Features
Rallies and police brutality along with a shaky rise from hiding; and two slim slivers of silver in the sky
People, mostly well-groomed and decent, gathering at Gotagogama on Saturday, October 9, to 
commemorate the inauguration of the peaceful protest on April 9 against the then rulers of the land – principally the Rajapaksa family of Prez, PM, several Ministers and of course legions of hangers on drooling in servitude waiting to pick up crumbs. People had brought their children, even babes in arms. Then swooped down dressed-for-battle police persons in large numbers. One would have thought they were prepared to tackle a mutiny, not a mere commemorative gathering. Mayhem resulted. One is sure that if left unattacked, the protestors would have registered their remembrance of the start of the originally peaceful aragalaya, and gone home. It seemed to be the usual family visit to Galle Face Green for fresh air, room for children to romp around and a mite of respite from the eternal struggle to exist that is now the norm for most people. The use of strongarm tactics was not necessary, but it occurred; proving the police no longer protect the people they are paid to do, nor maintain peace, at least no conflict. They are out to instill fear in the people, repress them and attempt having them protesting no longer. Contrary to this aim of those above the police who dictate terms, this kind of blatant harassment of persons protesting about genuine grave grievances, and manhandled, will lead to real trouble.
The threat of complete anarchy is clearly discerned; important persons and organisaiton have warned the government to resist using strong arm tactics unnecessarily; it will sure bring about more protests with violence ensuing.
The police had every right to be on the alert, but away from the scene. They exceeded their duty by attacking the protestors on October 9 and again on October 18 when the IUSF started a protest which was peaceful from Kelaniya Uni.After October 9, a hue and cry resulted from a father holding up a red trouser-clad small child. This was labeled by some as holding the child as a shield to defend himself. TV record of the incident was very different: the father seemed to be lifting him up to save the kid from the pressing of the police attacked crowd. If you hold a human shield to protect yourself, the shield is held against your chest. Another incident recorded was of police women grabbing a young woman very roughly ignoring completely the small girl with her. The child was not only terrified but crushed in the melee.
Of course, the parents with children should have moved away when the police starting manhandling the crowd. But isn’t Galle Face Green a space for family recreation? Also, the benefit of doubt should be given the two parents: they could have come for an evening stroll and fresh air and were not aware of the commemorative gathering of people.
Comment on editorial
The editor of The Island is always spot on in his daily comment. Additionally, he says it as it should be said – factually and boldly. On Monday October 10, he titled his editorial as When severed heads bite, and maintained the metaphor of certain ex-govt bods being vicious snakes.
First truth stated: The SLPP lost the presidency due to public protests, but its ‘head’ has retained the bite reflex, and continues to sting fiercely as evident from numerous corrupt deals, the on-going witch-hunt against anti-govt protestors, and the ouster of the Chairmen of COPE and COPA. He writes about a rally held in Kalutara organised by Rohitha Abeygunawardena, an abject supporter of the R family. Jeffrey’s cartoon pictorially shows who is the master mind of this testing-the-water resurgence: a shawl bedecked black kaputa – Kaak Kaak! Rohitha shed tears. Cass hears crocodiles are proliferating in our swamps and rivers. And why the tears? Bemoaning the ingratitude of people forgetting the Father, Son and Brethren who did so much for the country. You can interpret ‘so much’ as you think fit; Cass adds the word ‘damage’.
Son and heir Namal R was on a house to house campaign in Suriyawewa; stroking kids’ heads, patting elders on the back, chatting solicitously. Aney, so sweet, chile! Cass did not hear what he said, maybe that all are suffering until he and his kith and kin return to power.
A rally of so-called supporters of the Pohottu Party was also held Upcountry, more recently, organised by Mahindananda Aluthgamage. We remember his effigy set on fire by farmers several times over, with, Cass is certain, curses that the real was not available for burning. He categorically denied sharing the blame for banning chemical fertilizers et al, while being such a yes man and acolyte of Prez Gotabaya. He stopped short of denying knowing about it, like MPs have averred they did not know the country was burning economically. Idiots not to even hear rumours.
Second truth in the editorial: The question however is whether the ruling party politicians care two hoots about the ordinary people’s tears. Namal did not cry but shone forth in a shiny shirt. Nice, no? He pontificated at fair length at the Nawalapitiya rally. Barring supporters, all Sri Lankans will shout a shattering NO to this rhetorical question posed by the Editor. These politicians brought us our tears, hunger, lack of medicines, malnutrition of the majority of poorer children, and they have the gall and gumption to reappear on stages campaigning for another round of ruling. Of course, one never knows, recognizing full well our people who are easily bribable to sing hosannas and vote for a paltry pittance.
Third truth: Abeygunawardena should be asked what he did for a living before entering politics, and how he raised funds for the acquisition of the assets which the Helmet Brigade destroyed in May. The arsonists must be apprehended and punished. Plenty work for the police instead of attacking peaceful protestors. But even more emphatically do the people say: pay no compensation for those whose houses were torched. Most, except Ranil W, came to politics with no means, no riches at all. Saving on salaries and perks can never account for the wealth they acquired.
Woman swindler
Sir Lanka is a great copycat; not the good from other countries but evil and crime. Latest is about Thilini Piyamali, who swindled greedy men out of their money, working from a posh office. Cass remembers that in her youth she heard that Chicago was the centre of crime. She now feels we have far exceeded that city in the extent of corruption and crime over here and the variety of it. VIPs are supposed to be busy trying to haul her out, not for her sake, most certainly, or through chivalry but to save their skins, because they not only had financial dealings with her hoping to recoup much more than invested, but wanted and had, we suppose, intimacy. Their strategy is enjoy, even exploit and discard. Facades have to be maintained, though most of the country knows about their dilly dalliances.
Silver linings to the thunderous clouds of doom and gloom
Render heartful thanks! Sing hossanahs of praise! Laud the glorious winners!
Shehan Karunatillaka, by winning the 2022 Booker Prize for the best English novel, has brought this little island such honour and prestige. Started in 1969, it became the Man Booker Prize from 2002 to 2019 and has reverted to being known as the Booker Prize. Shehan won it for his macabre but described as “searing, mordantly funny satire set amid the murderous mayhem of a Sri Lanka beset by civil war.” Its protagonist Maali Almeida – photographer, gambler and closet queen – finds himself dead and in a group of also recently dead characters “in what seems like a celestial visa office.” The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida places us firmly on the map of prestige. Shehan was not only handed his prize by Queen Consort Camilla but also pecked on both cheeks. The best was his speech of acceptance in English, Sinhala and Tamil, mentioning how our country is now horrors-stricken; but not forever.
Yupun Abeykoon received the Bronze Medal in Birmingham for the 100 metre dash, the most difficult of athletic competitive items to Cass, just 4 seconds behind the winner. Great!
Let you, Cass and others who moan a country that has been brought to the depths, take courage and hope from these successes. Push the corrupt off our minds but remembering to beat them at the next election. Let’s celebrate our WINNERS!
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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