Prime Minister
Mahinda Rajapaksa has conveyed his condolences to Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on the death of the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed
Forces General Bipin Rawat.
It is with
profound sorrow that I convey my deepest condolences to the Government and the
people of India on the loss of a distinguished son of the nation, General Bipin
Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, his spouse Madhulika
Rawat and 11 staff members in a tragic aircraft crash yesterday,” Prime
Minister Rajapaksa said.
General Rawat, his
wife and the other staff members died after the helicopter they were traveling
in crashed in Tamil Nadu yesterday.
The Government and
the people of Sri Lanka join me in conveying our profound sympathy to the
bereaved families on their irreparable loss,” the Prime Minister further
stated. Gen. Rawat will be long remembered by Sri Lanka as an exceptional
friend who contributed immensely to the enhancement of Sri Lanka-India defence
cooperation.”
The Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord has entered into two
eras. The agreement was signed 24 years ago with the aim of ending the bloody
clashes between the Bengalis and the government forces and establishing peace
with the tribes and hills of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. After the agreement,
it was hoped that if implemented, the winds of peace would blow in the
mountains and the economy would gain momentum. In the last 24 years, this hope
has been fulfilled. The way of life of the locals has changed. Various
development projects undertaken by the government have changed the economic
condition of millions of people living in the area.
Before the agreement, tourists were afraid to go to the hill districts.
Tourists are now coming to the mountains without any hesitation as the security
situation has improved after the peace agreement. In the past, due to the
underdeveloped communication system, there was not much speed in trade and
commerce, but now that speed has increased several times. Before that, the
wheel of normal life was closed for two decades. With the signing of the peace
treaty, the hill country returns to its normal rhythm; In the contemporary regional
and international arena, the successful political end of the CHT problem is
considered a rare achievement for our country. For this reason, Sheikh Hasina’s
UNESCO award was a recognition of Bangladesh’s unique contribution to peace.
The then Awami League government tried to establish lasting peace in the hill
areas. This was followed by the surrender of arms in 1997, which later became
known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts Agreement or the Peace Accord. The
government claims that most of the clauses of the agreement have been
implemented. And the unrealized clauses will be implemented quickly and it
needs a conducive environment.
On the other hand, in the two eras after the peace
agreement, several schools and colleges have been established. Rangamati
University of Science and Technology and Rangamati Medical College. There has
been improvement in the communication sector. Sajeke in Baghaichhari has been
built for tourists in two-star quality hotels and a three-star quality tourist
complex.
Earlier, fishermen could not fish in Kaptai Lake but now
fishermen can fish as they wish. Fishing on Kaptai Lake has multiplied since
the peace agreement. Kaptai Lake is playing an important role in the economy.
Prior to the agreement, the government did not receive any revenue of Rs 1
crore from this lake. Now the government is collecting revenue of around Tk 10
crore every year. Thousands of families in Rangamati now depend on Kaptai Lake.
Zoom crop production has increased in the hills. Although it was difficult to
get the zoom crop to the market earlier, it has been alleviated a lot now. In
the past, most of the crops of Zum would have been ruined on the way, but now
there is not much of a search on the road, so hill farmers can easily sell Zum
crops in the market. The sector that has improved the most since the agreement
was the timber business.
The timber trade in the region has multiplied since the agreement. Although
they did not buy tree gardens in the hills before, now traders are buying
gardens. The gardeners are benefiting economically. With the improvement in
every aspect including education, communication and security, overall economic
development has taken place in all the districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts
including Rangamati. Laxmidhan Chakma, a resident of Rangamati, said government
jobs once seemed like golden deer to us. But as a result of the Hill Tracts
Peace Accord, now the educated and meritorious children of the Hill Tracts are
easily getting government jobs. It would never have been possible without the
agreement.
After the peace agreement, some incidents centered on conflict and hegemony
among the regional parties did not stop the wheel of the mountain economy.
Economic prosperity has been achieved in the same way that the living standards
of the people have improved due to various steps taken by the government after
the peace agreement. We can understand this by analyzing the times before and
after the peace agreement.
After the Hill Tracts Peace Accord, the hill people were able to trade easily.
The general public was intimidated by the obstruction of some regional
organizations. But as a result of the peace agreement, the people of the hills
are now breathing a sigh of relief. The people here are doing business
independently with the incomparable cooperation of the administration.
There was a stagnation in trade and commerce in the hill country before the
Hill Accords. Ordinary people could not move freely. But now that day is no
more. Now people are doing business freely. The increase in communication has
also given impetus to trade and commerce. The police administration is ready so
that the people here can perform all their duties independently.
Meanwhile, 10 new development projects have been undertaken for the development
of Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts has sent a
proposal to the Planning Commission for inclusion in the Green Leaf in the
Annual Development Program (ADP) for the next 2021-22 Fiscal Year. At the same
time, the allocation has been sought for 19 ongoing projects.
Rural Road Development Project constructed by Chittagong
Hill Tracts Development Board in Rangamati Hill District, its duration is till
2021-2024. The construction period of rural infrastructure in Rangamati Hill
District has been fixed till 2024.
Construction of Master Drain in the development of water system in Bandarban
Municipality and Lama Municipality of Bandarban Hill District to remove water
blockage, it is aimed to be implemented by 2023. Besides, the development of various
rural roads constructed by the Board in Bandarban Hill District has been fixed
till 2023.
Construction of bridge with the connecting road from Upazila Sadar to remote
areas of Khagrachhari district for the purpose of socio-economic development of
the backward people of Chittagong Hill Tracts has been fixed till 2025.
Construction of road from Laxichhari Upazila Sadar to Barmachhari Bazar of
Khagrachhari district has been fixed till 2025. Construction of rural road
infrastructure in Khagrachhari Hill District with the aim of building a
communication network of Upazila Sadar with remote villages of different
Upazilas. Trending Inclusive Development in CHT Project. Providing sustainable
social services in the CHT area. Construction of rural road from Roangchhari
Upazila Sadar to Ruma Upazila of Bandarban Hill District. High-value spice
cultivation project in remote areas of Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Construction of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council Complex. Construction
of two bridges over Sangu river and one over Sonakhali canal in Bandarban Hill
District. Construction of master drain for development of drainage system of
Khagrachhari district headquarters and removal of water blockage. Increase of
cotton cultivation in Chittagong Hill Tracts area and alleviation of poverty of
farmers. Power supply through installation of solar panels in remote areas of
Chittagong Hill Tracts (Phase II). Safe water supply and development in all
Upazilas including Rangamati municipality. Construction of irrigation drains in
different Upazilas of Bandarban Hill District. Construction of irrigation
drains in different Upazilas of Khagrachhari district of Chittagong Hill
Tracts. Supply of potable drinking water through GFS and deep Tube Well in all
areas in rocky areas in different Upazilas of Bandarban district.
Apart from this, poverty alleviation projects through coffee and cashew nut
cultivation in the CHT region and water supply and sanitation management
projects in markets and adjoining areas of the Khagrachhari district are also
in progress. Establishing and implementing the network, which is currently the
main hub for access to basic social services to the people of the three hill
districts of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari. The Chittagong Hill Tracts
Peace Accord recognized the special status and dignity of the hill people.
Under the peace agreement, a regional council comprising local government
councils of the three hill districts has been formed. The structure of the
Regional Council is as follows: Chairman 1, Member (Indigenous) 12, Member
(Indigenous) Female 2, Member (Non-Indigenous) Male 6, Member (Non-Indigenous)
Female 1. The agreement calls for the formation of a Ministry of Tribal Affairs
to oversee activities related to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, headed by one
tribe. If the land ownership rights of the tribes are determined then their
land will be returned. For this purpose, a land survey system will be conducted
in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to determine the ownership of land.
Today there are educated young people in every house of the tribal people. At
least one employee per household, Chakmas has an average literacy rate of 96%.
The quota system in all jobs including BCS, priority system, a quota system for
tribal students in all universities, medical colleges, scholarships in Europe,
America, Australia all together the development of tribal people in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts is much better than any remote region of Bangladesh.
Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is always striving to fulfill the hopes
and aspirations of the people of Chittagong Hill Tracts. The present government
has not taken any undemocratic and anti-people initiatives in the hilly areas.
After the Awami League government came to power, the chairman of the Chittagong
Hill Tracts Development Board has been appointed. The formation of the Land
Commission and the ‘Minority Cultural Institutions Bill 2010’ has been passed
in the National Assembly. In the meantime, everyone has accepted the idea of
tribes, minorities, ethnic groups and communities to protect the integrity of
the country. We think that supporting and supporting Sheikh Hasina’s efforts to
establish peace is essential for development there.
The necessity of implementation of the Hill Tracts Peace Agreement can be seen
from the significant examples of successful conduct of various ongoing
socio-economic development activities. However, the joint efforts of the
hill-Bengalis are needed to implement the conviction to uphold the rights of
all citizens as enshrined in the peace agreement.
On Friday, a special prosecution team from Lahore will meet officials of the Sialkot police in the high-profile case of Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara who was lynched by a mob.
However, the team will visit Rajco Industries and inspect the factory site. The police will provide the prosecution with 12-hour CCTV footage of the incident obtained from over 100 cameras.
Furthermore, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has directed the team to ensure that the trial of the suspects is completed as soon as possible and file the case challan in court within 14 days. The police have, so far, arrested 139 people of which 34 are main suspects.
Earlier, Gujranwala’s anti-terrorism court remanded the men into police custody for 15 days.
On Thursday, the prime suspects were brought to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for the photogrammetric test.
The forensic examination was conducted of the suspects’ faces from the videos obtained from the attack.
The authorities said that results will be available within a few days and will be used in investigations and challan (police investigation report).
Members of a civil society group participate in a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to the Sri Lankan citizen Priyantha Kumara, who was lynched by a Muslim mob in Pakistan. AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary
A Sri Lankan working in Pakistan, Priyantha Kumara, was lynched by a mob of hundreds of people on Dec. 3, 2021, over allegations of blasphemy, or sacrilegious act. After being assaulted, he was dragged into the streets and set on fire, and the lynching was recorded and shared widely on social media.
In December 2019, Junaid Hafeez, a university lecturer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani court on the charge of insulting the Prophet Muhammad on Facebook.
Hafeez, whose death sentence is under appeal, is one of about 1,500 Pakistanis charged with blasphemy over the past three decades. No executions have ever taken place.
But since 1990, 70 people have been murdered by mobs and vigilantes over allegations of insulting Islam. Several people who defended the accused were killed, too, including one of Hafeez’s lawyers and two high-level politicians who publicly opposed the death sentence of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman convicted for verbally insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Though Bibi was acquitted in 2019, she fled Pakistan.
Blasphemy and apostasy
Of 71 countries that criminalize blasphemy, 32 are majority Muslim. Punishment and enforcement of these laws vary.
This class of religious laws is quite popular in some Muslim countries. According to a 2013 Pew survey, about 75% of respondents in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and South Asia favor making sharia, or Islamic law, the official law of the land.
Among those who support sharia, around 25% in Southeast Asia, 50% in the Middle East and North Africa, and 75% in South Asia say they support executing those who leave Islam” – that is, they support laws punishing apostasy with death.
Firefighters in a factory torched by an angry mob in Jhelum, Pakistan, after one of the factory’s employees was accused of desecrating the Quran, Nov. 21, 2015. STR/AFP via Getty Images
The ulema and the state
My 2019 book Islam, Authoritarianism, and Underdevelopment” traces the root of blasphemy and apostasy laws in the Muslim world back to a historic alliance between Islamic scholars and government.
Starting around the year 1050, certain Sunni scholars of law and theology, called the ulema,” began working closely with political rulers to challenge what they considered to be the sacrilegious influence of Muslim philosophers on society.
Muslim philosophers had for three centuries been making major contributions to mathematics, physics and medicine. They developed the Arabic number system used across the West today and invented a forerunner of the modern camera.
The conservative ulema felt that these philosophers were inappropriately influenced by Greek philosophy and Shiite Islam against Sunni beliefs. The most prominent in consolidating Sunni orthodoxy was the respected Islamic scholar Ghazali, who died in the year 1111.
In several influential books still widely read today, Ghazali declared two long-dead leading Muslim philosophers, Farabi and Ibn Sina, as apostates for their unorthodox views on God’s power and the nature of resurrection. Their followers, Ghazali wrote, could be punished with death.
As modern-day historians Omid Safi and Frank Griffel assert, Ghazali’s declaration provided justification to Muslim sultans from the 12th century onward who wished to persecute – even execute – thinkers seen as threats to conservative religious rule.
Parts of Western Europe were ruled by a similar alliance between the Catholic Church and monarchs. These governments assaulted free thinking, too. During the Spanish Inquisition, between the 16th and 18th centuries, thousands of people were tortured and killed for apostasy.
Blasphemy laws were also in place, if infrequently used, in various European countries until recently. Denmark, Ireland and Malta all recently repealed their laws.
But they persist in many parts of the Muslim world.
In Pakistan, the military dictator Zia-ul-Haq, who ruled the country from 1978 to 1988, is responsible for its harsh blasphemy laws. An ally of the ulema, Zia updated blasphemy laws – written by British colonizers to avoid interreligious conflict – to defend specifically Sunni Islam and increased the maximum punishment to death.
From the 1920s until Zia, these laws had been applied only about a dozen times. Since then, they have become a powerful tool for crushing dissent.
Some dozen Muslim countries have undergone a similar process over the past four decades, including Iran and Egypt.
Dissenting voices in Islam
The conservative ulema base their case for blasphemy and apostasy laws on a few reported sayings of the Prophet, known as hadith, primarily: Whoever changes his religion, kill him.”
Nor is criminalizing sacrilege based on Islam’s main sacred text, the Quran. It contains over 100 verses encouraging peace, freedom of conscience and religious tolerance.
In chapter 2, verse 256, the Quran states, There is no coercion in religion.” Chapter 4, verse 140 urges Muslims to simply leave blasphemous conversations: When you hear the verses of God being rejected and mocked, do not sit with them.”
By using their political connections and historical authority to interpret Islam, however, the conservative ulema have marginalized more moderate voices.
Reaction to global Islamophobia
Debates about blasphemy and apostasy laws among Muslims are influenced by international affairs.
Across the globe, Muslim minorities – including the Palestinians, Chechens of Russia, Kashmiris of India, Rohingya of Myanmar and Uighurs of China – have experienced severe persecution. No other religion is so widely targeted in so many different countries.
The Rohingya of Myanmar are among several Muslim minorities facing persecution worldwide. Rakhine state, Myanmar, Jan. 13, 2020. STR/AFP via Getty Images
Such Islamophobic laws and policies can create the impression that Muslims are under siege and provide an excuse that punishing sacrilege is a defense of the faith.
Instead, I find, such harsh religious rules can contribute to anti-Muslim stereotypes. Some of my Turkish relatives even discourage my work on this topic, fearing it fuels Islamophobia.
But my research shows that criminalizing blasphemy and apostasy is more political than it is religious. The Quran does not require punishing sacrilege: authoritarian politics do.
Special cell to be set up by prosecution to monitor case trial
Members of the Human Rights Council of Pakistan place oil lamps to pay tribute beside a photograph of late Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumara, in Karachi on December 5, 2021, after he was beaten to death and set ablaze by a mob who accused him of blasphemy.Image Credit: AFP
Islamabad: The provincial government of Pakistan’s Punjab region has decided to conduct the trial pertaining to the mob lynching of Priyantha Kumara, a Sri Lankan factory manager in Sialkot, on a daily basis.
This was decided in a meeting of the provincial cabinet committee on law and order presided over by Law Minister Muhammad Basharat Raja.
The committee directed the investigators to file the case challan in court within 14 days. The prosecution was also directed to set up a special cell to monitor the case trial. The meeting was attended by all the regional police officers (RPOs) and commissioners of the province via video link.
The Gujranwala RPO gave a detailed briefing on progress regarding the arrest of those still at large and assured the remaining accused would also be apprehended shortly.
The committee also considered holding the trial of the suspects inside jail.
A delegation of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP)a day earlier visited the Sri Lankan High Commissioner Vice Admiral (R) Mohan Wijewickrama to pay condolences. The delegation was led by Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar.
Senator Zafar said the Pakistani people as well as the entire legal fraternity are deeply saddened and horrified and expressed solidarity with the Sri Lankan people and the family of deceased and strongly condemned the killing of Priyantha at the hands of the mob.
He also reiterated the unequivocal message of Prime Minister Imran Khan that there would be a zero tolerance policy for such incidents in Pakistan.
Ali Zafar said he had been contacted by the president of the Sri Lankan Bar and they agreed that there would be a contact person from the SCBAP, who would monitor the prosecution and keep the victim’s family as well as the Sri Lankan Bar informed about the prosecution.
On December 3, initial footage of a frenzied mob flocking around an individual on Wazirabad Road, Sialkot in Pakistan eventually beating him to death went viral on social media. The beating continued amidst chants of ‘kaafir ke bachche me Quran ki ayatein dustbin mein fainki hain’ which translates to ‘son of a Kaafir has thrown verses of Quran in the dustbin’. Video evidence thereafter showed how the mob resorted to burning the lifeless body while some spectators took selfies with burning corpse. The victim, Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana has been accused of blasphemy, but there are several versions to the reason for this flare-up. However, the Pakistani Government is continuing to investigate the matter, while his remains are being brought down to Sri Lanka.
The mysterious killing
Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana has been an employee at RajCo Industries, one of the leading sportswear manufacturers in the country that even sponsors cricketing gear to the Pakistan cricket team. While the management has remained silent to date, the postmortem report revealed that all bones in his body were broken and 99% of the body was charred. Skull and jaw fractures were highlighted as the cause of death. But due to the attack his vital organs including stomach, liver and one of the kidneys were affected. Barring one foot, every part of his body sustained severe injuries. His spinal cord was also broken at three different points.
However, footage published two days after the incident shows how at least one person, identified as Malik Adnan, trying to save Priyantha’s life. Following the incident, several rights groups organised demonstrations in Karachi and Lahore holding placards that read ‘Sorry Sri Lanka’ and ‘Shame #Sialkot’.
Condolences and promises
At the onset of the incident Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted saying that it was a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations and let there be no mistake. All those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress,” the Tweet read. So far over 235 people have been arrested in relation to the incident and a First Information Report has been filed against 900 garment factory workers. Subsequently President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Namal Rajapaksa also issued statements condemning the incident and condoling with the family of the deceased. The Tweets read that they vest their confidence on the Pakistani Government and ensure that everybody involved will be brought to justice.
The matter was also discussed in Parliament and several Ministers in the ruling party and opposition also expressed sorrow.
Subsequently, special arrangements were made to bring down the remains of the deceased in a special SriLankan Airlines flight on Monday.
‘My brother is accused of blasphemy, so that culprits could escape the law’ : Kamalsiri Diyawadana
Priyantha’s house at Kandaliyadda Paluwa, Ganemulla is already a funeral house as crowds await the arrival of his remains. Politicians, clergy and prominent personalities continue to visit the house and express condolences and extend support to the family. But the family has lost its beloved ‘sudu mahaththaya’. His elder brother Kamalsiri Shantha Kumara Diyawadana told the Daily Mirror that the two governments should look at ensuring the safety of the rest of Sri Lankans and foreigners in Pakistan.
Excerpts of the interview with Kamalsiri:
QWhen did he leave for Pakistan?
He went to work at a factory in Faisalabad in 2010. After a year he was recruited at the factory he was working until present. He was handling the entire operation and worked as General Manager – Operations. He was the second-in-command after the owner. When he started working there this factory just had around 500 machines but now it has expanded its capacity with around 1500 machines.
It was Priyantha who developed it to this capacity with his knowledge in industrial engineering which he studied at Peradeniya University. These factories were operated using traditional methods and they were quite new to industrial engineering technologies. Even though Priyantha tried to return to be with his family, the owner kept him from doing so.
Q Are you his only sibling ?
No. My elder brother is in Karachi and we have two other elder sisters. I’m the fourth in the family and we have a younger sister and Priyantha is the youngest.
QWas he working at garment factories right throughout ?
Yes he was initially employed at Brandix and later left for Pakistan. From time to time he would return to see his family. His last trip to Sri Lanka was in 2019. Due to the pandemic he couldn’t return.
QDid the family visit him in Pakistan?
Myself and my elder brother have been working there for sometime. But his wife and children didn’t go since the children are schooling.
QWas he in contact with the family?
Yes, he used to take calls regularly.
Q Did he mention about any issues he was facing lately?
Not at all. In these factories they launch strikes all of a sudden. They have unions and other groups. But they don’t have any prior plan. They usually organise strikes on Fridays since almost everybody goes to the mosque. Eventually people on the road will also join the strike.
QDo you know the reason for this flare-up?
According to the details I have this incident occurred around the time people were going to the mosque. The employees had wanted to speak to the management regarding their wages, but the Managing Director had not been in the country. As a result the employees had started shouting outside the factory and he had been in his office. During the upheaval, somebody may have said that there’s no point in shouting and subsequently they have pulled him out of his office on to the street, taken off his cloths and hit him on his head. Thereafter they have burnt the body. Some even claim that the police had been watching, but we do not know if these facts are true.
QThen why do media reports claim that the incident occurred after he tore down a poster of a radical Islamic group?
That is a false allegation. If they kill someone who is a non-Muslim the reason is that he is accused of blasphemy. That excuse is used by perpetrators to escape the law. Because in those countries when a person is accused of blasphemy the courts and Police too remain silent. They won’t even question them if they have weapons either. Priyantha worked there for 10 years and was it only on that day that he wanted to tear a poster. Besides they write these posters in Arabic and who knows what they have written in them? People are not allowed to put up posters inside the factory as well. We know that we are in a Muslim country and why should we tear a poster? When we asked from our contacts they said that it was a wage issue that put the mob in a frenzy.
QDo you think they will punish culprits?
The President’s Media Division spoke to me recently and according to them the Pakistan Prime Minister has said that they have lost an exemplary professional. But they are trying to accuse him of blasphemy and escape the law. I would like to request the Sri Lankan Government to work with the Pakistani Government and ensure that another incident of a similar nature won’t be repeated. We lost our brother and he would never return. There are more foreigners working there and we urge the government to take serious action against the perpetrators. Other Sri Lankans in Pakistan are now living in fear.
QAre there many Sri Lankans working there?
Yes there are many working in Karachi. There are a few in Faisalabad, but Priyantha was the only Sri Lankan in Sialkot. They recruit Sri Lankans for higher positions and usually after the Chairman and Managing Director it is a Sri Lankan who leads an Executive position. In Karachi there are around 500 Sri Lankans there.
QAre you satisfied with the manner in which the media reported the incident?
I couldn’t watch the news, but I have urged all television stations to refrain from publishing footage related to the incident. People have started sending these videos to us and questioning us about the incident. This is not good for his family and even his children will be affected as they have to go to school.
QWhat was the reason for him to leave for Pakistan?
Mainly the salary. But now we are not sure if we would return because we are concerned about our security.
QDid the family receive threats after the incident?
We were told that the mob was looking for us as well. My elder brother had left to Sialkot, but he was stopped in Lahore as the authorities have said that the situation is out of control. Thereafter he has returned to Karachi, but has evacuated his previous place of residence and his factory management has provided him with security. He too would return in the same flight the remains are brought in. We are having second thoughts about returning.
QHow is the family reacting to the incident?
We are in shock. We still haven’t informed our mother regarding the incident as she would always inquire about her younger son. We told her that he had passed away after contracting COVID and that the body would be sealed when it’s being brought down to Sri Lanka. Priyantha would call her every two weeks and if he failed to call her she would inquire about her ‘sudu mahaththaya’.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws have been weaponised for political gains” : Pakistani activist
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mirror, Usama Khilji, Member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Systemic Inequality and Social Cohesion and columnist at The Dawn, Pakistan said that the Sialkot incident is a tragedy that is rooted in multiple layers of impunity for those who weaponise blasphemy for personal goals. Mob violence has been fanned up by radical groups that have managed to break the monopoly of violence by the state. Excerpts of the interview done with Usama Khilji.
QWhat sort of a relationship has successive governments had with radical Islamist groups?
Radical religious groups in Pakistan have always had massive street power, and the power to blackmail any government under the pretext of religion, often for political gains. In that vein, governments have often vowed down to such groups in order to not be seen as anti-Islam which is the tag such groups attempt to put on governments. It’s a classic example of pandering to the right-wing clergy for political survival.
It is unfortunate that successive governments have not been able to establish the writ of the state and have often forgiven violent groups for political expediency, but also to protect themselves from violent attacks. A Governor and federal minister have been assassinated in the past for supporting vulnerable accused in blasphemy cases, and another federal minister was shot and survived in the last government.
QSo far over 200 individuals have been arrested in relation to this incident. There’s video evidence as well. However there are opposing views with regards to how perpetrators are being punished. Some don’t serve a maximum jail term. Do you think they will be brought before the law and given strict punishments?
It is hoped that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought before the law and punished accordingly. However, history shows that those accused of murder in blasphemy related cases get a lot of support from religious political parties, and are even celebrated as heroes. Radicalism has seeped into all segments of society, given the state’s constant pandering to them, and forgiving of violent groups that challenges the writ of the state such as the TLP that the murderers in this case sought to support, even though the party itself has distanced itself from the attack. Recently a mob burnt down a police station because the police was protecting a blasphemy accused.
QCould you shed some light on blasphemy laws in the country and how the laws have favoured the existence of these groups?
The blasphemy laws have been weaponised for political gain, and the passion people have for religion is often exploited through these laws with impunity. This has empowered people socially to demand excessive punishments for people that are accused of blasphemy often for personal vendettas, and when the state does not deliver justice” they expect, the law is often taken into the hands of angry vigilante mobs.
QEven though no law can bring back the dead, is there any sort of legal assistance that the victim’s family could seek? If so what are the approaches and procedures?
There are several non-profit organisations that help victims of such cases, such as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) that fights cases pro-Bono for victims and their families. The government also seems to be eager to help the family of the victim get justice, but that would also require public pressure that is visible in Pakistan right now. There is a huge segment of the population that opposes the exploitation of blasphemy laws and want justice for victims in such cases.
QWith the current trend, do you think Pakistan is a safe place for foreign employment?
The unfortunate truth is that nobody is safe from blasphemy laws and blasphemy allegations in Pakistan that are routinely exploited for personal goals with malicious intent. One has to steer clear from groups with such potential. There are several foreigners employed in Pakistan, but this case may have them reconsider their decision.
The victim, Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana has been accused of blasphemy, but there are several versions to the reason for this flare-up
Following the incident, several rights groups organised demonstrations in Karachi and Lahore holding placards that read ‘Sorry Sri Lanka’ and ‘Shame #Sialkot’
So far over 235 people have been arrested in relation to the incident and a First Information Report has been filed against 900 garment factory workers
In countries like Pakistan when a person is accused of blasphemy the courts and Police too
remain silent
Rights groups demand justice
Several rights groups in Sri Lanka arrived at the Pakistan High Commission on Monday and handed over a letter to the Pakistan Ambassador to Sri Lanka urging the Pakistan government to carry out an impartial investigation on take perpetrators before the law. Furthermore the letter demanded the Pakistan government to pay compensation to the family of the deceased .
Speaking to the media, Nimal Tissa Wijetunga representing the Deshapremi Vidwath Sansadaya said that they received a positive response from the High Commission and that they have verbally promised to pay compensation to the family.
Several members of the clergy and other religious faiths also met with the Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka further discussing bilateral relations, the years long friendship the two countries have had and requested officials to serve justice to the victim’s family.
The passing away of a gentleman
Diyawadana was known to have shown exemplary leadership while working in various places of employment. Some of his previous colleagues who wished to remain anonymous told this paper how he was an inspiration and a mentor to them. Several of his Pakistani colleagues took to social media recalling how Diyawadana helped them out in the past. In a social media status one of his colleagues recalled how Diyawadana would give his official vehicle during an emergency. He has also provided financial support to employees at times of need.
Family members and relations preparing for the funeral arrangements of the late Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana
Justice will be served accordingly. We thank the Sri Lankan government for standing with us. We are in contact with the family and will look at how best we can support the familyTanveer Ahmad, Acting High Commissioner
Radical religious groups in Pakistan have always had massive street power, and the power to blackmail any government under the pretext of religion, often for political gains. In that vein, governments have often vowed down to such groups in order to not be seen as anti-Islam-Usama Khilji, Member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Systemic Inequality and Social Cohesion
Perpetrators will be given maximum punishment : Pakistan Acting High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Demonstrations held in Pakistan Speaking to the media at a special press conference at the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka, Acting High Commissioner Tanveer Ahmad said that the whole Pakistan nation and leadership are sad and is in grief regarding this incident. What happened in Pakistan shouldn’t have happened. Our Prime Minister has taken stern action and he’s personally overseeing the whole investigation. So far over 250 individuals have been arrested and they are being taken up for trial at a special court in Pakistan. Justice will be served accordingly. We thank the Sri Lankan government for standing with us. We are in contact with the family and will look at how best we can support the family. Priyantha has been working in Pakistan for over 10 years and his two brothers are also working there. Pakistan will not give any excuse to those who have done this vigilante. PM Imran Khan has assured President Rajapaksa that maximum punishment will be given to the perpetrators. The relationship between the two countries shouldn’t be affected due to the actions of a few individuals.” said Ahmad. Responding to a query on whether the perpetrators have a chance of escaping the law as Priyantha has been accused of blasphemy, Ahmad said that investigations are underway and that there’s no possibility for the perpetrators to escape the law. The Daily Mirror also attempted to contact Ijaz Bhatti, Executive Director of RajCo Industries. However, sources told this paper that he is unable to speak to media until investigations conclude.
The United States imposed human right-related sanctions on two more Sri Lankan military officials under Section 7031(c), gross violation of human rights, the US State Department announced on Friday.
Those military personnel were: Chandana Hettiarachchi, a Sri Lankan naval intelligence officer, for his involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely, the flagrant denial of the right to liberty of at least eight Trincomalee 11” victims, from 2008 to 2009.
The second person was Sunil Ratnayake, a former Staff Sergeant in the Sri Lanka Army, for his involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely the extrajudicial killings of at least eight Tamil villagers in December 2000.They and their immediate family members are designated and are ineligible for entry into the United States,” the State Department statement said.
The designation of these two Sri Lankan individuals is not the only action we are taking in support of accountability for gross violations of human rights in Sri Lanka,” the statement said.
In further recognition of Human Rights Day 2021, the Department is designating 12 officials of foreign governments under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriation Act, 2021.
This law provides that in cases where there is credible information that officials of foreign governments have been involved in a gross violation of human rights or significant corruption, those individuals and their immediate family members are to be designated publicly or privately and are ineligible for entry into the United States, the State Department added.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has made two financial donations of Rs. 1 million each for the education of the two children of Priyantha Kumara, who was subject to a gruesome murder in Sialkot, Pakistan.
The Opposition Leader made this donation after visiting the victim’s house today.
In addition to the cash donations, Mr. Premadasa also donated a laptop computer to be used for education of one of Priyantha’s children.
Sri Lanka will stabilize its foreign reserves on its own and will not seek any assistance from anyone, Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa told Parliament today.
Winding up the committee stage debate of the budget in the House, Minister Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka will not seek IMF assistance if its conditions cannot be accepted. No one will seek a loan from a bank if the conditions it lays to lend is not favorable. Our stance is that we will stabilize our foreign reserves on our own,” he said.
IMF officials are already here and conferring with the Sri Lankan government and I have already met them. They come here annually, carry out a study on our economic situations and submit a report to us. We only implement recommendations which are realistic. We went to the IMF in 1961, as did I during the regime of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. I listen to their talks. Our government is the only government which met their conditions effectively in the past,” he added.
We will not default any loans. Our intention is to settle all debts and tell the world that we will not borrow from any one anymore. We will make this nation a debt free one,” the Minister stressed.(Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)
The Special Committee on COVID-19 Control today decided to make the vaccination card mandatory when entering public places in the future,President’s Media Division(PMD) said.
Legal advice has been sought with regard to preventing those who have not obtained the vaccine from entering public places in order to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed the members of the Special Committee on COVID-19 Control to take necessary steps to complete administering booster doses within the next two weeks to control the spread of COVID-19 during the upcoming festive season.
The President made these remarks during the meeting of the Special Committee on COVID-19 Control held at the Presidential Secretariat, today (10),
All those who have completed three months after receiving the second dose are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine as the booster dose. Accordingly, eligible persons have the opportunity to receive the Pfizer vaccine from tomorrow at any vaccination centre.
Observations have revealed that the vast majority of confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported these days are from among those who have not been vaccinated and most of them are youngsters, the health officials said.
Vaccination is mandatory to minimize the number of Covid-19 patients in the intensive care as well as to reduce mortality rate. The President gave instructions to educate the youth on this and then to take steps to provide the vaccine as soon as possible.
The approval has been received to administer the second dose for children between the ages of 16 and 19 and the first dose for all children between the ages of 12 and 15. Accordingly, the President instructed to devise plans in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to immediately provide the vaccine.
Visits by foreign tourists have increased. The Airlines have increased the number of flight frequencies. The President also instructed to further relax the restrictions imposed on tourism, taking into account the development of the tourism sector.
The daily count of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sri Lanka moved to 754 today (December 10) as 187 more people were tested positive for the virus, the Epidemiology Unit said.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus reported in the country to 571,426.
As many as 544,200 recoveries and 14,573 deaths have been confirmed in Sri Lanka since the COVID-19 outbreak.
More than 12,600 active cases in total are currently under medical care, official figures showed.
MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (December 10) made a staggering revelation during the parliamentary session regarding the agreement signed for the transferring shares in West Coast Power Limited (WCP) – the owner of Yugadanavi Power Plant – and to develop a new LNG receiving, storage and regasification terminal.
According to the JVP leader, the relevant deal was not signed with the United States-based New Fortress Energy Inc. but with another company.
The lawmaker said they had been urging the government for more than a month to table this agreement in the parliament but to no avail. Power Minister Gamini Lokuge said he would present it to the House next week, but I hadn’t seen him in the parliament ever since. As far as I know, this agreement had not been presented either to the Cabinet of Ministers or the House.”
Tabling the agreement in the parliament, MP Anura Kumara said it has been inked between the Sri Lankan government as the seller and the NFE Sri Lanka Power Holding LLC as the buyer.
The Cabinet approval was given to sign the agreement with the New Fortress Energy, however, it has been signed with NFE Sri Lanka Power Holding, a company affiliated to the New Fortress Energy, he noted.
This has completely misled the Cabinet of Ministers, he alleged.
The Court of Appeal today directed to consider the petition filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) seeking an inquiry into the dangerous incidents caused by the importation of substandard gas, on 14 December.
The order was issued while considering the petition filed by civil society activist, Attorney-at-Law Nagananda Kodithuwakku before the Court of Appeal today.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and the Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority as well as the Director of the Sri Lanka Standards Bureau have been named as respondents.
When the petition was called, Nagananda Kodithuwakku, Attorney-at-Law, informed the court that the lives of nearly 6 million people were in grave danger due to the current gas crisis.
He also requested the court to consider the petition expeditiously.<br /><br />After considering the submissions made by both parties, the Court of Appeal ordered that the petition be heard on 14 December.
The court also directed that Litro Gas Company, the IGP, Ministers Bandula Gunawardena, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and others be named as respondents.
Meanwhile, gas-related incidents were reported from several parts of the island today as well.
Although the front page of the agreement stated that the sale of shares in the Yugadanavi power plant will take place, it will include the transfer of the monopoly power of supplying LNG to all power plants in the country to New Fortress Energy.
Also, the Leader of the Jathika Jana Balawegaya, Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed in Parliament today (10) that the Ministry of Finance has signed the agreement with the New Fortress Energy Company and not with another company which has been approved by the Cabinet.
Hiru News inquired from the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance S.R. Attygalle regarding the allegation made by Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
He noted that NFE Sri Lanka Power Holdings LLC is the Sri Lankan mediator of New Fortress Energy as the signing of an agreement between the two countries requires the intervention of a local company.
The
conflict between India and China had not been reported in extended history as
we understood, and it recorded in the current era after the independence in
1947, why was an unending conflict originated was also a difficult question to answer,
and whether it will be ended soon or later is a vital matter for both countries.
The experience of the international arena since the cold war provoked the
relationship between India and China. Many analysts doubt the reason for the antagonism
and contributory factors to originate between the two countries. Outsiders of the
Sino-Indian region could read that the Tibet uprising and granting asylum to Dalai
Lama by India would have originated the difference between the two countries.
What was the major reason to grant political asylum to Dalai Lama by India was
a complicated issue that should be critically analysed by interested personnel.
Dalai
Lama was a spiritual leader of Tibet Buddhism, and China has refused to accept
the leadership of Dalai Lama, whose policies are related to religion and
political administration. The communist policies of China may have contradicted
the philosophy of Dalai Lama and the international operations of Dalai Lama
show he is the peaceful and attractive orator who talks about secular matters
attractive way and indirectly he does international politics against China.
When
the conflict was cradled, the answer to the question showed simple, howbeit was
entrained after 1959, and why it has been continuing is a tough question to
answer, but from the point of view of the Sino side it is not a simple matter.
Many international power blocs are reluctant to talk about the issue and policies
implemented, showing that they don’t know about the issue. The common practice
is when a conflict incurred between two countries, the UNO intervene and come
to an agreement between two countries and settle the problem, however, when the
original armed conflict incurred in 1962, China was not a member of the UNO and
it could assume that the situation existed may have contributed to a long-term
problem between the two countries. After entering China to the UNO and gaining
VETO power, the problem should have been solved as the conflict concerned with
many surrounding countries.
According
to published literature, there were no strong hints to explain the difference
between China and India. China followed communism that had not been strong
respect for religious philosophies and it would have been the influential
factor for continuing the problem. The international power blocs may have been
indirectly influencing both sides. The recorded history about conflicts between
China and India suggested that a lack of international authority with the
membership of the UN would have the biggest weakness to continue the problem.
There might exist written documents concerning the problem, but researchers had
no opportunities to read them.
It
is possible to assume that China and India had maintained peace between the two
countries despite conflicts that would have incurred and not been recorded for
historians’ analysis in later periods. During the early Communist era, the disagreement
had and Russia was with the side of India and supplied weapons to it, disregarding
the philosophical unity between Russia and China. India was a market for
weapons in Russia and the relationship was used to gain weapons by India.
People in the region know that Russia advised India to play a police role in
the Indian ocean despite the proposal of a Peace Zone by Sri Lanka. When
laterally thinking the uniting of South Indian, China and Russia would be an
excellent market for international trade and political differences between
these countries have prevented the opportunity.
When
logically thinking, it is easy to assume that the conflict between India and
China is a hegemony-related problem than any other. The south Indian region was
a united country with India, and the hegemony of India was challenged by
Chinese actions that were a displeased matter to India. The best lesson to be
learned by Sri Lanka is when a small country has no economic power, that
country cannot go over the power giants and needs to learn how to live
peacefully like small countries around Russia. The best example was given by Mr.J.R.Jayawardane,
the Indo-Lanka agreement in 1987 was a way of learning to live without surrendering
to India. International analysts showed that after the July riots in 1983 Ms.Indira
Gandhi wanted to take over Sri Lanka, notwithstanding the intention of Ms.Gandhi,
her advisors found India cannot find a regime to control the country despite
the intention there a population of over 90% of Sri Lanka which was against the
Indian intention.
Potential
conflict between China and India was prevented by the British government during
the colonial era, as many analysts assumed, the British government did not want
to engage in a war with China, and such conflicts would have badly affected the
relationship between China and UK. The British administration before the
independence in 1947 did not promote anti-Chinese attitudes in the colony in
support of Indian people and the UK had a concern about Hong Kong which was a
part of China.
The
UK was a small country with a lower population, and China was a large country
with massive human resources. The other vital aspect that should keep in mind
is that the British government did not want to take its war with China on
account of a colony’s problem. The
colonial history indicates that colonial countries had been acquired by the UK
by tactical agreements rather than embarking on expensive wars. For example,
the Kandyan Kingdom of Sri Lanka had been acquired by giving up armed struggle
and manipulating the Kandyan Convention, which was written in an unknown
language to Sinhalese. The attitudes of Indians
and Chinese were nonidentical and associated with the human culture of the
areas located. In this situation, it is quite possible to assume that Sino-Indian
conflicts were eluded by British rule.
The
role played by India after the independence led to a severe conflict based on the
demarcation between the two countries and early 1960s, there was an armed conflict
between India and China. The war generated considerable damage to India. Sri
Lanka intervened on behalf of both countries to cease the armed struggle, but
it did not create a long-term wave of peace between the two countries. However,
the intervention of Sri Lanka halting the armed struggle between India and
China was a historical gesture between India and China, as well as a reflection
of the neutral international relationship of Sri Lanka with neighbouring
countries.
Economic
activities of China have been positively changed and promoted by Western
nations as the administration Deng Shia-o Peng helped the Western countries to
expand the market and China to change the attitudes about market economic
system becoming the most favoured Nation of the USA during the regime of Bill Clinton,
based on many reasons that were economic and security related.
Sri
Lanka has become a victim of the Sino-Indian conflict and has been in a
difficult situation developing economic policies. Sri Lanka needs quick
attention to the foreign exchange shortage problem. In addition, Sri Lanka
needs to attract foreign direct investment and supports for product quality
improvement. For these two areas, Chinese supports are crucial and Indian
attitudes show it wants to take over current Sri Lanka’s successful development
programs and some analysts question the investments of Adani are helping Sri
Lanka or an attempt to maintain Indian hegemony over Sri Lanka. When the
policymakers associate with Chinese and Indian investors, they have critical
abilities to negotiate what Sri Lanka expects.
China
was an influential country and has trillions of GDP, of which a small portion could
spend as economic aids which are not grants but support for generating foreign
exchange, employment, and much economic support to Sri Lanka. After the Korean War
in the 1950s, China supported Sri Lanka through the Rice-Rubber pact, the
economic impact of the pact was tremendous and economic advisors supported by
the Western nations (Prof Dudley Seers) criticised the pact presenting a market-related
argument stating that Sri Lanka could have purchased rice at a lower price and
sell rubber at a higher price in the open market if there wasn’t pact between
Sri Lanka and China.
After
the Rice-Rubber Pact, China helped Sri Lanka frequently, India objected to
these Chinese bits of help, and frequently, India objected to Chinese supports other
countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The major argument of India
was the Chinese aids would threaten the security of India, but how foreign aids
would denounce the security of India has not been clearly explained. Chinese
supports to these South Asian countries does not promote taking weapons against
India and most probably it restricts the marketability of Indian goods and
services. Truly, it is an economic threat, but not a security threat. The
economic relationship between Western countries and China also may be a threat to
India, but it is not expressed because it might be a joke among educated
people.
When
the Finance Minister, Mr. Basil Rajapaksa visited recently India, it has
reported that India agreed support Sri Lanka to purchase Indian products and
the credit facilities could be used only to purchase goods and services of
Indian origin.
Hegemony
is in this world since the beginning and neither Sri Lanka nor India nor China
could stop hegemony that should not use for economic activities of people.
During his first courtesy call on Prime
Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa since recently assuming duties in Sri Lanka as the
new Ambassador of Japan, Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki said that the Government
of Japan is interested in attracting skilled workers from Sri Lanka.
In the past few years, Sri Lanka and Japan
signed two MoUs on both low-skilled and specified-skilled worker recruitment to
Japan. According to the Foreign Ministry, under the Specified Skilled Worker
Recruitment Program (SSWRP), 14 job fields have been allowed to recruit
employees from Sri Lanka to Japan.
The Prime Minister reiterated that there is a
growing interest among Sri Lankans to both learn the Japanese language as well
as to seek employment opportunities in Japan.
During the meeting, Ambassador Mizukoshi also
said he would like to focus on investment promotion during his tenure.
Currently, there are approximately 75 enterprises with Japanese investments
operating in Sri Lanka. During the past 15 years, they have cumulatively
invested about US$ 382 million, providing more than 12,000 employment
opportunities.
The two delegations also discussed the
recently opened projects that were funded by the Japanese Government, including
another phase of the Bandaranaike International Airport development project,
the Golden Gate Kalyani bridge and the Kandy city wastewater management
project.
Geneva/Guwahati, 9 December 2021: Afghanistan and Mexico
are the most dangerous countries for media work this year, the Press Emblem
Campaign (PEC) said in its annual report in Geneva on Thursday in view of Human
Rights Day. Since 1 January, 76 media workers have been killed in 28 countries
around the world.
Afghanistan leads with 12 assassinations, ahead of Mexico
where 10 journalists were killed. Among the most dangerous countries are
Pakistan (7), India (6), Yemen (4), Democratic Republic of Congo (3) and the Philippines (3 killed).
Two deaths were recorded in Azerbaijan, Bangladesh,
Brazil, Burkina-Faso, Colombia, as well as in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia
and Turkey. Finally, one victim has been identified in the following countries:
Ecuador, Gaza, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Lebanon, Netherlands, Syria, and the
United States of America.
Of the 76 journalists murdered, 29 were in war zones
(Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Burkina Faso, DRC, Ethiopia, Gaza, Somalia, Syria,
and Yemen). Terrorist groups were responsible of at least 20 murders
(Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen), an increase compared
to previous years.
The PEC strongly condemns these attacks and calls for
those responsible for these crimes to be brought to justice. By region, Asia,
with 39 dead (+6), is ahead of Latin America 17 (-10), Africa 14 (+5), Europe 5
(+2) and North America 1 (+1).
The number of journalists killed decreased by 8%
compared to the same period of last year, a slight improvement. Improvement has
taken place in Latin America outside of Mexico, deterioration is observed in
Africa and Europe. Mexico and Afghanistan have been among the most dangerous
countries for journalists for many years, but the rise in Africa is
particularly worrying”, commented PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen.
In Europe, the targeted killings of 3 journalists, in
Greece, Georgia and the Netherlands is a very sad development. In Burma (Myanmar) after the
coup and in Afghanistan after the departure of the NATO troops, press freedom
has registered a very serious setback.
Over the last 5 years, Mexico has recorded the highest
victims (66), ahead of Afghanistan (53), then India (40), Pakistan (35), Syria
(29), the Philippines (21), Iraq (18), Yemen (17), and Somalia (16). In ten
years, from 2012 to 2021, 1150 journalists were killed, or 115 per year, 2.2
per week, according to figures from the PEC.
One positive development, says PEC President Hedayat
Abdel Nabi is that the awareness across the globe has become more widespread
due to the enthusiastic engagement of media colleagues to spread the message of
media protection and the safety of journalists as well as press freedom.
India has recently lost Buddhinath Jha (journalist cum
Right to Information (RTI) activist, also known as Avinash Jha), whose body was
found in Madhubani locality of Bihar on
12 November. The Benipatti-based family claimed that Buddhinath was offered a
lot of money (as bribes) by some illegal healthcare clinic owners, but he did
not listen to them. Later he received a number of threatening calls from
unknown persons,” said Nava Thakuria, PEC’s India representative.
Prior to him, the populous country lost five journalists
namely Ashu Yadav, Sulabh Srivastava, Ch. Keshav, Manish Kumar Singh and Raman
Kashyap to assailants this year. Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui was
killed in Afghanistan. India’s two neighbours Pakistan and Bangladesh reported
(7 and 2 respectively) media casualties, however Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet (China),
Maldives, Sri Lanka and Myanmar have not reported any incident of journo-murder
till date this year.
Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Middle East, Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi Thursday said the Ulema and religious scholars and other segment of society would observe ‘day of condemnation’ today (Friday) to condemn lynching of Sri Lankan national in Sialkot on accusation of blasphemy. In a statement, he said the Ulema, belonging to different sects, would condemn the lynching of foreigner in their Friday sermons, besides sensitizing the masses the blasphemy laws. Ashrafi said the time was ripe for nation to play its role against those using religion and sacred names for advancing their personal agenda.He said the state of Pakistan has already given its verdict. The people would have to stand side by side with the government and national security agencies to eradicate the scourge of extremism. Ulema and Mashaikh conventions were being organized across the country and awareness campaigns on blasphemy laws were being launched in educational institutions.
The Punjab Forensic Science Agency has conducted a photogrammetric test of 34 prime suspects arrested for lynching Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara over alleged blasphemy in Sialkot on December 3.
So far, 139 people have been arrested by the police. The anti-terrorism court on Wednesday remanded the accused into police custody for 15 days.
According to the police, the 34 prime suspects were brought to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for the photogrammetric test. The forensic examination was conducted of the suspects’ faces from the videos obtained from the attack.
The photogrammetric test is a forensic technique that is useful to have an accurate 3D reconstruction of a crime scene, especially in cases where position, distance and perspective are important. It extracts measurements from photographs.
The authorities said that results will be available within a few days and will be used in investigations and challan (police investigation report).
Priyantha was attacked by a mob that beat up, murdered, and then burnt his body on the Wazirabad Road.
The Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) said that Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar is overseeing the case and investigations himself.
‘No more misuse of religion’
On Tuesday, a ceremony was held in the Prime Minister Office to express solidarity with the family of Priyantha Kumara and to appreciate the courage of Malik Adnan who tried to shield Priyantha by putting his own life on the line.
Addressing the ceremony, the premier said, I have decided that from now on if anyone uses the religion, especially in the name of Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to commit injustice, we will not spare them.”
People from all walks of life have condemned the incident and demanded strict punishment for the culprits.
Sri Lanka-Pakistan ties
On December 6, Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Pakistan Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama condemned the incident and said that he was satisfied with Pakistan’s response to the killing. The incident won’t affect friendly ties between the two countries.”
We are very sure that the incident itself was not targeting our country, our religion, or our race. It was an incident in isolation.”
Sialkot chamber
On the other hand, the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry has raised $100,000 for the family of Priyantha Kumara.
The incident has shaken us and we can’t condemn it enough,” said Qasim Malik, president of the chamber, in an exclusive interview to SAMAA TV.
Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana is a name that will be remembered in Pakistan for a long time. Or will it? Our short-term memory is just that, short! Lest we forget, only recently the Sri Lankan was dispatched to hell (Urdu vernacular: jahanam raseed kar diya) by a mob of steadfast faith (pukhta emaan). Social media is rife with disgusting images and videos of this episode, accompanied by these gems of Urdu phrases! Will this bother us for long? Of course not! After all, we are a resilient nation, which can bounce back from any mishap-as long as it has not happened to us-with the elegance and aplomb of a graceful ballerina!
We may not be self-sufficient in oil and gas, we may not be self-sufficient in valuable metals, we may not be self-sufficient in alternative energy but we are definitely self-sufficient in being shocked and outraged! If it were to become a competitive sport, I am sure we would bag a gold medal in the next Olympics! We need to make sure that we export any spare shock and outrage so that the trade deficit can be narrowed. Take that Imran Khan! In one fell swoop, I have given you the recipe to brighten up the economic outlook in the country. Where are your precious economic czars now? Other things, you ask that can help with the current account deficit? How about the expression of sadness? This time around it was the Punjab Chief Minister’s turn to articulate his. Fitting really, he seems rather sad any day of the week and twice on Sundays! Ordering of an inquiry is another thing we have in spades. It just seems that the investigating agencies are just waiting for an inquiry to be ordered before they will kick into action. One can picture the law enforcement machinery standing at the ready, wait for it, wait for it, wait for it. There! We have a tweet ordering an inquiry. Let’s get to it! Go, go, go!”. Tweets, messages, press conferences – templates at the ready and utilised so quickly and efficiently that one marvels at the speed at which the functionaries work, alas only in such cases and not when it comes to truly uplifting the poor masses of this country. With all these templates flying around, the only caution that needs to be taken is to avoid ‘copy and paste’ errors. One doesn’t want to look foolish condemning an incident that happened last year! Being a copycat also needs brains (nakal ke liye bhi aqal ki zaroorat hoti hai).
We need to make sure that we export any spare shock and outrage so that the trade deficit can be narrowed.
Also in abundance is the art of condemnation from the celebrity-sphere: religious, drama, film, entertainment and talk-show hosts. In-between their megaevents they get time to express their grief and lament the state of affairs in this country. Before jet setting to their next exotic destination to mingle with their ilk. I am reminded of a Bollywood film in which Kadar Khan – the great Indian dialogue writer and comedian – portrays a rich industrialist and poses for a photograph with a poor kid while offering him grapes. Once the picture is taken, he takes the grapes back and says, you are done, now go” (tera hogaya, ab chal).
Finger-pointing is another one of our plentiful hallmarks and something that is a dime a dozen in the land of the pure! Cue random leaders accusing everyone and everything from international conspiracy (berooni saazish) to hidden hands (khufiya haath) to governmental weakness (hukumati kamzoori). One wonders about the last one when walls upon walls in Pakistan display remedies for all sorts of ‘kamzoori’!
Another copious element is journalists and OpEd writers – including yours truly – falling over each other to fill up the nation’s dailies with hard-hitting articles on what went wrong What should/could/would be done Who to blame.Who said self-mockery was dead!
Why should higher officials of government and law enforcement agencies be left behind This quarter also displays a cacophony of noise with phrases such as no one will be spared (kisi ko nahin chorhein ge) and things will be taken to their logical end (mantaqi anjaam tak pahunchayein ge). Failing that, a lot of transfers will be afoot and anticipated recipients of such orders will already be telling their families to pack up and be ready to move at a moment’s notice!
With so much surplus, export-grade commodities, I fail to understand our widening trade deficit and ever ballooning current account deficit. Maybe I am missing something because I am only a mere mortal while those running our country deities of the highest order. Amidst all this, I was asking myself, who will be responsible for all this carnage? Then the answer dawned upon me, NO ONE because that which belongs to everyone, belongs to no one!
The writer is Director Programmes for an international ICT organization based in the UK and writes on corporate strategy, socio-economic and geopolitical issues
Brigadier (Retd) Atif Shafique Courtesy The Daily Times (Pakistan)
Much has been written, reported, said and talked about the horrendous incident in which a Sri Lankan national working in a factory in Sialkot was brutally killed and his body was burnt in the middle of Wazirabad road. Police arrested a number of accused offenders and authorities made solemn pledges to dispense justice. All said and done, people have serious doubts about any positive results and the furor will peter out with time as has happened in the past in many gruesome incidents. Only hollow statements, some rubble rousing rallies, perfunctory resolutions in the National and provincial assemblies, some more soft worded condemnations by religious scholars and routine babbling by inter-faith harmony committees, will stir a storm in the teacup and that is all. Then there would be a criminal silence till another such incident awakes us, though temporarily, from our deep slumber.
The incident needs deep soul-searching because the malady of radicalisation and extremism is deep-seated in society. This propensity has been pampered by influential quarters for the last many decades. Resultantly, the myopic mindset has become acceptable to a large segment of the public. Axiomatically, these monsters have grown bigger and bolder with each passing day. The example of the incident of 14th August at Minar-e-Pakistan and many more such acts on the night of 13th / 14th August are indicators of how low the morality of the society has gone down.
It is no rocket science to find out the root causes of this widespread frustration, intolerance and inhumane behaviour. One major factor which stands out is that the public is starved and deprived of all kinds of positive opportunities to vent out their energies nor there is any quality entertainment. In the late 70’s the increased role of religious pandits and then in the ’80s during Zia’s regime this present-day extremist, intolerant and fanatic religious cult was created and over time it kept growing and now it has almost become a Frankenstein monster. Lynching is nothing new in the name of religion in Pakistan, it is only that we have short-lived memories. Between 2012 to date over 10 to 12 different incidents of this brutal kind occurred and nothing happened to those involved after initial arrest etc. They were let off subsequently as the legal procedure allowed them an easy exit.
Lynching is nothing new in the name of religion in Pakistan. It is only that we have short-lived memories.
Follow up of the recent incident also shows a similar trend where the victim is considered to be a defaulter and the aggressors are being treated as heroes at the local level. The statements given by our various politico-religion leaders also indicate this same mindset.
The youth is rudderless and uncontrolled due to lack of opportunities, may it be vocational, entertainment, educational or cultural development. Our political, as well as religious leaders, is hell-bent to increase violence and agitation in the country to suit their goals and desires, At the same time, media houses have also joined this stream. The issue instead of being mellowed down is being highlighted to an extent where even if one wants to put off the anger and retaliation on hold is rather being incited by repeated discussions on various media modes. PEMRA is not taking notice of this toxic trend.
No religious leader or scholar has come upon air to talk about the need to be patient and tolerant the stance is quite perturbing. The reports of the accused being treated as heroes by the local community is also a point to ponder. The unsolved earlier cases of lynching may be the reason which encourages people to repeat such unethical acts.
The state in my opinion has failed to create the desired awareness amongst the masses. The so-called change in the name of the creation of Riasat-e-Madina appears to be no more than a slogan as no practical action/step can be seen on the ground. Even if there is no visible change on the political front due to the claimed negative role of the oppositions, where are the steps to create balance, tolerance, equality and provision of Justice??? Why do we only blame the previous governments? Three and half years or so have elapsed, why no step has been taken to improve upon the above-cited issues.
To blame only the government is also not correct, we all are included in this. It is very easy to sit down, criticize the system and point out the mistakes but in actual fact how many of us actually get out of our cosy homes and drawing rooms and initiate practical steps, may be only a few odd, but that doesn’t work. I feel that we all as individuals must seriously see and act in the fields where we can influence regardless of our political liking and disliking, we must try to bring awareness to people around us in our immediate circles. The need of the time to develop a sincere understanding / creating a sense of tolerance towards all and try to follow the law. Our educational institutions of all kinds must launch an immediate program to soften up the mindset of our future generation and clarify that to punish the criminal is the responsibility of the state. The punishing of the accused by public and mob is forbidden legally,m, socially religiously as well as ethically. We must not resort to taking the law in own hands (of course this has to be augmented by judicial reforms at the earliest). We must ensure that the religion is not made a tool to gain personal/collective/political aims. The true sprite of Islam must be highlighted.
The need of the hour is to launch a massive drive at public level to create awareness, opportunities, and provide options for all the public to get out of the tense environment and get busy in healthy and constructive activities or else we will continue to see the incidents where in matter of minutes already socially, culturally and economically deprived masses turn into a mob on just one slogan and within minutes the situation gets out of control, where anything can happen. We all must act now if we want to see change or else incidents like Minar-e-Pakistan and Sialkot will keep happening in days to come unfortunately.
Priyantha Kumara, the Sri Lankan national who was lynched by a mob in Pakistan’s Punjab province on December 3 over allegations of blasphemy, was buried according to Buddhist and Catholic rites at Ganemulla, a suburb north of Colombo, on Wednesday, December 8.
Please click on the images to view Priyantha Kumara’s final journey.
IMAGE: Nilushi, Priyantha Kumar’s wife, with her sons, aged 14 and 9, at the funeral. Nilushi has appealed to the Pakistan government for justice and compensation for her husband’s killing. All Photographs: Dinuka Liyanawatte/ReutersSponsoredMore from around the webRecommended by
IMAGE: Priyantha Kumara’s mother weeps at her son’s casket during the funeral. Kumara had gone to Pakistan in 2011 after he got a job as a mechanical engineer at an apparel factory in Faisalabad. After a year, he joined Sialkot’s Rajco Industries as its general manager and was the only Sri Lankan national working in the factory.
IMAGE: The Sri Lankan cabinet on Tuesday approved Sri Lankan Rs 2.5 million (about Rs 935,000) as compensation to Nilushi and her family.
IMAGE: Priyantha Kumara was brutally lynched before his body was set on fire. The murder by Islamic radicals has shocked the world.
IMAGE: The Sri Lankan parliament, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa have condemned the brutal killing and expressed hope that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government would bring the guilty to justice.
IMAGE: Ruling and Opposition MPs in the Sri Lankan parliament have demanded an apology from Pakistan’s Defence Minister Pervez Khattak for his insensitive remarks on the lynching. Khattak on Monday said the ghastly lynching by a mob in Sialkot should not be linked to the Pakistan government’s recent decision to lift the ban on the extremist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakista, saying ‘murders take place’ when young people get emotional. Shocking!
Recently the surgeon Dr. Athula Withanage translated into Sinhala for the first time, ‘Evgeni Onegin’ a Russian romantic novel written in verse and a masterpiece of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. Simultaneously, he translated it into English, making it the 46th English translation. This achievement by
Dr. Athula Withanage can be hailed as a historical event as it was declared impossible to achieve by many authors in the past including the great translator, Oruwala Bandu. This was because of cultural differences and the era (1880) when it was written, as well as the different meaning Alexander Pushkin gave his own poetic words. Dr. Withanage escaped the shackles of rhyming by producing the masterpiece in Sinhala using the unique form of ‘Nisandas Kavi’. The books were presented to the First Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Director of the Russian Centre, Anastasia Khokhlova at the Russian Centre Book Festival on 27 October 2021. This commendable literary mission was hailed as a historical event.The State Russian Language Institute in Moscow was named after Alexander Pushkin.
Dr. Withanage is currently working as a Senior Surgeon at the Malabe Neville Fernando Hospital. He worked in Wales (UK) for over thirty-one years, attached to the UK’s National Health Service. On his retirement, he visited Sri Lanka on a holiday and met with the late Dr Neville Fernando, who invited him to deliver a lecture at the Neville Fernando Auditorium. Later,
Dr Neville Fernando invited Dr Withanage to help his team to write the curriculum for the surgical faculty and for some guidance in perfecting the state of the art new theatre complex. With his knowledge and experience in the UK, Dr Withanage was able to do so.(At the construction stages of the Hospital). Although he accepted a temporary position because of his commitments in the UK for teaching at the RCS (Surgical Membership in England) and WIMAT( The leading Centre for the Welsh Endoscopy Training and Laparoscopic Colorectal Training Scheme) of Cardiff University. Later, he decided to stay in Sri Lanka because of the plight of the SAITM students faced at that time.The Sri Lanka Government took over the Management of the Hospital, at the request of the late Dr. Neville Fernando, to help the poor and the needy. At that time the Hospital was operated as a private teaching hospital. Anyone visiting the Neville Fernando hospital can see how methodically wards are assigned and the overall layout of the hospital.
Latent Talents
Dr. Athula Withanage did his medical degree in Russia on a Sri Lankan Government Scholarship. He had to first learn Russian before he commenced his medical studies. After graduating from Russia, he achieved FRCS recognition from England, Scotland, and Ireland. He holds the record as the only Sri Lankan to take part in a stage play in Ireland ( ‘Citi’), where he wrote down the dialogue in Sinhala as he could not speak a word of Irish. Dr. Athula Withanage is a versatile character committed to the Sinhala Culture like his brother, the late Bandula Withanage, an actor, writer, author, and drama producer.
Dr. Athula Withanage is exceedingly talented. After spending many hours in the hospital theatre attached to the NHS UK, he started writing books for relaxation and to keep his mind away from the stresses of surgical life. After one of the operations of a senior citizen, which ‘everyone thought he would certainly fail,’ the patient miraculously survived somehow. After a full recovery, the patient came to see Dr. Athula Withanage with a gift of a massive wall clock. After presenting the gift to the doctor, the old gentleman said: Thank you, doctor, you gave me life and time on this earth, and I am symbolically giving you the time!”
Dr. Athula Withanage has published many books in Sinhala and English. His first medical novel Living Capsule” was published by the Regency Press in London and New York. ‘Living Capsule’ dealt with a clinical problem any surgeon had to battle. In Sri Lanka, he published an educational book for doctors in every field of medicine called Wound Care and Management,” which sold out among the medical fraternity like hotcakes, at the book festival at BMICH year 2020!
Latest Novel
The plot of his latest novel ‘The Pond, Butterflies, and the Rainbow’ wraps around a doctor who oversees the COVID-19 ward during the pandemic. The author goes into graphic details about the intricacy of surgery on COVID-19 patients and the universal precautions one must take. He reflects the deadliest nature of the virus and the agony the staff go through, and how it affects their own lives. He must have acquired knowledge on
COVID-19 after being apportioned to the ward, as a surgical consultant, in the Neville Fernando Hospital unit, the country’s second-largest unit at the height of the third cluster.
The book presents a rich and heart-warming portrait of an exceptional single parent doctor-father and his love for his seven-year-old daughter. In his vision, the father relates his Peradeniya University experiences and comes across an orphaned girl in the university library, who had been unsuccessful in her examination twice? Out of sympathy, he offers her help, but seemingly it leads to a romantic encounter. Out of the blue, the girl becomes pregnant while both are under-graduates. The boy’s father becomes irritated on hearing his youngest son’s romantic pranks, and finally, the son gets ostracised from the family, but tragedy strikes later on the happy-go romantic capsule. The young infant becomes his primary responsibility and later he becomes overprotective of his daughter.
While working in the COVID-19 ward at the hospital, a scuffle breaks out with a patient there, who was fully infected and who tries to enter a geriatric ward. In trying to save the elderly and vulnerable in the ward, the doctor, too, gets contaminated by the wound caused by the assailant during the scuffle and quarantined. Fortunately, he spends fourteen days in the same hospital. During his quarantine period, a young nurse comes to his rescue to look after his young daughter voluntarily. The daughter and the nurse become good pals to the extent she calls the nurse ‘mum’ at the end. Seemingly, the doctor being a bachelor for four years becomes involved romantically with the young nurse. He once explains to his daughter, when she urged him not to go to work, that he had taken an oath (Hippocratic Oath) when he qualified as a doctor, and he must maintain that promise. Therefore, he was committed to after the sick and was unable to abandon patients for any reason.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, in a suicidal attempt a patient jumps out of the third floor of the hospital. The doctor without thinking and due to instant reflex action takes the risk and goes down on a drainpipe to save her. Unfortunately, the pipe collapses, and the doctor falls in a dramatic rescue attempt, while so many watch, and some curse him for taking unnecessary risks.Many bystanders urge him not to take a risk.
Medical Experience
Being a medical man with experience, the author writes graphic accounts in his unique style of the dangers of the COVID-19, and how some of the general public’s behaviour. He points out how the Media and newspapers blame doctors and health workers for not recognising the risk everyone takes in dealing with COVID-19 affected patients. He also criticises the Media for insulting and blaming the doctors at the slightest mistake when a doctor or health workers commit mistakes and how the Media attack and criticise. In his personal experience he says Media, or the public never appreciate the dedicated service done by the health authorities or the departmental staff while they save many patients daily.
The author displays his literal genius by his rich and heart-warming portrait of a medical man and a loving father. He makes the reader at various stages, laugh, cry with the sentiment, and sympathise with emotion-filled with warmth. Finally, the author opens his heart to the reader how the doctor becomes triumphant.
Dr. Athula Withanage is an excellent surgeon who spends more time with patients in listening to patients, a habit he learned in England. He never cares for money and most of the operations he undertakes are free of charge from poor and the helpless. When he concentrates on writing novels, he understands how to bring heroic visions to life. ‘The Pond, Butterflies, and Rainbow’ is a beautiful inspiring romantic story. The author has brought the beautiful heart-warming narration to a climax with subtle elegance.
The writer is confident that
Dr. Athula Withanage’s latest English novel”The Pond, Butterflies, and Rainbow, based on the Sinhala story ‘Ran Dola” will become one of the most up to date novels for book lovers in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic, and create a new form of COVID-19 literature.
SLPP MP Gevindu Cumaratunga says a section of the ruling coalition is pursuing political strategies contrary to the mandate received by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna at the 2019 presidential and 2020 parliamentary elections.
MP Cumaratunga also strongly criticised the conduct of the Parliament as the highest institution in the country on the basis of continuing manipulation of the National List to accommodate those who had been rejected by the electorate and appointed outside the respective National Lists of political parties. The parliament consists of 196 elected and 29 appointed members.
The MP explained how the UNP schemed in the late 80s to manipulate the entire process to introduce the National List. Reference was made to the appointment of defeated candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe on the UNP National List and Basil Rajapaksa on the SLPP National List.
SLPP National List MP Cumaratunga who is also the President of the Yuthukama civil society group questioned rationale in pushing for the holding of the much delayed Provincial Council polls as quickly as possible.
The MP summoned a media briefing after he was denied the time to address the Parliament during the debate on the Justice Ministry vote. The lawmaker found fault with the government for its failure to unveil the Draft Constitution before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa completed two years in office. Cumaratunga is one of the MPs who had pledged his support to the battle against the highly questionable deal on the Yugadanavi Power Station that is now before the Supreme Court.
The civil society activist emphasized that Provincial Council polls shouldn’t be held under any circumstances until the introduction of the new Constitution. Lawmaker Cumaratunga said that the country received an assurance from Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC that the draft Constitution would be presented within two years. Therefore, the delay couldn’t be accepted though the global epidemic Covid-19 caused immense problems.
MP Cumaratunga emphasized that he didn’t want to discuss other matters as the media briefing was especially called to address some specific issues namely the new Constitution and some matters related to the Justice Ministry.
Alleging that the Provincial Councils system in its present form violated the unitary status of the country, MP Cumaratunga said that in line with the mandates received at two national elections, the proposed new Constitution should do away with all those Amendments introduced in the wake of the Indo-Lanka Accord of July 1987 meant to appease separatist sentiments.
Responding to media queries, lawmaker Cumaratunga said that those who voted for the SLPP at the 2019 presidential and 2020 parliamentary elections expected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to fulfill the pledges given.
Commenting on the enactment of the 20th Amendment in Oct 2020 with an overwhelming 2/3 majority, MP Cumaratunga said that the country expected a new Constitution. Acknowledging the need for what he called an interim constitutional measure in the wake of 2019 presidential election victory, MP Cumaratunga said that he expected the proposed draft Constitution to include the valuable provision to prevent dual citizens with divided loyalties entering Parliament. Cumaratunga said that particular provision introduced trough the 19th Amendment had been neutralized by the 20th Amendment. Therefore, that provision should be brought back.
The post-war Sri Lanka needed a Constitution that reflected Sri Lanka’s triumph over terrorism. Similarly, elections reforms were required to abolish the current Proportional Representation system that encouraged, promoted and strengthened corruption at every level, he said.
Lawmaker Cumaratunga questioned the appointment of Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara as the head of Presidential Task Force (PTF) appointed to promote ‘One Country, One Law Concept.’ The civil society activist said that though he appreciated the concept the appointment of Ven. Gnanasara undermined the very concept President Gotabaya Rajapaksa promoted.
Towards the end of the briefing, Cumaratunga discussed how the incumbent government violated the Constitution by creating ministries in excess of the constitutional stipulation that restricted the number of cabinet ministers to 30 and State Ministers and Deputies to 40. The MP expressed appreciation to engineer Kapila Renuka Perera for seeking the Supreme Court intervention in that regard. Lawmaker Cumaratunga said that the 19th Amendment brought in restrictions on the number of ministers at a time the public agitated against top heavy government.
The outspoken MP fiercely criticized those within the government who believed in a so-called national government to overcome constitutional restrictions imposed on the number of ministers. The Yuthukama Chief warned such measures would cause rapid deterioration of the government and erode public confidence on the SLPP administration.
Alleging that former Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem had stopped conduct of classes for law students in Sinhala, MP Cumaratunga said that incumbent minister Sabry stopped conducting of Law College examinations in Sinhala. The MP said that the government should be ashamed of the situation. The MP also pointed out that Supreme Court judgments were delivered only In English and even the Parliament was deprived of a Sinhala copy in respect of major issues such as the ruling on the Colombo Port Commission Bill.
There are 1,374 waste disposal sites in the Kelani River area from Seethawaka to Peliyagoda, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.
The Minister expressed these views while participating in an inspection tour of the Kelani River today to inspect the places where the Kelani River is polluted.
The observation tour was organized in collaboration with the SL Navy, the Central Environmental Authority and a number of other agencies.
The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has conducted an island-wide survey covering the entire river network of our country. According to the results of that survey, the Kelani River is the most polluted river in the whole country, and more than 80% of the population of Gampaha and Colombo meet their drinking water needs from this river. The Minister stressed.
“There are 103 rivers in our country. According to the island wide survey conducted by the CEA, 10,733 places are found to be polluted the entire river network. The Kelani River is the most polluted river of them all. The Minister said the Kelani River collects pollutants at 1374 places, including 797 polluting sites in the Colombo city area and 577 places in the Gampaha district. Therefore, I suggested that steps need be taken to give priority to the second largest River next year under the Surakimu Ganga programme, he said.
“We also give priority to the conservation of the Menik and the Walawe Rivers. Accordingly, out of the funds allocated for the year 2021, this year, we have allocated funds for financial projects in all 24 districts. However, we will be executing a number of projects that will involve the purification of the Kelani River by 2022. That is why this observation tour is being conducted today,” said the Minister.
Pakistani national Malik Adnan, who received the highest bravery award from his Prime Minister Imran Khan for shielding Priyantha Kumara from the unruly mob in Sialkot last Friday, revealed yesterday that Priyantha was unaware of what was written in the posters pasted on the factory walls as it was in the Urdu language and discarded it unknowingly.
Hours after he received the award from Imran Khan, Adnan told Daily Mirror from Sialkot that he was in shock at what had happened last Friday and was unable to accept that Priyantha had been killed in such an inhumane manner.
He said he dedicated his award to Priyantha’s children and the Sri Lankan public and urged the people of both nations not to let this hamper the relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Adnan said Priyantha Kumara was employed as the General Manager at the Rajco factory and he was hardworking, dedicated and honest and mentored many of those who worked under him.
Recalling the horrific incidents last Friday, Adnan said that when Priyantha arrived at the factory premises he saw the posters on the wall and removed it as he always maintained that there should not be anything pasted on the factory premises. After discarding the posters in the bin, he went into his office. Some of the factory workers immediately began an agitation within the premises saying the posters bore religious significance and some of the workers started gathering people from outside.
Seeing the chaos, Adnan said he rushed outside and attempted to reconcile with the group, by stating that if Priyantha had committed a sin he would be dealt with by the authorities and no one should take the law into their own hands. However, the mob started getting bigger at which point, Adnan prevented them from heading towards Priyantha’s office. Amidst the chaos, he informed Priyantha to seek refuge on the roof of the factory.
However, as the mob kept increasing and after receiving serious injuries, Adnan said some of the perpetrators rushed to the roof after which Priyantha was beaten up. Adnan could not explain what happened thereafter since he too had sustained injuries after being severely beaten up by the mob. I tried my best to protect him. But soon as the mob kept increasing it went beyond my control. I was very badly injured,” he said.
I am still in shock and am unable to accept that Priyantha is no more. We lost a good man and a good mentor,” Adnan said. Adnan returned back to work yesterday and said there was a silence that surrounded the factory. Workers were unable to work due to being in shock and Priyantha’s loss had left a dull ache among the team members.
Upon receiving the bravery award from Prime Minister Khan in Islamabad on Tuesday, he was informed by the Prime Minister that Adnan was a role model to all Pakistani citizens as he had put his own life at risk to protect a foreign national. He said while Priyantha’s murder was felt among all Pakistani citizens, he urged the Sri Lankan people not to let this hamper the bilateral relations between the two countries and said several of those involved had been arrested. In the face of some evil, there are good Pakistani’s as well,” he concluded. (JAMILA HUSAIN)
Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa says the importation of vehicles and recruitment of public sector employees will not be carried out in 2022.
Addressing an event, the lawmaker stressed that the government will have to impose restrictions on the aforementioned. Accordingly, new vehicles will not be imported and approval will not be given for recruitment to the public sector next year, he added.
Minister Rajapaksa urged the public sector authorities not to ask for new staff members. He stated that there is not enough workspace at some divisional secretariats for the employees.
Increasing the number of staff members will not improve the efficiency, he added.
Speaking further, the finance minister said an increase in foreign reserves was observed last year, but it drastically dropped this year due to the decrease in remittances sent by the migrant workers.
The country annually sends about 230,000 migrant workers overseas, but this figure shrunk to 53,000 last year, he added. However, more than 100,000 migrant workers are sent abroad now, Minister Rajapaksa continued, adding that the government’s target is to increase this number to 300,000 next year.
