Features
Eradicating CKDu From Sri Lanka is Straightforward—What is Preventing it?
by Drs. Sunil J. Wimalawansa and Chandra B. Dissanayake
(Prof. of Medicine and Prof. of Geology)
Since identifying chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka in the mid-1990s, little progress has been made in aetiology and prevention. Despite the numerous hypotheses and conjectures—with more than 35—none have been thoroughly studied or substantiated as the definitive cause of CKDu.
The development of CKDu necessitates simultaneous exposure to various factors and conditions over an extended period. Hence, it is also called chronic kidney disease of multifactorial origin (CKDmfo). A recent newspaper article suggested that Chinese researchers re-confirmed the lack of association of agrochemicals, heavy metals, or arsenic (common postulated factors) with CKDu, consistent with our and other scientists’ publications over 15 years.
Comparatively, on a per-hectare basis of arable land, New Zealand and numerous other countries employ more than ten-fold the amount of agrochemicals and fertilisers containing heavy metals. Similarly, in Sri Lanka, in hilly country like Nuwara Eliya, and wet zones, farmers extensively utilize inorganic fertilisers, especially phosphates and pesticides—significantly more than in the dry zones. Surprisingly, there is little to no reported incidence of CKDu in these regions.
Research studies on hypothesis-driven causation are needed
The lack of conclusive evidence on CKDu stems from inadequately designed studies that fail to assess causes and test specific hypotheses. No CKDu study has rigorously applied Hill’s criteria for disease causation to distinguish casual association from causation. To address CKDu causes effectively, detailed empirical studies, not just descriptive ones, are essential. [For more details, refer to Hill, A.B., 1965, “The Environment and Disease: Association or Causation?”]
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14283879].
No credible scientific evidence supports the role of any of the mentioned postulated factors in contributing to or causing CKDu. Definitive conclusions necessitate well-conducted, unbiased studies with proper design and sufficient statistical power to thoroughly assess or rule out the potential effects of heavy metals, algal toxins, and agrochemicals on CKDu.
Critical causative criteria for establishing a link between a factor and a disease include the Strength of the association, Consistency, Specificity, Temporality, Biological gradient, Plausibility, Coherence, and Empirical data (Experiments). The presence of the majority of these factors is necessary to attribute causation. However, most studies on CKDu are heterogeneous and descriptive, offering limited value. Therefore, conducting meta-analyses using such data is scientifically unsound and inappropriate, as they will likely yield misleading conclusions.
Because CKDu arises from forming nanocrystals and nanotubes in kidney tubules and tissues, a more fitting designation would be “CKD of crystal-tubular nephropathy” (CKD-CTN). The accompanying figure illustrates critical factors contributing to the CKD-CTN development (from Wimalwansa & Dissanayake, Euro. J. Med. Res., July 2023: https://rdcu.be/dgagf). (See Figure)
Poorly designed studies generated inconclusive data:
Compartmentalized research and poor study designs consistently fail to address research questions and test hypotheses related to CKDu. This lack of adherence to fundamental scientific principles, along with issues in improper sample collection and data integrity, has resulted in skewed and unreliable conclusions, muddling the progress and analyses of CKDu in the country.
Extrapolating such data to the overall status of CKDu in Sri Lanka and other tropical countries shifts attention away from identifying actual causative factors, proper fund allocation, and implementing essential remedies for CKDu prevention. Biased comments by Chinese scientists, such as ‘aristolochic acid,’ while relevant in rural China, are not pertinent to CKDu (CKD-CTN) in the dry zones of Sri Lanka.
Methodological and conceptual failures:
No conclusive evidence supports agrochemicals (glyphosate) or heavy metals causing CKDu. Claims linking slightly elevated magnesium in drinking water to CKDu lack reliability due to sampling and methodological errors. In contrast, over 750 international research articles establish magnesium as a “renal protector” in humans.
Detecting an isolated elevation of magnesium or extremely low levels of glyphosate in inconsistent studies is insufficient to establish even an association, let alone causation. Such findings meet only one of Hill’s Causation criteria. Inferences from random water samples and two rat studies lack reproducibility and conclusiveness. The flawed extrapolation of this data to assert that glyphosate or magnesium causes CKDu has diverted attention and national research funds to unproductive programmes. The crucial factor in drinking water is the “calcium to magnesium” ratio, not individual components alone.
Glyphosate or other chemicals used in intervention experiments, equivalent to body weight on a kg basis, are “astronomically” high—toxic. Such concentrations do not exist in water or soil under normal conditions. Such concentration exists when an individual ingests concentrated glyphosate. Therefore, conclusions from such experiments are misleading. Any toxicity dependent on the “dose and exposure” and real-world scenarios do not match the extreme concentrations used in intervention experiments.
Studies have consistently lacked rigorousness during sample collection, standardized methodology, and the use of controls. They also lack quality control during analyses and testing hypotheses. Methodological errors, such as smaller sample sizes and a lack of control experiments, introduce random- and Type-2 errors into the data. To obtain accurate insights, examining thousands of properly collected water samples across affected regions is crucial, as is comparing them with comparable but non-affected villages within the same region (e.g., subtractive analysis), even within ‘affected’ villages, pockets with good-quality drinking water (e.g., natural springs), thus clusters of unaffected families. Therefore, calling the entire area as CKDu affecting is a misnomer.
The neglect of already published data
Suppose one uses “CKD” as a keyword in the following URL: one can pull over a dozen research articles illustrating that CKDu is triggered by “natural” causes—hard water (Ca2+), excess phosphate in combination with fluoride” and chronic dehydration.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sunil-Wimalawansa/publications
Peasants experiencing chronic dehydration due to daily exposure to hot climates and nightly alcohol intake, along with drinking water high in Calcium, Carbonate/ Phosphates, and Fluoride ions, etc., create a “conducive internal environment” for the formation of calcium phosphate (CaPO4) crystals within renal tissue. Additionally, hard water chelates glyphosate, eliminating its potential toxicity, if any, whereas fluoride has the opposite effect.
Chronic exposure to excess calcium, carbonate/phosphate (and other anions), and fluoride through the ingestion of hard water over a decade is necessary to induce CKD-CTN. Such extended exposure maintains the mentioned higher ionic concentrations in renal tissues. Chronic dehydration leads to consistently concentrated urine, enabling the precipitation of hydroxy- and oxalate-apatite nano-minerals in the kidneys. This process occurs with or without fluoride, but fluoride stabilizes these nano-mineral crystals, forming fluorapatite resistant to degradation, allowing crystals to grow. Fluorapatite nanocrystals are implicated in causing CKD-CTN, causing fatal renal failure. The detailed mechanism is illustrated in the following article: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3298/7/1/2
The way to prevent and eradicate CKDu:
Consuming potable water and avoiding prolonged dehydration can prevent persistent dehydration-associated CKD-CTN. This concept offers highly cost-effective and straightforward solutions to safeguard peasants, particularly farm laborers. This eliminates silent, deadly disease, without needing expensive medications, interventions, or the construction of dialysis centers and hospitals, which is especially crucial in financially strained circumstances.
Research, including ours, has shown that increasing daily access to clean water significantly reduces CKD-CTN incidence and associated morbidities and premature deaths. Unfortunately, once the disease progresses beyond CKD stage IIIB, the damage becomes irreversible. It leads to hardening and shrinkage of the kidney due to fibrosis—resulting in permanent damage.
The following two published articles provide a detailed methodology and cost-benefit analysis of ways to eradicate CKDu from Sri Lanka:—CKD-CTN.Public health interventions for chronic diseases: cost-benefit modelizations for eradicating chronic kidney disease of multifactorial origin (CKDmfo/ CKDu) from tropical countries. Heliyon 2019;5(10):e02309. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02309.And Strategic framework for managing non-communicable diseases: Preventing chronic kidney disease of multifactorial origin (CKDmfo/CKDu) as an Example. Chronic Dis Int 2015;2(2 (1018)):1-9 (https://austinpublishinggroup.com/chronic-diseases/fulltext/chronicdiseases-v2-id1018.php).
The direct approaches outlined in the above articles offer ways to mitigate and eradicate CKDu/CKD-CTN in Sri Lanka and other affected countries. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of political will to address the issue. For some, it has become an unscrupulous business. The mentioned scientific papers provide details on how implementing a multi-pronged approach can prevent CKD-CTN, reduce premature deaths, and minimize the socio-economic impact on affected families. For more information. More information in:
Environmental health and preventive medicine 2014;19(6):375-394. DOI: 10.1007/s12199-014-0395-5 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25239006/).
Critical elements need to eradicate CKD-CTN from Sri Lanka
It is essential to systematically address peasants’ lifestyles and dietary habits, improve micro-nutrition, protect their renal and general health, and mitigate CKD-CTN. In addition to providing potable water, other interventions are also necessary to overcome this forgotten killer. Adhering to such would save the lives of people in CKD-CTN-affected tropical countries. They consume insufficient water due to the unpleasant taste of naturally contaminated hard water. Just because peasants do not have a voice is not an excuse to neglect them by the politicians and the government.
The key to eradicating CKD-CTN is prevention through education, lifestyle changes, and increased consumption of clean water—not in treating renal disease or expanding dialysis centers, hospitals, or transplantation services. To effectively prevent CKD-CTN, providing safe and affordable clean water in the affected and adjacent regions in the entire dry zone is essential rather than solely emphasizing aggressive treatment of end-stage renal diseases.
Historical evidence indicates that ancient Sri Lankan Kingdoms, like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniys, Sigiriya, and Yapahuwa, were relocated, primarily within the dry zonal regions, now affected by CKD-CTN. The reasons for these relocations, whether protecting from invading armies, severe malarial epidemics, or deaths due to CKD-CTN, remain uncertain. Proposals to move the entire North Central Province (NCP) population elsewhere or replace the topsoil in the region are deemed impractical and absurd.
The current approach will continue to fail
The current strategy of expanding renal clinics, dialysis and transplantation services, coupled with reliance on aid from other countries, is an ineffective approach that falls short of “preventing and eradicating” CKD-CTN in Sri Lanka. This method is like holding a tail to tame a tiger. Even if the rates of deaths have somewhat slowed, it is likely because many of the most vulnerable individuals are already deceased. The focus should shift towards protecting the younger generation and families. Unfortunately, CKDu has become a business venture for many, akin to exploitation during the LTTE war.
In addressing CKD-CTN, vision, political will, and prioritization of programs that cost less than a few months of healthcare expenses for maintaining affected individuals and families are lacking. Sri Lanka possesses the necessary technology, know-how, and essential resources to implement a program for eradication without requiring international expertise. However, inherent conflicts of interest hinder the implementation of the right path and impede progress.
Our latest contribution on the subject [Title: Nanocrystal-induced Chronic Tubular-nephropathy in Tropical Countries: Diagnosis, Mitigation, and Eradication] published on July 2023 in a Nature Journal (EJMR)—PDF of the article available from the following links: https://rdcu.be/dgagf
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-023-01162-y
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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