Among the mixed bag of collection on Nicky Karunaratne’s exposures of masked characters of yester year in this country, especially the so-called Socialist comrades, who have been cheating and misleading the innocent public, Nicky Karunaratne found another week in 2004 April.
Well! Going by Nicky Karunaratne’s revelations that keeps on unwinding gradually and continuously, it is beginning to unravel more under for so long!
As many interesting disclosures become exposed in the future, one thing that will register in readers’ mind would be the stand taken by the patriotic Sri Lankan, who had been disillusioned at first, but his country on top of politics, as time passed by.
The second Presidential election held in 1982, was fought amongst the candidates, was fought amongst the candidates in a competitive atmosphere. They were Colvin Reginald Silva, Hector Kobbekaduwa, Kumar Ponnamblam, Rohana Wijeweera and Vasudeva Nanayakkara from the Nava Sama Samaja Party.
From the ruling party (UNP) incumbent President, J.R.Jayawardena contested; the SLFP was represented by Hector Kobbekaduwa, who did not get full backing due to the infighting undercurrent tactics existed within the party. Rohana Wijeweera (JVP), Kumar Ponnanbalam (All Ceylon Tamil Congress), Colvin R.de Silva and Vasudeva Nanayakkara from the Nava Sama Samaja Party.
Colvin Reginald Silva assumed he had a better chance of making a mark, but You are a bit late to expose such characters! However, it is better late than never! They were pretending to be the saviours of the proletariat. You may also be aware of Dr.N. M. Perera going through the share list every morning as habitual, despite his schedule! Do you know anything about the problems arose then with regard to ‘Giridara Mills?
At the end of the day, it was a total disappointment for his party supporters when he ended up with only 58,531.00 votes against J.R.Jayawardena, who scored 3,450.811 votes, Hector Kobbekaduwa managed to get only 2,548.438, Kumar Ponnanbalam 173,934 and Nanayakkara from the Nava Sama Samaja Party received only 17,005 votes.
Nicky Karunaratne was involved in Colombo district, particularly in Borella, Colombo 7, which was a unique electorate with one section of the population diluted with murder and murder in areas such as Wanathamulla, while another section of the electorate consisted of an affluent elite society, which existed of Colombo.
Wanathamulla had been converted into a ‘No go zone’ area except for UNP sympathisers. The place was infested with daring and dangerous type of ruffians of the UNP, who carried out hand bombs and swords threatening the entire neighborhood. For, Colvin, therefore, it became a non-starter, even to dream of visiting the area without Nicky Karunaratne, who was well known among the Wanathamulla down trodden population.
As an adult he had been intermingling with all levels in Wanathamulla. his best friend was Mahinda Dharmapla, the owner of Borella Wallawa, who was equally fearless and the underworld gangs known as ‘canditates’.
Nicky’s humility had earned a lot of respect in the area, which made him certain group to approach him to request him and further him to send Colvin R de Silva to the area, alone unless escorted by Nicky Karunaratne!
That helped Colvin R de Silva to canvas in Wanathamulla area with confidence by going very deep inside of Wanathamulla locale and holding ‘ garden meetings in the company of Nicky.
M.H.Mohamed (UNP), who was based in Borella, also had influence over the Wanthamulla folk equally. Nicky Karunaratne was identified as the Chief Organiser of the LSSP for Borella at the time.
However, M.H. Mohomed day, prior to vote counting at Royal College premises, Nicky was allowed four comrades from the LSSP with all the necessary documents that leads to the delegation as the chief scrutiniser for the Party. The late M.H.Mohomed represented the UNP with five people, while Ragitha Senaratne represented the SLFP candidate Kobbekaduwa.
The election Ordinance of the country strictly stipulated that only five personnel. However, M.H.Mohomed, being a Minister of the Cabinet at the time had brought one extra person, which ensued an argument, following an objection raised by M.H. Mohomed alleging the Minister’s government to abused the government power!
This led to somewhat a hullabaloo, which ended up being reported to the Election Commissioner counting Centre. M.H. Mohomed had to knuckle under with a lot of pressure, and according balled over by this that government, challenging powerful minister at J.R. Jayawardene’s Cabinet !
Subsequently, when Nicky and M.H.Mohomed became thick of fiends. When latter Transport Department for buses and introduced a new concept for buses as a separate Department. Nicky still remembers with gratitude how Mohomed added his request and appointed Mrs. Soma Kotadeniya ( with a comment that it was not suitable for a female) as the Director of the new department.
It did not take the over responsibilities of the new Director of her new Department to investigate what M.H.Mohomed had commented on prior to her appointment when the big head were in the JRJ administration. She was sent her the proverbial administrative where ‘ ‘she had nothing to do except twiddling her thumbs’!
This made her really irritated and frustrated. Then she took it personally as a punishment meted out to her by her JRJ government. Sill, Nicky Karunaratene was very happy that a LSSP member of the LSSP, his initiative to convince the UNP minister had, and he managed to get some Koakadeniya appointed as the first of the omnibus
Seemingly, she progressed in her career and became the Commissioner of RMV Motor Motor (Registrar of Motor vehicles) and late she introduced the computerised plastic driving licence in Sri Lanka by replacing the ‘book-type’ of Certificate of Competence to drive any type of motor vehicle. Nicky Karunaratne appreciates M.H.Mohomed as a true politician gentleman a pleasing politician to regard to Party politics when he had to take some Respect.
As a politician, I (Nicky) always respect having known as an opposition political party, yet keeping his Ministries as well as his residence always open for him ,without any security or protocols” says Nicky.`
During an assessment during the first Presidential elections in Sri shambles with the final nail in the political coffin as a political party to recon with!
This was based on the fact that stalwarts Dr. N.M.Perera got defeated to absolutely unknown candidate from Yatiyantota , as much as Colvin R.de Silva lost appallingly.
As an organiser of the. LSSP, Nicky states that the LSSP” managed to get to get the hornet’s nest upon their own shoulders mainly due to the attitude adopted by the party ignoring the voice of the country,
They did not want to see the truth as only made hair splitting arguments to deny the due place of the destitute Sinhala Buddhist majority. 1970-1977 was the only chance they had, if at all, to serve the masses. But it came to an abrupt end by getting kicked out of the government unceremoniously
This was due to the LSSP unscrupulous henchmen who were hell bent in using every chance they had their Christian Tamil agenda to work! Even at present (in 2014) it is evident from some of the newspapers articles by various authors who tried to propagate this issue to punish the Rajapasksa government with all dam lies with the so-called international community better known as predator nations, who think who can win the Bible in one hand and sword in the other!
Throughout history this has been the case, if others do it in a different way, it becomes intolerable for others to digest.
ANKARA (Sputnik) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has held an emergency meeting with the heads of intelligence and the ministry of justice after his fellow party member, Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli, had warned of a possible coup d’état being prepared by law enforcement agencies, the Turkiye newspaper on Wednesday.
The dismissal of several police officers in Ankara’s security directorate accused of links to criminal organization Ayhan Bora Kaplan has caused widespread concern. Their homes had been searched to seize digital materials. Bahceli has said the situation could be a conspiracy against the government, and the suspension of several police officers alone cannot be avoided. The official, while addressing a party meeting in parliament, has warned of a possible repeat of the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey.
Erdogan held the emergency overnight meeting with Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc and National Intelligence Organization Director Ibrahim Kalin at the president’s residence following a warning from Bahceli, the report said.
The Turkish president is expected to speak on the topic at an expanded meeting of the ruling party in the parliament on Wednesday.
A Sputnik correspondent reported that Turkish citizens have since been actively posting messages in support of Erdogan on social media platform X with the hashtag #DevletimizinYanındayız, which translates as we stand by our state,” and images of the Turkish president with words of support and quotes.
The Turkish government has accused Members of the organization of US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen (FETO) of being responsible for a coup attempt in 2016. Over 80,000 people have been arrested in Turkey and some 150,000 civil servants and military personnel have been dismissed or suspended from their jobs over suspected links to FETO. Gulen, who has lived in self-exile in the US since 1999, rejected the accusations and condemned the coup attempt.
We remind our readers that publication of articles on our site does not mean that we agree with what is written. Our policy is to publish anything which we consider of interest, so as to assist our readers in forming their opinions. Sometimes we even publish articles with which we totally disagree, since we believe it is important for our readers to be informed on as wide a spectrum of views as possible.
By Dimitris Konstantakopoulos Courtesy defend.democracy.press
The attempted assassination of the leftist and a critic of Western policy in Ukraine Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico, is probably the most alarming of a plethora of indications we already have regarding both the rapid deterioration of the state of democracy in Europe and, also, of the intention of powerful western circles to escalate Western intervention in Ukraine. We recall the dispatch to Kiev of weapons that can strike deep into Russian territory, Macron’s statements about sending French troops to Ukraine, the Polish Foreign Minister’s statement that there is no diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian problem, among many others. This is objectively a policy of preparing for world war, whether those who carry it out realize it or not, and such a policy of course presupposes the cleansing” of the West of any dissent”, as well as the violent repression of any protesters. And this preparation seems to include major terrorist acts like the blowing of the NordStream pipeline, an action reminiscent of the Gladio years.
Some were already quick to link the assassination attempt to Fico’s politics. We cannot, of course, be certain of anything at this stage of the investigation, and in particular of who is behind the attempt. But, if we don’t know who was behind the attempt, we do know who could hope to profit from it. The fact is the Slovak Prime Minister stood out like a fly in the EU with his positions and policies, criticising NATO’s policy in Ukraine, and also expressing an ambition to resist the forces of global neoliberalism which, as he said, threatened his country. Regardless of who armed the would-be assassin’s hand, the attempt will serve to terrorize any international politician who wants to distance himself from America. Just recently, the Hungarian PM has read in the Financial Times the project of Brussels to destroy the economy of his country if he insisted on vetoing EU’s help” to Ukraine. Outside Europe, we have also the recent example of the popular Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, whom the United States is accused of overthrowing https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/us-ouster-of-imran-khan.
Fico suspended the supply of arms and ammunition to Ukraine, limited any Slovak aid to Kiev in the humanitarian sector and said that Putin would not be arrested if he visited Ukraine. He criticised the previous government’s policy of sending arms to Ukraine and then ordering new weapons to America, cutting social spending to pay for them and promised to revise the defence agreement with the US.
Fico described the conflict in Ukraine as a proxy war between the US and Russia, and called on NATO and the EU to de-escalate” immediately and push for peace talks, calling for Ukraine to receive security guarantees from both Russia and NATO and to become a buffer zone between East and West. It should be noted that Fico has also criticised the war in Iraq and it was during his time that Slovak troops withdrew from that country.
By pursuing this policy, Fico became one of the few European leaders who make a policy in line with what their public opinion wants and not with what want from them the transnational centres that now control the majority of European politicians. Between 60% and 70% of Slovaks are in favour of good relations with Russia, while 66% believe that the United States is pushing the country into conflict with Russia.
Fico is also one of the few successful left-wing politicians at a time of defeats and degeneration of the left across Europe.
Of course, all this has made him a black sheep” of the Western press, which has described his election as a serious geopolitical threat to NATO calling him a populist” and a nationalist”.
As we have already said, no one can be sure of what has happened. But assassinations of prime ministers are not a common occurrence in Europe, not even during the Cold War and the Gladio years.
It is probably a very serious indication of where we are and where we are going if the European people do not rise up to protect their rights and prevent the coming global War.
We remind our readers that publication of articles on our site does not mean that we agree with what is written. Our policy is to publish anything which we consider of interest, so as to assist our readers in forming their opinions. Sometimes we even publish articles with which we totally disagree, since we believe it is important for our readers to be informed on as wide a spectrum of views as possible.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said there is huge potential for further increasing trade, economic and Buddhist ties between Myanmar and Sri Lanka. He said this when Myanmar Charge d’ Affairs Lei Yi Win called on him at the Temple Trees today (May 16). The Prime Minister said that economic and trade relations in many areas such as gem and jewellery, tea and coconut trade, minerals, tourism with especial emphasis on Buddhist tourism could be strengthened. He also suggested barter trade on tea and coconut as Myanmar is keen to export coconut to Sri Lanka for processing and re-exporting to third countries. Acting Ambassador Lei Yi Win said Sri Lanka could participate in ‘Yangoon Trade Fair’ to explore potential areas of imports and exports and economic collaboration. She also said Myanmar will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka this year. She added that Myanmar will also celebrate 1,000 years of establishment of Theravada Buddhism during Badan Dynasty in the 11th century. The Prime Minister pointed out that the teachings of the Buddha are prevalent even after 2600 years and it has helped to strengthen close religious and diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Myanmar. He also stated that Sri Lankan Buddhists are grateful to Myanmar for organizing a Higher Ordination in Sri Lanka in the 19th century which helped to establish the two sects called Ramannya and Amarapura nikayas. Parliamentraian Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake and Counsellor Thep Zaw Toe of Myanmar Embassy were also present on this occasion.
India’s food processing sector is one of the largest in the world and its output is expected to reach $535 Bn by 2025-26. The Food Processing sector in India has a quintessential role in linking Indian farmers to consumers in the domestic and international markets. The food processing industry has a share of 12.22% in the employment generated in all Registered Factory sector engaging approximately 2.03 Mn people and unregistered food processing sector supports employment to 5.1 Mn workers and constituted 14.18% of employment in the unregistered manufacturing sector. Major sectors constituting the food processing industry in India are processed fruits and vegetables, RTE/RTC, mozzarella cheese, processed marine products, edible oils, beverages, and dairy products.
To address the manufacturing needs of the fast growing Indian food processing industry, with focus on the latest technological trends in food processing and packaging machinery and innovations, the 3rd edition of Inter FoodTech – Premier technology supplier fair food & beverage industryshall be held from June 05 – 07, 2024 at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. Inter FoodTech is co-located with related trade shows, Snack & BakeTec – international trade fair on snacks, bakery and confectionery processing and packaging technology & services and Annapoorna Inter Food – International Food & Beverage Trade Expo jointly by Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), VA Exhibitions and Forum of India Food Importers (FIFI), making this the most comprehensive food business platform in the country.
Inter FoodTech and Snack & BakeTec exhibitions bring together the best processing and packaging machinery suppliers, solutions and service providers required for manufacturing of all kinds of processed food & beverage products. More than 400 companies from around 20 countries will showcase their solutions to the food processing industry spread across an exhibition area of 20,000 sq. mt. Ashwani Pande, CEO, VA Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. – the organizers of these trade fairs says, Just in their 3rd edition, Inter FoodTech and Snack & BakeTec together have become the most important trade fairs for food processing sector bringing together the best minds and best processing and packaging solutions from across the globe to set the roadmap for future trends, influence policy making through representations, open up newer markets, enable joint ventures and act as the best knowledge sharing platform.
Annapoorna Inter Food – International Food & Beverage Trade Expo, a concurrent trade, will forge industry connections and propel food and beverage brands to new heights.It is the ultimate destination for anyone serious about making waves in the Indian Food & Beverage (F&B) industry as it provides unparalleled networking opportunities; opportunity to showcase F&B products to the power players of the industry and elevate food & beverage Brands among the industry circles.
The exhibition is expected to attract over 15,000 business visitors from India and neighboring countries representing small, medium and large scale food & beverage manufacturers to Inter FoodTech & Snack & BakeTec and visitor representing distributors & traders, retailers and wholesalers, modern trade and institutional buyers, hotels, resorts & restaurants, catering services, QSR’s, bakeries, airlines, etc. to Annapoorna Inter Food.
Balvinder S. Sawhney, Assistant Secretary General, FICCI, the co-organizers of Annapoorna Inter Food says, We are extremely happy to re-launch Annapoorna brand as Annapoorna Inter Food with our new partners, VA Exhibitions & FIFI and are determined to shape it as the most important trade fair for food & beverage trade in the region”
The following concurrent activities planned with the exhibition will create a complete business platform to enhance business for all stakeholders of food and beverage: FICCI’s Food World India 2024 – Global convention for food & beverage industry; seminar on ‘Technological interventions in India Dairy’ by Indian Dairy Association (IDA); Panel discussion on Improving efficiency & quality with automation in food processing” and Food Processing Technology – Trends & Challenges” by Agro & Food Processing Equipment & Technology Providers Association (AFTPAI) and Panel discussion on From Farm to Table: Ensuring Authentication and Traceability in Food & Beverage Products” by Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA); Annapoorna Inter Food RETAIL Awards, Incredible Chef Challenge and Chef Master Classes in Culinary Arena.
The procession of the Sacred Omniscient Relics of Deegawapiya Stupa unearthed from the Deegawapiya site during excavations and the Crest-Gem, which is currently on island-wide public veneration, recently arrived in Matale, allowing devotees to pay their homage.
Accordingly, following the exposition of these sacred Omniscient Relics at Bambawa Rajamaha Vihara in Galewela on 15 and 16 May, arrangements have been made for the exposition at several other areas of Matale district for public veneration.
Thereupon, arrangements have been made for the exposition of these sacred Omniscient Relics and the Crest-Gem at Dambulla Athuparayaya Vihara on May 17 and 18, at the Naula Nathissa Rajamaha Vihara on 19, at Matale Aluvihara on 20 and 21 and at Matale Dharmaraja Piriven Vihara from May 22 to 27.
Hence, the devotees have the opportunity to support the restoration work of the Deegawapiya Stupa by making financial contributions while worshiping the Sacred Omniscient Relics and Crest Gem of the Deegawapiya Stupa.
• Disaster Risk Reduction is very important for building robust communities – Defence Secretary
The National Disaster Management Coordinating Committee (NDMCC) serves as a crucial platform for policy formulation, strategic planning and effective coordination among stakeholders for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities. We facilitate communication between sub-national and national levels, ensuring an incorporated approach towards disaster management through the National Council for Disaster Management (NCDM).
Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne made these remarks while delivering the welcome speech at the 67th NDMCC conference held today (May 16) at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo.
In recent years, we have witnessed an increase in the frequency and intensity of disasters, both natural and human-induced. These challenges demand a unified response that goes beyond individual ministries or departments, General Gunaratne further stated.
At the end of his address, the Defence Secretary officially launched the NDMCC logo.
The conference was themed “Renewed commitments, strengthening partnerships towards a resilient community,” which consolidates the collective commitment to enhancing disaster resilience with the valuable support of the World Food Program (WFP).
Therefore, this forum provides a platform for robust national dialogue, fostering collaboration among all stakeholders involved in DRR activities.
Mr. Abdurrahim Siddiqui, the Country Director of the World Food Program (WFP) and the Director (Planning) of the Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Defence Mr. Nalaka Priyntha, made their remarks prior to the commencement of this year’s forum.
Director General of Disaster Management Centre Major General Udaya Herath (Retd), Director General of National Building Research Organization Dr. Asiri Karunawardana, Deputy Director of Department of Meteorology Ms. Prithika Jayakody, Senior Assistant Secretary (Development) at National Disaster Relief Services Centre Mr. Namal Liyanage, Director Hydrology and Disaster Management at the Department of Irrigation Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara and the Deputy Country Manager, Sri Lanka Regional Researcher – Water Resources Engineer Dr. Nishadi Eriyagama presented their papers to the audience and the forum concluded with the panel discussion.
Dignitaries including country representatives and heads of UN agencies, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and senior military officers also joined the forum.
Colombo, May 16 (Daily Mirror)- The hotel ‘Soul Beach,’ which was located in Dehiwala and later demolished, is suspected to have belonged to Shiran Basik, an alleged major drug smuggler currently operating from abroad, was alleged to have been built on government land, it was revealed.
The hotel’s structures were removed in January this year by the Coast Guard and Police after it was found to be an illegal construction.
However, a group of individuals who were carrying out construction work at the site were taken into the custody on Tuesday for illegal construction.
Mount Lavinia Division Special Investigation Unit officers revealed that the tax deed presented by the suspects had been forged.
Accordingly, 14 suspects were arrested on Tuesday and remanded till May 28 after being presented in Court.
Following an inspection carried out by surveyors from the Government Survey Department, the subject land has been reported to be a government-owned land.
Foreign MPs mustering votes will attend, INGOs/NGO representatives fulfilling geopolitical agendas will attend, diplomats ordered by their governments will attend, families of dead LTTE will attend, other Tamils will be forced to attend. This will be the coterie shedding crocodile tears very soon at a ceremony annually being eulogized as mullaivaikkal massacre”. These representatives proves how LTTE terror lasted 30 years & why LTTE fronts emerged immediately after Prabakaran’s death & located mostly on western capitals. Flogging a dead tiger has its merits!
This so-called massacre would be worthwhile if we knew the exact figure of the supposed to be genocide & more importantly at least the names of the supposed to be dead. However, 15 years on, we still have only the photos of dead LTTE terrorists being garlanded and it is hilarious to see photos of foreign MPs laying flowers before them!
So let’s go back in time & run through some facts.
18 year old Prabakaran (born in 1954 & died age 54) formed Tamil New Tigers in May 1972 the very year Sri Lanka presented its Republican Constitution removing all ties with colonial Britain. Incidentally, LTTE’s first international office was in London & opened in the 1970s itself by Bishop Rayappu Joseph and quite a number of Catholic priests turned out to be LTTE sympathizers over the years.
Council of Foreign Relations states LTTE & other Tamil militant groups were trained by India in India in late 1970s. The Jain Commission Interim Report details the camps that the Sri Lankan militants were given training in & affidavits give further proof of Indian involvement. LTTE emerged the more ruthless out of the groups. India ran 32 training camps. India even supplied arms & financial assistance. Does this not make India a state sponsor of terror? Why does the UN or West not mention India’s involvement in birthing terror in Sri Lanka & against Sri Lanka?
Here’s where the situation gets somewhat complicated. Having trained over 30 militants, LTTE was not the favored because of Prabakaran’s unpredictable behavior. This can be attributed to his ordering the assassination of Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi, though we do not know his reason. Yet, geopolitics was more important to India – they could have used this to eliminate the LTTE completely but they did not. India’s intent in signing the Indo-Lanka Accord in 1987 was to order Indian troops to eliminate Prabakaran, place Perumal as leader as Indian troops were training another movement to replace LTTE. Things did not work to plan & eventually close to 2000 Indian soldiers died & the troops were packed back to India unceremoniously. It is after the death of Rajiv Gandhi, that LTTE began closer ties with the West-Church-Western NGOs. We can see the marked change in the demands made during LTTE’s sojourn with India & thereafter when it became a poodle of the West.
Therefore, we question the sincerity of all the entities that had close rapport with LTTE while pretending to want peace for Sri Lanka.
The UN too shed crocodile tears after the LTTE was eliminated. The UN should have shed tears for every unarmed civilian LTTE killed over 30 years. Where are the memorials or commemorations for them? Has a single diplomat, UN official or NGO head bothered to light a lamp for those killed by LTTE?
What is pertinent and what everyone must take note of is that all of the allegations against Sri Lanka came months after the conflict ended & were by third party or fourth party sources from overseas and the numbers they were throwing appeared to be plucked from the sky & hyped up.
Here’s where those making the allegations get caught with their pants down. From the time orders were given to militarily deal with the LTTE & rescue the civilians LTTE were keeping as hostages & human shields, every 2 weeks a Consultative Committee Meeting was held. All the diplomats, UN officials were invited & was attended by all those handling the war effort. This was the perfect time to put on the table all the allegations & demand answers from the Sri Lankan Government & its military. However, no such allegations were made except commending the forces.
The other factor is the foreign media that was traveling with the units. David Gray of Reuters wrote about the soldiers sharing their food rations with the Tamil civilians. Murali Reddy the Indian reporter who was the last of the foreign media to leave gives an excellent account of what took place & nowhere does he say that Sri Lanka’s soldiers were murderers or committing genocide.
On 16 January 2009 UN issued a statement imploring LTTE to allow civilians to leave to government controlled areas without keeping them as human shields”. This meant LTTE were keeping people by force. LTTE even kept 2 UN aid workers & were released only after international pressure on 30 January 2009.
LTTE violated Geneva Convention IV article using people to render immunity from attack. LTTE were hiding among civilians & firing purposely blurring distinction.
Let us not forget LTTE was not fighting in uniform. All of the LTTE who surrendered were in civilian clothing. In addition, LTTE had a trained civilian force including a child soldier force. These trained civilian belligerents cannot hide as civilians.
Civilians who directly participated in hostilities become lawful targets & cannot take cover when assessing proportionality.
Thus, the question is
How many Tamil civilians voluntarily or by force joined LTTE after the fall of Kilinochchi on 2 January 2009?
Let us presume there was 20,000 LTTE – how could they have taken 300,000 hostages totally against their will unless some went voluntarily or some of these were LTTE families.
If LTTE kept Tamil civilians as human shields it is prohibited under Third & Fourth Geneva Conventions, Additional Protocol 1 & ICC. LTTE is on record to say the civilians were voluntary human shields. There is no such scope in international law.
Yoram Dinstein (international scholar on rules of war) states that the ultimate responsibility for civilian casualties falls on the LTTE & not the GOSL since the laws & customs of war do not permit a belligerent to immunize a position from attack through use of involuntary human shields.
The No Fire Zone was created for Tamil civilians not for LTTE to enter & fire from inside it keeping civilians surrounding them. This area was created on 21 January 2009 & 12 February 2009 for only civilians. It was announced by loud speakers & pamphlets in Tamil were airdropped. A legal NFZ has to be signed off by both parties, in this case it was only created by the GoSL. LTTE only took advantage of the area. LTTE had no right to be inside it or fire from inside it.
Even the Bishop of Jaffna in a letter issued on 25 January 2009 stated We are also urgently requesting the Tamil Tigers not to station themselves among the people in the safety Zone and fire their artillery shells and their rockets at the army. This will only increase more and more the death of civilians thus endangering the safety of the people.” (confirms LTTE firing from NFZ)
The Sri Lankan commanders who were in a dilemma to decide how to neutralize active LTTE artillery stationed among civilians at the cost of civilians eventually led to sacrificing personnel of Sri Lanka Armed Forces – which was why 5000 soldiers perished during the last stages of the conflict. Tamil civilians must empathise with the Sri Lankan Armed Forces for this sacrifice in order to follow IHL and safeguard civilians.
LTTE blurred distinction between combatants & civilians forcing Sri Lankan Armed Forces to make a forced choice”. LTTE’s use of lawfare” exploiting legal norms to impede operations was primarily meant to punish law abiding armed forces who observed laws of war while non-state actors freely disregarded them.
LTTE blurring distinction using combatants in civilian clothing to gain military advantage LTTE committing crime of perfidy engaging in an act that intends to make Sri Lanka Military believe it deserves protection under IHL but deceiving the Sri Lanka Military is prohibited by ICTY as feigning civilian status.
Stephen Smith, the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs statement regarding the actions of the LTTE during the last three months of the conflict in Sri Lanka. The Minister expressly condemned the numerous civilian deaths as a result of the LTTE’s use of bombs and artillery” in the NFZs and targeting of civilians that attempt to leave the conflict zones as a violation of the rules of war.”
While LTTE lobbyists claim between 70,000 to 169,796 were killed. They do not say whether this number refers to civilians as per international definition or LTTE combatants (initially they started off with 40,000) – they have yet to produce names or details of these dead inspite of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces physically rescuing 295,000 Tamils all of whom have been identified.
Sri Lanka’s military defeated an internationally proscribed terrorist movement while saving 297,853 people from danger which included some 12,000 LTTE combatants among whom were 594 child soldiers who surrendered in civilian clothing – the proportion of loss must be weighed against the gain while the loss cannot omit the Tamil civilians killed and shot to death by LTTE including the injured LTTE combatants that LTTE put into buses and blew up.
LTTE’s perfidious conduct & forced recruitment of civilians, execution of civilians trying to escape & placing weapons and firing from within civilian & hospital zones – The Sri Lanka Armed Forces cannot be held liable for incidental civilian deaths from the failure to distinguish lawful targets from civilians as the responsibility fell on LTTE to keep civilians under its custody safe. LTTE could not keep civilians and make area a non-target but fire from among civilians and expect not to face return fire.
Principle of Liability falls on LTTE. LTTE not only committed perfidious conduct by feigning civilian status, it blurred distinction between combatants & civilians putting civilians in harm’s way. The Sri Lanka Armed Forces attempted to minimize civilian casualties by setting up a no fire zone. However LTTE moved into this zone to conduct warfare from inside a zone specifically to be only for civilians. This act by LTTE makes LTTE liable for failure to comply with the principle of distinction.
Civilian casualties – Collateral damage. The responsibility for civilians rested with the LTTE that took them. The responsibility for their loss also is with LTTE as LTTE did not allow them to leave, LTTE used them as hostages and human shields and LTTE even shot and killed those that attempted to leave. LTTE placed civilians in danger and LTTE used civilians to engage in hostilities while LTTE also had an armed civilian brigade confounding distinction altogether.
Inability to assert how many LTTE in civilian clothing died engaged in hostilities, how many LTTE child soldiers died engaging in hostilities, how many civilians in LTTE civilian brigade died engaged in hostilities, how many LTTE in civilian clothing died engaged in hostilities, how many civilians not engaged in any type of hostility trying to flee LTTE were killed by LTTE – none of these deaths can be deemed civilian deaths killed by Sri Lanka Army to constitute a war crime.
The organization PEARL claims 70,000 to 169,796 were killed. Do these have names, some form of identification?
On 14th August 2013 a Presidential Commission (Chairman Maxwell Paranagama) to investigate cases of Missing Persons was appointed with initial mandate to cover abductions or disappearances from June 10, 1990 to 19 May 2009 thereafter extended to cover from 1983 to 2009 (26 years) There was only 18,590 complaints of which 5000 were filed by families of missing Sri Lankan Military. How come there are no 70,000 or 169,796 missing names filed with the commission?
The Sri Lanka Armed Forces by mid-May 2009 had rescued 295,000 Tamils
The international organizations themselves were clueless about the exact numbers of civilians taken by LTTE:
Are the international community going to rely on 3rd party propaganda or accept empirical research & statistical data:
UN Country Team declared 7721 civilian deaths between August 2008 & 13 May 2009. Indian embedded journalist Murali Reddy confirmed that from 13 May 2009 to 19th May 2009 there were no civilians in the 1.5sq.km strip LTTE were restricted to.
Sri Lankan Govt census by Tamil teachers in Feb/March 2012 placed war related deaths at 7432.
UNSG Panel of Experts in 2012 report only says civilian deaths ‘could be’ as high as 40,000 – it does not mean 40,000 deaths.
Gordon Weiss a former UN spokesman in Colombo in order to promote his book was dabbling in numbers quoting 40,000 but reducing number to 10,000 when questioned.
Data compiled by the South Asia Terrorism Portal, data primarily based on figures released by the pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net”, put the casualty figure for civilians inside Mullaithivu at 2,972 until 5 April 2009.
13 March 2009 – UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay’s press release said that ‘as many as 2800 civilians ‘may have been killed’.
Since 2009 we have been hearing a chorus of‘ thousands reported missing’ who is reporting them, what are their sources and how genuine/authentic are the reports? These details are never disclosed.
Does Leelathevi Ananthanatarajah, the Secretary of the Association for the Relatives of the Enforced Disappearances in the North & East have names and numbers of the disappeared? If so produce them to the Missing Persons Commission.
3rd Parties quoting Sri Lanka dead” missing” alleging
war crimes by Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces without proof or evidence.
Those making allegations must prove their claims and produce evidence for their allegations.
They simply cannot throw numbers & expect to bring disrepute to a National Army and put military commanders in prison without evidence or proof.
Based on what evidence is Robert Blake, former US envoy quoting 40,000 dead at the US Congressional Hearing
How is Siobhain McDonagh (UK Labor MP) declaring 100,000 dead and 40,000 as civilians.
How did Charles Petrie reviewing the UNSG’s report come up with 70,000 dead
How did The Times of London come up with 20,000 dead
How did Amnesty International quote 40,000 dead
How did Bishop of Mannar, Rayappu Joseph claim 147,000 as missing but did not log a single name with the Presidential Commission or the OISL investigators
How did Alan Keenan Project Director of International Crisis Group Sri Lanka come up with civilians killed between 40,000-147,000
How did UK Guardian quote 40,000 dead
LTTE was defeated in May 2009.
Its now May 2024. A period of 15 years has passed.
Office of Missing Persons was established in 2016.
Why has the Chairman of the Office of Missing Persons failed to question why 70,000 or 169,796 names of missing” Tamils have failed to be logged into its system? Without names of even the missing, how can they be presumed to be dead or killed by the Sri Lanka Armed Forces?
Let is also be added that Maaveer Naal is a commemoration for LTTE dead not dead of other Tamil militants. In fact the families of the other militants cannot openly commemorate their dead. Perhaps the foreigners should start attending these commemorations too for a change!
WAR CRIMES ALLEGATIONS HAS TO BE BASED ON KILLING CIVILIANS NOT KILLING LTTE TERRORISTS
WHO ARE THE MISSING
It’s now 15 years since defeat of LTTE – So far we have not found a single SKELETON.
Who are the ‘missing’ and how many of them are ‘missing’ – How many of these missing are LTTE will depend upon who is declaring them to be LTTE & missing –
If there is no dead body to claim them missing – where could they be? They could have fled to a foreign country. They could have changed identity and pretending to be someone else to disassociate themselves from their past. There could be many other reasons.
While anyone can be declared dead if they have not appeared for a specific number of years – no one has any right to declare a person or persons guilty of killing the missing person based on circumstantial and hearsay evidence. It must be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt.
LTTE & the Sri Lanka Armed Forces engaged in battle and exchanged fire.
Neither side exchanged roses.
LTTE took civilians and refused to free them and fired at the Sri Lanka Army from among civilians. Returning fire in battle is a right of any military. Keeping civilians and firing from among civilians is where LTTE violated rules of war.
LTTE were given 2 chances to lay down arms & surrender but refused.
While engaging in battle, Sri Lanka Armed Forces rescued close to 300,000 Tamils (some LTTE were among them)
No conflict ends without deaths – there have been deaths on both sides.
The ICRC is on record to say the army could have finished the conflict sooner if they did not compromise their own soldiers to save the Tamil civilians kept forcibly by LTTE.
Both the GoSL and UN Country Team estimates of less than 8000 deaths which includes LTTE dead is provable against the vague and sensational figures presented without evidence. We can be happy there has been no deaths related to LTTE terror since 2009.
Why no one is properly logging the missing” or dead”
Police– have police received complaints since 2009 re LTTE/Civilian missing
SL Human Rights Commission– what are the complaints filed and their findings related to the last phase of conflict
OISL– what are the complaints filed and findings of OISL
Paranagama Missing Persons Commission– 18,590 complaints only
Sooka & ITJP giving lists of LTTE names– do these correspond with names given by families to the police/SLHRC/OISL/Paranagama Commission
OMP– are all the lists above corresponding and tallying with the details in their possession
GoSL/Foreign Ministryrequests from foreign governments to confirm if names & details match with those seeking asylum or refugee status.
Foreign governments & UN should desist from creating precedence based on powerfully funded lobbies aimed at revenging Sri Lanka for defeating an internationally proscribed terrorist movement simply because it impacts their livelihoods and to enjoy prescriptive benefits in foreign climes on the guise of promoting accountability.
The rules of international humanitarian laws are applicable to a non-international armed conflict that took place in Sri Lanka between LTTE non-state actor and Sri Lanka’s National Army.
But by all means those that sided with the LTTE would naturally want to attend the ceremonies commemorating terrorist dead, so let us not stop them!
Where is the Government and where is the war hero Mahinda Rajapasha?.
Why can’t the government ban this woman’s’ visit It should do it immediately This woman is coming to commemorate a band of terrorists who waged war against the elected democratic government of this Country This is adding fuel to the fire of T Amil extremism and separatism.
This government must be ashamed for betraying the war heroes who who defeated the LTTE terrorism
All patriotic people of this country should protest and condemn the decision to allow this woman and demand an open apology from the government.for giving permission for this woman to come here to attend a ceremony commemorating a bunch of Tamil terrorists who waged war against the elected government of this country for 30 yeara
Why should this government allow these locale international agencies to interfere with the security and sovereignty of an independent country.
Where is the Government Ban the visit of the LTTE woman Where is Mahinha Rajapaksha. What is he doing while this unpatriotic government is allowing this type of nonsense What is the leader of the Opposition in Parliament? What is Anura Kumaara doing Where is their Patriotism. Inst there a single patriotic politician in Parliament to take up this shameless issue?
Are they the men who will contest to become the next President
I only hope the patriotic people of this country will teach them a good lesson.
Ane kuubiyane thopatath rajek inne ko apaat ape rate jaathiye nambuwa rekaganta eka minihek oya Parlimeithwe neddha?
South Asia’s abundant solar resources present an opportunity to harness clean and sustainable energy for our growing economies, said Defence Secretary
In the face of magnitude of the challenges posed by climate change in the Asian region, the imperative to transition towards renewable energy sources and promote green finance has never been more urgent.
Renewable energy offers a viable solution to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to energy security. The South Asia region’s abundant solar resources offer a great opportunity to achieve these goals.
Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne made these remarks during his keynote address as the Chief Guest at the International Summer School on Climate Change, Green Finance, and Disaster Management in South Asia, held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo on May 15.
The event, organized by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. /Regional Programme Energy Security and Climate Change Asia-Pacific (RECAP) in collaboration with the Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT) from Nepal and the Institute of National Security Studies in Sri Lanka, will continue on May 16th and 17th.
Director, RECAP-KAS, Hong Kong Dr. Frederick Kliem delivered the welcome address of the session.
During the address, Gen. Gunaratne emphasized the impacts of climate change in South Asian nations and the need for collaborative action to transition to a sustainable future.
He called for governments, businesses, civil society organizations and academia to work together to develop and implement policies, strategies, and initiatives promoting renewable energy and green finance. Multilateral cooperation and knowledge sharing are crucial to address transboundary environmental challenges and ensure a fair transition for all.
The program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of climate change-related challenges facing small countries in the South Asian region. By focusing on the promotion of renewable energy and fostering wide-ranging knowledge of green finance, particularly among young professionals, the Summer School seeks to equip participants with the tools needed to address pressing issues effectively.
Through a series of engaging sessions and discussions, the program will delve into the implications of climate change and offer insights into sustainable solutions. Attendees are expected to gain valuable insights, network with experts in the field, and contribute to meaningful discussions aimed at shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for South Asia.
Overlooking Director General and Acting Director (Research) of INSS and Director Media & Spokesman of the Ministry of Defence Colonel Nalin Herath delivered the vote of thanks of the session.
Distinguished guests including experts from Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Maldives, Nepal, German, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were present at the occasion.
It is suggested that since the north and east of Sri Lanka have become Hindu and Tamil, Tamil opposition to Buddhistization should be given serious consideration. The restoration of archaeological monuments should be done in such a way that the interests of the Tamils living near them are not affected. Since they are the present residents of these Buddhist sites, their views must rank above the conservation needs of Buddhist sites.
That is not so. To start with the north and east are under populated. The population density in the north and east is low. In 2021, the population density in North was 131.1/km² and in the Eastern province it was 178.4/km² . In contrast, in Western province it was 1,688/km².
The lowest population density in Sri Lanka in decreasing order is Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Mullaitivu. Mullaitivu is last. Mullaitivu, where Kurundi is, has the lowest population density in the island. Mullaitivu population density is 35/ km2 .Therefore there is plenty of room for the Buddhist sites in Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Vavuniya. Also the Buddhist ruins are far away from the Tamil settlements in both north and east. That is why they have survived for so long.
There are no local stakeholders at Kurundi, because Kurundi vihara is in its own reservation and that reservation is inside the larger Norochcholai forest reservation. The ruins of Kurundi now stretch to 400 acres and the boundary stones were set accordingly. The nearest Tamil village is 10 kilometers away.
Therefore In order to get into the stakeholder category at Kurundi, the Tamil Separatist Movement fraudulently destroyed 5 acres of Norochcholai forest, and said that it was historic paddy lands of the Tamil people. This area should be immediately re-forested and the persons who carried out the deforestation should be charged. Their names are known.
Island editorial in June 2023 observed that Kurundimale heritage site has given rise to a huge controversy for political reasons and only a scientific approach to the problem can help find a workable solution. Let an expert committee consisting of senior archaeologists be set up to study the Kurundimale site and determine the extent of land necessary for its restoration or conservation and how that task should be carried out to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, said Island.
The editorial continued, the hullabaloo over the Kurundimale monument is due to the politicization of what is essentially an archaeological matter. TNA politicians and others have taken exception to the project. The writ of the state, we believe, must run in all parts of the country, and national heritage sites must be traced and conserved or restored wherever they are located.
Instead, the government seems to have accepted the existence of kovils in ‘contested sites’. In the case of Kurundi vihara the Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry has bowed to Hinduism. According to the media, the Ministry has recommended three specific proposals to settle the continuing dispute over the ancient Kurundi Temple.
Firstly, the Ministry has proposed the allocation of three acres of land outside the Kurundi reserve for the construction of a temple and a kovil for public use, which means that Kurundi, which is the historical site would be removed from the pilgrim route and probably allowed to deteriorate.
Second the Ministry has proposed a fresh survey of the Kurundi area by an expert committee , which means that there is a doubt about Kurundi. Thirdly, the Ministry has proposed a fresh issuance of gazettes pertaining to identified archaeological sites.
These decisions indicate that the notion of the north and east as Hindu gets official recognition. The existence of an ancient monastery in Mullaitivu is now under doubt, despite evidence, but the possibility of a Hindu kovil there, is not, thought there is no evidence to support it. The Hindu kovil, bogus or not, must not be touched but the Buddhist ruin can be kicked about.
The Tamil Separatist Movement has gone further. It has got at the Buddhist actors at Kurundi and convinced them that there is a Hindu civilization in the north and that the Sangha and the government must recognize this.
Tamil Separatist Movement has clearly got at Ven. Santhabodhi .In a You Tube discussion Ven. Santhabodhi, suddenly intervened, and said he wanted attention paid to the conservation of non- Buddhist ruins as well. A speaker from the Dept of Archaeology replied and said that that Hindu kovils have also been conserved. If so, then please publicize that as well, said Santhabodhi, show the public that the Department of Archaeology was not only for Buddhist buildings.
The Hindu culture of the north and east is now given a new prominence. Ambassadors who visit the north pay highly publicized visits to Hindu kovils. In 2010 the German Ambassador to Sri Lanka participated in the Thai Pongal festival at Nallur, bare bodied.[1]
A visit to a prestigious kovil is now included in the itinerary of heads of state and royalty. Mr. A. Natarajan, who served as India’s Consul General in Jaffna from 2015 to 2018 recalled thatwhen Prime Minister Modi visited Jaffna in 2015, he was to have worshipped at Nallur Kandaswamy temple. Modi was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Jaffna.
Indian officials had planned a visit to Nallur temple, the Maviddapuram Kandaswamy temple or Keerimalai Naguleswaram temple near Kankesanthurai. Nallur temple insisted that Prime Minister Modi, like all male worshippers at Nallur, must enter the temple bare-chested and observe the traditional timings for poojas. There would be no flexibility on those customs regardless of the status of persons, or any special treatment for individuals, politicians or VIPs. Indian Premier Modi cancelled Nallur and attended the Pooja at Naguleswaram temple, fully dressed.
Princess Anne visited Sri Lanka in January 2024. Her itinerary included Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna. In Kandy she visited the Dalada Maligawa. In Jaffna she visited the Jaffna Public Library but did not visit Nallur kovil. This is an interesting omission.
However back in Colombo, on the final day she visited Vajira Pillayar Kovil, where she received a blessing from the chief priest, the British newspaper Standard reported. A shimmering scarf of gold-and-red silk was draped over the princess and her husband’s shoulders, a garland of jasmine and rose flowers were placed around their necks and each received a pottu in the middle of their forehead. They stood before a shrine to Lord Ganesh and touched an offering of fruit. They later toured the temple viewing the many shrines to Hindu gods. Outside, they were offered the chance to feed sacred cows, and Anne held some vegetation as they ate, concluded Standard. (Continued)
May 14 (Daily Mirror) – The U.S. State Department has sought to intervene in the drafting of Sri Lanka’s new piece of legislation that, if enacted, will provide for the registration of both local and international NGOs in the country, a top source said yesterday.
The final draft of the law titled ‘Non-governmental Organizations (Registration and Supervision) Bill is now pending with the Attorney General for certification before being announced in the gazette notification and then presented to Parliament for enactment. At the moment, there are 1,786 registered NGOs operating at national level, 1,636 at district levels and 38,524 at divisional levels.
The new law will provide for the registration of all the NGOs under one body to be set up. A top source familiar with the process told the Daily Mirror that the U.S. State Department sent in some recommendations to be incorporated in the proposed local bill including some clauses in the freedom of association. In our bill, we had some restrictions in this regard. We incorporated recommendations from the US which calls for freedom of association,” the source said.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, met with the representatives and sought, among others, a general overview of the possible implications of the proposed law.
US advocates for transparent, inclusive lawmaking in Sri Lanka – Embassy spokesman
In response to Daily Mirror query, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Colombo yesterday said the United States continues to join likeminded partners in advocating publicly and privately to Sri Lankan government and civil society partners for an open, consultative process in which the government drafts legislation that reflects full stakeholder input and international best practices, and that does not stifle freedom of association or expression.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has highlighted the government’s efforts to enact numerous new laws aimed at apprehending criminals over the past two years.
He made this observation during the opening ceremony of the new Court Complex in Theldeniya today (15).
Wickremesinghe also highlighted the government’s achievement of implementing 75 new laws in the past two years emphasizing that this initiative has positioned Sri Lanka as the sole country in South Asia with a modern legal system.
Despite facing accusations of shielding wrongdoers, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to combatting crime and ensuring justice, he further said.
Some accuse the government of protecting thieves. However, illogically, this same government, accused of protecting thieves, has introduced legislation to arrest them.”
However, he added that effective implementation of these laws requires practical experience, requiring comprehensive training programs.
He said Ministry of Justice has undertaken the responsibility for this initiative, with support assured by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the United States.
The President also reiterated his commitment to combating corruption by undertaking various transformative measures, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.
In his address, President Wickremesinghe further stated:
After almost a century, we have implemented numerous reforms in the field of law. Over the past two years, we have enacted approximately 75 new laws. This is a significant achievement, considering that some parliaments work for even 4 or 5 years without passing this amount of laws. A government’s purpose is to work, and MPs should attend Parliament to fulfil their legislative duties. Accordingly, we have worked to introduce a new legal system by adopting these laws in Parliament.
We have also paid special attention to addressing delays in the legal process. For justice to be realized, the law must be executed in a timely manner. This is a challenge we must confront. Efficient hearings will encourage more cases to be filed, ensuring that justice is served promptly.
The rule of law should be reaffirmed in the country. If people take the law into their own hands and destroy property, there is no law. The stability of a country depends on the rule of law. A country gains recognition only when justice is done; otherwise, there will be no development, and investment cannot be expected. Today, we have established such a legal system in the country.
Furthermore, a new economic transformation is currently underway. We are creating an export-based economy. We have agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to implement several laws to support this transformation. The first of these, the law for the Central Bank, has been passed, granting the Central Bank independence.
Additionally, we have presented a bill to restructure the Electricity Board. The board’s heavy losses were a major factor in the collapse of our economy. We must therefore establish an efficient electricity board. I assure you that this will not harm the rights of the government.
The government has also presented three more draft bills that are scheduled for cabinet approval next Monday. We have already implemented controls on loans as part of these measures. Previously, there was no national debt control in place. To reduce our debt, we need to implement effective debt management. By 2035-2040, our goal is to control the debt down to 75%. The government must act according to this new debt control law.
Additionally, the government’s monetary control was previously governed by monetary regulations, which could be violated or amended through circulars. As a result, there has been no effective monetary control in the country so far. Currently, no one is fully aware of the government’s assets. Therefore, we have introduced laws for the management of public money. New Zealand pioneered this system, followed by the United Kingdom, Australia and India. We have now presented the latest version of this law.
We must transition from an import-based economy to an export-based economy. To achieve this, a draft of the economic transformation law will be submitted in the future. We have fulfilled all the conditions agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which we are legally bound to adhere to. Sri Lanka has previously been accused of violating IMF agreements, but now, with these agreements enforced by law, such violations are no longer possible.
Moving forward is imperative. Failure to comply will jeopardize the support we expect from the IMF. These laws are expected to be introduced after our June meeting with the IMF.
Subsequent laws will follow after establishing the foundational framework of the economic transformation law. These actions are being undertaken in accordance with agreements reached with the IMF and countries that have provided loans. Discussions with private creditors are also progressing positively.
Some individuals claim that these discussions are unsuccessful, while others are predicting about the dissolution of Parliament. When they made this type of statements the stock market will face a down turn on the following day. Then they are purchasing the shares. Despite government reassurances that no such decisions have been made, they persist in echoing these claims on their platforms. This is not a political issue.
Meanwhile, corruption has arisen as a significant concern in our country. Discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and our lending countries have centred on addressing this issue. We have proposed a comprehensive program to tackle corruption, which has been augmented with amendments. With the agreement formally declared, the implementation of new laws is underway. There are four rules for them.
We introduced the 21st amendment as our initial step, leading to the establishment of the related commission. Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Act was enacted in 2023 and amended it in 2024.
Also, actions have also taken to curb corruption in spending money on administrative tasks. It is a more essentially advanced system than the law provides for. Although the development of such a system poses a challenge due to a lack of expertise, the government has drafted a report on public administration investigations, subject to amendments as per the proposal made to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Furthermore, work is underway to draft the Proceeds of Crime Act. According to that Sri Lanka has the latest laws in South Asia, indicating a shift in politics. Previously, corruption had been merely a political slogan, with promises to arrested offenders within a short timeframe upon assuming power proving elusive.
Some accuse the government of protecting thieves. However, illogically, this same government, accused of protecting thieves, has introduced legislation to arrest them. Yet, effective implementation of these laws requires practical experience, requiring comprehensive training programs. The Ministry of Justice has undertaken the responsibility for this initiative, with support assured by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the United States of America.
Consequently, over the past two years, we have achieved three significant milestones under this administration. Firstly, we have strengthened the administration of justice and the rule of law. Secondly, legislation has been enacted to foster an export-oriented economy. Finally, efforts to adopt anti-corruption measures are underway. I request to everyone for their assistance in these endeavours.
I am attaching herewith a very important Article by D.B.S. Jeyaraj. (Lankaweb. 14.5.2024) You all must read this article and take immediate steps to defeat this notion. I maintain we all must work very hard and fight tooth and nail to stop this disaster come true. You may use the following arguments to defeat this nuisance once and for all.
1 Tamils in the N & E are only descendants of Malabar slave coolies brought by Dutch after 1667 and British in later years to work on their projects and also to settle in the N & East as farmers to change the demographic pattern of the Island, to destroy the Sinhala Buddhist civilization on this land that had been there from 543 BC and 307 BC.
Legally the Tamils in the N&E are defined as Malabar inhabitants of the Peninsula of Jaffna” by the British. To that extent they were foreigners on this island even at that time and in fact these people have been described as migrant labourers and the Sinhalese as natives of this Island, even by the invaders. Many a foreign writer such as Balthies (1650-1665), Captain Robert Percival, The GA (CP) Ackland Dyke, Philppus Balaeus and Queros have confirmed it. All have named them as immigrants labour.
They were named as Sri Lankan Tamils in 1901 only by the father of present-day Tamil nationalism Arunachala Ponnambalan the forefather of EELAM and LTTE. Till then, they were a minority, Malabr slave coolies of the British invaders. However, they became the majority (rather made so), by the invaders to destroy the Sinhala Buddhists civilization in this country.
1.In this backdrop they cannot claim to be a nation here as they claim. Their nationality lies only in South India, Malabar District.
2. The Tamils in the hill country were again brought in by the British as slave labour from Moona Pudur in South India, as the Kndyans were either murdered or chased out to the eastern jungles. The left behind proud Kandyan Sinahalese in valley bottoms refused to labour for Foreigners. The invader had a human gold mine in South India where thousands were dying of hunger. The first batch of few fellows were brought in 1838. Starting from 1840s as the demand increased, they were driven down like cattle in 10s of thousands and the number increased to 1.2 million by 1911. These labourers annually went to India to deposit what they saved and therefore none had been permanently resident here up to 1950s,
Countries like Burma and Uganda chased them out. The bunch of our politicians who were only proxies of the British never had an atom of patriotism or the brain to follow suit, and who also did not have any vision of nation building did not attend to this all-important crisis in time.
Finally, the most unpatriotic leader of the UNP who initiated the present political, economic and social downfall of this country awarded full citizenship to all Tamils in the hill country and even those kallathhonies on the street all over the country under the JR /Rajiv accord of 30th July 1987. Mind you, he made them citizens of this country on an affidavit signed on a Rs 1 stamp before a JP of their choice, violating all accepted norms and legal conditions of granting citizenship of a country. But none of them renounced their diehard Indianness. The most daring contradiction here is none of them have renounced their Indianness up to date. With all these political juggleries they have only 37 years of illegal citizenship rights here. Making things even worse as they now claim 200 years of citizenship here calling themselves forming, an organization called “Nam 200 Years” What is worse is they had a celebration of Nam 200 in Colombo recently with lot of fanfare where many foreign organizations and Diplomats, I think even the infamous American Ambassador Juli was present.
What was unbelievable was even the President and the Prime Minister who were there, acknowledged this bogus claim. What a pity to have such national leaders for a country, who do not know the history of this country and the identity of the nation. of this Island. Now on the top of this intrigue they have already labeled themselves as a nation, called Malaiyagath Thamizhar” (Hill Country Tamils). Pretending that already they own the central highland, comprising about 1/3 of the land area Island, that had been owned by the native Sinhalese from the dawn of history on this Island. The worst joke here is that a government elected by the Sinhala Buddhist also accepts these names as legal and confer legitimacy on these illegal anti Sinhala anti Buddhist organization, within the sovereign territory of this small Island nation. Where do you think these unpatriotic and treacherous politicians should be sent. In my opinion even the Aviichi Mahaa Naarkaadhiya” is not enough for these traitors.
Recently both Ranil and Premadasa have promised to make these Tamils, the owners of these estates by divesting the land rights on them and providing houses as well calling themselves The Dollar earners and people who provide a space for the nation to breath. These statements clearly show the ignorance of these so-called leaders. Do they know that today the tea industry of this country thrives on the low grown[S1] tea that accounts for 65 % of the total production as well as the income. and these estate labour has become a veritable political. economic and social nuisance and a national liability.
Premadasa has already vouched them to make them the owners of these tea estates.
Ranil on the other hand has promised to increase their wages by 1700 to entice them to vote him at the forthcoming Presidential election. In addition to his promise already made to give land and houses to them. All these flabbergasting are mere political gimmick.
Do these treacherous politicians know that this land belongs to the Bhoomiputras of this Island, the Sinhalese from the dawn of history. Do they know that this land was illegally appropriated by the British invaders after1840 by either mass murder or chasing out all those survived. I pause the question to Ranil and Premadasa what mandate you have got from the sons of the soil to make such dream promises of this kind. Do these lands belong to their grandfathers and grandmothers. Has any government or a politician since 1948 taken any step to return this land to its original owners.
I call upon all the Sinhala people living in the Kandyan areas not to vote these treacherous political opportunists. Chaise them out with the Bolaththa. Let thembecome Presidents with the Estate Tamil vote (4.1%), and 11 % Tamil votes in the North and the East together with the Muslim vote if they can. NO Sinhala man or woman should vote these traitorous polititians. The Sinhala people living within the Kandyan areas works out to be 7 million. I also call upon all Sinhala patriots, firstly to denounce and condemn the statements made by Ranil and Sajith Premadasa on this issue and make a public outcry and to demand them to make an open apology to the Sinhala people in this country for the treacherous public statements they have made or withdraw immediately from the presidential race. It was the brave Kandyans whose fore fathers fought against the enemy for 443 years sacrificing everything they had including the loved ones and their own land and lives. Not only these two persons but all such utterly ignorant and treacherous men and women in this country should at least now understand it was those brave Kandyan patriots who protected the motherland against three brutal and uncivilized invaders, saved it for the future generation and stopped Sri Lanka becoming another Philippine or a land named after a sea pirate or an inhuman name like Brownrigg or Torrington
I as Sinhala Buddhist have no objection for their being on our soil, provided they renounce all attachments to India and get integrated with the native Sinhalese and change their names to Sinhala as they did in Burma, immediately after independence in 1947 and decide to live as Sinahla people along with the Sinhala brothermen as it has been so throughout history, when the Sinhala Kings of the yore were reigning, unlike the present day self-centered treacherous politricians.
I please remember with extreme cation what JBS had said in his article I n a situation where the Sinhala vote is trifurcated, the Tamil and Muslim votes, if delivered en bloc, may determine who the 2024 Presidential hustings victor is likely to be”
Labour Consultant, Ex-Senior Deputy Registrar, Supreme Court, Ex Judicial Officer,
Ex-President. Lanka Academic Association , Ex Director Waste Management Authority,
Co -Chairma- Seruvila Mangala Maha Chaityawardena Samitiya . Advisory Committee Member of All Ceylon Buddhist Congress. Co-Founder Kataragama Wallimathagama
Ama Sisila, Mahameuna Asapuwa
Dear All
This letter was sent by me to the Indian High Commissioner some time back ( 2023 ) as a protest letter against certain statements of Indian Foreign Minister against Sinhalese.
It is unfortunate that our learned Bikkhus the so called savior of Buddhism did not protest against his speech . They have miserably failed in their duty to protect Buddhism and Sinhala nation on that occasion too. They should have voiced against the speech of Indian Foreign Minister at that time itself . But they slept over the issue..
I believe that it is the duty of all patriots to protest in such situations
Your Excellency, Sub – Indian Foreign Minister’s recent visit
Book ‘Eelam Exposed ‘
I am shocked by the statements made by Indian Foreign Minister in his recent visit to Sri Lanka regarding Tamil Separatism and the North & East Issue.
I have authored the book titled Eelam Exposed which is an analytical study of Eelam Struggle, Its Myth and the rights of the Sinhalese to the entire Sri Lanka. Even though it was released in the year 2020 none of the Tamils have challenged it up to date.
This book is now used in Sri Lankan Universities as well as some of the Indian Universities.
I am forwarding a copy of the same to enable your honour to appraise the gravity of such statements.
Honoured Sir
Tamils have less than 350 years history in Sri Lanka. They were earlier known as Malabars. These Malabars were brought to Ceylon ( Sri Lanka ) by Dutch and British rulers as coolies and slaves for tobacco cultivation and toddy tapping.
This is how they were identified by Captain Robert Percival who was a team member that took over the island from Dutch Authorities in 1796.
Tamils are not natives of Sri Lanka. They are aliens. They have exceeded the number of natives in Jaffna”. ( An Account of the Island of Ceylon 1803”)
There is also a race of Malabars formed here somewhat differing in their appearance from those on the continent. These different tribes of foreign settlers greatly exceeded in number of the native Ceylonese in the District of Jaffna.”
See Page 59 Eelam Exposed for further details.
Even the Government Agent of Jaffna ( Ackland Dyke ) in the year 1829 confirmed the above identification and further said that they were only migrant labourers in the following words.
On 29th January 1830 Jaffna Collector gave evidence before the Colebrook Commission and said
‘In Jaffna Peninsula there is no permanent population, permanent settlements and permanent cultivations. Malabars who are temporarily resident are engaged in Tobacco cultivation, fisheries and trade”.
See my book Eelam Exposed – Page 58 for further details
As explained in my book the descendants of these Malabar coolies and slaves have distorted the true history of this country and created a bogus history and misled the whole world . Even former Indian Prime Minister Rajive Ghandi was deceived by them. If he knew the bogus nature of their claim, surely he would not have signed 1987 Ragive JR Pact.
I went through all the statements of Sir Ponnambalam Arunahalam and S.J.V.Chelvanayakam, the two pioneers of Eelam struggle. It appears that their main aim is to form a Global Tamil Empire. Please note that in such a situation there will be no Sri Lanka or India. Therefore Indian leaders have to be extremely cautious in handling this Tamil issue in Sri Lanka.
Honoured Sir
In 1901 their name was changed as Ceylon Tamils” by Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam who became the first Ceylonese Registrar General. Sinhalese leaders were unaware of the forthcoming danger of this tiny change which later ended up in a 30 year old war. By this step Tamils who were earlier treated as foreigners were made Ceylonese . This is how the problem started.
Pioneers of this Eelam struggle are Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam and S. J.V. Chelvananyakam QC who did not possess a Sri Lankan identity even. Sir Ponnambalam Arunchalam’s great grandfather was a toilet cleaner of an officer attached to Jaffna Fortress. His family rose upto aristocratic level after sub serving their colonial masters. Mr. Arunachalam died in the year 1924 in India. He had gone to India to see his poor relatives in India. Mr. Wigneswaran hails from this family. Mr Chelvanayakam did not have a Sri Lankan birth certificate even. He came from Malaya . It is a well known fact that the present TNA leader Mr Sambanda’s great grand father too has migrated to Sri Lanka from India.
I have exposed all these people in my book. I trust that Indian leaders would not jeopardize the future of both countries.
The Himalayan declaration met with immediate opposition from Tamil Separatist Movement. The Himalayan move drew swift condemnation from TNPF MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam and former MP Suresh Premachandran (EPRLF) while the TNA distanced itself from it.
An influential section of the Tamil community, and some prominent nationalist organizations, also rejected the Declaration, said Shamindra Ferdinando. Tamil civil society groups consisting of university students, families of the disappeared, religious groups, labour unions, academics, women groups also jointly rejected the ‘Himalaya Declaration’, said others.
One group of signatories said that SBSL and GTF ignored the pain and suffering of Tamils during the conflict and post-war period. This group did not want Himalayan action, they wanted the government to 1) Reduce armed forces presence in Tamil areas to the pre-war 1983 levels2) Stop the destruction of Hindu temples, ancient Hindu sites and stop building Buddhist temples in Tamil areas3) Stop government sponsored Sinhalese settlements in Tamil areas and stop land grab of Tamil lands by the government. Release all the civilian lands still occupied by the security forces.4) As requested by the UN, refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court (ICC)5) To prevent further bloodshed, hold an internationally conducted referendum to solve protracted Tamil conflict.
The following were the signatories: A. Vijayakumar, President – Student Union, University of Jaffna, Y. Kanagaranjini, President – Association for relatives of the enforced Disappearances, North and East Provinces, Thavathiru Velan Swamigal, Sivaguru Aatheenam – Coordinator, Pottuvil to Polikandy Rally, (P2P), Fr. Joseph Marry (S J) – Batticaloa, T. Thangaraja, President – Employee’s Union, University of Jaffna, Vimaleswaran Srikantharuban, Women United Monitoring Society, North and East Provinces, Thavathiru Adikal, Thenkailai Aatheenam – Trincomalee, Fr. Jayanthan Pachchek OMI, Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Jaffna, Vigneswaren Gajaruban, Student Union, Faculty of Art and Culture, Eastern University, Mithilaichelvi Sripathmanathan, Working Women Society, Fr. Kandaiya Jegathas, Coordinator, Pottuvil to Polikandy Rally, (P2P) and S. Sivachandran, Centre for Women and Development.
Ambika Satkunanathan contributed her view. She said the Himalayan discussion, facilitated by the Association of War Affected Women and funded by the Swiss Government, has earned the ire of the Tamil community, both in Sri Lanka and abroad. The Tamil community does not know how this Himalayan activity started. Were any agreements reached between the two parties? If so, do they match the demands of the Tamil community, she asked.
Ambika criticized the broad, vague principles set out in the Himalayan Declaration, and the absence of issues of critical importance to the Tamil community, such as accountability for war time violations, and the failure to consult with victims beforehand. Also the notable absence of statements by the Buddhist group saying why they had joined .
Ambika said that the Himalayan group had excluded the victims and much of the Tamil community, in their discussions. This has naturally created suspicion. Also, Himalayan planned to establish inter-faith committees in each district to foster reconciliation. Ambika observed that Inter-faith initiatives were nothing new. They have been attempted before. They were all unsuccessful .
There was growing opposition to the Joint Himalayan Declaration from both sides of the divide observed Shamindra Ferdinando. Retired General Jagath Dias issued a warning against supporting the Himalayan Declaration. Referring to the GTF-led initiative as an invasion, he urged the people to pressure Parliamentarians not to support it.
Gunadasa Amarasekera observed that the Himalayan move had two motives. Firstly to recommence devolution talks between the GTF and the government. Secondly Himalayan would hopefully create a rift among the Buddhist clergy. He alleged that the seven monks who backed the GTF initiative did so for personal gain.
Suren Surendiran told The Island that in spite of some unsubstantiated opposition to the ongoing effort, they received public support for the initiative..Himalayan therefore went ahead with its plan.
The plan was to have five workshops as preparatory district level workshops to train coordinators for the National Conversation based on the Himalaya Declaration . These five workshops would train 150 interfaith clergy and civil society members as coordinators. They will be the key resource persons who will facilitate the planned 25 districts’ conversations.
These workshops will all be two-day workshops, spread around the country. .Each district will be represented by five inter-religious persons and a civil society member Therefore, from the 25 districts there will be 150 coordinators. Once all five workshops are completed, the National Conversation would begin. All workshops were facilitated by Visakha Dharmadasa and staff from Association for War Affected Women (AWAW) .Translators were present at all workshops.
The first inter-religious coordination committee promoting conversations on the merits of the Himalaya Declaration was held in Kurunegala on February 09 2024 for 30 participants. In spite of opposition from various quarters, particularly an influential section of Tamil Diaspora, the organizers went ahead with the project. Participants from Kurunegala, Gampaha, Anuradhapura and Puttalam districts, attended. The participants comprised clergy from Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Catholic and Christian religions and civil society members. Ven. Madampagama Assaji Tissa , Ven. Prof. Allemande Rathnasara , Ven. Kithalagama Hemasara and Ven. Siyambalagaswewa Wimalasara a attended from the SBSL.
The second workshop was held at Kandy, for participants from the five surrounding districts, , Matale, Badulla, Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya and Kegalle. It had 34 religious leaders of all faiths and some civil society members. Ven. Kalupahana Piyarathana , Ven. Wallathara Sobitha and Ven. Wadduwe Dhammawansa led the discussions on behalf of SBSL. The GTF was represented by Dr. Elias Jeyarajah. Ven. Kalupahana explained the history of the Nagarkot Dialogue and dispelled many myths surrounding the Himalaya Declaration. Lively discussions ensued, and the statements in the Declaration found widespread acknowledgement among the participants said the media report.
The third took place in Batticaloa, in March 2024 . Participants from four surrounding districts, , Polonnaruwa, Monaragala, Ampara and Trincomalee attended. Thirty religious leaders of all faiths and some civil society members participated. Ven. Kalupahana Piyarathana , Ven. Prof. Allemande Rathnasara and Ven. Kithalagama Hemasara were present and led the discussions on behalf of SBSL. GTF was represented by Velupillai Kuhanendran from the United Kingdom. Six statements in the Declaration found widespread acknowledgement among the participants.
The 4th workshop was planned for Galle, in April with participants from Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara and Hambantota. The 5th workshop was planned for 26 and 27 April in Vavuniya, for participants from Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar and Vavuniya. ( Continued)
The Himalayan Declaration”, was sprung on the public in 2023, as a solution to the ethnic issue. It was prepared by an assortment of Sangha and an assortment of Tamil Separatists working together without any publicity.
The Buddhist assortment, called Sangha for Better Sri Lanka (SBSL) is a group of Maha Sangha from various Nikayas who have engaged in peace and reconciliation activities for decades and wish to see a peaceful prosperous Sri Lanka where all its people can live in harmony.
Shamindra Ferdinando observed that Sangha for Better Sri Lanka was an unheard of organization, and could it be another shocker like the peaceful’ Aragalaya that turned out overnight into a Trojan horse. People must be cautioned against globetrotting clergy.
The Tamil assortment came fromGlobal Tamil Forum (GTF) an influential Tamil diaspora organization, established in 2009 following the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. GTF said that it is absolutely committed to a non-violent agenda and it seeks lasting peace in Sri Lanka, based on justice, reconciliation and a negotiated political settlement. Tamil Separatist Movement rejected this utterance.
Sangha for Better Sri Lanka (SBSL) in cooperation with Global Tamil Forum (GTF) had held intense discussions in Nargakot (Nepal) and on 27th April 2023, released a Himalayan Declaration, to be used as a basis for national conversation within Sri Lanka.
The discussion in Nepal, was facilitated by Visakha Dharmadasa. Visakha is a director of the National Peace Council. Visakha was nominated for the collective Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 as part of the 1000 Peace Women across the Globe. She received the prestigious 2006 Humanitarian award by the NGO Inter Action based in Washington DC.
Himalayan Declaration promotes the pluralistic character of Sri Lanka and calls for respecting the different ethnic, religious and cultural identities. Here it the text of the Himalayan Declaration.
HIMALAYAN DECLARATION
Statement 1 Preserving and promoting the pluralistic character of the country where no community feels threatened about losing its identity and pride of place.
Statement 2 Overcoming the economic crisis, selecting an appropriate development model which encourages local production, facilitating involvement and investment from overseas Sri Lankans and others, ensuring the country is in a growth trajectory and making Sri Lanka firmly a middle-income country.
Statement 3 Arriving at a new constitution that guarantees individual and collective rights and promotes equality and equal citizenship among all peoples, ensures accountable institutions and guarantees adequate devolution of powers to the provinces, and until such time focus on the faithful implementation of provisions of sharing of powers in the existing constitution.
Statement 4 Devolving power in a united and undivided country, accepting the religious, cultural, and other identities of people and respecting those identities, and working towards establishing trust between ethnic groups and religious groups.
Statement 5 Envision a Sri Lanka that is reconciled and committed to learning from its past and creating measures including accountability to ensure that such suffering never occur again.
Statement 6 Complying with bilateral and multilateral treaties and international obligations, taking steps to follow independent and dynamic foreign policy, and ensuring the country takes its pride of place among the democratic, peaceful, and prosperous nations of the world.
The Declaration was signed by Ven. Madampagama Assaji Tissa , Anunayake of Ambagahapitiya Chapter; Ven. Siyambalagaswewa Wimalasara Chief Sanganayake of Northern & Eastern Provinces; Ven. Kithalagama Hemasara Nayake , General Secretary, Siri Dharmarakshitha Chapter; Ven. Kalupahana Piyaratana Sri Saddharmawansa Chapter; Ven. Narampanawe Dhammaloka Chief Sanganayake of Central Province; Ven. Walatara Sobitha Anunayake , Sri Sadhammawansa Chapter; Ven. Prof. Pallekande Rathnasara , Acting Mahanayake of Vajirawansa Chapter; Velupillai Kuhanendran Global Tamil Forum- United Kingdom; Shanthini Jeyarajah Global Tamil Forum – United States of America; Thanabalasingam Surendiran Global Tamil Forum – United Kingdom; Srikantha Bhavaguhan Global Tamil Forum – United Kingdom; Kannappar Mukunthan Global Tamil Forum – Australia; Prakash Rajasundaram Global Tamil Forum – Australia;. And Raj Thavaratnasingham Global Tamil Forum – Canada.
The Himalayan Declaration was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maitripala Sirisena, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Speaker of Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition and other political party leaders,senior representatives of political parties, diplomatic community and civil society. It was also given to the United Nations Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche in Colombo.
Ven. Madampagama Assaji Tissa , Ven. Kithalagama Hemasara Nayake and Ven. Prof. Pallekande Rathnasara met with the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickremanayake
The monks who accompanied the GTF delegation to meet President Wickremesinghe were. Ven. Dr. Madampagama Assaji Tissa a, Anunayaka of the Ambagahapitiya Chapter, Amarapura Nikaya, Ven. Siyambalagaswewa Wimalasara , Chief Sanganayake of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, Malwatte Chapter of Siam Nikaya, Ven. Kithalagama Hemasara Nayaka , General Secretary, Siri Dharmarakshitha Chapter, and Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Western Province, Ven. Prof. Pallekande Rathnasara , Acting Mahanayaka of Vajirawansa Chapter of Amarapura Nikaya, Ven. Kalupahana Piyaratana , former Member of Human Rights Council and Chairperson of Human Development Edification Centre, Ven. Narampanawe Dhammaloka , Chief Sanganayake of Patha Dumbara, Central Province, Asgiriya Chapter of Siam Nikaya and Ven. Wadduwe Dhammawansa , Deputy General Secretary, Ramanna Nikaya.
The GTF delegation consisted of Dr. Elias Jeyarajah (US), Dr. Shanthini Jeyarajah (US), Raj Thavaratnasingham (UK,)Suren Surendiran (UK), Prakash Rajasunderam (Australia) and Dr. Kannaappar Mukunthan. Dr. Elias, during the war and after, campaigned extensively against Sri Lanka said Shamindra Ferdinando.
Sangha for a better Sri Lanka (SBSL) and the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) jointly criss- crossed Sri Lanka, meeting all religious dignitaries and political leaders, presenting the Himalayan Declaration” and explaining the thinking behind it, said Harim Pieris. The Declaration was well received by all the religious and political leaders he said.
The Himalayan group were accorded meetings and received the blessings of the most venerable Maha Nayakas of the Malwatte and AsgiriyaChapters, the Chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the All Ceylon Jammiyathul Ulama (ACJU), the Mosques Federation, the Maikundal Swami Kurukkal of the Nallur Temple Jaffna, Nallai Atheenam Kurukkal and other Hindu priests and leaders, said Harim Pieris.
However, Dassanayake and Gamage say that there are ongoing efforts to get the four chief prelates of the three nikayas to publicly endorse the Declaration. Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, the supreme decision-making body of the Nikaya said that the Himalayan Declaration did not reflect the official stance of the Nikaya.
The tilt of the Himalayan group is shown in the following statement issued by the group. Here is the statement:
Statement by SBSL and GTF on recent events in Sri Lanka Posted on April 4th, 2024.
The Sangha for Better Sri Lanka (SBSL) and the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) are saddened by the untoward incidents that took place during the Maha Shivaratri Event (March 8, 2024) at Vedukkunari Aathi Sivan Temple in the North of Sri Lanka.
On the Maha Shiva Rathri night (the most auspicious night in the Hindu calendar), in an alarming escalation of force, the security forces resorted to actions which included depriving the devotees of food, water and other basic necessities, and the forceful and humiliating manner in which the devotees including the temple priests were removed from the site and detained.
We are aware of the history of the conflict in this and other contentious areas which are often fuelled by the suspicions and fears among the minority communities about the broader state agenda of imposing majoritarian character, symbols and practices at the expense of their centuries old cultural traditions and practices. The Archaeology Department is often viewed as a tool to achieve this end. The courts, too, are subjected to unhealthy pressure and in the present crisis there are conflicting interpretations as to whether the night pooja was permitted or not – this in itself is an affront to those who have been following such religious practices over many years.
What was striking the most during the recent escalation was the excessive force and the humiliating treatment inflicted upon the devotees of a particular faith.
As the police couldn’t produce any evidence of damage at the site, and the fact that there was an existing legal determination that worshipping must be permitted and the release of all detainees by the judge is of great relief.
The oral statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, presented earlier this month highlighted continuing abductions, unlawful detention and torture by the Security establishment and the present crisis appears to validate his strong concerns. Further, such occurrences go against the reconciliation agenda the government purported to promote, including by setting up a new Office for this purpose.
We are also concerned about the negative fallout such incidents can cause to the initiatives undertaken by SBSL and GTF for promoting religious harmony and understanding among all communities in Sri Lanka.
It is noteworthy to acknowledge that the SBSL monks visited the sites in January to see it for themselves where issues were identified, including the Thirukoneswarar Temple in Tricomalee, Kurunthoor Malai and in Kankesanthurai within the presidential palace compound which comprises two Hindu temples, namely Lingeswarar Kovil and Krishnar Kovil and a Samadhi (tomb or mausoleum) of Sadayamma Sadhu. The Minister assured the monks that he will assist in finding resolutions to these issues in the near future. On 10 January, at Kurunthoor Malai, with the assistance of the Governor for Northern Province, the monks were able to resolve the issue of water supply to a large part of agricultural land to which water supply was temporarily suspended… (continued)
In this thought-provoking video, we delve deep into the psychological and sociological factors that play a crucial role in justifying bad behavior. From understanding the mindset behind such actions to exploring the societal influences at play, we unravel the complexities that give rise to justification for wrongdoing. Join us as we analyze real-life examples and expert insights to gain a comprehensive understanding of this intriguing phenomenon. Could it be a result of upbringing, societal norms, or something else entirely? Let’s find out together. Don’t miss this eye-opening exploration and be sure to like and share this video to spark discussions on this important topic! #BadBehavior#Psychology#Sociology Ceylon Diary
Lawyers don’t merely argue cases; they stand as guardians of justice. Their duty extends beyond advocacy—it encompasses the preservation of fundamental rights and liberties. Here’s how they fulfill this noble duty:
Defending the Defenseless: Lawyers amplify the voices of marginalized individuals. Whether it’s a pro bono case or public interest litigation, they fight for justice even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Navigating Legal Labyrinths: The legal landscape is intricate, filled with statutes, precedents, and complex interpretations. Lawyers decipher this labyrinth, translating legal jargon into meaningful arguments for truth and fairness.
Armed with a formidable arsenal of legal knowledge and expertise, lawyers serve as the vanguards of justice.” — American Judicial System
Ethical Obligations in Sri Lanka – Beyond Courtroom Battles
In Sri Lanka, lawyers shape the legal and ethical fabric of society. Their responsibilities extend far beyond courtroom battles:
Moral Integrity: Former Chief Justice G.P.S. de Silva emphasized moral integrity. Lawyers must uphold ethical standards, recognizing that their actions impact not only clients but also the broader community.
Buddhist Principles: Sri Lanka’s legal landscape is infused with Buddhist values—compassion, non-violence, and justice. Lawyers should embody these principles while advocating for their clients.
Out of all the qualities expected of us, the supremely important values are those of moral integrity and fairness.” — Professional Ethics for Lawyers
Challenges and Awareness – Navigating Stormy Waters
However, challenges persist:
Political Agendas: Lawyers must avoid becoming pawns in political games. Backing specific agendas can compromise justice. Impartiality remains paramount, regardless of political affiliations.
Public Awareness: The ethical standards of the legal fraternity have faced erosion over time. Raising public awareness about the importance of ethical conduct is crucial. Lawyers must regain public trust through unwavering commitment to justice.
Reflections from Chief Justice G.P.S. de Silva
The bar of Sri Lanka, with its sturdy sense of independence and significant contributions, holds an honored place in our country. Yet, disturbing indications suggest all is not well within the profession. The decline in proper conduct and frequent complaints of misconduct demand our attention. As lawyers multiply in numbers, maintaining ethical standards becomes imperative.”
Lawyers are more than legal practitioners; they are custodians of justice, ethical beacons, and advocates for societal well-being. Their tireless efforts shape the course of justice, ensuring a fair and democratic society. Let us celebrate their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Promoting ethical behavior within the legal community involves several key approaches. First, continuing legal education programs should emphasize ethical responsibilities. Experienced lawyers can serve as role models by demonstrating ethical behavior. Clear guidelines within law firms and bar associations help address conflicts of interest and client confidentiality. Accountability through disciplinary bodies ensures consistent enforcement of ethical rules. Encouraging peer review within the legal community fosters growth. Lastly, public awareness about legal ethics builds trust and holds lawyers accountable.”
Remember, ethical conduct is vital for justice and societal well-being.
Note: Article authored by Plaitha Ariyaratha. Despite not being a law student, Ariyaratha emphasizes the importance of lawyers in promoting societal well-being and maintaining ethical standards.”
It has been advised to the Ministry of Investment Promotion in the National Operations Room discussions to prepare a plan to make proper use of the buildings constructed in the Technology Parks by the Techno Park Company in Kurunegala and Galle Districts. The problems of the development projects and the methods of expediting those projects were discussed by the National Operation Room headed by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake. It was discussed that the suspension of construction of the two Technology Parks started in Kurunegala and Galle was due to the absence of a method to cover the operating expenses of the Techno Park Company. Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake emphasized that a large number of job opportunities can be created through the field of information technology, which is emerging day by day. This matter was discussed twice in the National Operations Room, where a viable project proposal could be submitted to the Department of Public Enterprises to quickly increase the liquid assets of the Techno Park Company, and the National Budget Department was also advised to explore the possibility of providing financial allocations by the government to support the company’s operating expenses until it becomes profitable. As the National Operating Room Committee has been informed that the National Budget Department is not able to provide financial allocations to support the operational expenses of the Techno Park Company, the relevant key stakeholders were called this time with the aim of discussing a method to effectively implement its future activities. It was mentioned here that loans of 750 million rupees from the National Savings Bank and 750 million rupees from the People’s Bank have been obtained in 2021 for the Technology Park construction programme under the Techno Park Company, but the related loan installments and interest payments have been suspended from the year 2022. The problems of the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Programme were also discussed in this meeting. It was revealed that the settlement of the future payments and outstanding bills of the North Central Canal contract package, which was planned to be financed under the Asian Development Bank loan installments 1, 2 and 3, has been delayed since the 3rd installment has not been received. It was decided to look into the possibility of paying the outstanding bills with the funds of the Ministry of Irrigation and the Department of Irrigation and, if necessary, to refer it for parliamentary approval. The committee focused on the environmental problems that have arisen due to the pollution of the Victoria Reservoir due to the sewage of Pallekele prison and asked the prison department to renew the sewage system, which is currently not in operation, with the assistance of the Drainage Board within 4 months and to inform the prison department to inquire about the progress within a month after the start of the renovations.
Milinda Moragoda, Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation
Milinda Moragoda, Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, released a six-point statement on 14 May 2024 concerning the present economic situation. The bitter truth that half-hearted economic reforms by successive governments have been a major contributory factor to the current economic crisis” Milinda Moragoda said in a statement. He stated that It is critical that all political parties and society at large come to terms with the fact that economic reform and privatisation are integral components of any successful development programme.
1) We must face the bitter truth that half-hearted economic reforms by successive governments have been a major contributory factor to the current economic crisis. The only solution to Sri Lanka’s present economic predicament is rapid economic growth. This can only be achieved through an outward-looking export and foreign-investment driven economic strategy. Such strategies have driven rapid growth and poverty alleviation in a number of other countries.
2) In Sri Lanka, such an economic transformation can only take place if the political formation governing the country is unequivocally committed to deep economic reforms that are predicated on clear policies based on competitiveness, global connectivity, privatisation, and small government.
3) If Sri Lanka is to come out of this economic collapse, the country will require annual growth rates of well over 5% for the next 10 years.
4) According to present forecasts, the economy is not expected to grow at more than 3% annually until 2032. Furthermore, the GDP-to-debt ratio in 2032 is expected to be at 95%, which will still leave our economy in an extremely fragile and precarious position.
4) In such a scenario, even after restructuring, Sri Lanka’s ability to service her debt could come into question, resulting in repeated restructuring and the austerity that goes with it.
5) It is critical that all political parties and society at large come to terms with the fact that economic reform and privatisation are integral components of any successful development programme. In that regard, it is incumbent upon all political parties to incorporate these aspects into their election manifestos at the very outset. This will serve to address the repeated policy reversals that have resulted in a lack of stability and predictability in the policy framework.
6) All parties should cost the proposals they put forward and explain how they intend to finance them. The era in which political parties make populist promises during election campaigns, then mislead the citizens after taking office, must be brought to an end.
India on May 14 extended the ban imposed on the LTTE for five more years as it continues to foster a separatist tendency amongst the masses and enhance the support base for it in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
In a notification, the Home Ministry said the Central government is of the opinion that the LTTE is still indulging in activities which are prejudicial to the integrity and security of the country.
It said that even after its military defeat in May, 2009 in Sri Lanka, the LTTE has not abandoned the concept of ‘Eelam’ (an independent country for Tamils) and has been clandestinely working towards the ‘Eelam’ cause by undertaking fund raising and propaganda activities and the remnant LTTE leaders or cadres have also initiated efforts to regroup the scattered activists and resurrect the outfit locally and internationally.
“The pro-LTTE groups/elements continue to foster a separatist tendency amongst the masses and enhance the support base for LTTE in India and particularly in Tamil Nadu, which will ultimately have a strong disintegrating influence over the territorial integrity of India,” the notification said, citing a few other reasons too.
World Bank Launches First-Ever Pandemic Bonds to Support $500 Million Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility
Washington, DC, June 28, 2017 – The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) today launched specialized bonds aimed at providing financial support to the Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility (PEF), a facility created by the World Bank to channel surge funding to developing countries facing the risk of a pandemic.
This marks the first time that World Bank bonds are being used to finance efforts against infectious diseases, and the first time that pandemic risk in low-income countries is being transferred to the financial markets.
The PEF will provide more than $500 million to cover developing countries against the risk of pandemic outbreaks over the next five years, through a combination of bonds and derivatives priced today, a cash window, and future commitments from donor countries for additional coverage.
The transaction, that enables PEF to potentially save millions of lives, was oversubscribed by 200% reflecting an overwhelmingly positive reception from investors and a high level of confidence in the new World Bank sponsored instrument. With such strong demand, the World Bank was able to price the transaction well below the original guidance from the market. The total amount of risk transferred to the market through the bonds and derivatives is $425 million.
With this new facility, we have taken a momentous step that has the potential to save millions of lives and entire economies from one of the greatest systemic threats we face,” World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said. We are moving away from the cycle of panic and neglect that has characterized so much of our approach to pandemics. We are leveraging our capital market expertise, our deep understanding of the health sector, our experience overcoming development challenges, and our strong relationships with donors and the insurance industry to serve the world’s poorest people. This creates an entirely new market for pandemic risk insurance. Drawing on lessons from the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa, the Facility will help improve health security for everyone. I especially want to thank the World Health Organization and the governments of Japan and Germany for their support in launching this new mechanism.”
The World Bank announced the creation of the PEF in May 2016 at the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Governors meeting in Sendai, Japan. The PEF will quickly channel funding to countries facing a major disease outbreak with pandemic potential. Its unique financing structure combines funding from the bonds issued today with over-the-counter derivatives that transfer pandemic outbreak risk to derivative counterparties. The structure was designed to attract a wider, more diverse set of investors.
The PEF has two windows. The first is an ‘insurance’ window with premiums funded by Japan and Germany, consisting of bonds and swaps including those executed today. The second is a ‘cash’ window, for which Germany provided initial funding of Euro 50 million. The cash window will be available from 2018 for the containment of diseases that may not be eligible for funding under the insurance window.
The bonds and derivatives for the PEF’s ‘insurance’ window were developed by the World Bank Treasury in cooperation with leading reinsurance companies Swiss Re and Munich Re. AIR Worldwide was the sole modeler, using the AIR Pandemic Model to provide expert risk analysis. Swiss Re Capital Markets is the sole book runner for the transaction. Swiss Re Capital Markets and Munich Re are the joint structuring agents. Munich Re and GC Securities, a division of MMC Securities LLC are co-managers.
Swiss Re Capital Markets Limited, Munich Re and GC Securities were also joint arrangers on the derivatives transactions.
The bonds will be issued under IBRD’s capital at risk” program because investors bear the risk of losing part or all of their investment in the bond if an epidemic event triggers pay-outs to eligible countries covered under the PEF.
The PEF covers six viruses that are most likely to cause a pandemic. These include new Orthomyxoviruses (new influenza pandemic virus A), Coronaviridae (SARS, MERS), Filoviridae (Ebola, Marburg) and other zoonotic diseases (Crimean Congo, Rift Valley, Lassa fever).
PEF financing to eligible countries will be triggered when an outbreak reaches predetermined levels of contagion, including number of deaths; the speed of the spread of the disease; and whether the disease crosses international borders. The determinations for the trigger are made based on publicly available data as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Countries eligible for financing under the PEF’s insurance window are members of the International Development Association (IDA), the institution of the World Bank Group that provides concessional finance for the world’s poorest countries. The PEF will be governed by a Steering Body, whose voting members include Japan and Germany. WHO and the World Bank serve as non-voting members.
The World Bank has developed some of the most innovative catastrophe risk insurance instruments in the market to help developing countries manage risk. In the past ten years the institution has executed approximately $1.6 billion in catastrophe risk transactions.
IBRD Pandemic Bonds Distribution by Investor Type and Location
Distribution by Investor Type
Class A
Class B
Dedicated Catastrophe Bond Investor
61.7%
35.3%
Endowment
3.3%
6.3%
Asset Manager
20.6%
16.3%
Pension Fund
14.4%
42.1%
Distribution by Investor Location
Class A
Class B
US
27.9%
15.0%
Europe
71.8%
82.9%
Bermuda
0.1%
2.1%
Japan
0.2%
0.0%
IBRD Pandemic Bonds Summary Terms and Conditions*
Type of Note
Class A
Class B
Issuer:
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Trade Date:
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
Final Size (Bond only)**
USD 225 million
USD 95 million
Settlement Date:
July 7, 2017
July 7, 2017
Scheduled Maturity Date:
July 15, 2020 extendable monthly in whole or in part, up to a maximum of 12 months following the Scheduled Maturity Date
July 15, 2020 extendable monthly in whole or in part, up to a maximum of 12 months following the Scheduled Maturity Date
Issue Price:
100%
100%
Bond Coupon:
6m USD LIBOR +6.50%
6m USD LIBOR +11.10%
Covered Perils:
Flu, Coronavirus
Filovirus, Coronavirus, Lassa Fever, Rift Valley Fever and Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
Redemption Amount:
The Notes will not be fully repaid if an event occurs
The Notes will not be fully repaid if an event occurs
(*) Please see the Supplemental Prospectus for a detailed description of the Terms and Conditions of the bonds, the related risks with regard to an investment in the bonds and the relevant offering restrictions. Any offer of the bonds will solely take place on the basis of the Supplemental Prospectus prepared by the World Bank or on behalf of the World Bank. (**) There was an additional $105 million size done in the derivatives market.
About the World Bank
The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD), rated Aaa/AAA (Moody’s/S&P), is an international organization created in 1944 and the original member of the World Bank Group. It operates as a global development cooperative owned by 189 nations. It provides its members with financing, expertise and coordination services so they can achieve equitable and sustainable economic growth in their national economies and find effective solutions to pressing regional and global economic and environmental problems.
The World Bank has two main goals: to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. It seeks to achieve them primarily by providing loans, risk management products, and expertise on development-related disciplines to its borrowing member government clients in middle-income countries and other creditworthy countries, and by coordinating responses to regional and global challenges. It has been issuing sustainable development bonds in the international capital markets for 70 years to fund its activities that achieve a positive impact.
Information on World Bank bonds for investors is available on the World Bank Treasury website: www.worldbank.org/debtsecurities
Quotes
Christian Mumenthaler, Group CEO of Swiss Re, said “We are very proud to have supported the World Bank over the past two and a half years in the endeavor to build an innovative insurance vehicle to better respond to epidemic outbreaks. Swiss Re was co-mandated by the World Bank to develop and design the “insurance window” of PEF and lead the marketing efforts of the transaction in its role as sole book-runner for the capital market placement. The combined derivative/capital markets structure is just one of many pioneering elements of this transaction. Addressing one of the world’s most systemic risks, it underpins Swiss Re’s commitment to making the world more resilient and its continued leadership in the insurance linked securities market.”
Joachim Wenning, Chairman of the Board of Management of Munich Re, said: The PEF shows how close collaboration between the public sector and insurers can help limit the negative effects of catastrophes in developing countries. Munich Re is proud to have played a major part in this proactive and reliable financing mechanism from the very beginning. I’m confident that our core competences in risk modelling, identification and management will further this very good cause – strengthening the resilience of companies and societies alike. We truly hope that the PEF will become a sustainable and integral part of a global health architecture to make our planet more resilient to dangerous epidemic and pandemic risks.”
Peter Hearn, President and CEO of Guy Carpenter & Co, said: Our capital agnostic perspective delivers an innovative combination of catastrophe bonds and swaps, giving the World Bank a diverse range of cost-effective risk transfer products supported by both capital markets investors and traditional (re)insurers,” said This facility will enhance funding for emergency response and give ILS investors and (re)insurers greater access to a non-correlating class of risk, and we are honored to have assisted the World Bank with implementation of its financing.”\
Colombo, May 16 (Daily Mirror)- The hotel ‘Soul Beach,’ which was located in Dehiwala and later demolished, is suspected to have belonged to Shiran Basik, an alleged major drug smuggler currently operating from abroad, was alleged to have been built on government land, it was revealed.
මෑත කාලයේ දී බුදු දහමට හා බෞද්ධ දර්ශනයට අපහාස කරමින් බුදුදහම හා බෞද්ධ දර්ශනය විකෘත්ති කිරීමට කටයුතු කළ කල්ලිය පිළිබඳව සහ රෝහණ බැද්දගේ මහතාගේ ‘සූරිය මංගල්ලේ’ ගීතය විකෘත්ති කර සමාජ මාධ්යයට මුදාහැරි පුද්ගලයාව සාධාරණීයකරණය කිරීමට එම කල්ලිය විසින් කටයුතු කළ ආකාරය පිළිබඳ හෙළිදරව්වක් පූජ්ය ගලගම කුසලධම්ම හිමියන් අනාවරණය කර තිබේ. 
බලවත් පුද්ගලයන් විසින් ඩොලර් බිලියන 56ක් විදේශ බැංකු ගිණුම්වල තැන්පත්කර ඇති බව රනිල් රාජපක්ෂ ආණ්ඩුවේ අධිකරණ අමාත්ය විජයදාස රාජපක්ෂ මහතා බරපතළ හෙළිදරව්වක් කර ඇති බවත්, මේ වසරේ ගතවූ මස 5ක කාලය තුළ අමෙරිකානු ඩොලර් බිලියන 9ක් එම ඩොලර් බිලියන 56 තුළට අදාළ බවත් ජානිපෙ ජාතික සංවිධායක, පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්රී ජයන්ත සමරවීර මහතා පවසයි.
මැයි දින වේදිකාව මත සිට ජවිපෙ දේශපාලන මණ්ඩල සභික ලාල්කාන්ත මහතා විසින් සිදු කළ ප්රකාශයක අන්තර්ගතය විකෘති කරමින් මේ දිනවල විවිධ දේශපාලන සංවාද මණ්ඩප ගොඩනැගෙන ආකාරය දැක ගත හැක. ඒ තුළ ඊට පෙර තවත් ජවිපෙ ප්රබලයකු වූ නලින් හේවගේ මහතා රූපවාහිනී සංවාදයකදී සිදු කළ ප්රකාශයකටද විවිධ අර්ථකථනයන් ලබාදෙන ආකාරය දැකගත හැක. නමුත් නලින් හේවගේ වැනි 1989 වකවානුවේ සැබැවින්ම සිදුවූයේ කුමක්ද යන්න පිළිබඳව ගැඹුරු පුද්ගලික අත්දැකීම් අඩු අයෙකුගේ ප්රකාශයක් සහ ලාල්කාන්ත වැනි යම් අත්දැකීම් සහිත පුද්ගලයෙකුගේ ප්රකාශයක් සමාන තලයක තබා කියවා ගැනීම වරදක් බව ඉතා පැහැදිලිය.