Sri Lanka: Northern CM C. V. Wigneswaran Pleased With New Governor

[New Govenor meets CM in Jaffna]-04/02/2015

Chief Minister Northern Province C. V. Wigneswaran said the replacement of the military Governors in the North and East with members of foreign and civil services (Foreign Secretary H. M. G. S. Palihakkara), combined with measures such as the removal of the travel restrictions to the North, signifies a symbolic step in the right direction in commencing the process to restore civilian administration and also hopefully in addressing the issue of demilitarisation.

Long term political issues cannot be resolved overnight even if there is goodwill on both sides. It requires the building of trust and for that the freedom of information and the exchange of ideas have to be fostered. The previous regime painted the Tamils as terrorists bent on partitioning Sri Lanka and the Muslims as extremists. We need to overhaul that idea and show that we are co-owners of this resplendent isle committed to pluralism, democracy and non-violence. Both sides need to acknowledge the atrocities and crimes committed during the war, and justice should be meted out. Sweeping injustices and crimes under the carpet cannot evolve a solution, it can only fester resentment and animosity.

The Chief Minister in his speech, Monday (2), at the Sri Lanka Development and Administration added that in striving to enforce national -State security, we forgot that governments are elected to ensure ‘human security’, which encapsulates economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security and political security. Besides, it is also important to understand the root causes of the ethnic conflict namely the structural causes and the denial of collective security of the Tamils of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.”

He further stressed the steps taken by the fledgling government indicate that it has jettisoned the repressive notion of ‘National-State Security’ and embarked on a course towards ‘human security’. “This kind of course correction is a long and arduous task. It needs reforms across many sectors.”

“The steps taken by the government to replace the unconstitutionally appointed Chief Secretary of the Northern Province with a constitutional appointment, and its courageous decision to reinstate the de jure Chief Justice and oust the de facto Chief Justice, whose purported appointment cast an indelible stain on the history of our Judiciary, demonstrates the government’s commitment to restore the rule of law,” he said.

He opined that many more difficult decisions would have to be made if they are to heal wounds, build trust, and progress as a country adding that the government’s task, particularly in the context of the forthcoming general elections, is extremely difficult.

“What my constituents in the Northern Province would like the government to understand is that they have borne the brunt of the war like no other in the country. To give it some perspective around 6-7% of our population consists of War Widows. Thousands of acres of land are still occupied by the Military, which continues to be engaged in commercial, agricultural and leisure activities to the exclusion of the owners of those lands. Therefore, we cannot have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for the North or the East. Those of my friends here who are lawyers will appreciate that the treatment of unequals equally amounts to discrimination. I would like to table my speech on that occasion, which sets out our view on the policy changes that are essential for post war socio-economic development in the Northern Province,” he relayed.

BY SULOCHANA RAMIAH MOHAN

Obama to hold the loop against Sri Lanka

CIVIL SOCIETY STATEMENT ON HUMAN RIGHTS

(February 6, 2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Obama administration of the United States of America is considering requesting the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to postpone taking up the resolution on Sri Lanka in the forthcoming session.

The report on the resolution adopted on Sri Lanka by the UNHRC last March is to be taken up during the Council sessions this March. However, the reports stated the US may ask the UNHRC to postpone the taking up of the resolution.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Nisha Biswal, had hinted at this during her interaction with TNA leaders on Tuesday, sources have been quoted as saying in the New Indian Express.

The US was happy with the exit of Mahinda Rajapaksa’s hostile government and saw a bright future for US-Lanka relations during the tenure of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The report has stated that the US did not want to upset the Lankan apple cart by presenting a strong anti-Lankan resolution at the UNHRC.

Biswal is understood to have warned that a strong resolution accusing Sri Lanka of war crimes will be exploited by ultra nationalist forces opposed to

Tamils, which could in turn bring Rajapaksa back to power through the June parliamentary elections.

However, TNA leaders told Biswal during her meeting with them that they could not allow the Tamil issue to be brushed under the carpet. They feared that once Colombo and Washington warmed up to each other, the Tamil issue would be put on the back burner and other bilateral issues would be brought to the fore.

In his message to the President Siisena, President Obama noted, “International and domestic monitors and observers were permitted to do their jobs. Sri Lankans from all segments of society cast their ballots peacefully, and the voice of the people was respected. At this moment of hope, the United States looks forward to deepening its partnership with the people and government of Sri Lanka and to working with President Sirisena to advance peace, democracy, and prosperity for all Sri Lankans.”

Slander Originated By External Ministry Of Sri Lanka!

By S. V. Kirubaharan -February 6, 2015

S. V. Kirubaharan

Why is Sri Lanka under the scrutiny of the International Community today? Some will say because of war crimes. Others will say genocide and crimes against humanity, etc. But having been involved in Human Rights and International lobbying for decades, we say that aggressive and racist elements within Sri Lanka’s Ministry of External Affairs, who play at double standards and duplicity, are also the cause of the international spotlight.

We have seen many Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers of External Affairs and others come and go. Their agenda is always the same but each regime has its own approach. Change of regime or change of cabinet, is not going to do any good for victims. The change should take place in the hearts and minds of Sinhala Buddhist Chauvinists.

On 19 January 2015, I wrote an article titled, “International investigation on Sri Lanka should continue”. Comments about it were mostly written under pseudonyms. In that article, I related my personal experience in the UN Human Rights Forums in Geneva, especially with the present Governor of the Northern Provincial Council, G. Palihakkara who was the first secretary and the ambassador of Sri Lanka in Geneva. Also he was the member of the magic Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission – LLRC. In fact, he was former President Rajapaksa’s original choice for the Governor post and the present President Sirisena validated it.

Knowing the racist approach and activities of Palihakkara and his colleagues in the UN, it was my duty to tell the truth to the public. In fact, I gave only brief details. It is to be noted that during Palihakkara’s period in Geneva, there was a so-called newspaper (The Archipelago) published in Colombo, in which many fictional stories were written about me, my colleagues and our organisation.

Legal action

Even though those writings were not taken seriously, we tried all available avenues to take legal action against this newspaper to set the record straight. We sent letters through lawyers locally and internationally and also reported the matter to the Press Council of Sri Lanka. While Chief Justices find it difficult to seek justice for themselves in Sri Lanka, it was no surprise to us in Europe that it would not be possible for us to find justice or even to receive a reply from the corrupt judiciary in Sri Lanka.

In fact, the fictional writings did some good things for us. We are still in action today. With the help of international NGOs, human rights defenders and countries which respect human rights, tireless lobbying brought three consecutive resolutions on Sri Lanka. In other words, their fictional writings never worked on anyone. It only served to please their funders.Read More

Classic examples of a power mafia destroying CEB day by day. We wonder why a party like JVP is keep their silence on this critics -CEB Engineers

(Lanka-e-News- 05.Feb.2015, 2.00PM)

Dear Mr. Wasantha Samarasinghe - JVP,

We being a group of professional electrical engineers associated with Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) would like to share few information with you. The reason we’ve selected you is simply that your comments against the present Power and Energy Minister regarding the recent salary increment of engineers in CEB.

Classic Examples of a Power Mafia Destroying CEB Day by Day. We Wonder Why a Party Like JVP is Keep Their S... by Thavam Ratna

John begins good governance with murderers & drug dealers!

Friday, 06 February 2015 

Public security, Christian religious affairs and disaster management minister of the Maithri-Ranil government John Anthony Emmanuel Amaratunga has begun good governance at his ministry together with murderers and drug dealers, reports say. As a result of their cohabitation, the opposition has handed over to the speaker a no-confidence motion against minister Amaratunga.

According to reports reaching us, Sarath Edirisinghe alias Singapore Sarath has been appointed a coordinating secretary to minister Amaratunga. He is the first suspect in the killing of Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha member Hasitha Madawala. He has been given the appointment by Fernando, a long-term secretary to the minister. The minister and his secretary both complete 75 years of age this year.

It is at the invitation of minister Amaratunga that underworld leader Lal Peiris alias Kudu Lal, who is in hiding in England is expecting to return. In 2002, Amaratunga gave him a licensed pistol, which he has widely used in his extortion rackets.

A majority of MPs has asked that the ministry of Amaratunga, a Rajapaksa loyalist, be taken over by the president.

Maithri continuing with Mahinda’s oppressive laws - FSP

February 6, 2015

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) today accused President Maithripala Sirisena of carrying out the same “oppressive laws” as former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Referring to renewed orders from the new President allowing troops to be deployed across the island, the party’s Propaganda Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda stated that during his election campaign Maithripala Sirisena had given priority to this issue when speaking about democracy.

One of the main topics of Maithripala’s Presidential Election campaign was the pledges to do away with these oppressive laws and the demilitarization, he said, adding, that the Common Candidate promised to establish democracy within the country instead.

However, according to a presidential decree, Sirisena has now renewed a monthly authorisation for the deployment of troops.

“By virtue of the powers vested in me, I, Maithripala Sirisena, do by this order call out all the members of the armed forces ... for the maintenance of public order,” read the order.

Mr Jayagoda stated that on February 03, when the previous order officially expired, his party was paying close attention to see if the new President would follow in the same footsteps of his predecessor and sign this “oppressive decree” and issue the relevant gazette notification.

He pointed out that President Sirisena had signed the decree February 02 and issued the gazette notification.

“What happened under Mahinda Rajapaksa has begun to recur only with the President’s name changed,” Mr Jayagoda told reporters in Colombo.  

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is reportedly miffed with the government for issuing the gazette notification deploying troops in all the districts of Sri Lanka.

“This is unwarranted. When there is no violence in the North or anywhere in the country, why should troops be deployed and invested with police powers?” asked a livid Suresh Premachandran, TNA spokesman and MP for Jaffna district.

“We could understand why the previous Rajapaksa regime deployed troops. It had done many wrong things and was always expecting trouble from the people. But the Sirisena government has a clean image and yet it is deploying troops,” Premachandran said. President Sirisena seems to have forgotten that he was elected because of the overwhelming support he got from the Tamils, Premachandran pointed out.

Defending the action of the government, Cabinet spokesman Dr Rajitha Senaratne said that the gazette notification was a routine one issued during the time of national functions and election, adding, “we cannot move troops without such a notification”.

However, unconvinced by this, Premachandran asked, “Why was the deployment not annulled after independence day?”

Ethnic Relations Take Centre Stage In Sri Lanka

By S. Sivathasan -February 6, 2015

S. Sivathasan

“Tenderer than a flower is love. Very few recognize how delicate it is”- Thirukkural

A Clean Break

To the writer yet more tender than love, is the art of nurturing ethnic relations in our midst. More so since it has been ravished for long and is being brought back to life after 67 years. In those times never did we seek to be independent. Our dependence was on strife and turmoil to resolve our tussles. What have we gained from them all? This question is posed only as a rhetorical one. Quite a span is needed to place irksome memories in the back burner for them to recede with time. Our vision transfixed on the future and energies canalized for growth and change, can see the beginning of that difference.

Reconciliation at Centre Stage

Wall Street Journal saw Sri Lanka at the ready to take centre stage. Quite perceptively Armitage and others placed Ethnic Reconciliation at the top of the agenda for the nation’s redemption.

At a perfectly timed visit to Sri Lanka, Ms Nisha Biswal met the powers that be of the government. From TNA leadership she “heard their perspective for meaningful progress on Reconciliation” she said. She also “expressed United States’ willingness to work with the new government and looked forward to partnering with the Sri Lankan people”. A welcome initiative for the nation to take the cue from.

President Maithripala Srisena in his Independence Day address placed particular emphasis on the process of Reconciliation. From the way its importance is highlighted by voices from the US and responded to by the highest Executive of the country, one could look forward to accelerated attention in this regard.

A New Axis

In a change of regime, the US and the West foresee other developments to follow. Sri Lanka’s shift towards India is one such. Responsiveness to the stances of Japan is another. With momentum moving in a westerly direction, embracing Europe and US, extending due weightage to India and the Indian Ocean and the leverage of Japan being correctly understood; Sri Lanka is sure to be drawn into the vortex of Washington, New Delhi and Tokyo. This is not to suggest that Sri Lanka will be out of China’s financial benevolence. Time may be all too soon when the island nation benefits from both the worlds.                       Read More

Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On A Return to Democracy in Sri Lanka

February 5, 2015

Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, for hundreds of millions of people around the globe, including in countries whose governments are allies of the United States, democracy and human rights are aspirations that seem beyond reach.  According to a recent report by Freedom House, the state of freedom in the world declined in almost every region over the past year.  But while we should be deeply concerned by this discouraging trend, we should also recognize where progress is being made.

On January 8, the people of Sri Lanka stunned a repressive government that had been rapidly centralizing power and dismantling democratic institutions.  President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who sensed his increasing unpopularity, called a snap election two years early hoping to take advantage of his fragmented opposition.  However, to his surprise and the surprise of many observers, a broad coalition of Sri Lankans voted to oust his administration and to chart a new course.  Rather than balk at forfeiting the chance for an unprecedented third term, President Rajapaksa, under pressure from the international community, stepped down within hours of the election results being published.

This was welcome news.  After suffering decades of on and off conflict that is estimated to have cost as many as 100,000 lives, only to have the violence replaced by increasing repression and political and ethnic polarization, the peaceful transfer of power has helped breathe life into the hopes of Sri Lankans for reconciliation and a better future.  For that hope to become reality, newly elected President Maithripala Sirisena will need to gain the trust of all Sri Lankans, regardless of their ethnicity or political views.  In too many countries democracy has been treated as an election rather than a way of governing, but for it to succeed all citizens must have the ability to participate meaningfully.  As President Sirisena stated in his inaugural address, what Sri Lanka needs “is not a King, but a real human being”.

Of course, democracy alone will not heal Sri Lankan society.  No one knows this better than those who lost family, friends, and loved ones in the war with the LTTE, or Tamil Tigers.  In the final months of that war, many thousands of civilians died, mostly as a result of shelling by the Sri Lankan military of civilians who had been uprooted by the fighting.  The United Nations, the United States, other governments and human rights organizations have long called for thorough, independent investigations and punishment of those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

While President Sirisena has pledged to launch a domestic inquiry into alleged war crimes, I agree with those who insist that nothing less than an international investigation, as called for by the UN Human Rights Council, will likely suffice to overcome the suspicion and distrust concerning this issue.  It would be far better if the government seeks the assistance of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in developing a credible plan for investigating violations of human rights by both sides in the conflict, and holding those responsible accountable.

I am encouraged that President Sirisena has pledged to return the country to a parliamentary democracy with independent police and judicial institutions, and inclusive governance.  He has also committed to taking steps to address the cases of those detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), many of whom are political prisoners like Jeyakumari Balendran.  The reviews should be carried out expeditiously.  While the release of 572 prisoners at the time of Pope Francis’s visit on January 14 was a positive step, it is the cases of political prisoners detained under the PTA that will demonstrate the Sirisena government’s commitment to reconciliation.  The sooner innocent victims of the Rajapaksa government’s repression are freed, the faster Sri Lanka will be able to recover.     

Over the years I have spoken in this chamber in support of independent investigations of war crimes, and justice and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.  I have met the relatives of victims of the war.  President Sirisena’s election offers the chance for all Sri Lankans to finally recover from that tragic period by rebuilding their country in a spirit of tolerance, respect, and common purpose.

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Press Contact
David Carle: 202-224-3693

Memory and Movement: An Independence Day Reflection

• by Bishop Duleep de Chickera 
• - on 02/06/2015 

Independence Day reminds us that we are one country called to become one reconciled people. Experience teaches that when addressed, dominant national realities become paths to reconciliation.

Economic dignity

The real enemy is not next door but at the economic extremes. Poverty is humiliating; excessive wealth intoxicates.

Since there is enough for all to live a dignified life if each takes a little; poverty can be eradicated. Inclusive economic reform is to begin at the doorstep of the poor. Economic reform that ignores economic justice is immoral. It intensifies violence against the poor.

Recent revelations suggest some correlation between the hoarding of personal wealth and crime and corruption. This echoes a Biblical teaching that the accumulation of excessive personal wealth amidst wider social deprivation indicates exploitation of the poor. Consequently, initiatives to eradicate poverty will also require fiscal measures to regulate the excessive accumulation of personal wealth.

Justice not revenge

The clamour to address allegations of corruption is understandable. A suppressed but informed people demand speedy justice no sooner they are free to do so. While however justice rushed could end up justice manipulated; justice unduly delayed will imply intrigue and add to a peoples’ grievance. But if at the end of the day the perpetrators of unimaginable crime and corruption still remain free and a mass of “little people” still fill our prisons for far more trivial offences, the entire nation will stand condemned.

On the other hand to repeatedly gloat over allegations of corruption and repeatedly provoke animosity undermines real justice. While offenders must be brought to justice they are also entitled to rise above their past and get on with their lives. This dynamic between justice and healing is what Christianity calls inclusive reconciliation.

After an encounter with Jesus, a corrupt official returns to the community he exploited only after he acknowledged his faults and returned fourfold of all he had stolen. The story implies that he is forgiven and received but nothing is heard of him thereafter.

A life giving Constitution

A secular state based on a secular constitution could well be an answer to our recurring inter-religious tensions. Our religions will have a place within such a framework but will have to earn respect by living their most enlightening and life giving values.

Within such a secular state those who represent the religions are more likely to be judged by the religious values they represent and held accountable by the people they represent. When this happens religious fundamentalism is likely to be best addressed and arrested; from within.

A national constitution should be inspiring and sound like an appendix to our national anthem. We will then be proud to share it with others as what our nation stands for.

But if lawyers alone write it, lawyers only will interpret it and the majority will remain excluded from the best of its sacred values. This is why philosophers, poets, teachers and workers should also have an input. It is then that the constitution will hold us together to bring the collective freedom, dignity, pride and joy that it must.

Our minorities

Several post-election reactions and reviews implied that the votes and aspirations of the minorities are still considered second class. Thirty years of war and five years hence appear to have done little to change ethnic prejudice. People still seem to believe that the real opinion of the nation is heard only when the Sinhala community speaks. This is why integrated socio-political initiatives which protect our rich cultural diversity but will also extinguish this prejudice are urgent.

If our minorities are to have as much ground opportunities and ground respect as well as ground hardship, as all others, we are required to revisit the unresolved Tamil issue of devolution within one country. The current convergence of diverse political forces and a fresh peoples’ mandate for fair governance facilitate a return to this sensitive but essential task.

Remembrance not triumphalism

A favourable socio-political culture is necessary for the erection of museums and a rewriting of our history books as reminders of our violent past; never to be repeated. These memory assets should also record the evils of both state and sectarian terrorism. It is such initiatives and not symbols of triumphalism that will move our beloved nation towards forgiveness, healing and reconciliation.

With Peace and Blessings!

Bishop Duleep de Chickera

An Open Appeal To PM; Release Colombo Port City EIA For Public Consultation

By Kusal Perera -February 6, 2015

Kusal Perara

At a media briefing held on January 05 Thursday, spokesperson for the Cabinet, Minister Rajitha Senaratneannounced the government’s decision to proceed with the controversial Colombo Port City development project as proposed by PM Wickrrmrsinghe. He was quoted in the media as saying, “We have decided to allow the development project to proceed but without any fraud or corruption. The EIA on the project was carried out by the Moratuwa University, which is known for its assessment quality.”

This project fully funded by a Chinese investor to the tune of 1.4 billion US dollars in creating a 223 hectare offshore island adjoining the Colombo Port, will provide China total control of 108 hectares, through ownership and a 99 year lease.

Cabinet ministers of the Rajapaksa government were not briefed about this total project it is said and from the very beginning, was seeped with controversy. While many issues on corruption and fraud were raised, also important are the issues raised by Ranil Wickremesinghe as Leader of the Opposition, pledging the new government would immediately scrap the whole project. Wickremesinghe on the election campaign trail addressing numerous forums were quoted in the media as saying, the Colombo Port City project would pollute the whole coastal area from Negambo to Beruwala. His pledge to scrap the project was preceded by environmental lobbies and a loud and open protest by people of Negambo, demanding the abolition of the Colombo Port City project.

In just 24 days into governance, the new government has turned around on its pledge to scrap the controversial project and now claim, the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) done by the Moratuwa University is good enough to proceed with the project, despite some “grey areas”. The government will negotiate and President Sirisenawould discuss those issues when he visits China next month said minister Senaratne. What was not told is, it was a local company, “Master Divers” that was contracted to do an underwater soil test that for a project of this nature is extremely important. How Master Divers came to be contracted and how competent they are in such soil tests are not known.Read More

Rajpal, who lost his trousers in Geneva, writes love letters to Vickramabahu!

Friday, 06 February 2015 

Daily News editor Rajpal Abeynayake, who lost his trousers along with the purse and the passport at a brothel in Geneva’s Red Light District and then campaigned on behalf of the Rajapaksa regime, has begun a new game in order to safeguard his position, say Lake House sources.

That game is to invite opposition activists, whom he had called until now as tiger, pig, traitor and wretched, to write a column for Daily News. He has remembered all of them due to the fear that he would lose his job. By inviting traitors to write columns for Daily News, he tries to suggest that the newspaper has now become democratic.

Once, international media described as how he had tried to attack Callum McRae, Jonathan Miller and other Channel 4 television personnel during a debate after failing to answer their questions. Since Channel 4 personnel were cultured ones, they did not retaliate, but it is Asoka Samararatne, owner of Samararatne Associates law firm, who has taught him an unforgettable lesson. When Samararatne responded to Rajpal, who had abused prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in filth, he had to be hospitalized.

Karu Paranawithana, at the time Lake House editorial director and presently the information ministry secretary, paved the way for Rajpal to enter Lake House.  Rajpal too, is a person like Mohan Peiris, both of whom do not have any sense of shame. He has sent a message to the media ministry saying that he was prepared to write anything as wanted by the government. That is the same story told by Mohan Peiris to Ranil. If Rajpal does not resign, the best thing to do would be to appoint Asoka Samararatne as his deputy, say the legal fraternity.

This man Rajpal grossly misuses his twitter and facebook accounts. During the presidential election, when Risath Badurdeen came to support common candidate Maithripala Sirisena, Rajpal described him as a ‘bloody pig’, the worst insult possible for a Muslim. When Sanjaya Senanayake, son of the late Sunila Abeysekara, died untimely, Rajpal wrote in his twitter that a dog has died. Is it good governance to allow such wretched persons to hold editor positions?

Sri Lanka’s brave new beginning

National Editorial-February 5, 2015

When Sri Lanka held its presidential election last month, Mahinda Rajapaksa was confident of winning an unprecedented third term. His conviction was founded on two main achievements. First, he directed the successful military campaign that brought to an end the 26-year civil war with Tamil insurgents. Second, the economy grew by seven per cent a yearduring his tenure. And yet his former cabinet member Maithripala Sirisena managed to defeat Mr Rajapaksa at the polls because the voters liked what they heard of his agenda. He said he was commited to fighting corruption, preserving democracy, promoting a more inclusive political settlement between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils and ending Sri Lanka’s increasing international isolation.

There are encouraging signs that some of this is starting to happen. As The National reported yesterday, members of Sri Lanka’s minority Tamil National Alliance attended the national day celebrations on Wednesday for the first time in decades. Mr Sirisena is also due to visit India this month – a significant first step towards repairing relations with New Delhi and more diplomatic than his predecessor’s China-centric approach. Mr Sirisena has also shown interest in dealing with the concerns that led to the UN Human Rights Council-sponsored investigation into the events of the civil war. But again, in his trademark reconciliatory style, he has stated that he will not pursue Mr Rajapaksa over war crimes and that he favours a domestic investigation with the view to drawing a line under his country’s troubled past.

This is wise for all sorts of reasons. Reopening old wounds is always fraught, and especially if it’s on the international stage. And a vendetta against the former president would run the risk of further polarising the Sinhalese and the Tamils.

Mr Sirisena’s best chance would be to achieve some form of national unity in the non-corrosive way that South Africa managed through its post-Apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

SriLankan Airlines: Parliament Reveals UL Loss Is Over 100 Billion: A Few Comments

By Rajeewa Jayaweera -February 6, 2015 

Rajeewa Jayaweera

Having read the article by Marlon Dale Ferreira published on 02 February 2015, I decided to make a few comments based on my own experience with the National Carrier spanning over a period of 16 years which I hope would help readers to put matters in a better perspective.

On the issue of “the entire country blaming the previous regime for milking the national airline by appointing many political stooges that have now gone on to take the airline basically to the cleaners”. Ferreira is correct in that political stooges were indeed appointed by the previous regime. On the issue of “milking the national airline”, every government since the airline’s inception are guilty of milking the airline. Suffice to state between 1994 and 1998 in the run up to privatization, the entire cabinet of Ministers were supposedly opposed to privatization excluding the then President and Finance Minister who wanted to be done with regular treasury hand outs. The main concern of those who opposed privatization was the anticipated loss of First Class travel. Ministers on officials travel were entitled to First Class travel. It was a common practice to have their ticket issued against payment by the relevant ministry, return it to the airline for a refund which was issued by way of MCOs in the name of the minister (not in the name of payee), purchase two Economy class tickets for the Minister and spouse and send the tickets to the Chairman who would oblige by upgrading both tickets for First Class travel on a ‘firm basis’. This is but a very small example of how Air Lanka was milked by till 1998. This practice was drastically reduced though not completely eliminated after management was taken over by Emirates. Sri Lanka did not have an ‘open skies’ policy until after privatization of Air Lanka. However several foreign carriers were granted traffic rights to Sri Lanka simply due to the carriers of those countries having local companies as General Sales Agents in Sri Lanka who were close to the Head of State of the day. In addition, more than one Head of State directed Air Lanka to appoint their cronies as General Sales Agents in foreign countries on terms unfavourable to the national carrier. Granting GSA contracts in South India in the early 1990s to a Trade Union Leader from the Hill Country resulting in the loss of millions if not billions is one such instance.Read More