Features
Country door was opened wide to C19; it MUST be barred even now
The government and the people of Free Sri Lanka are to be blamed fairly and squarely for all the deaths and suffering caused by the recent surge of Covid-19 infection. Cass adds the greater blame lies with the government. It is there to protect the people of the country, and it has failed while being well aware of the raging infection just across the narrow Palk Straits. Perhaps it was blind, deaf and least concerned about the horrific calamitous state the subcontinent was submerged in. One cause over there was electioneering. Extravagantly turbaned, hubris elated Modi strutted before jam packed jubilating crowds hailing him. The Indians then went berserk celebrating Kumba Mela. Now they are gasping for air and not being provided oxygen; dying in their thousands.
Our Plight Experts are not listened to
From The Island May 4: “Covid upsurge: JVP blame govt’s disregard for expert opinion, Dr Fernandopulle’s warning.” Cass need not add to this. It has been stated over and over again that our top government bods seem to think they know it all. Expertise overflows in this country. Just one proof – the excellently intelligent and wise opinions expressed by those who know from Dr B J C Perera to Ashley de Vos, taken notice of by those who govern us? No. Bureaucrats are mere puppets now; vain Cabinet Minister swollen with the good life; higher ups more concerned with popularity and future votes than ordinary people’s lives.
One rule for them, another for us
Two recent instances prove this. Did you see the large numbers present at the May 1 anniversary event in Hultsdorp remembering President Premadasa? He must be remembered but why arrange a public event? TV cameras roamed around seated invitees; not social distancing nor few in number. What about spectators collected? May have been many since we, in addition to sharing many national traits (some degrading), are a nation of rubber necks.
Cassandra culled the following from an email received, the veracity of which she cannot vouch for, but knowing the ways of the higher echelons of society and nouveau riche, it could well be true.
“Little birdie says a VIP’s wedding is being held today at a five-star hotel. (3 May)
I did not know VIP’s don’t spread COVID and one law for Sri Lankan’s and another for VIP’s.
This is shit state of Sri Lankan politics!” The summation so true, profanity included.
To round up Cass’ revelations, here is an ironic twist: “Health guidelines violaters arrested” says page 3 of The Island of May 3. The article states that 215 people had been rounded up in one day for not wearing face masks and not social distancing.
Cass holds her head in despair and cries out: Aney Apoi, Kaaata Kiyantada!!
And here’s the latest. Headline in The Island of Wednesday 5 May: “Lokuge accused of overriding Covid-19 countermeasures.” He opened up a part of Piliyandala that was closed down by Director General of Health Services’ order. Cass orders: Off with the Big House’s swollen head!!
Fat cats and emaciated mice
The existence, actions and stark contrast between the two were highlighted during the recent Nuwara Eliya season.
There gloried the Fat Cats – Toms, Tabbys with Kits a-trailing in Little England. No masks so the fresh air could be breathed in, disregarding exhalations which could very well have been loaded with the spiked menace, to be distributed widely and breathed in by not-vaccinated vegetable growers and flower sellers. They, the Cats of course, have had the best vaccine and boosters too. It is said a million descended on Nuwara-Eliya and sure enough, Covid-19 spread among even sports people and young ‘uns to boot. We don’t know how many Nuwara-Eliya poor and hardworking contracted the infection.
People were asked mildly and weakly not to travell during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. This of course to the hoi polloi, not the powerful and monied. Don’t the authorities know that a’ by-your-leave’ and ‘please-do’ get no results from our buffalo population? Unless strict orders with punishments are mentioned, and assurance this rule applies to EVERYONE, the dodgers and the Fat Cats riding on the clout of their wealth or being of the Royal Family (very extended) or having connections, will flout restrictions with alacrity. And Ajith Rohana will have to keep his eyes wide shut and mouth clamped.
Religious events causing harm, not benefit
Cass may sound sacrilegious; Cass may outrage our ultra Buddhists, but she dares to pronounce this fact, buttressed by irrevocable proof. She is scared stiff, not for herself but for the country and its people since that abominable Covid Virus is straining to enter in invincible hordes into this Paradise and decimate it. It has in large measure, with Paradise already laid low with its economy down, jobs lost, food scarce, money scarcer but at least most breathe and live. The last two – breathing and living – will be suffocated and snuffed out unless dire measures are taken even though it is already past the eleventh hour.
The Hindu Mela in India with millions gathering to bathe in the Sacred River and the Jewish religious festival in Israel caused complete mayhem, panic and deaths. Covid 19 had a field day of spreading to millions in Varanasi and other sites of the once-in-twelve years festival. And now India is powerless to even count its dead. In Israel, which Cass wrote about in her last Friday’s Cry as an example of a country that beat C19 or at least holds it leashed, suffered 45 deaths and many injured in the Lag B’Omer crush of religious Jews.
In both cases religious fervor caused death and injury. And, thus, Cass comes to the main thrust of her Cry this week.
Completely and convincingly ban all Vesak celebrations and events
Yes, that has to be done. No temple gatherings, no sil campaigns, no bana preachings to many (not even at Temple Trees), no decorations whatsoever and no sightseeing groups. (You will note here that Cass has substituted groups for crowds; she has not lost every iota of hope.)
Why wasn’t the avurudu season treated with extra stringent caution? The loss of popularity of the government was feared; it was not love of the people that permitted laissez faire with the third wave of C19 imminent.
The fear of losing popularity and antagonizing ultra national Buddhists and radical groups of the Sangha may hold back the total banning of Vesak festivities. This should not be.
The Buddha never wanted himself elevated above the status of a man. He never ever wanted obeisance or subservience, least of all celebration which could induce the transgressing of the five precepts. Then why is Vesak marked as significant? Celebration and festivity are man-made for man’s diversion and gain. What really has to be done on Vesak poya is remembering the Buddha; listening to and studying his Dhamma; then reflecting on it; dedicating oneself to reducing greed, delusion and enmity; being mindful and meditating or at least reflecting. So, the usual glitz, glamour and even religious activities can be decimated and Vesak observed as it should be. – a quiet day of observance in near solitude.
Most monks are aware of what is going on and are progressive. Since the first C19 wave many temples closed their gates and open them to worshippers with precautions taken. Dana is passed into the temple by devotees without them entering and endangering the health of the resident monks. Thus, the Sangha will approve strict measures taken to subvert the continued rise of the third wave.
People have to be taught what true Buddhism is. Thus, the authorities: whether the President, Prime Minister, Army Commander or Ajith Rohana, has to lay down the law of near lockdown during Vesak days. Never mind the minds of the hoi polloi and their understanding of meritorious religious habits. They have to be made to stay indoors. If the next election and popular votes are being considered, as it seems to be, politicians must remember a saved nation will vote for them, even if Vesak was made a stay-at-home event. Much the better religion-wise too.
Muslims too must be forbidden mass prayers and gatherings this Ramazan.
by Dr Gotabhya Ranasinghe
Senior Consultant Cardiologist
National Hospital Sri Lanka
When we sought a meeting with Hon Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Health, he graciously cleared his busy schedule to accommodate us. Renowned for his attentive listening and deep understanding, Minister Pathirana is dedicated to advancing the health sector. His openness and transparency exemplify the qualities of an exemplary politician and minister.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala, the current Health Secretary, demonstrates both commendable enthusiasm and unwavering support. This combination of attributes makes him a highly compatible colleague for the esteemed Minister of Health.
Our discussion centered on a project that has been in the works for the past 30 years, one that no other minister had managed to advance.
Minister Pathirana, however, recognized the project’s significance and its potential to revolutionize care for heart patients.
The project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art facility at the premises of the National Hospital Colombo. The project’s location within the premises of the National Hospital underscores its importance and relevance to the healthcare infrastructure of the nation.
This facility will include a cardiology building and a tertiary care center, equipped with the latest technology to handle and treat all types of heart-related conditions and surgeries.
Securing funding was a major milestone for this initiative. Minister Pathirana successfully obtained approval for a $40 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank. With the funding in place, the foundation stone is scheduled to be laid in September this year, and construction will begin in January 2025.
This project guarantees a consistent and uninterrupted supply of stents and related medications for heart patients. As a result, patients will have timely access to essential medical supplies during their treatment and recovery. By securing these critical resources, the project aims to enhance patient outcomes, minimize treatment delays, and maintain the highest standards of cardiac care.
Upon its fruition, this monumental building will serve as a beacon of hope and healing, symbolizing the unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes and fostering a healthier society.We anticipate a future marked by significant progress and positive outcomes in Sri Lanka’s cardiovascular treatment landscape within the foreseeable timeframe.
by Fr. Emmanuel Fernando, OMI
Jesuit Fr. Aloysius Pieris (affectionately called Fr. Aloy) celebrated his 90th birthday on April 9, 2024 and I, as the editor of our Oblate Journal, THE MISSIONARY OBLATE had gone to press by that time. Immediately I decided to publish an article, appreciating the untiring selfless services he continues to offer for inter-Faith dialogue, the renewal of the Catholic Church, his concern for the poor and the suffering Sri Lankan masses and to me, the present writer.
It was in 1988, when I was appointed Director of the Oblate Scholastics at Ampitiya by the then Oblate Provincial Fr. Anselm Silva, that I came to know Fr. Aloy more closely. Knowing well his expertise in matters spiritual, theological, Indological and pastoral, and with the collaborative spirit of my companion-formators, our Oblate Scholastics were sent to Tulana, the Research and Encounter Centre, Kelaniya, of which he is the Founder-Director, for ‘exposure-programmes’ on matters spiritual, biblical, theological and pastoral. Some of these dimensions according to my view and that of my companion-formators, were not available at the National Seminary, Ampitiya.
Ever since that time, our Oblate formators/ accompaniers at the Oblate Scholasticate, Ampitiya , have continued to send our Oblate Scholastics to Tulana Centre for deepening their insights and convictions regarding matters needed to serve the people in today’s context. Fr. Aloy also had tried very enthusiastically with the Oblate team headed by Frs. Oswald Firth and Clement Waidyasekara to begin a Theologate, directed by the Religious Congregations in Sri Lanka, for the contextual formation/ accompaniment of their members. It should very well be a desired goal of the Leaders / Provincials of the Religious Congregations.
Besides being a formator/accompanier at the Oblate Scholasticate, I was entrusted also with the task of editing and publishing our Oblate journal, ‘The Missionary Oblate’. To maintain the quality of the journal I continue to depend on Fr. Aloy for his thought-provoking and stimulating articles on Biblical Spirituality, Biblical Theology and Ecclesiology. I am very grateful to him for his generous assistance. Of late, his writings on renewal of the Church, initiated by Pope St. John XX111 and continued by Pope Francis through the Synodal path, published in our Oblate journal, enable our readers to focus their attention also on the needed renewal in the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. Fr. Aloy appreciated very much the Synodal path adopted by the Jesuit Pope Francis for the renewal of the Church, rooted very much on prayerful discernment. In my Religious and presbyteral life, Fr.Aloy continues to be my spiritual animator / guide and ongoing formator / acccompanier.
Fr. Aloysius Pieris, BA Hons (Lond), LPh (SHC, India), STL (PFT, Naples), PhD (SLU/VC), ThD (Tilburg), D.Ltt (KU), has been one of the eminent Asian theologians well recognized internationally and one who has lectured and held visiting chairs in many universities both in the West and in the East. Many members of Religious Congregations from Asian countries have benefited from his lectures and guidance in the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) in Manila, Philippines. He had been a Theologian consulted by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences for many years. During his professorship at the Gregorian University in Rome, he was called to be a member of a special group of advisers on other religions consulted by Pope Paul VI.
Fr. Aloy is the author of more than 30 books and well over 500 Research Papers. Some of his books and articles have been translated and published in several countries. Among those books, one can find the following: 1) The Genesis of an Asian Theology of Liberation (An Autobiographical Excursus on the Art of Theologising in Asia, 2) An Asian Theology of Liberation, 3) Providential Timeliness of Vatican 11 (a long-overdue halt to a scandalous millennium, 4) Give Vatican 11 a chance, 5) Leadership in the Church, 6) Relishing our faith in working for justice (Themes for study and discussion), 7) A Message meant mainly, not exclusively for Jesuits (Background information necessary for helping Francis renew the Church), 8) Lent in Lanka (Reflections and Resolutions, 9) Love meets wisdom (A Christian Experience of Buddhism, 10) Fire and Water 11) God’s Reign for God’s poor, 12) Our Unhiddden Agenda (How we Jesuits work, pray and form our men). He is also the Editor of two journals, Vagdevi, Journal of Religious Reflection and Dialogue, New Series.
Fr. Aloy has a BA in Pali and Sanskrit from the University of London and a Ph.D in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Sri Lankan, Vidyodaya Campus. On Nov. 23, 2019, he was awarded the prestigious honorary Doctorate of Literature (D.Litt) by the Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, the Most Venerable Welamitiyawe Dharmakirthi Sri Kusala Dhamma Thera.
Fr. Aloy continues to be a promoter of Gospel values and virtues. Justice as a constitutive dimension of love and social concern for the downtrodden masses are very much noted in his life and work. He had very much appreciated the commitment of the late Fr. Joseph (Joe) Fernando, the National Director of the Social and Economic Centre (SEDEC) for the poor.
In Sri Lanka, a few religious Congregations – the Good Shepherd Sisters, the Christian Brothers, the Marist Brothers and the Oblates – have invited him to animate their members especially during their Provincial Congresses, Chapters and International Conferences. The mainline Christian Churches also have sought his advice and followed his seminars. I, for one, regret very much, that the Sri Lankan authorities of the Catholic Church –today’s Hierarchy—- have not sought Fr.
Aloy’s expertise for the renewal of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka and thus have not benefited from the immense store of wisdom and insight that he can offer to our local Church while the Sri Lankan bishops who governed the Catholic church in the immediate aftermath of the Second Vatican Council (Edmund Fernando OMI, Anthony de Saram, Leo Nanayakkara OSB, Frank Marcus Fernando, Paul Perera,) visited him and consulted him on many matters. Among the Tamil Bishops, Bishop Rayappu Joseph was keeping close contact with him and Bishop J. Deogupillai hosted him and his team visiting him after the horrible Black July massacre of Tamils.
Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
By Gomi Senadhira
senadhiragomi@gmail.com
“You might tell fairy tales, but the progress of a country cannot be achieved through such narratives. A country cannot be developed by making false promises. The country moved backward because of the electoral promises made by political parties throughout time. We have witnessed that the ultimate result of this is the country becoming bankrupt. Unfortunately, many segments of the population have not come to realize this yet.” – President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 2024 Budget speech
Any Sri Lankan would agree with the above words of President Wickremesinghe on the false promises our politicians and officials make and the fairy tales they narrate which bankrupted this country. So, to understand this, let’s look at one such fairy tale with lots of false promises; Ranil Wickremesinghe’s greatest achievement in the area of international trade and investment promotion during the Yahapalana period, Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SLSFTA).
It is appropriate and timely to do it now as Finance Minister Wickremesinghe has just presented to parliament a bill on the National Policy on Economic Transformation which includes the establishment of an Office for International Trade and the Sri Lanka Institute of Economics and International Trade.
Was SLSFTA a “Cleverly negotiated Free Trade Agreement” as stated by the (former) Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama during the Parliamentary Debate on the SLSFTA in July 2018, or a colossal blunder covered up with lies, false promises, and fairy tales? After SLSFTA was signed there were a number of fairy tales published on this agreement by the Ministry of Development Strategies and International, Institute of Policy Studies, and others.
However, for this article, I would like to limit my comments to the speech by Minister Samarawickrama during the Parliamentary Debate, and the two most important areas in the agreement which were covered up with lies, fairy tales, and false promises, namely: revenue loss for Sri Lanka and Investment from Singapore. On the other important area, “Waste products dumping” I do not want to comment here as I have written extensively on the issue.
1. The revenue loss
During the Parliamentary Debate in July 2018, Minister Samarawickrama stated “…. let me reiterate that this FTA with Singapore has been very cleverly negotiated by us…. The liberalisation programme under this FTA has been carefully designed to have the least impact on domestic industry and revenue collection. We have included all revenue sensitive items in the negative list of items which will not be subject to removal of tariff. Therefore, 97.8% revenue from Customs duty is protected. Our tariff liberalisation will take place over a period of 12-15 years! In fact, the revenue earned through tariffs on goods imported from Singapore last year was Rs. 35 billion.
The revenue loss for over the next 15 years due to the FTA is only Rs. 733 million– which when annualised, on average, is just Rs. 51 million. That is just 0.14% per year! So anyone who claims the Singapore FTA causes revenue loss to the Government cannot do basic arithmetic! Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I call on my fellow members of this House – don’t mislead the public with baseless criticism that is not grounded in facts. Don’t look at petty politics and use these issues for your own political survival.”
I was surprised to read the minister’s speech because an article published in January 2018 in “The Straits Times“, based on information released by the Singaporean Negotiators stated, “…. With the FTA, tariff savings for Singapore exports are estimated to hit $10 million annually“.
As the annual tariff savings (that is the revenue loss for Sri Lanka) calculated by the Singaporean Negotiators, Singaporean $ 10 million (Sri Lankan rupees 1,200 million in 2018) was way above the rupees’ 733 million revenue loss for 15 years estimated by the Sri Lankan negotiators, it was clear to any observer that one of the parties to the agreement had not done the basic arithmetic!
Six years later, according to a report published by “The Morning” newspaper, speaking at the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) on 7th May 2024, Mr Samarawickrama’s chief trade negotiator K.J. Weerasinghehad had admitted “…. that forecasted revenue loss for the Government of Sri Lanka through the Singapore FTA is Rs. 450 million in 2023 and Rs. 1.3 billion in 2024.”
If these numbers are correct, as tariff liberalisation under the SLSFTA has just started, we will pass Rs 2 billion very soon. Then, the question is how Sri Lanka’s trade negotiators made such a colossal blunder. Didn’t they do their basic arithmetic? If they didn’t know how to do basic arithmetic they should have at least done their basic readings. For example, the headline of the article published in The Straits Times in January 2018 was “Singapore, Sri Lanka sign FTA, annual savings of $10m expected”.
Anyway, as Sri Lanka’s chief negotiator reiterated at the COPF meeting that “…. since 99% of the tariffs in Singapore have zero rates of duty, Sri Lanka has agreed on 80% tariff liberalisation over a period of 15 years while expecting Singapore investments to address the imbalance in trade,” let’s turn towards investment.
Investment from Singapore
In July 2018, speaking during the Parliamentary Debate on the FTA this is what Minister Malik Samarawickrama stated on investment from Singapore, “Already, thanks to this FTA, in just the past two-and-a-half months since the agreement came into effect we have received a proposal from Singapore for investment amounting to $ 14.8 billion in an oil refinery for export of petroleum products. In addition, we have proposals for a steel manufacturing plant for exports ($ 1 billion investment), flour milling plant ($ 50 million), sugar refinery ($ 200 million). This adds up to more than $ 16.05 billion in the pipeline on these projects alone.
And all of these projects will create thousands of more jobs for our people. In principle approval has already been granted by the BOI and the investors are awaiting the release of land the environmental approvals to commence the project.
I request the Opposition and those with vested interests to change their narrow-minded thinking and join us to develop our country. We must always look at what is best for the whole community, not just the few who may oppose. We owe it to our people to courageously take decisions that will change their lives for the better.”
According to the media report I quoted earlier, speaking at the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chief Negotiator Weerasinghe has admitted that Sri Lanka was not happy with overall Singapore investments that have come in the past few years in return for the trade liberalisation under the Singapore-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. He has added that between 2021 and 2023 the total investment from Singapore had been around $162 million!
What happened to those projects worth $16 billion negotiated, thanks to the SLSFTA, in just the two-and-a-half months after the agreement came into effect and approved by the BOI? I do not know about the steel manufacturing plant for exports ($ 1 billion investment), flour milling plant ($ 50 million) and sugar refinery ($ 200 million).
However, story of the multibillion-dollar investment in the Petroleum Refinery unfolded in a manner that would qualify it as the best fairy tale with false promises presented by our politicians and the officials, prior to 2019 elections.
Though many Sri Lankans got to know, through the media which repeatedly highlighted a plethora of issues surrounding the project and the questionable credentials of the Singaporean investor, the construction work on the Mirrijiwela Oil Refinery along with the cement factory began on the24th of March 2019 with a bang and Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his ministers along with the foreign and local dignitaries laid the foundation stones.
That was few months before the 2019 Presidential elections. Inaugurating the construction work Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the projects will create thousands of job opportunities in the area and surrounding districts.
The oil refinery, which was to be built over 200 acres of land, with the capacity to refine 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, was to generate US$7 billion of exports and create 1,500 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs. The construction of the refinery was to be completed in 44 months. Four years later, in August 2023 the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to cancel the agreement with the investors of the refinery as the project has not been implemented! Can they explain to the country how much money was wasted to produce that fairy tale?
It is obvious that the President, ministers, and officials had made huge blunders and had deliberately misled the public and the parliament on the revenue loss and potential investment from SLSFTA with fairy tales and false promises.
As the president himself said, a country cannot be developed by making false promises or with fairy tales and these false promises and fairy tales had bankrupted the country. “Unfortunately, many segments of the population have not come to realize this yet”.
(The writer, a specialist and an activist on trade and development issues . )
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