The case against IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando over the 2019 Easter attacks have been set to be taken up on October 23, as per an order of the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
The duo is accused of allegedly committing a criminal offense by failing to prevent the coordinated terror bombings on Easter Sunday this year, even after receiving forewarnings on the attacks.
When the case was taken up today (17), Deputy Solicitor General of the Government Dileepa Peiris informed the court that the preliminary investigation with regard to the incident has been concluded.
Accordingly, the court ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to submit a progress report on the investigations when the case is taken up again on October 23.
The suspects of the case, IGP Pujith Jayasundara, who was sent on compulsory leave, and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando are currently released on bail.
A three-member committee has been appointed to inquire into illegal activities of finance leasing businesses and unauthorized finance bodies, says the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The committee is chaired by the Director General of Legal Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat, Attorney-at-Law Harigupta Rohanadeera.
Director of Legal and Compliance Department of CBSL K.G. Sirikumara, Director of Department of Supervision of non-Bank Financial Institutions of CBSL J.P. Gamlath will serve as the members of the said committee.
The panel is tasked with conducting an industry-wide study on issues related to unregulated operators in the finance business and finance leasing business and issues pertaining to unacceptable practices in the regulated establishments carrying out finance business and finance leasing business. They are also required to submit proposals on steps that can be introduced to manage the issues identified as aforesaid.
Directing a letter addressed to Mr. Rohanadeera on Tuesday (16), Central Bank Governor Deshamanya Prof. W.D. Lakshman had appealed to him to preside over this committee and to obtain the assistance of suitable professionals and industry experts in this regard.
The Central Bank Governor also called for a report on the matter within two weeks of time.
The Governor, in his letter, noted that certain unfortunate developments in the field of finance business and finance leasing business have caused a significant impact on the wellbeing of the society as well as the stability of the financial system.
Government intends to raise a Foreign Currency Term Financing Facility up to a limit of USD 500 million in 2020, to finance the budget according to the Finance Ministry.
The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) intends to raise a Foreign Currency Term Financing Facility (FTFF) denominated in United State Dollars (USD) up to a limit of USD 500 million in 2020.
The FTFF is expected to be raised at a fixed rate or a floating rate, linked to the USD 6 Month LIBOR or its successor with a maturity period of 1 year or more. The proceeds of the FTFF will be used for the purposes of financing the expenditure as approved in the Vote on Account for the Fiscal year 2020
When archaeological officers visited the site to identify historical sites after Hiru exposed the land plunder at Muhudu Maha Viharaya , an organized group has obstructed the work of the government officials.
Meanwhile, archaeological officers are currently working to mark 30 acres of land without demarking the 72 acres of land that was gazetted in 1951.
Do not shirk responsibility of rebuilding the
economy: let me know the correct strategy – President tells CB chiefs.”
This reminds me of what I wrote on the Central Bank way back in 2002:
The Central Bank in its latest Annual Report states that it no longer
controls our foreign exchange. To my thinking,
controlling our currency and
handling the foreign exchange our country receives is the fundamental task of
any Central Bank. It is the Central Bank of any country that recommends to the Ministry of Finance the fiscal and monetary measures that have to
be taken to enable growth and development. One knows how Greenspan is
controlling the US economy. A Central Bank cannot function in the interests of
the country when it acts in the role of a poodle to the IMF. Today go
to any foreign bank and one will find that they allocate and allow foreign exchange to citizens even without
checking their bonafides. I am told that the two State Banks handle strictly
according to the rules. Leaving the handling of our foreign exchange to foreign
banks will be a total disaster. We do not need an inactive Central Bank. It is
time that the Central Bank gets teeth.”(From:How the IMF Ruined Sri Lanka
and Alternative Programmes of Success, (Godages:20065, Page 261,262)
Garvin Karunaratne, Ph.D.
Author of: How the IMF Sabotaged Third World
Development(Kindle/Godages:2017
President
Gotabaya Rajapaksa reminded several times that banks must change traditional
attitudes when granting financial supports to economic activities after the
COVID backwardness. No doubt that the president wants quickly renaissance of
the economy and the recession (negative economic growth) has become an
unexpected experience in all countries. If the banking system of Sri Lanka
strictly adheres to instructions of the traditional lending books it shall be
difficult to reborn the economy that needs financial supports at this difficult
moment. Think about the role played by Industrial Saibutzu during Meiji
restoration in Japan, the way financial institutions contributed to the
economic revival, and banks and non-bank financial institutions in Sri Lanka need
to play an effective role for the renaissance (re-emerging) of the economy. It
is not important who is in political power, banks and non-bank financial
institutions need to play a critical role.
Economic
history gives evidence that the banking system had been worked with the government’s
economic policy supporting the business and banks in many times had gone beyond
the limits and barriers. In Sri Lanka, it seems that bank management is in a
difficult situation to a quick change of attitudes as managers in a false
mental condition. The instruction of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is related to
flexibility in the decision-making process and efficiency in service provision
which means that banks should work like electricity when you switch on in the
house, the light and power will come and when the switch off the power and
light goes off. Banks need to understand this simple truth regarding efficiency
and flexibility, which means that a heavy wind is blowing trees bend down and
the wind goes away trees go back to the original position.
Why
banks display reluctance to depart from the culture of traditional lending books
is a question that should be critically evaluated. Since the 1970s managerial
attitudes of banks have been changed and the experience in the banks has
recorded that many customers in the past used this type of liberal opportunity
to mislead banks and cheat financial supports. (Citi Bank’s experience in Hong
Kong- Fat Game at Citi). The best example was the situation created after the
July riots in 1983. When I was auditing banks found that certain dishonest few
customers gained relief in millions from government banks than the total credit
supports provided to rural agrarians in the country. Many dishonest customers
were non-Sinhala businessmen and the entire life of such businessmen was
cheating government banks. When lending supports become non-performance credits
the audit process of banks blame decision-makers (credit approved authority)
disregarding the advice of the government and flexible attitudes must be
applied with due care and attention. Mr.Gotabaya Rajapksa explained his advice
clear to banks and he wants to generate flexibility and efficiency in
decision-making.
The
law of administration guides that if a public officer has used discretion in
the decision-making process within four corners such decisions could not be
challenged as an ultra virus and this legal provision could apply in a
situation where the administrator can prove that the decision was within the
four corners and was beneficial to the party, which was deserved to gain
support.
The
law of banking and the lending procedures are not subject to administrative
justice in the law of administration, and the disciplinary actions of trading
banks against credit approved managers indicate that many instances banks’
disciplinary procedures disregarded the principle of administrative law. It
needs the protection of credit managers if there was no dishonest intention of
managers when approving credits. If managers make decisions on good faith (with
due care and attention) for economic renaissance it shall not be subjected to
unreasonable litigation or disciplinary actions. Trading banks are subject to domestic
(Central Bank) and international regulation (capital adequacy rule of Bank for
International Settlements) and the capital requirements for various types of
facilities insist by BIS. The Central
Bank of Sri Lanka should play its regulatory role on account of trading banks
and a similar type of regulatory authority has given on all non-bank finance intermediaries
in the 1980s by an amendment to the law.
The Central Bank should provide a re-finance support and credit
guarantee where it is possible.
In
this background, credit guarantee insurance would not be useful and think about
the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the USA, and insurance companies in Sri Lanka
might not able to accept the risk and compensate for in a situation business
default credit repayment.
The
public statement made by the governor of the Central Bank in connection with a
hire-purchase financing company echoed that the governor has a lack of
understanding about trading banks and non-bank financial intermediaries. The
governor of the central bank has been played a role as a university academic
before assumed duties as the governor, and he did not work as a practically
experienced person in banking and credit matters which involve complex legal,
procedures, regulatory, accounting, collateral, and many other areas. That is why he stated that hire-purchase
companies are not non-bank finance intermediaries or not registered with the
Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The statement of the governor indicates that
hire-purchase companies in Sri Lanka could be established without the approval
of the Central Bank. It is a serious
lapse of the financial regulation in the country and why competent officers of
CB did not advise this situation to the monetary board to revise the existing
regulation?
When
I was working in a government trading bank I concerned the regulatory matters
of the financial sector. I can recollect
that when my bank authorized to grant credit facilities against NRFC balances I
informed the governor of the Central Bank that the trading banks’ decision
would impact increasing inflation of the country and when Mr.JR.Jayawardane
wanted to get foreign exchange more than the legally entitle amount to a
citizen I refused it on the normal procedure and Mr.Jayawardena understood my
explanation.
All
non-bank financial intermediaries including hire purchase, mortgage, leasing,
and all other types of financial activities based on contracts or agreements
which are involved with two or more parties must register with the Central Bank
and the regulatory process of the Central Bank must be covered the operation of
all these intermediaries. The problem, in this case, was the Central Bank has
not been played its role or it should have different regulatory institutions
under its leadership like in other countries.
Banks
and financial intermediaries use various types of agreements when financing for
various purposes. A hire-purchase agreement means it involves two parties, financier
(the owner or hirer) and the hiree (the person who obtains finance to purchase
the vehicle) and the office of motor vehicle registration indicates in the
registration book financier as the owner of the vehicle but not the person who
obtained finance facilities to buy the vehicle.
After full payment of the loan, the financier advises the Motor Vehicle Registration
Office to change the owner of the vehicle.
If the customer defaults repayment the loan the lender has the right to
cease the vehicle. In Sri Lanka, non-bank financial intermediaries use crude
techniques to cease vehicles. My feeling
is the financier has to go the court and get an order to cease the vehicle
rather than using the violent techniques. Trading banks use the technique going
to the court but many non-bank financial intermediaries use violent techniques
that are subject to criminal justice.
According
to my experience, Bank of Ceylon first used a hire-purchase agreement to
provide financial facilities to purchase tractors to productivity committees in
the 1976 and used a successful strategy to ensure the repayment of loans,
rather than using violent techniques to cease tractors. After 1978, the bank widely used hire-purchase
contracts to provide finance facilities to purchase motor vehicles, trucks, and
other types of vehicles that imported to the country under the market economic
policy.
Reference the article of Dr Nirmala
Chandrahasen ( The Island 12 June), I
wish to draw the attention of the readers to the very important fact that the
Presidential Task Forces was appointed for the survey and preservation of
archaeological sites in the EAST. Therefore , any discussion on the Task Force
should consider to concentrate to identify the geography and the history of the
Eastern province, if one was to survey the historically important locations.
The term and the area of Eastern province
was created by the British rulers in 1833..
Before that the area came under the rule of the Sinhalese kings ,but never
under the invading forces from India except for very small areas for a short
spell of time. The Portuguese did not posses any territory in the East other
than a small port in Trincomalee. And ,the Dutch Governor Ryckloff Van Goens in
his memoir in 1663 mentioned that ‘ the country between the Walwe and
Tiriquenamalee is entirely inhabited by King Rajasinghe’s people” Until the
Sinhala- British Treaty -the Kandyan Convention-the British administered only
the Maritime Districts ‘ ( Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantotta,
Chilaw, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Jaffnapatam. Delft ,Wanni and Mannar). Until, well into the nineteenth century we do
not come across ‘ Tamils’ in the east but ‘Malabars’ who were from the Kerala
coast.
Dr John Davy who served in the British army
from Aug 1816 to February 1820 wrote in
his ‘An account of the Interior of Ceylon and its Inhabitants’ , that Malabars
and Moors are ‘foreigners naturalized ‘ and former are confined principally to
Northern and Eastern maritime provinces.
Most of the Muslims living in these areas were settled down by King
Senarath of Kandy when they were expelled by the Portuguese from the
South-West.
The Eastern province was created to
dismember the Kandyan province in order to weaken the ‘national feeling ’ of
the Kandyans …The heartland of the old irrigation civilization of the Sinhalese
was broken up ,and part of it-Anurdhapura region or Nuwaralalviya -was attached
to Jaffna, Mannar and Mulative to form the Northern province . ..The other part
Thamankaduwa was linked with Trincomleee and Batticoloa to form the Eastern
province” (Dr K,M.De Silva)
In the reports on Forest Administration of
Ceylon by F.D.A Vincent published as Sessional Paper XL 11 of 1882 the gradual
spread of Tamils down the coasts especially in the East is mentioned. It is
obvious from theses facts that there were hardly any Tamil settlements in the
East before 19th century and therefore it is not scientific to
ascertain that there are places of ancient archaeological importance of Tamils
in the Eastern province. Of course , there may be the places which were constructed
since the 19th century and an odd reference to a foreign -South
Indian – king or an emissary in the inscription such as in the case of Velgam
vehera. The inscription says that ‘the chola king’ made the offerings to the
Lord Buddha While the inscription provides a vital clue, that cannot establish the existence of a Hindu
Kovil in Velgam vehera.
As Dr Chandrahasen asserts the Task Force
should have the shared heritage which is a noble sentiment. But, at the same
time the Task Force should seek the truth behind these archaeological places
and try to preserve and restore same for the benefit of the posterity.
Some of the Sinhala Buddhist archaeological
sites, out of many which had been wilfully damaged or are encroached upon by
interested groups are given below specifically for the attention of the Task
Force.1
1 Muhudu Maha Viharyra. 2 Diga Vaapi
3 Velgam Vehera 4 Siriwaddana Bodhi Tree – Klliveddi
While sharing the noble expectations of Dr
Chandrahasen as to the methods to be adopted by the Task Force to reduce the
disturbance to the farmers and others who live in the concerned areas, we would
like to request the Task Force to take due action to earmark, preserve and
protect the sites as an important task to fill the unenviable void existing in
the history of the East of the island.
PS Ven Buddhgosaha was not a member of the
Tamil ethnic group but of a Telegu ethnicity.
It is not easy to compare the response of different
countries with one yardstick. It is also not quite correct to say that the New
Zealand Covid-19 Free Declaration is a camouflage. I should say that New
Zealand handled the situation in a fair and humanitarian way and with a firm
hand at the helm.
New Zealand housed and monitored 7755 people in hotel rooms
from 10 April to 19 May. 12 of them were tested positive during this period.
The total number of confirmed and probable cases were 1504. New Zealand is now
declared Corvid-19 free and no more ‘social distancing’! The borders remain
close for the time being as Corvid-19 still continue to play havoc around the
world.
The effort in New Zealand was to be Corvid-19 free at the
earliest possible day and hit the road running to get the economy moving.
In Sri Lanka, it was largely a humanitarian exercise. The
economy already at the rock bottom thanks to near five years of disastrous
Jadapalanaya there was not much of an economy to rescue. What they had to do to
date has been in spite of a belligerent political opposition who were opposed
to anything and everything that the Government could do with an ever-watchful
eye to discredit the administration. The former Leader of the Opposition who
offered to give free sanitary pads to women as an election promise at the last
Presidential Election, even went on to the extent of prescribing medications –
Chloroquine now universally accepted as injurious to those with Covid-19
infections!
President Gotabhaya did an excellent job of giving unwavering
leadership as well as coordinating all the activities of the relevant organisations
to combat the pandemic effectively. All actions were taken in consultation with
the health authorities, the Armed Services and the security and intelligence
services in tow. In fact, the top authority was the Director General of Health
Services and the buck stopped with him literally. The only trump card Sri Lanka
had and has is the Free Healthcare System – curative and preventative network that
extend to every nook and corner of the Island.
The concept of ‘chase and apprehend’ policy was employed
using the State Intelligence Services who helped identify and quarantine or
hospitalize where necessary the infected, the close family and those that came
into close contact with lightning speed. The Armed Services were used to
establish and maintain professionally close to 50 well-disciplined Quarantine
facilities, according to health services guidelines. The praises of those
leaving these quarantine facilities after completing the requisite quarantine
period speak for themselves of the quality of love, care and service they
received at their hands.
Sri Lanka continued to bring back her citizens from around
the world beginning with students from the Hubei Province at the height of the
pandemic in China, then students stranded all over the world, pilgrims and
others soon as air travel was possible to those distant destinations. At home
stranded tourists were well looked after by a generous population as well as
business leaders.
The rumour mongering machines of the political opposition
are busy saying that the government is not divulging the actual number of the
infected. This is somewhat foolhardy as it is not easy to hide any one dead let
alone infected as people are well informed of the symptoms of the disease and
are not afraid to tell on each other! Moreover actual figures have to be passed
on to the WHO almost daily!
Militarily powerful countries such as the USA, China,
Britain, Russia, France gave prominence to maintaining their position of power
– economically and militarily. These countries made humanitarian considerations
a lesser priority ahead of power and economy. All except China allowed ‘herd
immunity’ or ‘natural survival of the fittest’ concept priority though not
saying so in so many words. China attacked the pandemic almost as if it was war
and has largely succeeded!
Others gave prominence to their economies – these include
Germany, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, India and to a lesser extent New
Zealand. In countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and a host of similar
other countries, the Covid-19 situation is in free fall due to a host of other
reasons including cultural, religious and the level of poverty or neglect.
Countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia,
Laos, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Sri Lanka have fared well in terms of – the overall
number of fatalities and infected – all well under one per million of population
dead and those infected under one hundred per million of population. The former
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka adduce these to the fact these countries are
largely Buddhist and hence under the protection of well-meaning gods – perhaps
eyeing the Buddhist vote at the coming General Election!
All over the world ‘near now or former authoritarian
countries’ have fared well, their populations being rather ‘compliant’! Highly medically
sanitized countries have fared worst probably for having depleted immunity. The
population density too is a factor that should be taken into consideration in
comparisons. This though is not entirely a true indicator as high or very high
concentrations can happen in the cities of even sparsely populated countries!
The spread and control of Corvid-19 at the Dharavi slum in Mumbai, India is a classic case now
under the microscope.
In the final analysis when all is ‘over or near over’ there
must be an honest assessment as to how different countries fared during the
Covid-19 pandemic taking into consideration all factors – strategic, economic,
social, cultural and religious! I am fairly confident that Sri Lanka’s
performance would be found at or near the very top!
The USA is in the news. Exposed. Exposed to those who believed the balderdash about that country being the greatest success story of democracy, freedom and the good life, to be more precise. The USA markets lies very well. Whereas other nations as bad or worse are crude the USA is cute in sweetening the bitter, perfuming the foul-smelling and wall-papering over the grotesque. Used to be. That would be more correct.
The protests are ongoing. Significant numbers want that country to come to terms with its sordid history and violent present. Let there be no illusions though. The racist, violent military-industrial complex that is the United States of America is resilient. Is fighting back. Will continue to fight.
Last week we had the US Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Aliana B Teplitz saying that George Floyd’s death (yes, DEATH and not COLD-BLOODED MURDER BY RACIST POLICEMEN) would be investigated. On Tuesday, she issued a statement in which she bests her own standards of convolution. It was regarding a protest again the USA organized by the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP).
‘We welcome discussion on minority rights, equal protection under law, and security service accountability. But let’s do so in safe ways until there’s less to worry about from COVID-19.’
It takes some gall for a representative of the USA to talk about minority rights, equal protection under law and security service accountability, considering that ‘discussion’ of such things pale in relation to the stark and brutal articulation in their breach. Responsible protests is what she is calling for. That’s echoing what the UN chief on human rights said about protests in the USA where riots broke out after extreme and violent police provocation. It’s easy to indulge in equivalency-speak after the villains have done their work.
Safe ways, she said. Condescending isn’t she? And it’s not as though safety was ever a cardinal principle for the USA, domestically or internationally. Safety was not an issue in dealing with COVID-19 either. Profit was. Keeping businesses viable was. And is, even now. Not with respect to COVID-19, not with protests, not in ousting governments and leaders positioned against US interests, and not in supporting the brutal repression unleashed on peoples by governments and leaders allied with the USA.
But let’s talk ‘safety.’ In the midst of all this, an embassy employee created a fuss at the airport, refusing to take a PCR test. Diplomatic immunity was cited. The Government was caught wrong-footed, gave in and (to its credit) subsequently revised protocols for testing of diplomats. The man, Wayne Hamrick according to reports, is apparently a part of the Embassy’s ‘Planning and Action Training Team’ which is attached, interestingly, to the office of the Defense Attaché. Nothing ‘diplomatic’ in either of these entities of course, but this is the USA, remember? A violent, war-like, liking-war nation whose governments talk down to other nations about human rights but have essentially burnt that book a long time ago.
So, Teplitz’ safety-talk and moralistic grandstanding is for those who protest against her Government but not for employees who could theoretically be a grave threat to the safety of all, COVID-19 and all that which she, not I, brought up.
It raises interesting questions. Now what if this ‘diplomat’ is in fact infected with COVID-19? What if he were to succumb to the deadly virus? What if he happened to be a Muslim? How would the US Embassy deal with death-rites? If buried, how would Muslims whose loved ones died of the virus and were duly cremated feel? [For the record, I hope he is uninfected and if indeed he is infected I wish him speedy recovery.]
COVID-19 was not anticipated. The world is being recreated as I write on account of the pandemic. Surely Teplitz has heard of the Vienna Convention and knows that its authors and signatories did not anticipate and indeed could not have anticipated a pandemic such as this when crafting articles on diplomatic immunity? No one is immune. That’s the bottom line.
Let’s visit the protests. The police obtained a court order to stop the FSP protesting outside the embassy. The FSP shifted venue to De Soysa (Lipton) Circus, Colombo. Social distancing was maintained. It was a low-key protest. Understandable, given circumstances. A few had been near the embassy. The police intimidated these persons. That’s when things got hot. The protestors were provoked. Some fifty of them were arrested. Tiplitz cites COVID-19 protocols. So does the Government. Indeed, if that was the issue a lot more people in all parts of the country should have been arrested for violating social-distance recommendations. Moreover, there are no laws as of yet regarding such issues. Then there’s also the case of crowds at Armugam Thondaman’s funeral. What happened to COVID-19 protocols? Of course if the 5-mourners rule was imposed it is likely that the champions of human rights, Teplitz included, would have cried out in horror about the government being insensitive to minorities, but that’s beside the point here.
I would love to hear the rights-brigade take issue with the government for the way in which the protestors were handled. Funded-voices, rent-a-signature petitioners, candle-light ladies, born-again-democrats and other Colombots aren’t exactly berating either the government or the US Ambassador. One wonders, indeed, what the lately retired-from-politics Mangala Samaraweera have to say?
Samaraweera has been vocal about one thing. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.
‘Sri Lanka must fast-track the MCC grant. Worth $500 million (which is roughly equal to a 20,000 rupee grant to every household in Sri Lanka), it can kick-start the relief and recovery program,’ he says. ‘Selling or leasing these State-owned Enterprises and using the money for relief, or for settling public debt, will be an asset transfer from the state to the citizen,’ he adds.
Essentially asset-transfer to the USA is being named ‘asset transfer to citizen!’ How cute is that? Samaraweera knows that the MCC essentially ties the hand of the Sri Lankan judiciary with respect to the operations of the MCC. If the government had to navel-gaze over an arrogant US Embassy official at the airport just imagine what it would have to do if the MCC Compact was in operation!
FOR THE RECORD: As presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Gotabaya Rajapaksa, on Tuesday the 5th of November 2019, requested Venerable Ududumbara Kasyapa Thero to stop the fast launched over the MCC Compact. All agreements signed by the then government would be reviewed and revoked if they are not in the national interest, he pledged. The candidate of the United National Party, Sajith Premadasa repeated these sentiments almost immediately. Samaraweera kept mum, for the record.
So has this Government ‘reviewed’? What’s the status of that process? Who is advising this government? Viyath Maga? The Pathfinder Foundation? What’s their agenda? What’s their ideological position with respect to the US, neoliberal economic myths and so on? When is this government going to come clean on all this?
Let’s suspend illusions. The USA is on its knees domestically. The USA, nevertheless, is not going to roll over and surrender to reason and civilization. Teplitz and the US Embassy in Sri Lanka have tasks to accomplish. Getting the MCC Compact off the ground is on top of the agenda.
This is what we have: The refusal of the US ‘diplomat’ to take a PCR test and the government agreeing to waive the requirement + government response to projects + the from-retirement please issued by Samaraweera (a US agent if ever there was one) over the MCC Compact. Need we insist, ‘do the math!’? This article was first published in the Daily Mirror (June 11, 2020)
The
registered leasing companies are under legal obligation to carry out the latest
round of instructions of the Central Bank, as directed by President.
But
unregistered leasing companies are not bound by the rules of the Central
Bank as such the Central Bank also cannot enforce the new rules on them.
But the unregistered leasing companies cannot continue their operations,
without cash inflow. As they are unregistered, some commercial banks and
financial institutions have entered into agreements with these companies to
provide the working capital. It is also evident that these
companies have been importing three wheelers based on usance letters of Letters
of Credit, with 90 to 180 days payback period, based on approvals granted
by the first-class commercial banks, to endorse the Letters of Credit. But most
of these imports were based on Sight Letters of Credit as well.
The
Banks hold the vehicles as collaterals and the leasing companies are duty
bound to their lending institutions to seize the vehicles for payment
defaults by the Lessees. The Lessors might have provided personal
guarantees or pledged their freehold properties to the Banks as an
additional security.Under leasing arrangements, the ownership of
the property does not pass on to the Lessee, until the final payment and
release.
The
commercial banks provide working capital to the unregistered leasing companies
at very high interest rates, due to risk factors
So,
in this issue, the parties involved are commercial banks, lessors and lessees.
The
Governments intention is to cut the red tape and offer immediate help to the
lessees, so that they can use the vehicles, generate positive cash flow,
make their livelihood and pay back loan instalments.
The
following alternatives could be looked at immediately, to provide relief
to the aggrieved parties:
1. The
government should guarantee through a salvage package to the
commercial banks which provided funds to the unregistered leasing
companies. This means Banks will have a fall-back for recovery of the
debt, if the unregistered companies are unable to pay back principal plus
interest;
2. Immediate
release of all vehicles to the Lessees which have been seized;
3. The
government should set up an Interest Subsidy Scheme, so that for a specific
period, interest rates shall become current market rates as
equivalent to the rates offered by the registered leasing companies;
4. The
relevant commercial banks should open Escrow Account ( a Trust Account)
for the relevant parties, the Lessee should deposit monthly or periodic
repayments to the Escrow Account. The commercial bank will monitor and
manage the account and ensure periodic payments are also distributed to
the Lessors so that they can remain in business;
This ensures, Cash Inflow to commercial banks,
Lessors as well as keeping Lessees gainfully employed.
These changes can be incorporated into an
Extraordinary Gazette to become effective immediately.
The
changes required for the existing laws can only be amended after the formation
of the new Parliament .
Media captionKatherine Millbank spent 15 days in hospital and was put on the drug trial
And it could be of huge benefit in poorer countries with high numbers of Covid-19 patients.
The UK government has 200,000 courses of the drug in its stockpile and says the NHS will make dexamethasone available to patients.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was a genuine case to celebrate “a remarkable British scientific achievement”, adding: “We have taken steps to ensure we have enough supplies, even in the event of a second peak.”
Chief Medical Officer for England Prof Chris Whitty said it would save lives around the world.
About 19 out of 20 patients with coronavirus recover without being admitted to hospital.
Of those who are admitted, most also recover but some may need oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
And these are the high-risk patients dexamethasone appears to help.
The drug is already used to reduce inflammation in a range of other conditions, including arthritis, asthma and some skin conditions.
And it appears to help stop some of the damage that can happen when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive as it tries to fight off coronavirus.
Some
of the people believe that this universe was created just by chance and they
also try to prove it through science. But God says that all those things that
happens just by chance, they don’t have such an order in them. Different colors
are used together to make a picture. If we just throw the paints on a paper,
will they ever make a picture? Houses are made of bricks, but if we just throw
the bricks in a pile, will they form a house?
It
is true that sometimes some of the things are made by chance, but a close
analysis of the universe clearly refutes this ‘by chance’ theory. All right,
for a moment, if we believe that matter was created by chance, and this world
also came into being by chance, If we are to study deeply the creation of
human beings, is it possible that such a perfect being was created by chance?
See the stars, the planets, sun etc. and then the creation of day and night.
Every thing just fits so nicely in a finely woven net, doesn’t that orderliness
speaks of a powerful creator?
Even
in this world we can easily judge the power and wisdom of a creator of anything
by closely examining his creation. A good picture is painted by an excellent
painter, a powerful computer is made by an intelligent team of researchers.
Looking at the orderliness of any things tells us that how intelligent its
creator is. God has given to every being an appropriate body and shape, so that
it can sustain itself.
God
kept the food for trees in earth; therefore He gave roots to the trees, so that
they can get their food. God made flesh as food for tiger; therefore He gave
strong nails and teeth to the tiger, so that it can kill its prey and eat it.
God made grass as food for horses and camels, therefore He gave them long neck,
so they can graze it. God created lungs for human beings, therefore He also
created air, so that they can breath. Human beings depend on water, so God
created Clouds, so that they can take water to them. Such an enormous and
perfect order could never have been created just by chance? Only a super-being
could do it.
Growth of the Sri Lankan economy has fallen to dismal levels over the past few years, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may result in severe stress on economic and financial system stability in the period ahead unless immediate remedial actions are taken. In this context, in support of the government’s efforts to revive the economy, the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 16 June 2020, decided to introduce new credit schemes under the Section 83 of the Monetary Law Act No. 58 of 1949.
Accordingly, in addition to the already disbursed Rs. 27.5 billion under the refinance scheme introduced on 27 March 2020, the Central Bank will provide funding to Licensed Commercial Banks (LCBs) at the concessionary rate of 1.00 per cent against the pledge of a broad spectrum of collateral, on the condition that LCBs in turn will on-lend to domestic businesses at 4.00 per cent, while ensuring the greatest possible distribution of this facility. This scheme along with the existing refinance Scheme will provide Rs. 150 billion in total to the businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the construction sector enterprises will be provided with a facility to borrow from LCBs, using guarantees issued by the government equivalent to the amount due on account of contracts carried out in the past, under a new dedicated credit scheme funded by the Central Bank and made available at the aforementioned concessionary rates.
Operating instructions on these new credit schemes will be issued in immediate due course.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today slammed Sri Lanka’s Central Bank officials over their failure to put forward even ‘a single proposal’ to rebuild the economy amidst the prevailing global crisis, despite the fact that many tools have been introduced by the Central Banks in countries around the world.
We cannot let the health crisis develop into an economic crisis. What we are facing is a global crisis. The Central Bank and the Treasury are entrusted with the responsibility of formulating right monetary and fiscal policies that are instrumental in economic revival.”
Many tools have been introduced by the Central Banks in the countries around the world. We have not received such a positive response from our Central Bank. Let me know the measures that need to be taken to confront the crisis without delay”, President Rajapaksa told the top most officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
He emphasized that the Government had put forward its proposals for economic revival, and that however the Central Bank has not extended its support towards it thus far. The President asked them to explain reasons for their failure.
The President made these strictures during a meeting with the officials led by the Governor of the Central Bank, held at the Presidential Secretariat today (16).
He stated that Central Banks in leading countries such as the United States, Japan and Australia as well as in small countries have put in place required mechanisms to revive economies in their respective countries.
Sadly, the Central Bank of ours has not put forward a single proposal to rebuild the economy.” He said the Government owes a large sum of money to various institutes for the services and products they supplied during the past couple of years.
The Central Bank had ignored the proposal made by the President to provide Rs. 150 billion to banks by accepting the outstanding due as collateral. The Government will have to take the blame for the economic slowdown due to this serious negligence of duty on the part of the Central Bank, he said.
The President further charged that officials who worked at the Central Bank during the scandalous bond scam still hold their positions. The President expressed his displeasure for not receiving the cooperation of these officials who supported that fraud to rebuild the country.
While pointing out the massive mandate he received from the people of this country for the betterment of the nation, the President reiterated that he committed himself to fulfill the aspirations of the people.
Many sectors including health, security and intelligence made a great contribution to battle COVID–19 pandemic. The Central Bank bears the responsibility of rebuilding the country’s economy. Instead of performing its duty, the Central Bank had obstructed the implementation of the proposals made by him, the President said.
He informed the officials to identify the issues and forward their solutions or grant approval to his set of proposals. It needs to be done today,” the President stressed.
Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Treasury S. R. Attygalle, Governor of the Central Bank Prof. W. D. Lakshman and officials of the Central Bank were also present during the discussion.
Views expressed by the President during the meeting:
We cannot let the health crisis lead to an economic crisis. Not only have Central Banks in big countries but also in small countries have taken many crucial steps. The Federal Reserve in the US has formulated a USD 600 billion programme. Today, the Central Banks in Australia and Japan too have joined. Similarly, Central Banks in small neighbouring countries of ours have commenced planned programmes.
Look at this headline. The AFED (Arab Forum for Environment and Development) commits to use a full range of tools to help the economy through unprecedented time”. What is the tool we have used? We have used nothing. Our Central Bank has not done anything towards this. Monetary and Fiscal Policy has been formulated by the Central Bank. That should be done in accordance with the economic policy of the President of the country.
You have several tools that can be used. Those tools have to be utilized. However, our Central Bank does not use a single tool. It just stays idle. We asked to release Rs. 150 billion to banks. This is not a fault of the business. The Government owes a huge sum of money to companies due to mismanagement in the past. Let this money be kept as a security for banks to release loans to them. Then they can run the economy. This is a money circulation process. This is a very simple tactic and this is a basic economic principle. But, what are you doing? The Governments have to take the blame for your conduct. You do not monitor. Look at the status of finance companies.
It is your responsibility to regularize and monitor these companies. However, you have failed in your task. Leasing companies too evade their responsibilities. The ETI is not in a position to repay the people. The Finance has been closed down without informing. How are we going to pay for that? There is no management there. All at the Central Bank are economic specialists drawing very high salaries. You have a responsibility. I have presented you a mechanism. If you are unable to follow it, present me your version of the mechanism by tomorrow morning.
Look at what governments of other countries have implemented to save their small scale and medium scale businesses. Do we see the same efforts over here? It looks as if you are here to hinder the government effort and are trying to impede my duties. I do not have to assume this tone if you stood by your duties. It has been 8 months since my appointment to the office, and I have been requesting you to revive this collapsed economy ever since.
I do not want to talk about mistakes of the previous government. As all of you know, you were there when the Central Bank bonds scam was executed. If you supported them to commit this crime, there is no reason for all of you to not to join hands with me to deliver justice. Public must be made aware of the issue of how we move forward with this kind of officials. The people of this country have bestowed a great power on me to build this country. I request all of you to allow me to build this country.
The Coronavirus has spread throughout the world. Now it has become a global economic crisis. Due to the firm commitment of our works in the health sector, Army, Intelligence and the Police we were able to return to normalcy before many other countries in the world. The restructuring of the country’s economy before it further collapses lies in your hands. Lend your support to me to achieve success in this enedvour. Either accept my suggestions in this regard or reveal your strategies.
In this context, a place like the Central Bank where the top economic experts are rendering their service, isn’t it your responsibility to present a proposal to conquer this situation. What have you submitted in this regard. What is the guidance you have given me? There is nothing and you have not come forward to support me.
If you are not on the same page with my suggestions please give me your strategies to revive our economy by tomorrow morning. Give me your suggestions on how to strengthen the economy, how to assist banks under these dire circumstances, how to categorically assist small scale and medium scale businesses. If what I say is wrong, do not hesitate to let me know.”
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), at its meeting held today (16), decided to reduce the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) applicable on all rupee deposit liabilities of licensed commercial banks (LCBs) by 200 basis points to 2.00 per cent, with effect from the reserve maintenance period that commenced on 16 June 2020.
This reduction in the SRR injects around Rs. 115 billion of additional liquidity to the domestic money market, enabling the financial system to expedite credit flows to the economy, while reducing the cost of funds of LCBs, the CBSL said in a statement.
With today’s decision, the Central Bank has reduced the SRR by a total of 300 basis points thus far during 2020, in addition to several other easing measures implemented already, including the reduction of policy interest rates by a total of 150 basis points and the reduction of the Bank Rate by 550 basis points.
The financial sector is expected to pass the benefit of the high level of liquidity and the reduced cost of funds to the economy without delay, by increasing lending to businesses and households at low cost, the CBSL added.
The Monetary Board will continue to monitor economic and financial market developments and will take further policy and regulatory measures to support a sustained revival of economic activity in the period ahead, the statement read further.
Two more individuals have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus today (16), the Ministry of Health said.
Thereby, the total count of coronavirus cases in the country has risen to 1,915.
Accordingly, a total of 10 virus-positive cases were confirmed yesterday, the Department of Government Information said.
These cases comprise 06 naval personnel at Kandakadu and Mihintale quarantine centres, 04 arrivals from Iran.
The four imported cases were identified among the 85 technicians from Iran who arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday to complete the Uma Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project. After undergoing the mandatory PCR test at the airport, they were directed to the quarantine centres by the Army.
In the meantime, the number of recoveries in Sri Lanka now stands at 1,371.
The Epidemiology Unit’s tally reads that 533 active cases are currently under medical care.
Sri Lanka has confirmed 11 deaths due to the COVID-19.
The Colombo Additional Magistrate has issued warrants on four directors of the Edirisinghe Trust Investments (ETI) holdings, for failure to appear before the court.
When the case filed by ETI depositors was taken up for hearing before the court today, the Additional Magistrate issued arrest warrants on ETI Directors Jeewaka Edirisinghe, Nalaka Edirisinghe, Asanka Edirisinghe and Deepa Edirisinghe.
The court ordered the police to arrest the aforementioned respondents and produce them before the court immediately.
Interpol has informed Sri Lanka that former Central Bank (CBSL) Governor Arjuna Mahendran, who is currently wanted over the Bond Scam, has changed his name.
Accordingly, Mahendran has changed his name to ‘Harjan Alexander’.
The Attorney General has informed this to the Special High Court, when the Bond Scam case was taken up before Justices Sampath Wijayakoon, Sampath Wijayaratne, and Champa Janaki Rajaratne this morning (16).
Representing the Attorney General, Deputy Solicitor General of the Government Parinda Ranasinghe told the court that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has reported that the first defendant of the case former CBSL Governor has legally changed his name to ‘Harjan Alexander’.
When the Attorney General had inquired the Singapore Attorney General if the extradition papers of Mahendran need to be amended accordingly, the AG Department of Singapore had informed that there is no need for such amendment.
Thereby, should there be any amendment needed with regard to the case, it will be informed to the court in the future, stated the Deputy Solicitor General.
Further, informing the court that the 10th defendant of the case, Ajahan Gardiya Punchihewa, currently resides in Singapore, Deputy Solicitor General Ranasinghe requested for a re-issuance of notice to appear before the court.
Accordingly, the High Court trial-at-bar reissued notices on Punchihewa.
The case was then postponed to the 17th of November.
Defence Secretary Retired Major General Kamal Gunaratne said that a special program has been launched to curb the crimes that are organised from inside the prisons.
The defence secretary stated this at a press conference today
Meanwhile, a new unit called the Prisons Intelligence Unit has been set up and the public can report any malpractices within the prisons to 0112678600
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, has decided to reduce the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) applicable on all rupee deposit liabilities of licensed commercial banks (LCBs) by 200 basis points to 2.00 per cent, with effect from 16 June 2020. <br /><br />This reduction in the SRR injects around Rs. 115 billion of additional liquidity to the domestic money market, enabling the financial system to expedite credit flows to the economy, while reducing the cost of funds of LCBs.
With today’s decision, the Central Bank has reduced the SRR by a total of 300 basis points thus far during 2020, in addition to several other easing measures implemented already, including the reduction of policy interest rates by a total of 150 basis points and the reduction of the Bank Rate by 550 basis points.
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka states that the financial sector is expected to pass the benefit of the high level of liquidity and the reduced cost of funds to the economy without delay, by increasing lending to businesses and households at low cost. <br /><br />The Monetary Board will continue to monitor economic and financial market developments and will take further policy and regulatory measures to support a sustained revival of economic activity in the period ahead.
Growth of the Sri Lankan economy has fallen to dismal levels over the past few years, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may result in severe stress on economic and financial system stability in the period ahead unless immediate remedial actions are taken.
In this context, in support of the government’s efforts to revive the economy, the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 16 June 2020, decided to introduce new credit schemes under the Section 83 of the Monetary Law Act No. 58 of 1949.
Accordingly, in addition to the already disbursed Rs. 27.5 billion under the refinance scheme introduced on 27 March 2020, the Central Bank will provide funding to Licensed Commercial Banks (LCBs) at the concessionary rate of 1.00 per cent against the pledge of a broad spectrum of collateral, on the condition that LCBs in turn will on-lend to domestic businesses at 4.00 per cent, while ensuring the greatest possible distribution of this facility.
This scheme along with the existing refinance Scheme will provide Rs. 150 billion in total to the businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the construction sector enterprises will be provided with a facility to borrow from LCBs, using guarantees issued by the government equivalent to the amount due on account of contracts carried out in the past, under a new dedicated credit scheme funded by the Central Bank and made available at the aforementioned concessionary rates.
Operating instructions on these new credit schemes will be issued in immediate due course.
General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena, Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera says that the good governance regime that came into power in 2015, did not pay attention to what he said about Islamic extremism.
The Thero made these revelations when he gave evidence before the Presidential Commission appointed to probe into the Easter Sunday Attacks.
With the intention of further strengthening the process of ensuring law and order of Sri Lanka, the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has been received on 19.02.2020 to reinstate officers of Sri Lanka Police (including Special Task Force], who have currently received orders of vacation of post, considering the appeals that they have made constantly.
Accordingly, the officers who have been issued orders of vacation of post shall be reinstated based on the recommendations of a three-member committee through a formal and transparent process with the agreement of National Police Commission and Election Commission.
Officers who have already received orders of vacation of post is scheduled to be considered for reinstatement subject to the following conditions.
Officers who have received orders of vacation of post as at 01.06.2009
This open letter to the Board of Trustees of Sigrid Rausing Trust is based on the SRT website & to seek clarifications regarding funding in particular as a large sum of funding is going to an entity that is on a smear campaign against Sri Lanka.
Your Trust, as per your websitecovers the Balkans, Central & Eastern Europe, former Soviet Union, Lebanon & Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia in North Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa. How is it that you are also funding ITJP Sri Lanka?
Is your Trust aware that Sri Lanka is not located in Eastern Europe or Africa but in Asia?
It is under 4thprogram – Transitional Justice that details of funding is given to the International Truth & Justice Project (Sri Lanka) which is administered under the Foundation of Human Rights South Africa which EU launched in 1996. Yasmin Sooka has been EU employee of FHR South Africa from 1996 to September 2019. Whether she continues to be Director of ITJP (Sri Lanka) functioning within FHR (South Africa) we do not know.
However, as per Sigrid Rausing Trust website your Trust has been paying ITJP (Sri Lanka) since its inception in 2014.
As per Your Trust’s website from 2014 to March 2019 your Trust has given £471,500 to ITJP (Sri Lanka)
While your Trust has given a further £300,000 from 1stApril 2019 to 2020
This means from 2014 to 2020 your Trust’s allocation for Yasmin Sooka & ITJP is £771,500
She has so far written over 70 reports against Sri Lanka from ITJP. But her association with LTTE fronts cannot be overlooked. She attended the conference of such a front as its Guest Speaker to be introduced as ‘comrade’. She has been associated with other entities linked to efforts to smear Sri Lanka as well. While she was a member of the personally commissioned Ban Ki Moon Panel which in its report said they had ‘credible allegations’ months later in an article co-authored by the same 3 member panel – they replace ‘credible allegations’ with ‘credible evidence’. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/03/opinion/revisiting-sri-lankas-bloody-war.html?_r=0
http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/28557
Your Trust as per your website your Trust claims to ‘not accept unsolicited applications for funding’. As such, we would like to know how much of Sri Lanka’s conflict Your Trust is actually aware of. Your NewsStories from 2013 to 2020 has not covered a single story on Sri Lanka.
This is to educate your Trust on what Sri Lanka suffered and who the real enemy should be.
Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean with a population of just over 20million of which 70% comprise the Sinhalese and the remaining 30% minorities that comprise Tamils & Muslims. Sri Lanka was occupied by 3 foreign invaders from 1505 to 1948 (Portuguese – Dutch – British). Their divide & rule policies created most of the existing problems as a result of marginalizing the majority and providing preferential treatment to the minorities. The divisions created were inflamed covertly post-independence.
In 1970s groups of minority Tamil youth obtained armed training & returned to Sri Lanka. The main reason for them to take up arms was against their own rigid caste system which resulted in assassinating Tamil leaders initially. In order to reign over their own, these low caste Tamil youth, chased away the Sinhalese & Muslims who were living in North Sri Lanka. Not many questioned LTTE about ethnic cleansing of the 2 communities by LTTE from North Sri Lanka to claim it a mono-ethnic area.
These armed militants went on to vanquish other militant groups to reign supreme. They became internationally known as Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam headed by Velupillai Prabakaran. LTTE went on to commit the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in his own country in 1991. LTTE has killed scores of Tamils though claiming to represent Tamils. LTTE has killed Sri Lankan politicians, public officials, academics, religious clergy, children, villagers, unarmed civilians virtually across 30 years via suicide missions, bombs and assassinations. LTTE was eventually vanquished in May 2009 after LTTE closed the sluice gates that supplied water to 40,000 farmers in the East. This was a war crime to deny water.
LTTE continues to be banned by US-UK-India and 32 countries around the globe even 10 years after its ground force was militarily eliminated.
Everyone is speaking of the last phase of the conflict and the crimes that ensued but no one seems to be bothered about what the 20million citizens went through since 1980s
LTTE butchered poor villagers living in border villages – cutting women, children & babies to death & scaring them from continuing to live in their homes. This was nothing but to expand their territory of rule
LTTE began killing members of all communities including Tamils who they claim to represent. Anyone going against LTTE was assassinated. LTTE has even killed foreigners
LTTE has bombed places of worship butchering people worshipping – no one was funding to count their tears or their dead
LTTE planted bombs in buses, trains, offices, cars and road sides killing innocent & unarmed civilians going about their daily lives. They had done no wrong to be killed by LTTE. Why did no one fund any program to reach out to these poor people?
When LTTE closed the sluice gates denying water, they were asked to re-open the gates. They refused and went on to attack adjoining villages killing innocent people. A Government is bound to safeguard the lives of the People and it was after 30 years of weathering terror, taking part in numerous peace talks, negotiations, ceasefires some which were mediated by foreign parties and even presence of foreign peace keepers and foreign monitoring missions failed to bring peace that the GoSL ordered to militarily defeat LTTE. The country had suffered 30 years of LTTE terror and unlike 9/11 which was one incident that ended up in bombing Afghanistan and Iraq where foreign troops continue to be present even after 20 years, Sri Lanka has not seen LTTE bombings or suicide missions since May 2009. So 20million people are happy that LTTE is no more because it is we who know what we suffered not anyone else.
Entities that chose not to do anything more than issue statements when LTTE murdered suddenly began to call for war crimes investigation when LTTE was defeated. We find this very strange. LTTE recruited children and turned them into child soldiers. There was no Trust to fund an end to children being trained to kill. The Australian nurse who trained these children to kill also trained them to commit suicide and she lives in UK – her name is Adele B.
As for war crimes – why is everyone silent on the 49 injured LTTE who LTTE leaders put into a bus and bombed in May 2009 lest they should spill the beans on LTTE? When UN Secretary General & UNSC as well as members of the international community also appealed to LTTE not to shoot the fleeing Tamils – who are asking how many fleeing Tamil civilians LTTE shot & killed. When LTTE forced Tamil civilians to accompany them as they retreated – who is asking why LTTE did not release the civilians and not put them in harm’s way by firing from among civilians and keeping military hardware among civilians? Isn’t this a violation under rules of war?
The numbers being quoted as dead contradicts the figures that can be proved with names. It’s really time these lies ended.
When LTTE was given 3 chances by the Government to give up, surrender and lay down arms and when LTTE refused and declared it would continue the battle – they chose their destiny. Of course, there is collateral damage. But no one should forget that the Sri Lankan Armed Forces physically saved some 300,000 Tamils and brought them to safety. Each of these have a name but the Sri Lankan Armed Forces are being accused of killing a number which is unsubstantiated. So many people are quoting civilian dead but none of them have provided names or details of the supposed to be dead. What needs to be clearly mentioned here is that anyone quoting dead figures or names cannot plug the names of LTTE combatants because they cannot be featured as civilian dead.
The Trust must also note that LTTE fought in uniform, in civilian clothing and LTTE had its own CIVILIAN ARMED FORCE. Any civilian fighting in this unit cannot be categorized as civilian dead either. There are a lot of complications. Obviously, your Trust has been misinformed to tap into your generous funding.
As a citizen of Sri Lanka, we are doing our best to educate the international community because they have been victims of lies and false propaganda. No member of the international community can point fingers because they failed to give us peace from LTTE terror. Our Armed Forces did. Your Board should find out how we lived in fear from 1980s to 2009. We couldn’t attend school or work. Our parent’s eyes were filled with tears each time we left the house not knowing if we would return. We can give you lists of acts of terror committed by LTTE every day, every week, every month, every year for 30 years. You cannot understand how happy we were when in May 2009 we realized we did not have to leave our homes in fear.
This organization that your Trust is funding has even presented LTTE terrorist dead as ‘civilians’ and LTTE asylum seekers as civilians too.
Your trust has spent £771,500 on Sri Lanka. Perhaps it is time that you do a proper audit on ITJP (Sri Lanka) as well as do your own homework on Sri Lanka’s conflict by finding out the terror committed by LTTE upon all of the communities, upon Tamil children turned into child soldiers, killing their own combatants who were of no use to them and even killing foreign leaders.
A philanthropic Trust should spend its money on worthwhile efforts and know exactly the nature of what they are spending for.
