al (Europe organic possible) on the other is that Barbieri et al assume fewer and less effective mitigating measures. Billen et al assume substantial recycling of waste from food system and a tripling of biological nitrogen fixation. Morais et al count on a rather radical improvement in nitrogen use efficiency, covering around half of the anticipated nitrogen shortfall and improved/increased biological nitrogen fixation for most of the rest.
In my view, all three papers have some weaknesses (it would be strange if they hadn’t). Barbieri et al apply a far too static perspective on the response of farmers and society. This is unrealistic and undermines their main conclusion – that organic can’t feed the world. It is quite obvious that large-scale recycling of waste from the food system, including human excrements, would be a necessity in a 100 % organic scenario. Also, their projected increase in biological nitrogen fixation is just 4%, why so little is not explained.
In the paper of Billen et al, I am a surprised that they don’t include the opportunity to expand grassland areas or intensify grassland use. In many parts of Europe huge tracts of grasslands have been abandoned the last century and in many parts grazing is underutilized because it is cheaper to buy feed than to use grazing and to breed monogastric animals instead of ruminants. They assume, instead, a 46% decrease in the production from grasslands. That may be a realistic assumption for grasslands which today are fertilized with synthetic N with no other changes in management. But in many European countries just a small fraction of the permanent grasslands receives any fertilizers (in Sweden it is even prohibited to spread fertilizers on permanent grasslands).
All three papers also discuss diets, which is quite natural as diet is just the other side of production. Obviously, diets will change with a production system without N-fertilizers, in the same way (but in an opposite direction) as diets have changed dramatically with N-fertilizers. See more below.
My reading of the three articles demonstrate quite well that models of this kind shouldn’t be referred to as evidence of that one or the other opinion is correct. Food and agriculture systems are far too complex to allow for such conclusion. One change, such as the elimination of synthetic nitrogen triggers a cascade of changes, which in turn cause new changes. Emergent properties, such as soil fertility, are not easily captured in models.
I say yes
Having farmed organically for more than forty years, I can agree with the basic tenet of all three articles; that N-supply is a major challenge for organic. Of course, if you grow vegetables, fruits and berries, pests can be a bigger challenge some years for some crops. Under some circumstances phosphorus or potassium supply can also be a problem. With bad management, also weeds can cause severe crop losses.
Don’t we need more animals if there were no N-fertilizers?
There is a common misunderstanding that without chemical fertilizers we would need more animals to get sufficient manure. But there would actually be fewer animals in an agriculture system without chemical fertilizers. If you go back and check the graph in the first N-article I think you will understand why, there will simply be less feed produced. We could do with more grazing ruminants in a scenario without chemical fertilizers, but we could certainly not feed the same number of chicken and pigs that are fed today, or feeding ruminants on grain. The reason for this is that the current number of chicken and pigs as well as cattle in feedlots are dependent on feed crops grown with N-fertilizers.
Without N-fertilizers we would not be able to feed the same number of animals. But ruminants can graze on land that is not fertilized and they can be integrated in the production system in a way that makes them net contributors of food and nutrients to the whole system. Pigs, and to a more limited extent chicken, can also play a beneficial part of the food system if they are eating leftovers and by-products or feed themselves in niches on or off the farm. But their numbers will certainly be fewer than today. Even if there would be fewer animals as a global average, in many places there will be more animals as animals need to be integrated in all local agro-ecosystems.
The availability of an almost unlimited supply of nitrogen has clearly steered the food system in a certain direction that goes all the way from how we (don’t) handle human waste to an enormous increase of the consumption of chicken. Clearly it is totally impossible to take this system and just exclude nitrogen fertilizers. But farmers and societies will adapt and adjust to new conditions. The changes needed include, but are not limited to:
Recycling of organic waste from all parts of the food system, including human excrements.
Reducing food waste.
Integration of livestock and crop production.
Increased focus on a living soil/soil health.
Considerable use of permanent, non-fertilized grasslands. This doesn’t necessarily mean expansion of grasslands, but rather better use.
Expanded use of biological nitrogen fixation through, among others, the cultivation of leguminous plants. This is not limited to peas and beans for direct human consumption but also clover and alfafa for forage, the growing of leguminous plants as cover crops or living mulches and leguminous trees in forest gardens, permaculture, silvopastoral or agroforesty systems.
Adaptation of diets to what works well in an organic production system and to higher prices of food.
Many of the measures needed have been common practices for centuries. A circular food economy is nothing new but rather standard practice for centuries, now discarded by the capitalist market-economy. Global flows of nutrients are largely incompatible with the closing of the nutrient cycles. That doesn’t only apply to trade in feed for animals but equally for food to people. These changes will, in turn, trigger new changes. This points to a relocalization of the food system. In the end, in the same way as the current food system is both a driver and a result of a capitalist industrial civilization, another food system points toward another society. More expensive food also points towards increasing self-provisioning of food. Some measures will happen as a result of changes in costs.
As food will be more expensive, food waste will be lower, something that has been apparent during the last years’ food inflation in Europe. Similarly, as feed crops will increase considerably in price and nitrogen become more valuable livestock production will shift back to land-based integrated systems. On a practical level, the recycling of human waste is the most challenging as it is linked to basic infrastructure that is very slowly changed and where the investments need to be made by other (estate owners and local governments) than those benefitting (the farmers). As you can see from the graph in the second N-article human waste and food waste together emit nitrogen corresponding to almost one third of the current supply of N-fertilizers. Eliminating losses and recycling the rest (without contaminating it) is crucial.
What shall we eat?
By and large, many food systems research papers and reports have their focus on consumption and prescribe certain diets as being sustainable or in some other way preferable. In my view that is putting the wagon before the horse. The food system is not consumer driven, but producer driven. All through history, people have eaten what could be produced. Which is the obvious reason for why diets have differed enormously over the planet. Therefore the right question is not what we shall eat but rather what we can eat.
The notion that there is one good global diet with largely the same composition is socially, culturally and ecologically inappropriate. On the contrary, the diet should be adapted to what can readily be produced locally – I talk about a landscape diet”. In the case of temperate Europe, I envision a diet with a big role for ruminant meat and milk, potatoes and grain with a lower consumption of pork, chicken, vegetable oil***, exotic fruits and delicate vegetables (tomatoes, lettuce etc.) and a higher consumption of pulses, coarse vegetables (onions, cabbages and root crops) compared with today.
Enough for 10 billion?
Well, I don’t know. There are limits for any system. There are also limits for how many people that can be fed by conventional agriculture and for how long. The discussion is in any case far too simplistic with a growing population being seen as taken for granted, despite the fact that under most of humanity’s history populations have been stable or fluctuating rather than constantly growing. It is quite obvious that there are a number of socio-economic factors regulating the size of population and that the exponential growth of population is just a part of the same system of growth in the economy, with capitalism as the main driver. Population growth has also slowed down rapidly lately, even if the inertia in the system (those giving birth today were born 20-40 years ago) makes it less apparent. My guess is that the population will start to decline within a couple of decades, for a number of reasons linked to the limits to growth as well as cultural factors linked to modernity.
Will it be good for the environment?
Yes, without doubt it will reduce all the many negative impacts associated with N-fertilizers. Among the three research articles discussed above, Barbieri et al project a 77% reduction of N losses to the ecosystems while the main focus of Billen et al is to reduce N losses to the biosphere and their results show a reduction to the half of current emissions. According to Morais et al, N losses can be reduced with 70% and greenhouse gas emissions can be halved in a fully organic scenario.****
The only potentially negative environmental impact would be an increased land-use. Having said that, there is no automatic chain linking lower yields to higher land use. Regionally, e.g. in Brazil, we can see agriculture expansion being linked to increasing yields. The main factor regulating land-use is which use is profitable, possible and legal. In general, the land-sparing argument for intensification is flawed.
Will the poor starve?
The linkages between agriculture production, agriculture prices, food prices and the access to food for poor people are many and complex. One can certainly not suggest that an increased production and low prices are good for the poor. If so, there would be no hungry people on the planet. I did write an article on the subject not long ago, so instead of repetition, here is the link.
The great transition
The discussion about nitrogen in the food system is quite similar to the discussion about fossil fuels in the human civilization, and they are closely related as N-fertilizers are made with fossil fuels. I see both fossil fuels and N-fertilizers as essential components of the Great acceleration. Both are also closely linked to population growth and capitalism. All of that will change.
* I am aware of that there are many organic farms which are not ideal and that are based on massive inflow of manure from conventional farming systems. After all I was a founder of the Swedish organic certification program, KRAV, and also the president of IFOAM for five years.
*** It will be hard to produce rape seed (canola), sunflower and soybean oil in the quantities needed in Europe and olive oil has too narrow climate demands to expand considerably from the 2% share of global vegetable oil production it has now. Less fat and more animal fat in the diet is the most likely solution in Europe – which was the situation just 50 years ago in any case, when butter, tallow and lard where the main fat sources.
**** All three papers use IPCC standard emission factors which actually are misleading when it comes to N2O emissions. Nyameasen et al (2021) concludes that the IPCC default emission factors overestimate N2O-N emissions from organically managed pastures in temperate climates. Rafique et al (2011) establish that N2O emissions on grazed pastures in Ireland increase exponentially with N-input so that an unfertilized grassland emit around 1.5 kg N2O per hectare, when fertilized with 100 kg N the emissions are 2.2 kg per hectare while a rate of 300 N gives 6 kg of emissions and 400 kg N leads to emissions above 9 kg per N2O per hectare. The emissions from unfertilized grasslands are basically background emissions that should not be counted as emissions at all as all natural ecosystem also emit similar quantities of N2O. A meta-analysis of 422 studies of nitrous oxide emissions from land fertilized by animal manure or chemical fertilizer revealed that emissions are considerably lower than the IPCC standard emission factors for manure and considerably higher for chemical fertilizer (Anaïs et al 2017). Under low availability of inorganic N, soils can even under certain conditions act as a N2O sink (Chapuis-Lardy et al 2007).
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chandra Fernando says that it cannot be expected that the political groups who have engaged in violent political activities in the past will not resume such activities in the future.
He stated this while speaking during a press conference held today (13), with the participation of other retired high-ranking police officers including former IGPs and DIGs.
Fernando further stated that although the government carried out rehabilitation programmes to a large extent after the 1971 insurrection and though everyone believed that the insurrection would end with that, unfortunately, the violence returned in 1989 destroying lives and properties in the country.”
We then thought it was all over, but unfortunately, 91 houses were destroyed in one night on the 9th of May, 2022 by an organized group. Therefore when things like this happen, will this not happen in the future as well?” he said.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a Committee of Inquiry to investigate the actions taken by the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Chief of National Intelligence (CNI), and other relevant authorities concerning prior intelligence received about the bomb attacks on April 21, 2019. This decision follows the findings of the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry, dated January 31, 2021, which highlighted that Indian Intelligence agencies and other sources had provided advance warnings about the impending attacks.
The Committee of Inquiry will be chaired by Ms. A.N.J. De Alwis, Retired Judge of the High Court. Other esteemed members of the committee include SLAS special grade Officer Ms. K.N.K. Somaratne and Senior Lawyer Mr. W.M.A.N. Nishane, AAL. The committee’s mandate includes examining whether adequate actions and measures were taken by the SIS, CNI, and other relevant authorities based on the prior intelligence and evaluating the sufficiency of these measures.
Additionally, the committee will investigate the circumstances surrounding the Directorate of Military Intelligence’s (DMI) initial belief that the Vavunathivu killing of two police officers on November 30, 2018, was connected to the LTTE. This belief was held for four months before suspects with alleged links to the National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) were identified.
A compact disk containing the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry on the Bomb Attacks of April 21, 2019, has been provided to the committee. The President has authorized the committee to inquire relevant officials and examine pertinent documents to thoroughly investigate these matters.
Ms. Sarathanjali Manoharan, Senior Assistant Secretary to the President, will serve as the Secretary to the Committee of Inquiry. The committee is expected to submit its report, including findings and recommendations, to the President by September 15, 2024.
Colombo, June 12 (Daily Mirror) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the second review of the country’s programme, Minister Ali Sabry said.
“The IMF’s approved the 2nd review of Sri Lanka’s programme. This achievement is a testament to our dedication to driving forward economic reforms and securing a prosperous future for all Sri Lankans. Onward and upward,” Ali Sabry said.
The IMF Board met today to discuss the second review for the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) marking a significant milestone for the country’s economic recovery process.
General Kamal Gunaratne, the Defence Secretary as the Author of the Deegawapiya Aruna Trust and First Trustee, presided over a press briefing at Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, Colombo yesterday (June 11), on the enshrining ceremony of the Sacred Relics and Treasures in the hemispherical dome of the ‘Deegawapiya Stupa’ as well as the opening of the newly constructed Shrine Hall, Pilgrims Rest and Alms Hall on July 14.
The restoration work of the Deegawapiya Stupa, which is considered one of the sixteen sacred sites, commenced in view of revisiting the former glory of Deegawapiya, under the supervision and guidance of Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne, is still underway with the labour support and financial contributions of the Tri Forces, Civil Security Department (CSD) and the devotees.
All arrangements have already been made for the opening of the newly constructed Shrine Hall, Venerable Daranagama Kusaladhamma Memorial Pilgrims Rest’ which consists of 20 rooms with 04 spacious halls and the Alms Hall in line with the Sacred Relics and Treasures enshrining ceremony on July 14.
The Buddhist TV channel has extended great support in financing the construction work of Deegawapiya Stupa. On this occasion, the Director of Finance and Administration of the Buddhist TV channel Mahesh De Alwis, symbolically handed over a cheque of an additional 25 million rupees to the Defence Secretary with a view of sponsoring further future restoration work.
As the construction work of the hemispherical dome of ‘Deegawapiya Stupa’ has almost been completed, the Buddha statues and relic caskets to be enshrined in the Stupa on July 14, symbolically handed over to the philanthropists Mr Jayantha Ratnapriya and Mrs Padmini Gamage who were present with their families.
The Chief Prelate of Deegawapiya Raja Maha Viharaya Ven. Mahaoya Sobhitha Thero, the Chief Prelate of Sri Sambodhi Viharaya Colombo Ven. Boralande Wajiragnana Thero, Director of Archeology Department (Architecture Conservation) Prasanna B Ratnayake, Director – Media and Media Spokesman of the Ministry of Defence Colonel Nalin Herath, representatives of Media and devotees were also present at the occasion.
Ukraine Says Some of Its F-16 Fighter Jets Will Be Stored Abroad
Putin has previously warned that Russia could target bases in NATO countries if they’re hosting warplanes that are being used in Ukraine
June 10, 2024
A senior Ukrainian Air Force official said Monday that Ukraine plans to keep some of the Western-provided US-made F-16 fighter jets that it will receive at foreign military bases to protect them from Russian strikes, an arrangement that risks provoking Russian attacks on NATO territory.
There are a certain number of aircraft that will be stored at secure air bases, outside of Ukraine, so that they are not targeted here,” said Brig. Gen. Serhiy Holubtsov, the chief of aviation in Ukraine’s air force. And this will be our reserve in case of need for replacement of faulty planes during routine maintenance.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have previously warned that NATO bases housing Ukrainian jets that are being used in the war could be potential targets.
If they are stationed at air bases outside the Ukrainian borders and used in combat, we will have to see how and where to strike the assets used in combat against us,” Putin said last year, according to The Associated Press. It poses a serious danger of NATO being further drawn into the conflict.”
Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have also noted that F-16s are capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Lavrov warned last year that Russia would view them as a nuclear threat. The Netherlands recently announced that it would allow Ukraine to use the F-16s it provides in strikes on Russian territory.
According to AP, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have pledged up to 60 F-16s for Ukraine, but none have been delivered so far. The first planes are expected to arrive this summer, and Ukraine may only receive six at first due to delays in training pilots.
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100,000 form red line” around White House to protest US support of Israel
12/06/2024
A hundred thousand people descended upon Washington DC to surround the White House with a miles-long red line”, later forming a People’s Court” to try Biden and Netanyahu for genocide
by Natalia Marques Jun 10. 2024
The ruling class, they’ve shown us that they have no red line,” said Lamees M, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement, opening a rally of over 100,000 people in front of the White House in the capital of the US on Saturday, June 8. They will bankroll the murder of 40,000 Palestinians. They will provide cover for the wholesale destruction of the entire Gaza Strip. They’ll provide the blueprint for the mass displacement of over a million Palestinians, and then send bombs to rain down on people in their tents of refuge.”
Over 200 organizations came together to hold the demonstration and to organize dozens of buses to bring demonstrators from all over the country to converge in Washington DC. 1,000 protesters traveled overnight from Tampa, Florida, and more protesters came from as far away as Detroit, Iowa, and Kentucky. Convening organizations included the Palestinian Youth Movement, National Students for Justice in Palestine, The People’s Forum, Al-Awda: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, US Palestinian Community Network, and the ANSWER Coalition.
Earlier on June 8, Israel once again dropped bombs on the Nuseirat refugee camp, in a so-called rescue operation.” Zionist forces rescued” four hostages, but in the process killed 274 Palestinians and injured over 698 more—all using US-made bombs.
As tens of thousands, young and old, representing a multitude of nationalities, gathered at Lafayette Square in front of the White House, the overwhelming mood was one of outrage that the government of the United States has thus far refused to abandon its unconditional support for Israeli genocide.
Demonstrators formed a red line” around the White House, a miles-long red banner, parts of which were inscribed with the names of the 40,000 Palestinians killed by Israel in the ongoing genocide since October.
The demonstrators were denouncing Biden’s previous claims that the invasion of Rafah by Israel would be a red line for his administration, even threatening to withhold weapons shipments when Israel was still threatening to invade.
I made it clear that if they go into Rafah—they haven’t gone in Rafah yet—if they go into Rafah, I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used historically to deal with Rafah, to deal with the cities—that deal with that problem,” Biden said during a CNN interview on May 8.
But Israel has since invaded, perpetrating massacre after massacre in Rafah using US-made weapons—resulting in no material policy changes from the Biden administration. The US continues its decades-long policy of sending arms to Israel to carry out the systematic destruction of Palestinian life.
Peoples Dispatch spoke to Mohammad from the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), who said that the ruling class are not the ones that set the red lines. The working class people of this world are the ones that set the red lines.”
Mohammad also spoke at the rally in Lafayette Square as a representative of PYM, speaking to the state of the larger struggle for Palestine within the diaspora since October. The people of Gaza, the popular cradle, exists as the mark by where we should always measure ourselves. And for that reason, we cannot allow ourselves to succumb to despair, to succumb to defeatism,” he said, speaking to those gathered at the square.
We merely exist as one front of many,” Mohammad continued. We have shut down streets, we have shut down bridges, airports, train stations… this has never happened in the history of empire for a very long time. Day in and day out, we organize to clog the arteries of imperialism, here within the belly of the beast.”
Later on in the day, thousands gathered on the other side of the White House, to hold a People’s Court of Justice trying Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, Joseph Biden, Lloyd Austin, Anthony Blinken, as well as the states of the US and Israel, with the crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
To all of the people of conscience who are entering into the People’s Court, we welcome you to your rightful place in history as the judges of what is right and wrong,” said Layan Fuleihan, Palestinian organizer and Education Director at the People’s Forum.
Attendees at the People’s Court heard testimony directly from Gaza, read by Palestinian organizers. These included a testimony from a 13-year-old Palestinian girl who lost both her parents and her siblings in an Israeli bombing on December 11, 2023, in which only she and her brother survived with significant injuries. She is now sheltering at an UNRWA school at Nuiserat camp, which has been bombed several times by Israeli forces. Our life in the shelter is difficult. Everyday I have to go up and down the stairs many times, which is very difficult with my injuries,” read the testimony. I miss coming back from school and finding my mother preparing food, and eating together. But my mother was martyred. The occupation killed her, and left me to continue my life without her.”
The People’s Court concluded with finding all the accused parties guilty of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Peoples Dispatch spoke to Brian Becker, executive director of the ANSWER Coalition, who explained the significance of thousands of working people coming together to put the powerful on trial. This is a rare moment for people who come to a mass demonstration in Washington, DC, to have as a concluding event, the testimony of international lawyers, human rights lawyers, legal scholars on the direct testimony from people in Gaza themselves about war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes against peace,” Becker said.
Becker also spoke to the significance of the current stage in the movement for Palestine in the United States, eight months into the genocide, highlighting that more and more people, now think that the Israeli narrative is false.”
We have created this consciousness…all of the groups in the movement who have been in the streets, using all kinds of tactics to show protest, to show opposition, to show struggle. People’s consciousness changes when they are in struggle. When they are in struggle, they open their minds to new ideas. And that’s what we’re witnessing in the United States.”
Colombo, June 12 (Daily Mirrro) – Three eminent environmentalists together with the Bishop of Mannar Rev. Fr. Bastian have filed a fundamental rights petition before the Supreme Court against the procurement and construction of the proposed 250 MW Mannar Wind Power Project in Mannar that is reported to have been awarded to Adani Green Energy Pte. Ltd.
The petitioners Rohan Pethiyagoda, Prof. Nimal Gunatilleke, Prof. Sarath Kotagama and Bishop of Mannar Rev. Fr. Bastian filed this petition as a public interest litigation naming 67 parties including the Cabinet of Ministers, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), the Central Environmental Authority, the Board of Investments, the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and the Attorney General as respondents.
The petition raises concerns regarding the credibility of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out in respect of the project, the role played by the SLSEA, raises certain procedural issues in the awarding of the purported contract, and questions the characterisation of the project as a Government-to-Government deal. It also calls into question the basis for the negotiated tariff to be fixed at USD 8.26 cents per kilowatt-hour for a period of 20 years when the EIA conducts its assessment based on a cost of USD 4.6 cents, potentially causing considerable financial loss to the country and a burden on consumers.
In seeking their relief, the petitioners pray that the Supreme Court declare that there is a violation of the fundamental rights of the petitioners and citizenry at large, declare that the decisions made to award the project to Adani as wrongful, and calls for any consequential actions undertaken, to be declared illegal.
The petition states that the case has been filed to further the national interest, to preserve and protect public property, including the environment, flora and fauna, public finances and to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the public of Sri Lanka and its future generations.
ශ්‍රී ලංකා රජය ලබා ගත් විදේශ ණය මුදලක් ගෙවීම සඳහා 2023 වසරේදී ඩොලර් එකක් ලබා ගෙන ඇත්තේ රුපියල් 524.6050ක විදේශ විනිමය අනුපාතකියකට බව විගණකාධිපතිවරයා හෙළිකර ඇති බව වාර්තා වේ. 
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
MP Gary Anandasangaree at the Book launch of Prabhakaran Tamil terrorist leader
සජිත් ප්‍රේමදාස විපක්ෂ නායකවරයා 13 වන සංශෝධනය පූර්ණ වශයෙන් බලාත්මක කරන බවට කිලිනොච්චියේදි කරනු ලැබු ප්‍රකාශයට එරෙහිව ඊයේ (13) කොළඹ විපක්ෂ නායක කාර්යාලය ඉදිරිපිට දී ජාතික සංවිධාන විසින් දැක්වූ විරෝධය බොහෝ සෙයින් අගය කරන බව යාපනය සිවිල් සංවිධාන කේන්ද්‍රයේ අරුන් සිද්ධාර්ථන් මහතා පවසයි.
13 වැනි ආණ්ඩුක්‍රම ව්‍යවස්ථා සංශෝධනය සම්පූර්ණයෙන් බලාත්මක කරන බවට විපක්ෂ නායක සජිත් ප්‍රේමදාස මහතා කිලිනොච්චියේ දී සිදුකළ ප්‍රකාශය මගින් රට බෙදුම්වාදයේ ගොදුරක් බවට පත්වීමේ අනතුරක් ඇති බව පෙන්වා දෙමින් ජාතික සංවිධාන විසින් සජිත් ප්‍රේමදාස මහතාට ලිපියක් යොමුකර තිබේ.
පසුගිය දිනෙක විපක්ෂ නායක සජිත් ප්‍රේමදාස මහතා විසින් කිලිනොච්චි ප්‍රදේශයේදී 13 බලාත්මක කරන බවට කල ප්‍රකාශයට එරෙහිව අද දින ජාතික සංවිධාන වීසින් විපක්ෂ නායක කාර්යාලය අසල විරෝධතාවයක් දක්වමින් ඔහුට එහි බරපතළකම පෙන්වා දෙමින් ලිපියක් බාරදෙනු ලැබීය. 
