Features
Teaching, Studying & Running A Business – Part 53
CONFESSIONS OF A GLOBAL GYPSY
By Dr. Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena DPhil
President – Chandi J. Associates Inc. Consulting, Canada
Founder & Administrator – Global Hospitality Forum
chandij@sympatico.ca
Teaching at the Ceylon Hotel School
I took great delight in using the pedagogical skills that I newly acquired during my fellowship in Europe at the Ceylon Hotel School (CHS). As a Senior Lecturer, I shared stories from the industry and my travel experiences. I also arranged for a few of my former management colleagues to deliver guest lectures. I looked after the bar practical sessions, wine and spirits theory and food and beverage management courses.
I directly reported to Mrs. Pearl Heentigala, Director/Principal of CHS, who called me to her office for a review a month after my return from Europe. She told me, “You are a breath of fresh air Chandana. Our students love your lectures and practical sessions of cocktail making. I admire your hard work.” She was an inspiring leader and soon became like a mother to me.
Competing at the University of Colombo
Soon after settling back into teaching at CHS, I focused on my key career developmental goal. This was to join the first batch of the world’s first master’s degree in International Hotel Management at the University of Surrey (UoS) in the United Kingdom (UK). My main academic qualification at that time was the three-year diploma in Hotel and Catering Operations from CHS, and that was an insufficient prerequisite to join a good master’s degree program in UK.
As I did not have a four-year honours bachelor’s degree qualification, I was asked by UoS to bridge the gap by doing fourth-year level academic studies in a good university, before accepting me into their master’s degree program. When I saw a newspaper advertisement about the 12-month long Executive Diploma in Business Administration (EDBA) program at the University of Colombo (UoC), I considered that as my key to progress.
In 1982 there were no MBA programs in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this EDBA program at the premier university in the country was in great demand by ambitious managers. To facilitate busy managers from different sectors and industries to take the program, UoC held the classes on all five weekdays after working hours and during some weekends. I quickly wrote to the University of Surrey. They were pleased with the high reputation of UoC as the best and oldest university of Sri Lanka (with a rich history from the year 1870). UoS confirmed that if I successfully completed the EDBA at UoC, I would be accepted to the first intake of their MSc in International Hotel Management program in September, 1983.
The EDBA program had commenced in 1981, and my plan was to join the second cohort in 1982. The intake was limited to 50, but over 500 managers had applied. My quick research on this program led me to meet a few managers completing it in mid-1982. I received some good tips from them on getting into this highly sought-after program. Selection procedure had a few steps, including a detailed application and a three-hour long general knowledge written examination. Having passed those hurdles, I was short listed for the final step – a viva voce interview for seven finalists at a time. “Chandi, they will give you one topic and ask the group of seven candidates to debate. Whether you know the subject or not, try to make a good first impression by speaking first!” I was advised by a new friend who was completing the EDBA.
I arrived early for my viva voce interview held at the historic college building at UoC. It is the oldest university building in Sri Lanka and had a special ambiance. I started chatting with my fellow competitors. By the time the seven of us were called into a quaint, old-fashioned boardroom with a round table and ten chairs, I knew something about all of the other six competitors.
A panel of three UoC professors were headed by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Bertram Bastianpillai. They spoke very little. The Dean told the seven finalists, “When I say ‘start’, turn over the blank sheet of paper in front of you, read the topic typed on the other side and discuss it like a team. You have thirty minutes. START!”
Without wasting even one second, I commenced the discussion on the topic given to us, of which I knew very little. “Ladies and gentlemen, the topic given to us – ‘The Gem Industry of Sri Lanka’ is a very interesting subject for discussion. Our country is blessed to have many varieties of rare gems, used by the rich and famous around the world, including the most prominent blue sapphire in the British crown. Let me introduce Ramani who is seated on my right-hand side. Ramani works at the Sri Lanka State Gem Corporation as a Senior Executive. Over to you Ramani, to tell us how your organization markets gems globally.”
Ramani gave a detailed description on the topic I suggested but was taking over ten minutes, as she was very familiar with the subject. I observed that the other finalists were becoming uncomfortable as they were yet to get any opportunities to engage in the discussion to impress the professors. I took leadership in ending Ramani’s marathon performance.
I said, “Sorry to interrupt you, Ramani. I know that you are so knowledgeable about the topic and you can talk for hours about it. However, let’s manage our time fairly, allowing all our colleagues around this table to take part in the discussion. We have only 17 more minutes. Shall we allocate a maximum of three-minutes each to the other five finalists?” All agreed and I assumed the role of the moderator and time-keeper, without any invitation. I removed my wrist watch and kept it in front of me. I saw Professor Bastianpillai making notes with a big smile. I knew that my shrewd strategy had worked.
“Kumar, I know that you are a Senior Economist working at the Central Bank. If you can tell us how the gem industry is helping the national economy, that would be great!” I encouraged another panellist to talk. Kumar looked very happy with my invitation.
Eventually when there were two minutes left to end the 30-minute viva voce, I concluded the session by summarising key points made by all of other six panellists. A week later, I received a letter of acceptance to the EDBA program at UoC.
Studying at the University of Colombo
During my first class at UoC, I looked around to see if any of those six other panellists were successful in getting into the program. Only one other panellist had made it to the top 50. As the Program Coordinator of EDBA, Professor Bastianpillai, did not utilize services of his colleagues, the teaching faculty of UoC. Instead, cleverly he had arranged to have experienced industry leaders, well-known economists, leading corporate and industrial lawyers, top financial consultants, human resource specialists, marketing gurus and production managers to teach us the latest trends in the world of business.
Dylan Dharmaratnam, one of the most qualified chartered accountants in the country at that time and Senior Financial Consultant to the John Keells Group, taught us financial management. Stanley Jayawardena, Marketing Guru and the Chairman of Unilever company in Sri Lanka taught us Marketing. He utilised the services of top experts of marketing, sales, advertising and public relations, trained by Unilever International, as guest lecturers. It was an excellent program from which I learnt a lot about business administration, economics and law.
Professor Bastianpillai had been impressed with my performance at the viva voce interview, and soon became a mentor for me in post-secondary teaching and academic program development. He was very fond of me and introduced his wife and son to me and my wife. He became a good friend of mine. Nine years later, when I founded the International Hotel School (IHS) of Sri Lanka as its Managing Director, he became an advisor on academic excellence for my team and myself.
Business at Streamline Services Limited
In 1982, my father-in-law, who was also a former boss, mentor and friend, Captain D. A Wickramasinghe (Captain Wicks) ran a subsidiary of John Keells Group – Silverstock Limited. It was one of the first companies in Sri Lanka to be engaged in outbound travels. This company focused mainly on Buddhist pilgrimages to India, Nepal and Thailand. Captain Wicks worked very hard to finalize several contracts with tour operators in those three countries.
Captain Wicks looking disappointed, informed me, “Chandi, due to some change in corporate strategy at Keells, the board has decided to stop outbound travel business.” After a pause, he said, “On a brighter note, Keells have told me to take over their outbound business if I wish to start my own company.” “Captain, this is a golden opportunity. Go for it! I will help you in any manner you wish me to do.” I encouraged him.
Within a month, Captain Wicks retired from John Keells, and we commenced a new company, Streamline Services (Pvt.) Limited – Travel Agents and Hospitality Education Consultants. Captain Wicks did most of the work, but he kindly offered me around 17% of the stock. As a director of this new company, my role was to help with the hospitality education consulting aspects. I spoke with Mrs. Pearl Heentigala and sought her approval for me to set up a private, hotel school with weekend classes, for Streamline Services.
“Chandana, I know that most of the lecturing staff at CHS are involved in teaching in various mushroom hotel schools in Colombo during their free time. You are the only employee who sought my approval to do so. I appreciate that. I know that you will do something professional and help the industry. CHS alone cannot produce an adequate number of employees for the hotel industry. Go ahead.” She gave me her blessings.
We set up the Streamline Service office at the Colombo YMBA building. We ran the hotel school classes in Nugegoda, with practical sessions at the Ceylon Inns in Colombo six. We also did occasional domestic tourism projects. I developed four craft courses and a one-year diploma program for those who completed all four craft courses.
However, I did very little teaching at Streamline Services Hotel School, after I established it. I contracted a few of my loyal colleagues from CHS to do most of the teaching. Between my teaching at CHS, evening studies at UoC and running a business during the weekends, I became very busy, but I loved the constant action of learning new things. As my schedule was full, I decided to not take any other additional assignments. That intention was short-lived!
An Opportunity in Singapore
“Chandana, meet Mr. Lee, the Food and Beverage Manager of one of the most prestigious hotels in Singapore, Goodwood Park Hotel”, Mrs. Heenatigala introduced a well-dressed, young gentleman seated in her office, to me. They were planning a large-scale Sri Lankan festival in Singapore. “They need a team of three Sri Lankan chefs for this major event. I have identified two of CHS culinary lecturers – Chef Marie Nugapitiya and Chef Gihan Wijesinghe, but need a dynamic leader, an executive chef with similar overseas experience” Mrs. Heentigala explained while we walked to the CHS training restaurant.
Over lunch, when Mr. Lee heard about my experience in 1981, as the guest executive chef for a major Sri Lankan food festival at the Hotel Furma InterContinental in Hong Kong, and their search. “Chandana, pack your bags, do the menu planning in consultation with the Executive Chef of Goodwood Park Hotel. Be ready to go to Singapore for two-weeks next month,” my boss instructed me. “Yes, Madam. I love this opportunity in Singapore to represent Sri Lanka and CHS.” I happily accepted an additional challenging assignment.
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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