Category: Foreign Affairs

The Asian Human Rights Commission expresses concern relating to the safety of the common candidate of the opposition Maithripala Sirisena, who has faced numerous attacks during the past several days.

&#8220He has himself alerted the public to the threat to his life in a statement he produced yesterday (4th January 2015).We urge the Government and the Commissioner of Elections to give all the protection that he deserves as a presidential candidate if there is to be a totally free and fair election. We also urge all election monitors, nearby and foreign, to give priority to monitor the protection of the frequent opposition candidate.&#8221 the AHRC mentioned.

Issuing a statement right now the AHRC stated &#8220A cost-free and fair election is a right of the folks of Sri Lanka and this appropriate has been entrenched in the history of the country starting from 1931 when the adult franchise was introduced in Sri Lanka. For a extended period of time, there had been a tradition of free of charge and fair elections and peaceful handing more than of energy from one government to another. The disruption of this tradition sadly started with the introduction of the 1978 Constitution and in numerous degrees election violence has been skilled. The worst types of electoral violence had been skilled during the presidential election of 2010. Following the announcement of the elections to be held on 8th January 2015, there have been repeated attacks on opposition political rallies.

&#8220The Asian Human Rights Commission has been alerted by several persons who are anxious about the security of the common opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena due to the intensification of attacks on his political campaigns. Consequently, we are producing this contact for guaranteeing a free of charge and fair election by desisting from any kind of violence perpetrated ahead of, during and soon after the elections.

&#8220Under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), it is a proper of the individuals to pick a government of their choice. A choice of the folks could be made only when an atmosphere is designed, that is conducive to the workout of this proper of the people. Any violence meted out against any of the presidential candidates in the election is an attack on this freedom of decision of the folks itself. Such attacks consequently, are attacks against the nation itself.

&#8220We hope that in the course of this solemn moment when the folks will workout their choice, that the Government of Sri Lanka and the Election Commissioner will do all within their energy to respect the men and women and produce the enabling atmosphere for the individuals to discharge their solemn duties by exercising their right to vote.&#8221

By Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe –

We believe that the Presidential Election in January 2015 is an chance offered to all men and women in Sri Lanka to make an crucial, considerable and a creative choice, in respect of the future of their own nation and her men and women. The run up to the election thus far has not been satisfactory or acceptable at all, from the point of view of the folks of the country. It seems that the folks have been taken for granted and are becoming treated as objects with no sense of intelligence or ability to understand the reality. Deception, dishonesty and disbelief are all about them.

Consequently we think that there is an urgent need to have for a inventive code of conduct on the part of all engaged in the election, to be followed at least throughout the extremely brief time prior to the election, on the day of the election and in the post- election period.

The violations of the laws of the country in general and especially in respect of the election is unprecedented, than ever just before. Violations are accomplished openly and shamelessly with complete awareness. It is hard to think that any individual contesting an election is not conscious of the law of the nation pertaining to elections. That means that such violations are carried out consciously and purposely. It is the responsibility of all political parties to make sure that such violations by their own candidates and their supporters are prevented. The voters must be respected and trusted. Opportunity and the environment should be created for them to use their franchise with no any force or stress. Their basic appropriate to use and workout the freedom granted to them by the constitution, need to be ensured.

The violation of the laws and specially rigging of elections has not been strange in Sri Lanka. We appeal specially to those in authority to facilitate the atmosphere so that such rigging in all forms is prevented. We have observed in the previous that all sorts of excuses have been given by the division of elections and other state departments and institutions, for not being capable to avert such action. Without having negatively saying that measures can not be taken and are not within one’s purview, it is the duty of all in authority to positively look for indicates and avenues inside the authority vested in them, to curtail ill-practices. If not the so-referred to as impossibility will stay forever and almost certainly will turn out to be part of the accepted norms. The men and women of the country expect them to refrain from providing excuses and fulfil their duty totally, so that the will and the need of the people will prevail. The voter is conscious that the Commissioner of Elections is vested with all authority and energy throughout an election, to ensure freedom and fairness. It is in that self-confidence that we appeal to the Commissioner of Elections to use all state machinery to avoid any breaking of laws. We also appeal to all candidates and their supporters to honour the laws of the nation pertaining to the elections and refrain from any violation, by use of force.

Post-election violence and intimidation are absolutely nothing new in our country. The violence, intimidation and force employed already during this election, are enough for us to get in touch with for an assurance from the candidates. Correct democracy does not accommodate violence. Violence and use of public sources do not speak for free of charge and fair elections. These who continue to vouch for ‘no violence’ are not only appearing to be, but are certainly blind, deaf, dumb and are dishonest. Such persons must not be entrusted with the governance of our country. Victory need to be accomplished by playing the game inside the accepted guidelines and norms. No intimidation of one’s opponents need to be permitted under any situations. Their security has to be ensured. This can only come about if the candidates and their supporters are capable to accept with humility, the choice of the people. On the other hand the civil society, the religious groups and other community groups want to come out to prevent such cruelty and viciousness. Whoever is elected will be the President of all Sri Lankans. We are all known as to gather together and develop our nation and the nation.

It is a known fact that undue pressure is brought upon voters by using psychological as nicely as contemporary methods of communication. Spread of fear among ordinary folks is a frequent practice. We have observed with much pain and distress the pollution of the atmosphere, with posters, banners, hoardings, excessively. It is much more than what is necessary to communicate a message, there-by once again bringing undue pressure on people’s minds. Exhibition of all religious signs, photos of religious areas and personalities for campaign purposes is contrary to decent publicity in a civilized society. I do believe that such action depicts one’s bankruptcy. Does this imply that such persons have currently run quick of troubles and policies to speak about?

The state machinery is entrusted with the activity of keeping law and order and making sure a peaceful poll. The Police has a specific function in this activity and the state officers in charge want the corporation of the ordinary folks as properly as these closely engaged in the polls, to fulfill their duty. It goes without having saying that political interference has been increasingly spreading with impunity in the current previous. This is a threat to democratic values and structures that we in Sri Lanka have so sacredly safe guarded more than numerous decades. Our appeal is that all concerned will extend their fullest corporation to the Commissioner of Elections and his group, collectively with the staff of the Elections Secretariat to conduct a cost-free and a fair Presidential Election without having any interference or intimidation.

We appear forward to a post-election Sri Lanka with Democracy, Good Governance, Rule of Law, concern for Social Justice and the extended awaited Reconciliation and Healing of Memories and the Healing of the History of our nation. It is only then, the people of our nation will reap the full advantage of the peace dividend.

May God Bless us all, in the New Year.

By Brian Senewiratne –

There are two main candidates – Mahinda Rajapaksa and ‘Common Opposition candidate’ Maithripala Sirisena.

The election was known as by Rajapaksa two years before it was due due to the fact of a slide in his reputation as judged from the recent Provincial Council Elections. It is critical to know that he had two much more years as President when he called the election. The significance is that he has claimed, with some strange reasoning, that even if he loses, he will continue as President for two far more years (if he wins, the two years will be added to the 6-year term – creating it 8 years).

With the Opposition in disarray and unable to locate a credible candidate, Rajapaksa was so confident of victory that he even said that he would be the only candidate. He failed to see that the attainable candidate was Maithripala Sirisena, his personal Overall health Minister and Common Secretary of his party (the Sri Lanka Freedom Celebration – SLFP).

With no warning, on 21 November 2014, Sirisena stated that he would be the “Common Opposition Candidate’ to contest Rajapaksa. He blasted the Rajapaksa regime:

“The entire socioeconomic and political systems of this country have been taken over by 1 family. They have ruined this country that is now engulfed in corruption and blatant abuse of power. It is against this that I am coming forward as the common candidate of the opposition”.

Holding the President accountable, he said, “thuggery, embezzlement, crime, drug mafia, nepotism and corruption have institutionalized beneath the Executive Presidency but alas President Rajapaksa or his government has carried out tiny to arrest this horrible and harmful situation”.

Going on to say what he would do, if elected, he went on:

“I will abolish the Executive Presidency in one hundred days soon after becoming elected as the President. I will restore the rule of law by reactivating the 17th Amendment to the Constitution and make the Police, Elections, Public Service and the Judicial Service Commissions fully independent. The President will be created answerable to the legislature and develop a people’s government that take pleasure in real peace, prosperity and happiness”.

Sadly he did not say what he will do about the significant troubles facing the Tamil individuals in the North and East who are beneath military rule, the absolute require to demilitarise the Tamil location or let internationally credible human rights organisations into the nation.

He was well conscious of the dangers. Referring to the Rajapaksa junta he mentioned, “They will do every thing attainable to tarnish my image and will even go to the extent of murder”.

I would rather not print the words utilized by Rajapaksa when Sirisena went to hand in his resignation as Health Minister. Safety employees advised Sirisena to leave even though he was nonetheless in a position to do so. It was sound suggestions given what happened to ‘Loku Athula’, a senior SLFP politician, who had decided to back Sirisena. I will describe this outrage later.

The help Sirisena had was overwhelming and cut across political and celebration divisions and has continued to grow.

The election is a lot more than an try at a regime change. It is an try to dismantle the Rajapaksa Family autocracy and replace it with one thing that is more acceptable. It is, by far, one particular of the most crucial elections in recent occasions in Sri Lanka which could have far reaching consequences for the country.

Getting a contest in between two Sinhalese politicians to elect what in effect is a Sinhalese President, there has been some speculation no matter whether this is of any consequence to the Tamil folks in the North and East – the suggestion getting that they must boycott the election as they did in 2005. However, the feeling nowadays is quite diverse. Several Tamils in the North and East want to vote. The query is no matter whether they will be in a position to do so in an location which is an Army-run military state.

With no credible election monitors and with plans afoot to commit extensive vote rigging, such as violence to avert folks from voting, the validity of the outcome will be doubtful, specifically if Rajapaksa wins. On 29 December 2014, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon telephoned the Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister and conveyed his “strong expectation” that the Government of Sri Lanka will make certain “the peaceful and credible conduct” of its upcoming Presidential election. Ban Ki-moon would have restored his vanishing credibility had he said that the UN was sending election monitors to see that the benefits have been credible.

Some crucially important points

1. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his brothers and scores of his family have run (or, as Sirisena place it, “ruined”) Sri Lanka. Some 70% of Government expenditure is in the hands of this family. It has turn out to be a ‘family business’. If Rajapaksa goes, so will they.
2. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President Rajapaksa’a brother, an American citizen, is one of the most potent people, if not the most effective individual in Sri Lanka.

Supposedly the ‘Defence Secretary’, in reality he is the de facto President of Sri Lanka, his brother only becoming the de jure President.

He is also a single of the most violent men and women Sri Lanka has ever made. He could get in touch with the senior editor of a significant newspaper a “f…..g pig who eats shit! Shit! Shit!” and get away with it.

A former Army Officer, he has absolute control of the Armed Forces and Police. He is a lot more than capable of launching a military coup to take over the nation.

3. Sri Lanka’s politically active Buddhist monks, the curse of Sri Lanka for more than half a century, are as bigoted as they come. They will oppose any degree of power-sharing, however minimal, with the Tamils. For these Sinhala-Buddhist ethnoreligious bigots, Sri Lanka is a Sinhala-Buddhist nation. Neither Rajapaksa nor Sirisena will be prepared to challenge their bigotry and send them back to their temples to preach one particular of the fantastic religions in the globe, Buddhism, and not get into ethnoreligious chauvinism and violence.

If Sirisena has to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with 1 of these chauvinist groups, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), which he has completed to get their assistance to get elected as President (as Prime Minister S.W. R. D. Bandaranaike did in 1956 and was later assassinated by 1 of them), one wonders how he can do anything to address the ‘National Problem’ facing the Tamils.

A rundown of the candidates

Mahinda Rajapaksa

A rundown is necessary to remind the Sinhalese folks of the regime that they are under. The Tamils do not need to have to be reminded – it is a everyday truth of life.

Sri Lanka has never been run by a more violent or corrupt regime than the 1 run by Rajapaksa since his election as President in November 2005.

Considering that his election he has launched what was clearly a genocidal war against the Tamil individuals. Claiming that this was to ‘defeat Tamil Tiger terrorism’ it was considerably more than that. It was to crush the Tamil people into accepting Sri Lanka as a Sinhala-Buddhist nation.

He has continued to destroy the Tamil men and women in what is greatest described as ‘slow genocide’. The Tamil individuals in the North and East have been handed over to the Sri Lankan (Sinhalese) Armed Forces who can do what they want with no accountability. It is a single of the most brutal armies in the globe that treats the location they run as ‘occupied territory’ and the men and women in it (Tamils and Muslims) as the ‘spoils of war’.

The Tamil folks have lost their lands in land-grabs by the Armed Forces, and they have been prevented from earning a living (agriculture, fishing and commercial activity – all of which have been taken more than by the Armed Forces or handed over to Sinhalese brought from the South).

Torture, sexual violence, detention with out charge or trial at undisclosed places, and involuntary disappearances are every day occurrences for the Tamils in the North and East.

Militarisation is at an unprecedented and fully unacceptable level with a single member of the military for each 5 (Tamil) civilians.

Sinhalese men and women are getting relocated in the Tamil North and East by the Rajapaksa regime in a determined effort to modify the demography and make the Tamils a minority even in the area exactly where they are a majority. This ‘Sinhalisation’ may well nicely not be reversible whoever takes over as President now or ever.

Buddhism is being forced down the throats of the Tamils who are Hindu or Christian in what has been referred to as ‘Buddhistisation’.

Tamil children are becoming taught by Sinhalese (several of them soldiers) who have no experience in teaching or even of the language (Tamil).

The Tamil folks have suffered immensely beneath Rajapaksa’s regime. The question of the Tamil individuals in the North and East voting for him simply does not arise. The only exceptions are those who support Tamil thugs whose leaders are in Rajapaksa’s government.

The international investigation into human rights abuse, at present getting carried out by a team appointed by the Higher Commissioner for Human Rights, has been obstructed in every possible way by Rajapaksa and his cronies. It is likely to come down difficult on the Rajapaksa regime when their Report is submitted in March 2015.

In addition to gross violation of human rights and crimes against humanity, Rajapaksa has tampered with the Constitution to suit his own political interests and hunger for power. This will impact all the ethnic groups in the country.

His selection to scrap a two-term limit for Presidents through the 18^th Amendment has been criticized across the board, for ignoring democratic conventions. The Amendment reeks of authoritarianism, standard of Rajapaksa. Below it, the President has the power to appoint the Chairman and members of the Election Commission, Public Service Commission, National Police Commission, Human Rights Commission, Permanent Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption, Finance Commission, Delimitation Commission, Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court, the President and Judges of the Court of Appeal, Members of the Judicial Service Commission, Lawyer General, Auditor General, Ombudsman and Secretary General of Parliament.  There is no doubt whatsoever that Rajapaksa has employed this to make sure that his loyalists are appointed to these strong constitutional posts to profligate his writ unabatedly. The United Nations Human Rights Council has already criticized this amendment as being violative of the human rights of the citizens of Sri Lanka.

Because the announcement of the election which will take spot on 8 January 2015, there has been no space for any voice of dissent, as Rajapaksa is abusing the state machinery to conduct arbitrary surveillance, detention, and considerably much more, of his detractors. The democratic fabric of Sri Lanka is beneath serious pressure, with authoritarianism obtaining crept into governance as properly. The state apparatus is subservient to the Rajapaksa loved ones, rather than the men and women of the country. the Police and Armed Forces are openly putting up placards praising Rajapaksa. What they will do on election day is apparent.

Rajapaksa heads one of the most significant governments in the globe, with more than one hundred ministers and deputy ministers in workplace. It is a vast network of patronage and control. Politicians only thrive if they are inside this ‘ruling club’. The true government is significantly smaller, concentrated about the three Rajapaksa brothers, who manage almost 70% of the state spending budget. Only one household has captured the country’s economy, administration as well as the management of the ruling Political celebration.

The President’s brother, Gotabaya, presides over the potent Defence ministry. An additional brother, Basil, is properly in charge of the Economy, as Minister for economic development. Just to round items off, elder brother Chamal is the parliamentary speaker, while Mahinda’s son is a wheeler and dealer member in numerous matters.

It is by means of this network that the Rajapaksa family has been exercising improper influences by carrying out inducements, pressures, threats or interference in the working of the legislature, judiciary and the executive. With the electoral method underway, Rajapaksa and his coteries have diverted their might to preparations for massive scale rigging.

Cronies of Rajapaksa control the major businesses of the country. An election needs funding, and this one, requirements a lot more of it, for rigging and malpractices! This funds is readily discovered by members of the loved ones and their cronies who have robbed Sri Lanka considering that Rajapaksa came into energy. Money is not a dilemma – as we will see.

Media censorship is so tight that even the Sinhalese (72% of the nation) do not know what is going on in the country. What they do know is that the expense of living has soared due to maladministration, stealing by Rajapaksa cronies and his family members, the ‘need’ to preserve a massive Army of some 300,000 – the highest per capita of the civilian population in the planet. This is claimed to be for the protection of the nation. in reality it is for protection of the regime.

Law and order have collapsed and been replaced by the rule of the armed thug and hooligans.

Bribery and corruption are rampant at all levels from the very top to the bottom – adding to the expense of living since it is not achievable to get anything done with out a bribe.

Democracy has been replaced by a Totalitarian regime beneath a single family – the Rajapaksas.

There is an atmosphere of worry in the Sinhalese South, as there is to a a lot higher degree in the Tamil North and East.

It is difficult to see why the Sinhalese would want to vote for a lot more of the exact same.

Rajapaksa boasts that he has brought peace, security and prosperity’ to the country with the ‘defeat of Tamil ‘terrorism’. Yet he has refused to allow internationally credible human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to enter the country. The purpose is that State terrorism today is far worse than any terrorism that existed earlier.

Maithripala Sirisena

A fairly unknown entity even in Sri Lanka, Sirisena has been in the Cabinet and has been the Basic Secretary of the SLFP (the celebration to which Rajapaksa and his predecessor, Chandrika Kumaratunga belong) considering that 2001.

To give credit exactly where credit is due, he had the courage to come forward as the typical Opposition candidate to contest Rajapaksa. He has taken the not inconsiderable risk of becoming murdered – a risk he acknowledged.

His account of Rajapaksa’s poor governance was correct but he was a member of this regime, and a senior one at that, for much of this time. His excuse was that he was also afraid to speak.

Of a lot more significant concern is that he mentioned nothing at all about the main difficulties faced by the Tamil people in the North and East. Maybe he was as well afraid to address this vital concern for worry of losing Sinhalese-Buddhist votes. If so, it is hard to see how as President he will address the significant troubles faced by the Tamils.

Sirisena’s primary agenda appears to be that he will get rid of the Executive Presidency ‘within 100 days’ of being elected as President. There is no doubt that this will be a welcome step towards democracy but the query is regardless of whether that it will be sufficient. It must be remembered that Hitler rose to power in a functioning democracy in Germany. Hitler basically manipulated the current laws to suit his intention to be a dictator.

Merely receiving rid of the Executive Presidency and returning energy to Parliament is insufficient. There is considerably a lot more that demands to be accomplished such as the separation of powers which is the corner stone of democracy.

There was not a word about demilitarisation of the North and East – an essential step in addressing the enormous issues faced by the Tamil people in that region. As such, the modify to a Sirsena government may be of no benefit to the Tamils.

Sirisena’s closeness to the most intense ethnoreligius chauvinists, the political party of Buddhist monks – the Jathika Hela Urumaya – is of critical concern. He has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with them. If it is necessary for him to get into bed with a rabid anti-Tamil party of Sinhala-Buddhist extremists, it is challenging to see how he can provide peace with justice to the Tamil people.

History may nicely repeat itself since this is specifically what S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike (from Rajapksa’s party) did in 1956 – to ride to power on the backs of politically- active Buddhist monks and located that he had to get into significant discrimination against the Tamils. When he attempted to water this down (minimally), he was assassinated by a single of them. These days, the Buddhist monks are far much more violent that they have ever been. Sirisena will have to be firm – one thing that is unlikely to happen. If it does, his survival will be in doubt.

Sirisena has clearly stated that he will not allow an international investigation into war crimes or allow those discovered guilty to face justice. That will make him an accomplice to war crimes.

What is the option facing Sri Lankan on 8 January 2015?

The option is to vote for more of the exact same or for a (possible) adjust.

The alternatives facing the Tamil people in the North and East are set out in some detail beneath. To summarise it right here, they have the decision of voting for a lot more of the same which they will not do, or for voting for Sirisena. The query is whether they will be capable to get to the polls with a murderous Army watching every single step. For the Tamils to abstain from voting (as they did in the 2005 Presidential election) is to vote for Rajapaksa, a mistake they will not make this time.

The Sinhalese have a option. They can vote for Rajapaksa and a continuation of a Totalitarian state which is totally corrupt, exactly where there is no law and order a regime characterised by a lack of governance, nepotism, police and army brutality which was unleashed on the Tamil people but is now becoming unleashed on them exactly where the media are muzzled and the dissenting voice silenced a sky-rocketing cost of living due to the fact their funds is being stolen by their rulers and their relatives and the usual problems of living in a Totalitarian state.

They can vote for a adjust – hopefully a adjust for the greater given that it cannot be a adjust for the worse.

Escalating violence

There will, with out doubt, be escalating violence each in the Tamil North and East organised by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and Rajapaksa’s violent supporters in the South by goon-squads supported by the Government.

The violence will consist of assault and even murder as was observed lately in the President’s property.

The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) says that much more than 300 circumstances of violations of law have been reported thus far. In most of these instances pro-government armed goon-squads have been involved. This violence will escalate as much more defections from Rajapaksa’s camp cement the defeat of President Rajapaksa.

The mildest violence, but a significant 1, was on 26 December 2014, in Beruwela, a suburb near Colombo. Following an election rally in favour of Sirisena, the former President, Chandrika Kumaratunga and Western Province Councillor Ms Premchandra visited Western Provincial Councillor Jemine Marika Mohamed’s residence for dinner. Goon squads attacked the house damaging Kumaratunga’s vehicle and injuring an Opposition Urban Councillore Mansoor Dalhan. Dalhan was taken to the Beruwela base hospital but refused admission. The outpatient medical doctor in a report sent to the CMEV stated that police had instructed her not to admit any casualties to the hospital.

The violence unleashed by the goons was so serious that the Police and Securiy employees had to run for cover.

A much far more serious event involving the President himself occurred on 29 November 2014 – the death of ‘Loku Athula’.

The ‘Loku Athula’ death (29 November 2014)

‘Loku Athula’ (Nimalasiri Jayasinghe) is a former deputy Minister in Rajapaksa’s government and the current SLFP organiser in a rural location (Gampaha). He was as soon as the leader of the JVP insurrection in 1971, and then joined the SLFP to further his political profession.

Soon after he had had revealed to his close celebration associates that he was going to support Sirisena , he was summoned to ‘Temple Trees’ (the residence of President Rajapaksa) on the night of 29 November 2014 to hold discussions with a view to influencing him to modify his mind.

In compliance with the request he visited the ‘Temple Trees’ at 7.30pm and had discussions with a higher profile team comprising Mahinda Rajapaksa , Basil Rajapaksa, Dallas Alahaperuma, Susil Premajayantha and Anura Priyadharshana Yapa.

This went on till about 9.00 p.m. At the finish of the discussion, Mahinda Rajapaksa had referred to as Loku Athula into a room to have ‘further discussions’. What happened thereafter is identified only to the two of them. What is known is that screams have been heard, the ‘resident’ ambulance at the Temple Trees was brought and Loku Athula was taken to hospital. When he arrived there he was dead.

Evidence has leaked out that when Loku Athula was being taken into the ambulance he was dead. .

In such circumstances, a post-mortem need to be performed compulsorily to ascertain the result in of the death, and an open magisterial verdict delivered soon after the inquest. But , this procedure had not been followed. What is worse, all moves are being produced to suppress this incident which has critical proof of homicide committed within ‘Temple Trees’.

How did Athula who was hale and hearty all of a sudden die? Was he murdered ? Did he die due to a fatal fall when he was becoming assaulted by somebody? What had been the screams all about? Why was a post-mortem and inquest not completed? These are inquiries that the last individual to see Loku Athula alive, President Rajapaksa, will have to answer.

The existing voting trends

The current figures released by an independent agency is that help for Rajapaksa was 15%, for Sirisena 85%. Even so, this can change dramatically due to violence, vote purchasing or plain election fraud.

The fall-back position

If factors turn poor for Rajapaksa, his brother Gotabaya, can launch a coup ‘to restore law and order’. To create disorder there is some info that plans are afoot to detonate two enormous explosives in Colombo two days prior to the Election. There will then be ‘disorder’ and the ‘need’ for a military take-more than.

If the worst comes to the worst and Sirisena wins, arrangements are in place to get the Rajapaksas, households and cronies flown out of Sri Lanka.

Primarily based on informed sources in Diplomatic circles, if the Rajapakse regime is unable to use the Sri Lankan planes (which impediment may possibly happen), the regime has currently produced arrangements with two Indian Charter plane businesses to get down planes , for which the regime has paid in full.

A single of these firms is &#8216Air Charters India&#8217 even though the name of the other business is nevertheless not absolutely known. &#8216Air Charters India&#8217 had stated that it have to be notified at least 12 hours ahead if it is to send a plane to Katunayake or Mattala airport . In any case, payments have been produced in full to two Indian charter firms so that if a single organization fails to comply with the request urgently, the other firm can be relied on as a stand by.

The Rajapaksa loved ones has currently sold a enormous amount of gold it has robbed from the country, to a Japanese millionaire Keiji Matsumura. Matsumara represents a Japanese Firm , Japuga Holdings Private Ltd, that has bought the gold. I do know the quantity of gold that was sold but it is so huge that I have opted not to state the exact figure until it has been checked.

This gold has been illegally shipped via 16 containers loaded at the Colombo Port . A really senior official in the Port had observed to it that has been shipped with no it being recorded in any of the registers. The money amount realized by the Rajapaksa household is US $ 38,000 per kilogram. I am told that the total amount collected by the sale is US $ 13,300 million. This transaction had taken location with the expertise of HSBC bank.

Sirisena, if he wins the election, may possibly like to look into this. On the other hand, he may well believe it wiser not to do so. Nonetheless to look into the death of ‘Loku Athula’ is mandatory.

The Tamil people in the North and East and the Elections

As has been described, there was some speculation as to whether the Tamils in the North and East ought to just boycott the Elections as they did in 2005 – with disastrous consequences – this being the election of Mahinda Rajapaksa as President. This time it is going to be diverse, extremely various. They have suffered so significantly beneath the Rajapaksa junta that there is no way they will vote for him or abstain from voting.

The issue facing the Tamil folks is that they have no leaders -.at least not in Parliament. They do have leaders – the most noteworthy getting Rt Rev Bishop Dr Rayappu Joseph of Mannar, former Justice Wigneswaran, Head of the Northern Provincial Council and Tamil Civil Society, an outstanding group of academics and pros in Jaffna.

Their ‘elected representatives’ – the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) are a joke. Right after weeks of silence, the TNA has just woken up and mentioned that the Tamil men and women ought to vote for Sirisena. I think the Tamil individuals had realised this some tome ago while the TNA was asleep..

Sirisena may well not be in a position to address any of the major issues faced by the Tamils specially simply because of his close relations with rabid Buddhist monks.

What the Tamils cannot do is to elect a Sinhalese President, be it Rajapaksa or Sirisena, sit back and hope that their considerable difficulties will be addressed. They should know from extended knowledge spanning far more than half a century,that this will not be done.

The Tamil people should draw up a political system to fulfil their aspirations and mobilise themselves around such a plan with the leaders I have just described. The priority in this system is to stress for the correct of self-determination to ascertain what the Tamil men and women in the North and East want.

They have to insist on the instant admission of Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch into the nation in basic, the Tamil North and East in certain. It is a reasonable request that the planet need to assistance. Amazingly, this vital action has not even been talked about, let alone pursued.

A feasible outcome

All that has been written might come to naught, if Rajapaksa sweeps to victory employing fair indicates or foul and begins his eight year term, possibly to recontest in eight years for one more six years, buys back the gold, and locks up Sirisena for life. Nothing is impossible in Rajapaksa’s Sri Lanka. This has been documented for a lengthy time. It may not be about to adjust. It will then be for the majority Sinhalese to deal with the dilemma.

They can take heart from history. No dictator has lasted for ever. Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, Idi Amin – they have all come and gone. Rajapaksa is unlikely to be the exception. The only query is how a lot harm he will do to the country and its men and women before he goes.

By Vishwamithra1984 –

“The only way to make sense out of modify is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” ~Alan Watts

One particular more week for the Presidential Elections. The men and women of Sri Lanka are being asked to make a choice and it’s going to be the most critical political judgment they have been challenged to make. Bewildered by the unprecedented crossovers from each sides, the voters are nevertheless meandering among this valley and other peaks, wondering regardless of whether the incumbent is genuinely significant about restoring the fast-disappearing socio-cultural values. While the leaders are pontificating from the best of their voices about Buddhism and its abiding influence on the psyche of the wonderful majority of Sri Lankans and its values, they are also resorting to the most dastardly acts of violence, inhuman remedy of minorities and distorted sloganeering of sublime concepts.

Only a desperate clan of rulers would resort to such intense falsehoods only a losing side would adopt such brutally bizarre and blatantly shallow methods of persuasion. On each one particular of their election platforms, speaker right after seeker is offered a wide range of elasticity to stretch the truth a third-rate but widely common Bollywood actor is getting shown on their election platforms, for what earthly goal, one particular actually does not know. It reminds one particular of the definitely insensitive racing-auto festivals these guys held in Colombo and Kandy when the typical citizen is discovering it almost impossible to place three meals on the table on a daily basis. It is really clear that the ruling clan is caught up in its own web of deceit its extravagant spending and acquiring buried in their own muck and misery is evidenced in the bizarre way some of their supporters are behaving. As soon as once more, the moving drama of Sri Lankan political dynamics is displaying its dumbfounded audience the utter fallacy of temporary glory every single affordable human becoming could comprehend what precisely is happening around him but those who nevertheless wield energy appear to consider that that power would stay in their hands forever.

Some of the beneficiaries of this evil regime have selected to stay there, not since they don’t see the coming disaster but as they are not welcome in the Opposition ranks since the Opposition fears that they (the Opposition) as well will be tarred by the same brush of these wildly corrupt and unruly lackeys.   The hooligans who got elected to Parliament on the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) ticket are nevertheless playing ‘pandu’. The infamous Muthuhettigama incident and the deafening silence by the President on the same is ample evidence that Mahinda Rajapaksa has no manage more than his henchmen and women. Stories that run by way of the internet are not only funny some of them actually have been brilliantly created and would surely persuade some voters to adjust their minds, even at the eleventh hour.

Probably now it may possibly be a great time to assess the two campaigns. The contrasts are much far more definitive than similarities. On the a single hand, the Mahinda Rajapaksa campaign has had virtually limitless access to cash, muscle and power the Maithripala campaign sometimes looked woefully short in money but immensely wealthy in concepts, substance and of course style. The former’s obscene campaign of cutouts of their candidate, much to the annoyance of any intelligent particular person, played havoc during the run-up to the nomination day.

The following chart gives the reader a picture of how the two campaigns have fared according to the writer’s individual opinion. Numerous readers might disagree with my reading, yet I’m positive, most of them would agree with the assessment so given.

The blatant lies uttered by the Rajapaksa campaign are nauseating and the uncaring ease with which they are spoken, are crude and completely despicable. Nevertheless, elections that are won by sustaining a campaign of lies and half-truths are many, not only in the so-named Third World but much more so in the created West. But the Rajapaksas take all credit for lying in fantastic style. They can take Goebbels of the Hitler regime to school.

But come January eight, 2015, the individuals of Sri Lanka will choose to oust the Rajapaksas for many valid causes, the most prominent of which, not necessarily in the order given, are the following:

• Incumbency fatigue
• Corruption, nepotism and waste
• Breakdown in law and order
• Spiraling expense of living
• Spread of violence amongst second-tier Government politicians
• Abuse of energy
• Infringement on the Judiciary
• A single-loved ones rule
• Vulgar display of wealth by the Very first Family members
• Callous disregard for age-old values
• Uninhibited telling of lies
• Incoherent policy pronunciations

Predictions do not belong in the arena of politics. They belong exclusively to astrologers and extraterrestrial readers. But scientific forecasting is carried out by expert organizations using different polls and surveys. The writer has access to such polls accomplished throughout the period of December 18 – 23 and according to that specific survey, Maithripala Sirisena is ahead comfortably going over the 50% mark. For factors of confidentiality, I do not want to divulge the name of the polling business.

Let’s hope that this forecast holds very good.

By Malinda Seneviratne –

The United National Party (UNP) has not won a Presidential Election given that 1988. That is 26 years. In a could which saw frequent baton-changes between the two key parties, i.e. the UNP and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) or at least coalitions led by one or the other, this is a significant state of affairs.

Now it can be argued that Ranil Wickremesinghe was robbed, so to speak, each in 1999 and 2005. In 1999 a close election went the incumbent’s way when she lost an eye in a terrorist attack, the resulting sympathy translating into a vote-sway. In addition, S.B. Dissanayake when claimed that he had ensured that 400,000 හොර ඡන්ද (illegal votes) had been cast in her favor. The claimant of course late switched sides and was the UNP’s National Organizer for a even though just before crossing party lines once again. It is also claimed, frequently enough, that Ranil would have won in 2005 had the LTTE not stopped Tamils in the North and East from voting.

It appears to have gone downhill thereafter. The short UNP-led Government with Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister was roundly defeated in 2004. The UNP suffered one more key defeat in 2010 when the UPFA retained energy in a Parliamentary Election. Between 1994 and 2014, except for a brief high in regional government elections in 2002/three, Ranil’s UNP has lost so dozens of elections. It must be stated, nevertheless, that the provincial and neighborhood government elections typically go to the party holding power at the centre and hence Ranil was usually handicapped, not to mention the fact that the ruling celebration utilised the staggered-elections policy so that state resources could be more effectively (and illegally of course and as has been accomplished by all ruling parties, the UNP included) employed to safe victory.

For all this, the UNP’s manifest inability to field a credible candidate at presidential elections is a serious indictment on that party. In 2010, as the ‘Common Opposition Candidate’ Maithripala Sirisena observed, it was a challenging ask for anybody. He said he was surprised that the former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka polled the numbers he ended up with. This was, as he said, just following the country was rid of the terrorist menace soon after 3 lengthy decades of bombs, bullets, suicide attacks and bloodshed. Naturally, credit accrued to the man beneath whose leadership the battle was won. No one who says ‘all power resides with the president’ courtesy the constitution can genuinely argue that credit must go elsewhere.

The 2010 election was as a result going Mahinda Rajapaksa’s way anyway, whoever the UNP fielded. And yet, even in unfavorable circumstances, these in the weaker camps have not twiddled thumbs, either in Sri Lanka or elsewhere. Hector Kobbekaduwa in 1988 and Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1988 fought the great fight. Left candidates usually showed spirit. They all lost, but their respective parties gained, at least to the extent that they managed to periodically re-energize their ground-level networks.

The UNP on the other hand threw in the towel virtually right away right after the bell was rung for the initial round. In 2010, Sarath Fonseka was not a proxy but a sacrificial lamb. The help was lukewarm, the outcome was a foregone conclusion and the only consolation that the UNP got was the correct to say ‘we didn’t contest, so we didn’t drop!’ That’s as weak a brag as you can discover. If the UNP wounds of 2004 and 2005 had been close to receiving healed, the January 2010 victory of Mahinda opened them up. In April, the UNP bled and continued to bleed to the point that the regime was able to safe a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

One would have anticipated the UNP to find out some tough lessons, but this time about also the celebration was unable to put forward a credible candidate. Rather, it now supports a renegade of the party’s principal political enemy, expecting to get some tidbits need to he succeed in defeating the formidable incumbent, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

For all the talk of the Prime Minister for Ranil (for services rendered) in the occasion Maithripala Sirisena wins, for all the calculations about Maithripala needing the UNP’s Parliamentary group after January eight, 2015 (if he wins, again), the UNP has shown abysmal understanding of political realities.   On Day 1 of a Maithripala Presidency, he would not just be the all effective Executive President, he can count on the entire SLFP to turn its back on Mahinda and back him instead. The political future of all SLFP MPs, after all, would thereafter be tied to the fortunes of Maithripala and not Mahinda. It is not impossible to believe that he could even get the help of two-thirds of the MPs and institute constitutional reform without any assistance of the UNP!

Where would that leave the UNP? Where would that leave Ranil Wickremesinghe? In quick, in the event of a Maithripala victory, Ranil and the UNP will be totally dependent on Maithripala’s generosity. To spot one’s political eggs in a basket of a man who nevertheless claims to be the Secretary Common of a rival party is utterly naïve.

‘In the larger interest of the country,’ Ranil and the UNP can claim. ‘If only politics was a fairy tale!’ somebody would respond.

Is it a personality concern? Something incorrect with Ranil and not necessarily the celebration? Probably. The truth remains though that the celebration hasn’t been in a position to repair the problem if indeed this was the problem. So, as items stand, this side of the ‘national interest’ thesis, the celebration doesn’t stand to gain in the occasion Maithripala wins. Is this the explanation for the lethargy of the UNP’s electioneering machine on the ground? Right after all, there seemed to be a lot a lot more enthusiasm in Badulla during the Uva elections, with Harin Fernando leading the way.

*Malinda Seneviratne is the Chief Editor of ‘The Nation’ and his articles can be identified at www.malindawords.blogspot.com

By Sumanasiri Liyanage –

Tariq Ali, when informed us that democracy will perish even before capitalism reaches its finish. Does it imply a new phase of capitalism with the absence of democracy? In a way it is not a novel phenomenon considering that in its brief history, not going beyond 300 years, capitalism and democracy have not often co-existed. Contemporary democracy was invented under capitalism, but it has not been an outcome of capitalism. It has been an outcome of numerous struggles waged by various social layers of society invariably against capitalism. Sri Lanka has witnessed a robust tendency towards authoritarianism since the advent of a constitution with executive presidential program as its constitutional architecture and neoliberalism as its economic framework. Even though the presidential program facilitated the introduction of neoliberalism the latter in its turn reinforced the executive presidential method. This has created it less complicated us to picture a life without having democracy but not a life without having capitalism. Nonetheless, as soon as once more, democracy has become a crucial concern in the forthcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka ambiguity prevails over what democracy really signifies notwithstanding.

The forces that have been mobilized against the incumbent president have rightly raised the problem of democracy as a central concern facing the nation today. Democracy signifies different things for various individuals, for different social groups. Nevertheless, practically all the oppositional forces, except Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) had come to a consensus that in order to reestablish democracy in Sri Lanka a single of the vital prerequisite is the abolition of the executive presidential technique. It was explicitly states what is needed is to abolish it and replace it with a different program. There was a debate on the option method but the majority of the opposition wanted to go back to the Parliamentary method. Will the democratic aspirations of the men and women fulfil after the presidential election? Let us evaluation the election manifestos of the candidates. At the moment, I have three manifestos with me. I will focus 1st on the Manifestos of Candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) and candidate Maithripala Sirisena (MS). It is not uncommon to have some degree of rhetoric in election manifesto. Figure 1 summarizes proposals in two manifestos on the situation on constitutional alter. ( Click right here to read MS manifesto and here to MR manifesto)

It is exciting to note there is no fundamental difference amongst two candidates as far as the constitutional change/ amendment is concerned. Even though MR leaves the adjustments for the proposed constituent assembly only submitting his ideas on certain troubles, MS has offered detailed list of alterations he is arranging to make within 100 days hence leaving present constitutional architecture intact.

Hence, my conclusion is that with regard to the problems that have been raised by a variety of democratic fora in order to enhance democratic governance in the nation have been either marginalized or neglected in the two manifestoes. Considering that its inception, particularly given that the late 1980s, folks in this country voted for the abolition of the executive presidential system. Constitutional drafts and proposals submitted by citizens’ initiatives reflected this aspiration of the individuals. Nevertheless, the people who began to taste and take pleasure in the energy of the EP refused to adjust it. Ironically, Candidate MS has refused to adjust it following generating a guarantee to that respect even before tasting and enjoying it. In such a circumstance, can we count on democratic governance right after January 8?

The existing democracy discourse in Sri Lanka is marred by a quite narrow definition of democracy. This definition that was advanced for the specific needs of neo-liberalism following in the context of developing nations the Augmented Washington Consensus focuses principally on issues like governance, rule of law, non-interventionist state. Freedom of established media and so on. In other words, the basic objective of democracy is lowered to the operational needs of neo-liberalist phase of capitalism. It would be fascinating to evaluate the definition of democracy adopted right now with that of pre-1994 period. Before 1994 election, democracy included as an inseparable element the power-sharing arrangement although what it meant was not explicitly stated. At least it meant going beyond the 13th Amendment. It also included supplying a ‘human face’ to capitalism. Above all, the abolition of the executive presidential program as an intimate element of comprehensive constitutional redesign was integrated as a pre-requisite of the reestablishment of democracy. This clearly shows the degradation of democratic discourse in the final 20 years. What does it imply? Jairus Banaji, an Indian Marxist, when informed us about 3 meanings of democracy.

1. Democracy in the sense of the formal framework of a constitutional democracy with the rights to freedom and equality, the correct to life and individual liberty, to freedom of religion etc that it guarantees.

two. Democracy as a culture of resistance grounded in the constitutional rights offered beneath my 1st meaning.

three. Democracy as an aspiration for manage. One can see the Communist Manifesto as a generalization of democracy in this third sense (of the mass of workers aspiring to handle their own lives, economically, politically and culturally) and as a culmination of democracy in each the prior senses.  As a result for communists (in Marx’s sense) the mass element in democracy is crucial, it is what defines democracy in its most complete sense and historical form.

In the last twenty years we witnessed two types of democratic struggles. Democratic struggled initiated and led by numerous ‘citizen’ democratic groups operated inside economico-legal structure of neoliberalism with the primary objective of achieving these formal democratic rights. These struggles fell beneath the rubric of very first meaning cited above. And numerous of these movements are fundamentally urban and elitist. In restricted sense, some of them went beyond the first which means falling at the boundary of the second meaning.

The second sort of democratic struggles were not even depicted democratic struggles as they had questioned the standard economico-legal structure of neoliberalism. Here, I include, Tamil struggle for autonomy, the Free Trade Zone struggles against proposed pension bill to integrate EPF into accumulation method, struggles against forceful eviction of urban folks, protests by rural masses on numerous issues connected to their day to day living and the student struggles against commodification of education. In these struggles, even in restricted sense, peoples’ aspiration for control was expressed. It is also exciting note that these struggles were led by subaltern layers of the Sri Lankan society.

Two main candidates have failed in their manifestos to address even essential concerns raised by elitist citizen groups. As indicated in the Figure 1 above, both have refused to touch the unitary character of the Constitution. Although MR have said that he would recommend to the proposed constitution assembly to maintain the unitary character of the state, MS have informed he would not TOUCH the unitary and non-secular nature of the present constitution. Therefore ensuring majoritarian rule over numerically tiny nations would stay unchanged.

It was in this back drop, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has also refused to present an option. It has taken an opportunist position to show that it has not yet broken from its coalition politics that began in 2004. Similarly Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has been silent on the principal democratic demands of autonomy. The same can be described on the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC). All three parties have clearly capitulated to parliamentarism claiming that only two alternatives are open. The ideal selection opened for TNA and SLMC in my view is to field candidates on the basis of their key demands or to type a front with other subaltern forces on a minimum widespread plan. In the absence of those 3 forces, the only light at the end of the tunnel is the manifesto of the Left Front that comprehensively address the problems of democracy in its all 3 meanings. The Left Front led by 34 year old former student leader with consistent track record, Duminda Nagamuwa, proposes a setting up of a constituent assembly comprising not just Parliamentarians but the representatives of trade unions, peasant organizations and many other peoples’ organizations. He guarantees autonomy for numerically small nations and guarantees what has been currently provided for then will not be allowed to take back. A robust and vibrant social movement of subalterns dealing with all three meanings of democracy cited above is crucial if the Sri Lankan need democracy following January 9 whatever the outcome of the election.

*The writer is the co-coordinator of the Marx School. e-mail: [email protected]

By Latheef Farook –

The opposition presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena pledges straightforward life, Ven Sobitha Thero calls for social justice and Ven Athuraliya Thero struggles for excellent governance and accountability

Maithripala Sirisena says” on elected as the president he would not move into official residence Temple Trees but would reside in his own straightforward home. He has also declared his assets for every person to see. He is keen on major a straightforward life and serving the individuals of all communities.

As a result he calls for simplicity of life.

Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero who single handedly spearheaded the campaign to abolish the Executive Presidency with his National Movement for Social Justice wanted to ensure social justice for all in the country. He played a important part in the creation of a widespread opposition candidate. He should be paid tribute simply because he fought for justice at a time not a lot of in the nation were even ready to speak about justice due to fear of revenge.

Therefore he calls for social justice.

Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero, a Buddhist monk, a vibrant politician and a dynamic member of the Parliament, formed an organization named ‘Pivithuru Hetak’ (The National Council for a Much better Tomorrow) to   adjust the current presidential method by educating   political leaders, intellectuals, academics and the public on essential information important on very good governance for the betterment of the nation.

Hence he calls for accountability and good governance.

Simple life, social justice and very good governance to the benefit of all are all what Islam is about.This is what Allah told us in the Holy Quran to make sure a much better society far more than 14 centuries ago. This is what our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) has shown us by living a life reflecting the Holy Quranic teachings. In reality he was the personification of all what was taught in the Holy Quran.

In truth fantastic Caliph Omar who constructed an empire stretching from North India to Mediterranean capturing which includes Jerusalem without shedding a drop of blood and ruled with justice was identified for his simplicity and just rule.

For example Caliph Umar, busy doing some official function in the light of an oil lamp, place off his lamp when a visitor who came to see him stated he had just come to pay a social call. There was darkness everywhere. When the visitor asked why he place off the oil lamp Caliph said “I was performing workplace work and the burning oil in the lamp is the property of the folks and he was not entitled to use that oil to entertain a friend”.

In this regard it is worth recalling how Caliph Omar captured Jerusalem with his simplicity.

When the Muslim army entered Jerusalem the Patriarch of the city Sophronius stated that he would negotiate only with Caliph Umar and that nobody enters Jerusalem prior to Caliph Umar. On hearing this Caliph Umar informed that he was on his way.

Accompanied by a servant, Caliph Umar rode on camelback to Jerusalem although he could have been accompanied by an entourage that could have made the ground tremble beneath the hooves of horses. He did so to show simplicity and ensure that Allah alone deserves all the glories.

On reaching Jerusalem, it was the servant’s turn to ride the camel and as a mark of respect to Caliph Umar and to make sure that the individuals see the Caliph, the servant wanted the Caliph to ride the camel. Nonetheless Caliph Umar refused and entered Jerusalem on foot whilst the servant rode the camel to the shock and surprise of every person such as Patriarch Sophronius. On reaching the place Caliph Umar continued the journey on foot carrying his shoes in hand below the astonished gaze of the folks.

Caliph Umar walked to the army wearing modest threadbare clothes. The Christians who watched almost everything from the walls of Jerusalem were amazed at the strange simplicity, unable to believe that this straightforward man could be the leader of these properly equipped armies.

The Patriarch Sophronius who saw the unfolding scenes with excellent admiration stated to his folks that no one in the planet would be capable to stand up to these men and women and advised them to surrender to be saved.

Soon after the treaty was signed the essential to the city was formally handed over in 637 AC. The gates of Jerusalem had been opened and Caliph Umar entered along a promenade that led him to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Caliph Umar was inside and the Patriarch Sophronius said to him “pray”. However Caliph Umar declined, fearing it may well establish a precedent that would threaten the church&#8217s continued use as a Christian home of worship. Alternatively he prayed in an location to the south of the church, now the site of the Mosque of Umar in Jerusalem.

In performing so Caliph Umar showed the world the meaning of tolerance and generosity in victory and strength. It was the greatness of Islam that shone in his spirit and was reflected in his ethics though he was a particular person known for his firmness and courage.

United States President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameroon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all soaked in innocent Muslim blood, need to have to understand a lot from Caliph Umar on good governance.

With regard to Ven Sobitha Thero’s get in touch with for social justice , in the Holy Quran- in Chapter Al-NISA (Women) Allah says

“Believers, be upholders of justice and bearers of witness to truth for the sake of Allah, even even though it may either be against yourselves or against your parents and kinsmen, or the wealthy or the poor, for Allah is far more concerned with their well-getting than you are. Do not, then, comply with your own desires lest you maintain away from justice. If you twist or turn away from (the truth), know that Allah is nicely aware of all that you do. (from Sayyid Abul A’la Maudi’s Towards Understanding the Quran. Vol 11 Surahs four-6)

Ven Sobitha Thero and a lot of other individuals involved in the presidential campaign call for constitutional adjustments which assure accountability.

Islam advocates accountability “Abdullah reported that Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) stated: Every single one particular of you is a guardian and accountable for his charge. Thus the Amir (Ruler or Head of State) is a guardian of the folks and He is accountable for them. And a man is a guardian of his household and he is accountable for them and a females is in charge of the household and her young children and she is accountable for them and a servant is guardian of his master’s house, absolutely everyone of you is accountable for his subjects” (Bukhari, al-Jam’al-Sahih)

Accountability for Islamic leaders goes beyond the confines of this life they will also be accountable to Allah in the Hereafter. Here are two relevant sayings from the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) about the consequences to Islamic leaders who are corrupt, and self-serving:

1. “There is no governor who rules Muslim subjects and dies, obtaining played foul with them, but Allah will forbid him Paradise”
2. “If he does not strive diligently to promote their welfare, he will not enter Paradise with them.”

“Verily, Allah commands you to make more than the trusts to these entitled to them. And that when you judge amongst them, you judge with justice.” (four:58)

Islam is also in total agreement with Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero’s call for a corrupt free of charge society below very good governance to the benefit of all. In reality this is what Holy Quran has been teaching for the past more than 14 centuries. This was the just rule in Madina for the duration of the time of Prophet Muhammad and beneath righteous caliphs. Regrettably western imperil powers distort Islam and demonize Muslims to invade and destroy Muslim countries and Muslim societies to loot their wealth and guarantee that Islam remains suppressed to suit their evil designs. Thus the planet is unable to comprehend Islam. Sri Lanka is no exception.

The Quran states: “And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been extreme and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you so pass more than (their faults), and ask (Allah’s) Forgiveness for them and seek the advice of them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a choice, put your trust in Allah, undoubtedly, Allah loves those who place their trust (in Him)” (three:159).

Exceptional Islamic leaders  are truthful, just and keep away from bribery and corruption.

“And do not devour your wealth amongst yourselves by means of falsehood, and provide it not as a bribe to the authorities that you may possibly knowingly devour a portion of the wealth of other individuals with injustice.” (two:189).

Ibn Masud said that Allah&#8217s Messenger (Pbuh) slept on a reed mat and got up with the mark of it on his physique. He stated, &#8220O Allah&#8217s Messenger! I wish you would order us to spread one thing out for you and make anything.&#8221 The Prophet replied, &#8220What have I to do with the planet, I am like a rider who rests for a although below the shade of a tree, then goes off and leaves it.&#8221 Ubaid-Allah bin Muhsin reported Allah&#8217s Messenger (Pbuh) as saying, &#8220If any person among you is secure in thoughts in the morning, healthful in physique and has meals for the day, it is as even though the complete world has been brought into his Possession.&#8221

Abu Hurairah reported Allah&#8217s Messenger (Pbuh) as saying, &#8220Look at these who are inferior to you and do not appear at these who are superior to you, for that is far more most likely to hold you from despising Allah&#8217s Favor on you.&#8221 Abu Talha said, &#8220When we complained to Allah&#8217s Messenger of hunger and raised our clothes to show we have been every single carrying a stone over our belly, he raised his garments and showed that he had two stones on his belly.&#8221

Once Umar entered Prophet’s house and noticed the state of the furniture in it. Prophet himself had only 1 sheet of cloth round him to cover the decrease element of his physique. There was a single basic bed, with a single pillow filled with nut fiber on one particular side of the room was some barley and in a single corner near his feet was an animal skin. There were some water-bag skins hanging beside his bed. Umar mentioned that on seeing these tears came into his eyes. Allah&#8217s Messenger asked the cause for his tears. He replied, &#8220O Allah&#8217s Messenger! Why shouldn&#8217t I cry! The strings of the bed have left marks on your body. This is a tiny room with all your furnishings I can see what there is. The Kaiser (Cesar) of Rome and Kisra (Khosru) of Persia get pleasure from luxurious living while you, Allah&#8217s Messenger and the Selected One particular, reside like this.&#8221 He mentioned, &#8220Ibn Al-Khattab! Don&#8217t you like that they decide on this planet and we choose the Hereafter?&#8221.

In brief, Muhammad (Pbuh) lived and liked a straightforward life and enjoyed every minute of it. He taught his companions, via his private instance, to lead a straightforward life and not to be ostentatious.

Where are we following 14 centuries nowadays?

It is worthy to note that Islam and great Islamic rulers like Caliph Umar have disappeared from the Muslim Middle East which was turned into a killing field by United States, Europe and Israel in collaboration with the Arab dictators. All what we have is a group of treacherous anti individuals anti Islamic dictators serving their US-European masters who have installed and maintained them in energy to implement their evil agendas against Muslims.

This contains the land of Islam Saudi Arabia exactly where the ruthless dictator, the most oppressive ruler in the planet, brutalizing folks in comprehensive violation of Islam. Hence a single must not judge the present set of dictators in the Middle East by Islamic values.

JHU General Secretary and a front-liner of the frequent Opposition movement, Patali Champika Ranawaka nowadays challenged the Rajapaksa regime to clarify the crimes that are being probed and punishments that would be meted out on these found guilty of war crimes by the Presidential Commission on Disappearances.

Speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo this afternoon, Ranawaka said President Rajapaksa ought to first clarify the specific charges that are becoming probed by the Commission and the punishments for the perpetrators

&#8220Our stand onthe subject is that if there are charges against any military personnel, it need to be probed and action against them should be taken inside the legal framework obtainable domestically. There have been several situations in Sri Lanka where such action has been taken against military personnel when found guilty,&#8221 he mentioned while adding that the government has no appropriate to speak on war crimes because it has already mandated the Disappearance Commission to investigate into it.

He went on to point out that by inviting international authorities to guidance the Commission if and when required, has also resulted in an international intervention.

&#8220We don&#8217t agree with international interventions into this matter. We strongly think it has to be carried out domestically,&#8221 he added.

Speaking further he also blamed President Rajapaksa, External Affairs Minister and Coordinating MP for the External Affairs Ministry for the present deterioration of Sri Lanka&#8217s foreign relations.

&#8220In 2009 Sri Lanka had secured a 2/3 majority inside the Human Rights Council but this circumstance was totally turned about within a handful of months by the negligence of officials,&#8221 he stated.

He also commented on the allegations that have been produced by former Basic Secretary of the UNP, Tissa Attanayake on a secret deal made by the typical Opposition to decrease troops in the North.

&#8220We learn that an attempt is becoming made to prevent the voters in the Northern province from casting their votes. This is a fine example of the true nature of the relations among the government and the LTTE. . . So I urge the Northern province residents to make use of their right to vote,&#8221 he added.

By W.A. Wijewardena –

A drastic reduction in crude oil rates

Crude oil rates in the planet marketplace have tumbled and they are nevertheless tumbling. The average price of the West Texas Intermediate category of crude oil stood at a level of $ 100 per barrel, which is equal to 159 litres a handful of months ago. It has now fallen to a level of $ 60 per barrel final week. This is practically a decline of 40% in an important commodity within a couple of months.

Supply has grown quicker than demand causing prices to fall.

The price of any commodity falls mainly due to that commodity getting an excess provide. An excess supply can occur due to a fall in demand or an boost in provide or both. In the present predicament, when the Northern Hemisphere of the globe goes into winter, the demand for oil merchandise usually rises simply because of the require for heating. Hence, if there is an excess supply this winter, it is primarily due to the supply of crude oil increasing faster than the improve in demand.

Two theories have been raised to explain the present excess supply of crude oil in the marketplace. One is financial and the other is political.

The US going into tapping shale oil sources

The economic motives are significantly less unknown in this part of the world. That is, the United States has, in a massive way, explored oil in new oilfields recognized as ‘shale oil’ fields by utilizing a new technology referred to as ‘fracking’ which is the shortened kind of what is ordinarily referred to as ‘fracturing’.

Oil shale refers to a rock situated about 4-5 km beneath the surface of the earth containing solid bituminous components referred to as kerogen that are released as petroleum-like liquids by heating the rocks (accessible right here) The shale oil is in strong form and for that reason can’t be pumped to the ground like the oil that is extracted from conventional oil fields. Hence, even although the availability of oil in shale rocks was known for centuries, the industrial exploitation of shale oil did not take spot until the early component of the second decade of the new millennium.

Even as late as 2011, the US Bureau of Land Management had concluded that “there are no economically-viable ways but identified to extract and process shale oil for commercial purposes.”

The fracking technology to bring shale oil up

But this was not to be for extended. A new technique of tapping the vast deposits of oil and gas contained in shale rocks was employed on a industrial basis in the US right after about 2012. That was called hydraulic fracturing or merely ‘fracking’.

With this approach, what is becoming done is that a vertical hole is drilled up to the formation of shale rocks, which are located about four km beneath the ground level. This vertical drill is continued horizontally via the shale rock related to the ‘donas’ which a single finds in gem pits in Ratnapura. Then, about 4 million litres of water mixed with sand and chemical compounds are injected at higher stress to the horizontal section of the drill causing the shale rock to fracture and crack open, similar to the fracturing which could happen in a bone of the physique when it is subjected to a heavy blow.

The fissures developed by the fracturing are kept open by the sand that is released along with the water mixture. It causes the shale rock to release the gas and oil which had been contained within it for a lot of millions of years. The oil and gas mixed with water are then pumped back to the ground, separated and employed for further processing. The recovered water is initial stored in open pits and then removed to treatment plants.

The fracking revolution

Fracking has revolutionised oil and gas exploration in the world. This was hitherto a commercially untapped resource and now it is getting tapped on a huge scale, especially in the northern portion of the United States.

Its sudden proliferation has helped the United States to increase production of each these energy things. By 2014, the US became self-adequate in natural gas and in the case of oil, emerged as the world’s biggest producer of crude oil, driving Saudi Arabia down to second spot.

It is estimated that by 2020 the US will grow to be self-enough in crude oil as effectively. This was excellent news for Obama administration which had been beleaguered by all for a lack of visible financial recovery in the country. Hence, despite the protests against fracking on environmental grounds, the Obama administration is openly supporting the new oil exploration venture which US companies have undertaken.

The world’s fracking mania

Shale oil is not confined only to the US. It is abundantly accessible in the southern provinces of Canada, Lithuania, China and New Zealand. Soon after it was proved that fracking technology was a industrial good results, all these countries have now started plans to exploit their shale oil resources. The enhanced oil and gas production in the US has decreased its imports making a glut in the present power marketplace, sending prices down.

Planned future shale oil exploration by other nations will hold the market place glut going for numerous a lot more years. The present surplus as effectively as the anticipated surplus has sent oil costs tumbling in the globe industry. That is the economic cause for the present decline in oil prices.

A conspiracy theory to clarify falling oil rates

The political cause is connected with a well-liked ‘conspiracy theory’. The present glut has been augmented by Saudi Arabia’s refusal to reduce oil production to match the decreased import demand to sustain oil prices at its historical typical of $ one hundred a barrel.

The Saudis have rationalised that even if oil prices have come down to $ 40 a barrel, they would nevertheless not take into account cutting oil production. The present low oil costs are a loss to Saudis and other members of the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries, popularly recognized as OPEC. But if costs further tumble to a $ 40 level, their losses would be augmented beyond recovery.

In this background, what has prompted the Saudis to stubbornly refuse to reduce oil production? The conspiracy theory has been harboured to justify this irrational behaviour.

Bringing Russia to its knees

It has been argued that the Saudis want to punish 3 parties by permitting oil costs to fall in the market place. First, it is to punish Russia which is supporting the Assad regime in Syria which the Saudis want to topple. Russia is heavily dependent on its oil sources for financing the price range and earning foreign exchange. About a half of its budgetary revenue and about 60% of its export earnings come from the oil sector. When these earnings dwindle on best of the present financial sanctions against Russia by the US and the EU on account of its expansionary policy toward Ukraine, Russia is anticipated to fall to its knees, completely appreciating the emerging stark economic realities.

Currently Russia has been punished by these two counts: its currency, the rouble, has fallen in the marketplace from about 30 roubles a dollar to 70 roubles a dollar. The Russian Central Bank is desperately trying to maintain the rouble from further falling by releasing some of the dollar reserves it is holding and escalating interest rates to an unprecedentedly high level of 17% per annum. Each these measures are anticipated to punish Russia in the long run by shrinking its economy.

Punishing Iran for getting nuclear ambitions

The second celebration which it is claimed that the Saudis want to punish is the unfriendly regime in Iran. Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been deemed by the Saudis as a threat to their existence. Since it is unlikely that Western sanctions against Iran could force the regime to abandon its nuclear ambitions, it is said that the Saudis want to make their own attempt. That is, by forcing oil prices to fall in the market place and sustaining them at those low levels for sometime the Saudis want to provide a fatal blow to that nation.

Damn the US shale producers

The third party to be punished, according to this conspiracy theory, are the shale oil makers in the US. Tapping shale oil resources is a costly affair and if oil prices fall beneath $ 80 per barrel, offered the current expense structure, the boom in the shale oil sector in the US will come to a sudden finish. Thus, it is alleged that the Saudis want to get rid of a single of their rivals who has resorted to option oil exploration.

Can the Saudis be on a self-destructive path?

This conspiracy theory is rationalised by pointing to the low expense of the production of crude oil in Saudi Arabia. Because Saudi oil is found pretty close to the surface level, it is blessed with the lowest expense among all the oil producers in the planet.

Its charges range in between $ 15 and $ 25 per barrel whereas in all other nations they are above 50 per barrel. So, the Saudis can still survive even at a price tag of $ 40 per barrel whereas all other producers, including the US’s shale oil producers, will vanish from the industry at that value level.

It is economics and not conspiracies which rules markets

Several believe in this conspiracy theory due to the fact it is exciting and attractive to the well-liked sentiments of people. It is the big and potent guys who are to be punished and not the poor nations in the world. Hence, a conspiracy theory which suggests that the US is going to be punished has considerably a lot more appeal than any other conspiracy theory.

But if this conspiracy theory is true, then, the Saudis are on a self-destruction path. Saudi Arabia depends principally on its oil sector for wealth, export earnings and prosperity. If oil prices are at a low level for a considerable period of time, it is Saudi Arabia which is to endure more than these countries which it desires to punish. Additional, though the Saudis can withstand and survive through a cost reduction, all other members of OPEC can’t do so due to the higher price of oil production by them. A lot of such producers, especially Venezuela and Nigeria, have to close shop if they are hit by such an external oil value shock.

It is as a result unlikely that any rational selection-maker would go for such a self-destructive choice. Hence, it is more probably that these punishments are basically a natural consequence of the present global oversupply in oil rather than deliberate action taken by 1 of the major oil producers.

Market’s reaction to low oil rates

Hence, the all-natural industry forces will do a series of market adjustments to right the present fall in oil rates. Pressure would be exerted on Saudi Arabia to cut output and thereby bring oil prices up once more. Investors in shale oil in the US, obtaining that their oil wells are no far more economical, will voluntarily restrict oil production thereby permitting oil imports to the US as soon as once again.

These nations which are blessed with shale oil deposits will postpone their plans to tap this resource thereby taking out the anticipated market place provide of crude oil due to new shale oil exploration. Accordingly, marketplace costs will start moving up once once again and get stabilised at around $ 80 to $ 90 per barrel. That cost is an economic value for all other oil producers in the globe.

Low oil rates are an inhibiter to Sri Lanka’s Mannar Basis ambitions

Sri Lanka’s existing oil consumption stands at about 1 billion litres of petrol and two billion litres of diesel per annum. It would have gained a substantial advantage due to the low oil rates had it not enhanced its vehicle imports in a massive measure in the current past via a supporting duty reduction.

Vehicle registrations are increasing at a rate demanding a lot more oil and diesel imports. Accordingly, though the price is low, the volume will improve, decreasing the total advantage which the nation would have gotten out of the decline in oil rates in the planet market.

Sri Lanka’s nascent oil exploration efforts in the Mannar Basin will also suffer if oil rates are at a level of $ 80 or beneath. These offshore oil explorations are such a pricey affair, even North Sea oil producers cannot survive unless oil rates have risen to a level of $ 90 and above.

If the prices are reduced than this threshold value, the Mannar Basin oil could be pumped up only with a supporting subsidy by the Government. Hence, it will be a lot more economical for Sri Lanka to hold the oil under the sea level in the Mannar Basin alternatively of taking it out.

The current value fall is a temporary phenomenon

Consequently according to economic logic, the present tumble of oil rates in the globe markets is going to be a short-term phenomenon. They will stay at these low levels only for another six to eight months. Soon after that, prices will settle when again at a level of about $ 80- $ 90 a barrel.

*W.A Wijewardena, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, can be reached at [email protected]

By Rajiva Wijesinha –

Enemies of the President’s Guarantee: Dopey 3

Namal in fact had no inhibitions about discussing with buddies the profitable enterprise bargains he was involved in. But it is attainable that he did not think there was anything incorrect with all these. More than the years a culture of close involvement of politicians with the enterprise sector had created, and the favours received from them had been observed merely as tokens of friendship – as were the concessions and contracts the complaisant businessmen received. So Chandrika Kumaratunga benefited as President from the largesse of a businessman known as Ronnie Pieris, who did extremely well beneath the regime, although one more close pal who had worked for Emirates ended up, when he was appointed head of Air Lanka, as it employed to be identified, by subordinating it to that airline. Emirates emerged strengthened immeasurably by the partnership while Air Lanka lost a lot of the reputation and the attain it had earlier enjoyed. But these seemed isolated examples, and the connections to any incentives had been never direct.

But by the time the Rajapaksa regime was settled in, the potential for company had expanded immeasurably, and Namal, with initially a lower profile than these holding executive positions, but with certainly the greatest influence of all, was soon swiftly befriended by several regional and foreign businessmen. But as with the Packer deal, he could doubtless convince himself that he was advertising far more financial activity in Sri Lanka, and that the nation would also advantage.

One more region in which his friends had a field day was the Stock Exchange, which it quickly became identified was being ruthlessly manipulated. The President’s vital innocence about this sort of thing seemed apparent when he appointed as its Chairman Indrani Sugathadasa, a former senior public servant of wonderful integrity, who was also the wife of his Secretary Lalith Weeratunge. But just before lengthy she felt obliged to resign, and the President accepted her resignation. She had asked her husband just before she resigned regardless of whether it would impact his position, and he had reassured her because he did not consider he could contribute to the vitiation of her integrity. But, offered that it was rumoured that Namal had played a function, on behalf of his buddies, in generating her position untenable, the matter obviously impacted his personal feelings and his possible effectiveness.

Mrs Sugathadasa was replaced by an additional figure of known integrity, a former Member of Parliament, Tilak Karunaratne. He was also concerned about education, and was a member of an advisory group I had set up named Religion, Education And Pluralism. After he was appointed, he recommended that we meet in the Security Exchanges Commission office, since that would save him the extended journey to my Reconciliation Office which was near Parliament. I asked him then how confident he felt about his position, and the clearing up he thought was vital, and he told me that the President had assured him of a totally free hand to restore self-confidence. But inside a handful of months he too resigned.

His successor was deemed far more prepared to oblige those in power, but even he, shortly following his appointment, was rumoured to have attributed a shaky transaction to the Secretary of Defence. The matter was hushed up, but it was a sad decline for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose reputation for economic integrity had earlier been above reproach. The association with Duminda Silva had dealt it a blow, but now it seemed that he also had systemic involvements with big company. This seemed additional established with the incident at Weliweriya, where it was claimed that the forces had been referred to as out at the behest of the Chairman of a organization which was under criticism for polluting the water provide.

Ironically, there was no evidence that the firm had deviated from safety requirements, and Gotabaya’s view that the protests had been orchestrated was almost certainly appropriate. Entertainingly, if tragically from the viewpoint of the bereaved, the protests against the business had been promoted by Mervyn Silva, who was believed to be close to Basil as a major politician of the Gampaha District where Basil had headed the poll for the government. But the initial qualms of the individuals about the water provide had not been addressed, even though misleading details about the PH aspect of the water in the area had contributed to anxieties which burst out in fervent protests. The selection then to deploy the army may possibly have been made in the belief that, if protracted and violent, the factory would be damaged – but the upshot was that the factory had to move, given the resentment the deaths roused. That this was largely due to internal rivalries was symptomatic of how far the government of President Rajapaksa had moved from its initial unity. And the absence of any systems to appear swiftly into public grievances created it clear that no one particular was interested in advertising the grass roots level consultations, with prompt redress for issues, that had been a cornerstone of the Rajapaksa manifesto.

Though the President must in the finish take responsibility for the failure to live up to his ideals, the truth is that he was now operating in a planet really distinct from the easy understanding of politics that he had evinced in his own profession, and which he had inherited from his father and his uncle ahead of him. Mahinda Rajapaksa was the initial elected leader of Sri Lanka who did not come from the Western Province, and his commitment as a result to rural improvement was special (although it should also be granted that President Premadasa before him, from the Western Province but a comparatively deprived background, also understood and worked on the want for equitable development). But he left the bulk of activity in this regard to Basil, who concentrated on cement rather than people. Gotabaya, although devoted to his soldiery, often thought safety required repression of men and women who evinced hostility, even of the mildest sort. And Namal, who ought to have been most concerned with the Rajapaksa legacy, was emphatically a child of Colombo, devoted to the concerns of the rich with whom his closest associations have been.

Mahinda Rajapaksa had perhaps been lucky in that his mentor had not been capable to gain him admission to S. Thomas’ when he moved to Colombo. He had been told by the then Warden of the College that it was too late to bring the boy into conformity with the culture there. But Namal’s admission to that elite establishment was facilitated in the nineties and, although he did not shine in school, and was certainly deemed a straightforward but decent youngster, he absorbed a culture which was by then orientated towards the consumerism of the West. The magnificient collection of watches that Namal possessed, brand names in designs and colours to match whatever else he might be wearing, was probably the most critical symbol of what his education had given him

But what was far more critical than such tastes was his potential to finance such tastes. My personal understanding of how the young man operated created when I was told by Arjuna Ranatunga, former Sri Lankan Cricket Captain, how Namal had sought to profit by investment in cricket. Arjuna had been an SLFP Member of Parliament, but he had left the celebration in 2010 to help Sarath Fonseka, so it is feasible that his story was coloured by his political position. But he had generally had a reputation for integrity as well as strength of character, and I had found him a committed colleague at the Committee on Public Enterprises, exactly where he had also evinced a powerful social commitment.

He had been particularly scathing in the examination of Sri Lanka Cricket, exactly where his brother had been the Chief Executive whilst also operating for the Carlton Sports Network. His questioning made it clear that the award to that Network of telecasting rights for cricket matches, a especially profitable contract, had been irregular. But Arjuna also noted that the losses Sri Lanka Cricket was creating was because of huge expenditure to develop up stadiums for the Globe Cup in which we had been co-hosts. His point was that this was unnecessary, since when he had been in charge of Sri Lanka Cricket he had reached an agreement with the World Physique that the facilities we had did not call for enormous upgrading for the purposes for which they would be used.

Later he told me that the President had wanted him to develop a globe class cricket stadium in Hambantota, his personal District, the list of representatives for which in Parliament was now headed by Namal. Arjuna had told him that such expenditure would be a waste, and that it produced much more sense to create facilities in schools in the area to train up youngsters. The President had seemed annoyed, but he had evidently taken to heart Arjuna’s point that, whilst the nation must not invest on this, he was prepared to function on it if there had been an investor – for Namal named Arjuna up soon afterwards to say he had one particular accessible.

The dilemma was that, when Arjuna had told him it would price about 15 million dollars, Namal had asked him to say it would be 30. Arjuna stuck to his figure when the man was brought to see him, and the man had seemed interested, but stated he wanted to be confident Arjuna remained in charge. But Arjuna stated he could not assure that, provided his political commitments, and the investor lost interest. But the stadium was then constructed, at huge and unnecessary expense as Arjuna described it.

The President doubtless went ahead with the project simply because of his devotion to his residence District. He had already had a harbour built there, which created a lot of sense provided that it lay on properly employed sea routes. Though there have been difficulties connected with a rock that seemed an obstruction, those could doubtless be overcome, and in time the harbour would probably prove a sensible investment.

There was much less optimism about the new airport that had been constructed in the Hambantota District. Even though a second airport was a good idea, its siting left significantly to be preferred, considering that it was far from the coastal areas that it should have serviced if tourism was a priority. And no work had been made to develop the infrastructure in the region and guarantee excellent cause for passenger planes to get in touch with there. So the couple of that had began operating there gave up, and inside a couple of years there had been no typical flights there, except for some Sri Lankan Airlines flights that known as there en route to or from Colombo, an workout that was wasteful of time and income.

When to this was added a stadium in the District, it was clear that sentiment had overcome rationality. But the added difficulty, about the further cost which Namal’s involvement seemed to entail, was possibly not anything for which the President could be held straight accountable. It was clear nonetheless that his excessive indulgence was proving especially tough on the country.

And no matter whether Namal understood the needs of the country, as opposed to his own, seemed in doubt. One particular of the saddest stories about him was that he had not been worried about Sri Lanka losing the vote in Geneva in 2012, because that could be utilized to win votes at elections in Sri Lanka. It is tough to think that he could have been so callous about the forces who would be the victims of the Western try to pin war crimes charges on Sri Lanka, but it was argued that that may well clarify the own goals the Sri Lankan team engaged in, ignoring the approach of our Permanent Representative, Tamara Kunanayakam and her efforts to create up defences internationally. Sadly, inside a couple of years of Mahinda Rajapaksa becoming elected to his second term, choices seemed to be in the hands of those without having the capacity to program or think beyond their own interests.