Features
A Day in July 2019:A socio-political critique
By Sajitha Prematunge
It was a year that defined a decade. And Rajitha Dissanayake’s new play A Day in July 2019 revolves around something that could have happened on any regular day in 2019, subject to the socio-political and economic conditions of the time. In fact, A Day in July 2019 is a socio-political critique as are many other popular and award-winning plays produced by him, such as Weeraya Merila, Sihina Horu Aran, Apahu Herenna Be, Bakamoona Veedi Basi and Nethuwa Beri Minihek.
“Year 2019 was a turning point in terms of politics. It’s important to revisit what happened in order to better prepare for what’s to come,” said Dissanayake. The play examines the origins of the various crises faced by the country today. Dissanayake hopes that the play would coax audiences to reflect on past and present incidents as well as future outcomes. He pointed out that the Sri Lankan society is forgetful and reluctant to think. “Individuals tend to edit memories to their advantage. But art can refresh memory and be thought provoking at the same time.”
The play is an in-depth analysis of the human tendency to constantly perceive others as threats and how suspicion and fear affects human behaviour. “It’s also about missed opportunities,” said Dissanayake, without giving too much away. “There are certain things that we can’t take back in life, certain wrongs we cannot make right, and the results can be devastating.”
Rajitha Dissanayake ranks among the top original playwrights to emerge in Sri Lanka in the last 25 years. His plays have drawn crowds, sparked debate, winning numerous awards while touring internationally. In the late 80’s, while studying at St. Mary’s College, Chilaw, Dissanayake’s father often took him to plays. After O/Ls, the habit continued in the company of like-minded friends. With the help of teachers and friends, Dissanayake wrote his debut play in 1988. It was a year of political turmoil and being a play written by a youth, it attempted to vent the anguish that resulted from government suppression. In fact, the period of social upheavals, between 1988 and 1989, were his most productive.
He spent the almost two and half year interim between secondary and university education, due to the insurgency, writing and producing plays. Although he did not study theatre at the Colombo University, he wrote and produced a play every year. Sakwadawala, which he produced in his final year at the university, is his first play staged publicly at the Lionel Wendt in 1995. A Day in July 2019 is the 12th play written and produced by him to go on the boards at the Wendt in 26 years.
Asked whether socio-political instability in the 80’s made a better dramatist out of him, he said that drama was an ideal means of venting youth frustration at the unjust system. “It was also the only respite at a time we could not take up arms, in that it was a formidable tool of resistance against suppression.” He observed that the media is a driving force behind society and the individual. Specifically how media manoeuvres society for profit and power, was discussed in plays like Weeraya Merila in early 2000.
When asked how his plays, often inspired by contemporary socio-political issues, were received by the powers that be, Dissanayake said that even when other artistic and press freedom were being curtailed, theatre remained relatively unfettered. “One of the reasons that theatre was not subject to much censorship is that plays don’t attract huge crowds.” However, there was a general concern about the political controversy of Bakamuna Weedi Basi and Apahu Harenna Be. “This was a time when journalists were being murdered and assaulted.”
Theatre of the 80’s had a particular attraction for Dissanayake. He said that, in particular Prakrama Niriella’s Uththamavi, Dharmasiri Bandaranayake’s Dhawala Bheeshana and Makarakshaya, out of the box plays such as Deepthi Kumara Gunarathne’s absurdist play Godo Unnehe Enakam, Sinhala version of Eugene Ionesco’s Rhinoceros by Kapila Kumara Kalinga, Simon Navagattegama’s Suba saha Yasa, Jayantha Chandrasiri’s Mora and Ediriweera Sarachchandra and Dayananda Gunawardena’s plays in general inspired him. Among foreign playwrights who influenced Dissanayake’s playwriting are Harold Pinter, Arthur Miller and William Gibson. “Arthur Miller in particular I read over and over.” He was also influenced by literature and film. Despite such influences, adaptation had not appealed to Dissanayake. “I prefer to share contemporary experiences with my audience.”
When asked why he is preoccupied with socio-political critique at the risk of ignoring other themes, Dissanayake said that, although critics may find fault with this tendency, he does not consider it as a flaw. “There are other dramatists who, for example, prefer to do historical adaptations. But that is not really my cup of tea. My focus is contemporary life.”
For Dissanayake theatre was more awe-inspiring than cinema because it is essentially a live performance. “I wanted to experience how it would feel to produce such a play and using the medium of theatre share personal thoughts and experiences with the audience.” He realised that not only socio-political issues, theatre has the capacity to convey the intricacies of human relationships and emotions.
Although dialogue drama is Dissanayake’s forte, he was equally attracted to other styles. However, he opined that dialogue drama is able to best capture human nature and behaviour. “For example, what’s said inadvertently as well as what’s not said says a lot more about a person’s psyche than what is said and dialogue drama is capable of capturing these nuances.”
Most of Dissanayake’s plays are minimalist, be it background music, lighting or costume, because he is of the opinion that simplicity leads to excellence. “Besides, we operate on a limited budget and resources. We have to manage our finances, else it would not be sustainable.” He explained that dramatists are capable of producing quality plays that best reflect social realities within limited human, financial and tech resource parameters. Sihina Horu Aran is a case in point. “The minimalist nature of the play didn’t make the dramatic experience any less effective because it was actor oriented.”
Speaking of actors, at an age when overacting is the norm, how do directors cast talented actors? “Fortunately there remain few who don’t consider overacting as proper acting. There are still those who are able to project the nuances of human nature through subtle postures.” Dissanayake explained that overacting is easy, but acting in the absence of a dramatic situation is far more challenging. “Character playing takes training and discipline.” And those capable are very few and they are no doubt a dying breed.
When asked how contemporary critical theatre like his fares compared to slapstick comedy and reproductions of great plays of the past, Dissanayake said that comedy is preferred the world over. “Comedy is not essentially bad. But comedy devoid of substance is.” He pointed out that only a few good comedies have been produced locally. However, there are those who prefer realistic plays with some depth. “In fact, compared to Broadway, Germany or India, there are more of the younger age groups in local audiences.”
As a dramatist who has travelled extensively, he observes that local theatre lacks facilities compared to Broadway, for example. “But it’s a given considering their level of economic and social development. Even under various constraints Sri Lankan theatre is faring relatively well in terms of performance and creativity.” He elaborated that for audiences in developed countries theatre is part of life. “It’s a stable audience with a whole culture built around theatre.” He observed that Sri Lanka does not have theatre companies that can sustain professional actors. “We don’t have professional actors, only part time actors. However, they make huge sacrifices.”
It is obvious that taste in art has deteriorated over the decades. Consequently, he is of the opinion that for artistes to engage in theatre full time, peoples’ taste in the arts in general has to improve considerably. After all, how does one produce quality dramas when there is no audience to appreciate such refined art? “Appreciation of good art is a habit and must be made contagious. Both the school and university systems have failed to inculcate it through education, because our education system is exam oriented. Without it there is no point in developing a full time professional body of stage actors.” He pointed out that the Sri Lankan education system has failed to produce individuals who can appreciate quality art, a prerequisite of a democrat.
Rajitha Dissanayake’s latest play A Day in July 2019 premiered at the Lionel Wendt theatre on January 21 and will be staged on 22 and 23 at 7.00 pm. The cast of A Day in July 2019 includes well-known stage and screen actors Jayani Senanayake, Anuradha Mallawarachchi, Sampath Jayaweera, Gihan de Chickera, Nalin Lusena, Sulochana Weerasinghe, Prasadini Athapattu and Anuk Fernando. Music for the play is composed by Mahira Dissanayake, and the set is designed by Dharmapriya Dias and Anuradha Mallawarachchi. Make-up is by Priyantha Dissanayake, lighting design by Ranga Samarakoon and Anuradha Mallawarachchi and costume design by Nalin Lusena and Samadara Mabulage. Lenin Liyanage is the stage manager.
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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