Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe stresses that the privileges granted to former Presidents of the country should remain intact.
Speaking at a rally in Matale, Wickremesinghe emphasized that he does not require any privileges for himself and that the government must prioritize the safety of other former presidents.
Addressing the rally, he remarked, Presidential residences are being removed. I don’t have a problem. I don’t live in a residence. It’s not a problem for me. Why are they chasing behind Chandrika? Just let her be in that house. I have nothing special, but for humanity… If Mahinda Rajapaksa requires security for himself…he is the one who ended the war, think about it…”
He further stated that if there are genuine security concerns, those should be addressed to anyone in need.
Remove all the privileges provided to me, give it to others…Now it has been said that the salaries will be increased. Do what is said. Everyone’s support is there. I just ask them to protect this Parliament,” he added.
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya assures that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be summoned to provide evidence regarding the Central Bank bond scam in 2015.
Addressing a public meeting of the National People’s Power (NPP), the Premier went on to say that the NPP-led government would initiate legal action against every person who misappropriated public funds.
Commenting further, Dr. Amarasuriya added: Ranil Wickremesinghe has claimed that I am not well versed in the Constitution and offered to teach me about it. Should I attend his lessons? He was rejected by the people 17 times, yet he refuses to give up. One of the major tenets of the Constitution is the sovereignty of the people. It is clear that Ranil Wickremesinghe has failed to grasp this concept.”
If he did, he would not have postponed elections, refused to abide by the decisions of the Constitutional Council, and threatened its members or influenced the judiciary to obtain favourable rulings. He should first understand these basic concepts before teaching me about the Constitution. Therefore, we request Ranil Wickremesinghe to focus on his own affairs.”
The people have granted us a mandate, and we are executing our duties in accordance with that mandate. Under no circumstances would we seek advice from Ranil Wckremesinghe. We do not require the advice of those who scammed the Central Bank. Legal action will be taken not only against those implicated in the Central Bank bond scam but also against every person who misappropriated public funds”, she expressed.
It is evident that certain parties are relentlessly engaged in the promotion of the notion of a ‘maha molakaru’ in the suicide bombings that took place in 2019, commonly referred to as ‘Easter Sunday Bombings’.
However, the individuals responsible for these bombings, per news reports, have already been identified and seemed to have been driven to these attacks through obsessive attachment to their (religious) views.
Additionally, reports indicate that these individuals had made a video, making a prior announcement of the intended attacks, also giving reasons for them.
In spite of all this, there seem to be parties engaged in the promotion of the notion of a ‘maha molakaru’, which revives and maintains the painful memories of the living victims of these bombings, all the while presenting it as ‘seeking justice’.
However, such promotion may only succeed in preventing the living victims from coming to terms with their losses and getting on with their day to day lives.
***
Sri Lanka faced many tragedies (including the tsunami) in the last forty years or so, and an underlying equanimous attitude enabled victims to recover in a relatively short time. Perhaps this is due to its long inherited culture.
Thus, regarding the bombings of 2019 one may have expected a more prudent and dignified attitude than a search for probably an imaginary ‘maha molakaru’.
Disruption of Standard Procedures
In the case of any terrorist attacks, the appropriate course of conduct seems to be to allow competentgovernmental authorities to follow standard procedures,
without being interfered with by others.
Interference may cause disruption of these procedures, which, presumably, have been developed, over long years, by knowledgeable and experienced individuals.
Such disruption may, in effect, function as an obstruction to the investigation.
The government does not seem to have any idea of earning new dollars.
We are US$100 billion in debt (one of the highest per capita debt ratios in the world). And, we are bankrupt.
The economy is stagnated. The cost of living is sky rocketing. The youth and the middle aged are leaving the country in doves. They are our workforce. The country’s citizens have not seen a new car for 5 years. Even poor African countries import vehicles.
The government continues to rely on conventional methods like income tax, raising tariff on imported goods including food, selling treasury bonds/bills to raise revenue. Even then, what they raise is SL Rs, not dollars.
One best trick to come out of this mess is the urgent injection of a large amount of dollars to the economy. As we cannot print them, the best solution is to seek them from our wealthy Western and Asian friends (countries, institutions and businesses). Such money will give confidence to the government, businesses and people. The market will be energized and start to grow. Having more money, consumers will spend them; enabling the production/surplus to rise. The country will have a healthy GDP with low interest rates. Foreign investments will start to pour in. We will be able to start paying off debts.
Perhaps late Mr Ronnie De Mel was the most successful person in securing us foreign aid. He brought-in to Sri Lanka millions of dollars as aid (yes, he also secured low interest foreign loans).
SJB, who has the best economic team has the idea of convening a ‘Marshall Plan’ type World Aid Conference. They have lots of bright, capable people – surely they will succeed. If we manage to raise USS $7.5 billion from such a Conference, that will go a long way in solving our problems. Ranil raised US 4.5 billion in 2003 (Tokyo Conference). But, as the war continued, that money never materialized.
The SJB is confident that it can get the IMF terms varied, obtain significant haircuts in foreign debt reconstructing and waive off some loans. Good luck to them! The previous government was hopeless in achieving these.
It is sad that the government’s efforts to vary the current IMF terms and conditions failed. Their IMF team was unimpressive.
Clearly the NPP seems lacking people who can make polished presentations to foreign governments/organisations/businesses. SJB and the Cylinder Party have capable people. Ranil talks about the need to have experience. This is a valid point.
The NPP has stacked its Nominations List with professionals – doctors/lawyers/school teachers/former top public servants, university academics (scores of PhDers), retired tri forces/Police officials, trade unionists etc. More than 80% of them has a university degree or similar tertiary qualification. But, most lack grassroots level experience. They have not worked on land/street levels but inside buildings.
Whether they are qualified or not, all candidates must be honest, decent, well-disciplined and well-motivated people. Again, ideally they must be grassroots level workers (R Premadasa is a good example) or must possess experience in closely associating grassroots level people. Such people have real life experience – mingling with the poor. We must not forget that 50% of the country is poor.
The grassroots levels know the meaning of suffering. They know how to solve people’s problems best. They have the desire to alleviate poverty. Some of the NPP’s good grassroots level candidates: Ambiga (tea plucker), graduates such as Vrai, Rizvi (medical Dr), Vijitha H, Samantha V , Nalin H and Wasantha S. The President, Anura KD is reported to have worked as a farm worker when young. The JVP Secretary, Tilvin S was a hospitality labourer. He is a formidable, very pragmatic man. Looking at the SJB and Gas Cylinder lists, very few have come to politics on merit. Most have come thanks to nepotism, cronyism and big-time money.
The government boasted that upon its coming to power the Sri Lankan diaspora will start sending new dollars. This is childish talk (of course, they will keep sending their normal remittances – about US$ 5 billion a year).
The NPP promised to return to government coffers of stolen money (dollars) by former and present corrupt politicians. This is puff.
The government keeps too much faith in tourism. Of course, it is a cock that lays golden eggs. But recent incidents (Easter attack, now Arugam Bay) shows that the cock could suddenly get wiped out. It is wise for the government to bear in mind – ‘do not put all eggs in one basket’.
The government is ambitious on increasing exports. For this, they say productivity will be increased. Also, the government talks about streamlining exports (eg. graphite, phosphate, mineral sands etc): sending them in a new value-added way. All this is good, but they take long time.
After the 14 November 2024 a NPP government will be formed. It must declare to the world that ‘Sri Lanka is Open for Business’. Our embassies/High Commissions should market this campaign heavily. For this, the relevant state departments must be ready to answer all quiries about foreign investment promptly, swiftly and efficiently.
The Port City must be only for foreign investment. Currently plots therein are sold/leased to local businesses at rapid pace (not initiated by this government). These locals come with their corrupt/prejudicial mindset; they can destroy the Port City. They do not bring overseas dollars. What we need is ‘new dollars’. Foreign multinationals/other leading companies bring not only big money (investments must be of over US1 billion) but new ideas/know how, new technology, innovation and skilled foreign white-collar staff. Being an island nation, we need this interaction badly (Gota threw the Indians (doctors and medical staff) out of Apollo, it is a stagnated hospital now).
The government’s recent actions have raised doubts whether or not they could even hit the local targets well. Eg. it reduced fuel prices but the bus fares are still very high for the poor commuter. The 3-wheeler fares (Uber/Pick Me) instead of coming down went up. It gave big subsidies to fishermen, but the fish price is still the same (instead of money, they should have been issued with diesel). The government must practice Enterprise Bargaining. The government struggles in controlling the price of essentials – rice, eggs, coconuts etc. Despite the fact that we have received new passport stocks, the queues at the Immigration Department have become longer.
After the November election, irrespective of their political differences, if they genuinely love Sri Lanka, both Sajith/Ranil (the latter will not be in the parliament) must help/advice the NPP government in good faith especially in relation to attracting foreign investment. The two of them are seasoned veterans, they well know the importance of having new dollars coming to the country.
We must all get together and build Sri Lanka; our small, beautiful island nation. The purpose of these articles is that. Where it is necessary to constructively criticise anyone/entity, one must not be afraid to do so.
Thankfully, we now have a strong anti-corruption government; the country never had such a leadership in its 76-year political history. They are a very disciplined/hardworking lot. For such and other reasons, we must protect it.
It is good that the NPP government will not sell state assets like the Sri Lankan Airlines, Telecom, Sri Lanka Insurance and land to foreigners. We can run all of them profitable – they were all profitable ventures once.
Sarath Wijesinghe President’s Counsel Sri Lanka , Solicitor in England and Was former Ambassador to UAE and Israel and President Ambassador’s forum
World Travel Mart
WTM World Travel mart is the largest event on tourism on the Globe taking place in London November this year among main global tourism events . This year London is chosen as the venue at the world business centre in UK a super power state and one of the major world powers and a member of the Security – a best tourist centre when millions are gathering for multiple reasons. UK is the 10th main tourist nation with attractions, facilities and a place of great significance when the Royal Family known and liked by world citizens playing a major roll on promoting tourism. Tourism is when citizens frequently travel as tourists pleasure, education, business and many other reasons while helping the host countries to enhance their GDP and providing employment. Host counters readily host and entertain genuine and productive tourists as it brings income and reputation when many countries mainly depend on tourists and tourism for their livelihood. ‘Maldive Islands’ is one of them depending mainly on tourism for their existence. Sri Lanka is a sponsoring nation of WTM attempting to promote the country for tourism they needed as a main income. London is a world business centre and a hot spot for tourists and tourism. WTM is an opportunity for other countries promoting and depending on tourism to make use of this rare opportunity to show themselves to the world promoting tourism and the image of the country.This year it is taking place with the participant of 184 countries and International organizations, expecting for networking, learn, exchange of knowledge and experiences and show themselves of the member nations to the world . UK is a comprehensive HUB for tourists holds the 10th position in attracting tourists when tourism earning have been 9 trillions in 2023 on tourism to the GDP and a classic venue for WTM this year in London, and UK is planning to increase income up to 111400 billion at the year of 2029 indicates the position given to tourism by the state, when the close neighbour France has taken the first position on tourism in the world attracting 89.3 million tourists per year. United Kingdom id s world financial, business, education and political centre patronized and used as one of the main world centres with easy access to the world.
Sri Lanka is a tiny compact beautiful Nation
Sri Lanka a tiny beautiful Island state maintaining cordial relations with all members of the family of nations with the motto ‘’friendly with all and angry with none’’ on which the foreign policy is based with a balanced non aligned approach on foreign policy catalyses and helps promotion of tourism whilst France is the number one for tourists as before when Sri Lanka had 2.5 million visitors at the peak of 2018 contributing 12% to the GDP from tourism though the potential in Sri Lanka is much more if properly managed and explored the available resources and natural beauty naturally bestowed denied of to many tourist nations successful in tourist trade. Sri Lanka tourism provides 488000 jobs from tourism in Sri Lanka when substantial number trained in Sri Lanka is abroad overseas in tourist and hotel trade.when the GDP of the world is 40% with 30 million visitors travelling world over. China contributes 6.4 trillion to the GDP on tourism in their country when majority of tourists to Sri Lanka are also from China, India, EU and many other. It is necessary for any tourist nation to develop a marketing strategy to show the nation to the world world MTM is and ideal opportunity to meet world leaders on tourism and counterparts with international organizations to learn exchange knowledge experiences and propoxate the tourist trade in the country. Sri Lanka is placed in a strategic ccentre in the powerful and famous Indian ocean on the silk route known and famous for generations acknowledged by transitional sailors, historians and travellers on many assignments. Sri Lanka is tailormade to be a top last destination composed of beauty, different climatic conditions within few hours, full of historical sites of great significance including UNESCO approved sites and places of interest, beautiful water falls and network of rivers in abundance, Ancient historical sites including famous Sigiriya Rock Kingdoms, ruins of ruin and kingdoms including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and many more, Excellent road network connected to expressways, beautiful clean and long beaches right round the island, are some attractions among many that has made easer for the tourism administration of Sri Lanka to promote the nation at the WTM and any other promotional events.
Compact Sri Lanka Participates as a top Tourist Nation
Tourism Sri Lanka has done wonderful work with massive homework and preparations and it is the time for Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans to obtain the best use of the event when tourism is booing in the beautiful Island loved by UK, EU the entire world. Leaders and professional will gather at WTM travel mart in 100 acre land in the heart of London expecting to meet business partners tour operators and representatives of tourism hotspots to meet the counterparts, admirers, competitors, and all in the trade promoting each other dealing in 9.9 Trillian world over expecting to achieve 114000 trillion in 2029 making a main lucrative and successful venter with lease investments using the beauty of the country as the main investment. In this context Sri Lanka being one of the most beautiful islands with all requirements to be one of the best destinations and the opportunity now is in our hands to exploit the situation using WTO as a vehicle. Sri Lanka High Commission appear to work hard with Sri Lanka Tourism to meet targets of create an atmosphere to convert tourism as a main source of income and to promote the image of the Nation addition income and improve on GDP still more. In the competitive market Sri Lanka needs to work hard at the door steps of digitalization and AI age making use of all modern trends and strategies giving priority for nature environment making use of the inherent beauty of the compact untouched Island world famous and known as if not the best one of the beautiful destinations, to be exposed to the world for the benefit of the people of the country in need of foreign exchange and enhances GDP.
Sri Lanka is not the only beautiful girl on the beach
Sri Lanka competes with many other nations as Tourism is a lacerative and famous to earn foreign exchange for the nation and to improve the image for econimic and political gains in the family of nations. Thailand, Maldives Islands,Vietnam,Indonesia, Nepal,Cambodia and even India and China are in competition with Sri Lanka with their different kinds of attractions such as technology, econimic boom, education, location, beauty, historical places of significance,religion, culture and many more. Of course Sri Lanka too is equipped with most requirements but not properly explored due to lack of leadership strategi and corruption spread as air. Successive governments made some efforts to bring tourism to the expectedly international standards but inefficiency, lack of vision, corruption and bribery has prevented growth which appears to be leading to the correct tract during the last few years despite the downward trend on econimic disputes and wars that has retarded the progress of the nation and tourism in return. Today Sri Lanka is at 74th position out of 117, chosen by some groups and some have h complemented Sri Lanka as ‘’Geoworld’’ who has made Sri Lanka as a Hidden Gem also historically named ‘’Serandib’’ and Gem of the of the Indian ocean by Arab Sailors voyaged in the past in the Indian ocean for trade. Many organizations such as Forbes have recognized Sri Lanka as a best tourist destination in the world.
Sri Lanka as one of the best tourist destinations in the world
It is Hon DR Arther C Clerk who chose Sri Lanka to live made the pronouncement that there is no other compact Island in the Globe like Sri Lanka with amenities, facilities, beauty, climates, and any of signified for living for living beings led by humans with thousands of written and unwritten history running back to thousand of years with great cultures, history, religions and all kinds of areas of tourism in Sri Lanka. It is full of clean and long beaches right round the island mostly shallow and used for swimming surfing and bathing, river network spreads from the hill to the entire country providing water for agriculture, UNESCO approved and many more ancient cities and places of historical and religious and archaeological significance is plenty, the wildlife with elephants Sri Lankan tigers, parks, and religious cultural and historical places of interest, which are amply documents on the internet and information of tourist industry which now has become world famous.
Way forward to be the best destination
The task has become easier to Sri Lanka to promote tourism to the world due to her inherent beauty, varied climatic conditions within few hours with excellent road network of roads connected to expressways and airports, strategic situation on the sea and air routes, natural beauty unmatched sceneries, a places of historical ancient and religious significance which are almost not found in any part of the Globe in a small compact island with peaceful and peace loving community always full of smile and friendly nature, full of amity love friendship with full of peace and reconciliation maintain law and order of the land in a friendly stable political culture unmatched world over yet lot of room for improvement at the doorsteps of the Artificial Intelligence age and citizens with high literacy rate and IT knowledge of world standards of the average citizen jointly promoting tourism from the behaviours and inherent way of life. Many improvements are to be done to reach the required world standard when tourism is booming worldover looking for affordable, beautiful and peaceful compact nations and it is the duty of our marketeers to showcase ourselves to them inviting with both arms to be our hosts to improve our industry and earn the foreign currency required for our nation to be economically sound and to make it a better place with highest living condition in a safe environment. References of some articles by the author- (Sri Lanka paradise for tourist and tourism-14.4.23 Lanka Web/ Global travel and tourism.24.10.24 Lank Web/ Tourism in Sri Lanaka way forward 16.4.22 Lanka Web/ Madam Bandaraneik’s charm and form/ foreign policy 19.4.2016 Colombo Telegraph/ Foreign policy foreign relation and diplomacy in tourism 13.Aug./2021/Tourism and Hospitality 16.10 24 Lanka Web/ Way forward for a tourist destination 3.10.24 Lanka Web/ tourism must not ruin the nation 8.1.12 Nation/ Sri Lanka paradise for tourists 20.10.23 Ceylon / today saratdw28@gmail.com)
600 million women and children of the world have been affected by war, according to the United Nations. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said this at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. He also said that this number has increased by 50 percent in the last decade. This information is known in the report of the American news agency AP.
Global progress made by women over the past few decades has largely been eroded by increasing armed conflict. Guterres was evaluating a Security Council resolution adopted on October 31, 2000. One of the goals of the proposal was to ensure equal participation of women in peace talks. But this goal, like gender equality, remains unfulfilled. Opportunities for women’s leadership and inclusion in peacebuilding are being undermined. Power and decision-making in matters of peace and security still rest with men. As long as oppressive patriarchal structures and gender inequality hold back half of society, achieving peace will remain elusive.
According to the UN report, twice as many women were killed in armed conflict in 2023 than in 2022. Incidents of conflict-related sexual violence have increased by 50 percent. Women and girls are the direct and indirect victims of war. It is the responsibility of world leaders to dispel the fear of victims. But the reality is very disappointing. One in two women and girls are food insecure in conflict-affected countries. 61 percent of global maternal deaths are confined to 35 conflict-prone countries. In these countries, women’s participation in policymaking and politics has stagnated.
It is true, belligerent nations are spreading wars worldwide to show off their weapons. Arms and ammunition are having a serious detrimental impact on human lives as well as the global environment. And its biggest victims are children. There is a generation growing up in this world whose lives are dark. One of them is physically and mentally unbalanced children and adolescents. Will the government’s efforts to control the market fail?
Do world leaders ever think about the people who fight or make war, who create war situations, because of which countless people are affected?
Many children have lost parents, siblings, friends or relatives during the war. But children grow up with the care and compassion of adults. Having lost their parents during the war, these children move towards an uncertain future. When children and adolescents are in the midst of physical and mental development, their development is stunted if war occurs. They pose health risks. It is normal for a child or teenager to suffer physical and psychological damage when they are attacked or brutally tortured in war. Sometimes children suffer from paralysis. Children are affected by various diseases due to inadequate food, sanitation, and poor quality of life. A vicious cycle emerges in war-torn areas due to destruction, poverty and violence. The infrastructure of life is completely destroyed. As a result, children’s education is completely stopped. These also affect their security. We hope world leaders will come forward to create a safe haven for women and children. The war must stop as well.
On October 22, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong met with President Anura Dissanayake and handed over emergency humanitarian relief funds from the Chinese government to help the people affected by the floods in Sri Lanka overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes.
Ambassador Qi stated that Sri Lanka has recently suffered from sustained heavy rains, which had caused serious casualties and property losses. Chinese government and people share the feelings with Sri Lankan people. To express support for Sri Lankan people, the Chinese government has decided to provide emergency humanitarian relief funds to Sri Lanka. We believe that under the leadership of President Anura Dissanayake, the Sri Lankan government and people will be able to overcome the disaster and tide over the difficulties.
President Anura Dissanayake thanked China for the timely assistance, stating that China always lends a helping hand to Sri Lanka at the first time when it encounters difficulties, which is very moving. The emergency humanitarian relief funds not only reflects the deep friendship between people of China and Sri Lanka, but also shows the firm support for me and the new Sri Lankan government. Sri Lanka will properly use the funds from China, carry out post disaster reconstruction work effectively, and help the affected people resume normal life as soon as possible.
Now that MP Udaya Gammanpila has made public the Imam Committee Report, it is poignant to return to September 2023, when Channel 4 first broadcasted its program. at 1105p.m. (SL time 0335a.m.). The Cardinal issued a 3page letter dated 6 September (hours after C4 release). Given that he appeared on the program, he would have been aware of its contents. Before we summarize the Imam Report, it is necessary to read the contents of that congratulatory letter by Cardinal to C4 & connect that to the Justice Alwis & Justice Imam reports.
Cardinal on Channel 4 Easter Sunday broadcast
Expresses our” gratitude to the C4 for focusing attention to a great plot” – by our” we take it to be himself & the entire Church.
The Imam Committee has clearly refuted this in their report.
Cardinal who yearn continuously for Truth” thanks C4 for its project of inquiry” – read below as to what the Imam Committee has to say.
Channel 4 has not answered
If Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley was in Sri Lanka in February 2018
If Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley visited a coconut estate in Puttalam
If Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley actually spoke to Hamsa
If Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley called a TMVP operative on 21 April 2019
If Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley was in Sri Lanka at the time of the Easter Sunday attacks
C4 has only accepted Hamsa’s statements as facts” without evidence. So this grand plot” is only a figment of the imagination.
Cardinal’s letter states no positive action” has been taken.
Supreme Court ordered former President Sirisena to pay compensation of Rs.100m
Former SIS Head Nilantha also paid compensation of Rs.75m
Present President as former PM will also have to make payment.
Several Islamic movements were banned
Over 23000 charges were filed by the AGs dept
25 men were put on trial
Are these not positive actions?
The Cardinal in 2023 gave 4 points
He demands a free, impartial, just, transparent, broad based investigation” into Channel 4 & its grand plot” theory. The Imam Committee has flatly demolished this notion & termed Hamsa’s statements as hoax”.
He asks for an independent international investigation” – all that is required is to ask Malaysian authorities to confirm if Suresh Salley left Malaysia in February 2018.
Cardinal demands who should comprise the investigation team – this is the most relevant part of his letter. This demand has to be read together with the Justice Alwis report also released by MP Udaya Gammanpila.
Cardinal’s 3rd demand is to reappoint the team who were transferred to continue the investigation. This is indeed a strange request by a Cardinal. The Justice Alwis report actually faults the 2 senior officials & recommends criminal action against them for criminal negligence while Cardinal is requesting them to be reinstated to continue investigation. Something is definitely amiss here! Why does Cardinal want to select who should investigate!
Cardinal is not only asking the transferred officers to head the investigation but to suspend all other police & intel high ranking officials until investigation completes while he is also demanding removal of high-ranking officials named by Channel 4.
If we are going on the path of grand plot” we have to wonder how many would admit like former Defense Secretary Hemasiri Fernando we knew something would happen but not to this extent” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPLopoYWJS8
As per former SIS Head, at least 15,000 knew something would happen” – their conscience should now prick them about how they saved their own skin but sacrificed 269 innocent people.
Channel 4 is a channel that broadcasts privately funded programs. Did money take precedence over ethical journalism?
In other words, did the Channel 4 neglect to assert authenticity of what they were broadcasting? This, questions, the nature of their investigative” journalism. In fact the Justice Imam report completely demolishes the credibility of Channel 4. It should also recall a series of previous Channel 4 broadcasts on Sri Lanka & clearly establish the lack of credibility in those bogus claims as well.
Had Channel 4 stuck by their investigative journalism, they should have answered the Commissions queries. Instead the Committee comprising Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody, Harsha Soza and headed by Justice S.I. Imam tore to shreds the Channel 4 program on Easter Sunday.
Just as Channel 4’s star witness Vany Kumar” turned out to be a former LTTE, Hamsa Maulana for likely political asylum attempted to link Sri Lankan intelligence with Easter Sunday & floated the notion that the attacks were to return Rajapakses to power. To strengthen this claim, Hamsa accused Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley of being involved & colluding with the attackers so far as to even claim he arrived & visited a coconut estate to discuss the plans. However, Hamsa could not provide evidence & failed to even appear to testify.
Channel 4 & Hamsa attempted to Link Sri Lanka’s intelligence with Terrorist group National Tawheed Jamaat (NTJ)
The Imam Committee:
No evidence to support this claim
Channel 4 & Hamsa attempted to Link Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley with Easter Sunday assassins even showing blurred footage implying he met them at a coconut estate
The Imam Committee:
Established that Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley was not in Sri Lanka & was in New Delhi.
Channel 4 & Hamsa attempted to float a notion of a political agenda of Rajapakses to return to power:
The Imam Committee:
Found this assertion baseless & mere conjecture sans facts (with the unpopularity of the yahapalana govt increasing, the 2018 local government results & sweeping victory for the SLPP clearly showed Rajapakses would return to power)
Non-Disclosure of sources & documentation by Channel 4 & UNHRC on Hamsa’s claims
The Imam Committee:
Highlighted lack of transparency & raised doubts about the Channel’s motives & legitimacy of claims.
Hamsa’s claims against Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley
The Imam Committee:
Gen. Suresh Salley was not in Sri Lanka nullifying Hamsa’s story as fake & defamatory
Hamsa’s claims of Pillayans connection to bombings:
The Imam Committee:
There was no credible evidence to prove such a connection & allegations were defamatory
Coconut Farm meeting – Hamsa claims Sri Lankan intelligence officers met attackers at a coconut estate:
The Imam Committee:
As per police investigations, the structures mentioned by Hamsa did not exist at the time of the supposed meeting
The Committee states that Hamsa’s story is an outright hoax” & unproved”
Sensationalism cannot replace truth & facts.
Channel 4 is guilty of sensationalism to steer people away from truth & facts.
Who did Channel 4 misguide or disinform?
The Sri Lankan general masses who easily fall for sensationalism
The Imam Committee even suggests that Cardinal too may have fall prey to narratives.
Lapses highlighted by the Imam Committee
Actionable intelligence was ignored resulting in a system-wide failure.
Sufficient intel was available with the people who could take action & who should have taken action.
Recommendations of the Imam Committee
Conducting regular Security Council meetings to assess national security
Intelligence units to meet & evaluate actionable intelligence
Hamsa to be held legally accountable & prosecuted for spreading falsehood & defaming national institutions
Sri Lanka’s intelligence agencies to enforce clear procedures & responsibility-sharing protocols to ensure prompt action to future threats
Imam Committee on Channel 4
The Committee refers to Channel 4 broadcast as yellow journalism” & calls for restoring journalistic integrity by media when reporting on matters of national security, using credible sources & verifiable data instead of using journalism as a tool for harm & character assassination.
Thus, the Committee report gives a deep seated message not only for Channel 4 but local & international media vis a vis their reporting of national security issues, but also individuals in media & others who resort to using sensationalism, disinformation, misinformation & lies for political gains such as asylum & to manipulate the general public as well.
Taxpayers money has been spent on 5 reports only for Easter Sunday. It is unfair by all other victims especially throughout 30 years of LTTE terror. Cardinal has not issued one statement on investigations into LTTE crimes or those who aided & abetted these crimes.
Sri Lanka managed to avert a disaster as a result of timely intel surveillance & prevented a likely massacre of Israeli tourists frequenting the Eastern Coast of Arugam Bay for surfing. The sudden targeting of Israeli’s in Sri Lanka had to have a reason beyond the excuses being floated. The actions of Israeli Consulate General have not helped matters & has only aggravated the situation by adding coal to the fire! The Israeli government & intel must locate the masterminds behind the attack as well as take prompt action against its Consulate General.
Questions we want answers for
Who was planning terror attacks between October 19-24 on Israeli tourists?
Were these killers the same who underwent training for Easter Sunday?
Were any of them linked to the Easter Sunday suspects now released & related to Zaharan?
Did a team from Kattankudy go to Lebanon to meet other terror group leaders in 2023 – were investigations held regarding this or were this team prevented from being arrested by diplomatic intervention
What about the sudden arrest of 4 ISIS members that emerged during an election in India. The same occurred during the 2019 Indian elections when Easter Sunday attack took place – are these terror suspects emerging within a larger plan for bigger geopolitical objectives? Were these incidents only meant for public drama?
These answers would certainly take us to the foreign power” or mahamolakaru” of probably both Easter Sunday attack & Arugam Bay too.
What is clear & reconfirmed by Sagala Ratnayake, was that Sri Lanka’s intel were already aware of a plot before the new President was elected & were engaged in surveillance of the area.
However, it was the US, based on its own intel to bring the situation into the open by issuing a travel advisory which soon led to the Western missions also issuing travel advisories & asking Israeli’s to leave Arugam Bay. It was later, that the public came to know that India had also informed of an attack on 7 October.
Why would the plotters or masterminds change the narrative?
What is important is that Sri Lanka’s intel was a step ahead & knew about an attack & had taken measures to monitor the situation. Which meant that they were about to intercept those tasked to carry out the attack. It is probably to avoid this outcome that the masterminds plotting the attack quickly changed the narrative and diverted people’s attention.
Had Sri Lanka’s intel apprehended the players tasked to attack the Israeli tourists, the sympathy would have been with the Israeli’s. Instead, the new narrative quickly churned out turned from a terror attack to land grab & illegal religious structures to the point of accusing Israelis of invasion”.
Plan B worked stupendously.
It was indeed artfully done and escaped the attention of all except those with a penchant for geopolitical games at play.
Moreover, the fuss about illegal religious sites are coming from the very quarters who are invading ancient Buddhist sites & even destroying ancient Buddhist artefacts & those who set up mushrooming religious sites disproportionate to their population ratio.
Who were the masterminds who had studied the landscape long enough to know that Arugam Bay was a frequent & popular destination for Israeli’s for decades and regular flights were bringing scores of Israeli holiday goers, yet it was also in an area predominantly Muslim.
What was the real reason behind a plot to scare off Israeli’s from visiting Arugam Bay for surfing? If Israeli’s had been coming for decades to surf in Arugam Bay, it meant that inspite of the Muslim presence there was absolutely no disharmony between the two. In fact Muslims were benefitting from Israeli tourists & their shops even have Hebrew letters. How did this all suddenly change? Who suddenly changed this coexistence?
Just as the Easter Sunday attacks had prior unheeded warnings, the Arugam Bay terror plot also had tell-tale signs. Firstly, an Israeli tourist was drugged and kidnapped in Trinco in July, a moulana was arrested with a T56 and a blast took place in Kattankudy. Was the terror attack or threat of one, a means to ensure Israeli’s do not visit Arugam Bay in the near future. In terms of geopolitics is it eventually aligned to the gas line that will come across South Asia to Sri Lanka from which it will be distributed.
Confounding matters is the questionable role of the Israeli Consulate General who is a Christian & not a Jew & violating diplomatic protocols by initiating a construction of a synagogue which requires much more than being a Jew to establish one and then obtaining Sri Lankan security protection as a result. There are allegations of promising Israeli citizenship for those who join his synagogue.
No diplomat is appointed to engage in religious conversion or religious promotion. Therefore, the Israeli government must seriously address this issue as it has given rise to unwanted tensions and will result in unwarranted issues to guise the real issue at hand, which is what has taken place. Due to this single action, the entire narrative has been transferred from an attack on the Israeli’s to chiding Israeli’s about land grabs & illegal religious structures. No Sri Lankan is able to differentiate traditional Jews and those who are arousing trouble by construction of illegal religious sites.
These are certainly serious allegations which need to be investigated by both Israeli government & Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s traditional Christians remain pro-Israeli vis a vis their homage to Israel. This is why the Birds of Power Ministry in Batticoloa holds annual processions carrying the Israeli flag as homage for Jerusalem. No sooner the recent incident took place, the same mischief makers were quick to circulate a 2018 procession arousing anti-Israeli sentiment. Even the Ministry is unaware of how or who has suddenly shared this clip. Let us not forget, that the Zion Church in Batticoloa was one of the Easter Sunday targets in 2019. The reason to choose this particular Church has not yet been investigated. Many believe it was a place of comfort for non-Christian abused children & battered women belonging to the faith of the assassins.
Land along the coastal belt was swooped by foreigners during the Premiership of the past President in 2002 who allowed foreigners to buy land along the coastal belt of Sri Lanka. Large tracts of land were bought by foreigners at that time. Some lands have since been sold. However, if land has been acquired illegally by any foreign national now, the associated authorities must take prompt action. Administrative hiccups cannot result in diplomatic tensions.
As for religious sites. We are well aware how even Sri Lankans are putting up illegal religious worship centres, turning garages, restaurants and homes into prayer centres & then making a scene when authorities take action. The law is that any religious new site must have the concurrence of all religions and in particular the approval of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana vis a vis Article 9. The municipality must be held accountable if any religious sites are put up illegally without proper procedure being followed.
Israelis have been travelling to Arugam Bay for decades to surf. There have been no incidents of any tensions between Israeli’s & Muslims who are predominate in the area. If at all, Muslims would have reaped from tourism in the area. This is an undeniable fact.
However, the present incident has given unwanted publicity & raised unwanted tensions & has facilitated the twist in the narrative away from a terror attack on Israeli tourists to Israeli’s building religious worship centres & grabbing land, extending the narrative to a state of invasion” by Israel.
This shows that the narrative has a political objective and has been planned well.
Israel needs to look at both narratives & take appropriate action.
Sri Lankan authorities were quick to monitor & were about to arrest those involved. Before they could do so, the masterminds quickly got unrelated men arrested & changed the narrative, diverting people’s attention away from the masterminds.
It is for Israel to investigate the real masterminds that plotted to actually kill Israeli’s & thereafter changed narrative to create tensions between Israeli’s & Muslims in Sri Lanka and even the general public in Sri Lanka. The issue is also likely to destroy Sri Lanka’s thriving tourism industry but most of all prevent Israeli’s from coming to Sri Lanka in particular the Eastern Coast for surfing.
Arugam Bay cannot be removed as a tourist destination simply by using a fake narrative.
During the past 12 months, several thousand Sri Lankans with their families moved to Finland, Sweden, Poland, Estonia, etc
Most of them have Sri Lankan University qualifications are Medicare Nurses, some experienced in middle management functions, and emigrated with High Hopes!
However, they lacked basic skills, which are demanded, when in Europe.
Their English language skills are almost non-existent!
In Europe, basic Table Etiquette requires the use of cutlery, not fingers.
Many of them are totally lost when at work café or in a school cafeteria!
European hospital staff treat almost 100% local Europeans which demands basic etiquette.
The Sri Lankan government’s Nationalistic Policies now indicate the self-destructing teachings when in foreign employment for Sri Lankans, which are so important in many ways.
Hope Dhammika Perera of DP Education takes Note!
I sincerely hope that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake includes Basic Etiquette & Good Manners by Debrett’s, in his curriculum!
Express Your Opinion – Read What Others Say! The Independent Interactive Voice of Sri Lanka on the Internet.
Many news sources in Sri Lanka have reported several incidents of foreigners holding visit visas arriving as tourists running business ventures mainly in tourism and cyber crimes. The latest we heard was that Israeli citizens/visitors owned tourist villas and prayer centers, With the unstable and threatening world and especially amid the prevailing war between Israel and some Arab countries, such a situation can create many internal security issues to Sri Lanka,
All authorities are involved in tourism and immigration. the tax department and internal and external Sri Lankan security organizations should launch an immediate and comprehensive evaluation of this unenviable situation and implement it urgently measures to put a complete stop and eradicate this nonsense.
SAMARA. Oct 29 (Interfax) – Russia’s Red Wings Airlines launched direct flights between Samara and Mattala, Sri Lanka, on October 29, the press service of Samara’s Kurumoch Airport said.
The flights are scheduled for every 10 days at 8 hours per trip.
Boeing-777s will be the mode of transport for passengers according to the online board of Kurumoch Airport.
Red Wings is among Russia’s largest airlines, based at Moscow’s Zhukovsky and Domodedovo airports, Yekaterinburg’s Koltsovo Airport, Chelyabinsk’s Balandino Airport, and Makhachkala Airport. Red Wings has 20 regional Superjet 100 aircraft, three long haul Boeing-777, and two Tu-204/214 in its fleet.
Airports of Regions Management Company manages JSC Kurumoch International Airport , operating regular flights on over 20 Russian and foreign air carriers to 46 destinations.
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is the third busiest airport in Sri Lanka, and is located 18 km from the city of Hambantota.
The annual document for Pope Francis on initiatives for the prevention of child abuse was presented today. The Commission calls on local Churches to overcome a culture of silence, a reluctance to report abuse, and a general lack of education and awareness concerning safeguarding practices.”
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – The first Annual Reporton Church Policies and Procedures for Safeguarding was presented today in the Vatican. The picture dedicated specifically to the Asia-Pacific region still shows how far there is to go in protecting minors.
In this region’s Catholic Churches, it is still hard to identify and address the true scale of abuse within Church institutions due to a pervasive culture of silence, a reluctance to report abuse, and a general lack of education and awareness concerning safeguarding practices. These challenges are compounded by challenges of clericalism.”
The document was drafted at the behest of Pope Francis, who asked the Pontifical Commission on the Protection of Minors, the body created ten years ago to promote the fight against paedophilia in the Church and chaired by Card Sean O’Malley, to present every year an assessment of what is being done around the world for the sake of “transparency and accountability”.
The document was drafted by a working group chaired by jurist Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, a member of the Commission, with a long experience in defending minors on behalf of international institutions.
In its 96 pages, it takes stock of both the overall responses of the Church and a series of particular situations examined during the last 12 months (including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and that of Sri Lanka, who made their ad limina visit to the Vatican).
What stands out is the second chapter, dedicated to analyses produced by Regional Groups, drawn up by some members of the Commission together with experts from the individual continents. It is in this context that the above-described cross-section of the Asia-Pacific context is offered.
This is not to say that there are no positive experiences in this field: the Regional Group expressly mentions some in South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan), where safeguarding measures have been implemented in some dioceses, as exemplified by the St. Joseph’s Safeguarding Centre in Mumbai, India.”
The study also praises the significant commitment to the path of Justice and Conversion – the path indicated by Pope Francis, based on the five steps of Conversion from evil, truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence – carried out in Australia and New Zealand, also thanks to the collaboration with outside bodies like the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Australia) and the current Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions (New Zealand).
However, alongside these positive steps, the challenges to be met remain great. Within South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bhutan), the Church has been a force for community support,” reads the report, but there have also been instances of clerical abuse that require careful attention and resolution.”
It goes on to stress that “Unique socio-economic landscapes, with factors such as religious diversity and legal systems, require individualised protection strategies”, which are still evidently struggling to assert themselves.
Regarding Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Philippines), the report states that, instances of clerical abuse have been inconsistently reported, often hindered by traditional hierarchical structures, patriarchal values, ineffective legal mechanisms, corruption, and fears of social reprisal.”
In Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), it notes, the presence of the Church is relatively insignificant, shaped by the region’s predominantly Muslim culture and constrained by political and legal factors. Collaboration between the Church and state agencies should be improved, which requires a comprehensive strategy to build trust within local communities, enhance legal and policy frameworks, and invest in community-based interventions.”
As for the Pacific islands, while they have diverse cultures, they all face issues such as a lack of data, high abuse rates, and a culture of silence. The Catholic Church holds influence but faces complexity in safeguarding. Samoan culture struggles with addressing abuse and the situation calls for introspection, education, and collaborative intervention.”
Finally, with respect to East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Macao), the report states that, there is a persistent need to develop specific partnerships with governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders,” hinting at important slow pace.
However, the report also indicates ways to help these local Churches to make progress. Solidarity among Bishops’ Conferences is essential to overcome the dearth of specifically dedicated resources in the Churches of Asia, as well as in those of Africa and Central and South America.
Alongside this, the path forward remains listening to the victims and their families. As Card O’Malley said during the presentation of the document, their courage to speak out, calling the Church and her leadership to accountability” made possible all the steps that are being taken in the world for the protection of minors.
Central Bank Governor says uncertain on the timeline
Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe
The next review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be delayed, the Central Bank confirmed on Friday.
As reported by Reuters, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe while acknowledging the delay, did not give a timeline on when it would happen. It is unclear if the review will take place before the end of 2024.
The fund said earlier this month after a visit to Colombo that it would continue to engage with Sri Lanka’s economic team to set a date for the third review.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka delegation that is in Washington DC had met with bondholders to discuss a debt exchange.
Dr. Weerasinghe shared that the talks, which happened on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank meetings in Washington, aim to quickly get Sri Lanka out of the default category.”
Citibank has been appointed as the dealer manager to oversee a consent solicitation, a key step in Sri Lanka’s path out of default.
The island nation, which experienced its first-ever default in 2022 amid an economic crisis, reached a draft agreement with creditors in September to restructure US$ 12.5 billion in international bonds. Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund and official bilateral creditors backed the proposal.
Colombo, October 29 (Daily Mirror)- The government reiterated today that no financial allocation had been made for any pay hike for public servants in keeping with the recommendations by the committee headed by Udaya R. Senevirathne despite a Cabinet decision taken by the previous rule.
Cabinet spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath told the weekly Cabinet briefing that the government is happy to implement a pay hike for public servants but it all depends on the financial viability of the Treasury. He said the previous government led by Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe had not even considered the financial situation of the Treasury when taking such a decision.
It is easy to make such decisions. But, implementation is not possible,” he said.
He said the government would give a salary hike for public servants, but the amount would depend on the financial situation.
We will give you a pay hike for sure next year. But, we cannot tell you the exact amount right now. The amount will be decided in accordance with the financial situation,” he said.
He charged that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had hoodwinked the masses with the promise to grant a cost of living allowance effective from October whereas a circular had been signed to effect it only from January, next year.
We don’t want to deceive you ahead of postal voting,” he said.
The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that two suspects, who were arrested in relation to the investigations carried out according to the intelligence received regarding a plan to launch a terrorist attack targeting a tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, will be detained further for interrogations.
The investigation officers have also submitted a highly confidential report regarding the progress of investigations to the Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today (29).
The Additional Magistrate, who considered the facts presented, ordered the TID to report further progress of the investigations to the court.
On October 23, Israel’s national Security Council had issued an urgent warning to Israeli citizens to leave popular tourist areas in southern Sri Lanka immediately, and classified the Arugam Bay region as a level four threat, advising Israelis to take precautions, such as concealing their Jewish identity and avoiding large gatherings.
It also advised Israelis in other parts of Sri Lanka to exercise caution and avoid holding large public gatherings.
The Russian Embassy and the UK issued a similar warnings to its citizens, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings.
Security has subsequently been tightened in tourist hotspots across the island including Arugam Bay, while Sri Lanka Police have so far arrested three individuals in connection with the investigations related to the incident.
by Professor Sunil Wimalawansa, MD, PhD, MBA, DSc. Professor of Medicine
The fundamental difference between males and females is that males typically have XY chromosomes. In contrast, females have XX chromosomes, which are biologically different and specifically identifiable. The X and Y chromosomes determine womanliness (femineity) and manhood (masculinity). Atypical chromosomal abnormalities like 47-XXY (Klinefelter Syndrome) or rare 47-XYY (Jacobs syndrome) syndrome result from errors in chromosomal splicing, adding extra sex chromosomes (trisomies).
Fundamental differences between males and females:
The primary distinction between males and females is their chromosomal composition—Males possess XY chromosomes, while females have XX chromosomes. The genes on the X and Y chromosomes govern whether a person is a male or a female, their development, and the synthesis of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
While gene-directed biology determines gender, sex hormones maintain physiological functions, physical appearances, as well as capabilities in males and females. Sex steroid hormones also influence and regulate the activity of the adrenal glands and associated physiology.
Genetic differences and gonadal development
The presence or absence of the Sex-Determining Region Y (SRY) gene is critical in determining whether an embryo develops into male or female physical characteristics. The SRY gene on the Y chromosome defines the male gender. Without the SRY gene (as in XX females), gonadal tissue develops into ovaries, producing estrogen and progesterone.
The SRY gene initiates the process of male gonadal development—which triggers the development of testes from the undifferentiated gonadal tissue in the embryo. This leads to the production of testosterone, which signals the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
Fundamental aspects of sexual development
The synthesis of sex hormones and associated second messenger signaling drives biological development, including internal glandular structures and external physical traits. These biological aspects cannot be altered fundamentally through surgical or chemical means. Therefore, functionally changing a male into a female or vice versa is unfeasible; only superficial characteristics can be modified by transgender interventions. However, such interventions often have significant risks and lasting adverse effects, including serious mental health challenges.
The processes involved in synthesizing and releasing sex hormones and their receptor-mediated effects on cellular function underscore their vital role in developing internal glandular structures and urogenital formation during the embryonic stages. In addition, secondary sex characteristics during /puberty and growth.
It is impossible to alter intrinsic anatomical structures and biological functions through sex change processes—via surgery or chemicals. These interventions only focus on external modifications. Nevertheless, they are associated with substantial, often irreversible harm, particularly adverse physical and psychological outcomes and impaired long-term well-being. These emphasize the complex biological role of genes and sex hormones and the limitations of altering fundamental sex-specific functions through medical interventions.
Differences in the sexual development of males and females:
Males and females exhibit distinct physiological differences, behavior characteristics, and physical capabilities. Biologically, sex hormones direct embryonic genitalia development and maintain physiological function and distinctions between males and females.
Confusion around sex and gender arises partly due to efforts to separate the two concepts. Gender dysphoria, classified as a mental health condition, can often be managed effectively through empathy, understanding, and psychotherapy. Gender transition should not be the primary approach, as many individuals express the desire to revert to their original gender post-transition.
Administering sex hormones does not change biological characteristics:
Administering male sex hormones (e.g., testosterone) to females or female sex hormones(e.g., estrogen) to males does not change the fundamental structures or biological determinants of sex or physiological capabilities. Despite changes in external appearances, the capabilities of masculinity remain intact in males after transgender interventions. Therefore, allowing males to compete in female sports is not only unethical, unfair, discriminatory, and pointless but also ridiculous.
Transgender-related medical interventions notably influence brain functions, leading to mental health issues such as depression, aggression, and suicide tendencies. These underscore the biological role of sex-specific genes and hormones and the potential adverse effects of cross-sex hormone administration.
What determines sexual attraction to same-sex individuals:
Sexual development is primarily regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland directing most endocrine glands, including those responsible for sex hormone production. However, environmental factors, such as stress, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (e.g., bisphenol A), diet, and medications, have been shown to influence these brain centers and may disrupt normal hormonal synthesis. Nevertheless, these changes are often reversible upon removal of the influencing factor.
Contrary to popularized narratives, there is no gay gene” or specific chromosome determining sexual attraction” or familial tendency, and claims regarding genetic determinants lack substantial scientific merit. Studies that propose otherwise often suffer from faulty conjectures, study designs, other methodological weaknesses, and conflicts of interest. Flawed conclusions from such studies cannot conclude genetic causality.
Some historical scripts, as in Greece, have mentioned homosexuality. However, circumstances that attract the same sexes for sexual purposes have nothing to do with genetics. Large-scale studies on genetics and sexual orientation, including genome-wide association studies or other scientific data, indicate that no single or combination of genes drives sexual attraction.
Instead, sexual attractions are influenced by a person’s mentality—social, environmental (peer-influences), drug use, and behavioral factors that are congregated through childhood upbringings and exposure, but not genetics. Interest groups use these myths for political advantage, and pharmaceutical companies leverage such misconceptions to market products for profit. They target impressionable and vulnerable populations, like adolescents and young adults.
Transgenderism:
The transgender medical sector is highly profitable and is growing. The demand for gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapies carries significant health risks, particularly in younger generations. This industry already generates billions of dollars in revenue with high-profit margins for the pharma and health sectors. Consequently, they seek expansion through aggressive lobbying, partnerships with government bodies, and spreading misinformation to capture customers.
High-profit margin incentivized promotional strategies that target vulnerable groups, particularly children and adolescents, through media and educational settings. Lobbying efforts within this sector advocate for policies that mandate insurance coverage for gender-affirming procedures, including surgeries and lifelong hormone therapy, despite the controversial efficacy, costing thousands of dollars annually per person, despite miseries created for families, considerable harm.
Who bears the transgender costs?
Such policies, if enacted, will lead insurance companies (or health departments) to absorb the high costs associated with these treatments, which are passed down to consumers. Additionally, instances have emerged where some healthcare professionals alleged to prioritize such treatments despite ethical concerns, contravening the Hippocratic principle of first, do no harm.” The financial motives, ethical concerns, and impacts on families and healthcare costs associated with the transgender industry on the public are not trivial.
The purported influence of educators who may promote gender dysphoria ideas on youth and related interventions is done under pressure from industry incentives, creating a loop of reinforcement that shapes young people’s beliefs and decisions. Critics argue that these are part of a larger effort to distance individuals from traditional family structures and religious institutions, which may indirectly benefit certain political parties by creating more malleable social structures.
These interventions, which encompass medications, surgeries, and hospitalizations for their complications, ultimately shift financial burdens to taxpayers, contributing to rising healthcare expenses for everyone. Studies have highlighted that gender dysphoria is a mental illness accentuated by the environment in which he or she lives. So, unsurprisingly, medical interventions infrequently provide the desired relief but instead result in poorer long-term physical and mental health outcomes. The above underscores and offers insights into the impacts of educator influence on the vulnerable, creating broader socio-political implications and the financial incentives and mental health outcomes associated with gender dysphoria interventions.
Summary:
The concepts of gender dysphoria and transgender identity are planned to be introduced to Sri Lanka. Western perspectives and interests primarily influence this. Advocates do so often without a comprehensive understanding or consideration of the social and cultural implications. These trends risk challenging traditional cultural and religious values, providing financial benefits primarily to healthcare entities while imposing substantial harm and financial burdens on society.
Introducing legislation could open doors to an entirely unnecessary and harmful chapter in Sri Lanka, potentially leading to irreversible societal damage. This influence mirrors the actions of global organizations like the World Economic Forum, which have been criticized for advancing agendas that, some claim, favor elite interests at the expense of public welfare.
Another notable example is the rapid promotion of COVID-19 vaccines, often described as experimental gene therapy. Pharmaceutical companies reported record-breaking profits—exceeding $200 billion—throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This is despite ongoing debates surrounding vaccine safety and significant short- and long-term adverse health effects reported worldwide, with limited demonstrated benefits. This situation highlights broader concerns over the impact of pharmaceutical interests, potential conflicts within leading health authorities, and the effects of restrictive public policies on individual freedom, societal health, and overall well-being.
Eliminating corruption, re-establishing judicial independence, curtailing wastage and unnecessary imports, and embracing technology are key priorities for the new National People’s Power (NPP) government in Sri Lanka. Now is the time for the NPP leadership to deliver on their promises, ensuring that appointments to government positions, such as chairmanships, are made based on merit rather than favors. Furthermore, public corporations and departments are overstaffed and top-heavy. Instead of mindlessly filling these positions, it is in the country’s best interest for the President to carefully assess and eliminate unnecessary roles first.
Prioritizing actions:
The NPP must gain the public’s confidence through decisive actions, such as eliminating the corruption that the people demand. This assertive approach will help the NPP secure a significantly larger majority in the next Parliament, surpassing the minimum 108 seats required. A stronger mandate would enable the NPP to implement an effective economic development plan to lift the country from bankruptcy without resorting to additional loans or raising taxes, thereby restoring public confidence.
Addressing the structural problems within the government and eliminating wasteful and duplicate programs created by previous presidents, governors, and mayors as favors to cronies would make systems more efficient and increase public trust. This, in turn, would make it easier for the NPP to navigate the difficult decisions it must make in the coming days. The government should not function as a job creation factory; instead, the private sector should be encouraged to generate employment opportunities for the public.
These actions, both directly and indirectly, will boost the business community’s and investors’ confidence, increasing opportunities, employment, and productivity. Prioritizing the reduction of burdensome regulations and taxes would further stimulate private sector growth and, consequently, the economy. The government should emphasize and facilitate local production and growth over importation while also expanding technologies and making fertilizers more readily available to the agricultural sector to jump-start output.
What needs to be done in the short term?
In parallel, enacting anti-corruption laws and re-establishing the independent committees eliminated by the past two regimes is essential to maintaining law and order and eradicating corruption. It is crucial to ensure that the executive and legislative branches do not interfere with the judiciary, as this is critical to preserving the country’s integrity and curb corruption, particularly by the privileged. Expert examiners appointed to investigate corruption and other irregularities in committees and commissions must be able to operate without interference.
Regarding candidate nominations for elections, it is vital to uphold the democratic process by ensuring that party leaders and headquarters are not involved in selecting regional representatives or nominees. This responsibility should lie with local residents to eliminate the practice of nominating corrupt individuals as candidates through favoritism. Candidates must be chosen from those who live locally, have pledged to prioritize the nation’s interests, oppose the sale of national assets and federalism, and commit to eliminating all forms of discrimination.
Medium-term actions:
These actions will make systems more efficient in the medium to longer term, boosting business opportunities and productivity. Reducing regulatory burdens and taxes will facilitate this progress. Another critical step is prioritizing local production and properly distributing products at affordable costs over importation. These measures will increase agricultural outputs and ensure the safe storage and distribution of goods.
Organic farming is not a viable option when the country is bankrupt, facing severe food shortages, and people are starving. Instead, ensuring safe storage through refrigerated transportation and storage facilities would significantly reduce wastage and preserve nutritional value. Alongside enhancing research and development, providing affordable, appropriate, and cost-effective fertilizers and pesticides in recommended amounts, based on guidance from the Department of Agriculture, would drastically improve agricultural output, food security, and sufficiency.
IMF Conditions are Not Favourable to Economic Growth
The two and a half years under the caretaker government, led by a self-serving and ineffective leader alongside a corrupt cabinet, have brought no tangible progress in restoring the economy or balancing the budget. Instead, these officials have enriched themselves at the expense of taxpayers. Many International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions appear designed to prolong public suffering rather than address corruption, foster economic recovery, or promote sustainable growth. This approach has kept the country in a state of dependence, allowing foreign powers, notably the West, to exert control, including installing puppet governments.
Any successes during this period have resulted from the private sector’s internal efforts, independent of government policies. Meanwhile, the interim President has unthinkingly and willingly accepted the stringent conditions imposed by the IMF.
The last government signed much less than optimal agreements with the IMF; whether due to poor negotiating skills or ignorance and poor policies of the Central Bank and Finance Committee), they had had a detrimental impact. Despite the harmful effects of the IMF conditions on the country and its people, the unelected President and cabinet remain singularly focused on retaining power at any cost. Their only achievement was postponing payments, which merely increased interest and proved disastrous.
Contrary to claims, the IMF conditions do little to promote economic development in Sri Lanka, increase GDP, or ease loan repayments. While the IMF offers a platform for negotiating loan repayment structures with other entities, it also serves as an obstacle to implementing real growth and GDP expansion solutions.
The country must shift from a survival-focused, loan-dependent consumption economy to a productive one prioritizing local needs and value-added exports. Restructuring the IMF loan conditions, including securing a portion of loan forgiveness, will create the breathing space needed to transfer the debt to a more favorable country like Japan.
Modifications of the Process of Nominating Candidates for Elections:
Upholding the democratic process in nominating candidates for public elections is essential. Party leaders and headquarters should not participate in selecting or recommending regional representatives or nominees; this responsibility must rest with residents in the locality. This approach is critical to preventing the nomination of corrupt or unrepresentative candidates as favors from party leadership.
Candidates must be chosen from individuals who live locally, are committed to prioritizing the nation, opposing the sale of national assets, uphold sovereignty, and are dedicated to eliminating discrimination. Those with criminal convictions or liabilities should be prohibited from running for elected office or holding public positions. Any false declarations or violations must result in jail time and permanent disqualification from public office.
In addition, election expenditures must be capped, and all political contributions above a specified amount must be disclosed, along with the donor’s information. This information should be made publicly available on a government website. Furthermore, all nominees for elected positions must disclose and certify their assets under oath for public scrutiny. Alongside enforcing strict term limits (e.g., two or three terms), these measures will help ensure qualified individuals receive nominations and reduce the likelihood of corrupt individuals gaining elected positions.
Given the unnecessary costs, the NPP should rely on obtaining a two-third parliamentary majority rather than a public referendum to replace the Constitution. However, the new Constitution must be devoid of loopholes, uphold law and order, ensure an independent judiciary free from external influence, and abolish the executive presidency. To achieve the required two-thirds majority, the NPP may need to form a coalition with patriotic parties, such as Vinivida Padanama, that are truly committed to fighting corruption and preserving the nation’s sovereignty, thus making this vision a reality.
Additionally, the Vinivida Padanama draft represents the most relevant and legally sound Constitution to date, one that preserves democratic values and upholds law and order. The author urges the NPP leadership, particularly President Dissanayake, to collaborate with Mr. Kodituwakku, a leading constitutional scholar, to refine and adapt it to suit the country’s best interests. Aside from personal pride, there is little reason to reinvent the wheel or revert to older versions when an excellent draft is available, which Mr. Kodituwakku is willing to share for the nation’s benefit.
Concluding Remarks
The government must avoid temporary fixes or superficial solutions and address the root causes of financial mismanagement. This requires eliminating harmful practices, reducing the size of the government by at least one-third, cutting expenses to the bare minimum, curtailing unnecessary foreign trips and public expenditures, and serving as a role model for responsible governance. Establishing robust oversight mechanisms is crucial to prevent the recurrence of such issues in the future.
By taking these decisive actions, the NPP leadership can expect to earn the public’s trust and confidence. This will empower the NPP to secure a significantly larger majority in the next Parliament, exceeding the minimum threshold needed. With this majority, the NPP could implement an effective economic development plan, allowing the country to emerge from bankruptcy without relying on further loans or tax increases, thus restoring confidence in the government and its leadership.
It is a great relief that the Arugam Bay attack/incident did not materialize.
We have many 9/11s of our own (the 2019 Easter Sunday attack is just one). Would Arugam Bay have become our Bali 2005? (on 1 October 2005, 20 Australians holidaying in Bali were killed by Indonesian terrorists, over 100 were injured).
Kudos to all those who worked to avoid this, including the NPP government.
The local media reported that the Indian intelligence has given us the tip. But, the government now denies this. What is the real truth? Who is the source then; solely local?
The NPP government boasts that it is due to their good governance that the attack was foiled. Let them take the credit. But, the government must answer these 3 important questions:
The government has given two different dates for our Intelligence first knowing about the attack – (i) 2 weeks prior to 23 October 2024 and (ii) before the Presidential election. Which one is correct? Surely both cannot be correct.
. Immediately upon knowing the possible attack, perhaps on the same day, the US government issued a travel alert. That was on 23 October 2024. Similar alerts were immediately issued by Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and Israel. World media reported this widely (headline news in many TV stations). The discussions continue.
Would the Sri Lankan government accept that until the US travel alert, there have been no media releases by anyone including the Sri Lankan government? If yes, would it accept that this is not good enough on their part?
The public has a right to know.
(3). Why did the Sri Lankan government fail to appraise these governments (especially the US) well in advance and avoid their adverse travel alerts? They were extremely harmful to our tourism.
If the culprits were caught and law and order was fully restored, there was no requirements for the tourists to leave Arugam Bay/Sri Lanka.
In order to minimize the economic impact, what prudent governments do is to discuss matters with friendly governments. This is a highly confidential matter.
Our government ought to have known that any adverse travel alerts by foreign (western) governments would bring forth very bad results to our tourism industry and the country at large.
After the adverse travel advisories, bulk of the foreign tourists left Arugam Bay. Tourists in other parts of the country also left. A large number of potential visitors cancelled their arrivals.
The sad irony is that our tourist season has just begun (thankfully, the Arugam season has just ended).
What would the government do to bring back the lost tourists not only to Arugam Bay but to the whole country? We were expecting 1.5 – 2 million tourists this year. Would all of them come or less as a result of this?
The US government has currently given us a Level 2 Travel Advisory. This means – ‘Exercise increased caution due tocivil unrest and terrorism’. As there are no signs of civil unrest and we are terrorism free, the government should respectfully request the US to upgrade us to Level 1 – ‘Exercise Normal Precautions’. If this happens, our tourist numbers will increase by 10 times.
Blame game
Some in social media have started blaming Sri Lanka’s Muslims stating it was their plan to attack the Israelis. Not a single Sri Lankan Muslim has been involved.
There is a lot of vilification of the Israel tourists. They are blamed for coming to Sri Lanka. Haven’t they helped our tourism industry?
The Israelis have done no wrong. They visited Arugam Bay because they love surfing and overall they like Sri Lanka.
Currently, thousands of Sri Lankans work in Israel. Israelis want more Sri Lankans because our workers are very good. And, our workers are very happy there.
Due to this good relationship, since recently, Israelis have been coming to Sri Lanka in large numbers.
In October 2024, there may/may not have been Israeli armed forces personnel in Arugam Bay. But, they were here on holiday. In Israel, every male between 18 – 60 must do compulsory military service.
Apart from a very few, all countries (including Muslim), allow Israelis to visit them as tourists.
It is estimated that on 23 October 2024 there had been thousands of Israelis in Sri Lanka (exact number is unknown to the writer). Most are now gone. Unless the government takes extraordinary steps, it is difficult to believe that many Israelis would return.
This is a major loss of revenue for the country. We are desperate for dollars.
In deep south, Russians and Ukrainians who have come here on short stay tourist visas are running many small businesses – restaurants, hair salons, laundries, tailor shops, bakeries, night clubs etc. They are taking away our locals’ work. Some of these businesses due to racism have refused entry to Sri Lankans (in our own country!). Then, Chinese have been involved in large scale racketeering here. About 150 were arrested recently in different places. These illegal stayers and criminals must be brought to justice and ultimately deported. Good business owners must be screened and facilitated with proper business visas.
The mastermind and the terrorists
It is alleged that a foreign government was the mastermind of the failed attack owing to its animosity with Israel. The writer is unable to comment about this. All is hearsay.
Israel has not apportioned blame on that foreign government or any other government for the failed attack.
3 people have been arrested by the law enforcements. They say 1 is a Maldivian Muslim (who speaks Sinhalese) and the other two are Sri Lankan Tamils.
According to local media the two Tamils have been ex-LTTE fighters. One is from Chunnakam, Jaffna. The 2nd arrest was made in Rathmalana (his native place is unknown). The Police are looking for more suspects.
If this is true, then it is a very dangerous and serious situation.
Who can be their local mastermind?
A suggestion only
It is a well-known fact that a former Tamil Tiger who later became a Chief Minister has presence in Arugam Bay. It is alleged that his people are involved in many illegal/unethical activities there.
He – a darling of recent governments, was accused of murdering a TNA MP. He is widely blamed for committing the Gonagala murders.
The Gonagala massacre occurred on 18 September 1999, at the 31 Colony in Ampara. The LTTE hacked to death 50 Sinhala Buddhist civilians. The terrorists split open bellies of pregnant mothers; infants were grabbed from mothers who were feeding them. These infants were then smashed down on the ground. A middle-aged man who tried to protect himself had his hand severed and skull pulverized.
Some say this former Chief Minister was involved in the Aranthalawa Buddhist Monk murders. A possibility.
Arguam Bay has a vibrant night life with night clubs and discos. Mafia type Tamil cadres (Arguam Bay is predominantly a Muslim town) are blamed for money extortion from lawful businesses, drug peddling, serious law and order breaches and petty crimes.
Could this person (the former Chief Minister) be the local mastermind of the failed Arugam Bay terrorist attack?
The writer is only suggesting.
This person could be totally innocent and may not have had any involvement in this matter.
But, it is worth investigating.
We must not forget that there is another ex-LTTE commander that lives in Batticaloa, he was a former Deputy Minister (another darling of the past governments). He is blamed for the Aranthalawa, Sri Maha Bodhi and Dalada Maligawa massacres and the killing of 600 un-armed Policemen. This person has some time ago outlined words similar to the effect that ‘Prabhakaran was a good person and his demise was a loss to Tamils’.
It is good if these 2 persons are prosecuted for the crimes that they allegedly committed.
These are crimes against humanity.
They allegedly killed thousands of innocent people. They should not be allowed to live in current luxury.
As they are extremely dangerous, the Sri Lankan Intelligence must keep a sharp eye on them.
Let us hope that the government’s investigation on this matter will not be like the previous governments’ Easter Sunday attack investigations. Let us hope that they will divulge only the truth to us.
(After winning the war, Gota just let go about 10,000 LTTE cadres. Then, about another 10,000 was rehabilitated. Where are they now? Do we keep a track of them? There are about 10? LTTErs in remand/jail currently. And, this is how we maintain law and order and anticipate to keep a peaceful/calm country.
The Mahavir Day is soon forthcoming; let us see how the NPP government will deal with this).
විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්ය විජිත හේරත් මහතාගේ ප්රධානත්වයෙන් ජාතික මැණික් හා ස්වර්ණාභරණ අධිකාරිය විසින් සංවිධානය කරන ලද Gem Sri Lanka 2025 ප්රදර්ශනය” හඳුන්වාදීමේ වැඩසටහනට ඊයේ(29) දින රුසියානු තානාපති ලෙවන් ධගාරියන් මහතා සහභාගී විය.
Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe