Introduction of fintech regulatory sandbox by Central Bank is a move in correct direction

A regulatory sandbox

 Monday, 14 May 2018

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has recently announced its intention to create a sandbox for financial institutions to experiment with new financial technologies, without running the risk of getting caught for violating regulations pertaining to the sector (available at: https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/sites/default/files/cbslweb_documents/press/notices/notice_20180502_sri_lankan_fintech_regulatory_sandbox_e.pdf).

Introduction of fintech regulatory sandbox by Central Bank is a move in correct direction.docx by Thavam on Scribd

SRI LANKA: Crime - Something no one wants to touch

by Basil Fernando-April 24, 2018

One of the things that the Sri Lankan State as well as the Civil Society itself has given up on- is the control of crime. Crime has spread into everything and continues to spread further and further. However, we see that the more crime spreads, the less amenable it is for us to look into the issues and correct them.

One of the greatest crimes spreading like a cancer in Sri Lankan society today is Extortion. Extortion has spread into everything, in practice crippling every sort of economic activity, especially at the grass roots level. Running a small shop or starting a small business will be confronted with demands from extortionists. The small profits that could be made out of these businesses are not enough to meet the demands. Even a big business like the transporting of people is rife with demands from all sides. They threaten dire consequences if their requests are denied. These demands come from highly organized groups with no way of escaping their tentacles. As extortion became widespread, every group that exercised any power, became deeply involved. They focused on getting hold of their own personal share of money from such businesses. Local Police Officers, local Politicians and Bureaucrats, ALL got their share. With that kind of ambience, pro-active, preventative efforts against such crimes became less frequent.

Of course, EXTORTION is not the only crime taking place in Sri Lanka. The drug business has also spread seriously among the population. Even the people who exercise moral authority in society no longer take much interest in fighting these evils. The nature of these crimes is usually seen in a country where there is massive unemployment and poverty. It is easy to find people to become agents of such crimes. Once a section of the poor gets a taste for this crime, as a way of sometimes making money, bad things ensue. The whole situation gets so embedded in Society that it is almost impossible to find ways to fight against it. When the poor are devoid of opportunities to make a living, it does not take long for some to decide that taking risks with crime is perhaps the most convenient way open to them. Changes come in the social consciousness of the poorest sections of society. And when that happens, there are few means to deal with such a situation. As people experience being in and out of the Courts or in prison themselves, the type of change that take place within them is beyond anyone’s expression and imagination. This is HOW crime has found its way into Sri Lankan Society.

When a problem becomes too complex, attitudes tend to adjust. Officers who are supposed to deal with difficulties go through various changes in their own approaches. They take the view that if something cannot be resolved easily, just allow it to drag on. In that way, they can avoid more confrontational approaches being taken against the evildoers. They can avoid the consequences of such confrontations. They can also try to escape the blame that comes from society by attributing the delays to external factors beyond their control. The more problems like this drag on, a climate is created which encourages criminals. They know that they do not have many formidable obstacles to face when engaging in crime. Thus, we see in the Courts, in the Prosecutor’s Office as well as in the Police Stations, the development of numerous solutions to let things go dragging on as usual.

In such circumstances, other crimes, which involve greater degrees of direct violence, take place with impunity. Murder, rape, sexual abuse, theft, robbery - all these things are increased manifold. General changes in the social atmosphere where resistance to crime is virtually non-existent, are utilized.

The consequences of the above examples are most dangerous. Cynical attitudes relating to crime develop. This particularly affects crimes relating to sexual abuse. Instead of being scandalized by such acts of violence, Society takes a rather cynical approach. It even begins to place blame on victims of crime. To some, especially the young, crime begins to appear as an adventure while social condemnation of crime becomes less and less.

Website Editor Hits Apsari For A Six – Exposes Her As Inside Informant

MAY 12, 2018

Apsari Singhabahu Tillakaratne the current Convener of Women’s Cricket at Sri Lanka Cricket has been exposed as the mole who leaks inside information to the media.

Apsari

The editor of social media website Cricket Age Pushpendra Albe in a Facebook altercation with Apsari’s son Ravindu Tillakaratne wrote “I still respect ur mother, as she supported me, called me dozens of times and gave insides, so don’t ruin it”.

Despite operating out of India, Cricket Age also recently published a series of articles leading up to the recent suspension of SLC’s Assistant Secretary Ravin Wickramaratne. Wickramaratne was named as the chief architect who was responsible in fixing the outcome of a domestic cricket match played earlier between Panadura Sports Club and Kalutara Physical Culture Club.

A Sri Lanka Cricket Board official speaking to Colombo Telegraph on condition of anonymity said “It was unbelievable. someone was leaking information to Cricket Age like a running commentary whilst the inquiry was going on. Chairman SLC Thilanga Summathipala was furious and wanted to find out who the mole within us was. Finally the mole is being exposed”.

Meanwhile despite being staunch supporters of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, both Apsari Tillakaratne and her husband Hashan Tillakaratne were given prominent posts by the current Chairman SLC and President Maithripala Sirisena’s yahapalanaya supporter Thilanga Sumathipala.

The former national skipper Hashan Thilakaratne who was axed earlier as a national cricket selector was later reinstated as the national side’s batting coach and now is the current coach of the Sri Lanka under 19 team.

With politics reigning supreme especially after Sri Lanka won the ICC’s World Cup in 1996, the day to day running affairs of SLC has been marred with much political interferences.

Hashan Tillakaratne a politician himself who once contested government elections on the United National Party ticket crossed over to the Mahinda Rajapaksa camp barely weeks before the 2015 Presidential Elections.

Currenty he too is embroiled in much controversy for favouring his Joint Opposition and political party buddy and former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella’s son Ramith, in the ongoing Provincial one day games to select the national side for South Africa’s tour to Sri Lanka.

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Bogus stories about Fonseka asking pardon from Gamarala because of Ranil- Malik ‘ponna’ politics

-Wimal Dheerasekera a political critic-

(Lanka-e-News- 14.May.2018, 2.00AM) The moves of Ranil Wickermesinghe P.M. and his sidekick ,   minister Malik Samaraweera to make Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka the only politician remaining  in the country who had been able to protect his reputation without soiling it so far,  another ‘Ponnaseka’ by getting him also into their effeminate ‘ponna’ politics  had been thwarted because of Fonseka’s rectitude and straight forward traits .

Pallewatte Gamarala who had by now earned a most unenviable reputation as the most incapable , incompetent failed leader ever  in history owing to his own sinister and betrayer traits was justly   criticized by  Sarath Fonseka  recently. 

Intelligent justifiable  criticisms which set  the people’s pulse racing  

During a press briefing after Fonseka assuming duties as a new minister , he amplified  the reasons why  president did not appoint him as the minister of law and order despite the UNF making a request …..

The president said , a number of DIG’s are against his (Fonseka’s)  appointment  but did not reveal their names, Fonseka pointed out.  ‘When I was engaged in the war operations, I had cordial relationship with country’s IGP and DIGs , besides , if I did not maintain such relations , I could not have won the war’ Fonseka had told the president , he revealed.  

Fonseka went on to elaborate that , in order to steer the incumbent president to power , he addressed over a 100 meetings , and his wife about  30 meetings. Yet not only he , even Ms. Chandrika Bandaranaike , has to wait for 3 months to get an appointment to meet him. 

It is significant to note Lanka e news always first with the news and best with the views , had reported on this earlier on, but this is the first time , Fonseka himself disclosed   to the great delight and  pleasure of the masses. 

Subsequently ,at the last May day UNP rally , Fonseka made a fair truthful criticism against the president. This was well received and the UNP party members rejoiced in it . Fonseka spoke thus … 

 ‘We have to think not only of the journey for the next two years , but even of the future after that. We must somehow compulsorily  appoint a president of ours ‘ he said ,amidst great applause. ‘Hon. Prime Minister , you will remember , I , as the Democratic party leader had a discussion with you prior to the 2015 presidential elections.’

‘I reiterated and requested you all the time to contest as the presidential candidate as  you can win it. At that time we did not take that right  decision. Today we are facing the fallout of that wrong decision. The country is plunged in doom and gloom  because of that. 

It is because we propelled the wrong individual to the post of country’s leader and   put him in the wrong position , our government is being impeded , and now we are struggling to sustain our reputation’ Fonseka highlighted  amidst non stop applause ! ‘We shall not make this mistake again. In 2020 , we shall  work with commitment and dedication to make you the president .’

 We must commit ourselves to that task. If we are to give precedence to personal agendas and  selfish  gains , then there can only be conflicts and disharmony within the party and the party will be crippled like in the past. In  that event we shall be tarnishing  our own image.  Our beloved party members will certainly understand this.’

Unlike the criticisms leveled by buffoons like Dilan who are best at worst tomfooleries , and who are criticizing the P.M. , the criticisms of Fonseka were well thought out  , far sighted and based on political acumen.  Moreover his glowing speech   was most pulsating rekindling  the hopes of the people who voted to bring this government into power.

The profundity and truthfulness of Fonseka’s  speech was such that one social media chain critic declared , if Fonseka is capable of speaking like this , he deserves to be made a presidential candidate again. 

Ranil – Malik duo in the doldrums..

Though the speech of Fonseka was highly lauded by the public , UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and his sidekick Malik Semarawickrema could not ingest the wit and wisdom in Field Marshal’ s utterances.  Of course President  Gamarala not ingesting Fonseka’s speech is understandable, but Ranil and Malik the comic duo getting perturbed over Fonseka’s outspokenness and his criticisms against Gamarala  is most unbelievable . The effeminate duo was hurt so much so they were of the opinion , such statements should not have been made on that occasion , and Fonseka should make peace with Gamarala after meeting him.

The defense advanced by the duo was : because the president agreed with them to expel the 16 parliamentarians from their portfolios during the no confidence motion , in the future they should work with him cordially. 

Accordingly , the Ranil- Malik duo  met with  the president along with Field Marshal on the 9 th.

A website run by a ministry media secretary by funds provided by president  Gamarala’s  co ordinating secretary the notorious NGO crook Shiral Lakthileke, and Thilina’s (president’s son in law) funds (bribe collections) ,as well as an anonymous Lanka Deepa reporter publicized this meeting saying that Fonseka asked ‘pardon’ from the president .

The same website of media secretary even went as far as to say , that SLFP Gen. Secretary Duminda Dissanayake requested the president to dismiss Fonseka from his ministry post.

The stark truth ….

Lanka e news wishes to reveal taking full responsibility that media secretary ‘s website report is absolutely false. Duminda Dissanayake  swore that he never told such a thing to the president. Besides , when Ranil-Malik-Fonseka Troika met with Gamarala , no pardon was asked by Fonseka from president .

The facts are as follows :

The president never spoke anything  about what Fonseka revealed at the media briefing , neither did he speak about  the law and order ministry not being granted to Fonseka. What President said  was ‘ he was hurt over Fonseka’s reference to the president at the May day rally that he played a deceptive  character then in 2015.’

Fonseka in his reply said , that was a political statement and not personal. Beyond  that Fonseka never uttered the word ’pardon’. President too did not insist on such a thing. It is well to recall Fonseka is one  who   refused to  ask  pardon when Rajapakses at that time demanded it , and preferred to go to jail instead. Will such an individual who preferred jail to demeaning  himself ask for a pardon from Gamarala now ?

In any event the effeminate  and ‘ponnaya’ politics of Ranil and Malik ought to be frowned upon. At the elections held in six months after Gamarala became president, while all were opposing , the Rajapakses were permitted to contest under the national list by him  ; at the recent local body elections it is this same Sirisena alias Sillysena who went  crawling on all fours to strike an Alliance  with the corrupt and crooked Rajapakses who were discarded by the people , which attempt failed because of Basil’s refusal . After that disgraceful rejection he returned like a beaten pavement dog ; what’s more ! if Rajapakses will stand together with  him he would the following day form a government, Gamarala  bragged ; thereafter joining with the Rajapakses   he resorted to all the tricks and treacheries in a futile attempt to oust the P.M.  

It is such  a  venomous vicious unscrupulous rudderless aimless political scoundrel, the effeminate Ranil -Malik duo is reposing faith in after forgetting his putrid and sordid past .  This ‘ ponnaya’attitude of the duo is most abominable , reprehensible and disgraceful . Trying to sacrifice a ‘masculine’character like  a national leader Field Marshal Fonseka who stands out  among feminine petticoat wearing politicians  is therefore even more  detestable and despicable !

Along with the mad dogs….

During the past although there were strong unrelenting criticisms mounted against Ranil , we followed a policy of silence , because  we thought  before advising a man who is going to be bit by a mad dog about rabies , he must be given a club to escape from the mad dog . 

The P.M. who was given the mandate to form a government of good governance by a  majority of the people was barked at and hindered by Pallewatte rabid dog.  Interestingly ,on April 4 th all the people got together and put the leash on the mad dog  after catching it. Yet , the neck of this dog had still not been cut and sent to the MRI for examination.  In these circumstances what Ranil- Malik duo is trying to do is  , cuddling the mad dog , contract the rabies , and go along the same mad route it roamed. 

Can Ranil –Malik duo given an assurance that unscrupulous , untrustworthy , ungrateful ,uncivilized Pallewatte Gamarala will not form an alliance in the future with the Rajapakses?    Isn’t he  the mad dog who turned enemy on 2015 -01-09  itself of the very people who elected him . How can such a political villain , betrayer and scoundrel   be relied upon ?

The recent election results  proved that owing to the egregious blunders , bungling and villainies of Pallewatte Gamarala  , it is not himself alone but the  whole UNF government has to pay for the sins . It is high time Ranil and Malik realized that.

As long as an uncouth uncivilized  president of a rare specie on this planet who is a ruthless betrayer  and epitome of ingratitude , is in the seat and is biting the ear lobes  of his own  government , so long will that government have to perform not only its tasks but even those of its opposition.  Ranil and Malik surely should understand this . Even among twins there are males and females born as a single twin.  By a single referendum there can spring up an obscure executive and a parliament which are distinctly different like the heaven and earth. SL is a classic example of that to the world. 

Though Ranil-Malik duo do not know  a conventional  consensual alliance can be a mirage  like how there can be a mirage on  the horizon where the sky and earth meet ,  the masses are fully aware of that. Little wonder the people did not cast their votes to them. They  are so obtuse that they  are the still unable to figure out the reasons why they were defeated at this election . 

What remains for the intelligent UNP members and the good governance masses now  is  to leave  the idiots and imbeciles to their self seeking political deals , and allow to destroy themselves via the plague or any epidemic , while  the intelligent UNP members and good governance masses should  take measures to save themselves from the  plague, and  move away from those who had contracted the  contagion.

It is now very evident Ranil- Malik duo that does  not have faith in people  are suffering from a dangerous personality disorder so much so that the narcissistic symptoms are affecting them from top to toe.  Otherwise , after having  all the resources now to form a separate government , instead of doing  that , if they are to say ‘vote for us to form a separate government in 2020,’ aren’t they unhinged? Are there also healthy people who trust such mental patients ?
 
The moves made by Ranil- Malik duo to drag down Field Marshal Fonseka too into their  ‘ponna’ (effeminate) politics , should be spat at by one and all regardless of party differences since , Fonseka  is still before the people a character who has transcended  the limitations of just a UNP er.

By Wimal Dheerasekera

Translated by Jeff

---------------------------
by     (2018-05-13 20:56:02)

Fuel prices will be reduced when world prices drop - PM

Monday, May 14, 2018

Fuel prices had to be increased because the price of a barrel of oil had increased by 41 dollars since 2016 in the international market. As soon as the prices decrease in the international market, that benefits will be passed on to the people, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

The Prime Minister was addressing a Janahamuwa at Hikkauwa on May 12, after opening a new building of the Hikkuaduwa Divisional Secretariat.

The Prime Minister said he wished to delve on the fuel price increase because it had became a burning issue in the country. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation increased fuel prices last Thursday. Earlier, they acted according to the prices prevailing in the international market.

“But, although the previous regime increased local prices when the prices increased in the international market, it did not reduce prices corresponding to the decrease in prices in the international market,” the Premier said.

The Prime Minister said they had no control over fuel prices in the international market, but he and President Maithripala Sirisena had both agreed that when prices decreased in the international market, that the benefits should be passed on to the people as a relief.

“In 2014, the price of a barrel of crude oil in the international market was 55 US Dollars. But local prices were not reduced then. But when they came into power they reduced the price of a litre of petrol to Rs. 117. By 2015, a barrel of crude oil had comedown to 35 US Dollars. This enabled the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to reduce fuel prices,” he said.

“But by 2017, the price of crude oil started escalating in the international market. By mid 2017 it was 67 US dollars, and by May 11, it had shot up to 77 US dollars a barrel. As such, we had to pay an enormous sum of 77 US dollars per barrel instead of the earlier 35 US dollars.”

“Consequently, a price of a barrel of crude oil had increased by about 41 US dollars by now. This was twice the price which was obtained in 2015. This forced the government to increase fuel prices on a limited scale. There is much debate in the country about the price of Kerosene. It they reduced Kerosene prices it will be used for vehicles in place of diesel,” the Prime Minister added.

“This would consequently decrease diesel sales and income while kerosene use would create mechanical defects in vehicles. That was one reason why the price of Kerosene was increased but the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation had been directed to issue Kerosene to fishermen and Samurdhi families with out electricity at a subsidised price.

“The CEB and SriLankan Airlines owed the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation as outstanding bill amounting to nearly Rs. 70 billion. Whether they would be able to settle these bills in a short time was questionable.”

“That was why the government increased fuel prices as a measure to fill the gap of outstanding bills and to recover the loss crated by an increase in price in the would market state income was insufficient to service debts obtained in 2013 and 2014,” the Prime Minister added.

“After the government assumed power it was able to service the debts at least though financial management and utilise other finds for development work. As the government introduced economic stability it had to face the Meethotamulla garbage dum problem, floods, drought and other natural entire agriculture industry was hampered by the drought expensed in certain areas development were still in progress in flood affected Galle and Matara district. Due to the expenditure the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation could not be assisted through the Budget or state income,” the Premier said.

“Already, certain entrepreneurs were accusing the government saying bank interests were too high. What would you have done if bank interest was increased by another 5 or 7 per cent. Instead of going in for such harmful actions we settled for an increase in fuel prices as an alternative measure, similarly fuel prices would also be decreased when there was a decrease in prices in the international market,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that when prices decreased in 2015, the government passed on the benefit to the people. Although prices increased in 2017, they continued to supply oil at reduced rates there by incurring a loss. But, since prices had escalated to unexpected levels the Petroleum Corporation could not continue to cushion the effect by providing fuel at reduced prices.

“If state funds were used to set off Ceylon Petroleum Corporation losses, it would jeopardise development work of a number of development projects already launched in the Galle district.

No Trade Zone had been launched in the country after the Koggala Trade Zone. Now, the government is taking steps to set up an Industrial Zone in the Charlemount estate in Weligama. It would also have a IT Centre,”Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said.

“Funds had been obtained to establish a massive tourism industry on a 1,800 acre plot of land in Deddwwa as revealed by Minister Gayantha Karunatilleke. This means that the Galle region would get three Tourist Zones and one Trade Zone. Another Trade Zone would be set up on 400 acres in Kalutara,” the Prime Minister said.

“Funds had to be spent on the Hambantota Trade Zone too. Unless funds were used for development projects, the country would not achieve progress. When there are opportunities to raise funds, they should use them for development work,” the Premier said.

The Prime Minister also opened new buildings at the Habaraduwa, Akmeemana and Gonapinuwala Divisional Secretariats and also inaugurated the Gonapinuwala water supply scheme

President’s chief-of-staff bribery scam: Kantale investor pleads for release of factory

By Namini Wijedasa-Sunday, May 13, 2018

The investors behind the arrest of President’s Chief-of-Staff I H K Mahanama and State Timber Corporation Chairman P Dissanayake on bribery charges has written to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe asking him to “at least now” release the Kantale sugar factory infrastructure so their project can go ahead.

Their letter makes it clear that the Prime Minister knew as far back as September 2017 of attempts to elicit bribes from the investors.
M G Sugars Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has said that, despite all Dr Mahanama’s efforts to frustrate or thwart the initiative, they have remained committed and already invested millions of dollars into the project. They have requested the Prime Minister’s intervention to have all land and infrastructure released to proceed without further delay.

The joint venture is made up of the Sri Lanka Government, Shri Prabulingeshwar Sugars and Chemicals Ltd of Bangalore and SLI Development Pvt Ltd of Singapore. Their letter to the Prime Minister dated Friday refers to two previous communications sent in September 2017 and February this year on the subject of “retention of building and infrastructure situated at the Kantale sugar factory”.
“By those letters, we inter alia pointed out that Dr I H K Mahanama–former Secretary to the Ministry of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms–made several attempts at demanding that we pay him large sums of money as illegal gratifications, which at all times we refused to do,” the company writes.

“It was further brought to your attention, Sir, that due to our refusal to provide those gratifications, Dr Mahanama willfully orchestrated numerous setbacks to the project–all in clear violation of the express provisions of the Shareholder Agreement–which included delaying the handing over of the required lands to us as well as continually misleading all relevant authorities as to the status of the project,” they state. No reference is made to Mr Dissanayake.

Dr Mahanama is alleged to have blocked the transfer of machinery, scrap metal and other assets belonging to the Kantale sugar factory to M G Sugars that in 2015 signed a US$ 100 million deal to revive the facility. He is said to have demanded a bribe of Rs 540mn which he later agreed to reduce to Rs 100mn. The two men were arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) while counting the first installment of Rs 20mn.

The Prime Minister reportedly encouraged the investors to alert CIABOC on the assurance that the informant–in this case, the Indian national K P Nagaraj–would not face victimization. But on Tuesday, he is alleged to have received a death threat from a man who claimed to be a former LTTE cadre.

The suspect visited Mr Nagaraj’s office around 12 noon, while he was out, and inquired from two employees where he was and what his mobile number was. When they replied that they did not know, the man told them that he was an ex-LTTE fighter named Joseph Pillai. He handed over three sheets of paper with six sides of writing and asked that it only be given to Mr Nagaraj. He also said he had been instructed to kill him and that if he did not comply, his own life would be under threat from his handlers.

The letter is now in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department and Court has been informed of the development. Mr Nagaraj has been told that he can have security from the State if he so requires it.

Prez urged to reveal names of 108 persons funded by Aloysius

2018-05-13 

President of Inter Company Employers Union and the National Organizer of Voice against Corruption Wasantha Samarasinghe today urged President Maithripala Sirisena to reveal the names of those who have obtained money from Mendis Distilleries belonging to Arjun Aloysius.

Mr. Samarasinghe told a media briefing that a total of Rs 1.9 billion has been given to 108 persons and the names of these persons should be revealed forthwith.

He charged that money has been offered to some who were in the Presidential Commission appointed to look into the Bond Scam and to politicians.

“This was revealed by the Presidential Commission report and therefore we urge President Maithripala Sirisena to reveal these names,” he said. (Yohan Perera)

Presidential-aspirant Gota gets going on Vision 2030

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing the Viyathmaga Forum at Shangri La Hotel yesterday

 Monday, 14 May 2018

• Over 2,000 professionals and business leaders attend Viyathmaga forum titled ‘An Intellectually Inspired Sri Lanka 2030’
• Says faster economic growth hinges on an intellectually and technology competent society
• Insists right policies not enough but need right people and speedy execution
• Stresses economic growth with law and order cure for Sri Lanka’s ills; shows way forward for economic transformation via a social open market economic policy
• Says Sri Lanka needs both local and foreign investors
• Assures will open up for foreigners and intl. partners whilst safeguarding sovereignty and cultural values of Sri Lanka
• Warns state sector corruption is a hindrance for economic growth 
• Emphasises time to embrace nationalism, love your country; Sri Lankans have to move beyond divisions of race and religion

By Nisthar Cassim and Shanika Sriyananda

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is widely speculated to be a 2019 presidential candidate, yesterday unveiled his vision 2030 for Sri Lanka, promising to transform the economy with futuristic policies and measures but more importantly with the right people and execution.

He told a packed and audience of over 2,000 professionals, business leaders, diplomats, clergy and politicians at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo that the future window of opportunity for Sri Lanka for faster economic growth hinges on an intellectually and technology competent society via a social open economic policy. Gotabaya was emphatic when he said the foremost priority was economic growth which is the foundation and the cure for all ills of Sri Lanka. He also emphasised that economic growth and law and order went hand in hand.

At the forum, which was attended by former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya said:”An economy is not built merely through policies, programs, products, capital inflows and exports. It is driven by the humans who power it in many different capacities.”

Viyathmaga is a forum of professionals for a better future and Gotabaya is the Chairman.

“What do we need as a society?” he asked the forum before answering they were a socialist democracy, rule of law, fairness and justice, safety and security and a conducive and sustainable environment. He emphasised that professionals, intellects, business leaders, entrepreneurs and society at large as well as the Government had a collective responsibility to ensure this.
Noting that global economic power will shift to Asia by 2030 with the region being home to four of the top five economic powers - China, India, Japan and Indonesia - Gotabaya asked the forum whether Sri Lanka was ready for this transformation.

“Our foremost priority is economic growth to ensure the sustained prosperity and wellbeing of our people,” Gotabaya said. In that context, he said the challenge was to transform economic growth and the economy’s structure. This he said could be done only through positive and relevant development initiatives and efficiency of this development process. “We will open up (for foreign investors and international partners) whilst safeguarding the sovereignty and cultural values of Sri Lanka.”

Noting that past and current economic policies must be reviewed and improved to reverse policies that harm the economy, Gotabaya went on to outline his vision.

Amidst a slew of ideas were thoughts on harnessing new technologies to increase value addition in exports and manufacturing, focusing on skilled labour, a knowledge-based and technology-focused economy, modernising agriculture, private sector and SME development, promoting innovation, research and development, greater local and foreign investments, removal of red tape and better management of state resources, etc.

He stressed that infrastructure development was critical for the country but returns would be yielded only in the long run. He said that the state should not invest without analysing market realities in order to obtain optimal returns and that state enterprise must make state funds profitable and ensure employees were given fair wages.

“Investments should be equitable and profitable,” he added.

Focusing on corruption, he said that state sector corruption was a hindrance for economic growth hence systems and processes must be introduced to ensure officials could not indulge in corruption and politicians of stature and high-calibre state officials should be identified to take lead roles.

MP and Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa,  former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Joint Opposition group leader in Parliament Dinesh Gunawardana along with business leaders Harry Jayawardena and Merrill J Fernando at the Viyathmaga Forum - Pix by Lasantha Kumara

In summing things up, Gotabaya said it was time to embrace nationalism. “Love your country, play your part in its future,” he said, reminding people that everyone counts and Sri Lankans had to move beyond divisions of race and religion. “We are one. Sri Lanka’s future is in our hands,” he added.

The Viyathmaga Forum also featured impressive presentations by Vidya Jyothi Dr. Bandula Wijeratne (Ingredients for an innovative economy), Securities and Exchange Commission former Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa (Aspirations for a people-centric economy), 99X Co-founder and CEO Mano Sekaram (Digital and knowledge economy), Social Enterprise Lanka Founder Eranda Ginige (Social innovation, future of business and the rise of the millennials), Prof. Rohan Gunaratna (Sri Lanka’s geopolitics and national security 2030: Continuity or change) and University  of Malaya, Malaysia Senior Lecturer Dr. Mohammad Ismath Ramzy (Education for a value-based developed nation through identifying individual strengths and future challenges).

Commonwealth values an enigma in Sri Lanka

 2018-05-14

At the end of the 19th Century the British Empire controlled one fifth of the world. Under their reigns they introduced laws that to date criminalize same-sex conduct in thirty six of the 53 countries in the Commonwealth, introducing centuries of Victorian values perpetuating homophobia that has been assimilated in to native cultures as their own values.   
However, during the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting the British Prime Minister, Theresa May said that the UK Government ‘deeply regretted’ the anti-gay laws that were established by the British during the colonial era. The damage caused by these outdated laws and the stigma and discrimination it perpetuates may never be undone, however the expression of ‘deep regret’ is a necessary step in the hopes of starting conversations for countries willing to abolish these heinous laws and begin to mend the damage it has done for over a hundred and thirty-five years.   

"By signing the Commonwealth Charter, Sri Lanka has committed to these values of equality and respect of all its’ citizens, which includes the LGBTIQ community"

Being a part of the Commonwealth comes with the responsibility of upholding the Commonwealth values that are an integral part of what the Commonwealth community stands for. By signing the Commonwealth Charter, Sri Lanka has committed to these values of equality and respect of all its’ citizens, which includes the LGBTIQ community. To be a part of the Commonwealth is to promote respect, tolerance, and understanding of our diverse communities. By understanding that this diversity adds to the advancement of our country rather than its downfall and by showing that all our citizens deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, we could lead the way for more countries to follow in our footsteps. Sri Lanka can be doing so much more to make sure all of its’ citizens are protected from discrimination. Unfortunately, dropping decriminalization from the National Human Rights action plan in January of 2017 is not the kind of action that instills confidence in the government that it stands for good governance and democracy and the protection of all its citizens sans none.   
As the chair of the Commonwealth Equality Network and the Executive Director of EQUAL GROUND, I believe that all Sri Lankans should be afforded the freedom to live their lives without fear of oppression, violence or discrimination. This includes those who are targeted as a result of their sexual orientation, a group conspicuously missing from the National Human Rights Action Plan.   
Although it is commendable that the government has made certain strides towards the rights of its’ citizens, especially concerning Transgender persons, it is discouraging that it failed to exclude discrimination spawned by the Penal Code of 1883 that targets consensual same sex activities, failing to recognize Sexual Orientation as a basis for protection against discrimination. Despite the countless recommendations received by the UN, over the years and as recently as November 2017, the Sri Lankan government has neglected to acknowledge the LGBTIQ community as a marginalized group that needs protection and deserves the right to a free life, devoid of criminalisation and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Belize, Seychelles and Trinidad and Tobago serve as examples of progressive governments, who most recently, decriminalized homosexuality in their countries. But Sri Lanka still fails to uphold the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Commonwealth Charter whereby all persons are born equal and will be treated equally and with dignity, free of discrimination.   

"I feel, that Sri Lanka chooses to ignore all the contributions LGBTIQ persons have made over the years to our country whether in the Arts, Sciences, also in the Armed Forces and Law enforcement"

It is a bit hypocritical I feel, that Sri Lanka chooses to ignore all the contributions LGBTIQ persons have made over the years to our country whether in the Arts, the Sciences, in all manner of ways, including the Armed Forces and Law enforcement. LGBTIQ persons who serve and have served in the armed forces and in law enforcement are expected to give their lives to protect our country - and have done so during our prolonged civil war - but are unable to live and serve freely as LGBTIQ citizens of this country, are not given the respect and support they so well deserve. The inability of this country and the successive governments that run it, to acknowledge, accept and safeguard its LGBTIQ citizens, no matter how much they have contributed to the betterment of our country, is pathetic and archaic. Hundreds and thousands of LGBTIQ persons flee this country yearly, take refuge in other countries,and give their knowledge, creativity, service and support for the betterment of their adopted country. We as a nation, are poorer for it.   
 As a member of the Commonwealth therefore, it is important that the Sri Lankan government commits to the commonwealth values it has signed on to. As Teresa May said at the Commonwealth Joint Forum Plenary at CHOGM on April 17, 2018;   

“As a family of nations, we must respect one another’s cultures and traditions. But we must do so in a manner consistent with our common value of equality, a value that is clearly stated in the Commonwealth charter…nobody should face persecution or discrimination because of who they are or who they love.”

The future of the Nakba

Palestinian resistance to the present and future Nakba persists despite all Israel’s efforts to crush it.

Mohammed ZaanounActiveStills

Joseph Massad- 13 May 2018

The Zionist conquest of Palestine, which began haphazardly in the early 1880s and was intensified after the turn of the century, reaching its apogee with the British invasion and occupation of the country before the conclusion of World War I, was the inaugural moment of what would become known as the Nakba – the Catastrophe.

The future of the Nakba.docx by Thavam on Scribd

Charity led by US ambassador to Israel gave money to terror group: Reports

David Friedman was president of American Friends of Beit El Yeshiva Center when a donation was made to Qomemiyut Movement, reports say

David Friedman, the US ambassador to Israel, was president of the American Friends of Beit El Yeshiva from 2011 until 2017 (AFP)

Sunday 13 May 2018

The US ambassador to Israel was president of an American charity that donated money to a Jewish group designated a "terrorist organisation" by the United States, Israeli media has reported just days before he was due to open a new embassy in Jerusalem.

David Friedman was the president of American Friends of Beit El Yeshiva Center between 2011 and 2017, which raises about $2m a year for settler-linked programmes, particularly in Beit El and its Beit El Yeshiva religious school Friedman attended as a young man.

The ambassador is not familiar with the Qomemiyut Foundation, nor is he aware of any connection between those entities and American Friends of Beit El Yeshiva Center

- Office of David Friedman

The settlement is also home to the Qomemiyut Movement, an alternative name for Kahane Chai, designated a "terrorist group" by the US State Department in 1997 for alleged links to a deadly shooting in 2005 and harassment of Palestinians and Israelis who want illegal Israeli settlements dismantled.

Citing a report by the Israeli NGO Democratic Bloc, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency said the American Friends group donated 48,000 shekels ($13,000) directly to the Qomemiyut Movement in 2013. The documents show Qomemiyut received the cash from "Shocharei Yeshivat Beit El" - the Hebrew translation of Friends of Beit El Yeshiva. An employer identification number for the organisation on the documents matched that of the American Friends of Beit El Yeshiva, the JTA reported.

Haaretz said that donation was one of several to Qomemiyut totalling about $100,000 between 2008 and that year.

On Monday, Friedman was due to open the new US embassy in Jerusalem. Moving the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was one of Trump's campaign promises and caused dismay among Palestinians and in capitals across the world as a blow to peace efforts.

'Commitment to Jewish education'

Questioned about the American Friends of Beit El Yeshiva during his confirmation hearing, Friedman said that his presidency derived "from my commitment to Jewish education ... everything we've given money to has been in the nature of gymnasiums, dormitories, dining rooms, classrooms and things like that".

He told the hearing he had no connection to political activity inside the Beit El settlement: "My philanthropic activity there has not been connected to their political activity which I really had no part in."

In response to the claims, Friedman's office told Haaretz: "The ambassador is not familiar with the Qomemiyut Foundation, nor is he aware of any connection between those entities and American Friends of Beit El Yeshiva Center."

Qomemiyut's Facebook page describes its mission as the "strengthening and instilling of the values of the righteousness of the Jewish renewal and preventing the expulsion of the Jews from Judea, Samaria and the Golan Heights".

The organisation includes far-right Israeli politician Bezalel Smotrich of the Jewish Home Party and Dov Lior, a rabbi who has said Jewish law allows the destruction of the Gaza Strip.

The current head of Qomemiyut, Mousa Cohen, told Haaretz that he was not aware of Friedman's involvement in the donation, saying that "the connection was between the two organisations".

Trust me on Brexit, UK PM May says as ministers squabble

Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to party supporters at Sedgley Conservative Club in Dudley, United Kingdom May 4, 2018. Anthony Devlin/Pool via REUTERS

MAY 13, 2018

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday she could be trusted to deliver Brexit, but that it could not be done without compromises on all sides — a possible warning to cabinet ministers who are deeply split over future customs arrangements.

The divisions inside her government over the customs issue were laid bare on Tuesday when Foreign Minister Boris Johnson said proposals for a customs partnership with the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc were “crazy”.

May’s decision to leave the EU’s customs union, which sets tariffs for goods imported into the bloc, has become one of the main flashpoints in the Brexit debate, pitting companies and pro-EU campaigners against eurosceptics in parliament.

The issue has all but stalled Brexit discussions in Brussels and politics in Britain where as pro-Brexit lawmakers have lined up to denounce what is said to be May’s preferred plan.

The customs partnership would see Britain essentially collect tariffs on behalf of the EU in order to keep trade with the bloc flowing freely.

The Sunday Telegraph said at least a dozen of the 28 ministers in May’s cabinet were planning to block her proposal.

But May wrote in the Sunday Times: “You can trust me to deliver.”

An alternative proposal, called “maximum facilitation”, which relies on future technology to ensure trade continues easily after Brexit, is also being considered by members of her cabinet.
The EU has dismissed both proposals.

May said she had put forward different options, but she stressed Britain would leave the EU’s customs union so the country could establish its own independent trade policy.

“Of course, the details are incredibly complex and, as in any negotiation, there will be compromises,” she said.

 But she said she was setting out a path to deliver the Brexit people had voted for.

“I will need your help and support to get there,” she said in the Sunday Times article. “And in return, my pledge to you is simple: I will not let you down.”

Environment Minister Michael Gove, a prominent “Leave” supporter in the 2016 referendum campaign, said neither proposal was absolutely perfect.

“The new customs partnership has flaws and they need to be tested,” he told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, adding that ministers were scrutinising both options.

Labour’s Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said the government was in a “farcical situation”.

“Nearly two years after the referendum the cabinet is fighting over two customs options, neither of which frankly are workable, neither of which are acceptable to the EU, and if either of which were put to the vote in parliament, they probably wouldn’t carry a majority,” he said on the same programme.

Starmer said a comprehensive customs union with the EU was a necessary minimum to avoid creating a hard border between British ruled Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

“What we propose is a combination: on the one hand a comprehensive customs union (...) and also a strong single market relationship that hardwires the benefits of the single market into the future agreement,” he said.

May said in her article that any deal would honour the agreements reached in the Northern Ireland peace process, which could be jeopardised by the return a border controls.

 

“This means there can be no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, or between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK,” she said.