The French experience at the concluded election offers an important lesson of political commonsense and the bare minimum of altruism for the common good
French politics have little practical implication for Sri Lanka unless you are reading too much into geo politics or a wide-eyed asylum seeker who is feeding into a growing cottage industry in this part of the world
In a three-way contest, no candidate would secure 50 per cent of popular votes to win the presidency outright
Early this week, with the far-right knocking at the gates of government power, France pulled off a miraculous comeback to defend the Fifth Republic.
After the far-right and anti-immigrant National Rally won the first round, with projected votes of 260-280 seats, a tad shy of the absolute majority of 579 members of the National Assembly, the usually bickering political parties of the left, right, and centre joined ranks to stop the formation of the first far- right since the World War II.
In order to prevent the split of the Republican vote in a three-way race, hundreds of candidates who came third in the first round withdrew from the contest to allow the better-placed anti-far right candidate to win the race.
(According to Le Monde, all but 33 candidates who came third withdrew). Tactical withdrawals turned the race upside down. The leftist New Popular Front (NFP), a loose group of parties of the far left, moderate socialists and Greens, emerged as the largest party, winning 182 seats, followed by Macron’s Centrist Ensemble with 163. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally won 143 seats, a far cry from the first-round projections.
Tactical withdrawals
The election, and perhaps tactical withdrawals, left France with a hung Parliament, not the first in France that many French considered as umptieth times better than the demise of the Republic at the hands of the reformed former neo-Nazi party founded by Marine’s father Jean Louis Marie Le Pen who famously dismissed Nazi gas chambers as a detail of history.
French politics have little practical implication for Sri Lanka unless you are reading too much into geo politics or a wide-eyed asylum seeker who is feeding into a growing cottage industry in this part of the world.
But, the French experience at the just concluded election offers an important lesson of political commonsense and the bare minimum of altruism for the common good. That is a lesson Sri Lankan politicians should take note of. It would come in handy in the coming presidential elections (not so much the Parliamentary polls, considering Sri Lanka has first past the post system).
The Presidential election: A would-be three-way race
The presidential election would be a three-way race, pitting three main contenders, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, against each other. There may be a possible Pohottuwa candidate if Wickremesinghe’s romance with the Rajapaksas hit a snag, but that cannot drastically change the outcome. There will also be other usual culprits who might run to spoil others’ chances or in exchange for a future diplomatic posting. Still, they could not significantly alter the outcome, either.
In a three-way contest, no candidate would secure 50 per cent of popular votes to win the presidency outright. The likely scenario would be that the vote would be split more or less evenly among the three contenders, leading to the counting of the second preference. This, though a provision of the election law, is an unknown and hitherto unexplored, given that the winning candidates in previous elections have managed to secure 50 per cent of the popular vote in the first count. Also, given the past practice of first-round certainty, the average voter often overlooks a second preferential vote.
The presidential election would be a three-way race, pitting three main contenders, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, against each other
The count of the second preferential vote may not distort the popular will of the people. However, a three-way race designed to feed into the personal egos of the politicians complicates the process and threatens the country’s future.
Sri Lanka does not need to go for a three-way presidential election. There is even a lesser justification to do so than France. Two main contenders, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and prospective Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa, were both more or less UNPers who shared the same economic vision. Premadasa and the bulk of former UNP MPs parted ways with Wickremesinghe at a time when the political fortune of the Grand Old Party was at its nadir. They blamed Wickremesinghe for their misfortune. Some even tried in vain to ape Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Since then, as Gota and the dynastic regime crashed due to the weight of its own economic mismanagement, Wickremesinghe’s luck changed. After he succeeded Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the president, he lifted the country from its worst-ever economic crisis, tamed the runaway inflation to a low single digit, and restructured its debt owed to its bilateral and commercial lenders. He is also not known to have run the country through white vans or turned the Supreme Court into a rubber stamp, though a new group of civil society activists, who were nowhere to be seen during those far more eventful years of the Rajapaksa, now cry blue murder.
Some accuse Premadasa of running away when Gotabaya offered him the post of prime minister. He might have a justifiable reason to do so, for public uproar at the time was for a system change, beginning with the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and not for a mere cosmetic change of the Cabinet headed by elder brother Mahinda. However, even if Premadasa accepted the offer and, by some luck, ended up in the office of president, whether he could have done any better than Wickremesinghe is a moot point because Wickremesinghe’s manifest level of fiscal discipline and disengagement from the street rhetoric during the past two years is a rarity in your average Third World politician.
Sri Lanka’s Republican Moment
The Sri Lankan economy is recovering from its worst-ever crisis, having grown in two consecutive quarters. During the last quarter, it grew at a commendable 5.2 per cent. But, it is still not out of the woods, and the wrong choices made in the presidential election would not only unravel the progress achieved so far but also herald a crisis from which Sri Lanka is unlikely to recover. This brings Sri Lanka to its ‘Republican moment”. This is also where the Sri Lankan and French experiences, though they appear starkly different on the surface, become vastly similar when the superficial layers are peeled off.
The JVP, the third contender in the race, is surely not of the far right, though where it stands on the scale of the left is unknown. It may not be racist, Islamophobic or anti-minority. In a bid to reassure the public, Anura Kumara sounds more like a moderate socialist- which would be the ideal form of government if you have a large reserve of excess wealth for redistribution, which Sri Lanka does not. Meanwhile, Lal Kantha’s village committees sound like they are straight from the Khmer Rouge’s textbooks.
Either way, anyone who has been to a Sri Lankan university where JVP-run student councils hold a monopoly of politics would not dare have a JVP government at the national level.
Workable political programme
The JVP and the National Rally have a stark similarity. Both capitalised on justifiable public grievances. In France, the National Rally has taken up the reasonable public angst at the government’s failure to manage the runaway immigration and the growing immigrant ghettos and parallel societies. In Sri Lanka, the JVP thrives on public anger about economic hardships. However, instead of offering practical solutions, both groups have thrived on exploiting the public outrage and riding on a protest vote devoid of a workable political program.
What Sri Lanka needs most at the moment is political stability and fiscal discipline. A three-way contest would not only complicate it, but it could also endanger it. There is no plausible reason for the SJB and UNP to field two candidates in a self-defeatist endeavour. It is open to question how many SJB parliamentarians think Sajith Premadasa should run against Ranil Wickremesinghe. Anyone who has not thought it over should consider the far-reaching consequences if a patricidal contest backfires, helping the JVP.
The SJB and UNP should join ranks and field a unified candidate. That ideally should be Ranil Wickremesinghe, given his proven track record during the last two years. That might even make Sajith Premadasa the prime minister of the next government. Leave aside the economy. If the election goes the other way in a three-way contest, and JVP lives truly to Marxist-Leninism, this could well be the last election Sri Lanka would have for a long time to come.
At a recent discussion hosted by a well-known public TV channel, on the subject of the agreement with the IMF regards the restructuring of foreign debts of Sri Lanka an office bearer of the Government Audit officers’ association revealed a very important issue discussed in the Government’s financial management bill. He stated that when a government official had caused a financial loss due to negligence or wilfully as an act of corruption such incidents will be referred to the Auditor General for investigation. But, under the proposed changes earmarked in the Government’s financial management bill, the responsibility of rectification of such a serious action will be transferred from the Auditor General to the Secretary of the Treasury department with powers to reduce the punishment applicable to the offender or to completely do away with the punishment.
I am certain that the statement made at a public forum by such a responsible person must be true. If so, what is the intention of the Government in formulation of financial management bill to encourage corruption and continue the public waste which is endemic to the state sector?
Can the Government explain why they plan to reward corruption even at this stage of laborious restructuring the debt burden in pardoning the financial frauds when the country was bankrupt mainly due to faulty and corrupt policies of respective governments and government senior officials?
Sixteen species of insects, including crickets, locusts and silkworms, have been approved as food in Singapore, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Monday (Jul 8).
With immediate effect, SFA will allow the import of insects and insect products belonging to species that have been assessed to be of low regulatory concern,” the agency said in a circular addressed to processed food and animal feed traders.
These insects and insect products can be used for human consumption or as animal feed for food-producing animals.
SFA first conducted a public consultation on the regulation of insects and insect products in end-2022.
In April last year, the agency said that 16 species of insects would receive the green light for consumption in the second half of 2023, but the decision was pushed back.
Earlier this year, SFA, in a forum letter reply in The Straits Times, said it was finalising the implementation details and aimed to introduce a regulatory framework in the first half of this year.
‘Before you study the economics, study the economists!’
e-Con e-News 30 June – 06 July 2024
An unnamed Sri Lankan is being held hostage in Baltimore by the US government. His name has not been released, and neither has the media been allowed to name the other 10 ‘high-ranking officers’ from India being held with him. Media and so-called ‘international’ unions for seafarers are not asking too many questions out loud. The crash took place midst heightened tensions between the US, Canada and India trading accusations of promoting terrorism.
The hostages are part of the crew of the Dali, the Maersk-chartered container ship that hit and demolished the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on 26 March. It is now over 3 months, and that port is cleared, but it remains uncertain how long they will be detained. The ‘narrative’ is now being crafted by the shipping insurance companies will nail the ship’s crew as the fall guys. 10 other seafarers were returned to India, on condition they return when demanded. The crash gave another opportunity for media to unleash further tirades against ‘foreign workers’, even as their economies are now even more based on igniting wars and manufacturing refugees to undermine worker power.
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The capitalist media in Sri Lanka and India act act sunnily blasé about the hurricanes brewing off the Atlantic, let alone off Kollupitiya, against our workers. They are eager to promote their import-heavy ‘exports’! This includes trafficking workers – for they have no plan to skilfully employ them with dignity to build the country. This ee also looks at how a panel of chief economists from the biggest Canadian banks insisted, in January, ‘Too many temporary foreign workers & international students are driving up prices, taking up housing & causing productivity to collapse.’ They are blaming a ‘botched’ immigration plan, which they (& other NATO governments) hatched to discipline a ‘tight’ labor market, with workers demanding higher wages. What the big bankers are ultimately demanding, as usual, to fix their inflation, is unemployment… and war….
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Suspected of carrying toxic waste & weapons to Sri Lanka, the Danish Maersk-chartered ship Dali, which crashed that Baltimore bridge in March, returned to Virginia, US, this week, and secretly unloaded 1,500 containers there. Media again gives no details of what was in those containers. The Dali, shipping 4,700 containers, had originally gone to Baltimore from Norfolk, Virginia, which also houses the largest US navy base. (see ee Random Notes).
Also, this week, the US Virginia Ports Authority (VPA) signed an agreement with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to exchange ‘expertise & technical collaboration’. This was follow-up to SLPA grandees being buttered there on a jaunt in May 2024. Just as coincidental was this week’s rather nettling headline, ‘Sri Lanka receives US$5Mn aid to tackle incompetence in chemical imports.’ The $5Million is from Washington-based Global Environment Facility. And what a global environment, Washington facilitates! But, ‘incompetence’?
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‘80% of global trade is concentrated within Global Value Chains (GVCs),
particularly through
the intra-firm trade of a handful of transnational companies (TNCs)’
– Shiran Illanperuma (see ee Focus)
The largest chemical importers in Sri Lanka involve the major US & EU multinationals – Exxon-Chevron, Unilever, International Chemical CIC-ICI, BAT’s Ceylon Tobacco Co, etc. Indeed, another coincidental headline this week: ‘Medical expert attributes increases in kidney diseases to widespread use of substandard whitening creams.’ What then is the higher-standard bleach? And how & why do these chemicals enter the country? Unilever’s ‘Fair&Ugly’ occupies a major segment of the wannabe vadakaha sudhiya market, in their attack on the nation’s melanin reserves.
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• The week’s ‘good news’ ended with the National Bankers Association gathering at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, on Friday. There is no sunlight about what these suited bankers spat into each other’s bushy ears. Or into the ears of the state. The US-embassy news outlet EconomyNext under the headline ‘Foreign investment is essential for the banks to thrive,’ helpfully informs us: ‘the event was attended by various individuals from the banking sector’, adding only that the President said, ‘neither I nor the Sinhalese nation is beggars.’
The week began with the US government’s latest throw of loaded dice to ‘restructure’ even-more-impossible-to-pay-back debts. Refashion debts incurred from this so-called ‘foreign investment’, that has refused to invest long term. Media also refuse to discuss why, as China asks, the IMF/World Bank & other ‘multilaterals’ are untouchable when it comes to this ‘restructuring’? They don’t cut their hairs! Ex-Central-Bank Governor & erstwhile democrat & house-kneegrow, Indrajit Coomaraswamy dutifully declared that the 15 recommendations of the ‘IMF Governance Diagnostic’ should apply to any party that takes office.
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‘Do these reforms augment Sri Lanka’s productive capabilities & secure her sovereignty in a technologically competitive world?’, responds Illanperuma (ee Focus) He surveys the possibilities for an industrial renaissance midst the tightening hugs of the clinking chains of the multinational corporations (MNCs), of local ‘bankers’ who refuse to invest in modern production for they are too busy greasing imports of ‘luxuries & other machined joys’.
In Sri Lanka, ‘83% of industrial exports are by companies registered with the Board of Investment, most of which are foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs). Domestic value-added remains fairly low, due to the lack of a local supply chain’.
‘One thing leads to another’, was indeed one of SBD de Silva’s favorite quotes, to describe what real industrialization is all about. He said it so often, we thought it would be apt title for a biography about him. He was also quite aware of who would ensure: one thing leads to nothing.
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• All this week’s reported foofaraw at the port took place midst righteous teeth-grinding by ‘all the Chambers’ – including the American Chamber of Commerce & European Chamber of Commerce – about a sick-note campaign by Custom officials: ‘Shippers condemn corrupt trade union action at Customs.’ ‘It was grossly immoral…for officials of the department to hold the people of the country and industries at ransom’, said the Colombo port mafia’s fronts led by Shippers’ Council Chairman Sean Van Dort, Joint Apparel Association Forum Secretary General Yohan Lawrence & Rohan Masakorala of Hub Operators Association.
Their media suggests this was an attempt by greedy workers to grab their slice of the renewed profits at the Suez-challenged docks of Colombo, which have been controlled by England’s P&O for over almost 200 years. Meanwhile, after months of media rigmarole about the Indian workers lodged in the hills being restless, and container-loads of kerfuffle about what constitutes decent terms & conditions, an ‘independent’ & ‘unbiased’ Supreme Court has struck down a ‘generous’ President’s plan to increase their wages. Everybody, including the Indian kanganies who control labor, win – except the workers.
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‘Dangerous are the times for Sri Lanka.
If the importing of rice stops, we would have nothing to eat.
If importing of materials stops from abroad, we would have nothing to wear.
If it was not for the vehicles imported from other countries,
we would have no means of travelling. In essence, without
the accommodation from abroad, we will not be able to do anything’
– Kumaratunga Munidasa (1877-1944)
This ee looks once more at the studiously suppressed demand, from over 100 years ago now, for an industrially developed independent country, made by such leaders as Anagarika Dharmapala & Kumaratunga Munidasa. BD Witharane asks, why ‘the emerging bourgeoisie, the new rich, who while representing different castes also shared common class interests’, did not ‘respond favourably to the call for an industrially developed Ceylon?’ Why did their demand not ‘evolve to be a mature plan’ leading ultimately to the establishment of a Sri Lankan developmental nation? He also asks why if any such ‘plan’ had ‘escaped the gaze of historians for some reason?’
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‘In the classical approach to the social sciences, economics
& what are now regarded as its border disciplines – especially
politics, sociology & history – were entwined. The first to incorporate
political economy in their writings were the 18th-century Scottish moralists,
including Joseph Hume, who were concerned with the effects of
the development of commerce & wealth on political power as well as on human happiness.’
– SBD de Silva, The Political Economy of Underdevelopment
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In the commencement year, 1960, the total numbers
admitted to the university were divided roughly
equally into English & Svabhasִā media… In a few years’ time,
the numbers in the English medium came down to a mere trickle…’
– WD Lakshman (ee Focus)
This ee continues with WD Lakshman’s look into the ‘Beginnings of Economics Teaching at University Level’. WDL highlights some of the traumas of the transition from English to Svabhāsִā medium in university education – ‘a challenging and difficult process for teachers as well as students’.
‘No courses with Economics in course-titles are offered
in Wayamba & Uva Wellassa Universities where, however,
there are Faculties of Business & Management.’
– WD Lakshman (ee Focus)
With the expansion of the menu, amply funded at first by untouchable multilaterals like the World Bank to suit the imperialist flavours of the hour, it turns out only a few dishes have been properly cooked, with diminishing supplies of agriculture & industry to keep the kitchen going…
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• All the news stories mentioned here may be found in our news compendium. ee sincerely believes this compendium to be a true work of modern art. An endless installation on info, misinfo & disinfo. A monument to MNCs like Unilever, which dominate the media through their advertising budgets. It shows that the principal town crier, especially about corruption, is the epitome of corruption itself. Even if we have no idea what Marshall McLuhan meant by ‘the media is the message’… we do know the media – that trumpet, is the most corrupt. Because most of what the media calls corruption is diversion from the real challenges we as a country & the world need to overcome.
In the 1990s Sri Lanka decided to embrace the Ramayana .A search for Ravana sites in the Nuwara Eliya and Uva districts started. Rev. Harry Haas (1925-2002) a Roman Catholic priest from the Netherlands, who had settled in Bandarawela in 1983, was very active in looking for these sites. Sri Lanka was full of Ravana and Sita sites which needed discovering, Haas said. The image of King Ravana was a universal one which appealed to the west as well as the east. Haas was the patron of a Ravana Centre set up in Uva. The hunt for Ravana in Sri Lanka had started in the 1990s and the initial focus was on the hill country.
Soon interest moved to locating Ramayana temples elsewhere in the island. Those engaged in the Ramayana project, pounced on selected locations which they said were linked to the Ramayana and quickly built large temples at the locations.
The first such temple to be built was, predictably, a temple devoted to Sita. The project proposal aimed at preserving Seetha Eliya as a place of legendary importance and creating a new place of worship and religious importance for Hindu devotees. “This temple was not well known. We have to make it famous,” said the trustees of the temple.
There were two other motives, to establish a link between Seetha Eliya and Ayodhaya in India. Thirdly, to attract Indian tourists. The idea for a pilgrim centre at Seetha Eliya was first suggested by an Indian team that came on a familiarization tour of Sri Lanka in 1997.
A newSita Amman kovil was completed at Seetha Eliya in Nuwara Eliya in 1999. The original kovil was a small unpretentious structure. A coin dated to 1894 was found when the old building was demolished, indicating that this kovil was built in British times.
The construction of the new Sita temple started in 1998. The estimated cost of building the temple was around Rs. four million. We have collected the funds through public donations. Tills are also placed outside the temple for collections. The Manoj Mody foundation gave about Rs.200,000 for the renovation. They plan to come in August for the opening of the new kovil, bringing with them four new statues made in Jaipur at a cost of Rs.500,000, said the authorities.
At the construction site, a team of ten experienced Indian temple construction workers led by G. Ravishankar worked on the new kovil and the many statues that adorn it. They were assisted by local laborers. The Indian workers are in Sri Lanka on a two year visa. “Minister Thondaman is very supportive,” Ravishankar said.
The new kovil had its kumbhabisheka pooja in January 2008. There was a full page announcement in the newspapers, with messages from President and Ministers. Derrick Schokman recalled ‘the Sita Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya was simple temple when I first saw it. Now is it an ornate Hindu kovil with images of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman.’
The Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya was the only temple in the world dedicated to the Sita in the Ramayana, said devotees. Although there are many Rama and Hanuman kovils in India, there is no kovil dedicated to Sita. This is the only place where Sita came alone. In all the other places Sita is associated with Rama. North Indians worship Rama and they are keen on developing the Sita Kovil with our support,” said Radhakrishnan, Chairman of Board of Trustees of the Sita temple.
The Seetha Eliya Temple became the subject of a controversy in 1999 when the Ministry of Tourism mooted a proposal for the development of Seetha Eliya as a Holy City. It was proposed to vest 35 acres of land surrounding the temple in the Tourist Board and develop it as a sacred area similar to Anuradhapura and Kataragama.
It was suggested that Asoka Vanam, the forest where Sita was held captive is on the mountain, some distance away from the Seetha Amman temple. Behind the temple is a stream. Water flows over a basin like depression carved in the rock. It is said that Sita came through a tunnel to this stream to bathe.
It was hoped to use land behind the temple, upstream and downstream, belonging to the Forest Department as well as some acres from private properties across the road for a vehicle park. This land was to be acquired and vested with the Tourist Board initially for development purposes and then transferred to the Trust, when the project was in full operation. There were protests from environmentalists and the people in the area and the move for the Holy City was halted.
Bandu de Silva commented on this move. The government is trying to create a Hindu complex on the lines of the Cultural Triangle, he said. Tourist Development Authority is promoting the idea of strong Ramayana tradition in the island. The Tourist Board first tried to develop the area behind the Hanuman temple, taking in a tea kiosk built on a road reservation for use by laborers.
However, the Seetha Amman kovil has certainly achieved its purpose, said the media. It is now an accepted part of the tourist circuit and strengthens the notion of a virile Hindu culture in Sri Lanka. Many tourists who visit the Hakgala Gardens, stopover to see the temple, since it is en-route from Nuwara Eliya to Hakgala. During Thai Pongal, in January many devotees from the tea estates nearby visit the kovil to perform poojas, concluded the media.
The Tourist Board estimated that around 200,000 Indian tourists and 100,000 Sri Lankan tourists visiting Nuwara Eliya for an average of two nights would inject a minimum of a billion rupees to the Nuwara Eliya economy. Many tourists who visit the Hakgala Gardens, stopover to see the temple, since it is en-route from Nuwara Eliya to Hakgala. At present, (1999) an average of 1500 local tourists and 1000 foreign tourists stop by the temple each year.
In January, 1999 we had a Festival of Unity organized by the Manoj Mody foundation of India, Radhakrishnan said. About 800 devotees came to Nuwara Eliya for a 10-day bajan programme. About 500 local devotees also joined in. They occupied all the hotels in the area and attended the poojas daily at the temple. Since space was insufficient, a tent was put up at the Buddhist temple nearby, to accommodate the crowd.
Environmental organizations and Buddhist organizations had staged a massive protest, before the festival was held. The people had feared that the 800 devotees expected, were from South India, although they were in fact mostly from North India where there is a strong following for Rama. The Buddhist organizations set down various conditions for holding the ceremony. These were adhered to and the ceremony was held peacefully,” Radhakrishnan said.
Sri Hanuman Temple was constructed at Ramboda, on a tea estate, at Wavendon Ramboda Hill, by Chinmaya Mission of India. This village is considered the place where Sri Hanuman set foot in his search for Sita. Chinmaya mission purchased a plot of 10 acres and built this temple. The consecration ceremony took place in 2001.
In 1997 work commenced on a Hanuman temple complex at Wavendon, Ramboda, Nuwara Eliya with assistance from Tamilnadu government. The complex consisted of a huge 16 foot granite statue of Hanuman, a spiritual centre, library and auditorium. This project was initiated by Gurudev Swami Chimayananda, who purchased 10 acres for the purpose. Minister S. Thondaman donated 5 more acres and provided a motorable road from the main Nuwara Eliya road to the temple site. This temple site, it is claimed, was close to the Asoka vana where Sita was kept captive and Hanuman found her.
The construction of the Hanuman Temple was done by the Sri Lanka Army. Former Army Commander General Rohan Daluwatte said the Army got involved in the construction of the kovil, together with the people of Nuwara Eliya, because they felt it would promote better understanding between the Sinhalese and Tamils. He also said it was a gesture of goodwill towards the Tamils in the area, who had helped build a Buddha statue.
There were large crowds at the first anniversary, of this temple, in 2002 with thousands of devotees drawn mainly from the plantation sector. The procession went with the statue of Holy Hanuman to Sita Amman Temple at Seetha eliya, where Hindu poojas were held.
Zee TV said in 2007 the Chinmaya statue of Hanuman was a copy of the mountain, except that it was in a vertical position. They reported that hundreds come every day to worship there. They also spotted black rocks which looked like monkeys with black lips and ears. The Zee team also saw Rummassala which was brought here by Hanuman. It contains trees only found in the Himalayas. There is a statue of Hanuman there as well. But they reported that the public only came to Sita Eliya to picnic and that few knew about Rama or Ravana. (Continued)
P Ramanujan, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism stated in 2006 that they were planning to set up a Ramayana Trail for tourists to encourage Indian tourists.
In 2007 S. Kalaiselvam, Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said in a statement to Press Trust of India that the Sri Lanka government had decided to develop the sites associated with the Ramayana. They were being restored and maintained. There was no archaeological confirmation for any of them, certainly, but these sites were not imaginary and have existed since time immemorial.
Ramayana Trail Committee was set up, consisting of N.Kiriella, Chairman, Dr Suriya Gunasekera, an authority on Sri Lankan pre history. Dr Subash Chawla, an authority on International Ramayana, B.M.U.D Basnayake Additional Secretary Ministry of Tourism and S. Kalaiselvam Director General, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
Fifty (50) sites related to the ‘Ramayana trail’ were selected by Sri Lanka Tourism in 2009 for the Ramayana Trail. Out of these 50 sites, 12 are sites with archeological evidence, the rest are based on unwavering faith and traditional beliefs, said Kailselvam. There is no need to re –establish the authenticity of the sites. People in the areas relate to the Ramayana.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau stated in a press release in 2018 that in Sri Lanka, the popular belief was that the Ramayana story is a true account of what took place. This belief has been supported by research, analysis and reasoning.
Sri Lanka has identified over 50 sites in and around its territory but due to accessibility issues, only around 20 sites are currently being recommended for visitors. Sri Lanka is working towards identifying many other locations and also making these locations accessible to visitors. It has been estimated that a travel period of around 9 to 14 days will be required to visit all 20 sites, the press release said.
The Tourist Ministry had identified five airports where Ravana parked his fleet of pushpak vimanas. Ussangoda was one. The Ministry thinks that Ravana’s flying machine may have landed at Weragantota,about 10 kilometres from Mahiyangana. There is the runway of Ravana’s aircraft, the aircraft landing place, and an aircraft repair centre in Gurulupotha.
Sita was then taken to Gurulupota, now known as Sita kotuwa. This is 10 kilometres from Mahiyangana on Kandy road. Sita was thereafter housed in a cave at Sita Eliya, Nuwara Eliya. The jungle on top of Ramboda along the Kandy Nuwara Eliya road is believed to be the route along which Ravana took Sita to Ashoka Vana.
Sita is said to have performed Agni pariksha to prove her purity at Divurumpola, which is 15 miles from Sita Eliya on Nuwara Eliya –Weligama road. This is a popular place of worship among the locals in the areas. The courts of law in Sri Lanka permits and accepts the swearing done at this temple when settling disputes. In 2010 it was stated that a Ramayana research centre will be set up at Divurumpola.
It was decided that the Ravana-Rama battle took place at Yudhaganapitiya in Matale and that Ravana was making his battle plans at Lakegala just before he was killed. Rama fired the Brahmastra at Ravana in Dunuwila. Rama started his attack on Ravana at Dondra and the main battle was at Yudaganawa. After killing Ravana, Rama performed penance at Munneswaram in Chilaw.
The great basses ( Maha Ravana kotuwa) and Little basses ( Kuda Ravana Kotuwa) are a long line of coral and rock just below the surface of water in the southern sea. They are located not far from Kirinda beach or Rummassala in Galle. King Ravana is said to have established his Lankapura ‘on the reefs.
There are the Ravana Caves in Ella area. The tunnels from Bandarawela past Ella to Ravana cave, were the way Ravana went through the hills, they were his secret passages. These tunnels are manmade and not natural formations. Existing tunnel opening are situated at Isthripura, Senapitiya in Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola and Seetha kotuwa.
Hanuman had entered Lanka at Nagadeepa.He dropped the Dronagiri Mountain brought from the Himalayas on Rumassala. He also visited Ritigala, Dolu kanda in Hiripitya, Kachchativu and Thailaddi in Mannar.
The Ramayana tourist trail includes Ravana’s palaces and dairy farm, also temples dedicated to Sita which had been built in a later period. The trail also included a pond which is believed to have come into existence through Sita’s tears. This pond never dries up even in the worst drought.
Other sites were added on thereafter. Ashok vatika in Nuwara Eliya, Vessagiriya cave and Isurumuniya lovers in Anuradhapura ,the cobra hood cave in Sigiriya, the statue near Parakrama Samudra, the Hanuman kovil at Saranankara Road, Colombo 5, and the hot wells constructed by Ravana were included in the Ramayana trail. There is also Munneswaram, where Rama received the blessing of Shiva. According to folklore Ravana’s body is buried in a location in Welimada.
Sri Lanka planned to use the Ramayana trail extensively in India to promote visits by Indian tourists. A team commissioned by Zee TV had toured Sri Lanka in 2007, to find places connected to Ramayana. They went to Sita Eliya where there were statues of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman. They said that these statues had been there for 5000 years. They said that close to Sita Eliya they had seen a mountain which looked like Hanuman.
It was reported in 2008 that the Ramayana tourist package is gaining popularity in India. it is a 7 day package includes visits to at least 10 temples in south and central Sri Lanka. The 12 day package covers at least 54 sites identified by the Tourist Board.
Hindustan Times stated that the Ramayana trail was a hit with Indian tourists. Batches of 50 to 120 visitors had already toured these sites. The tours were from one to three weeks duration and contained a maximum of 25 locations spread across central and western Sri Lanka. About 500 passengers had used 350 Ramayana packages.
Middle aged and elderly persons in India liked the package. Several swamis from North India have visited with 50 visitors each. One swami was planning to bring 400 of his students to go on the trail. School principals are bringing Indian students as Ramayana is a part of the curriculum in India.
Authorities said in 2009 that Indians are coming to get a glimpse of these historical sights.3500 visitors have come in from 2005 onwards. In 2009 approximately 5000 pilgrims were going to visit form India for Ramayana trail. In January alone some 1000 pilgrims are expected.
In 2010, it was reported that 14 high profile ministers from India with a group of 150 pilgrims arrived here on an 8 day Ramayana trails, to see locations where king Ravana had kept Sita Devi. . This is the first time that an Indian VVIP group is in Sri Lanka on a pilgrimage of the Ramayana trail. There was a special reception and bhajan at Hotel Taj Samudra for them. In 2015 Sri Lanka had re-launched the Ramayana trail from Bangalore.
In 2017, Yahapalana government reported that Sri Lanka is preparing to be part of the Ramayana circuit of India. The Indian government is identifying places connected with the Ramayana. Sri Lanka has already identified 71 locations across the island nation for inclusion in the circuit and has appointed a committee to identify more places. We look at Sri Lanka and all south Indian states as one unique unit, housing the maximum Ramayana spots,” said John Amaratunga, Tourism Development Minister.
In 2018 it was reported that Indian and Sri Lankan governments have entered into an agreement to boost the Ramayana trail. This trail was lately gaining momentum with a number of operators offering travel plans. There have been 206,337 Indian visitors to Sri Lanka up to June this year and it is believed that about one per cent of the traffic would be visiting the country solely as pilgrims on the Ramayana trail, reported the media.
Indians are puzzled over the popularity of the Ramayana trail. Ravana is held in high contempt by the large majority of Indian populace, said Kuldeep Kumar. Ravana is hated in India said Bandu de Silva. To a Hindu, Rama is a living hero and Ravana is a villain.
Effigies of Ravana, placed on maps of Sri Lanka, are burnt each year in India during the Ramayana celebrations. In October 2010 NDTV celebrations, in Delhi, two large effigies of Ravana and Vibhishana were carried in by revellers and placed before the Prime Minister. A bow and arrow was given to Prime Minister who shot an arrow at Ravana. The effigies were then stoned and set on fire.
In 2012 media reported that Ruchir Sharma, a leading Indian business man visiting Sri Lanka, said ‘I was surprised to see Tamils in Trincomalee working to attract Indian tourists to the Ravana trail. Locals say that as long as the Ravana trail is drawing tourists, the rest don’t matter. (Continued)
Deputy Chairman of the United National Party Ruwan Wijewardene confirmed that the Presidential election will definitely be held and Wickremesinghe, 75, will contest the election as an independent candidate, News 1st reported.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
In Short
Wickremesinghe to run as independent candidate
Election date to be announced after July 17
Over 17 million eligible voters in revised list
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will contest the Presidential election as an independent candidate, his aide said on Sunday.
Deputy Chairman of the United National Party Ruwan Wijewardene confirmed that the Presidential election will definitely be held and Wickremesinghe, 75, will contest the election as an independent candidate, News 1st reported.
“Only one leader possesses the knowledge to solve Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. That is Ranil Wickremesinghe. He has proved it with his actions,” he was quoted as saying by the news portal.
On Sunday, Election Commission Chairman R M A L Ratnayake said the electoral body would be legally empowered after July 17 to announce the date for the election.
Ratnayake added that the commission will announce the date for the next presidential poll before the end of this month.
The Election Commission in May said the presidential election would be conducted between September 17 and October 16.
Ratnayake said the commission is currently in the process of putting final touches to the 2024 electoral register which will be the basis for the election. Over 17 million would be eligible to vote in the election as per the revised list, officials said.
In April 2022, the island nation declared its first-ever sovereign default since gaining Independence from Britain in 1948. The unprecedented financial crisis led President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to quit office in 2022 amid civil unrest over his inability to handle the crisis.
In July 2022, Wickremesinghe was elected through parliament to become stop-gap president for the balance term of Rajapaksa.
Wickremesinghe, also the finance minister, hasn’t made any public statement on his bid for re-election.
“This election isn’t merely about selecting individuals but about choosing the most effective system for our country’s progress. If you believe in the merits of the current approach, let us proceed accordingly,” the President’s Media Division quoted him as saying earlier.
The government under Wickremesinghe has set in place hard economic reforms as dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
President Wickremesinghe last month said that his government has finalised a long-delayed debt restructuring agreement for USD 5.8 billion with its bilateral lenders, including India and China, in Paris to meet a key condition of an IMF bailout.
He emphasised the need for fiscal responsibility, cautioning that further unplanned salary increases could cripple the government.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced that government sector employees will not receive another salary increase this year, warning that further pay hikes without proper planning could undermine the government ahead of the upcoming presidential and general elections.
The 75-year-old president, widely expected to seek re-election, acknowledged the economic strain caused by previous programs that increased benefits and allowances, depleting excess funds, as reported by News First on Sunday.
Wickremesinghe pointed to the Sri Lankan Rs 10,000 salary increase and additional benefits implemented under the Aswasuma” program. He emphasised the need for fiscal responsibility, cautioning that further unplanned salary increases could cripple the government.
Serving the balance term of ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa since mid-July 2022, Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of prioritising national stability ahead of the elections. He announced the formation of a committee to review salary adjustments, with recommendations to be incorporated into the 2025 budget, potentially allowing for salary increases next year.
The president highlighted that his administration’s approach would ultimately benefit the people and reiterated the importance of focusing on the upcoming elections, suggesting that other parties might not prioritise economic stability as effectively.
Wickremesinghe’s independent run amid economic recovery
The next presidential election is scheduled to take place between mid-September and mid-October. Wickremesinghe, who was prime minister during Rajapaksa’s ousting through prolonged public protests, successfully navigated the country through an economic crisis blamed on the Rajapaksa family’s rule.
As finance minister, Wickremesinghe resolved shortages, ended long queues for essentials, mitigated power cuts, and secured a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a process initiated during Rajapaksa’s tenure. Sri Lanka obtained USD 2.9 billion over a four-year program from the IMF, with interim assistance from India worth USD 4 billion.
Wickremesinghe plans to run as an independent candidate supported by all political parties committed to maintaining his economic reforms. The other main opposition leaders, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake from the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party, have already announced their candidacies.
Interests of the country should take precedence over party interests
Demonstrations which involves trying to enter a building without permission, trespassing and creating noise nuisances are punishable by law
The 1940s and 1950s are often considered the Golden Era” of the LSSP (Lanka Sama Samaja Party). During this period, 70-80% of the trade unions in the country adhered to LSSP politics, with the most prominent being the Government Clerical Service Union (GCSU), which supported the political struggle of the LSSP. The general strike of 1947 and ‘Hartal’ (strike) in 1953 were followed by a series of strikes from 1956 to 1964 led by Dr. N.M. Perera and his ‘comrades’. Wildcat work stoppages were a common occurrence until the LSSP and CP (Communist Party) joined forces with the SLFP (Sri Lanka Freedom Party) in a coalition in 1964.
Dr. Perera, who became the Minister of Finance in Sirimavo’s coalition government, struggled to manage a strike by workers in his own Giridara Mills. Despite having organized numerous strikes that disrupted various governments since the 1930s, Dr. Perera faced a particularly challenging situation during his second tenure as Minister of Finance in Sirimavo’s 1970-75 administration, when bank employees launched a strike on September 1, 1972. The strong Ceylon Bank Employees Union (CBEU) initiated their longest strike in history, lasting 108 days and causing unprecedented damage to the economy. Dr. Perera had to counter the union’s actions with strong measures. Similarly, if the JVP were to come to power now, they too would face the same challenges. They, like their predecessors, would need to navigate these complexities to maintain stability and economic progress.
The general strike of 1947 and ‘Hartal’ (strike) in 1953 were followed by a series of strikes from 1956 to 1964 led by Dr. N.M. Perera and his ‘comrades’
If the cash-strapped government were to grant all the current strikers’ demands, the next government regardless of who wins the election, would face a severe economic disaster within a few months. Moreover, the new administration would find it challenging to manage the workforce, as they would remain in a combative or agitated state.Launching a countrywide strike action on July 10, 2008, was highly contentious, especially considering the island was partially engulfed in a civil war. The local businesses were also grappling with severe challenges due to an unprecedented fuel price hike. In this context, the strike, led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), was seen by many as not only unfair and unacceptable, but also as a deliberate move to jeopardize the war effort and undermine any credit the Rajapaksas would gain. The action aimed to halt transport, power, banking, and other essential services, causing significant disruptions. This had a particularly detrimental impact on the productivity of the private sector, exacerbating the difficulties faced by businesses during an already turbulent period.
In 1980, during the administration of President J.R. Jayewardene and Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa, over 41,000 workers lost their jobs within a single day as a result of the government’s response to the general strike.July marked 44 years since the unprecedented general strike of 1980, during which approximately 41,800 public and private sector employees lost their jobs in Sri Lanka. The rising prices compelled the working class to demand a monthly salary increase of Rs. 300 and an allowance of Rs. 5 for every point on the cost-of-living index. The government, using its majority power, suppressed opposition political parties and trade unions.
The Trade Unions National Congress (UNC), with the participation of 1,024 trade Union Representatives, held a meeting in March 1980 and decided on a protest campaign during the lunch hour on June 5, 1980. The government warned that if a general strike were launched, it would consider the strikers as having vacated their posts. Consequently, an island-wide state of emergency was declared. On June 5, 1980, during the lunch hour demonstrations held in preparation for a general strike, two gangs emerged from the direction of the Government Supplies Department and Lake House, launching a violent attack on the protesters with stones, cycle chains, and sticks. The situation escalated dramatically when a hand grenade was thrown, tragically killing D. Somapala, a demonstrator from the Supplies Department.
The strong Ceylon Bank Employees Union (CBEU) initiated their longest strike in history, lasting 108 days and causing unprecedented damage to economy
A group in a jeep began throwing stones at the picketers, the sound of an explosion was heard. The police report notes that one person lost his life in the violence. Government MP Merril Kariyawasam was noted to have been seated on the front seat of the jeep involved in the attack. In September 1989, the JVP/DJV (Deshapremi Janatha Vyaparaya) took retaliatory action against Kariyawasam, the MP for Agalawatte, for his alleged role in causing the death of D. Somapala during the June 5, 1980, general strike.
The government announced that if a general strike was launched, the strikers would lose their jobs. On July 16, 1980, the Cabinet convened and, that same night, declared an island-wide State of Emergency. Despite this, nearly 90,000 workers participated in the general strike of July 1980, effectively crippling the government’s administrative functions and disrupting daily services. On July 24, 1980, Prime Minister, Ranasinghe Premadasa, announced that the 41,000 workers who had failed to report for work had vacated their posts. Following this announcement, several key figures involved in the strike, including trade unionists Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Alavi Maulana, Dr. Vikramabahu Karunaratne, Gunasena Mahanama, and D.I.G. Dharmasekera, were arrested and remanded. The State of Emergency, which had been imposed to suppress the general strike, was lifted in August 1980.
The aftermath of the strike was devastating for many workers. 56 strikers who lost their jobs committed suicide due to their inability to cope with the suffering and hardships faced by their families.In the UK, it is a criminal offence for picketers to block people or vehicles trying to get into the workplace that is on strike, which is referred to as ‘causing an obstruction’ by the police. Carrying weapons, damaging property, or causing or threatening to cause a ‘breach of the peace’ are also illegal activities during picketing. Additionally, picketers are not allowed to try to block roads near the picket line, which is known as ‘causing an obstruction to the public highway,’ or to interfere with the police who are present at the workplace to perform their duties.
Need stringent laws
Legal action can be taken against individuals who break these laws or encourage others to do so while picketing. This includes trespassing, which involves trying to enter a building without permission, and creating a noise nuisance. Using threatening language or offensive material, including libel or slander in leaflets, banners, placards, chants, or speeches, is also punishable by law. If a court order is issued banning picketing or restricting the activities of the trade union, breaking this order could lead to additional legal consequences. Unlike in many other countries, there are no restrictions in our country on trade unions calling for sudden work stoppages. This unrestricted freedom sometimes leads trade unions to act irresponsibly, to the detriment of the nation. The interests of the country and the public should take precedence over party interests. While trade unions have a reasonable right to strike, except in a few situations, this right should be exercised sensibly and be limited to genuine trade disputes.
Fifteen years after the death of Velupillai Prabhakaran, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the end of Sri Lanka’s war, the family of LTTE leader warns about a major fraud carried out by sections of the Tamil diaspora defrauding millions of dollars from Tamil around the world. Speaking on behalf of the family, Karthic Manoharan, son of Prabhakaran’s elder brother, Velupillai Manoharan reaffirmed that the entire family of his uncle, Prabhakaran was dead but complained that some greedy diaspora groups who had been deceiving Tamil sympathisers since the end of the war in 2009 carrying out a major racket to under the guise of resurrecting LTTE leader and his daughter Dwaraka Prabhakaran.
Sri Lanka has decided to lift from next year a ban on the visit of foreign research ships imposed after strong security concerns raised by India and the US following frequent docking requests from hi-tech Chinese surveillance vessels, the Japanese media reported.
The change in position was conveyed by visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry to the NHK World Japan.
Sabry said his government cannot have different rules for different countries and only block China. He added that his country will not take sides in a dispute between others, the NHK World Japan said in a report on Friday.
The moratorium is till January next year. Sri Lanka will then no longer ban foreign research ships from its ports next year, Sabry said.
Two Chinese spy ships were allowed to dock in Sri Lanka ports within 14 months through November 2023, with one called for replenishment and the other for research.
Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6 arrived in Sri Lanka in October 2023 and docked at Colombo port, for what Beijing cited as “geophysical scientific research” in collaboration with the island nation’s National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).
The US had expressed concern to Sri Lanka before the arrival of Shi Yan 6.
In August 2022, Chinese navy vessel Yuan Wang 5 docked at Hambantota in southern Sri Lanka for replenishment.
Meanwhile, Sabry also expressed gratitude for Japan’s plan to provide a ship equipped with sonar, which, he said, will give Sri Lanka “an opportunity to do its own survey and collect its own data, and commercially exploit it.”
Sabry emphasised that Sri Lanka has untapped maritime resources, and research is essential, but it has to be done in a transparent manner, the NHK report added. Located at a strategic point in the Indian Ocean, the island nation is an important stop for marine traf ..
Sabry emphasised that Sri Lanka has untapped maritime resources, and research is essential, but it has to be done in a transparent manner, the NHK report added. Located at a strategic point in the Indian Ocean, the island nation is an important stop for marine traffic between South East Asia and West Asia, which is part of the global trade route.
Wellawaya, July 7 (Daily Mirror) – Highlighting that today, drug trafficking poses a greater threat to the nation than terrorism, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that some human rights lawyers also represent drug-related criminals after their arrest.
He emphasised the crucial need for collective support to safeguard the country from this menace, especially as it recovers from economic challenges. He stressed that failing to protect future generations from drug abuse could undermine all government efforts to advance the nation.
The President made these remarks at the Uva Provincial Community Police Committee members’ empowerment workshop, held yesterday (06) at the Wellawaya Public Stadium under the theme “A Law-Abiding Country.”
While speaking at the event the President said the government has taken necessary steps to maintain law and order in the country. During 2021-2022, there was a collapse in law and order, with incidents of arson and destruction of houses and properties. Restoring law and order became imperative under these circumstances.
Drug traffickers too were involved in these destructive activities. Therefore, alongside economic development efforts, we focused on controlling drug trafficking. The establishment of community police committees was part of this strategy. Initially, there were doubts about the success of this programme, but today it has proven to be effective.
In many areas, robberies are linked to drug addiction, as individuals steal to finance their drug habits. This situation is unsustainable. Currently, drugs from Afghanistan are entering our country and are also being trafficked to neighbouring countries like Pakistan and India via sea routes. Consequently, we are mobilizing the Navy to address this issue. Regional cooperation is crucial, and neighbouring countries have collectively committed to finding a solution to combat drug trafficking.
We have initiated this programme in rural areas concurrently with general law enforcement, placing particular emphasis on combating drug trafficking. Our future generation is imperiled by this illicit trade, necessitating our collective cooperation. I urge everyone to collaborate closely with the police on this critical issue. Religious places, including village temples, have been assigned a specific responsibility in this matter. Additionally, schools need to pay special attention as some students bring drugs into school premises.
Therefore, I call upon these committees to rigorously enforce anti-drug laws and uphold law and order in our country. I have reluctantly had to resort to legal measures against certain individuals, but current laws are inadequate. We need new legislation; while Singapore enforces the death penalty for drug traffickers, we seek custodial solutions without going to such extremes.
After the arrest of these individuals, some lawyers who advocate for human rights have come forward in their defence. This raises questions for me. I believe that drug trafficking is a violation of human rights, but they argue that selling drugs is not a human rights violation, while arresting drug dealers is a human rights violation. Therefore, it is essential for the parliament to clarify our stance on this issue,” the President said.
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) founder former minister Basil Rajapaksa has declared their intention to continue supporting President Ranil Wickremesinghe with the country’s welfare in mind.
He made this statement while attending a ceremony in Kalutara to mark the 27th anniversary of MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena’s political career.
Rajapaksa emphasized that the SLPP’s support for Wickremesinghe was not motivated by fear, saying, President, whenever we work as part of the government in moving this party forward, we did not help you out of any fear. We state with great pride that we have no fear and no debt.”
He further noted that the party collectively decided Wickremesinghe had the capability to save the country at a crucial time, and they had been supporting him sincerely since then.
He assured that as long as the President continued to protect the country and its citizens, he would receive their full support.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who also attended the event, stressed the importance of working with leadership that accepts challenges and moves the country forward, urging the people to support such leadership.
Sri Lanka’s earnings from tourism surged to over $1.5 billion in the first six months of 2024, marking a 77.9 percent increase year-on-year, according to the latest report from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Tourist arrivals in the first half reached 1.01 million, reflecting a 61.7 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023.
In June alone, tourism earnings were $113.4 million, up from $100.3 million in June of the previous year, reported Xinhua.
In addition, workers’ remittances for the first six months of 2024 totaled $3.14 billion, an increase from $2.82 billion during the same period last year. June’s remittance earnings were $519.6 million.
Tourism and workers’ remittances continue to be among the top foreign revenue generators for the country.
President’s Fund scholarship program for students from low-income families, spanning from grade 1 to grade 11 and G.C.E. (A/L), will be implemented at the district level starting from July 12, 2024. District secretaries, in collaboration with all zonal education offices and school principals, will oversee the scholarship distribution process.
Details regarding the dates, times and venues for scholarship awards in each district, as well as the list of selected scholarship recipients, will be announced. This information will be published on the official Facebook page of the President’s Fund in the coming days.
The list of students selected for the scholarships for G.C.E. (A/L) scholarship scheme in each district has already been published on the official Facebook page of the President’s Fund at the regional level. These scholarships will be awarded to 6,000 students, with 60 students selected from each educational zone. Each recipient will receive Rs. 6,000 per month for a duration of 24 months.
At the scholarship award ceremony, selected students will receive a grant of Rs. 30,000 along with any outstanding instalments. Starting from next month, Rs. 6,000 will be provided to students monthly until they appear for their G.C.E. (A/L) examinations.
Additionally, the scholarship program will be implemented covering all 10,126 schools across the island, from grade 1 to grade 11, for a duration of 12 months. Each selected student will receive Rs. 3,000 per month, totalling Rs. 36,000 over the year. The arrears for the selected students will amount to Rs. 12,000, which will also be provided at the scholarship award ceremony. Starting from the following month, the scholarship will continue to be paid Rs. 3,000 per month.
Accordingly, the President’s Fund invites the public to follow/like its official Facebook page to stay updated on the scholarship programs being awarded at the district level. This will ensure the public receive timely information about these important initiatives.
The Ramayana legend did not catch on in Sri Lanka the way it did in South East Asia. Unlike in south East Asia, Ramayana tradition was not allowed to take root here, said historian Bandu de Silva.
Not a single manuscript of Ramayana is found among the many Sanskrit texts preserved in Sinhalese tradition. Dasaratha Jataka has Dasaratha, Rama, Sita and Lakshman as the main characters, but the story is completely different. In Buddhism there was no place for myths like Ramayana. Buddhism abhorred anything which did not stand scrutiny, Bandu said.
Vini Vitharana observed in his book, Sri Lanka the geographical vision” said that the Sinhala and Pali sources of Sri Lanka contain nothing that corroborates the Ramayana story.
Tissa Kariyawasam read a paper titled Ramayana in Sinhala Literature” at the symposium on the Ramayana Trail organized by Royal Asiatic Society, Colombo in 2010. He said that the Sinhala and Pali sources of Sri Lanka contain nothing that corroborates the Ramayana story. Ramayana legend had not caught on in Sri Lanka.
Kariyawasam said that Buddhagosha rejected the Mahabharata and Ramayana as frivolous stories. There is a fleering reference in Culavamsa to ‘as Sita loved Rama’ and ‘going forth to combat like Rama. Kumaradasa, 7th century, versified Rama Sita story into Janakiharana. But in Janakiharana, and earlier creations like Ratnavali, Kathasarit sagara and KavyaMimamsa, Sri Lanka is referred to as Sinhaladvipa. This approach continued till 15 century, said Kariyawasam.
In the reign of Parakrama bahu VI (1412- 1467), there is some interest in Ramayana. It was taught at Vijayaba Pirivena by Ven. Sri Rahula. Sri Rahula’s Kavyasekera compares princess Lokanatha to Sita. His sandesa poems refer to Rama, Ravana, Sita and Vibhishana. Selalihini Sandesa refers to a Vibhishana devale and speaks of a conversation in an ambalama regarding Rama-Sita stories.
The Vedas, Puranas and the two Maha kavyas, Mahabharatha and Ramayana were studied at Vijayaba Pirivena under Sri Rahula. But this was challenged. Ven. Vidagama Maitreya, a contemporary of Sri Rahula was very critical of the Ramayana. He pointed out, inter alia, that while the monkey could swim across to Lanka, Rama needed a bridge.
R.A.L.H. Gunawardana said that in the medieval period, Ramayana and Mahabharata were denounced by the monks as useless works which should be ignored. Several of the Buddhist texts stated that the study of the Ramayana and Mahabaratha was a waste of time.
Ramayana, however, features in the folklore of the Udarata kingdom. C. E. Godakumbura presented a paper titled ‘Ramayana in Sri Lanka and Lanka of the Ramayana” at the international Ramayana seminar, New Delhi, 1975. In this paper he said that there is an abundance of folklore in Ceylon connected with the story of Rama and Sita. Some of these explain place names, some point to special geographical features, other the lay of the land, the positions of hills, nooks and bend in rivers, the color of the soil and various curiosities. All this is folklore and nothing archeologically probable or tested historically, concluded Godakumbura .
Tissa Kariyawasam supported this view. Folk poetry of the Udarata period ‘made a fuss of Ravana,’ said Tissa Kariyawasam. The Ramayana also influenced the Udarata rituals of the 18th and 19th century, such as Kohomba Kankariya. In the Kohomba yak Kankariya, sections like Kuvani asna, Sihaba asna, malaraja uppatiya, vadi dane, Kohomba halle show the influence of Ramayana. “Randunu alattiya” uses as subject matter the breaking of the mighty celestial bow by Rama.
Sena Thoradeniya (2010) said that in his home village Udurawana, a village in Patha Dumbara, there is a legend that the village goes as far back as Ravana. Udurawana is the name given to the place where Ravana fell facing the sky in his battle with Rama and the adjoining Yatiravana, along the present Kandy-Wattegama road is where Ravana fell facing the earth. There is a rock named Athobanagala where imprint of Ravana’s palm is still visible on the hard rock, Ravana had rested his hand there while shooting deer. A tributary from Knuckles flowing along Yatirawana is named Ravana Oya.
The indigenous medicine practitioners of Sri Lanka believe in the existence of King Ravana, said a media report.(2009) Ravana was a great physician credited with authorship of five books on medicine, one of which is available even today. The technique of using underground metal ash process and fermentation” belongs to the period of Ravana. Ravana is supposed to have invented a string music instrument, added this media report.[1]
A ballet titled ‘Maha Ravana’ was presented in Colombo in May 2008 by the Sarasavi Dehena Experimental Theatre School. The choreographer, Pabalu Wijewardana, who comes from the Mihiripenna dancing tradition, said that Sri Lanka lacked a truly iconic figure and he wished to project Ravana as an icon. He had researched into the story of Ravana. He says Ravana was not a demon, but a wise king, who ruled over a vast South Asian kingdom which included Sri Lanka. The flying machine may have been a real one. ( continued)
Dinesh Gunawardena (MP) Prime Minister Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Hon Keir Starmer Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
It is with great pleasure that I offer you my heartiest congratulations on the landslide victory as Leader of the Labour Party at the British Parliamentary elections and your assumption of office as the Prime Minister.
Whilst welcoming as Prime Minister forming a strong stable Government under your leadership to deliver wishes of the people, Sri Lanka is committed to further strengthening deep bilateral friendly relations with Britain.
Please accept honorable Prime Minister, the assuarance of my highest consideration.
In a recent interview, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe addressed misconceptions regarding Sri Lanka’s total debt, clarifying that the increase from USD 96 billion in December 2023 to a projected USD 100 billion by March 2024 is largely due to exchange rate fluctuations rather than new borrowing.
Joining an interview held at the Presidential Media Centre on Friday (05), the CBSL Governor said that despite a detailed explanation of this made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament recently, some have mistakenly interpreted the rise as an increase from USD 70 billion to USD 100 billion.
Commenting in this regard, Dr. Weerasinghe added: The status of the debt as of March 2024 was outlined in the Debt Bulletin you referenced. The entire loan amount is denominated in US dollars, totaling USD 100 billion. As you know, our country manages both domestic and foreign debts, with foreign loans typically in dollars.
When including domestic debt in the table, it is converted into dollars. Previously, our exchange rate was 324, but it is now 301. Consequently, the foreign exchange position has strengthened, which is favorable. However, the higher exchange rate increases the dollar value of our debt in rupees. Thus, despite no additional borrowing, the debt appears higher due to the exchange rate fluctuation”, he expressed.
Meanwhile, the CBSL Governor also expressed: additionally, is it beneficial or detrimental to defer debt repayment? When a country progresses, a budget deficit inevitably arises if expenditure exceeds income. This deficit necessitates borrowing. We are not alone in this; other countries also borrow. This on-going process leads to automatic increases in loans.”
Furthermore, he highlighted that the challenge lies in maintaining debt at a sustainable level.
Can borrowing continue, and if so, from where? Should loans come from the central bank? As you know, the central bank prints money, and we understand the implications of excessive money printing. Should we continue this to cover budget deficits? Should we increase or reduce our credit?”, he questioned.
Dr. Weerasinghe, who stated that achieving debt sustainability entails managing debt at a level sustainable for the country, mentioned that strengthening public financial management is essential alongside debt restructuring.
The CBSL Chief pointed out that Sri Lanka must manage our finances prudently, emphasizing revenue growth and maintaining manageable expenses.
By striking this balance, we can sustain a manageable budget deficit and progress forward”, he added.
I do not agree with those who argue against borrowing. As long as our country faces a budget deficit, borrowing is necessary. This has been a historical reality and will persist in the future, similar to other countries’ practices”, said the CBSL Governor.
Moreover, expenditure must align with income. For instance, approximately 80% of our income goes toward loan interest, leaving 20% for other expenditures. This proportion represents 19-20% of gross production costs, yet our income was only 8% in 2022, resulting in a 12% budget deficit. We have since increased income to around 11%, reducing the deficit to 8%, which is progress. Our expenditure is not the primary concern; rather, income must be bolstered. Despite this improvement, satisfaction remains elusive. Under the IMF program, we aim to raise income to 15%, while capping costs at approximately 5%.”
My message to the country is clear: I disagree with claims that a country can function without borrowing. However, loans must be utilized for productive purposes and non-consumptive economic activities. By channeling loans into investments that stimulate economic growth, we can enhance debt repayment capabilities. Debt accrues through a complex process, and comparisons should consider the financial context in which loans are secured”, Dr. Weerasinghe said.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe recently emphasized that as the country builds a new economy, it is crucial to establish a new political system. This system must foster individuals who can take responsibility and speak the truth fearlessly.
He made these remarks during the bankers’ forum organized by the National Bankers Association at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, yesterday (05).
The President stated that he has openly communicated the economic challenges facing the country to the people and has outlined a clear program to lead the nation out of the crisis.
The President emphasized that there is no alternative program for the country and that it is everyone’s responsibility to identify and support the necessary program for the country’s economy, rather than living in dream worlds.
He pointed out that while some have cited Argentina’s Martin Guzman as an example, he considers Guzman a failure.
Additionally, although some have suggested that he ask for money from world leaders, the President stressed that the Sinhalese nation is not a beggar nation but one that rises through self-reliance.
The President stated that his goal is to steer the country towards rapid development through an export-based economy. He mentioned that the necessary legal framework for creating an export economy has been presented to Parliament and highlighted the banking system’s significant responsibility in advancing this program.
The National Bankers Association also presented a special commemorative gift to the President at the occasion.
Subsequently, a discussion was held featuring President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Minister of Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, and Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga.
The President further elaborated;
Today, we have made significant economic progress. I need not remind you of what happened from the Jetwing Hotel to the Galle Face Hotel in those days. During that journey, my house was also burned down. Despite these challenges, we have moved forward, but there is still a long way to go. I made it clear back then that if we do not protect our banking system, we cannot safeguard our economy. A collapse in the banking system would lead to an economic collapse.
At that time, I had to take charge of the country. Together, we initiated efforts to uplift the country’s economy, and today, we are seeing the results. Progress does not happen overnight.
Efforts have been made to reduce the loan repayment by USD 8 billion over a period of four years. The economy is once again developing. Now, we have reached a crucial turning point as a country. With the USD 8 billion in debt relief, we are now free to pursue a new economy. We have submitted the necessary legal framework to Parliament to create an export-oriented economy.
We need to progress from this point forward, and the banking system plays a crucial role here. How do we secure funding? Foreign investment is essential for the banks to thrive. We have not yet achieved this objective.
While we have repaired the fractured economic system and made strides, the broken political system remains unresolved.
Former leaders fled in fear during that time. What does this say about political leadership in our country? Can such leaders propel the nation forward without solutions? They fled in fear that day because they lacked answers.
Following the former president’s resignation, the country’s peace and stability began to deteriorate. Some urged me to resign as Prime Minister. Can a country progress under such a political system?
When we introduced the Economic Transformation Bill, Mr.Sunil Handunnetti filed a case advocating for an import-based economy. Today, our economic challenges stem from operating within an import-oriented economy.
Regarding Argentina’s Martin Guzman, some consider him a failure, while others suggest traveling the world to seek financial aid from leaders. I’ve stated firmly that neither I nor the Sinhalese nation is beggars. Despite this, some still advocate for change. Does this imply advocating for an import-based economy?
Once, I questioned former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa about his decision to lower taxes against the advice of the International Monetary Fund during an economic crisis. He explained that businessmen had urged for tax reductions, which is true. I am aware of this. People also questioned why I hadn’t reduced taxes. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa acted, but today, few support his decision. Today Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa has isolated.
We must choose wisely and advance with the program that our country truly needs, avoiding the lure of unrealistic ideals.
It’s crucial to grasp the truth and take decisive action. The decisions we make today will shape our future. As we rebuild the nation’s economy, we must also reform our political system. This entails cultivating individuals who can shoulder responsibility and progress, and who bravely speak the truth without fear. Without this foundation, our country lacks a viable future.
Honesty has always been our policy. In politics, there should be no fear of speaking the truth, irrespective of one’s stance towards the government. I united people from various political factions to lead this government forward. While party discipline was lacking, governmental discipline prevailed. Despite challenges, we garnered support, including from young MPs of Podujana Peramuna, who joined us without regard for their political futures. Our political system has yet to match the economic groundwork we’ve laid today. This must be our focus moving forward.
Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka;
When Mr. Asela Fernando convened the association meeting on April 22, 2022, our country was amidst a severe crisis, nearing its peak. At that time, Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe was a Member of Parliament, the sole representative of our party. Everyone urged him to attend and address the bankers gathered there. I vividly recall the questions posed to him on that day and the guidance he imparted.
During the meeting, he stressed the importance of engaging directly with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He had already raised this issue in Parliament and with government leaders. Upon assuming the presidency shortly afterward, he swiftly began addressing each of these challenges step by step, implementing the advice he had advocated.
Initially, we prioritized law and order, implementing numerous reforms to shape the current state of our country. This included efforts to manage tax policies and public expenditures effectively. Sri Lanka achieved a significant milestone as the first country in the region to receive a Governance Assessment Report from the International Monetary Fund. Based on this report, we initiated measures to address 15 key issues, including combating fraud and corruption.
As a result, we have attained a degree of stability today. Our on-going debt restructuring program is progressing successfully. We seek the support of the banking sector to bolster the country’s economy. With your collaboration, we can accelerate the country’s development significantly.
The event was attended by Advisor to the President on Parliamentary Affairs Ashu Marasinghe, Director-General of Presidential Trade Unions Saman Rathnapriya, Colombo Port City Economic Commission’s Chief Operating Officer, Revan Wickramasuriya, Chairmen of both public and private banks, Secretary of the National Bankers’ Association Asela Fernando, bank officers, executives, and various individuals from the banking sector.
Early this week, with the far-right knocking at the gates of government power, France pulled off a miraculous comeback to defend the Fifth Republic. 
politics, with the most prominent being the Government Clerical Service Union (GCSU), which supported the political struggle of the LSSP. The general strike of 1947 and ‘Hartal’ (strike) in 1953 were followed by a series of strikes from 1956 to 1964 led by Dr. N.M. Perera and his ‘comrades’. Wildcat work stoppages were a common occurrence until the LSSP and CP (Communist Party) joined forces with the SLFP (Sri Lanka Freedom Party) in a coalition in 1964.
රට තුළ නව ආර්ථිකයක් ගොඩනඟන විට නව දේශපාලන ක්රමයක් ද නිර්මාණය විය යුතු බවත්, වගකීම් භාරගෙන කටයුතු කළ හැකි පිරිසක් මෙන්ම නොබියව සත්ය ප්රකාශ කරන පිරිසක් එම දේශපාලන ක්රමවේදය තුළ බිහිවිය යුතු බවත් ජනාධිපති රනිල් වික්රමසිංහ මහතා පැවසීය.