Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has conveyed to the Speaker of Parliament his willingness to step down if all party leaders make a unanimous call for his resignation, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.
Premadasa told parliament on Wednesday (20) that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had made this pronouncement at a party leaders’ meeting earlier that day.
By
CHANKA JAYASINGHE
Justifying brutal way of controlling a protest, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Public Security Prasanna Ranatunga said on Wednesday (20) the police shooting and killing of a protester in the island nation’s central town of Rambukkana saved over 300 lives.
A protester was shot dead in a clash when a protest turned into violence in Rambukkana on Tuesday. Another 24 have been injured with two are treated for critical injuries, hospital sources have said. The protest was staged by thousands of local area people against fuel shortage and price hike.
Police have said they used “minimum force” to control the protest and they had to resort to such tough action when protesters attempted to set fire a bowser with over 30,000 litres of fuel, forcefully stopped across the main railway crossing.
Many opposition legislators asked Ranatunga to resign as he failed in his duty as the minister in charge of police.
Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says the right to peacefully protest will not be ‘hindered’ following an outcry over the first shooting to death of a protestor by police.
“Sri Lankan citizens’ right to peacefully protest won’t be hindered,” he said in a twitter.com message.
” I urge all citizens to refrain from violence as they protest.”
He said police would carry out an “impartial & transparent inquiry” in to the shooting which also led to about dozen people being hospitalized.
Sri lanka has suffered multiple crises and nearly three decades of civil war since it won independence from Britain in 1948. But it had never failed to pay back its debts. That changed on April 12th, when the South Asian island nation’s finance ministry said in a statement that it would suspend payments on all foreign debt until it had come to an agreement with creditors on how to restructure the loans.
The document stressed the country’s unblemished record of meeting its obligations. But continuing to do so, it said, “is no longer a tenable policy”. Recent developments, including the economic fallout from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, meant paying up had become “impossible”.
Though wrenching, the decision to suspend debt payments may be the first serious step towards fixing the country’s deepening economic crisis. The government’s admission brings it in line with the view of the imf, which said last month that dwindling foreign reserves had made Sri Lanka’s foreign debt “unsustainable”.
The Sri Lankan authorities should promptly and impartially investigate the apparent use of excessive force by police, who fired on protesters demonstrating against rising fuel prices in Rambukkana, a town near Kandy in central Sri Lanka on April 19, 2022.
One person was killed and at least 14 wounded. Those responsible for abuses should be disciplined or prosecuted as appropriate. Sri Lanka has a long history of failing to provide justice and redress to victims of human rights violations.
“The use of live ammunition by Sri Lankan police against demonstrators at Rambukkana on April 19 appears to be a flagrant misuse of lethal force,” said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “People protesting government policies that affect their lives and livelihoods shouldn’t have to fear for their lives.”
BY Buddhika Samaraweera
Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa and Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena engaged in a heated argument yesterday (20) in Parliament, with Premadasa claiming that Abeywardena had stated that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was willing to resign if all party leaders in Parliament make a unanimous request, and Abeywardena denying having made any such statement.
Speaking in Parliament, Premadasa said: “During the Party Leaders’ meeting, Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that if all the party leaders in this House make a request, the President is ready to resign. If that is so, we are ready to make such a request.”
UNP Leader MP Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday tabled in Parliament a draft proposal to revive the economy and strengthen the role of Parliament in the exercise of its powers over public finance.
These include directing the Committee on Public Finance to inquire and report on the state of public finance including amending the Appropriation Act 2022 to ensure financial provisions for the protection of vulnerable groups; as well as the Committee on Public Enterprises to inquire and report on the financial position of the State-owned enterprises.
He also proposed the suspension of all capital expenditure on new projects including expansion projects of State-owned enterprises as well as suspension of the alienations, including sales and/or leases, of State controlled and/or owned assets or enterprises.
He said any decision by the Government to dispose of the above-mentioned assets/enterprises must first be informed to Parliament.
By a Special Correspondent
Both a political activist and a corporate and media personality, Krishantha Prasad Cooray is not known to mince words and is quite forthright. He was former Chairman of Hotel Developers (Lanka) Plc, which owns Hilton Colombo, Lake House and Independent Non-Executive Director at DFCC Bank as well as a Working Committee member of the ruling coalition party UNP. The Daily FT spoke to Krishantha to get a frank personal assessment of the country’s current status of governance and the political economy as well as business.
Krishantha Prasad Cooray
Here are >excerpts:
Q: Did you expect the country to deteriorate so rapidly?
Of course, but by no means was I the only one. It was inevitable. In 2019, the people of Sri Lanka decided by an overwhelming majority to elect as their President a man who along with most of his family was on trial for swindling public funds, who is credibly accused of countless atrocities and who had never held any elected office or ran even a corner shop or petrol shed at any point in his life. They elected an inexperienced, politically immature and extremely bitter man.
He has never shown a shred of remorse or an iota of compassion or empathy for anyone other than himself. There was simply no reason to assume that he could care about the wellbeing of anyone other than himself and his family, let alone effectively govern a country. He was a creation of extremists and Sinhala nationalists who created a character in the public eye to serve a narrow and divisive agenda. It is now evident that they never even had a plan to effectively govern this country.
Q: Every government comes to power to govern. Why do you think this one was any different?
BY Buddhika Samaraweera
One person was killed and more than 20 others injured when the Police opened fire on protesters engaged in a protest in the Rambukkana area yesterday (19) evening, with Police curfew declared within the Rambukkana Police area and STF personnel deployed, as public anger grew over the shooting.
The protestors were engaged in a protest over the prevailing fuel shortages and rising fuel prices, particularly the latest fuel price hike by Ceylon Petroleum Corporation early yesterday.
When contacted by The Morning late yesterday evening, a spokesman for the Kegalle Teaching Hospital said that a person who was shot during the protest had died after being admitted to the hospital. He added that another 12 people had been admitted to the hospital by yesterday evening, out of which a few were in critical condition and were undergoing emergency surgery.
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (19) claimed that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is now forced to “live in a bunker” due to the people’s dissatisfaction with his rule, and urged the President to therefore resign immediately.
“Gotabaya Rajapaksa, you cannot live with the public today. You have to live in a bunker today. You cannot rule the country from a bunker. You must go now,” stressed Dissanayake.
Following the death of an anti-Government protestor after Police opened fire on the protestors in Rambukkana, the envoys of the United Nations (UN), the US, and Canada have voiced their concern about the incident, while the Government and relevant authorities have come under criticism from both the political Opposition and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung took to Twitter to call for a full, transparent investigation, which she noted was essential.
“I am deeply saddened by the horrible news coming out of Rambukkana. I condemn any violence – whether against protesters or police – and call for restraint and calm from all sides,” she said.
Further, Chung mentioned that the people’s right to peaceful protest must be upheld.
While expressing her deep concern over the incidents that occurred in Rambukkana, United Nations (UN) Sri Lanka Resident Co-ordinator Hanaa Singer-Hamdy says that violence by any party involved hinders the rights of all peaceful protestors.
“Restricting use of force to the minimum extent necessary is vital to protect citizens and their right to exercise fundamental freedoms,” she said in a Tweet.
BY Buddhika Samaraweera
Citizens islandwide took to the streets in protest, obstructing roads and railway tracks in several areas yesterday (19), over the recent increase in fuel prices by the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), with the protests turning fatal following the Police opening fire on protestors in Rambukkana.
The protests were attended by private bus owners, drivers, conductors, three-wheeler drivers, and the general public. People had parked vehicles blocking main roads and private buses were not in operation in many areas where the protests were held.
Following the CPC having announced a fuel price hike with effect from midnight on 18 April, filling stations in the Rambukkana area had stopped issuing fuel. However, the people who were waiting in queues near filling stations until midnight that day, started a protest in the Rambukkana area, demanding the release of fuel at the old prices.
Accordingly, they staged a protest on 18 April from 1.30 a.m., blocking the Colombo-Kandy railway line in the Rambukkana area. The Rambukkana-Mawanella, Rambukkana-Kegalle and Rambukkana-Kurunegala main roads were also blocked due to the protests.
Amidst continuous protest against him, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday admitted that his Government had erred by banning the use of chemical fertiliser and should have sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“I believe that we should have gone for a program with the International Monetary Fund earlier. Also, I think the decision not to provide chemical fertilisers to farmers was an error. We have taken steps to revive that practice. Today, people are under immense pressure due to this economic crisis. I deeply regret this situation,” the President said while addressing the new Cabinet members.
The President said the country is facing one of the most difficult and challenging economic, political and socially decisive times in the history of Sri Lanka and said he expects the newly appointed ministers to commit themselves to building an honest, efficient and clean administration.
“A ministerial post is not a privilege. It is a great responsibility,” he said. The President said at present, many state-owned enterprises are in dire financial crisis and urged the ministers to transform the institutions under their purview into corruption free and efficient institutions.
“We know that when they get these ministerial posts, they are preparing to get jobs in the ministries and institutions they get. I urge you not to do such acts under these circumstances. What ministries really need to do is create jobs. Present crisis is a good opportunity to make the system change that the people have demanded,” he said.
By
Ranga Jayasuriya
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the president who is facing mass protests demanding his and his government’s resignation, yesterday appointed a new Cabinet, showing scant regard for public mood. That 17-member new Cabinet is a sham, devoid of legitimacy, and would be a source of further political instability.
With the elder brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa remaining as the prime minister, and Gotabaya hanging onto the presidency against the mounting calls, the Rajapaksas appear as the usurpers of political office, rather than the elected representatives of the public. So would be the members of the new Cabinet. The rest of the world should view them as such, and deal with them accordingly.
The new Cabinet is yet another sign that the Rajapaksas are not letting the country go out of their grip. It is meant to be a rubber stamp of this familial hold of unhinged power in the absence of public approval. Yet, that feigned sense of control over the nation is misleading and hollow. In reality, though, the extended family of Rajapaksas are so loathed and discredited to the extent that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been forced to vacate his Mirihana residency.
BY Pamodi Waravita
The Colombo Fort Police submitted an initial report to the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday (18) about the “Occupy Galle Face” movement at the Galle Face Green, which reached its 10th consecutive day yesterday.
The report noted that on 9 April 2022, social media messages called the public to come to the Galle Face Green for a protest demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Government. The Colombo Fort Police had brought in police officers from other divisions in case of another incident like the one at Mirihana near the President’s private residence, and to protect public peace.
On 31 March night, a people’s protest was held in Mirihana, Nugegoda. Video reports show an individual setting fire to a bus and protestors attempting to topple the barricades at the entrance to the Pangiriwatta Lane. Tear gas and water cannons were used against the protestors by the Police and 53 suspects were arrested following the incident.
Many amongst them have alleged that they were severely assaulted and tortured by the Police and the Armed Forces, which has since led to a large public outcry. The arrested suspects were later released on bail.
The Government has agreed to repeal the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and reintroduce the 19th Amendment as the 21st Amendment, according to Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegeya (SJB) Opposition MP Mano Ganesan, while the Prime Minister’s Media Division has announced that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa would introduce a constitutional amendment to the Cabinet of Ministers.
“The Government has agreed to repeal the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and bring back clauses of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution as the 21st Amendment to the Constitution. Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government and Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena informed the Party Leaders about this today at the special meeting convened by Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena,” Ganesan stated yesterday (18) on his official Twitter account.
A total of 24 new State Ministers were also sworn in before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (18) evening, following the swearing in of 17 new Ministers amidst the political turmoil in the country.
Accordingly, Prof. G.L. Peiris, who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed as the State Minister of Defence, Rohana Dissanayake as the State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Arundika Fernando as the State Minister of Plantations, Lohan Ratwatte as the State Minister of Urban Development, and Tharaka Balasuriya as the State Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In his address to the newly sworn-in Cabinet of Ministers yesterday (18), President Gotabaya Rajapaksa admitted that the Government should have entered into a programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at an earlier date, while the chemical fertiliser ban was a mistake.
“We faced huge challenges in the past two years. With the Covid-19 pandemic and the debt burden, there were some shortcomings on our part. We need to correct them. We must go forward by correcting them. We must win back the public’s trust. I believe that we should have gone for an IMF programme before this. I also think that it was a mistake to not provide chemical fertilisers to farmers. We have now ensured that they will be given again,” said the President.
He expressed his extreme disappointment about the impact of the economic crisis on the people.
“The public’s anger, pain, and discomfort of having to stay in queues to obtain essential items when they are already unable to bear the cost of living is extremely justified.”
By P.K.Balachandran.
The beleaguered Sri LanUtterlykan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, on Monday held out an olive branch to the opposition parties and people wanting him to quit for the economic mess he has allegedly created. But he firmly stated that he will not quit yielding to extra-constitutional methods of removal, including the continuous demonstrations in front of his office in Colombo for the last ten days calling for his resignation.
In a statement, the President reiterated his call to the opposition to join him in solving the grave problems the country is facing. He asked them to suggest constitutional reforms that can help tone up governance which he admitted is replete with flaws. Indeed, at his instance, there is an on-going constitutional reform process.
On its part, the opposition is utterly confused and disunited. While some want him to quit, others want a total abolition of the Executive Presidency. Yet others want the powers of the Executive Presidency clipped and parliament’s powers strengthened. The President did not indicate his preference in this regard in his statement, but he invited suggestions for reform. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, his elder brother, has also called for ideas on constitutional reforms.
A total of 17 new Cabinet Ministers were sworn in before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (18) amidst continuous public protests demanding the resignation of the President, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and the incumbent Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna-led Government.
The Presidential Media Division (PMD) announced that the relevant Ministers were sworn in at the President’s house in Colombo Fort last morning.
Accordingly, former Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was sworn in as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils (PCs) and Local Government (LG), Douglas Devananda as the Minister of Fisheries, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana as the Minister of Education and Plantation Industries, Prasanna Ranatunga as the Minister of Public Security and Tourism, and Dilum Amunugama as the Minister of Transport and Industries.
In addition, Kanaka Herath has been appointed as the Minister of Highways (replacing Johnston Fernando), Vidura Wickramanayake (who on several occasions criticised the current Government’s policies) as the Minister of Labour, Janaka Wakkumbura as the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, and Wimalaweera Dissanayake as the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation.
By
Marwaan Macan -Markar
Debt-ridden Sri Lanka has stepped into uncharted waters. Negotiations begin this week in Washington between government officials and the International Monetary Fund for a relief program, against the backdrop of protests at home and the decision to stop paying its overseas debts.
It is the 17th time the Indian Ocean nation has sought a financial lifeline from the fund, the second-highest frequency in Asia, after Pakistan. The planned default, however, is a first, leaving holders of its hard currency-denominated bonds expecting a debt restructuring in which they will take a haircut on what they are owed.
Nandalal Weerasinghe, a veteran central banker and economist brought out of retirement this month to be governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, has his sights on calming creditors.
He told reporters after raising interest rates by a record 700 basis points in one of his first acts, “[This] will give a strong message to the international investors, to our creditors and to the markets that we are going to get out of this crisis as soon as possible.”
By Dinitha Rathnayake
A group of lawyers will today (18) alert the Judicial Services Commission, which is entrusted with safeguarding the independence of judges, about an attempt being made to remove the protestors in front of the Presidential Secretariat at “GotaGoGama” through a court order provided by a magistrate who was appointed recently, The Morning learnt.
By “The Morning” Political Editor
Several former Ministers and State Ministers, including Sarath Weerasekara, Johnston Fernando, Dullas Alahapperuma, Bandula Gunawardena, Gamini Lokuge, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, and Jeevan Thondaman would not be part of the new Cabinet of Ministers, which political sources indicate would be youth-heavy and sworn in today (18).
In addition, our sources said that the Cabinet would be limited to 15 members, and that former Ministers and State Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa, Chamal Rajapaksa, and Shasheendra Rajapaksa would also not be part of the new Cabinet, amidst continuing mass protests against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Government.
In the absence of these prominent figures, a few less-familiar faces are set to receive Cabinet Ministerial portfolios, in a bid to appease the protesting public, and signal that the Government is embarking on a new path to emerge from the economic crisis.
By P.K.Balachandan
The Rajapaksa regime in Sri Lanka, extremely hard-pressed though it economically and politically, might still survive thanks to disunity among the Opposition parties and the massive infusion of financial and material aid to the country from abroad. The fact that the politically savvy Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has come out of his shell and is fronting for the reclusive and apolitical President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is also expected to buttress the government.
There are essentially six critical factors working in favor of the regime.
The first factor is the Rajapaksas’ firm resolve to stay put in power so long as they have the backing of the constitution and the law. Their resolve is a major challenge to the Opposition which is chronically divided. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has categorically told his detractors that he will not resign because he still has the mandate secured in the last elections and that he will not accept any corrective mechanism outside the framework of the constitution. This stance is fully backed by his elder brother, Prime Minister and political heavy weight, Mahinda Rajapaksa. The firmness of the Rajapaksas’ means that the Opposition will have to marshal all its resources and put the brothers on the mat if it is to dislodge them. But it appears that it is incapable of doing so.
By
Arjuna Ranawana
Sri Lanka is on the brink of either a historic political revolution where45 years of autocratic rule will end or a catastrophic break down of law and order that could have grave consequences.
The nation is angry. It has stomached months of deprivation of the very basics of life, food, fuel,electricity, and medicine. Even as doctors appeal for medical supplies, the head of the government information department releases a statement to the contrary. That is the hallmark of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government, contradictions.
At least seven people, mostly older men have died while standing in the queues to purchase cooking gas or fuel.
The people now roundly blame the government dominated by the Rajapaksa family for the mess. The rulers ignored warnings made by economists over a year ago that the country’s finances were on a downward path.
Last year the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) urged the government to approach the International Monetary Fund for relief. But theirsuggestionswere ignored.Government MPs including Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara ridiculed the suggestion.
Now the country is bankrupt, and unable to pay its debts has been compelled to seek IMF assistance.
One thing is clear, the Rajapaksas would never have dreamt their adoring fans would turn against them.
By
Kishali Pinto Jayawardene
As ominous lines of shrouded police trucks lined up near Colombo’s Galle Face Green on Saturday April 16th 2022 are removed amidst Sri Lankans calling for an end to catastrophic political leadership resulting in a slide to bankruptcy, this is perhaps the most critical moment of this nation in post-independence history.
The Government is taking all the wrong steps
On the one hand, we have demands of the protestors at the imaginatively named ‘Gota Go Gama’ at the Galle Face Green, mini ‘Gamas’ in Galle, Mawanella and growing in numbers elsewhere. Beautifully uncomplicated in a common call, they ask President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family members to leave politics, claiming that the peoples’ mandate in 2019 and 2020 has been ‘revoked.’ Then again, they demand that the ‘people’s money’ be returned to the national coffers. Befuddled by this extraordinary upsurge of public anger, the Government is taking all the wrong steps, much in step with its previous muddles.
A hastily appointed Minister of Finance who traded in his cap as Minister of Justice overnight to accept the finance portfolio, resigned and then recanted on his resignation in a comedic show fit only for a bad Franz Kafka fantasy, tried to say that the demands lacked ‘clarity.’ This was during a scriptured interview for a private media network on Friday. Certainly a Government which is not clear on what it is doing itself, from handling of monetary policy to agriculture policies, may complain about an alleged lack of clarity on the part of its detractors.
But the demands are perfectly clear. Sri Lankans shout to the Government to ‘go’ from Matara to Medawachchiya, toot horns in support, bring food, water and most crucially, their passion to the streets. What is unclear about all of this? Surely, poor governance, racist, corrupt and communalistic rule must have consequences, at the very end at least, when a nation goes bankrupt and the people are abruptly reduced to penury. The resignations of a few, on whom all sins are conveniently placed, is not the answer.
By
Dr Nihal Jayawickrama
With every passing day, the demand for the resignation of the President is gathering momentum, becoming more strident, and more widespread, and echoing even beyond the borders of this country. The President’s response has been to secure the resignation of his Cabinet of Ministers while retaining his brother as Prime Minister, and then filling three key portfolios and, bizarrely, one of dubious value.
He has chosen to retain for himself the others, including the currently critical functions relating to health, power and energy. The Opposition has responded by collecting signatures for two parliamentary motions. One seeks to express its lack of confidence in the Government, while the other seeks to impeach the President. Both these are clearly misconceived.
Motion of No-Confidence in the Government
Article 43 of the Constitution states that the Cabinet of Ministers is collectively responsible and answerable to Parliament. Therefore, a motion of no-confidence in the Government, if passed by a simple majority, will result in the dissolution of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Thereupon, Article 49(2) requires the President to appoint a new Prime Minister who commands the confidence of Parliament and new Cabinet Ministers. It does not secure the resignation of the President. It does not, therefore, respond to the demands of millions who are demonstrating on the streets of this country.
By’
S.Rubatheesaan With Additional reporting by N. Lohathayalan
Why aren’t the northern people protesting over rising prices and shortages of essential items? The answer: Economic hardships are not new to them.
When the war was raging in the Northern Province just over a decade ago, electricity was a luxury for many families in the region.
To survive and overcome life’s difficulties, people were forced to look for alternatives and innovative techniques during the war.
When the war ended, bringing in its wake normality, a change in lifestyle and development activities in the region, the northern people would not have imagined that they would be undergoing similar difficulties and have to adopt the same tactics once again–this time due to the Government’s mismanagement of the economy.
Back then–almost every household had homemade oil lamps made out of a bottle and a wick. Known as Kuppi vilakku in Tamil, it has made a comeback, as the country is experiencing prolonged power cuts. It has turned out to be a useful item for the poor who cannot afford a hurricane lamp, which has gone up in price from Rs. 1,400 months ago to Rs. 3,000-3,500 today. T. Veluppillai, 64, from Madhu in Mannar remembers his long gone days when he worked as a transporter of goods and people in his Honda MD 90 motorbike covering the 28 kilometers distance from Pallamadhu to Mannar, as there was no bus service to connect the two areas.
By
Meera Srinivasan
Sri Lanka’s economic recovery will depend on reforms undertaken with the IMF’s support, but the government will not ignore the country’s poor, Finance Minister Ali Sabry said.
The recently appointed Minister spoke to The Hindu ahead of his departure to Washington DC, where he will lead the Sri Lankan delegation in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. “We have seen huge cuts to the country’s revenue and are trying to recover from the current economic crisis. Reforms are going to be crucial,” he said.
Mr. Sabry, who served as Justice Minister in the former Cabinet, stepped down with his Cabinet colleagues early in April, amid mounting pressure from citizens demanding that the President, Prime Minister and their relatives in office step down for “mismanaging” the crisis. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa soon appointed him as Finance Minister in a “new”, four-member cabinet. Mr. Sabry resigned again, but it was not accepted by the President.
By Dushni Weerakoon
(DUSHNI WEERAKOON is the Executive Director and Head of Macroeconomic Policy Research at the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka.)
Sri Lanka is facing an economic meltdown. The COVID-19 pandemic hurt many low- and middle-income countries, but the island nation of 22 million people stands out as one of the hardest hit. Sri Lanka is experiencing the worst economic downturn of its history, grappling with staggering levels of government debt, spiraling inflation, and a foreign exchange crisis that has led to the scarcity of many essential goods. Long lines snake outside gas pumps. The power cuts out frequently. Shops are running out of medicines and other necessities. In April, the government defaulted on its external debt, paving the way for a loan program from the International Monetary Fund.
Since late March, protesters have taken to the streets to demand the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whom they blame for the economic turmoil. Rajapaksa has held firm, but the political ground seems to be shifting beneath him. Much of his cabinet has resigned, and his ruling coalition has lost its majority in parliament. To rescue the economy, he must now seek a bailout from the IMF. Such a program will give Sri Lanka the best chance of stabilizing its economy, even as it carries significant political risks for the government. But without help from the IMF, the economy will go into a tailspin and tear apart the social fabric of the country.
Sri Lanka is facing an economic meltdown. The COVID-19 pandemic hurt many low- and middle-income countries, but the island nation of 22 million people stands out as one of the hardest hit. Sri Lanka is experiencing the worst economic downturn of its history, grappling with staggering levels of government debt, spiraling inflation, and a foreign exchange crisis that has led to the scarcity of many essential goods. Long lines snake outside gas pumps. The power cuts out frequently. Shops are running out of medicines and other necessities. In April, the government defaulted on its external debt, paving the way for a loan program from the International Monetary Fund.
By
Col. R.Hariharan
Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency probably reached the point of no return, after 41 members of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) coalition partners withdrew their support to the government on 5 April. Two days earlier, the President had disbanded his cabinet, in a bid to form an all-party government to tide over the financial crisis. His call had no takers because the Opposition parties see Gotabaya as a loser and want him out of office.
The main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the 10-party alliance as well as the JVP-led National Peoples Power (NPP) are in no mood to help him out at least for the time being. So, a temporary government led by his brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, assisted by four essential ministers, is in place now.
The 31 March night public protest near the President’s residence in Colombo suburb has now snowballed into a nationwide protest movement against the Rajapaksas. It reflected the people’s total loss of faith in their handling of continuing shortages of food, fuel and essential goods including medicines.
For the first time, Gotabaya must be feeling lonely at the top. Having been accustomed to fawning public hailing him as a national hero for over a decade, it must be a rude shock to see ‘Go back Gota’ as the unifying cry of the people protesting all over the island. He now appears to be groping in the dark to find answers to the economic crisis, he does not seem to understand.
A group consisting of academics,Professionals, researchers,activists and creative artistes has in a statement issued said that the origins of the present crisis are political, having been brought about by authoritarian policies of successive governments.
Such authoritarian rule has been consolidated for decades through Sinhala Buddhist majoritarian mobilisations, one of the most recent one being mandatory cremations, after a COVID death. It is built upon the notion that powerful, rich, professional and militaristic men must lead the way through mechanisms, isolated from the needs of the larger community.
The following is the text of the statement titled ‘The democratic moment today: A call for action and reflection’:
“ We are witness today to events that are unprecedented in our postcolonial history. Hundreds of thousands of people are taking to the streets, spontaneously, in protest in an extraordinary demonstration of democratic fervor. The calls for change are loud, and spectacular.
They are driven by anger at a small elite group—the Rajapaksas, who have built a dynastic political empire with their cronies and allies in and out of Parliament and a supportive business elite. One of the worst spells of economic hardship that the country has experienced in the past few decades has driven people to the streets, demanding that the President of the country “go home”.
But these calls for change are not just of the government in power, but of the forms of governance as well. Hard questions are being asked by the protesters: questions about economic policies, the functioning of the judiciary, relations between communities, and related concerns.
People want prices reduced and essential items, like food, medicine, milk powder, electricity, gas and stationery, available in adequate amounts for their families; communities want the country’s stolen wealth returned and re-distributed; many want the divisive ethnic and religion-based politics to end and past violations acknowledged and accounted for; the people are united in their cry for a country free of totalitarianism. The polyphony of slogans demanding economic, political social and gender justice must be heard and addressed.
Continue reading ‘The Democratic Moment Today: A Call for Action and Reflection.’ »
By
Meera Srinivasan
Scores of Sri Lankans on Thursday marked Sinhala and Tamil New Year at their agitation site in Colombo, as they relentlessly protest the Rajapaksa government’s “failed response” to the country’s crushing economic depression.
Some boiled milk, shared sweets, sang, danced, and played games associated with the country’s biggest festival at ‘Gotagogama’ or Gota go village, a name that protesters have given the area, after their main demand.
They want President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to take responsibility for the crisis that has left citizens struggling without essentials, and resign immediately.
By
Kishali Pinto Jayawardene
Minister of Foreign Affairs GL Peiris’s badly argued brief to Colombo based diplomats this week, describing peoples’ protests in Sri Lanka targeting the Rajapaksa Government as mass based protests against the country’s ‘entire political establishment,’ is a not-so-subtle masterpiece in deception, to put it mildly.
False premises and ‘political spin’
Peddled as a convenient but disingenuous explanation by the Government’s spin masters for the explosions of public rage that continue to erupt across the length and breadth of this land, this false premise must be addressed head-on. Simply put, it is a question as whether Ministers and their propagandists are not able to properly read what thousands of placards and posters carried by protestors across the country say, in English, Sinhala and Tamil?
These rail against the President, his brothers and his nephew, pinpointing family rule as a primary reason for the nation’s current economic and social crisis.And they are right.
Presumably diplomats posted to the capital can read the public mood, unlike politicians cocooned in bubbles of privilege. Public calls for current leaders to ‘go home’ essentially demands an end to political thievery and corruption as well as racist politicking. We are living in extraordinary times where citizens have started disregarding obedience to dictates of the State, despite personal risk and danger. That must surely teach caution, even to the most politically obtuse.
By Nisthar Cassim
The Government yesterday signaled Sri Lanka was bankrupt, announcing a temporary suspension of repayment of all external debt as of yesterday, saying the country can no longer honour its commitment owing to poorer financial position caused by external and internal shocks.
The move puts an end to Sri Lanka’s outstanding track record of servicing its external debt obligations since the independence but a “negotiated or soft default” is viewed as more respectable as opposed to a disastrous “hard default”.
Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena told journalists yesterday that the “orderly and consensual” restructuring of external debt obligations will be buttressed by an economic assistance program supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He recalled that Sri Lanka has had an unblemished record of external debt servicing since independence in 1948.
Crisis-hit Sri Lanka said yesterday it was defaulting on all payments on its $ 51 billion external debt after running out of foreign exchange to import desperately needed goods.
The Indian Ocean island, which is battling its worst economic downturn since independence in 1948, joins a small club of countries that have failed to repay their debts.
Lebanon, Argentina, Belize, Zambia, Suriname, 2020
Lebanon, once known as the “Switzerland of the Middle East”, defaults on a debt payment for the first time in its history in March 2020 with the country sunk in a deep economic crisis amid huge protests about corruption.
Finance Ministry said yesterday holders of all Affected Debts are being requested to capitalise any amounts of principal or interest falling due during this interim period, at an interest rate not higher than the normal contractual rate applicable to that credit, until a restructuring proposal can be presented to the creditors for their consideration.
This policy will apply to the following categories of external public debts of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Republic) and its public sector borrowers.
By
Meera Srinivasan
Sri Lanka on Tuesday announced a pre-emptive default on all its foreign debt totalling $51 billion as a “last resort” while the island nation struggles to cope with a grave economic crisis.
The Government is taking the “emergency measures”, pending full discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from whom it has sought help, only to prevent a further deterioration of the country’s financial position, the Finance Ministry said. A comprehensive debt restructuring programme was now “inescapable”, it noted in a statement.
The decision comes on the heels of two other key policy changes. Sri Lanka floated the rupee early March, allowing for a stark depreciation of its value — it was nearly 320 against a US dollar on Tuesday. More recently, the Central Bank increased interest rates by 7 percentage points in a bid to tighten monetary policy, apparently in preparation of an IMF package that the government wants to “expedite”.
By
Meera Srinivasan
It is their fourth consecutive day at Galle Face, a stretch of Colombo’s breezy sea front, as they agitate incessantly, asking Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down.
Scores of young men and women are now staying put day and night, right next to the Presidential Secretariat, in what looks like a tent city of resistance. Protesters who are part of the ‘Occupy Galle Face’ movement have one simple message to the country’s most powerful man – “we will not go home unless you do.”
Amid Sri Lanka’s worsening economic crisis, manifesting in a severe shortage of essentials, skyrocketing prices and long power cuts, citizens began protesting in pockets over a month ago, across different parts of the country. Gaining momentum over the last few weeks, the protests culminated in a massive show of public dissent at Galle Face last weekend.
Some of the protesters are resolutely staying back at the venue since, sleeping in temporary tents and under trees, braving heavy thunderstorms, such as the one Colombo experienced on Tuesday night.
By Madhusha Thavapalakumar
Tainting its unblemished track record of timely servicing its external financing obligations ever since it gained independence, the Sri Lankan Government yesterday (12) announced that it is suspending debt servicing of selected debts amidst what is considered the worst economic crisis the country has ever endured.
With international media reports having mentioned that it is only a matter of time as to whether Sri Lanka will default right before its upcoming International Sovereign Bond (ISB) payment in July or even earlier, the Ministry of Finance, via a five-page release, stated that the suspension is for an interim period, “pending an orderly and consensual restructuring of these debt obligations in a manner consistent with an economic adjustment programme supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)”.
By
Ranga Jayasuriya
If you are depressed, like many millions of Sri Lankans are, by the perilous state of the country, everyday shortage of essentials and the nepotistic regime that hangs on to power, you might need something to feel positive.
Look no further than protests in the Galle Face Green, and indeed, across the country. They offer a ray of hope for a future that is progressive, inclusive and tolerant.
They are a refreshing alternative to rotten and rent-seeking domestic politics. Those who have gathered across the country to air their opposition to the incumbent regime are there out of their conviction for a better Sri Lanka. They are not your usual ‘Bath packet’ and a bottle of arrack protestors.
They refused to be a sidekick of any political party. They are fiercely independent-minded to the extent that no political party dared to make a televised visit and grab a mic and speak to the media, the usual ruse of most political leaders.
They come from all walks of life; the disabled war heroes, the differently abled, university students, factory managers, the unemployed and the cosplaying youth. They are inclusive of Sri Lanka’s all communities, of all religions, and of all places. They are microscopic of Sri Lanka. They represent what Sri Lanka should aspire to be: a place that is tolerant, caring and inclusive.
By
Gamini Akmeemana
It was incredible but true. The government imposed an island-wide curfew from Saturday evening to Monday morning to stop protests planned for Monday, April third.
It backfired. There were small scale protests even during the curfew. Monday evening, they had become island-wide.
They were peaceful, and the police stayed away. Someone must have had the wits to understand that trying to curb this wave would be akin to throwing a lighted match to a powder keg.
What’s striking is that this was primarily a youth protest. No politics here, no party slogans and banners. Instead, teenagers and twenty-somethings held placards, Sri Lanka flags or black flags attacking former minister Basil Rajapaksa. The president came second, being told pointedly to go home.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was largely spared the crowd’s wrath, mainly because he is now seen as redundant, a spent political force.
Protestors, who have occupied Galle Face and its surroundings since Saturday (9), in a massive protest against the President and the current Government, have set up a camp in the Agitation Site close to the Presidential Secretariat dubbed “Gota-Go-Gama”, with dozens of tents.
“Gota-Go-Gama” offers free food, water, toilets, and a makeshift medical camp for health emergencies, through the support of protestors.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankans living and working in the US and other Western countries have also held protests demanding the immediate resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as well as his return to the US.
By Ruth Pollard
Protesters defied a curfew and state of emergency and took to the streets, chanting, “Go home Gota,” referring to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a member the powerful clan of strongmen who have led the island nation into this mess. The crowds forced police to abandon barricades outside the president’s residence in the capital, Colombo, and footage on local media shows one officer joining the protests. As much as anything, the fury outside the palace shows that anger over shortages — long queues at petrol stations, power cuts for up to 13 hours a day in scorching tropical heat — is now directed at the government, or what’s left of it.
The Rajapaksas have had more than two years to negotiate with creditors to avoid the economic crisis. The pandemic crippled the tourism industry — and that should have spurred Gotabaya, his powerful brothers, and other family members in key positions into action given how reliant the country is on foreign travelers and their currency. Instead, as the International Monetary Fund noted last month, tax cuts and Covid restrictions led to a rapid increase in public debt to 119% of gross domestic product in 2021. Now, the country has had to close some embassies abroad because of foreign exchange constraints.
The government prioritized servicing external debt rather than ensuring it could provide for its people. Their verdict is clear: The Rajapaksas must go. Gotabaya, who awarded himself sweeping executive powers in 2020, this week invited all parties to take up ministerial positions in a unity government to help resolve the crisis.
(Text of Special address to the Nation delivered by Former Pesident and present Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on pril 11th 2022)
Friends and citizens of Sri Lanka.
I speak to you at a crucial time as we grapple with many challenges that have overcome our people. These challenges are not new to me having overseen the journey our nation has undertaken in my fifty plus years of politics.
Friends, I am sure by now that you are very aware of the deep economic crisis that has befallen our country following the battle we fought, to keep our citizens safe from the Coronavirus pandemic.
Although we ensured the safety of the lives of the people from the pandemic, we were unable to avoid falling into this economic abyss.
Needless to say, with the closure of our international borders and the travel ban within the country, foreign exchange inflows were halted and subsequently, foreign reserves dried up as they were used up for sustenance.
You know the situation has become serious when tankers providing fuel have arrived at the port, but we are unable to clear it for want of foreign exchange.
By
D.B.S.Jeyaraj
( “The Sunday Leader” Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge was born on April 5th 1958. This Article Published in Janury 2021 is reposted here without any changes to denote the 64th Birth anniversary of the brilliant and beloved Journalist)
Twelve years ago on 8 January 2009, Lasantha Manilal Wickrematunge, the Editor of The Sunday Leader in Colombo, was killed by “unknown” assassins. He was my colleague, Editor, friend and above all a kindred soul. How I miss him!
There is a huge vacuum in the media scene after his departure. It is yet to be filled adequately. I doubt that it will ever be filled.
A dozen years have passed since his demise but his killers are yet to be brought to justice. This is to be expected in a land where those suspected of being responsible for his murder strut about pompously in the corridors of power. Lasantha Wickrematunge was one who spoke truth fearlessly to power regardless of who was ensconced in the seat of power. Hence there was no real or genuine progress or interest shown by those in bringing to book the perpetrators of the crime.
Continue reading ‘Unbowed and Unafraid, Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge Spoke Truth to Power’ »
By
D.B.S.Jeyaraj
The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) has taken the initiative in seeking a new representative body for the pre-dominantly Tamil people of recent Indian origin or Indian Origin Tamils(IOT). In recent times the community has become known as the “Malaiyahath Thamizhar” (Hill Country Tamils/Up Country Tamils). Although called Hill Country Tamils because they are mainly concentrated in the Uva,Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces,the “Malaiyahath Thamizhar” community is widely dispersed in all parts of the Island. What the TPA envisages is the creation of a new entity – Non -Territorial Community Council- to represent the interests and aspirations of the hill country Tamils scattered throughout the country. The laudable objective is to facilitate and expedite the comprehensive integration of the community into the mainstream as full-fledged citizens of Sri Lnka while retaining their ethnic identity.
Palani Thigambram, Mano Ganesan and V Radhakrishnan
The Non-Territorial Community CounciTCC) would apply to the Tamil people of recent Indian origin who are living in all parts of the country. Some of the salient aspects of the proposed NTCC are –
Provisions establishing the NTCC will be enshrined in the Constitution.Legislators elected/nominated to parliament and provincial councils along with chairpersons of local government bodies from the community shall be members of the NTTC. The functioning of the NTTC shall be similar to the functioning of PCs. A Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson shall be elected from the MP’s who are ex-officio-members of the NTTC. There shall be an advisory board of eminent persons nominated by the NTTC which will function as the advisory arm of the NTTC
By E.T.B. Sivapriyan
Tamil political parties in Sri Lanka, including the influential Tamil National Alliance (TNA), on Sunday appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin not to limit food and medical assistance from the state only to Tamils but all citizens of the island nation , arguing that “everyone is suffering”
TNA spokesman and parliamentarian M A Sumanthiran told DH from Colombo over the phone that Tamil Nadu’s readiness in helping the Tamil brethren across the border is a “wonderful gesture” that reinforces the historic and cultural relationship shared between the ethnic Tamils of Sri Lanka and Tamils in India.
(Text of Speech made in Parliament by Jaffna District MP Mathiaparanan Abraham Sumanthiran on April 6th 2022)
Thank you Hon Presiding member
Hon. Harin Fernando, I am sorry if you were to speak next, but the tradition is that the second largest party in the opposition gets to speak second in the opposition side. From the morning we have not got the opportunity. There is no logic in this to have SJB speak every second time, SJB is not a privileged party in this house. We must have our turn properly.
So, Hon. Presiding member today we are discussing the situation in the country. What’s the situation in the country? The situation in the country is that people can’t live – people have no food to eat, people don’t have fuel, children can’t go to school, they have come on to the streets; that’s the situation in the country. And then in order to handle that situation what has the government done?
The government has resigned, all members of the Cabinet have tendered their resignations. Now what does that mean? That means, that they accept, they accept that they are unable to govern the country. That is the only explanation that one can give for the members of the cabinet wholesale to have tendered their resignations.
If that is the real situation, members in government row one after another are standing up and saying that they still have the mandate; they still have the mandate to govern. Why did you resign then? why did you then resign? If you thought that you still have the mandate of the people to govern, why did you, wholesale, in one letter, resign from you portfolio?
Now having conceded that you have failed, you are now standing up here talking big. The country is in very serious crisis – you must go! and when I say you must go – the leader must go. I mean, if after all of these days you have not understood what the people are saying, if you think that by removing the Minister of finance or a state minister tendering his resignation with effect from 1st of May or some other measure, that’s not sufficient.
By
Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Colombo
While thousands of angry cries and anti-government slogans filled the streets of the Sri Lankan city Colombo on Saturday, Chanda Upul stood quietly nearby, desperately pushing his wares of soft drinks and bottled water on protesters. But in his heart he was chanting along with them.
Sri Lanka has descended into its worst financial crisis since independence, with food, fuel, medicine and electricity becoming increasingly scarce, and calls for the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa – frequently referred to as Gota – to step down. And 50-year-old Upul, who lives in a poor northern suburb of the city, is among those who have been pushed to the brink of survival.
As petrol became scarce and expensive, Upul was no longer able to afford repayments on his rented rickshaw and lost his only means of income. Now he and his four children survive on rice and water. Vegetables and milk powder are just too expensive these days.
“The only thing we can do now is drink poison, we are finished,” said Upul. “I voted for Gota thinking he was a lion, now I can see that he is worse than a dog. I love my country but don’t know if there will be a country left for my children.”
By
Lucien Rajakarunanayake
“Gota Go Home” – goes far beyond a simple call to go home.
It is a combination of the evils of power and family bandyism that has moved him and the Rajapaksa family to the evils of both politics and governance.
The crowds in their hundreds and thousands, with no political party leadership, but the lead of the heart-felt pain of queues for flour and bread, petrol and diesel, the long waits for unavailable essentials, and the clear availability of all this for the catchers of governance – maybe MPs or Ministers, even those in secretarial positions, and the catchers of political power – the Pohottuva Players of today.
What is happening in Sri Lanka today requires a deeper study of the call for ‘Gota Go Home”. There are many more to be sent home, and kept there for the rest of their lives, for what has brought this power of crooked politics.
When will we begin to hear the people add their calls to “Wimal Go Home”, “Udaya Go Home” and also “Vasu Go Home”. This is an echo of the current political call of the people. These are people – politicians – who were against Dual Citizens being Members of Parliament, but were glad to accept a Gota promise and vote for the 20th Amendment to the Constitution – which enabled Dual Basil to come to parliament and be Finance Minister, too.
We are now in the call for the 20th Amendment to be totally removed. It removed the 19A to which all these people voted for in the Yahapalana days, but shamelessly threw away all the benefits of 19A, and gave Gotabhaya Rajapaksa all the powers of a dictator in this democratic country.
Is this the time to think of just one non-politician – Gotabaya, from service officer, to US citizen, non-Sri Lankan citizen, Dual Citizen and a presidential candidate with no political experience in a democracy?
By Sanjayan Rajasingham
(The writer is a visiting researcher at Thammasat University, Thailand and a doctoral student at Yale Law School. He was formerly a lecturer in law at the University of Jaffna)
We’ve never seen protests like these, and they make you wonder: could this be our moment, a turning point, where we start to think differently about what it means to be citizens, and what it means for MPs, prime ministers and presidents to be public servants? Maybe.
But even as the protests grow, a new idea has surfaced. What began with #GoHomeGota shifted to #GoHomeRajapaksas and is now, in some places, #GoHome225. All three come from a deep sense of disappointment and the worst economic pain Sri Lankans have suffered in recent years. But the third is very different from the first two.
#GoHome225 could just be a call for new elections, or for new political parties. Yet there is something deeper here – an outpouring of frustration against a political class that keeps failing us. For some of us, this realisation only came with 12-hour power cuts. For others among us, we have known this about governance in Sri Lanka for a long, long time. No matter. We’ve all started to see it at last. But as the overwhelming anger against Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family spills over into anger against all politicians and political parties, we need to ask – where might this lead?
History does not move in a straight line. No one who has lived through October 2014 and then January 2015, or November 2019 and now March 2022 can believe that it does. Instead, history zigs and zags. Mirihana was the end of the Rajapaksa brand. But if the call for Gotabaya to go home succeeds, and a rejection of the entire political class follows – whether the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the National People’s Power (NPP), whoever – we will have a vacuum. And that space will be filled.
By
Dr.Janaki Kuruppu
(The writer is the Chairperson of Mother Sri Lanka.)
Have you noticed the attire, the language used and the style of the latest protestors on the streets of Colombo and other cities? Even the slogan ‘Gota-Go-Home’ sounds very Western to me. They are not the typical protestors that we have seen every now and then on our streets.
This time the majority of the people on the streets are from the middle, upper middle and high income classes. They are younger, relatively affluent and seem to be more educated. They also seem to be conducting the protests in a very organised, orderly and responsible manner. For the first time in my life in this country, I am seeing this segment of society coming out for the sake of the country.
Take it from me, since I am one person who has been leading a movement that promotes concepts like ‘Proud to be Sri Lankan’ and ‘Responsible Citizenship” and this is a segment of society that we were never able to convince to do something to show that they are proud about SL leave alone coming onto the streets on behalf of it! In fact, they are the segments of society that normally vehemently complains if some other segment of society like the university students or farmers go protesting on the streets saying that all the road blocks and traffic have wasted their time.
Is it because they have been affected for the first time? It seems that it is, because the power cuts and the shortage of and long queues for basic essentials and the ever-rising cost of living have affected the comfortable lifestyles and the quality of life enjoyed by this segment through their own efforts have been now destroyed. Justifiably they are frustrated and angry, because these are people who never depended on the Government handouts to make their lives successful and now they feel an inefficient and incapable Government has destroyed their hard-earned lifestyles and run the country to the dogs.
By Nisthar Cassim
The worsening economic crisis has forced the Monetary Board to effect a historic monetary tightening with the new Central Bank Governor justifying the move as critical to ensure macroeconomic stability.
The Monetary Board at its meeting under new Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 700 basis points to 13.50% from 6.50% and 14.50% from 7.50%, respectively with immediate effect.
“This is the highest ever policy rate hike and tightest monetary policy action in the history of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and this critical decision was after a honest and realistic assessment by the Monetary Board,” Dr. Weerasinghe told journalists at a late evening briefing following the Monetary Board meeting.
He also described the Monetary Board move as “proactive”, implying that some of the decisions in recent times had not been so, hence the ongoing crises in the country.
A Lenten Reflection By Bishop Duleep de Chickera
“I wandered between two worlds; one dying and the other powerless to be born” – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
While Jesus was on the cross a vile drama was taking place at his feet. Roman soldiers sat dividing his garments. Each took a portion and then they drew lots for one without a seam. The soldiers displayed discipline. There was even a semblance of democratic justice.
This is Empire; oozing with order and smooth logic that conceal its ruthless oppression. As it crushes all in its path, its ‘under-class’ accomplices get some of the spoils. They have to. After all they do the dirty work for Empire. They quell unrest and face uprisings to protect Empire greed and interests.
Empire only exists for Emperors and their families and cohorts. But it cannot survive without assistance from the ‘under-class’. So they are enticed, and patronised but never included. The choicest pickings are not for them. They are the indispensible dispensible; a lesson the ‘under-class’ learns too late.
By Lakmal Sooriyagoda
The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with the four Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging the legality of the proclamation issued by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declaring a state of emergency on April 1.
The Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justice Murdu Fernando, Justice Achala Wengappuli and Justice Mahinda Samayawardena granted leave to proceed for violating Fundamental Rights under Article 12(1), 14(1)(a), 14(1)(g) and 14(1)(h) of the constitution. The Supreme Court fixed the four petitions for argument on July 15.
On 1st of April 2022, the President had declared a state of emergency by issuing a proclamation under section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance.
The petitioners are further challenging the legality of the curfew order issued by the President on April 2 under section 16 of the Public Security Ordinance.
The petitioners alleged that the President acting in the capacity of the Minister of Defence had issued a direction to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission by instructing the service providers to temporarily restrict access to social media platforms.
By
P.K.Balachandran
The beleaguered Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa revoked the Public Emergency late on April 5, following the defection of 42 MPs from the ruling coalition which had reduced the government’s majority in parliament to two. The government has to have at least 113 MPs in the House of 225. At the end of April 5, it had 114, a wafer thin majority, which it could lose any time.
Due to defecations from the ruling coalition, the “Independent group” in parliament has swelled to 42. The opposition comprises 68 MPs.
42 MPs had broken away from the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) coalition led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. They were responding to the popular demand that the President quit office, owning responsibility for the current economic crisis marked by sky rocketing prices and shortages of food, fuel and foreign exchange. Power cuts ranging from 5 to 13 hours per day had stretched the patience of Sri Lanka’s 21 million citizens.
Groups of people from various economic classes and age groups continued to gather at public places across the island to shout slogans and hold placards demanding the exit of the President and the Rajapaksas from the government. Two Rajapaksa brothers and two of their sons are Ministers, while sibling Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the Executive President with humongous powers.
BY Sumudu Chamara
The ongoing protests demanding a plethora of actions by the Government including the resignations of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa continue, and they are being joined by people from all walks of life and ages, every day.
As protests began on the streets, protests on online platforms also intensified, and social media platforms were flooded with various forms of expressions of opposition against the Government. One specialty about these online protests is that unlike physical protests, these protests have no boundary as far as the language that can be used and the number of members of the public that can be reached are concerned. Among them, vulgarisms, offensive posts, and humour are abundant.
This diversity has resulted in a certain confidence among the public that the protests will create a significant impact, and to create this impact, they use various creative approaches in their protests which encourage more and more to join their struggle.
President’s resignation
The common demand put forward by the majority of protesters is the President’s resignation, and the slogans used to express that idea sometimes depend on the context.
“Dear President, we voted for you to ensure our safety, and now, we are in a situation where we have to protect ourselves from you,” one Facebook comment read.
Such comments were also widespread when an islandwide curfew was imposed ahead of the protests that had been organised for Sunday (3), which was followed by a ban on several social media platforms and mobile communication applications.
By Harindrini Corea
A mother stands at a peaceful protest with her baby. The struggle for basic necessities is the story of citizens in Sri Lanka today under the regime of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Shortages of essential items, including fuel and other goods, and rolling blackouts for up to 13 hours a day have brought people out onto the streets in peaceful protest over the last month. Anger and frustration has intensified as the people demand an end to a regime that is determined to suppress its own people.
Following a protest outside the President’s residence last Thursday (31 March), a brief curfew was imposed and several protesters were arrested, tortured, and detained on the basis that violence had erupted during the protest. This violence was used by the regime to label all dissenters as “extremists” or “political terrorists”. However, there are allegations that the instigation of violence was not carried out by the citizens themselves but rather by individuals affiliated with the regime with the intention of sabotaging the protests.
At a time when Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in decades and people are pleading for solutions, President Rajapaksa and his regime, have created a narrative misrepresenting citizens exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right to the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as “violent extremists” who must be repressed through the force of the military and law enforcement and the tool of censorship. This article briefly looks at the recent arbitrary and unjust use of censorship by this regime to suppress criticism against it.
By
JAMILA HUSAIN
Following the resignation of Ali Sabry as the Finance Minister in less than 24 hours, the position still remains vacant with many MPs hesitant to take it up amidst the economic mess Sri Lanka has been plunged into and the rising public anger against the President and government.
The Daily Mirror learns that Sabry resigned from the portfolio, paving way for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint an independent economic expert who would be brought in through the national list, but nothing concrete had worked out as of last night.
With time running out to appoint a suitable candidate to the portfolio, former Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena’s name was proposed yesterday but he was not convinced and showed reluctancy to be the new Finance Minister.
By Chandani Kirinde
Parliament yesterday began a two-day debate on the worsening economic and political crisis but there was no consensus on the way forward despite an appeal from Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and several MPs on both sides of the House to work together in this time of need.
The House also met to discuss the economic crisis at a time when there is no Finance Minister in the country nor a Secretary to the Treasury.
Even though Parliament met to discuss ways to quell the growing public unrest brought on by the shortage of essential goods and rising costs, sittings were suspended twice by the Speaker due to heated argument among Government and Opposition MPs.
BY Buddhika Samaraweera
Amidst mounting islandwide protests demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation, Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando stated in Parliament yesterday (6) that the President will not resign under any circumstances.
National People’s Power (NPP) Opposition Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath yesterday (6) alleged that Avant Garde Security Services (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman Nissanaka Senadhipathi had sent 200 people to be among the protesters at Mirihana, near President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s private residence, on the night of 31 March.
“When the people were protesting that night, Defence Secretary (Retd.) Gen. Kamal Gunaratne called an emergency meeting with the Defence Ministry. Senadhipathi was part of that meeting. There, he had said: ‘Do not worry, I have sent 200 people to Mirihana’,” Herath claimed in Parliament yesterday.
Thus, Herath warned the public who are engaged in protests around the island that there is a government conspiracy to deliberately mislead protestors and create violence during protests.
by Tisaranee Gunasekara
“Nemesis, the goddess of measure and not of revenge, keeps watch. All those who overstep the limits are pitilessly punished by her.” – Albert Camus (Helen’s Exile)
We are in the twilight hour, a luminal time hovering between a better day and a darker night. The protests are peaceful, largely, so far. Yet anger simmers just below the surface, stoked by desperation. This is particularly so with protestors whose lives have been upended (rather than merely inconvenienced) by the Rajapaksa-led economic unravelling.
The attack on parliamentarian Roshan Ranasinghe’s house is a crime and a warning. According to pictures and videos in circulation, the attackers seem to be men in motorcycle helmets (like the Mirihana arsonists) and a monk. This highlights the danger of common criminals and/or provocateurs using the lure of extremism to highjack the protest movement. If unchecked, such outbursts of violent lawlessness could delegitimise the entire struggle and open a door to Rajapaksa repression.
Lankan youth have rightly claimed the ownership of the protests. With ownership comes responsibility, a willingness to acknowledge errors and to take remedial measures. They mustn’t be like the politicians they correctly decry. They need to condemn the attack on parliamentarian Ranasinghe’s house and do their utmost to avert a recurrence. Preventing this hopeful moment from degenerating into a vortex of violence is in their hands.
By Chandani Kirinde
Forty-two MPs yesterday decided to break away from the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuma (SLPP) and function as independent Members of Parliament as the Government fights for survival amidst growing public protests against its mismanagement of the economy, corruption and nepotism.
The Government which enjoyed the support of 156 MPs or over two-thirds of the members in Parliament is now down to 114, just one more than the 113 required to have a simple majority.
Among those who broke ranks with the SLPP yesterday were 16 MPs of the 11-party alliance led by Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and Vasudeva Nanayakkara, 14 members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) led by former President Maithripala Sirisena, nine MPs of the SLPP, two members of the Ceylon Workers Congress and one from the All-Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC).
Weerawansa announced that the 11-party alliance would no longer be part of the SLPP while former President Sirisena too announced that they would function as an independent group in the House.
SLPP MP Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said he and eight others too would form a separate group in the House while CWC MPs Jeevan Thondaman and Marudapandi Rameshwaran and MP S.M.M. Muszhaaraff of the ACMC announced they too will function as independent MPs.
UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday proposed that an aid Sri Lanka consortium consisting of India, China,Japan, South Korea, the Europe Union and others willing to assist the country be formed to address the country’s immediate economic needs.
He also said both the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have agreed to assist the country with short-term loans to buy urgent requirements such as medicine.
He also said he had spoken with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and they too are willing to assist the country.
Top lawyer Ali Sabry yesterday stepped down as Finance Minister as well as offered to give up his National Listseat, giving options to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint a suitable and credible successor.
Sabry who was appointed only on Monday became the shortest serving Finance Minister via his voluntary action. He resigned after tabling the IMF Article 4 Consultation report in Parliament.
In his letter to President Rajapaksa, Sabry said that it was not his intention to take up any post after he resigned as Justice Minister on Sunday. However, to maintain parliamentary democracy and stability and constitutional governance, in light of multitude of requests made by the business community, professionals and some of Cabinet colleagues, he decided to accepted the post of Finance Minister only as an interim measure until a suitable, full time and sustainable solution could be found.
BY Buddhika Samaraweera
Trade unions within the public sector are currently engaged in discussions about launching a massive strike in which all public servants would participate, with one of the main demands set to be the resignations of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, The Morning learnt.
A leading public service trade union spokesperson told The Morning yesterday (5) that the said strike is planned to be launched demanding the reduction of the cost of living (CoL) and the revocation of the prevailing state of emergency, in addition to the resignations.
“Public servants have decided to protest against the political authorities’ failure to resolve the current crisis, in several phases. Accordingly, discussions are underway to launch an islandwide strike as the third phase,” the spokesperson said.
(Text of Editorial appearing in “The Hiindu” of April 6th 2022 under the Heading “ At a crossroads: On Sri Lanka’s economic recovery”)
The widespread public unrest in Sri Lanka has taken on the dimensions of a political revolution of great import. It is apparent that it is driven by popular anger and a collective will that straddles all ethnicities.
For a country once seen as having irreconcilable ethnic divisions, there is hope that the people will recognise the real provenance of their travails — an apathetic political leadership that wields great power without much accountability — as they come together on the streets to demand change and relief.
The people seem to be demanding a wholesale regime change, and not tweaks. As the protests escalate, the administration of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the government of his elder brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, seem to have lost public support and the confidence of their political allies.
By
Chandula Kumbukage
I remember that day very well when Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as “THE PRESIDENT”, my facebook newsfeed was filled with posts by his voters and supporters spreading “HATE” against the minorities for not voting for GOTA, labelling them as “traitors” and among them was an award winning actor who has acted in films promoting reconciliation (he was bashing the minorities in derogatory words).
I felt deeply worried and ashamed to read them.
Under pressure from the public to resign, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajpaksa revoked the Emergency Law he declared on April 1 after frustrated protesters attempted to enter his private residence.
“I.. do hear by with effect from midnight of April 5, 2022, revoke the proclamation issued by me in terms of powers vested in me,” President Rajaoaksa said in a gazette issued.
By
Tisaranee Gunasekara
“Actually time itself is neutral. It can be used either destructively or constructively.”- Martin Luther King (Letter from Birmingham Jail)
In November 2019, 6.9 million Sri Lankans overestimated the intelligence, capacity and compassion of the Rajapaksa brothers. That mistaken assessment was the root cause of the tragedy we are living through today as individuals and as a nation.
Should we now compound that error by fatally underestimating their will to power?
The Rajapaksas are not supermen as 6.9 million (mostly Sinhala-Buddhist) Sri Lankans believed, naively, against reason, experience and critical intelligence. But they aren’t paper tigers either. They will fight with everything they possess to stay in power at least until the next national election. And that everything-they-possess includes not just all the might of the state but also the legality of the constitution.
The only asset those who choose to oppose them on the streets own is the moral highground. And that can be maintained only if protests stay nonviolent, even in the face of provocative state violence.
To think that a president can be ousted by surrounding his office or his home, to believe that the Rajapaksa regime is a house of cards that will collapse at a touch, would be as unintelligent as believing in the myth of “Our Hero who Labours”.
The Rajapaksas will fight back first with tear gas and water cannon, then with rubber bullets and finally with live ammunition. They have a history of doing so against protestors, including in the south. They did so during the FTZ protest, the Rathupaswala protest and the fishermen’s protest, all this under the Mahinda Rajapaksa presidency.
By Chandani Kirinde
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Government faces a crucial day in Parliament today with the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) likely to lose its majority in the House with both its constituent parties as well as dissident groups within it slated to function as independent MPs.
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which has 14 MPs announced yesterday it is leaving the Government and will function as an independent group while the 16 MPs of the 10-party alliance of which former minister Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila are members too will function as a separate group.
The SLPP won 145 seats in the 225 Legislature in the August 2020 parliamentary election but with cross overs by MPs from several other parties, it mustered a 2/3 majority in the House.
By
T.K.G. Kapila
It was reported that Avant-Garde Company Chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi and his family members had left the Katunayake Airport for the Maldives this morning.
They had left the airport on a SriLankan Airlines flight UL-102 bound for the Maldives at 08.20 am today.
By
Ranga Jayasuriya
On Sunday night, the Cabinet of Ministers resigned en masse after the public took to the streets for yet another day of countrywide protests, this time, defying the curfew. They demanded the resignation of the president and the government; “Gota go home” was the rallying cry. Yet another family cabal had finally run out of the patience of the citizenry.
However, the Rajapaksa siblings seem to have misread the public message. Mahinda Rajapaksa has not resigned. His office has denied reports that he had done so. Instead, it appears he is planning to head the interim government, while his brother would keep the executive presidency. This is a farce. The spate of Cabinet resignations is a mere distraction; breadcrumbs thrown to an angry and hungry nation.
An interim government under the Rajapaksas makes no sense. The public has been demanding their removal. Many others want them to go to jail. The Cabinet under the Rajapaksas was a rubber stamp. The brothers, Mahinda, Gotabaya, Basil and Chamal, controlled two-thirds of the budgetary allocations. Now the public wants the looted funds back.
An interim government controlled by the Rajapaksa brothers is hardly a solution. Because the Rajapaksas are the crux of the problem. They are the magnet of justifiable public anger.
How did we get here?
(Text of Editorial Appearing in “The Morning” of April 5th 2022 Under the Heading “The Interim ‘change’ of Government faces”)
The spate of independent and organised protests taking place throughout the country demanding the Government, especially President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, to resign, continue to grow.
This is in a context where the Government seems to be doing everything it can to contain the protests, including imposing curfews and the declaration of a state of emergency, and deploying defence forces and the Police. When these measures did not reduce the protests, the Government has now resorted to a much more democratic but ineffective step, i.e. instructing all ministers to resign from their posts as the first step of appointing an Interim Government.
The people are not happy with this decision either, and their protests continue despite the Government’s decision. They refuse the Interim Government, and they raise concerns as to how much of a change the country can expect with the same old members of the Government whom the people feel are not competent to save the economy.
By Shaheen Vishak
Sri Lanka’s ears are still ringing. The sounds of chanting crowds could be heard all over the nation, as the curfew imposed at 6 p.m. last Saturday (2) came to an end at 6 a.m. yesterday (4), and people swarmed the streets islandwide to resume their large-scale protests against the Government.
From peaceful demonstrations held at public landmarks, to angry mobs storming police barricades placed outside politicians’ residences, Sri Lankans witnessed – through their own eyes or on social media – new life being breathed into the hackneyed phrase “united we stand”.
Professionals among protestors
With the barricades to Colombo’s Independence Square – erected on Sunday (3) to prevent people from defying curfew to stage a massive protest that had been scheduled previously – having been taken down, protestors began converging at the location starting from the early hours of the day.
While one might have assumed that curfew being lifted on Monday would see people returning to work instead of taking to the streets, this was not the case – among the protestors were disgruntled white-collar executives in formal attire, with their bosses alongside them. We spoke to Anuruddha Aluwihare, as he led a small cohort of his colleagues towards Independence Square, who said: “Most of our colleagues joined this peaceful protest against the Rajapaksa family, who have basically ruined our country and economy – and this is not just what we are saying; even most of the politicians on television today have been saying this.
“The armed forces of Sri Lanka would always comply with the Constitution, and the Army is no exception. The Army as a professional outfit is always prepared to provide security and protection to the State as necessary,” stated Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva, addressing a gathering of defence advisers and attachés of Sri Lanka-based high commissions and embassies, who were invited to the Office of Chief of Defence Staff yesterday (4).
The meeting was meant to keep those foreign defence advisers and attachés informed of the current situation.
Former Rural Roads and Other Infrastructure State Minister Nimal Lanza said yesterday (4) that a group of about 50 Parliamentarians, who are currently representing the Government, will function independently from today (5).
Speaking to the media yesterday, Lanza said that about 50 Government MPs will function independently from today and that they will make a statement during today’s parliamentary session to that effect.
“We have clearly told our stance to the Government. Give this Government to someone who can govern. However, if the Government continues to try to govern using different tactics, we will reduce the Government to 113 MPs, thus making them lose their ruling power,” said Lanza.
•
Samagi Jana Balawegeya (SJB) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) have both rejected the invitation by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to all parties to form an Interim Government.
Claiming that it was merely an internal political decision, SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa Tweeted: “We want resignations and then we want a political model that works. A new Sri Lanka will begin with stronger institutions and not just a change in leadership. An Interim Government is nothing but internal party politics. #NoDeals.”
JVP-led NPP Leader and Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday (4) that it was a “humorous proposal” by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and that it will be completely rejected by the JVP, until the main demand of the people, calling for the President’s resignation, is fulfilled.
Samagi Jana Balawegeya (SJB) and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has alleged that former Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal has “criminal liability” while Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Leader and Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that Cabraal cannot be made free of all wrongdoing merely because he has resigned.
Replying to Cabraal’s announcement on Twitter of his resignation yesterday (4), Premadasa claimed that Cabraal has criminal liability for his actions in the period between 2006 and 2015 as well as over the past two years, where he served as a State Minister and the CBSL Governor.
Ajith Nivard Cabraal yesterday tendered his resignation as the Governor of the Central Bank to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Cabraal announced his resignation via a tweet stating: “In the context of all Cabinet Ministers resigning, I have today submitted my resignation as Governor to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.”
Cabraal was the 16th governor of CBSL appointed in September 2021 whilst he created history as the first to enjoy Cabinet rank.
BY Buddhika Samaraweera
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (4) requested all political parties represented in the Parliament to assume ministerial posts and contribute to resolving the crisis situation in the country, before appointing four ministers to maintain the stable functioning of the Parliament and the country until a full Cabinet of Ministers is appointed.
Accordingly, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarians Dinesh Gunawardena, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Johnston Fernando, and President’s Counsel (PC) M.U.M. Ali Sabry were sworn in as the Ministers of Education, Foreign Affairs, Highways, and Finance, respectively, before the President, last morning. Ali Sabry PC previously held the Justice portfolio while Gunawardena, Prof. Peiris, and Fernando held the same posts earlier.
Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (04) invited all political parties representing parliament to accept ministerial portfolios and “come together to find solutions to the ongoing national crisis” as the island nation’s worsening economic crisis precipitated a political crisis over the weekend.
“Considering this a national need, the time has come to work together for the sake of all the citizens and future generations. The President invites all political parties representing in the Parliament to come together to accept ministerial portfolios in order to find solutions to this national crisis,” a statement from the president’s office said.
By Chandani Kirinde
Thousands of people defied the curfew imposed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and took to the streets to protest against the shortage of essential goods including gas, fuel, power outages and rising costs amidst speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle on the cards to diffuse growing public anger.
The President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met last night to discuss the growing unrest among the public and how best to handle the situation.
The meeting came amidst speculation that the Prime Minister would hand in his resignation to pave way for the President to appoint a new Cabinet but this was promptly denied by the PM’s office which said there were no such plans at present.
By
Kishali Pinto Jayawardene
If the Sri Lanka Government prefers to delude itself into believing that widespread and unprecedentedly furious public protests against the President, the Prime Minister and the Government this week were instigated by agent provocateurs of the Opposition, that is its wish.
Catastrophic peoples’ angst
Contrary to that belief however, the truth is far more inconvenient. To put it a tad crudely, the Opposition, put together, cannot say boo to the proverbial goose. What the country experienced was not the feeble yapping of the Opposition but catastrophic peoples’ angst spilling over to the streets as citizens simply feared for their survival. Indeed, these explosions of public rage are meant for both the Government and the Opposition, the country’s corrupt political establishment in its entirety as it were.
That fury was long in the making, the bitter fruits of a failed ‘yahapalanaya’ experiment (2015-2019) as well as collective terms of ruinous rule, the present one far surpassing its predecessors, let it be said bluntly.
But in failing to recognise this fact and in framing the protests through the lens of the (convenient) violence that occurred in Mirihana on Thursday night, the Government continued its catalogue of heedless mistakes. Ministerial persona classified the Mirihana protestors as ‘political extremists’, some Ministers even imprudently referred to them as ‘terrorists,’ later to speedily recall the unwise reference.
By Jamila Husain
The present cabinet ministers have all signed a general letter, consenting to resign paving way for a new cabinet to be formed amidst rising public anger against the government.
By Buddhika Samaraweera
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), following its Central Committee meeting yesterday (3), informed the President in a letter that the 14 SLFP Parliamentarians (MPs) would sit as independent MPs in Parliament if the Government does not form an Interim Government with the participation of all parties represented in Parliament within the next week.
When inquired about this, SLFP Senior Vice President Prof. Rohana Luxman Piyadasa stated that the President should take action to find a solution to the crisis situation that has arisen, through the formation of an Interim Government.
However, when asked if there are any plans to compel the Government to abolish the executive presidency if such an Interim Government is to be formed, he said there is no such plan.
Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Namal Rajapaksa has resigned from all his portfolios, sources confirmed.
Cabinet Ministers are presently in an urgent cabinet meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. More crucial resignations are expected in the coming hours.
By Dinitha Rathnayake
The official website of the President of Sri Lanka was inaccessible for some time yesterday (3) due to heavy traffic, stated President’s Media Division Director General and senior journalist Sudewa Hettiarachchi.
Speaking to The Morning, he said the website was down due to heavy traffic, and that the incident had been orchestrated by an individual or group.
“The situation is under control and we have rectified the site now. However, the Air Force and Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) carried out an investigation into the matter,” he stated.
by Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
A 53-year-old male has committed suicide in front of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s house in Mirihana a short while ago, police said.
The man had climbed on a live transformer after calling for an immediate end to the power cuts.
Police said he was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Courtesy;Daily Mirror
Social media activist Anuruddha Bandara who was arrested for creating the social media page “Go Home Gota 2022”, was released on bail after being produced in the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
He was produced to court after midnight yesterday and at least 50 lawyers were outside the court hours when he was presented to the Magistrate.
“The state instigated oppression is on full scale in Sri Lanka and the lawyers of Sri Lanka are taking the fight head on'” a lawyer representing the activist said in his Facebook post.
Social media activist Anuruddha Bandara who was allegedly abducted by a group claiming to be from the police and who was later found at the Modara Police, has been arrested by the Mutuwal Police.
The social media activist was abducted on Friday night, from his home in Gampola by a group of men claiming to be from the Modara police.
Sri Lanka Young Journalists Association had also written to the Human Rights Commission urging them to intervene to find him.
By
Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka
The word that is most in currency, after the Mirihana mass resistance, is: “ARAGALAYA” (Struggle). The struggle to remove the ruler, the ruling clan and the regime, has begun.
Future historians will write that the masses of Sri Lanka began to write their own history on March 31st, 2022, at Mirihana, a suburb of Colombo, actually of the administrative capital Kotte, instead of having political parties and politicians write it for them. The mass resistance was met with the regime’s repression but was not defeated or cowed. Mirihana is a miniature of the process that will determine this country’s future.
Can the regime tear-gas and disperse a whole nation as it did the Mirihana protestors around 4 a.m.? Can it disperse an entire people with rubber-bullets and water cannon? Can it shoot the whole citizenry? That is simply an impossibility.
NetBlocks metrics confirm the restriction of multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Viber and YouTube in Sri Lanka after midnight on Sunday 3 April 2022 local time.
Sri Lanka has declared curfew ahead of an organically driven protests by social media activists which was to take place on Sunday afternoon using newly promulgated emergency powers of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
A nation-wide curfew will be imposed from 1800 hours on April 02 to 0600 hours on Monday April 04, the Director General of Information Mohan Samaranayake said.
The Government yesterday blamed ‘political extremists’ for the violence that erupted at a people’s protest near the private residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at Mirihana, Nugegoda on Thursday night, and said Police had used ‘minimum force’ to disperse the crowd.
Cabinet Co-Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said that a group of persons that mingled with the peaceful protesters, who were mainly residents of the area, had attempted to break through the barricades on the lane leading to the President’s residence.
The President had been at his house as the violence unfolded outside and had consulted with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Army Commander and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence following which it was as decided to authorise the Police to disperse the crowd.
“The instructions were to use minimum force. The group that turned violent broke down the walls of houses down the lane and used bricks from them to attack the Police. Measures had to be taken to stop them from entering the President’s house,” the Minister told reporters at a press briefing at the President’s Media Division (PMD) last morning.
By
Meera Srinivasan
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of Emergency in crisis-hit Sri Lanka, a day after angry citizens converged in front of his residence demanding his immediate resignation.
An extraordinary gazette notification issued late on Friday said the state of emergency, coming into immediate effect, was “in the interests of public security, the protection of public order and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community”.
The move comes as spontaneous pocket protests erupt in different parts of the country. the President has blamed “organised extremists” for staging a large protest outside his private residence on Thursday night, as public anger mounts over his government’s handling of the economic crisis gripping Sri Lanka.
Over 50 suspects have been arrested, police said. Nightlong curfews were imposed in the area and other select neighbourhoods, amid reports of angry citizens blocking roads and demanding that the government step down.
The President’s Media Division said a group, “carrying iron bars, clubs and sticks” had “provoked the protesters”, and “marched towards” the President’s residence, “causing a riot”.
by
Meera Srinivasan
Hundreds of angry protestors gathered outside President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s private residence in Colombo late on Thursday night, after the island experienced a 13-hour-long power cut amid Sri Lanka’s Hundredsworsening economic meltdown.
Riot police were swiftly deployed to the spot. They used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd, but those agitating endured at the spot, chanting “Gota go home” in Sinhala. Many were holding posters with anti-government slogans, and demanded that the government step down immediately, having “mishandled” the country’s economy.
(Text of Editorial Appearing in t”The Island”of 2nd April,2022 under the Heading “ Killer waves of public anger”)
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa may not have expected anything like what played out on Thursday night near his residence, when he, in his glory days, had a place designated as the ‘agitation site’ close to the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo 01. Today, irate members of the public are agitating near his private residence in Mirihana. In fact, the whole country is fast becoming an agitation site thanks to the government’s blunders, which are legion.
What started off as a peaceful protest by a group of people against their suffering, on Thursday evening, led to a violent confrontation with the police and the military. It is being argued in some quarters that the government deployed a group of agents provocateurs to instigate violence so that it could justify a crackdown, the imposition of a police curfew and prosecutions. The police say some outsiders hijacked the protest and unleashed violence.
Police curfew has been imposed in Colombo North, South, Colombo Central and Nugegoda Police Divisions until further notice due to the tense situation that erupted outside the private residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today evening.
Also, the curfew has also been imposed within Kelaniya and Mount Lavinia Police Divisions.
Curfew imposed police areas:
By
Seema Guha
Is this the end of the road for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the powerful Rajapaksa brothers that had dominated Sri Lankan politics for decades? Going by the anger in the streets triggered by financial mismanagement and the near melt down of the island’s economy, the Rajapaksa family firm is running out of steam. Protest marches are now a daily occurrence. “Go back Gota” slogans and placards are held out by the same people who not long ago hailed the Rajapaksas as heroes.
The Russia-Ukraine war which has led to a steep hike in oil prices has further amplified Sri Lanka’s economic problems. The crisis resulting from Sri Lanka running out of foreign reserves has led to shortages of almost everything- from petroleum and cooking gas, to medicines, essential food staples, vegetables, fruits and all other items. Colombo, the thriving capital of the island state, is now a place of empty shelves and serpentine queues. Supermarket shelves are empty, there are long queues for bread.
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The army had to be deployed to oversee the situation in petrol stations and kerosene distribution centres. Troops were called in after three elderly citizens dropped dead during the long wait in the queues.
People spend hours to collect a few litres of petrol, short-tempered drivers waiting in line are getting into scuffles with other equally tired and angry car owners. School exams are all cancelled indefinitely as the country has run out of paper. It is a nightmare for citizens. Power cuts are as long as 7.5hours daily, despite assurances from the country’s leadership that power outages would come to a halt from March 5. Summer in the island is hot and humid.
By
Amrit Dhillon
The temperature in Colombo was an uncomfortable 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, but it felt hotter for the Jayasinghe family because for six hours they’d had no electricity.
Tavish Jayasinghe, an accountant, sat on the veranda of his house in the Sri Lankan capital, reading the bad news in the paper while the ceiling fan remained stubbornly still.
With empty coffers, the government has no money to pay for the fuel needed to operate power plants around the clock, and has resorted to scheduled power cuts.
It also lacks funds to pay for petrol, cooking gas, medicines, and imported food items.
“I need petrol in my scooter but after seeing the queues at the petrol pump that went on forever, I decided not to risk sunstroke and stay at home instead,” Jayasinghe said.
It was a wise decision.
BY Nirupama Subramanian & Shubhajit Roy
DAYS AFTER finalising an agreement for Indian Dornier aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force, Delhi and Colombo are stepping up their cooperation in the Indian Ocean with a Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) to be set up by Bharat Electronics Ltd at the Sri Lankan Naval Headquarters in Colombo.
The Memorandum of Understanding for MRCC is among the host of agreements signed in the Sri Lankan capital Monday during the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who met Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.
Another MoU is for India to set up a hybrid solar and wind farm in the three islands off Jaffna, where Sri Lanka cancelled a similar Chinese project after Delhi objected to it on security grounds. The islands are very close to Rameswaram on the Tamil Nadu coastline.
By
Meera Seinivasan
India will set up hybrid power projects in three Islands off Jaffna, effectively replacing the Chinese venture cleared by Colombo last year.
The MoU for the project was among those signed during a meeting between visiting External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and his Sri Lankan counterpart G.L. Peiris late on Monday.
It is the third Indian energy project coming up in Sri Lanka’s north and east, after the recent agreements for National Thermal Power Corporation’s solar venture in the eastern Sampur town, and the Adani Group’s renewable energy projects in Mannar and Pooneryn in the north.
In January 2021, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet decided to award renewable energy projects in Nainativu , Delft or Neduntheevu , and Analaitivu islands to Chinese company Sinosoar-Etechwin, following an Asia Development Bank-backed competitive bid. India was quick to express concern to the Sri Lankan side over the Chinese project coming up in the Palk Bay, barely 50 km off Tamil Nadu. New Delhi offered to execute the same project with a grant rather than a loan. Unable to pick a side for over a year, Colombo kept the project in suspension, apparently putting off China. In a recent press briefing, the Chinese Ambassador in Colombo voiced rare criticism over the projects being interrupted for “unknown reasons”, and said it sent out the wrong message to potential foreign investors.
By
T.Ramakrishnan
The illegal entry of 16 persons from Sri Lanka’s Northern Province into Rameswaram on Tuesday has triggered a debate on whether they can be accorded the refugee status.
The immigrants – three men, six women and seven children – cited economic crisis in their country as the reason for their action. But persons who are in the know of international law say this cannot be a ground for providing refugee status.
Ordinarily, a person who has a well-founded fear of being persecuted on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion is regarded as a refugee under the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, which, along with the 1967 Protocol, forms the foundation of international law on refugees.
Despite not ratifying the Convention and the Protocol, India had provided shelter to around three lakh Tamils who fled Sri Lanka in the wake of the 1983 Black July, when anti-Tamil riots broke out in that country.
By
Meera Srinivasan
A media clarification issued by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence has brought to light two recent defence pacts it has signed with India that neither side officially announced.
“The recently signed maritime security pacts with the Government of India will not result in hindrance or threat to the national security of Sri Lanka,” said a media statement issued by the Ministry on Tuesday.
It referred to the “the receipt of Floating Dock Facility from the Government of India at no cost” and the provision of “Dornier Reconnaissance Aircraft” by India to Sri Lanka “free of charge”.
Ministry of Defence spokesman Colonel Nalin Herath told The Hindu on Tuesday that both pacts were signed on March 16, by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence from the Sri Lankan side, and an official of the Indian High Commission in Colombo.
By
D.B.S.Jeyaraj
This weekly column returns with the second part of the article titled “ Sinhala Buddhist Strategist N.Q. Dias was Feared as the “Tsar” that was published in the “Daily Mirror” of February 19t 2022. The feedback I received indicate that there is much interest in the role played by NQ Dias in the affairs of the nation decades ago. Some of the emails I received about my writings on the 1962 coup in general and NQ Dias in particular were very positive with requests that I write more details about the “Tsar” NQ Dias. I continue this week with my focus on NQ Dias. The first part concluded with the line “ The advent of Parliamentary elections in 1956 saw the master Sinhala Buddhist strategist Neil Quintus Dias swinging into action.” How and why did Dias spring into action?
The United National Party(UNP) led by Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawela dissolved Parliament in February 1956. When fresh elections were scheduled for April 1956 , the long cherished objective of Neil Quintus Dias appeared realizable. The electoral defeat of the incumbent UNP followed by the ushering in of a new Sri Lanka Freedom Party(SLFP) led Government became a distinct possibility. However there was much spadework to be done within a short period of time to achieve electoral victory.
(Text of Press Release Issued by the High Commission of Indiaa in Colombo on March 28th 2022)
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S.Jaishankar concluded his first day of discussions during his visit to Sri Lanka on 28 March 2022. He is accompanied by a five-member official delegation from Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi for the bilateral and BIMSTEC engagements.
2. EAM called on H.E President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and conveyed personal greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President of Sri Lanka thanked Government of India (GOI) for economic assistance amounting to around USD 2.5 billion extended to Sri Lanka in 2022. Dr. S. Jaishankar assured India’s continued support in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery process. The discussions also covered the recent Government-TNA talks, defence and energy cooperation and fishermen’s issues. It was agreed to deepen economic and commercial linkages with special emphasis on Indian investments.
3. EAM joined H.E Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at a special event held in Temple Trees to virtually inaugurate the Jaffna Cultural Center. They watched a cultural performance at the Center – a Bharatnatyam rendition, a prayer dedicated to the peoples of India and Sri Lanka and their eternal friendship. They also had a virtual tour of the Artificial Limb Fitment Camp in Jaffna which is supported by GOI. In addition, they also witnessed signing of MoU on implementation of grant assistance from India to promote Buddhist ties between India and Sri Lanka. Further, there was an exchange of notes on the amendment to Article IX of the MoU on construction of Jaffna Cultural Center.
(Text of Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo on March 28th 2022 )
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met a delegation from the Tamil National Alliance led by Hon. R. Sampanthan, Member of Parliament today during his visit to Sri Lanka.
2. The TNA delegation briefed EAM of the latest developments, focusing on the 25 March meeting between the Government and the TNA. They conveyed that the issues of release of political prisoners, land utilization, missing persons, 13th Amendment implementation and diaspora investment were discussed in the meeting.
3. Earlier, the Sri Lankan Government’s engagement with TNA also came up during EAM’s call on H.E. The President of Sri Lanka. EAM received a more detailed understanding on this subject from Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris later in the evening.
By
D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Hell hath no fury as two Sri Lankan ministers ejected unceremoniously from the cabinet by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa! Both the sacked ministers wrathfully lay the blame for their ouster on Presidential sibling and finance minister Basil Rajapaksa. Wimal Weerwansa and Udaya Gammanpila who held the portfolios of Industries and Energy respectivey are now industiiously energetic or energetically industrious in berating dual citizen Basil Rajapaksa on account of his US citizenship.
The essence of accusations levelled by Weerawansa and Gammanpila against Basil Rajapaksa is that the dual citizen is working against the land of his birth Sri Lanka at the behest of his adopted land the United States of America.
“Basil Rajapaksa has only one contract. The Americans can take him into custody on money laundering charges at any time and to stop that from happening he has to work for the Americans. He is deliberately allowing the economic crisis to deepen so as to create a situation which leaves the door open for American intervention,” Wimal Weerawansa told journalists at a media briefing
Continue reading ‘Why Basil Rajapaksa Does not fit the “Ugly American” Label.’ »