President Gotabaya Rajapaksa explored the possibility of finding employment for Sri Lankan youth at prominent shipping companies in the world in the context of the current situation where major shipping lines are facing labor shortages in the international market due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was discussed during a meeting with the representatives of leading local shipping companies at the Presidential Secretariat, today (18), stated President’s Media Division.
The possibility for Sri Lankans working in foreign ships which are sailing from east to west close to the southern coastal belt to enter and leave from the Galle harbor was also discussed at the meeting.
The representatives of the shipping companies revealed that daily more than 300 trade vessels sail 10 nautical miles away from the Galle Port. They pointed out that by creating an environment for those sailors to return to their respective countries via Sri Lanka will pave the way to generate huge foreign exchange revenue. President Rajapaksa emphasized that this opportunity can be used to promote SriLankan Airlines as well.
It was pointed out at the meeting that the Galle harbor could be developed into a Global Crew Exchange Hub. President instructed the officials to adhere to health guidelines and regulations in the course of implementing this program.
Of the 1.6 million global shipping crews, 16,000 or 1% of the total are Sri Lankans, and they annually contribute USD 300 million to the Sri Lankan economy, states the PMD. President Rajapaksa added that a two-fold increase in the number of Sri Lankans in the field would double the country’s foreign exchange income.
With the assurance of a quality-centric service to foreign naval corporations, Sri Lankan employees can secure more opportunities to work for longer periods in foreign vessels, positively affecting the local economy.
Secretary to the President, P.B Jayasundara, Principal Advisor to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, Chairman of Sri Lanka Port Authority, Retired General Daya Ratnayake and several heads of a number of prominent Naval Corporations were present at the discussion.
Daughter of DIG Ajith Rohana, a statement, refuted the rumors that she had allegedly absconded the quarantine process made mandatory by the government for persons arriving in Sri Lanka from foreign countries.
Certain media reports claimed that the daughter of DIG Ajith Rohana had returned to the island from Belarus – where she had been studying – and had been escorted home without being subjected to the mandatory quarantine process.
However, posting a video on Facebook, she refuted all such claims and stated the relevant media reports were false.
She stated that nearly 400 Sri Lankan students are at the university in Belarus where she is carrying out her studies.
She further said that she hopes to return to Sri Lanka once her final examinations conclude at the end of June.
Supreme Court fixed May 22 to consider the petition filed seeking a writ order for the Elections Commission to reject the nomination papers submitted by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya for the upcoming general election.
The petition was taken up today (18) before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising of Justices S. Durairajah, Murdu Fernando, and Yasantha Kodagoda.
The petition has been filed by United National Party (UNP) candidate Oshala Herath.
Members of the Election Commission including Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, General Secretary of Samagi Jana Balawegaya former MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Chairman of ‘Ape Jathika Peramuna party’ Senaka Haripriya de Silva and its Secretary Diana Gamage have been named respondents of the petition.
The party which has handed over nominations for Samagi Jana Balawegaya is based on the ‘Ape Jathika Peramuna’ party, petitioner pointed out.
The petitioner further points out that the appointment of Ranjith Madduma Bandara as the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya has not been approved by the Working Committee of the UNP.
Accordingly, the nomination papers submitted with the signature of Ranjith Madduma Bandara as the General Secretary of Samagi Jana Balawegaya are illegal, petitioner claims.
Thereby, the petitioner has appealed to the Supreme Court to rule that the Elections Commission has no jurisdiction to accept the nomination papers and nullify relevant nomination papers.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says that the Sri Lankan armed forces and police are the sentinels of the nation, ensuring the safety of the general public in all crises whether man-made or natural – whether the crisis is terrorism, floods or disease.
Issuing a statement to mark the 11th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s victory against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Prime Minister points out this was not a war against the Tamil people but against an organization designated by the FBI as the deadliest terrorists in the world.
He says that the Sri Lankan armed forces and police, who won a war that was widely considered to be unwinnable, are now once again engaged in a successful joint operation with the state health sector in combating COVID-19.
Prime Minister Rajapaksa further says that he condemns the attempts of the Yahapalana political parties to create an artificial social dichotomy between ‘military’ and ‘civilian’.
A person who has retired from the armed forces is a civilian and no longer a member of the military”, the Premier said.
He says that as long as they will be in power, there will always be former members of the armed forces and police holding positions in the government as the ‘Ranaviru’ constituency is now an integral part of the ‘Sangha, Veda, Guru, Govi, Kamkaru’ social line up of former times.
The full message of the Prime Minister:
On the 19th of May, we mark the 11th anniversary of the victory against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. That was not a war against the Tamil people but against an organization designated by the FBI as the deadliest terrorists in the world. Due to the defeat of the LTTE, Tamil people are now free to live as they wish. Tamil children are no longer forcibly recruited by the LTTE. Tamil politicians no longer live in fear of LTTE assassins. Furthermore, due to the absence of the LTTE, elections can be held in the Northern and Eastern provinces and that has safeguarded the sovereign rights of the people of those provinces.
The armed forces and police that amazed the entire world by winning what was widely considered to be an unwinnable war, are now once again engaged in a joint operation with the state health sector in combating Covid-19. All indications are that Sri Lanka is winning the battle against COVID -19 as well. The frontline role played by the armed forces and police in working with the general public, has undoubtedly been of immense help to the health sector in bringing the spread of Covid-19 under control in the present manner.
This once again reminds all of us that the armed forces and police are the sentinels of the nation, ensuring the safety of the general public in all crises whether man-made or natural – whether the crisis be terrorism, floods or disease. In this context, I wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms, the attempt being made by the yahapalana political parties to create an artificial social dichotomy between ‘military’ and ‘civilian’. If a retired member of the armed forces is appointed to some position in the government, that is being portrayed by the opposition as ‘militarization’. A person who has retired from the armed forces is a civilian and no longer a member of the military.
Furthermore, the Ranaviru constituency is now an integral part of the Sangha, Weda, Guru, Govi, Kamkaru social line up of former times. So whenever we happen to be in power, there will always be former members of the armed forces and police holding various positions in the government. We must always be mindful of the historic role that the armed forces and police have played in this country in safeguarding the peoples’ sovereignty based on the universal franchise by defeating all attempts to destroy the democratic system of government.
On this 11th Anniversary of the war victory that amazed the whole world, I wish to reiterate that the manner in which the yahapalana government betrayed our armed forces internationally and the vicious manner in which they persecuted both retired and serving members of the armed forces have not been forgotten. We once again pledge that justice will be done to all those who faced humiliation and persecution under the yahapalana government.”
Today, we commemorate one of the most significant milestones in Sri Lankan history, where 11 years ago we witnessed an end to the constant fear of death, terror and bloodshed. The courage of our brave and heroic soldiers ended the bloodshed that soaked our soil for decades. Thousands sacrificed their lives to end the terror that ravaged our land for over three decades. Today, once again, our brave war heroes have joined hands with the frontline health care professionals to heal our nation that’s grappling with the COVID-19 global pandemic. Today, I remember our war heroes with gratitude and utmost respect. They saved our nation from decades of terror in the past and is today working tirelessly to protect us and save our lives from a global pandemic. As we look to the past to appreciate and remember with gratitude the sacrifices made by our war heroes and their beloved families, I also look towards the future to join hands to re-build a prosperous nation together with you.
We have only guestimates of Tamil children kidnapped by LTTE and turned into child soldiers. We don’t really know the exact numbers of Tamil children kidnapped, how many died during LTTE training, how many were killed trying to flee LTTE training camps, how many lie injured from training, how many children died during hostilities, how many children were brainwashed to commit suicide by biting cyanide capsule, how many children were suicide bombers, how many children were trained by the LTTE female child soldier trainer – the Australian nurse now living a good life in UK. But we do know that all of the Tamil children were kidnapped from low caste and poor Tamil homes and not a single Tamil child was kidnapped from any rich Tamil parent. On 18 May 2009, with LTTE’s defeat, it was a victorious day for the Tamil low caste and poor Tamils. They would never have to live in fear of their children getting kidnapped and turned into child soldiers.
By end of the conflict some 12,000 LTTE combatants in civilian clothing surrendered to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. Among them were 594 child soldiers – 364 males and 230 females.Sri Lanka decided to do what No military in the world and no foreign government has ever done. Sri Lanka’s then President declared Our hearts are not vicious. We will not prosecute children and he offered the 594 child soldiers a Presidential Pardon and instructed that they be given the education they were denied. For years, the Tamil children that held a gun were finally given to hold a pen/pencil by the Sri Lankan Government.
When the government drew up its indigenous rehabilitation & reintegration program, the entities that did nothing to stop LTTE from kidnapping children and turning them into child soldiers came to poke their noses to advise how Sri Lanka should rehabilitate the child soldier.
Life of a Child soldier
Former LTTE child soldiers in government rehabilitation camps
The many messages and drawings by these children in the army camps that looked after them is testimony to the affection they were shown by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and was clearly opposite to the gruesome treatment they received from the LTTE. Many of these children shed tears when the day came to leave and return to their families and restart life again.
Their youth was stolen by the LTTE. Their parents were denied watching their children grow. Parent and child lived in agony – all because of LTTE. Today the LTTE fronts are running global tamashas, have they ever sought to look after a single child soldier whom they used as cannon fodder?
Gokulan is one such child soldier who found freedom with the victory over LTTE. He found love and care instead of orders to kill. He was taught to hate the Sinhalese, today the Sinhalese love him. Gokulan is now a singer and actor. He is now 34years. He was dragged and taken away when attending A/L classes. Both his brothers were also child soldiers and both had died in battle. His sister had been conscripted by LTTE during the final stages. She luckily survived and surrendered in May 2009 and both have reunited with their families in Mankulam. Gokulan in the interview with Shanika Sriyananda thanks the Army Rehabilitation making special mention of Lt. Col. Manjula Gurusinghe as well as Anoja Weerasinghe who taught him. They filled the void of a father, guided and tapped our talent from the beginning and directed us to suitable paths to brush up our skills” said Gokulan. Gokulan, who sang and danced at the ceremony held to reintegrate 1,000 ex-LTTE cadres at Temple Trees in the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa two months ago, said he had a sleepless night as he had to perform before the leader who gave them the opportunity to surrender and secured for them a better future. Among his dreams now is to talk to the President to thank him for saving their lives.
But many children were not as lucky as Gokulan. Selvaratna Subitha recounts how the LTTE took her 16year old sister Marisalin Sukhandha in March 2009 –LTTE female combatants disguised in civilian came to their home in Keppapilavu and dragged her away. They took away our children as if they were taking away goats and cows”. Sukhanda never returned. Sad as it is, she dies a LTTE combatant but not a civilian. Her civilian status was removed the moment LTTE handed her a gun and ordered her to fire and engage in hostilities.
We had only report after report from the West/UN and NGOs. They however, did nothing to prevent LTTE from recruiting children nor took action against LTTE for recruiting children.
2004 HRW report on forcible recruitment of child soldiers claimed LTTE had recruited over 3500 children from 2002 bogus ceasefire agreement brokered by Norway.
There was a Sri Lankan too holding a top UN post responsible for both women and children but other than walking away with accolades for herself, she too did nothing to stop LTTE from kidnapping children and turning them into child soldiers or even recommending global action against LTTE for it.
Tragically the same Western/UN/NGO entities do nothing but encourage by their inaction as over 350 ‘LTTE madrassas’ are operating across Europe indoctrinating hate into the minds of Tamil children. None of these are likely to take up arms, but they are being indoctrinated to internationally be used as a witch hunt for political purposes against Sri Lanka.
The subject of child soldiers and that they were plucked from POOR and LOW CASTE TAMIL parents is a topic that no one likes to broach on for it brings to the surface issues among Tamil society they would rather keep hidden. However, all of the LTTE combatants who have been rehabilitated and reintegrated are living life as outcasts in their own society. Many have been made to feel that they have failed the ‘cause’. How much of the very rich LTTE kitty enjoyed among the LTTE fronts is been utilized to look after these men, women and children who sacrificed their lives for the LTTE? While they were battling in the jungle, the richer Tamils nicely cried crocodile tears of discrimination and won themselves asylum in Western countries. They are now making an identity for themselves milking the ‘discrimination’ cow and even becoming politicians in their new foreign habitats. But, all the while they are beating the drums through tamashas like ‘genocide’ day. ‘mullaikvaikkal remembrance’ day and what not because that is the only way they can forge an identity for themselves and show their importance in those foreign countries. Are they looking after the Tamils that sacrificed in the dirt and thorny jungles – NO.
It was the Sri Lankan Government in May 2009 that embraced the LTTE child soldier and turned them into human beings from the killer machines that LTTE had turned them into.
LTTE turned them into Child Soldiers
Sri Lanka turned them into actors & singers
LTTE gave them a Gun
Sri Lanka gave them a Pen
LTTE kidnapped them from their Parents
Sri Lanka returned them to their Parents
LTTE destroyed their freedom
Sri Lanka gave back their freedom
Every commemoration of 18 May 2009 we also celebrate FREEDOM for the LOW CASTE & POOR Tamil CHILD SOLDIERS
The opposition in the Sri Lanka Parliament was dissolved by the President on 2nd March 2020. is clamoring with the News First TV at the forefront asking the President to recall the dissolved parliament despite Article 150 of the Constitution, stating that he has no right to continue to take money under the consolidated Fund without the permission of the Parliament.
This is a false argument, as the President after the dissolution of the Parliament is Constitutionally in full charge of running the country, with the right to draw necessary finances from the Consolidated Fund until a new Parliament begins its sitting and for three months thereafter. The past obsolete opposition of the dissolved parliament argues that the 20th June 2020 set for the General Elections is not suitable to hold the General election as the country is not out of the COVID -19 pandemic.
In view of this, it would be interesting for those pessimists of opposition to the government, to note the situation with regard to France. France has 142 291 reported Covid 19 cases. There had been 27 625 deaths. 19 432 patients are in hospitals, out of 2132 in reanimation. The recovered cases reported are 61066.
Despite this France has successfully eased off from the locked-up situation.
After 55 days of confinement, France announced easing out of its citizens as from 11th May 2020. It has been reported that the deconfinement was a success. They have announced that sea beeches will also be opened to the public and parks and gardens will eventually be opened. Schools and Universities have also been listed to be opened soon subject to conditions to be announced later.
The government of France held up the second round of local government election on the 15th March 2020 due to Covid – 19 pandemic. It involves 5000 municipalities representing more than 25 million French people.
The government is expected to decide next week if it is safe to hold the second round of local government elections by the end of June, after consultations with health experts. Why should not Sri Lanka which is much safer than France under the Covid -19 pandemic find a safe method for holding elections in consultation with the Health Authorities, the Defence Forces, and the Police ?.
Today the 17 May 2020, first time after two months President Emmanuel Macron attended a public gathering to commemorate the day Charles de Gaulle still an unknown Colonel led an armored division to fight against the advancing Nazi Forces famously called the battle of Moncornet in which 60000 French soldiers lost their lives.
However complicating the situation in France further, it has been announced that 34 positive cases of Covid-19 affected persons were found among the workers in a slaughterhouse. The same has been reported in slaughterhouses in Germany, and in America. They argue that it may have come from the workers living in insalubrious quarters close to the slaughterhouses. They still do not say whether the flesh of the slaughtered animals was either contaminated or the virus had been found in the slaughtered animals.
Sri Lanka should start testing the butcheries, workers in slaughterhouses and also the workers in fish markets who cut and pack fish.
France not taking lessons from China did not start off well with its fight against Covid-19. When China built two hospitals in two weeks to take care of the persons affected by the Virus, France did not eve open any existing hospital especially for the treatment of Corona Virus affected patients. France indicated a telephone number to be called if anyone suspects having signs of Corona Virus. It recommended self-confinement as it had no special quarantine centers to receive suspected patients.
France lacked masks even for sale for the public, whatever was available were meant for hospital stuff. Unfortunately last week it was said that France had found a stock of 362 million old and unusable masks which were destroyed.
”The stock of surgical masks was burned between January and March
2020, just as the coronavirus pandemic was beginning to
take hold in Europe. Public Health France has defended the move, as they state
the masks were out of date – but they weren’t checked to see if they were still
usable prior to being destroyed. It comes as a stock of 362 million out-of-date
surgical masks were found in storage, with almost a quarter, 85 million,
considered to be fit for use.” https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1281806/face-masks-coronavirus-latest-france-ppe-Emmanuel-Macron-face-mask-shortage-eu-news.
Fighting off the Covid 19 is more political and the Medical
experts are consulted but not seen much as they are in Sri Lanka where the
government takes no action without consulting the Health Services.
Asking people to maintain social distance and at the same time opening the liquor shops will ruin the progress achieved so far in combating COVID 19. Most of our people don’t enjoy a drink, they simply drink it as a glass of water, without mixing with soda, water, etc. Rarely they use ice as a supplement.
The eagerness to have a drink they could not enjoy for the past several weeks was clearly demonstrated by a large number of queues outside bars, from the early hours of the morning.
A most important element of Sri Lankan drinking is that they naturally drink with friends an unlimited quantity, with a famous bite, Beef, Pork, or Chicken devil. With curfews operating at night times from 8 pm, they gather in private residences in groups of friends, similarly to a Club environment. They drink almost till 3 or 4 am. The Police raids are unlikely to enter private residences during curfew hours to arrest these culprits.
South Korea, which has controlled COVID 19, relaxed the social distancing and opened Clubs and Bars a couple of days ago. There is a sudden surge of infected persons since the relaxation 2 days ago. This has prompted the South Korean government to close Bars and Clubs and re-introduce social distancing.
We urge the President and the Prime Minister to close all Bars and Clubs for an indefinite period of time. Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya recently confirmed that the damage to the national economy, health, safety, criminal activities as a result of liquor consumption could be as high as 7 times greater than the revenue otherwise generated from selling liquor.
For man Sri Lanka the kick from liquor is not enough. Liquor does not work itself alone for them. Sri Lankan drink Gal Arak, mix with Three Coins or Larger Beer. This opens a market for Drug Runners, who sell large quantities to those who are intoxicated. The recent capture of a massive haul of Drugs is a testimony to assess the size of the local market.
There
is a strong case for the closure of liquor shops.
If
Messrs Gotabaya and Mahinda cannot stamp out liquor from Sri Lanka, no one will
ever be able to do it.
Export Development Board is quite active in trying to promote various export-oriented Industries to enhance foreign currency earnings for the country
One of the proposals they are promoting is the development of nautical tourism which involves boat and leisure craft building and various marinas around the island
One of the pioneers in Sri Lanka in nautical tourism Mr. Pier Pringers who is almost a naturalized in Sri Lankan built few luxury boats to promote nautical tourism
He invited the Tourist board to visit the boat which he called a Boutique floating hotel. Tourist Board misunderstood the meaning and visited the yard in Mirissa to inspect a boutique hotel
When we met the tourist board to develop Game Fishing, they thought that they have to approve a boathouse and the ground accommodation
Tourism board does not have a clue what is nautical tourism and in their marketing strategy they cover only ground-based hotels etc
They hardly attended any of the EDB meetings to support
nautical tourism which is the future
The government should appoint people who have broad-based exposure in the field of Nautical Tourism to support the bureaucrats who head these organizations
Dr. Sarath Obeysekera CEO Walkers Colombo Shipyard Colombo Sri Lanka
Sri Lankans can be proud, as the country is developing in the areas of Political, Socioeconomic, and Cultural, directions. People could see, the areas of vital importance are blooming in the country. As compared to the previous administration, leadership and state governance are working responsible ways for the people of this country. We have experienced the development of many areas of above and it is continuing to grow and prosper in many ways as the leadership and his vision empowering and improving, progressively. At the same time state rule of law and order is working and politicians cannot interfere in its functioning. So we can hope we would have a much better-disciplined society in the future.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Today the United States Of America suffers and bleeding more than ever in their history of mishandling of the pandemic. The Government of United States Questioning from the front line leaders of various works of professionals, to find out what went wrong, and why it happens, etc. This is happening in the powerful country of the United States of America. But as Sri Lankan’s we must be proud of our political leadership, health care hero’s, administrators, our valiant dedicated forces, and people; as altogether in the process of, beating the virus successfully. All these positive gains have been achieved because of the leadership, and it’s practicality. The task force was able to make decisions at the right time using the proper expertise of professionals as well as the law and order of the country. We felt and experienced, when the country moves forward with more positive achievements, we can be proud as a nation as we are being respected by others as well. We will never be able to achieve anything in the battle of Covid-19, if we were with the former parliament and the government. The former parliament and that bunch were playing games using the people mandate in the legislature. In many countries, the legislature itself is a respected place, but it was just my kind of place to behave irresponsibly way to achieve their narrow political gains. We all aware of how former prime ire behave in the parliament. They make use of the parliament to draft amend laws; betrayal to people mandate. Exactly, that is what happens in this parliament in the immediate past of previous government. Dr. Jayampathie Wickramaratne, so-called constitutional expert and the bunch were amending the laws of the constitution betrayal to our country. The big difference I may see with this president and his cabinet as such; they act as trustees for the people of the country. The President’s vision of prosperity will go a long way as it will do good to people of the country.
Politics
My personal opinion says the parliament will not need to summon. It will be an utter waste of public money. Our country doesn’t have money to waste. We must use money properly which is public money and should achieve expected results, otherwise calling for outdated parliament will not bring anything to the people of this country. Champika, Ajith Perera, Ranil, Premadasa, beating their old democracy of Liberal, neo-liberal movement in various ways to gain the power of the country through a parliament gathering. It seems the People mandate is fragile to Democracy, Constitutional readings, etc. It has been a passion in our politics as they are trying to find loopholes of the present governance and then appeal from the court the democracy of the Constitution. People’s mandate is powerful more than political gimmicks. The people of this country are happy and safe with the present governance. This governance is a blessing to our country & it has to prevail and continue, for the future good of the country. The approval rate of the current government is quite high, It is because of the president’s statesmanship, and craftsmanship in challenging situations of the country. He has proved himself on two occasions of his leadership by defeating Tamil terrorism and preparing the country to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. In this pandemic, we have been a nation successfully challenged the Virus and controlled.
Social
COVID – 19 has given us the opportunity to think about our social behavior to re-imagine again. As individuals, we need to be responsible and accountable for our actions and behaviors. At the same time, the virus gave us the opportunity to think about how to be responsible to keep social distancing, wear masks. We have seen how dedicated our health inspectors were in their duties to educate the public in this educational event. They have been empowered to do their jobs, and they did it very well and continuing. We saw how people behave when liquor shops open for the public. The liquor stores were closed for a few days and then open. I saw the big queues to buy their liquor needs. At the same time, we saw some people start drinking by the roadside and throwing the bottle into bushes. This is where the conflict begins with others. You cannot throw the bottle into a bush. And you cannot drink liquor in public. And media people must aware as they cannot advertise those behaviors in public. These little things matter a lot when a nation going through the process of becoming a more civilized nation. When we practice our freedom and autonomy we need to care about using it the way we wanted, but we need to comfortable admitting it because we have been taught to prioritize the environment, and proper recycling.
Environment
As we know we had a government that couldn’t remove the municipal garbage even. It was such a periled and disable the rule, we Sri Lankans went through, over the years, and there were two different people as president and a premier did massive devastation to our country in many ways by the name of Yahapalanaya”. I am so adamant of the writing of that rule and it’s suffering to our people and an immense curse to our country. Now the same culprits: they skillfully preach democratic rights in the parliament and even now they are very much with high tones about protecting so-called democracy & constitution, which they couldn’t save the precious lives of Holy Sunday. Those people who suffered are remembered at this moment even. I know Sri Lankan people never ever will bring those heinous criminals to bring to power again. Those people’s names must be erased from Sri Lankan politics and Sri Lankan people have the right to know the truth behind this crime and those culprits must be brought to justice and punished. Our country is a beautiful land with enormous biodiversity. Every plant, animal, waterfall, grasslands, forest lands, must be preserved with strict laws. We must love our country’s beauty. In my younger age, I went and explore through the Sinharaja” rain forest. I still remember the flora and fauna in that beautiful place. The diversity of plants, that is the most important rain forest in our country. It must be preserved for future generations of this country. When I was a young boy I learned about monsoon rain. But those days, never had floods, displaced people, and natural disasters. Over a period of time, we never preserved enough our natural flora and fauna, and now the result is torrential rains causing huge environmental damage. We need to preserve our environment with strict laws. I firmly believe it is an essential and prominent duty we all need to implement, practice more than so called ethnic reconciliation. This is our land we must protect, and preserve it for us to living and hand over the beautiful heritage to our younger generation. People who devastated our forests and natural forests must be given capital punishment if they have been proved and done crimes in the previous government. All Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors, burgers, etc, need to be aware as this is their country; love their country. There is no other place in this world beautiful as our motherland of Sri Lanka.
Historic Valuables.
We are a nation enriched in Buddhist culture. Sinhalese are the key nation of the country. Former northern Governor of Sri Lanka tried in many ways to challenge this truth by defamation of our written history Mahavamsa”. And our culture also enriched with Tamils and Muslims. Those people are integral parts of our nation and their unique cultures. All of us make a country called the Democratic Socialist Republic Of Sri Lanka. We love your cultural values, and entities. There are no barriers in the country to practice your religion and culture in my country. So please respect that freedom and cherish and talk about that freedom openly. Buddhist historic valuables and monuments are buried, every corner of the country. Ancient Sri Lankan kings preserved Buddhist values and religion as one entity. That is how we became a great nation in the world. So please do not try to make new history by vandalizing Buddhist monuments and culture. It cannot be done. It will never be possible as well. We need Tamil Kovils, we need Christian churches, we need our mosques. We need to respect those cultures and values and practice from ourselves in deep of our hearts.
Tamil /Sinhalese
Language
We must make Tamils and Sinhalese as equal languages. Public service needs to take this entity seriously. Public service: preference of recruiting must be given to employees who could speak, write, read both languages. Executive-level jobs in public service must only be given to employees who could handle both Tamil and Sinhalese fluently. In Tamil dominated areas when somebody speaks Sinhalese must be translated to Tamil at the same time. Reconciliation lies in these types of collaborative efforts not by fighting for constitutional changes asking for a separate land in north and east. We must respect our Tamils and Muslims as our own people. Think about the upcountry people employed in Tea Plantation. Those people are the backbone of our economy. They are one of the partners of our economy. So they are our hero’s. Please have that attitude and do more to bring their livelihood prosper.
We have a window of opportunity to develop as a country and prosper our economy more than ever before, but to achieve this goal is not easy the leadership of the country alone cannot do that. We need to get together as one nation, despite politics. We need to prepare leadership for the future as well at the same time. That is the way to bring prosperity to our beautiful country of Sri Lanka. Be a patriot to your country.
This comprises 3,078 students, 4,040 short term visa holders, 27,854 Migrant workers, 3527 dependents and 484 dual citizens and others.
the crew of a Sri Lankan Airlines flight all set for Lankans’ repatriation
Colombo, May 17 (newsin.asia): Over 38,983 Overseas Sri Lankans (OSLs) in 143 countries at present seek to return home, based on information gathered mainly through the ‘Contact Sri Lanka’ Web Portal of the Ministry of Foreign Relations. This comprises 3,078 students, 4,040 short term visa holders, 27,854 Migrant workers, 3527 dependents and 484 dual citizens and others. Meanwhile since 21 April, up to now, 3600 OSLs have been repatriated from 15 countries, largely comprising foreign students and government officials on training, as well as their dependents.
A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Relations said that recognizing the need to collect data on vulnerable OSLs, the Ministry of Foreign Relations, with the assistance of the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), on 26 March 2020 created the ‘Contact Sri Lanka’ Web Portal, within a week following closure of the airport to inbound commercial flights. In parallel to the Portal, Sri Lanka Missions were also instructed to collect data on those who wish to return. The two sources, serve as the base for identifying vulnerable groups, prioritizing and repatriation.
The Contact Sri Lanka Web Portal also serves as a virtual help desk for the benefit of OSLs. According to Acting Director General, Economic Affairs (Multilateral) and Overseas Sri Lankans Anzul Jhan, since its launch, 78,033 Sri Lankans have registered on the Portal and a dedicated team operating effectively 24/7, have answered 7,788 questions posed by OSLs from across the globe – mainly on assistance on repatriation and consular issues, but also relating to other operational and policy matters.
The portal has not only been able to direct Sri Lankans to the nearest Sri Lanka Diplomatic Mission, specially where there is no Sri Lankan representation in the countries concerned, but also to help connect with vulnerable categories of Sri Lankans who are in need of food and also face medical emergencies, with provision of dry rations, medicines and in some occasions facilitating arrangements for shelter. It has also prompted streamlining issues pertaining to transfer of funds by migrants to Sri Lanka and to short term travellers and students from Sri Lanka. Some Missions have also helped students who faced issues in educational institutions and those whose employment contracts have expired to secure new employment agreements, so that they are not compelled to return due to unemployment.
Participating in a television discussion on Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation on Saturday (16 May), Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha said, the ‘Contact Sri Lanka’ portal has become a reliable analytical organizational tool in forward planning and in fine-tuning the relations and direct communications between the Ministry, the Missions and the OSLs. He also added that the Ministry looks forward to expanding its utility and functions in the future.
Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha called on Sri Lankans overseas to carefully calibrate the effect repatriation at this time could have on their jobs and education, before making decisions to seek to return to Sri Lanka, availing of the limited flights operated by the Government for those facing compelling circumstances.
He made this observation during a televised programme on Saturday (16), where he noted that over 38,000 Sri Lankans are seeking to be repatriated, of that nearly 28,000 migrant workers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The comments made by the Foreign Secretary are below:
Priority right now of the Government following the Cabinet Paper presented by my Minister Dinesh Gunawardena two weeks ago, is to bring back the migrant worker category which needs to come, but more so in some cases have to come. Because they have gone out of status and are illegal, they also as a result of being illegal do not have access to the health facilities and anything else in those countries. There are many who have been thrown out of jobs. They are pretty much destitute. Thereafter we can consider those who want to come, but who have jobs and who simply want to come on holiday to avoid any Corona vulnerability.
Our plea to these employees, as we did to students some time ago, is to ask them to carefully calibrate the possible loss of jobs or loss of educational opportunity or major delays which can occur from their coming. Because in students, we particularly find that in some places, one set of parents want children to come, another set of parents want children to stay and finish their exams. So, while I know these are personal choices alright, I think there must be some rationality in doing this. Because from the Foreign Ministry perspectives, we are working very hard to get them back today, but I know that one month, two months from now, we will once again be asked to try to reconcile their status as students when there are difficulties for them to get back or lose out on semester. It is the same with those who lose their employment.
So as much as the Foreign Ministry and the Government is trying to bring back people, that these people who are wanting to return, make a very careful assessment of their essential needs, as against just wanting to come for the short term. This may not be the best time to use this limited window and have to go into quarantine for 21 days when they come here as well.
We are going to try as much as possible to ensure that those who stay back are assisted to the extent possible, particularly the most vulnerable through the various networks of our 67 Missions, 16 where SLBFE is also present, to try and provide dry rations and where necessary medicines so that the problems they face are managed out there where they are.
As for those on short term visits, we have to bring them back. They have nowhere to go. We are conscious of that. The difficulty to some extent is the fact that they are spread all over and Sri Lankan Airlines, even cargo flights which now are flying, are not flying out to many of these capitals. So, while we are integrating them in flights already coming, how we bring them all back is a matter which is at the moment being discussed at the highest levels.
When Roy Ives was taken into hospital a month ago, his family were told that night to prepare for the worst. Thanks to the efforts of NHS doctors and nurses he was able to pull through, despite suffering from a number of underlying health issues, and is now back home recovering. Roy said: “The NHS staff are angels, they have done so much for me. I will never forget Dr Hetti and he will be in my thoughts every day as a way to say thank you.” We’ve got a special surprise for Roy as he is reunited with Dr Hetti!
Coconuts – and coconut oil, specifically – are part of the most talked about food purported to have health benefits these days. So can coconut oil reduce pain?
Coconut oil comes from pressing the dried meat” of mature coconuts, harvested from coconut palm, to extract the oil. This oil has been shown to provide a multitude of health benefits including reducing inflammation, fighting germs and supporting almost all processes of the body. The evidence is not definitive, although much is being written about the benefits of coconut oil. However, many reputable sources, including WebMD, Dr. Oz and Livestrong have all covered the subject extensively on their websites.
What’s in it that is good for you
For starters, coconut oil is over 80% saturated fat, consisting mainly of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), or fatty acids, rather than the long-chain fatty acids that most people consume regularly. Unlike long-chain fatty acids which must be broken down before the body can absorb them, MCTs, abundant in coconut oil, can be absorbed whole. MCTs also contain fewer calories per serving than their long-chain counterparts.
The most critical MCT, which constitutes approximately 45-55% of the saturated fats in coconut oil, is lauric acid. Lauric acid converts in the body to a monoglyceride called monolaurin, a powerful germ-fighter that is effective against many viruses, bacteria and protozoa. While lauric acid cannot be credited with all of the benefits received from coconut oil, a 2015 analysis suggests that many of the benefits are directly linked to it.
Specific benefits of coconut oil
Immune system
Coconut contains two special ingredients that make it excellent for immunity: lauric acid, mentioned already and caprylic acid. Both have anti-viral properties and are well-known for fighting off yeast overgrowth (candida), as well as with bacterial infections. People looking for an immune-system boost should be eating other immune-enhancing foods as a regular part of their diet. But if they are looking for something extra to add to build up their immune systems, experts say that coconut oil is an easy addition to their daily routine.
Pain relief
Coconut oil has the potential to reduce inflammation in muscles and joints. A study published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology showed that virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Simply by virtue of its high levels of lauric acid, coconut oil helps reduce inflammation – which directly impacts pain. Some studies have even found that extracts from coconut oil were just as effective as Indomethacin, a popular prescription pain medication.
Aside from improving temporary pain conditions, the anti-inflammatory elements of coconut oil have been shown to naturally help a more serious condition: arthritis. While many turn to prescription medications for the pain relief associated with this chronic condition, others are looking for more natural sources to ease their pain. Coconut oil is often used as a low-cost and effective alternative treatment. The topical application helps to increase blood supply to the arthritic area and reduce the localized pain and swelling. Many see coconut oil as extending beyond helping arthritis sufferers to those with other joint-pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
Energy boost
Low on energy? Add some coconut oil to your diet! Coconut oil has demonstrated physical and mental energy level benefits in both the short and long-term. It serves as a much healthier alternative to energy drinks, which often rely on caffeine and sugar, which can help in the short-term but cause an energy level crash” in the long-term. Because the MCTs in coconut oil are processed and metabolized faster – and are natural, unlike sugar – these types of fatty acids give a sustained boost to energy. Bonus: The fat calories are immediately converted to energy.
Muscle cramps
For much the same reason coconut oil can reduce general pain and inflammation, it can serve as a treatment for muscle cramps. Muscle cramps can come about from too much exercise or not drinking enough water but also blood flow issues. A good massage incorporating coconut oil can keep the blood flow healthy while accelerating healing.
How to use coconut oil
Primarily, there are three ways to get the benefits from coconut oil: ingest it, apply it topically and use it in a massage.
Ingest it
For some people, the taste of coconut oil is not bothersome. For others, they’ll want to mix it into a recipe or using it in cooking. While no specific dosage for optimal benefits has been determined, it appears that one to two tablespoons per day can be beneficial. Since coconut oil is still a fat, you won’t want to push your total fat intake beyond 25-35% of your daily caloric intake.
Coconut oil recipes abound, and once you start substituting with this oil, you’ll find it easier to incorporate it into your diet.
Topical lubrication of joints
When applying coconut oil to your body, the easiest way to use it is to apply it to the skin like a lotion, using a light coat. For reducing stiffness or to keep joints completely lubricated, you can make it a regular part of your hygiene. Apply the coconut oil right after you shower or bathe each day. Alternately, you could also add a quick coat before beginning physical exercise.
Experts recommend applying a teaspoon of coconut oil for every 50 pounds of body weight when you start using it. After a few days, you can increase the amount of oil you use. If only trying to prevent the onset of pain or inflammation, sticking to one teaspoon a day is sufficient.
Massage
You can also use coconut oil topically as part of a massage. Warm up some coconut oil and combine it with a few pieces of camphor or mix it with some essential oils. Then massage the mixture deeply into the area where you’ve got joint pain. This increased circulation benefit of massage brings more oxygen to tissues revitalizing them and speeding up healing and growth. Add to that the medicinal properties of coconut oil – and massage becomes a great way to get the benefits quickly and directly.
If you’ve made coconut oil a part of your daily diet or are using it topically, let us know your experience in the comments below.
World-renowned Professor of Medicine and expert in Endocrinology, Vitamin D and human Nutrition, Professor Sunil Wimalawansa has offered his services to the highest authorities in Sri Lanka to help the country to successfully fight the COVID-19 pandemic mainly with reference to disease prevention.
In a previous article, Professor Wimalawansa explained COVID-19 prevention and clinical trial protocol which he has designed with assistance from a group of senior foreign scientists. He noted that each of these individuals have more than 30 years experience in clinical and research work.
Professor Wimalawansa said they all are volunteering their time, funds and expertise on a full time basis to work as an independent research group to contribute their expertise and resources to help a number of countries to succeed in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clinical trial protocol
When contacted Professor Wimalawansa clarified details regarding new developments concerning this project. The COVID-19 prevention clinical trial protocol to be implemented in Sri Lanka, is a system which has been designed with specific consideration to the current situation of Sri Lanka and it was designed in order to provide authorities with a proper method that would help control the fast spread of the virus.
According to Professor Wimalawansa, he along with his colleagues have also developed a number of clinical trial protocol systems for countries such as USA, China, India and Turkey but he added that each of these protocol systems were made after taking into consideration the COVID-19 situations in each of these countries.
He emphasised that most of these systems are designed to prevent complications and ensure early recovery and added that some of the protocols are concentrated on countries suffering severely from COVID-19 and are made in order to prevent deaths.
He opined that the prevention system made for Sri Lanka is the first study to be implemented for disease prevention in regards to COVID-19 in the world.
According to Professor Wimalawansa the prevention protocol system that has been recommended for Sri Lanka can help prevent the virus from uncontrollably spreading within quarantine centres and he further explained that in partnership with the group of senior scientists, he was able to create a capsule containing a high-potent nutrient capable of boosting the Vitamin D levels within the human body, therefore strengthening the immune system to maximum level.
Professor Wimalawansa said that the capsules are a custom-synthesised mega-dose, made in a reputed laboratory named, Bioinnovations-Pharmacal in Arkansas, USA. He added that since these are custom-made it is currently not available for purchase. He alleged that it is company assured that ingredients in the capsule have been tested and proven to be pure and added that it is suitable for consumption.
“For those who have just contracted the virus, when you have this mega-dose nutrient in the body, he or she will experience milder symptoms. Those with sufficient micro-nutrients, including vitamin D and zinc, will have either no symptomatic disease or have minor symptoms.” He added.
Professor Wimalawansa further said that maintaining a healthy level of Vitamin D will strengthen one’s immunity and added that the response of the immune system is positively related to the vitamin D concentration in the blood.
He emphasised that many recent studies report that, individuals who require Intensive Care and those who have passed away, had their serum vitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations at less than 5 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). He clarified that to achieve an immune system capable of winning against COVID-19, one needs to maintain serum vitamin D [25(OH)D’ concentration in excess of 40ng/mL (most certainly, above 30 ng/mL).
Professor Wimalawansa also said recent research reports from multiple countries indicate that for every person tested positive of COVID-19, there are between 10-40 more individuals who are infected, but they do not know it. He said that they are called symptomatic carriers and added that they indeed can spread the disease to others in the community. Such individuals when admitted to a quarantine centre, while may not yet have developed PCR positivity, could infect others, he added.
Professor Wimalawansa further claimed that general databases from multiple countries reported that while less than 5% of those who are admitted to quarantine centres are infected, when they leave, up to 20% can be infected while being there and added that this is what the team of volunteers proposed to prevent by implementing the protocol system.
He further clarified that however, this process can be later applied to other areas to help prevent the virus from uncontrollably spreading not only in quarantine centres, but also in the Prison, Navy vessels, cruise-ships, and among frontline workers such as healthcare, emergency services and soldiers engaged in contact tracing.
Meanwhile, Professor Wimalawansa said during the first week of his return to the country he wrote to the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa offering his services added that after receiving his letter, President Rajapaksa notified him that the information will be entrusted to the Director General of Health Services for further attention.
Professor Wimalawansa further emphasised that since he did get a response from the Director General he wrote to the Defence Secretary through the Army Commander, where he explained information regarding the prevention protocol system and requested an immediate response. Professor Wimalawansa clarified that he took these initiatives about three to four weeks ago but had still not got formal approval and noted that this was despite the fact that all expenses will be borne by them.
Professor Wimalawansa noted that his team has already paid the costs for the synthesis of these mega-dose capsules, and airfreight to the BIA from the US and added that to facilitate the process, his team had already purchased laptop computers for each of the participating quarantine centres to enable easy data entering regarding the progress of participants.
Furthermore, Professor Wimalawansa noted that he and associates were contacted by governmental and non-governmental groups from Indonesia, the Philippines, and India requesting for their assistance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and added that if the relevant authorities failed to provide formal approval and cooperate, they will direct all resources to the above-mentioned countries for their benefit.
Sri Lanka is entering a new era after defeating the spread of COVID-19 and the country is about to commence work. In such a context, the way President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leads the country in the future is of utmost importance.
Since the declaration of the Presidential Election last year up to now, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been working hard. There was even a debate whether he was able to contest the Presidential Election or not. Although he was not as a politician, he gained fame as a public official who tirelessly worked for the benefit of the people. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa embraced the people with just a couple of words – ‘trust me’.
Following the Presidential Election, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa took the initiative to revive the country in his own way, with a strategic plan. Even though many crisis situations arose, he faced them all with determination, fearlessly. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire country came to a standstill and all products and services stopped.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is not at all an unfamiliar face to Sri Lankans due to his invaluable role as the then Secretary Defence during the last phase of the three-decade long war against the LTTE separatists, has taken some impressive steps to ensure people’s safety and well-being after assuming office as the President of Sri Lanka last November. Within merely a few months, he was able to gain fame and respect among the people, especially for his quality of fulfilling the promises he gave to the people during the Presidential Election and in his election manifesto.
Cutting down expenses
As soon as he became the President, he took a number of commendable measures to save public funds by cutting down his expenses as the President. First and foremost, he reduced the number of vehicles and the number of security personnel of his security team was reduced from 2,500 to 800.
While some were concerned that this move may put the President’s life in danger, the President, through this initiative, proved that the country’s safety is in a good state and that people do not need to fear. According to reports, the number of staff attached to the Presidential Secretariat has also been reduced from 1,400 to 350, and no President who ruled Sri Lanka before had ever taken such an exemplary initiative.
There were also allegations that the President’s expenses were massive and therefore needs to be controlled. However, today, even Adviser to the President Lalith Weeratunga does not draw either a salary or an allowance.
It is noteworthy that the previous President had 19 vehicles for his personal use but President Gotabaya Rajapaksa only has three vehicles; that is his vehicle and two other escort vehicles. It is also praiseworthy that the First Lady, Ayoma Rajapaksa, does not utilise any State allocated vehicles but continues to use her private vehicle.
Also, even to this date, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa continues to reside in his private residence in Mirihana. If the President decided to shift to the official residence, that would mean a massive drain on public funds. This is an invaluable example set by the President for other elected public officials. His simple attire is symbolic of his modest lifestyle.
On the other hand, at the time he was elected, the President’s Media Division had 208 personnel, which was promptly reduced to 83. A vast number of vehicles allocated to the Presidential Secretariat were reallocated to various ministries and departments. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa also put a stop to the practice of ordering catering service from five-star hotels for events hosted at the Presidential Secretariat and instead this service is now obtained from the Sri Lanka Navy catering.
The President also cancelled the two senior additional secretary posts attached to the Presidential Secretariat and the 16 additional secretaries were reduced to five. Thus, he has set an example on how to manage a public office with minimum staff with better efficiency, for all the other ministers and MPs to follow.
Another step that was taken by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was, to immediately put a stop to a number of special projects undertaken by the Presidential Secretariat, which could easily be handled at ministry level, and that save a large sum of money for the Government. For example, the funds allocated for the ‘Smart Sri Lanka’ Project alone amounted to Rs 500 million.
As a part of the President’s plans to reduce unnecessary costs and stopping the squandering of public funds, he went on to cut down on the number of staff members who travel with him for official work in foreign countries.
Also, he minimised the number of foreign trips take by Ministers and other public officials. Instead of telling the people and public officials what should be done to save public funds, he set an example by including only the most essential and most relevant public officials when travelling aboard.
Instead of appointing his close acquaintances to high places within the public sector, with the support of proper committees, he chose qualified people for the right positions. Some political figures did not like this. This gave a semblance of hope to people who trusted in and voted for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. People highly admired the manner how these appointments were made.
When it comes to reforming and reviving public institutions, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has taken a number of noteworthy steps with the aim of ensuring public institutions’ effectiveness and efficiency. During the past governments’ tenure, people had to face countless hardships due to the inefficiency of public institutions and public officials, and the President stepped forward to ensure that tax-payers’ hard-earned money are put to good use.
A couple of months ago President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited in person a number of public institutions including the Department of Motor Traffic (DMV)and checked himself the daily operations of each institution and how efficiently the public could obtain the services they seek.
In addition, the President also paid his attention to corruptions taking place in these institutions, and also gave instructions to responsible officials to mitigate these corruptions. It would not be an exaggeration to state that these types of measures helped the President to gain people’s admiration and respect, because of the simple reason that people want to see their tax money being used the right way. What’s more, the President also issued instructions to heads of public institutions to stop displaying of his photo at public institutions, which no President had done before.
In addition, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given the full freedom to public officials to perform their duties without disruptions or interferences. The freedom of the Judiciary has been ensured. Law-enforcement agencies are not being used to take revenge on rivals; instead, these institutions have been given the full freedom to enforce the law in order to prosecute the culprits of the Central Bank Bonds Scam and the Easter Sunday terror attacks. The Media have been given the fullest freedom and consequently it has strengthened the democracy in the country.
Actions speak louder
In the recent past, most people claimed that the Executive Presidency must be abolished. Unfortunately, several activists and organisations that supported the Yahapalana Government to come to power went on to change the Constitution unnecessarily.
They also said that Parliament must be strengthened, and President of the country has no significant powers after the passing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Power is not something that needs to be given attention unnecessarily. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has proved it by his actions. People are aware of what might have happened to the country if Parliament had power today. However, unfortunately, certain people intentionally act against this.
The year 2020 started with the outbreak of COVID-19, and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to face this massive challenge before he could even hold the Parliamentary Election and form a proper government. However, he took all possible measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to give proper healthcare facilities to those who were infected with the virus.
It would not be wrong to say that his foresight and timely actions helped to save Sri Lanka from a pandemic that has dealt a heavy blow on almost all countries across the world. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has not been completely eradicated from Sri Lanka, the decrease in the number of new COVID-19 cases as well as the number of completely recovered persons are concrete proof that Sri Lanka has been able to control the spread of this deadly pandemic significantly. When other countries continue to face hundreds and sometimes thousands of deaths each day, Sri Lanka, with limited resources, has set an example as to how to control the adverse effects of COVID-19.
Both the public sector and private sector, today, have started to recommence their jobs with confidence and with determination. The reason for that confidence is the systematic plans devised by the government to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advices were taken from experts in the medical field. Also, intelligence units were tasked with controlling the spread of this deadly virus by identifying how it spreads. This move in fact revived the intelligence units in the country. The Police, Tri-Forces and all other defence personnel worked hard, for a common aim.
People’s safety has been restored. People keep hope and faith in those who are working determinedly to eliminate COVID-19. Despite the unfortunate situation the country is facing, essential goods, especially food, medicine and hygiene products, were distrusted at normal prices and sometimes at concessional prices. Even during this difficult time, there was no shortage of medicine and medical equipment, and healthcare facilities were also built and developed to treat people infected with COVID-19.
Fighting back
While ensuring that people are able to obtain essential goods, travel restrictions were imposed to control people’s travelling behaviours and thereby minimise the spread of the virus. Sri Lanka also built and strengthened healthy relationships with other countries, and Sri Lankans living in various parts of the world requested that the government bring them back.
The President took prompt measures to bring them back to the country and send them to quarantine centres as needed. Also, the President paid attention to school children as well as students studying in higher education centres, whose education was disrupted due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the consequent closing of educational institutions.
To ensure that these students can continue their studies, new educational programmes were introduced through digital/ online media. In a bid to ensure that people are able to obtain the food they need, especially vegetable and fruit, farming in gardens was also promoted and people were given seeds and necessary guidance. All these activities deserve to be admired and recognised.
Some even said that distributing money to people before an election was a bad example; however, the President stood with the people and helped people who were having financial difficulties amidst the curfew. Some even demanded that the old Parliament be reconvened and that the Parliamentary Election be further postponed.
They went on to claim that the country is plunging into a Constitutional crisis. Not only that, they also questioned the legality of the curfew, which was imposed for the safety of the people. The President allowed relevant officials to do their duty. During these efforts, the President took the advice of the Maha Sangha and act accordingly. Eventually, the country has come to a stable state.
However, our endeavours will not come to an end until a vaccine is found to treat people infected with COVID-19. There is also an uncertainty as to how this situation may change in future, and it is in this context we have to continue to build and strengthen the tomorrow of the country. It is extremely important that Sri Lanka boost manufacturing activates while limiting expenditures. It is also important that we get the assistance of intelligence who are willing to think fresh and do new work. They all are an asset in this challenging situation. With a load of hopes and plans, today, the country is being reopened to the people.
The Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, one of the most salubrious provinces that is home to both an internationally-known natural harbour and locally-infamous lover’s leap, remains calm in the face of the raging pandemic, as none of its residents have reported the contraction of COVID-19.
The Province, comprising the three Districts of Batticaloa, Ampara and Trincomalee, and of four regions including Kalmunai, has performed outstandingly at a time the country, like much of the world, was brought to a standstill due to the rapid spread of the virus.
The curfew was lifted many times in the East, unlike in other provinces, and the people had more freedom of movement. Most towns were active, unlike those in Districts such as Colombo, Gampaha and Puttalam, which remained ghostly in the last one-and-a-half months.
This is because the people of the East had been cautious about the situation ever since Sri Lanka’s first COVID-19 case, when a woman from China was diagnosed in February. The mission that was then mounted by the East to prevent the disease is worth noting.
Not a single case of COVID-19 was reported among residents of the Trincomalee District. Outsiders accounted for all cases in the region, two of whom had returned from overseas and others that were sent to a quarantine centre in the area.
This successful effort to keep Easterners safe from the life-threatening disease that has paralysed the world in the last three months or so, was made possible by the Eastern Province Health officials, along with the Police and the Tri Forces, who began planning to combat it from the month of February, when the world saw it coming from Wuhan, China.
When the World Health Organisation (WHO) urged nations to treat the pandemic as an extreme situation, the Public Health Service of the Eastern Province took it seriously and began their mission to combat it as if it had already spread in the Province.
Moreover, people in the East, like Northerners, are not culturally inclined to shake hands, or hug and kiss each other, which could have contributed to controlling the spread of the pathogen. They also tend to live within their communities and traditionally cook their own meals, avoiding fast food and restaurants.
Today there are 14 quarantine centres in the East for COVID-19 cases, namely two in Ampara, four in Batticaloa, four in Trincomalee and four in Kalmunai, and the Government has spent Rs 43 million in the last three months on the Eastern Province’s mission to combat COVID-19.
The war-ravaged North and East have been classified as neglected provinces, where the demand for facilities and proper services from the public and private sectors are comparatively higher than other provinces.
The Easterners’ way of life calls for sharing and caring among their own communities, a practice that evolved naturally over decades of war. In the face of the ongoing pandemic, however, they have prioritised personal health, being vigilant of strangers visiting their areas.
This is because the Easterners were given special programmes on avoiding contact with others and maintaining social distancing. Health officials also taught them not to wait till masks are available, but to stitch their own using clean cloth.
Health Services’ efforts to fight COVID-19 in the East
Provincial Director of Health Services for the Eastern Province, Dr. Lathaharan Alagiah told Ceylon Today about the success story of keeping the East safe from COVID-19.
He recalled how in mid-February they began conducting awareness programmes in the four regions to warn people of the spread of COVID-19 and how entire neighbourhoods would be affected by even a single infected individual. These were conducted via mobile announcements, door-to-door awareness campaigns, and pocket meetings for officials.
He said the Public Health Service in partnership with the Tri-Forces began their preventive efforts at the early stages of the crisis, which brought about the campaign’s success.
“The hospitals and Medical Officers of Health (MOH) units were involved in rigorous COVID-19 preventive measures, even when there were no cases reported in the East. The public health service of the Eastern Province also had a daily activity chart, explaining what they did for the day, and holding conference calls to share information with the relevant bodies,” he explained.
“These activities were in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, which encouraged all countries to continue preparedness activities and issued interim guidance on how to do this. This included information on how to monitor for sick people, test samples, treat patients, control infection in health centres, and maintain the right supplies.”
Prevention over cure:Coordinated efforts
He noted that the first reported cases were from Batticaloa, when a man from the UK tested positive for COVID-19, and Akkaraipattu, when a man who had returned from Dubai was found to be carrying the virus, which had also spread to his wife. “These three cases were within the region and they were cured,” he said, adding there were also two Navy personnel who were sent from Welisara from the Western Province, and not from the East.
During their early planning to combat the virus, Dr. Alagiah said they held a series of meetings, for internal and sectoral coordination and among MOH units, and between regional leaders and the Senior DIG of the Eastern Province.
The awareness programmes then began in mid-February 2020. “We began telling the public how fast COVID-19 could spread. There are 46 MOH in the East working in the four regions and three districts. The MOH started working with the Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and midwives to educate the public.”
He pointed out that another success story was how the Kattankudy Quarantine Centre was established at the Base Hopital within a few weeks, allowing for suspected patients to be isolated for treatment.
This location saw 62 suspected cases arriving from quarantine centres in the East, 55 of whom were discharged by 10 May. Despite only presenting mild symptoms, they were treated as COVID-19 patients, and were given a nutritious diet that included fish, vegetable and fruit.
The regional technical officers of the Epidemiology Unit work with the Public Health Service doctors in the four Regional Directors of Health Services (RDHS), who in turn work with the Senior DIG of the Eastern Province, Nilantha Jayewardene. The MOH are assigned to work with the SSPs of the 43 divisions of the Eastern Province.
Also, the RDHS and the district’s COVID-19 Taskforce, along with all categories of public administration, are linked up with the Tri-Forces, especially the Army, which have offered excellent coordination for the COVID-19 mission thus far.
The first case onwards
The best way to restrict the spread was by tracing the primary and secondary contacts of the infected person, which happened quickly when the patient from the UK was detected.
When it was discovered that this man was positive for COVID-19, the PHI rushed with his team to trace his primary and secondary contacts, which amounted to 17 in number, all of whom were sent to quarantine centres within a day. Likewise, the teams have quarantined 17 people from Batticaloa, 81 from Kalmunai and 18 (Navy personnel) in Trincomalee; 114 in total. They were all treated, cured and released.
Although the COVID-19 spread was initially curtailed through the prolonged lockdown, it spread quite rapidly, given the fact that many Sri Lankans from overseas returned home before the airport was shut down. “However, the public health system in Sri Lanka is one of the best in the Asian region and we have set a good example,” noted Dr. Alagiah.
He pointed out the Health Ministry intermittently issued circulars, which were quickly acted upon, and provided all facilities to fight the spread of COVID-19.
“The simple rule of having one’s personal health be the top of the agenda saves everyone; this is the only message we can give to start with,” Dr. Alagiah stated.
Balancing civil life with safety
Eastern Province Governor, Anuradha Yahampath noted that their efforts got off to a good start when the first patient was identified and all those who associated with him were sent to quarantine. Subsequently, village-level lockdowns, which required people to remain at home for 14 days, were implemented days whenever suspected cases came to light. She added, “There was no big shout over this. We explained the situation and calmed the villagers.”
She also added that tourists were asked to remain indoors and not move about in towns when the curfew was lifted, adding, “Before the Bandaranaike International Airport was shut down, we provided transport for tourists who wished to leave the country.”
Public Health Service, Eastern Province Director of Planning, Mohammed Faiz said that they followed two methods to fight the virus – prevention and curative.
“We primarily wanted to take all preventive measures against COVID-19, on seeing the fast-spreading nature of the virus. We acted swiftly to ensure foreigners remain indoors and cancel their tour plans within the country. By 15 March, all activities were halted and people were asked to live in isolation as much as possible.”
Meanwhile, quarantined families and individuals are given dry rations to cook their three daily meals, while the curfew was lifted every three days, so there was no confusion; and the Tri-Forces continue to do their best to serve the people during this time.
Wearing a mask is a must for anyone stepping outside the house, while vendors have been permitted to sell vegetable and dry rations from house to house. Fish markets are being run on district borders so that trading can carry on without people crossing over, as travel between districts is strictly prohibited.
While the authorities’ efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19 are commendable, it must also be noted that the Eastern Province’s residents have played their part by taking responsibility and cooperating with the guidelines and directives issued. As Governor Yahampath stated, “People are continuing their lives in this manner these days.”
Like many other countries in the world, Sri Lanka was also put on a lockdown due to COVID-19.
On 12 March, the airport was closed and the Western Province, which is the heart of economic activities in the country, was also subjected to lockdown. Social life was fully paralysed. The primary focus of the Government was to save the lives of the people from the coronavirus. The next most serious challenge was to restore social life.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa established a task force under former Minister Basil Rajapaksa to provide essential services and to restore normalcy.
The society is unaware of the way the task force acted to overcome the challenge and the difficulties they faced. This article aims at exploring this special operation during the corona time.
Modern Sri Lanka did not have prior experience on a similar global pandemic. Positively responding to the situation, the President appointed a task force. As a precautionary measure, curfew was imposed. However, the complete lockdown paralysed the economy. Production factories, distribution networks, retail markets and all the service centres were closed. Social mechanisms abruptly halted. People had no place to buy essential goods and services.
Government had to shoulder the burden of safeguarding the lives of the people of the country. The Presidential Task Force was able to manage the situation, step by step, within two weeks giving solutions to many unforseen problems.
We identified three major factors the task force on essential services had focused. The Government strategy was aiming at three kinds of members of the society. One section had money in their hands but could not purchase essentials. Some had money in banks but could not withdraw them. The third group had neither money nor a way to buy essentials. The task force had to address all these issues.
Therefore, the first step was to make way for the people who had money in their hands to buy essentials. Super markets were opened and a distribution networks were established
Mobile teller machines and cash delivery systems were introduced for the benefit of the people who wanted to withdraw money from their bank accounts.
The supermarkets that handled door do door delivery in urban settings were not sufficient to cater the needs of the people in every part of the island. Therefore, a system was established for distribution of goods by delivery vehicles.
The administrative network, comprising District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, Gramaseva officers and Samurdhi officers were deployed to distribute food and other essential items directly or via economic centres. The reports on the available and non-available resources in districts were summoned from the administrative officers.
Those reports were based on distribution and delivery. Economic centres were opened and the surplus production in districts was sent there. The necessary commodities were acquired from the economic centres directly. The Divisional Secretaries were given powers to carry out necessary buying and selling.
The small vendors were allowed to purchase items through this network and sell them door to door in delivery vehicles. The intermediary traders also started their wholesale operations. It was a complicated network although it appeared simple.
By then, almost all the hotels, restaurants and cafeterias had been closed. However, the farmers had cultivated crops especially targeting the New Year season. The Government had to purchase the production from the farmers and distribute it to the people free of charge in some instances. So far, the Government has purchased over two million kilos of vegetable from farmers.
Sri Lanka has 6.5 million families and among the country’s population, 1.5 million are public employees. The Government paid compensation of Rs 5,000 to 7.2 million families. There were delays but all of the needy people received relief.
The trading in the economic centres were paralysed as a result of corona lockdown and it was not an unexpected situation for the task force. The committee identified new issues related to production and distribution. New packaging systems were necessary for new ways of distribution.
Some kind of food processing needed to be continued and the Government permitted such factories to operate. Meanwhile, there were extraordinary issues like feeding farm animals. The number of problems that needed solutions was massive in number. The Government had to think of the economy anew.
The remittances decreased while the export market collapsed due to corona crisis in export destinations of Sri Lankan products. As local production had collapsed, the Government decided to permit the industries of export products to restart with health precautions to safeguard their orders.
No one knows how long the country or the world has to paddle through the crisis caused by the coronavirus. Experts predict the situation to prevail until a vaccine is introduced. However, people have to overcome the difficulties and maintain social life.
About 200 public officials directly participated in decision making of the special task force on essential services. The committee could strentgthen the public service and activate it with new vigour during the crisis. Administrative mechanism from District and Divisional Secretaries upto the Gramaseva officials acted tirelessly to serve people during the the curfew. These are the positive factors identified during the crisis time.
The biggest issue was distribution of medical drugs and this is the first time in world history that a postal service came forward to distribute medicine. The drugs prescrbed to the clinic patients were delivered to their doorstep by the Postal Department. Private pharmacies also distributed medicine to houses. Within two weeks, the burning issues of the people were solved. Some people were happy with the new method of essential commodities delivered to the door step. The crisis led to the invention of new distribution networks.
The Presidential Task Force on Essential Services used state-of-the-art technology. IT experts, software developers, economists, business experts, administrative officers as well as agricultural experts worked in one network. The distribution of Rs 5,000 compensation caused chaos and now the Government is developing a more professional network for that purpose too.
We must mention that COVID-19 pandemic led to the introduction of many new mechanisms to the society. The trend can be identified as a great leap forward in terms of development.
However, the construction industry came to a standstill with the curfew. Now the Government has opened the path for essential imports in the industry to reactivate the sector.
The country is now at this juncture because of the thoughtful actions taken by the task force on essential services, otherwise the result could have been very bad. The hidden secret behind this success is the freedom of decision making provided to the committee and the relevant authorities. The officials who were previously afraid of signing a document boldly acted trusting the leadership.
The public service today is the same that prevailed before the crisis. No magic was performed but a new trust was built up. Many public officials used to work online. Meetings were held remotely using online apps. New systems as well as new behaviours were introduced.
The President’s task force on essential services has now concluded its responsibility. Now it will guide rebuilding Sri Lanka under the guidance of chairman Basil Rajapaksa. The task force on rebuilding the economy comprises a large number of human resources from both public and private sectors.
They are assessing the situation of the country and the causes for the economic downturn. Programmes will be designed to rehabilitate each sector of the economy. The Government will provide the necessary assistance while the contribution expected from the private sector is being evaluated.
The task force is now studying about the ways of sustaining and reinventing the markets for Sri Lanka’s exports. New plans will soon be launched systematically and the vision of prosperity of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be underway surely and steadily.
The all- powerful Indian Administrative Service (IAS), over decades has been considered as the steel frame of government and governance in India. A Sri Lankan High Commissioner, who served in New Delhi somewhere in the last five years, in an attempt to familiarise Indian bureaucracy to a group of Sri Lankans once said; “You may have met several joint secretaries during your stay here.
Even though they are referred to as ‘joint’ Secretaries, they actually are ‘giant’ secretaries. It’s not the ministers or politicians that call the cards here, it is ‘them’. So I call them giant secretaries.”
This has been the common belief and may have remained same at least until the second term of Prime Minister Naredra Modi’s BJP Government regained power.
The BJP in its 2019 election manifesto stated: “To transform India into a developed nation, we need to work with the guiding principle of ‘minimum government and maximum governance’ and we will bring reform in the civil services and implement it in a manner to achieve.”
Mentioned in their 2019 election manifesto about the need of bringing reforms to the IAS, Prime Minister Modi’s Government actually started shaking and stirring the 70- year old Indian Administrative Service in the latter part of 2019. By January 2020, it began the controversial 360 degree appraisal format, the abrupt, unexplained and frequent transfers of officers from one ministry to another, the introduction of biometric attendance in government offices. Basically, PM Modi, unlike any other predecessor, dared giving a makeover to an institution that exerts more power than most civil services anywhere in the world.
Main reason for this major shake-up, as views expressed by experts and was published in Indian Media at the time, was that the efforts of the government do not seem to percolate down towards its intended recipients. While, the Administrative Service in India was undergoing reforms, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa too appeared to have lost his cool during a meeting with a group of bureaucrats.
While insisting that irrational laws should not obstruct the policies formulated to achieve the economic objectives of the people, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told State officials to either fall in line with his policies or step down.
During a meeting held on 14 May, with officials and Ministry Secretaries attached to the plantation industry sector, at the Presidential Secretariat, the President said that when the Government takes forward a policy, all State institutions and Departments must ensure that the said policy is implemented The meeting was called to find solutions to a number of issues rooted in the plantation industry “State institutions should be maintained without burdening the Treasury.
It should not take long to present these strategies. Mutual understanding among State institutions and proper awareness about State policies will ensure that there would not be any conflicts among institutions. When a Government makes the right decision with regard to a State policy, all State institutions should comply.
There should be no room to withhold carrying out the right thing. A State official who could not execute the right thing is a burden to this nation. A State official is an individual who resolves issues and not neglects them,” President Rajapaksa stressed.
He also said that he is doing things the right way and that if the right policies cannot be implemented there is no point in having public sector officials.
“You know what my policies are. You will either need to act accordingly or voice your protest and leave. That is what I have to say. I don’t care if it is a secretary or a head of department,” he added.
The President noted that a decision was taken to cease the importation of ethanol which had been traumatizing the economy for a long time and he added that he would not withdraw his decision due to any influence from businessmen.
It was revealed during the meeting that State institutions had to resort to legal action as affiliated institutions had not properly discussed their issues with each other. It came to light that the Land Reforms Commission has filed over 800 cases and that 300 of them were against the Plantations Corporation.
On Monday (11), seven Secretaries were appointed, with immediate effect, to Ministries, including Health, Public Administration, Tourism and Justice.
Accordingly, (Ms.) S.M. Mohamed has been appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights and Law Reforms; J.J. Ratnasiri as the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Former Secretary of Public Administration, S. Hettiarachchi as the Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation; H.K.D.W.M.N.B. Hapuhinna as the Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and Social Security; and (Ms.) J.M.B. Jayawardena as the Secretary to the Ministry of Internal Trade, Food Safety and Consumer Welfare.
Two Majors General also were appointed as Secretaries to two Ministries. This includes Retired Major General A.K.S. Perera as the Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli, Agriculture, Irrigation and Rural Development, and Major General Sanjeewa Munasinghe as the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Director General of Health Service Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Former Secretary to the Ministry Bhadrani Jayawardene were present when Major General Munasinghe assumed duties. Ever since his induction to office, President Rajapaksa came under severe criticism by his opponents and was accused of attempting to bring the country under gradual and indirect militarization.
However, upon being questioned about these concerns earlier in March this year, he defended the appointment of ex-military officers to top posts in State institutions.
Speaking to heads of print and electronic media, President Rajapaksa said that high ranking military personnel are trained both locally and internationally in a number of fields including administration.
He said that even the former Government had appointed military officers to head State institutions; in fact more than what he has done in numbers. Yet, nobody seems to have even taken a note on that, he said.
Nobody is exempt from coronavirus restrictions – not even the Prime Minister.
Jacinda Ardern was turned away from a Wellington cafe, Olive, Saturday (16) morning because it had already reached its limit of customers under social distancing rules.
A post about the incident on Twitter drew a sheepish reply from Jacinda Ardern’s partner Clarke Gayford.
“I have to take responsibility for this, I didn’t get organised and book anywhere,” he admitted.
But wait, the story has a happy ending. Shortly after the first couple was turned away, space opened up, and staff from the restaurant caught up with them.
“Was very nice of them to chase us down the street when a spot freed up. A+ service,” Gayford said.
Olive’s owner was bemused by the media attention, but told the Herald it was nice “after all the drama and stress” of the past two months to be talking about “something light-hearted and fun”.
He didn’t want to give his name but confirmed Ardern was turned away by the restaurant manager, and then chased down the street a few minutes later when a table became free – something the owner said they did for other customers as well.
“She had a lovely brunch and left half an hour later. She was lovely with all the staff … [and] she was treated like a normal customer.”
He wouldn’t say what the Prime Minister ordered at the restaurant, which describes itself online as “an institution on Wellington’s Cuba St”.
With latest Eight (08) more persons have tested positive for Covid-19 (new coronavirus) infection, the country total has increased to 957 according to the latest information by the Epidemiology unit of the Ministry of Health.
Covid-19 Situation Report as at 2020-May-16| compiled according to the Health promotion Bureau and the Epidemiology Unit data
Total confirmed cases 957 Recovered and discharged – 520 Active cases – 428 New Cases for the day -22
The Mahawewa Medical Officer’s office have taken measures to seal a religious place that was convened in violation of the quarantine laws.
A group of 27 people had gathered at a religious center in Marawila this afternoon and the people in the area had lodged a complaint with the Marawila police.
When the police raided the place, they found children without masks amongst the group who had violated quarantine laws.
The police stated that action will be taken to prosecute the person who is conducting the religious place.
