රජිත් කීර්ති තෙන්නකෝන්

‘Lakvijaya Power Station (LVPS) සහ ‘Lakvijaya Power Plant (LVPP)  යන ආයතන ද්විත්වය විසින් ගල් අඟුරු ප්‍රමිතිය පිළිබඳ වාර්තා ගණනාවක් නිකුත් කර ඇත.  එම ‍වාර්තාවන් හි වැරදි, අඩුපාඩු පවතින අතර සැක සංකා මතුව ඇත.  බාහිර පාර්ශව මෙම වාර්තා මත පදනම්න සිය නිරීක්ෂණ හා අදහස් දැක්වීම සිදු කරමින් සිටී.

මේ වන විට ගල් අඟුරු පිළිබඳ ප්‍රතිමිය පිළිබඳ ප්‍රසිද්ධ සාකච්ඡාව සිදුවෙමින් ඇත්තේ Lakvijaya Power Station (LVPS) හෝ ‘Lakvijaya Power Plant  (LVPP) යන ලිපි ශිර්ෂ යටතේ නිකුත් කර ඇති ලේඛන මත පදනම්වය.  මෙයට අමතරව ලංකා ගල් අඟුරු සමාගම වෙත ජාත්‍යන්තර ප්‍රමිති සහතිකයක් සහිත ආයතන වෙතින් වාර්තා ලැබී ඇති නමුත් එම වාර්තා මේ දක්වා රජය මගින් හෝ වෙනත් පාර්ශව මගින් හෝ ප්‍රසිද්ධියට පත්වී නැත.

මෙම වාර්තාවන් හි අඩංගු කරුණු ‘වැරදි හා නිසි ප්‍රමිතියක් නොමැති නම්’ මේ පිළිබඳ විෂය මුලික එලදායී තක්සේරුවක් ලබා ගැනීමට නොහැකි වන්නේය.  ආණ්ඩු පාර්ශවය සිය වැරදි සහ අඩුපාඩු වසා ගැනීමට උත්සහ කරන බවක් පෙනෙන්නට ඇති අතර පසුගිය රජයන් ගේ අඩුපාඩු මතු කරමින් තර්ක කරයි.  විපක්ෂය ද හුදෙක් මෙම වාර්තා මත පදනම්ව, එය විධිමත් විමසීමකින් තොරව අදහස් දක්වන බවක් පෙනේ.

ගල් අඟුරු ආනයනය, මිලදී ගැනීමේ ක්‍රමවේදය සහ තත්වය පිළිබඳ ප්‍රශ්නය ජාතික වැදගත්කමක් සහිතය.  බලශක්ති අවශ්‍යතාව සපුරා ලීම රාජ්‍යයකට පැහැර හැර නොහැකි වගකීමකි.  ඒ සඳහා පදනම් වන වාර්තාවන් හි නිරවද්‍යතාවය පිළිබඳ ප්‍රමුඛ අවධානය යොමු විය යුතුව ඇත.

‘Lakvijaya Power Station LABORATORY TEST REPORT (LVPS) සහ   ‘Lakvijaya Power Plant LABORATORY TEST REPORT (LVPP) සම්බන්ධයෙන් පහත නිරීක්ෂණ ඉදිරිපත් කළ හැකිය.

1.      මෙම ආයතන ද්විත්වය එකම ආයතනයක් ද, එකිනෙකට වෙනස් ආයතන නමුත් අනන්‍යතාව හඳුණාගත නොහැකිය

2.      මෙම වාර්තා කිහිපයකම දින/කාලය/වකවානු හි නිවැරදි නොවේ

3.      මෙම පර්යේෂන ආයතන විධිමත් වාර්තා නිකුත් කිරීමට අවශ්‍ය ප්‍රමිති තත්වයන් සපුරා නැත

4.      ඒ සඳහා වන පුහුණුව හා සහතික සහිත කාර්ය මණ්ඩලයක් මේ ආයතන සතුව සිටී ද යන්න පැහැදිල නැත.  

5.      ප්‍රසිද්ධියට පත් කර ඇති වාර්තා අවම වශයෙන් අයි.එස්.ඕ. ප්‍රමිතිය හෝ නොමැති බව නිරීක්ෂණය වේ.  

6.      තොරතුරු පනත යටතේ ලංකා විදුලි බල මණ්ඩලය, ලංකා ගල් අඟුරු සමාගම, මහජන උපයෝගිතා කොමිෂන් සභාව වෙතින් මා විසින් පහත විමසීම් සිදු කරණු ලැබීය.

මෙම පිළිබඳ දත්ත මුලික එලදායී සංවාදයක් සිදු කිරීම සඳහාත්, අද වන විට රට මුහුණ දී ඇති බලශක්ති අර්බුදයට තිරසාර විසඳුමක් ලබා ගැනීමට නම්, මෙම වාර්තාවන් හි විශ්වසනීයත්වය තහවුරු කර ගැනීම අනිවාර්ය අවශ්‍යතාවයක් බව මාගේ පුද්ගලික අදහසයි.  

රජිත් කීර්ති තෙන්නකෝන්

Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon

Former Governor of Uva, Southern and Central Provinces

Former Executive Director of Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) and Center for Human Rights and Research – CHR Sri Lanka

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

Recently, I sent a reply to the Tamil translator of the latest section of the chronicle Mahavamsa, educating” him about his  misunderstanding that the old chronicle’s author Mahanama Thero was the culprit of a Tamil genocide project in Sri Lanka. It was sent to him via the editor of the Jaffna Tamil monitor.

Previously, I sent a letter by email to Archuna thinking that he is a genuine guy like Arun Siddharth,  the Che Guera of the Jaffna non-Vellala Tamils, expecting a serious exchange of ideas with him. He did not respond but did not block my email. Ponnambalam and Rasamanikkam blocked the first email as well as the second and third ones. Now, Archuna also blocked my latest email, a booklet written by the late  Gamini Iriyagolla about the history of Tamils in Ceylon.

There is not a single Sinhala MP in the Diayawanna Hotel of  Jagath Wickramaratna to talk about the myth of Tamil Eelam and the 13-A death trap. At least the people of Sri Lanka should know these three MPS are agents of the same game plan and Archuna is the shrewder than the other two.

The essay below written in 2020 is sent to the Lankaweb so that these three MPs know that we know they are dishonest dollar politicians cheating innocent Tamils.

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7 January, 2020  (Colombo Telegraph)

Four Blind Men and The Devolution Elephant

By C. Wijeyawickrema 

All human progress has depended on ‘new questions’ rather than on ‘new answers’ to the old questions.” Alfred North White — Science and the Modern World, 1925

The reactions to the LLRC report, on the subject of institutional, administrative and legislative measures need to be taken to promote national unity, remind the parable of the four blind men and the elephant.  For example, the section on the subject of the need for devolution of power” (8.212-8.226) generated different interpretations depending on the hidden or open agenda of the respective writer/speaker.  Those who once took the position that this war is not winnable” or Sri Lanka will soon be a failed state” are now solidly behind the LLRC report because they think that what LLRC meant by devolution” was the same type of devolution” that they then agitated for. On the other hand, those who remember the word devolution” of the Package Deals and the APRC-majority report phase, are so frightened and blinded by it to not see that LLRC’s term of devolution speaks of empowerment” of people by people-centric devolution” (9.231) and by maximum possible devolution to the periphery especially at the grass roots level” (8.225).

Additionally, there are local and international agents who see a separatist loophole if LLRC devolution begins with land and police powers given to the white elephant called the Provincial Councils. Thus, there is a need to examine the Chapter 8 of LLRC report on Reconciliation” with an open mind. There are three interrelated paths and approaches that can be taken to examine, understand and justify empowerment of people via devolution as suggested by LLRC.  The three merging paths are (1) the Buddhist Middle Path, (2) the Bio-regional Path (geography-ecology) and (3) the Reasonableness (Doctrine) Path in western jurisprudence.

LLRC’s historic role

LLRC had a historical mission to fulfill. Only two other commissions come closer to LLRC in its landmark role: the Colebrooke-Cameron Report in 1832 and the Donoughmore Report in 1931.

LLRC had a historical mission to fulfill.  Only two other commissions come closer to LLRC in its landmark role: the Colebrooke-Cameron Report in 1832 and the Donoughmore Report in 1931. The first introduced constitutional communalism and the colonial policy of divide-and-rule. It created an administrative unit system based on artificial boundaries, a case of legislating against geography.”  The purpose then was to diffuse” the influence of the Kandyan chiefs who rebelled against the British crown in 1818, and to give easy access to the white master to control and exploit remoter, undeveloped areas.  The second, tried to un-do” one hundred years of communal representation by introducing territorial representation based on the principle of adult universal suffrage. This was an experiment that USA and UK implement in their own countries only a few years ago, after much agitation by women’s organizations.

In Ceylon,” local somebodies and nobodies” opposed universal voting right stating it was like giving razor blades to monkeys.  Some minority leaders opposed it and the new electoral system as it made the majority community the majority in the legislative body.  In reality, members of the former Legislative Council and members of local aristocratic families in the village Ceylon” contested seats of the State Council.  Except in few cases, these prominent (feudal?) families represented” people in the Parliament until the new district-based proportional selection system was introduced in the 1980s.  With this, the representation vehicle hitherto known as the electorate /ward lost its democratic value and purpose.  It is now known as the dog fight for preferential votes,” a system promoting undesirable characters to contest via the party candidates’ list.  This is a fundamental flaw in democracy and governance of Sri Lanka, an issue of basic human rights of all communities that LLRC could have wrestled with in greater detail.

The representative parliamentary democracy is facing a crisis, world-wide, some branding it as myth of democracy.  The Youth Commission Report of 1999, that LLRC cites in its report was an admission of the dismal failure of the representative system in operation in Sri Lanka since 1931.  LLRC missed a historical opportunity to examine these issues in a new light by asking new questions such as why there is spatial inequality (inequity) in Sri Lanka that respects no language or ethnic boundaries and how it could be mitigated.  Spatially, one has to go beyond such metaphors like milk to Colombo, forage to villages” (JVP in 1971) or Give us what Colombo gets” (Col. Karuna in 2006) to GSN (village) level to understand lack of opportunities and environmental degradation prevalent in the country.  Reports of faster economic growth at country level hide spatial inequities that exist at local scale. Rapid economic growth itself can cause spatial disparities in human happiness, if not carefully planned.  However, spatial injustice in Sri Lanka is not race-based unlike in the USA where for example, environmental racism exists.

Dancing to new Eurocentric tunes 

Most of the witnesses who appeared before LLRC displayed an ingrained Eurocentric bias (Europe provides superior solutions) in their thinking.  In the 1840s Macaulay said, [in India] we must at present do our best to form a class who may be interpreters between us and the millions whom we govern; a class of persons, Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect” (Macaulay: The Shaping of the Historian by John Clive, Random House, 1973, p.376).  He also asked, …Who could deny that a single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole literature of India and Arabia (p. 372)?  With this superiority complex, despite dismal performance of their own representative capitalist democracies, European and American politicians continue to interfere in the affairs of former colonies devastated by the colonial policy of divide and rule. Their new tune directly relevant in the Sri Lankan context is the strategy called meaningful devolution” by way of non-majoritarian institutions.”  This method promoted by white Eurocentric writers like Donald Horowitz creates regional ethnic minority elites and slowly weakens the central governments in former colonies (it may take a decade or two or more), until a new Kosovo or South Sudan (or even a separate country of Scotland) is established splitting countries. Thus, the new policy of creating non-majoritarian institutions” is a sanitized” version of the old divide and rule policy, providing ladders to separatist monkeys to carve out separate countries at each other’s throat.  Already, South Sudan started an internal war.

The real democracy of empowering people (not separatist party politicians) locally is not in this new Eurocentric formula. This formula stops at regional ethnic politicians’ level and it failed in Nigeria and Lebanon, two cases that Horowitz used to cite as success stories.  It is also interesting to note that in his writings Horowitz did not mention even once the concept of Panchayathi Raj Institutes in India based on consensus politics (God speaks in five, if five people agree, god is with them) not western party politics of throat-cutting competition.  Sri Lankan villagers are today divided so hopelessly due to green, blue and red party politics.  Fortunately, LLRC did not buy the Horowitz path” of devolution which would empower” Tamil separatist TNA politicians.  Instead, LLRC promotes meaningful empowerment of people at the village level to deal with social, economic and spatial inequities prevalent in the island.

Spatial inequality

The colonial strategy of portraying natives as savages (ref. atrocity literature” in Breaking India: Western Interventions in Dravidian and Dalit Faultlines by R. Malhotra, 2011, p. 5) as part of the general design of humiliation of natives (psychological versus military subjugation) is currently presented as gross violators of international human rights needing R2P.  Under the new remote-controlled colonialism it is projected with a new twist as group rights and aspirations.  Thus we know via the Wiki leaks that the American Embassy in Colombo was worried about Tamils losing interest in group rights or aspirations, (secret cable sent from Colombo embassy on 1/15/2010).  Eurocentric thinking requires using” the individual to get to the group to plant the seeds of dissension within countries. Western university professors and think-tanks spend decades formulating theories and implementing strategies such as the R2P.

Instead of asking How can we help Tamils and Muslims to achieve their aspirations,” LLRC could have asked, Why most spatial units (districts, electorates, natural regions, villages or GSN units) in Sri Lanka are not developed?” because poverty is not just a Tamil or Muslim problem.  In that case it could have led LLRC to ask further questions such as What actions are needed to help the Mahinda Chinthanaya Program (MCP) I & II to fight Sri Lanka’s second war, the war against poverty and spatial inequity?”  Or, rather than language rights or international human rights, LLRC could have focused on the issue of spatial rights” or spatial justice.” Tamils in villages are not asking group rights.” They want water, roads, schools, more busses, railway line, radios, bridges, TVs, bicycles and hospitals. That was what I saw recently in Vavuniya, Ampara and Passara when I visited Tamil areas. When they have these basic human needs, they will copy Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and intelligently think on their own if an aspiration to have a separate Tamil country in Sri Lanka is viable, possible or desirable. Otherwise, what can happen (happening) is Tamil and non-Tamil selfish separatist politicians, local and foreign, trying to manipulate innocent Tamils and Muslims villagers to satisfy their ulterior aims.

What LLRC cannot do

Promoting group aspirations is a fluid (controversial) issue world-wide, for an agency like LLRC to get involved with.  Group aspirations of different communities often clash with each other such as Turkey wanting to join the Christian EU which France vehemently opposes.  Group aspiration is a matter secondary to individual aspirations.  It is a duty to one’s community that individuals try to fulfill after the individual’s private rights are satisfied. Having a hygienic, clean toilet at home is different from building one in a public place for group-use. One can have a shrine room at home adjoining a Muslim neighbor but a group aspiration to build a Hindu temple next to a Mosque can clash with Muslim aspirations. Simply stated, LLRC could have suggested better things for a better future for the country.

No amount of paragraphs in the LLRC report on human rights and white flags can satisfy the international crowd asking the flesh of pound from Sri Lanka for humiliating the politicians of the white west in April 2009.  Foreign ministers David Miliband and Bernard Kushner heard from Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa words that can be described as the end of humiliation paradigm used till then by white colonial masters to mentally subjugate Asians and Africans.  Yet, their long term plan to derail Sri Lanka cannot be stopped by any number of LLRC reports.  Thinking this was possible LLRC tried to bend over backwards and made several unwanted mistakes.

Tamil separatism in Sri Lanka began in the 1920s and in 1949 and not in 1956, 1976 or 1983.  Mentioning later years omitting former years is like not telling the whole truth. Tamil expats from Sri Lanka are not diaspora like the Jews who lost a homeland.  The first thing done by those who went as asylum seekers when they got a new passport was to make a pleasure trip to Sri Lanka!  Making any statements on the 13th Amendment is like eating curd using a razor knife. It is unfortunate that LLRC members did not know that 13-A was an imposition on Sri Lanka, the communal concept implemented in India by the 1935 Government of India Act. 13-A accepts that in the island there is a traditional Tamil homeland.  How did LLRC lawyers miss this?  To suggest solutions to current socio-economic, moral and ethical issues in Sri Lanka 13-A path is not needed. In fact 13-A is now part of the problem.

The tragedy of the commons

LLRC was given a mandate to recommend ways and means to prevent language and race-related violence and to promote unity and peace in the country.  If it directed its attention on the spatial justice needs of Sri Lankan people, not the human rights laws and group aspiration-agitations of the foreign separatist crowd, it would not have missed the moment of unprecedented opportunity Sri Lanka Faces.”  Citing triumphalism” is like looking for scapegoats to please the separatist lobby.

After May 19, 2009, Sri Lanka’s burning issues are not of language, race or religious nature.  Yes, people in the Colombo City and others urban areas are suffering from the fear psychosis that they went through for 30 years. Parents split the family into two in travelling so that at least 50% will survive if a bomb in a bus kills the other 50%.  The parent at home was listening to the radio wondering if a bomb blast took place near her child’s school. Some thought of erecting a wall around the house, not knowing that they only created their own little prisons.  Coming back to Sri Lanka after 33 years I see these prisoners” daily on the road, in the bus, inside three wheelers and cars. There is the temporary pleasure of being secure inside a car or was able to get a seat in the bus after a momentous struggle!  In Maharagama, Wattala, Panadura, Kiribathgoda or Dehiwala dust, smoke and noise pollution is unbelievable. People throw garbage bags on to the road in front of the house protected” by the wall and stray dogs spread them all over.  A kind of Darwinian survival of the fittest exists and people may not know that they still suffer from a hidden, sub-conscious fear of death.  A tragedy of the commons phenomenon is visible everywhere.

Sri Lanka is America

Creating a new Senate or having more Tamil policemen or other such things will not bring peace and prosperity to Sri Lanka. The urgent and hopeless issues in Sri Lanka are not different from the problems the average American faces in the USA.  Public education, health care, child care, elderly care, industrial pollution, air and water pollution, gridlock on highways, lack of public transportation, overcrowded prisons, cancer-causing chemicals in food supply, obesity, teenage pregnancy, corruption in the legal system and lawyers, exploitation of patients by medical doctors are some from a short list. What are ground level daily issues in Sri Lanka?  It is definitely not ethnic rivalry. School education, higher education, private tuition mania, exploitation of patients by medical doctors, health care, village and city roads, garbage disposal, bribe culture in government, provincial and local government offices and crime and corruption are some examples.  Schools without water or at least one toilet cannot impart free education. The tragedy of the commons, selfish-personal gain by private individuals or public corporations at the expense of public goods and the corresponding societal moral decay is what LLRC should have spent time.  This has taken place over a period of sixty years. No government can handle this mess on its own.

LLRC cannot expect any reasonable outcomes unless the electoral system is changed and the public service is overhauled with performance evaluation and merit promotion installed.  Ordinary citizens have no place to go for normal/usual services.  They have to either know somebody in an office or give a bribe to somebody in an office. Increasing numbers in the government service or increase in expenditure on government projects cannot erase the frustration people have about the moral and ethical decay taken place in the country.  If the head of unit is out shopping can we expect the clerks of that unit to be at the desk or not on cell phone for hours?  Despite preaching by ministers this is reality what I saw and heard.  How can we provide incentives to the public servants to serve better and how can we remove corrupt behavior with disincentives (carrot and stick) should be the number one priority.  This is a key issue that LLRC should have handled.  The introduction of mandatory income/assets declaration by public servants, open to citizen scrutiny; community service method of punishment for crimes against society such as bribery and corruption; removal of illegal weapons in the hands of people and the utilization of military for civilian construction purposes are matters that need attention for any serious progress.

All kinds of development work have been taking place in Sri Lanka today.  But similar work of national magnitude was attempted in the past by Mrs. B, Dudley S, and R. Premadasa respectively. How efficient and effective were they?  Did officers act as yes” men and women and deceive politicians?  Or were there systemic defects that even dedicated officers cannot succeed?  Development work cannot be successful unless it improves the living standards of the local people impacted by it. That is the yardstick of progress.

Empowerment of people

There is one quick action the government can take to implement LLRC recommendations on devolution if it understands that spatial inequality, not racial inequality as the problem in Sri Lanka  (Teaching Tamil and Sinhala to school children will remove within ten years any opportunity Tamil or Muslim politicians now have in trying to manipulate Tamil-speaking  people). This depends on how free the government is from Eurocentric thinking. The government needs to reconsider implementing the Jana Sabah concept based on polling station or GSN unit-level data.  Reminiscent of the Road Development Committees or Sanitary Boards during the early colonial times what Sri Lanka needs today is grass roots level non-political party entities elected to handle basic needs of people such as garbage disposal, road building and maintenance closer to home dwellings, basic health services, quality improvements in schools, prevention of soil erosion and environmental conservation and cooperative efforts to protect local farmers and producers from exploitation. Election of ten members per each entity and then one from such entity making an electorate level unit  proceeding further up to the national level with whom the President of the country can have direct communication. This plan can be implemented by creating an office reporting directly to the president.  A separate ministry or a department not needed.

This idea is not new (Maga Naguma and Divi Naguma are two programs on these lines). Several witnesses presented similar concepts for consideration by LLRC. This is the simplest and most effective way to monitor how big projects impact on local communities and to give people an opportunity to decide and control their day to day affairs. Each unit will prepare a land use map (plan) for their locality and monitor how government and NGO projects are implemented in their area. If a contractor is corrupt and doing sub-standard work local committee can prevent it. If school teachers are not teaching and promoting private tuition the local committee can interfere via parent-teacher associations or old school boys/girls association.  Education ministers cannot solve these problems.  If people are dumping garbage on to the road, local committee can take action against them.  There is no doubt that politicians of all shapes would not like this idea, but Sri Lanka cannot become a Singapore in economic development and cleanliness if local people are not linked with the governance structure.  At present there are no checks and balances to prevent political and official corruption rampant at the local (local government and GSN) level.  A citizen affected by inefficiency of a local government, district, provincial or central government officer must be able to go to the local non-political party committee for redress.

Get people behind the government

The empowerment of people at the grass roots level needs to be done not because LLRC recommended it but because it is a political strategy available to this government to prevent international attempts to derail it using local agents.  All kinds of misinformation campaigns, SMS with half-truths, networks capitalizing on government defects are seeping down to people spoiling their minds. Some are even dreaming of an Arab Spring, because what they see around them is local politicians making money! People are helpless and they have nowhere to go.  Even a good pot of milk can tolerate only a few drops of dung such as Mervin Silva and his council members or Duminda Silva and the murder of a fellow politician.  In this context the Subharathi national radio program is like trying to empty a lake with a table spoon.

The need to empower people at the grass root level is not just a political strategy to meet the external threat backed by local separatist agents.  It is a necessity to protect people’s democracy while promoting sustainable development.  In the West, local level administration was done by counties and parishes for generations which are more recently supplemented by groundwater management districts, river basin management districts and more specific functional districts such as solid waste management districts.  In New Zealand, a smaller country like Sri Lanka, all local administrative units are demarcated using river basins as boundaries.  Long before think globally, act locally became a popular concept Sri Lankan society was guided since antiquity by a sustainable development-related trinity of village, water tank and the temple.  Ironically, what western professors are now prescribing to Sri Lanka and other countries are so similar to the principles enshrined in the concept of trinity of ancient Sri Lankan society.

Sustainable development via three merging paths

The Jana Sabha or Gam Sabha (or GSN unit level peoples’ committees) system can be justified utilizing three interrelated approaches. The Horowitz path (the infamous 13-A is an example of Horowitz path) can be easily dismissed as unwanted burdens (inviting to home snakes crawling yonder) placed on this tiny island nation by any one of these approaches.  Presented as a model the three approaches (paths) are like the three sides of a triangle.  The base of it is the moral and ethical foundation of a society.  In the West, it is the Judo-Christian norms and values. In Sri Lanka this base has been Buddhism.  In Figure 1 below the three sides of the triangle are listed as three columns.  The sides of a smaller triangle inside the larger triangle indicate action, perception and location. Location is also described as space or place.  Inside this triangle at the center is the triangle of spatial inequality, a result of not following or abusing the three paths.  By following them inequality and inequity could be erased allowing Sustainable development to take root. The close affinity that exists between law and geography on the one hand and between law and Buddhism on the other in their applied interface generating socio-economic processes creating spatial (geographical) patterns deserves careful scrutiny by all who genuinely wish for a prosperous Sri Lanka.

Figure 1: Three merging approaches (paths) to mitigate spatial inequality

LAW	GEOGRAPHY	BUDDHISM
Doctrine of Reasonableness	Bioregionalism	The Middle Path
Doctrine of Separation of Powers	Ecology	Mind/Matter
Rights/Duties	Human Scale	Individual
Group Rights	Social Capital	Family/Society
Action	location (space/place)	perception

>Spatial Inequality<

<Sustainable Development>

Law, geography and Buddhism

The reasonableness doctrine in law and the Middle Path in Buddhism are like the two sides of a coin. What is reasonable has a geographical context—in some places people eat dog meat, in some other places stray dogs are not eliminated—and the kinds and types of some  activities of the Eight Fold Path are also influenced by the human and physical geography of an area.

Whether it is reasonable to think of separate homelands  or demarcate language-based or religion-based spatial units considering the population geography of Tamils and Muslims in Sri Lanka becomes a legal as wells as a geographical issue that goes beyond separatist politics by non-Buddhists.  When ethnic distribution is like a scrambled egg is it not better to have smaller spatial units so that ethnicity pockets have an opportunity to have full local representation?  For example, in the Panadura electorate there are at least three Muslim pockets: Totawatta, Sarikkammulla and Eluwila.  A GSN unit-based division will allow Muslim majority units, which the Sinhala people in proximity will not consider as an ethnic threat, unless Islam extremists from overseas try to spoil them.  Muslims will have to be reasonable in developing their group aspirations. Unlike India, Canada or Belgium, geography does not support language-based spatial divisions in Sri Lanka.

Discrimination with reason

Devanesan Nesiah’s doctoral dissertation comparing discrimination introduced by law in India, Malaysia and the USA (Discrimination with reason: the policy of reservations in the U.S., India and Malaysia, 1997) is a relevant example in this context.  Nesiah could not disagree with epithets such as, You cannot legislate against geography,” or One law for the lion and the ox is oppression (William Blake (1793).” In India discrimination is used for the benefit of over 40% of its population!  A minority could enjoy powers and privileges over a majority community due to historical reasons such as, the divide and rule policies of colonial masters, communist party members in Marxist societies or under the Apartheid policy in South Africa.

The lost rights and dignity of the Sinhala Buddhists in the Colonial Ceylon, and after 1948, also falls under this category. In this context the 1956 Sinhala only language act with reasonable use of Tamil added to it (1958) was discrimination with reason.  LSSP member Colvin R. de Silva supported it in 1968 and 1972.  Professor James W. Gair, in his book, (Studies in South Asian Linguistics: Sinhala and other South Asian languages, 1998, Chapter 14: How Dravidanized was Sinhala phonology? Pages 185‐199) states, Sinhala [language]’s survival as a clearly Indo‐Aryan language can be considered a minor miracle of linguistic and cultural history.” The language of 70% of people has suffered 500 years of discrimination.

Montesquieu standing on his head

Western representative democracies love the doctrine of separation of powers to death as seen from the constitutional crisis in the USA today. However, it is now uncovered that Montesquieu did not suggest a strict separation of powers among the three branches of government, In fact now there are about five such branches. What he wanted was to distribute the sum total of governmental power (including even some judicial power) to as many spatial/political units as possible. It was as if Montesquieu thought about our Gamsabha (village Council) system or the sovereignty enjoyed by the village-level Buddhist temple monk, who is free from central control unlike the local Christian church. The Buddhist Republics in ancient India were similar to the Tribal Councils Native Americans later had in North America, which Benjamin Franklin wanted the fighting 13 states to follow. These ideas later influenced the western political science theories of governance.     

Bioregional vision

Empowerment of people means giving people governmental power at the lowest possible spatial unit level. The American, Kirkpatrick Sale described this as human scale” in his book, Human Scale (1980). He says everything works best if it is at a scale (size) manageable by local people. This is akin to what we generally identify as grassroots politics. In a global village one thinks globally, but acts locally. Or, as the former U.S House Speaker Tip O’Neil once said all politics is local.” Empowerment works best at the Small Is Beautiful” scale. With global warming and local floods, droughts and landslides, massive development projects and environmental degradation, sustainable development at local level becomes a top priority.

A paradigm shift has taken place in (physical-economic) development from things to people as reflected in the increasing use of Participatory Rural Appraisals and people-centered methods of endogenous development.”  Local knowledge (local farmers and villagers) is more valuable than an agriculture or civil engineering graduate can learn from books. The value of this social capital” is now recognized by the World Bank and other UN development-oriented agencies.  After fifty years of technocratic misadventure, in Sri Lanka these methods are now employed in irrigation settlements in the dry zone.

The Middle Path

Two Indian presidents, Dr. Abdul Kalam and Ms. Pratibha Patil, both non-Buddhists, stated that the solution to world’s problem could be found via Buddhism.  In a Buddhist society, human actions and perceptions, rights and duties, individual and the community (group rights) are all weighed and measured through Buddhist concepts such as the Middle Path, impermanence, cause and effect principle and the cyclical nature of all phenomena. It is because of this flexibility that one can find 20-30% of the sacred space of a Buddhist temple devoted to Hindu gods and goddesses.  No Buddhist will engage in discriminatory acts against another human being based on race or religion. Historically, Tamil and Sinhala politicians living in Colombo, for selfish reasons created conflicts due to which especially the innocent Tamils in villages ended up as victims suffering for 30 to 50 years.  After May 19, 2009 a change is taking place in Tamil areas revealing to Tamil villagers that they can live amicably with Sinhala people when both groups learn Sinhala and Tamil. In the past any Tamil who said this was branded as a Tamil traitor but that poisoned mindset is rapidly eroding compelling separatist Tamil politicians fighting for survival. An empowerment plan aimed at local Tamil villagers will end separatist politics in Sri Lanka for good. Just like an oil lamp becomes brighter when it is about to end, separatist Tamil politicians are making lot of noise knowing that the end is nearer than they expected.

Spatial justice atlas

Empowerment of people at the local level is not just a political affair. It is a scientific endeavor. Each locally elected non-political party independents committee will base their work on a locally-developed land use map. Each unit will have a graduate research assistant.  Ironically, in the Vavuniya District such maps are already in use as a research tool. Tamil tigers had an elaborate land use planning system developed after CFA 2002.  Tamil officers are ahead of Sinhala officers in this regard. Most districts in the South now have data tables displayed at GSN unit level.  Volunteer students from local high schools and their geography/biology teachers will no doubt take part in updating such maps available at the survey department.  This will help in identifying natural boundaries for the local unit. For example, such action could help to reduce 15,000 GSN units to a more reasonable number (it was only 4,000 in the late 1980s).

<img class=”alignright size-full wp-image-5455″ title=”Map” src=”https://i1.wp.com/www.colombotelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/map.png?resize=186%2C264″ alt=”” width=”186″ height=”264″ data-recalc-dims=”1″ />An ecologically demarcated local unit maps will lead to an ecologically demarcated electorate similar to the pre 1980 era. By converting land use data to data tables an atlas of spatial justice could be developed at the national level using local natural-ecological unit as the lowest spatial unit. An atlas of spatial justice will be the quarterly or annual report card of this monitoring process. It will be an ongoing system with feedback loops. In the 1940s, in the United Kingdom, the late geographer Dudley Stamp undertook a national land utilization survey with the help of public school students. It was continued in the 1970s and 1990s. The proposed spatial atlas of Sri Lanka will be an improvement of Dudley Stamp’s original idea interpreting the data from land use planning with issues of spatial injustice. It may be identified as the Mahinda Chinthanaya Atlas.

Since local level watersheds/basins have a hierarchical order of progressively increasing in area/size they can become a large River Basin Region at macro level. Seven such River Basin Regions could advantageously replace the present arbitrary nine Provincial units; each with an ocean front and each with more or less equal land area (see the map ).

Source: Map by Professor C. M. Madduma Bandara: Seven river basins 1. Yalpanam, 2. Rajarata, 3. Dambadeni, 4. Mahaveli, 5. Deegavaapi, 6. Kelani, 7. Ruhunu (published in Chapter 4, in Fifty years of Sri Lanka’s Independence: a socio economic review, edited by A.V. de S. Indraratna, 1998, p.83).

Abhijit Chavda Clips

Dr Sarath Obeysekera

My proposal to establish a tank farm in Hambantota with a partner from Jebel Ali could have created a regional petroleum storage and trading hub. Hambantota’s location near the main East–West shipping lane is extremely valuable.

If implemented:

• Sri Lanka could store strategic petroleum reserves.
• Bunkering services for passing vessels could expand.
• Fuel could be stockpiled for emergencies or wartime disruptions.

Unfortunately, as I noted, corruption and political interference often stalled such projects.

Development of Muthurajawela Tank Farm

The Chinese-supported expansion helped increase storage near Colombo. That facility is strategically important because it supplies the main refinery and Colombo port demand.

However, even with the expansion:

• Storage capacity is still limited compared with Singapore or Fujairah.
• It mainly supports domestic supply rather than regional trading.

Expansion of Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm

This is one of the largest natural oil storage complexes in Asia, originally built by the British during World War II.

If fully developed:

• Over 90+ tanks could store several million barrels of fuel.
• It could become a strategic reserve hub for the Indian Ocean.
• It would support naval and commercial operations.

Yet for decades, development was delayed due to political disagreements and geopolitical sensitivities.

Marine & Offshore Industry Proposal via Sri Lanka Export Development Board

My proposal for marine and offshore engineering development could have created:

• Ship repair and offshore fabrication yards
• Oil & gas support bases
• Floating storage and offshore logistics

With the growth of offshore energy in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka could have positioned itself similarly to **Dubai or Singapore as a regional service hub.

 Strategic Impact Today

If Hambantota storage, Trincomalee expansion, and offshore facilities had all been developed:

Sri Lanka today could:

• Maintain large strategic fuel reserves.
• Offer bunkering and storage for international fleets.
• Support naval logistics during regional tensions.
• Earn significant foreign exchange from fuel trading and storage.

In times of global instability or war, countries with large petroleum storage capacity have a major strategic advantage.

Observation

This is a classic example of policy discontinuity and governance failure, where visionary infrastructure proposals were delayed or blocked.

Ironically, the strategic value of fuel storage and maritime logistics becomes obvious only during crises.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera

National Development Bank PLC

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) proudly partnered with Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo as the Exclusive Banking Partner and Main Partner for its vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations, held from 25th February to 1st March. The five-day festive showcase brought together culinary excellence, cultural tradition, and valued customers for an immersive celebration marking the Lunar New Year.

The partnership reflects NDB’s continued commitment to creating meaningful lifestyle experiences for its cardholders while strengthening collaborations with leading hospitality brands in Sri Lanka. As part of this exclusive offering, NDB Premium and Platinum credit cardholders enjoyed special dining privileges throughout the celebratory period. Holders of NDB PRV Signature and Infinite cards were entitled to an overall 25% savings, while NDB Platinum cardholders received 15% savings on the dinner buffet, enabling customers to celebrate the season with exceptional value.

The festivities commenced with a special opening on the eve of the 25th February, where invited customers joined representatives of the Bank and Cinnamon Lakeside for a ceremonial launch. The evening set the tone for the celebrations ahead, featuring a curated dining experience and a festive ambiance that honoured the traditions and symbolism of the Chinese New Year.

Speaking on the partnership, Ashan Wikramanayake – Assistant Vice President / Head of Card Center at NDB stated that the collaboration highlighted the Bank’s dedication to delivering exclusive lifestyle benefits and curated experiences to its valued clientele. By aligning with esteemed hospitality partners, NDB continues to enhance its card value proposition while fostering memorable moments for customers during significant cultural occasions.

As a bank committed to enriching customer experiences beyond traditional banking, NDB remains focused on creating partnerships that combine privilege, celebration, and meaningful engagement, bringing added value to every transaction and every occasion.

NDB Bank is the fourth-largest listed commercial bank in Sri Lanka. NDB was named Sri Lanka’s Best Digital Bank for SMEs at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 and was awarded awards Domestic Retail Bank of the Year – Sri Lanka and Islamic Banking Initiative of the Year – Sri Lanka at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025. NDB is the parent company of the NDB Group, comprising capital market subsidiary companies, together forming a unique banking and capital market services group. The Bank is committed to empowering the nation and its people through meaningful financial and advisory services powered by digital banking solutions.

Courtesy The Straits Times

Sri Lankan navy personnel rescuing Iranian sailors from the IRIS Dena on March 4, after it was torpedoed by the US military.

Summary

• The US urged Sri Lanka not to repatriate survivors from the sunken IRIS Dena and the crew of the IRIS Booshehr.
• A US submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka, marking the first such US action since WWII.
• Sri Lanka is holding the IRIS Booshehr and its crew, with the US discouraging their use for Iranian propaganda.

WASHINGTON – The United States is pressing Sri Lanka’s government not to repatriate the survivors from the Iranian warship it sank this week, as well as the crew of a second Iranian ship that is in Sri Lankan custody, according to an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters on March 6.

A US submarine 

sank the IRIS Dena warship in the Indian Ocean about 19 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s southern port city of Galle on March 4, killing dozens of sailors and dramatically widening Washington’s pursuit of the Iranian navy.

On March 5, Sri Lanka began offloading 208 crew members from a second Iranian ship, the naval auxiliary vessel IRIS Booshehr, which had found itself stranded in Sri Lanka’s exclusive economic zone but outside its maritime boundary.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said his island nation had a humanitarian responsibility” to take in the crew.

The torpedoing of the Dena – which US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described as quiet death” – was the first such action by the United States since World War II and a clear sign of the Iran conflict’s widening geographic scope.

The internal State Department cable – which was dated March 6 and has not been previously reported – said Ms Jayne Howell, the charge d’affaires at the US embassy in Colombo, had emphasised to Sri Lanka’s government that neither the Booshehr crew nor the 32 Dena survivors should be repatriated to Iran.

It said Sri Lankan authorities should minimise Iranian attempts to use the detainees for propaganda”.

Courtesy Daily Mirror

Colombo, March 6 (Daily Mirror) – A protest under the theme No Blood for Oil” was held in Colombo, condemning the recent military attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.

The demonstration drew a number of activists and supporters who gathered to express opposition to the strikes and call for an end to the conflict. 

Iranian Ambassador Dr Alireza Delkhosh and SJB MP Mujibur Rahman were also present at the event. 

Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans condemning the attacks, urging the international community to stop military actions and pursue peaceful dialogue.

Naval News Navy 2026

Sri Lanka took control of the Iranian naval auxiliary ship IRIS Bushehr after the vessel requested assistance near the island following the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena by a U.S. submarine.

Sri Lanka took control of the Iranian naval auxiliary ship IRIS Bushehr after the vessel requested assistance near the island following the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena by a U.S. submarine. Sri Lankan authorities evacuated 208 crew members and transferred them to Colombo while placing the ship under state supervision. The replenishment ship is being escorted to Trincomalee as search and rescue operations continue after the torpedo attack in the Indian Ocean.
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The Bandar Abbas-class fleet replenishment ship IRIS Bushehr (422) requested assistance from Sri Lanka on March 4, 2026, after one of its engines malfunctioned, leading to the evacuation of more than 200 crew members. (Picture source: Facebook/Anupa Kavindu Bandara and X/visionergeo)

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On March 5, 2026, Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed that the country had taken control of the Iranian naval auxiliary ship IRIS Bushehr (422) and evacuated more than 200 crew members after the vessel requested assistance near the island following the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena by a U.S. submarine torpedo off Sri Lanka’s southern coast. The IRIS Bushehr reported engine problems while operating near Sri Lanka’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and requested permission to enter a port on March 4 and March 5. Sri Lankan authorities decided to evacuate the majority of the crew and place the vessel under state control while relocating it away from the country’s main commercial harbor.

The personnel were transferred to Colombo while the ship itself was scheduled to be escorted to the northeastern port of Trincomalee. The episode occurred during ongoing search and rescue operations related to the earlier naval attack and placed Sri Lanka in a position where it had to apply neutrality while addressing humanitarian obligations. The sequence of events began when Iran requested permission on February 26 for three naval vessels to visit Sri Lankan ports between March 9 and March 13 for a cooperation visit. The vessels (the Moudge-class frigate IRIS Dena, the Bandar Abbas-class fleet replenishment ship IRIS Bushehr, and a third Iranian vessel not officially identified at the time of writing) were located close to, but outside, Sri Lanka’s maritime zone while the request was under review.

On February 27, Sri Lankan authorities were informed that a sailor aboard one of the Iranian ships had suffered an injury, prompting the navy and air force to bring that individual and an accompanying officer ashore for treatment. In the early hours of March 4, between 5:08 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., distress signals were detected from a vessel that had come under attack roughly 19 nautical miles from the port of Galle. Sri Lankan forces launched a response operation involving naval vessels and aircraft, while India deployed maritime patrol aircraft and dispatched the vessels INS Tarangini and INS Ikshak to assist in the search and rescue effort. The attacked ship was later identified as the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, which had been sailing in the Indian Ocean after participating in multinational naval activities linked to India’s International Fleet Review 2026 and the MILAN exercise.

The frigate had about 180 people on board when it was struck by a torpedo fired from a United States submarine, potentially the Los Angeles-class USS Charlotte (SSN-766). Sri Lankan rescue teams recovered 32 survivors from the water and transported them for treatment at Karapitiya Hospital in Galle, while 84 bodies were recovered during the initial operation, and additional casualties raised the death toll to 87 in several accounts. Search operations continued for missing personnel after oil slicks and life rafts were detected in the area of the sinking. The attack marked a rare naval engagement involving a submarine strike against a surface warship and intensified tensions in the Indian Ocean theater of the conflict. 

The IRIS Bushehr, which requested assistance on March 4, 2026, after one of its engines malfunctioned, is a Bandar Abbas-class fleet supply ship operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and carrying the pennant number 422. The vessel was constructed at the C. Lühring shipyard in Brake, West Germany, and launched on March 23, 1974, before entering service in November 1974. The two ships of this class were designed to support Iranian naval groups during extended operations by transporting fuel, supplies, ammunition, and other stores to accompanying warships. Bushehr remained in service through several decades of Iranian naval deployments beyond the Persian Gulf, including operations in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean. 

The ship has also been used to carry cadets and officers during long-range training missions. The vessel measures 108 m in length with a beam of 16.6 m and a maximum draft of roughly 4.5 m to 4.6 m. At full load, the ship displaces about 4,748 tons and carries a tonnage of more than 3,200 gross tons with 3,302 deadweight tons of cargo capacity. Propulsion is provided by two MAN 6L 52-55 diesel engines delivering about 12,060 hp and driving two shafts. This propulsion arrangement allows the ship to reach a speed of 20 knots and maintain an operational range of 3,500 nautical miles at 16 knots. Although its primary role is logistical support, the ship carries light defensive armament. Bushehr is equipped with three GAM-B01 20 mm cannons and two 12.7 mm heavy machine guns for protection against small surface threats and low-level aerial targets. The ship also includes aviation facilities consisting of a helicopter landing area and a telescopic hangar designed to operate one helicopter.

These aviation capabilities enable limited reconnaissance, personnel transfer, and logistical support operations during deployments. After the request for entry was received, Sri Lankan authorities held consultations with the ship’s captain and Iranian diplomatic representatives before deciding to take custody of the vessel and its personnel. The evacuation operation involved 208 crew members from the Iranian vessel, and those transferred ashore included 53 officers, 84 cadet officers, 48 senior sailors, and 23 sailors. The personnel were transported by Sri Lankan naval vessels to Colombo, where medical examinations and immigration procedures were conducted before they were moved to facilities at the Welisara naval base north of the capital. Authorities determined that the ship would not be kept at Colombo Port because the harbor is the country’s main commercial maritime hub, and the presence of a belligerent state’s naval vessel could affect shipping activity and insurance costs. Instead, the ship was designated for relocation to Trincomalee, as some members of the original crew remained aboard alongside Sri Lankan naval personnel to assist during the transfer operation.

Borella Handiya

LankaPropertyWeb (LPW)

Colombo, Sri Lanka – LankaPropertyWeb (LPW) is redefining the property search experience with the launch of its pioneering Apartment Finder tool. As the platform hosting Sri Lanka’s largest collection of apartment sales and rental listings, LPW is moving beyond the clutter of traditional searches. This innovation allows users to explore their future home through a cohesive, project-centric lens rather than sifting through thousands of scattered listings.

Largest Inventory, Now Easiest to Search

Having the country’s largest database of apartments for sale and rent is a significant advantage, but only if users can navigate it effectively. With the Apartment Finder, users can access the widest selection of properties on the island without experiencing search fatigue.” Even properties listed among thousands of options can be found quickly and efficiently.

Search by Home Loan Repayment, Not Just Price

In a move that brings much-needed clarity to the local market, the Apartment Finder introduces a smarter way to browse by integrating home loan repayment values directly into the search. Instead of estimating budgets, users can filter properties based on their actual monthly repayment capacity. This transforms the experience from a simple search into a practical financial planning tool, helping users focus only on properties that fit both their lifestyle and budget.

Three Ways to Find a Home

 The tool offers a seamless, highly visual interface designed to provide full market transparency:

• Map View: For the first time in Sri Lanka, property seekers can locate apartments through a map view—ideal for those prioritizing location and neighborhood considerations.
  
  
• Table View: A market-first, data-driven view that enables users to efficiently identify properties matching their requirements.
  
  
• List View: The classic browsing experience, enhanced with richer project and unit information.

Never Miss an Opportunity

If a desired unit is recently sold or rented, a ‘Sold’ status is not a dead end. Apartment Finder includes a smart inquiry feature that connects users with agents managing similar inventory, ensuring they can find a matching property without restarting the search.

Powered by Proprietary Market Intelligence

This tool is more than just a visual upgrade; it represents a significant achievement in data engineering. Developed in close collaboration with LPW’s Market Intelligence Team, the Apartment Finder is the result of months of rigorous data analysis and mapping.

The team undertook the massive task of mapping thousands of individual listings into LPW’s proprietary apartments database. By intelligently grouping units under their respective developments, the tool eliminates duplicate or scattered listings, providing a clean, organized view so that users see the project first and never miss an opportunity simply because it was buried in search results.

Award-Winning Innovation

This landmark release builds on the momentum of LPW’s leadership in real estate technology being acknowledged on the international stage. In 2026, the platform was honored with multiple prestigious awards for its continuous drive to revolutionize the market, including:

• Best Use of AI-Powered Technology in Real Estate in Sri Lanka – International Business Magazine Awards 2026
• Most Innovative PropTech Solution in Sri Lanka – World Economic Magazine Awards 2026
• Most Innovative PropTech Solution in Sri Lanka – International Business Magazine Awards 2026

These accolades, presented by leading global publications, celebrate LPW’s robust technology infrastructure, AI-powered solutions, and client-centric approach in advancing Sri Lanka’s real estate sector. Daham Gunaratna, Managing Director of LPW, said:

Our goal was to strip away the complexity of the market and make apartment discovery effortless. We didn’t just want to build an upgrade; we wanted to revolutionise the search experience entirely. This tool empowers users to find their dream home in minutes – setting a new standard for speed and simplicity that redefines the benchmark for real estate search, not just in Sri Lanka, but globally.”

Whether for first-time buyers seeking an affordable starter home or investors searching for the next development, Apartment Finder streamlines the discovery phase. Unlike traditional search methods that focus on individual ads, this tool provides a comprehensive project overview by aggregating the most extensive data on apartments for sale in Colombo and apartments for rent in Colombo. By transforming a search process that used to take weeks into a matter of minutes, this innovation ensures that anyone searching for Colombo apartments & beyond can now navigate the market with unprecedented clarity and confidence.

With the launch of Apartment Finder, LankaPropertyWeb continues to bridge the gap between complex data and the human aspiration of finding the perfect home, setting a new gold standard for the Sri Lankan real estate industry. Apartment Finder can be accessed at https://www.lankapropertyweb.com/apartment-finder/.

Sarath Wijesinghe former Chair Consumer Affairs Authority, PC, Solicitor and President Ambassador’s Forum UK

Coal issue has gone bit too far and accusations have gone deeper even inside as it is such a lucrative consumer item. Coal was imported to run locomotives mainly the train and for industrial purposes in the past and currently as a main source of mass power/energy  to the entire country through ‘Lakwijaya’ Coal Plant, constructed as a necessity as diesel is so expensive but favored by the engineers and officials of the electricity board and business groups on energy sector who are ballooners made money from energy which is an important consumer item monopolized by the government and few companies. Citizen is used to modern life and traditional consumption from wood and other materials is now replaced by new power supply which is inevitable in abundance even in villages. Any governance is bound to go with the new trend out of shear demand and necessity.

Why Coal and why not electricity by solar or alternative energy which is freely and available in abundance?

The story we hear is that the electricity board and our system is not compatible and not ready to store and manage the electrify generate from solar  due to technical complexities, though the citizen and industries are willing to use solar power any time any amount, which the citizen is unable to understand as the governance had and has ample opportunity time resources and opportunity as promised to the nation for energy sector which is an important component to the consumer depending on the governance to supply continuous supply of energy as promised and expected. This is common for the domestic and industrial sector. Consumer and industries are discouraged to shift to solar system due to the incapacity on the part of governance leaving coal and diesel to be the only other source of energy out of which diesal is smelling of mass scale corruption and the media reports on purchase of coal is worrying according to continuous news items on contracts, shipments and business contacts and dealing of governance in charge of coal purchases.

Coal Porches and Shipments that claims to be corrupt

Citizen/consumer depends on hearsay, media and the statements of government sector who have promised to find thieves plundered the nation with promised to catch them and start new system of governance with no corruption, bribery nepotism favoritism and politicization. It is time for the Governance to come forward to meet critics and give viable answers on the accusations and the citizen do not appear to be convince on the coal deal and solar unreal which affects the consumer directly as power is a most important consumer required for the day-to-day life.

Alternate Energy

Alternate energy is very easy to introduce on new innovations. Gas is very expensive and consumes our foreign reserves earned with great difficulty. Ministry of industries must start a programm to introduce to innovate modern clay burners to be used with eminence of paddy (dahaiya) which is available in abundance and mini burners to be utilized on solar. Sometime back CAA introduced a campaign that did nit last which is unfortunate. Alternate energy is used in India and many Asian counter to be utilized in  domestic and industrial use. Why not Sri Lanka follow is the question the citizen can nt understand. Association of Sri Lankan Professional in UK some time ago organized a forum on alternate at the Organization of Professionals and it is time for them to come forward again for the benefit of the nation in need of the hour for their help

Way Forward

We need to plan a policy for energy long and short term with a set of innovates and relevant government departments, and strictly implement a transparent method of purchase and introduction of energy to the nation in the modern environments scientifically with long term plans out of policlinics and accusations to the past- but learning from the past as if not for ‘Lakwijaya ‘ coal plant the country would be in the dark today though it is not the best solution it serves the nation today. It is the duty of the governance to impose maximum sentences for bribery and corruption including inefficiency as a matter of urgency including the politicians who are talking shops and misleading the citizens. Coal thieves – if – must be brought to books and a clear explanation should be given by the governance as a matter of urgency on this controversy. Wijesinghesarath05@gmail.com0094766530166

Dasatha News

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo, March 5 (Daily Mirror) – Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today that military action cannot be carried out within an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of a country according to international laws and that the attack on the Iranian warship within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone is a death blow to Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.

He told Parliament that according to the United Nations Law of the Sea, principals of peaceful purposes and due regards must be adhered to when acting within an Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Opposition Leader said killings, damages to environment and marine resources are against the international law. 

“The Exclusive Economic Zone is for economic activities. It is not for military action,” he added.

Gagana

AsianMirror

By Raj Gonsalkorale

In the latest escalation of the crisis in the Middle East, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz

According to Science Direct, Sri Lanka imports nearly all of its oil and gas, relying heavily on the Middle East, with major suppliers being Oman, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain. The country relies on imported crude for its single, aging refinery and imports refined products (diesel) via the spot market (https://www.sciencedirect. com/science/article/abs/pii/0360544286901416# :~:text= The%20country’s% 20single%20refinery%20operates, sources%20of%20oil%20or%20gas).

https://www.sciencedirect. com/science/article/abs/pii/0360544286901416# :~:text= The%20country’s% 20single%20refinery%20operates, sources%20of%20oil%20or%20gas)

A significant portion of these supplies must pass through the Strait of Hormuz making the country’s energy security highly vulnerable to any disruptions in that waterway. Significant volumes of jet fuel, diesel, and naphtha that fuel the global market also transit this chokepoint before reaching regional hubs. While Sri Lanka imports a large volume of refined petrol and diesel from India and Singapore these countries themselves are heavily dependent on crude oil that transits the Strait. If the Strait is blocked, the cost of refined fuel from these hubs spikes immediately due to global price surges.

While oil and gas price hikes will follow with the closure of the Strait of Homuz, and with it the cost of food and energy supplies irrespective of who supplies them, Sri Lanka is bound to face a seismic shock as a consequence of these developments, unless there is a resolution to the conflict soon, which unfortunately seems unlikely.

In this backdrop it is important to note the foreign reserves of the country now and its relevance to the country’s food and energy requirements.  Sri Lanka’s current foreign reserves of USD 6.8 will be sufficient to fund food, oil, medicines, gas imports for approximately 3.1 months according to CEIC data.

This is the current fragile situation that the country is facing. 

The intensifying conflict involving the USA, Israel, and Iran marked by direct strikes on Iranian targets, the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, and retaliatory strikes on Gulf states, poses a serious system shock to Sri Lanka’s tenuous economic recovery. With over one million Sri Lankans in the Middle East (who remitted a major component of the total remittances of over USD 8 Billion in 2025) and the country’s heavy reliance on the Middle Eastern region for energy, and exports (The major component of the 2025 annual export figure of USD 17.2 billion), the impact is expected to be profound across economic, political, and social sectors should conflict accelerate and becomes long lasting.

According to the Central Bank, both foreign exchange earners, worker remittances and exports, showed significant increases in 2025 compared to 2024, with the former showing and increase of 22/8% and the latter, an increase of 6.32%. This situation could change and the gains made negated by the conflict. Besides these, there are numerous other statistics that can be cited to show that the country was recovering economically, slowly but surely. The latest conflict in the Middle Eastern region is akin to a missile attack on the economy. The damage it has done, and may continue to do, introduces a new challenge to the country. It is important to recognise this challenge as a challenge to the country and not just to the government.

As well articulated in Economy Next, the fuel and energy crisis could exacerbatewith the blockage and disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil flows, Sri Lanka faces the prospect of soaring crude oil prices. While Sri Lanka has diversified its oil suppliers, the state-run Sapugaskanda refinery relies on Middle Eastern crude and could be forced to halt operations if supply lines are disrupted. The impact on remittances, export disruptions (Tea is a major export to the Middle East, particularly Iran and Arab nations), higher fuel and electricity costs that could spark inflation, and global economic uncertainty which may cause capital flight, and currency depreciation. 

Possible immediate social impact, with the safety of more than 1 million expatriate workers in the region, that could require the government to organize massive repatriation, and should the conflict be framed along sectarian or religious lines, could pose risks to social cohesion in Sri Lanka. If all above eventuates, there will be a significant increase in cost of living due to increased transportation and food costs, drop in the country’s income, and with it, the likelihood of social unrest in the country.

The impact of these developments that are consequential to the current crisis, and due no fault of the government, will provide Manna from heaven to the knit picking Sri Lankan political Opposition which has basically been operating as a reactive impediment to the development efforts of the government rather performing the role of strategic minded constructive critics advancing the country’s interests.

At a broader level, the crisis will pose a foreign policy challenge requiringSri Lanka to navigate a difficult balancing act, maintaining its traditional “Non-Aligned” foreign policy while managing cordial relations with both Iran and Israel. The direct involvement and global influence of the USA, and the meekness and reluctance of powers like China, India and Russia to exert decisive pressure on all parties involved in the conflict to end the bombings and sit at a negotiating table, and the impotency of the UN have all added pressure on Sri Lanka to navigate a tight rope walk approach to diplomacy and much behind the scenes activity.  In this context, this is not a time for neither the government nor the Opposition to engage in point scoring but work together for a unified effort in the best interest of the country. Tsunamis do not differentiate between a government and other political parties. The current crisis could well turn out to be an economic Tsunami for the country.

While security concerns have been highlighted as a fall out of the crisis, it can be argued that this will be a direct consequence of how the country’s foreign policy is handled. Events like joint Military and Naval exercises perhaps are not in the best interest of the country at this stage as political interpretations of such exercises may not be in the best interest of the country.

For the country to remain stable in the circumstances that are unfolding Globally, the Sri Lankan State, not just the government should navigate a “managed stability” phase by balancing foreign policy challenges and other economic and social challenges from the perspective of the State (country) and not that of any political grouping including the government. Even prior to the current crisis, several independent think tanks  like the Eurasia Review ( https: //www. eurasiareview.com/03022026-sri-lanka-managed-stability-analysis/), and ODI Global (https://odi.org/en /insights/sri-lanka-needs-a-growth-plan-to-avoid-anothercrisis/#:~:text=Improved% 20state%20planning %20for%20undertaking,future%20prosperity%20and%20donor%20support) have suggested some high level strategies as noted below.

Economic Resilience and Mitigation

• Buffer Essential Supplies: To prevent the public distress and “queue culture” that destabilised previous administrations, the government must maintain at least one month’s stock of fuel and essential goods.
• Fuel Price Pass-through Management: While global oil price hikes are unavoidable due to Middle East tensions, the government must use “cost-reflective” pricing carefully, potentially using targeted subsidies to shield the most vulnerable from sudden energy-driven inflation.
• Export Diversification: Moving beyond traditional tea and garment exports—which are vulnerable to Middle East trade route disruptions—into agritech, ICT, and green industries can reduce exposure to regional conflicts. 

Political Stability and Governance

• Institutional Reform over Populism: Strengthening the Central Bank’s independence and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) helps build public trust, making it harder for the opposition to claim systemic mismanagement.
• Transparency in Debt Management: Regularly publishing quarterly debt reports through the new Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) can pre-empt opposition narratives about “opaque” financial deals.
• Digitalisation of Services: Implementing e-government and digital ID schemes reduces “red tape” and opportunities for corruption, which are common flashpoints for anti-government protests. 

Social Protection and Public Trust 

• Strengthen Social Spending Floors: The government must meet or exceed the IMF-mandated social spending target (0.6% of GDP) to ensure that “belt-tightening” doesn’t fall solely on low-income households.
• Address the “Brain Drain”: Providing competitive incentives for skilled professionals (IT, medical, etc.) to stay in the country is vital for maintaining the state’s functional capacity to deliver public services.
• Accountability and Human Rights: Reforming security laws like the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and addressing past accountability deficits can reduce international pressure and domestic grievance

The current crisis and opportunities for the future

The immediate task for the country would be to assess the impact of the ongoing conflict on the country and devise a plan of action as to how best it could minimize the severity of the impact. While doing this, it also needs to lay groundwork to change/adjust its economic management model to ensure future shocks and impact is minimized. While all or some of the issues highlighted earlier are the priorities of the government, the current crisis, and what has taught the country (the instability and fragility of the global order), should now extend approaches to these and other economic, and social challenges as National priorities.  While democracy entails the ability and the right to exercise a choice  and therefore the right to articulate choices, at a National level, the political establishment could agree on a framework for governance similar to the IMF framework, but where guidelines (in the case of the IMF, imperatives for economic support) for key governance areas could be included in a binding framework for them.

Such a framework, should it see the light of day, could of course be updated periodically, but its essence would be the consistency and stability of broad, high level governance policies of the country irrespective of which political party or grouping is in power. All political parties should be bound by such a framework so that the people of the country, and local and overseas investors will have the certainty they will require to invest in the country.  As with the IMF framework agreement, a National Governance Framework will provide authority for political parties, should they be in power via elections, to operate within agreed parameters of the agreement, but adopt different strategies to achieve the outcomes noted and agreed upon in the framework.

Looking to the future and the fragility of the Global political order, a system change of this nature is essential for the country to progress and lay the groundwork for the next generation and those to come, to have confidence in the country and enjoy a good education, a good health system, a good social system, and economic opportunities. The lack of confidence in these are the drivers that lead to the exodus of the country’s talent to other countries to seek these basics elsewhere. As the debate today amongst Opposition political parties is about how best to destabilize the government through strikes, work stoppages, work to rule campaigns etc, and who shouts the loudest in Parliament so that they will be shown as heroes in social media, constructive criticism and advancing the country’s economic and social interests have taken a back seat.

With a possible economic Tsunami heading towards the country, the basic high level governance policies could center around some priorities like economic management, health and education, agriculture and food security, export development, water management, energy management etc. Some suggestions for strategic governance in economic management are noted here. As with these, similar strategic governance policies for the other areas mentioned too should be included in a National Governance Framework. The economic management strategies should consider the following

1. Increasing the GDP of the country and its per capita income well above the currently planned targets

Sri Lanka GDP projection for 2025 was around USD 87 Billion and the projected per capita income was USD $3,799 – $3,939. These need to rise above 8% over ten years to achieve a GDP of USD 200 million and a GDP per capita of USD 9000 to qualify as an upper middle-class status. A high-income status requires a per capita of $13,846 or more. Can Sri Lanka achieve these targets? It is noteworthy that Singapore GDP in 2024 was USD 547.4 billion and per capita 90,674.07 USD. Singapore’s projected GDP will be 900 billion USD in 10 years with a per capita of USD 130,000. Sri Lanka must decide where it wishes to be in ten years

• Increasing the country’s foreign reserves

Trading economics (https://tradingeconomics.com/sri-lanka/foreign-exchange-reserves) states that foreign exchange reserves in Sri Lanka was 6. 82 USD Billion in January 2026, enough to fund imports of oil, gas, medicine, food etc for a period of 3.1 months. This is not sufficient and Sri Lanka should have a foreign reserve and foreign assets equal to or more than its foreign debt as countries like Singapore do and make its debt a net zero debt.  It is interesting to note that Singapore’s foreign exchange reserves were S529.11 billion (approx. US$416.97 billion) in January 2026, and the total reserves of Singapore based on publicly available data from Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), the Government of Singapore owned multinational investment firm Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and government’s Central Provident Fund (CPF), are conservatively estimated at S$2.5 trillion (2024) (US$1.87 trillion). Singapore too has a substantial gross external debt, reportedly over S$2.4 trillion, but possesses zero net debt because its substantial financial assets and foreign currency reserves that far exceed its liabilities.

• Economic governance suggestions for inclusion in a framework agreement.

The question from a national perspective is whether Sri Lanka will be able to withstand the potential impact of the current crisis and plan to minimise the impact of Global shocks. The following are suggested for discussion and inclusion in the National Governance Framework, besides the GDP, per capita income and foreign reserves and foreign assets as note earlier.

• Managing the country’s recurrent expenditure with its own income and not through internal or external debt.
• Setting aside a minimum percentage of income for essential infrastructure project expenditure and meeting shortfalls with long term internal and external debt or grants
• Personal income taxation structure should be aimed at total revenue targets and strategic approaches to achieve these targets including widening the tax net by reducing the tax rates, including lowering the highest tax rate. A high taxation rate and many tax evaders is not a logical approach to increase tax revenue. (There are questions raised about the number of high-income earners including many medical professionals, engineers, architects, lawyers, tuition teachers etc, who either do not pay tax or who somehow underpay their tax).
• Doubling, if not trebling export income over 5 -10 years
• A local currency reserve – A percentage of income to be set aside as local reserves that should be used only during an emergency.
  • A more defined role for the Banking sector

The Boston Consulting Group noted that at the end of 2024, the total deposits in Sri Lankan banks amounted to  approximately LKR 16.16 trillion ($ USD 57.4 Billion).  The Group went on to say that this total reflected a significant increase throughout 2024, growing by 18.43% year-on-year from approximately Rs. 10.4 trillion in 2023. 

Given this situation, the National Governance Framework should articulate how best these sleeping” assets (which exceeds the government foreign debt of USD 37.1 Billion). could be put to yield better dividends in the longer term to the deposit holders and through the employment of such funds, allow the Banks to invest in more revenue generating projects.   

A strategic system change is needed to change the historical role of banks functioning more as a funding arm for the government than as a catalyst for private-sector production.  Of course, deposit holders will require government guaranteed higher interest rates for deposits that are locked” in say for 5 or even 10 years. Banks will then have the freedom to invest in profit yielding ventures where the revenue will allow them to pay the higher interest rates to the deposit holders.

This proposal needs further elaboration, and the author intends presenting an argument to move Banks from being a funding arm for the government onto profitable private sector ventures in a follow up article.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a strategic system change in governance policies is needed to move the country from a debt-servicing mindset to an asset-building one, where assets exceed debt. This will require a level of political willpower that spans decades, not just 5 year election cycles. In Sri Lanka, the pressure to provide immediate relief (like subsidies or tax cuts) often intervene with the disciplined effort to have “primary surpluses” required to build a national asset pool (net foreign reserves, State owned overseas assets and State investments that provide better yileds) that will exceed the country’s foreign debt.

No political party or grouping functioning as they are now in Sri Lanka’s democracy will be able to make this strategic change as short term, immediate relief measures will take precedence over long term strategic governance overhaul. It is for this reason that while democracy and democratic governance is maintained, an agreement on a National Governance Framework supported by all political parties and groupings is proposed as the way forward to achieve such a strategic change.

Will our political leaders have the foresight, wisdom and the guts to bury their short-term hatchets and look beyond their noses to see and understand that a seismic change to governance policies, goals and objectives is needed if the country is to withstand the impact of global shocks orchestrated by others? This remains to be seen.

KAMALIKA PIERIS

The Eelam wars (1983-2009)  between the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), arose over the issue of self-determination for Sri Lankan Tamils and the separation of the Northern and Eastern provinces from the rest of the country. The goal was a separate state.

 The Eelam war was not a guerilla or terrorist war, it was  a Civil War. Civil War takes  place when  a group of citizens take up arms against the government to obtain exclusive control of a part of  the land. The fighting takes place inside the state, in the territory which is to be separated from the rest of the state. It is  war between  the  state  and a group of  citizens  who  want to secede from the state, taking a slice of territory with them.  A civil war is  therefore an internal war. A civil war can become  a high-intensity conflict   if  the    state army  faces  a  well equipped rebel army. Civil war  could  be caused by  outside forces manipulating a separatist tendency within the  targeted territory.

The Geneva Conventions do not provide a definition of Civil War. The Final Record of the Diplomatic Conference of Geneva of 1949 (Volume II-B, 121)  instead  introduced the concept “Non-international armed conflict” .    Geneva  Conference said that for  “Non-international armed conflict”     the party in revolt must be in possession of a part of the national territory. The insurgents  must exercise de facto authority there .The insurgents must be  belligerent and the legal government  must  conduct  military action   against the insurgents.

Common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Convention  also   used the term “Non-international Armed conflict”   instead of Civil War,  when speaking of  an  armed conflict between the state and non-state  groups  .The term “non-international armed conflict”   was   widely used  thereafter to refer to  Civil War because   it is the term used in Common Article 3 .

International Committee of the Red Cross, however,  recognized ‘Civil War’ and said that  for a civil war to take place, the party that is opposing the government  must possess an organized military force, it must have a central authority ,it must be in possession of  territory and  be waging war from inside it.

 Analysts and commentators studying the Eelam War use both  Civil War” and “Non-international armed conflict”   to describe the Eelam War. Legal commentators   take the position that  the  Eelam war is a non –international armed conflict.”  The conflict in Sri Lanka is a non –international armed conflict,   they  said.   

Others call it a Civil War. S.I. Keethaponcalan  in Post war dilemmas of Sri Lanka  (2019) said  Eelam war is a civil war it is between a sovereign state and a non-state armed group. It was a domestic war.    Nithyani Anandakugan  titled her essay in   Harvard International Review . August, 2020 as The Sri Lankan Civil War and Its History Revisited”.  

However, some  commentators reject the notion that the Eelam War was   Civil war. They argue that this was Non-International Armed Conflict  certainly ,but not amounting to Civil War .The reason was that  the  LTTE  killed  its own kind. LTTE killed many  Tamils. Does that qualify for the war   to be called civil”,  asked one observer. The answer is that   LTTE killed in  order to gain power and thereafter to  retain power. There was no protracted internecine war.

 This  anti-Civil war  attitude is based on the romantic notion that Civil War is between two  deeply united  factions spontaneously  opposing each other. They are thinking of  the  American Civil War  where the pro slavery ‘Union ^‘  and the  anti slavery ‘Confederacy ‘ fought each other, we imagine, in deep unity.

The separatist  intention is clearly shown in  Tamil politics. Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi, established in 1949 ( ITAK)  indicated through its name that   it was set up for the creation of an independent state. IIllankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi, means  Lanka Tamil State Party.” The word  ‘Arasu ‘ can be interpreted as ‘king,” “ruler,” “monarch,” or “sovereign”, said the dictionary. The word carries connotations of authority . Kadchi means ‘party’ . ITAK said that its name in English was ‘Federal Party’. That was to  hide its separatist  strategy. The Tamil word for federal is Kūṭṭāṭci” .

 The    militant groups  formed in the north in the  1970s were also separatist .  They   all wanted Eelam. The names   of the  five leading  groups were: Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP).Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF),  Eelam Revolutionary Organisation of Students (EROS)  Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)  People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE),  and Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO). 

However,  the Government of  Sri Lanka    did not  officially declare the Eelam war as  Civil war or  Non international Armed Conflict.   The  Government    called  the war a ‘terrorist’ war. Government  says there is no ethnic problem but only a terrorist problem, noted Ben Bavinck. [1]

The Military also spoke of the  enemy as terrorists.  Ours was a war waged against a terrorist outfit by a legitimate government, said  Sarath Weerasekera.[2]  The  memoirs written by the miliary leaders, such as the memoir by Kamal  Gunaratne,   always  spoke of  ‘terrorists’. The soldiers were also told that they were fighting terrorists, whom they called  ‘terra”.

When the War ended in 2009, President Mahinda Rajapaksa  went to Jaffna, spoke in Tamil and  said the war was against ‘Terrorism’ and not the ‘Tamil people.’  In 2019, Sri Lanka‘s High Commissioner for UK, said the conflict in Sri Lanka was not with the Tamil community, but against terrorism by the LTTE.[3]  

In 2020, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN,  speaking at the Security Council Open Debate on Peace building, said that action by the Sri Lankan security forces during the conflict was against a group designated as a terrorist organization . It  was not aimed at any community in the country.[4]

However, Shenali Waduge  observed that the UN   never officially designated the LTTE as a terrorist organization  . UN declared  Al Quaida and Taliban terrorist organizations  through Resolutions 1267 and 1373,[5] but not LTTE .

There is no  agreed definition of terrorism.  Violent and criminal acts planned for a political or ideological purpose are  considered ‘terrorism’.    Terrorism    thrives on the creation of fear  and intimidating the public.   

The Tamil Separatist Movement did not like the label of ‘terrorist.’ When  Anne Abeysekera visited Jaffna in 1994   she was asked,  Why  does your President say there is no ethnic problem , only a terrorist one. [6] LTTE also  objected.  LTTE  has said repeatedly that they were not terrorists. LTTE  was not interested in  merely  frightening  the public. LTTE never limited itself to hit and run tactics.  LTTE‘s mission was Eelam, nothing less.  They were fighting a separatist war.

 LTTE has continued to say this. The European Political Sub division of the LTTE ,  based in Denmark, appealed in January 2019  to  the European Union   asking the EU to lift the proscription of the  LTTE as an international terrorist organization.

LTTE stated that  it  had  participated in a legitimate armed conflict with the aim of ensuring the right of the Tamil people to self-determination. They were not a terrorist organization . EU agreed. The way LTTE’s armed forces were organized and their manner of conducting operations, met all the requirements laid down by international law for recognition as ‘combatants’, said EU, while extending the proscription. ( continued)

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[1] Ben Bavinck Of Tamils and Tigers Pt 1 p  307

[2]  https://www.sundaytimes.lk/250406/sunday-times-2/sanctions-and-sri-lankas-failure-to-address-human-rights-allegations-a-self-inflicted-crisis-a-response-594264.html

[3] Island 1.12.19 p 1

[4] Island 15.2.20 p 4  .

[5]  Shenali Waduge https://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2025/06/11/sri-lanka-2009-post-war-to-present-un-precedents-bias-international-injustice/

[6]  Anne Abayasekara Telling it like it is vol 1 p  51

KAMALIKA PIERIS

The Eelam war was never  a terrorist war.   LTTE   engaged in regular  military warfare using modern weapons. It had a trained army, dressed  in uniform. It attacked the state army where ever it could and concentrated on taking  territory.       Dayan Jayatilleke  observed  that  LTTE was not a terrorist cell, or a branch of an international terrorist network,  It was a secessionist army. [1]

In his   Heroes Day speech of November 2002, Prabhakaran said If self-determination is denied and the demand for self-rule is rejected, the Tamil people will have no alternative other than to secede and form an independent state.

HL de Silva  in  his book Sri Lanka a Nation in conflict” , discussed  the issue of secession. He stated that  two UN  declarations, Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations”(1970) and  ‘World Conference on Human Rights,’ Vienna, 1993  confirmed  that a state whose government represents the whole people, is entitled to the protection of its territorial integrity. Sri Lanka conforms to this and therefore Sri Lanka can resist secession, he said.

H.L. de Silva  stated that Sri Lanka could not entertain secession in any form. Sovereignty of the people is inalienable.  Any surrender of   an inalienable right is an act that is legally null and void. The people of Sri Lanka do not have the freedom to decide on separation.  They  cannot consider secession either.  A sovereign  people cannot pass laws  affecting sovereignty.   

They cannot break up a country through a referendum  either, they do not have that right, continued H.L .de Silva.   Nor can they do so through Parliament  or a Constituent assembly.  These two bodies do not have the legal power to tamper with   Sovereignty. They  cannot support the truncation of a state.

H.L.  de Silva  stated that the Constitution of Sri Lanka  does  not permit separatism.   The first five articles of the Constitution are basic political values which are not created or conferred by the Constitution. They are pre-existing values which precede and transcend the Constitution. The  Constitution does not permit any ethnic group to declare that they no longer owed allegiance to state either ,  he said.

The five articles of the Constitution are: 1 Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is a Free, Sovereign, Independent and Democratic Socialist Republic 2 The Republic of Sri Lanka is a Unitary State. 3  Sovereignty  is  in  the People and is inalienable. 4 Sovereignty of the People shall be exercised as follows legislative-  Parliament,  executive – President ,  judicial  -courts. 5 The territory of the Republic of Sri Lanka shall consist of the 25 administrative districts set out in the First Schedule and   its    territorial waters. 

HL de Silva said these matters are declared in the Constitution to enable the Constitution to be under stood as a legal document   and to ensure that what follows does not violate these basic principles. And that they are interpreted in the light of these principles. They are eternal , they cannot be disputed and cannot be compromised by understanding reached by negotiators or anybody else.  

H.L. de  Silva  stated that Section 27/3 of the Constitution says the State shall safeguard the independence, sovereignty, unity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Section  157A says (1) No person shall, directly or indirectly, in or outside Sri Lanka, support, espouse, promote, finance, encourage or advocate the establishment of a separate State within the territory of Sri Lanka.(2) No political party or other association or organization shall have as one of its aims or objects the establishment of a separate State within the territory of Sri Lanka.

Further, the 6^th amendment  to the Constitution expressly prohibits  a  person or political party  from promoting  a separate state within Sri Lanka . [2]  The 6^th amendment states (1) No person shall, directly or indirectly, in or outside Sri Lanka, support, espouse, promote, finance, encourage or advocate the establishment of a separate State within the territory of Sri Lanka.2) No political party or other association or organization shall have as one of its aims or objects the establishment of a separate State within the territory of Sri Lanka.

 The Penal Code  is  also very  clear on this matter. Whoever wages war against the Republic, shall be punished with death, or imprisonment said   Section 114. It  is an offense to deprive the People of the Republic of Sri Lanka of their Sovereignty  or  conspires to overawe by means of criminal force any of the organs of Government said  Section 115 . It is  an offense  to collects men, arms, ammunition, or otherwise prepare to wage war against the Republic ( Section 116),  to conceal the existence of a design to wage war against the Republic ( Section 117) or attempt to excite feelings of disaffection to the Government  (Section 120).

LTTE   was attempting to  overthrow a  legitimate   government which  had a strong presence in the north and east. An  attempt to overthrow  a government is  considered ‘treason.’ Taking arms against the state   is  considered ‘high treason’,   a criminal act of the highest order. The demand for the creation of a separate state should   be treated as high treason with penal sanctions, said anti-Eelamists.  The demand for self determination must also be made a criminal offence. It is intended to lay the foundation for a separate state they said.   Tamil Separatist Movement ‘s    declaration  that it is also for an undivided Sri Lanka is  made  to avoid the charge of treason.

This brings us to the  matter  of Sedition. Any conduct or  speech   inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state  is considered sedition. Any   party demanding self determination or separation can also  be treated as sedition.

Critics wants to know why there is no law against sedition in Sri Lanka. In the west, countries  have enacted  laws against sedition.   The government should pass a Sedition act to charge and prosecute any one supporting separatism, said Rohan Guneratne. [3]   Sri Lanka  Parliament must pass legislation spelling out what would constitute sedition. 

On May 21, 1976  ITAK leader A.  Amirthalingam, along with Federal Party MPs  V.N.Navaratnam, K.P.Ratnam, K.Thurairatnam  were delivering leaflets in Jaffna , regarding a political event, when  they were  arrested by the Jaffna police on the charge of possessing and distributing seditious literature. Sivasithamparam was released but the others were taken to Colombo  to be tried for sedition.

When the case came up on  December 10, 1976, Attorney General Siva Pasupati   said that  the Government will not be proceeding  with the case against the four FP leaders relating to the possession and distribution of seditious literature.  After retirement, Pasupati moved to Australia and served as a legal advisor for the LTTE .[4]

Separatism has to take into account the provisions of International law. International law does not support separatism. There is no legal right in international law for a sub national group of a sovereign state to   achieve unilateral secession by wresting territory from the state, said HL de Silva.In  the case of Quebec the law courts ruled that    Quebec did not enjoy a right in international law to secede from Canada unilaterally.  

But it is possible  for the separatist state to obtain recognition if the government concerned does not  fight the secessionists successfully, observed HL de Silva.    Once a secessionist movement  succeeds in defeating the armed forces of a state and is in occupation and control of territory, leaving no room for government to operate inside it,   there comes into existence a de facto  separate state ,  which can then advance to becoming a  de jure state, with help of other countries.

 UN is extremely reluctant to admit a seceding entity to membership against the wishes of the government of that state. But it can  be achieved by a  friendly country nominating the new state to the UN General Assembly, said analysts.

Since the  first step toward the creation of statehood  is   control of territory by a rebel group, itis up to the  government   to make  sure that that does not happen. It is up to the state to ensure  that secession is not successful,  said HL de Silva.  Sri Lanka has a long tradition of achievement which would help provide enormous reserves of inner strength and moral courage to withstand Eelam, concluded HL de Silva. [5] ( continued)

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[1] Dayan Jayatilleke Long war cold peace’  rev edition 2014 p 211

[2] HL de Silva. Sri Lanka A nation in conflict. p 41, 73,74,259, 268, 311

[3] Interview with Rohan Gunaratne, Daily News 10.12.13 p 9 

[4] https://sangam.org/g-g-ponnambalam-1902-1977-his-power-and-plight-as-a-tamil-leader/

[5] HL de Silva. Sri Lanka A nation in conflict. p 38, 41, 78, 80, 81, 82, 86

KAMALIKA PIERIS

The Eelam wars were defeated by the government of Sri Lanka in May 2009. Nirmala  Chandrahasan said that the Tamils must start all over again. I do not think that Tamil nationalism with secessionist aspirations, will die a natural death. Even if the LTTE is destroyed , it is possible that a new guerrilla war could emerge in a few years time, she said. [1]

 A.K. Ragavan, a Tamil activist now in UK stated in an interview in 2009  ,  we need to look at this differently. This nationalist framework will only alienate people further. Tamils constitute only  12 % of Sri Lanka  population Without the support of the Sinhala progressives Tamils cannot take their struggle forward anymore. [2]

Sebastian Rasalingam said ‘Eelam program was doomed to failure within the confines of an island dominated by a majority which had always has a historic sense of its own identity, and ancient chronicles to give the needed patriotic cohesions. The Mahavamsa mind set. But the Eelam idea is too big and too potent to be confined to the shores of Sri Lanka. So it may be transferred to Tamilnadu.[3]

 Sri Lanka is quite the last place in the world to strive for Eelam  or an approximation because the game here is zero-sum due to the uniqueness of the Sinhala situation. Here Tamil globalism meets Sinhala exceptionalism, said Dayan Jayatilleke in 2018.[4]Sri Lanka is  too small an  island  to have two separate governments, said Kanthar Balanathan in  2023. Jaffna has no river or water and 49% of Tamils live outside the North and East. [5]

Tamil diaspora should abandon its separatist ideas said Kumaran Pathmanathan   in 2021. I have tried to explain to them that the era led by Prabhakaran and Pottu Amman is no more. It is impossible to formulate another armed struggle in this country. Pursuing such an ideology is a waste of time.[6] There will never be a separate state in Sri Lanka. Even the most vociferous Tamil politicians in Sri Lanka too have categorically rejected the idea said  a Daily News  editorial in 2021 .[7]

LTTE was    engaging in  civil war in a country with a strong central government , firm  sovereign standing and strong historical recall. Sri Lanka, real name Sinhaladvipa, is a recognized sovereign state with clear boundaries, settled population, a seat in the UN and a well documented history. Sri Lanka is the oldest and longest running democracy in Asia, having had universal suffrage thrust on it, while it was still a British crown colony. The first election was held in 1931,  two decades before India.  Sri Lanka  is considered  a resilient  country.

In contrast to this, Eelamists argue, without any evidence, that  ancient Sri Lanka  consisted of  two nations, Tamil and Sinhala .They argue that   the sovereign state was a modern invention, introduced to Sri Lanka  during western rule,  due to the Westphalia treaty of 1648. That is incorrect ,  also it is a calculated distortion of the  well documented history of  Sri Lanka .

The treaty of Westphalia was very significant for Europe  because it ended the  Holy Roman Empire.   The Holy Roman empire, headed by Charles V of Spain was described as neither Holy, Roman nor Empire.  Europe at the time was a hotch  potch of kingdoms, bishoprics, dukedoms   all  fighting with each other. There was Thirty Years War, 1618–1648  and  Eighty years War (1568–1648).These ended with the Treaty of Westphalia  of 1648. This treaty created the sovereign states of Europe as we know them today. The  modern states of Europe, with settled borders  and an agreement  to respect these  borders and not fight with each other started from this time. Italy and Germany however unified only in 1848. This treaty has no relevance whatsoever to Sri Lanka .But Westphalia is used in Sri Lanka by Eelamists  to argue that the present day sovereign state of Sri Lanka is  a recent creation  by western rulers,

Sri Lanka  enjoyed continuous monarchical rule for a long unbroken period ending  in 1815. Monarchical  states are sovereign states. They pre-date the democratic state, but they are  nevertheless,  sovereign states. This means Sri Lanka has been a   sovereign state for many centuries.  The general public are not  familiar with the word ‘sovereignty,’ but they  are very proud of  ‘our ancient kings’ and ‘our ancient history’.    They   firmly oppose  Tamil separatism and    declare ‘rata beddana denna baha”.

International law supports this approach. The  sovereignty of a state is a status recognized and protected by international law. It cannot be easily overturned, said experts.  It  cannot be challenged by non-state actors such as LTTE ,said HL de Silva  . [8]   A sovereign state has full ,complete and exclusive authority to deal with its own territory and with its own nationals, said Nihal Jayawickrema. [9]

A  sovereign state   has control over its airspace, and its territorial sea as well as its land. According to UN Resolution 3171(28) December 1973, Sri Lanka holds permanent sovereignty of all its natural resources, whether on land or on sea.

 Further, International law places great importance on the ‘territorial integrity’ of  sovereign  states ‘Territorial integrity’  is a fundamental principle in international law  which  means the right of a  state to  protect its territorial boundaries and control  the  full territory ,without  interference from anybody.  ( continued)

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[1] Daily News 16.4.09 p 6.

[2] Daily News 16.4.09 p 6.

[3] Sebastian Rasalingam. The twilight of Tigers in Sri Lanka .Island. 5.1.2009 p 11

[4] Dayan J. Island 10.2.18 p 9  .

[5]  https://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2023/06/08/open-letter-to-the-fp-tna-ggp-and-the-terrorist-political-parties/

[6] http://www.slguardian.org/2021/06/sri-lanka-selvarasa-pathmanathan-alias.html

[7] Daily News  22.9.21 p 4

[8] HL de Silva. Sri Lanka a Nation in conflict. p  247

[9] Nihal Jayawickrema. The myth of state sovereignty. Sunday Island .28.3.2010 p 10 .

by Garvin Karunaratne

Our external debt has reached $ 33.2 billion by the end of December 2025.

The increase in foreign debt denotes that we are on the wrong path.

My earlier Papers in Lanka Web indicate the measures that have to be done if the authorities are interested to build up our economy.

Garvin Karunaratne

former GA Matara

Defend Democracy Press

March 2, 2026 

Spain’s government on Monday said the US has neither used nor will use Spanish military bases to conduct attacks against Iran, insisting Madrid maintains full control over its sovereign facilities, Anadolu reports.

According to Spanish news outlet El Diario, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said in a television interview that the bases at Rota and Moron de la Frontera are not being used” for operations linked to the Middle East conflict and that Spain will not authorize any such deployment.

The bases of Spanish sovereignty will not be used for anything that is not within the agreement with the United States or for anything that does not fit within the charter of the United Nations,” he said.

Albares reiterated that although the bases are for joint use, Spain retains ultimate authority, according to the report. He also denied that the US informed Madrid in advance of its actions, describing recent strikes as a unilateral action outside of any collective action.”

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rejected what he called the unilateral action” by the US and Israel against Iran, warning that it contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order.”

Albares said the escalation carries unpredictable consequences,” including disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and rising oil prices, and called for de-escalation and diplomacy.

Spain also condemned the retaliatory attacks by Iran on Gulf countries.

Spain saves Europe’s honor

Israel Shamir, courtesy The Unz Review

The US, UK, France and Germany are flattered to call themselves the West”, but it is more realistic to call them the Jewish-State-in-progress, or Epsteinia”. We have just learned that President Trump had already made up his mind to go to war against Iran weeks ago, and that the pretence of diplomacy carried out by two Jewish real estate dealers (Witkoff and Kushner) on his behalf was little more than a nothingburger to keep Iran busy until the Chosen moment. So what exactly was the purpose behind Trump’s diplomatic pause before commencing hostilities? There is a reason; quite shameful, but true. Trump and his superior, Bibi Netanyahu, were guided by Kabbalah magic. They agreed to carry out this historic attack on a particularly auspicious date in the Jewish calendar, called Remembrance Shabbat, the last Saturday before the feast of Purim. The facts are overwhelmingly clear: International Jewry decreed the attack day and the US military jumped like obedient dogs to a Jewish whistle.

Wikipedia describes Remembrance Shabbat as follows:

Sabbath [of] remembrance’ or Shabbat Zachor (Hebrew: שבת זכור) is the Shabbat immediately preceding Purim. Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (at the end of Parasha Ki Teitzei), describing the attack on the Jews by Amalek, is recounted. There is a tradition from the Talmud (understood to be implied in the Megillah itself) that Haman, the antagonist of the Purim story, was descended from Amalek. The portion that is read includes a commandment to remember the attack by Amalek, and therefore at this public reading both men and women make a special effort to hear the reading.

All Jews are not only required to remember this special date commemorating this ancient tale, but they are also required to seek revenge; i.e. commit genocide of whoever the Sanhedrin has labelled Amalek in our generation. A Jew is obliged and commanded to kill all the men, women, children of Amalek, including dogs and cats. Small animals, kittens and puppies are often killed a fortnight earlier at the Tubishvat celebration – pets are thrown into burning bonfires by Sephardi custom. The customs of Purim (and the preceding Sabbath) are notoriously horrible, detailed by Elliot Horowitz in his Reckless Rites: Purim and the Legacy of Jewish Violence. Martin Luther noted that Jews thought of all Christian rulers (who Jews consider to be their oppressors) as modern-day Hamans, and so it was a religious duty to undermine them and seek their downfall. [He also noted that Jews saw Christ as a similar King/Oppressor figure, perhaps because in the Septuagint, Haman is crucified. Bear in mind that the Septuagint is the Greek translation of the unadulterated original Bible text, while the modern Hebrew Bible has been updated many times over the years by Jewish scholars.]

Netanyahu’s International Jews (including those of the Israeli government coalition) have a long history of performing their professional and religious duties in accord with Kabbalistic magic. For them, the combination of the first blow in the Sabbath of Remembrance and celebration of Purim a few days later is too tempting to avoid. The fools are likely to believe that they are guided from above, and thus they will come to their end.

Purim celebrates when 75000 Persians were murdered by Jews; and it’s no coincidence that this is the first time the Jews are clearly mentioned in the Bible. It’s a kind of coming out” story for Jews. Jewish stories always make the Jews look like innocent victims, and this story is no exception. The real Jews of the Second Temple period knew the real facts, and they carved the Persian capital Susa into the ‘Beautiful Gate’ of the Temple, explaining that the Jews should forever be mindful of their time in Persia. But Netanyahu has forgotten this advice from his legendary ancestors.

The first bombs of the Iran War were dropped by Mike Huckabee, Tel Aviv’s pet US Ambassador”, in an interview with Tucker Carlson just before hostilities commenced. Huckabee told Tucker that Israel has the right to seize as much of the Middle East as the US can defend, and that it’s fine with him if they take it. After that, everyone just sat around waiting for a magical date on the Kabbalah Calendar. Jews preordained that, on the Jewish Sabbath of Remembrance, the US and Israel shall bravely sneak-attack peaceful, slumbering Iran; a country still working to comply with UN investigators, still in peace talks with two Jews, tragically unaware of the historical significance of that particular date for Jews. Attacking forces boldly murdered the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Muslim equivalent of the Catholic Pope. Israel sees every non-Jewish leader as Haman and therefore a legitimate target: our Ron Unz explained it in this essay. Jews like to assassinate leaders, something that went out of fashion in the Thirty Years’ War.

England, France and Germany followed orders from Tel Aviv. This means that Jews have succeeded to get on top in these countries. Germany was forced to accept Jewish rule with the US occupation in 1945. Now it is illegal for a German to wear a Palestinian keffiyeh, or to call for a free Palestine. France was relatively free in 1960, when de Gaulle had the power to kick out NATO. Over the years since then, the Jews have tightened their hold on the media. French cinema died, French politicians kneeled before Lord Rothschild and in the year of Our Lord 2026, all French parties have become thoroughly Jewified. Marine Le Pen, the darling of what passes for French Nationalism, approved of the Purim attack on Iran, and promoted her Chosen Jewish successor. England has always been the homeland of Christian Zionism, and Starmer is a very proper shabbos-goy to represent the UK’s Shabbos Gov”.

Why are the Jews willing to expend so much political capital in exchange for the doubtful achievement of ruining Iran? We can understand why Trump is so willing to betray MAGA – because his lot is not to reason why; a good Shabbos-goy, he must follow orders from Tel Aviv. But why would the usually cautious Jews do it? It was the shining glory of the El Aksa Mosque, which has to be destroyed in order to erect the Third Temple, the ultimate wish of the Jews. And Iran is the only country in the world that wouldn’t allow it to happen. All other Muslim states were cowed and follow US orders.

From the moment of the sneak attack on Iran, El Aksa Mosque was closed by the Israeli army, and Palestinian Muslims can no longer enter it. In the middle of the Ramadan Fast, it is especially painful for believers. The story of the El Aksa Mosque and the Jewish drive for its destruction is a long one. I have previously written about it in The Cornerstone of Violence.

To make it short, I’ll quote from it:

Many Jews and their Christian-Zionist allies believe the precious beauty of Haram a-Sharif, the 7th century mosques of Jerusalem should be destroyed and on their ruins, a Jewish temple should be erected. Why should this be done? People provide different explanations, historical and eschatological. It is not for some historical justice, or for the purpose of prayer, as traditional Judaism forbade all interaction with the Mountain of the Lord. Some mystically inclined Jews believe this act will make Jewish domination of the world total and irreversible. This belief is not an exclusive domain of kooks and freaks, nor even of Zionists only, but rather a widespread conviction.

The mainstream media of the West usually presents the conflict in terms of Muslims vs. Jews. But the conflict as seen by these Jews, is Jews vs. Gentiles. In their minds, the Temple Mount is a magic Ring of Power, one they should assume when the time is right. As the Ring in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings (the British professor was a very learned man), it should bring forth the Messiah. For the Jewish mystics, this Messiah is not the Christian Messiah. In their book, the Messiah is not a gentle Jesus with a message for all mankind. Their Messiah would forever enslave the nations of the earth and make the Chosen people the masters of the universe. Their Messiah, Lord Enslaver of the Peoples of Earth, is the Antichrist of prophecies.”

The Arabs outside of the Holy Land have been subdued, and do not care about it all that much. Muslims everywhere are being attacked relentlessly by Jewish-led global media companies. Palestinians are being genocided for their love of the El Aksa Mosque (the war in Gaza is called by Palestinians the Al Aqsa Flood”). The only real resistance came from Iran, led by Persian theologians who well understood the Temple Mount controversy. So, of course Iran had to be bombed for Purim. Obviously such an act of celebration should be accompanied by the Kabbalistic ritual blood sacrifice of young girls, as expounded in the Epstein Files. This Jewish religious practice was achieved right away when they reportedly slaughtered over a hundred schoolgirls and when they deliberately targeted the 14-month-old granddaughter of the late Ayatollah.

Such is the fate of Persia, perishing under the Lion of Judah (Israeli codename Operation Roaring Lion). But how will the Christians fare, stepping into the arena with such a hungry lion? It is better not to cooperate with such beasts, for when we dance with the devil we deserve whatever fate has in store for us. Shall we review the Kabbalistic Calendar for the magic date that the Jewish Yoke will be lodged on our necks? We see how Islam may be openly reviled by our Jewish overlords. Do we really think that Christianity is exempt from such treatment? They already openly describe the Bible as an antisemitic document.” We all know that the conflict between Islam and Christianity is being stage-managed by Jews. With the influx of good, conservative Muslims into Western nations, we are rapidly learning that the points of harmony between believing Islamics and believing Christians vastly outweigh what Mike Huckabee calls our Judeo-Christian Patrimony”.

The Jews are running out of time. There has never been a Jewish kingdom that has lasted longer than 80 years and 2028 is coming up fast. From the local PTA to international organizations, Christians and Muslims are getting to know one another, making an end-run around their Jewish handlers. The Purim War against Iran is a clear sign of Jewish desperation. They already lost the moral high ground when they began firebombing Gazan ghettos. This latest Jewish war is the proverbial step too far, and when Israel falls you can bet they are going to try and take down everyone else with them. The first step towards ending the Iran War is the resolution of the Gazan Genocide. Once Israel is defused, the entire world powder keg will unravel. Imagine it! Christians and Muslims working together in Christ’s name to purge school libraries of Kabbalistic sex manuals! Ukraine will deport all the Jewish adventurers and get back to being the breadbasket of Europe! Jerusalem will become a UN protectorate, ensuring all religions have a seat at the tables of the Holy Land! Trump can go back to being a MAGA guy, the US military can be safely reduced and funds invested in US manufacturing! Congress can go back to representing the American people! Western businesses will thrive on all that cheap oil delivered by our new Muslim friends in the Middle East!

How many other positive scenarios can you imagine happening if we could only rid ourselves of these pestilent Epsteins? America has a hag on its back, and its name is Israel.

Edited by Paul Bennet of Minnesota.

Chamuditha News Brief

උපුටා ගැන්ම ලංකා සී නිව්ස්

පාස්කු ඉරිදා ප්‍රහාරයේ මහමොළකරු ලෙස සැලකෙන සහරාන් හෂීම්ගේ නඩුව වෙනුවෙන් පෙනී සිටි නීතිඥයා අද මෙරට අධිකරණ ඇමති ධුරය හොබවන බව ජාතික නිදහස් පෙරමුණේ නායක, පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රී විමල් වීරවංශ මහතා පවසයි.

රත්නපුර පැවති ජන හමුවකදී අදහස් දක්වමින් ඒ මහතා මේ බව සඳහන් කළේය.

එහිදී වැඩිදුරටත් අදහස් දැක්වූ වීරවංශ මහතා කියා සිටියේ වත්මන් අධිකරණ ඇමති හර්ෂණ නානායක්කාර මහතා එදා මඩකලපුවට ගොස් සහරාන්ගේ නඩුව වෙනුවෙන් පෙනී සිටි නීතිඥයා බවයි. රටේ ආරක්ෂාව වෙනුවෙන් කැපී පෙනෙන මෙහෙවරක් කළ විශ්‍රාමික මේජර් ජෙනරාල් සුරේෂ් සලේ වැනි බුද්ධි අංශ ප්‍රධානීන් සිරගත කර පීඩාවට පත් කරමින්, සහරාන් වෙනුවෙන් පෙනී සිටි නීතිඥයින්ට ඇමතිකම් ලබා දීම හාස්‍යයට කරුණක් බව ඔහු අවධාරණය කළේය.

ආණ්ඩුවේ මෙම ක්‍රියාකලාපය හරහා කොටි ඩයස්පෝරාව සතුටු කිරීම සඳහා මෙරට බුද්ධි අංශ සහ ආරක්ෂක හමුදාවන් බෙලහීන කරමින් පවතින බවටද මන්ත්‍රීවරයා චෝදනා කළේය. රණවිරු යන වචනය පවා භාවිත කිරීමට මැලි වන පාලනයක් අද බිහි වී ඇති බවත්, ජයමංගල ගාථා සහ සිංහල අවුරුදු චාරිත්‍ර වැනි ජාතික උරුමයන් පවා රජය විසින් නොසලකා හරිමින් පවතින බවත් ඔහු පෙන්වා දුන්නේය.

එමෙන්ම වත්මන් රජය ආර්ථිකය හැසිරවීමේදී අසාර්ථක වී ඇති බව පැවසූ වීරවංශ මහතා, හොරු ඇල්ලීමේ සටන් පාඨවලින් බලයට පැමිණි පිරිස් අද මහා දවාලේ මහා පරිමාණ දූෂණවල නිරත වන බව පැවසීය. විශේෂයෙන් බාල ගල්අඟුරු ගෙන්වීම, බාල ඖෂධ ආනයනය සහ හාල් මිල පාලනය කිරීමට අපොහොසත් වීම හරහා ජනතාව දැඩි පීඩනයකට පත්ව ඇති බවත්, මෙවැනි ක්‍රියාවල බර අවසානයේ විදුලි බිල සහ බදු හරහා සාමාන්‍ය ජනතාව මතම පටවන බවත් ඔහු වැඩිදුරටත් සඳහන් කළේය.

රට වැටී ඇති මෙම අගාධයෙන් ගොඩගැනීමට නම් ප්‍රතිපත්ති පාවා නොදෙන, රටේ සංස්කෘතික සහ ජාතික උරුමය හඳුනන නව නායකත්වයක් අවශ්‍ය බව පවසමින් වීරවංශ මහතා සිය දේශනය අවසන් කළේය

Courtesy Hiru News

The Sri Lankan government, led by the President, failed to issue a single word condemning or protesting the invasion of Iran and the killing of its spiritual leader by the US and Israel, despite opposition from global bodies like the US Congress and British Parliament, SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahman stated in Parliament today (03).

The MP pointed out his expectation that the President would present and unanimously pass a resolution against the invasion as the Head of State, yet no such action occurred today.

Mujibur Rahman further shared the following views:

The President visited Parliament today only to discuss technicalities like oil tank capacities and ship arrivals, which are matters the Energy Minister or even the Minister who inspected the tanks could have addressed. The President’s speech consisted of points that the Trade Minister or Foreign Minister could have easily handled. Instead of informing Parliament on international diplomatic actions, the President cunningly avoided the Iran issue to speak on unrelated topics.

While the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) previously protested against US imperialism at the Embassy every day while in the opposition, they are now silent. The country knows they have betrayed that struggle. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa issued a message of condolence following the spiritual leader’s death, but the leader did not die of a heart ailment; it was a targeted killing. This administration lacks the backbone to register a formal protest.

Former leaders like President Ranasinghe Premadasa and Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike maintained a direct and firm foreign policy in similar instances. While the current Prime Minister mentioned being moved by the songs of Victor Rathnayake, she did not say a word regarding the deaths of 160 young girls in an Iranian nursery during the US-Israeli attacks. These individuals frequented the Palestinian Embassy before taking power, but since gaining it, they have remained silent.

Professor Muditha Vidanapathirana & Dr. Ruwaan M Jayatunge

Serial homicide is defined as the unlawful killing of two or more individuals in separate events, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, 2005). Hickey (2016) explains that serial killers engage in a series of murders, often driven by psychological motives and identifiable patterns or methods. These individuals frequently feel an irresistible urge to kill, influenced by various factors such as a quest for power, control, or the need to satisfy profound psychological impulses (Hare, 1999).

According to Hickey (2016) Serial murders are characterized by a series of homicides, typically committed by the same individual over a period of time, with a distinct cooling-off period between each crime. These murders often exhibit specific patterns, including the selection of victims based on particular traits, such as age, gender, or lifestyle, which can reflect the perpetrator’s psychological motivations. Reid (2016) indicates that Serial homicide is an intentional, premeditated act, not a crime carried out on impulse or in response to a perceived provocation or threat. 

The rise of serial murder is seldom linked to a singular factor; rather, experts consider it a confluence of genetic tendencies, psychological growth, and particular social circumstances. Psychologically, many serial killers exhibit traits associated with antisocial personality disorder, including a lack of empathy, impulsivity, and a propensity for manipulation, which can drive them to commit heinous acts without remorse. (Stone, 2001).

Marono et al. (2020) proposed that early childhood sexual abuse correlates with violent behaviours at crime scenes, such as mutilation, torture, and binding, while physical or psychological abuse is often associated with overkill. Arrigo and Griffin (2004) suggest that maladaptive attachment styles formed in childhood may lead to the emergence of serial killing tendencies. Leyton (2005) emphasizes that social factors, including isolation and a lack of supportive relationships, can exacerbate feelings of alienation, potentially motivating individuals to exert power and control through violence, which may manifest as serial killing. Additionally, genetic factors significantly influence the propensity for extreme violence, with research identifying specific genetic markers associated with traits like impulsivity, aggression, and reduced empathy, traits commonly observed in serial offenders (Tiihonen et al., 2015).

Throughout history, numerous serial killers have gained infamy, including figures such as Jack the Ripper from the United Kingdom in 1888, Ted Bundy from the USA, Andrei Chikatilo from the Soviet Union, Luis Garavito from Colombia, Javed Iqbal from Pakistan, Charles Sobhraj from French Indochina, Kampatimar Shankariya from India, and Robert Pickton from Canada. Notably, until 2003, Sri Lanka had not recorded any cases of serial murders, marking a significant contrast to the global prevalence of such crimes.

The First Recorded Serial Killer in Sri Lanka

In 2003, a mobile vendor from the Madugoda area, located near Udadumbara in the Kandy district, was apprehended in connection with a series of atrocious crimes. This individual, who operated as a travelling salesman selling household items between 10:00 AM and 12:00 noon, specifically targeted vulnerable women living alone, and in some instances, even a child. The perpetrator, known as the “Madugoda Serial Killer,” was identified by investigations led by the Kandy Police as a suspect in multiple murders, which he committed primarily through strangulation. His actions were driven not by a desire for material gain but rather by a disturbing need for emotional gratification and sadistic satisfaction, stemming from a troubled childhood marked by paternal neglect and a lack of maternal affection. This emotional turmoil likely fueled his resentment towards female figures, influencing his choice of victims. Officially, he is linked to the murders of seven individuals, each case reflecting the deep-seated issues that plagued his early years and shaped his violent tendencies.

M. G. Nawarathna: From Child Monk to a Serial Killer

M. G. Nawarathna emerged as a notorious serial killer in Sri Lanka during the early 2000s, with his criminal activities spanning from 2000 to 2003. His chilling reputation is largely attributed to his background in law enforcement, having served as a Police Constable, and his methodical approach to committing crimes.   Nawarathna had a complex history, having once been ordained as a Buddhist monk before transitioning to a career in policing. Over the course of his criminal career, he was responsible for the murders of 11 individuals, predominantly targeting women—ten of his victims were female, alongside a tragic case involving a four-year-old boy. His heinous acts primarily took place in the regions of Weyangoda, Warakapola, and Nittambuwa, where he specifically sought out solitary women to rob them of their jewelry and other valuables. Nawarathna’s reign of terror came to an end in November 2003 when he was apprehended by the Special Task Force and the Central Province Special Investigation Unit, following the discovery of his last victim, a young girl from Pamunugama, whose body was found in Hamilton Lake. After his arrest, he was tried and, in July 2012, found guilty of murder by the High Court of Kegalle, receiving a death sentence. His subsequent appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed later that same year, solidifying his status as one of Sri Lanka’s most infamous criminals.

Kotakethana Serial Killer

Neil Lakshman, active between 2008 and 2015, was implicated in the murders of six women in the Kahawatta and Kotakethana regions. A comprehensive investigation spanning seven years ultimately uncovered DNA evidence that connected him to several crime scenes. Psychological evaluations indicated that his violent tendencies were likely rooted in childhood trauma; he reportedly experienced profound anger after being ridiculed by an elderly woman during his youth. This early humiliation seemingly fostered a deep-seated resentment towards older women, which experts suggest may explain his choice of victims—primarily single women over the age of 40 who lived alone. Over the course of his criminal activities, Lakshman is believed to have murdered between six and seven women, employing a heavy, sharp weapon to inflict multiple severe injuries, with each victim suffering at least nine significant wounds. Following the brutal attacks, he would place the bodies on a mattress and set the residence ablaze in an attempt to obliterate any evidence of his crimes. His actions were marked by extreme brutality, including instances of rape and vicious assaults with sharp instruments, often culminating in the incineration of the victims or their homes to eliminate traces of his odious acts. In February 2024, the Ratnapura High Court sentenced Lakshman to death for his crimes, bringing a measure of closure to the communities affected by his violent spree.  analyzing murders in the Kahawatta area Vidanapathirana and team (2018) speculated the intriguing possibility of multiple, independent serial killers operating simultaneously within the same region.

The “Beggars’ Killer “

The “Beggars’ Killer was active between 2010 and 2011and exhibited pronounced anti-social traits and confessed to the brutal slaying of 14 individuals, primarily beggars, across nine towns, including Colombo. His modus operandi involved attacking his victims—most of whom were male—while they slept, delivering fatal blows to the head with heavy objects such as granite stones or concrete blocks. The murders took place during the early hours, typically between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, in locations like Wellawatta, Kotahena, and Slave Island, where he targeted those vulnerable and alone on the streets. Initially feigning an inability to communicate, he later revealed the details of his crimes, accurately identifying all the crime scenes to law enforcement. Of the 14 victims, 13 were beggars—11 men and 2 women—while the remaining victim was a drunken man found sleeping on the pavement. Although robbery was initially suspected as a motive, forensic investigations uncovered elements of ritualistic behaviour and distinct cooling-off periods between the murders. Furthermore, he admitted to attempting to sexually assault one female victim, indicating a complex psychological profile characterized by Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and a profound internalized disdain for his own social group. As a beggar himself, he projected his self-hatred onto his victims, perceiving them as “worthless” and “burdensome” to society, which fueled his violent actions. Ultimately, he was deemed legally sane and fully cognizant of the ramifications of his brutal acts. Vidanapathirana (2013) concluded that the suspect met clinical criteria for a serial killer, including exhibiting anti-social personality traits and specific “cooling-off” periods between crimes. 

The Rise of Serial Murders in Sri Lanka

The emergence of serial murders in Sri Lanka has become a concerning phenomenon. Factors contributing to this unsettling trend may include socio-economic challenges, psychological issues, and a lack of effective law enforcement strategies to address such heinous crimes. The media coverage surrounding these incidents has further intensified public fear and anxiety, prompting discussions about the underlying causes and potential preventive measures.

The increase in serial murders within a society can often be attributed to a complex interplay of social, psychological, and environmental factors that create a conducive environment for such heinous acts. In areas characterized by significant social fragmentation, where individuals experience isolation, alienation, or a lack of community support, the conditions may inadvertently foster the rise of serial killers (Haggerty& Ellerbrok, 2011). Over the past fifty years in Sri Lanka, the society has undergone dramatic transformations, with social disintegration exacerbated by racial and political violence, particularly during the thirty-year armed conflict. These societal upheavals have instilled a profound sense of mistrust, alienation, and hostility among the populace (Jayatunge, 2015). 

The increase in serial murders in Sri Lanka can be attributed to a range of underlying factors. Mental health issues, coupled with socioeconomic challenges like poverty and unemployment, often lead to feelings of frustration and hopelessness. These emotions can push individuals toward extreme behaviours to regain a sense of control or seek acknowledgment from society. Jayasundara (2021) argues that murder in Sri Lanka is primarily driven by socioeconomic deprivation and low educational attainment, leading individuals from marginalized backgrounds to react with extreme violence to trivial, daily life matters.

Over the past few decades, there has been a notable increase in child abuse, largely due to insufficient child protection measures, resulting in many adults emerging from troubled childhoods.  Over the past two decades, statistics regarding child sexual abuse in Sri Lanka have revealed a troubling trend that underscores the urgent need for intervention and reform.

Maternal deprivation is a prevalent issue in Sri Lanka, particularly among families with lower incomes, where many mothers seek employment opportunities in Middle Eastern countries. This migration often results in children being raised by their grandparents or other relatives, leading to a significant absence of maternal affection and guidance during crucial developmental years. The emotional and psychological ramifications of this separation can be profound, as numerous children experience the effects of maternal deprivation syndrome, which can manifest in various behavioral and emotional challenges. Siriwardhana et al. (2015) argue that maternal labor migration in Sri Lanka leads to significant adverse mental health outcomes, including increased emotional and behavioral problems.

The cycle of trauma has led individuals to channel their frustrations and anger towards society. Additionally, significant social disruptions, such as the uprisings in 1971, the racial riots of 1983, and the prolonged civil war lasting 30 years, have further eroded the social fabric of the nation, contributing to a climate of violence and instability (Somasundaram, 2007). 

Research conducted by Shanafelt and Pino (2015) highlights that the development of serial murderers is influenced by a complex interaction of personal history, psychological characteristics, and prevailing societal conditions. It is essential to recognize that such violent behavior arises not from a singular cause but from a confluence of biopsychosocial factors that culminate in extreme violence. Consequently, understanding the rise of serial killers within Sri Lankan society necessitates an examination of these multifaceted concepts.

The Factors Prevented the Identification of Serial Murders in Sri Lanka

The lack of documented cases of “serial murder” in Sri Lanka before 2003 does not imply that such offenders were absent; instead, a combination of systemic and societal factors hindered their formal acknowledgment. Before this period, law enforcement and the medical community in Sri Lanka often regarded homicides as standalone events, neglecting to investigate potential serial connections.

During the tumultuous times of the JVP insurrection and the protracted armed conflict in the North, the primary focus of police and security forces was on counter-terrorism and national security, which resulted in many individual murder cases being inadequately explored. Furthermore, the absence of a robust criminal profiling system and limited forensic capabilities during this era significantly restricted the authorities’ ability to discern patterns that might suggest serial criminal behaviour.

The case of the Madugoda Serial Killer, who operated between 2000 and 2003, is frequently referenced as the first officially recognized instance of serial murder in the recent history of the country, marking a pivotal moment in the understanding and classification of such crimes in Sri Lanka.

Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement Officers

The challenges faced by law enforcement in Sri Lanka during investigations of serial murderers are both substantial and intricate. A significant issue is the lack of resources, which includes inadequate forensic technology and insufficient specialized training for officers dealing with serial crimes. This highlights the urgent need for ongoing education in areas such as criminal profiling and behavioral analysis. Furthermore, effective communication and collaboration among local police, national law enforcement, and forensic experts are crucial for enhancing evidence collection and identifying patterns across cases.

Understanding the psychological motives of serial killers, along with the socio-economic factors that contribute to their behavior, is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies. Engaging community members in discussions about crime prevention can foster increased awareness and vigilance regarding suspicious activities, while incorporating behavioral analysis into investigations can significantly improve the identification and apprehension of serial offenders.

Social Buffers Against Serial Murder Activity

In Sri Lanka, various social mechanisms serve as protective barriers against the occurrence of serial murders. The community remains highly alert to the presence of unfamiliar individuals, and traditional neighborhood watch initiatives are actively engaged in monitoring local activities. Historically, Sri Lankan society has been characterized by strong interpersonal connections, fostering close-knit communities where residents are generally well-acquainted with each other’s routines and backgrounds. This inherent social cohesion acts as a significant deterrent, complicating the efforts of clandestine, predatory individuals to operate without detection for extended periods. The collective vigilance and interconnectedness of the populace create an environment that is less conducive to the anonymity required for such heinous acts to flourish.

Preventive Measures

To effectively combat the rise of serial murders in Sri Lanka, a comprehensive strategy is imperative, integrating law enforcement enhancements, community participation, and mental health support. Primarily, bolstering the skills of law enforcement personnel through targeted training in criminal profiling and behavioral analysis can greatly enhance their capacity to detect and apprehend potential serial offenders before their actions escalate. Moreover, fostering inter-agency collaboration and leveraging cutting-edge forensic technologies will facilitate the prompt collection and examination of evidence, thereby improving the likelihood of resolving cases efficiently. Equally important is the role of community engagement; public awareness initiatives can empower citizens to recognize and report suspicious activities, creating a vigilant society.

Additionally, addressing root social issues such as poverty and inadequate mental health services is vital in reducing the factors that lead to violent behavior. Establishing robust support systems for vulnerable individuals, including access to counseling and rehabilitation programs, can deter potential offenders from engaging in violence. Furthermore, prioritizing the prevention of child abuse and neglect is crucial, as affected children require psychological support to heal and thrive. By weaving together these diverse strategies, Sri Lanka can develop a holistic framework aimed at diminishing the threat of serial murders and promoting a safer environment for all its citizens.

Personal Communications

Professor Alexandr Bukhanovsky – Psychiatrist
Retired Senior DIG Mr. Nimal Madiwaka
Retired Senior DIG Mr. M.R. Latiff

References

Arrigo BA, Griffin A. Serial murder and the case of Aileen Wuornos: attachment theory, psychopathy, and predatory aggression. Behav Sci Law. 2004;22(3):375-93. doi: 10.1002/bsl.583. PMID: 15211558.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2005). Serial murder: Multi-disciplinary perspectives for investigators. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/stats-services-publications-serial-murder-serial-murder-july-2008-pdf.

Haggerty, K. D., & Ellerbrok, A. (2011). The social study of serial killers. Criminal Justice Matters, 86(1), 6–7. doi.org.

Hare, R. D. (1999). *Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us*. Guilford Press.

Hickey, E. W. (2016). Serial murderers and their victims (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Jayasundara, M. W. (2021). Factors that influence individuals to become murderers in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 5(1), 407–414.

Jayatunge, R.M.(2015). The Psychological Impact of Political Violence in Sri Lanka. Groundviews https://groundviews.org/2010/04/20/the-psychological-impact-of-political-violence-in-sri-lanka/

Leyton, E. (2005). Hunting humans: The rise of the modern multiple murderer. McClelland & Stewart. (Original work published 1986).

Marono AJ, Reid S, Yaksic E, Keatley DA. A Behaviour Sequence Analysis of Serial Killers’ Lives: From Childhood Abuse to Methods of Murder. Psychiatr Psychol Law. 2020 Feb 6;27(1):126-137. doi: 10.1080/13218719.2019.1695517. PMID: 32284784; PMCID: PMC7144278.

Reid, S. (2016). Compulsive criminal homicide: A new nosology for serial murder. Aggression and Violent Behavior, doi: 10.1016/j.avb.2016.11.005.

Shanafelt, R., & Pino, N. W. (2015). The evolution of serial homicide: A multidisciplinary approach. Academic Press.

Siriwardhana, C., Wickramage, K., Jayaweera, K., Sahabandu, S., Hui, H. G., Sharma, J., & Sumathipala, A. (2015). Impact of maternal migration on mental health and well-being of children left behind: A cross-sectional study in Sri Lanka. BMC Public Health, 15(1), 1–11. doi.org.

Somasundaram, D. (2007). Collective trauma in northern Sri Lanka: A qualitative psychosocial-ecological study. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 1(7). doi.org.

Stone, M. H. (2001). Personality disorders in serial killers. American Journal of Forensic Psychiatry, 22(1), 5–15.

Tiihonen, J., Rautiainen, M. R., Ollila, H. M., Repo-Tiihonen, E., Virkkunen, M., Palotie, A., Pietiläinen, O., Kristiansson, K., Hosrud, G. L., Lindberg, N., Eriksson, J. G., Belliveau, R. A., Curtis, C. P., Chatterton, Z., & Lähteenvuo, M. (2015). Genetic background of extreme violent behavior. Molecular Psychiatry, 20(6), 786–792. doi.org.

Vidanapathirana, M. (2013). Have thirteen beggars been killed by a serial killer? Galle Medical Journal, 18(2), 17–22.

Vidanapathirana, M., Ruwanpura, R. P., Illeperuma, R. J., Attygalle, U., Dasanayake, P. B., Wijewardene, H., Gunathilake, T. K. M. B., Wijetunga, K. W. M. B., & Rathnayake, I. (2018). Medico-legal investigation of a series of female murders in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka. Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka, 6(2), 55–63. doi.org.

Sarath Wijesinghe (President’s Counsel, LLM International Law London UCL, Solicitor in England and Wales former Ambassador to UAE and Israel and former Secretary Bar Association of Sri Lanka, President Ambassador’s Forum)

Justice Delayed is Justice denied

Justice delays is justice denied is the famous quotation by ‘’Lord William Gladstone’’ said on legal system –  indicating that this  old and worldwide issue that needs attention still in the main agenda in the modern society still prevails, timely and current.  Laws delays retards development, affects law and order, encourages crime while discouraging foreign investments and good will that needs for a country, Image of the nation is shattered, brings down doing well index, productivity is fallen with the loss of confidence of the citizen and the foreigners planning to invest, and generally affects foreign policy and the image of the country that needs in all respects in devilments and conduct in the family of nations on the globe. Laws, delays blocks all other cogs of the governance system in the hub of activity and productivity. Laws delays measure indicates the image and the standard of a country in the community of nations. Some countries have minimized the laws delays but many have not. Sri Lanka is not the only country that suffers from laws delays due to various reasons and interpretations given when other countries are aware of the issue and finding solutions, taking corrective measures. When legal system paralyzes the other parts of the system follow suit leading to a slow decay and a grinding halt of the system partially or completely in the end. Laws delays are rampant in Sri Lanka. It takes decades (15 to 25 years and sometimes more) to reach the rape murder and major crimes to the trial stage with the witness are dead or cannot be traced that are reported so often on the media. Civil cases are the same especially partition and many civil suits stagnate in Court of Appeal and Supreme Courts moving up and downward on appeals refusals ect with technicalities and complicated  appeals procedure. By the time  the trials on rape cases are taken up for trial the victims are matured  married and the evidence is shattered with the conducting police officers and government servants dead or cannot be traced on transfer and cannot be found and the victims may lose interest due to social impediments. Some civil cases delay for generations.

Take Law to your own hands

It may come to a stage when litigants prefer to resort to other means to resolve their disputes by themselves may be with the underworld , because litigation is so expensive, delayed ,unfair,  complicated  and time-consuming (mostly) proving the famous village adage that ‘’those who resort to litigation destroys themselves.’’ ‘’Nadu Yanno Wanasanno ‘’Civil and partition cases are the most time consuming that some partition cases are delayed up to 30 years or more   with litigants part with the rest of the property for legal expenditure which are true incidents. ‘’Vinodes’’ case in India of the murder of 5 year child took 22 years with 36 witnesses to testify. It is almost same in Sri Lanka. In UK the backlog of 63000 cases is still not resolved according to Law Society Gazette but they are improving fast using modern technology and methods. In Sri Lanka five family members were convicted of murder recently for the offence committed in 2009. Examples in Sri Lanka are numerous. When the cases of rape, juvenile, offence are taken up for trial, on children, girls are they may be married, abroad or the witnesses may be missing. 10 year child was molested and it took 11 years to reach the trial stage when the child is a matured person and the accused was missing. At times land civil cases take two to three decades to reach the trial stage thereby the citizen loose the trust on the court system and resort to take laws into their hands while loose trust on the legal system at all, increasing the crime rate as a result. Litigation in Sri Lanka is expensive and complicated in view of the complexity of the legal system which is a mixture of Roman Dutch, English, and personal laws in the complicated legal process expensive to handle. In UK there is one system of law to all including immigrants vociferous and in large numbers. This issue is discussed spoken with no permanent or proper solutions found yet. We must have a simple law for all understood by all, instead of depending on legal systems such as Penal Code introduced in 1800’s. Personnel laws to be streamlined including ‘’Thesawalami’’powerful and traditional personal law confined to Jafna.UK is keeping pace with the new trends when we still cling into the systems inherited by colonel masters. There is a functioning law committee of BASL and Law Reforms Committee supposed to be active but inert and inactive. Yet laws delays is rampant. These are not exaggerations which is experienced by 10% populating engaged in litigation today still increasing.

Alternate ways of resolution of cases

This is happening worldwide especially in  financial hubs that needs speedy justice such as Arbitration, Conciliation, and other ways of speedy resolutions of disputes, which are fast and less time-consuming tough and  expensive. Singapore, Japan, UK, EU have centres for alternate dispute resolutions. In UK, Europe and even in India small claims courts are available with less complicated procedure without lawyers for the litigants to handle own litigation is a different  friendly atmosphere, which is a successful process ideal to be followed in Sri Lanka too, with a proposition to upgrade mediation centres to small claim courts.

Pending with backlog of cases

There are around 750,000 unresolved cases in the Magistrate courts. With 3486 cases pending in the Supreme Courts,4817 cases pending in the Court of Appeal, 5870 in the civil appellate court, 16811 in High Courts, 167945 in District Courts, 200000 on pending mediation and in labour tribunals and arbitration trials, with 11 judges per one million. (Statistics are changing based on different research groups led by Ministry of Justice) Laws delays has an impact on the crime and disturbances in the society in losing the trust on the system which has an impact on the economy and the trade when traders are disturbed with no quick solution on the resolution of their disputes with the most expensive and complicated commercial High Court not accessible to the ordinary trader. It has a direct relevance and impact on increase of crime and prison congestion and unrest. Speedy resolution in litigation is a pre-condition and a pre requisite on foreign investments and investors who are disappointed with the system in Sri Lanka and the quality of the legal profession which includes judiciary on knowledge, competency and conduct which is a serious drawback on development and investment. Lawyers and legal system plays a pivotal role in development and business in other parts of the world expecting us to maintain high standards.

Competency and Honour of the Legal Professionals and Judges

 Are our lawyers, Judges  and legal system living up to expectations and on  international standards is a moot issue compared to standards maintained by small but developed countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong and some Caribbean counties engaged in international law and business with the world.  These are experienced by average citizen who will have no good word on the legal system, the general conduct and it is the duty of the profession and professionals to work on a programme to save the nation and the profession on adverse inferences which affect all. It is a pity that foreign legal firms engage in practice in Sri Lanka with the cover of juniors Sri Lankan lawyers in multibillion transactions involving billions and/or they carry on legal work online which Sri Lankan Lawyers must take serious notice of. It is to be noted that the competence dedication and knowledge is to be improved to the expected levels if not on international standards. Bar council in India has allowed entry of foreign lawyers which is a significant development to keep pace with the world trends with transparency and challenging which is a matter that Sri Lank should follow. UK and Sri Lanka had reciprocity on the court audience for the lawyers in both jurisdiction could practice with professional arrangements made. Sri Lankan Attorneys-at law could engage in legal practice in UK having obtained qualifications form the Law Society and permission from the Bar Council permission engage in legal practice as Barrister at law until Sri Lankan side unilaterally declined to proceed, which is a pity in deed and it is time to restore in the interest of the younger generation awaiting to see the world with new visions and education from international universities a matter that has to be looked into by the Minister of Justice.

Lawyers Law College Bar Association and the Ministry of Justice

These are main groups in dealing with laws delays and implications, and main institutions of justice to the benefit of the sociality for their grievances in resolution of dispute3s, for justice and fair play, in protecting the life and property of the citizen. Lawyers are a product of Law College- the only professional training institution in Sri Lanka managed by the Council of Legal education to produce lawyers in Sri Lanka and to train them for the professional training CLE headed by the Chief Justice and majority of Supreme Court Judges. Currently there are over 18000 lawyers in Sri Lanka The Law College is managed in which they obtain mandatory membership of the Bar Association which is the only main recognized association for lawyers, The Law College is administrated by the Council of Legal Education also headed by the Chief Justice, who are extremely busy and requiring academic excellence and international exposure.

Minister Ministry of Justice Attorney General and Legal Draftsman

Ministry of Justice is headed generally by a lawyer who will mastermind the conduct of the judicial system and administration who also plan and involve in appointments and strategies with the AGs Department, Judiciary, Legal Draftsman, Court and Office (court offices only and not ‘courts’ or judges ) administration countrywide with the general impression of one of the most corrupt among Motor Traffic, Customs, Passport/ID and similar institutions with a reputation of institution of questionable nature which is only applicable to the corrupt lot  leaving  aside the honest officers. Reputation power and conduct of Minister of Justice depends on his personality and management skills of the process in delivery of justice to the citizen by the concerned parties in the process the Minister is playing a key role, in delivery of justice to the citizen offering a fair independent and effective system of justice. Generally the minister of justice has traditionally been an inactive and inert institution in the past until Hon;felix Dias Bandaraneika’s introduction of the Administration of Justice Law act 44 of 1974 was enacted to  help the poor and needy litigants with drastic reforms on a mixture USA and many models  including serving summons using modern technology, and many other steps to make the system simple, affordable and safe and to encourage personal representation in litigation, encouraging  mediation, and reconciliation, A powerful group of lawyers led by Mr H W  Jayawrdena QC, protested against the law reforms and the act was scrapped from the change of government then. People did not understand the admirable attempts made on legal reforms, by increasing the number of judges, introducing drastic changes in modernizing and innovative changes proposed by him (Felix) who became immensely unpopular among the legal fraternity died an unhappy person after a brief illness as a cancer patient- a great man with a vision and intellect  indeed- Attorney-General who is an institution as the advisor to the state plays a pivotal role in representing and advising the state in all matters, whilst expected to be fair and impartial. Legal draftsman holds an important position in drafting and mauling legislation to be submitted to the lawmakers.

Trends of modernization of the legal system

Trends and conduct of young lawyers have been encouraging with the modern BASL trends. Rajive Amarasuriys the past Secretary has conducted a record number of webinars on varied subjects which is credible. Past President and an able law teacher controversial Saliya Peris PC – yet concentrated more towards social reforms than legal reforms, has been for moderation trends, and the legal profession expects lot more from the current pair Isuru Balapathab and (Secretary) and Kaushliya Nawaratna President elect) to be more proactive and modern who appears to be more balanced and professional to lead the professional during the new era. The writer has been once the General Secretary of BASL and Administer Legal Aid Commission acknowledges the assistance given to him during his tenure of office on the initiation and expanding the fundamental rights Jurisdiction to what it is today, with many steps such as life membership, diary which is a pocket book for all professionals, initiation of law reports are pleasant memories. There are good trends on digitalization, yet introduction of transferring files via email, what Sapp, hearing cases zoom, are to be encouraged and introduced with the world trends to attract international players.

Judiciary and Legal Aid on administration of justice aiming at prevention of laws delays

By passing arbitrary judgements does a man become wise? A wise man is one who investigate both right and wrong ‘’Dhammapada ‘’

Judges are a main component of the system of administration of justice acting as umpires in the adversarial system we follow in Sri Lana as any other commonwealth nation. Today judges are well-paid remunerated and protected and they are protected unlike few years ago when they were not looked after so well.  They are politically insulated who are responsible for ultimate decisions on life and property and protection of personal and property rights and rights of the citizen with highest expectations of justice and fair play. They must be temperamentally suited with judicial temperament for the responsibility thrust on them living glass boxes scrutinized by the public for independence. Some judicial officials especially in the minor judiciary are unsuited to be a judge in when they are mentally and temporarily does not deliver justice fairly and carefully. Sadly we receive bad news on judiciary and lawyer on their conduct which is worrying in deed. It is necessary for judges to go through a rigorous training period as in other countries. Whether it is happening is a moot issue. Knowledge and competency of the higher judiciary should be revived considering the judgments they deliver and reluctance on promptly effectively and properly. Legal aid is not a favour but  a human right as in UK , where the citizen is entitled to a fair hearing for a reasonable/affordable fee and expenditure for which legal aid is given in the advanced society with an advance system of legal aid available in the UK and commonwealth jurisdictions where a similar system is inherited to Sri Lanka modified to  function as the legal aid commission jointly managed by the Judiciary, Bar Association and the Ministry of Justice for the delivery of justice at an affordable price. One of the main reasons of laws delays is the cost and complexity of litigation and combination of legal systems such as Roman Dutch Law, traditions personal laws, English law and international/traditional law and conventions and it is the duty of the BASL and the profession to find ways to make law simple for the common man and assist the legal aid system scheme as in UK where eligible litigant is entitled to legally up to the services of the QC. In the adversely system the judge acts as an umpire when the parties to litigation make representation on behalf of clients which is expensive when the litigant is expected not to have a sound knowledge of law. Therefore our system there should be changes for the judge to intervene as in a civil system where Judge takes a main role also encouraging mediation and settlements with system of prehearing where the cases in UK are settle date at the door step (idiomatic meaning) by lawyers who act strictly professionally to assist expedition disposition which helps them and the reputation of the profession. In Sri Lanka sometimes Judges are mere umpires when at times we are blessed with top judges. In expeditious disposition of cases the judge’s involvement/leadership is paramount so that some judges resolve cases with ease reasonably and family. Judge play a main role in delivery of justice and prevent laws delays. Some judges are smart and fast but if they have a common approach with targets by the Judicial Service Commission to supervise judges with guidelines the results will be overwhelming.

Way forward in providing delivery of speedy justice to the citizen – the need of the hour

Laws delays is a pain on the citizen awaiting a peaceful and conformable life due to no fault of himself, where many external factors are responsible for the agony. Lawyers should be educated, committed , concerned on the community  and abide by the rules and customs on practice and procedure,  Judges should be fair educated human beings act professionally with judicial temperament, Legal system should be clear and understood to all equally as the citizen is presumed to possess knowledge of law and procedure, The court system and the staff is to be efficient and free from bribery and corruption, there should be speedy disposition of cases provided at an affordable expenses and free legal aid for these cannot afford to. Confidence and trust on the Judiciary legal profession and the court structure is paramount and the system including supporting institutions on reports, information, need to be provided at the time for the inquiring process. Are lawyers and their conduct a part of the problem? Partially yes! It is time for them to realise the expeditious disposition will help them the profession and the nation in the long run! In order to gain the trust and confidence of investors expecting and efficient legal system in the host country. Improving language and IT skills of the professionals is also of great importance in the process. The system should run smoothly with the documents, reports and the support and cooperation of the staff and statutory bodies. The Ministry of Justice is acting a pivotal role as the provider of services and decision maker in appointments   policy making decisions and the success depends on the understanding and commitment of all parties who should act together for the betterment of the society they are blessed with.  Legal profession has the main responsibility, being the profession providing the judiciary, and Attorney General primarily lawyers pledge to serve the society in safe guarding human rights, properly delivery of legal service and acting as officer of courts assisting the judiciary. Laws delays affects every citizen and it must be checked and curtailed in the interest of the nation at large, a joint exercise by the legal profession, Judiciary, Ministry and the community civil society and greater community.

Sarath7@hotmail.co.uk/sarathdw28@gmail.com/009477780166/FB /sarathwijesinghe

 Sarath Wijesinghe- a former Secretary of the Bar Association – former Ambassador to UAE and Israel

(Not by passing arbitrary judgments does a man become wise? A wise man is one who investigates both right and the wrong. He who does not judge others arbitrarily according to the truth, that sagacious man is a guardian of law and is called just. One is not wise because one speaks much. He who is peaceful, friendly and fearless is called wise. A man is not versed in Dhamma because he speaks much. He who, after hearing a little Dhamma, realizes its truth directly and is not heedless of it is truly versed in Dhammapada.”)

DO WE ENJOY INDEPENDENCE OF JUDICIARY IN SRI LANKA?

e-Con e-News

blog: https://eesrilanka.wordpress.com

‘Before you study the economics, study the economists!’

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e-Con e-News 22-28 February 2026

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‘Seize assets, expel spies, expose lies, change the narrative’

– Simon Tisdall, Guardian (see ee Sovereignty,

‘Lunatic Voice of The Day’)

The arrest this week of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief Suresh Sallay preludes the possible arrest of former President Gotabaya Rajapakse, as demanded by the US, England & Europe – prescient analysts surmise. This follows recent revelations that the CIA was behind the popularly elected Rajapakse’s forcible expulsion in 2022 (see ee Sovereignty, Gotabaya says he was kicked out by a CIA game, played by those around him). Such controversial arrests are expected to lead to further turmoil, and are meant to divert from the economic paralysis in Sri Lanka engendered by the USA’s International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the continued obstructing of a modern industrial country. These arrests, aimed at demoralizing & dividing the Sinhala majority, are being linked to the recent pressures by English & US officials, and US, Israeli & Indian preparations for escalating wars in the Indian Ocean.

     The US/Israeli bombardment of Iran & the murder of their 87-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei this weekend, has sent the ruling media in Sri Lanka into a blue funk, with news of unidentified foreign aircraft being reported overhead, as oil prices are being zoomed, as well as Sri Lanka’s access to West Asian fuel, commodity & labor markets, being constricted. What are friends for?

     The Anglo-US-led assassination of Sri Lanka’s 4^th Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike in 1959 was presaged by the Anglo-US overthrow, imprisonment & torture of Iran’s first elected leader Mohamed Mossadegh. That 1953 coup on behalf of USA’s Exxon and England’s British Petroleum, amidst the US-led genocidal wars to divide Korea & Vietnam, itself signaled a series of coups & assassinations to thwart the post-World-War-II anti-colonial movements around the world.

     The USA is escalating yet another (possibly nuclear) war (using Israel as their battering ram), to prevent Asia from slipping further from their colonial grip – to abort the birth of a better world. The US is trying to control Iran’s choices about their own forms of energy. The US claim that Iran is enriching uranium to make weapons is part of a long-term plan to attack and destroy Iran. The attack was made while negotiations were ongoing. England too sabotaged Sri Lanka’s attempt to achieve even hydroelectric self-sufficiency via the undermining of DJ Wimalasurendra’s vision over a 100 years ago. Their plan is to prevent our existence as modern nations.

     Much of Asia remain as colonial outposts, if not in name, with 10,000s of US troops stationed on bases in supposedly independent countries, as in West Asia, Japan, etc, with piratical US Navy and allied ships prowling the ocean. While media like to promote Israel as an autonomous plot by evil Jews, it is clear they are an extension of Europe’s white settler colonies. Last week’s ee noted the Black Agenda Report’s exposé of the attempt to set up an Israeli branch settler colony inside Kenya, which had echoes of the encroachments in Sri Lanka’s east in Arugam Bay.

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• Colombo Port simply exists to serve US interests, and the rest of Sri Lanka is a mere appendage of its harbours – so suggested the US Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell last week at their AmCham Elevate Sri Lanka CEO Forum 2026. The US embassy has also not provided the names of the ‘over 250 C-level executives, policymakers, development partners, & global thought leaders’, who they said would attend their ‘CEO Forum’. Howell repeated holy gospel that US foreign policy operates to make their own country, ‘safer, stronger, & more prosperous’. Is this new? Maybe she wishes to school our diplomats, that they too, should first look out for Sri Lanka’s safety, power & wealth. ‘Our’ foreign service have perhaps not learned this truism already from their worldwide travels. They could also learn that the USA supposedly only now recognizes that its riches are actually based, not only on its piracies, but also on its modern industrial power.

     Howell goes into their usual whine, blaming Sri Lanka’s ‘regulatory unpredictability, bureaucratic barriers, inconsistent standards, and opaque procurement processes.’ Unpredictability? Surely this fits US policy even better.  Colonial commentators use euphemisms of ‘global disruption’ & ‘turbulence’, rather than state it is US-led imperialism that seeks to further destabilize the world, through escalating another world war, in order to maintain its hegemony. The ease with which English media reported the kidnapping of the leader of a sovereign country (Venezuela) as ‘capture’ & ‘arrest’ only shows how sickeningly slavish these ‘free’ scribes are to their colonial masters.

     Howell added that her real bosses, US capitalists, ‘nevertheless see opportunity in Sri Lanka: The Port of Colombo is a powerful example of how our economic interests converge.’ As South Asia’s ‘leading container transshipment hub’, the Colombo Port’s ‘planned expansion to 15 million containers by 2027 is expected to improve supply chain efficiency for US manufacturers & consumers’. So there! We exist to satiate their whims & lubricate their wars. Last week saw the armed seizure of the Hong-Kong-corporate-run port terminals in the Panama Canal and the chasing away of Panamanian & Hong Kong staff. This followed threats from US President Trump that his country’s armed forces would invade Panama unless the area was rid of ‘Chinese soldiers!’ A pure fabrication unchallenged by their media. (see ee Random Notes)

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     As a prelude to engulfing the world’s oceans in their wars, the trail of US tools & puppets into Sri Lanka has continued in recent weeks, from the IMF chief, to the US Pacific Fleet Commander, and a host of other, lesser, Indian, English & other sermon-givers, all bearing trojan-horse gifts, of ships & bridges, and ‘tariff-free market access’ & ‘sourcing flexibilities’, etc.

     No media chooses to mention that such ‘gifts’ of hardware & software & market access, always come with hidden ‘backdoors’ & ‘kill-switches’ to enable these ‘philanthropists’ to infiltrate, access information & take control of their gifts at their majestic pleasure. The ability to disable such intrusions requires a modern industrial culture.

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• The Indian-owned MAS Group says, their controversial decision to close their Methliya Kreeda garment factory in Thulhiriya, and lay off over at least 2,000 workers, is ‘to ‘transition’ into a fabric manufacturing plant, clearly highlighting the company’s growing strategy to create an increasing base for fabrics.’ This decision curiously follows visits by the English High Commissioner to garment factories. So does this ‘High Commissioner’ make his high commissions from the materials (machines to tools to threads, etc) the English supply to the rag trade here – which they claim to have been involved in from the very beginning, at least from the 1980s? And it is a trade. It is not an industry. We make not a needle or a thread, let alone a machine. Why doesn’t the Japanese Juki Corp. transfer the ability to make parts for their ubiquitous and eponymous sewing machines? Why haven’t MAS and Brandix invested their enormous profits all these years in increasing productivity? Why have they not invested in making a needle or thread to reduce production costs? The media about the rag trade has only been to highlight the supposed munificence of the English providing tariff-free access to their markets. Why such generosity? We reproduce the Communist Party’s insights into the layoff and continued devastation of Sri Lanka’s ‘industrial base’ (see ee Random Notes). They importantly point to how this once state-owned textile plant was set up with the support of East Germany‘s socialist government, and was then devastated by the reckless privatization of the post-1977 JR ‘Yankee Dicky’ Jayawardene regime:

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‘In the context of global geopolitical competition

in the Indian Ocean region, Sri Lanka’s economic

vulnerability becomes even more dangerous…’

• In this week’s ee Focus, key moments in the 83-year-old trajectory of Sri Lanka’s Communist Party, from its founding in 1943 to its 23^rd Congress last week, is tracked by CPSL Chairman DEW Gunasekera. CPSL Congresses have always taken place at crucial moments, and Gunasekera recalls the role the CPSL has played in guiding Sri Lanka’s anti-imperialist leadership in the formation of the 1955 Bandung Conference & the Non-aligned Movement, which reached its peak in the 1970s. Capitalism counterattacked attempts at true ‘independence’, through further monopolization, escalating economic exploitation, unequal power & financialization of economies – the rise of rentierism, of making money from money, and calling it growth (see ee Random Notes, Ireland’s Paper Rich).

‘Sri Lanka’s crisis culminated on 12 April 2022, when the

government declared suspension of external debt payments’

Gunasekera also analyses ‘Sri Lanka’s Triple Crisis’ in the running out of rupees, dollars, and the inability to repay domestic & external borrowing, which has rendered us even more vulnerable to imperialist dictates. Gunasekera tracks the rising resistance to this aggression as witnessed in the structural economic shift internationally towards Asia, and deepening integration of Asia, Africa & the real Americas, which the colonizing regimes are trying to prevent at all cost.

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• One of SBD de Silva’s more incisive insights was the curious lack of an Economic History of Sri Lanka. Instead, we have been inundated with all manner of political and cultural narratives, ‘ethnic’ histories, bereft of economic underpinnings, funded by the Oxfords & Fords & other intellectual paymasters of this world.

The government intervened to force local labour on to

the plantations by raising the rent on peasant farms

‘progressively & systematically’ and by small grants

of land offered as a bait to land-hungry peasants

Many are the sheer fictions about our past, and one of the most enduring and much-bruited forgeries is the claim that the Sinhala being lazy, refused to work on the English plantations. ‘How was a low-wage economy created in the face of persistent labour shortages, & why did indigenous peasants not take up plantation employment?’ are the questions this excerpt of SBD de Silva’s classic, The Political Economy of Underdevelopment, seeks to answer.He responds to the many English myths about why their plantations resorted to unfree migrant labor from South India, and different times of ‘phenomenal’ demand for labor, and the battle between planters & ‘kanganies’ over controlling labor supply, and the role played by the English state. SBD also pointed to the ‘thriving’ involvement of Sinhala workers in graphite mining. Yet:

‘The insuperable aversion of the Sinhalese

to personal exertion renders it impractical

to procure labour for Public Service

other than by compulsion‘

SBD’s chapter also demolishes the myth that ‘the handling of money was a natural propensity of Europeans’. He also detailed a long list of published English insults about Sinhala people’s supposed laziness (repeated to this day by economists), when all they were objecting to was slave labor.

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• The supposed public interrogation of former US President Will Clinton & his spouse Hillary of their possible involvement in a child-sex-trafficking ring run by financier Jeffrey Epstein, is a diversionary charade from their more heinous crimes of waging wars on whole countries, Libya, Afghanistan, etc. Even when confessing to crime the imperialist media machine always want to show how much better and valued they are. The killing of a Black person (this includes so-called Latinos & Asians) in the USA may last one news cycle, while killing of a white lasts several more cycles. Mass killings of Blacks (in wars, accidents, etc.) elsewhere may not get even one full cycle. The point of the exercise is to pay the psychological wage to whites, that 20 or 100 Blacks equals just 1 white!

     US law used to treat a Black person has 2-3rds of a white person. Even after declaring Black people as persons, the USA has continued to pay Black people, 2-3rds of what they pay whites (and this contrast is even worse for what US Corporations pay people around the world). The USA claims to have abolished slavery, yet the 13^th amendment to their constitution has allowed slavery to continue in their prisons. Hence, most US prisoners (inside & outside the USA, including their secret prisons) are Black. The US 14^th amendment that declared Black people as ‘persons’, was passed to slip through that corporations were also persons! ‘Person’apparently is traced back to the Latin ‘persona’ for ‘mask’. And ‘hypocrite’ is from the Greek word for ‘actor’. Masks & Actors indeed! The English word ‘reason’ is from ‘ratio’. And English word ‘ratio’ is from the Latin ‘rat’: to reckon! Go reckon all this English, if you smell a rat!

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Contents:

USA Signals Seizure of Colombo Port

Sasanka De Silva

Rating: ⭐☆☆☆☆

I am writing this to alert the traveling public about the unprofessional and, in my view, premeditated “delay tactics” employed by the management at North Gate Jaffna—specifically a manager named Manoj.

The Incident

On February 28, 2026, I contacted the hotel via telephone and WhatsApp at 18:22 local time to address an urgent cancellation request for an upcoming stay (March 6th–8th). The cancellation was necessitated by the volatile security situation in the Middle East. Despite providing what should have been more than sufficient notice for a professional establishment to act, the management chose to stall.

The Tactic: “Running Down the Clock”

Rather than resolving the issue or responding with the urgency the situation demanded, the hotel intentionally delayed sending a formal email response for three hours. This was not a “busy” period; it was a strategic move to ensure I could not respond effectively before they could enforce “fine print” penalty clauses.

Why This Matters to Future Guests:

• Bad Faith Practices: In the global hospitality industry, a three-hour lag for an urgent, time-sensitive request is unheard of. It suggests a lack of transparency and a culture of “running down the clock” to secure a cancellation fee.
• Weaponizing the Fine Print: Instead of focusing on guest satisfaction or the reality of a global crisis, this hotel hides behind technicalities to justify a failure in basic service.
• Zero Accountability: My attempts to resolve this reasonably were met with rigid, premeditated obstacles designed to protect the hotel’s bottom line at the guest’s expense.

Final Verdict

North Gate Jaffna has failed miserably in its duty of care. If you value professional communication, honest business ethics, and a management team that acts in good faith, look elsewhere. Do not let their “fine print” be used against you after they’ve intentionally delayed assisting you.

Note: Formal complaints have been lodged with local consumer protection agencies regarding these practices.

Sasanka De Silva

Makumbura.

Ps – This is a community awareness post and no malice intended.