Features
Geraldine D’Rozario : The Timeless Supermodel of Sri Lanka
13. PLACES, PEOPLE & PASSIONS (3Ps)
By: Dr. Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena DPhil
President – Chandi J. Associates Inc. Consulting, Canada
Profile
Geraldine D’Rozario epitomises elegance and sophistication as a former Miss Sri Lanka and celebrated supermodel. With an illustrious career spanning four decades, she has graced countless magazine covers and catwalks, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Beyond her mesmerising presence on camera, Geraldine has showcased her talent behind the scenes, choreographing and coordinating captivating fashion shows.
From her humble beginnings in the advertising industry at the tender age of five, Geraldine’s star has only continued to rise. Her journey on international catwalks began in Sri Lanka at the age of 13 and has since taken her across Asia and Europe. Along the way, she has garnered a plethora of accolades from beauty pageants and industry insiders alike.
Today, Geraldine lends her unparalleled expertise as a full-time fit model for prestigious international brands in Sri Lanka, embodying the epitome of style and grace with every step she takes.
In my 32 years of acquaintance with Miss Geraldine D’Rozario, our encounters in 1992 and 2024 remain etched in my memory. Each moment spent in her presence is a testament to her intelligence, exotic allure, captivating smile, and unparalleled beauty, leaving an enduring impression that transcends time.
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- Geraldine crowned as Miss Sri Lanka 1993.
Cute as a Button in 1985
“Chandi, take a look at that enchanting little girl in this award-winning TV ad,” my wife nudged me, pointing towards an intriguing advertisement for Dot Toffee. “She’s cute as a button,” I remarked. At the time, we lived in Habarana where I served as the General Manager of The Lodge and The Village hotels. Alongside our normal duties, my wife and I occasionally dabbled as part-time actors, primarily for TV commercials.
“She has your beautiful features. Perhaps she could portray your daughter for the Royal Milk Powder ad campaign,” I suggested to my wife. Regrettably, we couldn’t locate the girl in time for the shoot. Later, we discovered that the adorable child, Geraldine, was the niece of a friend of ours and a former Miss Ceylon, Yvonne D’Rozario.
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- As a young mother with son, Aritha Ariyapala
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- With members of D’Rozario family, father – Patrick, mother – Bernie, and sister – Bernadine
Meeting at Mount Lavinia Hotel in 1992
One day in 1992, during my tenure as the General Manager of Mount Lavinia Hotel, Yvonne D’Rozario called me and said, “Chandi, I’d like you to meet my niece. She’ll be joining me on the Terrace.” “Is that the little ‘Dot Toffee’ girl?” I inquired. “She’s not a little girl any more; she’s a stunning teenager and seasoned fashion model. If you’re producing ‘The Model of the Year’ competition again, Geraldine might participate. Just before you came to Mount, she won the Little Hut Valentine’s Day Queen at age 15. I’m now encouraging her to compete for Miss Sri Lanka next year,” Yvonne told me.
Upon meeting Geraldine for the first time, I was not only struck by her captivating beauty but also by her politeness, refined manners, and eloquence. Geraldine expressed keen interest in learning more about the romantic tale of Lavinia Aponsuwa and Sir Thomas Maitland. I escorted Geraldine to the historic wing of Mount Lavinia Hotel, where I elaborated on the intricate details of this legendary love story that unfolded from 1805 to 1811, captivating her attention.
Connecting after Decades in 2019
Over the subsequent 27 years, I occasionally heard news snippets about Geraldine, including her triumphs at beauty pageants and on the catwalk, but we never crossed paths. In 2019, Geraldine reached out to me via social media. “Hi Uncle! I’m not sure if you remember me… I’m Yvonne D’Rozario’s niece. I was just a little girl when we met at Mount Lavinia Hotel. You shared the entire history of the hotel with me…
It’s wonderful to reconnect on Facebook after all these years. Take care and God bless.” We planned to meet during my next visits to Sri Lanka in 2019 and 2020, but due to our busy schedules and the pandemic, five more years passed before we could meet.
Geraldine opening the Vouge Jewellers Show in 2022.
A Pleasant Surprise at a Book Launch in 2024
Upon learning about the launch of my latest book in Colombo in March 2024, Geraldine texted me: “I’ll definitely be there.” Having not seen her in over 30 years, and considering her demanding schedule, I didn’t expect her to attend. During the book launch, as I scanned the packed auditorium of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), I couldn’t spot Geraldine.
After the event, while signing copies of my book, I noticed a young lady patiently waiting at the end of the line until I had a moment free. She enveloped me in a warm embrace and exclaimed, “I’m Geraldine, how have you been? Can I call you Chandi?” I was taken aback. “Of course, yes. You haven’t aged a day! You look just as radiant as when we first met when you were a teenager in 1992!” I remarked. Geraldine responded with a grin, “…And you remain as smart as ever. Minus the hair, of course!” She has a delightful sense of humour. We agreed to catch up over a meal at her preferred venue, the Mount Lavinia Hotel, a few days later.
As we collaborated on this article, Geraldine and I communicated almost daily over WhatsApp during the past month. Here are my questions and Geraldine’s responses:
Questions and Answers
Q: Out of all the places you have visited in Sri Lanka and overseas, what is your favourite and most interesting place?
A:Without a doubt, Paris holds a special place in my heart. Monumental in size, and architectural heritage, it’s also the most romantic city in the world. I fell in love with its charm while cruising down the Seine River, feeling the cool breeze against my face. My favourite spots included iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, and the breathtaking Palais Garnier. I spent five enchanting days at the Paris Marriott Hotel on Champs Elysees, the epitome of luxury, granting me access to flagship stores of esteemed brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Chanel. It truly felt like living in a dream.
Q: Not many people get opportunities at age five to lay a foundation for a long career. Who mentored and guided you in the 1980s?
A: My mentor was my godmother, Miss Ceylon 1964, model, and choreographer Yvonne D’Rozario. She introduced me to the world of fashion and arranged my first screen test, kickstarting my journey into commercials and advertising at a tender age.
My parents were my greatest pillars of support. My father guided me through life’s lessons, from global affairs to the history of Sri Lanka, instilling independence, confidence, and ambition in me. I fulfilled his dream by becoming Miss Sri Lanka. My mother’s unwavering support accompanied me through every assignment, both locally and overseas.
With members of D’Rozario family, father – Patrick, mother – Bernie, and sister – Bernadine.
Q: You commenced walking the ramp at age 13 and won major beauty pageants as a teenager. What were your most memorable experiences as a teenage beauty queen?
A: Each experience holds its own special place in my heart, but the first crowning at 13 remains unforgettable. My debut on the ramp happened unexpectedly when I filled in for a missing model at a fashion show I attended as a spectator. Being crowned Miss Sri Lanka 1993 as a teenager was a proud moment. However, the most memorable experience was being crowned first runner-up to Miss France at the Miss Tourism International Pageant in 1994, outshining other contestants from 43 countries. Winning titles like Miss Talent, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Dream Girl International affirmed the importance of inner beauty and confidence over mere appearances.
Geraldine with her aunt and mentor, the late Yvonne D’Rozario.
Q: What were your key academic, sports, and leadership achievements during your school years?
A: In school, I excelled in athletics, particularly in events like the 100m sprint, 100m hurdles, and javelin throw. I represented the school in various sports teams, including netball, softball, and elle. My leadership skills were recognized when I served as a Western Band Leader from 1990 to 1993, winning the prestigious title of Best Band Leader Island-wide in 1993. Additionally, I held positions such as House Captain in 1991, Head Prefect in 1992 (earning the award for Best Head Prefect of the Decade), Secretary for the English Literature Society in 1992, and President of the Glee Club from 1991 to 1993.
Q: You grew up exposed to training in drama, dancing, and singing. How did those talents and training help you in your career as a fashion model?
A: My passion for music, singing, and dancing was nurtured from a young age. I received vocal training from Mr. Lylie Godridge, enabling me to sing solo and as a soprano for the school choir, which honed my ability to convey emotions through facial expressions. Theatre training under the legendary Mr. Jerome De Silva eliminated stage fright and bolstered my confidence, essential for modelling. Additionally, oriental dancing classes improved physical skills like balance, flexibility, and coordination, vital for a successful modelling career.
Q: You had the privilege of closely working with the best designers, makeup artists, and choreographers. Out of all the inspiring people you’ve met, who inspired you most in your profession?
A: It’s challenging to single out one individual as the most inspiring, as I’ve been fortunate to encounter many who left a lasting impression on me. My godmother, Yvonne D’Rozario, introduced me to the world of fashion and provided invaluable guidance. My parents were constant sources of inspiration and support. Additionally, figures like my school principal, Sr. Hubert Marie, and designer and makeup artist Michael Wijesuriya played significant roles in shaping my career and inspiring me to excel.
Q: You married at 24 and took a break from your career to focus on family. How did you transition back into your profession after a six-year hiatus?
A: While modelling was initially a hobby, I took a temporary break to embrace the role of a homemaker and mother. It was a fulfilling phase of my life, and I have no regrets about it. After my son settled into junior school, I gradually eased back into my career, leveraging my passion, dedication, and resilience to reclaim my position in the fashion industry.
Q: I heard that you were involved in various initiatives related to culinary festivals, charity projects, and guest speaking engagements. Could you elaborate on these experiences?
A:My involvement in the culinary industry included coordinating special projects for the Culinary Festival in 2007 and serving as a Dilmah tea sommelier in 2008. I actively participated in charity events and projects, particularly focusing on initiatives for tsunami victims and underprivileged communities. I also engaged in guest speaking and catwalk training for models in the Maldives, promoting youth empowerment and personal development. Additionally, I’m a guest speaker at the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, addressing topics like hygiene, personal development, and professionalism.
Gereldine in Paris
Q: What is the most noteworthy award you’ve received for your dedication and service to the fashion industry?
A: I was honoured to receive the Lalitha Kala Prasadhi Kala Bushana award from The Jagath Kala Foundation of Sri Lanka in 2023, recognizing my dedication and service to the fashion industry. With a career spanning four decades, I’ve contributed to various facets of the industry, from TV commercials and fashion shows to choreography and leadership roles.
Q: Could you outline your weekday schedule?
A: Certainly. I rise promptly at 6 am and kick-start my day with a refreshing one litre of water. Following that, I indulge in a brisk shower, attire myself, and enjoy breakfast by 7 am. Commencing work promptly at 8 am, I adhere to a structured schedule throughout the day. If fortunate, I allocate an hour for lunch, then resume work until approximately 6 pm. Upon returning home, I promptly dine before heading to the gym around 7.30 pm, typically concluding my session by 9.30 pm. Post-exercise, I freshen up with another shower and retire for the night by 10 pm. It’s a personal rule of mine to refrain from social engagements on weekdays, ensuring my body receives ample rest for a rejuvenated start the next morning.
Q: You have done extremely well in your profession for a very long period. What is your key advice to young fashion models aspiring to be Supermodels?
A: Embrace authenticity, celebrating your individuality while steering clear of mimicry. Stay grounded, embracing opportunities to learn from peers, and foster a spirit of collaboration. In the dynamic realm of fashion, nurturing positive relationships and fostering collaboration is paramount, akin to a tight-knit familial bond. Infuse your work with unwavering passion and devotion, underpinned by disciplined time management. Prioritise both your physical well-being and appearance through a balanced lifestyle.
Define your aspirations and uphold high standards, consistently pursuing excellence to carve out your unique identity within the industry. Nourish your body with wholesome nutrition, maintaining a regular eating schedule, and hydrating adequately, eschewing sugary and carbonated beverages while moderating alcohol intake. Honour your body’s need for rejuvenating rest with a solid eight-hour sleep schedule, ensuring you wake up refreshed.
Commit to a regular exercise regimen, complemented by a meticulous skincare routine and grooming habits that accentuate your natural features. Tailor your style choices to enhance your individuality, avoiding extremes that mask your true essence. Cultivate physical prowess, encompassing fluid movement, coordination, mental agility, and poise.
Chart your path within the modelling sphere, aligning your ambitions with concrete goals and standards. Pursue excellence in all endeavours, crafting a distinct persona that resonates within the industry.
Timeless…
Next week, stay tuned for the inaugural episode of a new weekly column: ‘PASSIONS OF A GLOBAL HOTELIER
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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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