On the frontline: J C Weliamuna, Sri Lankan human rights lawyer

Jayasuriya Chrishantha Weliamuna
Leading human rights lawyer; former Executive Director of Transparency International Sri Lanka

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08/01/2015

IBA Global Insight’s senior reporter speaks to the leading human rights lawyer and former Executive Director of Transparency International Sri Lanka

Jayasuriya Chrishantha Weliamuna was only ten when he saw dead bodies floating in rivers near his village of Walasmulla in the Hambantota District of Sri Lanka. The 1971 Revolt by Marxist group Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) had struck the South, and civilians were caught in the crossfire. Such early experiences, and opportunities afforded to him by his unusually liberal parents, propelled him towards a career in the law.
On the Frontline J C Weliamuna, Sri Lankan Human Rights Lawyer by Thavam Ratna

WORLD: Western elite isn't really interested in democracy unless its friends win - Jakob von Uexkull

February 6, 2015

“The idea that after the fall of the USSR we would have this liberal democracy spreading around the world was of course naive but, in many cases, these are issues of power. We have a Western elite that isn’t really interested in democracy unless its friends win. Otherwise, they are happier with a dictator whom they are friendly with. Often if the wrong people win then, suddenly, democracy is seen as not such a good idea,” Jakob von Uexkull, founder of the World Future Council (2007), said in an exclusive interview conducted in Stockholm, Sweden with Nilantha Ilangamuwa, editor of Torture: Asian and Global Perspectives. Mr. Uexkull is also the founder of the Right Livelihood Award (1980), often referred to as the “alternative Nobel prize,” and co-founder of The Other Economic Summit (1984).

“We can have the sanctity of the nation-state in a way where every struggle is national. Unfortunately when there is outside interference it is very rare that it is positive. I was encouraging interference in Bosnia in the 1990s and was very glad of it. But most are in the interest of superpowers and have been disastrous, like in Iraq. I cannot imagine things would be as bad now if Saddam Hussain had been allowed to stay in power. I do believe we need to defend the principles of the UN; if a country is attacked it should be defended but, can we intervene to overthrow undemocratic regimes?” he asked.

While commenting on Sri Lanka, he said, “I think the situation in Sri Lanka has deteriorated; it has gotten better in Indonesia, etc. Politicians don’t have much say as ruled by World Bank but Sri Lanka, in many ways, is a tragedy—people’s lives threatened, etc; a situation made complex in the civil war as no one had much sympathy for the Tamil tigers either.”

As a past member of the European Parliament (1987-89), Mr. Uexkull, served on the Political Affairs Committee and later on the UNESCO Commission on Human Duties and Responsibilities (1998-2000). He has also served on the board of Greenpeace, Germany, as well as the Council of Governance of Transparency International. He is a patron of Friends of the Earth International and lectures widely on environment, justice and peace issues.

Mr. Uexkull has received the Future Research Prize of the State of Salzburg, Austria (1999), the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana of the Republic of Estonia (2001), the Binding Prize (Liechtenstein) for the protection of nature and the environment (2006) and the Order of Merit, First Class of the Federal Republic of Germany (2009). In 2005, he was honoured by Time Magazine as a “European Hero” and, in 2008, he received the Erich Fromm Prize in Stuttgart, Germany. He is also a recognised philatelic expert with publications such as “The Early Postal History of Saudi Arabia” (London, 2001).

Born in Uppsala, Sweden, Mr. Uexkull is the son of author and journalist Gösta von Uexkull and grandson of biologist Jakob von Uexkull. After schooling in Sweden and Germany, he graduated with an M.A. (Honours) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Christ Church, Oxford. He holds dual Swedish and German citizenship. Mr. Uexkull is married and has three children. He lives with his family in London.

As the founder of the Right Livelihood Award, he recalled past experiences and said, “I saw it was needed so I set it up. It was criticised and people thought it was crazy or a CIA plot or a KGB plot at the time. 

Swedish newspapers, etc. One Member of Parliament believed in it and she convinced her colleagues and, after five years, we were invited to present in Parliament and have been able to do so every year since, which I think it is a remarkable attribute of Swedish democracy and Swedish parliamentarianism. Parliament has no say in the choice. We don’t have to inform them beforehand who we have chosen; that is remarkable and I am very honoured and overwhelmed that we have been allowed that.”

“Even though there have been times once or twice where there were some problems with one party and I went to talk to them and it was okay. Challenge is making the award well known so that the recipients get support and their work is spread. The idea of an award is publicity and inspiring others. I think we have succeeded. There are many more awards today. It is not an anti-Nobel prize and it is also for those who bring the greatest benefit to humanity, like Alfred Nobel wanted,” he added.

The interview will appear in the upcoming issue of the magazine, which will be published soon.

Torture: Asian and Global Perspectives is a bi-monthly magazine which focuses on torture and its related issues globally. Writers interested in having their research on this subject published, may submit their articles totorturemag@ahrc.asia

For more information about the magazine please visit www.torturemag.org

Govt Attempting To Hide Rajapaksa Corruption?

February 7, 2015

Swarnavahini had been instructed to delay telecasting the raid of a super-luxury meditation center that had been constructed for the use of Rajapaksas,this week.

Ranjan Ramanayake

Deputy Minister and UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake had accompanied a group of journalists from Swaranavahini on the raid that had been carried out on February 3, along with the Police. However, the raid had not been permitted to be telecasted in the news until Friday (6).

When inquired, Ramanayake had been informed that the delay is due to ‘instructions from the top’ (ඉහලින් ආපු නියෝගයක් ).

Ramanayake said the super luxury meditation center located in Imbulgoda, Kadawatha is spread over eight acres and over Rs. 1000 million must have been spent on constructing the premises that is equipped with ebony furnishings, Italian bathroom fittings and a helipad. He said the location is said to have been the abode of ancient King Walagamba.

He also said that over 60 Army personnel had been stationed in and around the meditation center to provide security until January 8.

67 th Independence day celebrations and General’s absence

(Lanka-e-News- 07.Feb.2015, 10.00PM) After the new government for good governance  took  over the reins , two State celebrations were held in close succession. One was the visit of Pope Francis to Sri Lanka (SL) , and the other was  the 67 th independence day celebrations on the 4 th of February.

This year’s independence celebrations was markedly different from those of the previous years . Unlike in the earlier annual independence day celebrations where  public funds were wasted most recklessly by the diddling previous government on unwarranted aggrandizement and ostentation  , under  the new Maithripala’s government in order to halt  this profligacy and exhibitionism in the best interests of the nation as a matter of policy  , the celebrations were held on a modest scale giving priority to austerity – the key to a nation’s prosperity . The unnecessary expenses involved in aerial  displays by the air force or displays of the navy were omitted. Even the school children  were enlisted only to sing the jaya mangala gatha . Another  most noteworthy feature was , President Maithripala addressing  the nation without a teleprompter.   It was most significant to note in  this year’s celebration , in profound contrast to the celebrations under the Rajapakses which showed only   the militarization under  spotlight , at this year’s celebration  under Maithri , the military might was demonstrated as an integral  part of the government’s goal aimed at achieving national unity   . It is on account  of this welcome change  , the Tamil national alliance leader , R. Sambandan after 25 long years ,participated in the celebrations.

According to the seating plans made by the new officers  who did not have much knowledge of seating arrangements , opposition leader Nimal Siripala De Silva and Sambanthan a leader of a party had to occupy seats in the rear row. They of course who are veteran politicians and broad minded did not consider this seating in the rear as something worthy of worry.

However General Sarath Fonseka  who is still weighed down by bad  memories did not attend this year’s independence day celebrations.

Based on reports ,the reason for this is , although  every punishment in regard to him was  waived , as well as medals of recognition and pension were restored to Fonseka  ,but because  he was not awarded the post of Field marshal , he had refused to be present at a celebration which  Jagath Jayasuriya , the  former army commander was also gracing , and who is still not packed and sent home. Jagath Jayasuriya  was the army officer of the military court who heard Fonseka’s trial that led to the latter’s jail sentence.
When considering the circumstances surrounding the death of the husband of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike , and her subsequent alliance with the JVP (the alleged killers) to form a government , vis a vis Fonseka’s jailing , and  the present restoration of his  rights to heal  that scar , it is a point to ponder  whether that  politician can still  harp on that memory . 

It is not the objective of Maithri –Ranil alliance to be vindictive taking revenge on their opponents  . This was clearly confirmed and borne testimony to , when Major general Sumedha Perera who was allegedly utilized for the military conspiracy hatched by  the Rajapakses , was permitted to lead the guard of honor at the independence celebrations.

If the appointment as a field marshal is truly an issue , this appointment should have been granted by the government that was engaged in the war , and not by the government that was not involved in the war , which has now taken over the reins whose objective is to establish national amity and unity in its  100 days interim program . 

The war that was fought in SL was not between two countries , but rather an internal war with a terrorist leader  controlling one race forcibly and trying to capture power. There was never a war waged by a Tamil race as a whole because a  majority of those speaking the Tamil language were residing  in Colombo  and hill country. Hence , based on world accepted criteria  , the 30 years old war was an internal rebellion and not a proclaimed war. Under those circumstances , nowhere in the world is a field marshal honor bestowed.

Moreover, Fonseka is now a civilian  politician . When that is his true status , seeking military titles at this juncture is inappropriate and unbecoming to him. It is therefore best if Fonseka instead of falling into the traps set by wrong counselors , thinks prudentially and providentially , when addressing the political issues.
Herein are some photographs depicting the independence day celebrations .

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by     (2015-02-07 16:39:59)

Probe on Thunmulla land given to Rakna Lanka

Saturday, 07 February 2015 

A plot of land covering an area of 86.4 purchases near the Thummulla junction in Colombo has reportedly been given to former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s controversial security firm Rakna Lanka for Rs. 500 million.

The cabinet approval for the matter has been obtained through a cabinet paper submitted on September 19, 2014 from the Ministry of Defense and Urban Development.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the Minister of Defence had obtained the approval.

Accordingly this land had been scheduled to be used to construct the Rakna Lanka Headquarters. However, the granting of aplot of land with a high commercial value to a private company that maintains its own secret armories that had been set up under a concept of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has now become a serious matter to consider. 

CID gets complaint against Mervyn

By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody-2015-02-07 

Attorney-at-law Sisira Jayakody filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department yesterday (06) accusing former Minister of Public Relations and Public Affairs of monetary fraud.
He alleged that the former Sri Lanka Freedom Party Chief Organizer for the Kelaniya electorate had obtained large sums of money, in the range of millions, from businessmen in the area, abusing his political power, through the Pibidena Kelaniya Development Foundation.

Silva engaged in these activities during... ... the period of 2009 and 2013, he remarked. "There is no transparency with regards to how these monies have been utilized. On what projects have the monies been spent and how much? We have no clear knowledge pertaining to these projects. Where are they? What has been done with the defrauded sums? We believe that the range around Rs 15 million. It could be more, but this is the amount concerning which we possess proof. Under this foundation of his, using his political clout, he has taken money from various persons engaged in businesses in the area. In certain cases he has obtained over Rs 100,000 from individuals. This financial fraud is a grave crime," Jayakody noted.

An Open Letter To President Sirisena

By Hilmy Ahamed -February 6, 2015

Hilmy Ahamed

I thank you, Mr. President for your bold attempt and resolve to bring back rule of law, good governance, minimize corruption and bring to book perpetrators of vices that were lacking in our country for the last decade. This is what the majority of Sri Lankans had silently prayed for, during the tenure of the last regime, which allowed political goons to override any sense of rule of law.

Your attempt, with the support of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to propel the government with support of crossovers from your former leaders coterie, who would continue to demand their pound of flesh, is no mean task. Political patronage for drug peddling, illegal import of ethanol and alcohol production, unprecedented corruption and violation of human rights were hallmarks of a sizable fraternity of your former colleagues in the UPFA government, who have now pledged to support you to implement your 100 day reforms. Their holding you to ransom is evident on your continued inactions and not booking these criminals since you are in need of their support to get through the constitutional reforms you envisage. Your voters would forgive you, should you have difficulties in honouring all your election platform pledges and promises in your 100-day marathon, but will not if you allow these political scoundrels to cut deals with your government to abscond their place at Welikada. The promise of reestablishing the rule of law is as important as the label on the cigarette packs that you resolved to implement at any cost.

The Rajapaksas were accused of controlling all revenue generating activity in the country during their tenure, while some accuse theSirisenas of controlling trade in Polonnaruwa. Your proclamation to halt the destruction of the environment due to the sand mining is most welcome, which is mostly controlled by your siblings in your hometown, Polonnaruwa. The majority who voted you would also carefully monitor the implementation of your edict. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) who has become the unofficial policemen of the 100-day programme too would ensure that there are no lapses in the implementation of these bold and vital endevours.

Read More

Where are we going? 

By Izeth Hussain-February 6, 2015

The occasion of the 67th anniversary of our Independence prompts questions such as Where are we going? Where have we gone wrong? What should we do to get on to the correct path? And so on. Such questions that arise on the occasion of anniversaries are probably related to the deep human desire for self-renewal, on the part of individuals, societies, and nations. These questions have a particular urgency today because the present National Day comes shortly after the Presidential elections, the outcome of which was largely unexpected and is seen as epochal, something comparable to the General Elections of 1956.

Where Are We Going by Thavam Ratna

The Toll: 1983 – July 1987

By Rajan Hoole -February 7, 2015 

Dr. Rajan Hoole

Border Aggression and Civilian Massacres – Part 15

The victims of unlawful killings prior to the Indo-Lanka Accord of 29th July 1987 have not gone into the record of any commission of inquiry. It never occurred to Deputy Defence Minister Ratwatte and the Government who presented their list of Civilian Massacres in Parliament how offensive and counter-productive it was to pretend that Tamil victims did not exist. What could such a government mean by its slogan ‘War for Peace’?

We try to make good a part of the omission. The best record we have of Tamil victims during that period is that compiled by citizens’ committees in the North-East and published in the Saturday Review. Two important figures for Tamils killed are 2215 in 1985 and 2807 in 1986. The killing rate in 1986 was on the average 235 Tamils per month. 1984 began quietly and got very bloody from April. Making some allowance for citizens’ committees not differentiating killings by militants from those by the government, we arrive at the following estimates for the period 1983-July 1987:

1983 July | pic by Chandraguptha Amarasingha – A Tamil boy stripped naked and later beaten to death by Sinhala youth in Boralla bustation

Tamil civilians killed during the July 1983 violence: 2,000

Tamil civilians killed by the armed forces (1984 – June 1987): 7,000

Number of Sri Lankan soldiers killed: 650

Number of Sinhalese civilians killed (723 from Ratwatte’s document + unrecorded killings): 1,000

Tamil militants killed in combat (including 550 from the LTTE): 1,800

Tamil civilians and militants killed by the LTTE: An unknown number running into thousands

1,000 in the last would account for the kill- ings with some kind of record – such as the TELO militants killed on the streets (about 600 in early May 1986) or EPRLF militants massacred in prison in April 1987. But a large, unknown number of persons were released, allowed to go to their homes and were quietly killed. Such killings were very common towards 1987 end, when following the Indian Army’s offensive, the LTTE was pulling out of Jaffna. This number may exceed 1,000.

To be continued..

Next week; Mervyn de Silva on Israeli Involvement

*From Rajan Hoole‘s “Sri Lanka: Arrogance of Power – Myth, Decadence and Murder”. Thanks to Rajan for giving us permission to republish. To read earlier parts click here

Sudharshanee talks of Jeyaraj’s killing

SATURDAY, 07 FEBRUARY 2015

She was not satisfied with the mediation of the Rajapaksa regime regarding the murder of former Minister Jeyaraj Fernadopulle, who was the Treasurer of the SLFP and the Chief Whip of the government says Gampaha District Parliamentarian Sudharshanee Fernadopulle, widow of Mr. Fernandopulle.

She said this participating in an interview with a weekend newspaper.

Speaking further Ms. Fernandopulle said, “Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was the treasurer of the SLFP. When a senior minister of the government was murdered the mediation of the government regarding investigations was not sufficient. I expect justice for Minister Fernandopulle. I do not expect any mudslinging but a real investigation regarding the murder,” she had stated.

When Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected the President there was a controversy regarding the post of premiership but many in UPFA expected Mr. Fernandopulle to be appointed the Premier.  Meanwhile, at a start of a cross-country event held in a New Year celebration on 6th April, 2008 Minister Fernandopulle who was the starter of the race was killed in a bomb attack carried out with the start of the race.  Despite publishing that it was an act of the LTTE organization, there was a group that stated there was evidence to prove that the incident was a result of the power struggle that existed in the government.

After a short time of Minister Fernandopulle’s murder two members of Presidential Security Unit who had been deployed for Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s security and had been present at the scene of the murder of Minister Fernandopulle were killed in an accident. There was talk in the society then that the murder of Minister Fernandopulle and the killing of the two soldiers were  mysteriously linked to each other and the murder of the Minister was not an act of the LTTE.

The true facts of General Mahinda Hathurusinghe

Saturday, 07 February 2015 

We have received credible information's about grave violations of Army disciplines and abuses of the current Executive of the Sri Lanka Army General Mahinda Hathurusinghe.

We have reports of disciplinary breaches and abuses of Mahinda Hathurusinghe while he was the head of operational duties of Colombo and serving as the commander in Jaffna. It was reported that Mahinda Hathurusinghe has obtained money and other benefits from LTTE and had close contacts with a head of LTTE named Kugan, who directed many terrorist activities in Colombo under the instruction of LTTE intelligence chief Pottu Amman. When this was reported to the former defense secretary the latter has called Hathurusinghe and threatened him to reveal all secrets and made him a stooge.

Hathurusinghe who became the operation duty officer by the blessings of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, later became a henchmen of Gotabaya and started to carry out all his illegal activities. When the former chief of security staff General Sarath Fonseka showed his objection the defense secretary has not heeded.

Hathurusinghe abstaining from his official army duties, carrying out the direct orders of the defense secretary has started to abduct and disappeared people and have plunder their properties by force. The main objective of appointing Hathurusinghe as the commander of Jaffna is to threaten the opposition political activists and subsidize protests, hinder opposition political campaigns and to fear people.

Mahinda Hathurusinhe who obediently carried out the orders of Gota was directly responsible for the abductions and murders in the North before, during and after the war. Further he was continuously hindering the political campaign of General Sarath Fonseka. One such abuse of Hathurusinghe is his involvement in the iron racket in the Kankesanthurai cement factory.

The Rajapaksa regime has sold these irons belonging to the Kankesanthurai cement factory to a businessman named Jayawardana. Hathurusinghe has been coordinating this racket. Soldiers in the Army have been used to cut these irons into pieces. When Hathurusinghe was unable to take these irons out of the factory he has got hold of one of his friends named Shiraz and surreptitiously taken these irons out of the factory. Following a tip off, when the police took the irons into custody it was revealed that behalf of Jayawardana another person
has taken these irons out of the factory. During this incident Major General Hathurusinghe has called this Jayawardana and asked his help to remove his name. Following the assurance to support him in his future businesses, Jayawardana has involved and released him.

Major General Hathurusinghe who directly campaigned in support for the former regime has done many election related programs to the pro Rajapaksa political parties and rendered the contribution of the soldiers under him. He has influenced the people that he would provide all facilities if they are ready to vote for Rajapaksa regime and on the elections day he has involved in violence and terrorizing people.

Following the appointment as the Executive General of the Army headquarters he has abused the position, under the instructions of defense secretary. He has provided chairs, carpets and tents from the army headquarters to the election campaigns of the Rajapaksa and has printed and disseminated elections leaflets on behalf of Rajapaksa on the expenses of the Army. Apart these it is reported that he has used his official powers for his personal affairs.

He has burned an audio CD containing his wife's songs and sold each CD for Rs. 500 among the members in the Army by force abusing his powers.

It is the responsibility of the higher officials to correct the junior officials when are at fault or punish them. But the former defense secretary has identified the offenders and instead of punishing he has threatened, made them fear and used them for his personal benefits. Mahinda Hathurusinghe who did all these cardinal sins, abuses and
frauds is with the full blessings of former defense secretary.

Mahinda Hathurusinghe is such a bestial character.

Armed robbery at financial institute in Warakapola

February 7, 2015

An armed robbery has taken place at a private financial institution located in the Warakapola town.

Police said that two individuals had arrived on a motorcycle, threatened the staff and customers by pointing firearms at them and left with a large sum of money.

The exact total of the stolen money has not been calculated yet while no suspects have been arrested in connection with the robbery.

Warakapola Police are conducting an investigation.  

Rajitha Puts Foot In Mouth Again

Rajitha Senaratne, the cabinet spokesperson in another classic case of ‘foot in mouth’ again, said that thePort City project would go ahead as planned contrary to the statements made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe resulting in the latter making a special announcement regarding the project.

Rajitha

A media blitz followed the proclamation by Senratne who insisted that the project would go ahead as they had found no ‘irregularity’ and in order to continue ‘good relations’ with China.

This was in stark contrast to pre-election statments made by the UNP and Wickremesinghe who insisted that the Port City project would be re- evaluated upon assuming duties of government.

The main issue was the transparency of the project, and the lack of an Environmental Impact study.

Following Senaratne’s “foot in mouth” statement at the Government Press Conference held on Thursday Wickremesinghe was forced to clarify his stance, which he did in parliament yesterday.

He told parliament that no decision has been taken yet and two committees have been appointed to look into the project, after which a decision would be made.

Senaratne, earlier put the government into a similar fix following his statement that Mohan Pieris would resign as the Chief Justice, and that the Prime Minister had informed him of the move.

The statement came during the time there were secret negotiations between the government and Pieris.

The statement resulted in Pieris backtracking his assurance of resignation. The Pieris camp found the statement by the Minister to be a “breach of confidentiality”.

The statement and the ensuing media blitz resulted in Pieris being thrown out of office, unceremoniously, and putting the government in a spot they would not have been in, if not for Senaratne’s rash statement.

Ravi Karunanayake And Commercial Air Transport in Sri Lanka

by Ruwantissa Abeyratne

( February 7, 2015, Montreal, Sri Lanka Guardian) It is heartening to read in the Daily News that Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has confirmed that State governance in Sri Lanka will be aligned to a culture associated with private enterprise. The Minister has made clear that this does not mean that State enterprises will be privatized.  The sensibility of this approach is laudable, at least from the author’s perspective.  32 years ago, when the author was  Senior Legal Executive at Air Lanka he wrote an article to the Daily News entitled “How to Run the Government Like the Best Private Company” which encouragingly, was published in 1983. 

Ravi Karunanayake and Commercial Air Transport in Sri Lanka by Thavam Ratna

Sino-Sri Lanka ties are unshakeable: Xi Jinping, Sirisena

Sino-Sri Lanka ties are unshakeable: Xi Jinping, Sirisena
Dr. Abdul Ruff Colachal-February 2015

Dr. Abdul Ruff Colachal Blog

According to available reports, in post Rajapaksha era the necessary democratic tendencies are taking initial shape in Sri Lanka with the newly elected president Sirisena standing committed to invigorate moralistic trends in the island country. On foreign front also, the new government seems to streamline policies to help promote healthy trends for the nation.

The political wind in Colombo is progressing with both China and Sri Lanka deciding to continue with their traditional mutual ties irrespective of regime change in the country.

Both Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and China’s President Xi Jinping have in a positive sense stressed the importance of Colombo-Beijing relations, confirming their ties have remained unshakeable. .
When Sirisena was sworn in as the new president on Jan. 9 after beating the former president in a presidential election, speculations were ripe over the emerging bilateral relations between China and Lanka. The unexpected ousting of Mahinda Rajapaksa – under whose decade-long tenure Sri Lanka significantly deepened economic and strategic ties with China – raised questions on the future of bilateral ties, with Sirisena and new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe urging before the election for more caution in opening up the country to foreign investments.

Xi Jinping said in his congratulatory message for Sri Lanka’s Independence Day that his country’s ties with Sri Lanka as “unshakeable”, indicating that Beijing did not expect the change in government in the country to have a significant impact on relations. In a congratulatory message to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence, President Xi said both countries were traditional friendly neighbors with relations having “remained unshakeable and become firmer as time goes by”. In his message, Xi said his government attached “great importance” to ties with Sri Lanka and was ready to promote “powerful development” of their strategic partnership.
In a message to mark the Chinese New Year, President Sirisena noted the importance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Sri Lanka last September and affirmed that ties between Sri Lanka and China will continue at a strong level during his tenure. Sirisena pledged to continue strong ties with China.

The Lankan president said in the statement that Sri Lanka and China share excellent relations which have stood the test of time. It is an all-weather friendship based on mutual respect. “Looking back at 2014, I am pleased that the historic state visit to Sri Lanka of Chinese President Xi Jinping in September last year has provided us with the opportunity to further elevate our robust relationship and deepen the strategic cooperative partnership in a manner beneficial to our two countries and peoples,” the Sri Lankan president said, adding that Sri Lanka, as a close friend of China, has always celebrated the efforts that China has spearheaded in bringing prosperity and well-being to its people.

In a separate message to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang described the two countries’ ties as “a paradigm for friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between neighbouring countries”.

Meanwhile, President Sirisena said in his address to the nation on Independence Day that he will follow a moderate and balanced foreign policy. However, it is not clear if by “moderate” he meant to cultivate relations with all important nations, USA, Russia, China and India without taking sides in the emerging new cold war situation. By implication, it is not very clear if Sirisena would continue with Rajapaksha policies abroad.

India expects the cancellation of big projects given to China by Rajapaksha and consider India for the said projects that would allow huge profits for Indian companies. But Sirisena seems to be in no mood to oblige New Delhi on the issue now.

Meanwhile, USA, harping on punitive measures against Colombo for war crimes during the Rajapaksha era, has hinted, as usual without clarity, that it would also cooperate with new government in Lanka.
World at large is looking for Sirisena’s action in the near future to vindicate the people’s decision for regime change in Colombo.