e-Con e-News

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‘Before you study the economics, study the economists!’

e-Con e-News 27 October – 02 November 2024

History is a joker who slaps us awake while its paid-up historians (anaesthetists, really) try to dope us asleep. Yet history is also recorded in our muscles & memories. More & more Sri Lankans are forced out of the country to seek more dollared work. The state keeps being obstructed from enabling skilled employment. We end up having to contend with the wage slavemasters of the world. And history, if we do not recognize it, wishes us to turn the other cheek, to give us another slap.

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     One candidate for next week’s s/election for President in the USA – the most powerful imperialist state the world has ever known – turns out to be the child of parents both linked to the profiteers off England’s slave trading from Africa, and from India. Linking the 17^th-21^st centuries, chattel to indentured to wage slave, Atlantic to Indian Ocean – this ee awakens us to a future we can’t refuse.

     Trafficking in labor, free and unfree, remains the most lucrative capitalist industry, more profitable than weapons & opium. Its roots pierce deep into our bodies. Our failure to track it, trips us. What they are deliberately showing us of Gaza, is also of their ‘settler success’ stories through genocide. Chattel slavery came next. Indenture, after that…

     This ee examines the ‘coolie trade’ out of South India, and the great machinery that arose from it for the displacement & recruitment & exploitation of workers. We also look at the consequences of imposing a plantation system & ‘alien’ workforce on the peasants & workers of Sri Lanka.

     One of the favorite top-of-the-pops songs of our economists is the laziness of Sinhala workers, and their riotous indiscipline. The English called the Tamil worker in India lazy too, but miraculous baptism in the cool waters of the Palk Strait scrubbed them diligent in Sri Lanka. Another favorite pop-song has been to play plantation workers against rural workers, whose lands were stolen for the plantations. Land acknowledgements are the latest fad in white settler countries. But no such acknowledgement is forthcoming here.

     The plantation economy, like some crippling dye, corrodes and shrivels the rest of the body politic. The JVP was charged at one time of wishing to uproot and fling the tea bushes into the Arabian Sea. Indeed, if we really wish to root out so-called ‘corruption’, we could first haul up English multinationals Unilever and Ceylon Tobacco Co, and Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI-CIC). We could invite the Congo to join in the trial (the biggest funder of the butcher Leopold was William Lever of Lever Bros fame) and maybe invite Zimbabwe to sue CTC. Let us examine, where their profits have gone, and into what?

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As this ee Focus recalls, indentured populations have helped colonial government to expand territory. The power of the multinationals to pay plantation workers the most minimum of wages has also operated as a brake on the rest of wages in the economy. Colombo’s rich do not have to venture far to encounter this phenomenon. Look at the terms & conditions under which supermarket workers are employed, by Keells & Cargills etc. See which villages these workers hail from? Foolish is the employer who does not play ex-plantation workers against urban worker, and vice-versa. Then again such is the nature of an economy dependent on exporting raw materials and low-level assembly of garments & electronics, plucking tea, serving tourists. As SBD de Silva (to whom this blog is dedicated) pointed out:

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The predominance of labour-intensive sectors of production, in which

any given wage increase has a substantial impact on production costs,

also makes employers more averse to granting wage increases…

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So why are we not permitted to perambulate beyond the ‘labor intensive’ to the ‘capital intensive’? Instead, we are destined to be relegated to the media’s fake ‘manufacturing’ and ‘assembly’ as ‘industry’. Meanwhile most of Sri Lanka’s so-called art ‘industry’ extols handicraft etc – acts amounting to quasi-necrophilia – fornicating with the half dead. The Sunday Times has an almost regular paean to such ancient acts, like this:

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‘Ruk Kala: Preserving traditional wood carving in a modern world’

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These features are usually accompanied by a photo of a long-bearded, bald, thickly bespectacled sarong-wearing shirtless hairy-chested denizen amidst ancient tools. Who made those tools? What happened to those makers of tools? Dripping with the melodrama of dubious despair, we are told, this ‘art’ is facing ‘growing pressure from mass production & modern manufacturing’. Oh really? Since when? So, what does the Sunday Times propose we do about it? Nothing. Weep and turn the page. Judging from their glossy 4-color ‘Education’ supplement – the weightiest of their news sections – we should all get the hell of out of town, posing as ‘foreign students’ to deliver almost-frozen burgers in the freezing subarctic (see ee Random Notes, Canada Restricts Brown Immigration?)

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• The white man never hands over ‘aid’ without the alms-getting beggar having to endure severe sermons. The US envoy, a brainwashed Korean mandu (dumpling), who apparently has to pay out a lot of dollars to keep her photo & name & dire wardrobe in the news, informed us once again this week that ‘transparency & governance reforms’ are ‘key to attracting manufacturers to Sri Lanka’. And who are these manufacturers? The Indiana-based Shield Co wishes to shift its seatbelt factory from China to Sri Lanka – ‘a testament to the growing interest of US investment in Sri Lanka’. Really? And why is this?  What skills will they impart? No idea? Instead:

‘The USA is already the largest export market for Sri Lanka…

From boosting farmers’ crop yields to, expanding the school lunch

program to address the urban poor in Colombo, to strengthening

Sri Lanka’s maritime security, our collaboration is driven by a common vision.’

Really! And what, pray, is this vision? Will we make the machines that make seatbelts, or even a button? Will our vision keep being blinded by further largesse?

     As a local ‘assembler’ of seatbelt-related accessories, Rohan Pallewatta pointed out about Toyota, there are certain operations modern industrialists will not outsource ‘to a labour-intensive country such as Sri Lanka’. Any outsourcing needed the approval of the Automobile Association of Japan (see ee 16 Oct 2021).

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‘Sri Lanka’s Central Bank responds to reports of ‘money printing’.’

– AdaDerana

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‘Govt Denies Claims of New Loans & Money Printing’

– Financial Times, News1st, The Morning, The Island

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‘Sri Lanka prints Rs100billion through open market operations’

– Bellwether, EconomyNext

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Much of this week’s economic news headlines were dedicated to whether the government was secretly printing billions. The ease with which such accusations are made (rarely in a court of law), and the sheer amounts (who has seen a billion?) involved, are only meant to dish out cynicism and distrust in its wake. The JVP’s detractors argue: they are getting what they dished out. But the overall purpose is to keep preventing the government guiding investment in modern industrialization.

     This is why the Central Bank has been declared ‘independent’ of the need to invest in our real independence. The World Bank, their mentor, has also always diverted local policymakers from large-scale industry and promoted ‘peasant colonization, services, & micro-entrepreneurship’ (fake cutlis-making MSMEs) instead. Meanwhile, we hear that the World-Bank funded Commercial Bank’s Chairman met the Central Bank Governors of Bangladesh & Maldives in Washington, to check on the private bank’s investments in those countries’ industries. The Commercial Bank is supposedly Sri Lanka’s largest so-called local private bank, which gets a lot of funds from so-called development (read: imperialist state) banks.

     The pseudonymous Bellwether column (see above) invokes the word ‘print’ as in ‘printing money’ 14 times in his/her recent column! Now this word ‘printing’, is a trigger word, meant to invoke profligacy, inflation, devaluation! Colonized governments like the poor are to be always accused of living beyond their means. The idea is that the state must not invest and guide the economy, but rely only on the so-called private sector. What this covert printing of money by the new administration is for – industrial investment? – is not mentioned.

     Bellwether goes on to blame the ‘malnutrition of children (which led to start the Thriposha program)’ in the 1970s on ‘import controls, import substitution & price controls which created blackmarkets & hit the food production base.’ Bellwether only loves his Miss Margaret: ‘Thatcher… kept tight monetary policy, cut direct taxes, boosting individual freedoms and raised VAT.’

     Indeed, if we are to remain an import-export colonial appendage of the USA, maybe Bellwether’s prognoses are the way to go. A recipe for further colonization. Bellwether is the pseudonym behind which the main columnist of the US government’s Colombo newsmonger EconomyNext hides. Bellwether echoes all the shibboleths of the Advocata Institute, & Cato Institute, thinktanks set up by the Atlas Network, founded by Exxon’s Rockefeller-funded Mont Pelerin Society (MPS) (see ee 16 March 2024: Economists in SL Echo White Atlantic’s War on the World).

     So how will our children (not to mention adults) learn about the need for modern machine production? The Ministry of Education bribed by the World Bank will not tell us. We did hear this week that a ‘shift from state- to donor-funded higher education (including the World Bank & Asian Development Bank) started in Sri Lanka in the late 1990s, specifically with the 1997 educational reforms’ under the earnest Tara de Mel (now Executive Director, Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership & Public Policy, BALPP).

    We are indeed confused about all the brouhaha about travel advisories & tourism. We imagine intelligence services are constantly sending each other warnings. These particular warnings came in the run up to the 16^th BRICS Sunmit, and a UN resolution against the USA’s favorite parked aircraft carrier, Zionist Israel, the IMF & World Bank Annual, and that gloriously misnamed Commonwealth meeting in Samoa, again signalling virtue about reparations by non-dollar apologies! Two of these meetings the USA would have liked us to desist from? And desist we kind of did.

     But was the warning a fake alert to observe and chart the chain of command in the new government’s security apparatus?  Also, is tourism, really ‘local’ and an ‘industry’? Most of the profits that accrue to this tourism business always stay outside the country. We make no airplanes or ships or cars or buses to transport tourists. Iron & steel and most hotel construction material & machinery, linen and cutlery are imported. It bends backs bent by lifting over half-a-millennia of colonialism, and bends them even further, as service workers often have to do, to do what they do best – serve. 

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• For Sri Lankans, elections are the number one sport, with cricket a distant number 2. So, it is said. And bookies (the turf accountants & stock exchange mavericks) are involved in both. US & European elections provide the most elaborate performances of capitalist democracy that power & money can buy. In US elections, the identity of mega rich donors are hidden, while in Sri Lanka, the USA many envoys give us lectures on transparency.

     The nominally Nikkei-owned Financial Times of London portrays the US election as a battle of billionaires. Billionaires appear now to be a dime a dozen, so 5 minutes ago, etc. They even appear on unpaid television channels as ‘celebrities’ & ‘entrepreneurs’ begging for our attention. As far as we can count, zillionaires are the new trillionaires.

            Financial Times lists the names of some of these billionaire donors. The Mellon bankers of Pennsylvania, a so-called swing state, are listed among Mr Trump’s biggest donors. The Mellons financed the Duponts (who sell us paint for our walls). The Duponts were 19^th century refugees from 2 revolutions: in France & in Haiti. Napoleon’s rainmaker & PM, and later architect of his employer’s downfall, Charles de Talleyrand gave the Duponts the contract to make dynamite for the French in Delaware (De la War!). Delaware is now the USA’s main inland corporate tax hideout, which their demented President Biden represented. Dupont is also linked to India’s polyester prince, Dhirubhai Ambani, whose war over DMT had certain ‘side-effects’ on Sri Lanka (see ee 11 Sept 2021: How to Buy a News Editor). Yet Mellon’s Pennsylvania is all about oil, and industry. And so it turns out that the billionaires (& bankers) on both sides of this battle, are satraps of Rockefeller’s Exxon. Recall that Exxon demanded Trump change laws promoting corporate bribery before they allowed their CEO Rex Tillerson to become US Secretary of State (see ee 28 Sept 2019 – Making Made-in-Sri-Lanka)

     The Mellons financed the white-supremacist ‘Black Legion’, ‘an armed anti-labor terrorist group active in the 1930s, reputedly also financed by sections of the automotive industry’ – so recalls the George Jackson, one of the theoreticians of Black liberation in the USA. Jackson was assassinated by prison officials in San Quentin prison in 1971. ee publishes excerpts of his 1971 classic Blood in My Eye, which discuss the rise of industrialization in the USA, and how it helped bring white supremacism into sharp focus for Black workers. We should recall how Europe’s WWI caused a shortage of European migrants to the Americas. Also, European workers had built unions in industrial North America and the US state responded by bringing 500,000 rural Black workers from the south to the north where they encountered about 30,000 migrants from the Caribbean.

     SBD de Silva observed the relationships between the employment of Black (& migrant) workers in ‘unproductive’ sectors where automation was yet to take place. Black industrial workers, who were a considerable section of the overall working class & trade union movement, formed the core of the US Black liberation movement, whose leadership was imprisoned and killed, midst the move to offshoring, de-industrialization, dis-unionization, biological (health) & chemical (drugs, food) warfare, and imprisonment.

     Half of Asia, most of Africa, almost all of Europe & the rest of the Americas, remain colonized, now under the USA. The Americas includes the Caribbean. The soil and culture of resistance is rich.  The situation is as much then as now. But the world keep changing… and surprises are always brewing…

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This ee concludes our recent look at the industrial path taken by the USSR, the first socialist country in the world. 20 years after independence, by 1937 the USSR’s industrial production was first in Europe and second in the world. By 1940, the share of means of production in gross output of all industry was over 60%. In 1928, on the eve of the first 5-Year Plan, the USSR imported one-third of all its machinery. By 1940, they not only ceased to import automobiles, tractors and other agricultural machinery from the capitalist countries, but exported them.

     We understand why the US Treasury and its underlings, IMF et al, have been so concerned about any lessons we may still learn from the USSR. There were many even then, Soviets, who opposed the USSR Communist Party’s path to industrializing the country. They were accused of wishing to return the USSR into ‘an agrarian appendage of imperialist countries’ – just as has been done with Sri Lanka.

     The Soviet Union had to mainly rely on itself to build socialism amidst capitalist invasion, and quickly develop all the basic branches of heavy industry. They learned: ‘A large-scale machine industry is the material basis of socialism’, and ‘heavy industry is of decisive importance for building socialism’.

     Meanwhile, ‘the process of industrialization in each country taking this path depends on both internal & external conditions’, as China had to learn after 1949. China did not have much industry and its agriculture was underdeveloped, ‘at a low cultural and scientific level’. China set out to ‘learn all that is genuinely good in the political, economic, scientific & technological fields and in literature & art’ from other countries.

     On the other hand, as ‘a colonial & semi-colonial country’, yet ‘not an imperialist power’, who ‘was always bullied by others’, there were still in China, ‘people who, having been slaves too long, feel inferior in everything and don’t stand up straight in the presence of foreigners’.

     ee therefore also concludes our recent look at the lessons China learned from the USSR, on the need to seek criticism so as to learn, and to criticize people while being aware that people have 2 sides and can correct themselves. ‘How to deal with people who have made mistakes’…

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The world consists of contradictions.

Without contradictions the world would cease to exist.

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‘Since it is easier for those who have not erred to become cocky,

they are prone to make mistakes. Let us be careful, for those

who fix people guilty of mistakes will more often

than not end up finding themselves in a fix.’

(see ee Focus)

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Contents:

Kamala’s Mother & the ‘Coolie’ Trade to Sri Lanka

Prof. Hudson McLean

Today is 3rd November when All Saints (1st Nov) & All Souls (2nd Nov) are Peacefully-in-Slumber in Heaven when the Results of USA Elections Tumbled them from Slumber!

The Two Options – Who Wins!

1: Donald Trump Wins!

*Democrats Accept Defeat and Walks away with their Tails between their Legs!

*Kamala Harris decides to open Mc Harris Potato Fries with Spicy Indian Fish Curry chain!

*Elon Musk becomes the Globally First Trillionaire!

*Vladimir Putin Announces that he will Unilaterally Declare Cease Fire subject to Russia Keeps what Russia Won in Ukraine.

*Volodymir Zelensky retires to a Chalet in the Swiss Alps, with NATO granting him unlimited Swiss Cheese For Life!

*Israel releases one Nuclear Device to Iran, and flattens Beirut, and Gaza, and declares Peace!

2: Donald Trump Loses!

*The Red Hat Brigade MAGA declares Civil War in USA!

*President Kamala Harris is loaded into Air Force One surrounded by a Fleet of USAF and takes off to safer skies!

*Vladimir Putin releases a massive array of Drones to attack Ukraine, brings North Korean soldiers to the front, threatens NATO Members with Nuclear War in case NATO decided to venture forth.

*Volodymir Zelensky crippled without direct NATO support ,decides to capitulate, to save Ukraine and citizens.

*Iran responds directly to Israel Nuclear threat and releases its own devices on Israel with support from Houthis, Hamas & Hezbolla, creating a giant flame in the Middle East!

*His Holiness the Pope Francis Prays at the Vatican!

Express Your Opinion – Read What Others Say!
The Independent Interactive Voice of Sri Lanka on the Internet.

Please visit -: http://www.lankaweb.com/

By Rocco Caldero Courtesy RIO TIMES

(for Sri Lanka and Sovereignty amid Digital Hype?)

November 1, 2024

(Opinion) The Kenyan government’s recent decision to grant diplomatic immunity to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has sparked significant controversy and raised alarm bells about power, accountability, and the timing of this move.

This unprecedented decision shields the foundation and its staff from legal consequences for actions taken in their official capacity, a privilege typically reserved for diplomatic missions and international organizations.

The timing of this decision is particularly noteworthy, as Bill Gates faces mounting legal challenges worldwide. He is set to stand trial in the Netherlands over alleged COVID-19 vaccine misinformation.

This coincidence has led critics to question whether Kenya is providing a convenient legal shield for Gates at a time when he needs it most.

The Gates Foundation’s agricultural programs in Africa, particularly through the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), have faced severe criticism.

AGRA, which received at least $872 million from Gates, has been accused of promoting industrial agriculture methods that benefit large corporations at the expense of local practices and ecosystems.

Reports indicate that these programs have increased food insecurity rather than alleviating it. Under the new status, the foundation and its staff are exempt from legal proceedings for actions taken in their official roles.

They are also exempt from taxes on their salaries and have the right to own property in Kenya. This level of immunity is unusual and has raised concerns about accountability and national sovereignty.

Critics argue that this decision sets a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging other wealthy philanthropists to seek similar protections.

Concerns Over Agricultural Practices in Kenya

Daniel Maingi from the Kenya Food Rights Alliance warned that this immunity could turn Kenya into a testing ground for controversial agricultural practices. He cautioned that such developments could undermine the country’s food sovereignty and democratic processes.

The announcement comes just after farmer associations and religious leaders across Africa demanded reparations for damages. These damages were caused by the foundation’s Green Revolution” program.

The foundation’s practices have been criticized by human rights and environmental groups globally for prioritizing corporate interests over local needs.

Independent investigations have shown that AGRA-supported initiatives have failed and sometimes led to increased hunger.

The Gates Foundation‘s involvement in public health initiatives has also been contentious. Gates has been a major funder of vaccine programs, including those for polio, HPV, and COVID-19.

However, these programs have faced significant controversies. One notable issue is the use of a dangerous DPT vaccine in Africa, which had been banned in the United States.

Additionally, experimental HPV vaccine trials conducted in India resulted in severe side effects and even deaths among participants.

The foundation is advising Kenya on the introduction of a new digital ID system called Maisha Namba. This system aims to assign a digital ID to every newborn and will track them throughout their lives.

This initiative has raised additional concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal data. In response to the criticism, the Gates Foundation stated that their agreement to operate in Kenya complies with the country’s Privileges and Immunities Act.

They also noted that they work within standard agreements for nonprofits in Kenya. However, this response seems ironic given that they now operate beyond the reach of Kenyan laws.

The decision to grant diplomatic immunity highlights the significant influence of wealthy philanthropists in developing countries.

As Tim Schwab, author of The Bill Gates Problem: Reckoning with the Myth of the Good Billionaire,” noted, this move underscores the antidemocratic influence and power of Gates.

He can shape policy decisions affecting millions without any democratic mandate. This situation raises serious questions about accountability, transparency, and the role of private philanthropy in public policy.

The implications for national sovereignty and democratic processes are deeply concerning. It remains to be seen whether this will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Kenya’s development or as a cautionary tale of unchecked philanthropic power.

RIO TIMES

https://www.riotimesonline.com/gates-foundations-diplomatic-shield-in-kenya-a-troubling-precedent/

Courtesy NewsIn.Asia

Colombo, November 3 (The Island): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urgently recalled 15 ambassadors and high commissioners appointed based on political affiliations to Sri Lanka. According to sources within the ministry, Secretary Aruni Wijewardena has issued this directive.

Among those recalled are Mohan Peiris, a former ambassador who served as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York; Rohitha Bogollagama, a former foreign minister appointed as the High Commissioner to the UK; Kshenuka Senewiratne, a former ambassador appointed as the High Commissioner to India; Chitrangani Wagishwara, appointed as the High Commissioner to Australia; and Rodney Perera, appointed as the ambassador to Japan.

Also recalled are Sumangala Dias, a former Air Force Chief appointed as the High Commissioner to Malaysia; Sudarshan Pathirana, a former Air Force Chief appointed as the ambassador to Nepal; Nishanth Ulugethenna, a former Navy Chief appointed as the ambassador to Cuba; Ravindra Wijegunarathna, a former Navy Chief appointed as the High Commissioner to Pakistan; Uday Indrarathna, appointed as the ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and V. Kanakanadan, appointed as the High Commissioner to Kenya.

A brother-in-law of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Shimal Wickramasinghe, appointed as the High Commissioner to Seychelles; and former Navu chief Admiral Jayanath Colombage, the Lankan Ambassador to Indonesia, along with Ranga Gunawardena, the Lankan High Commissioner to the Maldives, and Mohammad Shahid, appointed as the ambassador to Iran have also been recalled.

උපුටා ගැන්ම  ලංකා ලීඩර්

ආණ්ඩුවේ මාධ්‍ය ප්‍රකාශක විජිත හේරත් ඇමැතිවරයා ආණ්ඩුව ණය ගෙන නොමැති බව ප්‍රකාශ කළ ද ශ්‍රී ලංකා මහ බැංකුව මගින්  තම වෙබ් අඩවියේ ආණ්ඩුව විසින් ණය ගත් බව පැහැදිලිව සඳහන් කර ඇති බව හිටපු පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රී උදය ගම්මන්පිල මහතා පවසයි.

රූපවාහිනී සාකච්ඡාවකට එක්වෙමින් ඒ මහතා පවසන්නේ ඉකුත් 29 වැනි දා ආණ්ඩුව විසින්  කෝටි 14,500ක ණය ගෙන ඇති බව හා මහ බැංකුව එය සනාථ කර ඇති බවත්ය.

වත්මන් ආණ්ඩුව එක් මසක දී කෝටි 76,875ක් ණය ගෙන ඇති බවත්, මේ වන විට සමස්තයක් ලෙස ආණ්ඩුව කෝටි 95, 875ක් ණය ගෙන ඇති බවත්, එවැනි ණය ගැනීමක් ඉතිහාසයේ කවදාවත් වාර්තා වී නැති බවත් ඒ මහතා පවසයි.

Courtesy Business Recorder Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan has awarded 200 fully and partially funded scholarships to the 6th batch of Sri Lankan students under the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Programme. Around 500 Sri Lankan students, apart from these awardees, are already pursuing their undergraduate, MS and PhD studies in leading universities in Pakistan.

According to a HEC statement issued on Sunday, HEC in collaboration with the Pakistan High Commission, Colombo held a ceremony for the newly selected students in Colombo. General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defense Staff was the chief guest. High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Maj Gen Faheem Ul Aziz (retd) also graced the occasion.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman HEC, the Project Director, Pakistan Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme Jehanzeb Khan congratulated the Sri Lankan students and briefed the participants about various aspects of the scholarship programme. He highlighted the importance of education in bringing regional economic stability and enhancing collaboration between the two friendly countries.

In his remarks, the high commissioner said that awarding these scholarships to Sri Lankan students is yet another testament to the excellent brotherly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He urged the students to embrace this opportunity with determination and resilience.

As you pursue your studies, remember that you are ambassadors of your country and culture. Engage with your peers, share your experiences, and be a bridge between our two nations.

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

The country will crash like the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) bus which toppled along the Dunhinda-Badulla Road if you don’t elect experienced persons to Parliament, former President Ranil Wickremeisinghe said over the weekend.

Wickremesinghe, who was responding in lighter vein to a question during a forum held at the Arcade Independence Square, said the country will crash like the bus which toppled along the Dunhinda-Badulla Road if the people fail to elect experienced persons to Parliament.

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo, November 03 (Daily Mirror)- Former Presidents used to enjoy unlimited perks and privileges where they used to get organic vegetables that were grown in Nuwara Eliya every week for their consumption, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed today.

Speaking at an election rally in Nuwara Eliya, the President said he instructed the officials at the Presidential Secretariat to use the vegetables received from Nuwara Eliya to prepare food for security officials.

“I learnt that organic vegetables had been grown in the land belonging to the President’s House in Nuwara Eliya for the consumption of the President. I noticed that two bags of vegetables weighing 60 Kgs were received by the Presidential Secretariat from Nuwara Eliya every Friday. Then, I got to know that the organic vegetables were sent from Nuwara Eliya every week. I asked them to use those vegetables for the food prepared for security officials,” he said.

The President said those leaders did not eat even vegetables grown for the common man adding that they even expect such perks and privileges even after losing the elections.

By Raj Gonsalkorale

Paradox of Power: Militarily it is a unipolar world of U.S. hegemony; economically it is a multipolar world with U.S. leadership; but on many transnational issues – such as international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the migration of people, epidemic disease, drugs, and environmental degradation – we live in a world only a step or two short of chaos (https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/american-power-the-world)

The world awaits the decision of the voters of the USA on the 4^th of November as to who will be their next President. Will it be Kamala Harris or Donald Trump? A question does arise as to why the world should await this decision. This is explored a bit more later in this article.

Undoubtedly, the USA wields immense power in the world, militarily, politically and economically. The executive powers assigned to the President of the USA are substantial although checks and balances are there to ensure, at least constitutionally, that such powers are exercised wisely and judiciously for the benefit of the people. The question though for the people of the world is whether the global power of the USA has been used wisely and productively for the greater prosperity of people globally, giving greater opportunities to usher in a better future for the current and future generations, whether there is peace in the world or more violence and discord, and displacement of millions of people from their lands, whether the environment has a sustainable future or whether it is on track to make the world inhabitable in the not too distant future. There are many more queries to be posed to the USA which claims to be the first in so many political, economic and military spheres.

The answer in a way has been provided by the Wilson Centre as cited above, on many transnational issues – such as international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the migration of people, epidemic disease, drugs, and environmental degradation – we live in a world only a step or two short of chaos”

The Wilson Center goes on to mention the necessity of American Leadership: America must lead- So, in today’s world, the U.S. is simply too big and too important to sit on the sidelines. It must lead. It really cannot do otherwise. If the U.S. does not step forward, nothing happens. The Wilson Centre document, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/ article/american-power-the-world) although written in 2003, presents some options as to how the US should exercise their power for the benefit of its own citizens and for the benefit of the world. Readers could refer to this document and make their own judgements as to whether the US has been successful in chartering a trajectory as suggested in the document.  

However, considering the Wilson Centers own contention that we live in a world only a step or two short of chaos”, one could well ask whether the leader of the USA, its President, has led the country effectively and whether that person’s leadership has moved the world away from the chaos referred to by the Wilson Center.

Considering the turmoil in Isreal, Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, and the impotency of the US in not being able to bring the warring parties to a negotiating table, the unsettled conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, in Yemen, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, in various parts of South America, and Africa, and in the light of ongoing environment disasters throughout the world, it does lead one to think that the President of the USA has not been able to display the leadership qualities to lead the world away from the chaos, no longer potential, but ever present and ongoing. While it is not the only measure, the fact that the estimate of United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), that there are over 31.6 million refugees under its mandate, and another 6 million Palestinian refugees. In total, the number of people forcibly displaced is estimated to be over 117.3 million, which is the first time in recorded history that this has happened, presents a picture of a world already in chaos.

One could argue that it is not fair to look only towards the US for this sad situation in the world. On the other hand, considering their own contention that they are in fact the major superpower of the world and the general acceptance by others that they in fact are, it does make it not just fair, but right, to ask this question of the US.

In the context of the Wilson centre’s own statement that we live in a world only a step or two short of chaos” , the following points mentioned by the Wilson Centre about American Power in the world is contradictory at best if one were to assess the situation in the world today using these points.

Alternatively, one could form a view that a world at large being in a chaotic situation or only a few steps away from such a situation, without directly harming or impacting on the US, has in fact been the real objective of some within the USA as chaos leads to profit.

• It is the strongest military force the world has ever known. The U.S. defence budget is more than the next 15 nations spend combined. U.S. weapons technologies have opened a yawning gap between the American armed forces and other countries – precision guided missiles, supercarrier groups, overwhelming airpower, tremendous firepower, unmanned aircraft, military space dominance, and advanced satellite systems all allow enormous flexibility and awesome capability in military planning. We are projecting this power abroad as never before. We have military personnel in about 140 nations. The massive intervention in Iraq, basing in Afghanistan and Central Asia, and joint operations in countries like Colombia and the Philippines are just a part of our aggressive military posture in the wake of 9/11.
• The American economy is as large as the next three – Japan, Germany and Britain – combined. With only 5% of the world’s population, the U.S. accounts for 43% of the world’s production, 40% of its technological production, and 50% of the world’s research and development. We also speak with the loudest voice in international monetary institutions like the WTO and IMF.
• Cultural: American power includes the exportation of American culture. People from all over the world come to American schools and universities. Increased media and technology have spread American popular culture and the English language around the world – teenagers now listen to American pop music in Iran, go to American movies in China, drink Coca-Cola in Indonesia, and study the English language in Egypt.
• Soft Power: American power includes soft power”. Likewise, our soft power – our capacity to get others to want what we want, without coercing them, because they admire our achievements and want to emulate us – is unparalleled. This is the power of example and of persuasion. People admire American prosperity, freedom and technology. We have ascended to our position of pre-eminence in part because nations do trust us to work for the values of democracy, the rule of law, market-economics, and human rights. These values are the moral cornerstones of American power; and they are widely admired and sought after, even by people who disagree with American policies.
• Necessity of American Leadership: America must lead. So, in today’s world, the U.S. is simply too big and too important to sit on the sidelines. It must lead. It really cannot do otherwise. If the U.S. does not step forward, nothing happens. There is consensus in this nation that the U.S. should use its power vigorously to reshape the world.

While the turmoil and chaos in the world has been progressively increasing, the US and its prosperity has not been directly affected judging by its ongoing supremacy in military and economic power, giving rise to possible justification of the real interests of some within the USA who possibly are the real power centers in the US who in fact create the ground work for ensuing chaos, which in turn provides opportunities for profit. This gives rise to the question whether it matters to the world as to who become the President of the USA on the 4^th of November.

While the noble ideals of the US constitution We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America” are still valid as they were in 1787, the political and economic state of affairs of people within the US itself and in the wider world, begs the question whether US Presidents in general have been able to deliver on these ideals. At times, the powers vested in the President and the checks and balances related to exercise of such powers, particularly on socio economic policies, has made President look like Emperors without clothes. There have been occasions where such checks and balances have been exercised in political partisan ways and not necessarily in the national interest. The difference however is the substantial, unchallenged executive authority given to the President when it comes to defence and foreign policy.

While it is unlikely that any well-meaning President would have exercised such powers indiscriminately and without good reason, the overall global situation today of a world near chaos, and the instances of US involvement in numerous countries and in conflicts and their failure to exercise their powers to prevent conflict or at least to minimise them and take the leadership in finding solutions through discussion and negotiation, have left open the question on the effectiveness of the US President when it comes to world affairs.

It also raises the question whether the President, with the executive powers assigned to the office of President, is effectively a rubber stamp that endorses real policy decisions taken by a behind the scenes establishment that creates and thrives on chaos in the world while leaving the US itself as the mighty superpower.

There is not a lot that countries, especially the less affluent could do to address these situations. The political, economic and military power of the US and the western world is so immense, and there is no other effective alternative to that power. Although China is touted as the alternative, it is in effect not, although it is stronger economically and militarily today than they were 10 years ago. However, they are dependent on the Western world for their economic growth and prosperity as the consumer base for what is produced in China is in the Western world. So, countries have to forge their political and economic policies and priorities within these overarching realities while pursuing historical and cultural sensitivities in their own countries. In the technologically and avarice driven world today, there are no bounds and there is no room for socialistic policies.

The World Bank says that (https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/overview#:~:text =Global%20poverty%20reduction%20has%20slowed,relevant%20for%20low%2Dincome%20countries) 8.5 percent of the global population – almost 700 million people – live today on less than $2.15 per day, the extreme poverty line relevant for low-income countries. Three-quarters of all people in extreme poverty live in Sub-Saharan Africa or in fragile and conflict-affected countries. 44 percent of the global population – around 3.5 billion people – live today on less than $6.85 per day, the poverty line relevant for upper-middle-income countries. The total number of people living under this poverty line has barely changed since 1990 due to population growth.

Around one-fifth of the world’s population lives in economies with high inequality, concentrated mostly in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Only 7 percent of the global population lives in countries with low inequality.

Climate change poses a fundamental risk to poverty and inequality reduction. Nearly 1 in 5 people globally are likely to experience a severe weather shock in their lifetime from which they will struggle to recover. Climate change also threatens to increase global inequality, as poorer countries and people are likely to suffer more from the negative consequences.

Can the next President of the USA make even a dent towards addressing this disastrous situation that a majority of people in the world are facing today?

Manuka Wijesinghe,

WHAT IS GENDER IDENTITY.  Wikipedia states that ‘gender identity’ is an individual self-conception of perceiving oneself as man or woman, as fluctuating between man and woman or being something outside of man and woman. Gender identity, despite political, social and lexical prominence, given to it, especially it in the last years; is an imagined state of selfhood. It is not science. It is an ideology.

Empirically, there exists ONLY two biological sexes. Yet, gender ideology’s Denial of Reality is not only being pressed upon children, but been taught and proselytized through western institutions in our country. Since our economic crisis, this ideology has begun to inundate our vocabulary, the corporate climate and even our political leadership.

If an affluent parent wishes to send its child to study in an American or Canadian university, its chances of entry are higher if he or she has a gender identity differing from its biology.  Prestigious foreign universities no longer enroll Asian students for their aptitude, rather for a concept of self that is not based on empirical reality.

Governmental and non-governmental western organization and embassies, ranging from the USAID; the GTZ, EU, west European, American and Canadian embassies are spreading the gospel of gender ideology and fund a multitude of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) that proliferate this ideology with the zeal of missionaries. Gender confusion is being introduced to estate pre- schools and to elite Colombo schools, making children into confused mental patients, being made uncertain about the only certainty of human existence; its biological sex.

Instead of deifying this absurdity, which has been craftily packed into the rhetoric of human rights, have we ever tried to understand why this religion is being spread? Why are children are being encouraged to deny reality? And damned for not doing so?

Perhaps we are confused by the new vocabularies that have been cleverly created to confuse and desist those who try to make sense and rectify the madness inundating human existence whose language and ideas had, until recently, been based on empirical reality. Non-binary, diverse, Woke, trans, gender fluidity, gender dystopia, LGBT, LGBTQ. LGBTQplus, and many more.

Non Binary – Binary is a word taken from arithmetic (now called number theory) describing a numbering scheme with two possibilities. Male and Female. Hence, non-binary in gender ideology is the denial of the two biological sexes.  

Gender dystopia – An imagined state of suffering caused by assigned gender

Diverse – Used to describe gender identities (the fluctuating idea of self) beyond male and female. A synonym for non-binary

Woke – A sense of having awakened to the variabilities of gender identities. (Denying biology)    

Trans – One whose gender identity is different to the one to which he/she was born

Transgender – One who does not conform to the sex he/she was assigned at birth

Gender Fluidity – A non-fixed gender identity that shifts over time, depending on situation. (If a man feels like a woman, he can use a woman’s toilet if he considers himself gender fluid)

Gender Dystopia – An imagined state of suffering caused by assigned gender

LGBT – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender

LGBTQ – Queer added to the above (queer theory first began delinking gender to biology)

LGBTQIA- The addition of intersex and Asexual to the above

LGBTQIA+ – The ‘plus’ sign denotes the idea of further questioning into identity

The above is just a few. Hence, while parents and others chew this salad of words, another more dangerous agenda is being pushed. And that is the deliberate NUDGING* of our kids into taking puberty blockers and other dangerous hormones that cause a myriad debilitating new diseases, while leading them to the abattoir of breasts and reproductive organ amputation (castration), rendering them sterile.  

From there, there is no turning back. No Reversal. Gender ideology is medical opportunism and the instruction manual for the castration and sterility of our children; the nation’s future parents.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF GENDER THEORY? Gender theory began with a man called Dr John William Money. Dr Money was a professor of Sexology at the Johns Hopkins research university in Baltimore and the first to use the word ‘gender’ as a substitute for biological sex. He manifested a theory (with no empirical evidence) that gender was a social construct determined by upbringing. He proclaimed that ‘Nurture’, and not ‘Nature’ established male or female behaviour in humans.

This was soon after the World War 2. The United States had emerged victorious and its post war omnipotence gave its scientists the liberties to proclaim any fallacy as truth.  Dr Money was one such God like scientist who taught a generation of medical students that his hypothetical gender theory was absolute truth. That Nurture, and not Nature was the foundation sexual behaviour.

A young graduate student, Milton Diamond dared to contradict John Money. But the young man was no match for the mighty John Money and was lost to immediate history. Meanwhile John Money’s theory filled medical textbooks and thousands of male babies, whose internal sexual organs were intact, but the external organs were ambiguous (which would not have prevented them from becoming fathers) were castrated.

It was also the heyday of feminism. Thus, based on Dr Money’s theory and in the spirit of fervent feminism, male babies were castrated, although Dr Money had not presented a single case study proving his theory. 

But, in the mid-sixties Dr Money struck Gold. In 1965, a young woman from Winnipeg, Canada, gave birth to two healthy male twins; Bruce and Brian Reimer.  The babies had difficulty urinating and at the age of 8 months circumcision was advised. The electrical cauterizing machine malfunctioned and baby Bruce’s penis was burned. The young mother was now with a male baby who had no penis. The woman got no help from the medical establishment and was pretty desperate when one day, she saw Dr Money on TV, confidently claiming his ‘nurture’ and not ‘nature’ theory. She called Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and made and appointment with Dr Money.

It was Dr Money’s chance in a life time to prove his theory and he intended to use it. He told Mrs. Reimer he would take on the babies only if she would satisfy two conditions. First; the baby must NEVER know the truth of his biological sex and secondly, he should be dressed, ONLY in girls’ clothes and given only girls toys to play.

She agreed. So, baby Bruce’s testicles were surgically removed and he was castrated. Then, he was given the name Brenda.  Thereafter the mother and the boys were returned to Winnipeg with the promise that the twins visited Dr Money annually.

The annual visits confirmed that Bruce was a misfit as Brenda. He was tremendously unhappy. But that was of no interest to Dr Money. He published scientific articles claiming his success in the ‘John and Joan’ case (the names he used for Brenda and Brian). ‘So normal that of an active little girl and so clearly different by contrast from her twin brother’.

But it was not so. Brenda was not different from her twin brother. She wanted to do the same things he did, wear the same clothes he did and even urinate the way he did. Brenda felt like a boy, acted like a boy, hit like a boy and even preferred to urinate standing, like a boy. In their community she was known as the cave girl.

Mrs. Reimer mentioned all this to Dr Money. Also, that Brenda was becoming depressed and suicidal, but he disregarded her and continued to lie in scientific literature about his success. Thus, through his proliferate scientific publications, ‘Nurture and not Nature’ became the Doctrine of Faith for the medical community. And still is.

Finally, when he was about 14 years of age, Brenda Reimer refused to visit John Money. And the parents, after consulting the boy’s psychiatrist in Winnipeg, suggested that Brenda be told the truth about her birth.   

The truth made Brenda feel relieved and she immediately returned to being a boy and called himself David (David against the medical Goliath; John Money).  His missing penis and the castration through which he would never be a father distressed him, but he managed to get into a relationship with a woman who had her own children and lived, despite physical and psychiatric problems caused by medical malpractice, an almost ordinary life.

Meanwhile, when the boys stopped coming, Dr Money’s articles stopped. The medical world may not have bothered any further, but that erstwhile medical student, Milton Diamond, who was now a doctor in Hawaii, curious as to why John Money no longer wrote of his successful ‘Joan and John’ case, set about finding the twins. He found them in Winnipeg, Canada and was witness to the fallacy surrounding John Money’s theory and the destruction it caused, not just to one child, but to the whole Reimer family. The parents were devastated and guilt ridden, the brother was neglected and jealous and David was still traumatized from the medical experimentation of 14 years. The family was one gaping phycological wound. Dr Milton exposed it in a famous US magazine which was seen by a Canadian journalist; John Colapinto, who, after consultation with Milton Diamond, wrote the book, ‘As Nature Made Him’. It was the sad fate, not only of a child, but an entire family, damaged by a western medical establishment trying to act God. And it still continues.

GENDER THEORY IS FAKE – Gender affirmation is an experiment on our children.  Psychiatric associations, even in Sri Lanka; like ‘Navodya’ in Angoda, under the leadership of the president of the Psychiatrist Association of Sri Lanka, instead of making the effort to identify the difference between true gender dystopia, the social platform influenced dystopia or familial stress caused gender dystopia, are pushing all, with nearly no long-term evaluation towards the gender affirmation agenda of sterilization drugs.   

In Sri Lanka, the gender dystopic services at ‘Navodya’ in Angoda, despite claims of assessment, but in verity with bare or no evaluation or understanding the triggering of gender dysphoria, recommends dangerous treatment protocols forced upon them by the psychiatric association whose president has obviously been won by pharmaceutical interest groups.

In too short a time, dangerous hormone therapy is begun, followed by referrals for surgery, further followed by new identification through the gender recognition certificate (H1257) – a general circular certificate, 01-34/2016 DGHS from our Ministry of Health.     

GENDER DYSTOPIA IS A PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITION.  It should be treated with counselling, not the misnomer called ‘gender affirmation’. This misnomer ‘affirmation’ is an act of criminal intent. For, the protocol concealed under Gender affirmation destroys the normal development of the young body. It recommends the castration of lactating, gestating and reproductive organs, followed by lifelong hormone intake that retard bone density, causes cardiac issues, cancers, depression, diabetes, blood clots, early menopause, strokes, infertility, aggression and suicidal depression; just to name a few. Gender affirmation does not make a man a woman or a woman a man. It causes chronic disease and untimely death.

In recent years, many countries have discontinued gender affirmation We are just beginning. After our economic collapse, we have been plagued by United Nation (UN) missions sending women to teach our women empowerment. We have had the world’s first woman prime minister, let us consider who should teach whom empowerment! But, beneath all this women’s rhetoric is also the dogma of gender ideology. The UN is using women to confuse our children for in our societies, women are still trusted, they are mothers first. Britain just shut its clinic for child transition. Sweden has done a complete reversal on gender affirmation and recently produced an insightful film called ‘Sweden’s U-Turn on trans kids’, where a gender affirmation victim says, ‘I was a guinea pig. The health care system hasn’t got a clue, there is no science backing it. They are experimenting on young people, whose lives are ahead of them. It makes me angry and it is incredibly irresponsible’.

HOW COULD IT GO SO FAR? Gender affirmative invasions are validated by a single study known as The Dutch Protocol. + Done about 20 years ago, it was a study conducted on a cohort of 1766 children suffering gender dysphoria (unease with biological sex) in the Amsterdam region.

Until the Dutch protocol, sex changing medical therapies were initiated only after puberty and despite medical intervention, gender dysphoria continued to prevail. The Dutch Protocol emerged out of an idea that, if transition was begun before puberty, it could be of greater success. 1766 children with gender dysphoria from the Amsterdam region were chosen. After intensive assessment it was concluded that a substantial number did NOT have gender dysphoria as a primary cause and were removed from the cohort.  Only those with severe dysphoria, which had begun with early childhood, were used from the study.

Unfortunately, that is not what happens today. Today, children referred for gender affirmation do not have a lifetime of gender dysphoria. They are influenced through peer pressure, Woke activism, social media influencers and US billionaire philanthropists working through international organizations, packaging their criminal intent under social justice slogans such as decriminalization; appealing to us emotionally, and not rationally. That is how propaganda media works.

The psychiatrist Dr Miriam Grossman, the author of ‘Transnation’ says, ‘once parents used to come to me with the fear that their children, who having left home contracted vaginal herpes or gonorrhea, they are now fearful that they now will cut off their breasts or grow beards’.

Data indicates that girls are more susceptible to transitioning than boys. Instead of claiming that girls are weaker, should we not instead ponder as to why girls are targeted? Perhaps we should draw parallels to the mRNA Covid vaccines which have caused the cessation of menstruation in young women, which makes them menopausal and infertile. Which, according to the Pfizer documents, the company knew. Yet we were inducted into vaccinating, with mRNA technology, all our school going children. These jabs have already caused a decreased birth rate. Do we want to cause a further drop caused by gender ideology campaigns? Instead of swallowing the western paradigm, would it not be wiser to consider if these euphemisms are actually sinister plans to lessen our human population? And if, what better way to do so than destroy the reproductive organs of future mothers? And, while we are at it, let us not forget that it was not too that long ago that the same people pushed sterilization under the euphemism of family planning? Today, we like to make allegations that Muslim doctors give Sinhala women pills to reduce fertility (a readily believed lie during the Rajapakse era). The Muslims are not our enemies, they are our brethren and fellow citizens. But we do indeed have a habit of blaming the innocent and worshipping the guilty. Those who have been reducing our nation’s childbirths since the dawn of Independence was western intervention; not the Muslims.

Gender Ideology perpetrators use prominent women and women’s groups to promote their agenda. One such organization is the Parliamentary Women’s Corpus. Its head, Sudarshini Fenandopulle was the totalitarian power behind the draconian policies of Covid 19. Furthermore, our current Prime Minister, Harini Amarasuriya, a gender theory graduate, a LGBTQ advocate and a toxic Male champion, was jetted to parliament upon the wings of the Parliamentary Women’s Corpus. These corpuses are funded by the western institutions and represent their interests. As the Health Minister, the mutilation or the preservation of our children is in her hands. Will she preserve them or encourage their mutilation, with her LGBTQ advocacy?    

Upon election, her first promise was to support the LGBTQ rights bill. In our country, we have had a near 30 year war and government brutality that has made many women bereft of sons, brothers and husbands. They are still expecting the state to inform about the life and death of their loved ones, whom the state took for questioning and never returned. They ask for justice from a state in which they are all citizens.  Are they not entitled to it?

Are they of lesser importance to the Prime Minister? And what about those suffering from the Covid policies, lock downs and vaccinations.  Should she perhaps not pledge to hold an inquiry, especially since the head of their Parliamentary Women’s Corpus, Sudharshini Fernandopulle was the administrator of Sri Lankan’s Covid policy? What about the costs incurred, causing the economic plunder through the purchase of exorbitantly expensive patented mRNA vaccines, when cheaper Chinese and Russian vaccines were readily available? And, was the Women’s Corpus not responsible for the unnecessary closure of schools, the masking of children and their forced injection by mRNA gene manipulating technologies? Instead of investigating into such matters, does the prime Minister intend to cause greater burden to our already highly corrupt national health care system through the purchase of puberty blockers and hormones intended to sterilize our children?  When studies do indicate, when ignored and influencing factor removed, most children’s gender dysphoria vanishes.

WHY DO PARENTS NOT PROTEST? Parents fall into the trap laid to them by psychiatrists. A psychiatrist lies to the parent with the words, ‘it is either a trans child or a dead child’. Not wanting to have a dead child, they opt for the trans child. But, data shows that the rate of suicide is higher amongst transitioned children than the non-transitioned.

The generation of kids who buy into this agenda are silver spoon kids. They have done nothing, achieved nothing and lived off the wealth of parents. They feel they are doing something greater than themselves by supporting gender affirmation. It is transcendental hype in a life that has no meaning.  They are confusing criminal intent with decriminalization. In our country, no one is stoned for sexual preference. We need no laws to decriminalize, custom has done so. Laws are not a creation of petri glass culture, but born from custom. These gender ideologists are incapable of making a distinction between real life and the digital realism of social media. They should be taught dialectic; the art of investigating, or thinking through; instead, they are being taught dogma packaged as social justice. And they swallow it, with the credulity of a generations whose God is Consumerism; a generation of children whose parents have failed them.

LIVE NOT BY LIES. I know a person, to whom a client came with two teenage children for haircuts. Before the kids sat for the haircuts the mother whispered to my friend, my children are non-binary, don’t address the as ‘he’ and ‘she’ call them ‘they’ and ‘it’.

Without blinking an eyelid, my friend told the mother, ‘I know only two biological sexes. They are male and female.  The pronouns for rendering biology into language is ‘he’ had ‘she’. I will address your children with what I see, not what they imagine’.

Parents, LIVE NOT BY LIES. The title for this essay was borrowed from Rod Dreher’s book, ‘Live not by Lies’ which was borrowed from Solzhenitsyn who survived the Gulag. Dreher says, ‘The dictatorship of thoughts and words is a regime based on lies and propaganda. Political correctness corrupts one’s ability to think clearly about reality.  With the advance of consumerism and individualism, we have built a social ecosystem in which the function of the family has been reduced to producing autonomous consumers with no sense of connection or obligation to anything greater than fulfilling his own desires. Conservative parents do spot threats to family from progressive ideologues, but are uncritically accepting of the free market’s logic and say nothing to the mindless surrendering of their child’s minds to smartphones and the internet.’

These children are living in a digital Gulag. And they don’t know it. They don’t need jailors to torment them, they do it themselves with the collaboration of a murderous medical establishment. Dreher gives guidance to parents.

If you perceive a system runs on lies, stand firmly upon the foundation of what you KNOW to be true and real. (like the hairdresser)

Refuse to let media and institution propagandize your children. Teach them to identify truth from fiction:

Try not to be party to the lie. Show civil courage, for that is what children emulate.

ESPECIALLY MOTHERS must ensure that families do not succumb to patriarchal tyranny or crazy feminism and above all, reject the worshipping of children and catering to their every desire. Your consent to the system may buy you safety, but at an unbearable cost for you are a complicit to the evil attempt of destroying the last surviving community in a globalized world; the family. As Orwell says, ‘it is not by winning an argument but keeping yourself grounded in reality that you carry on the human heritage’.

The human heritage is not bearded women, it is not breasted men, it is not sexual rights. Human heritage is a composition of rituals, duties, civic, moral and ethical conduct that have passed from one generation to the next. It is a spiritual journey from birth until death. Do it justice and teach those who do not.

David Reimer put a gun to his head and killed himself. The malpractices done to his body was too much or his mind to bear. Let it not happen to our children. For that, we must Live Not live by Lies.

Manuka Wijesinghe, October 2024

*Nudge theory was developed in 2008 by economist David Thaler, where small or personal stimulation (nudges) are done by media, social media, politicians, corporations, NGO’s and public institutions that guide individuals towards making decisions that may be detrimental to them but of advantage to interest groups and production companies.  Nudge theory won the Nobel prize in 2017, two years before it was used in the Covid agenda.

+The Netherlands was the first country to use puberty blockers on teenagers.

Garvin Karunaratne, Ph.D. Michigan State University

Posted on February 11th, 2022

One of my earlier papers which is appropriate for the moment- Garvin Karunaratne

The Editorial of The Island tells it all: The challenge before us is to retrace our steps, figure out where we took wrong turns, and forge ahead in the right direction as many other nations have already done. Easier said than done, but there seems to be no other way.”

The problem is that even to retrace our footsteps there is no consensus in learned opinions. Addressing the Tenth Annual Conference of the Sri Lanka Forum of University economists on 27 th January 2022, Professor Premachandra Atukorale has said that it is impossible to heavily rely on import and exchange controls without compromising on a massive economic collapse and social upheaval.”(Ceylon Today01022022)

Perhaps some detail of how we once handled the economy of Sri Lanka, may be useful to think of how we can retrace our footsteps to the days when we did not have food queues and social upheaval, all the while handling development very  successfully..

In 1968 February I was posted as the Additional Government Agent at Kegalla District. I worked there for two years. I knew of no queues for any essential food during that period. In fact,  I was in charge of providing essential food- as the Deputy Food Controller for the District. At that time every area was covered with a cooperative society and in each division there were Cooperative Unions that were equipped with stores and lorries and on a clockwork basis all essential food was distributed through the cooperatives. This included a measure of rice per person per week, entirely free, under the Rice Ration Scheme, which was done away by President Jayawardena in 1978. Then there was a major Department at work- the Food Commissioner’s Department,  managed at the helm by a senior civil servant, a department that had very large stores full of rice and flour and also attended to imports when necessary.  At the district level there was an Assistant Food Controller who worked directly under me and it was our duty to see that food was always available without any interruption. Importing essentials like dhall, chillies etc was handled by the CWE because depending on the private sector has proved unreliable – the private sector has making a profit as its aim, service to the people comes next.

For full article

LankaWeb – The Challenge to get Sri Lanka on the right track to face  the economic problems of today.

by Neville Ladduwahetty Courtesy The Island

UNHRC in session (file photo)

During the 57^th Session of the UNHRC, Sri Lanka restated its opposition to HRC Resolution 51/1; a carryover of Resolution 46/1. These Resolutions were consistently rejected” on grounds that the evidence gathering mechanism within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is an unprecedented and ad hoc expansion of the Council’s mandate and contradicts its founding principles of impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity”.

The OHCHR’s mandate under Resolution HRC 46/1 states: In March 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council, through its resolution 46/1, recognized the importance of preserving and analyzing evidence relating violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes in Sri Lanka with a view to advancing accountability…” (OHCHR, Frequently Asked Questions). This document states that its scope addresses four specific tasks”. The first task is to: collect, consolidate, preserve and analyze information and evidence of violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes committed in Sri Lanka”.

FACTORS AFFECTING EVIDENCE ANALYSIS

Since the focus is only on the first specific task, the comments below are based on the following parameters: 1 Armed Conflict and 2 Declaration of Emergency

1 ARMED CONFLICT

During the period February 2002 to May 2009 the conflict in Sri Lanka was categorised as an Armed Conflict by none other than the OHCHR in their report of 2015. Thus, as an Armed Conflict, the report states that the applicable law is Common Article 3 to the four Geneva Conventions, which means that any violations or abuses committed during the armed conflict must be judged under provisions of International Humanitarian Law and to derogated Human Rights Law during an Emergency.

Consequently, evidence gathering and its analysis should take into account provisions of Humanitarian Law as provided in Additional Protocol II of June 1977 relating to Non-International Armed Conflict as part of Customary Law.

Article 6 of Additional Protocol II of 1977 – Penal prosecutions”

1. This Article applies to the prosecution and punishment of criminal offences related to the armed conflict”.

2. No sentence shall be passed and no penalty shall be executed on a person found guilty of an offence except pursuant to a conviction pronounced by a court offering the essential guarantees of independence and impartiality. In particular:

(a) The procedure shall provide for an accused to be informed without delay of the particulars of the offence alleged against him and shall afford the accused before and during his trial all necessary rights and means of defence;

(b) No one shall be convicted of an offence except on the basis of individual penal responsibility;

(c) No one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a criminal offence, under the law, at the time when it was committed; nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than that which was applicable at the time when the criminal offence was committed; if, after the commission of the offence, provision is made by law for the imposition of a lighter penalty, the offender shall benefit thereby;

(d) Anyone charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law;

(e)Anyone charged with an offence shall have the right to be tried in his presence; (f) No one shall be compelled to testify against himself or to confess guilt”.

3. A convicted person shall be advised on conviction of his judicial and other remedies and of the time-limits within which they may be exercised”.

4. The death penalty shall not be pronounced on persons who were under the age of eighteen years at the time of the offence and shall not be carried out on pregnant women or mothers of young children”.

5. At the end of hostilities, the authorities in power shall endeavour to grant the broadest possible amnesty to persons who have participated in the armed conflict, or those deprived of their liberty for reasons related to the armed conflict, whether they are interned or detained”.

2 DECLARATION of an EMERGENCY

Since an emergency operated from May 2000 to June 2010 throughout Sri Lanka, Human Rights are derogated during this period as declared by Article 4 of ICCPR.

Article 4 of ICCPR states: In times of public emergency which threatens the life of the nation and the existence of which is officially proclaimed, the State Parties to the present Covenant to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation, provided that such measures are not inconsistent with their other obligations under international law…”.

Derogated Human Rights under emergency rules as permitted by ICCPR provisions stated in OISL Report are:

Articles 9 (2); 9 (3); 12 (1); 12 (2); 14 (3); 17 (1); 19 (2); 21 and 22 of the ICCPR.

Article 9 (2): Anyone who is arrested shall be informed, at the time of arrest the reason for the arrest…”.

Article 9 (3): Anyone arrested or detained on a criminal charge shall be brought before a judge….”.

Article 12 (1): Everyone lawfully within the territory of State shall have the right to liberty of movement…”.

Article 12 (2): Everyone shall be free to leave any country, including his own”.

14 (3): In the determination of any charge, everyone shall be entitled to the following guarantees: to be informed promptly; time to prepare defence; tried without delay; tried in his presence; to examine witnesses against him; access to an interpreter; not to testify against him”.

Article 17 (1): No one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence nor to unlawfully attack his honour…”.

Article 19 (2): Right to freedom of expression …”.

Article 21: …right to peaceful assembly…”.

Article 22: …right to freedom of association…”.

The OISL report concludes the list of derogated human rights during the period of the Armed Conflict by stating: Measures taken pursuant to derogation are lawful to the extent they comply with the conditions set out in international human rights law as provided in Article 4 of ICCPR. In keeping with this provision, successive Sri Lankan Governments have derogated over a period of 10 years, 9 Articles out of a total of 19 Articles in Part II of the ICCPR that the OISL has declared as being lawful.

CONSOLIDATE, PRESERVE AND ANALYSE INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE

The OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project will collect information and evidence from all sources willing to provide it, including Government authorities, other Member States, victims, witnesses, civil society stakeholders and any other sources. Various UN bodies have already gathered extensive documentation of serious violations and abuses of human rights and violations of humanitarian law committed in Sri Lanka, particularly during and after the conflict, which ended in 2009. Information and evidence collected will be reviewed and analyzed by OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project…” (Frequently Asked Questions from OHCHR).

Therefore, by OHCHR’s own admission, the sources that gave information and evidence will fade into oblivion and the information and evidence that would be left would only be the reviewed and analyzed version formulated by OHCHR”.

This in essence amounts to a tampered version of what the witnesses and other source furnished; a procedure that not only trivialises the sanctity of evidence but also denies access to witnesses; a fundamental right called for by Article 14 (3) of the ICCPR. Furthermore, the witnesses and sources that furnished information and evidence are NOT in a position to verify whether the evidence furnished by them accurately reflects the analyzed” version of the evidence in the possession of the OHCHR. Thus the procedure adopted by the evidence gathering mechanism violates natural justice as understood by the community of nations.

Consequently, those responsible for alleged violations and abuses are denied the opportunity to challenge the authenticity of the evidence presented, because the procedure does not provide for an accused before and during his trial all necessary rights and means of defence” as called for by 2 (a) of Part 6 of Additional Protocol II of 1977 that today is accepted as Customary Law. Furthermore, the procedure does not permit whether the evidence presented guarantees that alleged violations assure that no one is convicted of an offence except on the basis of individual penal responsibility” as stated in 2 (b) of Part 6 of Protocol II. Under the circumstances, the fact that UNHRC Resolution 46/1 followed by Resolution 51/1 was endorsed by the HR Council and the Co-Chairs is not only beyond belief, but has also become jointly a party to what amounts to UNHRC’s Brand of warped justice because it violates International Law.

CONCLUSION

As stated by the OHCHR the information and evidence collected will be reviewed and analyzed by OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project ….” However, what is not disclosed is the extent and scope of the analysis undertaken by the OHCHR. For instance, what is not disclosed is whether the information and evidence under the evidence gathering mechanism takes into account the special circumstances associated with the Armed Conflict and the fact that certain Human Rights are derogated during the Emergency that operated from May 2000 to June 2010.

Consequently, the evidence analysed by the OHCHR would drastically differ from the evidence furnished by witnesses and other sources in the event the OHCHR took into account the special circumstances of the Armed Conflict and the imposed Emergency. On the other hand, if the evidence gathered is the raw evidence furnished by witnesses and other sources, the need for the OHCHR to analyze” the evidence does NOT ARISE. Therefore, the outcome of the analysis is to tamper with the raw evidence presented; a task that not only far exceeds the mandate under which the UNHRC is authorized to operate but also trivializes the sanctity of evidence on which Justice depends. This makes the evidence gathering mechanism initiated by the UNHRC justified grounds for rejection; a fact that Sri Lanka should bring to the attention of the Member State of the HR Council and take joint action for the benefit of all. Furthermore, co-sponsoring such an exercise casts a deep shadow on the brand of justice that is being attempted jointly by the UNHRC and its sponsors at a time when the credibility, competence and relevance of the UN and its Institutions are in serious question

Prof. Hudson McLean

At least and at last President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is Getting the Stick Out!

The Sri Lankan Ambassadors & High Commissioners have been a Joke !

Most of these “His Excellencies” were enjoying High Life in their “Castles” overseas, pretending to be like jumped-up “Kings” at the expense of the country.

One Ambassador, on the 4th February ordered his staff to position all the Sri Lankan guests at the bottom of the stairs, when the Ambassador & wife walked down the stairs, slowly, whilst the National Anthem played, the guests were ordered to Clap!

16 politically appointed ambassadors, high commissioners to be recalled with immediate effect
Posted on November 1st, 2024

16 politically appointed ambassadors, high commissioners to be recalled with immediate effect

I hope the party is now over.

Let the professionals take over the responsibility on a given Mandate and Targets to increase the Return on Investment!

-Increase Value Added Tourism!

-Create more Tourist Applications

-Promote Sri Lankan Cultural Products & Projects

-Promote Diverse Applications for Tourist Industry

-Increase Exports & Diversify Products & Projects

-Increase Employment for Youth Overseas

-Increase Educational Scholarships for Students

And Lots More!

Get the Ambassadors to Realize that they are Servants of their Country and are expected to do a Professional Service, and on-call 24×7!

Express Your Opinion – Read What Others Say!
The Independent Interactive Voice of Sri Lanka on the Internet.

Please visit -: http://www.lankaweb.com/

Prof. Hudson McLean

Linkedin – In the second half of 2023, over 46 million fake accounts that were removed from LinkedIn

Facebook-; Estimates that 4-5% of those accounts are fake, meaning there may be as many as 150 million fake accounts.7 Feb 2024

Google-;  Prevented over 170 million policy-violating reviews and removed 12 million fake business profiles

X – Twitter-; 20 million fake Twitter accounts. With a reported 500 million registered users, that comes out to roughly 4% of all Twitter accounts being fake (bots).

Which Dating Site has the most fake profiles?

Facebook was mentioned the most as a Google Search suggestion for the topic of fake profiles; Tinder was the second most mentioned platform. Comparing only dating platforms, Tinder had the highest number of mentions—12—while Badoo came in second place with just 4 mentions.

YouGov has revealed that around 78% of female users on such platforms encounter fake profiles.5 Sept 2024

When Ashely Madison was hacked, a few reporters had the data analyzed, it was about 96% fake, and you can assume Tinder isn’t too far off.

Express Your Opinion – Read What Others Say!
The Independent Interactive Voice of Sri Lanka on the Internet.

Please visit -: http://www.lankaweb.com/

Declassified UK

It comes as Keir Starmer suspended some arms exports to Israel last week, which the government said was partly due to credible claims of the mistreatment of detainees”. However Royal Air Force (RAF) surveillance flights continue almost daily over Gaza to help Israel locate hostages held by Hamas. Campaigners fear the flight paths may be informed by intelligence Israel obtained through torture. Declassified has seen testimony from three Palestinian civilians who allege Israeli troops interrogated them about the location of hostages and tunnels while under extreme torture. Sharing such intelligence with Britain would breach rules designed to prevent a repeat of the extraordinary rendition scandal, which saw MI6 collude with CIA abuses after 9/11. Charlotte Andrews-Briscoe is a lawyer at the Global Legal Action Network. She also represents Palestinian rights group Al-Haq in its lawsuit to stop UK arms exports to Israel. She told Declassified: In our view it is possible, if not probable, that information and assurances Israel gives to the UK are founded on information derived from torture”. Freedom from Torture, a British medical charity, also expressed concern, commenting: The UK must take all steps in its power to ensure that it does not take receipt of or make use of intelligence provided by any authorities where there is a real risk that it has been obtained by torture or other ill-treatment.” When contacted by Declassified, Britain’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) avoided our questions about whether RAF surveillance of Gaza was informed by Israeli intelligence that may have been derived from torture. A government spokesperson would only say: Our focus remains on securing an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a rapid increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and compliance with international humanitarian law.” Israel’s Ministry of Defence said it was unable to comment when asked about intelligence sharing with the RAF.

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Though the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Sri Lanka as a country free of measles, the country has been hit by cases once again since 2023, prompting the health authorities to declare a special vaccination week from November 4 to 9, according to a press release from the Health Promotion Bureau of the Health Ministry.

The newly emerged cases are mostly reported in the 20-30 age group. The press release said the disease is then transmitted to children, particular to infants below nine.

Those in the age 20-30 will be vaccinated for measles and Rubella, and children aged between nine months and 19 years will be vaccinated against measles.

The WHO announced in 2019 Sri Lanka has eliminated measles, interrupting transmission of the indigenous virus that causes the killer childhood disease.

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo, November 2 (Daily Mirror)- The government has taken steps to complete the construction of the Central Expressway where discussions were held with the Japanese Ambassador to seek their assistance to complete its constructions, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Speaking at an election rally in Kandy, he said the government will take steps to find solutions to the traffic congestion in Kandy.

He said a discussion was held recently to review the progress of the projects which have been launched in Kandy and that the government will take steps to resume the projects which have been halted at the moment.

“Most of the projects such as construction of the Good Shed Bus Stand have been halted. Plans were afoot to construct bus terminals in Katugastota, Peradeniya and Tennakumbura also. They are also halted. We will find money soon and resume the constructions,” he said.

Courtesy Adaderana

Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath says that six individuals who allegedly acted in a manner that posed a threat to national security and the safety of tourists have been arrested, and that investigations are being carried out.

A foreign national is also among the arrestees, the minister revealed.

He stated that the suspects have been arrested in connection with the intelligence information received indicating a potential attack in the Arugam Bay area, as well as incidents involving the photographing of major financial sites in Colombo.

Minister Herath noted that they immediately acted upon receiving information about a potential danger to foreign tourists to safeguard their safety and ensure national security.

The opposition was waiting to take advantage of this issue. That is the truth,” he charged.

So far, we have arrested six individuals. A Maldivian and five Sri Lankans are in custody and investigations are ongoing. From those investigations, we still cannot say what kind of plan or attempt this was. Because it is not possible to draw such a conclusion from the information obtained from the 06 arrested persons and the investigations.”

Therefore, there is no need for a wrong interpretation about this, however, the people of the country want to ensure that security, he added.

The minister stated that the three-member Cabinet convened the National Security Council (NSC) immediately, and the necessary instructions were given by the President as the defense minister.

TAPROBANE TV

Prof. Hudson McLean

https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/finland-needs-immigration-to-grow-here-s-how-indians-can-benefit-124102500666_1.html

Immigration is set to keep Finland’s population growing until 2070, according to a new population forecast from Statistics Finland. Released on Friday, this is the most optimistic projection in 17 years, predicting that immigration will help balance the Nordic country’s declining birth rate.

Read more…….

Express Your Opinion – Read What Others Say!
The Independent Interactive Voice of Sri Lanka on the Internet.

Please visit -: http://www.lankaweb.com/

By Kenyan Foreign Policy

| October 26, 2024

A Kenyan advocate has filed a Freedom of Information, or Right to Information, request challenging the legal grounds for diplomatic immunities and privileges recently granted to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation by the Ruto administration.

In a letter dated October 24, 2024, and addressed to Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Dr. Owiso Owiso, an advocate of the Kenyan High Court, raised concerns over these privileges, which have attracted significant public criticism.

By the Privileges and Immunities (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) Order, 2024 dated 19 September 2024 and published as Legal Notice 157 in Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 181 of 04 October 2024, you granted certain immunities and privileges to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pursuant to section 1 of the Privileges and Immunities Act,” Owiso’s letter reads.

It goes on to state, As this is a matter that affects the nation, you are obligated under Article 35(3) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, to publish and publicize information relevant to the circumstances under which the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was granted this status.”

The request, filed through Dullo and Company Advocates, seeks comprehensive disclosure on the process and agreements that led to the Gates Foundation’s special diplomatic status.

Specifically, Owiso requests:

1. An explanation of the criteria that qualified the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for immunity and privileges under the Privileges and Immunities Act.

2. Copies of all agreements between the Kenyan government and the foundation, including any Host Country Agreement.

According to Legal Notice No. 157, published on October 4, 2024, Mudavadi stated that the foundation, chaired by philanthropist Bill Gates, received special status due to its work in poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education across the country.

https://kenyanforeignpolicy.com/

By Palitha Ariyarathna

Killing Fields Ceylon – 1818

The recent approval of the Upcountry Charter has ignited significant debate in Sri Lanka, provoking discussions that resonate far beyond the confines of the plantation estates. Designed to address the historical grievances of the Malaiyaha Thamilar community—descendants of laborers brought to Sri Lanka by British colonial rulers in the 19th century—the charter’s intentions may appear noble. However, its implications raise serious concerns about potential disruptions to the delicate fabric of Sri Lankan unity.

In comparison to the African Tamil labor community, the Malaiyaha Thamilar are relatively luckier, having gained recognition in various aspects of government in Sri Lanka. This recognition affords them privileges that are not available to their counterparts in their original homeland of Malabar, India. While Tamil is not recognized as an official language in India, it is acknowledged in numerous contexts in Sri Lanka, including on banknotes.

Moreover, the Malaiyaha Thamilar have been recognized as a special community in everyday life in Sri Lanka. However, it is crucial to remember the historical injustices faced by other communities, particularly the Kandyan peasantry, who endured significant suffering, including killings, rapes, and abuses at the hands of invaders such as the Dutch, Portuguese, and British.

While the Upcountry Charter seeks to enhance the socio-economic status of the Malaiyaha Thamilar and promote cultural recognition, the means by which this is pursued has raised concerns. Critics argue that any further privileges granted to the Malaiyaha Thamilar could destabilize the socio-political landscape of Sri Lanka, as their integration might conflict with the rights and identity of the Sinhalese Buddhist community.

Central to the argument against the Upcountry Charter is its compatibility with the Sri Lankan Constitution, particularly Article 12, which enshrines the principle of equality. Critics assert that the charter’s provisions for the Malaiyaha Thamilar infringe upon the rights of other ethnic groups, particularly the Sinhalese majority. This perceived preferential treatment has sparked fears of a precedent that could undermine national unity. Furthermore, the involvement of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has emphasized the need to address Tamil rights in Sri Lanka, adds another layer of complexity. Many view this as external interference, raising concerns that additional rights granted to one community could compromise Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.

Opposition to the Upcountry Charter has emerged from various sectors, including legal experts, community leaders, and political commentators. Prominent voices, such as Shenali Waduge, have questioned the charter’s constitutionality and its implications for the unitary nature of the state. She emphasizes that its provisions not only challenge the constitutional principle of equality but also threaten to erode the unitary nature of the Sri Lankan state. Critics argue that the charter overlooks the contributions and struggles of other groups, particularly the Sinhalese. Some members of the Buddhist clergy have raised concerns that the charter’s provisions contradict Buddhist principles of fairness and justice for all citizens. This anxiety reflects the potential for division among communities that have historically coexisted.

Dr. Sudath Gunasekara’s article, Echoes of Injustice: Reviving the Heartland,” offers a crucial perspective on historical injustices and the importance of the Central Hill Country. He emphasizes the need to address the grievances of the Sinhala Buddhist community. Gunasekara points out that the Central Hill Country is not just a geographical area but the heart (Hadabima) of Sri Lanka, critical for ecological stability and the survival of the entire nation. The region is the source of all 103 rivers that sustain life across the island. His proposed Master Plan aims to restore this stability and reinstate its historical role in nation-building, focusing on protecting the Central Hill Country, establishing a high-powered ministry for its rehabilitation, and fostering socio-cultural and political integration between native Sinhalese and estate Tamils.

In light of these pressing issues, I recently addressed a letter to the President of Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance of recognizing historical injustices faced by the Sinhala Buddhist nation and the need to restore the physical stability of the Central Hill Country. This region’s geographical, strategic, and cultural importance cannot be overstated, particularly in the face of external influences that threaten the integrity of Sri Lanka’s 2,500-year-old civilization. I also reached out to the governors of the Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern Provinces—urging them to consider these historical injustices and the necessity of addressing them for the welfare of their provinces.

By advocating the key changes proposed by Dr. Sudath Gunasekara, I hope to encourage national discourse that addresses both historical injustices and the vital need for ecological and socio-political stability. Engaging in these conversations will honor the struggles of all communities and pave the way for a united Sri Lanka.

The Upcountry Charter’s implications extend beyond legalities, affecting the socio-political landscape of Sri Lanka. The perception of imbalance can exacerbate tensions between ethnic groups, potentially igniting communal conflicts that the nation has worked hard to avoid. The Sinhala population, grappling with marginalization and historical grievances, may feel increasingly alienated by perceived preferential treatment towards the Malaiyaha Thamilar.

As the debate surrounding the Upcountry Charter unfolds, an inclusive approach is essential for addressing historical injustices while preserving national unity. Engaging in constructive dialogue that acknowledges Sri Lanka’s complex history and the diverse experiences of its communities is crucial. Addressing historical injustices should not translate into policies that create new inequalities or exacerbate divisions. It is vital for the government to promote equitable treatment for all citizens, ensuring that no group feels sidelined.

Legal experts have called for a review of the Upcountry Charter to ensure it adheres to constitutional principles of equality. While the charter aims to rectify historical wrongs, it risks creating new divisions if not approached with caution and inclusivity. As Sri Lanka grapples with its complex legacy, the challenge lies in honoring the past while ensuring a united and equitable future for all citizens.

The conversation surrounding the Upcountry Charter is not merely about one community’s rights; it reflects deeper questions about identity, belonging, and the principles that govern the nation. Ensuring that all voices are heard and that justice is pursued in a manner that respects the dignity of every Sri Lankan is crucial as the country navigates these multifaceted challenges.

In the end, the path forward must prioritize unity, reconciliation, and sustainable development—values that will guide Sri Lanka toward a more harmonious future. As an author reflecting on the recent developments surrounding the Upcountry Charter, I must emphasize that the charter’s special provisions raise significant concerns regarding equality and justice. Critics argue that these provisions not only contravene the principle of equality enshrined in the Sri Lankan constitution but also undermine the Buddha Sasana, a fundamental aspect of our cultural identity. Historically, Ceylon has honored the Buddha Sasana through Puja” over one hundred fifty times, and any attempt to alter its status—whether positively or negatively—can be deemed a criminal wrong in light of several Supreme Court judgments. It is crucial to recognize that no president, minister, or group, regardless of their influence, can undermine the Buddha Sasana law. This assertion underscores the deep-rooted commitment to protecting our spiritual heritage and highlights the importance of maintaining equality among all communities in Sri Lanka.

By Palitha Ariyarathna

Palitha Ariyarathna is a passionate advocate for social justice and equality in Sri Lanka. With a deep understanding of the country’s complex history and cultural dynamics, Palitha has dedicated his writing to exploring the nuances of community relations and the impact of policy on marginalized groups. His insightful analyses shed light on the challenges and opportunities that arise in Sri Lanka’s journey toward unity and inclusivity. Through his work, Palitha aims to foster constructive dialogue and promote a harmonious future for all Sri Lankans.

This painting by Prasanna Weerakkody reflects the tragic legacy of the British genocide following the 1818 Uwa-Wellassa Rebellion. It portrays the devastation wrought upon the land, where no able-bodied man was spared, and homes, livestock, and crops were destroyed. While many details remain obscured by time, surviving documentation and personal accounts reveal the brutal suppression faced by the people during this dark chapter in history.

Palitha Ariyarathna CEO and Founder of Ceylon Watch

Dear Valued Users,

We regret to inform you that Ceylon Watch News is currently experiencing downtime due to a ransomware attack that has compromised our systems and infected approximately 11,904 files. Our team is working diligently to resolve the issue and restore services as quickly as possible.

Incident Overview

Recent investigations have identified multiple coordinated attempts to breach our site from various regions. Below are some key details:

Suspicious Activities and Blacklisted IPs

United States:

IP Address: 204.8.98.45 — Hacking attempts

IP Address: 20.171.206.23 — Suspicious activity

IP Address: 204.8.98.105 — Hacking attempts

Germany:

IP Address: 178.162.194.17 — Hacking attempts

Singapore:

IP Address: 185.200.116.211 — Hacking attempts

Spain:

IP Address: 194.99.104.35 — Hacking attempts

Netherlands:

IP Address: 213.152.187.200 — Hacking attempts

Additional Attacks (Various Countries):

Several suspicious activities from IP addresses in Singapore, Canada, France, and the UK.

These highlighted countries are mainly involved in the attacks. It is important to note that the governments of these countries are not directly responsible for these cybercriminal activities. However, this situation indicates a drastic need for enhanced cybersecurity measures globally. People of each nation must not provide opportunities for cybercriminals to operate within their land, using basic energy sources and other technological resources in this way. Such activities lead to significant losses in time, money, and economic activity. Additionally, it is evident that cybercriminals are heavily targeting the sovereignty of many nations around the world, potentially with backing from terrorist funding.

This highlights the urgent need for countries, including Sri Lanka, to activate smart tactics and strengthen cybersecurity measures to address these concerns effectively.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and patience during this challenging time. We are committed to improving our security measures to protect our users and prevent future incidents.

We will provide regular updates on our progress and notify you once the site is back online. Updates will be shared through our social media channels and our website.

For Questions or Support: If you have any concerns, please reach out to us at

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Palitha Ariyarathna

CEO and Founder of Ceylon Watch

Chief Editor of Ceylon Watch News Team

Courtesy  Interfax

CHELYABINSK. Nov 1 (Interfax) – Representatives of the Sintez plant in the Kurgan region, part of the Binnopharm Group pharmaceutical holding owned by AFK Sistema , and members of a delegation from Sri Lanka have discussed options for interaction and international cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, Binnopharm’s press service said.

“The Sintez Plant, which produces a wide range of medical products not only for the Russian market but also for foreign markets, is a potentially interesting partner for us,” Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Pakeer Mohideen Amza was quoted as saying.

Various options for cooperation are being considered, including procurement of medical products from Kurgan, establishing joint production, and using Sri Lanka as a hub for accessing the markets of neighboring countries in the region, he said.

“Binnopharm Group is actively moving into international markets,” CEO of PJSC Sintez Boris Zhorov said. “During the visit [of the Sri Lankan delegation to the Kurgan facility], it became clear that we have many points of contact, and it’s quite possible that Sri Lanka will become another partner for Binnopharm Group,” he said.

PJSC Sintez produces around 300 pharmaceutical products and is a major antibiotics producer in Russia. Approximately 35% of its medicines are produced in a full cycle from the company’s own pharmaceutical substances.

Binnopharm Group unites five production sites: JSC Alium (formerly Obolenskoe) in the Moscow region’s Serpukhov district, JSC Binnopharm, which has two sites in Zelenograd and Krasnogorsk, PJSC Sintez in Kurgan and JSC Biocom in Stavropol.

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo, Nov 01 (Daily Mirror) – The government has decided to recall 16 political appointees serving as ambassadors and high commissioners of Sri Lanka’s overseas missions with immediate effect, a Foreign Ministry source said yesterday.

However, the list of the mission chiefs to be recalled was not available immediately. According to the source, the letters have already been sent to these mission heads.

The source said the government, upon their return to the country with effect from December 1, will review their performances in the respective countries and decide whether to reappoint any of them or not.

In Sri Lanka’s Foreign Service, political appointees serve even in some key capitals such as London, Washington DC, and Jakarta in Indonesia and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Some of them were appointed during the time of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the others during the time of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Besides, there are numerous political appointees who serve as junior rankers in Sri Lanka’s overseas missions and some of them are relatives of politicians. The total cadre base of the service has also not been filled yet.

In addition to political appointees, retired Foreign Service officials also serve in different capitals at the moment.

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo, November 1 (Daily Mirror)- Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe could make a comeback as people may start looking up to him in the event of another economic crisis which looks to be a possibility, former MP and New Democratic Front (NDF) Kalutara District candidate Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.

Wickremeisnghe could come back through Parliament to play a key role in restoring the nation in an eventual economic crisis, if he wants that way or he could play the role of an advisor if he does not want to come through the national list,” Dr. Senaratne told a media briefing.

The world has lately learnt that Wickremeisinghe is a capable person though he is criticised here in Sri Lanka. The IMF has advised Ethiopia, which has suffered economic turmoil, to follow Sri Lanka. In addition, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu referred to Sri Lanka’s economic resurgence as a great comeback story. This means that the World is aware of Wickremeinghe’s ability. Therefore, he should be brought back to active politics even by amending the existing laws,” he added.

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya Sajith Premadasa slammed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his recent comments about the media, asking Dissanayake to back off trying to control media narratives. 

“We would like to tell the President to stop advising and suppressing the media,” Premadasa said at a meeting on Thursday. 

“The President is not speaking about the media the same way he did when he was a Presidential candidate. He used to speak about the freedom, rights and safety of the media, but now President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is trying to advise the media,” Premadasa said. 

“I don’t think the country’s media needs advise from the President or the any politician about what media freedom should look like,” he also said, adding, “We need to protect media freedom, which is a pillar of a democratic country.”

“Media ethics should be observed and protected, but it should be done based on regulations drawn up by the media itself. The President or the government advising or bringing in laws to control the media is a danger to media freedom and democracy,” Premadasa also opined.

Dr Ruwan M Jayatunge M.D.

Supreme

විනාශකාරී නින්දිත පාස්කු ප්‍රහාරය දේශපාලන කුමන්ත්‍රණයක්ද? අන්තවාදී ප්‍රහාරයක්ද? ”විශේෂ ජනහඬ” | SPECIAL JANAHANDA PROGRAM | මහාචාර්ය රොහාන් ගුණරත්න මහතා සමගින්.

Dr Sarath Obeysekera  Chairman Advisory Board under EDB for development of Offshore and Marine sector

Digitisation and Benevolent Dictatorship: Controlling Bureaucracy and Corruption in the State Sector in Sri Lanka 

 Introduction 

 The intersection of digitisation and governance presents an opportunity to minimize bureaucracy and corruption, especially in the context of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) project approvals. 

In many third-world countries, the concept of a benevolent dictatorship can play a crucial role in streamlining processes and ensuring accountability within the state sector.

 This framework aims to outline how digitisation, coupled with a decisive governance approach, can enhance project management, limit corrupt practices, and maintain efficiency. 

 1. Initial Project Approval Digital Communication Channels – Efficient Coordination: Establishing secure digital platforms for communication between investors and government agencies can expedite the project approval process. This can include dedicated portals for submission and tracking of proposals. – Transparency in Costs: Before finalizing project costs, digital tools can ensure transparency by allowing stakeholders to view and compare various cost estimates, reducing opportunities for pricing manipulation. 

 2. Monitoring State Organizations Centralized Oversight – Top-Level Decision Makers: Empowering a select group of high-ranking officials with oversight authority can help ensure that project approvals are free from favoritism and corruption. This group can be entrusted with hiring and firing decisions based on performance and accountability. – Performance Audits: Implementing regular audits using digital tools can keep track of project progress and adherence to budget, which acts as a deterrent against corrupt practices. 

 3. Execution and Bill Approvals Digitised Bill Approval Processes – Automated Workflows: Developing automated systems for bill approvals can minimize human intervention, thereby reducing the chances of underhand payments or nepotism. Digital signatures and blockchain technology can be used to enhance security and integrity. – Real-Time Monitoring: Digital dashboards can provide real-time updates on project expenditures, allowing for immediate scrutiny and identification of discrepancies. 

 4. Role of Benevolent Dictatorship Authoritative Decision-Making – Decisive Leadership: In scenarios where bureaucratic inertia can stall progress, a benevolent dictatorship can facilitate rapid decision-making. Leaders who can act swiftly to remove impediments will foster a more conducive environment for investment. – Fairness in Hiring and Promotions: Implementing clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for every manager ensures that promotions and job security are based on merit rather than personal connections, thereby creating a culture of accountability.

 Dr Sarath Obeysekera 

Chairman

Advisory Board under EDB for development of Offshore and Marine sector