Courtesy Adaderana

Sri Lanka is tangled in the worst financial crisis in over seven decades, triggered by a severe shortage of foreign exchange that forced the country to annouce a suspension of foreign debt repayments in April 2022.

Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved loan repayments worth $2.6 billion in the first half of this year, in line with its debt suspension plans, its cabinet spokesperson said on Tuesday.

The island of 22 million people is tangled in the worst financial crisis in over seven decades, triggered by a severe shortage of foreign exchange that forced the country to annouce a suspension of foreign debt repayments in April 2022.

However, Sri Lanka will continue to repay multilateral loans from several organisations including the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, cabinet spokersperson and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana told reporters.
The loan repayments will include $2 billion in foreign loan repayments and $540 million in interest payments.

Repayments will also include $709 million in dollar-denominated Sri Lanka Development Bonds and $46 million in interest payments, Gunewardana added.

Sri Lanka signed a preliminary agreement for a $2.9 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last September but has to put its debt on a sustainable path before disbursements can begin.

Talks with the IMF are at the final stage but they have not been concluded so it is imperative that public finances are handled carefully. These debt repayments will be done within the borrowing limits set in the budget for 2023,” Gunawardana said.

India and Paris Club members have declared support to help Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring but the island is still in negotiations with China, which is the largest bilateral lender, for simmilar financing assurances, Gunawardana said.

Source – Reuters
-Agencies

Courtesy Adaderana

A petition has been filed against the decision taken not to release the funds allocated through the 2023 Budget to the Election Commission for holding the Local Government (LG) election.

The fundamental rights petition has been filed with the Supreme Court requesting a verdict that the basic human rights of the public have been violated through the related decision.

The petition has been submitted by the General Secretary of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, naming a group of individuals including the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, the Chairman and the members of the Election Commission as the respondents of the petition.

The petition seeks a court order declaring that the respondents have violated the fundamental rights of the public through the relevant decision.

Election Commission unable to reissue election deposits

Despite having informed the Supreme Court of the difficulties pertaining to the holding of the 2023 Local Government election, the Election Commission of Sri Lanka has stated that they are unable to refund the election deposits which have already been placed.

Speaking to Ada Derana about the matter, Chairman of the Commission, Attorney-at-Law Nimal. G. Punchihewa stated that the deposits could be refunded only in the event the nominations submitted for the upcoming election are cancelled.

He further stated that in order for the nominations to be cancelled, the Government is required to table a Bill in this regard before the Parliament, else, nominations will be cancelled only by way of a gazette notification.

Punchihewa noted, however, that no official statement has been made confirming that the LG election will not be held this year, but only that the Supreme Court has been informed of the difficulties to hold the election on the currently scheduled date – 09 March 2023.

Courtesy Adaderana

The Cabinet has approved the President’s proposal that the Secretary to the Treasury be given the authority to take all measures required pertaining securing the necessary funds within the set borrowing limit.

As per the Appropriation Act No. 43 of 2022, a cap of Rs. 4,979 billion was set as the borrowing limit for the year 2023, with the intentions of using the funds for the repayment of loans, interests and the financing of development projects.

Sri Lanka is expected to borrow a total of Rs. 3,562 billion from domestic sources and Rs. 1,453 billion from foreign sources this year, while debt service payments due to be made in foreign currencies within the first six months of 2023 is estimated at USD 2,609 million.

The USD 2,609 million is reportedly inclusive of the Sri Lanka Development Bond loan of USD 709 million and a USD 46 million interest. 

Courtesy Adaderana

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that he is ready to arrange a meeting with officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Sri Lanka’s opposition parties including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). 

Speaking during a meeting held with a group of businessmen, the Head of State also noted that he is willing to implement those proposals presented by the two political parties that are considered beneficial.

Courtesy Adaderana

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MP Sunil Handunnetti has revealed that his party is not in agreement with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. 

Speaking on the 13th Amendment during an interview with Ada Derana, Handunnetti revealed that the National People’s Power (NPP) does not accept the Amendment to any extent, adding that the JVP too is vehemently against the legislature.
 
The difference between the current state of Provincial Councils and that following the implementation of the 13th Amendment is the devolving of police and land powers. Where are these police and land powers now? They are within the constitution, but cannot be implemented as the people do not want this”, the JVP MP stated. 

Both the Sinhalese and Tamil communities have historically opposed the 13th Amendment, with the former claiming that the legislature devolved too great an extent of powers, while the latter countered that not enough powers were devolved. 

Meanwhile, speaking on the upcoming Local Government election, the MP stated that they are contesting the election not just as the JVP, but as a coalition of parties. 

The National People’s Power (NPP) is not proposing ideals in line with their 1979 policies, but they have new manifestos for 2023. However, not everyone is in agreement with these ideas”, Handunnetti said.

AHILAN KADIRGAMAR AND DEVAKA GUNAWARDENA  Courtesy Himal South Asia

Decades of looking to the IMF for salvation has yielded only crises. Sri Lanka’s economic crisis demands urgent relief measures for a desperate citizenry and a new, self-sufficient model of development

Sri Lanka has been subject to a great lie: the IMF solution! For close to a year now, the country has been implementing the International Monetary Fund’s recommendations with complete obedience. The sudden devaluation of the Sri Lankan rupee, a drastic increase in interest rates, the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and severe cuts to state expenditure all amount to harsh austerity measures. The consequence is economic devastation as the country sinks into a depression. Millions now suffer dwindling incomes, tremendous increases in the cost of living, food insecurity and even starvation.

Yet the much-touted IMF funds presented as a way to salvation, a meagre USD 2.9 billion over four years under the proposed agreement, have proved elusive. Compare this amount to Sri Lanka’s foreign earnings for last year, which added up to USD 18 billion. The IMF insists that Sri Lanka first convince a range of creditors to commit to restructuring its defaulted external debt before the organisation’s Executive Board will release the funds. But Sri Lanka’s economy is in free fall. Its GDP contracted by roughly a tenth last year and is on the path to continued contraction this year. Under these circumstances, the IMF agreement and its paltry funds may as well go into the dustbin.

Some of us have seen this crisis coming for a long time. A few months after the end of the civil war in May 2009, Sri Lanka obtained an IMF Stand-By Arrangement of USD 2.6 billion. This gave the green light to a considerable inflow of speculative foreign capital, in addition to commercial borrowings at extremely high interest rates in the form of International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs). At that point, the warning bells began ringing for critical analysts who could see the consequences. But back-slapping and self-congratulation among Sri Lanka’s elites continued amid a boom in economic growth built on a dubious basis, including speculative investment in urban beautification and needlessly large infrastructure projects. This debt-driven boom soon petered out.

Sri Lanka’s lop-sided economic structure, with a bloated import bill and unrestrained financial speculation, now faces a reckoning. The years of conspicuous consumption through imports from abroad are over.

Sri Lanka then faced balance-of-payments problems, which pushed it towards an IMF Extended Fund Facility of USD 1.5 billion in June 2016. Some of us sounded the alarm again as the government at the time, led by Ranil Wickremesinghe, pursued another IMF-led solution. But, again, our critique fell on deaf ears. Worryingly, the following month, with the IMF’s approval, Sri Lanka went ahead and floated another USD 1.5 billion in ISBs. Indeed, the  latest IMF agreement – the 16th deal between Sri Lanka and the organisation over the decades – offered nothing new. Rather, it promoted Sri Lanka’s continued liberalisation of trade and capital accounts, dating back to the opening of the economy in 1978. The crisis tendencies in the Sri Lankan economy were ramified through adherence to IMF packages.

Historical memory is short in Sri Lanka, particularly among the elite. The crisis accelerated with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago. Again, we warned of the imminent dangers of an unsustainable balance of payments and the need to drastically reassess and reprioritise imports for the purpose of maintaining foreign reserves, given decreasing streams of foreign earnings. That would have meant restricting the import of luxury consumer goods while using the available foreign exchange for essential supplies and intermediate goods necessary to boost domestic production. The arrogant Rajapaksa regime then in power nevertheless persisted in the blind hope that fortunate times were just around the corner. It argued that tourism, for example, would soon pick up. Meanwhile, the opposition and neoliberal think-tanks proposed yet another IMF agreement as the magic bullet. Worse, they even started calling for an early default on Sri Lanka’s external debt. Their convoluted logic was that once the country defaulted, it would have to surrender to the IMF and all its conditionalities, such as austerity and fiscal consolidation. There could be no way forward other than with the IMF.

The reality is that tourism will not be enough to revive Sri Lanka’s growth during a period of painful austerity. The same goes for any number of hare-brained ideas that may now be touted by the country’s economic establishment

That is exactly what the government led by Gotabaya Rajapaksa did in April 2022. It prematurely defaulted on its external debt while the finance minister went on pilgrimage to Washington DC to the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. The default was premature because only USD 78 million in debt-servicing was due that month, while the next large ISB repayment, of USD 1 billion, was due in July 2022. Only in Sri Lanka could the elite celebrate when the country defaulted on its sovereign debt for the first time in its history. They were confident that Sri Lanka would get bridge financing from donors, an IMF agreement with additional funds in three months, and a rapid process of debt restructuring. Ten months later, the outcome of these expectations remains a shameful zero. There is no more bridge financing. No IMF funds. And an agreement on debt restructuring appears uncertain at best.

Given all the above, Sri Lanka is a case in point of consistently insipid economic policymaking. It is also a study in how the myth of an IMF quick-fix can paralyse a country, putting on hold policies and relief measures urgently needed to help a citizenry drowning in economic depression. As the country awakes to the great lie of an IMF solution, it is forced to go back to the drawing board  – not just to deal with the social devastation and political backlash that the IMF agreement is bound to generate, but also because the global order that provided its reference points is unravelling.

From debt to a new development model

Sri Lanka’s long engagement with the IMF and the broader neoliberal policy consensus – austerity, privatisation, and the liberalisation of trade and capital markets – has been an utter and complete failure. Nevertheless, for the IMF and Sri Lanka’s establishment, resolution of the crisis appears to call for the introduction of austerity measures like the ones applied to many other countries that have experienced sovereign default, along with restructuring of defaulted debt. The idea is that Sri Lanka’s problems are rooted in a fundamental mismatch between its macroeconomic indicators and the debt it has accumulated.

This framework is being applied, however, in the context of a world order that is fast breaking down because of the contradictions of neoliberal globalisation. Over the last decades, the push for free trade, unfettered global financial flows and the privatisation of essential services has continued to expose countries to the crisis-ridden dynamics of global capitalism. But everything appears to be coming to a head, epitomised in many ways by the case of Sri Lanka. As major publications such as the Financial Times have noted, although exogenous shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine have played a role, these have interacted with underlying trends in the global economy. This includes extreme wealth inequality and an unsustainable model of growth driven by financialisation, exposed most vividly by the global financial crisis of 2008.

In the aftermath of the 2008 crisis, however, and coincident with the end of the civil war, Sri Lanka was one of a series of emerging market success stories” celebrated by boosters of neoliberalism. Now that the country’s shaky financial structure has been exposed, establishment commentators around the world are instead using Sri Lanka as an example of crony capitalism and corruption. Supposedly, such bad actors can only be routed by further imposing the rationality of the market on public institutions. Whereas the big banks in the United States responsible for the 2008 crisis obtained bailouts from the state because they were too big to fail,” Sri Lanka is apparently small enough that the rules of moral hazard once again apply. The failed logic of the neoliberal development model – including the reliance on external-oriented policies, from tourism to foreign commercial borrowings – here justifies further entrenching it through austerity. Because of the country’s severe economic crisis, however, such a remedy means that people suffer and possibly even perish from what the sociologist Karl Polanyi called social exposure.” Child malnutrition is skyrocketing and food insecurity is becoming pervasive – recent estimates from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation indicate that roughly a fourth of Sri Lanka’s population is food insecure. Even this extreme suffering is unlikely to dislodge the elite consensus about an IMF solution. But the disruptive political and social consequences, and resulting waves of agitation, will continue.

The question is, how can investment be channelled into those sectors necessary for the country to achieve self-sufficiency in the goods and services ordinary people need for survival?

Moreover, Sri Lanka’s crisis is occurring at the conjuncture of major global developments. Global growth, especially in trade, is likely to continue slowing in the face of a complex set of challenges, from geopolitical polarisation to the impact of climate change. In this scenario, how can Sri Lanka’s debt be made sustainable by further exposing the country to these chilling headwinds? The central plank of the IMF solution – that Sri Lanka achieve a primary surplus by 2025 – stands in direct contradiction to the lack of the public investment needed to cope with these shocks. Conventional debt-sustainability analysis is predicated on the belief that by engaging in macroeconomic reforms such as fiscal consolidation, defaulting countries can regain their financial footing by having the surplus funds to both repay old loans and service new ones. However, in the case of Sri Lanka, which is already undergoing an economic depression, national private investment is withdrawing, and speculative capital is fleeing the country. The idea that foreign investors will step in to fill the breach flies in the face of Sri Lanka’s long experience with similar false projections.

Sri Lanka did not always have an unshakeable belief in the benefits of subordination to global capital. After the 1956 general election, there was a clear push to challenge the colonial relations in which the country’s comprador elites were embedded. Through a new balance of class forces, there was much greater emphasis on industrialisation focussed on import substitution, to try and diversify the economy away from plantation exports. Sri Lanka undertook major investments in critical industries, such as those producing intermediate and capital goods, including with support from socialist countries. But even these efforts were constrained by over-reliance on a narrow political base among the urban working class and a lack of rural mobilisation. By the time of the global economic downturn of the 1970s, the radical wing of the left-leaning United Front was led by NM Perera, the finance minister. It made a belated attempt to prioritise self-sufficiency in food production and address the immediate concerns of working-class people, especially given rising global prices for essential goods. But these efforts failed due to internal contradictions within the ruling coalition led by the bourgeois Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the consolidation of Sinhala Buddhist nationalism and state repression, external pressure from the West and the rising frustration of the electorate.

The idea that Sri Lanka can achieve higher stages of development by pursuing the same growth path rooted in dependency on the external sector is a non-starter.

The subsequent regime, led by JR Jayewardene, introduced the open-economy reforms in 1978, which meant a strong emphasis on liberalisation. Sri Lanka’s engagement with the outside world reverted to subordination to powerful institutions that represented the interests of global capital. The IMF and the World Bank provided the necessary justification in terms of access to external finance. Meanwhile, the Jayewardene regime suppressed organised labour, including by crushing the general strike of 1980. In this and other ways, the regime prepared a more conducive terrain for extraction and exploitation. The beginning of the civil war between the government and Tamil separatists in the country’s north and east in 1983 put some constraints on this approach, as the state continued to rely on mobilisation in the south. But the overall trajectory was epitomised by the collapse of any real alternative to neoliberal policies. The consensus was that for Sri Lanka to develop it would have to import its economic vision from outside – a vision clearly shaped by the interests of global capital. The processes of financialisation and debt-driven growth accelerated with the end of the civil war.

This strategy has failed to bear fruit in terms of real improvements in working people’s livelihoods. It has also triggered the current crisis. Nevertheless, in the many years since Sri Lanka embarked on liberalisation, justification for foreign commercial borrowing has been rooted in the enduring assumption that the country need only unlock its growth potential”. A range of services and industries meant to earn foreign exchange have been bandied as model opportunities. After the early days of the open economy, it became clear that a developed garment industry was not a precursor to moving up the global value chain.” This was especially true in the absence of a clear, concerted intervention by the state in the form of industrial policy. Global institutions and policy-makers then pivoted to celebrating the rise of the service economy, including the boom in tourism. Sri Lanka continued to depend, however, on a hidden economy of remittances from migrant workers abroad, which is also now under strain.

The idea that Sri Lanka can achieve higher stages of development by pursuing the same growth path rooted in dependency on the external sector is a non-starter. The neoliberal development model has collapsed. The Sri Lankan establishment has practically admitted as much by seeking lower-income status for the country to obtain more concessional financing from international donors and aid agencies. At the same time, the government, led by Ranil Wickremesinghe, is eager to celebrate the return of tourists after a long absence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019. But the reality is that tourism will not be enough to revive Sri Lanka’s growth during a period of painful austerity. The same goes for any number of hare-brained ideas that may now be touted by the country’s economic establishment in the absence of serious thinking about an alternative development model.

Sri Lanka’s lop-sided economic structure, with a bloated import bill and unrestrained financial speculation, now faces a reckoning. The years of conspicuous consumption through imports from abroad are over. The question is, how can investment be channelled into those sectors necessary for the country to achieve self-sufficiency in the goods and services ordinary people need for survival? This perspective is a far cry from the IMF solution, which presupposes Sri Lanka’s continued subordination to a global economic structure that has clearly failed. Taking up the question of an alternative means returning to issues that had supposedly been bypassed with the triumph of neoliberal globalisation. It requires revisiting the many reforms” – from the push for trade and capital-account liberalisation to the promotion of foreign direct investment and privatisation – that it has entailed.

Towards self-sufficiency

Under these circumstances, the idea of self-sufficiency offers a crucial response to the rapidly changing, uncertain global order. This churn may provide an opportunity for foresighted actors within Sri Lanka to demand a fundamental re-conceptualisation of how external engagement fits into the country’s development model. If it is imperative to revive the country’s domestic food production, for example, how would this flow into a broader rethinking of the composition of intermediate imports needed for production? What type of external financing would be necessary to develop the domestic food system?

Global growth, especially in trade, is likely to continue slowing in the face of a complex set of challenges. In this scenario, how can Sri Lanka’s debt be made sustainable by further exposing the country to these chilling headwinds?

Sri Lanka’s domestic debt is also a critical part of the equation for overcoming the current economic depression. That includes the need for counter-cyclical spending, as opposed to pro-cyclical policies of fiscal consolidation. But external development finance would also continue to play a role. The key question is whether such borrowings are integrated into a process of planning, so that an alternative development vision takes precedence over the mainstream understanding of market-steered investment that has long shaped countries such as Sri Lanka. The country must push back against global capital geared towards the sole end of financial extraction. Indeed, the lion’s share of foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka went into speculative investment in real estate rather than ventures that increased local industrial production. Development financing should be reconfigured as part of a bottom-to-top restructuring of the economy, along with changes in trade policy away from excessive imports. That is necessary both to repay the current debt – with deep haircuts for creditors, if not debt cancellations – and as a means to develop Sri Lanka in the long run.

This alternative goes back to similar points made by development economists such as Ha-Joon Chang and Abhijit Sen, who were early critics of the Washington Consensus. Such critical economists recognised the flaws in the previous model of import substitution, but they framed it as an ongoing concern of the balance of social and class forces required to ensure that capital, as it grows, is also disciplined to invest in critical sectors. In Sri Lanka’s case, that process of disciplining capital must now include prioritising imports of essential and intermediate goods necessary for production. It also requires revamping the defunct public-distribution system to ensure food security and prevent outright starvation. As the economy stabilises, further measures must also include redistribution and investment through a wealth tax on existing property and assets.

Sri Lanka has to have stronger debates about its development vision, including a rethink on relations between its rural and urban arenas. There must be greater room for rural industries rooted in the livelihoods and reproductive needs of ordinary people. This is a far cry from the elites’ vision of the economy, which has repeatedly driven Sri Lanka into financial difficulties. There is now tremendous anger in the country because of the devastating fall in living standards. This discontent, in addition to the unravelling global order, may finally trigger a break with liberalisation.

For the IMF, of course, a programme rooted in self-sufficiency with wealth taxes and reinvigorated public investment will be a step too far. It is entrenched in its own institutional processes, despite the organisation’s fuzzy rhetoric around its newfound supposed awareness of the social implications of austerity-driven bailout agreements. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka’s crisis may offer a turning point for those global and domestic coalitions that are aiming to push back against renewed subordination to global financial capital. That means rethinking a number of trends that have long coalesced under the banner of economic liberalisation. After decades of repeated mistakes and failures, with consequences for the people on an unprecedented scale, will the establishment at last be forced to reconsider Sri Lanka’s development model?

By Raj Gonsalkorale

While levying an income tax on individual earnings to supplement government revenue is a necessity to meet government expenditure, the issue in question is the perception and/or the reality of its unfairness and the lack of confidence and trust that people have about the way the tax they pay is spent by the government. There is no evidence that just and equitable approaches have been taken by politicians to address revenue raising and the curtailment of unaffordable expenditure in a systematic manner.

On the question of unfairness, many are of the opinion that there are a significant number of individuals who operate in a cash economy, with black and/or white cash, who either do not pay any tax, or pay a miniscule amount by declaring an income far less than their real income. Big guns in this group are said to include some specialist doctors, architects, engineers, lawyers, customs officials, tuition teachers, and officials of the department of motor traffic among others. A report of a specialist doctor who charges a huge amount of money in cash per patient for a procedure that takes less than 15 minutes underscores the massive earnings of some and the under reporting of income by professionals and government officials, the latter category obviously making their money via bribes, depriving the government of much needed revenue. There is anecdotal evidence of properties and luxury motor vehicles purchased for large sums of money, and extravagant expenditure incurred for weddings and other functions by individuals who apparently pay for these with cash.

On the same side of the coin of lost revenue, but on the corporate side, the Morning newspaper reported on the 13^th of February (https://www.themorning.lk/articles/226383) that the government lost Rs. 560 mn in revenue due to tax concessions for listed companies in 2021/22.

Imesh Ranasinghe writing in the Morning stated that the Government of Sri Lanka missed out on Rs. 560 million in corporate income tax in the financial year 2021/22 from 13 companies that enjoyed a 50% tax concession for being listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in 2021, financial statements of the listed companies revealed. As per the financial statements of the said 13 companies to which the concessions were granted for being listed on the CSE between May-December 2021, First Capital Treasuries PLC and Capital Alliance PLC recorded losses for the financial year 2021/22, while Lanka Credit and Business Finance PLC LOLC General Insurance paid deferred taxation charges. Some of the major companies that enjoyed higher taxation benefits include LOLC General Insurance PLC, which had earned a profit before tax (PBT) of Rs. 1.2 billion and had only paid Rs. 170.6 million under the concessionary tax rate after paying Rs. 413.5 million as taxes in 2022. Prime Land Residencies PLC had made a PBT of Rs. 1.8 billion and had paid Rs. 162 million as taxes from Rs. 289 million in 2020 and Cooperative Insurance PLC paid Rs. 97 million as corporate income tax from a PBT of Rs. 933 million after paying Rs. 260 million as taxes in 2020”. 

This example of loss of tax revenue from 13 companies maybe the tip of an iceberg as there could be other companies, smaller and bigger, who have paid less tax although their revenue was higher and their profit before tax was higher, and companies which are unlisted who may have not paid or paid less taxes although their revenues and profit before tax were higher than previous years.

In the context of the individual and corporate situations noted, increasing income tax from those at the bottom end of the income/revenue scale cannot be regarded as a fair proposition. As per the International Monetary Fund, Government Finance Statistics Yearbook and data files, and World Bank and OECD GDP estimates, the tax revenue in Sri Lanka had dropped to 7.7% of GDP in 2020 from 19% in 1990 as illustrated in the graph below. The revenue in 2022 was reported at 7.6 % of GDP in Sep 2022. As the graph depicts revenue has been steadily declining since 1990

Economynext in an article state that quote Sri Lanka has aimed at increasing tax revenue by 69 percent to fund government spending in the crisis-hit economy, but analysts say the 2023 budget failed to address core issues on excess spending and articulate strong policies on restructuring loss making state owned enterprises (SOEs). The budget has aimed at increasing tax revenue by 69 percent to 3,130 billion rupees next year from this year’s 1,852 billion rupees while bringing down the budget deficit to 7.9 percent in 2023 from this year’s revised 9.8 percent. The high tax revenue target comes as millions of Sri Lankans face the impacts of the ongoing economic crisis – 66 percent inflation, job losses, and shrinking disposable income, unquote (https://economynext.com/crisis-hit-sri-lanka-targets-more-tax-revenue-in-2023-budget-concerns-on-soes-spending-remain-102740/).

These factors portend even more of a difficult period in the coming years as no one appears willing and/or able to take the difficult decisions that must be taken to yield an effective course correction that will take the country out of the economic mess it is in. However, the pain of such decisions cannot fall unjustly on ordinary people who are already in great pain, while some segments of the society enjoy a largesse that is both embarrassing and unkind to those who are struggling to find their next meal.

The following table on tax revenue estimate and collection by tax type (2019) published in lankastatistics (https://lankastatistics.com/economic/tax-revenue-by-tax-types.html) gives an insight into the contribution to tax revenue from different categories. As can be seen, value added tax and income tax comprises nearly 90% of the tax estimated and collected.

Value added tax also contributes to the unfairness of tax because of its regressive nature. The Tax Policy Centre, a joint venture of the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution made up of nationally recognized experts in tax, budget, and social policy who have served at the highest levels of government.

In a briefing book (https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/who-would-bear-burden-vat), it states, because lower-income households spend a greater share of their income on consumption than higher-income households do, the burden of a VAT is regressive when measured as a share of current income: the tax burden as a share of income is highest for low-income households and falls sharply as household income rises. Because income saved today is generally spent in the future, the burden of a VAT is more proportional to income when measured as a share of income over a lifetime. Even by a lifetime income measure, however, the burden of the VAT as a share of income is lower for high-income households than for other households. A VAT (like any consumption tax) does not tax the returns (such as dividends and capital gains) from new capital investment, and income from capital makes up a larger portion of the total income of high-income households”.

If Sri Lanka is serious about an equitable and a fair tax system, it needs a complete overhaul of the system and not patchwork changes at the behest of external agencies. The morally and politically bankrupt politicians and special interest groups may not wish for such an overhaul and the country would continue its debilitating slide into further trouble despite the best efforts of a few.

Firstly, if as suspected, a significant number of high earners are either not paying their fair share of income tax or not paying any income tax, that loophole needs to be fixed. There are measures that could be considered. The idea of levying a tax at the source could be considered for professionals who deal in cash payments. For example, unless a law exists, a new law could be brought in to make it compulsory that doctors see patients only in hospitals or certified medical or home practices, and that ALL cash or credit card transactions are recorded as auditable, legal documents. If patients are seen or treated at a hospital or a similar medical institution, the attending doctor SHOULD be paid by the institution and no direct patient transactions should be permitted. The hospital in these instances could be compelled by law to deduct a percentage of the doctor’s fee as a tax, with the doctor permitted to disclose this payment in their annual tax returns. A similar methodology could be adopted with some variations to other high earners by way of a registration process where and all such registered individuals are required to submit periodic returns to the Inland Revenue department.

Government officials who become high earners through bribe taking will be harder to rope in although in their case as well as in the case of professionals, strict asset tests conducted by the tax office, and also bank disclosures on ALL cash deposits over a given amount, plus a tax levy imposed when deposits are made, for deposits over a given value, could be some of the plugs that can be used to close loopholes. 

In all cases it is vital that penalties for violating existing and new tax laws are very stringent and they include jail terms and confiscation of assets including any unlawfully held cash assets in the name of the individuals. As suspected, if such assets are written in the name of relatives or friends of the individuals concerned, such persons should be called upon to explain and justify how they managed to acquire such assets.

Secondly, value added taxes needs to be revised and redress given to individuals when they purchase essentials. Instead, a tax overhaul could investigate increasing value added taxes for functions held in hotels and function halls. It is no secret that vast sums of money are spent on these functions. Many such spending is unconscionable and an affront to the hundreds and thousands of ordinary people who do not have money for their basic, routine meals. However, rather than focusing on the morals and ethics of such high spenders, as that would be more or less water off duck’s backs, charging a high value added tax would at least allow the government to support the most vulnerable with such funds. To the best of the writer’s knowledge, no surveys have been carried out to ascertain the revenue to hotels and function centres from such functions.

The tax office could undertake such a survey to ascertain the current and potential value added tax collection from such venues. A tax overhaul should naturally include corporate taxation and a re look at concessions provided and how a situation reported in the Morning newspaper described earlier could be addressed. CEIC Unlimited

(https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/sri-lanka/tax-revenue) states the following

• Sri Lanka Tax Revenue was reported at 6.562 USD bn in Dec 2021.
• This is a decrease from the previous figure of 6.566 USD bn for Dec 2020.

The decline in tax revenue is shown in the illustration below. The corporate tax component and individual income tax component is not mentioned here, and this is something that needs to be examined to ascertain the contribution from the corporate sector and if the Morning article is to be taken as perhaps the tip of the iceberg, the potential loss of income tax from the corporate sector.

Clearly, it appears that there are some individuals who earn vast amounts of money but hardly pay reasonable income taxes, corporate earnings and profits are not consistent with taxes paid, there is no assessment of the income of some individuals who purchase high value properties and other assets and whether they have fulfilled their tax commitments. On the other hand, successive governments seem to have and still are taking the easy way out by taxing wage earners.

If the country is serious about increasing its revenue base from taxes, it should engage in a complete overhaul of the tax system, strengthen the hand of the tax department by way of suitable legislation and introduce serious punitive measures to punish individuals and corporate entities who firstly do not declare their real income, and secondly who do not pay their fair share of taxes. The VAT system too should be revised in such a way that the most vulnerable are safeguarded from the regressive nature of the VAT system.

Shenali D Waduge

Ever since a regime change was choreographed in 2015 January, the US has been using its lackeys in government to exert tremendous influence in 3 areas – Sri Lanka‘s economy, Sri Lanka‘s Parliament and Sri Lanka‘s armed forces. Based on media articles, press releases and whatever other information has been made available to the public, an overview of the extent to which Sri Lanka’s sovereignty has been compromised can be deduced. Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation and Sri Lanka must uphold that sovereign status. Any new government must understand the fundamentals of what it means to be sovereign and ensure national policy is drafted to ensure that and that sovereignty is not compromised. Somehow politically, socially, cutturally & economically US & India have made inroads & Sri Lanka’s policy makers are as guilty as the politicians for not upholding the nations sovereignty.

Timelines:

1950s – United States Information Service (USIS) set up cultural centers in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna (objective to instill American values” among Sri Lankans – 5 live concerts also held

1951 – US-Ceylon agreement for Voice of America station to broadcast to all of Asia

1952 – US- Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission founded – scholarships awarded for postgraduate studies to US

1956 – US objects to Rubber-Rice pact with China (which JRJ opposed too) & cuts off aid as punishment. US forced France, Italy & Japan to withhold supply of Sulphur fungicide needed for rubber plantations.

1950s – when Sri Lanka sought Rs.50 aid US refused

1977 – President Jayawardene   permitted US naval ships to enter Trincomalee and wanted to give the Trincomalee oil tanks to America.  Voice of America started to broadcast from Iranawila.

2004 – US tried to persuade Sri Lanka to sign US Tropical Forestry Conservation Act of 1998 (claiming to reduce debt by allowing a committee of representatives from US & INGOs to manage forest – if signed US would control our forest assets, have exclusive access to our medicinal plants) heavy protests stopped signing of agreement.

US & Asia / China’s Maritime Silk Route

US interests were on the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, South East Asia (5 out of 7 US security alliances are with Asia-Pacific countries / defense pacts with 69 countries which account for 75% of world economy)

With China’s focus on Indian Ocean, the strategic location of Sri Lanka came into play as Sri Lanka had the ability to control or impede free flow of resources to & from China. Half the world’s container traffic passes Sri Lanka. US needed a weak Sri Lanka to dominate & force its presence.

ANTI-US sentiments has a background

USA has supported dictators like Pinochet, Marcos, Suharto, Somoza, Pol pot.

Both Saddam Hussein & Osama Bin Laden were former CIA agents

US has been involved directly/indirectly covertly/overtly in coups, invasions, regime change, election interferences etc.

US was the only country to drop the atomic bomb twice (on Japan) and used chemical agent Orange in Vietnam which continues to disable Vietnam children.

US support to Tamil separatism

US envoy James Spain told Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister not to refuse India’s Indo-Lanka Agreement (Izeth Hussein)

We were hounded & intimidated by the US to stop the war against the LTTE” (envoy N. Godage)

US used satellites to spy on Sri Lanka during final conflict to incriminate them for war crimes

US allegedly tried to rescue trapped Prabakaran using US ship in May 2009.

US did not expect LTTE to be annihilated. US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations sent 2 Senators to Sri Lanka in Nov 2009 – they reported – Rajapakse was a ‘threat to US as he was drifting towards China. US was advised to adopt a ‘less confrontational approach’.

US is part of the secretive intelligence alliance called – FIVE EYES” (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, US) Singapore also partners with them.

The 5 Eyes became 9 Eyes with Denmark, France, Holland, Norway joining. Then 14 Eyes with Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain & Sweden joining.

US & Yahapalana 

(themes used: US committed to peace, reconciliation, accountability)

Immediately after overthrowing Rajapakse govt US indicated its role in regime change.

John Kerry Secretary of State arrived in May 2015 Your country sits at the crossroads of Africa, South Asia, and East Asia. The Indian Ocean is the world’s most important commercial highway. And with its strategic location near deep-water ports in India and Myanmar, Sri Lanka could serve as the fulcrum of a modern and dynamic Indo-Pacific region….. The US could play a leadership role in making this happen”.

Regime Change in Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Burma cost $585 from US Complex Crisis Fund (CCF) of which USAID gave $3.4m to Yahapalana’s 100 day program.

Yahapalana visits to US

Jun 2016 – PM Ranil paid a quiet visit to New York – reason given to the Sri Lanka public was that Wickremesinghe was visiting New York for medical purposes – he went to meet two officials from the White House. PM Ranil also addressed the United Nations Ocean Conference & you cannot address a conference without it being planned ahead.

Sept 2016 – Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to Washington to sign agreement with J. Roskam, Chairman House Democracy Partnership, of House of Representatives.

Sept2018 – Sagala Ratnayake Minister of Youth Affairs and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister visited USA & met Thornberry, also Ted Yoho, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, as well as senior officials of the National Security Council, the Department of State, the Department of Defence, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

Visits of US officials to Sri Lanka 

2014 – Stephen J. Rapp , the US Ambassador on War Crimes – Rapp heads the Office of Global Criminal Justice at the US State Department.

July, August, December 2015 – Nisha Biswal, US Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs

July 2015 -Tom Malinowsky US Assistant Secretary for Democracy & Human Rights

November 2015– Samantha Power, US ambassador to the UN

December 2015 -Thomas Shannon Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs

Jul2016 – Nisha Biswal, Assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, had visited Sri Lanka six times by July 2016

Feb2017 – US House of Representative delegation (3days) part of House Democracy Partnership (HDP) program in which 20member US House of Representatives work directly with partner countries. 8-member delegation from Democrats & Republicans. US signed a Collaboration Agreement with Sri Lanka’s Parliament on 14 September 2016 in Washington.

March2017 – US Congress delegation visits Hambantota Port & Yala National Sanctuary. US Sri Lanka sign 2 programs –

Aug2017 – Alice Wells US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs meets government officials, business leaders and civil society representatives. She joins candlelight vigil at Vihara Maha Devi Park, to mark the UN Day of the victims of Enforced Disappearances accompanied by US Ambassador in Colombo Atul Keshap & joined by the top representatives of the Tamil National Alliance

Sept2017 – Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Mark Linscott to ask SL Govt to implement policies that will increase trade and improve the business climate he wanted 1 year resident visa for foreigners changed to 3 years.

Sept2017 – Alice Wells Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, told a Congressional Sub Committee, the US was seriously concerned over unsustainable debt burden on Sri Lanka due to non-concessional loans from China” US was the largest grant provider of assistance channeled primarily to NGOs working to the US agenda

2017 – Rear Admiral Donald D. Gabrielson, of the US Navy, declared at the Galle Dialogues that every country should be cautious when working with China for want of transparency in certain engagements.

2017 – 5 member USAID team led by Davnie Eston arrived to map out how USAID could collaborate on ventures of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce including working with private sector.

Feb2019 – Thomas J. Vajda US Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State dealing with South and Central Asia

May 2019 – former envoy Robert Blake visits Sri Lanka

June 2019 – US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo but last minute visit was cancelled due to public uproar over US controversial pacts

October 2019 – US State Dept holds ‘Human Rights in South Asia” hearing on Burma and Congressman Brad Sherman announced they would focus on human rights situation in Sri Lanka too.

After Gotabaya Rajapakse becomes President in Nov2019 & SLPP forms Govt in August 2020

October 2020 – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

22 Mar 2022 – US Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland & meets Govt, business & civil society leaders (immediately after her departure aragalaya unrest starts)

June 2022 (26-29): US Dept of State & US Treasury officials Robert Kaproth, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Asia, and Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.  They met political representatives, economists, and international organizations. US announced $120m for SMEs, $27m to dairy industry, $5.75m humanitarian assistance, $6m to livelihood assistance

September 2022 – United States Agency for International Development (USAID) chief Samantha Power – her focus helping 1million farmers” with $40m aid – $40 per farmer.

Feb 2023 – US Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland makes 2^nd visit to SL in a year (another protest starts after her departure & request for US-India military base in Trinco is mooted)

US funding projects to realign their agenda in Sri Lanka

$135m for Youth Empowerment grants covering over 100 programs since 2010 (leadership training / advancing ‘rights of marginalized communities’

US Senate Committee sought $43m ($35m economic support fund / $6.8m non-proliferation and anti-terrorism & $500,000 in foreign military financing and $500,000 for training military personnel

US plan was to work with YOUTH, use civil society groups (indirectly to create subversive groups)

$1m for 2 projects – strengthen media / reconciliation identifying youth & women

2016-$13.7m by USAID to 8 civil society organization to ‘strengthen accountability & good governance) (SDGAP) administered by private US company – Development Alternative Inc (DAI) – a CIA front’ Office of Transition Initiatives(OTI). DAI is set up to destabilize governments. SDGAP project is not subject to Sri Lankan law but to the laws and regulations of the US. SDGAP does not come under the purview of Sri Lanka’s Auditor General. DAI also plans to ‘engage’ with the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (Public Service) Note: SDGAP also implemented in Afghanistan, Colombia, Georgia, Haiti, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Macedonia and Mongolia. USAID STAIR program in AG’s dept (project claiming to reform public financial management)

2016 – US plan to provide aid to Jayawardenapura University to document historical buildings in Galle Fort. Cheryl Edison arrived in 2017 & was holding free classes for representatives from ICTA – SLASSCOM and held seminars for University students from Jayawardenapura & University of Jaffna.

2017 – Youth Climate Summit funded by US embassy

Feb2017 – Mojo, an American band arrive on a U.S. Embassy sponsored visit – public performances in Jaffna and Colombo; workshops for music students; and master classes for Sri Lankan musicians.

3m aid offered for flood victims – disaster experts from USAIDOFDA and Civil Military Support Element attached to US embassy also involved.

Sri Lanka to receive only US$ 3.38 million for its USAID programmes in 2018, a drop of 92% percent from 2016

March2017 – 2 programs signed Strengthened Partnership for Democratic Reform & Social Integration” & Increased & Equitable Growth and Public Financial Management”

23 Aug2019 – The Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade together with the USAID-SAIL project hosted a Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on Global Trade for businessman in Kandy District at Hotel Suisse, Kandy.

Oct 2021 – USAID $2.5m covid-19 assistance (USAID has contributed $17.9m since Mar 2020)

Sept 2022 – USAID signs $65m over 5 year agreement following Samantha Power visit. This is in addition to $60m for humanitarian & fertilizer assistance (was the fertilizer issue created to facilitate this assistance”) as US envoy after signing stated that US wishes to promote a ‘free & open Indo-Pacific’. US development aid $2b since 1965.

Other notable CIA fronts include

• International Republican Institute (IRI),
• National Endowment for Democracy (NED),
• National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI),
• Freedom House

These organizations transfer US funds to opposition parties and other pro-American local groups in countries of strategic interest, using the pretext of ‘promoting democracy’.

The OTI’s charter is to finance civil society groups (NGOs) for use in their subversive activities including regime change in strategically important nations with governments unwilling to succumb to US dictates.

https://www.ned.org/region/asia/sri-lanka-2021/

US & USAID INTERFERENCE in Sri Lanka (YOUTH – WOMEN TARGETS)

5-member USAID team led by Davnie Eston arrived in 2017 and mapped out ways and means in which USAID could collaborate on ventures of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. We are empowered to work with the private sector” said USAID.

USAID was asked to improve the soft skills of Lanka Sathosa personnel

Sept2017 – U.S. Department of State’s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program and the World Customs Organization (WCO) trained 34 Customs Officials from Sri Lanka in strategic trade controls

October2017 – USAID & business leaders and Sri Lankan Government launched the $12m ‘You Lead’. a new employability and skills development project to create a more market-oriented, skilled and flexible youth workforce (ages 16 to 35). You Lead’s regional focus is on the provinces with the highest youth unemployment, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Northern Provinces.

USAID YouLead” program and Microsoft Sri Lanka signed a partnership to launch the new $12m YouthWorks” information technology portal at the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training in Colombo).

YouLead is implemented by the International Executive Service Corps (IESC) and administered by the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA).

YouLead will work with Microsoft, the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training, and the private sector to develop and upload content for the YouthWorks portal in Sinhala, Tamil and English. The portal is currently being used in 18 countries

Mar2018 – U.S. Embassy launched American Innovation Hub (iHub) in partnership with the Matara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The iHub is located in the Matara Chamber of Commerce building. The iHub offers thematic programs, all free of charge, and a selection of U.S. books and DVDs. It is intended to promote English language learning, encourage study in the United States, and introduce the local community to American culture and values. (American English – American VALUES!)

The U.S. Embassy also has American Spaces in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna. These locations offer books, DVDs, English language programs, entrepreneurship programs, U.S. speakers, and more.

2017 USAID funded a project for more female representation in local government bodies. 

Harvard Centre for International Development (HCID) helping Sri Lanka to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) promoting emerging exports, targeting new non-existent industries, identifying and engaging with potential new investors, fixing the investment climate for new emerging industries and figuring out how to create new tourist destinations.

BOI staff receiving training programmes conducted by Harvard University’s Centre for International Development, McKinsey Consulting and the World Bank Group.

August 2020 – Top Gem Lapidary partnership with NAITA (women-led enterprise started by 8 unemployed youth in Central Province)

200 gem cutters identified

Aug 2020 – USAID-Youth-ICT (USAID’s Youth Employment & Business Start-up Program – YouLead) Sri Lanka Association of Software & Services Company (SLASSCOM) is a counterpart of YouLead. USAID launched ICT Future Careers Bridge Program in Mar 2019. It identified school leavers & aims to reach 1500 youth.

March 2021 – US organizes innovative entrepreneurship training program with Samurdhi Development for 21 women from Matara. To be expanded across 6 districts for 7500 participants.

Oct 2022 – USAID Pizza Hut launch 28 Training kitchens for Sri Lanka Youth

Vocational training kitchen at Technical College Kuliyapitiya. 6month Curriculum developed by USAID, Yum Brands Foundation provided $1.3m grant. Partnered by YouLead, Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka (owner of Pizza Hut franchise) & Sevalanka Foundation. Aims to train 2100 youth annually in fast-food industry. NVQ3 certification.

USAID funding project in Election Commission with Vasu Mohan being a paid member

US EMBASSY INTERFERING IN SRI LANKA’S ELECTIONS 

US intervened in Presidential Elections in Jan2010 and Jan2015

Former US Envoy Michelle Sisson openly talking politics at embassy functions – she had insisted that the candidate to challenge Mahinda Rajapaksa should not be a UNP candidate but a common candidate

US Senate Dept finance report (2016) – US invested $585m in 2015 for regime change in Myanmar, Sri Lanka & Nigeria under ‘Democracy, Human Rights & Governance’. US focus was to partner with civil society, citizen’s movements, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators.

USAID had given $3.4m to Yahapalana’s 100-day program from the US Complex Crisis Fund (Hassina Leelaratne – America’s Freedom of Information Act)

US INTERFERING IN SRI LANKA’S CONSTITUTION

MP Keheliya Rambukwella said ‘there is no point in debating the interim report of the Constitutional Assembly Steering Committee as the final draft of the new constitution has already been prepared by the US and given to the government.  A group of Sri Lankan MPs including me visited the US recently. We were attending a Congress meeting on Sri Lankan affairs. David Price, a US Congressman, told us that the  

US had prepared the final draft of the new constitution and sent it to the Sri Lankan government” Price said almost everybody had accepted the draft except a bunch led by Mahinda Rajapaksa.

US interfering in Sri Lanka’s Parliament

House Democracy Partnership (a bipartisan, twenty-member commission of the U.S. House of Representatives) of the US House of Representatives launched a Collaboration Agreement with the Parliament of Sri Lanka.  Speaker Karu Jayasuriya signed for Sri Lanka. The purpose was to strengthen partnership between the two legislatures – exchange of information on the legislative systems of each country, sharing knowledge, and offering consultations on effective legislative management; and cooperating and assisting each other through training programs for the members and staff of the legislatures. The program is operating in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Colombia, Georgia, Haiti, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Macedonia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Peru, Timo-Leste and Ukraine.

US-Sri Lanka Open Government Partnership (Oct2015)

Sri Lanka is the only South Asian participating country in the OGP.

To be eligible for OGP governments must demonstrate commitment to open government principles in – Fiscal Transparency, Access to Information, Income and Asset Disclosures, and Citizen Engagement.

Sri Lanka is supposed to have scored 14 of a total of 16 points.

The NGOs involved in the OGP in Sri Lanka –  Center for Policy Alternatives, (CPA) International center for Ethnic studies (ICES), Sarvodaya, Transparency International, Management Development Centre and Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA).

‘Strengthening Democratic Governance and Accountability Project’ (SDGAP) a $13.7m project for the reform of Sri Lanka’s public sector. US has selected Development Alternatives, Inc (DAI) of Maryland, to implement the project.

DAI would work closely with Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Independent Commissions and related ministries.

USAID allocated $3 million for project in September 2016 and the program was launched in November 2016.

SDGAP was subject to the laws and regulations of the United States, with oversight from USAID’s Office of Inspector General.

SDGAP claims to help GOSL increase transparency, accountability, good governance, strengthen systems and processes for public accountability & policy development. 

June2019 – Prasad Kariyawasam was appointed by Parliament as an International Affairs advisor to the Speaker – first time a Speaker has had such an advisor and such a position did not exist in the list of officials in Parliament while being paid by a foreign country. Speaker Karu admitted that Kariyawasam was paid by DAI – Development Alternatives Institute (a CIA front) & implementing agency for USAID. DAI is paying the salaries of Prasad Kariyawasam and G. Hettiarachchi former Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration.

DAI had given Rs.2000m for Parliamentary Diplomacy program which funds MPs for ‘study tours’ overseas.

Due to objections in July 2019 Speaker Karu informed that Prasad Kariyawasam’s salary would be paid by Parliament funds reconfirming he was paid by foreign funding.

PrasadK had also arranged to have ambassadors of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries to meet Speaker Karu though this task has to be done by Foreign Ministry or Foreign Secretary. The IGP and Intelligence chief was also summoned by the Speaker, another first. How can PrasadK run a parallel operation which should be done by the Foreign Ministry?

US / Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue – strengthen and enhance bilateral relations in the widest sense.

US INTERFERING IN PUBLIC SECTOR – National Labor Advisory Committee (NLAC) 

July2017 – Govt informs decision to appoint World Group on Labor Law Reforms proposed by Ministry of Development Strategies & International Trade in collaboration with USAID. Trade Unions objected claiming the Ministry nor USAID had any right to intervene in reforming labor laws in Sri Lanka.

US INTERFERENCE IN SRI LANKA’S LAW & ORDER

US State Department Special Project made provision for a Resident Legal Advisor in Colombo to provide anti-corruption and asset recovery training and also support the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC)

(The Global Forum on Asset Recovery: Assistance for Combating Corruption in Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, and Ukraine)

US PEACE CORPS IN SRI LANKA

Feb2018   Yahapalana signed an agreement with the US to re-establish a US Peace Corps programme in Sri Lanka. first 25 American Peace Corps Volunteers to arrive in late 2019 and undergo three months of comprehensive cultural, language and technical training before they are given their assignments to serve for two years.  Peace Corp volunteers will focus on supporting the Education Ministry, schools, and community groups in coordination with the Sri Lankan English Teachers’ Association.  They will be given diplomatic privileges The Diplomatic Privileges Act provisions have been invoked to accord equitable treatment to the Volunteers and persons performing functions under contract with the Peace Corps and their dependents. Government will provide to the Peace Corps the same exemptions with respect to taxes on payments that they receive to defray their living costs, on income derived from their officials duties, and on income from other sources outside Sri Lanka; customs duties or other charges on their personal property introduced into Sri Lanka for their own use; and all other taxes or other charges (including immigration/visa fees), except licence fees as provided to members of the administrative and technical staff of the Embassy of the United States in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

GOSL will exempt all taxes (including value-added taxes) customs duties, and other charges all equipment, supplies, and other goods and services introduced into or acquired in Sri Lanka by the US Government or any contractor financed by it, for use to enable the US Government to discharge its responsibilities under this agreement.

GOSL will exempt such persons, members of their families forming part of their households who are not citizens or permanent residents of Sri Lanka from all taxes or income derived from their Peace Corps work or other sources outside Sri Lanka, from all customs duties and other charges on their personal property introduced into Sri Lanka for their own use, and from all other taxes or other charges (including immigration/visa fees) except license fees.

Why is America arriving to teach English to remote Sri Lanka so close to elections? 

US Peace Corps was in Sri Lanka from 1962-64 / 1967-70 / 1983-1998

PM Sirimavo Bandaranaiake kicked them out after she became PM in 1970. They came back with every UNP govt.

US Peace Corps evolved from a CIA Front known as International Voluntary Services Inc. (IVS), during war against Vietnam. The US Peace Corps has been expelled from a number of countries for spying for the CIA and covert activities, meddling in local politics, and running drugs.

In September 2017, Cambodia’s Prime Minister demanded the withdrawal of the US Peace Corps for conspiring with the opposition leader Kem Sokha to overthrow his government.

In 1965, Indonesia ordered US Peace Corps out after 16 months.

In 1966, Guinea asked PCs to leave.

In 1967, Mauritania asked PCs to leave.

Pakistan and India also refused to renew approval of PC projects in their countries in the early 1970s.

Burkina Faso Peace Corps programme was closed in 2017

US INTERFERENCE IN SRI LANKA’S MILITARY 

US-Sri Lanka Military Collaborations

2002 – US Pacific Command team invited to report on the Sri Lanka armed forces

2012 US officials in Colombo meet business executives representing companies importing/exporting to/from US. The US embassy wanted regular feedback about security related matters in SL. The meeting was sponsored by the Overseas Security Advisory Council of the US State Department which looked after US business interest.

2015 – Sri Lanka Marine Corps set up

2016 – Head of the US Pacific Command Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr. even attended the Sri Lanka Navy’s Galle Dialogue 2016.

US 7^th fleet in Trincomalee – held joint public concerts at the Galle Fort, Tangalle City Centre, Hambantota Beach Park, Bata Atha Agro Park, Matara Beach Park and several schools. Pacific Partnership team attended a pinkama at Ambalantota  Sunadararamaya.

Mar2016 – USS Blue Ridge (first US ship to arrive) arrived with over 900 sailors (many felt Sri Lanka was being turned into another Philippines by US)

Jul2016– USS New Orleans visited

Aug2016 – 1^st US-SL operational level bilateral defense dialogue

Aug2016 -US war ship USS Frank Cable, a submarine tender vessel

Aug2016 – US Pacific commands Operation Pacific Angels stayed a week in Jaffna providing medical care to 4000 people and renovating 6 schools.

Nov2016 – Theatre Security Cooperation (TSC) project with Sri Lankan Navy’s newly formed marine force & US 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Dec2016 – US navy Poseidon aircraft, an advanced US maritime patrol aircraft, left Mattala

Jan2017 – US guided missile destroyer USS Hopper arrived on a goodwill visit

March2017 – USS ‘Comstock’ arrived for a four-day trainingworkshop at Colombo harbor. ‘USS Comstock’ is part of the 7th fleet.  This is the third such military-to-military exchange between U.S. Sailors and Marines and their Sri Lankan counterparts in the past 12 months, the authorities observed, ‘and this will form the basis of further cooperation between our militaries.’

Mar2017 – USNS ‘Fall River’ a transport ship of U.S. Pacific Fleet arrived in Port of Hambantota to engage in the first Pacific Partnership goodwill mission. Chief of US Pacific Fleet, Rear Admiral Gabrielson said Sri Lanka was selected as the first of four nations for the 2017 Pacific Partnership programme because Sri Lanka government had made the request. The Pacific Partnership medical teams will join Sri Lankan doctors and nurses for training at the General Hospital and Nurses Training School in Hambantota, the Tissamaharama Base Hospital and other local clinics and hospitals. Free public medical and dental clinics in select cities. Some 325 US marines were in Sri Lanka.

May2017 – Officers of the US 7th Fleet and Sri Lanka Navy met for 2^nd time at the Naval Headquarters – US wants to establish base in Trinco for its 7^th fleet (Island newspaper Sept2015)

Jun2017 – 33 US army cadets from US Army Reserve Officers Training Corps arrive on familiarization tour visiting SL Military Academy, SF HQ, SL Light Infantry HQ, Regimental HQ of SL Engineers, Army School of Artillery at Minneriya

2017 -Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL) briefed a delegation from the Young Alakai Warriors of the U.S. Army Pacific on Security Challenges of Sri Lanka in the Next Decade”

Oct2017 Sri Lanka included to Cooperation Afloat Readiness & Training (CARAT) exercise in Trinco by US Navy & Marines.

Oct2017 – A Group of US ships visit – warship USS Nimitz, cruiser USS Princeton, destroyers USS Howard, USS Shoup, USS Pinckney, USS Kidd. USS Nimitz is one of the world’s largest war ships – 23 stories high and 333meters long and accommodating 5000 US Marines. It was parked 150 nautical miles off Colombo.

Oct2017 – 3rd Annual Colombo Air Symposium United States Air Force Major General James Eifet called for increased partnership and information sharing among nations in the Indo-Pacific region in the face of a nuclear threat from North Korea. Eifet castigated China over its claims in the South China Sea

Galle Dialogue 2017 – Admiral Scott Swift, Pacific Fleet Commander expressed desire to expand military relations.

Galle Dialogue 2017 Rear Admiral Donald D. Gabrielson, of the US Navy, declared that every country should be cautious when working with China for want of transparency in certain engagements.

April2018 – A 17-member delegation of the United States Land Forces in the Pacific Command arrived in Sri Lanka for participation in ‘Land Forces Pacific Programme’ sessions.

25April2018 – The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy” arrived in Trincomalee to conduct the 2018 Pacific Partnership mission.” Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. Personnel from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Peru, and Japan took part. USNS Mercy” contains 12 fully-equipped operating rooms, a 1,000 bed hospital facility, digital radiological services, a medical laboratory, a pharmacy, an optometry lab, a CAT-scan and two oxygen producing plants. The ship is equipped with a helicopter deck capable of landing large military helicopters. The team successfully completed a cholecystectomy, or gall bladder removal, on a Sri Lankan citizen using a Da Vinci XI Robot Surgical System. This was the first time I have ever operated aboard a ship,” said Dr. Vyramuthu Varanitharan, a general surgeon at the Muttur Base Hospital. They also treated over 5,500 patients conducting medical clinics at various locations in and around Trincomalee in addition to over 500 veterinary surgeries and vaccinations. From medical clinics to free public concerts, our sailors will bring the best of America to local communities,”

During the ship’s stay, USN doctors along with Lankan doctors performed 24 varying surgeries onboard, out of which the robotic surgery performed onboard was the 1st in the world.

Jun2018 – Sri Lanka participated for the 1^st time in biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) maritime exercise 2018 held in Hawaii and Southern California in June 2018.,

Jun2018 Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake attended the US Army’s ‘LANPAC Symposium and Exposition’, organized by the Institute of Land Warfare in Honolulu, Hawaii. The theme was ‘The Future of Land Force Integration; Multilateral Approaches across the Indo-Pacific’. Army Commander called on US Army Commanding General, Pacific Command, General Robert B. Brown and discussed matters relating to continuing defence cooperation. Senanayake was also among the invitees to a special banquet, hosted by General Brown. Lieutenant General Senanayake’s retinue to Hawaii included Military Assistant to the Army Commander Colonel K.A.A. Udaya Kumara and Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Warrant Officer I.W.M.S.P. Wijesinghe, perhaps for the first time in the Army history in a Commander’s entourage”.

US Air Force Airmen from across the Indo-Pacific met with their Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) counterparts at the SLAF Headquarters in Colombo. According to Maj. Gen. Eifert the engagement was very successful.

June2018 – Geoffrey F. Gresh, Department Head of International Security Studies – National Defense University in Washington, D.C and Associate Professor at the College of International Security Affairs (CISA), paid a courtesy call on Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne.  He was accompanied by LTC Douglas Hess, Defense attache, US Embassy.

Aug2018 Amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived at Trincomalee Port

Apri2019 – last joint US-SL naval exercise Cooperation afloat readiness and training exercise CARAT) saw participation of 2 US shops (USS Spruance & USS Millinocket) & SLNS Sayurala & SLNS Samudra participated.

US embassy also wanted to have display of US Air Force aircraft in Colombo with an air parade over Galle Face Green but was disproved by the Foreign Ministry

Noteworthy:

US-India partnership to curtail China.

US has even created a new region – ‘Indo-Asia-Pacific Region’, which includes the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Jun2016 Joint trilateral military exercise US-India-Japan

2016 US-India signed agreement allowing use of each other’s land, air, naval bases for repair & resupply.

2016 US-India military exercises near Indo-Sino border

US National Defense Authorization Act 2017 recognizes India as a major US defense partner.

11 May 2022

 US expresses concern over deployment of SL Military – during the protests.

Joint Naval Exercises 

May 2018, delegation from the House Armed Services Committee of the U.S. Congress visited. The House Armed Services Committee, a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives, is a powerful Committee, responsible for the supervision of armed forces and the Department of Defense. The delegation was led by its Chairman Mac Thornberry and US embassy arranged for them to meet civil society organizations and TNA privately.

June/Aug2018 – The world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise (Rim of the Pacific – RIMPAC) took place in the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California

Jul2018 – visit of US Army’s Pacific Region Head Gen. Robert B. Brown

Jul2018 The Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) exercise inaugurated at the Special Boat Squadron Training School (SBSTS) in Trincomalee.

Jul2018 – third KDU-CNA Track 1.5 Dialogue on Naval at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University (KDU). Discussing collaborative initiative between KDU and the Center for Naval Analysis (CNA), USA, facilitating interaction between the navies of Sri Lanka and the United States, along with the participation of relevant academics.

Aug2018 – United States to provide nearly $300 million in security assistance to improve security relationships across the Indo-Pacific region, including Sri Lanka announced Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo at the ASEAN Regional Forum

Bay of Bengal Initiative launched – United States to ‘work with other partners in the Bay of Bengal, including Bangladesh

Aug2018 U.S. Department of State announced approximately $39 million in Foreign Military Financing for Sri Lanka, pending Congressional approval

Aug2018 – The U.S. Coast Guard handed over a high endurance cutter, formerly the USCGC Sherman, to the Sri Lankan Navy

Aug2018 a joint humanitarian assistance mission called Pacific Angel, sponsored by US Pacific Command (USPACOM) at the Alagalla School in Vavuniya to provide humanitarian civic assistance and carry out civil-military operations in the Pacific region,

Air Logistics Hub concept using Sri Lanka’s strategic location to ensure the quick availability of relief supplies, equipment and other material when needed by the US and partner militaries and humanitarian organizations.

Jan 2023 – US Navy & Marine Corps to commence Cooperation Afloat Readiness & Training (CARAT/MAREX) exercise with SL Navy & SL Airforce. 5^th CARAT/MAREX training between US & SL. Japan & Maldives also join. Training in Trinco & Mullikulam.

US sanctions

2020 – US imposed sanctions on SL Army Commander – Chief of Defense Staff Shavendra Silva

2021 – US State Dept listed Navy officer Chandana Hettiarachchi & SLA Staff sergeant Sunil Ratnayaka & sanctions them over human rights violations.

Dec 2022 – Sri Lanka lamely agrees to Joint-US military training while US sanctions SL Military

US imposed sanctions on Prabath Bulathwatte head of Tripoli Platoon (citing Section 7031c) for torture of Keith Noyahr in May2008.

US INTERFERING IN SRI LANKA’S ECONOMY

US-Sri Lanka & Economy

25% of our exports go to US and 70% of that is garments.

Jan2016 – 3 year plan revealed at Sri Lanka Economic Forum by team led by Harvard University academic Ricardo Haussmann funded by Open Society Foundation head George Soros. (locals highlighted its dangers)

June2018 – US Dept of Agriculture with GOSL launched Market-Oriented Dairy Project to strengthen and grow SL’s dairy sector. The 4.5-year, US$14.1 million initiative is implemented by US-based International Executive Service Corps.

STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT (SOFA)

1995 US-SL sign agreement regarding status of US military personnel & civilian employees of the Department of Defense.  SOFA seeks to update 1995 agreement to include Annex B.

Jul2019 PM Ranil announced in Parliament that Govt was negotiating a fresh military deal with US replacing 1995 SOFA giving US military easier access to Sri Lanka.

US embassy Colombo sent new draft SOFA – a 5page document dated 28 Aug 2018 to Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam who initiated discussions with support of Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera. Discussions was between only US embassy & Foreign Ministry and excluded Ministry of Defense. The US draft claimed that the acceptance of the US draft by the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs constituted ‘acceptance’ of the GOSL as disclosed to a select local media by the US embassy Public Affairs Office.

President Sirisena responded by recalling Prasad Kariyawasam who returned on 31 Oct 2018 and SOFA was put on hold though negotiations continued.

May2019 – SOFA was listed for discussions at the SL-US Partnership Dialogue in Washington at which new Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana & US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed. Marapana sought to change 2 clauses – diplomatic immunity for US troops in Sri Lanka & subjecting all actions to US laws.

Jun2019 – President Sirisena declared he was against proposed SOFA & would not accept military agreements with US including SOFA. President Sirisena phoned Marapana in Washington & asked not to sign SOFA without his approval.

SOFA puts Sri Lanka’s independence, territorial integrity & freedom of action at stake. Treaty once signed is binding. The Agreement provides diplomatic immunity for US troops & contractors and employees of US armed forces.

DANGERS OF SIGNING SOFA for SRI LANKA 

(Sri Lanka Abdicating its Sovereignty & US legally invading Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka transformed into a US military facility – Signing SOFA means US does not require setting up a military base in Trincomalee because US has been given access to entire island. US will be using Sri Lanka’s territory as a permanent transit point for military activities.

A virtual ‘separate state’ as US troops/officials/staff will run a defacto rule with US laws not abiding by Sri Lanka laws. Sri Lankan Govt, Parliament, Judiciary, Armed Forces, Police will have no control over US troops/contractors/employees in Sri Lanka

American men/women and anyone working for America (individually or collectively) US troops wearing uniform will be able to enter / leave / remain /use their vehicles/vessels/aircrafts in any part of Sri Lanka and carry their weapons. US civil & armed personnel will be able to move anywhere across the island and be above Sri Lankan laws. US armed forces & civilian personnel will be governed by US laws not Sri Lankan laws but they will enjoy privileges, exemptions & immunities that even Sri Lanka’s President, Mahanayake Theros, Sri Lanka’s Judges or Generals do not have.

US Defense Dept is also authorized to construct buildings and not be subject to any local taxes. Property / equipment, supplies, material, technology training will all be exempt from license, restrictions, customs duties, taxes or any charges within Sri Lanka.

US Defense Dept is also authorized to construct buildings and not be subject to any local taxes. Property / equipment, supplies, material, technology training will all be exempt from license, restrictions, customs duties, taxes or any charges within Sri Lanka.

Dept of Defense will be allowed to operate its own telecommunications systems. Use of radio spectrum will be functioning in parallel to Sri Lanka’s communication systems.

The US list of contractors is open-ended and includes all contractors/their employees signed with the US Defense Dept in the future.

US envoy to Sri Lanka called SOFA the ‘Visiting Forces Agreement’ however Visiting Forces Act (VFA) of 1949 empowers Sri Lanka’s Head of State to declare emergencies & receive emergency assistance but there was red tape before allowing foreign forces into the country.

As per 1949 VFA US troops & civilian components in Sri Lanka were not subject to Sri Lankan criminal or civil laws.

There is no emergency in Sri Lanka to have any SOFA or VFA.

Acquisition and Cross-Servicing agreements (ACSA)

SOFA is a follow-up of the ACSA agreement (83page) signed by UNP Govt & USA in 2017. ACSA allows US troops to make use of any military bases & ports whenever they want & Sri Lankan Govt must provide necessary support. Joint training exercises under US directives. Our Armed Forces have to take orders from US Armed Forces hierarchy.

SOFA provides facilities & conditions to implement ACSA agreement. With SOFA US troops, support staff, contractors can enter Sri Lanka without visa or passport merely by showing their US identity card. They will not be checked. Their equipment will not be checked. Their civil/military planes, vessels, vehicles will not be checked and they can bring anything without paying any duties /levies or taxes.

Full text of draft SOFA agreement dated 28 Aug 2018 was published by Sunday Times on 30 June 2019

Why are these agreements kept secret from public before signing?

SALLYPORT – US firm offering jobs

SALLYPORT a US firm offering a comprehensive range of global protective, security & mission support solutions to both US govt and foreign allies of US govt as well as to private & commercial clients announced full time and part time jobs in Sri Lanka. Another company Michael Baker Global Service owned by Caliburn International is also outsourced protection of building materials, furniture, fixtures etc.

ACQUISITION AND CROSS SERVICING AGREEMENT (ACSA)

In 2002 US tried to finalize ACSA formerly known as ‘NATO Mutual Support Act’ with Sri Lanka after signing CFA on 21 February 2002 but failed.

ACSA is a bilateral agreement which involves combined exercises, training, deployments, allows US troops to obtain food, fuel, transport, ammunition (logistics supplies) – reimbursement in cash or in kind.

US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage announced plans for ACSA after meeting with PM Ranil in Washington 2002 with Minister Milinda Moragoda playing a key role in the project. In December 2002 Ambassador Wills requested use of Sri Lanka’s port & air space to invade Iraq, Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando explained the country’s objection and ACSA was shelved.

Foreign Minister Kadiragamar visiting Washington in 2005 demanded that ACSA not to be included into agenda talks.

ACSA was signed in March 2007 (almost identical to ACSA US signed with Australia in 2010). ACSA Australia is a public document but ACSA Sri Lanka is not. US wanted it to be kept secret as it did not wish for Sri Lanka to request features in the agreement during the LTTE operation.

The agreement allowed US to transfer & exchange logistics, supplies, support & refueling during peace keeping missions, humanitarian operations or joint exercises. Excluded from 2007 ACSA were weapons systems such as missiles, naval mines, torpedoes, nuclear ammunition & items such as warheads, chemical ammunition etc. subject to the Atomic Energy Act 1954. US assured there would be no US bases in Sri Lanka. US provided vital information to the Sri Lanka Navy to apprehend 6 LTTE vessels in 2007 (Memoirs of Admiral Karannagoda) The the 8 page ACSA signed in 2007 ended in March 2017 and on 4 August 2017 PM Ranil entered into a new ACSA with 83 pages & over 50 annexures. Annexures included all US military establishments that could have boots on the ground in Sri Lanka. This list was available in the Sunday Times of May 2019.

The 2017 ACSA features had inserted that Sri Lanka was to be used for ‘unforeseen circumstances or exigencies’ for supplies, support & services.

This means Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces have to comply as part of US military operations. It also allows every single security or military apparatus in the United States access to Sri Lanka. These security commands are listed & Point of Contact is also defined. Though it says RECIPROCITY – will Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces require similar military facility in the US?

While 2007 ACSA was for 7 years (ending 2014) 2017 ACSA was open ended – its termination required mutual written consent of both or one party giving 180 days’ notice in writing.

2007 ACSA allowed US military vessels to enter SL on a ‘one-off’ basis

2017 ACSA is ‘open-ended’

Ambassador Hettiarachchi is on record to say that during renewal negotiations of ACSA in 2017 Prasad Kariyawasam then SL envoy to US & then Foreign Minister Mangala S pressurized to expedite ACSA. Their pressure led to draft ACSA sent for cabinet approval. The armed forces commanders/officials were not given time to study it. Admiral Ravi Wijegunaratne had expressed reservations on ACSA. Defence Secretary Kapila Waidyaratne, a former Additional Solicitor General said that he had been compelled to sign the document since the Cabinet had approved it. ACSA was not discussed in Cabinet or presented to Parliament. A brief to the President on ACSA on 30 June 2017 in Sinhala was 9 pages with no annexures. The Sinhala version of ACSA given to Cabinet had no translations of annexures. English version was 83 pages with over 50 annexures.

ACSA 2017 was kept secret with US envoy Atul Keshap denying media coverage or publicity. Bar Association President Kalinga Indatissa wrote to the Foreign Minister Marapana in June2019 under Section 3(1) & Section 24 of Right to Information Act 12 of 2016 and Article 14A of the Constitution requesting copy of the ACSA.

Millennium Challenge Corporation

A US foreign aid agency established by US Congress in 2004. Through MCC US offers grants to foreign countries.

MCC is regarded as a US govt ‘arm twisting’ tool aligned to US foreign policy and explains why the secrecy of the agreement.

MCC is like a Treaty as it does not come under Sri Lankan Law.

MCC receives cabinet approval 29 October 2019 (has Sri Lanka’s sovereignty been sold for $480m as MCC has to be taken along with SOFA & ACSA provisions)

Dec2016 – Board of Directors of US Govt’ss MCC compact selected Sri Lanka to develop a 5-year development grant (Compact)

$7.4m original funding

Jul2017 – MCC US officials visit Sri Lanka & meet Govt officials, industry representatives, civil society. $700m was announced. Sri Lanka established a Compact Development Team’ in the PM’s Office.

3year economic plan done by Ricardo Hausman, Director of Harvard Centre for International Development & Robert Z Lawrence, Professor of International Trade & Investment in Sri Lanka to restructure Sri Lanka’s economy (Funded by Open Society Foundation of George Soros). Harvard Business School & World Bank are advising BOI.

25Sept2018 – Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Nash visited Sri Lanka for discussions on the proposed MCC Sri Lanka Compact. MCC informed they were giving Sri Lanka a grant of USD 480 million as development aid.

13 Aug2018 – MCC informs US Congress a Congressional Notification of intent to negotiate MCC Compact with GOSL.

25 Apr2019 – MCC Board approves 5year $480m Compact to GOSL (days after Easter Sunday attacks)

1 Jul2019 – World Bank classifies Sri Lanka as an upper middle income country

To qualify for MCC grants, countries must be low income or lower middle income countries.

Compact Development Team was set up in the PM’s Office.

Has the President signed MCC Compact as Chairman of the National Physical Planning Council & has it been gazette? No one knows. In June 2019 the PM’s office denied it has been signed.

GOSL claims it sought help of Centre for International Development at Harvard University to do a constraints analysis to identify what hampered economic growth – access to land, weakness in transport/logistics infrastructure & planning / policy instability (were concluded) – did they have to go all the way to Harvard to find this out!  

GOSL & MCC herded the same ‘civil society’ private sector ‘pro-US’ groups and held meetings to justify seeking public opinion.

MCC Transport Development Proposal

Set up Advanced Traffic Management System covering Colombo Metropolitan area – to reduce travel time, congestion, reduce traffic emission, accidents & improve efficiency & safety

Bus Transport Sector Modernization – improve public bus system combining state-private buses.

Developing & improving 137km road sections in Central Ring Road covering & connecting Sabaragamuwa, Uva, North Central, Central Provinces to markets in Western Province.

Relocate & finance locations for wholesale storage of agro produce in collaboration with private investors at locations on the CRR Road Network

MCC Land Administration Proposal

Parcel Fabric Map & inventory of State Land.

Improving Deeds Registry

Improving land valuation system

Land Grants Registration & Deed Conversion Activity

Land Policy & Legal Governance Improvement Activity

Land Policy & Legal Governance Improvement Activity

Above to be implemented in 7 districts –Kegalle, Kandy, Matale, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee (Gampaha was also included) (Economic Corridor)

Report – https://assets.mcc.gov/content/uploads/constraints-analysis-sri-lanka.pdf

MCC Grant – https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work/program/sri-lanka-  compact

MCC LAND PLAN

MCC Land Plan included 4 Economic Corridors

Colombo to Trincomalee (covering Negombo, Kurunegala, Dambulla – 1.2m acres physically dividing Sri Lanka into 2 parts via an electric railway line.

Jaffna-Kilinochchi (North)

Galle-Tissamaharama (South)

Chenkaladi-Ampara (East)

Anuradhapura & Kandy to be developed separately

The corridors will be based on New National Physical Plan (2018-2050) replacing the 2011-2030 Physical Plan prepared in 2011 covering entire Sri Lanka.

The National Physical Plan has to be prepared under the Town & Country Planning (Amendment) Act 49 of 2000 and 2011 Plan followed these procedure which required Draft Physical Plan and hearings with experts, professionals & general public with provisional approval of Minister after which it is gazette with maps & plans for public scrutiny to propose revisions to the Draft Plan. Only thereafter that the final version is submitted to the National Physical Planning Council for approval.

The National Physical Plan 2050 was prepared by National Physical Planning Dept of Megapolis & Western Development Ministry & approved by the NPPC and National Economic Council and was to be gazette in February 2019. It has not been made public even by Jun2019.

If the National Physical Planning Council has not approved following required procedure – how valid is this final Plan and a future President can nullify it!

MCC Land Deeds

Is the Govts plan to dispose state land connected to the MCC land projects?

State Land (Special Provisions) Bill was gazette on 27 March 2019 to grant absolute title to state lands held by citizens given land grants. It will enable them to sell their land. The yahapalana govt is setting up a 20-member ‘Land Grants Committee’ consisting Ministry Secretaries, Heads of relevant institutions & 2 nominees of the President & PM to administer the Act.

The Bill was opposed claiming it did not have cabinet approval. The Land (Special Provisions) Bill will remove the Land Development Ordinance of 1935, Crown Land Ordinance & Land Grants Act. State land will no longer come under the State. Under the previous Land Laws the grant holder could not fragment the land, mortgage the land, dispose of it without the GA’s permission. Land Ordinance ensured State land was given only to citizens of Sri Lanka.

Giving title deed to land to a land grantee will lead to him selling the land when in financial trouble & likelihood of multinational companies buying the land is imminent. Factories would emerge. Gama, Keth Yaya, wewa, dagoba, pansala” concept around which villages were built would be destroyed along with agriculture. Displaced people living on state land for generations without lands or homes is a looming crisis.

The same Govt in 2003 attempted to change land laws but the 2003 Supreme Court ruling prevented it claiming that the Bill required 2/3 majority & a referendum. In 2015, the same Govt revived the Bill rejected in 2003. Land is held in TRUST as determined by Supreme Court in 1999 via Eppawela Phosphate case (SC884/99) State land is an inalienable right of the sovereignty of the People. Thus, absolute land grants cannot be given to some of the people as it is an asset that belongs to all.

The State Land (Special Provisions) Bill was challenged in Supreme Court in July 2019 the petitioners claiming Bill contained 36 clauses & a schedule violating the Constitution’s Articles 3, 4, 12(1), 12(2), 75, 154G. MCC Economic Corridor from Colombo to Trinco covering land mass of 1.2m acres to be leased to US for 200 years for a sum of $480 was also challenged.

MCC COLOMBO-TRINCOMALEE ECONOMIC CORRIDOR

Part of the MCC Compact is an Economic Corridor from Colombo Port to Trincomalee Port known as the Colombo-Trincomalee Economic Corridor (CTEC)

Road link – Central Expressway is to connect the two & is about 280km long.

Electronic Rail link –  On either side of the rail track 50km has been selected which would cut across 6 provinces & 10 districts. Colombo, Negombo, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Trincomalee covers 1.2million acres of land. It will divide Sri Lanka into two with parts of Anuradhapura also going to North.

Thus 42% of Sri Lanka’s land would be owned eventually by foreigners for 200 years. 58% of Sri Lanka’s population live in the 6 provinces/10 districts that will form the Economic Corridor. This 42% land with 58% of populace contribute 86% to Sri Lanka’s economy.

MCC – ADVOCATA – PATHFINDER

MCC was to be signed in December 2018 but got delayed due to political events. MCC Board approved grant again in April2019.  MCC Compact awaits Cabinet approval.

MCC only helps low/lower-middle income countries but Sri Lanka is supposed to be upper-middle-income & may not qualify for grant said ADVOCATA.

If by mid-Sept 2019 Sri Lanka does not sign, MCC may disqualify Sri Lanka said PATHFINDER Foundation.

US embassy said MCC had decided to extend $480m grant term.

Must be the world’s first time that a donor is begging recipient country to accept its grant!

Why would MCC Director Board (represents US military/trade interests) comprising US Secretary of State / US Secretary of Treasury / USAID / US Trade Representative / 4 private sector representatives keep extending time to give a grant without recipient country even asking for it.

MCC Compact proposal was prepared after study by Harvard University’s Centre for International Development (2015 to 2016), inputs from World Bank, Asia Foundation, Trimble & Sri Lanka’s Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) on Land Selling

MONLAR accuses Yahapalana of amending land laws to selling state land to foreign companies on excuse of investments and creating a cheap labor force to facilitate neoliberal economic policies. MONLAR highlights

Serious crisis in rural economy created by Govts

Multi-national companies will make small-time farmers bankrupt & buy off their agricultural land (handed over by Yahapalana via title deed)

Replacing antiquated land laws & replacing with new land laws drafted by foreigners will result in Sri Lanka’s land falling into hands of foreigners.

Farmers/citizens who lived on lands for generations will become landless & homeless.

MONLAR said all documents approved by Cabinet between Jan2015 and Apr2019 on land reform were based on recommendations by World Bank & IMF

LAND SURVEYS & LAND BANK

US has surveyed our lands & recommended a State Land Bank enabling State land to be given even to foreigners.

Yahapalana Govt has removed many restrictions

foreigners can now own land

50-acre limit restriction for individual land ownership removed

Land surveying has been outsourced to US firm Trimble Navigation.

US INTERFERING IN SRI LANKA’S LAND

Trimble Navigation-US based land administration company

A US company, forwarded a proposal for ‘Title/Tenure Regularization and Cadastral Registry Modernization’ in Sri Lanka in October 2015 – a proposal rejected in 2010.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Management (CCEM) headed by Prime Minister’s senior advisor R. Paskeralingam had recommended this proposal and Cabinet approved it. Trimble demanded USD 170 million which was reduced to $154m taken on a 4% interest loan to be paid in 15years with a grace period of 5 years. The Finance Ministry’s External Resources Department was authorized to negotiate with Trimble to prepare land survey maps and create a streamlined database of 3.6 million parcels of state owned land. Trimble was to work with the Ministry of Lands to identify 2.5 million state-owned lands and help to give permanent titles to the persons currently occupying these lands. The argument was that the Survey Dept did not have technology to survey 1.1m parcels of Jaya Bhoomi & licenses land in 2 years.

Government Surveyors’ Association (GSA) alleged that Trimble Navigation was to be handed several operations of the Sri Lanka Survey Department (SLSD), including Land Information System (LIS) and Aerial Survey Operations for 15 years. They felt this would lead to the signing of US Tropical Forest Act which was abandoned in 2004.

Trimble would manage Sri Lanka’s survey dept resulting in 400 public surveyors and 200 additional private surveyors with crews serving under Trimble. Trimble would take control of Sri Lanka’s electronic land register & details of lands. This is a threat to National Security of Sri Lanka.

US company proposes to survey our land & Sri Lanka has to pay $154m for it and we have to take a loan to be paid in 15 years to pay the US firm? Are we crazy? Why should the functions of the Survey Dept, Land Information System, Aerial Survey Operations be given to a private foreign firm for 15 years? The 400 public surveyors, 200 additional private surveyors will all go under Trimble – who can at any time dismiss them! How can a government give a country’s electronic land register and details of lands to a foreign firm? The company will be using satellite imagery to survey land & issue land certificates – what is the role of the Govt especially when the company is immune from adjudications. Who is going to adjudicate when problems arise?

Dangers of ACSA-SOFA-MCC to Sri Lanka?

All 3 agreements with the USA involving Sri Lanka’s Territory & US Military/Civil & Contract Personnel & Equipment presence.

US needs to relocate from Diego Garcia following ICC ruling on US occupation of Chagos Islands as illegal & to be returned to Mauritius. Sri Lanka is that alternate choice.

Will Sri Lanka have to wait 200 years to be given similar verdict?

A chain of events are linked to these agreements

Sept 2016 Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to Washington to sign agreement with J. Roskam, Chairman House Democracy Partnership, of House of Representatives.

Under ACSA US aircraft carriers could dock in Trincomalee & US could use Trinco as a floating base for military activity.

All agreements with US been known to only a few pro-US cabinet ministers & officials.

ACSA was signed without informing public or tabled in Parliament

Agreements impacting on Sri Lanka’s territory, its sovereignty are hidden from the Public

SOFA – allows US armed forces (uniform/civil/contract) access to any part of Sri Lanka with our laws not applicable to them

ACSA – envisages building an economic corridor from Colombo to Trincomalee/supplies equipment to be brought into Sri Lanka from all modes (sea/air) paying no duties/levies to Sri Lanka

MCC – establishes a corporation to utilize land coming under the economic corridor.

Complementing & facilitating the 3 agreements are the Land Special Provisions Act / State Land Bank Act – enabling land acquisition by foreign investors / forming corporations to develop these lands as they fit / turning our people into slave labor.

US will use Sri Lanka to advance its military interest primarily & tighten its economic grip via American investors to make Sri Lanka dependent on them.

2million acres of land forming the Economic Corridor from Colombo to Trinco will be owned by US & Allied countries with the 2 ports under their control.

US has already indicated it wishes future governments to honor these agreements.

Legality of these agreements must be determined by patriotic lawyers & patriotic politicians

No bilateral agreement whatever money is given can compromise the sovereignty of Sri Lanka and land ownership that is given in TRUST to the State on behalf of the People of Sri Lanka (living & future generations)

SOFA-ACSA-MCC TREATY OBLIGATIONS

The 3 agreements are between two sovereign states and constitute Treaty obligations.

Some say States are bound to fulfill obligations no matter what. Others say legitimacy of agreements depends on circumstances. Treaty laws are governed by 1969 Vienna Convention – Article 46 allows a country to back out saying it was against their laws of ‘fundamental importance’. When any agreement is signed by the Executive without concurrence of Parliament it is a violation of the law of ‘fundamental importance’. Sri Lanka’s Constitution says sovereignty is in the People & is inalienable. People’s sovereignty is exercised by Parliament & President TOGETHER on behalf of the People. They cannot exercise their powers separately (one without the other). Signatories to agreements must follow due process. In Sri Lanka due process is obtaining consent of 2/3 Parliament & consent of the Executive. Any Agreement/Treaty signed is signed in the name of the People & must have Parliament & Executive consent without that it is a violation. It is advised that the Supreme Court make a clear ruling on signing of bilateral agreements to prevent procedural flows tantamount to affecting the sovereignty of the People.

Opposition to US colonizing Sri Lanka

August 2019 Opposition MPs headed by Prof. Tissa Vitarana handed letter to the High Commissioner of South Africa in Colombo to hand over to Secretary-General, Indian Ocean Rim Association – Ambassador Dr. Nomvuyo N. Nokwe based in Mauritius.

Salient points covered in that letter

• Refering to decision of Council of Ministers of the IOR who met in Bengalaru in November 2011 to assign Maritime Safety & Security as its top priority, as a safe & secure Indian Ocean was required to social economic development.
• IOR recognized ‘maritime security’ needed for international peace & security, sovereignty/territorial integrity/political independence, security from crimes at sea, security of resources & environmental security.
• Sri Lanka facing situation likely to pose grave threat to regional and international peace & security giving Sri Lanka’s geostrategic location linking East-West maritime route.
• 3 agreements (SOFA-ACSA-MCC) military-economic related secretly negotiated between US & SL Govt & will turn Sri Lanka into a strategic military hub in the Indian Ocean.
• SOFA-ACSA-MCC agreements are incompatible with the UN Charter & violates sovereignty & independence/territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
• ACSAsigned on 4 Aug 2017 binds Sri Lanka to give US logistical & other support for ‘unforeseen circumstances or exigencies’(US Indo-Pacific Command forces can use SL’s strategic harbors, airports, military installations for military operations – SL will be a Launchpad for attacks of aggression against countries in our region that US considers its enemy)
• Status of Forces Agreementis being secretly negotiated. It permits Dept of Defense military & civil personnel, DOD contractors to occupy any territory of Sri Lanka. DoD personnel are exempted from criminal jurisdiction, they are given diplomatic privileges & immunities, they can enter Sri Lanka using only US identification, no visa requirement, they are allowed to move freely in any part of Sri Lanka wearing uniform, carrying weapons, their vessels and vehicles can also move anywhere in Sri Lanka & are exempt from inspection, restrictions, taxes or duties.
• Millennium Challenge Compact – is a land/transport project creating an ‘economic corridor’ involving 8 districts covering 1.2m acres & would divide Sri Lanka into 2 via an electric train connecting Colombo Port/Airport to Trincomalee Port. US have drafted and proposed drastic land law changes to privatize state land and permit purchase by foreigners. This will make poor farmers living on state land eventually landless and without livelihood. State lands used by schools, hospitals, parks, natural reserves are also in danger of being transferred to foreign transnational companies. This will cause massive displacement of Sri Lankans.
• This 1.2million acres covering MCC project contains natural resources, strategic assets, energy deposits, rare earth elements, minerals, rich biodiversity, water resources & UNESCO world heritage sites.

The 3 agreements were negotiated under regular threats of unilateral coercive trade & economic measures, western interference into Sri Lanka’s internal affairs and targeting Sri Lanka via UNHRC by US & Allies

Easter Sunday massacres saw a surge in US & Western Intelligence forcibly landing to offer assistance”

The 3 agreements strengthen NATO activities in region & will impact on countries they deem their enemies.

US President’s National Security Strategy 2017 & National Defense Strategy 2018 identified 3 sets of threat to US & Allies – all were located in Indian Ocean Region – China & Russia, Iran & North Korea, Jihadi terror”

Agreements with US pose threat to Sri Lanka’s relations with member countries of the IORA.

The Opposition MPs requested the Secretary-General, Indian Ocean Rim Association to take the following measures conforming to the IORA Charter & the UN Charter

Safeguard fundamental principles based on which international cooperation among states is based – sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful co-existence & mutual benefit

Evaluate adverse consequences of the 3 agreements against principles of UN & IORA Charters

Take action under Chapter VIII, Article 52 of UN Charter concerning regional agreements

Implement UN Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace adopted by General Assembly Resolution 2832 (XXVI) which designates Indian Ocean as a zone of peace within limits to be determined” together with the airspace above & the ocean floor subjacent.

Take action under Chapter VI, Article 35 of UN Charter concerning Peaceful Settlement of Disputes which ‘authorizes any Member of the UN to bring to the attention of the Security Council or of the General Assembly, any dispute or any situation which might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute in order to determine whether the continuance of the dispute or situation is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace & security”.

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (ABA)

Why does the ABA want to register in Sri Lanka? ABA has been making numerous requests – 1^st in January 2018 requesting to set up a branch office under the Ministry of Justice & AG’s department. 2^nd request was in October 2018 when the AG sent a letter to the Ministry of Justice stating ABA was planning to hold a capacity building program for judges & prosecutors and requested the Ministry to issue a certificate. The letter was headed Official Letter of Authorization for the Establishment of a Branch Office of the ABA in Sri Lanka”.

BASL wrote in October 2018 to the Ministry of Justice giving its objections to the ABA setting up a branch as nowhere has a foreign bar association being set up as a branch office.

Setting up a US Bar Association office in Sri Lanka would be a threat to the legal profession & sovereignty of Sri Lanka. ABA will start making statements and comments on internal matters.

As a result of the objections ABA attempted to set itself up as a NGO and made a request to the Ministry of Justice through a local legal firm. This request was also referred to the BASL which submitted its objections in April 2019 to the National Secretariat for NGOs. However 2 batches of Senior Judges went to US in August 2018 and April 2019 on tax payers expense. A workshop for High Court judges was held at Taj Samudra, Colombo in December 2018. In July 2019 officials from AG’s dept attended a workshop in US. All these looked like attempts to influence the Judiciary. The secret tape MP Gammanpila spoke about referring to what the Sri Lankan judges were asked to do by the US confirms this.

US interfering in legal fraternity in Sri Lanka

https://www.onlanka.com/news/investigate-foreign-funding-of-bar-association-of-sri-lanka-is-national-security-compromised.html

https://www.onlanka.com/news/sri-lanka-bar-association-must-critically-evaluate-rule-of-law-of-usa-and-the-west.html

USAID Moves On The Bar Association

ELECTIONS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA

How independent is the Election Commission of Sri Lanka if it is receiving assistance from USAID through US based International Foundation for Electoral Reforms? Vasu Mohan, Regional Director for Asia Pacific was working inside the Election Commission paid by USAID. When questioned Mahinda Deshapriya Chairman Elections Commission strongly defended the project claiming Vasu Mohan was a Sri Lankan.

US meddling in Foreign Elections: Lessons for Sri Lanka

Who is NED & what is its role in Sri Lanka

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP – KANDY

The Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade together with the USAID-SAIL project hosted a Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on Global Trade for businessman in the Kandy District on Friday 23rd August 2019 at Hotel Suisse, Kandy.

USAID launched the four-year SAIL project in October 2016 to support economic reforms and promote Foreign Direct Investment in Sri Lanka.

The event was the first to be held outside Colombo over 120 participants from ministries, government agencies, the business community, trade chambers, the private sector and other key stakeholders took part.

US FUNDS RENOVATION OF ANURADHAPURA ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM

Sept2019 – $150,000 grant from US Embassy in Colombo in 2015 through Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation funded the renovation of the Anuradhapura Archeological Museum to preserve artifacts. The Ambassadors Fund has also funded Dutch Forts of Batticoloa & Galle as well as Archaeological museum laboratories and monasteries in Payagala.

EASTER SUNDAY BOMB BLASTS & ARRIVAL OF FBI to Sri Lanka

Wherever US pivots jihadis follow too is often an adage mentioned internationally. Every country benefiting from the Belt & Road Initiative of China invariably becomes victims of ISIS Islamic terror. It was Sri Lanka’s turn in April 2019 and it came as no surprise when Western Intelligence agencies dashed to assist with investigations. FBI arrived on 23 April claiming to be on invitation of GOSL, British MI-5 sent 10-12 experts – over 40 such foreign experts arrived and still we don’t know who did it. They were all working with CID. President Sirisena says these foreign intelligence were not invited. What was the ‘work’ they did? What is the ‘technical assistance’ they gave? Why were FBI allowed to take the phones of suicide bombers & other devices? Didn’t this prevent local investigators examining the evidence? Even after 6 months we don’t who masterminded the gruesome suicide killings as the evidence have been taken overseas!

Immediately after 21/4 two US Govt employees were detected at Hilton Colombo Residence – sniffer dogs found explosives inside their apartment. Staff security at Hilton Colombo stopped 5 US officials checking in with 6 boxes on 30 July 2019 night. The US delegation denied the 6 boxes to be scanned. Then the boxes was loaded into a US embassy vehicle and sent somewhere else. What were in these boxes? MP Wimal Weerawansa released visa photos of the US team claiming they had arrived in a private aircraft. The team had left 2 days later WITHOUT the controversial cargo? MP Weerawansa questioned to whether the boxes were still in the country! The boxes were not checked at customs too. Nagananda Kodituwakku sought information from the Director General of Customs questioning why the US military cargo was exempted from mandatory checks?

US & newest tool – funding LGBTQ Movement

When US & lackeys come forward claiming to be on behalf of the rights” of the gay community in Sri Lanka – it is a sign that the gays are the newest tool to exert political pressure & socially & culturally corrupt Sri Lanka. Turning people into gays to be given scholarships, jobs & whatnot is the name of the game. Many will find out too late when they end up physically & mentally traumatized & hooked on to Big Pharma as a lifelong customer for medication. By now people should realize that this political backing with funding comes with political agenda & political interest. It is why they are exerting pressure on the Govt to legalize gays by secretly plugging clauses into a bogus ‘women’s rights bill” & tagging this demand to giving IMF loans. When a foreign govt goes to this length to turn Sri Lankan society into gays – the people have to wake up to the ultimate aim. It is certainly not in the interest of gays. Now the newest fad is to create drag queens out of normal sons & make girls into queer individuals. Would any parent like to have their sons & daughters be turned into zombies because of politics! Parents in US & Europe are now coming forward to oppose what is happening to their normal children.

https://www.usaid.gov/policy/lgbt-vision-for-action

Is US/CIA applying ‘Shock Doctrine’ on Sri Lanka? Influencing a massive shock on society through extreme violence attempts to lead people to state of confusion & weakness which helps US to take over that society. Author of doctrine Naomi Klein applied it initially to economic change & is now being applied politically too.

Disasters leave citizens emotionally & physically distracted to mount resistance – this helps US push its controversial policies etc. MCC is being approved when people are distracted by a Presidential Election. People must therefore watch out for more communal attacks, bloodshed & other surprise attacks before elections! However, the way US thought people would react did not happen. The well-planned attacks in Gampaha also did not give the results expected. Somehow their plans are not working as planned. The Catholic Church and the Maha Sangha united to appeal and people listened. They echoed that foreign forces were behind the attacks & people accepted.

US TEAMING TO EXERT INFLUENCE OVER ASIA 

Quadrilateral Strategic/Security Dialogue (the Quad”)

This is an INFORMAL dialogue between US, Japan, Australia & India initiated in 2007 by PM of Japan, US VP Dick Cheney, Australian PM John Howard and Indian PM Manmohan Singh.

The dialogue parallels with joint military exercises (Exercise Malabar)

The quadrilateral dialogue is primarily to respond to Chinese economic & military growth.

Australian PM Kevin Rudd withdrew from Quad but enhanced military cooperation with US with US marines being deployed in Darwin, near Timor Sea & Lomok Strait. However, Australia rejoined QUAD in 2017. Now the QUAD includes UK and France. US seeking to include Sri Lanka into its line of control in the Bay of Bengal.

Jan2019 –  US Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral Philip Davidson told the US Senate’s Armed Services Committee, during a Congressional hearing said that Sri Lanka was a significant strategic opportunity in the Indian Ocean.

Jan2019 – US envoy Teplitz said US-Sri Lanka security cooperation includes a variety of joint exercises and training helping among other things, inter-operationability….. designed to address our mutual security interests. Every joint exercise, every training in disaster response, is done at the invitation of our Sri Lankan hosts”. (a change of govt must ensure our troops are not used to attack US enemies)

Feb2019 – Thomas J.Vajda US Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State dealing with South and Central Asia visited Colombo

He said ‘we view Sri Lanka as a critical partner in the region.’

May2019 – US & Sri Lanka agree to expand ‘military-to-military’ engagement said a joint statement by Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry. (peace keeping, human rights training, visits by US ships & military officials) Engagement connotes a COMBAT role – is our ARMY going to be used to assist US troops with COMBAT against our traditional friends?

HOW COUNTRIES NEED TO DEAL WITH US

Iran – US interest in Iran was due to its oil. US companies were drilling Iran’s oil. Iran nationalized oil and US got rid of Iran’s democratic leader Mossadegh and replaced him with a dictator Shah Reza Pahlavi. The Shah’s secret police SAVAK was assisted by CIA & Israel’s Mossad. Shah was unpopular in Iran and US took him back to US. That was how Iranians came to hate USA.

US battle with Iran continues. Iran hostage crisis, Iran contra issue, Iran nuclear program are some of the issues. Iran has to fight not only with US but Israel & Saudi Arabia,

Venezuela – US meddled in Venezuela too. US doesn’t like Venezuela’s President Maduro. So US is supporting Opposition Leader Juan Guido. Guido’s wife was even invited to the White House to meet President Trump. US, Canada, EU and OAS countries claim Guido is Interim President. Maduro is supported by Russia, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea & countries in UN have also issued support for Maduro. Maduro won the election.

India – is also having some cold feet with US & is connecting with Russia to settle disputes with China. China & India met in Chennai in October 2019.

Yahapalana however is continuing its link with US despite the clearly obvious strategy of US to capture Sri Lanka politically & militarily. Former envoy Blake visited Sri Lanka in May 2019.

Joint Partnerships with USA & ALLIES

US-SL Military-to-Military Partnership

Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CPA) with Japan in Oct2015 (Japan is part of QUAD with US)

Jun2019 – Tripartite agreement between Sri Lanka – India – Japan on Eastern Terminal of Colombo Port

Mar2019 – Yahapalana is also attempting to link Sri Lanka with ASEAN requesting to be included into ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership. ASEAN is linked to US.

US-SL ACSA expanded in 2017 allowing US to get logistics support, supplies & services from Sri Lanka. US army can come to Sri Lanka in any unforeseen situation. Over 50 annexures lists military units that can come to Sri Lanka. ACSA has not been presented to Cabinet or tabled in Parliament by PM since 2017. (2007 ACSA had only 8 pages but 2017 ACSA has 83 pages and over 50 annexures)

SOFA – reduces Sri Lanka to a neo-colony. US aircrafts, vessels can arrive without inspection. None of Sri Lanka’s security can board any of these vessels or crafts to inspect them. They are free of license, customs duties, taxes or other charges. US troops can wear uniform, carry arms, take any radio communication equipment. US troops & contractors to be allowed to enter & leave Sri Lanka individually or collectively using only their US identity cards – no passports or visa required. US military can carry weapons and will not be subject to Sri Lankan laws for any criminal activity they commit in SL.

MCC – Colombo-Trinco railway link will divide Sri Lanka, 1.2m acres make up an economic corridor which US wants to be freed to be taken by foreign companies and thus the privatization of state land is looked as a means to remove land grantees by giving them outright ownership & forcing them to sell land when financially cash trapped.

DOCTRINE OF R2P – RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT

R2P is used by powerful nations to justify international interventions into domestic affairs of other countries.

UN Charter covers objectives of global peace based on sovereignty & equality (chapters 6, 7, 8)

The International Commission on Intervention & State Sovereignty estabalished in 2000 headed by Gareth Evans of the International Crisis Group issued in 2001 report titled Responsibility to Protect” giving international community the responsibility to intervene militarily. ICISS report was rejected by national governments. Alternately US has set up other ‘interfering agencies’ to do R2P – HRW, Amnesty, ICG and Chicago R2P coalition. The form a global advocacy network for R2P and various players in Sri Lanka are also involved.

LETS JOIN THE DOTS

US is constructing a huge embassy amalgamating the British High Commission.

US is funding all types of ‘good governance’ programs that give them access to Sri Lanka’s administrative mechanisms and documents.

US officials are drafting new Bills not Sri Lankan lawyers

US is funding training for MPs, Lawyers, Public Officials even Judges

US is also funding the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery & Corruptions

USAID-DAI all fronts of the CIA are heavily involved in both public & private sector including banks

US has meddled in elections in the past and has funded UNP to power.

The 2015 election victory – US spent $585m to ‘restore democracy’ in Sri Lanka Burma & Nigeria (John Kerry) as well as making $3.4m to Yahapalana between Jan2015 & Aug2015.

What are US plans for 2019 Presidential Elections?

US embassy goes to meet Arumugam Thondaman head of CWC to discuss elections. Since when do foreign embassies go to discuss elections?

WHY US IS INTERESTED IN SRI LANKA?

Sri Lanka sits in the middle of the busiest and strategically important sea lanes – Indian Ocean.

More than 80% of world’s sea trade/oil transits through Indian Ocean choke points – 40% passes through Straits of Hormuz, 35% through the Strait of Malacca & 8% through Ban el Mandab Strait.

These sea lanes are gateways to control resources and markets in the Near East, Middle East, Africa, Asia

Sri Lanka is at the crossroad of energy, trade, air routes linking Africa, Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia & Australia.

Bay of Bengal is turning into a theatre of war. Indian Ocean is heavily militarized.

Sri Lankans do not wish to be dragged into a global war against China, a traditional friend. Our army cannot be used against our traditional friends. We cannot forget our friends who not only helped us during the conflict but who had been supporting us unconditionally in the UN/UNHRC through their statements.

Sri Lanka as a sovereign nation with a proud history must have the freedom to decide how it conducts relations internationally. Any dealing must have mutual benefit. Any deals must be transparent and open and discussed with the public. Governance is only given in trust to the politicians. They cannot take decisions in secrecy especially when it involves Sri Lanka’s territory and its assets and resources.

Sri Lanka has a history way longer than the countries dictating to us today about governance. Our kings had ruled and kept relations with foreign nations as well as had economic links with them. Our history is such that we have never been invaded by either South India or the 3 Europeans that arrived and it was only as a result of the treacheries by our locals that our Island was handed over to them. In the 21^st century to see such a repetition is very unfortunate.

Shenali D Waduge

Sarath Wijesinghe President’s Counsel, former Ambassador to Israel and UAE, President Ambassador’s Forum(Sarath Wijesinghe President’s Counsel)

Aspire to be the best tourist destination

Best tourist distinctions on the globe are not very many. Sri Lanka has been one sometime ago as the best destination of the Globe on tourism chosen by ‘’Lonely Planet’ ’and may take some time to regain the lost glory. Answer to the main topic it is indeed a possibility if and when working on a target with determination dedication and opportunity given to the able willing and qualified which are in abundance in Sri Lanka.  Sri Lanka has inbuilt natural conditions, resources and environment to be the best tourist destination if manages the available resources and apply professional innovative scientific   novel   methods on tourism promotion. The tourists in 2017 have been 508300000000 in number and 7.2 Lakhas in 2020 that fell down by 70.8% in 2020 in Sri Lanka- still trying to recover and there was a sharp drop due to ‘’covid’’ and subsequently the Sunday bombing – two double tragedies continuously which is a terrible double blow to the tourist industry of Sri Lanka depending on foreign exchange badly for developments and as foreign exchange for purchases of essential teems. SLTDA  – Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority is the apex body of managing and regulating tourism in Sri Lanka under the Cabinet Minister of Tourism  which is a powerful Ministry set up with highest expectations of promoting, developing   monitoring and regulating the tourist industry which is the main source of the state income of some countries depending on tourism on development in which the success depends on the far seen strategies with professional basis, of the Minister in charge who needs to be dedicated, educated and a  professional on the job/subject  with a group of learned expert advisers on the subject. The current figures are bit encouraging as over 50, 00 tourists a week, for the target of 5 billion which is encouraging. Job and responsibility of SLTD is enormous and wide – to regulate, supervise, strategize, innovate, and to guide the public/private sector and the Minister in the proper way on tourism and tourist promotion, In addition to aspirations commitment, dedication, research, decision-making, are other requirements to fulfil the end results. Considering the inbuilt resources and the available human capacity and resources what is lacking is a proper leadership with a strong commitment with a proper understanding. Tourism is a main lifeline of the economy easy to promote and given opportunities to the learned and dedicated experts.

Tourist Arrivals

Tourists arrived Sri Lanka named by different names on beauty, treasures, culture, religion, ect from time to time from time immoral. ‘’Fa-Hian’’ a Chinese Buddhist monk in 410 AD visited with a group of others lived for short periods as a tourist and a researcher on Buddhism who lived some time researching on Buddhism as  a research scholar on Buddhism. His memories are useful and historical used and hailed by historian’s world over. ‘’Marco Polo’ – ’ the Italian traveller in 12 AD has left important memories for the future in addition to number of frequent visitors. Because Sri Lanka is an Island on a famous sea route in addition to the beauty and resources the visitors were frequent and continuous. In the recent past and to date the main tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka as tourists have mainly been from United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, China, France, Australia USA, Ukraine, EU, and many new destinations due to the good and adverse publicity including the wars, destructions, winning if wars, ‘Thusanami’’ and bombings that gave bad publicity yet ‘’publicity’’ to the small beautiful island. 2018 is a peak period in recent past on tourism with 2.5 million tourists and the income of 5.61 billion is a satisfactory figure that never regained to date. Decline continued continuously to date with some consolation of inbound tourism gradually increasing giving hopes to the country pressed with economic downturn and financial crisis that still continues with rising the inflation and consumer items all over. There is fuel and energy crisis that crippled the tourism and day to day life of the citizen continuously suffering with those engaged in tourist trade in a large number in many fields, thereby the 700,000 tourist arrival in 2022 made not much of a difference to the economic structure retarded continuously. Domestic tourism is famous among the thirsts and Sri Lanka today has an excellent network of roads through the country with an excellent and private hiring network for the tourist. Inbound and outbound tourism is also a factor to be careful about with the available airports in good conditions. Travel are of different kinds especially on leisure, educative and explorative to all members visitors to the country. These are few ingredients a tourist needs the host country should be careful about. Domestic tourism is growing with steady increase of tourists from neighbouring countries such as India China and SAARC region.

Road network and travel, Tourist Police and trained and able Tourist Guides

Travel is part and need of tourism in a country for the visiting tourists to move about in search of places of interest being one of the main needs of a tourist. In a tourist destination efficient public transport system and private conveyance has to be improved for the tourist to move about depending on the capacity and the needs, and financial strength as the case be. In addition to the hotel taxi service they will be given facilities for famous local and international modes of conveyance such as ‘’Wuber’’ ‘’Pick me’’ and similar groups the tourists are familiar with. Comparatively the road network and private transport system for tourist and tourism is good. Paces of interests and worship are improving with upgrading the standard of the temple of tooth beyond ‘’Taj – mahal’’ of India on UNESCO standards. There is a grouse on lack of night life on suburbs the authorities to look into. Competent qualified and honest Guide service and Tourist Police in tourism areas is a matter to be looked into by the authorities, for Sri Lanka to reach the target of the best destination.

Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

Tourist attractions in Sri Lanka are in abundance to suit all kinds of tourists/visitors and their interests of which the products are not properly and professionally presented. The best example is ‘’Sigiriya’’ which is used by Sri Lanka to promote the country and tourism which is a historical rock town made by King ‘’Kassapa’’ who made it a fortress to protect from the invaders headed by his brother ‘’Mugalan’’ who was fighting against his brother and developed to be a fortress with giant Lion front made in 4.95AD today of great archaeological significance protected by ‘’UNSCO’’ that attracts millions visitors from all over the world as a leading monument on tourism in Sri Lanka. Compared to the similar sites such as historical for tresses in UK that are managed and presented to the tourists professionally with easy access, toilet facilities, proper guidance and protection and precautions to the site and the visitors, are exemplary though expensive it is timely Sri Lankan products to follow suit. Sri Lanka is a ‘’compact paradise of tourism’’ with things and places to see all over the country and around including the beautiful shallow sea right round the Island with major and mini harbours, with beautiful sights of fishing, places for Whale watching, boat trips, with 250,000 archaeological sites in the compact paradise on tourism which is rare and unique like in Israel full of similar sites on religious and archaeological significance. In Sri Lanka the end product and presentation of the sites needs novel modest and innovative models without disturbing the historical phase which is a difficult task that has to be done yet. Jaffna is the northern tip of Sri Lanka close to India which is predominantly occupies by Jaffna Tamils who are productive, hardworking and religious traditional group leading a hard lie as in Israel educating children for their future with fishing and shallow sea at the tip of the Pensile and ‘’Batticaloe’’ is close to Jaffna bordering the sea and predominantly occupied by ‘’Battacloe ‘’Tamils in a more productive area with ample land for agriculture. Both Jaffna and ‘’Batticaloe’’ are full of agricultural sites including Jaffna Fort and ancient Hindu temples in Jaffna and famous Churches in ‘’Battcolia’’. 250,000 agricultural sites in one small Island  approved by UNUSCO is rare an any standard, and the other beauty is it spreads countrywide based on history, religious and other monuments despite foreign invasions, and treasure hunters throughout the history and the theft of colonial powers. Some are exhibits in Museums in UK USA Netherlands Portugal and many other countries and private collectors. Unfortunately the impact of the archaeological sites and monuments is inadequate   due to the absence of tourist promotions promoting the treasure as a main part of tourism promotion. Beautiful sea right round the island is beautiful.

Only a fraction could be discussed today

We have discusses only a fraction of potential on tourism due to lack of space to cover more areas yet it is timely to discuss few other countries in the region flushing on tourism with less facilities and this to show off to the tourists. For example Singapore and Hong Kong are small patches on the map vigorous on trade business and tourism as well using modern techniques. Singapore and Hong Kong are tiny nations with barren land they try to convert to green which is naturally lacking with artificial gardens, greenery wherever possible, to make appear to be green to the visitor. India is a huge area full of tourist attractions and various kinds of sites making attempts to attract the visitor in need of various kinds of interests. China is another tourist destinations attracting millions as a leading tourist giant. Indian and Chinese tourists flocks in Sri Lanka in large number when Sri Lanka makes all possible endeavour to sustain them as sustainable tourists close to and as affordable tourists. Thailand is a Buddhist country famous for religious tourism and modern outlook and leader on tourism in the region, as Vietnam battered by war yet emerged as a tourist destination. These are some countries with some similarities to Sri Lankan situation and doing better than Sri Lanka due to better modern approach adopted to keep pace with the changing world unlike Sri Lanka, still lagging behind.

REALATY? TO BE THE BEST TOURIST DESTINATION ON THE GLOBE?

Sri Lanka has the potential, resources, and tourist attractions in abundance in this compact beautiful island on a famous sea and aerial route well-paced in the Indian Ocean, with a well-spoken educated population world famous for hospitality to entertain visitors, full of smile always. Many countries have become tourist havens with less resources and natural beauty. Dubai is a sandy land with no water, resources, or beauty at all – yet they use sand, the geographical situation and new found oil money to make its top destination on tourism. Israel is partly a desert with eternal war with neighbours yet a famous tourist destination, achieved with Dead Sea, archaeological monuments, and their innovations on technology and agriculture as tourist attractions. Napal uses the ‘’Iconic Himaliyas’’ as a front runner in promoting the land, Thailand uses Buddhism and the traditional historic and religious monuments, in the forefront, and even Maldives – the shallow sea that they have modernize with  innovative creations , but expensive hotels in the sea to cater high level expensive tourists and tourism. Sri Lanka has everything under the sun on tourism in this small compact island with all resources such as water and sunlight in abundance throughout the year. These small examples of success shows that what is needed for Sri Lanka to reach the destination and target on the target to be the best destination is hard work, dedication, commitment, and to be modern and innovative in facing the challenges, which we are lacking in them to be acquired the fact we are compelled to admit to be successful in meeting the aspirations to achieve our aims and desires to be the best tourist destination on the globe. (Sarath Wijesinghe could be reached on ( sarath7@hptmail.co.uk/ sarathdw28@gmail.com and 0094777880166)

By Chandre Dharmawardana Courtesy The Island

The title of this article, and some of the material are in what I wrote (The Island, May 6 th, 2013) when the then Rajapaksa government hiked the price of electricity on the May Day of 2013. A decade later, Wickremesinghe’s energy minister Wijesekera has increased the electricity tariffs, refusing to carry the burden of the energy bills of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), which has had no vision whatever (i.e., no research arm). The CEB is beholden to corrupt politicians, various types of energy mafia, ignorant prelates and activists who derailed the unimaginatively off-the shelf plans of the CEB for more lucrative plans customised to the desires of each administration.

The CEB plans were to continue with coal and fossil-fuel installations – assuming simple extrapolations of markets and needs! These would have failed to provide a continuous supply of power, with rising fuel prices and forex shortages even without the excuses” of the Ukrainian war and Covid chaos. Today’s reality is that Europe pays four times more for fuel, after the mysterious destruction of the Nord Stream fuel pipeline from Russia, while Sri Lanka can’t buy fuel without foreign loans or charity.

What is urgently needed is not punitive post mortems on past corruption (as the big fish gets off the hook anyway), but looking forward. The price hike on CEB electricity can be a good thing if it is channeled in the right direction. This might force the hotels and garment industries to set up solar panels on their buildings. The government must encourage them by providing suitable subsidies, whereas up to now the government subsidised the CEB. The government must move towards net metering” instead of net plus” (http://powermin.gov.lk/bfse/?services=solar-powersystems#:~:text=Unlike%20net%20metering%20method%20there,(Net%20Plus)) to encourage solar electricity. Vehicle-to-grid storage, hydro-reservoir storage (by saving head water during the day) so that solar energy from daylight is saved for night use are needed. Installation of floating solar on reservoirs will increase electricity output by some 30% even in the dark, purely by cutting evaporation of water. Reduction of unproductive lighting, e.g., at temples, churches, etc., where a few candles can be used together with minimal lights using solar power, batteries, or biogas generated from discarded food and offerings, must be encouraged.

However, providing household electricity and ensuring universal internet availability increase net productivity and should NOT be sacrificed.

Developing self-sufficiency in energy within Sri Lanka has become entirely feasible using solar, wind and biomass energy due to technological advances that have entered the market place vigorously during the last two decades. The rise in Sri Lanka’s population is expected to rise and plateau by about 2035. The increased energy demand needs an enhanced power grid, and even here the CEB has failed miserably. It has also failed to develop an information-technology (IA) branch to computerise the optimal switching, loading, unloading and routing of power on the grid. This is essential to deal with fluctuating power inputs and demands from distributed power sources (solar panels, wind turbines, banks of batteries, bioenergy) in various locations.

At a talk I gave at the presidential secretariat in July 2009, (and also to a number of learned societies in Sri Lanka) I pointed out that the cost of electricity was too low in terms of the mode of utilisation of power in Sri Lanka. So the 2013 power-tariff hike was justified and should have induced some switching to solar (see: https://dh web.org/place.names/posts/dev-tech.ppt/). The CEB should have set up pilot projects on solar, wind battery and bioenergy research.

However, unlike Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector which has world class research institutes to guide agriculture, the CEB has no research arm. The advice of the agricultural research scientists had been side-lined in favour of the magical methods of Ven. Ratana, Ven. Samanthabadra thera or the junk-science of vendors of organic food who drove Gotabaya’s government to agricultural ruin (https://www.realclearmarkets.com/articles/2023/01/05/the_us_must_learn_from_sri_lankas_green_policy_mistakes_873852.html ). So one wonders if the energy sector would have fared any better even if it had a research arm. But at least the puerile battles between the CEB and the PUSL could have been tempered by a more objective voice based on science.

Electricity is one of the most efficient forms of energy (compared to heat energy whose efficiency is controlled by Carnot’s theorem, as discussed in simple language, e.g., in my book – A physicist’s view of Matter and Mind, World Scientific, 2013).

For instance, if a steam or diesel engine were used to convert the energy in the fuel to mechanical energy, most of it is inexorably wasted, as dictated by engineering versions of Carnot’s analysis, used in the Rankin or Diesel cycles. An impassable upper limit exists for converting heat energy to useful work. A petrol engine may only be 20% efficient at best. Realistically, even that is lowered by fuel burnt at traffic jams. But with electricity, the upper limit is 100%. So, going to electricity wherever possible is ideal, especially with electricity from sustainable resources, minimising green-house gas emissions and mitigating global warming.

How can the rise in electricity tariffs be a blessing in disguise? Will it not slow down Lanka’s industrial sector or the tourist sector? The blessing comes from new tariffs forcing people to set up their own solar energy sources to skip buying from the government. They cannot just buy fossil fuel to run private generators, now that fossil fuels are in limited supply. One can indeed argue that a grace period of adaptation, allowing businesses to set up their own solar sources may have been helpful. But good businesses would have anticipated this and thrive, while bad businesses with little foresight will fail.

The current electricity usage pattern of about 400-600 kWh per person per year will increase an order of magnitude within a decade, and future fossil-fuel bills would be horrendous. If Sri Lanka’s living standards were to reach that of UK (4000 kWh per person per year), Lankans need to boost their energy consumption by a factor of ten.

In fact, allowing for global warming in the next decade, a much larger supply of electricity will be needed, not only for air-conditioning of dwellings, but also for agriculture and all other activities. Farmers will have to adopt strategies like no-till agriculture” based on no ploughing, good use of herbicides, crop rotation and genetically-engineered perennials adapted to heat (e.g., PR23 rice) that need replanting only once in 5-7 years. But the humans who farm will need air-conditioned tractors as outdoors will become too hot for farm work. This may sound as mere climate alarmism, but the facts are already in.

Global warming of a mere one degree on the average will make hot areas hotter by much more (e.g., 5 degrees hotter); wet areas will become wetter, causing extremes of erratic weather. The wet-bulb” temperature (WBT) is that when the humidity is 100%. Human beings die at a WBT of 35 degrees C. Most of us die before that, with the co-emergence of both humidity and temperature too severe for human tolerance. This was the case in recent heat waves in Europe where WBTs of 28-30 degreees C were enough to kill (Raymond et al., Science Advances, 2020, vol. 6, p19) many. This means, Sri Lanka in the next decade will need not just an additional 77 TeraWatt-hours/per annum to get to European standards of living, it will also need another 30-50 TWh/per annum for securing its climate-adapted agricultural and industrial sectors.

Unless the Minister of Energy plans for the next decade right now (e.g., by establishing a well-endowed energy-research and development institute- ERI), his promise of no more power cuts” is pure Pinocchio pacha.

Why can’t the senior CEB engineers do the research and development? One engineer told me I am an engineer, and not a research academic; I drop my children at school, my wife at work, pick up the meat and groceries from the market, pick up children from school, drop everyone home, take them to tuition, birthday parties, alms-givings, and even stay in long line-ups for essentials. Do you really think any professional can do any research”? Only young graduate-students or interns” can do something, and that too for short times in between strikes, power-cuts and other disruptions!

Even the available technology is not used. Luxury hotels install marble, expensive Jacuzzis and high-end items in their construction but not solar panels. Given the costs of a sports stadium, hospital, school, railway station or an airport, covering their roofs with solar panels is a negligible cost increment that pays for itself. Setting up a biogas facility to exploit the waste generated at such sites is not thought of. Given today’s energy tariffs, and anticipating future tariffs, failing to install solar panels on institutional buildings of the private and government sector is stupid. Given frequent power cuts, some level of autonomous power is essential to all businesses.

Unlike diesel or coal-power installations, solar panels need no further fuel than sunlight. The installations require little maintenance and are non-polluting compared to traditional power generation,  as we know from the horror stories of pollution and increased illnesses caused by the Lakvijaya power station in Hororgolla (Horagolla being the traditional Sinhalese name of Norochchollai – see https://dh-web.org/place.names/).

So, let us have a round of applause to high electricity tariffs for grid-based electricity, if the minster links his increased tariffs to sustainable-energy incentives. Keep tariffs UP with one arm, till we reach shoulder high, but subsidize new installations of sustainable electricity with the other arm, so that both arms balance and do not go above the consumers’ shoulders.

BY JU-HYUN PARK Courtesy The Real News Network

After weeks of political theater, the Pentagon is walking back its claims that China invaded US airspace with a spy balloon.” But the damage from the media frenzy is already done, and the worst is likely yet to come.

At times, the ways people perceive an object betrays more about the people than the object itself. A case in point: The recent saga of the Chinese spy balloon” may be presented as an allegory of the ever-present threat of airborne Asiatic infiltration, but in reality it tells us far more about the dangerous, paranoid, and absurd heights US Sinophobia has reached. 

It all began with a report from the Billings Gazette, which published footage of the now-infamous balloon flying over Montana on Thursday, Feb. 2. A swiftly issued statement from the Pentagon identified the object as a high altitude surveillance balloon.” Shortly thereafter, the Associated Press reported that a senior official from the Department of Defense had expressed very high confidence” that the spy balloon” was of Chinese origin and flying over sensitive sites to collect information.” In a glaring instance of doublespeak, the AP report further noted that The defense official said the spy balloon was trying to fly over the Montana missile fields, but the U.S. has assessed that it has ‘limited’ value in terms of providing China intelligence it couldn’t already collect by other means, such through [sic] spy satellites” (emphasis added). 

A very clear response from China’s Foreign Ministry confirming their ownership of the unmanned civilian aircraft”—better known as a weather balloon—was almost instantaneously dismissed by the Pentagon and pundits alike. Something else, they asserted, something more sinister, must be afoot.

A very clear response from China’s Foreign Ministry confirming their ownership of the unmanned civilian aircraft”—better known as a weather balloon—was almost instantaneously dismissed by the Pentagon and pundits alike. Something else, they asserted, something more sinister, must be afoot. Never mind that China’s statement of regret that the balloon flew off course due to force majeure” is the simplest and most rational explanation, given that the eastward atmospheric jetstream connecting Asia to North America flows exactly along the same path the balloon took over Alaska, then Montana, and eventually to the coast of South Carolina, where it met its demise via F-22 missile strike. This would, after all, not be the first time similar aircraft have accidentally entered the airspace of foreign nations, as illustrated by the 1998 incident of a Canadian weather balloon that ended up flying over Russia, Norway, and finally landing in Finland after being blown off-course.

Full Report

America’s ‘Chinese spy balloon’ meltdown and the dangers of decaying hegemony (therealnews.com)

A.J. SMUSKIEWICZ  Courtesy The Unz Review

I recall that when I was attending St. Albert the Great elementary school in Burbank, Illinois, during the mid-to-late 1960s and early 1970s, some of the history teachers used to tell us that the United States had never lost a war. Keep in mind that this was while the foolish American fiasco in Vietnam was unfolding, and this was only a decade or two after the inconclusive stalemate of the Korean War. That shows you that the indoctrination of school kids is nothing new.

For a military-industrial empire that maintains approximately 800 military bases around the world and that spends more on its military than the next seven countries (as well as 144 other countries) combined, the U.S. global hegemonic empire is clearly crumbling before our eyes today, following decades of slow decay. The last war that the U.S. unambiguously won was World War II—and that victory was only possible because of the fighting of the Soviet Union, Great Britain, and other Allies in addition to America. That big win was almost 80 years ago.

Since then, the U.S. military-industrial complex has lurched from one military debacle to another in an almost constant state of warfare, with each conflict characterized by either eventual failure or, at best, ambiguous results. The many geopolitical messes created by these U.S. military interventions have, nevertheless, been very financially profitable for the elitist warmonger class. And after all, the U.S. purports to be exceptional” among nations, so it has a self-declared right to meddle where ever and whenever it wants to meddle, regardless of the negative consequences.

Soon after WWII, there was the Korean War, in which the Communists won the northern part of that nation despite the U.S. military efforts. Then there was the Vietnam War, with many years of U.S.-caused devastation ending in the withdrawal of American troops, soundly defeated by the Communists, who took over the whole country.

And then, after several years, there was the much-ballyhooed quick victory of American-led forces in the Persian Gulf War—a victory” that inconveniently left the bad guy” in power, leading to some nasty mocking of the American president. So, after a few more years, the son of that president launched the Iraq War, based on blatant lies about nonexistent weapons, so he could finally wipe out that bad guy and clear daddy’s name. Saddam Hussein was lynched on live television, and Bush Jr declared mission accomplished.”

But what was actually accomplished in Iraq? Hundreds of thousands of dead civilians, mass destruction, and societal devastation, as well as a substantially worsened destabilization of the entire Middle East, leading to enhanced power for Iran, the rise of more Islamist terrorism, and another shameful U.S. withdrawal. And as if that had not caused sufficient chaos in the region, the U.S. wrecked another nation and further destabilized the Middle East a few years later by killing another alleged bad guy, in Libya.

Of course, the most glaringly shameful recent American defeat and withdrawal came at the end of the longest-ever American war, in Afghanistan. After 20 years of American military meddling and massacres in Afghanistan, the bad guys there that the U.S. ostensibly started the war to oust came back to power. Seemingly another spectacular defeat for the U.S. empire, though that doomed conflict was intentionally ended so that American military resources could be diverted elsewhere, namely for a new senseless fight in Eastern Europe.

In addition to these well-known American wars from the ‘50s to the present, the U.S. has during that same time instigated, launched, and been involved in hundreds of other military conflicts (via actual fighting, proxy fighting, supplying weapons and money, or various other forms of meddling), both overtly and covertly, all over the place—from Central and South America to the Middle East and North and Sub-Saharan Africa to Southern, Central, and Eastern Asia to Central and Eastern Europe. The main results of these conflicts have basically been a helluva lot of killing, chaos, and destruction, and overall worsening of problems in foreign lands, with absolutely no benefits for the American people (unless you work for the Pentagon or you’re an executive with a big defense contractor).

And so here we are today. As I write these words, the United States military machine is apparently on the verge of yet another spectacular defeat—this time against Russian forces in Ukraine. This bitter fact has been hidden by the American and Western mainstream corporate media, but it has been expertly articulated by a few honest commentators, such as Douglas Macgregor. Yet another war instigated and fought by the U.S., via proxy, against an imaginary enemy for no reasons other than financial profit and a delusional sense of maintaining its obviously crippled and rapidly diminishing world hegemony. Wasting valuable resources in destroying another foreign country, pushing some kind of sick neoliberal woke agenda, even as America seems to be collapsing in all areas of its society at home. The brilliantly perceptive Chris Hedges has referred to this insanity as woke imperialism.”

Obviously sensing—though still refusing to publicly admit—the inevitable impending defeat against Russia, the crazed, senile, and/or desperate U.S. elitist leaders” are now spreading more hysterical lies (just like they did with Russia and Ukraine, Iraq, Vietnam, etc) as they begin to switch their warmongering focus to China and Taiwan. Yeah, like that’s gonna go any better for them than their crazy provoked proxy war against Russia!

And, for future consideration, don’t forget that there is always a war that can be pushed against North Korea, Iran, or any other independent country that refuses to acknowledge U.S. hegemony.

To a normal, rational-minded individual, the endless American warmongering all over the world, which always ends in embarrassing and humiliating losses and more mayhem and madness, seems extremely illogical. But the hidden logic for the American military-industrial complex lies in the very real financial profits it continues to rake in as it seeks in vain to maintain the declining American empire, regardless of the military losses on the ground. That is what it is all about. That is what it has always been about. Money. Greed. Power. Control. Pay no attention to the death and destruction.

Needless to say, this delusional, suicidal situation cannot go on forever. Ultimately, the American empire will exhaust itself out, and it will finally and totally collapse. And then the war profiteers will simply switch sides, probably moving to China. But in the meantime, the fading American empire will continue to behave the way that declining empires have typically behaved throughout history, from the Roman to the British empire . . .

As the shit is hitting the fan at home in increasingly messy and smelly ways, the U.S. will keep trying to display its power” by stirring up more shit and chaos abroad, in desperate, impotent attempts to hide the fact that its purported exceptionalism” is all bullshit.
Someday in the future, the current American lunacy will make for some bewildering history lessons for kids in school.

By Sugeeswara Senadhira Courtesy Ceylon Today

Colombo, February 20: The Eastern Sri Lankan Port of Trincomalee, one of the best natural harbors in the world, has always attracted the interest of global and regional economic and military powers. Hence, any visit of a high-level political or military delegation of foreign powers comes under the scrutiny of the media and most of the time there are sensational reports based on speculation. There are either inaccurate or highly exaggerated reports.

Three recent visits by foreign delegates also resulted in such speculation. First, it was the Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, followed by Victoria Nuland, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States and then last week’s visit of US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (PDASD) for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, Jedidiah P. Royal.

During Jaishankar’s visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for the implementation of High Impact Community Development projects, focusing on socio-economic development, infrastructure, health and education in Sri Lanka. Addressing the media, he said that both sides have agreed in principle on renewable energy cooperation, as Trincomalee can emerge as an energy hub. Sri Lanka plans to set up an economic zone in Trincomalee. Jaishankar said that New Delhi would encourage more significant investments in the Sri Lankan economy, especially in the core areas like energy, tourism and infrastructure.

We count on the Government of Sri Lanka to provide a more business-friendly environment to create a powerful pull factor. I am confident that the gravity of the situation is realiszd by policymakers here,” the Indian Minister said.

Sri Lanka and India agreed to develop 99 oil storage tanks in Trincomalee under a joint venture during the visit of Jaishankar. In accordance with the Indo -Sri Lanka Agreement (ISLA) signed by Rajiv Gandhi and J. R. Jayewardene in 1987, a further agreement was signed in 2003 to upgrade and commission the 99 tanks in the oil farm – each with a capacity of 12,250 kilolitres – on a 35-year lease.

After conclusion of the visit of American Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, there were speculative media reports that she discussed setting up an American military base in Trincomalee. The report also stated that prior to her visit, she met key officials in the Indian Government, including Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar, to discuss a strategic plan for the region.

The media report, quoting ‘informed sources’, added that during her visit, Nuland had suggested to the Sri Lankan Government in the ‘strongest possible terms’ to establish a US-Indian joint military base in Trincomalee, which will serve as a critical component in protecting US and Asia-Pacific interests and countering Chinese development activities in the region. It also quoted a ‘diplomat’ adding that the establishment of a military base is expected to enhance security and stability in the region, and promote greater cooperation between the United States, India, and Sri Lanka.

The visit of Nuland was followed by the last week’s visit of a 20-member US delegation headed by US PDASD, Jedidiah P. Royal. American Ambassador Julie Chung welcoming him to Sri Lanka tweeted that she and Jed Royal had discussed how the US is working with Sri Lanka on shared goals such as promoting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and maritime security, enhancing regional stability, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, however, ruled out speculation that he was here to discuss a US military base in Trincomalee. After discussions with him, State Minister of Defense Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon said he discussed further tightening of defense ties between the two countries, Indo -Pacific security and regional stability. The US provides training opportunities for 150 Sri Lankan defense officers. It recently donated two ships to the Sri Lanka Navy.

Although Sri Lanka has not entered into any military pacts with any nation to put up military bases, the country has agreements with many countries on military cooporation. Colombo has inked the Acquisition and Cross Service Agreement (ACSA) with the US, allowing it to acquire defense logistic support in Sri Lanka.   

The letters exchanged by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President Jayewardene, after the signing of ISLA, referred to the Trincomalee oil tanks and an understanding that Sri Lanka would not lease them to any country without prior consultations with India.

Sri Lanka’s interest is to maintain maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, because of its importance to the economy of the country. It has no military ambitions and is determined not to get involved in regional or global power blocs. Since ancient times, ports in Sri Lanka were popular with commercial vessels from overseas and the country continued to provide facilities to vessels from all corners of the world. Even today, vessels of many countries call at Sri Lankan ports and occasionally there are naval vessels too, calling for replenishments, joint military exercises or for friendly calls. During all these, Sri Lanka strictly maintains the condition that such visits should not be directed against the interests of a third country as Sri Lanka strictly adhere to its policy of neutrality.

Sri Lanka has no intention whatsoever to get involved in a tussle between regional or international powers. As Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena clarified in the Independence Day message earlier this month, We must also keep in mind, the challenges that have arisen nationally and internationally against the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of this country. We are determined to make Sri Lanka a prosperous country, maintaining friendly relations with the nations of the world.”

Mike Unwin  Courtesy https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/

Since Sri Lanka’s Jetwing Vil Uyana resort opened, its rewilded lands have lured native birds and animals back to the area, offering guests front-row seats…

As early evening arrives in central Sri Lanka, I find myself searching a dark forest for a small animal. The idea is to sweep the beam of my headtorch across the foliage to catch its reflected eyeshine. In truth, my focus is as much on avoiding the snaking roots along the trail. There!” I hiss, spotting a twinkle in the dark tangle. Fireflies,” says my more experienced companion. We move on.

Naturalist Chaminda Jayasekara has trodden this trail hundreds of times, so it’s hardly surprising that he’s seeing wildlife at every turn. First up: an Asian palm civet scuttling through the canopy; then a roosting Indian pitta on its perch, puffed up into an exquisite ball. Next, he spies a green vine snake suspended like a noose from – gratifyingly – a vine, its head mimicking a flower bud.

Chaminda soon spots what we’re looking for. I peer down his torch beam, its glare softened by a red filter, and see two saucer eyes staring back. Binoculars reveal a small, furry, squirrel-sized animal peering at us suspiciously from a tree fork. I make out skinny limbs, a tailless rear and dexterous little fingers, in which it clutches a struggling cicada. Bingo! A grey slender loris.

The Sri Lankan elephant is the largest of three subspecies of Asian elephant (Mike Unwin)

This appealing nocturnal primate is endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka, with its sister species, the red slender loris, found only on this island. Related to Africa’s bush babies, both are threatened by habitat loss. A close encounter is thus a serious privilege, and my eyes are glued to the animal as it takes one more bite from the unfortunate insect then clambers quickly away through the branches.

As we emerge from the trail onto a gravel path, I’m taken aback by the lights shimmering on the lake. Back in the forest, it was easy to imagine that we were exploring some remote wilderness rather than strolling the grounds of an upmarket hotel.

But Jetwing Vil Uyana is not any hotel. Located in the centre of Sri Lanka, just 15 minutes from the celebrated World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, this eco-resort has undertaken an ambitious rewilding project, converting abandoned paddy fields into a wetland mosaic fed by irrigation channels from the surrounding farmland, and planting thousands of indigenous trees. This suite of naturally regenerating habitats has produced prolific biodiversity across its modest 24 acres. A 2005 baseline survey revealed 12 species of mammal, three of reptile and amphibian, and 29 of bird. Since rewilding, these figures have now risen to an amazing 27, 44 and 157 respectively.

Grey langurs relaxing in the ruins of a temple (Mike Unwin)

Mugger” crocodiles are known for burrowing into sandbanks to bury their eggs (Mike Unwin)

All these animals have chosen to make Vil Uyana their home,” says Chaminda, vindicating the resort’s ‘build it and they will come’ approach. He has been integral to this success story, monitoring the wildlife, advising on ecology and liaising with the local community. It was he who, in 2010, first spotted a slender loris here, immediately persuading the owners to shelve further building plans. Since then, he has become an authority on the species, recording 23 births over 11 years and advising the BBC when they arrived to film lorises for their blockbuster Primates series.

Lorises are not the only stars of this show. As we return to our chalet, Chaminda plays his beam along the water’s edge, looking for one of Vil Uyana’s resident fishing cats. Camera-trap ID has helped him identify seven of these elusive, semi-aquatic felines that roam the property. There’s no luck tonight, but his vigilance rewards us with a brown fish owl hunting for frogs in a ditch. The hefty bird puffs out its white throat, utters a deep hoot, then takes flight into the darkness.

Over my week at Vil Uyana the wildlife keeps coming. I notch up 60-plus bird species from my chalet alone: exquisite sunbirds zip over the balcony, dazzling kingfishers (three species) hunt the paddy field below; barbets and bee-eaters perch atop a thicket opposite. Each morning, the dawn chorus awakens me with whistling magpie-robins and the rather less melodic yowling of peacocks. And every stroll around the resort brings something new: a water monitor swaggering along a path or a giant squirrel on an overhead branch. In the midst of all this, leggy grey langur monkeys crash through the canopy, while bejewelled dragonflies dodge pond herons stalking the lily pads. It’s like leafing through a children’s wildlife colouring book.

Beyond the fence, the buzz and beep of passing scooters and tuk-tuks is a reminder that we’re not in some national park; that a busy community surrounds Vil Uyana, with farmers and fishermen working the paddy fields and lakes. But the resort’s wildlife is impressive proof of how biodiversity can flourish alongside people when farming is kept small-scale, waterways are unpolluted and pockets of natural habitat are left to flourish.

A case in point is the resident two-metre-long female marsh (or mugger) crocodile that found its way here via an irrigation canal. Last July, she laid a clutch of eggs just 50 metres from reception. In November, Chaminda managed to film the babies hatching, even capturing the formidable reptile ferrying the brood to water in her massive yet tender jaws. At breakfast, from the restaurant, I spy her cruising the lake.

A toque macaque admires the rock fortress of Sigiriya (Mike Unwin)

Amid such a profusion of nature, it is tempting to stay put. Such is the dilemma for the wildlife traveller: hang out in paradise and enjoy what comes along or chase around to tick off the must sees” further afield. Sri Lanka certainly has plenty of the latter. A typical wildlife tour might take in the rainforests of Sinharaja, with its endemic birds; the highlands of Horton Plains, with its herds of sambar deer; or the coast, with its blue whales and spinner dolphins. Even for the casual tourist, the country’s big game is high on the agenda. Leopards and sloth bears have put the south-eastern reserve of Yala firmly on the wildlife map, while Minneriya’s famous dry-season Gathering” sees punters arrive just in time for Asia’s largest congregation of elephants.

It is with these larger mammals in mind that we set out north-west to Wilpattu National Park. This is Sri Lanka’s biggest reserve, and was the jewel in the nation’s wildlife crown before three decades of civil conflict placed it off-limits until 2009. Today, visitors are returning to find the place has lost none of its appeal. The star attraction here is the leopard, Sri Lanka’s largest predator. To my amazement, we encounter three in one day, something you’d be lucky to achieve in any African park. Two sightings, admittedly, are brief, with the big cats padding quickly away into the forest, and the third is just a spotted tail hanging from a tree. But hey: they’re leopards!

News travels fast at Wilpattu. So when a scrum of vehicles materialises, bristling with cameras, we move away to quieter corners, finding crested serpent eagles hunting the forest tracks and crimson rose butterflies dancing in sunlit glades. Emerging at one lake, we watch a testosterone-charged wild boar causing mayhem as ike steam trains.

Closer to Vil Uyana, we also visit the lesser-known Wasgamuwa National Park. Large mammals are more elusive here, but so are tourists, and we have the wildlife all to ourselves – including a beady-eyed ruddy mongoose chaperoning its youngster along the roadside. As the afternoon shadows lengthen, we also meet the largest mammal of all: elephants. A small breeding herd emerges from the forest, trailing a retinue of egrets, and we watch an old bull nearby, who shakes the soil from bunches of grass before stuffing them down his pink gullet.

With Vil Uyana sitting at the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle” – an area connecting a trio of ancient capitals, including Anuradhapura, Kandy and Polonnaruwa – it’s no surprise these are high on most visitor agendas. But in Sri Lanka, I discover, nature follows you around. Thus, exploring the stupas of Anuradhapura, the ancient capital, I find Malabar pied hornbills gorging on the fruit of sacred ficus trees and toque macaques cavorting among the ruins. And climbing the breathtaking rock citadel of Sigiriya, I watch Indian paradise flycatchers trailing their tail ribbons and spy a troop of endemic purple-faced leaf monkeys in the forest canopy below. Even en route, we keep our eyes peeled. Driving to Sigiriya at dawn brings golden jackals trotting along the verge, and coming the other way at dusk, a wild bull elephant sauntering down the middle of the road

The ruddy mongoose is native to Sri Lanka (Mike Unwin)

A common kingfisher surveys the prospect of a meal (Mike Unwin)

The beauty of this prolifically biodiverse island, I’m discovering, is that wildlife is everywhere, and at every scale. It’s not just about the big hitters in the national parks. Bird, butterfly or lizard, there’s always something to hold your attention. And as a visitor, you needn’t make tricky choices between nature and culture: any village tour or historical excursion warrants bringing binoculars along. Even a luxury resort, sustainably managed, can house a mini wild menagerie.

On my final night at Vil Uyana, we set out by Jeep in search of more neighbourhood nocturnals. We don’t go far, trundling slowly around the sleeping local community, past lakes, temples and paddy fields. But Chaminda’s spotlight keeps striking gold: a diminutive mouse-deer; a foraging ring-tailed civet; a retreating pair of Indian porcupines, quills raised like the sails of a galleon. With fishing cats on my mind, my pulse quickens when I spot a telltale feline form crouched in a paddy field. But it’s a different species entirely: a jungle cat. The elegant animal blinks in our light, revealing a white muzzle and slightly tufted ears, then stretches its long limbs and stalks away along the bank. Another furry gift from the Sri Lankan night.

Six of the best Sri Lanka wildlife superstars

Leopard

Sri Lanka’s leopard belongs to an endemic subspecies. They occur in all regions and habitats here, but Yala and Wilpattu national parks offer excellent sightings.

Asian elephant

Some 7,500 Sri Lankan elephants roam the wider countryside and reserves of the island. Hundreds can be seen gathering during the dry season at Minneriya NP.

Sloth bear

This small, black, shaggy bear inhabits the island’s northern and eastern lowlands. It is unique among bears for feeding largely upon ants and termites.

Blue whale

Found off Sri Lanka’s eastern and southern coasts, this huge cetacean is commonly spied in the waters off Mirissa in February and March, when krill is at its most abundant.

Fishing cat

This shy, nocturnal feline is patterned with spots and stripes. It frequents wetland habitats where it feeds on fish, wading in to capture its prey. Found across southern Asia, it is nowhere more easily seen than in Sri Lanka.

Slender loris

Slender lorises are prosimians: small primates that predate the evolution of monkeys. Two species occur in the forests around Sri Lanka: the more common grey slender loris and the endemic red slender loris.

More on Sri Lanka:

Courtesy Adaderana

The Export-Import Bank of China has provided Sri Lanka with a debt extension, China’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday, noting that China is willing to negotiate a medium- and long-term debt disposal plan with the country in a friendly manner, and do its best to promote Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability.

The remarks come as Bloomberg reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is considering approving Sri Lanka’s bailout, even without the formal assurance of debt-restructuring support from China, citing people familiar with the discussions.

In response, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a press conference on Monday that China has already provided Sri Lanka with a letter supporting the sustainability of Sri Lanka’s debt, expressing its willingness to extend the debt due in 2022 and 2023.

During the period, Sri Lanka will not have to repay the loan principal and interest of the Export-Import Bank, helping Sri Lanka to ease short-term debt pressure, the official said.

We are willing to use this window to negotiate a medium- and long-term debt disposal plan with Sri Lanka in a friendly manner, and do our best to promote Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability,” Wang said.

The IMF, World Bank and Group of 20 nations chair India separately held virtual discussions Friday on global sovereign debt ahead of the finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting in Bangalore this week.

The roundtable included officials from countries that have requested debt treatments under the G20 framework – Ethiopia, Zambia and Ghana – as well as middle-income countries such as Sri Lanka, Suriname and Ecuador, which have faced their own debt problems, Reuters reported.

The roundtable comes amid growing frustration over the slow pace of discussions on debt relief for some nations. Rather than seeking a global resolution, some have tried to blame China.

Chinese observers have urged developed countries to take more responsibility in addressing the debt risks faced by some nations, rather than using China as an excuse to shirk blame. 

They pointed out that there are many reasons why some countries become mired in debt – the US Fed’s interest rate hikes, the global energy and food crises and other issues, warning some in the West to share the responsibility and seek a more fair and just” solution.  

Source – Global Times
-Agencies

Courtesy Adaderana

Former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris says that the authority to dissolve the current parliament will be vested with the President from midnight today (Feb. 20).

Speaking at a press briefing, the parliamentarian expressed that they strongly believe the President needs to use that power and dissolve the parliament. 

Today, President Ranil Wickramasinghe receives the legal power to dissolve the current Parliament. We strongly believe that President Wickremesinghe should use that power”, he said.

Prof. Peiris further charged that presently the decisions with regard to whether elections will be held and when the elections will be held are not being decided according to the constitutions or the relevant laws and that they are all being decided at the discretion of one person.

The Finance Minister is the person who is deciding all of that,” he claimed.

Courtesy Adaderana

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible to approve investment opportunity in order to provide more opportunities to local and foreign investors.

The President also stated that it has the potential to significantly boost the country’s economy.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks today at the opening of the country’s first migratory bird park and eco-tourism zone in Hanthane, Kandy (Feb. 20).

President Wickremesinghe further said:

I remembered another bird park when I arrived here. President J.R. Jayawardene established the parliament on the bird park that was constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu VI. There are now various types of birds, as well as crows.

Mr. Kottegoda spoke about the 20 years of hardship that went into building this bird park. However, Mr. Kottegoda has bestowed the country an International Bird Park today. According to him, this international practice was inspired by Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park. Singapore’s Jurong City was created as an investment zone.

More investment opportunities are necessary for Sri Lanka to embark on a new economic path. It takes ten years to approve a firm after an investor arrives in Sri Lanka. This situation should be changed. Production, export economy and technical sectors should be developed under a new economic plan. More chances for domestic and international investment should be provided for that.

The economy won’t grow if it takes a foreign investor ten years to arrive and begin investing in Sri Lanka. President J.R. Jayawardena passed the Greater Colombo Economic Plan in a short period of three months and Sri Lanka got its economic benefits. President Premadasa approved the 200 garment industries program in three weeks. In this way, if the investment opportunities are not increased, it is not possible to strengthen the economy of Sri Lanka. 

Instead of the Board of Investment and the Board of Exports, we should appoint an Economic Commission and come to a system of giving approval for investments through one agency. Minister Dilum Amunugama has been assigned to arrange that. The report will be available within the next two to three weeks. Accordingly, we hope to implement it in the future. I would like to thank you for donating this bird park to the nation by providing value to the tourists.”

Chairman of the Migratory Bird Park and Ecotourism Zone Mr. Nishantha Kottegoda said:

There is also a unit to treat and release injured birds in the park, which consists of birds native to foreign countries, migratory birds, etc. The park also has a unit for breeding and exporting exotic birds, an educational and recreational centre for school students and a study of natural birds.

This project was started under the Yali Pubudamu Sri Lanka” program. The first phase could be completed this year amid various obstacles from the government officials. To move this project forward, the government officials asked for a super luxury bus that could run in Colombo as a bribe. This project had to be stopped many years ago because it could not be provided. Anyway, we have been able to declare open the first phase today.”

Adjacent to the Hantane Tea Museum premises, this 27-acre exotic bird park and eco-tourism zone is home to over a hundred species of migratory birds.

Established at a cost of Rs. 490 million, exotic birds are housed in large cages and the animals are cared for by a group of nearly one hundred workers.

This park has been established based on a study of birds that are not native to Sri Lanka for a period of 40 years. It is also special that many exotic birds can be bred in this country.

In the first phase of the Bird Park and eco-tourism zone, facilities for local and foreign tourists to see migratory birds, an educational training centre for zoology students, a bird orphanage, a bird home and a quarantine unit has been established.

State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Lohan Ratwatte, Anuradha Jayaratne, Member of Parliament Nalaka Kottegoda, President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage, Chairman of the Migratory Bird Park and Ecotourism Zone Mr. Nishantha Kottegoda and other officials participated in this event.

–PMD–

Courtesy Adaderana

Police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a protest march organized by the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) near Technical Junction in Maradana, a short while ago.

The protest march had been organized by the SJB against the alleged attempts by the government to postpone the 2023 Local Government Election. 

Meanwhile Olcott Mawatha in Pettah, Colombo has been closed off completely by the police due to the protest march.

Therefore, the police had urged motorists to use alternative routes in order to avoid traffic congestion.

The protest has been organized by the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) protesting against postponing the elections.

Meanwhile the Colombo Fort Magistrate earlier today issued an order preventing several Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs from holding protest demonstrations, while causing inconvenience to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

The order also prevents the protestors from entering the President’s Office, the President’s House, the Finance Ministry premises or the Galle Face area, according to police.

The court order was issued following a request made by Fort Police pertaining to the protest march planned by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

Courtesy Adaderana

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange has recorded a massive gain of 233.97 points to close at 9,082.33 points at the end of trading today (Feb. 20).

This is an increase of 2.64 percent. According to reports, the massive gain was recorded as a result of increased investor interest in the banking sector. 

Meanwhile the S&P SL20 index has also gone up by 65.04 points (2.40%) to close at 2,777.78 points today. 

Today’s total turnover was recorded as Rs. 2.27 billion while the share volume was over 98 million.

Courtesy Adaderana

The Election Commission has filed a motion before the Supreme Court citing difficulties including inadequate funds to hold the 2023 Local Government elections on 09 March.
 
The Election Commission has informed the Supreme Court that the activities related to holding the Local Government (LG) election have been hampered due to the non-availability of sufficient funds and other facilities.

Accordingly, the commission has also informed the Supreme Court that there is a difficult situation to fulfill the pledge given before the Supreme Court that it will take steps to conduct the LG polls as scheduled.

This has been informed  in a motion filed by the Election Commission with the Supreme Court.

Courtesy Adaderana

Sri Lankan Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva has said the government will spend around USD132 million on port development projects.

These investments would be made through revenue generated from port operations, the minister said on Saturday night.

Speaking at an event in Colombo, the minister said the government has allocated over USD100 million for the Eastern Container Terminal and USD32 million for the Jaya Container Terminal.

Both terminals are fully owned subsidiaries of the state-owned Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

He added that apart from the above investments, they expect to develop the Trincomalee harbour for bulk cargo operations and the Galle harbour for tourism industry with a yacht service and facilitate the anchoring of large ships.

Sri Lanka expects to become a logistics and transport hub in the Indian Ocean.

Source – Xinhua
-Agencies

By Sena Thoradeniya

From time to time Sri Lankan Ministers in charge of Agriculture and Livestock Development and their officials attempted to improve the breed of cattle by means of imported animals. A few decades ago, it was alleged that a stock of cattle imported from a foreign country was infected with various types of worm diseases deliberately done to ruin the country’s fledgling dairy industry. Milch cows imported and distributed among dairy farmers during Yahapalana regime brought utter disaster to dairy farmers who bought these cows. The then State Minister, now a stalwart of SJB in the NCP and his officials went scot-free from this scandal.

In the early 1860s the colonial government imported two bulls from India to improve the breed of cattle and the beasts were sent to Central Province. One died; the other could not induce to serve the purpose for which it was imported, according to the Administrative Report of the Government Agent of Central Province H. S. O. Russell. It should be noted that at that time the Central Province consisted of Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts.

Instead of making a self-assessment of their experiment” Russell blames the Kandyans. The Kandyans are entirely ignorant of any method of rearing cattle and they show no desire to improve the breed of their beasts.” This colonial administrator was ignorant of Sri Lanka’s ancient methods of curing cattle diseases and the vast number of ola books on cattle diseases available transferring that knowledge to future generations and that there was a veterinarian in every village.

He sees the traditional ways the Kandyans kept cattle as a drawback in cattle rearing in the country. From time immemorial the animals have roamed at will over the Patanas and through the forests of the country and as the strongest male drove weakly rivals from the herd breeding took place of the principle of natural selection”.

True, traditional pasturelands were Patanas and forests as Sri Lanka did not have vast grasslands as in the temperate zones.

Even now villagers in Laggala-Pallegama at the end of the ploughing season drive their herds of buffaloes into the mountains of Kalupahana and erect blockades. Pasturing in the cooler climes inside the jungles they become fat, well-nourished and healthy free of any diseases. Scenting the aroma of ripening rice, they dash back to the villages breaking the blockades. Then only mating begins. The main pastureland Pitawala Patana was abandoned due to the influx of local” tourists, lovers and boozers, after the invasion” of foreign-funded environmentalists and ecologists!

Russell cannot hide the devastation done by the Waste Lands Ordinance” and the subsequent land grab by the British speculators. He adds: I think the yearly more restricted area of their pasture grounds is the principal cause of degeneration in the Kandyan cattle of the present day, inasmuch as it is no longer possible for the beasts to live in herds. Moreover, the forests protected them from the heat of the sun and from the inclemency of the weather and always afforded them a plentiful supply of food and water. The case is very different with the animals which nowadays skulk over bleak Patanas or along the high road in search of such scanty nourishment as may be found there. It is certain that both jungle buffaloes and black cattle which have been allowed to relapse into a wild state are fine and healthy as compared with the domesticated beasts.  I have little doubt that in the former times and under more favourable conditions of existence, the cattle of the Kandyan yeomanry and peasants were equally well conditioned”.

Here Russell contradicts himself. But he was very immoral enough to hide the root cause, the expropriation of land owned by the Kandyan peasantry by the colonialists depriving not only their chena lands, but also their traditional pasturelands.

At the same time, Russell loses sight to ignore a lot of emaciated local tavalam cattle used to transport coffee from the plantations up to the nearby cart roads, descending and ascending rugged, precipitous mountain paths, sometimes trekking more than 30-40 miles carrying a heavy load of 40-60 pounds of coffee. An example from my own area Dumbara was the Laggala tavalam road, starting from Kabaragala Gap the highest point on the Kelebokka cart road passing over Hulankanda wind gap winding and zigzagging down a precipice to Kalupahana group of estates and thence to Nitre Cave estates in Meemure. Once I trekked this path from the abandoned Brae Group tea estate to Kabaragala crawling in all fours.

The other devastation caused to cattle owned by the Kandyan villagers was impounding and shooting of cattle when they trespassed on coffee plantations. Russell admits this as he had received many complaints while he was on the circuit. Here Russell discloses something which did not receive the attention of our economic historians if there were such a breed. Tamil coolies drew cattle into the estates and tied them up and either extorted a large fine for the release of the impounded animals or slaughtered them for their flesh. This happened because the cattle were deprived of their traditional pasturelands as they were auctioned and sold for coffee cultivation.

This is a case of foreign indentured labour riding roughshod over the traditional inhabitants of the soil. No doubt, a law-abiding timid lot like them may have done that at the instigation of their masters and kanganis.

The new Grain Tax imposed by the colonial government in 1876 brought misery and caused loss of land, pauperisation, starvation, famine, abandonment of traditional homesteads and death. With the depletion of the bovine population in the villages, the first to be sold, the peasants had to sell ploughs and other agricultural implements and household goods to pay the obnoxious tax and arrears. The writer vividly portrayed the misery of Kandyan peasantry as a consequence of Grain Tax in his award-winning novel titled Madaran” (2020).

චානක බණ්ඩාරගේ

දම්මි නොව පාසලේ කිසිම කෙල්ලක් සමඟ ප්‍රේම සම්භන්ධයක් ඇති කර ගැනීමට සුගත්ට කිසිම උවමනාවක් නොවීය.

ප්‍රේම සම්බන්ධය පටන් ගන්නේ හුදු දම්මිගේ  උවමනාවටය.

පටන් ගත් පසු, දෙදෙනාම ඉතා භක්තියෙන් එය ඉදිරියට රැගෙන ගියහ.

එය ඉතාම චමත්කාර, සොඳුරු, ආනන්දජනක, ආදර අන්දරයක් විය.

පාසැලේ අවසන් දිනයේදී, මුහුදු වෙරළේදී,  දම්මි ඇය එතෙක් සඟවා සිටී රහස සුගත්ට කීවාය. එනම්, දම්මි කුඩා කාලයේදීම ඇයව තම ඇවැස්ස මස්සිනා වන නිහාල් සමඟ විවාහ කර දීමට දෙපාර්ශවයේ වැඩිහිටියන් ගිවුසුම් ගසා සිටී බවයි. ඒ නිසා, තමනට කිසිදාක සුගත් හා එක්විය නොහැකි බවයි.

නිහාල් එවිට වෛද්‍ය ශිෂ්‍යයෙක් බවත් ඔහු වෛද්‍යවරයෙක් ලෙස වැඩ ආරම්භ කල වහාම තමන් නිහාල් සමඟ විවාහ ගත වන බවත් දම්මි සුගත්ට පැවසුවාය.  

මෙසේ කියා දම්මි සුගත්ගේ මුහුණවත් නොබලා මුහුදු වෙරළේ ඈත කොනේ සිටී තම යෙහෙලියන් වෙත දිව ගියාය.

මෙයින් සුගත්ගේ ලෝකය කඩා, බිඳ වැටුණි. ඔහු වෙරළේ අතරමං විය.

සුගත් තදබල බේබද්දෙක් බවට පත් විය.

සුගත්ගේ සහායට සිටියේ ඔහුගේ වැඩිමහල් සොහොයුරු සරත් සහ සරත්ගේ බිරිඳයි. නමුත්, සුගත් දිගටම බේබද්දෙක් විය, ඔවුනට එය නවතාලීමට නොහැකි විය.

පාසැලෙන් අස්වූ පසු පාසැල් සැණකෙලියේදී සුගත්ට දම්මි තම වෛද්‍ය සැමියාව හඳුන්වා දුන්නාය.

අවසානයේ සුගත්ව බේරා ගත්තේ මේනකායි (මේනු – බඹා කෙටු  හැටි නවකථාව).

දම්මිගේ හැසිරීම අපට අනුමත කල හැකිද?  නොහැක.

නමුත්, පුරා වර්ෂ 60ට එහා සිට මේ රටේ පාටකයා සහ සිනමා රසිකයන් ආදරය කලේ දම්මිටය, සුගත්ට නොවේ.

ඔවුනගේ අනුකම්පාව ලැබුනේ සුගත්ට නොව දම්මිටය!

ගොළු හදවත කතෘ කරුණාසේන ජයලත් පවා සුගත්ට වඩා දම්මිට අනුකම්පා කළා සේය (ඔහු පසුව රචනා කල ‘ආදරෙයි මම ආදරෙයි’ ගීතය).

දම්මි චපල ගැහැනියක වුවාය.  තමන් නිහාල් සමඟ යම් දවසක විවාහ වන බව දම්මි කුඩා වයසේ සිටම දැන සිටියාය. ඇය සුගත්ගේ ජීවිතය සමඟ සෙල්ලම් කළාය.

නමුත්, ඇයගේ ප්‍රේමය සත්‍ය ප්‍රේමයක් ලෙස අප සමාජය පිළිගනී!

අප සමාජය නොපිටට බලන සමාජයක්ද?

බොහෝ බටහිර රටවල්ද එසේය.

ඩයනා කුමරිය විවිධ අයථා  සම්බඳථා වල නිරත විය. නමුත් සැමදා අපහාස ලැබුවේ (එවක) චාර්ල්ස් කුමරුය (චාර්ල්ස් සහ කැමිලා අතර කලින් ආදර සම්බන්ධයක් විය).

සුගත්ව බැලීමට දම්මි සුගත් නැවතී සිටී හෝටලයට ගියාය. ඒ ගියේ කෙසේ හෝ සුගත්ව මත්පැනින් මුදවා ගැනීමටය. මෙය ශ්‍රේෂ්ට ක්‍රියාවකි.

දම්මිගේ මේ ක්‍රියාව සැවොම මහ ඉහලින් කථා කරති.

එහෙත්, සුගත්ව එම තත්ත්වයට ඇද දැම්මේ දම්මි නොවේද? හොටලය්දී සුගත් දම්මිගෙන් මෙසේ විමසුවේය – කෙනෙක්ගේ හිත පාරවන එක පවක්ද දමයන්ති? (මෙය ඇසීම නිසා දම්මි ඒ ස්ථානයෙන් නැගිට යාමට තැත් කලාය)” සහ ඇයි දම්මි ඔයා මගේ ජිවිතේ එක්ක සෙල්ලම් කලේ?”.

(එදා 60 දශකයේ තරුණයන් තම තරහ ප්‍රදර්ශනය කලේ එලෙසය –  ඉතාම ශිෂ්ඨ සම්පන්න ලෙස).

චපල ගැහැනියක් වුවද (ඔබ මේ අර්ථ කථනය පිලිනොගන්නවා විය හැකියි), දම්මි  සුගත්ව මුළුමනින්ම් අත් හරියේ නැත; ඇය කසාද බැඳ සිටියදී පවා.  

දෙමව්පිය දෙදෙනාම නැති  සුගත් කෙරෙහි දම්මි තුල සැමදා වුයේ අනුකම්පාවක්ද? එය කිසිදා ආදරයක් නොවී නේද?

(අද කුඩා දේටත් මිනී මරාගන්නා වර්තමාන තරුණයනට දම්මි සහ සුගත් කදිම ආදර්ශයකි).

චානක බණ්ඩාරගේ

නන්දාගේ පවුල තරම් නොවුවත් ජිනදාසගේ පවුලද මාතර දිස්ත්‍රික්කයේ වංශක්කාර පවුලක් විය.

රැකියාවක් නැති ජිනදාසට කයිසාරුවත්තේ මුහන්දිරම් නිවසේ තවදුරටත් නිකරුනේ කාලය කා දමමින් ගත කිරීමට අවශ්‍ය නොවීය. ඔහුට උවමනා වුයේ ඔහුගේ ස්ව-වීර්යයෙන් මුදල් හම්බ කර සිය බිරිඳට කන්න දීමටය.

ජිනදාස සිංහලේ (බිබිලේ) ගොස් ව්‍යාපාරයක් ආරම්භ කිරීමට සනිටුහන් කර ගතී. නන්දා මේ අදහසට නොකැමැති වුවත් පසුව කැමති විය.

කාලයාගේ අවෑමෙන් ජිනදාසගෙන් මුදල් කෙසේ වෙතත් ලියුමක්වත් නන්දාට නොලැබිණි.

ජිනදාස සිංහලේ ගැහැනියක් කර කාර බැඳ එහි කඩයක් කරගෙන යන බවට පුවත් නන්දාගේ කණට අසන්නට ලැබුණි.

සිංහලේ බොහෝ දුර ඈත නිසා නන්දාට ජිනදාසගේ ජීවිතය ගැන බැලීමට යාමට අවකාශ නොලැබුණි.

ජිනදාස තමනට ද්‍රෝහී වූවායයි නන්දා අවංකවම සිතුවාය. ඇය තව තවත් පියල් වෙත නැඹුරු විය.

අවසානයේ, නන්දා සහ පියල් විවාහ වුහ. එය සියළු සිංහල චාරිත්‍ර වලින් යුත් නන්දාගේ ජිනදාස සමඟ විවාහ උත්සවය මෙන් නොව බටහිර ආර අනුව සිදු වු මහාර්ඝ මංගලෝත්සවයක් විය.  පියල්ගේ මිතුරු සුද්දන් කිහිප දෙනෙක්ද එයට සහභාගී වුහ.

නන්දා පියල් සමඟ පියල්ගේ කොළඹ දැවැන්ත නිවසේ සියළු සැප පහසුකම් සහිතව ජීවත් වුවාය.

මේ අතර, නන්දාට වහා පැමිණි ජිනදාසගේ මිනිය භාර ගන්නා මෙන් විදුලි පුවතක් සිංහලේ රෝහලින් ලැබුණි. එදින පියල් කොළඹ නොවීය.

නන්දා වහා සිංහලේ බලා රියදුරු සමඟ වාහනයෙන් පිටත් විය. ඇය දුටු පසු රෝහලේ කාර්ය මණ්ඩලය මියගොස් ඇත්තේ වෙනත් පුද්ගලයෙක්ය කියා නන්දාව ආපසු හරවා යැවීමට තැත් කළහ. මන්ද, මල මිනිය කිසිසේත්ම නන්දාගේ සැමියාගේ නොවන බව ඔවුන් තරයේ කියා සිටීමයි.

නන්දා බලෙන්ම මෙන් රෝහලේ මෘත ශාරිරාගාරයට ගොස් කළු පැහැව, කෘෂව තිබු ජිනදාස සිරුර අඳුනා ගත්තාය. ඇය  රෝහල්දී හඬා වැටුනාය.

නන්දා මුදල් වියදම් කර ජිනදාසට ඉතා හොඳ අවමංගලෝත්සවයක් සිංහලේදී ලබා දුන්නාය.

ඇය කොළඹ පැමිණ ඉතා වික්ශෝපයෙන් සිටීම පියල්ගේ නුරිස්සුමට ලක්විණ. ‘ඔයා ඒ මිනිහට පාන්ස්කුලේ දෙන්නයි,අවමංගල්‍යටයි වියදම් කලේ මගේ සල්ලි’ යයි පියල්ට කියැවිණි. නන්දාට පියල් එපා විය.

පියල් පසුව නන්දා ගෙන් සමාව ගත්තාය. ‘නන්දා මට සමාවෙන්න මා ඒ දේවල් කිව්වේ ඔයාට තියෙන ආදරය නිසා’ යයි ඔහු කීය. ඔහු සැමදා නන්දාට ආදරය කල බව කීය. නන්දා එයින් ප්‍රමෝදයට පත් විය.

ජිනදාස සිංහලේදී අන් කතක් බැඳ, කඩයක් කරගෙන, ඉතා සරුවෙන් සිටිනවා යන බොරුව නන්දාගේ පවුලට ප්‍රචාරය කලේ (අඩු කුලේ) පියල් විසින් විය නොහැකිද? පියල් එවිට සුවිසල් ධනපතියෙකි.

ජිනදාසට අවශ්‍ය වුයේ තම ස්වොත්සාහයෙන් උපයන ලද මුදලින් නන්දාට සැලකීමටය. ඔවුන් දෙදෙනාට දාව උපන් දරුවාද තිඹිරිගෙදරම මිය ගොස් තිබුණි.

නමුත්, ජිනදාසගේ සියළු උත්සහ, බලාපොරොත්තු  ව්‍යර්ථ විය. ඔහු තදබල ලෙස මැලේරියාවට ගොදුරු විය;  බොහෝ කාලයක් මැලේරියාවෙන් තදබල ලෙස පීඩා විඳීය. අවසානයේ ඔහු සිංහලේ රෝහලේ වාට්ටුවක්දී මියගියේ කාත් කවුරුවත් නැතිවය. රෝහලේ සේවකයන් සිතුවේ ඔහු යාචකයෙක් කියාය.

ජිනදාසගේ මානසිකත්වය කුමක් විය හැකිව තිබුනීද?

අප සමාජයේ ජිනදාසලා  මොනතරම් ප්‍රමාණයක් ඇද්ද?

ජිනදාසගෙන් සහ පියල්ගෙන් විද්‍යාමාන වන්නේ අප සමාජයේ ඇති කුරිරුභාවය  නොවේද?

මෙහිදී අපට නන්දාට දොස් පැවරිය නොහැක්කේ කාන්තාවක් ලෙස ඇය එදා සිටී තත්ත්වයත්, පියල් වැනි ධනපති  ‘රෞද්‍ර’ මිනිසෙකුගේ ග්‍රහණයට මුළු කයිසාරුවත්තේ පවුලම එවිට නතු වී තිබීමත්  නිසාය  (නන්දාගේ පියා  කයිසාරුවත්තේ මුහන්දිරම් එවිට මිය ගොසිනි).

C. Wijeyawickrema, LL.B., Ph.D

දැන හෝ නොදැන ලංකාවේ අගමැතිවරු/ජනාධිපතිවරු දමිළ බෙදුම්වාදයට ඉණිමං බැඳීම

ඇල්ලේ  ගුණවංශ හාමුදුරුවන් කියන, බුදු අම්මෝ නොව, <ඕ මයිගෝඩ් බෞද්ධයින්> විසින් දැන් කාලයේ නිතරම මතුරන්නේ දශරාජ ධර්මය, බෞද්ධ රාජ්‍ය පාලන ප්‍රතිපත්ති හා බුද්ධාගම රකිනවා යන ප්‍රලාපය!

The End of P!

ටැමිල්නාඩ් කොටි නායක නෙදුමරන් විසින් ප්‍රභාකරන් (P) ජීවත්ව සිටිනවා යයි කීමත්, ලංකාවේ කොළඹ වැල්ලවත්තේ ජීවත් වෙමින් ප්‍රභාකරන් මළ බවට ශාක්ෂියක් නැතැයි කියන ශිවාජිලිංගම් නම් හිටපු කොටි  මන්ත්‍රීත්, මහින්ද- රනිල්-සිරිසේන- චන්ද්‍රිකා යන හැම දෙනාටම කරන්නේ විහිළුකාර අභියෝගයකි. ඉන් හොඳටම අමාරුවේ වැටෙන්නේ රනිල් මහතාය. ඊට හේතුව ඔහු 13-A දෙන්නට කඩිමුඩියේ ක්‍රියාකරන්නට සිතුවේ ඔහුත්  නෙඩුමරන්ගේ කතාව (ආරංචිය) දන්නා නිසායයි ප්‍රභාකරන්ව දෙවියෙකුසේ සළකණ දෙමළ පිරිස් අතර මතයක් පැතිර යා හැකි හෙයිනි.

සොල්හයිම් ගේන P  අවතාරය

එරික් සොල්හයිම් ඇතුළු ප්‍රභාකරන්වාදීන් පිරිසක් (P crowd, where is Paskaralingam?) රනිල්ගේ සහායට කොළඹට ගෙන්වා ගැනීම/පැමිණීම මේ දූෂමාණ ප්‍රවෘතියට, කොටිවාදී දෙමළ ජන පිරිස්වල පැත්තෙන් බලනවිට ලොකු උත්තේජනයකි. ලංකාවේ දෙමළ ජන සංහාරක් සිදුවෙනවා යයි උතුරේ මහඇමතිවූ හැටියේ සිටම දිගින් දිගටමයෝජනා පාස් කල, දැන් අළුතෙන්ම සිංහලයා දෙමළාගෙන් බිහිවුනා යයි කෑගසන, විග්නේෂ්වරනුත්, රාසමානික්කම් කොල්ලා හා සුමන්තිරන් ගොයියාත් මොනවා හිතනවා වියහැකිද?

පුදුමයට කරුණ නම් රණවිරුවන් දහස් ගණනක් දිවිපිදූ 30 අවුරුදු යුද්ධයක් ජයගත් මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂත්, 13-A ට විරුද්ධව මාරාන්තික සටනක් කර 60,000 ක් ජීවිත බිලිදුන් අනුර කුමාරලාත් දැන් එකම් බෝට්ටුවේ සිට 13-A ගැන කරණ හොරගල් ඇහිලීමය. 13-A+ ට පක්ෂද නැද්ද ඉදිරියේ ගොළුවන් සේ හැසිරීමය. මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ ජනාධිපතිගේ අතීත ක්‍රියාකලාපය කුමක්ද?

*8. ජනාධිපති මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ (2005-2015)

2009 අප්‍රේල් වන විට ප්‍රභාකරන්ගෙන් මුදවා ගත් දෙමළ වැසියන් මහින්ද ජනාධිපතිට ඇමතුවේ මහරජාණනි අපිව බේරා ගන්න කියාය. චන්ද්‍රිකා ආණ්ඩුකාලයේ අගමැති වශයෙන් ඇගේ දේශ ද්‍රෝහි ක්‍රියාවලට අඩතියන්නට ඔහුට සිදු විය. උදාහරණයක් වශයෙන් PTOM, ISGA ජරමර පාර්ලිමේන්තුවට ඉදිරිපත් කරන්නට සිදුවූයේ ඔහුටය. ඔහු මේවා කරන්නේ අකමැත්තෙන් බව චන්ද්‍රිකා දැන සිටියාය. ඇය ඔහුට කබල් අමාත්‍යාංශ දුන්නත්, පල නොකියා පලා බෙදුවත්, දිමියෙකු මෙන් පක්ෂය විකා ගෙන කල් මැරීම ඔහුගේ උපාය මාර්ගය විය. ඔහු කැබිනට් රහස් ලීක් කරනවාය යනු චන්ද්‍රිකාගේ කල්පනාව විය. විරුද්ධ පක්ෂයේ නායක කම හා පසුව අගමැතිකම අනුරට දීම ඇගේ ආශාව විය. jvp කාරයින්ට ඕනැවුණේ එය කදිරගාමර්ට දෙන්නය. මෛත්‍රීපාල සේනානායකලා, කළුගල්ලලා මෙන්  ඔහු පක්ෂය අතහැර ගියේ නැත.

ජනාධිපති ධූර අපේක්ෂකයාවීම සඳහා කල සටනින් ඔහු දිණුවේය. එහෙත් ජනාධිපති චන්දයේදී ඇය හෝ අනුර ඔහුට චන්දය දුන්නාද යන්න පවා සැක සහිත වන්නේ ඔවුන් ඔහුගේ චන්ද රැස්වීමකටවත් නොගිය නිසාය. නූලෙන් බේරී චන්දය දිණූ ඔහුට පසුව මුහුණ දෙන්නට සිදුවූයේ මංගල සමරවීර හා අනුර යන ඇමතිලාගේ ප්‍රශ්ණය. චන්දයේදී මංගල ඔහුට උදව් කලේ අගමැතිකම දේවිය කියා සිතාය. අනුර කිව්වේ ඔහුට සීගිරි ලලනාවන් (පුරාවිද්‍යා ඇමතිකම) භාර දුන් බවය. විදේශ ඇමති වශයෙන් මංගල ක්‍රියාකලේ ඔහු පසු කාලයක යහපාලන ඇමතිවශයෙන් කල ජාති ද්‍රෝහී  ක්‍රියාවලට පුහුණු වෙන ආධුනිකයෙකු මෙන්ය (trainee).

මේ යුද්ධය නම් කවදාවත්ම දිණන්න බැ!

කොටි හිතවාදී ඇමෙරිකාවේ වසන මහාචාර්යවරයෙකුවූ H.L. සෙනෙවිරත්න 2005 මහින්ද-රනිල් ජනාධිපතිවරණය හැඳින්වූයේ ජාතික-ආර්ථික  දෙන්නෙකුගේ සටනක් ලෙසය. විදේශ බලවේග සිටියේ රනිල්ගේ, ආර්ථික පැත්තේය. ඉතාමත් සුළු බහුතරයකින් ජාතික මහින්ද චන්දය දිණුවේය.

චන්ද්‍රිකාගේ කාලයේ, රනිල්ගේ සටන් විරාම ගිවිසුම යටතේ රට කොටින්ගේ කෙළිබිමක් විය. උදාහරණයක් වශයෙන්  ඇය රූපවාහිනිය භාරදුන් කඩවසම් වසන්ත රාජා, හාමුදුරුවරුන්ගේ ගිලන් පසයට හැලි අරක්කු දමා අසුවූ බව කොලට් සේනානායක හා නාරද කරුණාතිලක විසින් මේ ගැන ලියූ පොතක සඳහන් කර ඇත. ජනාධිපති කාර්යාලයේ පියුන්ලා පවා කොටි ඔත්තුකරුවන්දැයි මහින්ද ජනාධිපති වරයාට විශ්වාස කළ නොහැකි විය.

දකුණු ඉන්දියාවද ඇතුළු ද්‍රවිඩ අධිරාජ්‍යය

මේ යුද්ධය දිණන්න පුළුවන් යයි කී එකම ඉහළ නිලධාරියා ගෝඨාභය පමණක් යයි පසුකාලයක එරික් සොල්හයිම් විසින් ලිව්වේය. ලලිත් ඇතුලත්මුදලිගේ යුද ප්ලැන සරත් ෆොන්සේකා විසින් ක්‍රියාවට නැඟුවේ මහින්ද-ගොඨාභය-බැසිල් දුන් දේශපාලන නායකත්වය යටතේය. 2005 ට පෙර රටේ සිටි පාලකයින්ට යුද්ධය හිඟන්නාගේ තුවාලයක් වැනිවූවා පමණක් නොව ඔවුන් P සමඟ love & hate සෙල්ලමක යෙදී සිටියේය. මෙසේ විදේශ න්‍යාය පත්‍ර උඩ P සමඟ හැංගිමුත්තන් සෙල්ලම් කරනවා වෙනුවට  සතුරා සමූල ඝාතනය කල යුතුය යන තීරණයකට  ඒමට මහින්දලාට සිදුවූයේ P විසින් මහින්ද පිටුපසින් සිටි ජාතික බලවේගය අවතක්සේරු කිරීම නිසාය. සාමදානයෙන් ගණුදෙනුව බේරා ගන්නට මහින්ද දැරූ උත්සාහය P අවඥාවෙන් බැහැර කලේය. ප්‍රේමදාස හා චන්ද්‍රිකා විසින් දෙවරක්ම උතුරු පලාත P ට බදු දීමට යෝජනා කලත් වෙනම රටක්, ටැමිල්නාඩ්ද ඇතුළු ද්‍රවිඩ අධිරාජ්‍යයක රජුවීම නමැති මුලාවෙන් P අන්ධ විය. මාවිල් ආරු ඇනිකට් එක වැසීම  එහි ප්‍රතිඵලයක් මෙන්ම P ගේ ගමනක අවසානයේ ආරම්භය විය.

බටහිර රාජ්‍ය පාලකයින්ට කල අපහාසය (humiliation by Gotabhaya)

යුද්ධකරන්නේ ලබ්බෙන්ද කියා මුලින් චම්පික රණවකට කඩාපැන්න මහින්දට P ගේ කෲර හැසිරීම ඉදිරියේ නැඟ ආ සිංහල බෞද්ධ මහජන බලවේගයට හිස නැමීමට සිදුවිය. P ට අත්වූ ඉරණම බටහිර දේශපාලන නායකයින්ට අදහා ගත නොහැකිවිය. ඔහුව ගලවාගෙන යාමට බ්‍රිතාන්‍ය හා ප්‍රංශ විදේශ ලේකම්ලා දෙන්නා, හිලරි ක්ලින්ටන් සමඟ කල කුමණ්ත්‍රනය (ඇමෙරිකන් යුද නැවක් ත්‍රිකුණාමළය අසල රඳවා) ගෝඨාභය විසින් ඔවුන්ට දරුණු අපහාසයක්, හීනමානයක් දණවමින් බකල් කලේය. වියට්නාම් පරාජයෙන් පසු මෙවැනි අපහාසයක් බටහිර රටකට සිදුවූයේ නැත. මහින්ද-ගෝඨාභය දෙන්නාගෙන් පලිගැනීම බටහිර න්‍යායපත්‍රයවූයේ මේ නිසාය. දැන් කැනඩාව ඔවුන්ට කරන කෙනෙහිලිකම්  වලට හේතුවද මෙයය.

ඕස්ට්‍රේලියාවේ වසන මයිකල් රොබට්ස් විසින් ලංකාවෙබ් වෙබ් අඩවියට එවූ ලිපියක P ගේ විනාශය ගැන අළුත් යයි සිතන ආචාර්ය උපාධි මතයක්  සඳහන් කර ඇත. ඒ අනුව P පැරදුනේ යුද හමුදාවේ බල පරාක්‍රමය නිසා නොව P ගේ ගොන්කම නිසාය. මෙවැනි බටහිර  අය ලංකාවේ රණවිරුවන්ට  නිසි අගයක් දීමට අකමැතිය (THE SRI LANKAN INSURGENCY: A REBALANCING OF THE ORTHODOX POSITION A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Peter Stafford Roberts Department of Politics and History, Brunel University April 2016).

දයාන් ජයතිලක රණවිරුවන් පාවා දීම

ඉන්දියන් අගමැති මන්මෝහන් සිං, බැන්කිමූන් මේ සඳහා ඉදිරිපත්වූ අය වුන අතර මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ එම උගුලට අසුවිය. පසුව සරත් ෆොන්සේකා ඊට සහභාගීකර ගැනීමට තානාපති රොබට් බ්ලේක් සමත්විය. යුද්ධයෙන් පසු සාමය කළමනාකරණය කර ගැනීමට අසමත්වීම (mismanagement) මහින්ද ජනාධිපති බෙදුම්වාදයට දුන් රුකුලක් විය. ඔහු විසින් දයාන් ජයතිලකට රැවටී  යුද ජයග්‍රහණය කෙළෙසා ගත්තේය. මේ යුද්ධය නම් කවදාවත් දිණන්න බැ කියූ ක්‍රිස්තියානි මාක්ස්වාදී කළු සුද්දෙක් 2009 මැයි 18 දා P පරදා සති  දෙක තුනකින් පසු ජිනීවා ගොස් 13-A + දෙනවා යයි පොරොන්දුවීම 2002 රනිල්ගේ CFA පාවා දීම හා 2015 මංගල සමරවීරගේ ලංකාවේ යුද අපරාධ සිදුවූවා යයි පිලිගැනීම වැනිම රට පාවා දීමකි.  දැන් 2023 වනවිට 2009 මයි 18 දා යුද්ධය පැරදුනා හා සමානය.

යුද්ධය දිනා ගැනීමට දායකවූ හාමුදුරුවරුන්ගේද සහාය ලබාගෙන උතුරේ අහිංසක ජනයාගේ අභිවෘධිය සඳහා ඔහු විසින් ක්‍රියාකල යුතුව තිබුණේය. පාරවල් වෙනුවට ලිං, පාසැල්, වැසිකිලි, රක්ෂා ආදිය කුල භේදය නිසා පීඩා විඳි සියේට 60 ක් පමණ ජනතාවට ලබා දිය යුතුව තිබුණි. පසුකාලයක යුද හමුදාවේ රත්නප්‍රිය වැනි නිලධාරීන් මෙම ජනයාගේ සිත් දිනාගත් ආකාරයෙන් එවැනි වැඩපිලිවෙලක් මුල සිටම ආරම්භ කලා නම් යුද තුවාල සුවකිරීමට මහත්සේ උපකාර වන්නේය.

බිම් බෝම්බ ඉවත් කිරීමේ පාත් ෆයින්ඩර් කොන්ත්‍රාත් එක මෙන් ගමේ අභිවෘධියටත් ක්‍රියා නොකලේ ඇයි? 1930 ස් ගණන් වල සිටම පහත් කුලවල යයි සැළකූ ජනයා සිටින ගම්මාන පාරක්, වැසිකිළියක් වත් නොදමා නොසළකා හැරීම අදටත් කෙරී ගෙන යන ආකාරය යාපනේ චේගුවේරා වැනි අරුන් සිද්ධාර්ථන් විසින් පෙන්වා දේ.  යුදහමුදාව උතුර අල්ලා ගත් පසු දුටු දෙයක් නම් උතුරට ඩොලර් ආධාර ලබාගත් දෙස් විදෙස් ngo කාරයින් කිසිම සංවර්ධනයක් කර නැති බවය!

විග්නේශ්වරන්ගේ දෙමළ ජෙනෝසයිඩ් කතාව

තමන් වටා ඉන්නා සතුරන් ගෙන් ගැලවීම වෙනුවට ඔහු නැවතත් කලේ දයාන් ජයතිලකගේ මිත්‍ර මධ්‍යස්ථ දමිළමාක්ස්වාදී විග්නේශ්වරන්ට බන්දේසියක තබා උතුරු පලාත භාරදීමය. උපතේ සිටම කොළඹින් සියළුම දේ ලබාගත් විග්නේශ්වරන් සිය තනතුර භාරගෙන ප්‍රථමයෙන්ම කලේ සිංහල ආණ්ඩු දෙමළ සමූල ඝාතනයක් කරනවා යයි යෝජනා පාස් කර ජීනිවා යැවීමය! තම පුතුන් දෙන්නාම සිංහල ස්ත්‍රීන් හා විවාහවී සිටිනා විග්නේශ්වරන්ගේ ජෙනෝෂයිඩ් කතාව සමානකල හැක්කේ හිට්ලර්ගේ පුත්තු දෙන්නෙක් යුදෙව් ස්ත්‍රීන් දෙන්නෙක් හා විවාහවූවා  වැනි කතාවකටය. බොරු සිරිසංඝබෝ ලා ලෙස ක්‍රියාකරන්නට ගොස් ප්‍රේමදාස හා චන්ද්‍රිකා පිළිවෙලින් ජීවිතය හා ඇසක් නැතිකර ගත්තේය. ප්‍රජාතන්ත්‍රවාදී වෙස්සන්තර කෙනෙක් වෙන්නට ගොස් මහින්ද රට අමාරුවේ දැම්මේය. දැන් 2023 දී ඔහු 13-A+  සම්බන්ධයෙන් අන්ද මන්දව හැසිරීමට සිදුවී තිබීම ඓතිහාසික ඛේදජනක යකි.

*9. ජනාධිපති මෛත්‍රීපාල සිරිසේන (2015-2019)

ඔහුගේ කාලයේදී සිදුවූයේ අසාද් සාලිට ආණ්ඩුකාරකමක් දීමත්, ස්ත්‍රීන් දෙන්නෙක් දෙපැත්තෙන් තබාගෙන නිදහස් උත්සවයට ඒමට ඉඩදීමත්ය. ජාතික ගීය දෙමළෙන් ගයන්නට දීමෙන් සිදුවූයේ තිබෙන සංහිඳියාවත් බකල්වී යාමය. මේ නිසා දැන් උතුරේ එය දෙමළෙන් පමණක් කියන අතර දකුණේ භාෂා දෙකෙන්ම කියැවේ. ඔහුගේ කාලයේ සිදුවූ තවත් දෙයක් නම් චන්ද්‍රිකාගේ නීලන්-ජී එල් පැකේජ් ඩීල් හෙවත් රට රාජ්‍ය ප්‍රදේශ 10 කට බෙදන පෙඩරල් ජරමරය, ඔරුමිත්ත්නාඩු වශයෙන් නැවත ඉපදීමය. මේවා ගැන කිසිම දැනුමක්, අවභෝධයක් ඔහුට නොවීය.

*10. ජනාධිපති ගෝඨාභය රාජපක්ෂ (2019-2022)

ඔහු බෝන් අගේන්කාරයින්ගේ හා ඇමෙරිකන් තානපතිනියගේ ගොඳුරක් බවට පත්වූයේ ඔහුගේ විහින්මය. ගඩාෆිට අත්වූ ඉරණමෙන් ඔහු බේරුණේ ඔහු P ගෙන් රටබේරා ගැනීමට කල කැපවීම හා පින නිසාය. බොදු බල සේනා සංවිධානයේ ගලබොඩ අත්තේ ඥානසාර හිමියන්ගේ නායකත්වයෙන් එක රටක් එක නීතියක් කාර්ය සාධක බලකායක් පත් කිර්‍රිම, නැඟෙනහිර පලාත් ආණ්ඩුකාරයා ලෙස අනුරාධා යහම්පත් පත්කිරීම, නැඟෙනහිරට පුරාවිද්‍යා කාර්යසාධක බලකායක් පත්කිරීම බෙදුම්වාදීන් ඔහුට විරුද්ධව නැඟීසිටීමට හේතුවිය.

*11. අගමැති /ජනාධිපති රනිල් වික්‍රමසිංහ (1993/2001/2015/2018/2022->)

රනිල් මැතිඳුන් දෙමළ බෙදුම්වාදයට කර ගැසු අන්දම ඔහුගේ ජුගුබ්සාජනක හැසිරීම හා ගැටගැසුණ රටේ ඛේදවාචකයකි. උදාහරණයක් වශයෙන්, කැළණියේ පන්සලේ ප්‍රධාන දායකයා වශයෙන් ඉන්නා ගමන්ම ඔහු ලෝක ක්‍රිස්තියානි ඩිමොක්ක්‍රැටික් සංගමයේ ආසියානු ශාඛාවේ උපසභාපති විය. අන්තිමේදී දායක සභාවෙන් ඔහුව ඉවත් කරණ ලදී. පොසොන් කියන්නේ ලංකාවට සිදුවූ ප්‍රථම ආක්‍රමණය යයි කියන ගමන්ම ලිච්චවි පාලනයක්, අංගුලිමාල දමණයක් හා චතුරාර්ය සත්‍යය ගැන අදහස් ප්‍රකාශ කරයි. ඔහුගේ මව බෞද්ධ විජේවර්ධන පවුලේ දානපතිනියක්වීමත්, පියා ක්‍රිස්තියානි මාක්ස්වාදියෙක්වීමත් නිසා ඔහු දෙලොවක් අතර අතරමංවූවෙක් වූවා විය හැකිය

අරුම පුදුම ලෙස රටේ ජනාධිපතිවන්නේ පරණ පව් සෝදාගත් පංචස්කන්ධයක් යයි බුදු අම්මෝ බෞද්ධයින් තුල තිබූ බලාපොරොත්තුව  සුන්වී ගියාසේය. 13-A+ නමැති සර්පයා තම කලිසම් සාක්කුවේ දමා ගත්තේ මොන කරුමයකටද කියා සිතෙන්නේ ඔහුගේ දේශපාලන ඉතිහාසය දෙස බලන විටය. රට කැබලි කිරීමේ තරඟයක ඔහුත් චන්ද්‍රිකාත් නියැලී සිටින අතර චන්ද්‍රිකා පරදවා ජය ගැනීම ඔහුගේ ව්‍යායාමය  විය හැකිය. එහි ඓතිහාසික වාර්තාව මෙසේය:

*a. 13-A ට විරුද්ධව jvp කාරයින් ගෙනගිය සටන විජේවීරගේ පන්ති පහෙන් එකක්වූ ඉන්දියානු ව්‍යාපත්වාදයට සම්බන්ධය. ඒ අනුව JRJ කල මර්ධන වැඩ පිළිවෙලේදී රනිල්ගේ නම ගැවෙන්නේ බටලන්ද වධකාගාරය හා ඒ ගැන පත්කල කොමිෂන් වාර්තාවෙන්ය.

60,000 ක් පමණ තරුණ ජීවිත නැතිවූයේ unp-jvp දෙපැත්තේම වරදින්ය. හිට්ලර් යුදෙව්වන් ඝාතනය කිරීමෙන් ලොවට නැතිවූ බුද්ධි සංචිතය අති විශාලයයි සැළකේ. එවැනි දෙයක් ලංකාවේ සිංහල තරුණයින්ට දෙවරක්ම සිදුවිය. මියගිය අය බොහෝ විට අවංකවම රට ජාතිය වෙනුවෙන් කැපවූ අයය. හොරු පණ බේරාගත්තේය. ඉන් සමහරු පසුව මහාචාර්යවරු විය.

*b. JRJ ජීවත්ව සිටියදී රනිල්ට බෙදුම්වාදය ගැන හොට දමන්නට ඉඩක් නොතිබුණේ ලලිත් ඇතුලත් මුදලි, ගාමිණී දිසානායකලා බලවත් ඇමතිවරුන්වූ නිසාය. ඔහුට මඟ පැදුණේ ඔවුන්ගේ හා ප්‍රේමදාසගේ ඝාතනවලට පසුව ඇතිවූ හිඩැස නිසාය.

*c. 1994-2000 චන්ද්‍රිකාගේ පැකේජ් ඩීල් ජරමරයට රනිල් එකඟවිය. ඒ අනුව විධායක ජනාධිපති තනතුර අහෝසි කර විධායක අගමැති කෙනෙක් හා රට union of regions වලට බෙදීමට නියමිතව තිබුණි. අන්තිම මොහොතේදී චන්ද්‍රිකා අගමැති තනතුර තමන්ට තබාගන්නට සූදානම්වීම නිසා රනිල් පැකේජ් ඩීල් එකට පාර්ලිමේන්තු සභා ගර්භය තුල  ගින්දර තැබුවේය. විධායක ජනාධිපති ධූරය අහෝසිකරනවා නම් ඒ සමඟ 13- A ද ඉවත් නොකලොත් රට කැඩීයාම සිදුවන බව මොවුන් දෙන්නාම දැන සිටියේය.

*d. 2001 පාර්ලිමේන්තු මතිවරණයෙන් පසු නැවත වරක් අගමැතිවූ රනිල් චන්ද්‍රිකා සමගත්, රට සමඟත් ගැටුමක් ආරම්භ කලේය.

2002 ජනවාරි 2 දා මිලේනියම් සිටි නිවාස සංකීර්ණයට කල පොලිස් කඩා පැනීම මඟින්, සතුරාගේ භූමියට ඇතුළුව ඒ වනවිට සාර්ථක ලෙස සතුරා බියට පත් කරමින් සිටි යුද හමුදාවේ රහස් දුර විහිදුම් බල ඇනිය රනිල් විසින් P ට පාවා දෙනලදී. පසුව P විසින් ඊට සහභාගීවූ නිලධාරින් එකින් එකා කොළඹටම පැමිණ ඝාතනය කරණ ලද්දේ CFA යටතේ රටපුරාම නිදැල්ලේ හැසිරීමට P ගේ ඔත්තුකරුවන්ට ඉඩ ලබාදීම නිසාය.

Millennium City incident – Wikipedia

2002 CFA කොන්දේසි අනුව යුද හමුදාවට උතුර නැගෙනහිරදී බැරැක්ක තුලටවී සිටිය යුතුවූ අතර P ගේ පිරිස් වලට දේශපාලන කටයුතු සඳහා රටේ ඕනැම තැනක නිදැල්ලේ හැසිරිය හැකිය. මෙය ලෝකයේ පුදුම පාවාදීමක් ලෙස යුද වාර්තාකරු පෝල් හැරිස් විසින් ලොවට එලිකලේ මේ නිසාය.

2002 පෙබරවාරි 22 දින රනිල් අගමැති, චන්ද්‍රිකා ජනාධිපතිටහ් නොදන්වා එරික් සොල්හයිම් ගෙනා කොළයකට එය කියවන්නේ වත් නැතිව අත්සන් කර P සමඟ සටන් විරාමයකට ආවේය. මෙම CFA ගිවිසුම ලෝකයේ මහා පාවාදීමක් (greatest give away) ලෙස ස්කොට් ජාතික පෝල් හැරිස් විසින් නම් කරණ ලදී. මේ නිසා ඇන්ටන් බාලසිංහම්ගේ ඉල්ලීම මත පෝල්ට ලංකාවේ පදිංචිවීමට නොහැකිවන ලෙස ඔහුව රටින් නෙරපීමට විදේශ අමාත්‍යව සිටි G.L පීරිස් ක්‍රියාකලේය.

LankaWeb – Crimes and sins of the Englishman Paul Harris

*e. චන්ද්‍රිකා හා රනිල්ගේ මෙම පෙඩරල් සමය තුල වැඩේ කරටම ගෙන ක්‍රියාකලේ විදේශ ඇමති G.L. පීරිස්ය. 2002 දෙසැම්බර් ඔස්ලෝ ප්‍රකාශණයට අනුව LTTE සංවිධානය පෙඩරල් ක්‍රමයකට එකඟවූ බවත්, එය ඒකීය රාජ්‍යයක් වෙනුවට පිළිගත් <පැරඩයිම් චේන්ජ්> එකක් බවත් පීරිස් පැවසුවේ, කොටි න්‍යායාචාරී බාලසිංහම්ට කොළඹදී හිස් එක්සලන්සි (His Excellency) යයි අමතමින්ය. එහෙත් P එය ප්‍රතික්ෂේප කලේය.

*f. රනිල් අගමැති විසින් නෝර්වේ ලණුව ගිලගෙන රට අමාරුවේ දානවායයි තීරණයකල චන්ද්‍රිකා, 2003 නොවැම්බර් මාසේ මුල අගමැති රනිල් රටින් පිට සිටියදී ඔහුගේ ඇමතිධූර  සිය  යටතට පවරා ගත්තේය

*g. 2004 කරුණා අම්මාන් සිය පණ බේරාගෙන දකුණට පැනයාමත් සමඟ P වියරු හා සිහිවිකල් භාවයකට පත්වූවා සේය. උපුල් විජයවර්ධන විසින් අයිලන්ඩ් පුවත් පතට ලියූ ලිපියකින් පෙන්වා දුන්නේ කරුණා අම්මාන් P ගෙන් කඩා වෙන්වී යාම වලක්වන ලෙස රනිල් නෝර්වේ කාරයින්ගෙන් ඉල්ලා සිටි බවය! මෙය සිදුවූවා නම් P කරුණාව ඝාතනය කර දමන්නේය.

*h. ඉන් පසුව උදාවූයේ රනිල්-GL වෙනුවට චන්ද්‍රිකා කරගැසූ, ISGA (Oct 2003), P-TOMS (June 2005) යන P ගේ යකාගේ කතාය. රටක නායකයෙකුට රෙද්දක් (සාරියක්) ඇඳගෙන මේවා අනුමතකල නොහැකි වුනත් ඇය මහින්ද ලවා ඒවා පාර්ලිමේන්තුවටද දැම්මේය. ඇමෙරිකාව පවා මේ  ISGA යෝජනාව පිස්සු කතාවක් ලෙස සැළකුවේය. මේ අළුත් උද්දච්ච යෝජනා අනුව 1985 දී JRJ විසින් ප්‍රතික්ෂේප කල තිම්පු යෝජනා බෙදුම්වාදය අඳුරේ දණ ගානවා වැනිය. ISGA සංදේශයට අනුව එය 1815 කන්ද උඩරට ගිවිසුම මෙන් උතුරු නැඟෙනහිර P ට භාරදීමකි. P-TOMS යෝජනාවට අනුව ෂුනාමි සහනාධාර ඩොලර් පාලනය සහමුලින්ම P ගේ අතට පත්වේ.

මෙම අකලංචි ඉදිරියේ රනිල් හොරගල් අහුලමින් ජනාධිපතිවරණයක් ගැන සිහින මවමින් සිටියත් JVP එක උසාවියට ගියේ මේවා රටේ ඒකීය භාවයට විරුද්ධබව පෙන්වා දෙමින්ය. අන්තිමේදී ඔවුන් ආණ්ඩුවෙන් ඉවත් විය.

 Sri Lanka’s top court blocks sections of tsunami aid deal between government, rebels – Sri Lanka | ReliefWeb

*i. 2005 චන්දයෙන් පැරදුනදා සිටම රනිල් ක්‍රියාකලේ ආණ්ඩුවේ යුද කටයුතු අඩපණ කිරීමේ අරමුණෙන්ය. ලංකාවට යුද ආධාර නොදෙන ලෙස ඔහු විදේ රටවලින් ඉල්ලා සිටියේය. අන්තිමේදී ආණ්ඩුවට ඉතිරිවූයේ චීනය පමණය.  ඔහුත් ඔහුගේ ගෝලබාලයනුත් යුද හමුදාවට නින්දා අපහාස කලේය. සල්ලි තියෙනවානම්  ඕනැම ගොනෙකුට යුද්ධ දිණන්න පුළුවන් යයි කිරිඇල්ලේ පැවසුවේය.

යුද හමුදාපති සැල්වේශන් ආමි එකේ ලොක්කා වැනිය,  කිළිනොච්චි කියා මැදවච්චි යනවා, අලිමංකඩ කියා පාමංකඩ යනවා යනු රවි කරුනානායකගේ කතාය. තොප්පිගල කියන්නේ කැලයක් යන රනිල්ගේ කියමන මේවායින් හොඳම එකය. විරුද්ධපක්ෂයේ මේ ක්‍රියාකලාපය  ගැන කළකිරුණු කරු ජයසූරිය ඇතුළු කණ්ඩායමක් ආණ්ඩුවට සහයෝගය දීමට තීරණය කලේය.

*j. යුද්ධයට විරුද්ධව කල ද්‍රෝහී ක්‍රියා නිසා තමන්ට නැවතත් චන්දයකින් ජනාධිපති වෙන්නට නොහැකි බව දත් රනිල්, 2010 දී සරත් ෆොන්සේකා ඉදිරියට ගෙනාවේ ඇමෙරිකන් හා බටහිර ඩොලර් ආධාරද සමඟය. P ව විනාශකල හිටපු හමුදාපති සරත්ට උතුරේ TNA කාරයින් පවා චන්දය දුන්නේය.

ඇමෙරිකන් ක්‍රමයට අනුව සිතන විට, ෆොන්සේකා දිණුවානම් හමුදා කුමන්ත්‍රණයකින් ඔහු ඉවත් කොට රනිල්ට රටභාරදීම සිදුවන්නට හොඳටම ඉඩ තිබුණු බව පෙනෙන්නේ 2015 න් පසු සිරිසේන ජනාධිපතිව පඹයෙක් කල ආකාරය ගැන සිතන විටය.  ෆොන්සේකාව දමණය කිරීම එතරම් පහසුවන්නේ නැත. චන්දය දිණු පසු සිරිසේන මහතා රනිල්ට දිගටම සර් කියන්නදැයි රනිල්ගෙන් ඇසුවේය. එහෙත් චන්ද ප්‍රතිපල එන්නටත් කලින් ෆොන්සේකාව මුණ ගැසීමට රනිල්ට හෝටලයේ පෝලිමේ ඉන්නට සිදුවිය!

*k. 2015 යහපාලන මරාලය යටතේ මහබැංකුව කැඩුවා මෙන්ම සිදුවූ විශාලම පාවාදීම නම් සිරිසේන ජනාධිපතිටත් හොරෙන් මංගල සමරවීර ජිනීවා ගොස් ඇමෙරිකන්-බටහිර යුද අපරාධ යෝජනාව පිලි ගැනීමය. මේ නිසා රුසියාව, චීනය වැනි රටවලට පවා ලංකාව වෙනුවෙන් කල හැකි දෙයක් නොවීය.මෙවැනි දේවල් සිදුවෙන ලෝකයේ එකම රට ලංකාවය. රාජපක්ෂලාගෙන් පලිගන්නට රට පාවාදුන්නේය. 2019 ගෝඨාභය රජය එය ප්‍රතික්ෂේප කලත් හානිය වී හමාරය. එය දයාන් ජයතිලක 2009 මැයි මස ජීනීව ගොස් කල හානියට සමානය.

*l. රනිල්-සුමන්තිරන් ගෙනා ඔරුමිත්ත්නාඩු හුටපටය චන්ද්‍රිකාගේ 2000 නීලන්-GL පෙඩරල් ප්ලෑනමය. එහෙත් එයට කෙලින්ම ඔහුගේ නම ගාවන්නට ඔහු කැමති නොවීය. සිරිසේන ජනාධිපති විසින් යහපාලන බොම්බයක් දමා රනිල් අගමැති කමෙන් ඉවත් නොකරන්නට ඔරුමිත්තනාඩුව රටේ ව්‍යවස්ථාව වෙන්නට ඉඩ තිබුණේය.

මෙය මෙම ලිපි පෙලේ අවසාන ලිපියය. මේවා ඇත්තවශයෙන්ම ලිපි නොව ඉතිහාසය පිළිඹඳ වාර්තාය. සිංහල කතාකරණ පරම්පරාවල දැනගැනීම සඳහා  අපක්ෂපාතීව, ප්‍රසිද්ධ වාර්තාවලින් ගත් සත්‍ය තොරතුරු මෙහි අඩංගුය. 13-A+ ගැන රනිල් ජනාධිපති නටන නාඩගම තේරුම් ගැනීමට මෙම වාර්තා උපකාර වේවි යනු මගේ බලාපොරොත්තුවය. දේශපාලක හා ngo නඩ මේ වේලාවේ පලාත් පාලන චන්දයක් ඉල්ලන්නේ රට ගැන සිතා නොව ඔවුන්ගේ හොද්ද බොරකර ගන්නට අවස්ථාවක් ඇතැයි සිතාය. ඒ වෙනුවට ඔවුන් කලයුතු 13-A ට විරුද්ධවීමත් රටතුල වගා සංග්‍රාම යනාදිය (දෙවන ලෝක යුද්ධය කාලයේ මෙන්) ගෙවතු මට්ටමින් දියත් කිරීමය. රටේ පන්සල් හා හාමුදුරුවරු පක්ෂ භේද පසෙකට දමා ඊට නායකත්වය දිය යුතුය.

1949 සිටම රටබෙදීම කොළඹ ක්‍රිස්තියානි දෙමළ කල්ලියකගේ ව්‍යාපාරයක් විය. එයට සියේට 60 ක් පමණවන වෙල්ලාල නොවන ජනයා පමණක් නොව අනිකුත් දෙමළ ජනයාගේද සහායක් නැත. මේ බව 2018 දී ගෝඨාභයට යාපනෙන් ලැබුණ චන්ද ප්‍රමාණයෙන් එලිවිය. කාටවත් චන්දය නොදැමූ පිරිසද විශාලය. යාපනේ චේ ගුවේරා වැනි අරුන් සිද්ධාර්ථන්, සම්බන්ධන්, රාසමානික්කම්, සුමන්තිරන්, පොන්නම්බලම්ලාට බලවත් අභියෝගයක්ව පවතී. සිංහල ඕ මයිගෝඩ් බෞද්ධ දේශපාලකයින් වෙනුවට හාමුදුරුවරු යාපනයට ගොස් පෙදුරුතුඩුව හා දෙවුන්දර තුඩුව  යාකල යුතුය. දැනට කැනඩාවේ වසන චන්ද්‍රේ ධර්මවර්ධන, විද්යෝදය හිටපු උපකුලපති වරයා විසින් පෙන්වා දෙන අයුරු ජපානයේ මෙන් විදුලි දුම්-රිය කින් යාපනය හා කොළඹ/ගාල්ල පැය දෙකතුනකින් යා කල හැකිය. සිංහල-දෙමළ-ඉංග්‍රිසි භාෂා ක්ෂණික  පරිවර්තන සෙල්ෆෝන් හරහා කරගත හැකිය. How can you unite by dividing!

නීතියේ සිංහල නුගමුල” ෆීනික්ස් නීති සාර සංග්‍රහය

ශ්‍රී ලංකාව නිදහස් ස්වෛරී ජනරජයක් වූ 1972 සිට පැවති සිංහල භාෂාවෙන් නීති අධ්‍යාපනය ලැබීමේ අයිතිය කළ සංස්ථාගත නීති අධ්‍යාපන සභාවේ 2020.12.30 අංක 2208/13 අතිවිශෙෂ ගැසට් පත්‍රය මගින් අගවිනිසුරු ඇතුලු පහත දැක්වෙන සාමාජිකයන් විසින් අහිමි කර ඇ
1) ගරු ජයන්ත ජයසූරිය  (අගවිනිසුරු, ජනාධිපති නීතීඥ)
2) ගරු ඩී. ද ලිවේරා (නීතිපති)
3) ගරු බී.පී. අලුවිහාරෙ (ජනාධිපති නීතීඥ)
4) ගරු කේ. සිසිර ආබෲ
5) එම්. එම්.පී. කේ.මායාදුන්නේ මහතා (ලේකම්,අධිකරණ අමාත්‍යාංශය)
6) සන්ජේ රාජරත්නම් මහතා (වැඩබලන සොලිසිටර් ජනරාල්, ජනාධිපති නීතීඥ)
7) ප්‍රශාන්ත ලාල් ද අල්විස් මහතා (ජනාධිපති නීතීඥ)
8) මහාචාර්ය වී. ටී. තමිල්මාරන්
9) ප්‍රියන්ත නවාන මහතා (ජනාධිපති නීතීඥ)
10) කේ. නවරත්න මහතා
11) කේ. ඉන්ද්‍රතිස්ස මහතා (ජනාධිපති නීතීඥ)
12) තිසත් විජේගුණවර්ධන මහතා (ජනාධිපති නීතීඥ)
13) ධම්මික දසනායක මහතා
14) Ms සාවිත්‍රි විජේසේකර
Ms ඉන්දිරා සමරසිංහ (ජනාධිපති නීතීඥ, විදුහල්පති, ලේඛකාධිකාරී (සංස්ථාගත නීති අධ්‍යාපන සභාව

එමෙන්ම එකී සංස්ථාගත නීති අධ්‍යාපන සභාවේ 2020.12.30 අංක 2208/13 අතිවිශෙෂ ගැසට් පත්‍රයේ 2වන වගන්තියේ දැක්වෙන්නේ ශ්‍රී ලංකා නීති විද්‍යාලයේ ප්‍රවේශ විභාගය විභාග දෙපාර්තමේන්තුව විසින් පැවැත්විය යුතු බවයි.

“ගහෙන් වැටුනු එකාට ගොනා ඇන්නා සේ” එකී ගැසට් පත්‍රයේ විධිවිධාන පවා කඩ කරමින් සංස්ථාගත නීති අධ්‍යාපන සභාව ක්‍රියා කර ඇති බවට පොලීසියට පැමිණිලි කර ඇති බව මාධ්‍යයේ දැක් වේ. එසේ තමන්ම නීති පනවාගෙන එකී නීති උල්ලංඝනය කරන්නේ නම් අගවිනිසුරු ඇතුලු සංස්ථාගත නීති අධ්‍යාපන සභාවේ සාමාජිකයන් සහ ශ්‍රී ලංකා නීති විද්‍යාලයේ විදුහල්පති දණ්ඩ නීති සංග්‍රහයේ 289 වගන්තිය යටතේ වැරදි සිදු කරයි. මේ සම්බන්ධයෙන් නීතීඥවරයෙකු ඇතුලු තවත් කිහිප දෙනෙකු කෙසෙල්වත්ත පොලීසියට පැමිණිලි කර ඇත.

ඒ සම්බන්ධයෙන් පොලීසියට නිහඬව සිටිය නොහැකිය.

අගවිනිසුරු භූමිකාව අධිකරණ කාර්යයක් වන අතර සංස්ථාගත නීති අධ්‍යාපන සභාවේද අගවිනිසුරුවරයාට අසුන් ගැනීමට පාර්ලිමේන්තුව අවස්ථාව සළසා දී ඇති අතර එහිදී අගවිනිසුරුවරයා විධායකයේ රාජකාරී කරන්නෙකු බවට පත් වෙයි.

විධායක පුටුවල වාඩි වී තමන්ම නීති පනවාගෙන ඒ නීති කඩමින් තමන්ගේ අධිකරණ මගින් විනිශ්චය කර ගැනීමට අගවිනිසුරුට මෙහිදී අවස්ථාව ලැබේ.

“තමන්ගේ නඩුව තමන් නොඇසීම” නිසි ක්‍රියාදාමයේ නෛසර්ගික ලක්ෂණයකි. මෙහිදී අගවිනිසුරු සම්බන්ධයෙන් එය පැහැදිලිවම උල්ලංඝනය වෙයි. මෙවැනි අවස්ථාවලදී අයුක්තියට පත් වන්නෝ බලවත් අසාධාරණයට ලක් වේ.

මෙවැනි තත්ත්වයන්ට ඉඩ දීම, නීතියේ ගැටුම් නිර්මාණය කිරීම ගැන අධිකරණ ඇමති සහ පාර්ලිමේන්තුව ලැජ්ජා විය යුතුය….!

“නීතියේ සිංහල නුගමුල” ෆීනික්ස් නීති සාර සංග්‍රහය. දුරකථන 0342256066, 0342256067, 0712063394.

විධායක පුටුවල වාඩි වී නීති අධ්‍යාපනය ගැන තමන්ම නීති පනවාගෙන ඒ නීති කඩමින් තමන්ගේ අධිකරණ මගින් විනිශ්චය කර ගැනීමට අගවිනිසුරුට ඉඩ දීම ගැන අධිකරණ ඇමති සහ පාර්ලිමේන්තුව ලැජ්ජා විය යුතුය….!
http://neethiyalk.blogspot.com/2023/02/blog-post_18.html?m=1

Courtesy The South China Morning Post

To secure the bailout, the government is having to pursue economic reforms and tighten purse strings when inflation and recession are already making lives difficultYet reforms are necessary to restore – and restore confidence in – the economy in the long term.

Sri Lanka remains in the throes of an economic crisis, but there are signs of a silver lining and a possibility the island-state may have put the worst behind it. Its Paris Club creditors have finally provided the financing assurances that bring Sri Lanka one step closer to obtaining funding approval from the executive board of the International Monetary Fund for a US$2.9 billion bailout.

This comes after India also provided financing assurances to the IMF last month, while the Export-Import Bank of China offered a 24-month moratorium on Sri Lanka’s debt and pledged to provide the Sri Lankan government with the support it needs to secure the bailout.

The situation seems a far cry from last April, when Sri Lanka defaulted on its foreign debt for the first time. What followed was uncertainty, as thousands took to the streets in political protests that resulted in a democratic and governance crisis. Through the protests, the scale of the mismanagement of state resources and questionable economic policymaking were laid bare.

Since then, Sri Lanka’s new government – led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe – has worked tirelessly to bring the country back from the precipice. It looks like it is succeeding.

Following the Sri Lankan government’s decision to suspend foreign debt payments, efforts have intensified to put in place a debt sustainability programme to support the economy. At the time of the default, the country’s debt was estimated to stand at US$101 billion.

Last September, Sri Lanka secured an IMF agreement for a four-year programme of financial help amounting to US$2.9 billion. The programme seeks to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability in the country, and to implement structural reforms that will hopefully help unlock growth.

Members of state trade unions at a protest against new taxes in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 8. Photo: EPA-EFE

Funding from the IMF is contingent on actions and financing assurances from bilateral creditors, and in recent weeks there have been breakthroughs on that front.

President Wickremesinghe called 2023 a critical year” for Sri Lanka’s economy. He couldn’t have put it any better.

Restoring macroeconomic stability will be a long and arduous task – particularly as it needs to tighten its purse strings when more public spending is a necessity. Given the way things are in Sri Lanka, a tightening of government expenditure will make recovery more difficult in the short term.

Yet reforms are necessary to restore confidence in the economy and obtain external support in the short to medium term, as well as to draw foreign direct investments in the medium to long term.

In essence, most of the reforms are targeted at reducing state expenditure and increasing fiscal revenue to close the financing gap. As part of this process, the government has published a bill to increase revenue collection from taxes – this includes reducing the personal income tax exemption threshold and increasing the corporate tax rate, besides increasing the value-added tax.

IMF agrees to bail Sri Lanka out with US$2.9 billion conditional package

In its attempt to meet IMF requirements, the government also plans to relax labour laws and privatise public assets. It has raised power tariffs by 65 per cent in a bid to overcome the power cuts plaguing the economy in recent months, and is taking steps to reduce expenditure in the public sector with a hiring freeze and a cut in the retirement age for public servants.

Many of the government’s recent actions have been criticised in Sri Lanka by those who believe they will increase hardship and affect the economically vulnerable. On the flipside, there are many who argue that the government must implement such measures to stabilise the economy and for its future.

On its part, the government is looking to raise social spending and to improve the social safety net to support the most vulnerable. This is important as Sri Lanka’s economy is expected to have contracted by 8.8 per cent last year and high inflation continues to affect day-to-day life.

Sri Lankans starve as President Wickremesinghe tries to secure economic bailout

The Sri Lankan government is not in an enviable position. As it emerges from a deep political crisis and a period of severe economic mismanagement, there is an urgent need to stabilise the economy. To do this, the government is prioritising the safeguarding of financial stability, and an improvement in fiscal transparency.

The government also recognises the importance of attracting foreign direct investment, especially as it takes steps to reduce its dependence on borrowing from overseas.

For Sri Lanka to be considered an investment destination in the future, the government must take all steps possible to support regenerative economic activity. But in doing so, it must also not forget its commitment to its people or ignore the present.

There are no easy choices, but there is optimism for a brighter tomorrow.

Frank-Jürgen Richter is founder and chairman of Horasis: The Global Visions Community

By Arike Idris Courtesy EssexLive

Residents on social media have claimed there are not enough public toilets in the Redbridge area

Redbridge Council is funding £2 million into new and refurbished public toilets after a person was fined for excreting on an Ilford Road. The incident happened on Colombo Road last November when the culprit was caught in the act by a resident.

Council enforcement officers carried out an investigation and tracked the offender using their vehicle number plate. The offender was issued a £150 penalty notice as a result.

Councillor Khayer Chowdhury posted details of the incident on Facebook on Monday (February 13). On the post, he said: “Our enforcement officers were recently contacted by a resident who had witnessed someone taking a poo on their street.

“It was a disgusting act that nobody should have to witness especially when we have public toilets and many other toilets available in shops and other premises! Officers took a statement from the complainant and tracked the offender using their vehicle registration plate.

“Our officers were then able to issue a £150 fine to the offender which has now been paid.” Residents on social media have claimed there are not enough public toilets in the Redbridge area.

A Redbridge Council spokesperson said: This incident occurred in Colombo Road, Ilford, last November. The individual concerned was issued a Fixed Penalty Notice, which has been paid.

“The nearest toilets for public use are located in Ilford Town Centre, a short walk from Colombo Road. Redbridge Council is also investing £2m in new and refurbished public toilets.”

Courtesy CGTN

China’s lifting of travel restrictions has pushed many countries to attract Chinese travelers, one of them is Sri Lanka. The island country expects Chinese tourists to arrive in the new year, alongside strengthened cooperation with China. CGTN sat down with the consul general of Sri Lanka in Shanghai.

Courtesy Adaderana

The ‘Janaraja Perahera’, organized to coincide with Sri Lanka’s 75th independence anniversary, kicked off this evening (Feb 19) under the aegis of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The historic Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is hosting the ‘Janaraja Perahera’ following a gap of 34 years.

The procession commenced from the Magul Maduwa premises at 6.30 p.m. today and is parading Dalada Street, Yatinuwara Street, Kanda Street, and Raja Street before returning to the temple to mark the end of the event.

The procession comprises cultural performances, including dancing troops, and caparisoned elephants, similar to that of the annual Esala Perahara.

However, unlike the Kandy Esala Perahara, the ‘Dalada Karandwa’ (the casket containing the sacred relics) is not e carried on a tusker at the ‘Janaraja Perahera’. Instead, the national emblem of Sri Lanka will be carried.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) noted that the ‘Janaraja Perahera’ aims to promote the tourism industry.

The ‘Janaraja Perahera’ was first organized in 1875 to celebrate the arrival of the Duke of Wales, the son of Queen Victoria, to Ceylon. The procession was also held in 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II, the then-Head of State of Sri Lanka, visited the country. The Queen watched the ‘Janaraja Perahera’ from the Patthirippuwa. In 1981, a similar procession was held, and Queen Elizabeth II watched the procession from a special platform built in the Maha Maluwa, the main courtyard.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic only organizes special processions like the ‘Janaraja Perahera’ at the request of the government on significant occasions in the country. The last time the ‘Janaraja Perahera’ was held was in 1987 by the then Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa.

Security in Kandy has been tightened while a special traffic arrangement is also in place from 5.00 p.m. until the end of ‘Janaraja Perahera’ to divert the traffic away from Dalada Street, Yatinuwara Street, Raja Street and Kanda Street.