උපුටා ගැන්ම ලංකා සී නිව්ස්

මෙවර ජනාධිපතිවරණයට ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණෙන් රට බංකොලොත් කරපු අපේක්ෂකයෙකු තනිවම ඉදිරිපත් කිරීමට ගනු ලැබූ තීරණය ඉතාමත් හොඳ බවත් ඒ අනුව එම අපේක්ෂකයාට ජනතාව මේ මොහොතේ ප්‍රජාතන්ත්‍රවාදීව සැලකිය යුතු බවත් එක්සත් ජනරජ පෙරමුණේ නායක පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රී පාඨලී චම්පික රණවක මහතා පවසයි.

එමෙන්ම ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ මන්ත්‍රීවරුන් මේ මොහොතේ තවදුරටත් රාජපක්ෂ පවුලට ගැතිකම් කරමින් සිටිනවාද යන්න පිළිබඳවත් දෙවරක් සිතා බැලිය යුතු බව රණවක මහතා සඳහන් කරන ලදී.

ඒ මහතා මේ බව පවසා සිටියේ ඊයේ (30) දින එක්සත් ජනරජ පෙරමුණේ පන්නිපිටිය ඇරැවුවල ප්‍රදේශයේ පවත්වනු ලැබූ ජනහමුවකින් අනතුරුව මාධ්‍යට අදහස් දක්වමිනි.

එක්සත් ජනරජ පෙරමුණේ සාමාජික දිල්ශාන් මුතුකුමාරණ මහතා විසින් මෙම ජනහමුව සංවිධානය කර තිබූ අතර ඒ සඳහා එක්සත් ජනරජ පෙරමුණේ සභාපති වෛද්‍ය අජිත් අමරසිංහ, උපසභාපතිවරුන් වන මේජර් ජෙනරාල් (විශ්‍රාමික) තිලක් උභයවර්ධන හා තීක්ෂණ ගම්මන්පිල යන මහත්වරුන්ද සම්බන්ධ විය.

එහිදී මාධ්‍යවේදීන්ගේ ප්‍රශ්න හමුවේ පාඨලී චම්පික රණවක මහතා වැඩිදුරටත් දැක්වූ අදහස්;

ප්‍රශ්නය: ඔබතුමාට ප්‍රශ්නයක් තියෙන්නේ ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ ඉන්න මන්ත්‍රීවරුත් එක්ක ද?, එහෙම නැත්නම් අර ඔබතුමා කියන යම්කිසි කණ්ඩායමක් එක්ක විතරද?

පිළිතුර: ඇත්තටම ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ ඉන්න මන්ත්‍රිලත් එක්ක අපිට ලොකු ප්‍රශ්නයක් නැහැ. මොකද ඒගොල්ලෝ ජනතාවගේ නියෝජිතයෝ සහ ඒගොල්ලෝ මේ රට වෙනුවෙන් යම් වැඩ කොටසක් කරපු පිරිසක් බව. හැබැයි ඉතින් රට බංකොලොත් කිරීමට වගකිව යුතුයි කියලා ශ්‍රේෂ්ඨාධිකරණය විසින් නියම කරපු පිරිසක් තමයි ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ නායකත්වයේ ඉන්නේ. ඒ කියන්නේ මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ මහත්මයා, ගෝඨාභය රාජපක්ෂ මහත්තයා, බැසිල් රාජපක්ෂ මහත්තයා මූලික වශයෙන්. එතකොට ඒගොල්ලෝ විසින් නායකත්වය දෙන දේශපාලන ව්‍යාපාරය එක්ක අපි හිටගන්නවා කියන්නේ, මේ රට බංකොලොත් වීමට වගකිවයුතු පිරිසක් එක්ක අපි හිට ගන්නවා කියන එකයි. අපි හැමදාම දේශපාලනය තේරුවේ, රටේ බරපතලම ප්‍රශ්නයට සාපේක්ෂව. එතකොට ඒ බරපතලම ප්‍රශ්නයේ වගඋත්තරකරුවොත් එක්ක අපිට හිටගන්න බැහැ. නමුත් ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ මන්ත්‍රීවරු එක්ක අපි වැඩ කරගෙන යනවා. වැඩ කරලා තියෙනවා. අපේ පාර්ලිමේන්තු කමිටුවල වැඩ කරලා තියෙනවා. අපට ඒ අය පිළිබඳ දේශපාලන වශයෙන් විශාල ප්‍රශ්නයක් නැහැ.

ප්‍රශ්නය: දැන් මේ වනවිට ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ කණ්ඩායමක් රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ මහත්මයාට සහය දෙනවා. අනිත් කණ්ඩායම පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ ඉන්නවා. ඔබතුමා මොකක්ද මේ ගැන හිතන්නේ?

පිළිතුර: ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණ තමන් තනියෙන් අපේක්ෂකයෙක් ඉදිරිපත් කරන්න ගත්ත තීරණය අතිශය නිර්භීත වගේම ඉතාම වැදගත් තීරණයක්. රට බංකොලොත් කරන්න දායක වෙච්ච මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ, ගෝඨාභය රාජපක්ෂ, බැසිල් රාජපක්ෂගේ අපේක්ෂකයෙක් දැන් ඉන්නවා. ඒ අපේක්ෂකයාට කොහොමද ප්‍රජාතන්ත්‍රවාදී විදියට සලකන්නෙ කියන එක රටේ ජනතාවට තීරණය කරන්න පුළුවන්.

ප්‍රශ්නය: ඔබතුමා රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ මහත්මයට සහාය දෙනවද? මොකද ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ කණ්ඩායමකුත් එතන ඉන්නවා.?

පිළිතුර: අපි ඒ ගැන තාම තීරණයක් කරලා නෑ. අපි සමගි ජන බලවේගය එක්කත් පසුගිය පෙබරවාරි 14 වෙනිදා ඉදිරිපත් කරපු වැඩපිළිවෙලත් එක්ක සාකච්ඡා ක්‍රියාදාමයකට ගියා. ඒ වගේම ශ්‍රී ලංකා නිදහස් පක්ෂයේ පිරිස් සමඟ අපි සාකච්ඡාවකට ගියා. ඉතින් තවත් ෆීල්ඩ් මාෂල් සරත් ෆොන්සේකා මහත්තයා වගේ අයත් ඡන්දෙට ඉදිරිපත් වෙන බව ප්‍රකාශ කරලා තියෙනවා. ඒ නිසා ඉදිරි දින කිහිපය ඇතුළත අපි මේක තීරණය කරනවා. මොකද මේ රටේ මූලික ප්‍රශ්නය, රට බංකොලොත්. ඒ බංකොලොත්භාවයෙන් රට තාම මිදිලා නැහැ. මේ තියෙන්නේ තාවකාලික සහනයක්. ඒ වගේම බංකොලොත් භාවයෙන් මිදීම සඳහා ආණ්ඩුව අනුගමනය කරපු ක්‍රියාමාර්ග වල ලොකුම බර වැටිලා තියෙන්නේ මේ රටේ සාමාන්‍ය ජනතාවට. ඒ බර නිවාදැමීම සඳහා මධ්‍යකාලීන වැඩපිළිවෙලක් ඒ වගේම දිගු කාලීන වශයෙන් රටේ ණය ගෙවන්න පුළුවන් වැඩපිළිවලක් ඉදිරිපත් කරන්න ඕන. විශේෂයෙන්ම මතක තියාගන්න ඕන 2028 ඉඳන් අපට එකවර ණය ගෙවන්න තියෙනවා. බලයට පත්වෙන කවර ජනාධිපතිට වුණත් ඒ අභියෝගය තියෙනවා. අන්න ඒ ක්‍රියාවලිය කරන්න පුළුවන් විදිහේ ආණ්ඩුවක් පිළිබඳව ජනතාව දැනුවත් කරලා එවැනි ආණ්ඩුවක් පිහිටුවීම තමයි අපේ අරමුණ.

ප්‍රශ්නය: එතෙන්දි ඔබතුමා සෘජුවම කියන්නේ නැද්ද රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ මහත්තයාට සහාය දෙන්නේ නෑ කියන කතාව?

පිළිතුර: රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ මහත්මයා, මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ මහත්තයාගේ නායකත්වයෙන් ආවා නම් අපි කිසිසේත් සහයෝගය දෙන්නේ නැහැ. නමුත් අපි දැන් ඒ සම්බන්ධයෙන් විවෘතයි. ඒක අපි දිගටම හිටපු ස්ථාවරය. රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ මහත්තයා පසුගිය කාලේ ගත්ත ඇතැම් පියවර පිළිබඳව අපේ කිසිම සතුටක් නැහැ. විශේෂයෙන්ම මෑතදී පොලිස්පතිවරයා සම්බන්ධයෙන් ගත්ත පියවර වුණත්. නමුත් මේ රටේ මූලික ප්‍රශ්නය වෙච්ච, රට බංකොලොත් භාවයෙන් ඉදිරියට ගෙන යාම කියන ප්‍රශ්නයේදී අපි හිතනවා ඒ පිළිබඳව සාකච්ඡා කරලා එකඟතාවයන් ඇතිකර ගත යුතුයි. විශේෂයෙන්ම රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ මහත්තයා එක්ක නෙවෙයි ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ ඉන්න මන්ත්‍රීලත් එක්ක. ඒ වගේම සමගි ජන බලවේගය එක්කත් අපි ඒ පිළිබඳව සාකච්ඡා කරගෙන යනවා. අපේ තීරණය අපි ඉදිරි දින කිහිපය තුළ කියනවා.

ප්‍රශ්නය: ඔබතුමා ජනාධිපතිවරණයට ඉදිරිපත් වෙනවද?

පිළිතුර: ඒ පිළිබඳව වුණත් තීරණය අපි ඉදිරි දින කිහිපයේදී කියනවා.

ප්‍රශ්නය: ඒ කියන්නේ එහෙම නෑ කියලා කියන්නේ?

පිළිතුර: එහෙම නෑ කියලා අපි කියන්නෑ. ඒ පිළිබඳව අපි අපේ මන්ත්‍රිතුමන්ලා සහ වෙනත් පිරිස් එක්ක සාකච්ඡාවක් කරනවා. ඒ සාකච්ඡාවල තීරණය කළොත් මට ඉදිරිපත් වෙන්න කියලා මම ඉදිරිපත් වෙනවා. එසේ නැත්නම් අදාළ සුදුසු අපේක්ෂකයෙකුට අපි අපේ සහයෝගය දෙනවා. අපි තනියෙන් තීරණ ගන්නේ නැහැ. පක්ෂයක් හැටියටත්, අපිත් එක්ක සන්ධාන ගතවෙලා ඉන්න අයත් එක්කත් ඇති කරගන්නා සාකච්ඡා සම්මුතියක ප්‍රතිඵලයක් හැටියට තමයි අපි ජනාධිපතිවරණය දකින්නේ. මොකද මේක පුද්ගල අපේක්ෂා, අභිලාෂයන් ඉෂ්ට කරගන්න අවස්ථාවක් නෙවෙයි. මේක රට වෙනුවෙන් තීරණ ගත යුතු, අපේ දරුවන් වෙනුවෙන් තීරණ ගත යුතු අවස්ථාවක්.

ප්‍රශ්නය: දැන් මේ මොහොත වෙනකොට ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණෙන් ඔබට සහාය දිය හැකි අපේක්ෂකයෙක් ඉදිරිපත් කලොත් ඔබ කැමතිද සහය වන්න?

පිළිතුර: ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ නායකයා මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂනේ. ඒ පක්ෂය එතුමන්ලා හිතන්නේ ඒගොල්ලන්ගේ පවුලේ බූදලයක් හැටියට. හරි කණගාටුදායකයි. ඒ නිසාම තමයි මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ මහත්තයාට මේ රටේ විරාජමානව ජීවත් වෙන්න තිබිච්ච තත්වය නැති කර ගත්තේ 2015 දී සහ 2019 යේදී. හැටනම ලක්ෂයක් මිනිස්සු රවට්ටලා කරපු ඒ අපරාධයේ ප්‍රතිඵලයක් හැටියටනේ අද මේ රටේ ලක්ෂ දෙසිය විස්සක් අනාථ වෙලා ඉන්නේ. ඒ නිසා ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ එවැනි තත්වයකට අපි එකඟ වෙන්නේ නැහැ. හැබැයි ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණට ඡන්දෙ දීපු අය හා ඒක නියෝජනය කරන මන්ත්‍රීවරු වෙනම මගක් ගන්නවා නං ඒ පිළිබඳව අපි ඒගොල්ලොත් එක්ක සාකච්ඡා කරන්න සූදානම් සහ සාකච්ඡා කරමින් ඉන්නවා.

ප්‍රශ්නය: දැන් මේ මොහොතේ ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ මන්ත්‍රීවරුන්ගේ හැසිරීම ගැන ඔබතුමා මොකද හිතන්නේ?

පිළිතුර: මම හිතන්නේ ඒගොල්ලෝ දැන් තීරණයක් ගත යුතුයි තවදුරටත් මේ රාජපක්ෂ පවුලට බැඳිලා ඉන්නවද? එහෙම නැත්නම් රට වෙනුවෙන් ස්වාධීන මගක යනවද කියලා. ඒක පහුගිය 2022 මැයි 09 වෙනිදා තීරණය කරන්න බැරි වුණා නම්, දැන් ඒකට ඓතිහාසික මොහොත ඒ සඳහා චිත්ත ධෛර්යය ඔවුන්ට ලැබෙන්නෙයි කියලා අපි ප්‍රර්ථනා කරනවා.

– Media unit

උපුටා ගැන්ම  ලංකා ලීඩර්

එළඹෙන අගෝස්තු මාසයේදී ඉන්දීය අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය නරේන්ද්‍ර මෝඩි මහතා ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට පැමිණ මෙරට ස්වෛරීභාවය අහිමි කරවන අවබෝධතා ගිවිසුම් දහයකට අත්සන් තැබීමට සැරසෙන බව සර්වජන බලය විධායක කමිටු සාමාජික, ජාතික නිදහස් පෙරමුණේ නායක, පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රී විමල් වීරවංශ මහතා පවසයි.

ඊට ඉඩදී නිහඩව සිටියහොත් ඉන්දු-ලංකා ගිවිසුමෙන් මෙන් ඒවායින් ද ගැලවීමට ඉදිරියේදී බලයට එන කිසිදු ආණ්ඩුවකට නොහැකි වන බවත්, ඒ අවබෝධතා ගිවිසුම් දහය තැබීම වැළැක්වීම පිණිස මේ රටේ සියලු දේශපාලන ව්‍යාපාර වාදභේද පසෙක ලා එක්සත්ව එකමුතුව කටයුතු කළ යුතු බවත් ඒ මහතා අවදාරණය කර සිටියි.

ඊයේ(30) බෙරැල්ල පිහිටි සර්වජන බලය මූලස්ථානයේදී පැවැති මාධ්‍ය හමුවකට එක්වෙමින් ඒ මහතා මේ බව පැවසීය.

වීඩියෝව නරඹන්න…

Sugath Kulatunga

On the 18 th of December 18- 2022, I wrote on LBN that President Ranil Wickremesinghe was attempting to Grow More Food by statute. The President proposed to bring in new laws to ensure food security. It never happened and we are still importing eggs from India. I emphasized that what we should focus on is innovation, systems improvement, incentives, and application. A legalistic approach is not an adequate solution.

Now the President is attempting to transform the economy again by statute by the new legal package designed to provide for the National Policy on Economic Transformation and for the establishment of the Economic Commission of Sri Lanka, Investment Zones Sri Lanka, Office for International Trade, National Productivity Commission, and Sri Lanka Institute of Economics and International Trade. This no doubt is another measure to propitiate the IMF.

The Law has two key objectives. One objective is to establish a plethora of new institutions to support the economic transformation. Some of them would replace existing institutions and others will duplicate the work of existing institutions. The immediate problem would be to appoint competent persons to manage them.

The second objective is the Presidents dream or wish list to set legal targets on economic management ranging from setting  public debt to GDP below 95% by 2032,Central Govt. gross financing needs to GDP below 13% by 2032,Annual Debt Service in Foreign Exchange to GDP below 4.5 % by 2027, Net Zero on Greenhouse gas balance by 2050, Exports of Goods and Services to GDP 25% to 60% during 2025 – 2040, Net Foreign Direct Investment not less than 5 % of GDP, in 2030 to Primary Balance in the Govt. Budget to reach 2.3% of GDP etc.

A similar bill setting economic targets titled the Fiscal Management (Responsibility) Act No. 3 of 2003 was brought. by Prime Minister Wickremesinghe on what should be done in the management of public finances.It had three main objectives. By 2006, the budget gap should be five percent of the Gross Domestic Product and the Government that comes after that should maintain the budget gap below five percent. It also called for a passage of a law requiring total outstanding public debt to be reduced to 65 percent of GDP by 2013. When the Government of Sri Lanka guarantees loans, it should not be more than 4.5 percent of the GDP. If the subsequent Governments had fulfilled these three terms properly, this country would never have gone bankrupt. The tragedy is that the very governments of RW merrily violated those condition. If he had even a modicum of commitment to the essence of the Fiscal Management (Responsibility) Act No. 3 of 2003 he would not have resorted to ISBs during the Yahapalana regime.

It is doubtful whether the targets in the Economic Transformation Act (ETA) are evidence based or merely elite driven. In most countries such targets are evidence based indicative targets set in a National Development Plan (NDP). It is reported that in 2018 there were 134 countries having National Plans. Rather than a piece of legislaion NDPs are based on a participative process which gives the Plan wider ownetrship. Such plans have internal consistency and are formulated by trained professionals on planning. They are built through sectoral plana and are based on availability of resources and the capacity of the institutions involved. An NPD would not be complete without an implemention strategy and an action plan.

During the UNP government of 1977 ‘planning’ was considered a dirty word. To ambitious politicians a plan is an obstruction which deprives him of the flexibility of political and business prioritation. India made use of national planning from the time of Independence and benefitted by it. Planning and Plan Implementation units must be restored for achieving develoment results. No amount of legislation can be a substitution.

Sugath Kulatunga

KAMALIKA PIERIS

In this essay, I return to the topic of the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka. The RASSL held a well attended seminar on the Ramayana trail in 2010, where many spoke against the Ramayana trail. They commented on the political implications of the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka. They thought that the Ramayana trail was not    intended to lure tourists.  It was part of a bigger agenda to present Sri Lanka as a Hindu country.

Why is the Ramayana epic, which remained unacceptable in Sri Lanka for two millennia making inroads now, asked Bandu de Silva. Ramayana Trail challenges Buddhism. It takes us back to  the pre Buddhist and pre Sinhala era in Sri Lanka, Bandu said.

Gaston Perera notes that Sri Lanka is using an epic from India, an epic  foreign  to us, to attract  tourists from India. This has at least one dangerous implication. The triumph of Rama over Ravana equals India over Sri Lanka, he observed.

The local Ramayana Trail is a move to subvert  our  traditional history and major belief systems, said Oliver Abeynayake. There is no  Ramayana trail in India. Ramayana sites are not  tourist sites , they are  religious sites, to  be  worshipped   on pilgrimage. The  Indian tourists will not be ordinary tourists but Hindus obsessed with the idea of the supremacy of Rama and Sita. .

Such pilgrimages can lead to violence. A confrontational situation could be created. The Hindu population in India is highly nationalist and religious and these could be used as a pretext for war. The Tamil issue was bad enough, a Hindu intervention would be worse,   concluded Oliver Abeynayake.

Someone must look into this Ramayana trail, said the alarmed audience at the RASSL seminar in 2010. This is no laughing matter. Ravana and Rama sites are now put into places of local historical significance, such as Yudaganawa. This makes it political. We must stop the Tourist Board from continuing with this.

 Critics wanted to know on what evidence the Tourist Board is arranging Ramayana trails in Sri Lanka.  They say that before this myth gets crystallized, the validity of these sites should be examined. Sri Lanka’s past cannot be distorted merely to attract Indian tourists. Inscriptions have been defaced.

Members of a Tour Guides Association led by their President also attended the RASSL symposium. They did not speak up at the Symposium but told me later that they had serious reservation about the Ramayana trail, though they conducted Ramayana tours.

Sudath Gunasekera commented on the matter in April 2024.  He pointed out that the 21 Ramayana trail sites cover the entire island.  He provides two maps, one with the sites, second with the route.[1]

Sudath continued, I think it is very dangerous to allow this project, particularly in the context of Modi’s present plan of Indian territorial expansion. They may try to use     this project to     build up a case for amalgamation of the Island to India.                        

I strongly suggest These Ramayana tours should adhere to a strictly laid down pilgrimage tour program, the breach of which should be the discontinuation of the trail programme forth with. I suggest the following conditions should be included in the list of conditions to the tourists.

i.The Indian Government or any of their local agents should not put up any monuments of Rama or any god or Hindu religious symbols such as Lingas or any such buildings on any one of these spots in the guise of even pilgrim rests. They should use only facilities available in local tourist hotels.

ii.Neither the Indian Government or any one of their agents either Indian or local should be allowed to put up any religious monuments on these places as it will harm the historical local Sinhala Buddhist cultural landscape, concluded Sudath.

 There is considerable evidence against a Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka. Researchers say that the present Sri Lanka is not the Lanka of Ravana. It is not the Lanka in the Ramayana. Both India and Sri Lanka agree on that. Sri Lanka was known to Indians in the ancient period as Simhala or Tamraparni, and not as Lanka.

According to Indian archaeologist, Sankalia, Lanka is a Mundari word which means an ‘island’. People of Sonpur on the Madhya Pradesh-Andhra-Orissa border traditionally regard it as ‘Pashchim Lanka’ (western Lanka).   

 Critics say that neither Hanuman nor Sita ever came here and there was no Ravana either. Sita Eliya in Nuwara Eliya district has nothing to do with the Rama and Sita story. ‘Sita’ is derived from ‘seethala’, which means cold.

However, Director General of Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority, S. Kailselvam said in 2010 it is not our job to verify historical accuracy but to encourage tourism, which is what we are doing by promoting the Ramayana trails.  As long as people believe in these sites we will promote it.

The government of Sri Lanka    supports the Ramayana trail. . In September 2023 As part of activities to mark the 75^th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi  initiated a book project on Ramayana sites titled In the Footsteps of Rama; A Cultural Journey through India and Sri Lanka”.  The book will feature the Ramayana sites both in India and Sri Lanka giving historical, archeological and mythological aspects of these sites.

There is Indian support for the Ramayana trail as well. Indian cultural Centre, Colombo had a seminar on Ramayana trail in Colombo. Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the Treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya, India, arrived in Sri Lanka in May 2024, accompanied by a team of delegates from Ayodhya Shri Ram Mandir to inaugurate the Ramayana trail. He was invited by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to promote religious tourism between the two countries. This brings a Hindutva link to the Ramayana Trail.

The Hindutva ideology   wishes to see Hindu hegemony in India. The BJP officially adopted Hindutva as its ideology. Hindutva believe that events in Hindu mythology are true. But, there is disagreement on Hindutva in India itself. One section of India is virulently opposed to Hindutva, and that group find themselves critiquing Hinduism and Ramayana as well.

 India is recognizing this slim Hindu component in Sri Lanka .Indian Prime Minister Modi   was to have worshipped at Nallur, but due to practical difficulties, worshiped at another Kovil, on his Jaffna visit. Princess Anne did not visit a kovil in Jaffna on her visit here, but visited a kovil in Colombo.

Sri Lanka is now becoming more Hindu than it was before. Sri Lanka now has two sets of Hindu kovils, Siva kovils worshipped by the Ceylon Tamils and Vishnu kovils worshiped only by tourists from India.  The Ramayana trail is not patronized by   local Hindus. The Hindus of Sri Lanka are Saivites and they worship in Siva temples. The Ramayana trail is connected to Vishnu worship. Rama is an incarnation of Vishnu. Therefore the Ramayana trail is for Hindus from India.

The main Ramayana temples are flourishing. The Mandalabiseka religious ceremony of the Seetha Amman Kovil of Nuwara Eliya was held in 2024 with the participation of hundreds of local and foreign devotees. The ceremonies commenced with a procession carrying the offerings and statues of Rama, Seetha, Lakshmana and Hanuman, Prior to this Mandalabiseka festival, the Kumbhabhisheka festival, which is held every eight years, was held at Seetha Amman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya on May , with the participation of Hindu devotees from many countries including India and Nepal. A special stone pillar was brought to Sri Lanka from the Rama Temple in Ayodhya to place in the Seetha Amman Kovil.  A stone plaque brought from Janakpur, Nepal, birthplace of Goddess Seetha, was placed in the Kovil.

Holy Hanuman temple at Wavendon Ramboda hills by Chinmaya missions of India. There were large crowds at its first anniversary, in 2002 with thousands of devotees drawn mainly from the plantations sector, the procession went with the statue of Holy Hanuman to Sita Amman Temple at Seetha eliya, where Hindu poojas were held.

The Ramayana trail project is sailing along nicely, with several ‘inaugurations’, many tour groups and varying itineraries. Agitation about Ramayan trail seems to have died down.  But the agitation probably helped to halt the use of the Ramayana trail for political purposes.  (Continued)

[1] https://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2024/04/30/reference-rama-trail-by-vichara-in-todays-lankaweb-4-30-2024-i-would-like-to-make-few-comments/

Shenali D Waduge

The entire country is euphoric following the Women’s Cricket Team winning the Asia Cup. It brought pride to our hearts & minds & relived the victorious memories in 1996 when the Male Cricketers lifted the World Cup. There is another pride that has yet to gain the limelight it deserves & much of it is due to the element of erisiyawa” that plagues people’s mind primarily because recognition goes to one person though as a whole the nation can take pride in it. This single person is Senaka Weeraratna who has been silently battling to be given due acknowledgement for authoring the DRS system used not only in cricket but all sports today. As a fellow classmate, the onus is on you, the Prime Minister to ensure justice & fair play be granted to your classmate Senaka Weeraratna who has brought glory to Sri Lanka by an invention that has turned the game of cricket on its head. No one in the world is more entitled to credit for the cricket revolution that DRS has achieved than its true author – Senaka Weeraratna.
The fact that no one else in the world is pressing a claim with supporting evidence reinforces Weeraratna’s singular claim.

If there is an issue over his claim of authorship, appoint a committee to appraise the evidence & give it a mandate to present findings to the ICC Board. 

Sri Lanka Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Sports Ministry and the Sports Minister have not shown the slightest interest in bringing this glory home.

The clock is ticking. We do not wish to be Waiting for Godot as Senaka Weeraratna deserves to be acknowledged for coming up with the formula originally known as  ‘player referral’ which is now used globally. What good is a song without knowing who wrote the lyrics. Thus, everyone should know who the author of the DRS is.

As a fellow classmate and fighter for Justice we hope you as PM will boldly take the initiative to cut the red tape and bring home another glory for Sri Lanka’s Cricket.

Prime Minister’s Media.

German Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Felix Neumann paid called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo today (July 29).
The Prime Minister thanked Germany for establishing the Ceylon – German Technical Training Institute in 1959 and providing the Sri Lankan youths many benefits through the vocational courses. He stressed the need to introduce new technology to upgrade the Institute to cater to the current global requirements and requested Germany to consider providing support and expertise. The Ambassador agreed to explore possibility of providing German expertise and technological knowhow.
Premier Gunawardena and Ambassador Dr. Neumann discussed ways and means of further expanding bilateral cooperation in tourism, aviation, economic and cultural fields.
The Ambassador accepted the invitation extended by the Prime Minister to attend the Commemoration ceremony of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of ‘Das Buddhistische Haus in Berlin’ (Berlin Buddhist Centre,in Germany) to be held at the Temple Trees on August 3, 2024 where a  book titled, ‘ Das Buddhistische Haus in Berlin – Frohnau, Germany, (1924-2024)’ and a Special Cover Postage Stamp – Marking the 100th anniversary will be launched.
Parliamentarian Yadamini Gunawarena, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake and Christina Foetster, Diplomatic Officer of German Embassy were also present on this occasion.
 

 Saeed Naqvi

Dated: 30.07.2024

The brutal realism of Tarantino’s Django Unchained may well cause the weak of stomach to throw up. A white plantation owner in America’s deep south, seated on a sofa in his living room, watches two burly slaves wrestle to the grim end or atleast until one of them has gouged out the eyes of the other.

Outside, a pack of hungry dogs, larger in size than wolves, are let loose on a slave who tries in vain to clamber onto a tree.

As flies to wanton boys are we to the Gods” laments Lear in the wilderness, they kill us for their sport.” Replace Gods” with Whites” in Shakespeare line and place it in the mouth of a bleeding black slave at a climactic moment on Broadway or the Westend and the actor would probably receive multiple standing ovations.

All standing ovations would pale before what Benjamin Netanyahu coaxed out of US Congressmen on the Capitol Hill. They wouldn’t stop rising like there were nails on their seats.

This is not the first time Netanyahu has had the joint sessions of Congress riveted on him. The Congress has submitted to Netanyahu’s choreography on four occasions. He has thereby beaten Winston Churchill’s record for the number of appearances before Congress.

On one occasion President Barack Obama was opposed to his presence in Washington. Netanyahu defied the White House and addressed the joint session, one standing ovation after another. Eggs on Obama’s face were impossible to count.

What explains Israel’s extraordinary influence in Washington? I have interviewed Prime Minister, Yitzhak Shamir, Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres and Netanyahu. There is no doubt that Netanyahu knows his America better than all the others. For this there are simple reasons. His having studied at Harvard and MIT gave him a wide, influential network which he has assiduously cultivated. His stint as Israel’s ambassador at the UN from 1984 to 88, helped him boost and consolidate his links with the Jews in New York and California. After Tel Aviv, New York has the largest population of Jews and the world’s most influential.

Analysts casually cite the Israel lobby in the US as the body that keeps US foreign policy aligned with Israeli interest. In fact Israel Lobby And US Foreign Policy” a seminal work on the subject by Prof. John Mearscheimer of Chicago University and Prof. Stephen Walt, Harvard, explains how deep the lobby’s tentacles are in all branches of the US establishment.

Shameful is a mild word to describe representatives of the American people doing jumping jack exercises, with a mixture of military precision and uncommon obsequiousness. Do people not matter in American democracy in matters concerning Israel? Is it exclusively a circus of capital, donors and lobbies. The National Rifle Association will successfully thwart any reform even though gun violence kills 12 school children every day in the land of the free.

The Nakba or the catastrophe of 1948 when Israeli villages were emptied of Palestinians was horrible. There have been similar horrors down the line. But the endlessness of current brutalities are, quite ironically, a harbinger of better future for the Palestinians.

All previous Nakbas were a function of Israeli self confidence. Israel knew that all its tantrums would be overlooked, sometimes encouraged by the sole superpower. Defence Secretary Caspar Weinberger’s definition of Israel as the US’s unsinkable aircraft carrier in the Middle East was apt – only so long as the US was an uncontested super power.

In 2008 after Lehman Brothers came down like the Titanic, there has been no arrest of the hegemon’s decline. Many US institutions have lost their sheen – the Military Industrial Complex (MIC), for instance.

This much touted COMPLEX” has not enabled the US to win Vietnam, Iraq and we remember vividly the messy departure from Afghanistan in August 2021 after 20 years of occupation. The MIC can help destroy countries, not win wars.

One purpose of provoking Putin into the Ukrainian theatre was for the US to recover lost prestige. The opposite has happened. Joe Biden has to bow out for unfortunate reasons; Putin, holding Xi Jinping’s reliable hands, is looking plausible as a global statesman, the two navigating BRICS way beyond G7.

Against this perspective the Nakba 2024 is different. On all previous occasions Israel could take for granted absolute support from the sole superpower.

Today the hegemon, which carried Imperialism on its shoulders, is in free fall. The Israeli establishment is aware of the altered circumstance.

Meanwhile Netanyahu has placed himself in a corner. He cannot dismount the tiger because the tiger will devour him if he does. So he must fight on albeit keep bombing Palestinians. He must keep fighting for another reason: he has promised total victory over Hamas, an impossible proposition by all calculations.

Ceasefire short of total victory will be tantamount to defeat. The Palestinians will be in wild celebration (1,860 deaths according to Lancet’s calculation) notwithstanding. The US, which is staring at defeat in Ukraine also, cannot allow the Israeli aircraft carrier to sink. That will be a nail in the collective coffin of the West.

Folks forget that the US’s relations with Saudi Arabia predate the creation of Israel in 1948. It was in 1945 that President Roosevelt and Shah Saud, founder of Saudi monarchy, met on USS Quincy in the Suez Canal to ratify agreements on how Arab oil will be shared by the West in exchange for guarantees of security in the context of the Cold War.

When the Cold War ended in 1990-91, the Iranian revolution, the Shia axis, Islamic terror were brought into play to scare the Arabs – to keep the oil for security policies in place. But now scarecrows no longer scare the avions. Therefore Saudi Arabia, nudged by China, has shaken hands with Tehran. It has, effectively joined the global south. This Israel cannot do. At China’s behest again, all Palestinian groups, Hamas and Fatah included, have agreed to join hands for managing Gaza the day after the war.

Wait a minute. The other day the Ukrainian Foreign Minister was sighted in Beijing, a capital most friendly with Putin. What on earth is going on?

https://naqvijournal.blogspot.com/2024/07/is-there-israel-in-endgame.html

by A. Abdul Aziz.

According to reports reaching us indicates a member of the minority Ahmadiyya Muslim  community Dr. Zakaur Rahman of Lala Musa, District Gujrat, was targeted and killed on Saturday in his dental clinic.
Ahmadiyya community representatives have condemned the incident saying that there has been intense propaganda against Ahmadis this year where several attacks have claimed lives and also resulted in the desecration of their worship places. They expressed outrage and disappointment over lack of  government action against elements who spread hatred and incite violence against the community.

According to details, Dr. Zakaur Rahman was killed in his clinic, Zaka Dental Clinic, GT Road, Lala Musa, District Gujrat when two unknown motorcycle riders came outside his clinic. One person entered the clinic and opened fire on the doctor who was hit by three bullets on his heart, stomach and arm, as a result of which he died on the spot. The killers fled from the spot. The deceased was around 53 years of age.

Dr Zaka was a local official of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. Those who know him say he had no dispute with anyone. Apart from his wife, he is survived by one son and three daughters.

The international community must urge the Pakistani government to safeguard the rights of Ahmadis and ensure justice for the victims. Likewise, Pakistani authorities must recognize the need to curb the culture of hate speech and promote a culture of harmony. The time to act is now; silence and inaction will only perpetuate the cycle of violence and hatredSource: https://voicepk.net/2024/07/gujrat-ahmadi-doctor-shot-dead-outside-his-clinic/

Ministry of Defence  – Media Centre

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Sri Lanka hosted a reception yesterday (Jul 29) evening to celebrate the 97^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo.

Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne graced the grand occasion as the chief guest, with the invitation of the Ambassador, His Excellency Qi Zhenhong and the Defence Attaché of the PRC to Sri Lanka Senior Colonel Zhou Bo.

While taking the stage as the Chief Guest, General Gunaratne conveyed his gratitude to His Excellency the Ambassador for the long rooted strong relationship in the defence sector and assistance rendered over the years. Further conveyed warm congratulations to the celebrated occasion and the members of the Chinese PLA.

The Chinese Envoy stated that ‘China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbours and this year marks the 67th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries’. Further, he mentioned that the joint efforts by both sides and bilateral military relations will be promoted to a higher level.

The celebration was also attended by ministers, parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, the Chief of Defence Staff, Army and Navy Commanders, Defence Ministry officials, retired and serving Tri-force senior officers, government officials and a group of distinguished invitees.

Courtesy  Hiru News

Ninety-two Members of Parliament have expressed their unwavering for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election, pledging to back him to secure his victory.

This was revealed by the President’s Media Division.

The announcement was made during a meeting of the ruling party, which is currently taking place at the President’s Secretariat, chaired by President Wickremesinghe himself.

Meanwhile earlier in the day, State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, took to “X”(formerly Twitter) to affirm his commitment to Wickremesinghe. Tennakoon emphasized his support for the President, irrespective of the SLPP Politburo’s decisions. He praised Wickremesinghe for his leadership during a critical period, stating, “Immaterial of the decision made by the political bureau of SLPP, together with the majority of parliamentary members, I will continue to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election, who rescued the country at the most crucial time.

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe also voiced his endorsement on the same platform, highlighting the President’s significant achievements in navigating the country through severe crises. Semasinghe remarked, “Under President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership, Sri Lanka has made significant strides in overcoming the most severe crises in history. His clear and decisive leadership has guided the nation toward stability and growth. To prevent a return to such challenging times, it is essential to continue supporting President Wickremesinghe’s vision and initiatives. We need to protect the country before our political views. Together, we can build a prosperous future for our country.

State Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Rohana Dissanayake, remarked,”The economic crisis in 2022 affected everyone, and no leader stepped forward to alleviate the suffering. However, the current President took action to help the people despite holding only one Parliamentary seat. Thanks to his measures, the country’s economy is now recovering. Just as Mahinda Rajapaksa saved the country from terrorism, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has rescued it from economic turmoil.

Therefore, anyone who prioritizes the country’s welfare over politics will support President Ranil Wickremesinghe. With the support of the people of Matale, I have decided to fulfill my duty by backing President Ranil Wickremesinghe in this election.

It should be noted that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is a party rooted at the village level. I am actively representing the SLPP in the Matale District. As long as I have the support of the people, I will continue to back the President. If that support wanes, I will step down.

Great leaders emerge during challenging times. President Ranil Wickremesinghe demonstrated strong leadership by guiding the country through the recent economic crisis. The country’s current progress is a result of his effective economic management policies.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who led Britain to victory in World War II in 1945, was defeated in the subsequent British General Election. Mr. Clement Attlee, who had strengthened the country economically during the war, then, became Prime Minister. A similar situation seems to be unfolding in Sri Lanka, as if history is repeating itself.

In the realm of sports, the current government has made significant strides over the past two years to develop the sport sector in Sri Lanka. An ombudsman has been appointed for sports, and arrangements have been made to provide all necessary facilities to athletes heading to this year’s Olympics. Additionally, both hockey stadiums in Sri Lanka have been renovated and are set to reopen on the 15th of next month. The President’s commitment to allocating financial resources for sports development, even during economic difficulties, is greatly appreciated.

උපුටා ගැන්ම ලංකා සී නිව්ස්

ශ‍්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ දේශපාලන මණ්ඩල සාමාජිකයන් විශාල පිරිසක් ජනාධිපති රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ මහතා සමග මේ වන විට සාකච්ඡාවක යෙදී සිටී.

හිටපු ජනාධිපති මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ මහතාගේ විජයරාම නිල නිවසේ පැවති දේශපාලන මණ්ඩලය සාකච්ඡාවට සහභාගි වීමෙන් අනතුරුව මෙම පිරිස ජනාධිපතිවරයාගේ නිවසට ගොස් ඇත.

එම සාකච්චාවේදී ඔවුන් සහතික කර ඇත්තේ ඉදිරි ජනාධිපතිවරණයේදී පක්ෂයේ තීරණය කුමක් වුවද තමන් ජනාධිපතිවරයාට සහාය දෙන බවයි.

මෙම පිරිසට හතළිස් දෙනකු පමණ සිටින බවද වාර්තාකරුවන් කියා සිටිති.

Dr Sudath Gunasekara

Dear Saman,

 I fully agree with all what the President has said in his address under the caption 

” Sri Lanka unveils blueprint to transform outdated plantation sector to thriving agro-business ” etc that appeared in today’s Lankaweb and I would like to congratulate him for this novel approach that will give a new lease of life to the plantation sector.

This is the first visionary approach on the plantation sectorI ever came across, made by any politician or any other person, including any  expert economist or a policy maker at home or even abroad including the World Bank since the so-called Independence in 1948.

The only recorded exception, I have come across in this regard  is what John Still (1930) a planter and antiquarian has predicted in this regard, wehe he said ‘the commercial agricultural system in Ceylon would slide back in to forest quicker than the ancient tank agricultural system on the Island”  Therefore, once again my hearty congratulations to the President and whoever conceived this brilliant Idea. I only hope that all other politicians,policymakers and economic pundits will take a clue from what the President had said.

 But of course I fully disagree with the idea of creating  mono Tamil villages within the plantation areas in the Central hill country, the geographical entity that decides the destiny of the entire life system and the survival of the great civilization of this Island nation, Even the celebrated American Diplomat who wrote his classic on Sri Lankan plantation economy” Dilemma of a Nation” had not being able to see the need for such visionary change,

Therefore I shall be most grateful to you  if you could advise him on the danger of creating mono   Tamil villages  right at the center of this country. 

Further, I am attaching herewith an  article I have published in the Lankaweb News Forum that may be useful to you to convince the President  on the dangers of having such Tamil settlements on the geographical Heartland of this country.

Also I am attaching another article I published in the Lankaweb where I have outlined a way out  to solve the current political impasse that hinders our forward march as a nation for your information. After reading it, you may show it to the President as well  if you like.

With best wishes

Dr Sudath Gunasekara

අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය මාධ්‍ය අංශය

කැස්බෑව ආසනයේ, පැලැන්වත්ත බටහිර හා මහායායවත්ත ප්‍රජාශාලා  අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය දිනේෂ් ගුණවර්ධන මහතා වෙත වෙන් කෙරෙන විමධ්‍යගත අරමුදලින් නවීකරණය කොට භාරදීම 2024.07.28 දින සිදු කෙරිණි.
එහිදී අදහස් දැක්වූ අග්‍රාමාත්‍යවරයා –
හැම දෙයක්ම රජයේ දෙපාර්තමේන්තුවලට පමණක් කරන්න බැහැ. යම්කිසි වැඩ කොටසක් මහජනයා හවුල් වෙලා රජයේ නිලධාරීන් සමඟ සිදු කළ යුතුයි. ලංකාවේ හැම ගමකම එවැනි ප්‍රජා කටයුතු  මහජනයාගේ සතුට වගේම ජීවිතවල දියුණුවට පරිවර්තනය කරන්න පුළුවන්. අපේ රට ඉදිරියට ගෙනයාම සඳහා එවැනි සහෝදරත්වයක් අවශ්‍යයි. ගම් මට්ටමේ සිට ඉහල දක්වා ඒ සහෝදරත්වය ඇතිවුණොත් රටට විශාල ශක්තියක්. මිනිස් බලයට මහ පෙරළී ඇති කළ හැකියි. එක්සත්කමින් රටේ දියුණුව ඇති කිරීම සඳහා වැඩකරන්න.
පසුගිය වසර වල අපේ රටේ ඇතැම් දිස්ත්‍රික්කවල කෘෂිකර්මාන්ත  ක්ෂේත්‍රයේ අතිරික්තයක් ඇතිකරන්න ගොවියෝ සමත් වුණා. එමගින් අපිට මුහුණ දෙන්න සිදුවූ  අමාරු අභියෝග රැසක් හරහා ගමන් කරන්න පුළුවන්කම ඇති වුණා.
අපිට හොඳට වතුර තියෙන රටක්. ඒ වතුර ටික රැකගෙන විදුලි බලය   නිෂ්පාදනය වැඩි කරගන්න  කටයුතු කිරිමට සෑම රජයක්ම පියවර ගත්තා. උමා ඔය ආරම්භ කළාම කොයිතරම් ප්‍රශ්න ඇති කළාද. විරෝධතා ව්‍යාපාර දියත් කළා. උද්ඝෝෂණ ව්‍යාපාර දියත් කළා. දැඩි අභියෝග මැද රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ ජනාධිපති තුමා  අපි තේ දෙන්නම්  ඒ වෙනුවට අපිට මේ උමා ඔය ව්‍යාපෘතිය ඉවර කරලා දෙන්න කියලා ඒ රටෙන් ඉල්ලීමක් කලා. අන්තිමට විරෝධතා ව්‍යාපාර වලින් කියපු අවින්ශචිත භාවයක් කොහෙත්ම තිබුණේ නැහැ.අක්කර දහස් ගණනක් අද අලුතෙන් අස්වද්දනවා. විදුලි බලය මේලවොට්120 ක්විදුලි බල පද්ධතියට එකතු වුණා.
සංවර්ධන වැඩ ගමට පවරන ක්‍රියාවලියේදී  ග්‍රාම සංවර්ධන සමිති බොහොම සක්‍රීය ආයතන. රාජ්‍ය මන්ත්‍රණ සභාව කාලේ  ඉඳලා ග්‍රාම සංවර්ධන සමිති කෙරෙහි විශ්වාසය තියලා රජයන් කටයුතු කළා. එමගින් මිනිස් ගුණධර්ම රැකගෙන මිනිස් සමාජයේ සහෝදරත්වයෙන් යුක්ත අතිරේක බලයක් නිර්මාණය කරනවා.
පසුගිය කාලේ ලෝකෙ රටවල් අපි එක්ක ගනුදෙනු නොකර නැවතුනා. අපිට අලුත් ආණ්ඩුවක් පිහිටවන්න වුණා. අද මේ වෙනකොට යළිත් ලෝකය සමඟ ගනුදෙනු කරන්න පුළුවන් රටක් බවට පත් කරල තියෙනවා. ජපානය විසින් අත්හිටුවා තිබූ ණය හා ආධාර නැවත ලබාදීමට හැකි ගිවිසුම ගිය සතියේ අත්සන් කරනු ලැබූවා. ඒ අනුව ඉදිරි කාලයේදී  නවත්වපු වැඩ පටන් ගන්න පුළුවන් වෙනවා.
පැලැන්වත්ත සත්බුදු විහාරාධිකාරී ශාස්ත්‍රපති පැලැන්වත්තේ සෝභිත හිමි, පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රීවරුන් වන ගාමිණී ලොකුගේ, යදාමිණි  ගුණවර්ධන මෙම අවස්ථාවට සහභාගී වූහ.
 
 අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය මාධ්‍ය අංශය

අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය මාධ්‍ය අංශය

කොළඹ, බෞද්ධාලෝක මාවත, අතුළ දස්සන බෞද්ධ මධ්‍යස්ථානයේ සහ බොරැල්ල ඥාණාලංකාර භික්ෂු ගිලන් මධ්‍යස්ථාන විහාර ගණයේ ආධිපත්‍යය හොබවන ත්‍රිපිටකාචාර්ය බොරැල්ලේ අතුල ස්වාමීන් වහන්සේට  ශ්‍රී ලංකා අමරපුර මහා නිකායේ, අමරපුර සිරි සද්ධම්මවංස පාර්ශ්වයෙන් ස්ව නිකායේ අනුනායක පදවියේ අක්කපත්‍ර පිරිනැමීම අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය දිනේෂ්  ගුණවර්ධන මහතා අතින් 2024.07.27 දින බණ්ඩාරනායක අනුස්මරණ ශාලාවේදී සිදුකෙරිණි.
1984 දී බොරැල්ලේ අතුල ස්වාමීන් වහන්සේ විසින් ආරම්භ කරන ලද වාර්ෂික නෙළුම් මල් පූජාව මෙරට විවිධ ප්‍රදේශවල ඓතිහාසික විහාරස්ථානවලදී දැනුදු සිදු කෙරේ. එමෙන්ම මැදින් මහේ පෝදා බෞද්ධාලෝක මාවත අතුල දස්සන බෞද්ධ මධ්‍යස්ථානය කේන්ද්‍ර කර ගනිමින්  පුරා හතළිස් වසක් මුළුල්ලෙහි දස පාරමිතා පෙරහර පවත්වාගෙන යාමටද උන්වහන්සේ මූලිකත්වය ගෙන කටයුතු කළහ.
පෙර අපර දෙදිග රටවල් රැසකට වැඩම කර  ධර්මදූත මෙහෙවරෙහි යෙදී ඇති බොරැල්ලේ අතුල හිමි  අමරපුර සිරිසද්ධම්මවංස පාර්ශ්වයේ සල්පිටි, හේවාගම්, රයිගම් කෝරලත්‍රයේ ප්‍රධාන සංඝනායක පදවියට තලල්ලේ ශ්‍රී ධම්මානන්ද නාහිමි යුගයේදී පත්වූහ. බළන්ගොඩ සුධම්මවංස මහා නාහිමි යුගයේදී කාරක සභික ධුරයකින් සහ කොළඹ පළාතේ ප්‍රධාන සංඝනායක ධුරයෙන්ද පිදුම් ලැබූහ.
ශ්‍රී ලංකා අමරපුර මහානිකායේ වැඩ බලන උත්තරීතර මහා සංඝනායක, අධ්‍යාපනපති,  පූජ්‍ය ආචාර්ය කරගොඩ, උයන්ගොඩ, මෛත්‍රී මූර්ති මහනාහිමි, අමරපුර සිරි සද්ධම්මවංශ මහා නිකායේ,    මහානායක පූජ්‍ය  අහුංගල්ලේ සිරි සීලවිසුද්ධි හිමි, ශ්‍රී ලංකා රාමඤ්ඤ මහානිකායේ  මහානායක, ශාස්ත්‍රපති පූජ්‍ය මකුලෑවේ ශ්‍රී විමල හිමි, සියම් මහානිකායේ ශ්‍රී කල්‍යාණී සමග්‍රී සංඟ සභාවේ මහනායක, පූජ්‍ය මල්වානේ පඤ්ඤාසාර හිමි, කොළඹ විශ්ව විද්‍යාලයේ කුලපති, පූජ්‍ය මුරුත්තෙට්ටුවේ ආනන්ද හිමි, විද්‍යෝදය පරිවෙණාධීපති, රාජකීය පණ්ඩිත, දර්ශනපති,  පූජ්‍ය බලංගොඩ සෝභිත නා හිමි, ඇතුළු මහා සංඝරත්නය සහ දායකකාරකාදීන් රැසක් මෙම අවස්ථාවට සහභාගි වූහ.
 
 

උපුටා ගැන්ම ලංකා සී නිව්ස්

හිටපු ජනාධිපති මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ මහතාගේ ප්‍රධානත්වයෙන් පැවති ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙර⁣මුණේ දේශපාලන මණ්ඩල රැස්වීමට අද (29) සහභාගී වී ඇත්තේ එම පක්ෂය නියෝජනය කරන ⁣පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රීවරුන් 16 දෙනෙකු පමණක් බව පක්ෂ ආරංචි මාර්ග පවසයි.

මෙවර ජනාධිපතිවරණයට ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේන් අපේක්ෂකයකු ඉදිරිපත් කළයුතු බවට වන යෝජනාව දේශපාලන මණ්ඩලයට ඉදිරිපත් කර ඇත්තේ පක්ෂ ලේකම් සාගර කාරියවසම් මහතා විසිනි.

එම යෝජනාවට විරැද්ධව සහභාගී වූ මන්ත්‍රීවරුන් 11 දෙනෙකුම විරැද්ධව ඡන්දය ප්‍රකාශ කර තිබේ.

දේශපාලන ආරංචි මාර්ග පවසන්නේ පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රීවරුන් 16 දෙනා හැරැණු විට දේශපාලන මණ්ඩල රැස්වීමට සහභාගී වූ ⁣බොහෝදෙනා විවිධ සංවිධාන මට්ටමින් ගෙන්වූ අය බවයි.

ශ්‍රී ලංකා පොදුජන පෙරමුණේ දේශපාලන මණ්ඩලයේ සාමාජිකයකු නොවන මහර ප්‍රාදේශීය සභාවේ හිටපු සභාපතිනියගේ දියණිය පවා අද පැවති දේශපාලන මණ්ඩල රැස්වීමට සහභාගී වී ඇති බව ද එම ආරංචි මාර්ග පවසයි.

කෙසේවෙතත් දේශපාලන මණ්ඩල රැස්වීමේදී පොහොට්ටුවෙ ජනාධිපති අපේක්ෂකධූරය බළාපොරොත්තුවෙන් සිටි ධම්මික පෙරේරා මහතාගේ නමක් ගැන සඳහන් නොවීම විශේෂත්වයකි.

එහිදී හිටපු ජනාධිපති මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ මහතා පවසා ඇත්තේ මෙය පක්ෂයේ තීරණය බවට එයට සියලුම දෙනා එකග විය යුතු බවත්ය.

– Repoter

By Thomas L. Davis and Amila Sandaruwan Ratnayake Courtesy The Diplomat

Developing natural gas resources will help the country overcome its economic crisis, provide energy security, and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

For now, Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis seems to be in remission. Many challenges still confront the government and population, from a substantial national debt to question of whether it can afford imported energy. 

Sri Lanka is not alone. Many nations, economically developed and developing, now face unsustainable debt levels and energy insecurity (uncertainty in availability and affordability). Historically, debts have been inflated away, renegotiated, or defaulted on. But nations with no in-country energy production and inflation risk face a form of energy insecurity double-jeopardy. It is better to pay off a national debt by developing an in-country resource, natural or human. 

Sri Lanka has such a resource, although unknown to many. Off the Sri Lankan coast, there are discovered yet undeveloped natural gas fields – and the potential for additional discoveries. Developing the gas fields and more exploration could alleviate Sri Lanka’s debt, provide energy security for decades, and significantly lower its carbon dioxide emissions. 

The Economic Crisis

In recent years, Sri Lanka has endured the worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948. Until very recently, its economy was on a downward trend, intensified by COVID-19 health costs and the loss of tourism revenue during the pandemic. The economy shrank by nearly 8 percent in 2022-2023 and only posted growth in the first quarter of 2024. Since 2019, the number of Sri Lankan poor has increased from 4 to 7 million, now around 31 percent of the population. 

There is a strong energy component to the country’s economic woes. The high cost of imported energy and unavailability resulted in rolling blackouts. Transport fuel shortages marked by lengthy gasoline and diesel queues added to the people’s suffering. Headline inflation peaked at nearly 70 percent in 2022, and despite falling to only 4 percent at the end of 2023, high prices on many key items such as food and energy seem permanent.

Much of the crisis is the result of decades of trade deficits and borrowing, with a sizable portion of foreign exchange used to purchase oil and coal imports. A foreign currency shortage left little funds for government services and forced Sri Lanka into default. In 2022, the nation suspended repayment on $83 billion in domestic and foreign loans. A considerable proportion of the debt is in short-term international sovereign bonds issued at extremely high interest rates, which accounted for about 70 percent of annual interest payments in 2021. 

A $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance package was approved in 2023, and a $3 billion debt restructuring plan with bilateral creditors agreed on in June of this year. The present government’s reform policies and the IMF’s first and second tranches have reversed the economy’s downward trend with year-on-year growth reported at 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2024. 

Energy Use 

Understanding Sri Lanka’s unique energy mix reveals the benefit of using its natural gas resources. Hydropower is widespread and has mostly ranged from 10-20 percent of energy consumption since 2010. This suggests it has reached or nearly reached existing infrastructure capacity, and growth beyond 20 percent is constrained by suitable new sites and costs.

Apart from hydropower, Sri Lanka imports most of the energy it consumes, primarily fossil fuels. Oil and coal provide over 80 percent of its energy consumption (power and transportation).

Sustained high fossil fuel prices place economic and political burdens on nations with little or no in-country production. The results are less energy availability and higher costs, depletion of U.S. dollar-dominated foreign reserves, and in many nations such as Sri Lanka, higher use of less expensive coal with increased CO2 emissions. 

Prior to the 2019 downturn, increased oil and coal use fueled three decades of growth in per capita GDP and, unavoidably, CO2 emissions. Fossil fuel consumption, GDP, and CO2 emissions decreased concurrently and significantly as the economic crisis began. Assuming the worst of the economic crisis is over, the three will again grow. Coal use has increased dramatically since 2010, reaching 17 percent of energy use in 2022, and has added to the nation’s CO2 emissions per unit of power. Despite this, coal is favored because it is regionally available, cheap to transport, easy to store, and inexpensive per unit of energy. 

The figure below illustrates the dependent relationship between Sri Lanka’s economic growth and increasing emissions.

Offshore Resources: A Potential Solution

Natural gas offers a path to both reduced emissions and reduced dependence on high-priced foreign energy sources.

Two undeveloped gas fields, Barracuda and Dorado, are located in Sri Lanka’s portion of the offshore Mannar basin. They were discovered by Cairn Lanka Pvt. Ltd. in 2011, then evaluated. Cairn departed Sri Lanka in 2015, stating that the fields would not be commercially viable – a decision made when spot prices for Asian liquefied natural gas (LNG) were entering a historically low price phase of less than $7.00/metric million British thermal units (MMbtu) and average international oil prices were below $40/barrel oil (BO). 

The offshore gas field discoveries are a proven yet undeveloped resource estimated to have a combined mid-case recoverable of 839 billion cubic feet of gas and 5.88 million barrels of condensate, a liquid derived from natural gas. Using a 2023 Asia LNG spot market price of $11.20/MMBtu and $70/BO as approximate proxies for market values, we can estimate values of $9.4 billion and $412 million for gas and gas liquids, respectively. 

There are no publicly available estimates of the development cost of the combined discoveries. Norway’s Irpa field, with development costs of around $1.4 billion, has similar hydrocarbon volumes and water-depth as the Sri Lankan gas fields. Based on that, they should be commercial at today’s prices. 

Beyond the known offshore gas fields, geologic research, exploration data, and a 2012 United States Geological Survey (USGS) resource assessment all indicate that the Mannar and Cauvery basins, which are within Sri Lankan and Indian waters, have significant natural gas and petroleum potential, with numerous exploration plays lacking a single test well. The USGS assessment estimates undiscovered, technically recoverable, conventional petroleum resources. 

We measure that 32 percent of the Cauvery basin and 66 percent of the Mannar basin are within Sri Lankan waters. Using the aforementioned proxies for market values and the USGS’ mean resource volumes yields a ballpark” value of $2.4 trillion for the undiscovered resources in the Sri Lankan portion of the Cauvery Basin and $4.7 trillion for the Sri Lankan portion of the Mannar Basin, using the conservative assumption that 5 percent of the USGS estimated resources will be discovered and economically recoverable.

And having an in-country energy source provides benefits beyond the dollar value.

Moving From Oil and Coal to In-Country Natural Gas

At present, there is no natural gas production or consumption in Sri Lanka despite the nation’s discovered gas fields and likelihood for additional discoveries. Importing LNG, once a consideration, now seems less likely, as plans to build LNG storage facilities for imports have stalled since 2021. Plus, imported LNG has price and availability risk, especially in South and East Asia, where it has been historically expensive and recently reached unaffordable levels with some of Sri Lanka’s neighbors, i.e. Bangladesh and Pakistan. 

For the most part, in-country produced natural gas is immune to energy insecurity drivers such as availability and affordability. Natural gas use in Sri Lanka should be favored for future power generation, as it would emit far less CO2 than the present burning of oil and coal. On average, oil releases 1.4 times more CO2 and coal 1.8 times more CO2, per energy unit, than burning natural gas. 

Climate change concerns and the move to net-zero emissions are discouraging new fossil fuel projects, such as natural gas fields, while encouraging renewable projects. Industrial scale solar and wind have a role in Sri Lanka’s energy mix but worldwide have a history of increasing electricity rates. Renewable energy projects also require government subsidies to cover build-out costs and needed base-load backup. The innate intermittency of solar and wind requires fossil fuel or nuclear power generation to be available to insure reliability and resilience to power grids. Natural gas is base-load power and switching from oil and coal to natural gas in Sri Lanka would be equivalent to expanding Sri Lanka’s present solar and wind power generation by six times, in terms of equivalent CO2 emissions.

Field development, new exploration, and the transition to natural gas in Sri Lanka will not happen without foreign investment. Challenges include the high cost of offshore exploration and development, especially in deep water (which entails costs of over $1 billion per field). There is risk to investment with no established in-country production to offset against. There is also opposition to fossil fuel projects in many economically advantaged nations, in the form of ESG-banking pledges, the lending policies of many multilateral development banks, and non-governmental organizations and foreign governments that recommend only funding renewable energy projects. 

Yet many traditional funding sources remain available to Sri Lanka, such as international oil companies (publicly traded and national oil companies), foreign government funding, the bond market, project partners, private equity, and export credit. There are also newer funding alternatives, such as energy asset secularization, that now allow medium-sized international oil companies to explore in nations like Sri Lanka.

Developing Sri Lanka’s discovered gas fields, returning exploration, and changing the energy sector from oil- and coal-based to natural gas are economically viable and desirable, assuming sustainable and responsible development. Key benefits include the alleviation of Sri Lanka’s debt; the creation of a secure, inexpensive, and reliable energy source for decades; and the reduction of its CO2 emissions to meet its international obligations in manner that does not economically deprive its population. 

Many will argue that Sri Lanka should not develop its fossil fuel resources because of climate change concerns. However, moving from its present oil and coal dominance to natural gas would reduce its emissions by about one-third at its present power consumption level. Besides, Sri Lanka emits and has emitted very little CO2: annually, 38.4 million tonnes in 2021, and cumulatively, 534 million tonnes from 1800-2022. For comparison, China emitted 10.3 billion tonnes in 2021 and cumulatively 261 billion tonnes from 1800-2022, while the United States emitted 5.6 billion tonnes in 2021, and cumulatively 427 billion tonnes from 1800-2022. 

Recent international events show that most nations with much larger CO2 emissions will place their energy security above climate change concerns if their economy and social well-being are threatened. 

Compelling arguments have been made that underinvestment in oil and gas worldwide will increase energy insecurity by constraining future supplies, increasing costs, and becoming a threat to global economic growth. Avoiding this will require far more than the present levels of investment despite claims that renewable energy will adequately supply the world’s needs during the energy transition. With sufficient investment, development, and exploration, Sri Lanka has the resources to avoid energy insecurity, while lowering its debt and CO2 emissions.

Courtesy Port Technology International

Alphaliner has designated the Port of Colombo as the best-performing port in the world for the first quarter of 2024.

This award recognises Colombo’s outstanding growth rate of 23.6 per cent, which outperforms all other ports globally.

Notably, the Port of Long Beach came in second with a growth rate of 23.3 per cent, followed by the Port of Tanjung Pelepas with a growth rate of 22.7 per cent.

The first half of 2024 has been particularly impressive for the Port of Colombo.

READ: Maersk methanol vessel arrives at Port of Colombo

When compared to the same time in 2023, domestic volumes jumped by 19.2 per cent, transshipment volumes by 9.6 per cent, and overall volumes increased by 12.5 per cent.

Reportedly, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) terminals have been instrumental in generating this exceptional performance.

Between January and June 2024, the SLPA terminals had a 23.6 per cent increase in domestic volumes, a 15.5 per cent increase in transshipment volumes, and a total volume gain of 17.7 per cent.

In February, the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka witnessed an increase in transshipments by 29.1 per cent YoY, marking the third consecutive month of growth.

Courtesy Adaderana

The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) organization alleges that the participation of government nurses in uniform at the National All Ceylon Nurses’ Conference held yesterday (29) under the leadership of National People’s Power (NPP) leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is a violation of election regulations.

CaFFE has informed the National Election Commission in writing that the use of uniforms provided by the public tax money for political purposes is a breach of the Establishments Code and also the Election regulations.

Additionally, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has also notified the Election Commission in writing that this act is a violation of election regulations.

Meanwhile, a discussion between the country’s security chiefs and Election Commission officials was held today (29). The Secretary of Public Security Viyani Gunathilaka and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva were reportedly present at the meeting.

Courtesy Adaderana

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will not support current President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the forthcoming Presidential Election, SLPP MP Sagara Kariyawasam said.

Meanwhile, he said that the Politburo of the SLPP decided to field a Presidential Candidate of its own.

Furthermore, Kariyawasam expressed that the party will further look into qualified individuals to contest for the presidency and that the person with the most likelihood to win will officially be named the candidate of the SLPP during the upcoming days.

Meanwhile, the SLPP politburo has decided to take strict disciplinary action against any member of the SLPP contesting for the 2024 Presidential Election without the party’s approval.

In response to a question raised by a journalist whether it was not too late to delay the nomination of a candidate, Kariyawasam said that they would name the winning candidate” at the winning time”.

Commenting further he said: There was an exchange of ideas that we should field a candidate under the symbol of the flower bud. A few members opposed that, but the majority was in favour of that decision. So, it was passed with a majority vote to field a separate candidate.”

On Friday (26), the election deposit was placed on behalf of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to contest the 2024 Presidential Election as an independent candidate. 

The Presidential Election will be held on September 21 and Nominations will be accepted on August 15, 2024.

Courtesy Hiru News

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the issue regarding the appointment of the Inspector General of Police will be resolved within a week through consultation with the Speaker and the Chief Justice.

The President stated that he is fully committed to holding the presidential election on September 21 and will not consider postponing it beyond that date, as elections are an essential aspect of the people’s sovereignty and must never be violated.

Participating in the “Jayagamu Sri Lanka”; Colombo District program held today (27) at the Homagama bus station premises, President Wickremesinghe highlighted that, according to Article 106 of the Constitution, the Election Commission has the authority to conduct an independent and free election in the country. He emphasized that it is everyone’s absolute duty to provide full support for this process.

Addressing the gathering the President further elaborated,
It must be acknowledged that we are here today because of the contributions of migrant workers and the farmers who cultivated the Yala season of 2022 and 2023. Without these two groups, our country would not have advanced as successfully as it has. We all remember the state of the country when we assumed leadership. We are not a one-party government; as President, I formed a new government by bringing everyone together. This government is therefore equipped to accept challenges. With the support of international countries and financial organizations, we began stabilizing the economy of the country. We must not forget the emigrant community that brought in dollars, and for that, so I should thank you.

If we had not advanced the country’s economy in this way, the people would not be enjoying the concessions they have today. We have a responsibility to support workers returning from abroad to start their careers here. It is because of your past service that we can provide such relief to the people today.

We now have the opportunity to emerge from bankruptcy because we have successfully negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), lending countries, and bondholders, completing the debt restructuring process. Following the signing of these agreements, Japan announced that they would resume all previously halted projects in this country with the support of the Japanese government.

We have also reached an agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement major projects, including the development of Trincomalee port. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved several energy projects. Consequently, we are ready to initiate these development activities with Japan and India.

I have also requested that China and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) resume their projects. As a result, the construction sector in this country is making significant progress.

Some people thought we wouldn’t be able to recover as a country, that holding an election would be impossible, and that we would descend into dictatorship. Now, we are holding the election. Some others said I would postpone it, but I was the first to deposit the candidate’s fee to ensure the polls could be held on time.

People ask me what will happen because of this crisis. Last week, a case was filed in the Supreme Court, claiming the system appointed by the Inspector General was wrong. An appeal and a request were submitted to the Supreme Court, as we need its approval according to the constitution. It was stated that the appeal could be made in the traditional way, which is nothing unusual. However, the Supreme Court announced that the Inspector General of Police would be removed from his post and suspended from work, despite there being no facts about it. But when you read it, you’ll understand that the petition presents the facts and that a petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court. The decision about the Inspector General of Police has been based on the pending petition.

The next day, the opposition leader brought up the matter in Parliament. The Speaker was absent that day, but when he returned, the Prime Minister raised the matter again. The Speaker then decided that the Constituent Assembly is part of Parliament, and therefore, the court cannot examine its internal workings. As a result, the Speaker stated that the appointment is lawful.

The Supreme Court says this is illegal and should be banned, while Parliament declares it is legal. With September 21 set as the election date, this situation could become a significant problem.

So, I discussed this with our Venerable Mahanayaka Theros, the Chairman of the Election Commission, and other leaders. They all agreed that we need to find a solution to this issue. We can’t let it collapse like this because it is the people who will be affected.

I view this issue from a different perspective. Rather than focusing on the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or the Constituent Assembly meeting, I refer to Article 4 of the constitution, which states that elections are part of the people’s sovereignty. We must honour this sovereignty. According to Article 106 of the constitution, the Election Commission is empowered to conduct free and independent elections in the country. The period for holding such elections began on July 17. It is our absolute duty to fully support the Election Commission in conducting this free and independent election.

Minister Manusha Nanayakkara inquired the Election Commissioner if my photo could be posted on this platform. They requested to remove it. This isn’t a problem for me. We need to have discussions and debates about this. However, the Supreme Court also had a duty to consult the Election Commission on this matter. According to Article 106 of the Constitution, the Election Commission has to request police officers through the Inspector General of Police, not from the DIG. This must come from the Inspector General of Police.

Without an Inspector General of Police, how can we secure the necessary officers? The required number of police officers should be requested this week; if delayed, it will not be possible, and the election cannot be held. Therefore, this issue is very important.

Therefore, it was the Supreme Court’s primary duty to consult the Election Commission on this matter. Likewise, Parliament should have asked the Election Commission about these issues and provided a decision. The failure to do so has created a significant problem. I do not want the election to be postponed, and I am not ready to delay it beyond September 21. I am determined to hold this election as planned. Vote for whomever you prefer; it is not a problem and it’s your right.

We need to stop going to court now and find a solution. We must decide whether to defuse this situation or let it explode. We cannot allow it to blow up. It needs to be dismantled and deactivated piece by piece. Both Parliament and the Supreme Court must act accordingly.

Therefore, I ask that both the Speaker and the Chief Justice discuss and resolve this issue. I spoke to the Speaker in the morning, and he mentioned that he had sent a letter to the Attorney General and said he is ready to talk to the Chief Justice. I will also inform the Chief Justice to discuss this. We must solve this problem within this week.

Under Article 4 of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the country’s security. The Supreme Court punished President Maithripala Sirisena for failing to protect the country. We need the Police to ensure the country’s safety, and the Intelligence Division and the Special Task Force must be operational. What will happen if we lose these capabilities?

A new campaign to combat drugs is scheduled to begin this week, and it should start on time. Therefore, I declare that after discussing with the Speaker and the Chief Justice, this issue will be resolved, and the Election Commission will be able to hold the election on September 21.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena,Today, the country is experiencing an economic awakening. I am grateful to Labour Minister for initiating such a program during a challenging period. By collaborating with the entire private sector, the minister made a significant contribution to the success of this program.

The situation in the country two years ago speaks for itself, and there is no need to dwell on it. President Ranil Wickremesinghe accepted the challenge of rebuilding the country. He took steps to achieve economic and governmental stability, integrating all sectors. When he took office, businesses were collapsing, but he stabilized the economy by working with the international community.

Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena,

This program is unique in its implementation across the country. Two years ago, for the first time since independence, the people of this country faced an economic crisis, enduring long queues for fuel and gas. At that time, society was fraught with tension and resentment, primarily due to a shortage of dollars. Although there were some dollars available for importing essential goods, there were not enough to import fuel and gas. The current president secured support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the international community, bringing the country to a point where we can all breathe easier.

Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara,

When President Ranil Wickremesinghe took office, the country was facing a severe dollar shortage, and institutions were unable to pay salaries to officials. We appealed to foreign workers and those with work permits abroad to send dollars back home.

It was your children who sent dollars to our country, which is why we recognize their contributions. Out of love for their homeland, they supported us financially. Today marks the 24th event of the “Jayagamu Sri Lanka” program in the Colombo district. The 25th event was planned for the Jaffna district, but it had to be temporarily cancelled due to the election announcement.

We must prepare our children to thrive in the modern world. The Smart Classroom Program was initiated to train their minds for this purpose. We also revised labour laws, enabling many young people in our country to find jobs abroad through the empowerment of foreign work permit holders.

“Jayagamu Sri Lanka” program has significantly benefited the nation. The smart board distribution programs were not politically motivated; they were part of an initiative to help the country’s youth become entrepreneurs. Despite facing various accusations while implementing these programs, we remain committed to serving the people.

State Minister Jagath Pushkumara,

The “Jayagamu Sri Lanka” initiative began its first program in the historic Anuradhapura district. Today, all foreign employment agencies and officials are present here in the Colombo district. You didn’t come seeking jobs today; jobs have found you.

We had to make a strong effort to rebuild the country from the economic crisis it faced. At that time, we couldn’t even find USD 20 million.

We appreciate the contributions of foreign workers. This tribute is well deserved by you as parents.

I would like to thank all the officials and others who helped make this program a success.

Members of Parliament Premanath C. Dolawatta and Yadamini Gunawardena, former Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment Ananda Wimalaweera, General Manager of the Foreign Employment Bureau Priyantha Senanayake, along with a group of government officials, Principals, parents, school students, and others attended this event.

Courtesy Hiru News

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the issue regarding the appointment of the Inspector General of Police will be resolved within a week through consultation with the Speaker and the Chief Justice.

The President stated that he is fully committed to holding the presidential election on September 21 and will not consider postponing it beyond that date, as elections are an essential aspect of the people’s sovereignty and must never be violated.

Participating in the “Jayagamu Sri Lanka” Colombo District program held today (27) at the Homagama bus station premises, President Wickremesinghe highlighted that, according to Article 106 of the Constitution, the Election Commission has the authority to conduct an independent and free election in the country. He emphasized that it is everyone’s absolute duty to provide full support for this process.

People ask me what will happen because of this crisis. Last week, a case was filed in the Supreme Court, claiming the system appointed by the Inspector General was wrong. An appeal and a request were submitted to the Supreme Court, as we need its approval according to the constitution. It was stated that the appeal could be made in the traditional way, which is nothing unusual. However, the Supreme Court announced that the Inspector General of Police would be removed from his post and suspended from work, despite there being no facts about it. But when you read it, you’ll understand that the petition presents the facts and that a petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court. The decision about the Inspector General of Police has been based on the pending petition.

The next day, the opposition leader brought up the matter in Parliament. The Speaker was absent that day, but when he returned, the Prime Minister raised the matter again. The Speaker then decided that the Constituent Assembly is part of Parliament, and therefore, the court cannot examine its internal workings. As a result, the Speaker stated that the appointment is lawful.

The Supreme Court says this is illegal and should be banned, while Parliament declares it is legal. With September 21 set as the election date, this situation could become a significant problem.

So, I discussed this with our Venerable Mahanayaka Theros, the Chairman of the Election Commission, and other leaders. They all agreed that we need to find a solution to this issue. We can’t let it collapse like this because it is the people who will be affected.

I view this issue from a different perspective. Rather than focusing on the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or the Constituent Assembly meeting, I refer to Article 4 of the constitution, which states that elections are part of the people’s sovereignty. We must honour this sovereignty. According to Article 106 of the constitution, the Election Commission is empowered to conduct free and independent elections in the country. The period for holding such elections began on July 17. It is our absolute duty to fully support the Election Commission in conducting this free and independent election.

Minister Manusha Nanayakkara inquired the Election Commissioner if my photo could be posted on this platform. They requested to remove it. This isn’t a problem for me. We need to have discussions and debates about this. However, the Supreme Court also had a duty to consult the Election Commission on this matter. According to Article 106 of the Constitution, the Election Commission has to request police officers through the Inspector General of Police, not from the DIG. This must come from the Inspector General of Police.

Without an Inspector General of Police, how can we secure the necessary officers? The required number of police officers should be requested this week; if delayed, it will not be possible, and the election cannot be held. Therefore, this issue is very important.

Therefore, it was the Supreme Court’s primary duty to consult the Election Commission on this matter. Likewise, Parliament should have asked the Election Commission about these issues and provided a decision. The failure to do so has created a significant problem. I do not want the election to be postponed, and I am not ready to delay it beyond September 21. I am determined to hold this election as planned. Vote for whomever you prefer; it is not a problem and it’s your right.

We need to stop going to court now and find a solution. We must decide whether to defuse this situation or let it explode. We cannot allow it to blow up. It needs to be dismantled and deactivated piece by piece. Both Parliament and the Supreme Court must act accordingly.

Therefore, I ask that both the Speaker and the Chief Justice discuss and resolve this issue. I spoke to the Speaker in the morning, and he mentioned that he had sent a letter to the Attorney General and said he is ready to talk to the Chief Justice. I will also inform the Chief Justice to discuss this. We must solve this problem within this week.

Under Article 4 of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the country’s security. The Supreme Court punished President Maithripala Sirisena for failing to protect the country. We need the Police to ensure the country’s safety, and the Intelligence Division and the Special Task Force must be operational. What will happen if we lose these capabilities?

A new campaign to combat drugs is scheduled to begin this week, and it should start on time. Therefore, I declare that after discussing with the Speaker and the Chief Justice, this issue will be resolved, and the Election Commission will be able to hold the election on September 21.

කීර්ති රත්නායක චමුදිත සමරවික්‍රම සමග Keerthi Ratnayake On Truth with Chamuditha

e-Con e-News

blog: eesrilanka.wordpress.com

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

e-Con e-News 21-27 July 2024

Sri Lanka’s policy mavens can learn from the Asia Times Business Editor (he’s not Asian). He laments the USA’s purported decline in industrial production and supposed economic lagging behind China. China is the white man’s latest goni-billa, mau-mau, boogie-boogie scarecrow. Yet again. Editor D. Goldman wishes to spur greater resolve among his settler-compatriots to advance the US role as the world’s richest and most deadly nation-state in history. Goldman (presumably no relation to that Mr Sachs) calls for another (did it ever stop?) arms race, as a spur to modern industrial production. ‘As a young researcher for [US President Ron] Reagan’s National Security Council’, Goldman says he ‘produced a study saying that SDI [aka Space Defense Initiative, aka Star Wars – ee] would pay for itself through civilian spinoffs… We get industrial policy right when we have a national emergency – Trump’s missile defense is the way to go.’

     This arms race did not begin with Reagan. It drove the presidencies of the genocidal Truman, Eisenhower & Kennedy & Johnson and… Goldman perhaps wishes we will forget that this circle-the-wagons & kill-off-the-Indians cry has long been the rallying cry of white settlers from Virginia to Guam to Gaza. Yet, it is important to hear his jabber.

     Despite having access to the latest media ‘intelligence’, he repeats nonsense like, ‘In 1979 China took a nation of farmers and turned them into industrial workers, and multiplied GDP per capita 30 times.’  Then again, which white man (& ee uses white as a political synonym for ‘genocidal & stupid’, not a skin color) can dare admit that in fact it was the energy & sacrifice of China’s emergence as an independent nation in 1949, and the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution’ from 1964, that built China’s huge industrial infrastructure.

     He does claim, however, that China now plans ‘to turn a nation of factory workers into a nation of engineers’. And also zeroes in, calling on the US to: ‘Reduce our forward deployment and concentrate resources on high-tech defense. We have faster chips. But it’s not just about processing speed: It’s know-how, education, an industrial culture & industrial communities’ (see ee Focus, China’s Long March through the Global South – David P Goldman).

     The omnipotence of such industrial workers is of course sniggered (interesting word, like the oft-used ‘denigrate’ – to insult, to make into a ‘negro’) at by our colonial-minded academics. Our education system, let alone the economy and our minds, has been hijacked.

     ee continues looking at the imperialist hijacking of the education system, and the abduction of the exertions of our minds & bodies, to prevent a modern industrial system. Week after week, we are subject to the whining of professors (mainly from the English Department, see the ‘Kuppi’ series in Island which laments the loss of ‘liberal education’ and in stubborn jargon claims to be a ‘politics and pedagogy happening on the margins of the lecture hall that parodies, subverts, and simultaneously reaffirms social hierarchies’.Really! Despite all such ‘liberal’ claims, these English slaves still wish for their ‘Master’s degrees’… and while unable to heal the nation or prescribe panaceas, all wish to be known as ‘doctors’!

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• The economist Usvatte-aratchi provides a selective look in this ee Focus at the origins of the modern university, and provides an interesting survey of its evolution throughout the world. He points out how such ‘hallowed’ institutions as Oxford and Cambridge had no part in England’s rise as a modern industrial nation. He also laments the failure of our liberals to understand how the colonial version of ‘arts’ was broken off from mathematics, technology and science. Yet he fails to describe the role of the University’s architect, ‘sir’ Ivor Jennings, in not just imposing a colonial system of education into our midst, but also embedding sectarianism into the constitution and political system to prevent the unity needed to resurrect ourselves, while continuing the dominance of the most dangerous minority of all – a trader bourgeoisie).

     Usvatte-aratchi reviews a book by the University teacher Liyanage Amarakirti, on what a university is. A US Fullbright scholar, the half-bright Amarakirti is on the central committee of the JVP electoral front, the NPP. He is also infamous for writing an ‘open’ letter to China’s ambassador, accusing that country’s government of interfering in Sri Lanka’s affairs! Trying hard to praise Amarakirti’s achievements, Usvatte calls this teacher, ‘highly regarded’ but does not mention by whom, and claims Amarakirti has reached ‘highest level in the academic hierarchy’. Whatever those heights are. Usvatte is nevertheless critical of Amarakirti’s ‘eclectic’ style, and in the end is ‘disappointed’ by the book, pointing out that dropping the names and opinions of ‘celebrated writers and scholars’ is no substitute for ‘analytical studies’ of institutions and their functions. He suggests Amarakirti is rather Eurocentric, by failing to acknowledge variety across the world, and claiming Harvard was the first university in the world! Mind you, Usvatte, too, ignores that ancient Lanka (Mahavihara, Abhayagiri) and India (Nalanda) had world-famous universities (we could argue what constituted the ‘world’ then). Noting Amarakirti’s association with ‘5 universities, 3 overseas,’ he also suggests Amarakirti is not aware that one of the universities he attended in the US was a ‘land grant’ college.

     Usvatte points out, ‘in the US, 70% of all undergraduates study in government universities and colleges’. But he does not explain that imperialist governments the world over, including in the white settler states, gave land to white peasants in and from Europe. The government built land-grant colleges with government money to teach them how to farm better, providing local agents to further their expertise in farming, providing low interest rates to mechanize their farms, and promoted rural industrialization!

     Usvatte however claims, ‘the market has always determined university output’. We have no idea what this ‘market’ may be. We do know that many US universities were promoted by large industrial capitalists to further their monopolies in their state. As Usvatte himself says:

‘Universities became important agents in the economy after about 1850, because the economy changed to need their participation. Discoveries in physics, chemistry and biology in universities began to be exploited by both industrialists and farmers. Far-flung enterprises like railways needed managers with special training. The land grant colleges in US were partly a response to these demands. The ‘Wisconsin Idea’ of a university as a ‘service centre’ where people resorted to solving their problems was symptomatic of this transformation… ‘a very high proportion of the leading industries in the US, perhaps as many as 80%, are derived from discoveries in US universities’.

     Our universities are not allowed to make such discoveries, and if & when they do, they are immediately stolen to serve others.

     Usvatte in the end is luckily not as sanguine about how great such arts education is: ‘I am not sure that Armageddon is around the corner if teaching liberal arts in universities were to decline.’ As much of the information in this ee points out, the English embedded major divisions in the society (time bombs, as Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai called them) to prevent the only method by which we can secure our true independence – the making of machines. (see ee Focus, Universities & Liberal Arts Education – Usvatte-aratchi)

*

• Why are our ruling minorities so fearful of what a clearly genocidal white man thinks of us? Are they truly arbiters of the good & the beautiful? Why do the published economists & business news writers religiously echo the gospel of ‘exports’? Why cry over the loss of access to imperialist markets?

     To answer these questions, ee has tried to select & classify a scoop of the weekly English news about Sri Lanka, for the last 6 years…wishing to expose the media’s role in the continued colonization (cannibalization, may be a better word) of Sri Lanka. The English media is not written for us, and is meant to be read as if the white man is looking over our shoulder, whose approval we are supposed to seek. 

     We are ruled by a comprador faction, who are nourished through supposedly ‘privileged’ access (GSP+) to the markets of the whites, who can turn this access on and off at will. This ‘minority’ of compradors are thus allowed to move their capital and their relatives to hideouts in and out of the country, creating periodic turmoil for most of the people (see ee Random Notes, CPSL calls on all Progressive & Left forces to defeat the RW Government).

     In return, this comprador gang has to show it is able to mobilize large numbers of people (not the majority) to maintain the appearance of mass consent to our subjugation. They have to appear large enough to put on an act, through 1,000 fake media channels to make them look like they are bigger than they are, and us, smaller than we are. Exiles & diasporas (also linked to the local compradors factions & their exporters of commodity & capital) too are locked into the games run by the US state departments and related pitbulls & poodles. And it is not just about traders & merchants & moneylenders. An entire wannabe class has been nurtured. Comprador academics are also shaped by their access to western capital & ‘markets’ (journals, film & lit festivals, scholarships, etc).

     Comrades D Trump & J Biden may be doing Russian President Vladimir Putin a favor by cutting the legs off Russia’s compradors. But who will do that for us? Our compradors have infiltrated us from all sides, and have thus been emboldened, but it is important to never forget that we are many & they are very very few.

*

• This ee peeks into the plans being hatched by the greatest threats to peace & progress the world has ever known– the leading imperialist capitalist nation & their poodles – white & off-white, and their effect on Lanka. We offer a glimpse into the ‘presumptive’ next President of the USA and his foreign & economic policies, as well as those interests driving the ‘presumptive’ policies of his opponent (‘the more effective evil’), a rootless coconut (i.e., brown on the outside & white on the inside!) fallen far from the tree, an off-white Indo-Caribbean female married to a Zionist ambulance-chaser.

     The IMF is again expected in town to review our report card. And the subject is apparently, corruption, which only afflicts our economies, and provides an unscientific alibi for the real roots of our underdevelopment. This saw our so-called leaders rush to declare their dedication to transparency, etc. Meanwhile, US Senator Robert Menendez, a former Cuban, who represents Rockefeller’s tax hideout in New Jersey, USA and acts as a yankee pitbull against Cuba, and, yes, and, was featured as the USA’s Torquemada on Sri Lanka in the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, thundering against our supposed congenital corruption, and demanding our acquiescence to the IMF’s 17^th set of machinations – was himself caught trying to skim off the certification of Egypt’s ‘halal’ exports to the USA….  Meanwhile, the USA President’s resignation letter (he’s too demented to run again, but demented enough to have his fingers on the nuclear and other buttons) was supposedly written and forged by his aide and corporate fundraiser Steve Ricchetti. US Presidents too it turns out are mere captive algorithms. Models of the rule of law indeed!

*

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Contents:

Dr Sudath Gunaseikara. Mahanuwara (Former Secretary to Prime Minister Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranayaka and Ex President Sri Lanka Administrative Services Association (1991-94)

Mr President ban all these communal and separatist and terrorist political organizations and take legal action against these terrorist leaders and their agitators immediately or depart.

TNA, TULF, EPDP, TMVP, SLMC, ACMC, ACTC (SLPP, SJB, JVP) SLMC, CWC, TNA, EPDP, AJP) TNA, TULF, EPDP, TMVP, SLMC, ACMC, ACTC

I would like to draw the immediate attention of all patriotic people in this country to the following news item, then read my comments below and try everything possible to stop this betrayal by the Government. I have included a list of all communal and separatist parties that should be banned here, for your convenience.

Tamil parties to field common candidate

23 Jul 2024 | BY Sahan Tennekoon

    TELO, PLOTE, Wiggy, TNP, EPRLF & CSOs sign agreement, ITAK & TNPF refrain,. to decide  

    Wiggy’s change of heart motivated by failed power devolution promises of the South

With the declaration of the Presidential Election round the corner, several Tamil political parties and representatives from civil organizations have reached an agreement to present a Tamil common candidate for the forthcoming Presidential Election.

The agreement was signed in Jaffna yesterday (22) by several parties including seven Tamil political parties and seven civil society representatives. The political parties include the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) led by Opposition Parliamentarian Selvam Adaikkalanathan, the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) led by MP Dharmalingam Siddharthan, the Tamil People’s National Alliance (TPNA) led by MP, President’s Counsel (PC) C.V. Wigneswaran, the Tamil National Party (TNP) led by attorney-at-law N. Srikantha, and the Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) led by Suresh Premachandran. The Tamil People General Assembly, which includes several Tamil civil organisations, also signed the agreement.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday, Wigneswaran confirmed that the parties involved in the agreement would form a subcommittee composed of their representatives which will decide on the Tamil Presidential common candidate, who will be announced once a final decision is reached. Speaking further on his decision to support a common Tamil candidate, MP Wigneswaran explained his shift from endorsing President Ranil Wickremesinghe, citing the President’s failure to deliver on promises related to the devolution of power as the primary reason for his change in stance.

The candidates from the South come and make various promises but fail to deliver them. That is why we decided to put forward a Tamil candidate. The Tamil common candidate would not win the Election. But, he would be able to tell the world that these are the problems that have not been solved for decades,” Wigneswaran added.

Despite the broad agreement among Tamil parties, the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) represented by M.A. Sumanthiran PC and the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF), led by attorney-at-law Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, did not sign the agreement. However, speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday, ITAK Leader and Opposition MP S. Sritharan clarified the Party’s current stance. Certain political parties in the North have agreed to field a common Presidential candidate, yet, the ITAK has not made any conclusion about the matter,” Sritharan stated. He emphasized that a decision would be taken collectively by the Party’s Central Committee, which is set to meet next month (August).

My comments for your attention

Doesn’t this totally contravene the 6th Amendment to the constitution passed in 1983?

This united decision of descendants clearly shows that these Malabar coolies (who were baptized as Ceylon Tamils by Arunachalam Ponnambalan in 1901 on the advice of the British), brought by Dutch in their penultimate years and subsequently by the British, for their Tobacco cultivation, palmyra toddy tapping, and menial labour varying from domestic services like scavenging to road projects. Some of them brought as sepoys to quench the freedom struggles by the patriotic Kandyan Sinhalese in 1817-1818 and again in 1848 and still later starting from 1840 as British slaves to work on the newly opened up British Coffee and Tea plantations in the hill country, on land forcibly plundered from the native Sinhalese under draconian laws, first, to get labour for a pittance for the enrichment of the Empire. Second. to plant an Indian foreign  enemy of nearly 1.2 million Indians, the arch enemies of the Sinhala nation from 2nd century B.C, to change the demography of this Island nation  with a view to creating a permanent Malabar settlements right at the center of the country, with a view to creating political instability within the country with a long term objective of building up conflicts with India focusing on the dream of annexing this Island nation to India, so that one day it will draw the curtain on the Sinhala Buddhist nation and their unique civilization in Sri Lanka forever, thus completing the long chain of vicious British dream of taking avenge  from the brave Kandyan patriots who kept these all mighty invaders at bay for 310 long years without allowing them to conquer the Kandyan Kingdom.

It should be recorded here that it is these lands belonging to the native Sinhala people who fought in battle against three mighty forces at that time of world history for 310 years to protect this country and the Sinhala Buddhist nation, dying in millions and losing everything they had including their own lives, kith and kins and finally their hereditary land, that this treacherous government is planning to carve out in to mono Tamil villages to be given to a herd of foreign slaves just to get their votes at the forthcoming Presidential election.

Why can’t this stupid Government, at least now, realize this stark truth and also understand this long-term British conspiracy and stop this crazy and treacherous hill country Tamil village gamble.

At the same time, I Strongly urge the government to take stern and immediate action under the 6th Amendment to the Constitution and put an end to this Tamil communal nuisance in this country forever and prove that there is a living government in this country, not only to collect Tamil votes, but also to govern this country?

If the government can’t act, then why should we have this government at all, at enormous cost to the country, that has miserably failed in all three major spears of governance, namely Raksha, Palana and Yogakshema, as laid down by Kautillya.

 If it cannot do it then the only alternative available for them is to pack up and go home leaving room for someone who can govern this Sinhala Buddhist country as they had done it for the past 2358 years (from 543 BC -1815.AD).

Instead of taking this treacherous political death trap of creating hill country Tamil villages and betraying the Sinhala nation and their motherland I urge your government and the pack of yes-men in the Cabinet to draw your serious attention to rectify the historical deprivations of the valiant Kandyan peasants that they have undergone for centuries from 1815 to date at least now,

Firstly, by withdrawing this crazy Cabinet paper and

Second by approving a Cabinet paper to implement the following programme of action immediately to rectify the glaring injustices done to the native Sinhala, the sons of the soil by the British colonial invaders, from 1815 onwards up to 1948 and since then up to date by all successive governments since 1948. You can consult the Prime Minister for details of this work plan as I have already submitted an action plan as to how this should be done, in April 2023. In the event the government agree I am prepared to offer my service free of any remuneration. In the name of my own people.

My proposal in brief is designed to protect the physical stability of the Central Hill Country and first, to rectify the historical injustices done to the heroic native sons of the soil by the British and all governments since 1948, and that will lead to end the Thondaman style of Tamil terrorism and bring back permanent ethnic and economic, social and cultural integration ushering in an era of happiness and prosperity for all irrespective of whether  one is native Sinhala or of Indian origin of yesterday.

එම අරමුණ සාක්ශාත් කර ගැනීම සඳහා අනිවාර්‍යෙන්ම ක්‍රියාත්මක කළ යුතු පහත සඳහන් වැඩපිළිවෙල මම යෝජනාකරමි.

2023 අප්‍රේල් මස ගරු අගමැති තුමාගේ ඉලීම පරිදි උඩරට සින්හලයින්ට බ්‍රතාන්‍යයින් විසින් සිදුකරණ ළද, මහපොලව පවා නොඋසුලන අපරාධ සහ 1948 න් පසු අපේම රජයන් මේ රට හා සින්හල ජාතිය අනාගත පරපුරට ආරක්ෂාකොටදුන් අපේ මුතුන් මිත්තන් වෙනුවෙන් අප විසින් ඉටු නොකළ යුතුකම්, නිවැරදි කලයුතු ආකාරය පිලිබඳ මවිසින් සකස්කොට දුන් යෝජනා කරමයේ හරාත්මක සරාන්ශයක්.

1. මධ්‍යම කඳුකරයේ මු. ම. අඩි 5000 ඉහල සෑම ප්‍රදේශයක්ම. අධිරක්ශි ප්‍රදේශ වශයෙන් ප්‍රකාශ කළ යුතුය.කිසිම වගාවක් හෝ ජනාවාශයක් මේ තුල සපුරා තහනම් කළ යුතුය. එසේම පෙර රජදවස මෙන් රාජ්‍ය අවසරයකින් තොරව එහි ඇතුල්වීම පවා මරණ දඬුවම  ලැබීමේ වරදක් කළයුතුය. mehidhii nuwaraeliya nagaraya hakgala udhbhiDha uDhYAanaya sasa boopath thalaava govipala aadhiya mem aniyamayen nidhas kerei.

11. මු. ම. අඩි 3500-5000 අතර විශාල තේ වතු තිබුණද ඒ තුළද සෑම වර්ගයේම ජනාවාශ තහනම් කළ යුතුය.thei karmaantha shaalaaa saha iitaanubadhDHa kaarYaala aadhiya pamaNak ithiri kerei  

111.ඒ අණුව කඳුකරයේ සියළුම ජනාවාශ අඩි 3500 යේ සීමාවෙන් පහල ප්‍රදේශ වලට සීමා කළ යුතුය.

සමස්ත කඳුකරය වටා දිවෙන 1000-3500 අතර ප්‍රදේශය ශ්‍රී ලංකා හදබිම අධිකාරියේ නිර්දේශිත ගම්මිරිස්,කරාඹු,කෝපි,එනසල්, පලතුරු වැනි මිශ්‍ර භෝග සහ,  සත්ව පාලනය (ගව.එළු.කුකුල් සහ මීමැසී) සහිත කුඩා ගොවිපල ව්‍යාපාර kramaya සඳහා වෙන්කළ යුතුය. මොවුන් අභිප්‍රේණය සඳහා එම ප්‍රදේශයේ වාර්ෂික ගොවි තරඟ තැබිය යුතුය.

මධයම කඳුකරය වටේ දිවෙන මෙම තීරුවේ උඩරට ඉඩම් නැති ගොවියන් ප්‍රමුඛ කොට උඩරට 3500 න් ඉහළ තේ වතු වලින් ඉවත් කෙරෙන දෙමල කම්කරුවන්, මිශ්‍ර ගම්මාන වශයෙන් පදින්චි කළයුතුය. එසේ පදින්චි කිරිමට අපේක්ෂිත ගොවි පවුල් ගණන 2,50,000 කි. වතු ජනතාව අතුරෙන් මේ සඳහා තෝරාගත යුත්තේ 1953 නේරු කොතලාවල ගිවිනුමේ ප්‍රතිපාදන අනුවය. එසේ කිරීමට සූදානම් නැති සියළුම වතු දෙමළුන්ගේ සිංහලේ රට වැසිකම අහෝසිකොට ආපසු ඉන්දියාවට යැවීමට කටයුතු කළ යුතුය.

මෙසේ කිරීමෙන් උඩරට වතු දෙමළ ප්‍රශ්නයද සදහටම අවසන්වණු ඇත.මේ රටේ හදබිමේ මලය නාඩුවක් හදා සිංහලේ ඉන්දියාවේ 29 වන  ප්‍රාන්තය වීමේ අවධානමෙන්ද  බේරිය හැකි එකම මඟ එයය. මෙය වරසර 2566 ක ඉතිහාසයක උරුමයක් ඇති මේ රටේත් සිංහල  ජාතියේත් පැවත්ම පිලිබඳ ප්‍රස්නයක් බැවින්  සියළුම සින්හල දේශපාලකයින් වතු දෙමළ චන්ද නැමති මිරිඟුව පසුපස දිවීම දැන්වත් නතර කොට රටත් සින්හල ජාතියත් ගැන සිතා මේ ව්‍යශනයෙන් රට සහ සින්හල ජාතිය බේරා ගැනීමට ක්‍රියා කරණ මෙන්  පාර්ලිමේන්තුවේ සිටින සියළුම සින්හල මත්‍රී වරුන්ගෙන් සහ රට ජාතියට ආදරයක් ඇති සියළු දෙනාගෙන්ම මම ඉල්ලා සිටිමි.

 එවැනි වැඩපිලිවෙලක් ක්‍රියාත්මක කරනතුරු දැනට ඉන්දීය සහ වෙනත් ආධාර යටතේ කඳුකරය පුරා තැනෙන   කඳුකාරයේ භෞතික ස්ථාවරත්වයට හානිකර මෙවැනි එල්ලෙන දෙමල ජනාවාස සියල්ල තැනීම අත්හිටවිය යුතුය.

            බොගවන්තලා පරෙවි කූඩු නිවාස මූ.ම. උස අඩි. 5,500

 මේ ලිපිය කියවන ඇතම් අය මා උග්‍ර දෙමළ විරෝදී කෙනෙකැයි ඇතැම්විට සිතිය හැකිය. නැත කිසි සේත්ම නැත. මන්ද. මා සින්හල බෞද්ධයෙක් නිසාය. බුදුන් වදාල පරිදි අපා, දෙපා, සිව්පා, භූපා යන සියලු සතුන්ට පමණක් නොව ගහ කොලට පවා මෛත්‍රීය කරන බොදුනුවෙකු වසහ්යෙන් මට කිසිසේත්ම එසේ කළ නොහැක. එහෙත් මගේ රට, ජාතිය විනාශකරණ සෑම වැඩපිළිවෙලකටම මෙන්ම සාම කෙනෙකුටම මම ඩිවි පරදුවට තබා එරෙහි වෙමි. මගේ රටටත් ජාතියටත් හානි නොකරන තාක්කල් ඔනෑම කෙනෙක් ඉවසීමට මට පුළුවන. මේ රටවසර් 2566ක් තිස්සේම සින්හල බෞද්ධ රටක වශයෙන් පැවති රටකි. සුද්දන්ගේ වහලුන් වශයෙන් ඉන්දියාවෙන් මෙහි පැමින වසර 300 වඩා ඉතිහාසයක් නැති උතුරු නැගෙනහිර සිටින 1901 දී දෙමල වශයෙන් බෞතීස්මවී කුළවන්තයින් වූ හෝ රටමැද සිටින වසර 37 ක වැනි අනීතික පුරවැසි කමක් ඇති, මේ සින්හල බෞද්ධරටේ වෙනම රටවල් ඉල්ලන මලබා ජාතිකයින්ට හෝ වෙනත් කිසිම ආගන්තුක ජනවර්ගයකට මේ රට අල්ලා ගැනීමට හෝ දෙමළ හෝ මුස්ලිම් රාජ්‍යක් ගොඩනැගීමට ඉඩ දී කිස්සේත්ම නිහඬව බලාසිටිය අපට නොහැක. ක්‍ර.පූ 543 සිටම මේ රට සින්හල බෞද්ධ රටකි. එබැවින් එම සිධාන්තය පිලිගන්නා ඔනෑම ජාතිකයෙකු මේ රටේ රට වැසියෙකු වශයෙන් සාහ් අපගේම සොහොයුරන් සොහොයුරියන් වශයෙන් භාර ගැනීමට අප සැදී පැහැදීඉ සිටිමු.

එහෙත් එසේ පිළිගැනීමට සූදානම් නැති. තොණ්ඩමන්ලා, සහ විග්නෙස්වරන්ලා ඉන්දියාවට සහ හිස්බුල්ලාලා සහ හකීමිම්ලා  අනිවාර්‍යෙන්ම හැකිපමණ ඉක්මනින් ඔවුන් මව් බිම්වශයෙන් සලකන් ,වඳින පුදන, දේශයන් කර  කඩිනමින් ඔවුන්ගේ මව් රටවලට ආපසු යා යුතුය.

Sugath Kulatunga

Education system in Sri Lanka has not kept abreast with the needs of the country and the developments in the fast-developing countries in the rest of the world. Countries like South Korea and Taiwan revamped their education systems around1980 to meet the demands of their economies. We have not even taken notice of the advances in Education policy in our neighbor Tamil Nadu. Education was the key driver of their development. The gave Vocational and Technical education higher priority over general education. Since the Kannangara Reforms in Education in 1947 we have not serious attention to Education policy. In Sri Lanka (SL) there was no political will to learn from the developments taking place in the world and make radical changes in our Education Policy.

Today there is much discourse in the country on STEM education which was the focus in the USA over 40 years back in 1980. Today the discussion has gone beyond STEM of adopting STEAM to include Arts. In SL we have had a heavy dose of Arts and further emphasis on Arts is bound to take away the attention on STEM.

There is also an active ongoing campaign on smart (Suhuru) classrooms. There was the program to establish 1000 ???  All these promotions are centered at the present School system and curriculum development.

Today we have two persons eminently suited to hold the Education portfolio. Perhaps this is a best ministerial combination on education in the recent history of our Cabinet. They have promised radical changes in the Education Policy. SL also has a comprehensive document of the National Education Policy. But still we have not made education to give some kind of training in the nature of a preparation for the life after school where the educational system should be closely related to the present needs and conditions. it has also to be planned with due regard to all possible lines of future development and country’s advance and should definitely contribute to accelerating the pace of the advance.” (Adapted from Kannangara Education Reforms Report of 1947 (KERR))

Kannangara report further stressed that It is obvious that a uniform education will result in wastage of the nation’s energy, money and human material. Educational provision has therefore to be differentiated with reference to the future careers of the pupils and the contribution to social and individual well-being they are capable of”. KERR recommended practical schools and had a separate Chapter on Technical and Vocational education (TVE) which would comprise not only professional education but also University and technological education. KKER had a separate Chapter on Technical Education”. All present education policy makers are urged to closely study the Kannangara Reforms Report.

While SL as far back in 1947 proposed in the KERR is that education should be planned with due regard to all possible lines of future development and recommended Technical and Vocational education but chose to disregard the KERR. Countries in the Far East adopted that path30 years later. Education was the driving force with which these countries developed competitiveness and excellence. These high performing countries in the Far East considered education reform as the foundation of economic development and social advancement. They focused on developing human capital in science and technology and vocational skills as pivotal to economic development. Taiwan and South Korea were both agricultural economies like SL in the early 1980, with low per capita earnings. Taiwan is an Island smaller than SLwith a similar population. Before 1980s it was a predominantly an agricultural economy. Today they are high tech powerhouses leading the world in a number of high tech industries. It has a per capita income of 36, 000 dollars. At the beginning of the 1980s, Taiwan increased the ratio for senior vocational schools and general high school to 7:3. By 2012 there were 155 senior vocational schools, 14 junior colleges, and 77 universities/colleges of science & technology, totaling 246. It is the education system that has sustained the significant development of this small nation making The revanue of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM), the world’s largest chipmaker in 2023 was was $70.599 Billion.

In just a few decades, South Korea transformed itself from an underdeveloped nation to an industrialized country exporting high-technology products (Domjahn 2013, p. 16). Much of this development has been attributed to improvements in the country’s education system. Various South Korean and international scholars (Ellinger and Beckham 1997; Han 1994; Kim 2000) have credited the nation’s economic success to an efficient education system that provides the quality workforce.”Education is a primary driver of South Korea’s long-term development strategy and a high priority for policy makers. There is strong alignment among South Korea’s growth strategy, labor market needs, and education policies. Every 5 years, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology updates and improves the national curriculum, taking into account changes in the economic and national conditions (Severin and Capota 2011”.

The importance given to education in Korean society is an effective way of achieving a workforce that is prepared for the twenty first century knowledge society. Education is part of South Korea’s long-term vision of preparing its population for future labor markets and closing the gaps in access to quality education. For this reason, for decades, h Korea has included technology in education”. (South Korean Soc Sci J (2014) 41:135–151 DOI 10.1007/s40483-014-00190   

In both these countries Education policies are aligned with market needs and also geared to future needs. They go to the extent of identifying emerging technologies and adopt policies and systems to meet the human capital needs to serve those technologies.

China adopted a Law on Science and Technology in 1993 with a view to promoting science and technology, assigning priority to the development of science and technology and bringing the role of science and technology as the primary productive force into full play in socialist modernization drive .     

What is called for in SL is a complete overhaul of the education system to meet the needs of the 4^th industrial revolution. It has to go far beyond changing the curriculum in the school syllabus or multiplying Suhuru classrooms but increase the ratio of TVE intake at senior school level and establish institutions of TVE without delay. We need not wait for the generosity of India to bring an Indian Institute of Technology to the country.

In SL in 2024, 427,000 students sat for the Advance Level Examination out of which 45000 may be admitted to the State Universities. It is likely that around 20,000 join private Universities or go to foreign universities. Assuming that another 40,000 join existing technical and vocational training institutes there is still a student population of around 320,000 without the prerequisites to enter the job market. In addition, a few batches of graduates whose qualifications do not match the demands of the market join the educated unemployed multitude. There is a dire need to expand TV Training to cater to at least 350,000 youth and make them fit the needs of the market. In Taiwan by 1980 they had 276 vocational and technological institutes. Tamil Nadu has 475 ITIs spread across the state providing vocational training. We should have at least one TVE institute in every district.

It was encouraging that a few months back President RW presented an educational system capable of addressing forthcoming global challenges while being aligned with contemporary technology. He highlighted the critical role of science and technology in various sectors of the world economy. He pointed out that areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, energy storage, blockchain technology, and genome science have advanced and we must embrace these emergent technologies. This calls for a fundamental overhaul of our education system. He said that a proliferation of universities specializing in these domains is imperative. The problem with the President he believes in implementing these bright ideas through statutes like the recent Law on Economic Transformation. He would have done better by implementing the City University project of Gotabaya, which were to be established covering all districts with the aim of producing talented graduates equipped with the cutting edge technology, targeting the job market.

Now that the President is obsessed with connectivity with India and profit from the lessons of experience of fast developing Tamil Nadu we should focus on their  know-how in education. Tamil nadu offers the largest pool of technically qualified professionals in the country. The annual intake of 573 engineering colleges at Under graduate level is 2.6 lakh students. out of this around 37% students (~90,000) specialize in IT, Computer Science, Electronics & Telecommunication. Post graduate courses like mca (master of computer Applications) specially designed to suit the needs of IT-BPO industry have an intake of around 18,000 students. IcT academy of Tamil nadu has been established on PPP basis for furthering Industry-Academia interface.

As the State makes efforts to grow its focus sectors and create new capabilities in sunrise sectors, a skilled and efficient workforce is a pre-requisite to achieve this vision. The State already has the highest number of technical universities in the country and more than 2400 colleges across various courses. Tamil Nadu has a total of 475 ITIs spread across the state providing vocational training. Nearly 85% of the state ITIs are privately owned, which demonstrates the contribution of the private sector in the skilling ecosystem. The State has nearly 2 million students who enrol for higher education on an annual basis and adds nearly a million students to the workforce every year.

SL also needs to spend more funds on R&D and innovatiton and tap China and South Korea to bolster our research capacity on emerging technology.

Sugath Kulatunga

Ministry of Defence  – Media Centre

Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne called on the Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC), Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on July 26 at the Prime Minister’s office.

The Defence Secretary met the Myanmar Prime Minister on the sidelines of the 4th meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received General Kamal Gunaratne on his arrival at the SAC Chairman’s office.

At the meeting, both dignitaries cordially discussed friendly relations between the two countries, bilateral cooperation in diplomatic relations and religious affairs. They also focused on the exchange of trainees between the two countries and the enhancement of cooperation.

Both officials exchanged views on promoting cooperation in the economic development of the two countries, holding the 4^th meeting of the National Security Chiefs of BIMSTEC by Myanmar and its active participation in the meeting together with other Member States.

During the discussion, the Defence Secretary requested the Myanmar Prime Minister and the National Security Advisor to facilitate the rescue of the group of Sri Lankans held captive for forced criminal activities at a camp in the Cyber Criminal area operated by a terrorist group in Myanmar. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to cooperating with Sri Lankan officials and prioritizing the resolution of this issue.

Council Joint Secretary Lt. Gen. Ye Win Oo, Union Minister for the Ministry of the State Administration Council Chairman’s Office Admiral Moe Aung and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs represented the Myanmar delegation.

The Defence Secretary was accompanied by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Myanmar, Her Excellency Mrs. Prabashini Ponnamperuma and Wing Commander Nuwan Medagama from the Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka.

දේශමාන්‍ය අචාර්‍ය සුදත් ගුණසේකර

2024. ජූලි 26.

දේශමාන්‍ය අචාර්‍ය සුදත් ගුණසේකර අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය සිරිමාවෝ බණ්ඩාරනායක මැතිනියගේ හිටපු ලේකම් සහ ශ්‍රී ලන්කා පරිපාලන සේවා සන්ගමයේ සභාපති (1991-94) මහනුවර.

රට මැද තිබෙන මේ සියලුම තේ වතු පිහිටා ඇත්තේ මේ සින්හල දේශයත්, සින්හල ජාතියත් ඉතිහාශය පුරාම ආරක්ෂාකර ගැනීමට, වලගම්බා ,දුටුගැමුණු වැනි නරපතීන්ට මෙන්ම විශේෂයෙන්ම, 1505 සිට 1815 දක්වා පරන්ගි,ඕලන්ද සහ ඉන්ග්‍රීසි යන ලේ පිපාශිත ආක්‍රමණිකයින් සියල්ලගෙන්ම, (1815 දී ඉන්ග්‍රීසීන් විසින්  උපායශීලීව හා  කුමණ්ත්‍රණ කාරීව  සම මට්ටමේ රාජ්‍යයන් දෙකක් වශයෙන් ගිවිසුමකින් බ්‍රතාන්‍ය  අධිරාජ්‍යයට සම්භන්ධ කරගන්නා තුරූ) සින්හල දේශයත්, සින්හල ජාතියත් බේරාගැනීමට සියදහස් ගණනින් මියයමින් සටන් සැලසුම් කල එසේම එම සටන් මෙහෙයවූ යුධෝපායීය වශයෙන්, සින්හලයේ ආරක්ෂිතම මෙන්ම විශිෂ්ඨතම ස්වාභාවික බලකොටුවව වූ උඩරට රාජධානිය තුලය.

ඒ වූ කළී වසර 2500 කට වැඩි කලක් පුරා එකී සින්හලයින්ගේ මව් බිමේ හදවතය. එමනිසාම ඒ මහපොලවේ පරම ප්‍රවෙණී අයිතිය හිමි ඒ වීරයින්ගෙන් පැවත එන භූමිපුත්‍රයින් වන සින්හල ජාතියට පමණි.මේ රටේ හැර ලෝකය පුරාම පිලිගත් සම්ප්‍රදාය එය ය. 

එහෙව් ඉතිහාශයක් ඇති අපරාජිත දේශයක් විළිලජ්ජා නැතිව චන්දයක් ලබාගැනීම වැනි පහත් අරමුණක් ඉටුකරගැනීම සඳහා සහ ඉන්දියාව ඉදිරියේ දේශපාලන නායකත්වයේ ඇති බිගුළු කම හා නිවට කම නිසා 1815 වනවිට මෙහි නොසිටි බ්‍රතාන්‍යයින් විසින් ඔවුන්ගේ වහල් මෙහෙයට  ඉන්දියාවෙන් මෙහි ගෙනවිත් 1948 දී අතරමන්කොට දමාගිය ලක්ශ 12කට වැඩි පරදේශක්කාර පිරිසකට පාවාදීම කොතරම් සුදුසුදයි දැන්වත් සිහි නුවනින් සිතා බලා මෙම තීන්දුව වහාම ඉල්ලා අස්කරගත යුතුයයි, මේ රටේ පරමාධිපත්‍ය හිමි රටවැසියකු වශයෙන් සමස්ථ ලන්කාවාසී දේශප්‍රේමී සින්හලයින් සියළුදෙනාම වෙනුවෙන් මම දන්වා සිටිමි.

එසේ නොකලහොත් වසර 2500 කට වැඩි කලක් පුරා පුරාතනයේ අපගේ නරවිරුවන් සහ හෙළ විරුවන් දිවි දෙවැනිකොට සටන්කොට අපට රැකදුන් මේ සින්හල රටත් සින්හල ජාතියත් බල තන්හාව, ආත්මාර්ථය සහ ඉන්ඩියාව ඉදිරියේ නිවට බියගුළුකම නිසා 21 වන සියවසේදී ඉන්දියාවට පාවාදුන් දේශද්‍රෝහී   දේශපාලකයින් වශයෙන් ඔබසැම ලන්කා ඉතිහාශයේ පමණක් නොව ලෝක ඉතිහාශයේද කළු පොතට ඇතුළු වනු නිසැකය.

ඉතිහාසය පුරාම සින්හල ජාතිය සතුව තිබුණු, එහෙත් 1815 සිට 1948 දක්වා සුද්දන්ගේ පාලනයට නතුව තිබී 1948 දී ඔවුන්ගේ පිටවයාමත් සමඟම ලක් රජයට පවරාගෙන මෙම ඉඩම්වල අයිතිය ඒවායේ නියම උරුමකරුවන්ට දිය යුතුව තිබුණද ඒවා ලක්‍ රජය සතුවූයේ බණ්ඩාරනායක මැතිනියගේ නායකත්වය යටතේ 1972 ජනරජක් වූ පසුවය.එහෙත් 1972 දිද ඒවායේ අයිතිය මුල් උරුම කරුවන්ට නොදි රජය සන්තකයේම පැවතින.කෙසේ හෝ ප්‍රමාදවුවද දැන්වත් එම ඉඩම් ආපසු දිය යුත්තේ ඒවායේ ඓතිහාසික ප්‍රවේනී උරුමකරුවන්ට පමණි.

මෙවැනි පසුබිමක වර්තමාන රජය සුද්දන් විසින් ඔවුන්ගේ වහල් මෙහෙයට ඉන්දියාවෙන් ගෙනවිත් 1948දි, ඔවුන් පිටව යනවිට මෙහි අතරමන්කොට ගිය විදේශික දෙමළ කුලී හමුදාවකට ගම්මාන හදා සින්නක්කරකොට්ට පවරාදීමට මේ රජය දරණ වෑයමට පහත සඳහන් හේතු නිසා මේ රටේ සියළුම දේශප්‍රේමී සින්හලයින් එක හෙලාම විරුද්ධය.

1.මෙම තීරණය ක්‍රියාත්මක කළහොත්,1815 සිට 1948 දක්වා සුද්දන් වතුකර දෙමළ ජනතාව කළ පරිදිම, මේ රජය විසින්ද, තවදුරටත් රටේ භූමි පුත්‍රයින් වන සින්හලයින්ගෙන් වෙන්කොට තැබීම දිග් ගැසෙන නිසා, ඔවුන් මේ රටේ වෙනම ජාතියක් වෂයෙන් සිතීම ඔවුන්ගේ මනසේ මෙන්ම මහපොලවේද තහවුරුවෙයි. එම නිසා රට තුල සින්හල, දෙමළ බෙදීම තවදුරටත් මුල්බැස ගැනීම නිසා රටේ ජාතිය වන සින්හලයින් සමඟ ඔවු අන්තර්ග්‍රහණය වීම තවත් දුරස්ථවී, එය නැවත කිසිදිනක ආපසු හැරවිය නොහැකි තත්වයකට පැමිණ ජනවාර්ගික අර්බුධය තවත් උග්‍රවිම.

2. තවද ඔවුන් තව දුරටත් ඉන්දියන් කාරයින් වශයෙන්ම සිතීමට පෙළඹවීම සහ   ඔවුන්ගේ ඉන්දීය ගැතිභාවය වර්ධනය වීම.(එමනිසා  වෙනම දෙමළ ගම්මාන පිහිටුවීම  පනින රිලවුන්ට ඉණිමන් බැඳීමකී වීම).

3. මේ රට තම මව් රට වශයෙන් නොසිතන,සිහිනෙන් පවා  ඉන්දීය දෙමළුන් වශයෙන් සිතන ජනකොටසකට, රජය විසින්ම, රට මැද බල කඳවුරක් නිර්මාණය කොට දීමෙන් මේ රටේ බෙදුම්වාදය තවත් දරුණුවී රටේ පාලනය මුළුමනින්ම අස්ථාවර වීම සහ මේ රට මැද ඉන්දියාවේ ප්‍රාන්තයක් බිහිවීම ( ලෝක ඉතිහාශයේ අනුන්ගේ රටවල් බලෙන් අල්ලා ගත්තා මිස රටේ පාල්කයින් වීස්න්ම විදේසීය සතුරු පිරිසකට තම මව්බිම බන්දේසියක තබා මේ අන්දමින් පාවා දුන් අවස්ථාවක් මා දැක නැතා

4. තොණ්ඩමන්ලාගේ ජාතිවාදි දෙමළ ත්‍රස්ථවාදය තවත් උග්‍රවී, සමස්ථ කඳුකරය මෙන්ම දකුණු පලාතේ තේ වතු පිහිටි රක්වාන සහ දෙනියාය වැනි සියළුම ප්‍රදේශ ඇතුළු රටෙන් 1/3 ක භූමි ප්‍රදේශයක්, දැනටමත් මධ්‍යම පලාතේ සිදුවී ඇති පරිදි, වසර 27ක රුපියලේ පුරවැසිකමක් ඇති තොණ්ඩමන්ලාගේ පාලනය යටතට නොබෝ දිනකින් පත්වී ශ්‍රී ලන්කා රජයේ පාලනයෙන් වෙන්වී ඉන්දියාවේ ප්‍රාන්තයක් වීමම

5.මේ රටේ අභ්‍යන්තර ප්‍රශ්න වලට ඉන්දීය සහ ජාත්‍යන්තර මැදිහත්වීම් තවත් වැඩිවීම

8.මේ රට තමන්ගේ මව්බිම වශයෙන් නොසිතන, මධ්‍යම කඳුකරය මලයනාඩුවක් වශයෙන් සිතාගෙන දැනටමත් පිහිටුවාගෙන ඇති නාම් 200 සහ මලයහ” වැනි සන්කල්ප මේ ලක්බිමේ ශීග්‍රයෙන් මුල්බැසගැනීම සහ බෙදුම්වාදය උග්‍රවීම.

9. මේ රට ඔවුන්ගේ මව් රට වශයෙන් නොසිතන දැඩි ඉන්දීය ගැති ජනකොටසක් රට මැද බල කඳවුරක් වීමෙන් මේ රටේ බෙදුම්වාදය දරුණුවී රටේ පාලනය මුළුමනින්ම අස්ථාවර වී ශ්‍රීලන්කා රජයේ පාලනයෙන් එම ප්‍රදේශ ගිළිහීම.

10.1799 නෝර්ත් ආණ්ඩුකාර්යාගේ සිට ආරම්භවූ සුද්දන්ගේ මේ රට සින්හල දෙමල වශයෙන් බෙදීමේ අරමුණ වැඩිකළක් නොගොස්ම සාක්ෂාත්වීම සහ ප්‍රභාකරන්ගේ සිහිනය ඊළම පිහිටුවීම

10 ක්‍රි.පූ 5000 රාම-රවණා යුගයේ පමණ සිටම මේ ලක්දෙරණ අත්පත් කරගැනීමේ ඉන්දීය දොළදුක සහ සිහිනය සැබෑවීම

11මේ රටට ආදරයක් නැති ඉන්දීය දෙමළ පිරිසකට රටේ හා ජාතියේ හදවත බඳු හදබිම අයිතිවීමෙන් සමස්ථ කඳු රටේම භෞතික ස්තාවරත්වය විනාශවීම

12මේ රටට කිසිදු ආදරයක් නැති ඉන්දීය දෙමළ පිරිසකට කඳුරට පුරා තනි දෙමළ ගම්මාන සාදාදීමෙන් පසු ලන්කා රජයේ පාලනයක නැති නිසා දැනටමත් සිදුකෙරෙන වනසම්පත් විනාශ කිරීම්,අක්‍රමවත් භූමි පරිහරණ සහ  කඳුරටපුරා ගොඩනැගිළි සෑදීමට නොසුදුසු ස්ථාන වල නිවාස සෑදීම් ආදි මහා පරිමාණයේ විවිධ  පාරිසරික විනාශ කිරීම් නිසා රටේ සකළවිධ  ජීවී පද්ධතිය රැකෙන ගන්ගා ඇල දොල සියල්ල සිඳීයාම නිසා අවසානායේදී  මේ රටේ සමස්ථ ජීවි පද්ධතියම අතුරුදන්වී සිනහල බෞධ සිශ්ඨාචාරය වැඩිකලක් යාමට පෙර මේ මිහි පිටින් අතුරුදන් වීම.

13. හෙළදිව,සීහළය, සින්හලේ,ලක්දිව,සින්හල භාෂාව සස සින්හල බෞද සන්ස්කෘතිය මිහිපිටින් අතුරුදන් වී ලෝකයේ වඳවූ ජාතීන්ගේ ලේඛණයට එකතුවීම

එබැවින් වසර 2566 ක අඛණ්ඩ ලිඛිත ප්‍රෞඩ ඉතිහාශයක් ඇති ජාතියක ඉරණමට තර්ජනයක් වන මෙවැනි අතිශයින්ම සන්කීර්ණ  ප්‍රශ්නයකට පිලියම් සෙවීමේදී ඒ පිළිබඳ දේශප්‍රේමී සහ ජාතිහිතෛෂී විද්වත් කමිටුවකින් සඛ්‍යතා වාර්තාවක් ලබා නොගෙන, සැබෑ ජනතා වරමකුත් නැති, එක් පුද්ගලයෙකුගේ පටු දේශපාලන අවශ්‍යතාවක් සපුරාගැනීම සඳහා පූර්වගාමී ජනාධිපතිවරයෙකුගේ ඉතිරිකාලය සම්පූර්ණ් කිරීමට පමණක් පත්වූ, කිසිදු ජනවරමක් නැති ජනාධිපතිවරයෙකුට  තනි තීරණයක් මත රටක් ජාතියක් විනාශකිරීමට ඉඩදී,  අමාත්‍ය මණ්ඩලයට තනතුරු තම තන්තුරු රැකගැනීම සඳහා දෑස පියාගෙන සිටිය හැකිවුවද වසර සැබෑ දේශප්‍රේමි ජාතියකට එසි නිහඬව බලාසිටිය නොහැකිය

ජනාධිපතිවරයා මෙම යෝජනාව කඩිමුඬියේ ඉදිරිපත්කොට ඇත්තේ වතුකර ජනතාව කෙරෙහි උපන් අනුකම්පාව හෝ මානව දයාවට වඩා, ලඟ එන ජනාධිපති වරණයේදී ඔවුන්ගේ චන්දය තමන්ට ලබාගැනීමේ එකම ආත්මාර්ථ කාමි දෙශපාලන රැවටිල්ලක් මුල්කොටගෙන පමණි.

මේ සින්හල රටත් ජාතියත් එසේම බුද්ධ සාශනයත් මිහිපිටින් අතුගා දැමීමට පදනම දැමෙන මෙවැනි භයානක යෝජනාවකට විරුධව  එක වචනයක් හෝ කථා නොකොට දෑස පියාගෙන අඳයින්,  ගොළුවන් සහ බිහිරන්මෙන් අත ඔසවන අමාත්‍ය මන්ඩලයේ සිටියේ කුමණ වර්ගයේ සින්හලයින්දැයි මටනම්  නොතේරේ.වතුකරයේ තනි දෙමළ ගම්මාන පිහිටුවීමෙන් රට ජාතියට විනාශ උනත් ඇමතිකම රැකගැනීම ඊට වඩා වැදගත් බව ඔවුන් සිතන නිසා වියහැක.

ඉන්ග්‍රීසීන් විසින් ඔවුන්ගේ තේ වතුවල වහල් වැඩට මෙහි ගෙනවිත් 1948 දී අතරමන්කොට දමාගිය මලබා වහලුන්ගෙන් පැවතෙන, ඉන්දීය සම්භවයක් ඇති මොවුන්ට ඉන්දියාවේවත් නැති වරප්‍රසාධ සහිතව වතුකරයේ තනි දෙමළ ගම්මාන. රටේ හරි මැද පිහිටුවීමේ ඇති භයානකකම තේරුම් නොගෙන, සම්මතකොට ක්‍රියාත්මක කිරීමට යන අමාත්‍ය මන්ඩල යෝජනාව පහත සඳහන් හේතු නිසාද වහාම හකුළාගත යුතුය.

වසර 2500කට අධික, අඛණ්ඩ, ලිඛිත, ප්‍රෞඩ ඉතිහාශයක් ඇති ජාතියක ඉරණමට තර්ජනයක් වන මෙවැනි අතිශයින්ම සන්කීර්ණ  ප්‍රශ්නයකට පිලියම් සෙවීමේදී ඒ පිළිබඳ දේශප්‍රේමි විද්වත් කමිටුවකින් සඛ්‍යතා වාර්තාවක් ලබා නොගෙන සැබෑ ජනතා වරමකුත් නැති එක් පුද්ගලයෙකුගේ පටු දේශපාලන අවශ්‍යතාවක් සපුරාගැනීම සඳහා පූර්වගාමී ජනාධිපතිවරයෙකුගේ ඉතිරිකාලය සම්පූර්ණ් කිරීමට පමණක් පත්වූ ජනාධිපතිවරයෙකුට මේ අන්දමේ තනි තීරණයක් මත රටක් ජාතියක් විනාශකිරීමට ඉඩදී  බලාසිටිය හැකිද

ජනාධිපතිවරයා මෙම යෝජනාව කඩිමුඬියේ ඉදිරිපත්කොට ඇත්තේ වතුකර ජනතාව කෙරෙහි උපන් අනුකම්පාව හෝ මානව දයාවට වඩා, ලඟ එන ජනාධිපති වරණයේදී ඔවුන්ගේ චන්දය තමන්ට ලබාගැනීමේ එකම අරමුණ ආත්මාර්ථකාමි දෙශපාලය පමණි. මේ සින්හල රටත් ජාතියත් එසේම බුද්ධ සාශනයත් මිහිපිටින් අතුගා දැමීමට පදනමක් දැමෙන මෙවැනි භයානක යෝජනාවට විරුධව එක වචනයක් හෝ කථා නොකොට දෑස පියාගෙන අත උස්සන අමාත්‍ය මන්ඩලයේ සිටින්නේ කුමණ වර්ගයේ සින්හලයින්දැයි මට නොතේරේ.

ඕලන්ද කාරයින්ගේ අවසාන කාලයේ සහ ඉන්පසුව ඉන්ග්‍රීසීන් විසින් මෙහි ගෙන්වනලද මලබා වහලුන්ගෙන් පැවතෙන, මේ රටේ පාරම්පරික ස්වදේසිකයින් නොවන ඉන්දීය සම්භවයක් ඇති මොවුන් ඉන්දියාවේවත් නැති ආත්ම ගෞරවය, සහ මානව අයිතිවාසිකම් අනුන්ගේ රටක්තුළ ඉල්ලීම විහිලුවකි.

මේ මහා ව්‍යශනයෙන් ගැලවීම සඳහා විකල්ප යෝජනාවක්

මෙම වැඩපිළිවෙල ක්‍රියාත්මක කළහොත් මේ රටට හා ජාතියට සිදුවන මහා විනාශයෙන් රට ජාතිය බේරාගැනීම සහ මේ රටට සදාකාලික සාමය,සහජීවනය සන්හිඳියාව හා ආර්ථික සමුර්ධිය ලඟා කරගැනීම සඳහා ඇති එකම ක්‍රමය වශයෙන් පහත සඳහන් විකල්ප යෝජනාව මම ඉදිරිපත් කරමි.

1.මධ්‍යම කඳුකරයේ මු. ම. අඩි 5000 ඉහල සෑම ප්‍රදේශයක්ම. අධිරක්ශි ප්‍රදේශ වශයෙන් ප්‍රකාශ කළ යුතුය.කිසිම වගාවක් හෝ ජනාවාශයක් මේ තුල සපුරා තහනම් කළ යුතුය. එසේම පෙර රජදවස මෙන් රාජ්‍ය අවසරයකින් තොරව එහි ඇතුල්වීම පවා මරණ දඬුවම ලැබීමේ වරදක් කළයුතුය.

11. මු. ම. අඩි 3500-5000 අතර විශාල තේ වතු තිබුණද ඒ තුළද සෑම වර්ගයේම ජනාවාශ තහනම් කළ යුතුය.

111.ඒ අණුව කඳුකරයේ සියළුම ජනාවාශ අඩි 3500 යේ සීමාවෙන් පහල ප්‍රදේශ වලට සීමා කළ යුතුය.

සමස්ත කඳුකරය වටා දිවෙන 1000-3500 අතර ප්‍රදේශය, 1991 දී මවිසින් නිර්මානිත, ශ්‍රී ලංකා හදබිම අධිකාරියේ නිර්දේශිත ගම්මිරිස්,කරාඹු,කෝපි,එනසල්, පලතුරු වැනි මිශ්‍ර භෝග සහ,  සත්ව පාලනය (ගව.එළු.කුකුල් සහ මීමැසී) සහිත කුඩා ගොවිපල ව්‍යාපාර සඳහා වෙන්කළ යුතුය.

මධයම කඳුකරය වටේ දිවෙන මෙම තීරුවේ උඩරට ඉඩම් නැති ගොවියන් ප්‍රමුඛ කොට උඩරට 3500 න් ඉහළ තේ වතු වලින් ඉවත් කෙරෙන දෙමල කම්කරුවන්, මිශ්‍ර ගම්මාන වශයෙන් පදින්චි කළයුතුය. එසේ පදින්චි කිරිමට අපේක්ෂිත ගොවි පවුල් ගණන 2,50,000 කි. වතු ජනතාව අතුරෙන් මේ සඳහා තෝරාගත යුත්තේ 1953 නේරු කොතලාවල ගිවිනුමේ ප්‍රතිපාදන අනුවය.

මෙම යෝජනාව ක්‍රියාත්මක කිරීමෙන් පසු

මධ්‍යම කඳුකරයේ භෞථික ස්ථාවරය ආරක්ෂා විමෙන් මේ රටේ සමස්ථ ජීවී පධතියේ සහ ශිෂ්ඨාචාරයේ පැවැත්මට නැතිවම බැරි කඳු රටේ ගන්ගා සියල්ල වසර පුරා ගලායාම සිදුවන නිසා සමස්ථ ජීව පධතිය සහ ශිෂ්ඨාචාරය ආරක්ෂාවනු ඇත.

එසේම මේ රටේ අභ්‍යන්තර ප්‍රශ්නවලට කෙරෙන ඉන්දීය  සහ ඊනියා බටහිර ජාතීන්ගේ ඇඟිලි ගැසීම් ඇතුළු සියළුම ජාත්‍යන්තර මැදිහත්වීම්ද නතරවනු ඇත.

පාරිසරික, ආර්ථිකසහ සාමාජික වෂයෙන්ද අති විශිෂ්ඨ ප්‍රථිඵල ගෙන දෙණු ඇත.

එසේම ජාතික පිලිළයක්ව ඇති මැදරට තොණ්ඩමන් ත්‍රස්ථවාදයද අවසන්වී සින්හල දෙමළ ප්‍රශ්නයටද සදාකාලික විසඳුමක්ද වන ඉහත සඳහන් යෝජනාව වහාම ක්‍රියාත්මක කරන මෙන් මම රජයට යෝජනා කරමි.

මධ්‍යම කඳුකරයේ මු.ම.අඩි 1000 -3500ට අතර බඳපටියක් මෙන්දිවෙන මෙම ජනාවාශ වලල්ල අනාගතයෙදී “ජාතියේ හදබිම” සදාකාලිකවම ආරක්ෂා කරණ  ලෝක පූජිත  සින්හලයේ මහා ආරක්ෂක ප්‍රාකාරය වනු ඇත. (චීන මහා ප්‍රාකාරය මෙන්)මෙම මෙසේ කිරීමෙන් උඩරට වතු දෙමළ ප්‍රශ්නයද සදහටම අවසන්වණු ඇත.මේ රටේ හදබිමේ මලය නාඩුවක් හදා සිංහලේ ඉන්දියාවේ 29 වන  ප්‍රාන්තය වීමේ අවධානමෙන් බේරිය හැකි එකම මඟ එය. එම වැඩපිලිවෙළට අනුගත වීමට සූදානම් නැති සියළුම වතු දෙමළුන්ගේ සිංහලේ රට වැසිකම අහෝසිකොට ආපසු ඉන්දියාවට යැවීමට කටයුතු කළ යුතුය.

මෙම ගැටළුව වරසර 2566 ක අපරාජිට  ප්‍රෞඩ ඉතිහාසයක උරුමයක් ඇති මේ රටේත් සිංහල  ජාතියේත් පැවත්ම පිලිබඳ ප්‍රස්නයක් බැවින්  ජනාධිපති වරයා ඇතුළු සියළුම සින්හල දේශපාලකයින් වතු දෙමළ චන්ද නැමති මිරිඟුව පසුපස දිවීම දැන්වත් නතර කළයුතුය. රටත් සින්හල ජාතියත් ගැන සිතා මේ වැඩපිලිවෙලට සහාය දී මේම ව්‍යශනයෙන් රට සහ සින්හල ජාතිය බේරා ගැනීමට ක්‍රියා කරණ මෙන් පාර්ලිමේන්තුවේ සිටින සියළුම සින්හල මත්‍රී වරුන්ගෙන් සහ රට ජාතියට ආදරයක් ඇති සියළු දෙනාගෙන්ම මම ඉල්ලා සිටිමි. 

මෙම වැඩපිලිවෙල ක්‍රියාත්මක කරනතුරු දැනට ඉන්දීය සහ වෙනත් ආධාර යටතේ කඳුකරය පුරා තැනෙන, කඳුකරයේ භෞතික ස්ථාවරත්වයට අතිශයින්ම භයානක අන්දමින් හානිකර මෙවැනි එල්ලෙන දෙමල මර උගුල් ජනාවාස සියල්ල තැනීම වහාම අත්හිටවිය යුතුය.

      බොගවන්තලාව මර උගුල් ජනාවාශ. මු.ම.ඉහල අඩි 5500

මේ ලිපිය කියවන ඇතම් අය මා උග්‍ර දෙමළ විරෝදී කෙනෙකැයි සිතිය හැකිය. නැත කිසි සේත්ම නැත. මන්ද. ඒ මා සින්හල බෞද්ධයෙක් නිසාය. බුදුන් වදාල පරිදි අපා, දෙපා, සිව්පා, භූපා යන සියලු සතුන්ට පමණක් නොව ගහ කොලට පවා මෛත්‍රීය කරන බොදුනුවෙකු වශයෙන් මට කිසිසේත්ම එවැනි ආකළ්පයක් නැත. එහෙත් මගේ රට, මගේ ජාතිය සහ මගේ ආගම විනාශකරණ සෑම වැඩපිළිවෙලකටම මෙන්ම සෑම කෙනෙකුටම මම දිවි පරදුවට තබා එරෙහි වෙමි. මගේ රටටත් ජාතියටත් හානි නොකරන තාක්කල් ඔනෑම කෙනෙක් ඉවසීමට මට පුළුවන. මේ රට වසර් 2566ක් තිස්සේම සින්හල බෞද්ධ රටක වශයෙන් පැවති රටකි.

සුද්දන්ගේ වහලුන් වශයෙන් ඉන්දියාවෙන් මෙහි පැමින වසර 300 වඩා ඉතිහාසයක් නැති උතුරු නැගෙනහිර සිටින 1901 දී දෙමල වශයෙන් බෞතීස්මවී කුළවන්තයින් වූ හෝ රටමැද සිටින වසර 37 ක වැනි කෙටි කාලයක අනීතික රුපියලේ පුරවැසි කමක් ඇති, මේ සින්හල බෞද්ධරටේ වෙනම ප්‍රාන්තයක් ඉල්ලන මලබා ජාතිකයින්ට හෝ වෙනත් කිසිම ආගන්තුක ජනවර්ගයකට මේ රට අල්ලා ගැනීමට හෝ දෙමළ හෝ මුස්ලිම් රාජ්‍යක් ගොඩනැගීමට ඉඩ දී කිස්සේත්ම නිහඬව බලාසිටිය අපට නොහැක. ක්‍ර.පූ 543 සිටම මේ රට සින්හල බෞද්ධ රටකි. එබැවින් එම සිධාන්තය පිලිගන්නා ඔනෑම ජාතිකයෙකු මේ රටේ රට වැසියෙකු වශයෙන් සහ අපගේම සොහොයුරන් සොහොයුරියන් වශයෙන් භාර ගැනීමට අප සැදී පැහැදීඉ සිටිමු.

එහෙත් ඉහත සඬහන් පරිදි මේ රට සින්හල බෞද්ධ රටකි.” යන සිධාන්තය පිළිගැනීමට සූදානම් නැති, තොණ්ඩමන්ලා, සහ විග්නෙස්වරන්ලා ඉන්දියාවටද සහ හිස්බුල්ලාලා සහ හකීම්ලා  අනිවාර්‍යෙන්ම ඉක්මනින් ඔවුන් මව් බිම්වශයෙන් සලකන,වඳින පුදන, දේශයන් කරා  හැකිපමණ කඩිනමින් ඔවුන්ගේ මව් රටවලට ආපසු යා යුතුය.

By Nishel Fernando  Courtesy The Daily Mirror

• President says SL does not need plantations, but thriving agro-business
• Tea Research Institute expected to play major role in modernising tea industry
• Plans underway to restructure both Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) and Tea Small Holdings Development Authority

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday unveiled a blueprint to transform the country’s outdated plantation sector towards a modern and thriving agro-business by rolling out a slew of major reforms with an inside-out approach. 

Key pillars of this strategy includes ending the colonial era ‘line-room’ culture which has bounded estate workers to the estates and a potential revenue sharing model between managing company and workers.

I don’t think we need plantations; we need a thriving agro-business, lot of ground holders and a large management company that will look at the highest earning possible. We are going to start reforming from inside,” President Wickremesinghe said, addressing the Colombo International Tea Convention (CITC) 2024 in Colombo yesterday.

In order to ensure this shift, Wickremesinghe shared plans to setup villages by breaking estates from living areas of plantation communities. 

We will extract all the line rooms and surrounding areas,  take it back to the government and re-gazette them as villages. So that the line room concept will disappear as people start building up. If you go the coconut estates, we don’t have anyone living in that land that belongs to the plantation,” he told a fully packed audience of over 750 international and local delegates.

According to him, this ‘line-room’ culture has attributed to high rate of multi-dimensional poverty indicators in Nuwara–Eliya which remains above war-torn areas in Northern Province. 

Meanwhile, President indicated the government openness to allow other high yielding cash crops with plans to bring more lands to agri-businesses.

What’s the model of our enterprises? Are we only going to stay in tea or are we going to allow smart agriculture in your areas? In time to come, there will be land opened out in other parts of the country for agri-businesses,” he said. 

The government is also exploring ways and means to revive SME agri businesses saddled with high debt.
Moving forward, Tea Research Institute (TRI) is expected to play a major role in modernising the Ceylon Tea industry staying aligned with latest global consumer trends, with possible joint ventures with the private sector. Further, plans are underway to restructure both Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) and Tea Small Holdings Development Authority under this strategy.  

Fresh look on Russia only after US elections

President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted that the US and European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Russia, a key market for Ceylon tea, remains a challenge in carrying out trade activities and needs to be addressed.

A fresh look at this matter can only be considered after decisive President Election in the United States (US) on November 5 this year, he said.  The Republican Party Nominee Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine through negotiations, while Democratic Party which is yet to officially nominate candidate is expected to further escalate the conflict. 

The problem is for those of us who have to trade with Russia. Maybe, we will require a new look and we have to wait for the outcome of the U.S Presidential elections. Until then, you have to use your means to get your tea across to Russia, which I should not know,” he said. 

ickremesinghe stressed that Sri Lanka must maintain its dominating position in the global market, and efforts must be made to ensure local firms expanding into other countries  do not hurt Ceylon Tea’s market share adversely.

Some of our companies have gone abroad, they have also established themselves elsewhere, that’s not a problem, as long as we are the largest player in the game,” he added. 

Calls on stakeholders to resolve estate wage issue 

The need to resolve the wage issue in the plantation sector came under focus, after a government decision was made to cancel the earlier issued Gazette notification increasing the daily minimum wage of an estate worker for the tea and rubber industries to Rs. 1,700.

You have to remember those who work in the plantations are people who had the worst case of bankruptcy in the country ,” Wickremesinghe said, urging plantation sector stakeholders to actively look at ironing out issues in this regard.

On July 10, Minister of Labour, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment and Foreign Employment and Commissioner General of Labour issued  a notification cancelling the earlier issued Gazette increasing the daily minimum wage of an estate worker by 70 percent.

This was following legal battles where 21 regional plantation companies secured a writ order invalidating the Gazette notification. In addition, the Supreme Court also issued an interim injunction preventing the implementation of the Gazette on increasing the daily minimum wage of estate workers.

Courtesy Hiru News

Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, Somarathne Vidanapathirana, stated that 1,095,675 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka as of July 15, 2024. He expressed optimism that the country could surpass its 2018 tourism peak, achieved post-war, if current trends continue.

He highlighted the significant setbacks the tourism industry faced due to the Easter attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic crisis. However, he noted that the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated institutions have led to a promising recovery.

Addressing the press briefing titled “Two Years of Progress and Advancement” held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday (25), Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Land, Somarathne Vidanapathirana further elaborated;

Two years ago, the tourism industry in Sri Lanka was struggling, impacted heavily by the Easter attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic crisis. However, I am pleased to report that the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated institutions are currently achieving successful results through a coordinated program.

Accordingly, in 2022, 719,978 tourists visited Sri Lanka, and the number rose to 1,487,303 in 2023. By July 15, 2024, Sri Lanka had already welcomed 1,095,675 tourists. This trend suggests that the number of visitors by the end of the year could surpass the totals of the past two years.

The tourism sector in Sri Lanka reached its peak in 2018, with 2,333,796 visitors and USD 4.4 billion in revenue. If the current positive trend continues, the number of foreign tourists and the income generated by the end of 2024 could exceed those of 2018.

H.G. Jayasekara, Deputy Director (Planning) of Department of National Zoological Gardens;

In 2022 and 2023, the total number of local tourists to Sri Lanka’s botanical gardens reached 1,773,048 and 1,925,129, respectively. Among these, foreign tourists numbered 103,322 in 2022 and 227,729 in 2023. Notably, the arrival of local tourists increased by 148% in 2022 and by 9% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, foreign tourist arrivals surged by 461% in 2022 and 120% in 2023.

By June 2024, the botanical gardens welcomed 965,468 local tourists and 183,674 foreign tourists. This represents a 96% increase in foreign tourist visits compared to the same period last year.

Accordingly, the revenue from Sri Lanka’s botanical gardens was Rs.420.02 million in 2022 and rose to Rs.901.1 million in 2023. By June 2024, the gardens had already generated Rs.735.56 million. This marks an increase of 184% in 2022, 115% in 2023, and 133% in 2024 compared to the corresponding periods of the previous years.

P U Rathnayake, Deputy Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA);

In 2018, 2,333,796 tourists have arrived Sri Lanka. Starting in 2023, there has been a significant resurgence in tourist arrivals. By the end of 2023, the number of tourists had increased to 1,487,303. As of July 15, 2024, this number reached 1,095,675, indicating a strong upward trend. Additionally, tourism revenue from January to June 2024 amounted to approximately USD 1,556.64 million.

The Tourism Development Authority is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism through the development and operation of large-scale resorts. Currently, projects in Kuchchaveli, Kalpitiya, and Dedduwa are ready for promoters.

Future projects open to investors include Kuchchaveli, Kalpitiya, and Yala. By 2024, the authority registered 12,213 service providers, comprising 4,534 tourist accommodations, 4,923 tourist guides, and 2,756 other service providers.

Additionally, registration awareness and mobile programs have been implemented in locations such as Pasikuda, Batticaloa, Kitulgala, Kataragama, Meemure, Ella, Pinnawala, and Galle.

National resorts for local tourists are currently operational in Bandarawela, Kataragama, Anuradhapura, and Nuwara Eliya. Over the past two years, several development projects have been completed, including those at Aluthnuwara, Madunagala, Dunhinda, Rajanawa Falls, Sandathanna Agricultural Project, Gatbaruwa Tourism Centre, and Mount Lavinia Tourist Police Unit.

As of June 2024, the Tourism Development Authority has approved 16 investment projects, totalling 224 approved rooms and an investment of approximately USD 25.39 million. Upcoming plans include developing a marine tourism roadmap, gazetting tourism development areas, creating master zoning plans in collaboration with the Urban Development Authority (UDA), and implementing a micro grid solar energy program to address the energy crisis.

Chalaka D. Gajabahu, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB);

Over the past two years, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has successfully executed numerous programs. Notably, the “Seeing is Believing” project, launched by the Public Relations

Division, hosted 189 international travel bloggers and communicators, resulting in media coverage valued at over one billion rupees.

The Marketing Division also utilized 15 major travel fairs and 29 road shows, including ITB in Germany, WTM in London, ATM in Dubai, IFTM in France, and SATTE in India, to promote tourism. More than 75 travel agencies and hotel professionals took part in these events. Additionally, a significant special project involved hosting 500 Indian travel agents and 50 Indian journalists at the TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India) conference, held in Sri Lanka for the first time.

We are currently launching a series of global tourism promotion programs, with the first phase focusing on public relations, digital, and social media campaigns in Britain, Germany, France, India, and China.

Inspired by these activities and projects over the past two years, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau introduced a new brand identity in 2023 under the theme “Sri Lanka ; You’ll come back for more.” This initiative received significant international acclaim and recognition in 2024.

Shirantha Peiris, Chairman of Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management;

From 2021 to 2023, the Sri Lanka Tourism and Hotel Management Institute trained 5,000, 6,000, and 8,000 students respectively through its courses offered across the country. This year, we aim to direct over 10,000 trainees into the tourism and hospitality industry.

Furthermore, we are collaborating with various institutions to promote our programs both nationally and internationally. Notable national partners include the National School of Business Management, Korea Ceylon Hotel School, the Foreign Employment Bureau, the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment (Department of Probation and Child Care Services), and Gampaha Wickramarachchi Indigenous Medical University.

Internationally, we are collaborating with the University of Salzburg in Austria, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and S4IG (funded by AUSAID). Additionally, we are currently in discussions to facilitate exchanges of employees and students with the International College of Hotel Management in Australia and three major hospitality universities in Malaysia.

Krishantha Fernando, General Manager of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB);

Over the past two years, the Marketing Division has achieved several key milestones. Notably, the MICE classification was incorporated into the e-visa application system to better identify MICE tourists, and two successful phases of the MICE Expo were organized in Colombo and Jaffna.

Additionally, several new promotional videos were produced, and a new website for the Sri Lanka Federation Bureau was launched. Efforts in digital and website-based promotions, as well as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), were significantly enhanced.

Other important activities include participating in and representing Sri Lanka at international exhibitions and events such as OTM, SAATE, ATM, BLTM, IMEX, and WTM, organizing familiarization tours to promote MICE, and positioning Sri Lanka as a premier MICE destination.

In 2023, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau supported numerous international conferences in the medical field. It also provided financial and logistical support for several major international events,

including the Asian and Oceania Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting, the International Trainers Conference, and the Asia Pacific Regional Ministers and Environmental Authorities Session.