Debapriya Bhattacharya

Bangladesh needs to learn from Sri Lanka’s experience about how to face an unprecedented economic crisis and recovery strategies to avoid similar circumstances and improve the well-being of citizens, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

Sri Lanka’s economy was crushed last year under its worst financial crisis in more than seven decades, with inflation skyrocketing and foreign exchange reserves falling to record lows, severely stunting its ability to import essential commodities, according to a Reuters article.

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In May 2022, it even failed to make an interest payment on its foreign debt for the first time in its history. It had borrowed $200 million from Bangladesh under a currency swap agreement two years ago.

In September this year, Colombo paid $50 million to Bangladesh, the final instalment of the loan as its embattled economy is staging a recovery.

In the last six months, Sri Lanka has seen inflation drop to just 1.3 percent in September, its currency appreciate by about 12 percent, and foreign exchange reserves improve.

“To that end, the think tanks that we have gathered here have a special role to play to do the analytics and empirical analyses to help evidence-based policy-making and bring the private sector, media and young community along with it in order to create a constituency pressure to go forward,” said Bhattacharya.

He made the remarks while addressing a plenary session titled “Identifying New Opportunities and New Modalities for Fostering Regional Cooperation in South Asia” at the 14th South Asia Economic Summit, a two-day event, hosted by the CPD at the Sheraton Dhaka hotel.

He said despite the impasse, the time hasn’t come to write off the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc).

“It is still there and there are many modalities within the Saarc. We should exhaust its inner potential first. And let’s create political momentum within the Saarc.”

“However, we should not remain hostage to these structural issues. Rather, we should explore new opportunities, including other multilateral and plurilateral.”

“We need to think through how we can create regional platforms that are not hostage to structural impediments,” he said, calling for creating political momentum.

Shekhar Shah, vice-chairman of the Academic Advisory Council at the Indian School of Public Policy, questioned why the countries in South Asia can’t form a successful platform like the G20, an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 sovereign countries, the EU and the African Union.

Platforms such as the G20 allow leaders to meet periodically and to resolve problems, he said, adding that there should be a commitment from leaders not to part ways.

By Dilmini Hasintha Abeyrathne Courtesy The Diplomat

What three different countries can tell us about the global debt problem – and China’s role in both debt distress and debt relief.

The issue of global debt distress is a matter of great concern, not just for the affected developing nations but also for developed countries and international organizations. A recent United Nations Development Program report revealed that 54 developing economies are currently grappling with severe debt problems. Among these nations, Ghana, Zambia, and Sri Lanka have found themselves in dire financial straits. Sri Lanka’s government declared bankruptcy in April 2022, temporarily suspending external debt repayments until a consensual restructuring plan aligned with the International Monetary Fund’s economic adjustment program could be established. Ghana defaulted in December 2022, while Zambia faced financial difficulty in repaying loans back in June 2020. 

Common Challenges in Ghana, Zambia, and Sri Lanka

The debt crises in Ghana, Sri Lanka, and Zambia share a common theme of policy mismanagement that has given rise to structural imbalances in their respective economies. While each of these countries faced unique challenges – Sri Lanka with excessive money printing and disruptive agricultural policies, Ghana with impractical election promises, and Zambia with allowances for specific employment and climate vulnerabilities – the underlying problems were not unique to these cases. These nations have grappled with inadequately structured tax systems, the middle-income trap, and the challenges of restructuring bilateral debt with China. The following table summarizes the reasons for debt crises in the three countries. 

Source: International Monetary Fund (2023), Central Bank Annual Report (2022), External Resource Department of Sri Lanka (2023)

In Sri Lanka, policy lapses and economic mismanagement led to a multifaceted disaster. Ill-timed tax reductions, rushed attempts to adopt organic agriculture, depletion of official reserves while striving to maintain a flawless debt servicing record, delayed exchange rate adjustments, and a failure to listen to early warning signals contributed to an economic catastrophe. As foreign exchange reserves dwindled and economic growth rates declined, investor confidence plummeted. 

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Misappropriation of funds and impractical election promises in the form of tax cuts and subsidies in Ghana also speeded its economic downfall. The major tax reforms included the abolishment of VAT/NHIL on real estate, financial services, and import duties as well as tax reductions on the national electrification scheme levy, public lighting levy, and special petroleum tax rate. 

In Zambia, while the situation was slightly different, fiscal imbalances also created additional debt pressures. Zambia reinstated allowances for selected employment-related benefits and faced economic shocks due to climate vulnerabilities, which placed increasing pressure on the domestic economy. 

The three countries faced the same consequences: servicing external debt obligations in foreign currencies became increasingly difficult, forcing these nations to rely on private credit markets to obtain foreign exchange for debt servicing and essential imports. That ultimately compounded their debt problems, leading to sovereign defaults.ADVERTISEMENT

IMF Financial Assistance

All three countries consulted the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a last resort to handle their debt crises, and the IMF showed willingness to offer support under certain conditions. Due to their lower-middle-income status, Ghana and Sri Lanka were treated differently from Zambia, a low-income country. Ghana and Sri Lanka had to agree to restructure their domestic debt before receiving financial assistance, while Zambia had the opportunity to ignore domestic debt restructuring.

Ghana received a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF), Sri Lanka a $3 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), and Zambia a $1.3 billion ECF. Zambia stood out as the only nation among the three to benefit from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, which enabled the restructuring of debts with senior creditors such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. This safeguarded Zambia’s development goals from being compromised by unsustainable debt and gave access to more robust forms of debt relief. 

This stark difference marks the middle-income trap” as part of the ongoing global debt crisis. The debt-distressed countries requiring additional concessional financing are predominantly of middle-income status, highlighting the need for better mechanisms to address debt distress beyond the traditional measures.

The Role of China in Debt Restructuring Negotiations

China plays a pivotal role in the global conversation on the debt crisis, as shown in the three developing nations considered here. China accounted for around 17.6 percent of Zambia’s external debt. In Ghana, only 3 percent of external debt is owed to China; however, this debt is collateralized against natural resources such as cocoa, bauxite, and oil. China is Sri Lanka’s largest bilateral creditor, to whom Sri Lanka owes around 45 percent of its bilateral debt. Because China is such a major bilateral creditor and faces its own domestic debt pressures, this created additional challenges when restructuring debt as part of Sri Lanka’s IMF agreement.

Debt servicing payments comprise a significant source of China’s government revenue due to its status as a major global bilateral creditor  through the Belt and Road Initiative. Hence, China is cautious not to set a precedent for generous and straightforward debt restructuring, as this may open the door to serial defaults on bilateral debts, further exacerbating economic pressures. Considering these issues, as a strategic creditor with less appetite for losses, China typically prefers lengthy extensions on debt repayments and resists any reductions in the outstanding principal. 

This was the experience of Zambia. In its eventual deal with the Export-Import Bank (Exim) of China, both sides agreed to reduce the coupon on its $4 billion in recognized official claims to 1 percent for the remainder of Zambia’s IMF program. The agreement with China will see Zambia pay interest rates as low as 1 percent until 2037 and push out maturities on $6.3 billion in bilateral debt to 2043, representing an average extension of more than 12 years.

As for Sri Lanka, after President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to China in mid-October, Sri Lanka confirmed that it has reached a deal with China, regarding $4.2 billion of debt. This is a positive sign for receipt of the second IMF tranche. State Minister for Finance Shehan Semasinghe said the agreement reached with the IMF and the staff-level agreement reached following the first review of Sri Lanka’s EFF arrangement will help settle arrears owed to multilateral creditors while expediting the debt restructuring process.ADVERTISEMENT

This may give reassurances to Ghana, which is yet to finalize a debt restructuring deal with China, as it aims for a flexible and cordial response from creditors with the support of the IMF. However, the difficulties faced by Ghana, Zambia, and Sri Lanka when restructuring their bilateral debt with China may ward off other potential defaults in the developing world.

Lessons Learned

Developing countries that default before initiating the debt restructuring process show relatively higher losses for investors. The experiences of Ghana, Zambia, and Sri Lanka suggest that reaching out to the IMF before a default is crucial to preventing rejection by potential lenders. 

This situation should serve as a wake-up call for the World Bank, IMF, and other multilateral organizations to evolve mechanisms that address this unprecedented debt crisis and promote better initiatives for economic development. Without effective debt restructuring, relief, or forgiveness, middle-income debtor nations risk falling into a debt trap where economic policies focus solely on servicing unproductive debt repayments to creditors and propping up an unfair global financial system.

Many developing economies classified as middle-income countries are deprived of concessional financing opportunities and more generous debt relief mechanisms, such as the HIPC, provided by international organizations. This must signal to multilateral organizations that mechanisms must evolve to support debt-distressed middle-income countries, who currently dominate global debt distress. Multilateral organizations must support these economies individually to reduce their debt levels, rather than holding them back as a result of arbitrary income categorization and a one-size-fits-all” approach.

Prolonged debt restructuring processes due to delays from major creditors have increased debt burdens over time. Timely discussions are essential for safeguarding a debt-ridden nation’s financial stability and mitigating potential economic repercussions from prolonged debt restructuring. The challenges associated with IMF policies necessitate access to alternative sources of concessional finance to address the opportunity costs of debt. It is imperative to navigate these turbulent waters and ensure that nations are not held hostage by debt but rather empowered to build a brighter economic future.

This article is based on an explainer titled: Borrowing Wisely: Gaining Insights from Debt Restructuring in Ghana, Sri Lanka and Zambia” published by Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies.

Shenali D Waduge

The Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security headed by Rear Admiral (Dr) Sarath Weerasekera has released an interesting report addressed to the State Defense Minister on the Rambukkana shooting that brings to question the HRCSL Commission of Expert report & the intrusive interference by the US envoy to Sri Lanka.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka released their report on the 19 April 2022 Rambukkana incident after it appointed a Commission of Experts to inquire on 5 May 2022. The COE report does not harp too much on the unruly behavior of protestors & the damage done to public property nor does the COE recommend action against those that harmed public property on 19^th April 2022 in Rambukkana.

Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera’s report was highly critical of the US envoy’s interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka.

Unlike the HRCSL COE report, the Sectoral Oversight Committee report has enabled citizens to visualize the scenario that unfolded in Rambukkana on 19^th April 2022.

From daylight a tense situation had been brewing, people were burning tyres on roads & near the railway tracks & even preventing non-participants from getting about their daily life or allowing children to attend school.

The COE report does not consider the outcome if the unruly & drunken mob had set fire to the 2 fuel tanks.

Berating the armed forces in an attempt to demoralize them was seen post-May 2009 with the international community calling Sri Lanka’s armed forces war criminals in a global attempt to demoralize them. The police became the target in 2022. The manner that foreign envoys, so-called human rights activists converged to accuse law enforcement teams was to make them fear carrying out their duties by showing them what would happen to them if they did so.

The US envoy took a leading role in this effort with human rights groups following the pied piper.

How fair was it to put the SSP & 3 constables in remand prison & having to pay legal fees with their personal funds?

The mental torture the police linked to the Rambukkana incident were treated has clearly established this objective. From actions of police, it is clear that the demoralization agenda has worked. The police & armed forces heads & GoSL seriously needs to address this as it is likely to become a national security threat where even the Government will end up facing the tune!

The COE does not mention that the protestors had stopped the 2 fuel bowsers & chased away the drivers. COE does mention that 21 police officers were injured though the scale of their injuries is not mentioned. Some are still in critical condition.

COE report says Observing the continuous hurling of stones, the law enforcement officers have then proceeded to shoot the unarmed protestors with live ammunition fire arms to disperse the civilians” (if so, many should have died!)

The COE report says

The police contended they observed an increased risk of violence at the protest site as there were people who were under the consumption of alcohol. lt was contended that they observed an imminent threat of fire to the two fuel bowsers, the fuel station and the train that was already blocked on the railway line by the protestors. Therefore, as the tear gas also did not deter the crowd satisfactorily, the police officer SSP Keerthirathne has ordered to shoot the protestors below the knees. The contention of SSP Keerthirathne was that the order to shoot arose as there was a reasonable apprehension in his mind of an imminent threat to the safety of the two fuel bowser which would cause severe damage to the people and the property.” 

(The report itself presents the rational basis on which the order was given) Instead of reprimanding the police in a paper report, why doesn’t the COE propose what the police should have done to protect the fuel bowsers as well as themselves from stones by over 200 unruly protestors most of whom were drunk!

The COE does not mention that police had no control over price increases though the protestors were demanding that police sell fuel at the earlier price.

The COE does not mention that protestors were attempting to cut the pipeline of the fuel tanks & set fire to them.

The COE does not mention that the protestors had actually succeeded in breaking the lid of the petrol tank & drops of petrol was falling to the ground.

The COE does not cover the catastrophe that would have unfolded if the unruly mobs had actually set fire to 2 full fuel tanks. The collateral damage that the police took was insignificant to what would have happened if the 2 fuel tanks were actually blown up.

The COE ignores that had the protestors blown up the 2 fuel tanks, the SSP & police would have been held responsible for the damage that ensued too & legal action would have been taken against him.

Who expects the police to refer the law books instead of taking immediate action to prevent the cutting of the pipeline & lighting it?

The Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee report shows that following the 19 April incident, the 9^thMay inaction by police & armed forces may have indirectly impacted their inaction. This is a serious situation and the GoSL cannot neglect addressing this.

The COE does not pay much attention to the ONLY RAMBUKKANA DEATH that arose from a bullet that hit an advertisement plate & deflected, hitting the person who died from bullet wounds, shrapnel wounds proves this. If he had been directly shot dead, the bullet alone would have killed him.

So the HRCSL has to prove that the police actually shot dead the person that the US envoy & human rights activists are presenting as a civilian intentionally killed by the police.

If in fact, the deceased had died from a shot that had deflected from the advertisement board onto his body, the 3 constables & SSP Keerthiratne must be given a public apology and refunded their legal fees as well as compensated for the mental torture they suffered.

It is interesting how the HRCSL reacted to the Rambukkana death as against the death of 8 others following the 9 May incident as well as HRCSL reaction to the death of an elected member of Parliament brutally killed, his body dragged around the streets and kept on display. HRCSL cannot be selective in their reports or their statements.

Equally surprising is the behavior of the lawyers of the BASL who appeared with 107 lawyers on behalf of the deceased while the SSP & 3 constables had only 1 member from the AGs dept & 1 lawyer from the police. Does the BASL send over 100 lawyers to all cases? Why only Rambukkana? Why did these lawyers not appear for the family of the murdered MP or 8 others killed? This action certainly brings the actions of the BASL into public domain and questions their moral standing.

Why has the COE ignored Section 95 of the Criminal Procedure Code entitling an officer above rank of IP to use force to control an unlawful riot?

Why has the COE ignored Section 93 of the Penal Code that allows police to act against rioters even to shoot for the safety of people’s lives?

Why has the COE ignored Section 96 of the Penal Code that says action can be taken against anyone attempting to destroy property by fire, even shoot

Why has the COE ignored Section 97 of the Criminal Procedure Code that clearly states that no officer acting in accordance with Section 95 can be prosecuted or arrested without the permission of the AG? The SSP & constables had been arrested without the consent of the AG.

Why has the COE ignored A19 shooting orders of the Police Dept that contains the rules with which they can shoot.

If the SSP had followed the books & acted in accordance with the law to prevent a greater catastrophe that would have resulted in mass deaths & destruction to property of the 2 fuel tanks had been lit on fire, and if the Rambukkana death was not intentional & did not arise from direct shooting (instead from a bullet that reflected from an advertisement board), why does the SSP & 3 constables have to pay for their legal fees from personal funds & remanded for no reason?

The Sectoral Committee has rightly recommended that SSP Keerthiratne and the 3 police constables be given legal support from the Police Welfare Fund so that action will at lease reverse the adverse impact to the morale of the officers in the service (armed forces & police) as this will in the long run impact national security.

There are contradictions in the report of the Sectoral Committee & the COE – is there clear evidence that a police officer shooting the deceased?

Can the COE prove that the police officer shot the deceased as a result of the use of force irresponsibly?

Can the COE contradict the content of the Sectoral Committee report that the sole death was from a bullet that deflected from an advertisement board & hit him (which means that it was not an intentional death)

The COE in point 39 of its report also states bullet travelling through an intermediate target/object” …. The bullet had hit the interposed object (sign board)directly at a downward angle”– does this not mean that the deceased was not directly shot.

While the COE gives a list of persons injured they only mention 21 police injuries & neglects to mention the scale of the injuries suffered by the police from unruly drunk protestors.

The COE highlights the right of people to protest but no one has a right to disturb the peace or behave in an unruly manner to burn tyres on the middle of the road, pelt stones at law enforcement – these actions do not constitute rights!

https://www.hrcsl.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HRCSL-recommendation-about-Rambukkana-incident-on-19th-Aprial-2022.pdf – the report of the COE

Shenali D Waduge

By M D P DISSANAYAKE

Many Sri Lankans have short memories.  If they feel some sense of victory, they completely forget the past and look for new solutions and heroes.   This is exactly what has happened to Sri Lanka Cricket at the World Cup.

It was just two and half years ago, Sri :Lanka was demoted to the Associate Level  as we fell short of qualifying for the top 8 teams.  Sri Lanka had to find ways and means of qualifying  for the Professional Level and compete with Emerging Nations such as Ireland, Netherlands, Nepal, Oman, Scotland. UAE, USA   together with West Indies and Zimbabwe.    After rigorous competition, Sri Lanka won the Championship, with Netherlands  as runners up. 

The tournament did not attract high level public attention, compared with the ODI World Cup.  But we had a strong squad consisting: Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis, Sahan Arachchige,  Charith Asalanka, Dananjaya de Silva,  Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushan Hemantha, Chammika Karunaratne, Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Mahesh Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Sadeera Samarawicrema and Mahesh Theekshana.  The hardwork and commitment by these team members were short remembered when World Cup 23 got underway.

 The Cricket Management has very cleverly undermined the contributions made the Qualifying Squad.  So far the Cricket Management has  dropped players and introduced new players.  They started with dropping  Chammika Karunaratne, Dananjaya De Silva, Matheesa Pathirana and introduced Angelow Mathews and Dushmantha Chameera and appointed Kusal Mendis as Skipper ahead of Dananjaya De Silva.

The match against India was a clear demonstration by the players  of their dissatisfaction, anger and sense of insecurity.   It was an amazing defeat for Sri Lanka hitting the lowest level of confidence.

Dasun Shanaka continued as Skipper, when the team was out of the mainframe.  He was a Leader, Fighter and non-controversial.  Cricketing fans are with Dasun.

Courtesy TheCradle

The plan advocates the forced transfer of the population of the Gaza Strip to Sinai permanently, and calls for the international community to be leveraged to assist the move

Palestinians shelter at a temporary tent camp set up for those who were displaced from their homes by Israel’s evacuation orders and airstrikes, Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip (Photo credit: Bloomberg))

Israeli culture magazine Mekomit published on 28 October a leaked document issued by Israel’s Ministry of Intelligence recommending the occupation of Gaza and total transfer of its 2.3 million inhabitants to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

The document, issued on 13 October, identifies a plan to transfer all residents of the Gaza Strip to North Sinai as the preferred option among three alternatives regarding the future of the Palestinians in Gaza at the end of the current war between Israel and the Hamas-led Palestinian resistance.

The document recommends that Israel evacuate the Gazan population to Sinai during the war, establish tent cities and new cities in northern Sinai to accommodate the deported population, and then create a closed security zone stretching several kilometers inside Egypt. The deported Palestinians would not be allowed to return to any areas near the Israeli border.

The existence of the document does not necessarily indicate that its recommendations are being implemented by Israel’s security establishment.

The Ministry of Intelligence, headed by Gila Gamliel of the Likud party, does not control any of Israel’s intelligence agencies, but independently prepares studies and policy papers, which are distributed for consideration by the government and its security bodies.

However, recent statements by Israeli government officials and actions by the Israeli army in Gaza suggest the plan is indeed being implemented. Since 7 October, Israeli officials have repeatedly issued warnings to Palestinians to move to southern Gaza in advance of a looming ground invasion. 

Israel has imposed a total siege on Gaza, cutting off food, water, fuel, and electricity. The siege, combined with intense Israeli bombing that has killed over 8,000 Palestinians, the majority women and children, threatens to make Gaza uninhabitable. 

An official at the Ministry of Intelligence confirmed that the ten-page document is authentic but “was not supposed to reach the media,” Mekovit noted.

According to a right-wing activist, the document from the Ministry of Intelligence was leaked by a member of Likud. Leaking the document was an attempt to find out whether “the public in Israel is ready to accept ideas of a transfer from Gaza.”

The document unequivocally and explicitly recommends carrying out a transfer of civilians from Gaza as the desired outcome of the war.

The transfer plan is divided into several phases: in the first phase, the population in Gaza must be forced to move to southern Gaza, while Israeli air strikes will focus on targets in northern Gaza.

In the second phase, the Israeli army’s ground entry into Gaza will begin, which will lead to the occupation of the entire strip, from north to south, and the “cleansing of the underground bunkers from Hamas fighters.”

At the same time as the Gaza Strip is occupied, the citizens of Gaza will move to Egyptian territory and will be prevented from returning permanently. 

“It is important to leave the traffic lanes towards the south usable, to allow the evacuation of the civilian population towards Rafah,” the document states.

The document recommends beginning a dedicated campaign that will “motivate” Gazans to agree to the plan,” and make them give up their land. 

Gazan should be convinced that Allah made sure that you lost this land because of the leadership of Hamas – there is no choice but to move to another place with the help of Your Muslim brothers,” the document reads.

Further, the plan states the government must launch a public relations campaign that will promote the transfer program to western states in a way that does not promote hostility to Israel or damage its reputation. The deportation of the population from Gaza must be presented as a necessary humanitarian measure to receive international support. Such a deportation could be justified if it will lead to “fewer casualties among the civilian population compared to the expected number of casualties if they remain,” the document says.

The document also states that the US should be leveraged to pressure Egypt to take in the residents of Gaza, and to encourage other European countries, and in particular Greece, Spain and Canada, to help take in and settle the refugees who will be evacuated from Gaza. 

Finally, the document claims that if the population of Gaza remains, there will be “many Arab deaths” during the expected occupation of Gaza by the Israeli army, and this will damage Israel’s international image even more than the deportation of the population. For all these reasons, the recommendation of the Ministry of Intelligence is to promote the transfer of all Palestinians in Gaza to Sinai permanently.

https://new.thecradle.co/articles/leaked-israeli-plan-to-ethnically-cleanse-gaza

By Prof Michel Chossudovsky and Mike Adams Courtesy Global Research

We are currently at the crossroads of the Most Serious Economic and Social Crisis in World History.  It is an outright war against all humanity: the Planet’s 8 billion people. 

Starting with the corona crisis in late January 2020, the global crisis (2020-2023) –which is ongoing– has literally disrupted and destroyed people’s lives Worldwide in the course of the last three years.

In turn, the dangers of a Third World War are routinely obfuscated by the media. A world of fantasy permeates the mainstream media which tacitly upholds the conduct of nuclear war as a peace-making endeavor. 

Everything is interrelated: the war in Ukraine, censorship and the derogation of fundamental rights, the Lockdowns and Covid-19 killer Vaccine”, corrupt governments, … (Michel Chossudovsky)

This interview addresses the complexities of this global crisis.

First published on September 15, 2023

https://www.brighteon.com/embed/340d1ea5-eef7-4fa7-ada2-2a2894e0447a
Click here to access the Video on Brighteon.com and/or leave a comment

https://www.brighteon.com/340d1ea5-eef7-4fa7-ada2-2a2894e0447a

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Indian Minister of Finance Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees on 2ndof November2023. The Prime Minister thanked India for the allocation of Indian Rs 824 million under the Memorandum of Understanding signed during the visit of the Finance Minister for solar electrification of religious places out of the Indian grant assistance of Indian Rs 1.0747 billion earmarked for the promotion of Buddhist ties.

Indian Finance Minister said India highly appreciates Prime Minister Gunawardena’s unstinted efforts to promote Indo-Lanka friendship and cooperation. Decades ago when we fighting for our independence, your parents associated in Indian freedom struggle and now as Prime Minister you are continue to work towards further strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation between our two countries and we have very high regards for you,” she said.

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagley, MP Yadamini Gunawardena and Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake and senior officials of the two countries were also present on this occasion.

Ministry of Defence  – Media Centre

•           State Minister of Defence receives the salute of the annual ‘Hermann Loos’ Parade

•           Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne graced as a special dignitary

The government initiated measures to establish a Social Intelligence Unit to ensure the protection and social security of the young generation through the creativity of the students and this would facilitate the students to rid themselves from the drug menace.

Efforts are also being made to popularize and promote the activities of our talented children and National Cadet Corps (NCC) Cadets through modern technical methods.

State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon made these remarks at the NCC Training Centre at Rantembe while gracing the passing out parade of the NCC Hermann Loos and De Soysa Championship 2023 as the Chief Guest yesterday (Nov 02).

NCC Director Brigadier Sudantha Fonseka warmly welcomed the State Minister and the dignitaries on the arrival to the premises.

This year’s Parade which was also attended by Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne as a special dignitary, is the maiden annual spectacle held since the President’s Colours and the Corps Colours were awarded to the NCC in 2023 this year by President Ranil Wickremasinghe recognising the national value of the National Cadet Corps.

Hermann Loos and De Soysa Trophies – 2023 were won by Colombo Ananda College Cadet Platoon and Girls’ High School Kandy Cadet Platoon.

During the ceremony, the Chief Guest pinned medals on the winners of the Hermann Loos and De Soysa platoons followed by the presentation of awards to the winners.

Subsequently, State Minister Tennakoon addressed the Cadets and the audience. During the speech, the Minister emphasised the measures initiated to uplift the NCC.

During the ceremony, the State Minister also extended his special gratitude to Hon. President for spearheading the NCC for the benefit of the education sector  and amalgamating the NCC with the Education Ministry when Hon. Wickramasinghe  was the then  Minister of Education.

Minister Tennakoon also congratulated the national champions as well as other Cadet Platoons who performed admirably in the competition. Further, he thanked their parents for directing these children for NCC training activities and for being a source of continuous support for them.

Religious dignitaries including Venerable Maha Sangha, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Additional Secretary – Civil Security and Development, Commander of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Navy, Military Liaison Officer of the Defence Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, state officials, the Commandant and the training staff of the NCC Training Centre, Armed Forces and Police Officers, Provincial and Zonal Directors of Education, Principals, invitees and parents also attended the event.

By Arjun Sengupta courtesy defenddemocracy.press

October 15, 2023

Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned Israel on Friday (October 13) against besieging Gaza in the same way that Nazi Germany besieged Leningrad, Reuters reported.

The siege of Leningrad (St Petersburg) was one of the most deadly sieges in history, killing an estimated 1.5 million, mostly civilians, between 1941 and 1944. Some 21st century scholars have used the term genocide” to describe the siege, specifically referring to the systematic starvation and intentional destruction of the city’s civilian population.

We take a look at the siege of Leningrad and Putin’s personal connection to it.

With Operation Barbarossa, Hitler decided to turn against the Soviet Union, previously a German ally, in the summer of 1941. While eventually a catastrophic failure, Barbarossa was devastating for the Soviets as well, killing millions. The siege of Leningrad is perhaps most emblematic of the kind of price the Soviets paid to defeat the Nazis.

The former capital of Russia, Leningrad was a symbolic as well as strategically valuable target. The Soviets were aware of this and before German forces reached the city, the administration mobilised at least a million citizens to fortify and build several lines of defences. These defences, coupled with the 200,000 Red Army soldiers and Germany’s own manpower crunch, made taking the city a difficult proposition. The Germans laid siege instead.

From September 8, 1941 to January 27,1944 — a period of 872 days — Leningrad was under siege, under constant German shelling, famine-like conditions, and the unforgiving weather of the Russian north. Roughly 650,000 Leningraders perished in 1942 alone. The situation was particularly dire in the peak winter when temperatures plummeted to minus 30 degree Celsius — in January and February 1942, around 100,000 Leningraders were dying each month.

By the time the Red Army broke the siege, 1.5 million souls had perished in Leningrad, with half a million more dying during attempted evacuations. Around 470,000 civilians and soldiers were buried in mass graves in St Petersburg’s Piskariovskoye Cemetery alone.

Tragedy of an unthinkable scale

The scale of tragedy in Leningrad is almost unimaginable — Russian casualties during the siege were bigger than combined American and British casualties during the entire war, as per an evaluation done by the US Military Academy. This scale makes it near impossible to compare what happened in Leningrad with anything that has happened since.

The Germans in Leningrad targeted civilians by cutting off supplies — what some scholars have referred to as systematic starvation”. Historian Jorg Ganzenmuller told DW  in 2016 that the starvation of Leningrad was seen to be necessary to guarantee that there were enough supplies for the German army. As per German military doctrine, troops were supposed to be fed by the captured territories. This meant that supplying large cities was not in consideration.

The situation in Leningrad was so dire that people even resorted to cannibalism, with a couple thousand cases officially on record.

Vladimir Putin’s personal connection

One reason for Putin to invoke Leningrad is his own personal connection to it. While he was born six years after the siege was lifted, Putin lost his brother to the siege of Leningrad.

My brother, whom I have never seen and did not know, was buried here, I don’t even know where exactly,” Putin said during the annual wreath laying ceremony at the Piskariovskoye Cemetery. Viktor Putin would have been only two when he passed away in 1942, most likely due to the cold and starvation.

In his book, First Person (2000), Putin described how his mother almost died of starvation. She lost consciousness … and they put her with all the corpses,” he wrote.

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 A.J.A. Abeynayake Courtesy The Island

Easter Sunday attacks case

The Supreme Court on Thursday (02) ordered former President Maithripala Sirisena, former defence secretary, Hemasiri Fernando, former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former head of the SIS, SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena to pay before 30 June 2024, the full amount the court stipulated as compensation to the victims of Easter Sunday massacre.

A seven member panel of judges comprising CJ Jayantha Jayasuriya, justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Murdu Fernando, S. Thurairajah, AHMD Nawas, Kumuduni Wickramasinghe and Shiran Gunaratne also refused Sirisena’s request that he be allowed to pay the stipulated amount in 10 years.

The court also asked the defendants to furnish a detailed report of their assets along with affidavits.The judges ordered the defendants to report whether they had sold, handed over or gifted any of their properties by 02 November.

The court said it had ordered, on 12 January 2023, the police to conduct a disciplinary inquiry against SDIG Jayawardena. The judges asked the IGP what the police had done about the SDIG. On January 12, 2023, the Supreme Court found that former President Sirisena, former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, former IGP Pujith Jayasundara, former National Intelligence Chief Sisira Mendis and former SIS chief Nilantha Jayawardena had violated the fundamental rights of the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks by failing to take action to prevent the bombings despite having received sufficient intelligence about them in advance.

The SC ordered Sirisena to pay Rs. 100 million in compensation to the petitioners from his personal money, while Pujith Jayasundara and Nilantha Jayawardena were ordered to pay Rs. 75 million each. In addition, Hemasiri Fernando and Sisira Mendis were ordered to pay Rs. 50 million and Rs. 10 million rupees, respectively.

Mendis is the only person to have paid the money.The AG on Thursday said by 11 July 2023, Sirisena had paid Rs. 15 million, Jayasundara Rs. 17 million, Jayawardena Rs. 4.1 million, and Fernando Rs. 2 million.

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo (Daily Mirror) – Bangladesh requested for recognition of more of its public medical colleges by the Sri Lankan health authorities, an official said.

The request was made to Health Minister Dr.Ramesh Pathirana when met with Bangladeshi High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam on Thursday. They spoke about Sri Lankan students studying medicine in Bangladesh on scholarship and how to expand the scope of cooperation in this regard.

The High Commissioner also sought for training of his country’s health professionals in dengue management.

We agreed to have regular exchanges with regard to our respective best practices and expertise in dealing with public health issues. I requested him for training of our health professionals in dengue management.

I met the new Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana to seek his leadership and guidance in strengthening further the collaboration between our two countries in the health sector. We particularly discussed the potential of cooperation that the pharmaceutical sector holds for our two countries. Referring to the current level of import of medicines from Bangladesh, I briefed the Minister on how Sri Lanka can benefit more by getting more world-class pharmaceutical products from us at affordable prices. We discussed possible G-to-G arrangements in this regard. I also shared with him our government’s decision to send to Sri Lanka as a goodwill gesture about US$ 1 million worth of essential medicines as per their requirements,” he said.

Courtesy Adaderana

Addressing the gathering at the opening of the Courts complex in Welimada today (Nov. 03), President Ranil Wickremesinghe has drawn attention to the contrasting approaches of the international community when it comes to addressing human rights concerns in Sri Lanka and Gaza.

The Head of State highlighted that both regions are facing significant human rights challenges, but the responses from the West appear to differ significantly.

Referring to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, President Wickremesinghe emphasized that every country must adhere to this crucial document.

He pointed out that when Hamas attacked Israel on October 07, the Sri Lankan government swiftly condemned the act, reaffirming their support for the principle of Palestinian statehood while denouncing terrorism. This condemnation, he noted, allowed for Israel’s right of retaliation within the framework of international laws and rules.

However, the president expressed concern that such principles did not seem to apply universally. He noted that the killing of over 10,000 people in the Gaza Strip, according to UN agencies, raised questions about the justifiability of warfare within one’s own country and the response of the international community.

The Sri Lankan leader further pointed out that the West, including the USA, had passed resolutions against Sri Lanka for its human rights record. He questioned as to why there was a difference in the approach taken by these nations towards Sri Lanka and Gaza, where similar issues were prevalent. He stressed that the same rules should apply to both regions.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted that, according to international law, measures taken to combat terrorism must fully comply with states’ obligations

under international human rights law, including the protection of fundamental freedoms. He questioned the inconsistency in the application of these principles.

Additionally, he expressed concerns about the human rights impact of the economic crisis in Gaza, where food insecurity, fuel shortages, lack of essential medicines and reductions in household incomes were more severe than what Sri Lanka faced last year.

President Wickremesinghe concluded by underlining the importance of addressing the grievances and demands of the Tamil and Muslim populations, calling for measures to combat marginalization and discrimination. He questioned the differing standards applied by the West to Sri Lanka and Gaza and suggested that clean hands should be a universal requirement in international matters.

The President’s remarks highlight a pressing issue: the need for consistency and fairness in the international approach to human rights issues, regardless of the region in question.

Courtesy Adaderana

In a significant event held in Colombo, the exchange of bilateral documents took centre stage, marking the initiation of projects supported by a generous USD 15 million grant from the Government of India. 

This grant is specifically allocated to bolster the longstanding Buddhist connections between India and Sri Lanka, underscoring the deep historical and cultural ties that bind these two nations together, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

The signing of the bilateral agreements took place at the President’s House in Colombo yesterday (02). President Wickremesinghe and Hon Finance Minister of India Ms Nirmala Sitaraman engaged in lengthy bilateral discussions during this event.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of this substantial grant underscores the significance of strengthening Buddhist linkages between the two countries. The grant could be allocated towards various initiatives, including the construction and renovation of Buddhist monasteries, capacity development, cultural exchange, archaeological cooperation, reciprocal exhibition of relics and other areas of mutual interest.

In recognition of the evolving economic landscape in Sri Lanka, both countries have agreed to recalibrate the grant amount from Sri Lankan Rupees to Indian Rupees, aligning it with the prevailing market conditions. This adjustment is being formalized through diplomatic Letters of Exchange and Acceptance, signifying a shared commitment to further enhancing these ties.

High Commissioner of India, Gopal Baglay and Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Somaratne Vidanapathirana, played pivotal roles in exchanging these documents, and this momentous occasion was witnessed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Hon Finance Minister of India Ms Nirmala Sitaraman.

The first project to be initiated under the USD 15 million grant is the solar electrification of religious sites across Sri Lanka, with an allocation of USD 10 million. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this significant project was jointly finalized by the governments of India and Sri Lanka.

This historic moment was captured with a photograph featuring all distinguished participants, celebrating a significant milestone in the bilateral relations of India and Sri Lanka.

This event was graced by the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure development Jeewan Thondaman, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka HE Gopal Bhaglay, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Mr Saman Ekanayake, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance Mr. K. M. Mahinda Siriwardana, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Mr. Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Members of the Indian High Commission, members of the visiting Indian delegation, Foreign Ministry officials and High level Government officials.

by Senaka Weeraratna

A crisis of cataclysmic proportions brought about by natural disasters e.g.  Great Fire of Lisbon (1755) and man made wars in Europe on ground of religious enmity (Wars of the Reformation and Counter – Reformation),  gave rise to the Enlightenment philosophy in 18th-century Europe that placed a higher emphasis on reason and rationality over superstition and conjecture. The relatives of the ‘unsaved ‘ who died in their thousands in these catastrophes  despite seeking protection through unending prayers finally said ‘ Enough is Enough’ and shed their belief in an external saviour. They lost faith in the power of prayers and the wisdom of that practice. They began to place more trust in self – reliance and reason.  People realized the need for each  person to avoid conformity and false consistency and follow their own instincts and ideas worked out and tested by themselves.

Thus dawned the Age of Reason in the Western world. 

Richard Dawkins authored book ‘ God Delusion'(2006) epitomises the trend of such rational thinking.  He contends that a supernatural creator and loving God certainly does not exist.  

The frequently used phrase ‘ God loves you’ is conspiquous by its absence in the carnage in Gaza that we witness today (day after day) on our TV Screens. 

More than 90% of Global level wars within the last 500 years have originated  in countries following the Abrahamic Religious Traditions. They invoke the blessings of God to achieve victory in battle.  They do not necessarily subscribe to Non – Violence as the Indian leader  Mahatma Gandhi did as a tool of Resistance against foreign occupation. Gandhi taught the world a moral lesson as much as Ceylon taught the world a moral lesson at the Peace Conference held at San Francisco, USA in 1952 when its delegate Hon. J.R. Jayewardene (then Ceylon’s Finance Minister) called on the Victors of the Second World War not to punish Japan with a view to settling scores but to heed the call of the Buddha who preached that ‘ Hatred does not cease by Hatred but only by Love. This is the Eternal Rule.’ . Several  Asian countries that had attended this Peace Conference with lists of Demands in the form of Reparations folded up their papers without submitting them after hearing J.R. Jayawardene speak seeking clemency for Japan. That forgiving gesture on the part of mostly Buddhist Asian countries which were not prepared to toe the line of the Victorious Western Alies saved Millions of Dollars for Japan and in turn helped the once defiant Japan (Pearl Harbour)  but now lying defeated, battered and bruised, to rebuild Japan ( known as the Light of Asia when almost the whole whole of Asia bar Thailand was under Western domination).  

There are no winners in modern wars of the type we are seeing on TV sets today. The Leaders that take their people to wars are not really heroes. 

If God is on the side of Humanity he will stop the war.  

The Price of Glory is Death.

Senaka Weeraratna

by Zoe Alexandra Courtesy defenddemocracy.press

Across West Asia and North Africa, massive protests have been staged in solidarity with the Palestinian people and to protest the criminal Israeli attacks on Gaza

Since October 7, hundreds of thousands of people have participated in demonstrations in cities across North Africa and West Asia in solidarity with the Palestinian people’s resistance to occupation, and in rejection of Israel’s genocidal war against Gaza.

One of the key slogans and demands by people across the region, in addition to Israel immediately ending its siege and blockade of Gaza, is for their governments to end normalization with Israel or to take measures to block any possibility for normalization.

Normalization” refers to the broad process where countries in the region have, through different agreements, mechanisms, or actions, recognized Israel and established a diplomatic relationship with it. It is a historic process which includes the peace agreements with Jordan and Egypt, but it has intensified in recent years under the initiative of former US President Donald Trump. In September 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed the Abraham Accords, mediated by the US government under Trump, which saw them end their historic policy of no diplomatic relationship with Israel. Morocco and Sudan were soon to follow.

Normalization is in direct violation of the Arab Peace initiative of the Arab League which established that no member would normalize relations until Israel withdraws from the occupied territories (West Bank, Gaza, the Golan Heights, and Lebanon), addresses the Palestinian refugee issue based on UN Resolution 194, and establishes a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Additionally, normalization is highly unpopular among the people in the region who not only feel a historic relationship of support and solidarity with the Palestinian people, but also see how the process emboldens imperialism in the region and the local ruling class. In January 2023, with this understanding and the growing indignation over continued atrocities by Israel against the Palestinian people, youth from people’s movements and left parties from across the region formed the Arab and Maghreb Youth Student Front Against Normalization and in Support of People’s Causes.

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The coordinator of the Youth Front, Ayoub Habraoui spoke to Peoples Dispatch about the protests seen today across the region in support of Palestine and the youths’ understanding of the role played by zionism in collusion with imperialism across the region.

Peoples Dispatch: What has been the response across the Arab and Maghreb region to the Israeli bombing of Gaza? How have the youth of the region responded?

Ayoub Habraoui: Since the Zionist terrorist operations began in Gaza, the Arab and Maghreb peoples have reacted to the tragic events we are seeing every day in the media, and confirming that actual terrorism is being committed by Israel under the sponsorship of the United States. Since the bombardment started, the peoples of the region have held massive protest rallies and marches, condemning the audacity practiced by Israel against the resilient residents of Gaza. They demanded Arab and Maghreb regimes to support Gaza and the resistance and to halt relations and normalization with the Zionist entity.

The youth played a significant role in these protests and uprisings in all Arab and Maghreb countries. Daily student marches from colleges head to Zionist embassies or embassies of countries supporting them. Media-wise, the youth also play a vital role in conveying the voice of the Palestinian people who suffer from significant media blackout due to the imperial powers supporting Zionism in social media, especially. Unifying the Arab and Maghreb youth’s voice is necessary in the face of the false Zionist propaganda, backed by imperial forces, claiming that Israel is defending itself against terrorist attacks carried out by resistance organizations.

PD: Why do youth in the region see Palestine as a national cause?

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AH: I will begin my response to the question with a quote from George Habash: The best contribution you can make to the Palestinian cause is your struggle against your retrogressive regimes.” The liberation of Palestine cannot happen without a drastic change in the Arab and Maghreb countries.

These puppet regimes have directly or indirectly strengthened Zionism by not supporting the Palestinian people in their resistance and by their silence or weak public stances, as we see now, attempting to bury both popular and armed resistance. Moreover, this entity doesn’t only pose a threat to Palestine but to the entire region. There will be no peace in the Arab and Maghreb region, especially in the Middle East, without Israel’s withdrawal and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state from the river to the sea.

Additionally, we believe that the religious and nationalist understanding of the issue does not serve Palestine’s interests. Therefore, the Palestinian cause must be approached from an international and national perspective. The essence here is that as long as Palestine is occupied, no country is free. As long as there are children sleeping and waking up under the rubble of bombings, we cannot talk about freedom and the world of democracy. Our struggle now must be a clear struggle against its systems to liberate our people, contributing to the liberation of Palestine.

PD: The youth front against normalization sees Zionism as a key partner of imperialism and local oligarchies in the region. How does this play out in the political life of the region? What kind of benefits did imperialism and local oligarchies get from normalizing relations with Israel?

AH: The establishment of Israel in 1948 occurred within the context of imperialistic interventions in the Middle East. Following World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, British and French imperial powers heavily intervened in the region. With the support of these powers, Zionists decided to establish a Zionist state in Palestine. This decision caused significant discontent among Arab countries and Muslims in the region, viewing it as serving imperialist interests at the expense of Palestinian rights.

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Israel’s presence in the region led to increased instability and continuous tensions. Israeli-Arab conflicts and ongoing tensions further ignited conflicts in the region, prompting imperial powers to establish American military bases in the area to safeguard their interests and maintain their presence in the Middle East.

Regarding normalization with Israel, this move aimed at a key objective for imperialism: enhancing its influence and benefitting from the region. Some Arab nations normalized relations with Israel in exchange for recognition of sovereignty over specific territories. This normalization allowed imperialism to strengthen its presence and control in the region, opening avenues for economic cooperation and investments. Imperial powers capitalized on the relative stability brought by normalization, seeking to reinforce financial and economic ties with regional countries, capitalizing on the economic and political opportunities arising from this normalization.

“As long as Palestine is occupied, no country is free”

Ministry of Defence  – Media Centre

Buddhima Samadhi Damsarani Senarathne of Defence Services College (DSC), Colombo set a new record clocking 2:45:69 minutes in the under-18 Girls’ 200-meter backstroke event at the recently held All Island National School Games Swimming Championships.

She also won silver medals in both 50 m and 100 m (backstroke) event at the championship. Buddhima stole the spotlight with her exceptional performance winning silver medals in the 50 m and 200 m and a bronze in the 100 m selection trials (U-18) for the South Asian age group swimming championships conducted by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union.

She had also won gold in the 200 m and two silver medals in the 50 m and 100 m (U- 18 back stroke) events at the Western Province Swimming Championships 2023.

Buddhima has collected 24 medals including 10 gold medals for her alma mater at national level competitions since 2014.

Prime Minister’s Media

The Prime Minister stated that the issues with regard to the  ownership of the land should be settled for the cultivation  at the Vavuniya District Food Security Program held today (2023.11.01) at the Vavuniya District Secretariat, in conjunction with the New Village – New Country National Programme.

Speaking on this occasion the Prime Minister further said that-
. One of the issues prevailing in the Vavuniya District is the land issue. The second problem is the issues that have arisen for a long time due to conflict with the Forest Conservation Department and forest conservation rules and regulations. When I presented the project of Vavuniya Water Scheme as the Minister of Water Supply, one department after another came up with hurdles and did not give permission to start the water scheme. But somehow provisions were allocated, and it was managed to transport water through  the forest and implement the project .Now water is brought through a pipe lines laid through the jungle.

There are forest  areas that have been remained as forests for a long time and certain forests that have recently emerged. But there is a problem in the areas declared as forests. Especially in the Northern Province  there were conflicts for some time. The trees that were planted in certain areas that were abandoned during those conflicts have become enormous trees today. In some maps published during that time, those areas have been declared as jungles.

This problem  exists in Monaragala, Ampara and Trincomalee districts. But the farmers raise their cattle on those lands. These lands were used for traditionally farming .We will give the necessary powers to the Government Agent to hold a special discussion and ease this problem.

Earlier how much time did it take to go from Vavuniya to Jaffna? Now an express train is available to bridge the gap. In such a developed country, we should be ashamed of shortcomings  of  not being able to register a birth certificate. The Registrar General Department has started a new program to register birth certificates by using technology and digital methods.It is significant to provide solutions to such situations by conducting mobile services and providing copies of birth certificates and other documents through new technologies.

There are about five hundred villages in Vavuniya. These villages should be transformed into self-sufficient developed villages with human habitation .It should yield more harvest through cultivating paddy. I visited this area several times as a young student when my father was the Minister of Industries. At that time  Mr C. Suntharalingam who  was a special leader in  Vavuniya has retired from politics. It is amaziing that grapes were grown in Sri Lanka at a time when everything was imported. Everything was grown in Mr. Suntharalingam’s garden. It was mentioned that Vavuniya, which has such a history, can be self-sufficient in terms of paddy cultivation and various crops. As the government we  are obliged to give our strength and support to make it a success.

Vavuniya can be transformed into an export village through growing crops of commercial value to export or to become self-sufficient in terms of food. A systematic plan should be arranged and implemented for that .There are hundreds of Grama Niladhari Divisions under divisional secretaries. In terms of  villages, there are more than five hundred villages. The only hope of  people living in all these villages is  to become self-sufficient, upgrade  their lives and have a good future for their children.

The government is taking steps to provide technical assistance and machinery to improve all local government institutions and lead to rapid development. As the Minister of Local Government,  I transformed  Vavuniya Urban Council into a Municipal Council. It is a pride for Vavuniya. Vavuniya district has not got a municipal council so far. It can lead to new projects and the city of Vaviniya will be transformed into the municipal law. A few people said that the rural area should be exempted from this and given as a separate Grama  Niladhari Division or Sub-Grama  Niladhari Division. We pay special attention to that.

Special care is taken to make the service system between the urban environment and the rural environment successful.
Vavuniya needs drinking water projects and water saving projects. Vavuniya has many special foreign aid projects. The President held discussions to continue them. It is necessary to join more such projects under foreign aid.

Seeds  are required for farming. It is necessary to refer to the high yielding types of seeds .I think  that  Vavuniya University will focus on producing such seeds. In order to recover from this economic crisis, we must move towards the goal of making the country self-sufficient in food. This year, it was possible to save the country without going into such a crisis. We decided to continue without changing the program to secure the lives of low income people. Accordingly, it will be possible to increase the benefits of Samurdhi” as well as”Aswasuma”. As a government, we are obliged to support the low income community  to maintain the standard of living during this economic crisis.
Graduates or those who have qualifications close to graduation are given teaching appointments in schools in their district and province by calling for applications. Teachers should be appointed to the subject in which there is a deficiency. Instead of giving appointments from Colombo, we will give appointments to new people from province to province district to district school to school. In this way, every school in Vavuniya district would become a school where children with hopes of development are raised.
The Grama Niladhari exam is conducted in the first week of December. Applications have been invited for about three thousand Grama Niladhari  vacancies. Legally, all the applicants will have the opportunity to participate in the examination. We hope to finalize all those appointments within three months. In the remote areas where there are Grama Niladhari  vacancies, can be filled after conducting the examination on the basis of special qualification.
TNA- Members of Parliament,Selwan Adeikalanadan,Charles Nirmalanadan, Vino Noharathalingam,EPDP- Members of Parliament ,Kulasingham Dilibaran expressed their views.
Governor of the  Northern Province P.S.M. Charles, State  Ministers Kadar Mastan, Janaka Wakkumbura, Ashoka Priyantha, Members of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena , Adviser of the President Dr. Suren Batagoda, Secretary  to the Ministry of  Public Administration ,Ranjith Ashoka, Secretary of the  Northern Province  S. . M. Saman Bandulasena, District  Secretary of  Vavuniya, P. A Sarachchandra and other government officials,representatives of public organisations  participated in this event.

Courtesy The Daily News

Like a poorly scripted soap opera, the Easter Sunday Conspiracy introduces a new antagonist each episode – leaving the audience to wonder who is next in line to take the blame. A Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Member of Parliament now claims that the Easter Sunday attack was done by Israel and its intelligence agencies – the latest villain in the grand political theatre of the Easter Attack conspiracy.

After having failed to successfully implicate the Sri Lankan security forces as masterminds of the Easter Attack, certain Muslim politicians in Sri Lanka pointed to the Indian intelligence as the perpetrators. After that narrative failed, the SLMC politician is now claiming that it was the Israelis who were behind the attack. Politics would be too naïve a word to describe the wilful ignorance and possibly-criminal manipulation and distortion of reality being spewed by these politicians and their vested groups.

The MP made a bold speech in parliament last week accusing Israel of committing the Easter bombings. With his rather grandiose English and professional tone, MP cited the report by the Commission of Inquiry chaired by Justice Janak De Silva to make his daring accusations. Yet examining the cited report closely, it becomes clear that all his grandiose and professional speeches fall apart, as even the finest perfumes of Arabia cannot expunge rubbish from rubbish. The MP seems to have overlooked multiple lines on the report and then taken the content completely out of context, hoping that we the public will consume his lies with our mouths wide open.

Intelligence Agencies

The MP claimed that the report discloses that a person called Pakkam Bin Abu points to Zahran as an Israeli agent. The SLMC MP also announced that Zahran was sceptical that Pakkam Bin Abu gives information about [Zahran and Co] to intelligence agencies”. What the MP fails to mention – or rather carefully overlooks – is that the report stated that Zahran claimed that this Pakkam Bin Abu was a member of the Indian intelligence trying to spy on Zahran’s activities. In October 2018, Zahran posted on his Facebook that Pakkam could be an Indian operative. Due to this Indian intelligence accusation, Pakkam responds to Zahran the next day claiming that Zahran may be an agent of Israeli intelligence.

The MP conveniently overlooks segments of the same text which puts these accusations into context. Page 106 of the report states that Zahran was vigilant of intelligence operatives pretending to be IS sympathisers in order to infiltrate his network. It further states that Zahran accused Pakkam Bin Abu in length, stating that Pakkam has come to Sri Lanka and attempts to build relationships with IS followers in Sri Lanka in Puttalam and Kalpitiya and then informs Indian intelligence operatives. This report states that it was in response to this sort of accusation by Zahran that led to Pakkam shooting his own accusation that Zahran could be an Israeli agent.

Having been aroused by Zahran’s paranoia, this was simply a blame game that Zahran and this Pakkam Bin Abu had been playing. Of course, no wild political tale is complete without a touch of cherry-picked evidence, expertly curated to fit the desired narrative. Yet the fact that these so-called leaders sit in their seats in parliament misinforming and disinforming the public is truly the very essence of the loss of faith in our political system.

In his speech, the MP rhetorically asked what did the Muslims have against the Christians? Why should the Muslims be pitted against the Christians?” Zahran himself answered these questions with multiple points in his infamous farewell video, where he said that Christians and Westerners were targeted because of the attacks on Muslims by white nationalist Brenton Tarrant in New Zealand’s Christ Church, attacks by the Western militaries on IS fighters in Baghuz, Syria and because the ‘Crusaders’ (Western militaries) waged war in Muslim cities in Iraq, Syria and Libya. In this same manner of questioning, we could perhaps posit a similar question to the MP asking him what did Israel have against Lankan Christians and Westerners – or even Sri Lanka in general? His accusations are not just ridiculous but would crumble like a house of cards when challenged appropriately.

Verbal Jousting

In the midst of this melodramatic spectacle, it is easy to lose sight of the larger picture at hand. While the politicians engage in their verbal jousting, the urgent need for a cohesive and strategic approach to combat the rising tide of community radicalisation and extremism seems to be perhaps purposefully pushed to the sidelines.

This is definitely not the first time politics superseded public security in parliament. We remember the uproars and rather heinous accusations levelled against then-Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe in 2016 when he warned parliament of rising community radicalisation and that 32 Sri Lankans from ‘well-educated’ families had travelled to Iraq and Syria to join IS. He was called a racist, Islamophobist and a blatant liar by several Muslim politicians. Three years later, the Easter Sunday attacks shocked the world and multiple Muslim politicians subsequently resigned from their posts after the attacks.

Had Muslim political and religious leaders, heeded the advise given by Justice Minister in 2016 and combated community radicalisation instead of pulling the race card, the Easter Attack could have possibly been prevented. Ideally, authorities should have taken decisive action in 2016 and banned extremist Islamist organisations, recognised as potential breeding grounds for extremist ideologies. Having done this, the trajectory of events leading to the Easter Attack might have been significantly altered. However, playing blame games rather than solving the issue contributed to the unchecked proliferation of community radicalisation and the general lack of resilience against radical ideologies within the community.

Now the same cycle continues where community radicalisation and extremist ideologies are swept under the rug by politicians hungry for votes, donations and power. Instead of promoting rehabilitation and reconciliation in the country, groups of elite Muslim leaders instead lobbied for the delisting of previously proscribed groups. Earlier this year, five banned groups were delisted.

By asking ‘what did the Muslims have against the Christians?’, the SLMC MP paints the Easter Attack as something perpetrated by the Muslim community. Nothing could be more insulting and degradative to the millions of peace-loving Sri Lankan Muslims than their own political leaders spewing such politically-charged nonsense. The Easter Attack was conducted by a group of deplorable terrorists backed by a radical ideology of hate and destruction. Islam continues to be a religion of peace distorted by extremist elements to further their personal and ideological agendas.

The recent security developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict have led to a rise in anti-Israel sentiment amongst the global Islamic community. Local politicians like the SLMC MP are popping up from their armchairs to quickly collect Muslim votes by jumping on the anti-Israel bandwagon. The Muslim community and general public in Sri Lanka have seen this game being played a thousand times over the years and should not be deceived by it.

2019 surrounding

The MP has also been disingenuous and duplicitous. Whilst remembering the fiascos in 2019 surrounding,MP meetings with Zahran pre-Easter, new accusations are circulating on social media with a photo of MP shaking hands with Zahran at an alleged meeting. This raises serious questions on MP’s connections to Zahran and whether his outrageous military-India-Israel blame game is a posthumous defence of his alleged terror colleague. The Sri Lankan community must remain vigilant of duplicitous leaders across the political spectrum and perhaps could instead view Zahran’s video themselves and arm their communities against radicalisation and foster peace and communal harmony within the social and religious spaces.

Rather than throwing mud and hoping some of it would stick, political leaders must come together to combat community radicalisation and extremism in the country. Casting unwarranted aspersions and fuelling baseless conspiracies do not support the strengthening of communities against radicalisation efforts by extremist elements.

By resorting to the dangerous game of blame-shifting, these individuals risk perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and discord that undermines the very fabric of communal harmony and progress. It is essential for leaders to rise above the allure of finger-pointing and instead focus on fostering a culture of introspection and open dialogue within the Muslim community. It is only through a concerted and collaborative effort that the country can hope to navigate the treacherous waters of extremism and emerge stronger, more united, and resilient than ever before.

Dhaka Tribune

Dhaka, November 2 (Dhaka Tribune): Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen handed over a few boxes of medicine as a token to  Ruwanthi Delpitiya, the acting high commissioner of Sri Lanka at an event held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

This donation has been made in a spirit of friendship and good neighborly relations as envisioned by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the foreign ministry said.

The event was also attended by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, and high officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Dr Momen, in his short remarks, termed the offer of medicine, as the expression of solidarity and friendship between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

He added that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina always tries to assist any nation in difficulties in particular in neighbour.

He stated that the cornerstone of our gesture is genuine goodwill and friendship.”

Dr Momen assured that Bangladesh stands ready to support Sri Lanka in all possible ways. He expressed satisfaction with the way Sri Lanka has recovered from the economic crisis last year.

The acting high commissioner expressed her sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the government of Bangladesh for their support in supplying the much-needed medicine for the people of Sri Lanka.

She mentioned that the medical assistance to Sri Lankan people is a testimony to the strong and long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

She appreciated that Bangladesh donated medical supplies to Sri Lanka last year at a time when Sri Lanka was in the midst of an economic downturn which was a great help for the people of Sri Lanka.

The supply of much-needed medicine would certainly manifest the capability of the pharmaceutical industry in terms of its ability to produce high-quality medicine.

The medicines also demonstrate Bangladesh’s foreign policy resolve to maintain friendly and cooperative relations with her neighbors.

Earlier, Bangladesh supported Sri Lanka by providing medicine worth nearly Tk20 crore in May 2022.

Bangladesh also donated medicine and other relief materials to Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Turkey and Palestine in recent months.

END

Courtesy NewsIn.Asia

Colombo, Nov 2 (NewsWire) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that the decision to increase Value-Added Tax (VAT) by 18% was a challenging one, driven by the need to maintain economic stability. 

This step aligns us with the practices of countries like India and Pakistan. Such decisions are never easy for any government. However, failing to take these measures would cast a shadow on everyone’s future. Therefore, making the right choices becomes imperative. These decisions are necessary for the well-being of the country, even if they draw criticism from the public,” he said.

The President further emphasized the importance of making the right decisions for the country’s economic development.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted that true leadership involves being honest with the people and making decisions that benefit the nation.

He expressed confidence in the youth leadership within the government and the group of young ministers dedicated to working for the country. President Wickremesinghe pledged to collaborate with them to improve the country’s economic situation by 2024.

Additionally, the President announced his intention to address bank loan concessions for small and medium-scale industrialists in the upcoming budget, aiming to strengthen Sri Lanka’s export-oriented manufacturing economy. 

The National Industry Excellence Awards 2023, jointly organized by the Ministry of Industry and the Ceylon Industrial Development Board, is a step towards achieving this goal.

In this context, 300 successful entrepreneurs were recognized and awarded in various categories, including platinum, gold, silver and bronze awards, out of a pool of over 4,000 industrial entrepreneurs who had applied to compete in 21 major industrial sectors and 61 sub-industrial sectors, he said.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President made these remarks during his address at the National Industry Excellence Awards 2023, held in Colombo on Wednesday (Nov 01). 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s full statement :

As I observed the award recipients today, it brought back memories of the challenges we faced last year. At that time, there were numerous uncertainties about the sustainability of our industries. The absence of electricity and the difficulty in obtaining bank loans had led to the closure of thousands of businesses.

Today, it’s truly remarkable to see a substantial number of individuals reinvigorating their industries and achieving success. Small and medium-scale industries have made a swift comeback in a relatively short period. However, some issues remain unresolved, particularly concerning bank loans and market access. Our foremost priority is to address these concerns.

In the upcoming budget, we aim to introduce measures that provide bank loan concessions to support small and medium-scale industries. This program is progressing steadily. We have devised comprehensive strategies to revitalize our nation’s economy, engaging in discussions with both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and our creditors.

Our primary focus always revolves around our capacity to repay the loans we’ve taken. To achieve this, we must consistently increase our income year after year. Gaining the trust of private creditors and multilateral creditors is imperative to reassure them of our commitment to loan repayment. This commitment must be ingrained in our actions.

A substantial portion of next year’s budget will be allocated to debt repayment and interest. Failure to meet these obligations could push us back into the old, precarious situation. Therefore, safeguarding our currency and fulfilling our loan obligations is of paramount importance.

In the past, when there was a budget shortfall, the solution was to instruct the central bank to print more money. However, this approach is no longer legally permissible and obtaining loans from banks has also become a challenge. These restrictions stem from the informal financial practices of the past.

To ensure our financial stability in the coming year, we must significantly boost our income. We have set specific revenue targets that we must work diligently to achieve. It’s crucial for the country’s progress and to prevent bankruptcy in the near future.

As a result of these financial constraints, we had to make the difficult decision to raise the VAT to 18% yesterday. This step aligns us with the practices of countries like India and Pakistan. Such decisions are never easy for any government. However, failing to take these measures would cast a shadow on everyone’s future. Therefore, making the right choices becomes imperative.

These decisions are necessary for the well-being of the country, even if they draw criticism from the public. Both my cabinet and I have willingly shouldered the responsibility of rebuilding our nation, which had faced economic collapse.

We made a deliberate choice not to revert to a state of dependency. Instead, we are committed to moving forward with our strengths. Regrettably, during a cabinet meeting held last Sunday evening, we had to make this tough decision. 

While some may point fingers, failing to act would risk returning to the dire circumstances of the previous year. At the start of this year, our economic growth rate was a negative 0.7%. Today, it has improved to 0.5%, with further progress expected next year. This leaves us with a fundamental choice of whether to advance or regress.

This is the essence of leadership – the willingness to make difficult decisions and transparently convey the true state of affairs to the people. Through this decision, we can generate much-needed revenue to support small and medium-scale industries by repaying loans to banks. Without this step, these industries would face collapse, which puts industrialists in a challenging position. Thus, these difficult decisions must be made for the betterment of the country, even if they invite criticism. Our focus should remain on the nation’s well-being.

Regardless, let us embark on this journey with the resolute decision to rebuild our nation. This program offers us the opportunity to transform our country into a prosperous one, no longer dependent on external support. I hold strong belief in the promising future of this nation. We are in negotiations with international financial institutions, including the World Bank and while the path may be challenging today, I am confident that we will reap positive results in the next two or three years.

Looking ahead to 2024, I extend my best wishes to all, expressing our shared aspiration to bolster the nation’s economy further.

The event also featured addresses from Minister of Industry and Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, as well as Ministers of State, Prasanna Ranaweera and Chamara Sampath Dasanayake. Notable figures in attendance included the Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Ms Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr Anura Dissanayake, Chairman of the Ceylon Industrial Development Board, Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, and various Ministerial Secretaries, heads of government institutions, prominent industrial entrepreneurs and distinguished guests. 

By Shamindra Ferdinando Courtesy The Island

Wijeyadasa

Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, has said the Foreign Exchange Act No 12 of 2017, enacted during the Yahapalana administration was meant to facilitate the operations of those who exploited the system for their benefit.

The new Act had repealed the Exchange Control Act of 1953, Dr. Rajapakshe said, adding that the Yahapalana  move contributed to the deterioration of the economy. He explained how, as a member of the Yahapalana parliamentary group, he had to abide by the decision to vote for the new Foreign Exchange Act No 12 of 2017.

The Justice Minister said so at a hastily arranged media briefing at his Ministry near Technical Junction on Tuesday, when The Island sought his explanation why the Yahapalana government had repealed the time-tested Exchange Control Act of 1953 and what made him vote for the new law.

Altogether 94 MPs, including Dr. Harsha de Silva and Eran Wickremaratne – two of the strongest critics of the Rajapaksa government – voted for the new law. Eighteen MPs voted against the Bill whereas the rest skipped the vote taken on July 25, 2017.

Referring to official statistics, Dr. Rajapakshe said that export proceeds amounting to a staggering USD 56.5 bn were in offshore accounts and invested overseas. Acknowledging that those funds hadn’t been earned through illegal means, the Justice Minister said that the country suffered due to such valuable foreign exchange not being remitted. According to him, the USD 56.5 bn included approximately USD 3 bn that hadn’t been remitted last year as the country struggled amidst rapid deterioration of the national economy.

The Minister said that the actual figure could be definitely more than this.

Responding to another query raised by The Island, Dr. Rajapakshe said that the situation was so bad the government had to deal with the exporters cautiously as the country was not in a position to upset them under any circumstances. The Minister said that the Central Bank and the Finance Ministry were in the process of addressing this issue and efforts were being made to introduce a new Act.

Former External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris on Monday (Oct 30) emphasized the urgent need to take remedial measures in this regard. The rebel SLPP MP said that this could be part of the overall government response to overcome the continuing financial crisis.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government also caused irrevocable setbacks by doing away with a range of taxes immediately after the last presidential poll on wrong advice. Declaring that the move deprived the Treasury of Rs 600-700 bn, Dr. Rajapakshe said that no one really knew the losses caused by sudden ban on agro chemicals. Perhaps the losses could be much more than the losses suffered due to the abolition of a slew of taxes.

Dr. Rajapakshe recalled punitive measures taken during the Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s administration to deal with foreign exchange frauds.

However, the deterioration of the national economy began in 2006 as the powers that be adopted corrupt and disastrous measures, Dr. Rajapakshe said, pointing out that the situation in the UPFA government compelled him to quit his ministerial portfolio.

Dr. Rajapakshe said that though some tend to question the importance of parliamentary watchdog committees, during his tenure as the Chairman of COPE the country benefited immensely as a result of action taken on COPE reports.

The former President of the Bar Association said that the Supreme Court had reversed the move to sell Lanka Marine Services (LMS) Ltd to John Keells and a controversial deal on Sri Lanka Ports Authority land. The Justice Minister mentioned several other cases, including the saving of the highly profitable Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) from privatization.

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Several important documents at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) have been reportedly destroyed, the Society of Government Pharmacists alleged.

Its President Thushara Ranadeva told the Daily Mirror that NMRA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vijith Gunasekera has intervened in the destruction of these documents.

The CEO has been disposing of certain files that belong to the NMRA.

Last night (01), the CEO visited the NMRA premises and eliminated some files using a paper cutter. These files have been placed into bags,” Thushara Ranadeva claimed.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror learns that the NMRA CEO has been asked to step down; however, he had refused to do so.

The NMRA headed by its former Chairman and current CEO Dr. Vijith Gunasekera has faced a spate of allegations with regard to the influx of inferior-quality medicines in the recent past. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

The Excise Department said the licenses of five liquor manufacturing companies have been suspended due to their failure to pay tax arrears. 

Accordingly, the licenses of Synergy Distilleries (Pvt) Ltd, Finnland Distilleries Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, Wayamba Distilleries, W M Mendis & Co Ltd and the Randenigala Distilleries Lanka (Pvt) Ltd have been suspended.

Excise Commissioner General Saman Jayasinghe said that the annual licenses for these companies, which had long-standing arrears, expired on October 31 and were not renewed. 

Accordingly, the production and distribution of their alcohol products have also been prohibited.

“Some companies owe unpaid taxes for an extended period, and we provided them with a deadline to settle their dues. Only a few companies managed to meet this deadline, while one company has obtained a 40-day stay order against the decision,” he said.

However, the Commissioner General assured that the market will not face an alcohol shortage due to the suspension of these companies. There are more than 20 liquor manufacturing companies in operation within the country and two companies, accounting for around 70 percent of the total production, are not among those suspended,” Jayasinghe said.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

Courtesy Adaderana

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking at the ‘Naam 200’ (We are 200) celebration, emphasised the goal of moving the country forward by uniting all its citizens. 

The Head of State highlighted that it is the current government’s policy to uphold the rights of all Sri Lankan citizens, regardless of their background, adding that the aim is to build a developed Sri Lanka by bringing everyone together.

These remarks were made during the ‘Naam 200’ celebration at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo today (02 Nov.), marking the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) people in the hill country. The event was honoured by the presence of Indian Finance Minister, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, who was warmly welcomed by over 5,000 Tamil people from the hills. The celebration featured various cultural elements.

President Wickremesinghe and Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for a project to construct 10,000 houses with Indian aid in the lower part of Mount Vernon Estate, Dimbula, Kotagala. Additionally, a new auditorium and computer unit at the Hatton Vocational Training Centre were inaugurated virtually, and school equipment was distributed to students.

The President acknowledged the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, for contributing to Sri Lanka’s financial stability, praising the support provided for the successful event. He also commended Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman for her dedication to the cause.

Furthermore, the President stated that this celebration marks the beginning of a new journey for the hill Tamil people, and the government is committed to providing them with land titles and ensuring their right to education.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, who also spoke at the event, recognized the significant contributions made by the hill Tamil people, particularly in promoting ‘Ceylon tea’ and contributing to the development of Sri Lanka over the past 200 years. He stressed that it is the first time a comprehensive program has been initiated to fully integrate this community into Sri Lankan society.

Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted the substantial contributions of the Tamil people from the hills to the Sri Lankan economy and expressed readiness for cooperation in the government’s efforts to acknowledge and secure their rights.

Jeevan Thondaman, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Labour Congress and Minister of Plantation Infrastructure and Water Supply, emphasized that real changes are necessary to do justice to the Tamil people who have contributed their hard work to strengthen the country’s economy. He also expressed gratitude to the Government of India.

The event was attended by religious leaders, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and various government officials. It received participation from home and abroad, including foreign diplomats.

By Sena Thoradeniya

JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has started his Presidential campaign” in America, months ahead of any Republican or Democratic candidate! He began his campaign in Los Angeles on October 28, 2023 addressing some Sri Lankans domiciled in the US, who do not have voting rights in Sri Lanka or cannot influence the Sri Lankan electorate by any means except throwing a fistful of dollars to JVP’s ever increasing largess. From Los Angeles he will tour Houston, Norfolk, Virginia, Washington DC and New York. It is difficult to comprehend why these cities were selected for his primaries”.  Only explanation we can give is, these are the few places where some JVP/NPP admirers residing.

Just a few days ahead of AKD’s departure US Ambassador Julie Chung visited JVP’s Pelawatte party headquarters. Chung was accompanied by US Embassy’s Political Officer Mathew Hinson and its political expert” Nazreen Marikkar. AKD was with MP Vijitha Herath and another person called Muditha Nanayakkara. After their meeting Julie Chung posted on X (formerly twitter) on 19, October, 2022: Today I met Anuradiasanayake and discussed current political & economic issues. Important to listen to diverse perspectives and engage with various political parties in a democracy”.

There are two salient points in this message. (1) In this instance, Chung does not make any reference to Anura Dissanayaka’s party affiliations. This is a complete departure from her other messages. Chung even after meeting Ranil Wickremasinghe messages, Today I have met President RanilWickremasinghe”.  (2) The other most important aspect of this message is her coverup of AKD’s impending US trip. In all her previous messages she posted, after meeting students or any other groups of persons visiting US she had mentioned about their visits. JVP released a press communique on Chung’s visit without mentioning AKD’s US tour.

Readers should be reminded that this was the second occasion these two collaborationists met in recent times. Just a few days before July 9, 2022, Chung met with AKD and twittered: To me JVP is a significant party. They have a growing presence. They resonate with the public during recent times. They are a growing political party and their ideas are accepted by the public.”  In this message Chung indirectly commended JVP headed by AKD for its role in US instigated protests at Galle Face Green. A few days later President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was deposed.

Soon after Chung’s visit, it was rumored that Chung had visited Pelawatte to wish AKD ‘bon voyage’ and provided viaticum (provisions or an allowance for a journey) for his journey. In social media posts AKD’s curtseying to Chung with folded arms – his body language – was ridiculed in prose and verse as kowtowing before the ‘Walawwe Hamuduruwo’ .  People asked, is it befitting the President-in-waiting” paying obeisance to an ambassador behaving like her lapdog?

An apologist of Julie Chung had released his so-called investigative journalism piece on 30, October, 2023, under the caption, Fact Crescendo: Fabricated Newspaper Clipping Claims that US Ambassador Sponsors AKD’s US Tour”.  He claims that he is a Verified Signatory of IFCN Code of Principles”.  IFCN stands for International Fact-Checking Network, an American organization funded by several funding sources, including corporate sector, many foundations, government agencies and individual donors. It considers a contribution of 50000 US dollars or more as a significant funding source.  

His fact checking” begins like this: We recently came across social media posts stating that Ms. Julie Chung is fully sponsoring the US tour of one of Sri Lanka’s Leftist political leaders Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) including food and lodging. The claims were made via purported newspaper clipping as seen below” (a Sinhala newspaper clipping shown).

Under credibility of the source” the fact-checker” adds: The purported claim appearance and size all resemble the Mawbima” newspaper, hence we checked the last few editions of this newspaper, yet were unable to find any such news item.” Then he had contacted Mawbima” editorial and they had denied publication of such a news item.

Next the fact-checker” checks for any official statement from the US Embassy related to AKD’s US visit. We had stated earlier that Julie Chung artfully had not mentioned anything about AKD’s US visit in her October 19, X post. According to the fact-checker” a spokesperson of the US Embassy in Colombo had denied this rumour. This reminds us the pithy Sinhala saying, horage ammagen pena ahanawa wage” (it is like asking the mother of the thief to do witchcraft to catch the thief). Similarly, Jathika Jana Balavegaya (the surrogate mother of the thief) also had rejected these claims that US Embassy is sponsoring AKD’s US trip.

We checked with many Facebook subscribers whether they have received the message mentioned by this fact-checker”. None of them have seen it. Now we have to fact-check” fact-checks” of fact-checkers”! 

Under the guise of fact-checking” this fact-checker” gives undue publicity to AKD’s US tour with dates and the locations of his US meetings. Fact Crescendo” continues: Anura Kumara Dissanayake landed at Los Angeles International Airport on 27^th October”. For our perusal he posts some photographs of a small crowd of Sri Lankans carrying lion flags and stars and stripes flags posing with AKD. One middle-aged man wearing a stars and stripes shirt and a similar cap was seen putting his arm around AKD’s shoulders.

Venues of AKD’s meetings were decorated with Sri Lankan and American flags. Backdrop of the rostrum was also adorned with Sri Lankan and American flags. As no other American politician sharing the podium, this décor no doubt was a sign of appeasing AKD’s benefactors including Julie Chung who issued him with a visa, who denied visas to war-winning Presidents, Generals and Admirals of Sri Lanka Army and Navy respectively. MP Sarath Weerasekera as Chairman of a Parliamentary Oversight Committee was denied a US visa to participate in a study tour. The SJB MP who desecrated the mace of the Parliament recently was included in this tour party.

What was said at his US meetings by AKD does not deserve any attention as they contain nothing new, full of old verbiage.  Q & A sessions were not different.  Many who posed questions did not have any knowledge of the ground situation in Sri Lanka. The Muslim person who commended JVP for the stand they took after Easter Sunday massacre was ignorant that the father of two suicide bombers was in JVP National List.

One middle-aged gentleman who wanted to ask a question from AKD, began saying that he is not a racist and there is a big difference between racism and nationalism; he provided a detailed account of the pathetic situation faced by Sinhalayas  in Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka; he was prevented from continuing by  a JVP goon (may be a bodyguard flown to USA with courtesy of Julie Chung) who grabbed the microphone from him. He was seen taking the floor again, but was denied an opportunity for the second time, employing usual tactics of JVP from Wijeweera days, silencing dissension.

AKD was naïve enough to say that ancient nation formation is not valid now. He said something short to multi-culturalism”, the catchword of NGO cabal.

The funniest part was dramatised when AKD replied to a question, how he proposes to pay back the debt taken by the Sri Lankan government. Keeping in line with Western governments, Western media, US funded think tanks” operating in Sri Lanka and Julie Chung, he said China is our biggest debtor. (This canard has been disproved by many eminent writers.) When he said that he is going to get a mandate from the people to re-negotiate with the IMF, he towed the line of SJB, showing that he has nothing new to offer as his solution”.

AKD’s ignorance of mineral resources of Sri Lanka was revealed when he wanted to turn our miniran (plumbago/graphite) into graphite to earn more dollars.  According to his statistics we sell a ton of miniran for 2000 US dollars, while the price of one kilo of graphite is 5000 US dollars! I have heard that AKD is a science graduate, what science I do not know. If he had an elementary knowledge of English he will not fall into this pit. This also shows that the man who pretends to represent workers has no intimate knowledge of the workers and where they work.

The then Graphite Corporation formed after nationalization of graphite industry in Sri Lanka, (later privatized as Bogala Graphite Company and Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Ltd.) was known by the workers as Graphite eka”. There was not any sensible Sri Lankan- American in the audience to correct him; we don’t need a geologist, a chemist or a mineralogist to do this.

We don’t know that it was a faux pas, that AKD meant Graphene, the strongest material ever found, more than 40 times stronger than diamond and more than 300 times stronger than structural steel.  How AKD is going to create or isolate graphene and finding knowhow, expertise, infrastructure coupled with massive investment for isolating graphene is the biggest question in a country for decades exporting mineral sands in raw form!

Most of the questions asked by the audience revealed their low political thinking, lack of political ideology, poverty of ideas and how far they are removed from ground realities. There was none to question AKD about his past, his honeymoon with yahapalana government and many more vital issues.  What was reiterated by AKD was that we will be in power; we will do what is needed”. Neither the speaker nor the audience was able to elaborate or ask: HOW? WHEN? WITH WHOM?

How JVP/JJB combine increases its 3% to 50% and 1 vote? Of the total registered voters in Sri Lanka only 75% cast their votes. Of this 75% at least 5% are rejected for various reasons. This time it is obvious that polling will go below 70%. With all that reductions if we assume for argument sake that JVP/JJB will poll 5-8 % as a result of present wave of enthusiasm it has generated, public discontent, spiraling cost of living and opposition of masses and the entry of young voters who will vote for the first time, the majority the JVP could muster is only 8.5 – 13.6 lakhs. Getting nearly a lakh of votes from an electoral district is an uphill task. There are 22 electoral districts in Sri Lanka. It cannot come even closer to that magical figure in Jaffna, Vanni, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampare, Kandy, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya and Puttalam electoral districts. To compensate this, it has to poll more from other electoral districts which is an overstated proposition. If it considers Hambantota electoral district as its pocket borough it has to get more than 2 lakhs, again an impossible task.  So, coming into power by an election is only a pipedream.

Then why does Julie Chung and her ilk pamper AKD?

Western countries and Australia grant visas to Sri Lankan performing artists, comedians, dance troupes and performers of stage plays without any hindrance. They know that they come to entertain, mostly the old Sri Lankan parents domiciled in their countries who are eager to revive old memories and performers to earn some money. Young and not so young people throng to these places as these events are organised and tickets sold by their groups”.  No harm done. AKD’s trip to US is a similar entertainment and US authorities know that he is coming to entertain Sri Lankans, who cannot influence the Sri Lankan electorate.

Julie Chung’s political intents are different. She knows that now AKD does not utter a single word against, capitalism, American imperialism, neoliberalism, foreign investment, Indian expansionism so on and so forth. She has sensed his anti-China venom. Will AKD say anything against US intervention in Korea, Vietnam and Indo China, Latin America, Afghanistan, Iraq or Libya while touring US or allow any questions about devastation of Gaza by Israeli defense forces, American collaboration in it and Joe Biden declaring that I am a Zionist”? No. Never.

Julie Chung is only inflating AKD’s ever- increasing ego.  At the same time a deflating process and debunking JVP myths is also carried out by Chung’s apologists. 

We again turn to the fact-checker”, how he fact- checked” AKD’s visit to South Korea.  He says: The NPP leader visited a few other countries during the past few months including Australia and South Korea, which were also subjected to misinformation drives”. He gives links to these social media posts. It is easy to comprehend that these are invariably manufactured by JVP propaganda machine.

A post posted on April 18, 2023: Kim Il Sung, the Mayor of Taegu/ Daegu City in a Statement had praised AKD to the hilt. He had encountered a big problem as 90% of the Sri Lankan work force had applied for leave to attend a meeting of a Sri Lankan political leader. Bewildered he had listened to a Korean translation of his speech. He was utterly fascinated by his spoken words; every word of his speech carries a powerful meaning he says; it puzzled him whether such an intelligent leader exists in a backward corner in Asia he asks. He is doing a great service to future world. In future I wish to build up a strategic relationship with him”.

Fact Check” reveals that there was not a Mayor called Kim Il Sung; the photograph shown with his purported Statement belongs to Park Won-Soon, Mayor of Taegu/Daegu City who committed suicide due to a sexual scandal in 2020, 3 years before AKD’s arrival. The Mayor of the city at the time of AKD’s visit was one Hong- Joon- Pyo.

How ignorant the people in-charge of JVP propaganda machine to choose the name of Kim Il Sung, the great leader of Korean people, who liberated Korean Fatherland from Japanese and American Imperialists, founding father of Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea, who conceptualised Juche Principle, the ideology of Workers’ Party of Korea?

The second example is more interesting: a Korean businessman involved in fish trade who is employing about 150 Sri Lankan workers said that his Sri Lankan employees had requested leave to attend a meeting of a Sri Lankan political leader at Taegu/Daegu City. He was amazed how these workers were attracted to a young political leader. The spin doctors of JVP has spun a similar story. This businessman also gets a translation of AKD’s speech. He says a similar leader who has a vision is not found in Korea today; he was surprised why this person has not become the leader of Sri Lanka.

Fact-Check” says that the photograph posted with this post was a stock photo used to portray happy old mature Asians.

Intentions of the Fact-checker” is clear which are two-fold. Firstly, he rescues Julie Chung from an embarrassment, that she had facilitated AKD’s US tour. Secondly, he paints JVPers as a bunch of modern myth – makers.

We have seen this phenomenon in the international arena, how the creators of Taliban became its destructors. Now creators of Hamas have become its destructors.

At a presidential election or a parliamentary election as explained above, JVP/JJB combine will realise that what was shown superficially at their political rallies will not be reflected in the people’s choice and they will have to bite the dust. The hurrah boys will become more and more disillusioned and decamping process will begin. It is a fallacy propagated by Colombo-based theorists and foreign domiciled columnists who write to English weeklies here, (a friend domiciled in Brisbane asks, let them at least write to a Hit-ad” supplement in their countries!) that the JVP is a cadre-based party. That JVP died a natural death after the Tsunami days. In such a situation the JVP has no other alternative than becoming the destabilizing force. It is the time of Julie Chung and others to create another monster in this part of the world.

මාධ්‍ය අංශය, මහජන ආරක්ෂක අමාත්‍යාංශය

එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ නේවාසික සම්බන්ධීකාරක මාර්ක් අන්ඩ්‍රේ ෆ්‍රැන්චෙ මහතා සුහද හමුවක් සඳහා මහජන ආරක්ෂක අමාත්‍ය ගරු ටිරාන් අලස් මහතා හමුවීමට අද දින (01) මහජන ආරක්ෂක අමාත්‍යාංශයට පැමිණියේය.

ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ සංවිධානයේ සහයෝගය ලබා දිය හැකි ආකාර සහ මාර්ගගත ක්‍රමවල සුරක්ෂිතතාව පිළිබඳ පනත් කෙටුම්පත පිළිබඳව මෙහිදී සාකච්ඡා කෙරිණි.

මෙම සාකච්ඡාවේදී මාර්ක් අන්ඩ්‍රේ මහතා විසින් මහජන ආරක්ෂක අමාත්‍ය ගරු ටිරාන් අලස් මහතා වෙත අදහස් දක්වමින් ප්‍රකාශ කර සිටියේ එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ සංවිධානය සමග අදහස් හුවමාරු කරගනිමින් ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ අභිලාශයන් ඉටු කරදීමට තමන් බලාපොරොත්තු වන බව ය. ඒ සඳහා ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ සංවිධානයට අනුබද්ධ ආයතන 21ක් ඇති බවද ඒ මහතා සඳහන් කළේය.

වැඩිදුරටත් මාර්ක් අන්ඩ්‍රේ මහතා අදහස් දක්වමින් මාර්ගගත ක්‍රමවල සුරක්ෂිතතාව පිළිබඳව නීති ගෝලීය අවශ්‍යතාවයක් බවද පවසා සිටියේය. එහිදී මහජන ආරක්ෂක අමාත්‍ය ගරු ටිරාන් අලස් මහතා විසින් මාර්ගගත ක්‍රමවල සුරක්ෂිතතාව පිළිබඳ පනත් කෙටුම්පත සඳහා අදහස් සහ යෝජනා ලබා දෙන ලෙස ඉල්ලා සිටියේය.

එහිදී මාර්ගගත ක්‍රමවල සුරක්ෂිතතාව පිළිබඳව ජාත්‍යන්තර සංවිධාන සමග අදහස් සහ යෝජනා හුවමාරු කරගැනීම සඳහා සහයෝගය ලබා දෙන බවද එක්සත් ජාතීන්ගේ නේවාසික සම්බන්ධීකාරක මාර්ක් අන්ඩ්‍රේ ෆ්‍රැන්චෙ මහතා, මහජන ආරක්ෂක අමාත්‍ය ගරු ටිරාන් අලස් මහතා වෙත ප්‍රකාශ කර සිටියේය.

අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය මාධ්‍ය අංශය

අග්‍රාමාත්‍යවරයා මේ බව සඳහන් කළේ “අලුත් ගමක්- අලුත් රටක්“ජාතික ඒකාබද්ධතා සහභාගිත්ව සංවර්ධන වැඩසටහන පිළිබඳ අනුරාධපුර විශේෂ සම්බන්ධීකරණ කමිටු රැස්වීම 2023.10.31දින උතුරු මැද පළාත් ප්‍රධාන ලේකම් කාර්යාලයේ පැවති අවස්ථාවේදීය.

එහිදී අදහස් දැක් වූ අග්‍රාමාත්‍යවරයා –

අනුරාධපුර දිස්ත්‍රික්කය රටේ හදවත වැනි සුවිශේෂී ගෞරවයක් හිමිවෙන කේන්ද්‍රීය දිස්ත්‍රික්කයක්. වාරි කර්මාන්තයේ දී සුවිශේෂ ගෞරවයක් ලැබෙනවා. අතිරික්ත වී නිෂ්පාදනයක් කළ හැකි බව අදත් ඔප්පු කළේ අනුරාධපුර දිස්ත්‍රික්කයේ ගොවි ජනතාවයි.ඔබ සියලු දෙනා එක්ව ඉදිරියටත් ඒ ආකාරයෙන් කටයුතු කිරීම අවශ්‍යයි. ග්‍රාම නිලධාරී කොට්ඨාස 14300 තිබෙනවා. වනාන්තර හැර මේ සෑම ග්‍රාම නිලධාරී කොට්ඨාසයකම සංවර්ධනය කළ හැකි ස්ථාන සංවර්ධනයට යොමු කරමින් ස්වයංපෝෂිත වෙන්න පුළුවන්. එහෙම රටක් ගොඩනගන්නට අපට පුළුවන්. මහ ජනතාවගේ අවශ්‍යතාවයන් ඉටු කරමින්, විදේශ විනිමය  උපයා ගතහැකි කාර්යයන් සඳහා රට යොමුවිය යුතුයි.

අනුරාධපුර දිස්ත්‍රික්කයේ ළමුන් කී දාහක් පාසල් යනවාද? කී දාහක් සාමාන්‍ය පෙළ දක්වා එනවද? අතරමග හැළෙන ළමයින්ට විසඳුමක් දෙන්න අපට තවමත් නොහැකි වී තිබෙනවා. උසස් පෙළ සමත්වෙන සියලු දෙනා විශ්වවිද්‍යාලවලට තේරෙන්නේ නැහැ. ඒ විදියට අවුරුද්දෙන් අවුරුද්දට එකතු වෙන මේ දරුවන්ට මොකක්ද කරන්නේ. ඒ දරුවන්ගේ දියුණුව සලසාගත හැකි මාර්ග රාශියක් විවෘත වෙන්න ඕනේ. අපේ අධ්‍යාපන ක්‍රමයෙන් එය සිදුවෙනවා පරක්කුයි. අපේ ජීවනෝපාය මාර්ග, සංවර්ධනය හා නිෂ්පාදන අංශයේ අලුත් ඉඩකඩ අලුත් පරම්පරාවට ලබාදෙන්න නම් පශ්චාත් අධ්‍යාපන අවස්ථා දරුවන්ට ලබාදීම සඳහා වූ වැඩපිළිවෙළක් හරහා ඉදිරියට ගමන් කළ යුතුයි. එවැනි සැලැස්මක් අනුරාධපුර දිස්ත්‍රික්කය වෙනුවෙන් සකස් කරයි කියලා මම විශ්වාස කරනවා. හැම දෙයක්ම කොළඹින් කෙරෙන තුරු ඉන්න එපා. පාසලින් පිටවන දරුවන්ට ජීවනෝපාය මාර්ග සකසා දෙන්න ඔබට පුළුවන්. දවල් එකහමාරට පාසල් වහනවා. කෝටි ගණනක් ආයෝජනය කරමින් සකස් කර තිබෙන පාසල් ගොඩනැගිලි පරිභෝජනයට ගනිමින් අභියෝගාත්මක කාල පරිච්ඡේදවල අනෙක් රටවල් කරපු වෙනස්කම් දෙස අපි බලන්න ඕනේ. ආණ්ඩුව ඒ තීරණවලට අවස්ථාව දෙමින් ඉඩකඩ සලසා  තිබෙනවා.

අවුරුද්දේ වැඩි කාලයක් ඉර පායන අනුරාධපුර දිස්ත්‍රික්කය වාසනාවේ දිස්ත්‍රික්කයයි. ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කාර්යාල විසි දෙකෙන් කීයක් සූර්යතාපයට පරිවර්තනය වෙලා තියෙනවාද? රාජ්‍ය ගොඩනැගිලි කීයක එවැනි පරිවර්තනය කර තිබෙනවාද? ජල විදුලි නිෂ්පාදනයට වඩා රටේ විදුලි ඉල්ලුම වැඩියි. මෙවැනි අලුත් දේ කල්පනා කරන්න තමයි රජරටට විශ්වවිද්‍යාලයක් තියෙන්නේ.

අපි අලුතෙන් හිතුවේ  නැත්නම් සිදුවෙන්නේ සංවර්ධනයට කොළඹින් ලැබෙන මුදල් ටික බෙදලා ඒකෙ වාර්තාව කියවන එක පමණයි. අභියෝග හමුවේ ලෝකයම අද තැති ගැනිලා ඉන්නෙ. කොවිඩ් ආවා. අපි කඩන් වැටුණා. අඩුවෙන්ම මරණ සංඛ්‍යාව පවත්වාගෙන ගිය රටක් විදියට අපි ඉදිරියට ගියේ හැමෝගෙම සහයෝගයෙන්. එදා ජය ගන්න පුළුවන් හැකියාව ලැබුණේ සේවාවන් සම්බන්ධීකරණය කරලා ඉලක්ක කරා අප ගමන් කිරීම නිසයි. ඊට පස්සේ අපට ආර්ථික අර්බුදයක් ආවා. නිෂ්පාදනය වගේම අපේ වියදම් අඩුකර ගැනීම සඳහා කළමනාකාරිත්වය මේ කාල පරිච්ඡේදයේ ඉතාම වැදගත්.

අනුරාධපුර දිස්ත්‍රික්කයේ සෑම ගමක්ම සම්බන්ධ වන පරිදි පොදු සැලැස්මක් සකස් කර ගතයුතුයි. එය සංවර්ධනය සඳහා මඟ පෙන්වන සැලැස්මක් බවට පත් කරගත යුතුයි. අස්වැසුම වැඩසටහනේ ප්‍රමාදයන් හා ගැටළු නිවැරදි  කරගැනීමට අවශ්‍ය  පියවර යොමු කර තිබෙනවා. තවත් වැඩි ප්‍රමාණයකට මූල්‍ය ප්‍රතිපාදන ලබාදෙන ගමනක් පිළි බඳව ඉදිරි මාසයේ දී ප්‍රකාශයට පත් කරන්න පුළුවන් අවස්ථාවකට පැමිණ තිබෙනවා. මේ සියල්ල සිද්ධ වෙන්නේ ආර්ථිකය වගේම රටේ නීතිය හා සාමය ස්ථාපිත වූ නිසයි.

උතුරු මැද පළාත් ආණ්ඩුකාර මහීපාල හේරත්, රාජ්‍ය අමාත්‍යවරුන් වන ජානක වක්කුඹුර, අශෝක ප්‍රියන්ත, පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රීවරුන් වන එස්. එම්. චන්ද්‍රසේන, දුමින්ද දිසානායක, කේ.එච්. නන්දසේන, කේ.පී.එස්.කුමාරසිරි, යදාමිණි ගුණවර්ධන, රෝහණ බණ්ඩාර , රාජ්‍ය පරිපාලන අමාත්‍යාංශ ලේකම් රංජිත් අශෝක, උතුරු පළාත් ප්‍රධාන ලේකම් චන්ද්‍රසිරි බණ්ඩාර, අනුරාධපුර දිසාපති  එම්.ජේ.කේ ජයසුන්දර , ජනාධිපති උපදේශක ආචාර්ය සුරේන් බටගොඩ, ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම්වරු රාජ්‍ය ආයතන නිලධාරීන්  පොදු සමිති නියෝජිතයින් මෙම අවස්ථාවට සහභාගි වූහ.

    අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය මාධ්‍ය අංශය

අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය මාධ්‍ය අංශය 

ලෝක නගර දින යෙදෙන අද (2023.10.31) දින මධ්‍යම නුවරගම් පළාත ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කාර්යාලයේ නව ගොඩනැගිල්ල පොදුජන අයිතියට පත් කිරීම අනුරාධපුර පණ්ඩුලගමදී අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය දිනේෂ් ගුණවර්ධන මහතාගේ ප්‍රධානත්වයෙන් සිදු කෙරිණි.

එහිදී අදහස් දැක්වූ අග්‍රාමාත්‍යවරයා –

ජය ශ්‍රී මහා බෝධීන් වහන්සේගේ සෙවනැල්ල යටතේ තිබෙන ලෝකයේ පැරණිම නගරයක් හැටියටයි අනුරාධපුර නගරය ලෝක බෞද්ධ ජනතාව සලකන්නේ. ඒ නිසාම මෙම ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කාර්යාලය සුවිශේෂ නගරයක විශේෂ රාජ්‍ය  කාර්යාලයක්. ජය ශ්‍රී  මහා බෝධීන් වහන්සේ ඇතුළු අටමස්ථාන පුණ්‍ය භූමිය ඇති මේ ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කොට්ඨාශය විශේෂ කාර්යාලයක් ලෙස කටයුතු කරගෙන යාමේ ආදර්ශයට පත්විය යුතුයි.

අවුරුදු ගණනාවක් පුරා මේ ප්‍රදේශයට පැමිණ නේවාසික වුණු අයට රජයේ ඉඩම් දෙපාර්තමේන්තුවේ ඉඩම් අයිතිය අද ලැබෙනවා. ජනාධිපති රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ මහතාගේ නව ඩිජිටල් ව්‍යාපෘතිය අනුව  මෙහි නිවාස 22000 ම ඩිජිටල්කරණයට පත්කර  ගෙදර සිට පණිවිඩ ලැබිය හැකි  අවස්ථාවකට අප පිවිසෙනවා. අලුත් දෙයක්, ලෝකයේ පැරණිතම නගරය. තාක්ෂණයෙන් අනූන ස්ථානයක් බවට පත් කරන්න පදිංචිකරුවන් සැමදෙනාට නව ඩිජිටල් ජාලය ඔස්සේ කටයුතු කරන්නට පුළුවන්කම  තිබිය යුතුයි. ඒ බව සනාථ කරන ක්‍රියාදාමයට අවශ්‍ය මුදල් ප්‍රතිපාදන අපේ අමාත්‍යාංශය මඟින් වෙන්කර තිබෙනවා.

නේවාසික සැමදෙනාට සේවාවන් සැපයීම පහසු කරන්න, ඔවුන් ගත කරන කාලය අවම කරන්න මෙම වැඩපිළිවෙළ මගින් හැකියාව ලැබෙනවා. තොරතුරු තාක්ෂණය හැම දෙනාගෙම අතේ තියෙනවා. ජංගම දුරකථනයට සම්බන්ධ වෙලා කටයුතු කරන්න පුළුවන් අලුත් පරම්පරාවක් ගෙදර දොරේ බිහිවෙනවා.ඒ පරම්පරාවටත් මේ කටයුත්තට දෙමාපියන්ට සහාය දක්වන්න පුළුවන්.

ගොවිතැන් බත් කරන ජනතාවට පුළුවන් දස දහස් ගණන් වන්දනාමාන කරන ජනතාවට බත සපයන්න. වන්දනාකරුවන්ට පහසුකම් සැලසීමේ සැලැස්මක් ඇති කිරීම සඳහා රජය දිස්ත්‍රික්කයේ සෑම ග්‍රාමසේවක කොට්ඨාශයකින්ම අලුත් පරිච්ඡේදයක් ආරම්භ කරනවා.

රාජ්‍ය අමාත්‍යවරුන් වන ජානක වක්කුඹුර, අශෝක ප්‍රියන්ත, පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රීවරුන් වන එස්. එම්. චන්ද්‍රසේන, දුමින්ද දිසානායක, යදාමිණි ගුණවර්ධන, රාජ්‍ය පරිපාලන අමාත්‍යාංශ ලේකම් රංජිත් අශෝක, අනුරාධපුර දිසාපති  එම්.ජේ.කේ ජයසුන්දර , හිටපු ප්‍රධාන අමාත්‍ය එස්.එම්.රන්ජිත්, මධ්‍යම නුවරගම් පලාත ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම්, නිලධාරීන්, පොදු ජනතාව මෙම අවස්ථාවට සහභාගි වූහ.

අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය මාධ්‍ය අංශය 

Courtesy Business Standard

“The ETCA will be a pivotal move to further enhance bilateral trade between the two countries,” it added

India and Sri Lanka have resumed talks for an economic and technology cooperation agreement (ETCA), after a gap of nearly five years, an official statement said.

The two countries had 11-rounds of talks from 2016 to 2018. Thereafter the negotiations were paused.

“India and Sri Lanka held the twelfth round negotiations on the ETCA in Colombo from October 30 to November 1,” the commerce ministry said in a statement.

During this round, it said, both the sides engaged in discussions on various issues, including trade in goods, technical barriers to trade, sanitary (human and animal health) and phytosanitary (plant health) measures, trade in services, custom procedure, trade facilitation, rules of origin, trade remedies, and dispute settlement.

It added that the conclusion of the negotiations for the agreement is expected to open new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation for both countries.

“The ETCA will be a pivotal move to further enhance bilateral trade between the two countries,” it added.

The ministry further said that issues such as the quota on apparel and pepper and the procurement of pharmaceuticals were also discussed and both sides decided to continue the discussion and explore new options for resolution of the matter.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by K J Weerasinghe, Chief Negotiator, and the Indian delegation by Anant Swarup, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce.

The two countries already have a free trade agreement, which was implemented in 2000.

India has traditionally been among one of the Sri Lanka’s largest trade partners and Sri Lanka remains among the largest trade partners of India in the South Asia region.

India’s exports to that nation stood at $ 5.11 billion in 2022-23 as against $ 5.8 billion in 2021-22. Imports from Sri Lanka aggregated at $ 1.07 billion in the last fiscal as against $ one billion in 2021-22.

A number of leading companies from India has invested and established presence in Sri Lanka. The main investments from India are in the areas of petroleum retail, tourism and hotel, manufacturing, real estate, telecommunication, banking and financial services.

By Feizal Samath Courtesy TTGAsia

The Sri Lankan government this week invited bids from the global industry to run and manage the island’s national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, which has been suffering accumulated losses over the years.

While the airline has reported an operating profit for the period April 2022 to end March 2023, its accumulated debt is US$1.2 billion.

The authorities are banking on enticing investors with the intention of creating Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, as a regional (South Asia) travel hub with a huge focus on operations to and from India and other regional cities.

For over four decades, the airline has been operating as a full service carrier covering Europe, the Middle East, Indian sub-continent, South-east Asia, the Far East and Australia.

In advertisements carried on local and foreign media on Tuesday, the government announced Invitations to Tenders (ITTs). The divestiture is planned to be completed through a two-stage competitive bidding process – namely RFQ (Request for Qualification) and RFP (Request for Proposals for the Proposed Transaction). World Bank-affiliate, the International Finance Corporation is the financial advisor of this process.

Founded in 1979, SriLankan Airlines operates a fleet of 24 Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft and has a route network of 126 destinations in 61 countries.

The part sale (the government will retain 51 per cent control while offering investors a 49 per cent state) which has been talked of for several months has attracted interest particularly from Indian airline operators, industry sources said.

It is good that the government is inviting private sector engagement in the airline which would help the airline grow further with its strong links to India,” one industry source said. SriLankan Airlines is the biggest foreign operator in the Indian market operating multiple daily and weekly flights to Indian destinations. India is also Sri Lanka’s biggest tourism source market.

This is the third time the airline is seeking a foreign partner, having expertise from Singapore Airlines at the inception followed by a partnership during 1998 to mid-2008 with Emirates.