.By

Sandun A Jayasekera

Former President Maithripala Sirisena said there is growing animosity between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe like a rivalry.

He said it was similar to the rivalry between him as the president and Mr. Wickremesinghe as the prime minister at that time.
It was quite clear that there was no coordination, mutual understanding or unity between the two and that was why the Gotabaya Rajapakse – Ranil Wickremesinghe rule has become a total failure, dragging the country and its 22 million people into an unfathomable abyss, he added.

Continue reading ‘“There is growing animosity between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe” says EX-President Maithripala Sirisena’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Growing up in her village in Sri Lanka’s northern Kilinochchi district, Sadasivam Kalaiyarasi had one dream — to play cricket for Sri Lanka. It came true this week, when she made it to the country’s under-19 squad, becoming the first Tamil girl to enter the national cricket arena.

“It’s my father who got me interested in cricket and supported me. I’m here because of him,” says the lanky teenager, attired in her dark blue and red training gear. Her recent selection not only highlighted sporting aspirations in the former war zone, but also brought some much-needed cheer to locals who, like many other Sri Lankans, are braving crippling shortages and power cuts due to the national economic crisis.

A keen follower of cricket, Ms. Kalaiyarasi’s father got his daughter to watch matches with him as a child. Seeing her pick up the game well, local coach Jeevarathinam Priyadharshan focused on honing her skills. “She is a formidable pace bowler, very consistent and confident. More recently, her batting has also improved a lot. I see her attempting leg side shots that I play, and they are getting better by the day,” says the proud mentor. “In a zonal match held earlier this week, she hit what, six sixes?” he asks her student. “Seven, sir,” she gently corrects him.

Continue reading ‘16 Year old Sadasivam Kalaiyarasi of Kilinochchi Becomes First Tamil Girl to be Selected for Sri Lanka’s Women Under 19 Cricket Squad; fast bowler cum hard hitting batter braves poverty, poor infrastructure and gender stereotyping with full support of working class parents’ »

By P.K.Balachandran

On the face of it, China appears to be shedding its aloofness and trying to create the impression that it is also helping Sri Lanka overcome the current grave economic crisis. It says that it has pumped in US$ 76 million so far.

But that sum pales into insignificance in comparison with India’s largesse of US$ 3.5 billion. What is glaring is the absence of a willingness on China’s part to restructure the repayment of its loans, and the conditions which it has attached to the use of the funds given.

Beijing’s tough stance gives the impression that it does not consider it worthwhile to put any more money into Sri Lanka or go out of the way to be considerate to it.

Apparently, China thinks that Sri Lanka has not created a climate for economic growth which will help attract Chinese and foreign investment. For Beijing, the real solution to Sri Lanka’s current crisis lies in promoting economic growth, securing FDIs, increasing trade and signing an FTA with it.

China believes that Sri Lanka’s problems are of its own making. Therefore, first and foremost task for Sri Lanka should be to set its house in order. If the Western nations want Sri Lanka to agree to the IMF’s conditions before they consider pumping in money or make investments, China wants Sri Lanka to create a suitable climate for Chinese investment and sign a Free Trade Agreement with it. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other top officials had made this very clear to the Lankan Establishment.

Continue reading ‘If China persists with its line of radically changing the way the Sri Lankan economy is run, Sri Lanka will have no option but to hitch its fortunes to India and the West rather than China.’ »

By

Lakmal Suriyagoda

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has filed a Fundamental Rights petition in Supreme Court challenging the appointment of businessman Dhammika Perera to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, as a Member of Parliament.

In accordance with Article 99A of the Constitution, the CPA’s position is that a person is only entitled to be nominated to fill such a vacancy if their name was included in the district nomination papers or national list submitted by the relevant political party.

The CPA stated that Dhammika Perera’s name was not on the list submitted by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to the Election Commission under Article 99A of the Constitution or in any nomination paper submitted in respect of any electoral district by the SLPP for the General Election held in 2020.

Continue reading ‘Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) files aFundamental Rights petition in Supreme Court challenging the Nomination of businessman Dhammika Perera to the SLPP National List MP seat Vacated by Basil Rajapaksa’ »

Former Speaker and the National Movement for Social Justice Chairman, Karu Jayasuriya in a statement yesterday, raised concerns over the failure of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in re-enacting the 19A duly as Mr. Rajapaksa promised to the country.

The full text of the statement made by Mr. Jayasuriya is as follows:

Today I would like to recall once again how our head of state assured the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the international community that he would protect our country’s democracy and the human rights of all Sri Lankans. He also quite publicly stated he would see to the re-enactment of the 19th Amendment in parliament, and claimed he will not object to the abolishment of the executive presidency. Additionally, the President also pledged to the country’s people and its religious leaders that a new constitution would be adopted within a year of coming into power and the provision allowing dual citizens to hold parliamentary seats will be removed.

It must be emphasised that these promises were given by none other than the President of the Republic of Sri Lanka. However, he has failed to deliver to date. No constitution has been brought forward and the promise has been limited to mere words.

One must question then if the international community will trust a head of state that has openly violated promises and assurances given before the world to the people of his own country. Will his countrymen put their trust in him? Will investors trust him? Will those who deal with our country on various levels trust him?
We are ashamed and embarrassed to point out these facts but it must be done as the Sri Lankan government is openly violating the many promises made to its people at its inception. The President must realise these actions would only bring disrepute to not only himself but also to the Sri Lankan people he represents.

Continue reading ‘Former Speaker and the National Movement for Social Justice Chairman, Karu Jayasuriya Urges President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Implement without Delay his Promise to do Away with the 20 th Amendment and Reviving the 19th Amendment’ »

Sri Lanka legislator Patali Champika Ranawaka, a former Minister of Power has made shocking revelations over a power deal with India’s Adani group as a controversy brews over ending competitive tenders for private power producers.

Ranawaka said as far back as November 2021, the Chairman of Ceylon Electricity Board M C Ferdinando had written to the then Treasury Secretary asking for an agreement to be signed with Adani Green Energy after he was directed to ‘facilitate’ the project.

Ranawaka said he questioned at the parliament’s Committee on Public Enterprises whether there was anything in writing from India that Adani was representing the Indian government.

The letter said Adani Green Energy has proposed a 500MW wind and solar power plant in Mannar and Pooneryn area.

“As per this directive, I assumed that this is a proposal of an investor-backed by the Government of India on the basis of the bilateral discussion between two heads of state,” the November letter said.

Continue reading ‘Champika Ranawaka MP asks whether Solar Plants at Mannar and Pooneryn Agreement with India’s Adani Green Energy is a Govt to Govt Deal? Adani had proposed a price of around 7.8 US cents per unit which was close to double the market rate says Former Power Minister’ »

Sri Lanka opposition Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam on Monday (13) rejected insinuations by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that the Batticaloa district MP had condoned the retaliatory violence on parliamentarians on May 09.
In a letter addressed to the prime minister, Rasamanickam said that he has never encouraged any violence and that a speech he gave on May 20 had been either misunderstood or misconstrued.

Speaking during a vote of condolence on a murdered government MP last Friday (10), Wickremesinghe asked the speaker to investigate a speech made previously by Rasamanickam on May 20.
Wickremesinghe said it was regrettable that one MP had remained silent during the customary round of speeches commemorating the life of MP Amarakeerthi Atukorale.

Atukorale was murdered by a violent mob on May 09 on his way home from Colombo after an unprovoked attack on peaceful protestors by government supporters triggered a wave of retaliatory violence islandwide. The offices and private residences of a number of MPs, predominantly government, were torched my mobs around the country.

Referring to the parliament’s Hansard record for May 20, Wickremesinghe said MP Rasamanickam had said the houses were burnt down for voting for bills harmful to the country such as the 20th amendment to the constitution and the 2021 budgets.
“This means that the houses were burnt because of an opposing view,” said Wickremesinghe.

MP Rasamanickam was vociferous in his denial of Wickremesinghe’s claims.

Continue reading ‘TNA B’caloa MP Shankiyan Rasamanickam writes to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Stating that he has never encouraged any violence and that a speech he gave on May 20 had been either misunderstood or misconstrued by the PM’ »

By

Rohini Hensman

I am not in Sri Lanka, and I feel torn about what is happening there. Acute anxiety about how millions will survive the shortages of food, fuel and medicine jostles against a glimmer of hope that this crisis could be the beginning of the end of a decades-long nightmare.

pic via: @UNOCHA

Since the country gained its Independence in 1948, various sections of the population have been targeted by its ruling bloc: threatened with losing their homes, livelihoods and often their lives. They have fought back, but each section has been isolated and crushed by an increasingly centralized and ruthless state. Now, for the first time, the vast majority of the population has risen in revolt. Criticism of the dictatorship is widespread, and divisions between working people may finally be healing.

It is not easy to disentangle the different strands of Sri Lanka’s long-standing political crisis, but let me try. Equality before the law – a key component of any democratic republic – was never supported by the ruling class that took power in independent Ceylon. The two main parties, the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), both endorsed ‘Sinhala-Buddhist’ supremacism. This meant persistent discrimination against ethno-religious minorities, which began right after Independence, when the UNP passed legislation disenfranchising around a million Tamils of recent Indian origin and stripping them of their citizenship. Most of those affected were plantation workers in the central hill country, who were already isolated from other sections of the working class by their confinement to the plantations.

The next major assault on equality occurred when the SLFP, led by S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, came to power in 1956 and passed the Official Language Act, or ‘Sinhala Only Bill’. The Act discriminated against all Tamil-speakers, especially in public sector employment. It sparked major protests followed by the anti-Tamil riots of 1958, in which far-right Buddhist monks played a major part, assassinating Bandaranaike the following year for not going far enough in persecuting Tamils. The leadership of the SLFP was taken over by his widow Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Tamil was downgraded and English ceased to act as a link language, in a deliberate attempt to obstruct dialogue between communities.

Such measures were opposed by the Trotskyist Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and the Communist Party of Ceylon (later the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, CPSL). Yet, once they failed to prevent the ratification of the anti-Tamil laws, the left parties did not continue the struggle against discrimination by building solidarity among working people from different linguistic and religious groups.

Continue reading ‘The prevailing economic catastrophe may create the conditions for a democratic breakthrough, if Sri Lanka’s fractured left could harness this emerging sense of solidarity among Affected people’ »

By

Lucien Rajakarunanayake

There are reports of big celebrations in California. They have heard that Basil – the Crowman or Kaputu-kaak – Rajapaksa has decided to retain his US citizenship, and come there for a holiday. His wife had already left for a big family celebration.Retaining US citizenship, especially when one’s home country, Sri Lanka, is going through its hardest time that anyone can remember, is certainly a cause for great pride and joy to SL-Americans. There are bound to be celebrations in California, like what took place in Washington DC when the pro-Trump people took to the streets, broke into the capitol and made the biggest threat to democracy.

The mood of the California supporters of the Kaputu-kaak thinking is certainly what the Rajapaksas of the now fading Rajavasala want to keep alive. It is the thinking that has made Basil’s brother, Gotabaya, say, with so much pride, that he has failed in his task of presidency, but cannot resign. He is a leader who must continue in a failed office till the end of one’s term, and be supported and propped up by an unelected Prime Minister of a hugely threatened democracy.

Continue reading ‘We must end the Parliamentary Privileges that enable corrupt and criminal politicians, found guilty by the courts, to enjoy with such contempt the affront to the process of Democracy.’ »

By

Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

When questioned as to why Sri Lanka’s law works to its most ferocious extent against anti-government protestors, Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe’s answer was typically slick.

‘The police have also arrested Members of Parliament…it is the magistrates who decide on remand’, he said. This was during one of multiple regional and global media interviews indulged in freely as the nation’s citizenry struggles in the death throes of decades of gross unchecked political corruption by Presidents and Prime Ministers of all shades and sizes.

Meanwhile allegations abound that citizens who have not committed violence are being hauled in for questioning, the latest being a Catholic nun. Premier Wickremesinghe peppered his remarks with references to the Bar Association’s role in working with state agencies to prevent abuse.

In passing, it must also be said that the Prime Minister’s co-opting of the Bar’s statements to bolster ‘his’ Government’s various positions, including the departure of the President which is a core demand of the protestors, is becoming uncomfortably frequent, to say the least.

The Bar’s denial, through a statement issued by its Executive Committee on Thursday, of the Prime Minister’s reported assertion that it ‘agreed’ to a quid-pro-quo with President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa that he could remain if the Executive Presidency is abolished, is a case in point.

Continue reading ‘Protests by the youth for ‘system change have not had much impact so far except for the changing of one set of ministerial crooks for another set of crooks while the political establishment consolidates itself!’ »

By

Austin Fernando

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived, and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic.
John F Kennedy

In a lighter vein, I amuse that President Kennedy’s above quote would have been partly motivated by a premonition he had of what would happen in Sri Lanka in 2022! What else could one surmise when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa vows “to finish the remaining two years in his term despite months-long street protests calling for his ouster.” True, no President with all attached pomp and glory would depart the comfort zone only due to street protests.

Yet, President Rajapaksa declaring he would not recontest is realistic. It is not only due to street protests but the heard and unheard protests, curses, and complaints in all nooks and corners of Sri Lanka. No one will bargain with such echoing around and contest, to win. If someone says he would contest, it will turn out to be a myth, as President Kennedy said – a lie, deliberate, contrived, and dishonest too. Sure, no one even from the Pohottuwa expects him to contest, because they may face similar consequences as what United National Party contestants experienced in August 2019!

Whether he and the Pohottuwa Government has the mandate and popularity he and his supporters claim could be easily verified on the day he contests or if he wishes to get an early endorsement at the long-delayed Provincial Council Elections. The President’s prior intimation of not seeking reelection shows his conviction of the real popularity, though he does not want to depart immediately.

If he does not stand for reelection because he wishes to focus on “fixing a financial mess” it is well and good, but it will be understood as penance, paid by him since he led the team that caused the country’s economic mess. The new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who has taken over this responsibility needs no analysts to educate him.

It is common knowledge that the economic collapse was initiated with the reduction of tax revenue in December 2019, by revisions made to tax slots and Value Added Taxation, alleged duty waivers to friendly importers, and the collapse of farming due to the President’s dream of accelerated organic agriculture combined with prohibiting fertilizer imports, power, and energy supplies restrictions due to dollar shortage, delayed action with the International Monetary Fund and debt restructuring, supported by his grabbing concentrated political power by constitutional amendment manipulations, etc. Entanglement of the economic and political crisis is borne with the last. As the team leader, he is hounded by these errors.

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Does not hear the Resounding “Gota Go Home” Demand and Instead Hangs on, living on the memories of the conflict and the unprovable 6.9 million allegedly behind him.’ »

By

Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka

Will the SLPP (‘Pohottuwa’) have a political future, or will it wind up like the LSSP-CPSL of 1977, the SLFP of 1977 or the UNP of 2020?

According to the Jataka Tales, when the Buddha was asked a question which contained a problem, he used to tell the tale of a precedent, located in Benares at the time of King Brahma Datta. The device of a retrospective was either illustrate the cyclical, karmic character of occurrence or to underscore the moral lesson of the story or both.

Similarly, if the Rajapaksas and the Pohottuwa are to understand their future, they must study the 1970s, the Sirimavo Bandaranaike administration and the outcome in 1977 and after.

The Bandaranaikes took 17 years to make a comeback, but the Rajapaksas will take twice that time as did Bongbong Marcos. This is because the Bandaranaikes had a genuine rebel in their ranks, who had retained her credibility and could therefore lead a comeback as a contrast to the Old Guard.

Chandrika Bandaranaike rebelled against her mother in April 1971, broke away from the SLFP in 1984 and was President ten years later in 1994. The Rajapaksas have no Chandrika equivalent.

Continue reading ‘The SLPP/Pohottuwa has to decide whether it wants to survive and recover, and if it wants to, it must rupture decisively with the Rajapaksas, now.’ »

By Nisthar Cassim

Top business leader and Minister-to-be Dhammika Perera yesterday resigned from all his companies and was named as a National List MP via an extraordinary gazette as part of preparations to be appointed as a Cabinet Minister.

The respective Colombo Stock Exchange-listed companies notified Dhammika’s resignation yesterday. The move is ahead of Dhammika’s appointment as the Minister of Investment Promotion and Technology following his appointment as a National List MP from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

With Dhammika obtaining the party membership SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam wrote to the Elections Commissioner naming Dhammika as the party’s nominee to fill the National List seat vacated by Rajapaksa who resigned on Thursday.
Dhammika will take oaths as a MP when the House next meets in the third week of June whilst he is tipped to be appointed as Minister shortly.

Continue reading ‘Dhammika Perera Named as SLPP National List MP by Extraordinary Gazette will Take Oaths in June 3rd week; Business Magnate Resigns from all Positions in his Companies Prior to being Apppointed Minister of Technology and Investment Promotion’ »

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) in a statement yesterday said it is concerned by several media reports that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has appointed Dhammika Perera to fill the National List seat which became vacant by the resignation of Basil Rajapaksa.

CPA noted that according to media reports, Dhammika Perera was not a member of the SLPP until a few days ago and that in any event his name was not included in the list of persons qualified to be elected as Members of Parliament, in terms of Article 99A of the Constitution (the “National List”) or any of the district lists submitted by the SLPP for the Parliamentary Election held in August 2020.

The CPA statement also said the following.

Dhammika Perera has business interests in several public and private limited companies covering several important sectors in the economy. Decisions made by Perera as a legislator and possibly as a future Minister, would have a significant and direct impact on these companies and sectors, which creates a direct conflict of interest. These conflicts of interest are not resolved simply by Perera resigning from official positions held within the companies as he would nonetheless stand to gain significant financial benefits. These circumstances make it all the more important why the citizens of Sri Lanka should have known of the potential of Perera being appointed to Parliament when they voted in the Parliamentary Election held in August 2020.

Continue reading ‘Centre for Policy Alternatives expresses concern over Dhammika Perera Being Appointed National List MP; CPA also points issues may occur out that conflict of interests may occur if Business Tycoon becomes Cabinet Minister’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday met with the owners of the media organisations in Sri Lanka and updated them about the efforts to resolve the economic crisis.

He informed the media owners that the IMF would be visiting the country on 20 June. He explained that he was hopeful that a staff-level agreement would be reached by the end of the month.

The Prime Minister also explained that due to the pending food shortages, he was launching the food security program in the country. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe added that he was hopeful that through the food security program the Government would be able to provide food free of charge to 10% of the population who would be unable to afford 3 meals.

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe appeals to media proprietors to assist the Govt in presenting a true picture of the ec0nomic situation. premier states media must hold the Govt accountable when necessary, while requesting that responsible reporting is followed.’ »

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday refuted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe assertion that it reached an agreement with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that if the 19th Amendment is restored the latter can continue.

BASL was responding to parts of a statement made by Prime Minister on June 8 in Parliament referring to the BASL.

The Prime Minister had said in the statement: “It was the Bar Association which met the President on May 8th and arrived at an agreement with him. That if you restore the 19th Amendment and especially if you abolish the executive Presidency you can continue to be President.

Continue reading ‘Bar Association of Sri Lanka says it did not give any assurance to President Rajapaksa that he could continue in office if he agreed to abolish the Executive Presidency and the 20th Constitutional Amendment’ »

A vote of condolence on a murdered Sri Lankan government MP on Friday (10) saw Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe calling for an inquiry on an opposition legislator and ex-PM Mahinda Rajapaksa claiming that the country’s protesting youth have blood on their hands.

Noting the parliamentary tradition of a vote of condolence on a deceased MP, Wickremesinghe said it was regrettable that one MP had remained silent during Friday morning’s round of speeches commemorating the life of MP Amarakeerthi Atukorale.

Atukorale was murdered by a violent mob on May 09 on his way home from Colombo after an unprovoked attack on peaceful protestors by government supporters triggered a wave of retaliatory violence islandwide. The offices and private residences of a number of MPs, predominantly government, were torched my mobs around the country.

Referring to the parliament’s Hansard record for May 20, Wickremesinghe said opposition Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam had said the houses were burnt down for voting for bills harmful to the country such as the 20th amendment to the constitution and the 2021 budgets.

“This means that the houses were burnt because of an opposing view,” said Wickremesinghe.

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe Takes Issue with B’caloa MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam’s May 20 Speech in Parliament; If MP does not withdraw his statement by next week, the Speaker must investigate his remarks and put the matter before a committee says Prime Minister’ »

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has written to Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Stephen Twigg to investigate the murder of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Amarakeerthi Athukorale by a mob on May 09, Wickremesinghe told parliament on Friday (10).

Speaking at a vote of condolence on Atukorale held Friday morning, Wickremesinghe said an impartial investigation was needded into the MP’s murder and the retaliatory violence that ensued on May 09 after supporters of ex-PM Mahinda Rajapaksa launched an unprovoked attack on peaceful protestors.

The private residences of various MPs – predominantly affiliated with the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) – were torched late into the evening across the country. Opposition MP Kumara Welgama – a prominent and early critic of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa – also came under attack in the outskirts of Colombo that evening.

Continue reading ‘PM Ranil Wickremesinghe Writes to Stephen Twigg asking the Secy-Gen of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to Investigate the murder of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Amarakeerthi Athukorale by a mob on May 09.’ »

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka’s former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa vacated his parliamentary seat on Thursday (09) downplaying his role in the country’s worst ever forex crisis, without ruling out a comeback, and likening the Rajapaksa family to India’s RSS.

Exactly one month after his older brother and then Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned against a backdrop of bloody violence, the younger Rajapaksa announced his departure from the legislature Thursday morning at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) headquarters where he fielded questions from reporters eager to press him on his part in the ongoing calamity.

Rajapaksa appeared to be in a beaten-but-not-defeated mood as he attempted to use humour to deflect questions about his responsibility and, at one point, even seemed to shift the blame to the very people who had voted for his party, the SLPP.

“No, I’m not passing the buck to the people. But yes, they do hold some responsibility for electing us to power. If, as you say, we passed the buck, then those who gave us the buck in the first place are also responsible,” said Rajapaksa, quickly recovering from a question that had visibly agitated him

It was the one moment in the hour-long press briefing in which he lost his cool.

Continue reading ‘Basil Rajapaksa Resigns as Member of Parliament: The Ex-Finance Minister Retires from Governance, but will continue to play an active role in politics as SLPP National Organizer. “I think we can see that our family is better at politics than at governance.” Says BR’ »

(Text of Speech made in Parliament by TNA Jaffna District Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran on 08h June 2022)

Thank you Hon. Presiding member for the opportunity to speak at this debate on the statement made by the Hon. Prime Minister yesterday and the Motion for supplementary estimate.

The country is looking to the parliament today for answers to an unprecedented economic crisis that the country is facing. Each time this parliament meets people have had expectations that there would be some change, some forward movement to resolve this crisis.

And the people are disappointed because, this was a parliament when it was constituted or soon thereafter had two third‘s support for the government, and with that 2/3rd support that they gathered together, they brought an amendment to the constitution, the 20th amendment, and strengthened the hands of the President, which was by the 19th Amendment taken back to Parliament somewhat, that was reversed.

And the President’s own election manifesto in 2019, the “Vistas of Prosperity and splendor”… I urge everyone in this country to read that manifesto. You will die laughing before you actually die of hunger, if you read that manifesto and compare it to the state that the country is in today.

In the manifesto, before I deal with other matters; the one very specific proposal that he made, is at page 36 and 37 in the English version of the manifesto, where at page 37, he very specifically says “income tax will be reduced, economic service charge and withholding tax will be scrapped. A simple value added tax of 8 % will be introduced, replacing both the current VAT of 15 % and the Nation building tax of 2 %, payee tax will be scrapped and personal income tax will be subject to a ceiling of 15 %. 5-year moratorium will be granted on taxes payable by agriculturist and small and medium enterprises” and so on.

Huge tax reliefs announced even in his election manifesto – it was an election promise. I want to table those two pages, titled chapter 5 “People Centric economy” page 36 and 37. I am tabling it.

Continue reading ‘“Those who are greatly affected by the serious economic crisis are the most ordinary citizens and the poorest of this country and we don’t seem to think about them or care about them.”- MA Sumanthiran MP in Parliament’ »

By

D.B.S.Jeyaraj

(A family of four in the North – western town of Vankalai in Mannar district was brutally massacred on June 8th 2006. The persons responsible for the cruel act are yet to be brought to justice. I wrote a detailed article about the incident under the heading ”Vicious Violence Wipes Out family of four in Vankalai” for “The Morning Leader” of June 13th 2006. I am reproducing the article without changes on my blog to denote the 16th anniversary of the horrible incident- DBSJ)

Vicious Violence wipes out family of four in Vankalai

By
D.B.S. Jeyaraj
13 June 2006

The on going ethnic fratricide in Sri Lanka has seen brutal violence on several occasions. The savagery shown in the slaying of a family of four in the North – Western village of Vankalai last Thursday (June 8th 2006) was perhaps bestiality at its worst. Even the most hardened eyes would have turned moist at the terrible sight of the four victims killed so cruelly by persons who can only be described as barbarians.

Gruesomely graphic photographs of the four victims have been displayed in various sections of the Tamil media. The father, daughter and son were hanging dead in one room while the mother was dead on the floor in another room. The intestines of the seven year old boy are seen protruding. The vaginal area of the twenty – seven year old mother and nine year old daughter were extremely bloody. It appears that the killers have sadistically tortured their victims including the thirty – eight year old father.

The scene of this terrible massacre was in a village called Vankalai in the North – Western district of Mannar. Vankalai is situated north by north – west on the mainland . It is four and a half miles away from Thallaadi military base.. It is about six miles to the South – East of Mannar town.

In recent times the people of Vankalai had been retiring to the St. Annes and other churches during nightfall. Staying at home during night was not safe due to the security situation. The victimised family too used to do that. The family had been absent from Church on Thursday night. When relatives and neighbours checked on the following morning they found the entire family dead. The victims had been hacked, beaten, tortured and hung. The mother and daughter seemed to have been violated sexually.

The brutal massacre has resulted in much tension. Though there are no eyewitnesses to the actual killing or torture the people of Vankalai suspect members of the security forces as being responsible. The state and its media have denied security force responsibilty . There has been a counter charge that the tigers were responsible. Few people in Mannar believe that. The Catholic Bishop of Mannar Joseph Rayappu has stated that those responsible for security were behind the massacre.

Continue reading ‘Terrible Massacre of a Four Member Family in Vankaalai Sixteen Years Ago’ »

(Full text of Address to Parliament by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on June 7th 2022)

“Our primary focus here is on economic stability. We need to revive the economy of our country. This is not something that can be done in two or three days. This challenge cannot be done by miracles, not by slogans, not by magic, nor emotions but by implementing intelligently thought-out projects requiring hard work and dedication.”

Fuel and Cooking Gas

“The country spends US$ 500 million per month on fuel. It should be kept in mind that the current global crisis will lead to higher oil prices. Some estimate that global oil prices will rise by as much as 40% by the end of this year. In this context the idea of introducing a coupon system for fuel cannot be ruled out. Somehow we have to find US$ 3,300 million worth of fuel for the next six months.”

It costs US$ 40 million a month to import gas. We are currently using multilateral assistance, local currency and Indian loans to import gas. We will require US$ 250 million over the next six months for gas.

The next three weeks will be a tough time for us as regards fuel. It is time we all used fuel and gas as carefully as possible. Unessential travel should be limited as much as possible. Therefore, I urge all citizens to refrain from thinking about hoarding fuel and gas during this period. After those difficult three weeks, we will try to provide fuel and food without further disruptions. Negotiations are underway with various parties to ensure this happens. After these difficult three weeks, we are trying to ensure the shortage of fuel and gas ends. Let’s face these difficult three weeks united and patiently.”

Continue reading ‘“I therefore invite all of you in this House to support our economic, socio-political and public service reforms in rebuilding the country. Let us build the country first. Let us protect our country from this crisis. After returning to normalcy in the country you may return to your traditional political activities. Implement traditional party political agendas.” -Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Rehana Thowfeek

There have been days when cybersecurity professional Asela Waidyalankara and his colleagues have sat in hotel lobbies to complete projects during power outages. Other days, they have run around Colombo looking for fuel for generators so they could work from home.

“We have a buddy system at the company to inform each other about fuel availability,” laughs Waidyalankara, adding that his company encourages staff to carpool if they have to attend meetings in Colombo and work from home when possible.

Before the pandemic, Sri Lanka’s IT industry employed more than 120,000 people and was the fifth-largest export earner for the island nation of 22 million. It was on track to become the top exporter within the next five years and double its employees. But with the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa having defaulted on its foreign debt earlier this year and critical shortages crippling the economy, those plans are now in jeopardy as it becomes harder to maintain normal business operations.

Daily, hours-long power cuts are now normal. Fuel queues stretch for kilometres, sometimes so far that one fuel queue meets another. The country is running on a cash flow basis. “We are using whatever dollars that flow in to purchase the essentials we can,” Nandalal Weerasinghe, governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), said last month.

On May 19, the CBSL said it expects the economy to “record a setback” even as the cost of living continues to shoot up – May inflation was 39.1 percent, and fuel prices have more than doubled since the start of the year.

Continue reading ‘Exodus of Sri Lanka’s Talented IT Professionals May Gather Momentum if the Island Nation’s Economic Crisis Shows No Sign Of Being Resolved’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, delivering a speech at the ‘Conference on Sri Lanka’s Twin Crisis’ held at the Sri Lanka Foundation, on Friday, said: “We based ourselves on the British Constitution. The majority has the power, the minority starts talking and shouting, that’s all. But then we changed the first-passed-the-post into a PR system. Now, you’re going to abolish the Presidency, then do you want to go back to the English system, the Westminster system, or do you want to have one in which there’s more cooperation like the old Donoughmore system, the State Council system? This is one issue that everyone has to think of.”

Excerpts of the speech:

I’ve been asked to address you on Sri Lanka’s Twin Crisis. One has already started, the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. I need not go back to the past as to how we deprived ourselves of our foreign exchange, how we decided that we’d go on to do it alone and the facts were concealed not only from the public but from
Parliament, and from the members of the then government. And stemming from it is also a political crisis, the question of loss of confidence in a political system that allowed the country to go down to this level. So this is what we’re grappling with.

There’s a second crisis. The second crisis is the global impact of the Ukraine crisis. We’re only seeing the beginning of it, the increase in fuel (price). It will get much worse as it goes along. As it goes along you’d probably find that there’ll be a shortage of food.

The food shortage will go global till 2024. After all Russia and Ukraine, one is the largest producer of grain, the other is the fifth largest. You cannot import Russian grain, and in Ukraine whatever is left cannot be sent off.

Their ports are closed by the Russians, and their rail track gauge is different from that of Poland. So each carriage has to be lifted and put onto the Polish track. You can’t send food out there. And many of the fields of their agricultural area are destroyed. If the war stops even tomorrow, it will take Ukraine at least three years to get its cultivation back on track.

Continue reading ‘“There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we need to ensure that there are no earth slips while we go through the tunnel. That’s the problem”- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By
Anusha Ondaatjie and Sudhi Ranjan Sen

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa vowed to finish the remaining two years in his term despite months long street protests calling for his ouster, but won’t stand for re-election as he focuses on fixing a financial mess that tipped Sri Lanka into its worst-ever economic crisis.

“I can’t go as a failed president,” Rajapaksa said Monday in a wide-ranging interview at his official residence in Colombo, his first with a foreign media organization since the crisis unfolded. “I have been given a mandate for five years. I will not contest again.”

The defiance comes in the face of slogans of “Gota Go Home,” with protesters blaming Rajapaksa and his family for decisions that led to severe shortages of everything from fuel to medicine, stoking inflation to 40% and forcing a historic debt default. Thousands of demonstrators have camped outside the president’s seaside office since mid-March, forcing him to retreat to his barricaded official residence about a kilometer away.

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa states he will Complete his Full Term of Office Despite the “Gota Go Home” Protests but will not Contest Again; “I can’t go as a failed president, I have been given a mandate for five years” says Gota’ »

By
Austin Fernando

Proponents of constitutional economic reforms are struggling to prioritise solutions for the current socio-economic-politico imbroglio. Pohottuwa General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam has said the economic crisis should be resolved first and then an environment created for constitutional amendments. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa banks on the Romesh de Silva Committee for the drafting of a new Constitution. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Tamil National Alliance, and Samagi Jana Balavegaya have prioritised enhanced wider constitutional reforms.

The Government is allergic to very radical changes demanded by the Gota Go Home protesters et al. Due to intense pressure, the 21st Amendment (21A) has been tabled to revive the 19th Amendment (19A). To my mind, it is a half-baked 19A Minus. It has diluted 19A, which, among other things, prevented the President from holding portfolios and limited the number of Cabinet ministers. The President has brought 42 institutions under the Ministry of Defence through the latest gazette, while admitting that he has made serious mistakes, probably disqualifying him from taking over so many responsibilities.

What the pro-democracy activists are demanding are far-reaching changes such as the President being stripped of immunity and powers to dissolve and prorogue parliament, the pardoning of convicted offenders, etc. It is well-nigh impossible for the 225 MPs to move an impeachment motion to rid of any failed President, but the latter can dissolve the parliament at the stroke of a pen!

Further, new demands are in circulation, e.g., the creation of a National Policy-Making Council, strengthening public service through depoliticisation, enhancing financial accountability (Article 148) through Committee on Public Enterprises, Committee on Public Accounts, Committee on Public Finance, etc. in the Parliament, the appointment of the Monetary Board and the Governor of the Central Bank with Constitutional Council approval, the appointment of the Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Governors, Ambassadors, et al on the advice of the PM in consultation with the Cabinet, etc. 21A does not incorporate any of these and still, government politicians and some civil society spokespersons consider 21A is the best.

Continue reading ‘The success of efforts being made to achieve economic revival with international assistance hinges on not only economic reforms but also the implementation of political reforms.’ »

By

W.A. Wijewardena

The Ministry of Finance, under the direction of Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, known as RW, has hiked main taxes in the country moving halfway back to the tax regime that prevailed prior to 2020. Before this action, the Inland Revenue Services Union, made up of Assistant and Deputy Commissioners, had addressed a memo to RW suggesting measures to be taken to deliver an improved annual tax harvest of Rs. 1,200 billion. The tax measures introduced by the Finance Ministry are short of these proposals. Perhaps in the next round of tax reforms, the Ministry might reckon those proposals and if it does not do, its budgetary position will remain perilous.

Rationale of tax cut by Gotabaya administration

The tax cuts offered by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration in January 2020 has been a contentious issue. The rationale presented by his policy advisors for these unsolicited tax concessions goes as follows. The previous tax regime introduced by Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera had planned to attain fiscal consolidation – action taken to reduce the budget deficit to an affordable level and thereby check on debt accumulation – by increasing tax revenue. This is because the administration at that time had felt that attaining that objective by curtailing Government expenditure was considered an impractical strategy. But the administration had paid attention to rationalising Government expenditure as a means of improving the productivity of the sector. Accordingly, in the medium term, tax revenue was to be raised from 11.8% of GDP in 2018 to 15% by 2023.

However, such a high tax level was viewed as an unnecessary burden imposed on real economic activities by Gota’s policy advisors. Hence, instead of seeking to attain fiscal consolidation by increasing revenue, a strategy aiming at curtailing Government expenditure was planned. On the revenue side, it was planned to concentrate on a small number of large taxpayers and recover the tax loss by collecting the maximum from them. The rationale behind this strategy was that when tax rates are reduced, people would pay more taxes leading to an increase in the total tax revenue, a concept proposed by economist Arthur Laffer and now known as Laffer curve strategy.

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe should come up with a road map to improve the real sector in the economy and introduce new technology and align Sri Lanka’s economy to the global economy within the shortest time possible.’ »

By

Lakmal Sooriyagoda

Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga was today sentenced to two-year imprisonment suspended for five years by Colombo High Court over an indictment filed by the Attorney General.

Minister Ranatunga was convicted for the thirteenth count out of fifteen by High Court Judge Manjula Tillekaratne over an indictment filed for threatening a businessman over the phone and demanding Rs.64 million in 2015.

The Court further ordered the Minister to pay a fine of Rs.25 million. In the event of defaulting the fine, the Minister was ordered to serve nine months imprisonment. The Minister was further ordered to pay a compensation of one million rupees to the virtual complaint of the case.

Continue reading ‘Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga sentenced to two-year imprisonment suspended for five years by by Colombo High Court over an indictment filed by the Attorney General’ »

By the “Sunday Times”Political Editor

There was a difference when the two friends – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Sagala Ratnayake, the newly appointed Chief of Staff of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe – met days ago at the Janadipathi Mandiriya (President’s House). The old camaraderie apart, there was a note of grim seriousness.

Beleaguered Rajapaksa politely delivered a message of caution and urged Ratnayake to convey it to Premier Wickremesinghe. The “deal makers” who had during their yahapalana (good governance) era, brought disrepute, were back again. The President named one prominent United National Party (UNP) stalwart and declared he had reliable information that he had already started money-making deals. He has secured for himself an office in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat at Flower Road. Pointing out that “we cannot go on this journey with that old clique,” the President warned that such people might put Wickremesinghe in trouble. It should not happen a second time, the first being under their own government, he pointed out.

President Rajapaksa and the Premier’s Chief of Staff Ratnayake have remained friends. When he was a minister in the yahapalana government’s cabinet, the issue came up on more than one occasion at ministerial meetings. This was after reports that as minister, he had paid a visit to Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The former minister admitted then that he did so and declared he even addressed him as “Sir.” The only reason, he claimed, was because he had ended the separatist war against Tiger guerrillas. For this, he claimed, he would always show respect.

The note of caution through CoS Ratnayake came in the backdrop of another development. President Rajapaksa confided to a confidant that two senior party members, both onetime cabinet ministers, had met him recently. He did not identify them. The duo had spoken against the introduction of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution and implored him not to go ahead with it. They had argued that the President had won a mandate with 6.9 million votes whilst Premier Wickremesinghe received no mandate at the presidential election in November 2019. How then, they asked, could the Premier be more empowered through constitutional amendments. To the contrary, they argued, there should be provision to enable the President to remove a Prime Minister at any time.

One of the ex-ministers has been critical of the two Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) members – Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara – who joined the government. He had urged President Rajapaksa not to be “carried away” by threats issued by them to quit if 21A was not passed. He had argued that the duo had no place to go since they had abandoned their party. Were the two ex-ministers sent by ousted Finance Minister, Basil Rajapaksa?

Continue reading ‘47 SLPP Parliamentarians Regarded as Basil Rajapaksa Supporters Engage in Covert and Overt Moves to Scuttle or Dilute the Proposed 21st Constitutional Amendment that Seeks to Reduce Powers of the Executive Presidency’ »

By

Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

The Sri Lankan political establishment’s ‘dirty tricks’ department seems to be in full swing as the nation is presented with a dizzying array of constitutional amendments, variously titled ’21st Amendment’, ‘21A’, ’21B’, ‘22A’ and so forth.

Constitutional Babel, ‘a confusion of tongues’

It says much for the combined idiocy underlying this process of ‘constitutional reform,’ (for want of a better term), that even the originators of these amendments are uncertain as to which clause belongs to what. Their bewildered faces and incoherent explanations when microphones are brandished before them, illustrates this very well.

Other politicians sitting in the opposition benches meanwhile enter into violent quarrels over the correct numbering of the amendments. All in all, this is constitutional Babel, in the Biblical sense of that term.

That is, ‘a confusion of tongues’ with no one meaning what they say and very few knowing what they mean. Clearly, there are two strands of disparate opinion which have emerged among the ‘faithful.’ The first urges the conditional acceptance of the Ministry of Justice’s constitutional amendment, one hesitates to give this a number in good conscience.

This looks at resuscitating the yahapalanaya’ inspired 19th Amendment with some devious twists. It disregards even the minimum balance of the 19th Amendment with the President being enabled to hold ministerial portfolios.

Continue reading ‘The Sri Lankan political establishment’s ‘dirty tricks’ department seems to be in full swing as the nation is presented with a dizzying array of constitutional amendments under various titles’ »

By P.K.Balachandran

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin told the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India Milinda Moragoda that more shipments of humanitarian aid from Tami; Nadu will be sent to Sri Lanka and Moragoda requested the Chief Minister to designate a focal point in the Tamil Nadu government to facilitate cooperation between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu.

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner met the Chief Minister on Saturday.

This was the first time that a Sri Lankan High Commissioner in New Delhi had met with the Chief Minister of the State of Tamil Nadu after 2011.

The courtesy call on the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu by the High Commissioner was part of the latter’s plan to expand Sri Lanka’s footprint at the level of the States to promote greater interactions between Sri Lanka and the States of the Indian Union, as stipulated in his policy road map entitled: “Integrated Country Strategy for Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in India”.

The High Commissioner thanked the Chief Minister and the people of Tamil Nadu for the humanitarian assistance worth of LKR two billion that they recently extended to Sri Lanka to help it manage the current economic crisis.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda Meets Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in Chennai and thanks the CM and the people of Tamil Nadu for the humanitarian assistance worth of LKR two billion that they recently extended to Sri Lanka to help it manage the current economic crisis.’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Sri Lanka of immediate supply of fertilizer, the Sri Lankan President has said, as the island braces for a food crisis amid a crushing economic meltdown.

“President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to provide the fertilizer required for the Yala season cultivation immediately,” Mr. Rajapaksa’s office said. The fertilizer will be supplied under an “Indian loan facility” and is scheduled to be distributed to farmers within 20 days after the consignment arrives, according to a statement issued on the night of June 1.

India is yet to make any official statement in this regard. Official sources told The Hindu that New Delhi is considering the request from Colombo and “discussions are on.”

Continue reading ‘Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to immediately provide Sri Lanka the fertilizer required for the Yala season cultivation says Statement Issued by President Rajapaksa’s Office’ »

By

Safrah Fazal

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Colombo Municipal Councillor Mahinda Kahandagama yesterday (2) and appointed two CID teams to arrest former Minister and incumbent Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Johnston Fernando, with regard to the incidents of peaceful protestors being attacked by a group of SLPP supporters in Colombo on 9 May on Wednesday (1), The Morning learnt.
This followed the Attorney General’s Department informing the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that Fernando and Kahandagama and two others have been named as suspects in the case filed over the attacks.

The two teams appointed to arrest Fernando had been dispatched to Colombo and Kurunegala as at yesterday evening (2), but at the time of printing, Fernando had not been arrested yet.

Kahandagama, meanwhile, was placed under arrest after he surrendered to the CID yesterday.

Continue reading ‘Manhunt Launched by Police to Apprehend Johnston Fernando Over the May 9 Attack on Galle Face Protesters;Two CID Teams Deployed in Kurunegala and Colombo Districts to Arrest Former Cabinet Minister and MP’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera

Former MP Duminda Silva, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) following the special presidential pardon granted to him by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa being suspended through a Supreme Court (SC) interim order, is currently receiving treatment at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital under the special protection of Prison Officers, said the Prisons Department.

Commissioner of Prisons (Administration, Rehabilitation, and Skill Development) (Covering Up Duties) and Prisons Department Media Spokesman Chandana Ekanayaka stated that Silva, who was taken into the custody of Prisons Officers, is currently receiving treatment at the hospital under their special protection.

Silva had been arrested by the CID when he was being treated at the said hospital on Wednesday (1). At the time of the arrest, the former MP was at the neurological ward of the hospital.

Continue reading ‘Arrested Ex – MP Duminda Silva I Continues to receive Medical treatment at the Neurological Ward of the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital under the special Guard of of Prisons Dept Officials.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

“Alas poor country!

Be call’d our mother, but our grave.”

– Shakespeare (Macbeth)

Sri Lanka: 2019, a lower middle income country; 2020, a bankrupted, beggared land, dependent on international charity for survival.

“Poor politics has shattered my life and this is my only hope to put food on the table for my children.” The speaker is a 33-year-old Sri Lankan woman who was forced by the unravelling economy to become a sex worker (The Telegraph – 28.5.2022).

Poor politics resulting in bad economics – that was what caused Sri Lanka’s dizzying slide from relative success to absolute failure. At a recent COPE meeting, Central Bank officials and Monetary Board members talked of the massive tax cut and the wasting of billions in foreign reserves to maintain the rupee at 203 to a dollar. Add mass money printing and an abracadabra-style fertiliser policy and you have it: How to ruin a country in four steps.

Dr. Ranee Jayamaha of the Monetary Board informed COPE that the IMF refused to give Sri Lanka a loan for balance of payment support under its Rapid Financing Instrument citing debt unsustainability. That was in the first half of 2020. That warning was swept under the carpet. The Rajapaksas, like the fox in the sour grapes story, cried, ‘Who needs the IMF!’

Why go over that old ground? The house is burnt, gutted; we should focus on putting up a basic shelter to shield ourselves from the worst of the storms. That is the Rajapaksa argument. But unless we understand why the house caught fire, how can we take measures to protect the new shelter from a similar calamity?

Bad politics breed bad economics. One family landed Sri Lanka in this mess. In February 2022, the pharmacy owners association warned that current medicine stocks were enough only for three months. By that time the Central Bank has already sold half of our gold reserves. The Government was too busy to take note. In February, Namal Rajapaksa inaugurated a water sports centre at the Colombo Port City “offering a range of exhilarating sea-borne experiences…aimed at filling an unmet need.” In the same month the President inaugurated the Dharmapala Park in Galle, renovated at Rs. 200 million, under his Strategic Cities Development Program. Even as late as end March, President Gotabaya was planning another visit to a State institution. A letter was issued to the staff of the Central Environment Authority telling them to get the COVID-19 booster shot and undergo an antigen test. The visit, scheduled for April Fool’s Day, was prevented only by the Mirihana protest.

Continue reading ‘The executive presidency must go. The only question is how. Realistically, the only option is to push for the best possible 21st Amendment as an interim measure and as a bridge to a new constitution.’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera

The Police’s Colombo Crime Prevention Division informed Colombo Fort Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage yesterday (31 May) that the Attorney General (AG) has instructed to file charges under Section 291A of the Penal Code against Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, for allegedly using words that are harmful to religious sentiments.

Sections 291A reads thus: “Whoever, with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person, or makes any gesture in the sight of that person, or places any object in the sight of that person, shall be punished” if convicted, with a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and/or a fine.

Continue reading ‘Attorney General instructs Police to file charges under Section 291A of the Penal Code against Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, for uttering words that were harmful to religious sentiments.’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on the order given by the Supreme Court (SC) to arrest former MP Duminda Silva following the special Presidential pardon granted to him by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa being suspended through an interim order, arrested Silva at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital yesterday (1).

Speaking to The Morning, Police Media Spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police and Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa said that the suspect had been arrested by the CID when he was being treated at the said hospital last evening. He also said that the CID would make relevant submissions to the SC accordingly.
Sources at the hospital told The Morning yesterday that Silva, who had been admitted to the hospital yesterday morning, was at the neurological ward as of yesterday afternoon.

Continue reading ‘CID Arrests Duminda Silva While Being Warded for Treatment at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital; CID Report to be Submitted to Supreme Court’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera

The Attorney General’s Department has informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that former Minister and incumbent Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Johnston Fernando, Colombo Municipal Councillor Mahinda Kahandagama, and two others have been named as suspects in the case filed with regard to the incidents of peaceful protestors being attacked by a group of SLPP supporters in Colombo on 9 May.

Additional Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena PC also informed the Colombo Fort Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage that a statement made by Fernando at the Temple Trees to the effect of “let’s get rid of this (the protest sites) if the President cannot”, on the day of the attacks, has been referred to two psychiatrists for expert opinion, adding that the same has also been referred to the Government Analyst.

Continue reading ‘Ex-Cabinet Minister Johnston Fernando’s Combative words at “Temple Trees” May 9 Meeting “let’s get rid of this (the protest sites) if the President cannot”, on the day of the attacks referred to two psychiatrists and the Govt Analyst for expert opinion by Attorney -General’ »

Meera Srinivasan reporting From Weeraketiya

Paddy farmer S.D. Weerawansa has made a livelihood decision and a political pledge in recent weeks — he will not sow in the coming season, and he will never back a Rajapaksa again.

The destroyed memorial of the Rajapaksas’ parents in Weeraketiya, Hambantota district. | Photo Credit: Meera Srinivasan

They aren’t unrelated. His crop has fallen by 50% this harvest, a consequence of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ban on chemical fertilizers last year. The ban was revoked months later, following farmers’ protests and wide criticism from experts, but that did not save the crop. The annual yield of paddy and tea, crucial for Sri Lanka’s food security and foreign exchange, have dropped by half, according to farmers and crop scientists.

Continue reading ‘People’s Anger and Resentment Against Rajapaksa Clan on the Rise in Home District of Hambantota.’ »

By
Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Supreme Court today issued an Interim Order directing the CID to place Duminda Silva under the custody of prisons with immediate effect.

The Attorney General was directed to assist the CID to implement this interim order while reporting to court the progress of the implementation of the Interim Order.

The Court also issued an Interim Order impounding Duminda Silva’s passport.

In a historical order, the Supreme Court issued an Interim Order suspending the operation of the Presidential Pardon granted by the President to former parliamentarian Duminda Silva.
This order will be effective until the final determination of the three Fundamental Rights petitions.

Continue reading ‘Supreme Court issues Historic Interim Order suspending the operation of the Presidential Pardon granted by President Rajapaksa to Duminda Silva and directs the CID to place Murder Convict under the custody of prisons with immediate effect’ »

Sri Lanka is raising value added tax to 12 percent, corporate tax to 30 percent and the highest personal income tax rate to 34 percent from 18 percent, in a bid to raise 195 billion rupees as money printed to pay state worker salaries trigger forex shortages.

Value added taxes will be raised to 12 percent from 8 percent immediately through gazette notice in an administrative and it is expected to be rubber stamped by the parliament later, according to documents released by the office of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

A telecom levy will be hiked to 15 percent from 11.25 percent through a letter from the regulator to be rubber stamped by the parliament later.

Continue reading ‘Key Taxation Changes Announced by PM and Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe ;govt hopes to raise Rupees 125 billion from taxes for the rest of 2022 and 195 billion rupees in a full year’ »

By

Anusha Ondaatjie

Sri Lanka is recommending airlines carry enough jet fuel to last return trips or fill up elsewhere, as the island grapples with a shortage of everything from oil to food due to a foreign-exchange crisis.

“We’ve asked airlines to carry the required fuel while operating to Sri Lanka, because there is a shortage of aviation fuel, and we have to manage the situation,” Rayhan Wanniappa, a director of Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority, said in a phone interview Monday. “Airlines are bringing certain additional supplies, while we are also providing from our stocks.”

Airlines that fly to Sri Lanka, including Dubai’s Emirates Airline are tankering — carrying more fuel than required — while the island’s flag carrier is using the Southern Indian city of Chennai and Dubai to refuel for long-haul flights, people familiar with the matter said, declining to be identified as plans are confidential. There’s increased refueling at southern Indian airports by international flights to and from Colombo to offset the shortage, according to an official at Indian Oil Corp.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka is recommending airlines to carry enough jet fuel to last return trips or re-fuel elsewhere;SriLankan Airlines ,Emirates, are among carriers forced to fill up overseas’ »

by Bishop Duleep de Chickera

The myth

Parliamentary democracy is a system of governance through which people share resources, provide for their own needs, enhance their own interests and deal with unexpected contingencies, as far as possible on their own. Since an entire population cannot be set aside to do this, they appoint representatives to do so on their behalf.

When these representatives disregard or abuse this mandate, the people pay a heavy price. Life in Sri Lanka today, is about this price.

A major problem with our home grown parliamentary democracy is that national constitutions favour representatives in power. This is partly because people’s repesentatvies exercise the most influence in shaping constitutions, partly because the taste of power creates an appetite to stay in control and mostly because both, the constitution and the appetite have been manipulated to endow one person with more power than the rest of them.

Then, power is abused, accountability falls by the wayside and the esteemed democratic tradition of stepping down when those who appoint you want you to go, becomes a myth.

This is the crux of today’s crisis in democratic governance. An impoverished president and government, despised by the people for the unimaginable collapse of all things normal, continue to cling unto power.

Continue reading ‘The crux of today’s crisis is not about human frailty or unavoidable circumstances. It is about the calculated exploitation of parliamentary democracy by a devious set of ‘people’s representatives’.’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday instructed officials to immediately launch a comprehensive public-private partnership effort to boost food security.

Noting that negotiations with several countries to meet the fertiliser requirement have been successful the President requested all farmers not to give up cultivation during the Yala Season due to a shortage of fertiliser or any other reason.

On-going and new initiatives to boost food security were discussed by the President at a top-level meeting yesterday. Rajapaksa’s initiative comes few days after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe held a top level officials meeting to deal with the same issue on Friday. (See story below)

The President had pointed out that a National Fertiliser Policy should be formulated expeditiously for the importation, distribution, proper management, awareness, and coordination among farmers and officials. The President also said that the full involvement of the Ministry of Agriculture should be given to carry out cultivation activities using chemical or organic fertilisers as per the wishes of the farmers.

Continue reading ‘After Ruining Agriculture with his Disatrous Fertilizer Policy, President Gotabaya is once Again Getting set to Mess up things by Intervening in Food Security Measures’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday proposed several measures to strengthen Parliament which include the setting up of several new committees as well as an all-party National Council.

In a special televised address, the Prime Minister said that main issues in the country are not limited to the economic sphere but there are two major issues in the political sphere which include the reintroduction of the 19th Amendment as well as the abolition of the Executive Presidency.

“The functioning of the Parliament has been paralysed due to the weakening of the parliamentary powers by the 20th Amendment. The Executive has been given more powers. The main allegation today is that the Parliament has not acted to prevent the economic crisis,” Wickremesinghe said.

The Prime Minister said that party leaders are now preparing the 21st Amendment to reintroduce the 19th Amendment while the timing and methodology towards the abolition of the Executive Presidency must also be decided by the party leaders.

He said before the independence of Sri Lanka, there was a State Council from 1931 to 1947 which functioned following the committee system.

Continue reading ‘PM Ranil Wickremesinghe outlines proposals to strengthen Parliament in Special Statement;says reintroduction of 19A and abolition of Executive Presidency are two main political issues; methodology to abolish Executive Presidency must be decided by party leaders’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Thousands participated in a rally held in capital Colombo on Saturday to mark the 50 th day of ongoing agitations against the government at the oceanfront in the wake of a severe economic crisis.

Professionals, artistes, students, members of trade unions and the religious clergy marched about 3 km to Colombo’s seafront where demonstrators have been protesting against the government for almost two months now.

Citizens’ protests started several months ago in different parts of the island, as Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, triggered by to a balance of payments problem, intensified. Due to the dollar crunch, the government is struggling to pay for essential imports, leaving citizens amid acute shortages of food, fuel, and LPG cylinders. The protests intensified on April 9, with some demonstrators setting up a tent city adjacent to the President’s office, where they began protesting day and night. They named their agitation site ‘Gota go gama’ or Gota go village, after their chief demand that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resign for his “failed” response to the crisis.

“The government thinks they can fool us by just reshuffling the pack, but the struggle will go on. We need Gotabaya to go home,” said a protester. The anti-government protests in Sri Lanka have drawn citizens from very diverse backgrounds.

Continue reading ‘Thousands Including Professionals, artistes, students, members of trade unions and the religious clergy march about 3 km to Galle Face to mark the 50 th day of ongoing agitations against the government at the oceanfront’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that China will help Sri Lanka weather the financial crisis.

“China has offered ‘a few hundred million dollars’ in lending to Sri Lanka to help alleviate a shortage of essential goods in the crisis-hit country,” the UK’s Financial Times said quoting Wickremesinghe. FT said Wickremesinghe hopes to finalise the Chinese loan as his Government seeks emergency aid to keep its economy going as it negotiates an IMF bailout. He added that talks with Beijing over additional lending were at an early stage.

“It’s quite substantial. It would be a few hundred million dollars,” he told the Financial Times in an interview. “It’ll still help us get hold of essential consumer items, fertilisers… the Ministry of Finance is having discussions on some of the items.”

FT said Sri Lanka’s ties with Beijing, particularly its participation in the Belt and Road infrastructure project, have been a source of friction with neighbouring India, which views its rival’s activity on the island as a national security threat.

Continue reading ‘Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Telld FT that “China has offered ‘a few hundred million dollars’ in lending to Sri Lanka to help alleviate a shortage of essential goods in the crisis-hit country,”’ »

(Text of Special Statement Made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on May 29th 2022)

Today, the main issues in our country are not limited to the economic sphere. There are also two major issues in the political sphere. The re-introduction of the 19th Amendment is one of these issues. We, as party leaders, are now preparing the 21st Amendment in this regard.

The second issue is to work towards the abolition of the Executive Presidency. The timing and methodology must be decided by the Party Leaders.

The functioning of the Parliament has been paralyzed due to the weakening of the Parliamentary powers by the 20th Amendment. The Executive has been given more powers. The main allegation today is that the Parliament has not acted to prevent the economic crisis. There is an allegation that even though the ruling party had a majority in Parliament they neglected the work of the Parliament. Everything was systematically controlled by the Cabinet Ministers.

We do not always have to look at what happened in the past, but there are examples we can follow.

Continue reading ‘“According to the new system we have proposed, the President will be held accountable to the Parliament. The Cabinet of Ministers is also accountable to Parliament. The National Council is also accountable to Parliament. Fifteen Committees and Oversight Committees are accountable to Parliament.”- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By

Vincent Ni

China’s financing of overseas projects has disproportionately benefited the core political supporters of incumbent presidents or prime ministers of those countries that receive the funds, according to a new book.

During the 20th century, China was mostly known as a recipient of international development finance. Its overseas development programme was modest – roughly on a par with that of Denmark. But over the course of one generation, as Beijing emerged as the world’s second-largest economy, its footprint began to extend far beyond its borders – often in the form of infrastructure initiatives such as Belt and Road.

Its use of debt rather than aid to bankroll big-ticket overseas projects created new opportunities for developing countries to achieve rapid socio-economic gains, but it also introduced major risks, such as corruption, “political capture” and conflict.

The authors of the new book, Banking on Beijing, published by Cambridge University Press, found that in those countries that receive Chinese aid, funding for the political leader’s home province increased by 52% during the years when he or she was in power. But this political capture effect vanished when the leader left office.

Continue reading ‘Mahinda’s Grand Projects in Hambantota With Chinese Funds:New book “Banking on Beijing” Explains how in countries that received Chinese aid, funding for the political leader’s home province increased by 52% during the years they were in power’ »

A faint glimmer of hope for some order is slowly emerging amid the chaos that has engulfed Sri Lanka. The lifting of the state of emergency by Ranil Wick mesinghe shows that he’s in control of the besieged nation’s affairs.

This should offer a measure of comfort for India as Sri Lanka was seen as drifting towards China under the leadership of the Rajapaksas. The proposed 21st amendment to the Constitution, aimed at curbing the unfettered powers of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was presented to the Cabinet this Monday. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe sensibly decided it should be studied by all parties.

Two lawmakers from the principal opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), broke ranks last week to join the new Government led by Wickremesinghe, the five-term Prime Minister and perhaps the only politician with the bandwidth and maturity to steer the island nation towards any semblance of stability from its current sorry state.

Continue reading ‘The demands for President Gotabaya to step down are still vociferous but there seems to be a gradual realisation among the political class that the country desperately needs a contingent action plan on the economy front first.’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had a meeting today (28) with the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr.P.Nandalal Weerasinghe and Monetary Board member Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC and fully assuredthem that the Governor and the Monetary Board has his fullest and unqualified assurance of freedom to discharge their functions independently and without any extraneous constraints.

The President’s Media Division added that the president also sought a briefing of the progress of the IMF programme, as well as of the economic recovery process.

The Governor gave a full briefing on the satisfactory progress of the talks with IMF at technical stage and emphasized the importance of advancing towards securing an IMF assistance expeditiously, which would in turn, facilitate the all important, debt re-structuring process.

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Gives assurance that the Central Bank Governor and Monetary Board Members Would Have Full Freedom to discharge their functions independently without any extraneous constraints.’ »

By T. Farook Thajudeen

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday imposed a two-years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 100,000 on Shashi Weerawansa, wife of former Minister and National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader MP Wimal Weerawansa.

The verdict was declared by Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala after she was found guilty of submitting forged documents to obtain a diplomatic passport.

The Magistrate also ordered the accused to pay a fine of Rs. 100,000 in addition to the imprisonment and an additional six months of jail, if she does not pay the fine.

Continue reading ‘Wimal Weerawansa’s Spouse Shashi Weerawansa sentenced for two years rigorous imprisonment and 100,00 Rupee Fine fter Being Found Guilty of forging documents to obtain diplomatic passport’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

For over 80 Tamils, including children and infants, who took boats and landed in Tamil Nadu in the last few months, the risky journey was not only about fleeing Sri Lanka’s dire economic situation. It was also about chasing an elusive dream — a secure, peaceful life.

Most of those leaving the northern Jaffna and Mannar districts of Sri Lanka, paying lakhs to be put on a boat to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, had returned to the island only in recent years.

“After spending years or decades away in refugee camps in Tamil Nadu, many families came back hoping to build a new life here,” says P. Nagenthiran, a coordinator at Forum for Returnees, a voluntary organisation helping families resettle on return. “But post-war reconstruction is incomplete, with hardly any jobs or meaningful development. The grim reality here is making families hopeless especially during the crisis.”

Continue reading ‘Tamil Families Taking Risky Journey by Sea to Tamil Ndu are not only fleeing Sri Lanka’s dire economic situation but are also chasing an elusive dream — a secure, peaceful life’ »

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that the Union government increased its contribution to the Centre-State schemes and more funds were allocated to the State “to do justice to the contribution made by developed States like Tamil Nadu” towards the country’s development and economy. “Only then will the true spirit of co-operative federalism be upheld,” he said.

Speaking at a grand event at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, where Mr. Modi unveiled the foundation stone for infrastructure projects and inaugurated completed schemes, Mr. Stalin flagged certain issues in schemes jointly implemented by the Union and State governments. “Though the Union government provides more funds for such schemes in the beginning, we are witnessing a trend of the States’ share being increased over time. Also, there are many schemes that are implemented with the contribution of the beneficiaries, along with the Union and State governments,” he said.

When beneficiaries are unable to pay their share, it is the State governments, which are in direct contact with the people, that pay their share as well, he pointed out, adding, “This adds to the burden on the State finances. Therefore, I demand that the contribution ratio mentioned at the beginning of such schemes continue till the end and when beneficiaries are not able to pay their share, the Union government must step in along with the State government.”

Continue reading ‘Underlining that Tamil is both ancient and modern among the classical languages of the world Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reiterates that Tamil be made an official language of the Indian Union on apar with Hindi and recognised as the language of court in the Madras High Court.’ »

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that India will continue to stand with the people of Sri Lanka and support democracy, stability and economic recovery in the neighbouring country.

Noting Sri Lanka was passing through difficult times, Mr. Modi, who was in Chennai to inaugurate and lay the foundation for several schemes involving an investment of over ₹31,000 crore, said “As a close friend and neighbour, India is providing all possible support to Sri Lanka. This includes financial support, fuel, food, medicine and other essential items.” India has also spoken strongly in international fora on the cause of giving economic support to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said.

Seeking to connect with the people of Tamil Nadu, who share closed bonds with the ethnic Tamils in the island nation, Mr. Modi recalled his visit to Jaffna some years ago. “I can never forget my visit to Jaffna a few years ago. I was the first Indian PM to visit Jaffna. The Government of India is undertaking numerous projects to assist the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. These projects cover healthcare, transportation, housing and culture,” Mr. Modi said here, in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Continue reading ‘Indian PM Narendra Modi Addressing Meeting in Chennai along with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Fails to mention t in his Speech the material aid sent by the Tamil Nadu government to Sri Lanka through the Ministry of External Affairs recently’ »

By
Meera Srinivasan

India and Japan have agreed to work together on assisting crisis-hit Sri Lanka, the Japanese government said, following a recent meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Fumio Kishida in Tokyo.

Mr. Modi and Mr. Kishida met on May 24 on the sidelines of the Quad summit and held bilateral talks on “close cooperation” to promote efforts to realise a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’, in addition to collaboration in spheres including defence, clean energy, and investment.

Following the meeting, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the leaders “discussed the situation in Sri Lanka and confirmed that they will cooperate with each other in light of the current economic crisis and deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country.” Further, they “shared the view to work together to develop Indo-Pacific Economic Framework into an inclusive framework that will bring substantive benefits to the region,” according to a statement.

Continue reading ‘India and Japan have agreed to work together on assisting crisis-hit Sri Lanka, following a meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on May 24 on the sidelines of the Quad summit’ »

By Chandani Kirinde

All parties are scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe this evening to finalise the draft of the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution. The meeting comes amidst differing views on a draft Bill which was given to party leaders on Monday with the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) saying the Bill falls short of the people’s expectations of curbing Executive power.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday wrote to Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe saying that the draft Bill made available to them, instead of reducing the power of the Executive President does the opposite by strengthening the Executive powers contrary to the provisions of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

Continue reading ‘Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe meets all Political Parties on May 27 to finalise the draft of the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution; meeting comes amidst differing views on a draft Bill which was given to party leaders on May 23’ »

General Shavendra Silva will be replaced by Major General Vikum Liyanage on 1 June as Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, while a high-powered military committee has been appointed to look into any lapses by the tri-forces during the unrest at Mirihana on 31 March, and the nationwide tensions that erupted on 9 May and the following days.

Gen. Silva is set to assume office on 1 June as new Chief of Defence Staff, after relinquishing the office of the Commander of the Army on 31 May, Sri Lanka Army said in a statement. The incumbent Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Vikum Liyanage is slated to be appointed as the new Commander of the Army, and his appointment will be effective from 1 June following the relinquishment of his office as the Chief of Staff.

Then-President Maithripala Sirisena appointed Maj. Gen. Shavendra Silva as the 23rd Commander of the Army on 18 August 2019 after promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant General. Gen. Silva was acting Chief of Defence Staff at the time he was appointed Army Commander.

Continue reading ‘Gen. Vikum Liyanage to Replace Gen. Shavendra Silva as Army Commander from June 1;Committee Comprising Ex-Navy Air Force and Army Chiefs Appointed to Probe Lapses by Armed Services in Countering Protest Related Violence ;SLPP MPs Complain to President that Army did not act satisfactorily ;Shavendra is new Chief of Defence Staff’ »

By

Easwaran Rutnam

Former Finance Minister and founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Basil Rajapaksa is said to be leading attempts to block the 21st Amendment from being passed by Parliament, Daily Mirror learns.

Government sources told Daily Mirror that Rajapaksa has secured the support of a number of SLPP members to oppose the 21st Amendment.

Continue reading ‘Basil Rajapaksa Procures the Support of Several SLPP Parliamentarians to Block Passage of Proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution in its Present Form; Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe says he is Open for further Amendments to the Draft bill’ »

By

Mark Malloch -Brown

Many Western leaders are behaving as though there is one crisis in the world: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While some are waking up to the widespread knock-on effects for food and energy security, there is little bandwidth, it seems, to address the underlying looming crisis: a global economic unwinding driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate breakdown, and degradation of the international political and economic system that has been at least a decade in the making.

Together, these crises have put scores of countries at serious risk and lit a fuse where those risks intersect with authoritarianism and poor governance. Sri Lanka is a case in point. The country owes over $50 billion to government creditors such as India, China, and Japan, and private bondholders—and it is no longer making interest payments.

The reasons for its economic woes are complex. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s family has dominated the country for much of its recent history through a populist, security-centered regime criticized for economic mismanagement, corruption, and its brutal campaign to end the civil war in 2009. Its conduct during the conflict has been the subject of several United Nations reports, which point to credible allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses.

Under the Rajapaksa family’s rule, Sri Lanka has incurred a string of Chinese debts, including for white elephant projects that have yielded little to no income—one such project close to the Rajapaksas’ hometown was dubbed “The World’s Emptiest International Airport” by Forbes. When COVID-19 struck, they ploughed on with sweeping tax cuts as tourism collapsed—wiping out state revenue and personal incomes.

Continue reading ‘While Sri Lanka’s woes are as much of its own making as fueled by global trends, they are an ominous marker of what’s to come in a world that seems able to handle just one crisis at a time—and often not even that.’ »

Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Tuesday that he will present an interim budget within six weeks, slashing infrastructure projects to re-route funds into a two-year relief programme for the crisis-hit island nation.

Wickremesinghe, who took office two weeks ago, warned that inflation would rise as the government gets down to tackling the crisis, and that there could be more protests on the streets.

He said he hoped any unrest would not get out of hand, adding that funds would be made available to help the most vulnerable of the country’s 22 million people.

“Looking at the hard days ahead, there has to be protests. It’s natural when people suffer, they must protest,” Wickremesinghe said in an interview at the colonial-era prime minister’s office in the commercial capital Colombo.

Continue reading ‘Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe tells Reuters that he will present an interim budget within six weeks which would slash infrastructure projects to re-route funds into a two-year relief programme for Sri Lankans Suffering From Economic Crisis’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday assumed additional charge as Finance Minister, possibly the toughest job when the island nation’s economy experiences a rapid decline amid an unprecedented crisis.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s office said Mr. Wickremesinghe was sworn in “Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies”, about a fortnight after Mr. Gotabaya appointed him Premier in place of his elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, amid political tumult.

There were few takers for the role of Finance Minister, with former minister Ali Sabry reportedly declining to accept the position, and economists in opposition refusing to take on the role unconditionally.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Takes Over Additional Responsibilitties after being Sworn in by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies’ »

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2022—The World Bank today issued the following statement on Sri Lanka:

“Recent media reports have inaccurately stated that the World Bank is planning support for Sri Lanka in the form of a bridge loan or new loan commitments, among other incorrect assertions.

We are concerned for the people of Sri Lanka and are working in coordination with the IMF and other development partners in advising on appropriate policies to restore economic stability and broad-based growth. Until an adequate macroeconomic policy framework is in place, the World Bank does not plan to offer new financing to Sri Lanka.

We are currently repurposing resources from previously approved projects to help the government with some essential medicines, temporary cash transfers for poor and vulnerable households, school meals for children of vulnerable families, and support for farmers and small businesses.”

BY Pamodi Waravita

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday (24) said that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe must solve the economic crisis before bringing in a Constitutional amendment, adding that such amendments should not be drafted to target any specific individuals, which prevent them from entering Parliament or becoming President.

“The SLPP cannot immediately say as to whether we are supporting the 21st Amendment to the Constitution Bill. We have to first properly analyse it and then understand the public’s ideas about it. We said that we will support Wickremesinghe to make a new Government to solve the country’s economic crisis. There is no Constitutional or political crisis here. He was appointed to find solutions for the economic crisis. But the economic crisis is still there.

“People are still on the roads in queues. And he is trying to bring a Constitutional amendment. First, solve the economic crisis and create an environment which allows a Parliamentarian to walk freely on the road and have the mental freedom to think. Then, we can discuss a Constitutional amendment,” SLPP General Secretary Attorney-at-Law MP Sagara Kariyawasam told The Morning yesterday.

Continue reading ‘Basil Rajapaksa’s Mouthpiece .Sagara Kariyawasam Lashes out at Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for Trying to Introduce 21st Constitutional Amendment Before Resolving Economic Crisis; Provision Preventing Dual Citizens like Basil Entering Parliament Seems to Irk SLPP Gen Secy’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Sri Lanka has decided to seek fresh assistance of $500 million from India to augment its fuel imports, as the island reels under a crippling economic crisis manifesting in persisting shortages of essentials.

For weeks now, citizens are spending long hours lining up outside fuel stations — at times all day or night — to pump petrol or diesel, currently in short supply, as crisis-hit Sri Lanka runs out of dollars to pay for imports.
Public transport has been stalled due to the unavailability of fuel, businesses have been hit, and schools were forced to remain closed as students are unable to commute. Over the last few days, Sri Lankan social media saw many accounts of families being unable to access emergency medical care due to the lack of fuel. The government has asked “non-essential” staff to work from home, to save on fuel consumption.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka has decided to seek fresh assistance of $500 million from India to augment its fuel imports, as the island reels under a crippling Fuel Unavailbility crisis; Govt. tells non-essential staff to work from home to save fuel’ »

With Samagi Jana Balawegeya (SJB) Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva reiterating that he will not accept the Finance Minister portfolio under the present political conditions, The Morning learnt that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely to take oaths as the new Finance Minister today (25), with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa acting as the Finance Minister until the new appointment is made.

The crucial position still remains vacant, in the midst of the country’s most severe economic crisis since Independence.

The portfolio was offered to SJB MP Dr. de Silva on several occasions, although he has repeatedly stated that he is unwilling to take it up under the present conditions.

Continue reading ‘Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Likely to be Sworn in as Finance Minister by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa After SJB MP Dr.Harsha de Silva Refuses Offer to Take Over Finance Ministry Under Present Political Conditions’ »

Dear Prime Minister,

As I watched you take oaths at the Presidential Secretariat, my mind was drawn to the last time you did so, on 16 December 2018, on day 52 of the 52-day coup plot that was mounted against Lankan democracy. On that Sunday morning, you were flanked by your wife, Dr. Maithri Wickremasinghe and several senior opposition MPs in what still feels like the finest hour in the history of our constitutional democracy.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

Several political parties rallied around you, putting the constitution before party politics and personal grievances. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that your side was the side of right, and the side of democracy.

On the three previous occasions when you took oaths as Prime Minister, you did so with a strong mandate, after conclusive electoral victories. Consequently, these swearing in ceremonies were celebrative affairs, accompanied by the air of hope your mandate deserved.

So, it was with a heavy heart I watched you being sworn in last week before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a dark, empty room. I imagined to myself how different it would have been if this sixth swearing in ceremony had better resembled your previous ones. There were no cheering crowds, because you had won no election, had received no mandate to govern.

Given the Rajapaksa family history of power hunger, bloodlust and greed, coupled with the demands of the national protest movement, Sajith Premadasa drew a line in the sand and refused the premiership under a Rajapaksa presidency. Whether he did so on principle, or out of fear of taking on so great a challenge, I cannot say.

The fact that you have risen to the moment and taken on the most difficult job in the country is thus admirable.If you are to succeed, you can only do so by unifying and integrating, not by dividing and conquering.

Continue reading ‘“It is essential for the country that your govt wins the legitimacy of opposition support and is not seen as a Rajapaksa clone” – An Open Letter to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe From Krishantha Prasad Cooray’ »

By Gerry Shih and Hafeel Farisz

The mob was bashing on the gates of the Sri Lankan prime minister’s official residence, its size and fury swelling dangerously.

For weeks, Mahinda Rajapaksa, the 76-year-old prime minister, had been under pressure to resign as the economy imploded and protests erupted. The brother of the president, Gotabaya, and a patriarch of his own political dynasty, Mahinda was once hailed as appachchi, the beloved father of the people. Now he was huddled in his second-floor bedroom, accompanied by relatives who frantically called army officers, pleading to be rescued.

Outside the gates, anti-government protesters who had been attacked earlier by Mahinda’s supporters were taking their revenge — rioting, burning buses and torching hundreds of homes owned by allies of the Rajapaksas. A lawmaker from their party was beaten to death, his body dragged through the streets.

That day, May 9, was one of the most violent and chaotic in recent Sri Lankan history. But it was precipitated by years of turmoil inside the house of Rajapaksa.

The Rajapaksa brothers have dominated politics here for most of the last 20 years. After helping Mahinda win the presidency in 2005, his brothers Chamal, Gotabaya and Basil took over ministries that controlled three-quarters of the national budget and built popular support despite allegations of human rights abuses and corruption. But by 2019, when Gotabaya became president, the family was marred by infighting and dysfunction that would drive South Asia’s most developed nation into ruin.

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya and his Former Prime Minister Mahinda rarely confronted each other directly, yet they disagreed on everything, including high-stakes political gamesmanship and petty corruption’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

“Without gas, without kerosene oil, we can’t do anything. Last option what? Without food we are going to die. That will happen hundred percent.” ~ Mohammad Shazly a part-time chauffer, Colombo (Reuters – 20.5.2022

An old man walks down a road, snowy haired, thin to the point of gauntness, bespectacled. He clutches a white cane in one hand; the other steadies the gas cylinder he is bearing on his frail shoulders. That one picture, probably taken from a phone, portrays better than a thousand words or figures our current condition

The Rajapaksa-made crisis affects all Lankans, but not in the same way and not to the same degree. The greatest burden is borne not by the upper or the middle classes but by the old and the new poor. For them, the crisis is a battle for survival in the most literal sense. They have little time or patience for the political arguments which engages those of us for whom the crisis is not yet (and may never be) a matter of life and death. As a man who had been waiting in a Colombo queue for hours for cooking gas told the NDTV, “We don’t mind Ranil or Basil or whoever… We want solutions to our people. We don’t mind Ranil come back or Mahinda come back. We want solutions to our people. That’s it.”

Parliamentarian Mujibar Rahuman this week gave voice to the pain and despair of Colombo’s old and new poor. He also sounded a dire and accurate warning of the consequences of their anger. He asked the new Prime Minister about the steps taken to alleviate the plight of these most vulnerable communities. Ranil Wickremesinghe’s answer didn’t inspire confidence. He talked of the global food crisis and said the issue would be studied by a committee next week (hopefully not the committee headed by Vajira Abeywardane).

The impending global food crisis is real. There’s another global development the IMF warned about this week which Mr. Wickremesinghe and his motley crew of ministers should pay close attention to – greater social unrest caused mainly by steep increases in food and fuel prices. In Sri Lanka, massive price increases are compounded by a near total unavailability of items essential to the maintenance of modern life, especially in urban settings. Add to that the non-availability of fertiliser for this season leading to a collapse of agriculture and a resultant food shortage, and all the ingredients are present for the cauldron to boil over.

Continue reading ‘The political initiative belongs to PM Wickremesinghe and his cabinet.If they can semi-normalise the distribution of fuel and gas in the coming week, they and the country will gain a much needed breathing space. If they fail, mass violence might break out.’ »

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By

Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

Two extraordinary developments this week may be of interest to Sri Lanka watchers familiar with the decades-long subversive capture of the Constitutional State by agents of the Deep State.

Casting aspersions on judicial officers entrusted with ‘protest cases’

First, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka’s expression of strongly worded concern to the Chief Justice and the Attorney General this Friday, regarding ‘a concerted effort by certain parties’ to discredit the judiciary and the Bar by ‘falsely accusing judges and members of the legal profession of promoting violence,’ is significant.

Extraordinarily it was warned that ‘these elements,’ (unnamed as the Bar preferred to be the case apparently), had gone so far as to cast ‘aspersions on orders made by judicial officers in pending cases relating to protests.’The Bar has asked for these ‘unnamed elements’ to be dealt with for contempt of court in terms of Article 105 of the Constitution.

The Attorney General was also asked to prosecute any responsible for unlawful interference with the judiciary under Article 111C of the Constitution. There is, of course, an immediate and patent irony here.

As we may recall, an Opposition Member of Parliament was sent to jail for four years for committing contempt as a result of ad hoc comments loosely categorising ‘a majority’ of judges, lawyers in Sri Lanka as corrupt. He is still serving his term.

Continue reading ‘The decades-long subversive capture of the Constitutional State by agents of the Deep State in Sri Lanka’ »

By “The Sunday Morning” Political Editor

The draft bill of the proposed new 21st Amendment to the Constitution is to be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers tomorrow (23), it is learnt.
The finalising of the draft bill was one of the first acts of new Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe last Friday (20) soon after his appointment to office.

“The 21st Amendment will be presented to Cabinet on Monday,” Rajapakshe told The Sunday Morning.

The final draft was finalised by a committee headed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Ministers Rajapakshe and Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Attorney General, the Legal Draftsman, President’s Counsel Ronald Perera, and Attorney-at-Law Eraj de Silva.

A copy of the draft bill seen by The Sunday Morning showed that the new piece of legislation would not only revert to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution that was introduced during the previous Yahapalana Government but also go beyond that with the introduction of several new features.

Continue reading ‘The draft bill of the proposed new 21st Amendment to the Constitution will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on May 23; The draft was finalised by a committee headed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By

Suhasini Haidar

In late 2016, a senior Indian government official, in a meeting with the envoy of a neighbouring country, spelt out the consequences that the country would face if it crossed the Narendra Modi government’s newly “muscular foreign policy”. At the time, the Government had put Pakistan on notice on terror attacks, and cancelled Foreign Secretary-level talks; in Sri Lanka, the Rajapaksa government, that had been seen cozying up to China was voted out, with some reports that Indian intelligence played a role in facilitating opposition talks; and in Nepal, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s coalition government had fallen apart, with a similar nudge reported from New Delhi.

The message the official conveyed was that New Delhi would use all its levers to prevail over any uncooperative South Asian neighbour. However, the tough messaging did not find much favour over time. By the Modi government’s second term, it had made peace with a much more consensual, conciliatory policy in the neighbourhood — visibly improving ties with each country (minus Pakistan) through high-level visits, extending development aid and lines of credit, and enabling a rush of soft power diplomacy.

A change in approach

The contrast between India’s response to the events in 2016 to the present is stark, after five neighbouring democracies underwent non-electoral changes at the top, namely Myanmar, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The first difference is that New Delhi has not been held responsible in any of its neighbouring capitals for attempting to interfere in their political processes. Second, South Block has abandoned its uniformly muscular “one size fits all” approach to the region.

Continue reading ‘The Shift from the Modi Govt’s Earlier “Muscular Foreign Policy” to the Current Conciliatory Neighbourhood Policy is Noticeable in India’s Response Towards Non-electoral Changes at the top in Myanmar, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.’ »

BY R.K. RADHAKRISHNAN

When Tan Binh 99, the Panama-registered general cargo vessel left Chennai at 8.28 a.m. on May 19 with 9,000 tons of rice, 200 tons of milk powder, and 24 tons of essential medicines, it marked a first of sorts: A province in a developing country extending its assistance to another country.

Tamil Nadu decided to extend humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the form of rice and other essential commodities, taking into consideration the plight of the people following the economic deterioration of the island nation. This is a marked shift in the stand of political parties in Tamil Nadu, which has in the past demanded a separate Tamil nation in Sri Lanka. It also sets the stage for enhanced interaction between the people of the two regions.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin flagged off the process of loading the cargo onto the vessel on May 18. At a function held at West Quay in Chennai Port on May 18, Stalin symbolically handed over a sample pouch of the material to D. Venkateshwaran, Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner in Southern India.. The cargo vessel is expected to cover the distance of just over 400 nautical miles in about two days.

The total aid promised by the Tamil Nadu government is worth Rs.123 crore and consists of 40,000 tons of rice, 100-plus life-saving drugs and 500 tons of milk powder. This is just the first consignment and is being sent with the consent of the Government of India. The State government has appealed to the people to contribute generously to the relief efforts in Sri Lanka.

Continue reading ‘Tamil Nadu sends on May 19, the first consignment of rice, milk powder and essential medicines Via Ship to Sri Lanka signalling a shift in relations between people of the South Indian State nd the Island’ »

Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who had to go into hiding after angry crowds besieged his official residence Temple Trees on 9 May came to Parliament yesterday.

Rajapaksa who was taken to the Navy Camp in Trincomalee came to the House with his son MP Namal Rajapaksa.

Continue reading ‘“Missing Persons” Mahinda and Namal Rajapaksa Resurfce by Attending Parliament Again’ »

By P.K.Balachandran

After nearly two months of uncertainty and turmoil, Sri Lankan parliamentarians have now reached a consensus on the political management of the country, with Ranil Wickremesinghe taking over as Prime Minister and attempting to form a multi-party government.

On Friday, nine new cabinet ministers from different parties were sworn in before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The new ministers are: Nimal Siripala de Silva (Ports, Shipping and Aviation Services); Dr. Susil Premajayantha (Education); Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella (Health); Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe (Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms); Harin Fernando (Tourism and Lands); Dr. Ramesh Pathirana (f Plantation Industries); Manusha Nanayakkara (Labor and Foreign Employment); Nalin Fernando (Trade, Commerce and Food Security); Tiran Alles (Public Security).

Continue reading ‘Political Stability Being Slowly Restored in Sri Lanka with Ranil Wickremesinghe taking over as Prime Minister and attempting to form a multi-party government.’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday expanded Sri Lanka’s Cabinet to include nine more Ministers, but he is yet to appoint a Finance Minister to handle the crisis-hit island nation’s economic affairs.

A group of Ministers to helm portfolios including education, ports and shipping, health, justice, trade was sworn in, the President’s office said, terming the current administration an “all party government”.

Defying their party’s position, two lawmakers from Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the main Opposition, broke ranks to join the new government, invoking disciplinary action from the party. One legislator from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, which had earlier pledged conditional support, was also sworn in.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Govt Expands with Nine More Cabinet Ministers Being Sworn in; New Finance Minister will be Appointed next week says Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Chandani Kirinde

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) had prevented police personnel on duty near the Prime Minister’s official residence Temple Trees on 9 May from firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse the mob that attacked protestors at Galle Face Green, a senior Government member told Parliament yesterday.

Galle District MP Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon, who had been directed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to prevent any unrest on the day, had to stand down the police personnel on duty after the directive from the IGP.

Pathirana who is among around 80 ruling party politicians whose houses and other properties were destroyed by mobs after the Galle Face incident said that he too had gone to Temple Trees on 9 May with party supporters from his direct who were there to bid Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa farewell as he prepared to resign from the post.

Continue reading ‘SLPP Galle MP Dr.Ramesh Pathirana Makes Shocking Revelation in Parliament that IGP and Law and Order Ministry Secretary gave Orders to Police not to Disperse the Mobs that went from Temple Trees to Galle Face and Attacked Peaceful Protesters’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed Maldivian Parliamentary Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed as the “coordinator” for securing foreign aid to Sri Lanka that is facing an unprecedented economic crisis.

Mr. Wickremesinghe on May 19 held a closed-door meeting with his long-time friend Mr. Nasheed who is visiting Colombo, and discussed Sri Lanka’s dire economic situation, while exploring possible sources of relief. “During the discussions, the former President of Maldives generously offered to assist Sri Lanka in securing relief for the country from foreign nations. The Prime Minister accepted the former President’s offer and appointed him to coordinate the relief efforts,” Mr. Wickremesinghe’s office said in a statement.

Mr. Nasheed – who has spent many of his years in exile in Sri Lanka – has maintained close links with Sri Lankan leaders across political parties. Observing that the situation in Sri Lanka is “extremely serious”, he told The Hindu in Colombo: “We must all do whatever we can in times of need for our neighbour and cousin. I will do everything I can to assist the people of Sri Lanka.”

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe ropes in ex-Maldives President to ‘coordinate’ foreign aid for crisis-hit Sri Lanka: Mohamed Nasheed agrees to ‘do everything to assist the people’ of the island nation’ »

(This article from “The Economist” appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “Gota go”)

On paper, at least, Sri Lanka is one of the wealthiest countries in South Asia, ranked by the un on a par with much of eastern Europe in terms of development. Yet the country of 22m people is suffering severe food shortages, locked petrol pumps and power cuts lasting as long as 13 hours a day. The currency has lost nearly half its value against the dollar over the past two months. Foreign reserves stand at $50m, too little to cover even a day’s worth of imports and down from about $9bn in 2019. Last month Sri Lanka admitted it could no longer service its foreign debts. The country is broke.

Sri Lankans are furious. On May 9th protesters torched dozens of homes, most belonging to politicians, precipitating the resignation of Mahinda Rajapaksa, the once-beloved prime minister. Security forces evacuated him and his family to a naval base as a mob tried to storm his official residence. Vigilantes have set up checkpoints outside the country’s airports to prevent him and other officials from fleeing. A state of emergency is in force. The army has been ordered to shoot rioters and looters on sight.

How did it come to this? For an answer, look back to late 2019, when Sri Lanka was still picking itself up after a devastating set of terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday. Home-grown Islamists had targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, killing more than 250 people. Tourism, a big source of foreign exchange, took a hit, with arrivals falling from 244,000 the month before the attacks to 38,000 the month after.

Continue reading ‘“Gota must go. But the opposition should put the people before politics, too, and take some responsibility for extricating Sri Lanka from its predicament” — The Economist’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Scores of people on Wednesday gathered in Mullivaikkal village, in Sri Lanka’s northern Mullaitivu district, to remember the tens of thousands of Tamil civilians who were brutally killed in the final stages of the civil war in May 2009, when the armed forces crushed the LTTE.

Simultaneously, dozens came together expressing solidarity in a rare public remembrance event in capital Colombo, at Galle Face, the ocean front where citizens’ groups are protesting for 40 days now, asking President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to quit over the economic crisis stifling the country.

Although small, the commemoration in Colombo assumed significance, amid sharp divisions in how the Sinhala-majority south and Tamil majority north perceive the civil war’s end.

While the UN has recorded at least 40,000 civilian deaths in the final stages of the war, many in the island’s south are yet to confront hard questions about the Sri Lankan military’s alleged human rights abuses at the time, that too targeting civilians reportedly directed to a ‘No fire zone’. Their popular narrative conflates the LTTE with Tamil civilians, hails soldiers as “heroes” for crushing the outfit, and celebrates the end of the war as the military’s “victory”.

Continue reading ‘Thousands of Tamil Civilians Killed During War in May 2009 Commemorated at Mullivaaikkaal; Victims Remembered at Galle Face Green in Multi- ethnic event with Moving Speeches made in Sinhala, Tamil and English; ”Kanji” (porridge) Distributed in Coconut shells.’ »

by

Krishnadas Rajagopal

The Supreme Court on Wednesday invoked its extraordinary powers to do complete justice under Article 142 of the Constitution and ordered the release of A.G. Perarivalan in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
A Bench led by Justice L. Nageswara Rao, in its judgment, took into consideration Perarivalan’s long incarceration for over 30 years to order his release. Perarivalan is currently on bail. His death penalty had earlier been committed to life sentence for murder. Terrorism charges were earlier withdrawn.

The court held that the Tamil Nadu Council of Ministers’ advice on September 9, 2018 to pardon Perarivalan was binding on the Governor under Article 161 (Governor’s power of clemency) of the Constitution.
It said the long delay and the Governor’s reluctance to take a call on the pardon plea has compelled the court to employ its constitutional powers under Article 142 to do justice to Perarivalan.

The court dismissed the Centre’s argument that the President exclusively, and not the Governor, had the power to grant pardon in a case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, saying this contention would render Article 161 a “dead-letter” and create an extraordinary situation whereby pardons granted by Governors in murder cases for the past 70 years would be rendered invalid

Continue reading ‘Rajiv Gandhi case convict, A.G. Perarivalan, released by Indian Supreme Court citing extraordinary powers’ »

(Text of Special Statement made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on May 16th 2022 Regardig the Current Economic Siitution in Sri Lanka)

Last Thursday, I accepted office as the Prime Minister. I did not request this position. In face of the challenging situation facing the country, the President invited me to take up this position. I assumed this duty not only as a political leader, but also as national leader who has benefited from free education at the Faculty of Law of the University of Colombo.

At present, the Sri Lankan economy is extremely precarious. Although the former government’s budget projected a revenue of SLR 2.3 trillion, SLR 1.6 trillion is the realistic projection of this year’s revenue.

The estimated government expenditure for this year is SLR 3.3 trillion. However, due to the increase in interest rates and additional expenditure of the former government, the total government expenditure is SLR 4 trillion. The budget deficit for the year is SLR 2.4 trillion. This amount equals 13% of the GDP.

The approved debt ceiling is SLR 3200 billion. By the second week of May, we had spent 1950 billion.Therefore, the remainder is SLR 1250 billion. Yesterday, a cabinet decision was made to present a proposal to parliament to increase the approved limit for issuing treasury bills from 3000 billion to
4000 billion.

In November 2019, our foreign exchange reserves were at USD 7.5 billion. However, today, it is a challenge for the treasury to find USD 1 million. The Ministry of finance is finding it difficult to raise USD 5 million required to import gas.

Continue reading ‘“I am accepting this challenge for our nation. My goal and dedication is not to save an individual, a family, or a party. My objective is to save all the people of this country and the future of our younger generation. I ask you to extend your support to me in this endeavour.”- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in “The Hindu” of May 17th 2022 Under the Heading “ Crisis and opportunity: On Sri Lanka political crisis”)

The adage ‘every crisis contains the seeds of an opportunity’ could not have been truer for anyone than for Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The severe economic crisis, which set off indefinite protests against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother, (now former) Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, has pitchforked Mr. Wickremesinghe to an office that he had no chance of occupying until last week.

Given the turmoil, Sri Lanka needed a government that would work towards stability and economic recovery. With Mahinda Rajapaksa resigning in the face of determined protests, and the Opposition leader unwilling to work under President Gotabaya, a rare opportunity opened up for Mr. Wickremesinghe.

The former premier’s political prospects had almost ended with the 2020 parliamentary election, when his United National Party won no seats, and he himself made it as its lone member in Parliament on the principle of representation in proportion to the total votes it had received across the nation.

Continue reading ‘“Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Needs to prove to his detractors that he is working for political stability and economic recovery and not for reviving the political fortunes of the Rajapaksas.” – “The Hindu”’ »

By Chandani Kirinde

TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran yesterday slammed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, calling his conduct absolutely shameless after the latter voted against the motion moved by the TNA MP to suspend Standing Orders in order to debate a motion against the President.

He accused the Prime Minister of trading on his policies and principles after being appointed to the post by going back on his word of supporting the motion of censure on the President by blocking it from being debated yesterday.

“When this motion was drafted, the Prime Minister who was then on the other side wanted to take a look at it and even wanted it sent to Galle Face for consent. Then he issued two public statements saying he would vote in support of it,” the TNA MP said.

He added that since then, the UNP leader has changed his stance.

Continue reading ‘M.A. Sumanthiran Lashes out at Prime Minister Wickremesinghe calling his conduct absolutely shameless after Ranil voted against the motion moved by the TNA Parliamentarian to suspend Standing Orders in order to debate a motion against the President.’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday reaffirmed the UNP’s commitment to vote in favour of the motion expressing displeasure against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa when it is taken up in Parliament.

The Prime Minister reiterated his position after he came in for criticism for voting against a motion in Parliament yesterday to suspend Standing Orders to take up the debate on the motion against the President yesterday.

The Prime Minister’s office said last evening that during a discussion with Opposition MPs M.A. Sumanthiran, Rauf Hakeem and Mano Ganesan on 16 May, he was informed that they wanted to move a motion to suspend Standing Orders and debate the Motion of Displeasure against the President.

Continue reading ‘“Opposition chose the wrong strategy and proceeded to move a vote to suspend Standing Orders” Says Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and “reaffirms commitment to vote in favour of the motion “ expressing displeasure against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ »

SLPP Hambatntota District MP Ajith Rajapakse was elected as the new Deputy Speaker of Parliament yesterday after a secret ballot in which he defeated the SJB’s nominee Matale District MP Rohini Kaviratne.Rajapakse won 107 votes while Kaviratne got 98 votes while 23 votes were rejected.

Although discussions had been held to field a consensus candidate, the SJB and the ruling party both decided to field their own nominees despite calls from the SLFP and the 10-party alliance to withdraw one candidate’s name and agree on one to take up the post.

However, the SJB announced it was nominating Kaviratne whose name was proposed by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa and seconded by Chief Opposing Whip Lakshman Kiriella while the Government proposed the name of Rajapakse to the post.

Continue reading ‘SLPP Hambatntota District MP Ajith Rajapakse Elected Deputy Speaker with 107 Votes While SJB’s Matale District MP Rohini Kaviratne gets 98; 23 MP’s Votes “Rejected”in Secret Ballot’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday won crucial support from the main opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB), the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the 10-party alliance for his efforts to revive the economy.

The Parliamentary Group of the SJB unanimously decided to extend support to the Government led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on decisions taken for the betterment of the country and to uplift the country, the party said in a news release.

However, the SJB said while it would provide its support towards the Parliamentary process on the said matters and would not obtain any position in Government.

Continue reading ‘Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB), the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the 10-party alliance Decide to Support Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Efforts to Revive the Economy’ »

Ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MPs Sanath Nishantha and Milan Jayatilleke were arrested yesterday by the Criminal Investigations Department over violent incidents which took place at Galle Face and outside Temple Trees on 9 May.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP’s Sanath Nishantha and Milan Jayatilleke arrested by TID Over ttcks on Peaceful Protests at Galle Face and Opposite “Temple Trees” on May 9’ »

There was complete pandemonium on Saturday (14)when embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met with SLPP legislators for the first time since the latest wave of mob violence, which led to arson attacks against many of them.
Tight security granted to the president’s personal shaman, Gnana Akka, in Anuradhapura was figured at the meeting with angry MPs asking why the army protected her while legislators faced the wrath of mobs without any protection.

The Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) legislators had been invited for a closed-door meeting at the President’s tightly-guarded “Janadhipathy Mandiraya” where lawmakers pitched into the president for failing to curb violence against them.

Rajapaksa had wanted to discuss the election of a Deputy Speaker when parliament meets on Tuesday, but MPs wanted to discuss what happened to them, with one MP saying 60 of them lost their homes and offices to arson.
MPs accused the police of not taking faster action to save their homes, offices and vehicles.

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya’s Astrologer Gnana Akka’s Home and Shrine in Anuradhapura were burnt down by Mobs Despite 150 Soldiers Being Deployed for her Protection’ »

Several homes, properties, and vehicles belonging to MPs were destroyed during Monday’s (9) unrest, according to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). This full list, compiled by the SLPP, was released recently, and is as follows:

Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Carlton house was damaged. The Rajapaksa Museum, including the monuments of the former Prime Minister’s parents, were also destroyed. The statue of D.A. Rajapaksa was pulled down and damaged.

MP Dinesh Gunawardena’s residence in Kirulapone was attacked and damaged, while his office at Boralugoda was set on fire, and historical documents were destroyed. MP Dr. Ramesh Pathirana’s residence in Galle was also set on fire, while MP Prasanna Ranatunga’s residence, office, meeting hall, 200 motorcycles, and three vehicles were set on fire.

The houses of Wimalaweera Dissanayake and his sons were also damaged. Two houses of Mohan Priyadarshana de Silva located in Galle and Rathgama were also torched, as well as his Rathgama office. The residence and office of Vidura Wickramanayake, as well as three vehicles, were damaged.

The residence and three vehicles of Shehan Semasinghe were set alight, while Arundika Fernando’s home, office, and vehicle were also set on fire. Two houses, the office, and four vehicles belonging to Kanaka Herath were set on fire. One floor of Kanchana Wijesekera’s residence was set on fire, while three vehicles were damaged. Two buildings belonging to Nenuka Vidanagamage were damaged, while two buses were set on fire.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Podujana Party Releases List of Residences,Properties and Vehicles Belonging to Party MP’s that were Destroyed by Mob Violence; Namal Rajapaksa’s Wife’s House was also set on fire’ »

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) yesterday (15) stated that it would support all correct decisions taken by the Government to resolve the current economic crisis in the country, and that it was willing to discuss the allocation of ministerial portfolios to SLFP MPs, two days after stating that it would neither be part of a government under the new Prime Minister, nor accept any portfolios.

This was stated in a letter directed to newly appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (15) by former President and SLFP Chairman Maithripala Sirisena, in response to the letter sent by the Premier requesting the SLFP’s support for the Government in order to find solutions to the ongoing economic crisis.

The letter requested an appointment with the Prime Minister for a party delegation to discuss the acceptance of portfolios in the Government, and this meeting is expected to be held this morning (16).
Meanwhile, the SLFP cancelled the meeting of its politburo scheduled for yesterday evening, where these matters, among other things, were set to be discussed.

Continue reading ‘Maithripala led SLFP does U turn by Deciding to Join Ranil’s Govt;Party Seeks ppointment to Discuss Portfolios;Wimal – Udaya Led 11 Party Group Also wants appointment with the new Prime Minister’ »

By Meera Srinivasan

Sri Lanka on May 15 said it will “duly investigate” information flagged by Indian intelligence agencies — that ex-LTTE were “regrouping to launch attacks” in the island — and “strengthen security”, a day after authorities denied the claim reported in The Hindu.

On May 13 The Hindu, citing Indian intelligence sources, reported that “some erstwhile cadre” had entered Tamil Nadu to “plan and execute” attacks in Sri Lanka that is in the grips of a crippling economic crisis and political uncertainty. The attacks were being timed with the ‘Mullivaikkal anniversary’, sources had indicated.

They were referring to the civil war anniversary marked by Sri Lanka’s Tamils on May 18 every year, to remember the tens of thousands of Tamil civilians who were in killed during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s civil war in May 2009, when Sri Lankan forces crushed the LTTE.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka to probe reports of LTTE regrouping to launch attack; Indian intelligence services Sri Lanka alert warning was given ‘as general information’’ »

By

Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

In the shambles left of the Rajapaksa Government this week in Sri Lanka, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s last-ditch conjuring of many-times Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to fill the vacuum left by the resignation of his brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa, was hardly unexpected.

The bitter aftermath of Monday’s attacks

That was the most predictable move left to the nation’s so-called ‘first family’ now reduced to cowering under the protection of the security State that had been nurtured for this very purpose, perchance. As the Rajapaksa mansions, museums and seats of power were set alight, their supporters thrashed on the streets in Colombo, once adoring fans in the strongholds of the South danced wildly in the light of the flames. It was only one among many cruel ironies that former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and members of his family had to seek refuge in a naval base in the East, the alleged site of enforced disappearances of critics of his regime.

That said, there are lessons to be learnt, not only for the Rajapaksas, as the nation reflects in the bitter aftermath of the attacks by state goons on peaceful protestors at Galle Face Green this Monday. Some blame the dithering of Opposition parties for the President’s plucking of former Premier Wickremesinghe out of the political thin air to lead the Government. Initially, the main opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) had commendably declined accepting the Government under President Rajapaksa on the basis that his departure from the Office of the Presidency was the core demand of Sri Lanka’s protestors, young and old.

But after a tired and deflated looking President addressed the nation on Wednesday, promising inter alia to restore the 19th Amendment and to appoint a Prime Minister who will command the ‘confidence of the people,’ the SJB procrastination to reverse its stand proved to be costly. By the time that its leader wrote to the President, relying on that very address to say that it will accept his invitation to form a Government subject to conditions, it was a tad too late. A new Prime Minister was already being sworn in, vide a lightning quick Presidential move, probably under crafty advisement by that same (soon-to-be) Prime Minister.

Continue reading ‘The majority Sinhalese must acknowledge their helpless and hopeless beggaring by the very rulers who proclaimed their supremacy, the basis on which they rode triumphantly to power in 2019 and 2020’ »

By Sandun Jayawardana

Elements backed by political parties and enemies are being blamed for the destruction caused to vehicles and properties of government politicians, their relatives and supporters during the three days of violence that broke out after pro-government thugs attacked peaceful protesters outside Temple Trees and at Galle Face on Monday.

Properties and vehicles belonging to more than 40 government and pro-government parliamentarians, including former ministers, have been damaged, according to police.

Continue reading ‘Pro-Govt. MPs accuse Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and Frontline Socialist Party mobs of destroying their properties and vehicles but both JVP and FSP Deny the Charges and Raise Suspicion about Govt Role in Counter Violence’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Just as it became apparent on Wednesday that Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was about to appoint Ranil Wickremesinghe as PM, in place of Mahinda Rajapaksa who resigned days earlier, an old video clip got widely shared on social media.

Clad in a back suit, a prim looking Mr. Wickremesinghe tells a journalist in a slow, considered manner: “Politics is more than chess, it is teamwork like cricket, you must have the stamina for a marathon, you must also remember it’s a hard game like rugger, and a blood sport like boxing.” It was just before the 2010 presidential election, in which he lost to Mr. Mahinda.

Five years later, he was back in power, cohabiting in a ‘national unity’ government with President Maithripala Sirisena, who controversially ousted him in 2018 and reinstated him, after a Supreme Court ruling.

The internal rift in their coalition, compounded by its many failures, of not prosecuting the Rajapaksas and their allies in alleged murder and corruption cases, and failing to prevent the Easter terror bombings of 2019 despite warnings, paved the way for the rise of Mr. Gotabaya, who handsomely won the 2019 presidential polls.

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe: From United National Party(UNP) Lone Member of Parliament to Prime Minister of Sri Lanka’ »

By Mujib Mashal and Skandha Gunasekara

As the guests sat down for a banquet dinner last summer at the grand colonial-era home of Sri Lanka’s president, the small talk soon turned gravely serious.

Addressing members of the ruling coalition, the country’s energy minister, Udaya Gammanpila, defended a small increase in fuel prices that was intended to address a critical shortage of dollars the island nation needed to import fuel, medicine and other necessities.

The president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and his brother Mahinda, the prime minister, had come on board with the measure after a year of discussion. But another member of the family — Basil, the finance minister, one of five Rajapaksas in the cabinet — had other ideas.

Before the guests made their way to the dance floor, Basil Rajapaksa rose to declare that Sri Lanka was not in fact suffering from a foreign currency crisis, according to Mr. Gammanpila and another person present. Criminals, he claimed, were funneling dollars out of the country’s banking system. Give him two weeks, he said, and he would fix it.

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa the president is trying to find his own ground after realizing his brothers had taken advantage of his political inexperience to introduce disastrous policies in his name’ »

By
Meera Srinivasan

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence on Saturday denied reports of ex-LTTE cadre “regrouping to launch attacks” in Sri Lanka, as reported by The Hindu, citing sources in Indian intelligence.

“The article is completely baseless. We have received no intelligence warning of such a security threat,” a Ministry spokesman said. The report, citing Indian intelligence sources, was picked up by Sri Lankan media and widely shared on social media.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence denies reports of ex-LTTE cadre “regrouping to launch attacks” in Sri Lanka, as reported by “The Hindu”, citing sources in Indian intelligence; Further Ex[lanations Requested From Media and Authorities’ »

By

S.Vijay Kumar

Intelligence agencies have warned of erstwhile cadre of the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) regrouping to launch attacks in Sri Lanka, as the country is embroiled in a deep economic and political crisis.

As the island nation has declared emergency twice amid escalating violent protests, some sections of the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora, with multinational links, were trying to make their presence “felt” in the ongoing clashes between protesters and security forces, police sources said on Friday.

Besides planning attacks to mark the Mullivaikal anniversary that falls on May 18, which some groups observe as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, the ex-LTTE cadre were also conspiring to avenge the killings of their leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, newsreader Isai Priya and others, who were killed as the ethnic conflict ended after fierce fighting in 2009.

Continue reading ‘‘Indian Intelligence agencies alert over regrouping Attempts by ex-LTTE cadres;Warnings of Sri Lankan Tamil outfits abroad are Allegedly planning attacks to mark Mullivaikal anniversary’’ »

By Chandani Kirinde

The 10-party alliance led by former Ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) said yesterday they will not accept any ministerial portfolios in the Government of newly appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, but will extend support to the programs to revive the economy.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena said that the SLFP had been invited to join the Cabinet but had declined the offer. “We sent our proposals to the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to set up an all-party interim Government and held several rounds of talks with him. But he appointed Ranil Wickremesinghe and it was done in a manner that is contrary to the spirit of forming an interim Government,” he said.

Continue reading ‘The 10-party alliance and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will not accept any ministerial portfolios in the Gont of newly appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, but will extend support to the programs to revive the economy’ »

Newly appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday appealed to the people to be patient, and promised to work diligently to find a way out of the unprecedented economic crisis and bring relief to the people.

The Prime Minister instructed his staff to be prepared to continue working without thinking about the holidays.

Accordingly, the upcoming holiday weekend including Vesak Poya Day will be a continuous working week at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Prime Minister said.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe tells BBC that the country’s economic crisis will get worse before it gets better. His message to the Sri Lankan people: “Be patient, I will bring back the lost things.”’ »

BY CHANKA JAYASINGHE

A former ruling party legislator who died in violent clash in Sri Lanka was beaten to death by a mob and it was not a suicide as claimed earlier, Police Spokesman Nihal Thalduwa said on Thursday.

Amarakeerthi Athukorala, an MP in former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) administration died on Monday in the country’s Western town of Nittambuwa after a clash with an angry mob.
Earlier it was claimed that the 57-year legislator from Sri Lanka’s North Central district of Polannaruwa committed suicide by shooting himself after he opened fire at two members of the a group which had clocked his vehicle on Monday.

“The MP who was killed was actually murdered,” Nihal Thalduwa told Economy Next.

Continue reading ‘SLPP Parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala was Beaten to Death by a Mob at Nittambuwa and did not Commit Suicide by Shooting Himself as Reported Earlier says Police Spokesman Nihal Talduwa’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has vowed to “deliver solutions” to the island’s deepening economic crisis, kicked off duties on Friday, discussing formation of a “foreign aid consortium” with Colomb-based envoys, his office said.

His outreach came a day after he was sworn in Premier by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in place of Mahinda Rajapaksa, who resigned earlier this week in the wake of attacks carried out by his supporters on anti-government protesters. For months now, scores of citizens groups, youth, professionals, and artistes have been agitating with the demand that President Rajapaksa step down over the crippling economic crisis. The attacks triggered violent retaliations, prompting authorities to impose a police curfew, as homebound citizens further struggle to access essentials including food, fuel, medicines and cooking gas amid acute shortages.

Continue reading ‘Newly appointed PM Ranil Wickremesinghe meets Ambassadors of China, United States, Japan, and the High Commissioners of India and UK; discusses the setting up of a “foreign aid consortium”to help Sri Lanka Economically’ »

A decision has been made to pass a resolution in support of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new Prime Minister in the Parliament when it convenes next on 17 May.

The motion states that the support of the majority of the Members of Parliament will be expressed to Ranil Wickremesinghe.

It is reported that lawmakers of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MPs who support the new Government and MPs of several other parties will assist Ranil Wickremesinghe to function in his post as Prime Minister.

Continue reading ‘Resolution Expressing Support to New Prime Minister Ranil Wicremesinghe to be Presented in Parliament on May 17’ »