This comes after an expert panel verified that the two countries have had consistently high coverage of Hepatitis B vaccine doses.
Maldives and Sri Lanka have achieved control over hepatitis B disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday.
The experts also reviewed the findings of national surveys conducted among children in 2022-2023, in these countries.(Shutterstock)
This comes after an expert panel verified that the two countries have had consistently high coverage of Hepatitis B vaccine doses in infants and a low prevalence of the deadly disease, corroborated through serological surveys conducted recently in both countries.
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“I congratulate and commend the Maldives and Sri Lanka on their achievement which once again demonstrates the earnest efforts being made by the health leaders and officials, health workers and the people of these countries towards the health and well-being of communities,” Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia said.
The Expert Panel for Verification of Hepatitis B Control in WHO South-East Asia Region reviewed childhood immunisation data from the Maldives and Sri Lanka that showed consistent over 90 per cent coverage with Hepatitis B vaccine doses provided during infancy for the past many years.
The experts also reviewed the findings of national surveys conducted among children in 2022-2023, in these countries.
“Based on the evidence presented to it, the Expert Panel concluded that the standards required for verification of hepatitis B control have been met in both these countries and hence recommended that this important public health target has been achieved in Maldives and Sri Lanka,” said Dr Supamit Chunsuttiwat, chairperson of the Regional Expert Panel for verification of hepatitis B control in Southeast Asia.
Notably, the two countries join Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand, who achieved the same feat in 2019, WHO stated in the release.
Preventing hepatitis B infection in infancy substantially reduces chronic infections and cases of liver cancer and cirrhosis in adulthood.
Meanwhile, hepatitis control continues to be an important public health initiative in the Southeast Asia Region of WHO, which comprises 11 countries and is home to a quarter of the world’s population.
The region has an estimated 60 million people living with chronic hepatitis B and 2,18,000 people dying every year of hepatitis B and C. Of the people eligible for antiviral treatment, only about 10 per cent know their status and less than 5 per cent of them are on treatment.
In 2016, the South-East Asia Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group endorsed a regional goal of hepatitis B control with a target of reducing hepatitis B prevalence to less than 1 per cent among children aged at least 5 years.
Hepatitis B vaccine, as a part of the pentavalent vaccine, has been included in the national childhood immunisation schedule of all countries of the Region, with three doses of this vaccine provided to children during their first year of life. Eight countries of the Region also have a policy of providing a birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine to newborn babies.
According to WHO, the region made good progress in improving immunisation coverage of the pentavalent vaccine until 2019. However, there was a decline in coverage in several countries of the Region in 2020 and 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic. *
Intensive efforts in countries have resulted in the revival of childhood immunization coverage to pre-pandemic levels in several countries and the WHO and UNICEF estimates for 2022 show that the overall coverage of 3rd dose of pentavalent vaccine has recovered to the pre-pandemic level of 91 per cent in the region, a sharp increase from 82 per cent coverage level reported in 2021.
Dr Khetrapal Singh further stressed that countries also need to focus on improving the Hepatitis B vaccine birth dose, which continues to have a relatively slow uptake with an estimated coverage of only 58 per cent in the region in 2022.
She said that one of the key barriers to achieving high hepatitis B vaccine birth dose coverage remains the high proportion of home deliveries, that do not allow timely access of the Hepatitis B vaccine to these newborns.
The Regional Director further added that inequities in immunisation service delivery, suboptimal awareness and training of health staff at birthing facilities, particularly in terms of false contraindications and fear of adverse events following immunisation, also contribute to sub-optimal coverage of Hepatitis B vaccination coverage.
“The control of hepatitis B through immunisation is a priority for our region. Achieving the control goal is a critical step as we progress towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus,” the Regional Director said.
WHO’s ‘triple elimination initiative’ encourages countries to simultaneously commit to such elimination together with HIV and syphilis – further pushing the agenda for integrated service delivery.
“Hepatitis must be prevented and treated. In addition to vaccination, continued efforts are needed to scale up other preventive measures such as safe injection, safe blood and infection prevention and control,” Dr Khetarapal Singh added.
Colombo, Jan. 17 (Daily Mirror)- The Russian Federation has donated USD 1.5 million worth of sunflower oil to Sri Lanka through the UN World Food Programme, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
The official handing over ceremony took place at the Partnership Secretariat for World Food Programme Co-operation (PSWFPC) premises in Colombo, yesterday (16).
Accordingly, the Russian Federation has granted 130.41 MT of fortified Sunflower oil through the World Food Programme (WFP).
The initial batch of 351.9 metric tons (MT) was received on July 4, 2023, followed by a second instalment of 130.41 MT, received on December 30, 2023 (117.3MT), and January 4, 2024 (13.11).
This benevolent initiative falls under the Emergency Responsive Programme (ERP), channelling Russian aid directly to low-income and vulnerable families across the nation.
The impact of this assistance has reached 8,625 households, particularly in the districts of Batticaloa, Nuwara Eliya and Trincomalee.
The total contribution from the Russian Federation now stands at an impressive 482.31 MT, garnering immense appreciation for the humanitarian efforts extended by the people of Russia to the people of Sri Lanka.
This collaborative effort highlights the spirit of international solidarity in addressing the pressing needs of communities facing economic challenges, marking a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between the Russian Federation and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Budget 2024 has ambitious proposals that could push the country forward, however, it continues to stare at a long road to economic recovery
The recently passed 2024 Budget has many promises but when judging Sri Lanka by its past, it falls short of the revenue needed to fulfill expenditures for key proposals in the budget. The budget posed a significant dilemma for Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He had to balance the needs of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme but at the same time, ward off pressure from his coalition to produce a populist budget as 2024 is an election year. Sri Lanka is currently in its 17th IMF programme and has been under various such programmes since 1965, of which it has completed only nine programmes.
Positives from the budget
Sri Lanka’s Budget 2024 has interesting proposals that can drive the country forward. Tenets living on public housing schemes are to be given ownership of the land and estate workers are to be given land. This is an important step since 82 percent of land in Sri Lanka is owned by the government, so this will enable the people receiving land ownership to use the land as collateral to finance any initiative.
The Central Bank Act has been passed, and its key features include removing the Treasury Secretary from the Monetary Board, disallowing the Central Bank from purchasing directly from the primary market, and having price stability as its core objective.
The small and medium enterprises sector which contributes to 52 percent of Sri Lanka’s GDP has been given concessionary loans. This can help most of these enterprises survive as many of them are on the verge of collapse. INR 450 billion has been allocated to the capital improvement of the banking sector, and 20 percent of the shares of the two largest public banks are to be privatised. As state banks have played a key role in lending to the government which has allowed for large fiscal deficits, the privatisation of state banks will bring in accountability and transparency. The Central Bank Act has been passed, and its key features include removing the Treasury Secretary from the Monetary Board, disallowing the Central Bank from purchasing directly from the primary market, and having price stability as its core objective. This will result in greater fiscal discipline as the government cannot rely on monetary finance. Sri Lanka also being shut out of international capital markets meant the only option was to borrow from state banks which is the reason they need recapitalisation. Partial privatisation will result in greater fiscal discipline.
The government has also made budget proposals with regard to international trade. Sri Lanka remains one of the most protected economies in the world with a higher share of the non-tradable sector. Non-tariff import taxes are to be phased out. This can result in a decrease in revenue but will help manufacturing as 80 percent of imports are intermediate and capital goods needed for production. A single window for border management agencies is to be established. Modernisation of customs laws and new free trade agreements are positive developments. A larger focus has also been placed on capital expenditure at a staggering INR 375 billion on roads and urban development which will try to address the infrastructural shortfalls in Sri Lanka. Though this will cause a strain on the fiscal balance, the government sees it as needed to attract investment with the correct infrastructure in place.
A larger focus has also been placed on capital expenditure at a staggering INR 375 billion on roads and urban development which will try to address the infrastructural shortfalls in Sri Lanka.
The government has also proposed establishing new state and foreign universities and looking at the option of interest-free student loans to promote human capital. This means many students can pursue education outside the state university system.
Budget challenges
This budget comes with its challenges too. It has been drafted from a very difficult position for the government. The number of poor living in Sri Lanka has increased from 3 million in 2019 to 7 million. The economy had contracted by 7.8 percent in 2022 and 7.9 percent in the first half of 2023. Though inflation has come under control, last year’s high inflation of 70 percent has already reduced the purchasing power of the Sri Lankan consumer.
In this economic climate, the IMF programme is largely focusing on a revenue-based fiscal consolidation, as Sri Lanka has one of the lowest government revenue-to-GDP ratios in the world. As nearly 60 percent of the tax revenue comes from goods and services taxes, it will be challenging to raise the needed revenue as the economy is contracting. The government is expecting a year-on-year tax increase of 47 percent with the budget but the only major tax change from last year is the increase in Value Added Tax rate from 15 percent to 18 percent. This will be a challenge as Sri Lanka has not met its revenue targets since 2000.
For the last 23 years, Sri Lanka has failed to meet the revenue targets set out in its budget. The Sri Lankan government aims to raise revenue by 45 percent with the 2024 budget but for the first 9 months of 2023, revenue fell short by 29 percent. This inability to meet its revenue targets is also a key reason for the delay in the release of the second tranche from the IMF to Sri Lanka.
The IMF programme is largely focusing on a revenue-based fiscal consolidation, as Sri Lanka has one of the lowest government revenue-to-GDP ratios in the world.
The government will have to increase the VAT base or decrease the VAT thresholds to increase further revenue. For a country of 22 million people, less than 300,000 people have personal income tax files and from that, less than 60,000 have paid income taxes as of 2022. The budget has mentioned plans to increase the personal income tax base as well. A personal income tax number is required to open a bank current account or renew a vehicle annual license. The government hopes to increase the tax base through such measures.
But the biggest challenge is implementation and accountability. Greater fiscal transparency was also termed as necessary by the IMF. According to Verite Research, the progress is unknown for proposals that used 97 percent of the funds. The lack of implementation is a greater concern —certain proposals have been in many budgets in the past and have never been implemented. So this raises the question of how likely these proposals are to be implemented.
The road ahead
Sri Lanka has a long road ahead for economic recovery. Currently, public debt is at 128 percent of GDP and according to the IMF targets, it is to be brought down to 95 percent by 2032. The challenge remains revenue collection and Sri Lanka has a formidable task ahead on this front. Fiscal transparency, accountability, and implementation are key. The focus on improving international trade, privatisation, and increased capital expenditure is positive news for the long-term economic growth of Sri Lanka. A lot depends on the upcoming elections and the politics building up to it which will decide Sri Lanka’s path ahead as the nation stands at a crossroads.
Talal Rafi is an Economist and an Expert Member of the World Economic Forum.
A senior Japanese diplomat attached to the Japanese Embassy in Colombo, speaking to Ceylon Today in terms of anonymity, claimed that a homegrown solution will not help Sri Lanka overcome the present economic crisis. He pointed out that the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Administration’s attempt to resolve the then-developing catastrophe with a homegrown approach failed. Therefore, in his thinking, the sole solution for Sri Lanka lies with the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) as the only way forward.
This Japanese diplomat, who was not authorised to make such observations, obviously has not heard of the age-old adage that if you fail once, try again. Had we accepted a failed attempt or for that matter multiple failed attempts as the reason not to keep trying, then we would still be under the LTTE’s terror reign.
Therefore, before we blindly accept this anonymous statement as a qualifying recommendation, we need to comprehend two factors:
1.) The reasons for Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s homegrown solution to fail;
2.) Whether the factors that contributed to Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s homegrown solution are still true.
At the same time, we need to understand the impact the EFF is having on our economy. The EFF is almost fondly known as the IMF’s bailout” package. While this facility did much to restore the external creditor confidence, it is hardly a bailout package. It is more of an austerity programme imposed on a society that is both indisciplined and illiterate financially.
Why did Gotabaya’s Homegrown Solution fail?
The tax holidays granted by President Gotabaya to the business community is widely blamed as the root cause of the economic crisis. Economic experts as Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, who played a pivotal role in bringing President Gotabaya to power, criticise this move. Many who were in the core team responsible for President Gotabaya’s position suspect that the tax cuts were a brainchild of the neoliberal team President Gotabaya attached to after entering Office.
It is unclear who actually advised President Gotabaya to grant these tax concessions to the business community. However, whether it was an ill-advised strategy is highly debatable. Those who condemn these tax breaks forget the economy President Gotabaya inherited.
The Much-Condemned Tax Breaks
Next to the war-torn Afghanistan, our economy in 2019 was the worst performing in the region. The rest of the region was thriving. Unemployment has risen by half a million and the business community was hanging by their fingernails. It was taking this bleak scenario that President Gotabaya declared the tax concessions as well as moratoriums on bank loans.
The logic was to give the business communities the much-needed breathing space to pick up their pace. Without the burden of having to pay heavy taxes, the businesses could then invest that money into their businesses.
Money invested in modern technology, the latest machinery, new markets etcetera can only translate into one thing – growth. With growth, employment opportunities increase, the cost of production decreases and productivity expands. As sales of companies and personal incomes of individuals grow, so does the revenue collected by the Government as taxes.
Today, parapet and other public walls are defaced with spray-painted slogans demanding to tax the rich. Those who demand the rich to be taxed and wealth to be distributed to the poor demonstrate their ignorance on the concept of tax. The rich, or rather the investors as entrepreneurs should either pay taxes or put their money into the economy and increase the wealth in the country.
Governments must be clever enough to incentivise the business community (the so-called rich”) to contribute to the economy in ways governments cannot. Increasing employment opportunities is one thing that is best left in the hands of the private rather than the public sector.
When employment can be easily gained in the private sector, the public sector would be free to hire the most competent and remarkable heads. Governments must concentrate on hiring the best, compensate them well above market price and insist on outstanding performance. If that could be achieved, then most of the woes we suffer from the public sector as inefficiency and a bulging but unproductive workforce would be resolved or at the very least minimised. However, to come to that point, the private sector must be booming with enough employment opportunities across the society’s strata.
The Pandemic
Most unfortunately, the Covid-19 virus that emerged even before President Gotabaya could warm up his seat and which quickly flared into a pandemic within three months put a spanner into the economic recovery plans. The whole world went into lockdown.
Sri Lanka, a country that depends almost entirely on exports but with limited forex revenue avenues lost most of its income routes almost overnight. Conversely, our expenses soared as the entire responsibility of managing the pandemic as well as the social securities of the population fell on the Government. Still, the Gotabaya Administration overcame all obstacles and challenges.
Yet, the developing economic crisis could not be contained. This is not because of the weaknesses of the homegrown solution. In fact, the homegrown solution fell victim to factors that were entirely political than financial.
The Protests
The first factor that contributed to the economic crisis was the protests. Since the day President Gotabaya assumed Office, numerous protests took place. In the early days, these protests amounted to a simple nuisance. President Gotabaya appointed a task force comprising the senior most officers with proven track records to personally look into the protestors’ grievances. These protestors simply melted away as the pandemic struck the island nation.
However, as the pandemic’s second cycle ended, protests from various quarters emerged. When the health sector decided to take trade union action, which could have derailed the anti-Covid-19 vaccine programme, the military took over and did a better job.
When the farmers took to the streets demanding agrochemical fertilisers, the Government was still able to ignore the protests. This indifference caused deep wounds among the agrarian communities. Considering that it is these communities that hold President Gotabaya’s vote base, the Government should have taken their contention more seriously.
It was however the teachers’ protests over salary anomalies – an issue that has been festering for a quarter of a century – that really took a toll on the already fragile economy. Instead of being the strict disciplinarian expected by President Gotabaya’s voters, his Government played being the nice guy. This did not resolve the problem but dragged it on for weeks. Consequently, the third lockdown got elongated as the number of Covid-19 patients and deaths increased. To the economy, it was akin to beating one who has a headache with a stick.
As the third cycle elongated and economic recovery slowed down, our economy began to collapse. This gave rise to anti-government protests as we ran out of forex to pay for our energy sources.
Politics at its Worst
By this time, President Gotabaya’s support base had fractured and he was losing support from the very ones who brought him to power. For reasons not entirely clear, the then Finance Ministry’s top guns ignored the Central Bank’s (CBSL) recommended roadmaps. These officials also refused to adjust to the prevailing situation and refused to increase fuel prices or ration it altogether.
As CBSL struggled to protect the LKR, unofficial and illegal USD exchanging channels emerged. Again, top management from the CBSL, Finance Ministry and the Government failed to stop these channels. As a result, forex that was slowly trickling into the country bypassed official channels and was directly transacted via systems as undial. Soon the banks’ forex dwindled. Consequently, banks could not even open a Letter of Credit for manufacturers to import their raw materials.
In the end, it was not the merits of the homegrown solution that failed the nation. It was the nation with its myopia, politicians with self-serving agendas and a government that mismanaged its political platform that failed the homegrown solution.
Presently, the pandemic is a fading memory. Recent reports of a new variant hardly causes a stir. The incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe is on a borrowed mandate and his Parliamentary support is sketchy. However, he is one politician who knows how to contain a protest. His political opponents bark at him but dare not bite him. However, unlike President Gotabaya, his successor does not have much faith in our solutions.
The IMF, which recently granted the second tranche, has expressed their satisfaction with our performance. However, the brain drain that has accelerated since the bailout” indicates that Sri Lankans are not happy with the changes shaping our economy under the IMF’s guidance. This gives rise to the most pertinent question of all – can we recover from the prevailing economic crisis with just the IMF’s helping hand?
ranasingheshivanthi@gmail.com
(The views and opinions expressed in this column are writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Ceylon Today)
The Supreme Court has declared former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s decision to grant presidential pardon to former MP Duminda Silva, convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, as invalid.
The relevant court order was issued by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court when several petitions filed by the late Premachandra’s wife and daughter, Sumana and Hirunika Premachandra and former Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) Attorney-at-Law Ghazali Hussain, was taken up in court this morning (17 Jan.).
The judge bench was presided over by Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and consisted Justices Gamini Amarasekara and Arjuna Obeysekara.
Thus, the Commissioner General of Prisons was instructed by the Supreme Court to take the relevant measures necessary so as to impose the impending sentence against Duminda Silva, adding that former President Gotabaya had failed to follow the proper legal procedure when granting the said amnesty.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court ordered the Commissioner General of Prisons to take steps to implement the sentence previously imposed on this petitioner.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe took centre stage in a recent roundtable discussion organized by the Consortium of Indian Industry (CII) and World Economic Forum yesterday (16), unveiling a comprehensive economic vision for Sri Lanka.
The President emphasized the successful resolution of supply bottlenecks, the removal of import restrictions and the restoration of foreign exchange liquidity as key factors contributing to sustained economic growth.
Sri Lanka is actively expanding its trade agreements, with a recently completed comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore and an upcoming FTA with Thailand in February. Ongoing discussions with India, China, and Southeast Asian nations highlight the nation’s commitment to global economic integration.
President Wickremesinghe welcomed private investments, particularly in infrastructure development and the divestment of state-owned enterprises. Lucrative opportunities for potential investors were highlighted in key sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, and energy. The collaborative efforts with India on renewable energy projects, focusing on offshore wind and solar sources, underscored the commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Plans for a high-capacity power grid and bidirectional electricity trade further showcased the dedication to energy and power connectivity.
Bilateral trade and economic engagement were central themes, with plans outlined for liberalizing trade in goods and services, customs cooperation, and trade facilitation with India. The emphasis on technology cooperation and the use of the Indian rupee for trade settlement reflects a commitment to strengthening economic ties. Sri Lanka’s vision also extends to tourism and people-to-people connectivity, fostering cultural and educational collaborations.
Engaging with top Indian CEOs across various sectors, President Wickremesinghe discussed opportunities in supply chain efficiency, healthcare, consumer products, telecom, and clean energy. The roundtable positioned Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for diverse investments. Recognizing the importance of digital technologies in logistics, the President highlighted the potential for collaboration in enhancing infrastructure efficiency.
In conclusion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s dynamic vision, shared during the roundtable, underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to economic prosperity, regional collaboration, and sustainable development. The dialogue with Indian CEOs lays the groundwork for robust partnerships and investments, fostering a new era of economic growth for Sri Lanka.
State Minister for Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna has assured that the ongoing issue in the issuance of driver’s licenses would be addressed by October, with a shift towards providing permanent licenses through a one-day service rather than temporary ones.
Speaking at a news conference held at the Presidential Media Centre under the theme ‘Collective Path to a stable country’ today (Jan.17), the state minister outlined plans to elevate all district offices responsible for issuing driving licenses to the status of the head office in Werahera by the end of this year.
Alagiyawanna, elaborating on the transportation initiatives under President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s guidance, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to delivering efficient public transport services through modern technology. He highlighted the ongoing programs and the ministry’s efforts to amend the existing motor vehicle act, introducing a new act.
In the interest of road safety, steps are being taken to streamline the speed limit process to reduce accidents. While alcohol detection is currently operational for drivers, a new initiative targets legal action against drivers under the influence of drugs, implemented nationwide since this year, with an initial phase in the Western and Southern Provinces.
To enhance driver education and safety, plans are afoot to implement a program to inform drivers about first aid in the event of an accident, with future intentions to incorporate related questions into the driver’s license test.
With approximately 8.9 million vehicles and 8.5 million licensed drivers in the country, efforts are underway to standardize all district offices issuing licenses to the level of the Werahera head office by year-end.
Further developments include facilitating driver’s licenses for foreigners at airports by April and resolving the current challenges in license issuance by October. The commitment extends to replacing temporary licenses with permanent ones through expedited one-day services.
‘Before you study the economics, study the economists!’
e-Con e-News 07-13 January 2023
Sri Lanka has been invaded 17 times throughout its known history, mostly from South India, suggests Wasantha Bandara. We can now pay in dollars & rupees for front-row seats to Invasion No. 18 – with our hands chained behind our backs. An Indo-US United War Supply Centre is to be set up in Gokanna (aka Cheena Varaaya aka Trincomalee), to prepare for Sri Lanka’s vassalage as India’s 29th state, with Tamil Eelam aka Tamilnadu South sliced out as India’s 30th satrapy. To achieve all this, 6 international agendas are being imposed simultaneously, and include the management of chaos (a seeming oxymoron) to further weaken Sinhala Buddhist culture, and to subdue the economy under a so-called IMF-mudalali’s ‘free market’, i.e., domination by US multinational corporations (MNCs) & banks. (see ee Focus)
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The SL President’s ‘bombshell’ of joining in the USA’s threat to block the Red Sea, appears as yet another media-spun diversion:
With regard to attempts by Sri Lanka to send ships to the Red Sea, Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka did not have the capacity to send a ship by itself: ‘The Navy indicated if they were to go, they would like to go with some cover. However, we do not want any Israeli participation in this freedom of navigation operation. We will support whatever measures are taken by the Arab world to mitigate the problems in the Middle East.’ – ee Sovereignty, President tells Arab envoys Lanka wants immediate ceasefire in Gaza
Perhaps this media fog was to divert from Parliament this week, taking advantage of foggy gregorian new-year hangovers, to pass (without the usual media hip-hip hurrahs & saturated repetition) several bills, including a ‘Recognition & Enforcement of International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation Bill’. This Bill will ‘ratify the Singapore Convention on Mediation’, which allows ‘international mediated settlement agreements’ (with MNCs?) to be enforced across national borders, instead of relying on local courts to enforce ‘contracts.’ Will US BlackRock send in private militia Blackwater (now rebranded Academi!) to demand instant dividends for their investments, or else?ee spent much of December 2023 examining the history of the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). This Singapore Convention is apparently an indispensable cat’s paw for ICSID.
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• The rule of the ‘Panchikavatte Mafia’ due to the privatization of transport here, has been a disaster, notes the Communist Party of Sri Lanka‘s alternate program. As ‘the bourgeoisie depends on imports for its wealth’, the promotion of private vehicles has led to bloody mayhem (5 killed, many more maimed, per day) on the roads. This Panchikavatte Mafia (with their iconic & ironic shop signs: ‘Silencers & Body Parts’) are actually quarterbacked by the USA’s World Bank, and its yipping poodles India & Japan, who with their hand-me-down cars and always-breakdown 3wheelers (not a single part yet made here) strangle our road transport. Alongside the undermining of local energy sources (see the many ees on what happened to DJ ‘Laxapana’ Wimalasurendra, & the Mannar Basin), the sabotage of our 1960s nationalization to challenge the petroleum mafia, has been led by England & the US, whose main corporation Exxon, owned by the Rockefellers, sets primary US foreign policy (in Panchikavatte as in Palestine).
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• It is no coincidence that the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE, rigged, according to the President himself) surged bullish last week. Media says this was due to the arrival of Japan’s (warmongering) finance minister Shun’ichi Suzuki, & yet another IMF team. (see ee Finance)
So, this scammy CSE got excited about Shun’ichi Suzuki’s visit from US-occupied Japan. After all, he is also a governor of the US-controlled IMF, European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD), and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). A member of the warmongering Nippon Kaigi, and the Shikōkai faction of Japan’s cutely called Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Suzuki denies war crimes against other Asian countries (then again, so do their white sponsors), and not just those Chinese & Korean women Japan forced during WWII into prostitution. Other Nippon Kaigi members include prime ministers Fumio Kishida, Tarō Asō, Shinzō Abe, & Yoshihide Suga. So, he’s a fighting man keeping good company.
The media forgot to include that the CSE excitement was also bolstered by the synchronized visits of another agent of the Rockefellers (who fund the purportedly Sri Lankan Office for National Unity & Reconciliation – ONUR, which suddenly swung to life again), and England’s Vice Admiral Tim Laurence (sans his battleships) & his spouse Anglo-German Princess Anne (who some thought was married to a horse). Hanover Anne sans horse also visited MAS Holdings – which reminds of the profits English corporations squeeze from supplying the many imported inputs, which this garment fraud depends on. The Hun Princess, while visiting English war graves in Jawatte, forgot to visit the remains of earlier English imperialist invaders, who lie decaying and unmarked midst Borella Kanatte’s Anglican burial quarters (they too wish to forget 1818, 1848, etc).
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‘The International Monetary & Financial Committee, which oversees the IMF, could not agree, by consensus, on the usual end-of-meeting ministerial communiqué for ‘geopolitical’ reasons. The Development Committee, which governs the World Bank Group, fared little better’. – see ee Focus
The US has imposed an ‘independent’ new Central Bank Act in Sri Lanka, supposedly to control ‘irresponsible’ money printing, but actually to ensure that our money is diverted into what they prioritize & to protect private money.
Here then is why the English Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC)’s MP Harsha de Silva rather hysterically responded to the JVP’s assertion that the (ISB) international sovereign bondholders know the risks of investing in debt, and proudly take such risks (they’re supposed to be capitalists after all) and have in fact already been paid over and over again. This is not just a JVP position. Anybody who can count, knows there is no way we can escape this debt bondage without telling them to go to hell & ensuring we invest in modern industrialization.
It turns out CTC Harsha de Silva’s masters at the World Bank want public funds to be used to ‘de-risk’ or otherwise subsidize commercial finance, ostensibly to serve public policy priorities. This ee Focus – ‘World Bank Enables Private Capture of Profits, Public Resources’ – looks at how the recent Bretton Woods institutions’ annual meetings in Morocco in October 2023 (with Sri Lanka civil society yipping ‘Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’), ‘set the developing world even further back’, by failing to reform the USA’s control over these supranational bodies, as well as by providing no means to relieve the many severely ‘debt-distressed’ countries, not just Sri Lanka.
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• A (Rockefeller-funded) ‘alternative’ Sinhala weekly tabloid once reported: a leading MP, who they disparaged as a ‘nationalist’, was a front for imports from 89 corporations based in (US-occupied) Korea. (An exception perhaps – that tradition of investigative journalism seems to have gone sotto-sotto). Of course, our colonized media can never admit how they too are a front for foreign MNCs, with Unilever & Rockefeller’s Exxon leading the growling pack. And it’s not just media, their economists, too. We can’t be that surprised therefore that 2 ‘top’ economists & columnists, ex-Central Bank deputy WA Wijewardena & University of Colombo Prof S Abeyratne both inserted into articles – one on Oman, the other on chocolate – an ad for Unilever’s demand that Sri Lanka become a ‘tea hub’. According to late Merrill ‘Dilmah’ Fernando’s autobiography, serialized in The Island, the demand for a tea hub is the bullying attempt by the Unilever multinational to subvert the Ceylon tea brand by mixing it with lesser-quality teas from elsewhere.
Pathfinder Shipping with Indian and Norwegian partners are ready to reestablish the ferry link between six to nine months after approvals granted
As part of its overall objective of consolidating ties with institutions at governmental and nongovernmental levels in Tamil Nadu, a Pathfinder Foundation delegation visited Chennai to promote tourism and connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman (PF) met with Thiru K. Ramachandran, Minister for Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Dr. K. Manivasan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department.
Mr. Goonetilleke briefed the Minister on the purpose of the PF delegation’s visit to Chennai. He said that one of the reasons for the visit was to promote tourism and connectivity between the two countries and to promote greater inflows of South Indian tourists to Sri Lanka.
He further stated that Pathfinder Shipping, a member of the MMBL-Pathfinder Group, along with its Indian and Norwegian partners are ready to reestablish the ferry link between Rameswaram and Talaimannar within six to nine months after approvals have been granted in keeping with the bilateral agreement between the two countries. Besides carrying passengers, the ferry service will also facilitate the movement of vehicles and containerized cargo by deploying ‘Roll on/Roll off’ vessels.
Mr. K. Ramachandran, Minister for Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu welcomed the idea of recommencing the Rameswaram-Talaimannar ferry link, which was in operation from 1914 till about 1985 when the service was discontinued due to the security situation prevailing in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. In the pre-conflict years, the service was extensively used by tourists, school children on educational tours, and pilgrims visiting Buddhist sites in India. Many Western tourists also used the ferry service for their transcontinental tours. The Chairman (PF) referred to the possibility of Sri Lankan pilgrims visiting South Indian Buddhist sites such as Amaravati, which could be accessed through the proposed ferry and rail service. In addition, Indian pilgrims interested in retracing the Ramayana trail and visiting Murugan temples in Kataragama and Jaffna, as well as the five ancient Eeswarams dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sri Lanka, can use the ferry connection between Rameswaram and Talaimannar. Minister agreed that the South Indian pilgrims following the Murugan trail would be happy to use the restored ferry service.
The visit of the PF delegation to Chennai comes close on the heels of the release of the Pathfinder Foundation report off the ‘A Medium and Long-term Strategy for Indo-Japanese Collaboration to Support Economic Transformation in Sri Lanka’. PF report identified eight critical sectors for improving Indo-Lanka relations, of which Connectivity & Tourism form significant components. The report was released in New Delhi in August last year in association with two Indian think tanks, NatStrat and Vivekananda International Foundation.
The PF delegation also met with N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Publishing Group, a significant highlight of the visit, which enabled exchanging views on strengthening Sri Lanka –Tamil Nadu relations and particularly the opportunities and challenges in promoting tourism and connectivity between the two countries.
Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman of PF was accompanied by Dr. Dayaratne Silva Executive Director of PF, Ahmed A. Jawad, Director, of Centre for Indo-Lanka Initiatives, and Mr. S. Kaleiselvam, former Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
On July 20th, 1969, American Astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the Moon. As he took the first tentative steps on the moon’s surface he uttered the immortal words “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
At the same time, the television camera on the lunar module captured these historic moments. The television (TV) camera used by NASA (The National Aeronautics and Space Administration of USA) was a small robust camera first developed in 1928 by the Scottish innovator John Logie Baird.
The signals were received by tracking stations on Earth, and the footage was then broadcast to a global audience of over 600 million people worldwide. They watched the historic event, live on TV in black and white. The Moon landing was the most-watched event in television history during the sixties.
Unfortunately, countries like Sri Lanka (Then Ceylon) did not have a TV at that time, but many people were inquisitive as to what was happening on the moon (or Handa Mama, the Uncle Moon of Sri Lankan Children). Fortunately, Radio Ceylon (or SLBC) arranged to air the moment on the 20th of July night, probably by curtsey of BBC. Thousands of Sri Lankans gathered around their radios to listen to the running commentary of the moon landing and the historic words of Neil Armstrong. The very next day Neil Armstrong’s words were headline news in the Ceylon Daily News. The Sunday Observer and Times of Ceylon carried the photographs of the event the following weekend.
However, few lucky people working at Sri Lanka’s first satellite earth station which was commissioned at Padukka in 1968 could get access to live telecasts and pictures from the Moon during the Moon landing.
As the Minister of State, J.R. Jayewardene proposed the introduction of TV to Sri Lanka in 1965. However, the proposal was not accepted by the then-government of Dudley Senanayake.
Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was keen to hold the 5th Non-Aligned Nations Conference in Colombo. It was held on 16–19 August 1976 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The telecommunication authorities made arrangements to telecast the proceedings all over the world using facilities at the Earth station. Sri Lankans were however deprived of watching the proceedings due to the non-availability of TVs in the country.
J.R. Jayewardene who came to power with five sixth (5/6th) majority in the parliament at the July 1977 election, decided to introduce TV.
The first TV station was established in the country in Pannipitiya by Independent Television Network (ITN) a brainchild of two cousin brothers Anil Wijewardene and Shan Wickremesinghe with the help of an American Investor. Initial transmission was made on 13th April 1979 and was limited to a 15-mile (24 km) radius of the city of Colombo. Though the station relayed colour TV programmes many people bought Black and White sets as colour TVs were much more expensive at the time.
But as a result of early viewers experiencing many disruptions and interference to programmes and complaining to the government it was acquired by the state on 5th June 1979. The late Mr. D. Thevis L. Guruge was appointed the Competent Authority and he contributed significantly to the development of the organisation. The unending soap opera ‘Kopi Kade’ first telecasted on August 4, 1986, with the story ‘Vahen Oro’ has been his brainchild to discuss social issues, and communicate the message to the general public.
Then on February 15, 1982, Rupavahini began broadcasting TV programmes with an opening speech from President J. R. Jayewardene. The funding for this TV station was donated by the Japanese government and two powerful transmitters covering the entire country were built and installed by Japanese technicians.
In 1992 government decided to allow private TV stations to be established and broadcast their programmes.
Since then there have been 12 TV stations and 44 channels in operation and it has become a very persuasive mass communication medium in Sri Lanka.
Communication Revolution
The foundation for the development of electronic communication systems was laid by Professor Samuel Morse of New York University. He developed a device for transmitting electrical signals along wires by making and breaking an electrical connection with code encoding. It was named ‘Telegraph.’
The first electronic text message or communication made through his telegraph system was established between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, a city in Maryland on May 24, 1844. His message was ‘What hath God wrought?’ It can be translated as ‘See what God has done!’ He did this by introducing a coding system later named ‘Morse Code.’
Until Professor Morse developed the telegraph system, the printing press invented by Johannes Gutenberg was the main communication medium.
The Dutch introduced the printing press to Sri Lanka in 1737 and the British improved it further when they took over the maritime areas in 1796.
While printing remained the key format for mass messages the telegraph allowed instant communication over vast distances.
British brought telegraph technology to Sri Lanka with the establishment of a telegraphic circuit between Galle and Colombo in 1858. The system was used as the main communication methodology among the stations when a railway network was established commencing in 1864 between Colombo and Ambepussa.
The introduction of the Teleprinter in 1887, through a series of inventions by several engineers automated much of the work under the telegraph system. The device replaced skilled operators versed in Morse code with typists and machines communicating faster via Baudot code invented by Émile Baudot in the 1870s. A network of teleprinters connected by a system of switched exchanges led to an international message-transfer service called Telex.
In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell (a Scottish-born Canadian-American inventor, scientist and engineer) came out with an apparatus that allowed the human voice to travel through wires over long distances. This device was named ‘Telephone.’
Guglielmo Giovanni Maria Marconi, an Italian inventor and electrical engineer, studied the experiments carried out by others and developed the first apparatus for long-distance communication without wires in 1896. This technology allowed for the transmission of sound or other signals by modulation of electromagnetic waves.
Thus Marconi’s invention was called ‘Radio.’
Continuing with experiments on electromagnetic waves the Canadian inventor, Reginald A. Fessenden made a public wireless broadcast on Christmas Eve 1906.
The various wireless systems that were developed by inventors were called “Radio” by 1910. As the telephone and radio became easy to use and the fastest way to communicate with person-to-person, usage of the Telegraph faded away.
History of Television:
The idea of transmitting moving images over a distance was first conceptualized in the late 19th century. The German scientist Paul Gottlieb Nipkow laid the foundation of television by introducing a mechanical, rotating, geometrically operating image scanning device. This was considered the first television through the 1920s and 1930s.
Philo Farnsworth, the American Inventor made his first successful electronic television transmission on September 7, 1927.
The electronic television systems had replaced mechanically scanned systems by the early 1930s. David Sarnoff of Radio Corporation of America (RCA) played a crucial role in making electronic television sets to become commercially available.
Not much development work on Television was carried out during World War II. After the war, television became more widespread and accessible.
The 1950s saw the golden age of television, with the introduction of popular programs and the mass adoption of TV sets in households in the USA and other affluent countries (mainly the black and white TV sets). The remote control technology introduced in the same period made it easy for viewers to change channels. Additionally, cable television began to emerge, offering a wider range of channels and improved reception in areas with poor broadcast signals.
Although the first colour television broadcasts began in the 1950s, it did not widely adopt until the 1960s.
The cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions dominated the market for decades, but in the 1990s and 2000s, flat-screen technologies such as LCD/LED and plasma emerged. While a standard LCD monitor uses fluorescent backlights, an LED monitor uses light-emitting diodes for backlights. However, LED screens have superior picture quality. A plasma display panel (PDP) uses small cells containing plasma: ionized xenon or neon gas that responds to electric fields. The plasma screens have a widescreen option and are mainly used for movie theatres.
Since many young and old people became so engrossed with it glued to their screens, neglecting their work and also because it was a non-interactive device people started calling the TV an ‘Idiot Box.’
Satellite Communication and Television (1960s-1970s)
Sir Arthur C Clarke’s prediction that geostationary satellites could be used in facilitating global communication became true in the sixties and seventies with the launching of many communication satellites mainly by the USA.
The first satellite to relay voice signals was launched by the U.S. government’s Project SCORE (Signal Communication by Orbiting Relay Equipment) from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on December 19, 1958. It broadcast a taped message conveying Peace on earth and goodwill toward men everywhere” from U.S. Pres. Dwight D.
Satellite communication has revolutionised the global communication methodology making the ‘Global Village’ concept popularized by Marshall McLuhan, a Canadian media theorist, in the 1960s, a reality. It is essential for providing global connectivity, enabling various communication services, supporting critical applications, and contributing to advancements in diverse fields. Its significance extends to areas such as telecommunication, broadcasting, internet services, emergency response, scientific research, distance education and beyond.
People can now watch any Television programme relayed globally (Real-time) and speak to each other through land or mobile phones.
According to published statistics, there were over 1.7 billion TV households and 6.84 billion smartphones worldwide in 2023 and this figure will continue to grow and surpass 1.8 billion TVs and 7.5 billion smartphones by 2026.
The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 reached a global broadcast audience of more than three (3) billion people, according to independent research conducted on behalf of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Today at least 80% of the people in the world have the opportunity to watch the Olympics and other sporting events such as cricket, soccer, rugby, etc., live on TV. Thus TV has become one of the most interesting and entertaining innovations by mankind.
Furthermore, television as well as mobile phones have now gone smart with integrated internet connectivity and interactive features beyond traditional functionality. These features allow users to access a variety of online content, applications, and services directly through their television and/or smartphone, making them more versatile and connected devices.
Significant Impact on the Society
Not only TV is an entertainment tool, it is an educational tool, today. In this aspect, almost all the TV stations in Sri Lanka did a yeoman service to the student population during the COVID lockdown period and continue to do so with their educational programmes. TV has now become an effective tool in the distance education delivery system. It can be integrated into the curriculum to provide information either on a single lesson, a specific unit or even a full course.
In Sri Lanka, one of the private TV stations conducted a musical reality show in July 2005 allowing youth to showcase their talent without any discrimination. Many young men and women became singers, song composers, musicians, actors, and announcers etc, breaking the traditional barriers of entry into this field, as a result. Other channels too commenced similar programmes giving opportunities to thousands of Sri Lankans.
Some geopolitical analysts think that Mikhail Gorbachev’s launched glasnost (openness”) and perestroika (restructuring”) movement before Satellites changed the way news is distributed and received around the world mainly over the TV. Thus he avoided an uprising leading to trouble and Chaos in its constituent republics when people in the Soviet Union became aware of the freedom and the standard of living enjoyed by people in the free world countries.
Conclusion
The uttering of Neil Armstrong has come true in many areas of the lifestyle of people. One example is the Television (TV). Once referred to as the ‘idiot box’ has now become an ‘intelligent box’, thanks to continuous innovation and technological developments by scientists and engineers.
Rohan Abeygunawardena ACMA, CGMA.
The writer can be contacted on abeyrohan@gmail.com
The exposition of the Sacred Omniscient Relics of Deegawapiya Stupa and the Crest-Gem takes place at Abeysekararamaya, Yakkala today (Jan 16) for public veneration. These revered articles will be remaining there until the morning on January 18.
Further, arrangements have been made for the public veneration of these revered articles at the Vidyawansha Maha Pirivena, Gampaha from January 18 to 20, at Amara Viharaya, Raddolugama from 20 to 22, at Bodhirajaramaya, Raddolugama from 22 to 23 and at Minuwangoda Rajamaha Viharaya from 23 to 25.
The Devotees have the opportunity to witness and worship the Sacred Omniscient Relics and Crest-Gem. They also can support this meritorious act by making financial contributions to the restoration project.
NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing a political rally.(File photo)
Navigating political landscape:
Sri Lanka’s next presidential election, scheduled between September and October 2024, has heightened the political atmosphere with anticipation. According to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, voters can elect a president for a five-year term. The election process involves limited ranked voting, allowing voters to express up to three ranked preferences for the president. If no candidate receives over 50% of valid votes on the first count, all candidates except the top two are eliminated. The second and third preferences of the eliminated candidates are then distributed until one of the remaining two candidates secures an outright majority. While this system has seen limited use in practice, citizens often choose to mark only one candidate, with many unaware that multiple candidates can be ranked.
In the current political landscape of Sri Lanka, the primary contenders are the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB), a political alliance led by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Jathika Jana Balavegaya, the National People’s Power (NPP), led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPFA) is emerging with limited popularity. There are ongoing negotiations regarding the incumbent president, Ranil Wickremasinghe, who is expected to contest as a joint UNP and SLPFA candidate. The nation eagerly awaits the outcome of this significant political event.
As highlighted by the news media, NPP and SJB have attracted massive crowds to their election meetings, with significant attention focused on the NPP. In the 2019 presidential election, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPFA) secured 52.25% of the votes, while the United National Party (UNP) gained 41.99% support. The NPP, on the other hand, received 3.16% of the votes.
Recent polls on election preferences in Sri Lanka reveal a dynamic and evolving political landscape. According to opinion polls by the National Health Policy Institute, Sri Lanka’s NPP, led by AK Dissanayake, has shown steady progress, garnering 51% of the votes. The upcoming presidential election promises to be a closely watched and contested event, reflecting the changing dynamics of public opinion.
The question delves into a fascinating aspect of social science research and the potential impact of public opinion polls on the opinions they aim to measure. Let’s break down the query:
The question is whether the public opinion polls, by measuring opinion, affect the opinion they measure?” This inquiry essentially explores the concept of reflexivity in social research. Reflexivity refers to the idea that the act of measuring or observing a phenomenon can, in turn, influence or change that phenomenon. In the context of public opinion polls, the question is whether the mere act of measuring people’s opinions can alter those opinions.
The question of whether, and how much, an instrument influences what it is designed to measure is analytically distinct from the question of its accuracy.” This statement emphasises the need to distinguish between two key aspects: the impact an instrument (in this case, public opinion polls) has on what it aims to measure and the accuracy of the measurements. Analysing the influence of the instrument on the measured opinions is a separate consideration from evaluating how accurately it captures those opinions.
Any reading, accurate or not, of the public mind will enter into.” This part suggests that regardless of whether the public opinion polls provide accurate or inaccurate readings, the results will still have an impact. The act of measuring public opinion, even if flawed, becomes part of the broader discourse, and can influence various aspects of society.
In summary, the question raises issues related to reflexivity in social research, urging a closer examination of how the measurement process itself may shape the opinions being measured. It also highlights the distinction between the instrument’s influence and its accuracy, emphasising that even imperfect measurements can have significant consequences in shaping public discourse.
The current technological landscape, characterised by smartphones and internet connectivity, allows for the instantaneous evaluation of public responses to political events. This information can be rapidly disseminated through mass media channels. However, in Sri Lanka, there seems to be a noticeable absence of swift information dissemination that significantly influences polling behaviour.
Sri Lanka’s election history has demonstrated the potential for momentous changes in public opinion, particularly in the final moments leading up to the elections. The 2019 elections witnessed the National People’s Power (NPP) drawing tremendous crowds to rallies in support of Anura Dissanayake. However, despite the massive support, Mr. Dissanayake ultimately secured only 3.16% of the votes.
This article explores the pivotal factors that may have a last-minute influence on the voting preferences of individuals who endorse the NPP and actively participate in its gatherings. Grasping the dynamics that shape voters’ decisions in the concluding stages of an election is essential for conducting a thorough analysis of the political terrain and anticipating possible changes in public sentiment.
Voters in their 40s, 50s, and beyond vividly recollect the events of 1987 and 1971 led by the JVP. Despite the declining trend in population growth, the overall population has surged from 7,945,977 in 1950 to 21,949,268 in 2023—an impressive general population increase of approximately 176.52% from 1950 to 2023. About 50% of the population could recall the 1971 and 1987 incidents, which may act as deterrents to last-minute voting behaviour, even though people attend NPP political rallies in large numbers.
In numerous villages, about three fell victim to the violence of the JVP during the tumultuous period of 1987. I have firsthand knowledge of a tragic incident in my village in Batapola, where three individuals lost their lives for supporting the UNP. In my neighbourhood, a harrowing episode unfolded as a middle-aged mechanic was forcibly taken from his home at night—he cowered under the bed in fear—and was apprehended, ostensibly for questioning related to specific incidents. A few minutes later, the household residents and the surrounding area were startled by the sound of a gunshot. He was found lifeless, bound to a Kitul tree. The mechanic, a father of two, left behind a wife without employment or any other source of income. The children, unable to pursue their education, found themselves compelled to engage in underage wage work to support their mother and the family.
The village, being closely knit, remembers this incident and asserts that they would never vote for the NPP, the successor of the JVP. Similar incidents have occurred in many villages. My estimate is that there would be 50,000 to 75,000 such incidents spread across the villages and urban areas of Sri Lanka. I presume that the NPP must be cognizant of these incidents, and it’s plausible that they have created a database to document such occurrences.
The burning of the Meetiyagoda Weaving Mills in 1971 during the insurrection had a significant impact on the local community in Batapola and Meetiyagoda. The weaving mill, which employed nearly 5000 people in the surrounding villages, was an essential source of livelihood for many. The memory of this devastating event seems to have left a lasting impact on the residents, and there is a sense of fear among them regarding the NPP coming to power. The concern is that it may lead to similar incidents or other actions that could negatively affect the community.
To address these fears and gain the support of the people, the NPP, if aspiring to come to power, should consider developing a comprehensive strategy. This strategy should focus on addressing the community’s specific concerns, providing assurances, and outlining plans for alleviating fears of the people.
The NPP claims to have 39 million rupees in their funds, which they are considering using for the upcoming election. An impactful and compassionate approach to utilise a portion of these funds would be to allocate financial assistance to the families whose breadwinners fell victim to the violence inflicted by the JVP. This gesture could be a significant source of comfort to these affected families, potentially alleviating their fears and fostering support for the NPP.
Taking proactive steps to visit the homes of these families, the regional leaders of the NPP should express their solidarity and convey heartfelt support. They must empathise with the pain and loss experienced by these families, emphasising that the decision to target and harm their loved ones was a misguided policy. Furthermore, the leaders should make it clear that the present stance of the NPP denounces such harmful policies and advocates for a more inclusive and compassionate approach.
By demonstrating genuine concern and taking tangible actions, the NPP can provide financial relief and build a stronger connection with the affected communities. This outreach effort has the potential to contribute to a positive perception of the party among the families who have suffered, creating a pathway for trust and potential support in the upcoming election.
Additionally, the fear expressed by my friend in Australia regarding the NPP potentially acquiring empty houses and distributing them to homeless people highlights the need for clear communication and transparency from the NPP. Assuring property owners that their assets will be protected and outlining the party’s housing policies can help alleviate such concerns. Effective communication, community engagement, and a well-thought-out strategy are crucial for any political party seeking to address the people’s fears and gain their trust and support.
I firmly believe that the citizens of Sri Lanka will exercise their voting rights with the intention of supporting candidates who exhibit qualities of integrity and a commitment to ethical conduct. The electorate is likely to favour individuals who are not tainted by corruption and pledge to bring about positive outcomes and prosperity for the population.
In this crucial decision-making process, voters are likely to prioritise candidates who demonstrate a genuine desire to address the needs and concerns of the people. This could include a focus on economic development, social welfare, and the nation’s overall well-being.
The desire for leaders who prioritise the country’s best interests over personal gain is a common sentiment among the electorate. The expectation is that elected representatives will work towards fostering a climate of transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
As the electoral process unfolds, it becomes a platform for the expression of the people’s collective will, reflecting their aspirations for a brighter and more prosperous future. The emphasis on non-corrupt, positive, and outcome-driven leadership underscores the importance of building a nation that thrives on justice, fairness, and progress principles.
The impact of the US dollar’s dominance as the primary international currency, termed the US dollar trap,” on poor, developing, and emerging economies. The consequences encompass financial stability and dollarization, with monetary policy constrained by the dollar’s influence. A stronger dollar negatively affects trade and finance in emerging markets, causing a decline in real trade volumes. The dollar’s status as the global reserve currency leads to dissatisfaction among strategic competitors, potentially challenging US hegemony in the global financial system. Despite claims of instability, the dollar’s global role has provided substantial benefits to the US economy since the 1960s. (See Figure 01)
The primary method of assessing the strength of the dollar involves comparing it (indexing) to a basket of currencies from significant trading partners, such as Japan and the euro-zone. By this standard, the dollar is currently at a two-decade peak, having surged by over 10 percent this year. This substantial movement is noteworthy for an index that generally experiences minor fluctuations on a daily basis. (See Figure 02)
Transformation
The value of the U.S. dollar is the strongest it has been in a generation, devaluing currencies around the world and unsettling the outlook for the global economy as it upends everything, from the cost of a vacation abroad to the profitability of multinational companies. However, this U.S. dollar’s long-standing dominance in the international arena is facing new challenges, raising questions about the phenomenon of de-dollarization. Recent geopolitical events, particularly the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the resultant U.S. sanctions on Russia, have triggered a reconsideration of the global reliance on the U.S. dollar. Notable instances, such as Bolivia’s adoption of the Chinese currency known as renminbi-RMB, like sterling of Great Britain (the currency unit is yuan-Y, like British pound, for example) for imports and exports, highlight a growing trend toward reducing dependence on the dollar in international transactions. Argentina and Brazil had already initiated the use of yuan in their trading settlements. Argentina, in April 2023, announced plans to use Chinese currency to pay for goods imported from China; while Brazil, in February 2023, signed a memorandum of cooperation with China to establish yuan clearing arrangements in Brazil. Meanwhile, the State Bank of India completes its first non-dollar transaction with Sri Lanka by paying Sri Lanka rupees for exports.
Renminbi and Yuan
Renminbi is the official currency of the People’s Republic of China and means people’s currency” in Mandarin. A yuan is a unit of the currency. A popular analogy draws from the British pound sterling vs. the pound: Renminbi is the name of China’s currency, just as sterling is the currency of Great Britain. A unit of renminbi is a yuan, just as the pound is the basic unit of sterling.
Expansion of BRICS
This shift has been particularly noticeable within a group of influential emerging economies, collectively known as BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. On Aug 24, 2023, BRICS announced that it would formally accept six new members at the start of 2024: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). (See Figure 03)
Challenges to Dollar Hegemony
The impact of de-dollarization could unfold through two primary scenarios. Firstly, events that undermine the perceived safety and stability of the U.S. dollar may contribute to its erosion. Secondly, positive developments that enhance the credibility of alternative currencies might further challenge the dollar’s dominance. The repercussions of de-dollarization could extend to a broad depreciation of U.S. financial assets, prompting shifts in global economic dynamics. However, the precise impact on U.S. growth remains uncertain, with potential effects on competitiveness, foreign investment, and inflation.
Emerging Signs and Scenarios
While signs of de-dollarization are becoming evident, the U.S. dollar continues to exert influence in various markets. China’s efforts to internationalize the renminbi are ongoing but are characterized by a gradual process. Measures such as relaxing capital controls, opening markets, and promoting Chinese government bonds aim to position the renminbi as a credible alternative. In currency markets, the dollar maintains a substantial share, accounting for 88% of foreign exchange volumes. However, foreign exchange reserves indicate a decline to a record low of 58%, signaling a shift away from the dollar.
De-Dollarization in Oil Markets
Notably, de-dollarization is observable in oil markets, where the U.S. dollar’s influence on oil prices is waning. An increasing number of oil transactions occur in non-dollar currencies, particularly the renminbi. Countries, including Russia, are opting to sell oil in local currencies or those of allied nations. The significance of the dollar in determining oil prices has diminished, with OECD oil inventories playing a more dominant role.
Expectations and Regional Shifts
While a complete and rapid de-dollarization is deemed unlikely, there is an expectation of marginal de-dollarization. The more plausible scenario involves partial de-dollarization, where the renminbi assumes some functions traditionally associated with the dollar. This shift could lead to regionalism, creating distinct economic and financial spheres of influence characterized by different currencies and markets. The U.S. dollar’s enduring global network of alliances and partnerships remains a significant factor contributing to its continued prominence despite the evolving landscape of international currencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dominance of the US dollar, known as the US dollar trap,” has profound implications for poor, developing, and emerging economies. Despite providing significant benefits to the US economy since the 1960s, recent geopolitical events, such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis, have triggered a reassessment of global reliance on the dollar. Instances like Bolivia’s adoption of the Chinese currency and Argentina and Brazil’s initiation of yuan settlements indicate a growing trend to reduce dependence on the dollar. The expansion of BRICS with 11 member nations reflects efforts to diversify financial interactions. Challenges to dollar hegemony may arise from events undermining stability or positive developments favoring alternative currencies. Signs of de-dollarization, particularly in oil markets, suggest a shift toward regionalism with distinct economic spheres. Despite these shifts, the enduring global network of alliances contributes to the continued prominence of the US dollar.
(The writer, a senior Chartered Accountant and professional banker, is Professor at SLIIT University, Malabe. He is also the author of the Doing Social Research and Publishing Results”, a Springer publication (Singapore), and Samaja Gaveshakaya (in Sinhala). The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institution he works for. He can be contacted at saliya.a@slit.lk and www.researcher.com)
Pivuthu Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila, MP, yesterday (16) insisted that health sector trade union coalition’s demand for Rs 35,000 allowance shouldn’t be granted under any circumstances.
The former Power and Energy Minister said that those trade unions should realise that their demand for Rs 35,000 allowance because the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance given to doctors had been increased by that amount couldn’t be accepted. With the increase doctors receive Rs 70,000 DAT allowance.
The Colombo District lawmaker told The Island that he expected political parties to take a right stand on this matter as they shouldn’t encourage those seeking to cause chaos.
The coalition, consisting of 72 trade unions, on Monday (15), announced an indefinite strike unless the government gave in to their demand.
Addressing the media at the PHU office, at Etul Kotte, MP Gammanpila said that though his stand wouldn’t be appealing to many but that was the truth. The former JHU stalwart said that political parties shouldn’t seek political advantage but act collectively to address the issue at hand.
Udaya Gammanpila and National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa were sacked, in early 2022, by then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over their opposition to the Yugadanavi agreement that was concluded in the dead of the night with the US-based energy company.
Pointing out the growing demand for Sri Lankan doctors in the UK and other Commonwealth countries, lawmaker Gammanpila said that grievances of doctors should be addressed. The ex-Minister said that those bent on securing employment overseas wouldn’t stay back due to the increase in DAT allowance but the governemnt effort to address their concerns should be appreciated.
MP Gammanpila warned of dire consequences if the increase in DAT allowance is granted to the entire health sector. PHU leader said that if the government succumbed to trade unionists, all sectors would demand the same and that could cause quite a crisis.
MP Gammanpila said that a new law should be enacted to compel doctors passing out from state universities to serve the public sector for 10 years. Claiming that the country spent as much as Rs 5 mn to produce a doctor, the MP said that legal measures were required to obtain their services as some sought overseas employment immediately after passing out of state medical faculties here.
The lawmaker also conceded that exodus of doctors couldn’t be halted by increasing the DAT allowance.
Responding to another query, MP Gammanpila said that the country was in such a precarious situation it wouldn’t be fair by the people for political parties and trade unions to seek undue advantage over the DAT issue.
Traffic has grown by 80% in a few weeks, after many companies decided to abandon the Suez Canal route because of Houthi attacks, for the one circumnavigating Africa. But for Sri Lanka it risks being only a short-term gain. The political crux of Colombo’s participation in the Red Sea mission.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – According to data from the Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA), due to the Red Sea crisis, the port of Colombo has increased the volume of containers transhipment from a ship by approximately 80%. to the other.
This is happening because the main shipping companies are changing their routes following the attacks by the Houthi rebels from Yemen: “The port of Colombo – explains the SLPA to AsiaNews – has emerged as a short-term transit point for the main shipping companies navigation to redirect their ships to the longer and more expensive route that passes through the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa”.
Before the Red Sea crisis, around 5,000 container transhipments were carried out in Colombo per day: today there are over 8,000. According to some industry stakeholders, “although the port may benefit from the current crisis, due to the increased uncertainty surrounding passage on that waterway, these recent gains are unlikely to be sustainable for the companies in the long term” .
There are already early indications that some shipping lines will skip the Colombo port in favor of the shorter route from Singapore. However, in anticipation of sustained growth, the port is actively preparing to strengthen its capacity. The East Container Terminal which was semi-operational, has been set up to handle 7 million containers this year.
Recently President Ranil Wickremesinghe – who holds the portfolio of the Ministry of Defense – said he would provide a Navy ship in the Red Sea to help the international effort to repel Houthi attacks – at a cost of 250 million rupees every fortnight .
Sri Lanka therefore also intends to join the “Operation Prosperity Guardian” led by the United States Navy with a patrol vessel equipped with around 100 sailors. A decision that is being strongly criticized within the country’s borders.
Sajith Premadasa, leader of the opposition and political alliance Samagi Jana Balwegaya, in parliament pointed the finger at this move by President Wickremasinghe last week: The proposed deployment of our ships and military in the Red Sea should be examined in light of the pathetic state of the country’s economy and the increase and expansion of the value added tax (VAT) from 1 January 2024 which has affected the most deprived. Why then should Sri Lanka undertake such a costly military operation, at a time when we are unable to meet even the basic needs of our citizens?”
Colombo, Jan 16 (Daily Mirror) – Sri Lanka is grappling with a surge in Dengue fever cases, logging a staggering 380 cases per day.
Health experts have raised alarm bells as the country battles this alarming spike in mosquito-borne illnesses.
The latest data from the Epidemiology Unit, as of January 15, reveals a total of 5,829 reported Dengue cases, with a significant concentration of over 1,700 cases reported from the Western Province alone.
The capital city, Colombo, remains a hotspot, contributing to a substantial portion of the reported cases.
In light of the alarming development, the Health Ministry declared a special Dengue prevention week starting from January 07 to 13 where cleaning campaigns as well as dengue prevention and awareness campaigns were carried out islandwide.
The year 2023 witnessed a record number of 88,398 Dengue cases, with Colombo District reporting the highest incidence at 18,650 cases.
December marked a particularly distressing month, recording 11,498 cases, the highest monthly tally for Dengue in 2023.
Health authorities are intensifying efforts to curb the spread of Dengue fever, urging communities to take preventive measures and raising awareness about mosquito breeding grounds.
Colombo, Jan 16 (Daily Mirror) – Self-proclaimed Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Mahinda Kodithuwakku was today ordered to be remanded till January 24 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.
He was arrested by the CID for allegedly insulting Buddhism and hurting religious feelings.
Addressing the Business Roundtable organized by BOI Sri Lanka and the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce yesterday, during his official tour to Switzerland to attend the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted significant strides in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and outlined future growth prospects.
President Wickremesinghe began by acknowledging the challenging times the nation faced, noting the adverse effects of the recent crisis on businesses, small enterprises and the overall population. He mentioned a constructive meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where it was surprising to learn that Sri Lanka had over performed despite the difficulties.
One key aspect highlighted by the President was the successful debt restructuring in collaboration with the IMF, emphasizing its necessity for dealing with creditors. He outlined the reforms undertaken in 2022 and 2023, addressing crucial business impediments and resolving supply bottlenecks in fuel and electricity. Additionally, import restrictions were lifted, foreign exchange liquidity was restored and a primary surplus in the balance of payments is anticipated for the first time since 1977.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted positive indicators such as the stabilization of the currency, a significant reduction in inflation, and the reversal of negative economic growth from the third quarter of 2023. The achievement of a primary budget surplus in 2023 marked a notable improvement.
The President went on to discuss the effective progress in debt restructuring, with key creditors agreeing in principle. The IMF’s approval of Sri Lanka’s first program review in December 2023 sets the stage for a shift from stabilization to recovery and growth in 2024.
Looking ahead, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the government’s focus on fostering growth through exports, services and investments, including foreign direct investment (FDI). He announced concluded and upcoming FTAs with Singapore, Thailand, India and China, along with ongoing talks with other South Asian nations. The President highlighted Sri Lanka’s initiatives to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the benefits of GSP Plus for access to European markets.
The address concluded with the President unveiling opportunities for investments in renewable energy, agriculture modernization, tourism, IT and infrastructure development through public-private partnerships. He highlighted forthcoming laws and commissions aimed at enhancing market access, fostering trade and investment and ensuring the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s economy. President Wickremesinghe reassured foreign investors by mentioning the removal of restrictions and the ongoing commitment to economic reforms.
Meanwhile, sharing his perspective during the roundtable discussion on Sri Lanka’s undertaken reforms, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, the President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and Presidential Chief of Staff, emphasized a comprehensive approach encompassing both economic and governmental facets.
Mr. Ratnayaka highlighted that alongside economic reforms, the government embarked on an extensive array of changes. This included a proactive engagement in a diagnostics exercise initiated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Notably, the government did not wait for the completion of the IMF diagnostics exercise but initiated various measures beforehand. Initiatives like the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office were implemented even before the governance diagnostics report was published.
Subsequent to these initial steps, a comprehensive program was launched to implement diagnostic reforms. Mr. Ratnayaka underscored the significance of introducing critical legislation, such as the anti-corruption law. He explained the process by which the Constitutional Council would recommend commissioners for the Anti-Corruption Commission to the President. Emphasizing a forward-looking approach, Mr. Ratnayaka affirmed that all undertaken actions aim to elevate international standards.
The Senior Advisor highlighted the introduction of a substantial number of pieces of legislation on the governance front, with approximately 20 already completed. Looking ahead, the focus includes labour laws, with a target of 40 or 50 new laws and the consolidation of around 40 to 50 existing legislations into a modern, forward-looking framework. The overarching goal is to create a favourable environment for employers and align Sri Lanka with contemporary global standards.
The Business Roundtable provided a platform for Sri Lanka to showcase its economic resilience and commitment to growth, leaving attendees optimistic about the nation’s future prospects.
Representing the Sri Lankan business community at this Business Roundtable were Mr. Krishan Balendra – Chairman John Keels Holdings, Mr. Sanath Manatunge – CEO/MD Commercial Bank PLC, Mr. Dilshan Wirasekara – Chairman Colombo Stock Exchange, Mr. Prakash Schaffter – Deputy Chairman Janashakthi Insurance PLC, Mr. Keith Bernard – Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Ms. Stasshani Jayawardena – Joint Deputy Chairman/MD, Aitken Spence PLC, Mr. Sanjeev Gardiner – Chairman Galle Face Group, Mr. Ashok Pathirage – Chairman Sri Lankan Airlines, Mr. Sujeewa Rajapakse – Chairman People’s Bank, Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake – Deputy Chairman & Managing Director, Aitken Spence PLC and Mr. Supun Weerasinghe – CEO Daialog Axiata.
In addition, Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody – Chairman Board of Investment/Chairman Colombo Port City Economic Commission, Mr. Revan Wickramasuriya – Chief Operating Officer Colombo Port City Economic Commission, Mr. Prasanjith Wijayatilake – Executive Director Investment Promotion Board of Investment, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka – Chief of Staff to the President & NSA, Mr. Deshal De Mel – Advisor to the Finance Minister and Mr. Ruwan Wijewardene – Advisor to the President on Climate Change participated in this roundtable discussion.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the present as an opportune moment for investing in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector, expressing confidence in its potential to yield substantial benefits for both stakeholders and consumers in the coming decades.
The President also underscored that investors venturing into this sector can anticipate a comprehensive and unwavering policy framework in the realm of renewable energy.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during his address at the Green Technology Forum” convened on January 15 in Davos, Switzerland. The event was coordinated by the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking on the theme of Paving the way to an energy-secure Sri Lanka,” President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the substantial potential of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector. He further outlined the government’s initiatives over the past two years to establish an investment-friendly environment in the renewable energy sector.
Emphasizing Sri Lanka’s dedication to addressing climate change, President Ranil Wickremesinghe elaborated on various measures, including the Tropical Belt Initiative,” presented at the COP28 conference in Dubai.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable and green development, the President emphasized the nation’s ambitious plans and determination to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the pivotal role of the rapid renewable energy plan, describing it as a key component of Sri Lanka’s comprehensive efforts towards sustainable development and a crucial step in ensuring energy security.
Following is the full speech delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Green Technology Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
I thank the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce and their partners for organising this event for the invitation to speak today.
BACKGROUND: GREEN ENERGY AND CLIMATE CONCERNS
There is an urgent need for acceleration of global actions towards climate change mitigation. There have been multiple global forums that have resulted in numerous commitments towards this end. However, actions have fallen drastically short of commitments.
The fallout of this failure in global leadership is borne largely by developing nations of the global south. When periods of drought extend beyond normal, undermining agricultural production, our food security is in jeopardy. When hydropower gets disrupted due to delayed monsoons, our energy security is in jeopardy. Droughts are often followed by a deluge, leading to flash floods and landslides, disrupting lives and livelihoods of under-privileged communities in particular.
It is very evident that there is a disproportionate impact of the adverse outcomes of climate change on developing countries. This brings to light the issue of climate justice and the need for a stronger contribution from the advanced economies towards adaptation and mitigation efforts in the global south.
That being said, Sri Lanka will forge ahead with its efforts towards climate mitigation. We have also recently launched the Tropical Belt Initiative at the COP28 in Dubai – this creates a framework for catalysing private investment in forests, energy, oceans, mangroves, in the countries of the tropical belt.
Today I want to focus on one key aspect of such efforts, which is our drive towards renewable energy.
RENEWABLE ENERGY IN SRI LANKA: BUILDING ON HISTORY
In fact, Sri Lanka is a country with a long history of renewable energy. Since independence Sri Lanka developed an extensive network of hydropower, commissioning its first major hydro-power plant in 1950. Hydropower was able to provide for most of the country’s energy needs until the 1990s. Even today, hydropower accounts for around 40% of Sri Lanka’s installed electricity generation capacity.
With hydropower largely exploited to the optimal levels, there has been an increased effort to include wind and solar power generation to the national grid. The government is now accelerating this process to ensure that by 2030, 70% of Sri Lanka’s electricity needs are fulfilled by renewable energy sources.
To reach this target requires a large investment of up to USD 11.5 billion. However, until recently the framework for private investment in the renewable energy sector has not been very conducive. Over the last 2 years several measures have been taken by the government to correct these shortcomings and ensure an optimal investment climate for renewable energy is in place.
FINANCIAL REFORM
The first step was to ensure cost reflective pricing. Between 2014 and 2022 electricity tariffs had not been adjusted. This resulted in major cash flow problems for the Ceylon Electricity Board that sometimes led to payment delays to power suppliers. However, from August 2022 we have shifted to a cost-reflective pricing structure. Accordingly, electricity tariffs are revised every quarter to reflect costs on a forward looking basis.
The CEB, which has long been a loss making entity, returned a profit in 2023, enabling it to settle significant levels of past debt along with some balance sheet structuring. The company now has a strong balance sheet, a far stronger cash flow position, and a pricing structure that ensures liquidity.
Rigidities in the feeding tariff has also been a concern of past investors. However, this has also been addressed with greater flexibility being introduced to the tariff options, including choices between fixed tariff and variable tariff formulas.
In addition to internal reform, we are also putting in place the framework to attract green financing. Sri Lanka has developed the Road Map for Sustainable Finance, Green Finance Taxonomy, the SDG Investor Map and the Green Bond Framework, that is currently under formulation, creates the enabling environment for Sri Lanka to have a robust engagement in climate finance. The availability of sustainable finance will be an added boost for renewable energy investments in Sri Lanka.
LEGISLATIVE REFORM
There have also been legislative barriers to large scale private investment in the renewable energy sector. Those legal hurdles have also been cleared through necessary amendments to the Electricity Act introduced in 2022.
INSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Thirdly, the government is in the final stages of implementing unbundling of the Ceylon Electricity Board. This will result in greater financial and operational autonomy for the distribution, generation, and transmission arms of the CEB, resulting in competition and transparency. Whilst private participation in generation is already available, the unbundling process will open up opportunities for private participation in distribution as well.
This major reform, implemented with the support of the Asian Development Bank, will ensure the CEB operates at the frontier of efficiency, delivering the best outcome for consumers and the most competitive and efficient producers of electricity. The draft legislation for this reform was already been published last month.
INFRASTUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
The ambition of 70% electricity from renewals also requires improved system efficiency and upgrades to integrate more renewable energy, particularly from 2026. Investments will be required in storage, transmission, and distribution, along with the ongoing private investments in generation. Plans for this integration up to 2030 are in place and have begun implementation.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Following the major reforms implemented in the energy sector in the last 2 years, there has been renewed interest in this sector. There are already large scale solar and wind power projects that have commenced implementation. A major Indian player has commenced implementation of a 350MW wind power plant that is expected to be commissioned in 2025. The same player is considering a further USD 750 million investment in wind power.
Wind power is a major opportunity for Sri Lanka. A recent World Bank report indicates that off-shore wind power in particular has the potential to generate power far greater than Sri Lanka’s requirements. Considering this, Sri Lanka and India are in advanced stages of talks regarding grid inter-connection to enable Sri Lanka to export surplus electricity particularly to the fast growing industrial belt in the Southern part of India. There is also tremendous potential for the development of green hydrogen in Sri Lanka.
CONCLUSION
Sri Lanka has ambitious plans to fulfil its sustainable, green development agenda. By 2050 the country has committed to achieving net zero. The accelerated renewable energy plan is a key component of this overall effort and is also an essential step on the path towards energy security. Renewable energy will also drive down costs of generation since at present Sri Lanka is compelled to rely on high cost heavy fuels during the dry season. Sri Lanka is in the process of establishing an international climate university, which will continue to unlock opportunities in green energy.
It is clear that Sri Lanka’s renewable energy policy direction is underpinned by multiple motivations and drivers. Therefore investors can expect a high degree of policy continuity in this sector going forward as well. This is the best time to invest in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy journey, and I have no doubt such investments will generate significant value for shareholders and Sri Lanka’s consumers over the next several decades.
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations has drawn its attention to the affairs related to the National Oceanic Affairs Committee Secretariat, an agency affiliated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Committee to which met on 09 January 2024 chaired by Member of Parliament Akila Ellawala discussed the role of the National Oceanic Affairs Committee Secretariat, challenges faced and future plans, the Parliamentary Communications Department said in a statement.
The current Chairman of the secretariat, Dr. N.P. Vijayananda, addressing the meeting, stated that there is a possibility of using a sea area of 250 nautical miles beyond the exclusive economic zone, which is 200 nautical miles from the land of the country, for economic activities in the country.
According to the United Nations Charter on the Law of the Sea, the agreement of the regional countries is necessary, so the Chairman pointed out that negotiations with other regional countries, including India, are ongoing. It was also discussed that this ocean region is very important for Sri Lanka due to fuel exploration and biodiversity, the statement mentioned.
Accordingly, the Committee Chair pointed out the need to speed up these activities in coordination with the Ministry of Defense and said that he expects to make a request to the minister in charge of the subject.
Committee members and Members of Parliament Madhura Withanage, S.M.M. Muszhaaraff, officials representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the Committee meeting held, according to the Parliamentary Communications Department
Presidential Candidate AKD Road map Action plan 1 request all the ministers and MP’s to return all the vehicles Lottery to be thrown in Galle face so that everyone gets one vehicle
2 Ask all ex presidents and wives to return all the vehicles and handover the house given to them and return body guards back to police
3 Start using the houses given by the government as state offices and get rid of private houses rented by the state
4 Give a limited fuel allowances and Train Ticket to MP’s under warrant system to travel to constituency once a week
5 Ask everyone to don coat and tie and request to wear national dress (with proper underwear)
6 No lunch in the parliament ,serve only Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Coffee . If lunch is served Lawmakers shall pay ( state minister DG legalises Hem ( Kansa) can be served ( there will not be a change in behaviour pattern as they behave as if they have consumed Ganja)
7 All the prisoners shall be mobilised to develop agriculture and road maintenance and get the country self sufficient in food
8 Like in IRAN ,people who commit Financial crimes to be forced to pay heavy fines ( 5 times of looted money) and be released without civil rights . Name and Shame them ( they should not be given any TIN) except a tin to go begging )
9 All the scrupulous drug suppliers ( medical also) should be punished by death
10 All Gramasevaka’s to submit monthly reports on a program to develop home grown vegetables
11 Government offices to be equipped with CCTV to monitor the work
12 UDA ,CCD , CEA, NBRO to be brought under President with one super secretary
13 All Indians who are professionals to be given resident visa to come and invest
14 Remove restriction in culling wild boar. Monkeys and pigeons to allow human consumption
15 Not to allow any monk or priest to get Involved in politics
16 any trouble making lunatic monks to be sent to labour camps
17 All MP’s should have a degree 18 30.% of MP’s should be females
18 Promote more fish consumption and develop large fishing farms
19 Every youngster over 18 to do national service
20 All meetings to be held via Zoom so that officers can be at their desk discharging daily duties 21 All MP’s should return back to old Parliament and convert the new Parliament to be a international Boxing or SumoArena or as a indoor foot ball arena ( Parliament looks like a boxing Arena without a proper referee )
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met the residents of Mandaram Nuwara today (2023.01.15) without prior notice.
They exchanged many views with the Prime Minister on matters affecting the area, infrastructure and tourism.
They pointed out strongly the need for an economic center to transport the harvest , including vegetables, to the main market without expiring.
Further they pointed out the lack of many infrastructures including a playground for children and youth to play, drinking water and road facilities.
They said that since they are working to protect the most beautiful and unique mountain area of Sri Lanka for the country and the world to see and inspire, tourism should be developed in their area without changing the people’s identity, culture and traditional conditions while promoting the tourism industry.
Member of Parliament Mr. Yadamini Gunawardena also participated for this event.
Milinda Moragoda, Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, called on political parties to seriously consider abolishing the provincial council system as a priority action in their campaign manifestos for the forthcoming national elections. Moragoda reiterated his earlier proposal that provincial councils should be abolished and power directly devolved to empowered and reconfigured local, urban, and municipal councils. Since these bodies operate closest to the citizenry, they are in a better position to address and solve community-level problems. Furthermore, a small country of 22 million people does not require another unnecessary layer of administration.
This measure should be part of an overall strategy to restructure and modernize Sri Lanka’s governance and economy. Mr. Moragoda advocated for a small, efficient, and people-centric government, which would include the removal of the Provincial Council layer and achieving the necessary coordination through a district-level framework which would consist of relevant Members of Parliament, existing key local government office-bearers, and other stakeholders. The original intent of the 13th Amendment enacted in 1987 was to create more provincial autonomy to help resolve Sri Lanka’s ethnic problem. Instead, this structure has proven to be superfluous, expensive, divisive and fraught with inefficiency.
Moragoda also proposed that rather than having an unnecessary layer of expensive administration, an empowered Senate/Upper House be set up to address issues concerning religious, ethnic, and regional diversity. A representative and properly composed forum of this nature would be best positioned to identify solutions for many of the complex issues facing our nation today.
Colombo, Jan. 17 (Daily Mirror)- The Russian Federation has donated USD 1.5 million worth of sunflower oil to Sri Lanka through the UN World Food Programme, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
