Written by Rajesh Kurup Courtesy The Financial Express
This offer is significantly lower than the tariffs from existing renewable and traditional energy sources in the country, which range from 8.75 to 26.99 cents, according to a compilation of power tariffs.
Adani Group, which is setting up two wind power projects in Sri Lanka totaling 484 MW, has offered to provide renewable power at LKR 24.75 per unit (about 8.25 cents), much lower than existing tariffs in the country.
This offer is significantly lower than the tariffs from existing renewable and traditional energy sources in the country, which range from 8.75 to 26.99 cents, according to a compilation of power tariffs.
The Sri Lankan government has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Adani Green Energy (AGEL) for power from the wind farms in Mannar and Pooneryn. AGEL is the entity through which the Indian conglomerate is setting renewable power projects in Sri Lanka.
In November, AGEL announced plans to make an initial investment of $750 million to set up the wind farms in Sri Lanka and export power to India, in addition to supplying it within the island nation. This arrangement is similar to an agreement AGEL has with Bangladesh, where it supplies power from India.
The projects in Sri Lanka are expected to commence operations within two years from the date of approvals.
For Sri Lanka, these projects will help meet the country’s power demand, which is projected to grow at an annualised rate of about 5%. Additionally, they will support the country’s sustainability goal of achieving 70% renewable energy generation by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Adani project will also displace fossil fuel imports worth $270 million annually.
AGEL, in which French energy giant TotalEnergies holds a 19.7% stake, has set a target of 45 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 to cut emissions and help India meet its carbon neutrality target. AGEL currently has 8.3 GW of operational renewable energy capacity, with another 12.118 GW nearing construction or under execution.
Oman, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sri Lanka, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of Agriculture.
It was signed by Ahmed Ali al Rashdi, Ambassador of Oman to Sri Lanka, and Mahinda Amaraweera, Sri Lankan Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries.
SJB Leader SajithPremadasa in a recent election pledge to the people of Sri Lanka where he highlights plans to engage with India’s top 500,000 firms could be an unsubstantial proposition.
While he encourages existing investors to bring friends and partners who are yet to take a chance on SL he pledges to act as catalyst and facilitator for valuable investments which is all very good but where was he when the Presidency was offered to him on a platter but declined, paving the way for present President Ranil Wickremasinghe to step into the slot and initiate phenomenal changes which not only changed the composition of Sri Lanka from being a country on a downward spiral on the road to economic and financial disaster but also sustained the world’s confidence particularly the West that he was a man of vast leadership capability and someone who is assertive and forthwith driving away many fears the country harboured in times of adversity.
One can hardly be presumptious about the role Premadasa would play as National Leader by comparison with Ranil Wickremasinghe as his pledge whichs at this time seems rather hollow with an acumen far below that of the President whose success lies in his capacity to make judicious decisions and win over the confidence of many who have despaired over the situation in Sri Lanka and today in Sri Lanka there is hardly any other individual who could be as assertive as he is where the people should be thankful to him for having delivered at least for now that the country is stable in a manner of speaking and that he could be relied upon to deliver the needs of Sri lanka in a vortex of near impossible circumstances where all else seems hollow rhetoric by anyone else in the political spectrum.
When Opposition leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa urges top Indian companies to invest in Sri Lanka promising stability and growth if he wins the upcoming Presidential election it seems he has stolen a page out of the Wickremasinghe Agenda who seems to have already fortified the issue on similar terms with the rapport he has built up with India especially after the Indian president Mody’s recent election victory where caution is need about what concessions need to be granted India with out compromising integrity and too much leeway for India which could always be perilous from many perspectives if certain protocols are not adhered to and it takes someone with political savvy to maintain this and be aware of it.
It should not be a random invitation for Indian companies towards uncontrollable investment which could easily lead towards difficult circumstances as history has proved and the Indians ever so glad to be granted ‘ Carte Blanche’ to a free run of industrial Sri Lanka where they call the shots! It could be a downright dangerous venture which in the long run could prove to be regrettable.
Premadasa’s pitch despite assurances to potential investors that his administration would create a favourable business environment does not necessarily mean an end to the nation’s financial issues where to the contrary it could easily compound them for very obvious reasons as learned from the past.
Although it may seem like there is a lot of darkness which it really is, the aim to create a silver lining in a few more months according to Premadasa who has neither substantiated the securities that are need for such a venture nor the areas in which he intends to conduct them, the task seems an improbable one.Premadasa highlighted his plans to actively engage with the top 500,000 companies in India, inviting them to set up operations in Sri Lanka which does not have a popular mandate towards guaranteed success by virtue of what may seem reckless rather than judicious.
We will ensure that stability with growth will be the order of the day,” Premadasa said, promising a bright future for Indian investments in Sri Lanka under his leadership which of course is rhetoric in an election year.
In the overall scheme of things such ventures probably need consensus through a referendum perhaps or best handled by the President who is a taskmaster of navigating through situations that need judicious aforethought so as not to imperil the delicate balance which now exists between stability and growth planning for the future despite the creativity of the scheme which could be more destructive and detrimental to the country if viewed objectively relative towards the annexation of territory by India!!.
Sri Lanka has qualified for direct Group D in 2024 format based on the the results it has achieved in the previous world cup, At that time, SL was demoted to associate level to become eligible for the qualifying rounds, In that scenario, under the captaincy of Dasun Shanaka, SL fought with vigor, skills and great leadership. It had to compete with Nepal, Scotland, Namibia, UAE, Oman, Ireland, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Hong Kong. Sri Lanka completed the qualifying stage and advanced to World Cup team, with 2 other teams of the Associate Group.
From the disastrous situation of being downgraded to associate stage, to advance to the final rounds in 2021 by SL was a great
“On the 26th of May, the Uganda Buddhist Centre celebrated Vesak Day with the ordination of 12 children as novice monks and the inauguration of phase one of the Sangha Building. H.R.H William Gabula Nadiope IV of Busoga Kingdom (The Kyabazinga) graced the occasion as Chief Guest, joined by dignitaries such as His Excellency Veluppilai Kananathan, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Kenya, and Ronald Kalema, the Mayor of Katabi Town Council. Venerable Bhikkhu Buddharakkhita delivered a speech on the significance of Vesak Day, likening it to Christmas Day for Christians, emphasizing the Buddha’s message of ‘avoiding evil, doing good, and purifying the mind.’ The Sangha Building, upon completion, will serve as a residence for 54 monks from across Africa, spreading the peaceful message of Dhamma.”-Image: Ugandabuddhistcenter.org
In a groundbreaking fusion of spiritual traditions, Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita, a pioneer in African Buddhism, is cultivating a harmonious blend of Buddhist principles with the rich tapestry of traditional African wisdom in Uganda. His visionary approach promises a future where Africa reaps the benefits of embracing Buddhism while staying deeply rooted in its own cultural heritage.
Bhante Buddharakkhita’s journey to establish Buddhism in Africa has been marked by resilience and determination. Despite initial challenges and cultural barriers, he founded the Uganda Buddhist Center, becoming one of the first African Buddhist monks on the continent. His mission, fueled by a deep connection to Buddhist teachings and a desire for spiritual growth, has since blossomed into a vibrant community hub.
At the core of Bhante Buddharakkhita’s vision lies a profound belief in the transformative power of Buddhism to enrich lives and foster inner peace. By intertwining Buddhist philosophy with African cultural norms, he seeks to create a synergy that enhances both spiritual practice and daily living. This integration offers Africans a pathway to connect with their spiritual essence while navigating the complexities of modern life.
Central to Bhante Buddharakkhita’s teachings is the concept of interconnectedness, a cornerstone of both Buddhism and many African belief systems. He emphasizes the unity of all beings and the interdependence of existence, echoing the sentiment of ubuntu—a philosophy deeply ingrained in African societies. Through this lens, Buddhism becomes not just a spiritual path but a holistic framework for understanding and engaging with the world.
Moreover, Bhante Buddharakkhita’s efforts extend beyond spiritual enrichment to encompass community development and social welfare. Through initiatives such as providing clean water, empowering women, and promoting education, the Uganda Buddhist Center serves as a beacon of compassion and service to its surroundings. In doing so, it exemplifies the altruistic values inherent in Buddhist teachings while addressing pressing social needs in the local context.
As Buddhism takes root in Africa, there emerges a profound sense of gratitude towards the pioneers who paved the way for its spread. The first Buddhist monks who ventured into African soil, braving challenges and misconceptions, deserve recognition for their courage and dedication. Their legacy inspires a commitment to upholding the principles of Buddhism with integrity and compassion, ensuring that its benefits are accessible to all who seek them.
Looking ahead, the fusion of Buddhism and African traditions holds immense promise for the continent’s spiritual and cultural landscape. By embracing Buddhism’s timeless wisdom while cherishing their heritage, Africans can forge a path towards holistic well-being and societal harmony. Through the guidance of visionaries like Bhante Buddharakkhita, Africa stands poised to embark on a journey of self-discovery and collective transformation, guided by the light of wisdom and compassion.
In deep reverence for the Dhamma and the profound teachings of the Buddha, let us reflect on the timeless wisdom encapsulated in his message. With boundless compassion and unwavering insight, the Dhamma illuminates the path to liberation, guiding us towards the cessation of suffering and the realization of true peace.
To Bhante Buddharakkhita, a beacon of light on the journey of Dhamma in Africa, we offer our heartfelt gratitude. With humility and gratitude, we extend our deepest appreciation for your unwavering dedication, your tireless efforts in spreading the teachings of the Buddha, and your embodiment of Metta, compassion, and wisdom.
May your noble endeavors continue to flourish, inspiring countless souls to walk the path of Dhamma with courage and compassion. In honoring your legacy, we pledge to uphold the principles of the Dhamma, nurturing harmony, understanding, and spiritual growth in Africa and beyond.
The Buddhist Five Precepts are guiding principles that encourage moral conduct and ethical living. They are:
Refrain from harming living beings: This precept emphasizes non-violence and compassion towards all living creatures. It encourages us to respect and protect the lives of others, fostering harmony and empathy in our interactions.
Refrain from taking what is not given: This precept promotes honesty and integrity in our actions. It teaches us to respect the property and possessions of others, cultivating a sense of trust and fairness in our communities.
Refrain from sexual misconduct: This precept encourages us to engage in relationships that are based on respect, trust, and mutual consent. It promotes the importance of maintaining wholesome and harmonious relationships, fostering emotional well-being and social cohesion.
Refrain from false speech: This precept emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our communication. It encourages us to speak with honesty, kindness, and mindfulness, promoting trust and understanding in our interactions with others.
Refrain from intoxicants: This precept advises us to avoid substances that cloud the mind and lead to heedless behavior. By cultivating mindfulness and clarity of mind, we can make wise decisions and act with awareness, promoting mental clarity and spiritual growth.
These precepts resonate with the hearts of African people because they reflect universal values that are deeply ingrained in African cultures and traditions. Concepts such as compassion, honesty, respect for life, and community harmony are central to many African belief systems. The Five Precepts offer a framework for embodying these values in everyday life, fostering personal well-being, social cohesion, and spiritual fulfillment.
The colossal failure of not a single opinion poll predicting accurately the result of the Indian parliamentary election, the greatest exercise in democracy in the world, raises the question whether the importance of opinion polls is vastly exaggerated. During elections two types of opinion polls are conducted; one based on intentions to vote, published during or before the campaign, often being not very accurate as these are subject to many variables but exit polls, done after the voting where a sample tally of how the voters actually voted, are mostly accurate. However, of the 15 exit polls published soon after all the votes were cast in the massive Indian election, 13 vastly overpredicted the number of seats Modi’s BJP led coalition NDA would obtain, some giving a figure as high as 400, the number Modi claimed he is aiming for. The other two polls grossly underestimated predicting a hung parliament. The actual result is that NDA passed the threshold of 272 comfortably, there being no landslide. BJP by itself was not able to cross the threshold, a significant setback for an overconfident Mody! Whether this would result in less excesses on the part of Modi, like Muslim-bashing, remains to be seen. Anyway, the statement issued by BJP that they would be investigating the reasons for failure rather than blaming the process speaks very highly of the maturity of the democratic process in India.
I was intrigued by this failure of opinion polls as this differs dramatically from opinion polls in the UK. I never failed to watch ‘Election night specials’ on BBC; as the Big Ben strikes ‘ten’ (In the UK polls close at 10pm} the anchor comes out with Exit polls predict that …” and the actual outcome is often almost as predicted. However, many a time opinion polls conducted during the campaign have got the predictions wrong. There are many explanations for this.
An opinion poll is defined as a research survey of public opinion from a particular sample, the origin of which can be traced back to the 1824 US presidential election, when two local newspapers in North Carolina and Delaware predicted the victory of Andrew Jackson but the sample was local. First national survey was done in 1916 by the magazine, Literary Digest, partly for circulation-raising, by mailing millions of postcards and counting the returns. Of course, this was not very scientific though it accurately predicted the election of Woodrow Wilson.
Since then, opinion polls have grown in extent and complexity with scientific methodology improving the outcome of predictions not only in elections but also in market research. As a result, some of these organisations have become big businesses. For instance, YouGov, an internet-based organisation co-founded by the Iraqi-born British politician Nadim Zahawi, based in London had a revenue of 258 million GBP in 2023.
In Sri Lanka, opinion polls seem to be conducted by only one organisation which, by itself, is a disadvantage, as pooled data from surveys conducted by many are more likely to reflect the true situation. Irrespective of the degree of accuracy, politicians seem to be dependent on the available data which lend explanations to the behaviour of some.
The Institute for Health Policy’s (IHP) Sri Lanka Opinion Tracker Survey has been tracking the voting intentions for the likely candidates for the Presidential election. At one stage the NPP/JVP leader AKD was getting a figure over 50%. This together with some degree of international acceptance made the JVP behave as if they are already in power, leading to some incidents where their true colour was showing.
The comments made by a prominent member of the JVP who claimed that the JVP killed only the riff-raff, raised many questions, in addition to being a total insult to many innocents killed by them including my uncle. Do they have the authority to do so? Do extra-judicial killings continue to be JVP policy? Do they consider anyone who disagrees with them riff-raff? Will they kill them simply because they do not comply like one of my admired teachers, Dr Gladys Jayawardena who was considered riff-raff because she, as the Chairman of the State Pharmaceutical Corporation, arranged to buy drugs cheaper from India? Is it not the height of hypocrisy that AKD is now boasting of his ties to India?
Another big-wig comes with the grand idea of devolving law and order to village level. As stated very strongly, in the editorial Pledges and reality” (The Island, 20 May) is this what they intend to do: Have JVP kangaroo-courts!
Perhaps, as a result of these incidents AKD’s ratings has dropped to 39%, according to the IHP survey done in April, and Sajith Premadasa’s ratings have increased gradually to match that. Whilst they are level pegging Ranil is far behind at 13%. Is this the reason why Ranil is getting his acolytes to propagate the idea that the best for the country is to extend his tenure by a referendum? He forced the postponement of Local Governments elections by refusing to release funds but he cannot do so for the presidential election for constitutional reasons. He is now looking for loopholes. Has he considered the distinct possibility that the referendum to extend the life of the presidency and the parliament if lost, would double the expenditure?
Unfortunately, this has been an exercise in futility and it would not be surprising if the next survey shows Ranil’s chances dropping even further! Perhaps, the best option available to Ranil is to retire gracefully, taking credit for steadying the economy and saving the country from an anarchic invasion of the parliament, rather than to leave politics in disgrace by coming third in the presidential election. Unless, of course, he is convinced that opinion polls do not matter and what matters is the ballots in the box!
ALL CITIZENS must denounce the ugly manner 2 bills attempted to sneak in LGBTQIA ideology & legalize homosexuality in Sri Lanka plus open a Commission to get funds from overseas and punish those who oppose LGBTQIA
* The Gender Equity Bill was challenged in SC led by Mr. Manohara de Silva with ACBC as petitioners & SC gave an excellent judgement which is applicable to the next Bill which was taken up for 2nd reading but delayed due to key points raised by MP Admiral Sarath Weerasekeraa
* Women’s Empowerment Bill has nothing about empowering women but includes craftily inserted wordings applicable to legalizing LGBTQA – this must be condemned by all.
* Then there is the Dolawatte’s Private Members Bill which seeks to repeal 365 and 365A of the Penal Code which allows sex with minors & removes the crime of indecency for public display by homosexuals — how can a father submit a Bill seeking to have sex with children & allowing public display of homosexuality. Are these the people we send to parliament?
The Women’s Empowerment Bill is the dangerous bill that is upcoming & must be stopped & not allowed to be passed because the points raised in the judgement on the Gender Equity Bill is relevant to the Women’s Empowerment Bill as well.
Please share & ensure MPs that you know do not jeopardise the future of children
There are people in the top posts who are homosexual/lesbian – being one hasnt denied them their positions & because they are one hasnt removed them of their positions. They can do what they like in private but legalizing and publicizing it cannot be allowed. We have a culture to protect and we do not need lifestyles of nations who have hardly a history of 250 years to change our culture which spans over 2500 years.
They lay the foundation by making innocent demand” for homosexual rights
Thereafter, these innocent demands” are infused with western funds/diplomatic pressures to expand their movement
They will next demand legalizing LGBTIQA Marriages
They will next demand allowing LGBTQIA couples to adopt normal children
These normal children do not live in a normal mother-father family, and are groomed to become homosexual or transgender themselves, they may even become their sexual partners.
Teaching small children LGBTQIA subjects may result in them experimenting & becoming addicted to a sexual lifestyle they cannot leave.
Surgeries to change sex after encouraging children to turn from a girl to a boy & a boy to a girl – children become a tool of Big Pharma to make money
Children who are operated to change sex are put on hormone therapy, puberty blockers and post-surgery medications which they must take for life. Who will pay for these?
Do these children know they can never have normal sex after changing sex by operation?
Taking medications for life, realizing they cannot have normal sexual relations, distancing from family all lead to anxiety, depression, having to take more drugs to deal with depression & the build up hatred for the world
In the end these children are full of hate & depressed & often take their lives because a trend ruined their life.
We do not want to see this fate befall any of Sri Lanka’s children.
In the West, parents of children who have fallen prey to all of the above are now coming out in numbers & demanding reversal of the laws that enabled these sex changes.
Let us not make the same mistake.
The Gender Equity Bill which sought to legalize LGBTQIA was rejected by the Supreme Court
The Women’s Empowerment Bill which is also craftily trying to do same must BE REJECTED BY ALL MPs. They are also fathers and mothers. Do they want their children as well as children of others to face the same fate?
‘Before you study the economics, study the economists!’
e-Con e-News 02-08 June 2024
Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the so-called ‘Chetty Crisis’ of 1925, when a Chettiar moneylending firm collapsed in Lanka, and English banks stopped all loans to Chettiars. They, in turn, foreclosed on Sinhala borrowers. ‘Many local landowners lost property to Chettiars, with many a Ceylonese debtor jailed.’ So the story goes… It was a harbinger of the 1929 US Wall Street collapse and depression – capitalism would have to be resurrected again by another ‘World War’.
Meanwhile, the colonial import-export plantation oligarchy, and the international capitalist infrastructure like the World Bank & IMF which would go on after 1945 to uphold such a wasteful archaic and crisis-ridden system, continues to this day.
*
England’s King Charles this week especially thanked ‘Sikh, Muslim & Hindu soldiers’ (in that order) who had been killed defending London during WW2. This ‘multicultural message’ was especially transmitted by their ‘ethnic media’ outlets across the planet. He understandably forgot to mention his Hanoverian relatives who were collaborating with Nazi Germany at the same time. But he also forgot to add Buddhists and the rest of the 10,000s Sri Lankans also recruited as workers & soldiers. Of course, he couldn’t very well recall Gratien Fernando, who was among the only soldiers officially executed for mutiny against English colonialism during that English war in Asia.
It is yet another English war to be remembered if only because, despite their rhetoric on free trade every now and again, they happily restricted imports & exports, wages & prices (including guaranteed fertilizer & minimum prices to cultivators), guaranteeing food rations, etc. A war where the English & their allies are trying hard to forget how they in reality were rescued by the Red Armies of the USSR & China.
*
ee recalls the 1925 Chettiar Crisis because great silences deafen and reverberate as great changes are being pronounced & sparked, and it’s not just electrical charges, and selling off national lands & seas. The government is going to sell 20% of the shares of such State banks as the Bank of Ceylon (BoC) and People’s Bank (PB). This should further close off rural people’s access to affordable credit, alongside hikes in interest rates. This should throw (mainly female) borrowers deeper into the armpits of private loansharks. We shall however expect more glossy advertising promising gender equality, columns deploring abuse and lack of diversity, and headlined random news about crime rates, which like prices, are always rising.
The People’s Bank (PB) was primarily set up to serve the cooperative sector & rural agricultural communities. Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (MPCS) are today facing bankruptcy due to the programmed failure of the PB, whose job it has been to closely supervise and control the rural banking system, recalls Tennakoon Rusiripala (see ee Focus).
*
‘For those who have grown up in a village,
going to the village Multipurpose Cooperative Society (MPCS) was
part & parcel of life. Apart from the temple, it was the other focal point
of the village, where the entire village came together…
Cooperatives can also be called the most localized administrative
structure, and representatives are elected by ballot…
There should be more MPCS-owned filling stations,
so the local community itself can monitor the distribution of fuel….’
– Pramod de Silva, Sunday Observer, 3 July 2022,
Enhancing the Co-operative Movement (see ee Agriculture)
*
The current hijacking of the State banks to prevent ‘lending to the productive sectors of the economy’ is therefore not just any story – but the story. It is perhaps not new, or news, but harks back to the colonial policy of preventing investment in modern industry, and then to keep undermining any ensuing attempts to enable productive investment.
*
The credit structure in Sri Lanka remained monopolized by ‘European institutions’ (plantations!) and was operated to aid European investors in the export structure. The ‘indigenous capitalist class’ had to rely on European commercial banks or moneylending Chettiars. A Ceylon Banking Commission report followed the 1925 ‘Chettiar crash’, and a colonial state-sponsored Bank of Ceylon was set up in 1938. The Chettiar bankers responded to their diminished role by capturing political power among the local Tamils and Indians, by sponsoring visits by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, etc.
But as Philip Gunawardena, Minister of Agriculture & Food (1956-59) came to note early on: The Bank of Ceylon was strangled by the colonial office at its birth, to be ‘controlled by prosperous lawyers and other sharks’. ‘The People’s Bank, the so-called successor to the Cooperative Development Bank, established in 1961, became more or less a commercial bank.’ The Agricultural & Industrial Corporation kept fragmenting important land and capital assets, by selling to speculators, aided by the-then Minister of Finance. The Cabinet was also unwilling to hand over the monopoly of importing fertilizer to the Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (CWE). 5 big firms monopolized fertilizer pricing as well as the lowering of quality: Colombo Commercial Co, Baur & Co, Shaw Wallace & Co, Moosajee, etc. And yes, they’re all still around!
*
‘Institutions catering for long-term credit require more funds
as their loans are not recovered within a year…
the main source of finance in the rural sector
are the private loan agencies, individual moneylenders,
landlords & merchants. In Ceylon, the debts from private sources…
could be traced to ‘undesirable sources’ where the rates of interest
charged are usurious! The tenant, without an effective cultivation committee,
and without a multipurpose cooperative that could provide credit,
was helpless, and had to fall back on the landlords.’
(ee, 8 Augst 2020)
Which is why Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies bloomed under Philip Gunawardena, and why he was made to resign after insisting on a rural development bank as Minister of Agriculture & Food in 1959, just before SWRD Bandaranaike was assassinated. Which brings us to the latest machinations to preempt a representative government:
*
‘President Wickremesinghe deployed the military & the police,
including the Special Task Force (STF), on July 22, 2022,
to clear the Presidential Secretariat of protesters. And all those
who were threatening to die for the ‘system change’,
they were ostensibly clamouring for, simply vanished into thin air.
How convenient! And how conveniently US Envoy
Julie Chung’s trap, too, shut on behalf of Aragalaya?’
– Shamindra Ferdinando, ee Quotes
*
2022 is another number and name for the return of the IMF, and with a vengeance! Though they have never really left. All these moves to further weaken such institutions as the State banks may explain: the ‘sudden provocation’ by an unnamed external authority to ‘reform’ theseState-owned Banks (SoBs). Such critics of the SoBs highlight the non-performing loans (NPLs) made to State-owned Enterprises (SoEs). None of these supposed SoB defects are new. It is also not clear if many of these SoEs are really money losers at all. And it turns out this ‘sudden provocation’ may be due to the ‘IMF/World Bank /Hired Advisory Firms and/or some such agency’.
Of course, they would rather ignore all those bad loans made to private corporations: Many banks & finance companies are involved in the import of foreign machines & parts. Hence, the unrelenting media clamor, that foreign exchange be spent on importing cars – some even invoking the tenets of ‘free trade’. This is not just grim satire, but a komedy of kanatte (as indeed Sri Lanka is a famed graveyard for old Japanese engines).
And where are these banks’ gains invested? The People’s Bank, despite objections by staff, invested in finance company LOLC’s Browns Investments growing sugarcane in Sierra Leone! (Browns at that time recalled how they generate more than 2/3rds of their profits from their overseas ventures, and ‘the group has always been fortunate to have the banks in Sri Lanka backing them’ (see ee Agriculture, Browns’ Sunbird leads African entry). LOLC is backed by all the so-called US and Euro ‘development banks’. It is no surprise therefore that the grower Browns has indeed grown, recently declaring itself the world’s largest tea producer after taking over a Unilever Lipton’s operation in Kenya. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is supposedly encoiled in Geneva and entrapped on Wall Street.
*
‘Debt restructuring is fraught with difficulties
given the different interests of the multilateral agencies,
‘Without external debt restructuring, you can’t get the next tranche.
China has to sign a document, the Paris Club has to sign a document,
& India has to sign a document. But that has not happened: They want
to see what the deal is with the ISB holders. In my view, the proposals made
by the ISB holders don’t look at all beneficial to the public of Sri Lanka.’
– CTC MP Harsha de Silva, ee Economists, Middle Class Disappearing
*
As if with eyelids splayed out and cut, the country is being forced to gape at a long drama being dragged out in the drag of ironed suits and skirts and uniforms embarking and disembarking at airports and ports to headlines dancing, Will s/he? Won’t s/he? There’s the question of the constantly dangled IMF’s continuously withheld largesse. There’s the delightful possibility of merchant-dominated elections (the country’s most popular national sport!). It’s all a murder-romance comedy-mystery epic & soap opera (scripted & sponsored by the usual soap importers).
17th Coming of the Savior – The IMF is, after all, a US-dominated institution, and this is our 17th dalliance with the number crunchers of revolving-door Washington & Wall Street. China is asking, why everyone who is involved in this game cannot be treated the same? ‘China controls just 6% of IMF voting shares despite contributing to 18% of global GDP.’ So what’s the big deal? Apparently, all this has to be examined midst the US & their imperialist cohorts seeking to maintain colonial dominance in the Indian & Pacific Oceans.
The capitalist Anglo-Saxon mass media responds to criticisms by turning any & all accusations around on the victim. A prerogative of victory. Savages & Cannibals? That became us. Slavers? In the end, we became slavers too. Drug dealers? We that too. So we can be anything they want us to be?
‘Debt Trap’ was popularized as an English term, especially by Cheryl Payer’s 1974 book The Debt Trap: The IMF & the 3rd World, to illustrate an IMF process to entrap countries, and profit US multinationals. Come the 21st century, the multibarrel English media saturated the term, along with ‘colonial’ & ‘imperialist’ to stick it onto China.
‘Overcapacity’ has taken over from ‘Debt Trap’ as the latest ideological weapon in the USA’s Biden-Trump trade war against China. They wish to blame China’s industrial subsidies and production capacity for the US’ trade deficit and their supposed inability to reindustrialize their own economy. In this week’s ee Focus Shiran Illanperuma observes, ‘Western imperialism is in crisis and can no longer sustain the position of its old labour aristocracy.’ The charge of ‘Chinese overcapacity’ serves a dual purpose. The Western ruling class uses this to deflect criticism of its own capitalist policies in order to scapegoat China for the supposed destruction of its industrial base. It also allows that same ruling class to resort to protectionism & subsidies on behalf of monopoly capitalists.
Illanperuma concludes: ‘For its part, China is developing technologies that are crucial for the future of humankind. It has done so while the ruling elite in the West gamble away wealthproduced by workers through stock buybacks & real estate speculation. It is up to the Western Left to organize workers against imperialism and anti-China chauvinism, and to fight to liberate the productive forces necessary to address the socioeconomic & ecological challenges of this century.’ (see ee Focus)
As approved by the Board of Management of KDU, the interview Panel for selecting civilian candidates for MBBS degree program at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University is comprised of internal Staff Members and representatives from University Grant Commission and Sri Lanka Medical Council as observers. However, representatives of the Sri Lanka Medical Council didn’t take part in the interview process.
Priority to the war heroes and their families in the ‘Urumaya’ land deed providing program.
Special subsidized loan scheme for serving and retired war heroes and proposal to reduce increased interest rates on previous loans to current commercial rates.
25% job quota for retired veterans and members of war hero families in the foreign employment program.
Another programme organized by the Sri Lanka Army to look into the welfare and administrative affairs of retired/ medically retired military personnel and family members of war heroes who sacrificed their lives in the war was held yesterday (Jun 08) at the Sri Lanka Army Infantry Training Centre in Minneriya. State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon graced the event as the Chief Guest.
State Minister Tennakoon was received by the Commander of the Security Forces (East) Major General Shewanth Kulathunga on his arrival at the venue this morning.
Army Headquarters had established help desks under its Directorates to facilitate retired service personnel and war hero families to forward their grievances and seek redress. Retired service personnel and war hero families, especially those residing in Polonnaruwa district had arrived with the intention to find solutions for their issues.
This program is being held in all regions of the island by the Sri Lanka Army Veterans Services and Rehabilitation Directorate. Its Director Brigadier Shiron Ekanayake delivered the welcome speech at the event.
Addressing the gathering, State Minister Tennakoon praised the immense sacrifices made by the parents and family members of the war heroes during the war, as well as the supreme service of our brave war heroes who fought to uphold the territorial integrity of the motherland. He also praised the services of the Tri-Forces both during and off duty while highlighting their tremendous services during the recent emergency situations caused by adverse weather condition.
The State Minister informed of the program to be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, Ranaviru Sewa Authority and other state agencies to prioritise services to family members of war heroes when obtaining health, public administration, banking and other services as well give priority to war heroes and their family members in the ‘Urumaya’ freehold land deed presenting program. Further, it is expected to issue ownership permits for currently occupied lands subject to a special nominal tax of only Rs. 100.00.
He also told about the recent discussions with the State Minister of Finance, Chairman of the Bank of Ceylon and other government and private sector banks, on the proposed to facilitate a special subsidized loan scheme for serving and retired war heroes and also to reduce the increased interest rates on earlier loans to prevailing lower interest rates. The Bank of Ceylon has already given consent to the proposal, State Minister revealed.
He also said that a 25% job quota has been allocated for retired veterans and members of war hero families from foreign employment and accordingly, the first group will leave for Israel at the end of this month.
Following the Minister’s address, opportunity was given for the participants to present their grievances and necessary instructions were given to the Army officials to take necessary action to resolve issues. Responding to a proposal, State Minister stated that he hopes to negotiate with the relevant authorities to provide land for retired veterans who wish to start business ventures in the future.
Subsequently the State Minister distributed dry ration packs among war hero families present there.
Army Adjutant General Major General Nalinda Niyangoda, District Secretary of Polonnaruwa E.M.D.S Ekanayake, Senior Army Officials, regional Divisional Secretaries and state officials were present at the occasion.
Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa assured that he will implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution after coming to power.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader stated this while participating in the occasion of donating a smart classroom to Bharathipuram Maha Vidyalayam, Kilinochchi, under the ‘Sakwala’ programme.
Speaking further, Sajith Premadasa urged everyone to join hands as children of one mother,” regardless of their religions or race, to help rebuild the country.
Premadasa said that various leaders are afraid to speak about the 13th Amendment as they are political opportunists”, and that he will implement the 13th Amendment as a straight talker”.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has informed the Speaker of Parliament that SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has said there is no threats to his life and hence an investigation in that aspect is not necessary.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles on Friday (07) instructed IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon to direct the CID to investigate into the alleged threats the opposition parliamentarian has received.
This was after the Chair of the Committee of Public Finance (COPF), speaking in parliament on the same day, had claimed that he is faced with threats over the inquiry into the controversy surrounding the new visa issuance system.
…. I addressed intimidation & false accusations during the VFS inquiry. Despite these challenges, my dedication to transparency & accountability remains strong. We’ve accomplished much, including key financial reforms,” de Silva had posted on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).
The following day, the Criminal Investigation Department had informed the SJB MP that they need to record a statement over his claims of threats against him.
However, in response to this request, while thanking the Minister of Public Security and the CID, the MP has pointed out that the statement he made was a statement made in Parliament under parliamentary privileges, the Police Spokesman’s Office said today.
Also, the MP has informed the police that at that time the Speaker had inquired from him if there was any threat to his life and that he responded saying there was no such threat.
According to the Police Media Division, Dr. Harsha de Silva has further said that there is no need for such an investigation and if it is necessary, they would be informed again.
Accordingly, the Criminal Investigation Department has taken steps to inform the Speaker of Parliament in this regard, the police release said.
The second review of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility under the USD 2.9 billion bailout of Sri Lanka has been set for June 12
Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic policy reforms have started to “bear fruit” and the country is expected to reach agreements with external commercial creditors soon, the IMF has said ahead of the second review of it’s USD 2.9 billion bailout programme to the cash-strapped country.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Communication Department Director Julie Kozack asserted that Sri Lanka has made “sufficiently strong progress on the debt restructuring front”.
She said that the island nation’s programme performance is “strong”, with most quantitative and structural conditionality for the second review met or implemented with delay, adding that reforms are still ongoing in some areas.
The second review of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility under the USD 2.9 billion bailout of Sri Lanka has been set for June 12.
Kozack confirmed that the IMF’s Executive Board will meet to discuss the second review and the Article IV Consultation.
Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the global lender holds bilateral discussions with members, typically every year, with a staff team visiting the country, collecting economic and financial information, and discussing with officials the country’s economic developments and policies.
“In Sri Lanka, we do see macroeconomic policy reform starting to bear fruit,” Kozack said, adding that “commendable outcomes” include rapid disinflation, robust reserve accumulation, and initial signs of economic growth while preserving the financial system’s stability.
She said that Colombo’s next steps on debt restructuring are to conclude negotiations with external commercial creditors and implement agreements in principle with the official creditors.
Kozack said Sri Lanka’s domestic debt operations have largely been completed, and debt restructuring discussions are continuing.
“The authorities have been holding extensive discussions with external official creditors regarding an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the official creditor committee and the final agreements with the Export-Import Bank of China,” she said, adding that talks with the China Development Bank are also at an advanced stage.
“There is a strong expectation that agreements with external commercial creditors consistent with programme parameters will be reached soon. So, overall, we assess that there has been sufficiently strong progress on the debt restructuring front,” she said.
In March, the Washington-based IMF said it reached a staff-level agreement with Sri Lanka for the next phase, enabling access to USD 337 million from the nearly USD 3 billion bailout approved in 2023 for the cash-strapped country. Two tranches of USD 330 million each were released in March and December 2023.
In April 2022, Sri Lanka declared its first-ever sovereign default since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.
Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) which is functioning under the purview of the Ministry of Defence clarifies regarding the admission of civilian students to the MBBS Degree Programme of KDU.
MBBS Degree Programme conducted by the Faculty of Medicine of KDU was commenced in the year 2009 mainly to cater to the need of lack of Medical Doctors in the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka. However, with the gradual fulfillment of the requirements of the Armed Forces, KDU started admitting civilian students to the MBBS Degree Programme who are children of expatriates of Sri Lanka bringing much needed foreign exchange to the country, from the year 2013.
Further, in 2017 a total of 864 civilian students registered for the MBBS Degree Programme at the South Asia Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) were absorbed into the KDU. Further, in 2022, 87 civilian students were sent from the University Grants Commission for the MBBS Degree Programme to resolve an issue that arose as a result of change in admission criteria/ policy of the National Universities.
Accordingly, a total of 1337 civilian students had been admitted to the MBBS Degree Programme of KDU and of them 828 students have graduated since 2018 up to 2023. If the opportunities available at the Faculty of Medicine of KDU, after enlisting the required number of Medical Officer Cadets of the Armed Forces, are not utilized effectively, the financial investments, infrastructure facilities and human resources of the Faculty of Medicine and the University Hospital (UHKDU) will be in vain, while the country is facing severe shortage of medical professionals.
The Cabinet of Ministers made a Policy Decision on 08th April 2024 to grant approval to admit domestic civilian students for the MBBS Degree Programme on fee levying basis from the year 2024. Accordingly, an advertisement calling for applications from potential candidates with local G.C.E (Advanced Level) qualifications or equivalent foreign examination qualifications such as Cambridge, Edexcel and such other examinations was published on the University website on 19th April 2024 and in National Newspapers in Sinhala, Tamil and English Languages on 21st April 2024.
The above advertisement indicated inter alia the eligibility criteria and the closing date of application. Consequently, a total of 956 applications were received by the closing date and the List of such Applicants was published on the University website with their Z-scores or results of foreign examinations.
After screening the said applications, out of 868 eligible candidates, a total of 242 were shortlisted by the ‘Admissions Committee’ to attend the Aptitude Test. Candidates with local G.C.E. (A/L) results were shortlisted using the minimum Z- score published by the UGC for entry to MBBS Degree Programme in other State Universities in the year 2021, which is 1.4059. Candidates with foreign examination qualifications were shortlisted using the minimum grades obtained as A, A and B. Number allocated for each category was determined based on the proportion of applications received. Accordingly, 216 and 26 candidates became eligible from the two categories respectively.
The Aptitude Test comprising three (03) components i.e. Paper 1 comprising Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on Subject Knowledge, Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and General Knowledge, Paper 2 on English Language and Paper 3 on Psychometric Assessment, were conducted on 14th May 2024 at the University premises, and a total of 203 candidates (183 from local G.C.E A/L and 20 from foreign qualifying examinations) appeared for the Aptitude Test. Those candidates were called for the Structured Interview which was held on 20th, 21st and 22nd May 2024. Accordingly, 158 with local G.C.E A/L qualifications and 20 with foreign examination qualifications appeared for the Structured Interview.
The Interview Panel, approved by the Board of Management of KDU, comprised representatives from the University Grants Commission and Sri Lanka Medical Council, as observers, in addition to the internal staff members of KDU. At the Structured Interview, marks were allocated as 90% to G.C.E A/L or Foreign Qualifying Examination results and 10% to other achievements such as nationally recognized sports activities and proven leadership qualities and abilities.
The details of Eligibility Criteria for applying to the MBBS Degree Programme at KDU, composition of the Admissions Committee, Structure of the Aptitude Test, Composition of the Interview Panel and Allocation of Marks for Final Selection are published on the University website.
The details of candidates selected to follow the MBBS Degree Programme at KDU and the Agreement containing the conditions which the selected candidates are required to enter with the University at the time of registration have also been published on the University website.
In the light of the above stated clarification, it would appear that the KDU has taken every possible measure to avoid any irregularity in selection of candidates and also to uphold the principle of good governance by ensuring openness, transparency and accountability in the selection process.
Moreover, if any candidate is found to have provided false information, after selection, the University will take steps to terminate such candidate’s studentship in accordance with the terms of the Agreement entered into between the candidate and the University.
KDU Administration assures the candidates and their parents, medical professionals, university community and the general public that the process of admission of civilian students to the MBBS Degree Programme of KDU, was fair, reasonable and lawful.
• Human trafficking is a grave crime that undermines the very fabric of our society – Defence Secretary
‘The Armed Forces play a paramount role in border security, which is vital for preventing cross-border trafficking. Furthermore, the involvement of the Armed Forces in rehabilitation and reintegration programs for trafficking survivors is a critical component of our comprehensive anti-trafficking strategy.’
Defence Secretary and Chairman of National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) General Kamal Gunaratne said so while making the opening remarks at the Human Trafficking Training Programme conducted for Tri – Forces senior officers at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo yesterday (Jun 07).
Gen. Gunaratne stressed the need for collaboration between military intelligence services and other agencies for tracking and dismantling trafficking networks. Continuous vigilance and the sharing of intelligence are key to our success in this fight, he said.
The training session was conducted as an integral part of the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking in Sri Lanka for the period 2021-2025.
The session provided a platform to understand the relevant sections of the Penal Code and international legal frameworks that address human trafficking, which is crucial for effectively combating this persistent issue.
Resource personnel from the Attorney General’s Department, Additional Solicitor General Mrs. Haripriya Jayasundara PC and Senior Deputy Solicitor General Mr. Dileepa Peiris conducted lectures, providing a clear and detailed understanding of human trafficking while addressing doubts and providing insightful knowledge to combat this crime effectively.
Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Chief of National Intelligence (CNI) Maj. Gen. Ruwan Kulatunga, NAHTTF officials and a large number of senior Tri – Forces officers were present at the occasion.
A recent statement of Lalkantha of the NPP that judicial power must be devolved to the village level has created much uneasiness among lawmakers and politicians. Objection to this comment is based on the assumption that Judicial power is the prerogative of the Judiciary created by the Constitution. It must be noted that judicial power which is one of the sovereign rights of the people, shall in terms of Article 4(c) of the Constitution be exercised by Parliament through courts, tribunals and institutions created and established, or recognized, by the Constitution, or created and established by law.
It is clear that the Parliament can pass legislation conferring judicial power outside the judicial institutions created by the Constitution. Whether such powers could be devolved to the village level has been addressed through the institution of Nyaya Panchayats ln India. A few relevant extracts on the subject from the Web are produced below for the informaion of the public.
Nyaya Panchayats are the judicial components of the panchayat system, which forms the lowest rung of the Indian judiciary. They are created for the administration of justice at the local or rural level.
Reasons for setting up Nyaya Panchayats
The rationale behind setting up the Nyaya Panchayat is:
Democratic decentralization.
Easy access to justice.
Speedy disposal of cases.
Inexpensive justice system.
Revival of traditional village community life.
Combination of judicial system and local self government.
Reduction in pressure on Civil Courts.
Constitution of Nyaya Panchayats
Nyaya Panchayats constitute a Sarpanch as its head and few panchai (generally it varies between10 to 30). Each member of Nyaya panchayat must be literate and must be of minimum 30 years of age. The appointment is based on nomination and election. Jurisdiction of Nyaya Panchayats
It has judicial functions both in civil as well as in criminal fields. It can deal with several minor offenses) like simple hurt, wrongful restraint, theft etc, and punish an accused to pay a fine. In civil matters nyaya panchayats have jurisdiction in cases like suits for money and goods etc. The pecuniary limit of such cases is very low.
c.Procedure in Nyaya Panchayats
The procedure laid down for trial of cases has been so designed as to avoid delays and technical difficulties. Therefore the procedure followed in nyaya panchayats is very simple and informal. The procedure codes like Code of Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure Code and Indian Evidence Act apply to the nyaya panchayats. But, they have power to call witnesses and the parties for recording their evidence or producing any relevant document or fact. Unlike courts, they have the power to investigate the facts to find out the truth and at the same time they have the power to punish for its contempt. Lawyers cannot appear before a nyaya panchayat in anyl of its proceedings.
d.Advantages of nyaya panchayats over the regular courts
1. They provide an inexpensive and expeditious mechanism to settle disputes.
2. They provide relief to the ordinary courts as they lift the part of burden of judicial work on their shoulders. In a way, they are emerged on solution to the problem of mounting arrears of cases before the courts.
3. They provide justice at the door steps for the village folks.
4. They provide protection to the local customs and traditions.
5. Panchayat System has a great educational value for the villagers.
Law Commission of India has presented a new model for the establishment of nyaya panchayats.
The suggested model is as follows:
There should be a panchayat judge and two lay judges in a nyaya panchayat. Where the panchayat judge should be a legally trained person belonging to the cadre of judges to be specifically set up for the purpose.
In order to select legally trained judges for nyaya panchayats the state shall constitute a special cadre of Judges that is panchayati raj cadre of judges.
The lay judges should be nominated not elected.
The-local jurisdiction of the gram nyayalaya would be over villages comprised in a Taluka/Tehsil.
There would be no monetary ceiling on its jurisdiction. A broad civil jurisdiction should be given, and the criminal jurisdiction should be equal to that of a judicial magistrate of first class.
The nyaya panchayat would follow a simple procedure to dispose the cases.
Neither the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, nor the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 is to be applied in its procedure.
In criminal trials, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is to be applied but Indian Evidence Act, 1872 should not apply.
Lawyers should be permitted to appear before the nyaya panchayats.
No appeal shall lie in civil cases from the decisions of the nyaya panchayats. But in a revision petition they lie to correct errors of law which may have affected the decision of the nyaya panchayats to the district courts.
In a criminal case, an appeal would lie to the sessions courts against the decisions of the nyaya panchayats in which it was imposed a substantive sentence of imprisonment.
In the year 1942, Mahinda College, Galle was fifty years old and the Golden Jubilee celebration to commemorate its eventful history of the first twenty years at Pedlar Street in the Galle Fort, and the next thirty years in the purpose-built school buildings on Elliot Road, Minuwangoda, Galle were due to be celebrated.
Over five thousand students had been admitted to the school during the first fifty years and around six hundred of them with a sprinkling of a few girls, all of them the offspring of the members of the tutorial staff admitted as a temporary measure due to the exigencies of educational service during the period of the second world war, were in the school at the time. I was admitted as a student under admission number 5034, during the post jubilee celebratory period. I joined the forty-odd other boarders in the hostel where I lived my entire school career, at Mahinda College.
The school buildings were on Mahinda Hill and the hostel buildings were on the opposite hill with Elliot Road in the valley between the two hills. The permission to go out of the hostel was limited to attending the classrooms during the school single session, to participating in the games activities in the playground, about half a kilometer from the hostel in the evening. It was a secluded, secure, and carefree life and the hostellers enjoyed their boarding school life even though for most of them it was their first experience of living away from their homes.
However once a month, or twice a month for a special reason, permission was given to leave the hostel if the ‘EXEAT CARD’ was signed by the Warden, who allowed two to two and half hours of free time to visit Galle town. We had to have in our possession the Exeat card during such ‘travels’, and return to the hostel by 6.15 p.m.
On such occasions the ‘travel’ started with a walk down Elliot Road (now Woodward Mawatha), along Cripps Road (now E.A. Wijesooriya Mawatha), and later along the broad Wackwella Road leading to the Galle Esplanade and ending in the Galle Fort.
While walking on the right-hand side of Wackwella Road, I noticed on the opposite left-hand side of the road, the P.J. Weeraratna & Sons Jewellery shop, and on several occasions a lean spectacled gentleman dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt and white trousers was standing at the entrance to the shop, speaking with some people and smiling with all those who walked in front of the shop. On my return journey along the same roads, I walked again in front of the same shop which was now on my right-hand side, but that gentleman was not there at the entrance to the shop on some of those days.
A few months later, while on my return journey from the town, he was at the entrance to the shop and he spoke with me and inquired as to who I was and which school I attended. He was pleased when I told him that it was Mahinda College and he told me that he had also attended the same school. He inquired about a few teachers and whether the subjects Pali and Buddhism were being taught. I answered in the affirmative and added that I too was learning the Pali language. His eyes lit up and he said that a knowledge of Pali would enable one to read and learn Buddhism in the original language in which it was preached and written down. In Mahinda College, we were taught Buddhism and Pali in the English Language by our revered teacher Mr. U.G. Handy, whose mellifluous flow of Pali stanzas together with their English translations all recited from memory virtually mesmerized us, and it took me some time to understand the depth and the meaning of what Mr. Asoka Weeraratna meant by the use of the words ‘learning Buddhism in the languages it was written down’ and which language I was now learning at school.
On subsequent occasions the topics of discussion included the history of the school and its origin in a building in Galle Fort, about 50 years ago, and about an enlightened and energetic Principal who had engineered the shifting of the school from its congested and uncongenial surroundings to its present place and also about the growth of the school over the past half a century. All this opened a new world, as the history of the school was a new subject that was not taught in school. Even today the inspiring histories of Buddhist schools in Sri Lanka are not taught to young minds even in Dhamma Schools.
With these brief introductions, in later years more information was collected about the school’s history. THE BUDDHIST, the magazine of the Theosophical Society in its issues of 4th and 11th March 1892, editorially announced that on the 1st of March at 4.30 p.m. the Buddhist English School was inaugurated in a spacious and commodious building and Dr. Bowlers Daly the Manager of Buddhist Schools in his address to the gathering had stated ‘I place the interests of Mahinda College entirely in your hands’ and had ‘hoped that Mahinda College would survive him and prove a blessing to the youth of the island when his name would have been forgotten’.
The school had a difficult time from 1893 to 1903 during which period several principals who took over from Dr. Bowles Daly, found it difficult to weather the storms of instability. Then on August 1st, 1903, there came an English scholar Mr. Frank Lee Woodward as Principal, who was destined to shape the future of the children of the Southern Province.
The new Principal tried his utmost to shift the school to more congenial surroundings that would be conducive to the healthy growth of the school. Luck came his way in 1907 when Mrs. D.F.de Silva of Minuwangoda with the assistance of the members of the Weerasiri family, purchased and donated a land called Devatagawatta” in a salubrious and elevated plot of land in Minuwangoda. It had earlier attracted the attention of Mr. F.L. Woodward who had a high sense of aesthetic beauty. The panoramic view of theSripada (Adam’s peak) from the hillock was a reassurance that the site was ideally the most suitable place for a Buddhist school.
On January 15th, 1908 the foundation had been laid for a building to be named after Colonel Henry Steele Olcott whose death occurred on 17th February 1907. The completion of the Olcott Memorial Hall, the two classroom blocks, the first prize giving commemorating the 21st anniversary of the school, and the ninth anniversary of Mr. F.L. Woodward’s arrival, had taken place in August 1912. The science laboratory was constructed in 1915.
Great indeed had been the contribution of Mr. F.L. Woodward to the Buddhist education of Sri Lanka. As a teacher, he took classes in Buddhism, Pali, English, Latin, and Art and he was also the architect, builder, financier, benefactor, and designer of those stately, majestic, and spacious buildings erected on that elevated site at Elliot Road. Buildings alone do not make a great institution. It is the products thereof that add stature to the institution. The homogeneity of the pupils of Mahinda College who all came from the Southern Sinhala Buddhist stock from the hinterland of the Galle, Matara, and Hambantota Districts, with their diversity of social ties, kingship, customs and manners, and the local history of the favored sons who came to imbibe and learn at the feet of their educators and what they in turn left behind to the next generation of favored sons, created that aura of Woodward and later Mahinda tradition that nurtured and sustained us, and in later years gave life and strength to guide us along this adventurous path in Samsara.
It is therefore not surprising that Mr. Asoka Weeraratna set out on his chosen path, having imbibed during his student days the fundamentals of the Mahinda Tradition, of learning what is good in a broad range of disciplines and then passing them on with missionary zeal to others who could profit thereby. Dr. Bowles Daly the first Principal who had hoped that Mahinda College would survive him need not have worried. The school has survived one hundred and twenty years too, and the name of the first principal Dr. Bowles Daly has not been forgotten, as his portrait and his name occupy a proud place in the picture gallery of past principals displayed in the venerable Olcott Hall.
Towards the end of the 1940s, I informed Mr. Asoka Weeraratna that I had been selected for admission to the University of Ceylon in Colombo and that I would be moving to Colombo in a few months. He wished me well and then informed me that he too intends to move his business activities and that he would be pleased if I could look him up when his new shop is opened in Maradana in due course.
In the early nineteen fifties, I joined the Valuation Department which had its head office in Galle Face, Colombo 3 with a small sub-office in Jaffna, to attend to work in that peninsula. All the other work in the rest of the country was handled from Head Office, by officers who were sent out on circuit to places where there was work to be undertaken.
This arrangement gave me a wonderful opportunity to travel all over the island at government expense, and in the early years, I volunteered to go to places, where others were disinclined to go, and I spent several months in those difficult areas in the East Coast extending from Pulmuddai in the North to Kumana in the South. I had the opportunity to visit important religious and historical places from Girihanduseya in Tiriyaya, to Seruwawila, Gokanna Viharaya in Trincomalee District, Kiliveddi bodhi tree, Robert Knox’s tamarind tree in Mutur, and the Ampara District Dighavapi, Buddhangala, Mudu Mahavihara, Magul Mahavihara, Hulannuge, Kudumbigala, Gal Oya Development Scheme and the Panama, Kumana and Okanda Village settlements in the Southern end of East coast, close to the Ruhuna National Park.
While working in one of those outlandish places, I happened to read the previous day’s Ceylon Daily News, and saw a full-page advertisement, advertising the obtaining of an agency and the sale of wristwatches in a shop at Maradana by P.J. Weeraratna & Sons. I then knew that Mr. Asoka Weeraratna had come to the metropolis and opened a shop with a bang. Immediately I wrote a letter and wished him and indicated that I would look him up in the shop when I was next in Colombo.
I made it a point to visit his new shop in Maradana on one of my rare visits from work in the outstations. The shop was on the ground floor of a new upstair building and displayed a fantastic array of Swiss-made wristwatches of all shapes and sizes, and the eager jostling crowds of customers were gazing some examining and yet others purchasing the items on sale. Swiss made wrist watches having brand names such as ‘Paul Buhre’, ‘Boilet’ ‘Henry Sandox’ and ‘Enicar’ sold at P.J. Weeraratna & Sons, Watch dealers, were highly sought after and were the rage of the public in that era. I managed to locate him, and there he was smiling through his spectacles and wearing his white suit engaged in a conversation with a few customers. He was pleased that I had come to see him and his new establishment in Maradana.
Full-page advertisements were costly and a rarity in that era, and an agency for a Swiss Watch was an unheard-of achievement by a local entrepreneur in that period of uncertainty with the post-second World War economic hardships and the prevailing depressed market conditions.
picture 2 : W. P A N D I T A R A T N E
I was present when the German Dharmaduta Society Headquarters was inaugurated at No. 417, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7 on August 7, 1956.
The public meeting was held in the forecourt of the storeyed building which was the Sanghawasa for the bhikkhus. A wooden stage was set up for the Bhikkhus and the distinguished guests and the others were accommodated in the rows of chairs placed under the canopy of trees in the foreground of the one-acre property, with its broad frontage to the Bauddhaloka Mawatha. Venerable Nyanatiloka (the well-known and highly respected German monk) was seated on the balcony of the sanghawasa, with his benign visage overlooking the historic gathering.
The invitees came in and occupied their seats. The German Ambassador and his wife occupied the seats in the front row. He was in a lounge suit and his wife wore an elegant dress with a solid gold necklace worked out in the shape of a snake with a triangular shaped head, long tapering body, and tail, circling her neck. I had never seen such an ornament before and its workmanship fascinated me.
Mr. C.W.W. Kannangara came dressed in white national dress and white shawl and was escorted to a seat in the front row, away from the German Ambassador.
Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike also came wearing a white national dress and shawl and Mr. Asoka Weeraratna escorted him up to the stage and invited the distinguished guest to occupy the seat. He hesitated, looked around saw a few bhikkus in the rear rows of chairs on the stage, and said ‘The stage is for the bhikkhus. I will occupy a seat with the audience. He was then escorted to a seat next to the seat occupied by Mr. Kannangara, but Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike said those seats were for the ambassadors and went away and occupied another seat elsewhere.
Mr. Asoka Weeraratna looked at me and gave me a knowing smile and I nodded in response. We understood the embarrassment of Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike who had just before the General Elections of 1956 gone to the Ratmalana airport to greet and welcome back Mr. C.W.W. Kannangara who had resigned his ambassadorship in Indonesia and returned to the island and was expected to contest the Matugama seat at the General Election, on the S.L.F.P. ticket, but Mr. Bandaranaike’s expectations were given the cold shoulder when Mr. C.W.W. Kannangara decided to contest the elections under the UNP symbol. The meeting was well attended by both the public and the distinguished invitees who spoke in support of the proposed activities of the German Dharmaduta Society. At the end of the day, Mr. Asoka Weeraratna was a happy man. He was beaming with smiles and looked contented, and confident.
I told him that I would be out of Colombo for a few months. He thanked me for attending the meeting wished me and said that he would be out of the island for several months and requested me to look him up whenever I came to Colombo. He added that Buddhist missionary work had been neglected during the Second World War and that the people of the West were feeling lost and neglected, and the only solace they will want is the message of the Dhamma. Mr. Asoka Weeraratna said that he intended to work towards the filling of that void in the minds of the people of the Western World.
I became privy to some of his grand designs and plans that were maturing in his mind and realized that very soon he would radically change his vocation and set out on a far-reaching missionary program to spread the Dhamma in the West.
I was sent to Trincomalee and after a few months there, was sent to Batticaloa, Gal Oya, and Kalmunai and then returned to Colombo. As Mr. Asoka Weeraratna had left for fresh fields and pastures new, on Buddhist missionary activities, I missed him on that occasion.
When I met him next, he was a Buddhist monk known as Venerable Mitirigala Dhammanissanti Thero.
The traditional t20 cricket skills failed to match the baseball skills of USA. Pakistan, including world renowned Babar Azam struggled to score as USA returned the target score using less internationally known ELLE or PROTOBALL blending the techniques of Baseball.
We are not underestimating the SL squad in USA, yet like Bangla, India, Pakis, Nepal, Namibia, Sri Lanka, will be facing a tough USA team, whilst Canada, WI, England, Aussie. Oman, UAE may find themselves in a similar company.
Sending a team of leading Sri Lankan Elle Players, with few days of local or overseas training need to be considered by the management.
Our best Elle Batsman E A R P K Perera of SL Light Infantry, K A L Madushanka of SL Army Service Corp, Lance Corporal P D N Sampath and similar best performer need to be recruited and send to join the team.
This comes after a request made by the State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon from the Saudi Ambassador H.E. Khalid Hamoud Alkahtani.
In response to the State Minister’s request, the Saudi Ambassador had made necessary arrangements to obtain five special quotas from the Saudi government.
For the first time, five special sponsored quotas were made available for the Muslim Tri Forces personnel this year.
State Minister Tennakoon met Ambassador Alkahtani at his office in Colombo, today (Jun 07) to thank him and especially the Saudi Government for this magnanimity and earnest response in providing once in a lifetime opportunity to Muslim members of the Tri Forces to perform the Haj pilgrimage this year.
The Saudi Ambassador thanked State Minister Tennakoon for making this request and said that he would personally be involved in increasing the number of quotas for defence personnel in the coming years.
Making another first, he said that opportunity will also be made available to Sri Lankan Muslim defence personnel to perform the ‘Umrah’ pilgrimage in the future as well. He also said that his government is committed to assisting all communities in Sri Lanka and that he looks forward to working closely with local officials in this regard.
Sri Lanka Haj Committee member Milfer Gaffoor and beneficiary Tri Forces members accompanied the State Minister on his visit to the Saudi Embassy.
By Dimitris Konstantakopoulos Courtesy defenddemocracy.press
June 3, 2024
Napoleon campaigned in Russia and was crushed. The Western powers heavily intervened in Russia against the Bolsheviks (1918-21), only to face humiliation and see their own troops revolt. Hitler’s Germany attacked Russia and was destroyed.
Their glory is apparently envied now by Biden, Scholz, Macron, Stoltenberg, von der Leyen etc., perhaps the most decadent coterie of leaders” of the West in its whole history. Of very low intellectual quality, those persons probably they have just a very vague idea, if they have, of European history, which makes easier for them to repeat it.
The only problem is that we now possess nuclear weapons and a whole host of other technological means that did not exist before 1945. This is why the new campaign risks becoming not just the Waterloo of the West, but the Waterloo of humanity, unless humanity is mobilized in a massive and dynamic way to prevent its destruction.
We explained in a previous article https://www.defenddemocracy.press/towards-a-global-nuclear-war/ why the latest decisions of the United States and NATO dramatically increase the possibility of a global nuclear war since, as we explained, they overturn the most basic principles of nuclear stability” established in the past by the US and the USSR. Even if we don’t go immediately to global nuclear war Russia and the NATO are two technologically very advanced countries. They can transform into hell the planet even before they go nuclear.
This is more than just a personal viewpoint. The President of the United States himself, Joe Biden, said repeatedly the same. From the very beginning of the war in Ukraine, he has refused to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons capable of striking deep into Russian territory, arguing that we want to help Ukraine, but not to provoke ‘World War III’. The argument that we should not provoke World War III was ever-present in White House deliberations on Ukraine policy (https://archive.fo/gUOvq) until the President surrendered to the War Party” within the collective West and the US government. So either Biden doesn’t know what he says and what he does, which is very dangerous when the decisions concern the very survival of humanity, or he knows what he says and, for reasons he himself knows, he chooses to take the risk of World War III, that is, the destruction of humanity.
I understand that my writing may be hard for the reader to take at face value. Having followed somewhat systematically for many years the issues of nuclear arms control and East-West relations, I have highlighted in my articles the path that has gradually led us to where we are, and warned about the risks of establishing new US bases in my own country, where even the explosion of a ‘small’ tactical nuclear device can lead to a radiation disaster. One of the main US bases is in Alexandroupolis, in Northeastern Greece, and most of the time in Greece the winds are Northeastern. Thus, the radiation from Alexandroupolis can fast go to the Attica agglomeration, where half of the Greek population are living. No one responded to me with arguments, but I was met with a great deal of skepticism and criticism, for my supposed doomsday mentality. Confirmation does not bring me any joy and I am still praying that I won’t be confirmed any more.
The thing seems completely logical and completely absurd at the same time. The biggest barrier to understanding reality is the constraints of our imagination, as the great French geneticist Albert Jacquard once wrote. Most people have a mechanism for denying reality if we feel it exceeds us, the same as ostriches have. Unable to bear the stress of danger, or not knowing how to deal with it, we prefer not to see it. But the nightmare is here, it is in the external reality. And the only way to avoid it is to mobilise states and societies.
Rapid escalation
In the three days since I wrote my previous article on the risk of nuclear war https://www.defenddemocracy.press/towards-a-global-nuclear-war/, a series of news reports have confirmed our conclusion that we are heading towards the most serious nuclear crisis in our history.
After Biden’s decision to allow the use of US weapons against targets on Russian territory, within three days, the French are preparing to send troops to Ukraine, the Germans are discussing the possibility of recruiting 900,000 reservists, the Dutch and the Danes say they have no problem if the F16s they give to Ukraine strike inside Russia. But these aircraft can carry nuclear weapons. In other words, the Russians will be under constant threat and uncertainty that they could be subject to a nuclear attack.
Increasing uncertainty can cause nuclear war by mistake, while facilitating a provocation. The existence of such weapons in Ukraine, where Zelensky now seems to be fully controlled not only by the West in general, but by the extremist Party of War” within it, makes any provocation much easier, i.e. destabilizes the most crucial factor of nuclear stability.
It’s like a poker game where the opponents are constantly moving up in stakes. US weapons have already carried out deadly attacks in Belgorod, Russia. Russia, as Putin himself said, responded by carrying out an attack in the direction of Kharkiv.
So what do they think in Washington, London, Paris, Berlin? That they will keep escalating the intervention in Ukraine and Moscow will not respond? Or do they want it to respond, they want escalation, taking things to a nuclear conflict without taking themselves the responsibility of it?
The Russians, for their part, released a map of the bases where the United States has stored nuclear weapons in Europe and Putin made a special reference to small European states whose leaders do not understand what they are getting themselves into. Most European media did not even report this news.
What do you think? Where exactly is this whole thing going?
European states: Fatal and spineless puppets
The vast majority of European political personnel, directly dependent on NATO and the US services, as it seems, and of a low moral and intellectual level, are powerless to challenge decisions and plans that threaten to lead Europe and humanity to their end.
An honourable exception is the Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán http://www.defenddemocracy.press/71683-2/, whom many may not like for other issues, but who had the courage to clearly oppose the war plans and is now threatened from Brussels, the seat of a supposedly democratic and increasingly totalitarian, European Union, with the exclusion of Hungarians from all posts in the EU. There is also, of course, the left-wing Slovak Prime Minister Fico, even more radical in his criticism of NATO policy, but someone made sure he was sent to hospital.
Orban said that he has never witnessed such irresponsibility in his life as he has seen in Europe’s involvement in Ukraine, without even an assessment of the costs and means needed to achieve its objective goals. NATO is becoming a directly involved party in Ukraine and the chances of avoiding this are limited. He said that he is not prepared, however, to allow Brussels and Berlin to decide that they should send Hungarian soldiers to Ukraine and lead his country back into war against Russia, as Hitler did.
The European Army”
Last month, the leader of the European People’s Party (EPP), Weber said that he wants the introduction of compulsory service and the creation of a European Army, which would not be subject to the constraints of control by national governments. In other words, Brussels will directly send European soldiers to Ukraine without asking anyone.
At the same time, the idea of a military Schengen” is being discussed, i.e. NATO troops being able to move into EU territory without consulting governments.
European leaders do not understand that what they are doing is probably a prelude to the third world war and they think of nuclear bombs as a tactical deterrent tool”, not as something that will actually be used, but what may not seem likely at the start of a war could occur by its conclusion, as the Hungarian Prime Minister pointed out.
The central question
The Americans may hope that, even if a nuclear conflict occurs, it will be under control and confined to European territory. But such calculations are utterly foolish. If humanity crosses the threshold of using nuclear weapons, whether tactical or strategic, it will be extremely difficult to control and contain, even to keep it on European soil. Most likely, once mankind crosses the nuclear threshold, it will be the end of mankind.
Ultimately, the question that political forces and societies in the West have to answer is this: Do we want to risk the very existence of humanity, clearly not for the sake of Ukraine or democracy, but to uphold the dominance of an ultra tiny minority over the planet and our own nations?
Is it not time to start thinking again like Roosevelt, the two Kennedys, De Gaulle, Willy Brandt, Olaf Palme, Aldo Moro, Andreas Papandreou? Where they all working for Moscow as agents? Is it not time for the people to mobilise?
Because, as Nikita Khrushchev and John Kennedy said, those who survive a nuclear war, the living, will envy those who have died.
By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham Courtesy NewsIn.Asia
Colombo, June 7: In none of the eight Presidential elections held so far in Sri Lanka, one has seen such a chaotic political situation as in the run up to the present one. One wonders if politicians really know the mood of the people of the country.
Every day Sri Lankan politicians are making strange comments about the elections, regardless of the merits of those views and the media are highlighting them unthinkingly.
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Recently the General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) Palitha Range Bandara, created a huge controversy by expressing his opinion regarding the elections. He continues to justify his comments even after his party rejected his views.
Addressing a press conference at Srikotha, UNP headquarters, on May 28, Range Bandara proposed that this year’s Presidential election and next year’s parliamentary elections should be postponed and the terms of the President and Parliament should be extended by two years.
A former Member of Parliament of Puttalam District and Minister of State, Range Bandara said that a resolution should be passed in Parliament with the support of all parties and put to a referendum for the approval of the people to extend the terms of office.
Immediately, the opposition parties strongly condemned the statement and accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of being behind his idea. Range Bandara was not an ordinary member of the UNP. He is the General Secretary of the party. But he does not seem to have the political maturity to realize the importance of the views he comes out with.
However, President Wickremesinghe distanced himself from the controversy, realizing the potential impact of Range Bandara’s comments. The President also mentioned that there is no need to say anything specific about his comments as he has already said many a time that the Presidential election will be held on time as per the constitution.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena also issued a statement clarifying the government’s position that the Presidential election would be held in due course followed by parliamentary elections.
Even after all this happened, Range Bhandara, who convened another press conference last week, justified his opinion that a referendum should be held to extend the terms of the President and Parliament. He said that he only spoke about the constitutional provision regarding referendum and requested other political parties to come up with their stand on the matter.
While condemning the UNP General Secretary’s comments, opposition politicians and many observers did not fail to recall former president J.R. Jeyawardane’s claim that Sri Lanka could roll out the electoral map for the next 40 years. He had said this immediately after the UNP’s stunning election victory in July 1977 with a five-sixth majority in parliament. He then held a heavily rigged referendum in December 1982 to extend the term of the then parliament for another six years.
The concern that the elections along with election campaigns could affect the current momentum of economic recovery under the leadership of President Wickremesinghe, may have prompted Range Bandara to put forward the idea of postponing the two national elections. Politicians who have already talked about postponement of elections and introducing electoral reforms have cited similar reasons.
Range Bandara also argued that people are not asking for elections, but three square meals a day. Before him his leader, President Wickremesinghe, had already said that people do not want elections.
Addressing the National Law Conference of the Sri Lanka Bar Association held in Nuwara Eliya exactly one year ago, the President stated that the majority of the country’s people, including the youth, have lost faith not only in elections.
It is no secret that the government’s partners, the President’s UNP and the Rajapaksas’ Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP ) fear elections. They fully cooperated with President Wickremesinghe’s brazen actions that led to the indefinite postponement of local government elections early last year. That the President and the government will not hesitate to engage in anti-democratic measures was clear when they defied the Election Commission’s decision to conduct local government elections.
The government also defied the judiciary by flouting an order of the Supreme Court that the Treasury should not withhold funds earmarked for local government elections.
Local government elections would certainly have provided an opportunity to assess political thinking of the people after the ‘Aragalaya’ people’s uprising and their perceptions regarding the polices and actions of the present government.
But the government not only took that opportunity away from the people but also failed to hold Provincial Council elections. It has no moral authority to say that the people do not want elections.
However, there is a difference. President Wickremesinghe has been continuously talking about Presidential elections but not about other elections. The reason is that the Presidential election is related to his political future. In the last two years since Wickremesinghe took office as President, government politicians have often talked about introducing electoral reforms with the subtle intention of postponing parliamentary elections. But they abandoned it after protests from the opposition and civil society organizations.
Meanwhile, addressing a meeting with young legal professionals held at the Presidential Secretariat a few days ago, President Wickremesinghe said that none of the prospective Presidential candidates from the opposition had said anything about abolishing the executive powers of the Presidency. One wonders whether he said so in the hope that if they came forward with such a proposal to abolish the executive powers, he would be able to postpone the elections citing the legislative process needed for that.
We recall that late last year, Justice Minister Dr. Wijedasa Rajapakshe put forward reform proposals to hold parliamentary elections under a hybrid system that would include the former constituency system (First -Past -the Post system ) and the current proportional representation system.
Vajira Abeywardhana, who is Chairman of the UNP and its one and only member of Parliament, had once asked parties to elect Wickremesinghe unopposed. Abeywardana also said that if the Presidential election is held this year, the government will run out of funds to provide relief to the people affected by the economic downturn. He is also on record saying that those who are demanding elections want to destabilize the country. The UNP chairman even said that if President Wickremesinghe is allowed to rule for several more years, he will make the country economically sound enough for European women to come to Sri Lanka and work as housemaids.
On the one hand, Wickremesinghe is making arrangements to carry out Presidential election campaigns, while on the other, UNP politicians are stating anti-election views. This strange situation raises the question as to how they will cooperate with the President’s efforts to contest the election. Indeed, the UNP is in a very weak position in terms of popular support and organizational structure. This is the main reason for the confusing views of its leaders.
The President’s announcement that he would not contest the Presidential election as the candidate of the UNP clearly demonstrated his clear understanding of the current state of his party which has under his leadership for three decades. It seems that Wickramasinghe came to the conclusion that it was advisable to contest the Presidential election as an independent candidate on behalf of a broader alliance that includes various parties and individuals because he was well aware that he could not rebuild his party in the near future.
But his efforts to build a broad alliance have not seen any significant progress so far. Expecting support from many parties, he has not officially announced his candidacy for the presidential election. Even when he declared open his political office in Colombo last Thursday no such announcement came from him.
The President believes that he has developed considerable support among the people of the country due to the improvement in the economic situation. It is true that there is no shortage of goods as a result of his economic restructuring measures. But there is no doubt that the more affluent sections of society who can afford to buy the available goods want Wickremesinghe to continue in office. But the vast majority of the people do not have the money to buy most of the goods.
It cannot be said that the people of the country will give him overwhelming support in the next election and make him President again just because of the measures taken by him for economic recovery. When it comes to elections, various factors such as party politics and vote banks come into play. His party’s continued weakness is the reason why his efforts to build a broader alliance have not been successful.
Politicians from other parties who may come forward to support him will also have their future prospects in mind. Although the Rajapaksas were widely expected to back Wickremesinghe, but they had often said that they would announce their party’s Presidential candidate in due course. In addition, they say that the candidate they support will be the next President.
It is unclear what decision the Rajapaksas will ultimately make. At the same time, another important question arises as to whether the support of the Rajapaksas will benefit Wickramasinghe. It cannot be completely ruled out that their support may be a liability for him. It is certain that President Wickremesinghe will contest the election. But the political situation around him is confused.
