Danger Of Space For Dissent Being Captured By Nationalists

By Jehan Perera –MAY 21, 2018

Jehan Perera

The rise in public manifestation of ethnic nationalism in the North was evident at this year’s commemoration ceremonies of the last phase of the war at Mullivaikkal of May 18, 2009. Several thousands of people attended the ceremony of remembrance held there at the monument erected in memory of the civilians killed in the war. This is the first time since the end of the war that a political event took place on May 18. Politicians from the moderate TNA who attended the event were not permitted to speak and instead university students and nationalist members of civil society groups took the centre stage. Although it was the Northern Provincial Council that had resolved to remember the Tamil civilians who died in the war, it was reported that even the Chairman of the Northern Provincial Council was physically stopped from entering the podium.

The only politician who addressed the gathering was Northern Chief Minister C V Wigneswaran, who has fallen out of favour with his party hierarchy. The TNA has made every effort to be moderate and to cooperate with the government to find a mutually acceptable solution to the ethnic conflict and to resolve the outstanding issues of the Tamil people. However, basic issues remain unresolved, including the quantum of devolution and power sharing and dealing with the consequences of the war. The chief minister moved a six-point resolution. These included declaring every May 18 in the coming years as “Tamil Genocide Day,” the international community to set up an international mechanism to ensure justice for the people affected, ensure a sustainable political settlement based on Tamil sovereignty, homeland and individuality and identify their suffering as a mass disaster situation and arrange the necessary infrastructure to rehabilitate the people directly, and withdrawal of the armed forces from the Tamil areas of traditional habitation.

The resolution proposed by the chief minister summarises the concerns of the people of the North. The danger inherent in the chief minister’s approach is that it is confrontational and if taken forward can only lead to a breaking of relations with the government and the larger society. The chief minister, although not supported by his party, also wields influence over youthful minds which are prone to extremism born of idealism. The manifestation of extreme sentiment in the North will surely strengthen the forces of extremist nationalism in the South. The space for democratic action can expand, as it has under the present government. But it can also contract as was the case under the former government which did not permit any form of public commemoration of the last days of the war.

Government Position 

From a reconciliation perspective the greater significance of this year’s commemoration of the end of the war is that the government did not attempt to block the public and political events organized by citizens and political parties in the North. While commemorating the security forces who lost their lives, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that all civilians who lost their lives from the day the war began should also be remembered during that day. He said “Today is an important day for Sri Lanka as the country is commemorating the end of the war and the emergence of peace. We will also remember the security forces personnel who sacrificed their lives and the civilians who died during the armed conflict.”

This statement of the prime minister reflected the government’s acknowledgement that this issue continues to be a burning one for the people of the North. The government’s position on the commemoration of the war in the North was defended by government spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne. He compared the commemoration of the northern dead to the commemoration of the southern dead in the JVP insurrections of the past which have been taking place regularly in the South. The government and Minister Senaratne in particular have been denounced by opposition politicians for having permitted the northern commemoration to take place and for justifying the right of the Tamil people to commemorate those who died that day and in the course of the war.

The former government saw the end of the war as the end of the ethnic conflict. Even today many of its top leaders will continue to say that there is no more ethnic conflict, only a problem of politics and of economic development. It required a change of government, which took place in 2015, for the government to adopt a more conciliatory approach to dealing with the Northern people’s desire to commemorate May 18 as their day of mourning and sorrow for the loss of their loved ones. But it was not until this May 18 that the government gave the green light for the public and political commemoration of the dead. In the period 2015-17 they only permitted religious observances which were done in public with large numbers of the public in attendance.

While the government’s reform process is going slower than was expected it is ongoing. There was the passage of the amendments to the judicature act that will set up anti corruption courts that will sit continuously to expedite cases. There are amendments forthcoming that will strengthen anti corruption laws. The office of missing persons was established and has started to do public activities. The office of reparations is about to be put before parliament. This suggests that there will be more truth seeking, more reparations and more reform of laws that strengthen the protection of human rights. The government needs to do this because of international pressure, to win Tamil votes in the future and to establish a just and healed society for all.

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Good Governance and Role of Religion: Religion, Govt. need to be separated

2018-05-21

To change or not to change the constitution does not fall within the ambit of Religion. All Religious dignitaries should be kept away from engaging directly in politics. Let’s make Sri Lanka a secular state. If  we leave all religions out of our constitution, true Buddhism would flourish again in this thrice-blessed land. Politics and religion should never be allowed to mix, for it will lead to spontaneous combustion. The astute politicians makes maximum use of this situation in order to keep themselves in power.   

20th Amendment

A section of Buddhist Monks styled  ‘Maha Sangha’, recently insisted on the president and prime minister not to move forward the JVP proposed 20th  Amendment to the Constitution calling for the abolishing of the executive presidency, arguing it was an attempt to divide the nation.  
Politicians  today are only concerned in holding into positions and power and will forever revere and protect the Bikkhus to show that they are with the Buddhist majority. Should religion be above the law? Buddhist monks will carry on committing all kinds of anti-Buddhist acts under the cover of  the saffron robe abusing the influence of Buddhism on the political process of the country. By their actions, they are doing more harm to Buddhism and the nation.
The  way Sri Lankan Bhikkhus engage in politics or political process non-Buddhists in other countries are under the impression that Buddha was a politician and Buddhism is nothing but governance.   
Today  a small section of the Buddhist monks seemed to be betraying the Dhamma as taught by the Enlightened One. Just a few are intelligent enough to comprehend this fact where as a significant majority are silent on the anti-Buddhist behavior by this few monks.  It is the foremost duty of the Maha Nayake Theras of the four sectors, if they are unable to discipline the Buddhist monks who breach and disobey the Dhamma values and ethics, at least name them. 

No person should be allowed to hold religious, political office at the same time 

Religion  and government can protect and encourage one another if they travel parallel tracks but not on the same.  Religion and state both require to be free and independent in order to thrive. They are most successful and effective when they protect and support one another. Any religion or religion-based Parties that enters politics should lose all state privileges and be treated as a private entity. It should not be the government’s business to promote any religion. There is also the practice of making religion compulsory at exams.  

Teaching Religion in Schools

The  kids should be taught basics of all religions at the primary level, so that they will on their own initiative make a comparative study of religious doctrines or principles without being automatically brainwashed to accept a religion imposed upon them by others. Buddha was specific on this aspect of understanding or comprehending his proclamation.  They can learn a religion of parent’s choice at home or at Daham Pasal.  Answering the Kalamas, Buddha emphasized on the importance of not accepting any teaching blindly.  
To summarize the engagement: Puzzled  Kalamas said to the Blessed One, “There are some brahmans who expound and glorify their own doctrines—doctrines of others they deprecate them, show contempt. Other Brahmans glorify their own doctrines, but doctrines of others, they deprecate them…, this leaves us totally uncertain and in doubt:  Who is speaking the truth, and who are lying?” 
Buddha  replied, Traditions should not to be followed simply because they are traditions; Reports, historical accounts  are not to be accepted simply because the basis seems reliable. Own preferences which seem rational or resonate with one’s thoughts not to be accepted— view or faith must be tested by putting into practice; and guarded against biases or limitations in one’s understanding of results, but further checked against the experiences of wise. Even my own words, you should question and test in an appropriate way.  Why not allow the children follow the Buddha word?

Who is a “Sinhala Buddhist”?

Our religious leaders’ priority should be to preach  Dhamma and guide Buddhists in the right  path according to Buddha’s teachings.
Buddha   used the term Bhikku to call Monks in Suttas. The meaning of Bhikku is “one who lived by alms”. In Buddha’s time 25 centuries ago they had to go to cemeteries  to collect cloth used to wrap dead bodies, use saffron to disinfect and dye them before stitching robes by themselves. In today’s context one cannot expect the Maha Sangha to practice such austerity. However,  what we call Buddhism today is nothing what Gauthama Buddha has preached. 
They  must not tarnish the real Buddhism by calling themselves “Sinhala Buddhists”, which is a nonsensical combination of terms.  According to Dhamma there is no race, caste or creed.  ‘Sinhala-Buddhist’ is a misnomer. They confuse Buddhism with the Sinhala race, which are two different issues.

Buddhist Council--Dharma Sangayana 

Time is ripe to summon Buddhist Council [Dharma Sangayana] to sort out issues mainly concerning discipline among the bikkhus. The Mahanayake Theras  are either  not worried or that they  have no power over the young rebellious monks. This situation cannot be reversed within a short time as it is tied up with politics. During D.S. Senanayake’s time, he was able to silence even the Maha Nayaka Theras.
In 1947 December, when DS and Sir Ivor Jennings  were drafting the Soulbery Constitution for Independent Ceylon, they decided to drop the article introduced by the Colonial authorities on  ‘Foremost Place for Buddhism’ in 1815 Kandyan Convention.   The two prelates of Siyam Maha Nikaya in Kandy threatened to boycott inaugural ceremony scheduled to be held in Kandy in protest. Leader of the House DS summoned the two Nayake Theras to GA’s resident to discuss the matter. However, upon the Diyawadene Nilame’s intervention DS agreed to meet them in the Maligawa instead, where he convinced the two Prelates on the importance of treating all religions and ethnic groups on equal grounds quoting the Buddha word on ‘equality’.  Being convinced, the Malwatte and Asgiriya Prelates agreed to attend the ceremony.  The spineless leaders except for a few who succeeded him gave into every irrelevant demand of the Buddhist monks.  
Only  a few political leaders had the foresight and the ‘spine’ to ask the Maha Sangha not to dip into politics; they were DS Senanayake, J R Jayewardene, and to a certain extent Mahinda Rajapaksa. The former two warned that the Maha Sangha should keep away from politics.
DS   had the courage to tell the Maha Sangha, where to get off.  Mahinda Rajapaksa succeeded in keeping the Mahanayake Theras at abeyance when the Mahanayake Theras quite appropriately, in this instance  summoned a Sangha Council in support of Sarath Fonseka during his arrest and jailing. Prompted by MR, the Sangha who belonged to Siyam Chapter from the South threatened to leave the Nikaya en masse in case the Sangha council met. 
A  few radical monks have distorted the Buddha Dhamma with their hatred towards other ethnic and religious groups, yet the Nayake Theras and the guardians of law, have failed to discipline a few group of Bhikkus who unleash communal violence. The Mahanayakes announced their disagreement on appointing Vesak in April only a week before the appointed day, probably they have been busy meeting politicians, the rogues and those indirectly supporting rogues who come in procession to seek their blessings.

"Only  a few political leaders had the foresight and the ‘spine’ to ask the Maha Sangha not to dip into in politics; they were DS Senanayake, J R Jayewardene, and to a certain extent Mahinda Rajapaksa. The former two warned that the Maha Sangha should keep away from politics"

 Governments   cooperate in protecting and preserving religious autonomy and in nurturing the role of religions in the social order. Most states guarantee their citizens the right to perform their religious activities according to the order of their own moral principles. 
Morality   plays a vital role in preserving and promoting good governance. Genuine solution to many of the grave problems facing us are not political, but spiritual. Racism, violence, and hatred are all spiritual problems. Good governance protects all religions; and good religions support good citizenship.  Good governance does not promote or favour one religion over another. Similarly, good religious leaders should not take sides with any political party.  
Some governments impose a state religion. Religious belief and observance separated, though, it should be protected and defended against maltreatment. Giving one religion special rights that are deprived to others can weaken sacred pluralism. The initial reference here is to Buddhist vision of an ideal state in which members of various ethnic, religious, racial, or social groups uphold and develop their conventional culture within the confines of a general society. The principle preached by the Buddha is not one founded on ‘Political Philosophy’.  It is not a doctrine that encourages men to worldly delight. It sets out a way to achieve Nibbana or in other words, its final aim is to put an end to desire. If a Buddhist monk is involved in politics, he should not  misuse the religion to gain the political powers. 
Monk also has to maintain his duty on behalf of the state, nation and religion. They should pay attention critically without engaging in politics completely and to become the counselors of the rulers for good governance. Buddha did not envisage setting up a ‘Buddhist nation’ in any part of the globe or a Buddhist city, not even within Kimbulwatpura!

Thousands attend Tamil Nadu rally remembering Mullivaikkal genocide

21May 2018

Thousands participated in a rally at Marina beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on Sunday to remember Tamils who were killed by the Sri Lankan armed forces during the final stages of the conflict in 2009. 

The rally, organised by May 17 Movement, took place despite police efforts to prevent participants from marching. Hundreds of officers were deployed to the area. 

Over 500 people were arrested during the event, Indian newspapers reported. See here and here. 

Related Articles: 

18 May 2018 : Eelam Tamils remember genocide of 2009

SLFP TO QUIT NATIONAL UNITY GOVT?

by Uditha Kumarasinghe-20 May, 2018

At Thursday’s (May 17) SLFP Central Committee meeting, President Maithripala Sirisena had told the 23 SLFP MPs in the Government to submit their proposals within a week on whether the SLFP should continue to remain in the National Unity Government or quit it.

The 16 SLFP MPs who recently quit the Government had handed over a letter containing 15 proposals to the President at the Central Committee meeting.

One of the key proposals by the 16-member group was that the SLFP should leave the Government. The President whose response was very positive had asked the 23 SLFP MPs to take a decision within a week, former Skills Development and Vocational Training Minister and UPFA Galle District MP Chandima Weerakkody told the Sunday Observer yesterday. Weerakkody said the President directed to convene the SLFP Central Committee, Executive Committee and All Island Committee on June 3 to decide on the temporary reshuffle of the SLFP office-bearers. Instructions were also been given to reorganise the party, if necessary.

“Signals at the Central Committee meeting were very positive and I don’t think the SLFP would remain in the Government any longer,” he said. 

Remembering the dead: JVP vs LTTE

2018-05-22

Recently, there was a rather ridiculous debate after Minister Rajitha Senaratne, who as the Cabinet Spokesman has a knack for putting his foot in the mouth, equated the JVP to the LTTE. JVP MP Vijitha Herath and Minister Champika Ranawaka objected to the comparison. By any definition, both are nihilistic terroristic groups that unleashed unspeakable carnage upon this country. However, the argument goes that the JVP’s gruesome record of 1988-89 is much less egregious than the LTTE. Those who viewed it that way ignore one pivotal fact: The JVP was stopped in the midway of its campaign of terror by an equally bloody campaign of counter terror, without which the contemporary history of Sri Lanka would have been much different. Of all terrorist and insurgent groups in recent times, few came closer to recreate a Khmer Rouge styled killing field as the JVP did in 1989. That mass calamity was avoided, of course at a considerable cost, by a ruthless but effective state response.    

And the JVP is now the old story. Even its cadres do not glorify their blood drenched lunacy in the past (Mr. Wijeweera’s wife calls her husband a ‘mass murderer.’)    
In contrast to its efficient execution of a counter insurgency campaign against the JVP, successive governments pussyfooted before the LTTE. That was in part because, the LTTE for a long time, did not pose to the power centres of Colombo a threat equivalent to that was posed by the JVP. Bombs went off periodically, there were regular assassinations and about four hundred security personnel were killed in the first phase of the Eelam war from 1983 to the signing of the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord in 1987. However, there was never a threat of State capture. The political vacillation and Indian intervention in 1987 enabled the LTTE to escalate its armed campaign; each new phase of the Eelam war witnessed an extra venom and accelerated rate of death and destruction.     

 Had the earlier governments made a concerted effort to defeat the LTTE, the destruction of a three decade of the civil war, and the civilian casualties of its final phase could have been avoided. Instead, successive leaders subordinated the terrorist problem in the North to their own electoral and political considerations in the South. The greatest such miscalculation was President Premadasa’s decision to send back Indian peacekeepers who were by then had driven the LTTE to the jungles and were preparing for the final assault. We could have got the Indians who, themselves created the problem, to do our dirty work, and save the country from two more decades of destruction.   

 
The LTTE inflicted significant cost on the country, economy and the Southern centric political establishment. But, all that pales in comparison to the destruction it wrought upon the Tamil people. Compare the status of Tamil community in this country in 1980, when one in three every charted accountant, lawyer, civil servant was a Tamil, and Jaffna was the second richest city in the country to their existence today. That is what the JVP could have done for us in the South had it been given a chance.     

In contrast to its efficient execution of a counter insurgency campaign against the JVP, successive governments pussyfooted before the LTTE. 
That was in part because, the LTTE for a long time, did not pose to the power centres of Colombo

The post -1989 response in the South to the State’s counter-terrorism campaign was not much different from what is now seen in the North. There was a mothers’ front that was actively campaigning for justice, and supported the election of President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who after her election set up a large-scale inquiry into the dead and missing, which received around 29,000 complaints. Nothing much happened in the follow up, but the South moved on. That chapter in the history was closed, and few really wants to reopen it, doing so would do much damage than any solace it would bring in.   

The North could well follow the same pattern, except for one reason. There is a lot of vested interest in some quarters of Tamil politics, diaspora and NGO in keeping the book open. They are not doing a service to Tamils.  

On the other hand, Sri Lanka cannot ban the mourning of the dead, and claims it is striving for reconciliation. In fact, such misguided State intervention in the past complicated things and added to the disenchantment of the Tamil community. Mourning could help healing in its small ways. In the meantime, the government should address the grievances of civilians who lost loved ones and adequate reparations should be paid.  

However, one should also not miss the reality that Tamil nationalist forces who were organising these events in Mullivaikkal were patently anti-Sri Lankan. The government should prevent those grievances from being exploited for another phase of radicalisation of Tamils. These groups and individuals need to be watched. Such vigilance would be in the interest of the country as a whole and Tamil people in the North in particular. That would prevent them being herded to another Mullivaikkal.  

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A shipload of coal finds its way into sea etc. annually

By Rathindra Kuruwita-May 20, 2018, 11:12 pm 

More than 67,000 tonnes of coal find their way into the ocean annually and this is equal to one ship load, the Coalition Against Coal (CAC) says.

"Of this amount, about 17,000 tonnes are lost due to spillage during unloading from ship to barge. It is common for coal pieces to reach beaches in areas such as Kalpitiya," CAC said in a report titled Norochcholai Coal Power Plant – A summary of Social and Environmental Issues.

It is estimated that another 50,000 tonnes are blown into the ocean and the nearby villages due to strong winds in the region. Currently, the South African coal purchased by CEB has a very large amount of dust particles and it is estimated that coal piles in Norochcholai has over 35% dust (particles less than 2mm).

Maithri Gunaratne, former Chairman of Lanka Coal, said that a significant amount of coal was lost during barging and due to strong winds. "We import around 2.3 million tonnes of coal annually and we lose considerable amounts during barging and due to winds. The loss to winds has actually increased in recent times as we have started importing lower quality coal. I can’t confirm whether that the loss is 67,000 tonnes. But I can assure that the loss is significant."

Executive Director of CaFFE Keerthi Tennakoon said that attempts to address the issue had been thwarted by senior Ministry officials for reasons better known to them. "There were proposals to make the unloading process more efficient and to cover the Coal yard. But these were stopped by officials who still control the Ministry of Power."

A spokesperson for CAC said that the data had been obtained from an Auditor’s General’s Report in 2015 and that audit reports were not available post 2015. He added that the losses were now higher since the CEB purchased South African coal, which had higher concentrations of dust. "The scale at the unloading belt seems to be always broken," he said.

The report adds that the area in which coal is stored was extended in 2017/18 and is closer to the nearby village. The coal yard can store 1.3 million tonnes of coal. "At present coal yard is 360m x 450m area, and coal is stacked up to 16m high. It is noted that there is no provision in the coal yard to prevent leachate, liquid that drains or ‘leaches’ from a landfill, of coal dust to ground water from the sides of the yard, especially the side facing the village. This leachate will add toxicity to the groundwater."

President of the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU), Saumya Kumarawadu denied these allegations. He said they had fulfilled all environmental regulations. "We have taken all necessary precautions. Mostly these allegations are leveled by NGOs. There is a lot of clamouring about the plant’s environmental protection licence (EPL) having expired, but what happened was that a NGO filed a case and the renewal of the licence has been delayed until the court goes through our evidence."

Breaking Or Remaking? – Significance Of The Royal Wedding

By Shyamon Jayasinghe –MAY 20, 2018

Shyamon Jayasinghe

Break or Remake?

The Royal Wedding we saw recently, carries levels of meaning. Not the least is that it exhibited an inherent flexibility of a public social and political instrument- in this case the Royal Monarchy. Perhaps, the monarchy had learnt lessons from the tragic death of Diana. But  being ready to learn is itself demonstrative of the quality of suppleness. In confronting an external threat to its known way of life, the British Monarchy had two options: one was to let it break asunder; the other was stop it from breaking by absorbing the threatening factor, person or force. The second option keeps the institution strong by allowing for variety and readiness to face future “indiscretions.”

 This is what the British Monarchy did when the proposal of Prince Harry came up. Meghan Markles was American;she was half-black; she is a divorcee; she had been a movie actress and her social backround had not been elite at all. However, the British royalty said “yes.” Maybe after attempts at persuasion; but they approved and got ready for the event. To me, the most warming incident of the marriage ceremony was when Prince Charles walked Meghan down the aisle in circumstances where her father could not turn up. The graceful venerable Prince, who resignatedly played a whole life as second fiddle to his Royal partner Majesty the Queen, once again undertook to chaperone Meghan in Royal humility.

I had an interesting online message from a friend who presented an imaginary dialogue of a stereotyped encounter that would hypothetically take place in a standard Sri Lankan Sinhala family in situations of external threats to ‘marital purity and honour.’ I reproduce it for the reader not merely for the latter’s entertainment but as a demonstrative illustration of how Sri Lankan families face social threats from contradictions of this sort. Here it is:

Mother to young daughter (subject of the proposal): “ You will do this marriage only on my death bed…. you understand?”

Father: You are ruining our good name and honour. You have tarnished our face with black, kitchen soot.”

Other Relatives: “ Sure way to spoil our kids, too. Our race is finished!”

The imaginary dialogue suggests that the Meghan lesson can be useful learning for ordinary folk in their daily lives-wherever we may live. Are you going to break or are you going to remake?

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RAIN HAVOC CLAIMS MORE LIVES

Unrelenting rains continue to wreak havoc in 12 districts around the country, leaving 1,024 persons displaced, over 22,000 persons affected and six dead.

Daily News News Desk-Tuesday, May 22, 2018

The Ratnapura, Galle, Matara, Kegalle, Kalutara, Anuradhapura, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya and Matale districts were affected by the South-Western monsoonal rains.

The Meteorological Department issuing a report yesterday stated, “Showers or thundershowers will continue to occur in the Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces”.

Heavy rain fall of about 150 mm is expected in the Sabaragamuwa and Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts. Rain fall, above 100 mm is expected particularly in the Central, North-western and Uva provinces and in the Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers.

“Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. Heavy showers can be expected at some places in the above sea area”, Met Department sources said

It further said that the sea area extending from Kankasanturai to Potuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota can be rough at times as the wind speed can increase up to 60 kmph at times. The deep sea area extending from Puttalam to Potuvil via Colombo and Galle can be rough at times as the wind speed can increase up to 60-70 kmph at times.

Very strong gusty winds (up to 70-80 kmph) and rough seas are expected during thundershowers. Fishing communities have been requested to be vigilant in this regard.

The water levels in four of the main river basins in the country have been increasing as a result of the rains.

Disaster Management Centre Assistant Director and Media Spokesman K.A.D.P.K. Koddippili said the water levels of the four main rivers Kelani, Kalu, Gin and Nilwala have increased causing floods in several areas while water levels in the Attanagalu Oya and Ma Oya have reached flood levels.

He said that the flood water level of the Kelani River in Deraniyagala, Kithulgala and Holombuwa was however dropping while water levels were increasing to minor flood levels from Avissawella to Nagalangamuwa downstream.

Colombo, Kelaniya, Kolonnawa, Biyagama, Kaduwela, Hanwella, Dompe, Ruwanwella, Dehiovita and Deraniyagala areas could be affected by the flooding of the Kelani river.

Koddippili further noted that water levels in the Nilwala Ganga was receding in the Uurawa and Pitabaddara areas, though in areas such as Akuressa and Panadugama it was increasing.

Matara, Kadawatha Satara, Thihagoda, Malimbada, Kamburupitiya, Athuraliya, Akuressa and Pitabeddara could be affected by the flood.

“Although water levels in the Gin Ganga in the Thawalama area was dropping, heavy floods prevail in the area,” said Koddippili.

“But, the water levels in Baddegama area down the river is increasing. Baddegama, Bope, Poddala, Welivitiya, Divithura, Nagoda, Niyagama and Neluwa could be affected by the flood.”

Neluwa and Thawalama have been one of the worst affected areas in the Galle district.

On the border of the Thawalama Divisional Secretariat, in the Habarakada West Grama Niladhari division, a man who had gone fishing had been swept away by the floods. His body was found by a Naval team operating in the area, said Thawalama Divisional Secretariat, Dhammika S. Weerakoon.

With the flooding of Gin Ganga, the Hiniduma -Mahabodiwatte area had been inundated with 5 feet of water. The Thawalama-Neluwa road, Mawanana area, Neluwa-Batuwangala main road, Udugama-Katagoda junction, Neluwa-Duli Ella Road.are inundated and, access to these areas have been shut off. Most schools in the area were closed yesterday. Galle District Disaster Management Centre Director Col. Dampath Ratnayake said seven teams including Army, Navy and relief teams have been deployed in the district to rescue the affected . Bad weather conditions during the last two days have resulted in the death of one with 44 families, 185 individuals being affected, said Galle Acting District Secretary Pradeep Ratnayake.

It has also been reported that two houses have been completely destroyed whilst 72 have been partially destroyed. These statistics do not include Neluwa and Thawalama, added the acting District Secretary. CEB Galle office sources said power to Neluwa and Thawalama had been disrupted due to the falling of trees in the area. It is reported that CEB officers were trying their best to get through, but their progress was hindered due to fallen trees in the area. Once the trees are cleared, they will be able to get through to restore power, a CEB official said. Water levels of the Kalu Ganga in the Ratnapura area were also rising.

Kodippilli said the water levels could go up further due to the heavy rainfall at the upper reaches of the river. Kalutara, Dodamgoda, Millaniya, Madurawala, Horana, Palindanuwara, Bulathsinhala, Ingiriya, Kiriella, Kuruvita, Elapatha and Ratnapura could be affected by the flood. Water levels in the Attanagalu Oya could go up further. Negombo, Ja-ela, Katana, Minuwangoda, Gampaha and Attanagalla could be affected by the floods.

He added that the floods caused by the overflow of Ma Oya in Giriulla was receding slightly.But the water levels downstream was increasing and Pannala and Divulapitiya could be affected by the floods.

With the heavy rainfall experienced in the western slope in the Central hills, two sluice gates of the Kotmale reservoir have opened automatically. Kotmale hydro power plant officials stated that the rest of the sluice gates would be opened if the rain continued. Engineers of the power plant warned the people residing by the Kotmale Oya to be vigilant of high volumes of water in the Oya if the rain continued. The volumes of water in the Devon waterfall and St Clair waterfall have also increased. Norwood Police said that lands and houses in Norwood have been inundated due to the flooding of the Keselgamuwa Oya and the residents have been evacuated to safer places. Some of the roads in Hatton too have gone under water. Meanwhile, seven spill gates in the Polgolla reservoir too have been opened. In addition to floods, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) issued a landslide warning for the Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kurunegala, Badulla, Kandy, Matale and Colombo districts yesterday.

Accordingly, the Rambukkana, and Warakapola Divisional Secretariats were alerted in the Kegalle District while the areas of Balangoda, Imbulpe, Opanayaka, Weligepola, Godakawela were alerted in the Ratapura district.

The Haldummulla Divisional Secretariat in the Badulla dirstrict together with the Udapalatha and Ganga-Ihala Korale Divisional Secretariats in the Kandy District were put on alert. The Matale, Rattota and Ukuwela Divisional Secretariats and the Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat in the Colombo district have also been issued warnings.

The NBRO further requested citizens residng in the vicinity slopes, cut slopes and retaining wall failures to be on alert.

People have been asked to pay attention to early landslide signs which are; development of cracks on the ground, slanting of trees, electrical posts, fences and telephone posts, cracks in the floors and walls of buildings which are built on slopes and the sudden appearance of springs. The NBRO issued a red notice on Sunday to the Ayagama, Kolonna, Niwitagala, Kalawaana, Kiriella, Palmadulla and Kahawatta Divisional Secretariats in the Ratnapura district and the Agalawatta, Bulathsinhala, Walallawita and Ingiriya areas of the Kalutara district. Red notices were also issued for the Kegalle, Mawanella, Galigamuwa, Yatiyanthota and Aranayaka Divisional Secretariats in the Kegalle district,the Abagamuwa area of the Nuwara Eliya district and Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district. Kodippilli stated that the evacuation processes have been carried out in the areas mentioned above and many families were already evacuated.

As rain and landslides impact the country, minor power outages have also been experienced in affected areas. CEB Media Spokesperson Sulakshana Jayawardena said there were many localized power disruptions around the country and that CEB workers were working on repairing minor damages to the power line. In areas such as Kuruwita, Eheliyagoda, Kalawana and Kiriella however, the CEB has intentionally cut off power for safety reasons. These areas had been issued with landslide and flood warnings.

Schooling has also been disrupted in the Southern Province with the prevailing weather. Southern Province Education Secretary Y. Wickremasiri said there was a marked decrease in student attendance and he said both the prevailing weather and the spread of influenza in the area, might be the reason for it. Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam yesterday directed the Principles and Directors of the Education Zones to decide on whether or not to open schools in disaster prone areas considering the prevailing weather condition.

The Diaster Mangement Centre (DMC) yesterday evening advised the people living close to the Kelani river banks to evacuate to safer places as the water level was rising to flood level. People living in low lying areas in the Kalutara and Galle districts were also cautioned as soaring water levels in the Kalu and Gin rivers may lead to minor flooding.

DMC sources said that 247 boats and 275 small boats (Oru) have been deployed to the affected districts along with the Tri-Forces and the Police.

"Thirty welfare centers have already been established with 1,212 distressed citizens currently housed there. The Disaster Management Ministry had allocated Rs. 28.7 million together with an additional Rs.1 million been alocated for each district," DMC officials said.

Meanwhile, Meteorological Department Deputy Director Meril Mendis stated that heavy rains will continue to persist during the next couple of days till around the the first week of June.

"The heavy rainfall is a result of the South West Monsoon. Wind speeds around the coastal belt could increase during the following days," Mendis further said.

Sale and use of plastic TIME TO EMBRACE CULTURE OF RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING Microbeads causing macro levels of harm to humans and nature

When the Meethotamulla garbage dump collapsed in April last year, President Maithripala Sirisena immediately banned the sale of plastic bags, cups, plates and burning of refuse containing plastic.   

2018-05-22

A similar ban was imposed from January with regard to the use and production of polythene less than 20 microns. The ban was imposed without a proper plan to introduce an alternative product. According to observations made by the Environmental Foundation Limited (EFL), Sri Lanka generates 700 metric tonnes of solid waste per day with the Western Province accounting for nearly 60% of waste generation. Adding to this menace is the uncoordinated collection of garbage where in most instances they are collected, but not segregated. Although many moves were made to reduce the use of plastics and its harmful effects on the environment, Sri Lankans continue using plastic bags, making the ban on plastics look ridiculous. Making things worse, Sri Lanka was listed fifth among the world’s biggest marine polluters. In a recent video published by our sister video channel W NOW, the harmful causes of microbeads were highlighted. Microbeads are manufactured solid plastic particles of less than one millimetre in dimension. They are frequently made of polyethylene, but can be turned out of other petrochemical plastics such as polypropylene and polystyrene. Hence the Daily mirror   sheds light on the adverse effects of microbeads, a PET bottle manufacturer’s point of view and the present status of solid waste management in Sri Lanka. 

‘Micro beads are a threat to marine environments’

The formation of plastic is a chemical process. There are plasticizers which are added to bring about features such as hardiness, strength etc in order to promote plasticity and flexibility and reduce the brittleness
-Dr.Waruna Gunathilake

Their primary purpose is exfoliation or rather a rinsing effect and that is why they are used in cosmetics such as facial scrubs, lotions and creams. In addition to that micro beads could also be found in over-the-counter products such as toothpaste. Microbeads are a threat to marine environments because aquatic species ingest on these micro particles which leads to the extinction of these species. They also carry various health risks with regard to humans as well. Although various alternatives have been suggested in place of plastics, people still tend to use plastic bags when they shop and for other purposes. If plastic users and providers are taxed then its use may be minimized. Other alternatives such as brown paper bags and paper bags could be used.   

Speaking further Dr. Gunathilake added that all plastics aren’t the same. “They have different chemical structures and other external materials. The formation of plastic is a chemical process. There are plasticizers which are added to bring about features such as hardiness, strength etc in order to promote plasticity and flexibility and reduce the brittleness. These materials are often toxic and would have a dangerous effect on the environment. Therefore it’s important that the law will be enforced by the authorities. It should in turn bring about a change in behaviour and attitude. The Government also needs to introduce alternatives in place of the use of plastics and make these alternatives available to the people,”said Gunathilake.   

‘Responsible recycling will reduce harmful effects of plastics’ 

Speaking to the  Daily Mirror  Snackings Pvt. Ltd Managing Director Muttiah Prabagaran said that when considering the manufacture of plastic and glass bottles, glass bottles require more energy. “Plastic manufacturing doesn’t require that much energy. In terms of raw materials, glass needs more silica and that requires mining sand. In turn that contributes to an environmental hazard as well. When it comes to the beverage industry, plastic bottles need not be washed before adding the beverages. But this is not the case with glass bottles. They need to be washed thoroughly. In fact one litre would require three to four litres of water for washing. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles need not be washed now, thanks to the technological advancements. Glass bottles need a chemical wash which also leads up to chemical contamination,”Prabagaran explained. 

One of the key issues identified by Prabagaran is the lack of responsible recycling. “We don’t see garbage being segregated today and that is one of the main reasons why this problem associated with plastic has become an environmental issue. Even Singapore uses more plastics than we, but they have effective garbage collection strategies. From bin setups to collection, segregation and recycling should take place accordingly in order to reduce the risks of pollution. If glass bottles are recycled, then it has to be a coloured bottle and this also requires a lot of energy. People misunderstand the underlying issues as they are not highlighted and therefore keep 

attacking the plastic industry. Everything around us is made of plastic and having glass around us is impractical in the first place,” he added.   

“There are several small manufacturers who are involved in the milk industry who make a few products,” he continued. “For example, those involved in the yoghurt industry would make a few cups because the Government is not supporting them to use reusable cups. Therefore the cottage industry may not be able to survive, given the situation.

Plastic manufacturing doesn’t require that much energy. In terms of raw materials, glass needs more silica and that requires mining sand. In turn that contributes to an environmental hazard as well

-Muttiah Prabagaran

 Everybody says plastic is bad, but there is no system to collect and segregate garbage properly. Instead of banning plastic the Government could get together with companies and societies and launch an area-wise programme where people can be educated to use plastic responsibly. 

We are not finding solutions and the environmental authorities have to be involved in this process. At the moment we are considering a project that’ll help recycle PET bottles. There has to be a channel like the Municipal Council, but the authorities are not equipped with sufficient data. They don’t have statistics and this handicaps our objectives. There is a plant which now recycles PET bottles to make fibre filaments. However, if plastic is recycled responsibly there would be no harm to the environment,” he concluded.   

Present status of solid waste management in Sri Lanka

A Gazette (Extraordinary) Notification bearing number 2015/53 dated 20th of April 2017, states that all services, related to waste disposal, including clearance, collection, treatment and separation are to be considered as essential services under section 17 of the Public Security Ordinance. 

People misunderstand the underlying issues as they are not highlighted and therefore keep attacking the plastic industry. Everything around us is made of plastic and having glass around us is impractical in the first place

-Muttiah Prabagaran

It focuses on steps that are being taken when disposing, collecting, transporting, storing, preparing, segregating garbage and disposing garbage collected from households as well as that which is collected from the road and related services. According to the Ordinance, anyone who is guilty of such offences mentioned or 

• The Government also needs to introduce alternatives in place of the use of plastics
• Even Singapore uses more plastics than Sri Lanka
• Everybody says plastic is bad, but there is no system to collect and segregate garbage properly

if there is reason to believe that someone was responsible for such a crime, they could be arrested by a police officer, any moment, even without an arrest warrant. Anyone thus arrested could be sentenced by a Magistrate following a trial. Offenders could be fined Rs. 10,000 and jailed for a period of two years.   

Waste collection and disposal responsibilities are vested with the local authorities of the particular Divisional Secretariat, either a municipal council (as per the Municipal Councils Ordinance -1947), urban council (Urban Councils Ordinance – 1939) or local council (PradeshiyaSabha Act – 1987). Provisions related to waste management and disposal, are made under the National Environmental Act No.47 of 1981 and Public Nuisance Ordinance.   

At the onset of the Meethotamulla garbage dump collapse, several other sites were identified as possible garbage dumping spots; one being the Muthurajawela Bird Sanctuary. It was then suggested that garbage will be transported to Aruwakkalu in the Puttalam District as a long-term plan. During the 2018 Budget announcement, Rs. 3 billion was allocated to accelerate the Aruwakkalu Waste Management Programme which includes the construction of a sanitary landfill site. The project will see the transfer of solid waste by train in sealed containers from the yet-to-be-established transfer station in Kelaniya to the proposed site in Aruwakkalu.