Features
On Missing The Bus
Dr Upatissa Pethiyagoda.
When we look around, much is in turmoil, and there is no evidence of any rapid relief. Seventy years of folly cannot be repaired in a few weeks. It is as if the “Light at the end of the Tunnel, may well be that of an oncoming train”.
I can only look around from my own circumstances. My recitation may sound like self-glorification, but I seek the indulgence of Mr Editor and any readers, who do not mind a few minutes of boredom. I may have quoted this before, but repeat the sage advice, “If thou tooted not thine own trumpet, the said trumpet will oft go untooted.” One of the many joys in becoming old, is that it bestows the right to be silly.
In sharp contrast, just look at our politicians, who are able to continue well beyond their “Best before” date. And the MPs seem to continue, beyond the mandatory five years to a “well-earned” lifetime pension. I admit that I do harbour some envy, considering that I have served the State, in one way or another for more than half a century but do not get a “red cent” or more fashionably in Sinhala (thamba salliyak) as pension. This is technically quite correct, as the copper one-cent and half cent coins, disappeared more than 60 years ago. Maybe that I have been a donkey, for choosing to be an agriculturist rather than a politician. But, I do sleep soundly most nights.
In the medical field, the one specialty that suffers no scarcity, is Ophthalmology. The reason being that we have so many “I-Specialists.” One of the clever ones, and possibly the first, was our President JRJ, who was a canny operator, adept at using the “First Person Singular”, to suggest “a Singular First Person”.
Others less clever but more bigoted, were not able to avoid using the “I”, (not to mean, impaired vision) freely, instead of the much more elegant and accurate “we”. When one has gaffed, it would be a gentlemanly means of admitting responsibility. As an example, It was “we” who won the War, but it is I who takes the blame for battle defeats. In this context, it has been said that a good General, as in team games, the order to his men would always be “follow me” and not “you go “. That is true leadership: credit for glory goes to “us”, but infamy of defeat is “mine.”
Sadly, seldom is this seen in our public life, it being a lot more comfortable to blame “them” for our misfortunes, while the truth is that we and they are both equally culpable. “We are bad, but you are worse” is almost a refrain, (as Parliamentary deliberations often show).The ugly truth is that “one may be worse, but both are the worst” Sinhala puts it well. As the pithy “Unuth ekai Munuth ekai”, maybe we should also add “Apith ekai”.
“There are two kinds of elephants,- those who haul the logs, and others who strut in the perahera’ But, the unfortunate guy, who memorably said “Malli, ung okkoma yaluwo”, earned him four years of “rigorous imprisonment” for defaming the Court.
But in our present plight, correction is urgent. When the lights flicker, one wonders whether it is a “Power cut.” Rigorous Imprisonment for defaming the judiciary, merely by vocalizing what is thought by many, who however prefer to remain silent. Did not somebody say in essence, that “evil triumphs when or “Lights out”. Anyway, it is wise to keep your “boarding pass”, ready while awaiting the announcement of your flight, in most cases unaware of your destination.
Is it just that a poor woman, caught stealing a packet or two of milk powder off a Supermarket shelf, invites legal force, while a privileged one, who robbed billions of public money such as in the (James) Bond scam. The poor fellow, had to extend his stay beyond the birthday or wedding party, despite the then finance minister to whom he had promised to return in a fortnight.
Likewise the President, in his ill-advised enthusiasm, triggers a “fertilizer fiasco”, which has devastated the entire agricultural system, caused a loss of millions of dollars, and pauperized thousands of poor farmers, draws no punishment for his monumental folly escapes punishment by merely resigning, and just walking (or flying) away, but stubbornly defying even what seems a token and a gentle prod, for such a massive loss. What of the “professional” boot lickers of the “Vipathmaga” brigade, who have failed to advice the President to avoid what will certainly be disastrous, and could justifiably be regarded as an abominable “crime,” They seem to have retreated into their shells
In order to give some meaning to the heading of this piece, here are some random thoughts :-
=We must remember that we are a State, that prides itself as being a “five-star democracy”, and boasts incessantly about the famous “massive majority,” yet fails to achieve their undertakings and while realizing this, they should depart. This is the only respectable (or with some hesitation I say, “honourable,”) option. Otherwise the same majority that installed them, will dislodge them. Meanwhile, the lofty visions of “Prosperity and Splendor”, lie in soiled tatters, in a gutter. Partial extraction of an offending tooth, while leaving the roots, is bad dentistry and poor governance.
=Would the entrenched, dare to test their popularity by agreeing to a fresh mandate. We are told that this is possible by holding the much overdue (?) local G
=government elections, which in my opinion, is still a pointless waste of time and money). I remember how a very committed UNPer of the past, ruefully commented about a “historic” win, thus-: “The same lump of s…t, but different flies”.
=The fuss about a new Constitution, is a farcical Joke. When some party needs to have some 20 or 21 A (it matters not which), Committees to fulfill its promises during a relatively short life-span, does not speak of much cranial and editorial competence, does it? With all their numerous Committees, proposed by the recently minted PM, who is said to be our most experienced (and most tenacious) PM, who wants to set up some 15 new Committees, of various kinds, In this I cannot but be reminded of the definition of a “camel”, as the product of a “Committee” that set out to design a horse” With 15 such, we could possibly equip a whole caravan. But why only 15, when a few more would entitle us to a “quantity discount”.
A word about written Constitutions is warranted. Firstly, Is this what is urgently required? I believe that it is not. Many First World countries, including the UK, have no written Constitutions but manage better than us who do. It is far better to let integrity, honesty, compassion and incorruptibility to be our guide, rather than expend mere scraps of paper with debatable words.
Constitutions, whether written or not, need to be based on good values. This would be infinitely better than nit-picking battles about interpretations. This should be seen as relevant to the plight of Sri Lankans. It is far better that the basis and spirit should concern us, rather than convoluted “legalese”, which will do more for “legal eagles” than for us.
What the people in the long and endless lines want, are not Cabinets, Constitutions, Coalitions and Amendments, But what they are crying for, are basic food, fuel, medicines for the sick and milk for their crying children. Even if it means hours of standing in lines, without rest, sleep, water, food and even toilets. Many difficulties are bearable, if all of us who are able, share our difficulties equally, and by banding together. Human decency and compassion demand no less.
Cannot our “Representatives” share the burdens equally, with those whose “vedagath chandayas’ put them into their duty free luxury vehicles, from which some of them might not see the food, petrol, kerosene, bread, eggs, karawala, and parippu lines, often without even a Panadol peththa to relieve their exhaustion-caused headaches by waiting in lines in the scorching heat, enduring the full fury of the sun, for a miserly morsel which is all they can afford. It is an injustice brought upon them by some corpulent, apology of a man who, sticking out his head from the back seat of a driver- led, vulgarly large vehicle (duty Free) who has the cheek to ask, “What queues? , where? I saw none on my way to “office”. His whiskey soaked eyes are blinded by the booze- induced hangover, perhaps.
These highly paid, superannuated persons continue in office, unmoved by the misery brought about by their ilk, on suffering masses, perhaps for the last time one hopes, in the light of the (deserved) curses of the many.
A word about Constitutions is warranted. Is this what is urgently needed? I personally think that it is not. Several First World countries, such as the UK have no written Constitutions, but seem to get on even better than us who do, Written Constitutions seem only to encourage nit-picking battles about interpretations, which are not relevant to the current plight of Sri Lanka. It is far better that the basis and spirit, should concern us, rather than convoluted “legalese”, which will do more for “legal eagles” than for the rest of us.
The antics of our MP’s and Ministers, cruising around in their posh vehicles, probably representing a gross abuse, for interminable “discussions” (sakachcha), must (rightly) infuriate the poor citizens standing, sometimes overnight, in long lines, for bare existential essentials. It would be wiser if politicians would at least share their vehicles (car pools), and also avoid photographs and “voice cuts”. Most can certainly do without these inanities. I for one, don’t give a damn for absurdities such as this.
“Constitutions”, or ” Codes of Conduct”, whether written or not, are useless, seeing that they are broken, with gay abandon anyway. I would say, “please don’t bother me with having to listen to all this expensive crap. When I have the time, I would much prefer watching the current ongoing cricket against the Aussies. I apologize If I have been too harsh in my comments. But I do feel deeply, and cannot suffer fools gladly.
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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