The Draft Right to Information Act of Sri Lanka

24/02/2015

The new government of Sri Lanka has made the draft for Right to Information Act available for the people for their feed back. The draft has come under criticism from some activists  on the basis that it does not provide full disclosure and secrecy clauses are too wide.

The draft RTI of Sri Lanka: Draft RTI Bill

SSRN-id2171513.-AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION;.pdf by Thavam Ratna

Moderate majority will continue to grow despite misgivings

by Jehan Perera-February 23, 2015

There is a popular perception that the new government’s performance so far shows that it is not a strong government.  This would lead people to hedge their bets, as they are unsure how long the government will continue under its present leadership.  The business community in particular requires stability to make investments in the future.  They need to know that government policy would be stable and there will not be sudden reversals which can be very costly to them.  The perception that the government is not strong is partly due to the fact that it is a coalition government in which the dominant party, the UNP, does not even enjoy a majority in Parliament.  But the larger part of the reason for the perception of a weak government is that the government is not taking strong action against its opponents.

The unexpected defeat of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa at the presidential election led to high expectations amongst those who voted against him that the new government, and its anti-corruption crusaders, would soon put things right.  During the election campaign they accused former members of the government of being terribly corrupt, of engaging in the trade of narcotics and the sale of illegal spirits to manufacture alcohol, among others, and of padding up contracts to build infrastructure, with massive kickbacks to themselves.    However, the actions of the new government up to now have not justified these popular expectations. 

More than six weeks after the change of government those accused of wrongdoing in the former government remain free of formal charges.  They are also free to organize political rallies and find money to bus the crowd in from all parts of the country.  The long arm of the law has not caught them, and as a result there are stories being spread that some of those in the former government are maintaining corrupt links with those in the present government.  But this can be explained.  The reason is that the new government pledged to bring in good governance, and key to this is to follow established procedures and the rule of law.

The government would be wary of taking precipitate action that they cannot sustain in a court of law.   It is common experience that cases of fraud taken to court in ordinary circumstances will take months to start and years to conclude.  This would be more so in cases where files have been destroyed, evidence tampered with and the wrongdoers are prominent in public life.  In addition in situations such as the present one, in which the former government members are accused of spiriting out their ill gotten gains to foreign climes, the expertise to probe such crimes is also lacking in the country.  An example of precipitate action that was counter-productive was the police raid on one of the former president’s home backfired against the government when nothing incriminating was discovered. 

 APPRECIATE CHANGE

Those who criticize the new government for being weak fail to appreciate the positive change it has brought to the country’s politics.  The fear of arbitrary governmental action that targets individuals who are critical of those in the seats of power is no more present in the country at large.  Instead there is a feeling that there is freedom to express one’s opinion and not be punished for it.  Indeed, this space for free expression that has opened up is being used by a vociferous minority from the opposition to create apprehension that the new government might not last long.  In addition they have created a fear that the new government will take the country to division and subjugation by the international community before its demise. 

 However, the average citizen has heard these dire warnings before and has a different interest.  Their interest is to elect a government that will improve their lives, which necessarily involves reducing corruption and ensuring the rule of law.  The previous government was popularly described as a strong one.  It was so strong that it could implement virtually any decision its leadership took, even though some of those decisions violated the legal and human rights of others.  It took over people’s lands and properties and drove them off despite their having legal title to what they owned.  It bypassed Parliament and made huge payments to foreign consultants who promised salvation from the international threat of prosecution for war crimes.    There was fear to dissent against the former government due to the impunity that those who wielded power at that time enjoyed. 

POSITIVE ACTIONS

The new government’s main strength at the present time is that it has increased the democratic space to dissent and to speak out, and that it promises a better future through the practices of democracy and good governance.  At the same time the government would seek to implement its 100 day action plan and win the support of the people by engaging in constructive actions.  There is much that it has already done.  It has reduced prices of several essential commodities and assuaged the strongest grievance of the masses of people regarding the rising cost of living.  It is in the final stages of drafting new legislation with regard to issues of good governance, including the setting up of independent state institutions.  The fear of the arbitrary power of the government is much diminished, which is seen in the degree of freedom of speech and media the country now enjoys.

With regard to the North and East, the government has also done things that were not mentioned in its 100 day plan such as appointing civilian governors for the northern and eastern provinces. Although the military presence continues, they play a less visible and direct role in the governance of the people.  In addition, the government has started returning land to the civilian population in those two provinces that were taken over by the previous government.  It has also removed travel restrictions on foreign citizens and media, and thereby opened up the entire country to more transparent governance.  The government may be moving slowly, but it is on the right course.

CONTINUING PROBLEM

The manifestation of extreme nationalism on both sides of the divide so soon after the presidential election in both the North and South of the country shows once again that the most important problem the country faces is its ethnic divide.  One of the themes at the opposition rally was that the former president won more of the Sinhalese vote than did the winner of the presidential election.   Another was to claim that the new government was leading to the ethnic division of the country, and that it would betray the ethnic Sinhalese majority, because of its reliance on the votes of the ethnic minority Tamils and Muslims.  On the other hand, the resolution of the Northern Provincial Council which accused successive Sri Lankan governments of committing genocide against the Tamils and called upon the UN to investigate was a mirror image of this ethnic nationalism. 

However, it is also relevant to note that the presidential election saw moderate opinion prevail.  It was the majority of moderate voters who ensured the defeat of the former president who did his utmost to mobilize Sinhalese nationalism of the electorate.  Although extremist Tamil nationalists sought to persuade the Tamil electorate to boycott the elections like the LTTE once did to help former President Rajapaksa to remain in power, Tamil voters flocked to the polling stations in huge numbers.  It is plausible to believe that this moderate majority is larger today than it was before the presidential election due to the constant stream of media disclosures of corruption and abuse of power on the part of the previous government, and the problem solving actions of the new government at the level of the people. 

Dayan’s Smart Patriot: Will The Real Smart Patriot Please Stand Up?

By Romesh Hettiarachchi –February 23, 2015

Romesh Hettiarachchi

Preliminary Issues

Undoubtedly, the political worldviews of Dayan and I diverge in many respects. For one, Dayan’s expectation that interlocutors list their political views when critiquing political positions is hardly reasonable. While my criticisms of the Tamil Tigers and Tamil nationalism are public, such criticism need not be expressed every time I write. The logic of my writing ought to be determined on its own merits. Or in other words, idiots can be found all over the world, irrespective of geographical location.

That being said, Dayan is right in pointing out my limitations in a conversation about what it means to be Sri Lankan. I simply have lived outside the country for too long to discuss this matter with any degree of authority. Its for this reason, that unlike Dayan, I generally prefer to listen and read to the political opinions of others. In fact my views as a Sri Lankan living outside Sri Lanka may only matter to the extent that I and others are capable to leverage the collective strengths of our diasporan communities to service the needs and lives of all Sri Lankan citizenry.

However as a simple observer, most ordinary Sri Lankans aren’t preoccupied with categorizing their friends into patriots and traitors. Most Sri Lankans only resort to these tendencies when local intellectuals, media and the politicians give them reason to do so. Dayan’s Smart Patriot is simply one more attempt to give Sri Lankans such reasons. My response to Dayan’s conception of the Smart Patriot simply seeks to ensure this idea does not gain traction.

Dayan’s Nationalism: A Bourgeois Nationalism?

Dayan points to Liu Shaoqi’s description of the nationalist internationalist as described in “Internationalism and Nationalism” to assert that one can in fact be nationalist and internationalist at the same time. While curious to know whether Dayan sees himself as either a member of the bourgeoisie or the proletariat, Dayan’s assertion is slightly disingenuous. Shaoqi differentiated between genuine patriotism and bourgeois nationalism in the same way I described in the very next paragraphs of the same essay:Read More

Sri Lanka: Setting a Course Correction to the Sri Lanka Navy

Sri Lanka’s navy fires a gun salute as a part of main celebrations for Sri Lanka’s 66th Independence Day in Colombo February 4, 2014. Sri Lanka obtained independence from British rule in 1948. (Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters)     Image courtesy: darkroom.baltimoresun.com

by Nilantha Ilangamuwa

(February 24, 2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) While the honeymoon period of the newly elected president and his installed government is coming to an end there are signs that good governance is once again a possibility in Sri Lanka. However even though the President, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena is moving in the right direction some of his ministries in his government are drinking old wine in new glasses.

Sri Lanka Setting a Course Correction to the Sri Lanka Navy by Thavam Ratna

Weerawansa’s wife Girija remanded for possessing forged passport issued at husband’s written request..!

(Lanka-e-News-23.Feb.2015, 11.45PM) Seerja  Udayanthi Weerawansa  alias Sashi Weerawansa , the wife of UPFA ex minister Wimal Weerawansa was arrested yesterday based on a number of charges including bogus passport, identity card, birth certificate obtained via fraudulent means  by preparing forged government documents, and for illicit financial  transactions  . She is now remanded  until the 25 th .

She is however still warded at the Neville Fernando hospital , Malabe with prison officers escort pretending to taking treatment . 

When the CID produced a B report before the chief magistrate of Colombo , Gihan Pilapitiya , it was revealed , the diplomatic passport  obtained on bogus papers was issued to her on a written request made by ex minister Wimal Weerawansa under his signature  , according to Immigration and Emigration Commissioner Chulananda Perera.

The CID told court that Sashi Weerawansa who was arrested yesterday for having in her possession a bogus diplomatic passport  tried to escape when the police rounded   her up . The OIC of the prevention of illegal migrants division of the CID , W.A. Jayantha  CI presented the relevant report to the court. The police  also informed   court , that the court medical officer orally informed that the suspect shall be hospitalized for treatment. 

The CID requested court for an order to remand her until  2 nd of March . The chief magistrate then ordered that the suspect be produced before the judicial medical officer , and to furnish a written report on whether she is sick enough to be hospitalized, and  on the other hand ,if there is no such need the suspect shall be immediately produced before court.

The police media spokesman in connection with the criminal activities of ex  minister Weerawansa’s wife explained , at Anuradhapura today , at a media briefing ,the suspect had used two dates of birth .The media spokesman further noted that the relevant files in the registration of persons department have gone missing , and it has come to light  what were averred in the complaint are true.

On the air tickets based on these documents , the suspect has travelled abroad several times , and using two identity cards she has done a number of  suspicious  transactions with banks and other financial Institutions , investigations so far have revealed, the media spokesman added.

Wimal Weerawansa  has always been notorious for his backstreet and unscrupulous political  activities. He  is therefore better known as a double tongued double faced politician  among   the political circles. Now it is proved he has been masquerading too under different names . His name at birth is Weerasangili Panikiyage Wimalasena  and it is under that name he secured his education up to grade 9. His education has grounded to a dead halt at that point. Nothing beyond could be reached by him in education. Thereafter , in the eighties , he was working in a small weekend news paper  establishment. During that time this infamous moron  under a spurious name , Wimalasiri Gamlath  posed and paraded as the son of  Sucharitha Gamlath, a famous professor at that time. Subsequently when he became the JVP propaganda secretary , he called himself as Wimal Weerawansa. 

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JVP opposes national government move

... calls for parliament dissolution on April 23

By Sirimantha Ratnasekera-February 23, 2015, 10:39 pm 

JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday said that his party would not support moves being made to form a national government. He insisted that Parliament be dissolved on April 23 and a fresh general election be held.

He told The Island that the JVP would not approve of surreptitious moves being made to bypass a general election.

Dissanayake said: "If there is a real need for a national government that may be formed after the next general election. We won’t be party to any such move. We also oppose any move to deprive the people of their right to elect a new government at a general election."

The President’s Office announced on Sunday that the SLFP parliamentary group had agreed to form a national government.

Sirisena Govt Violates Basic Democratic Obligations Without Sharing Draft Bills: Friday Forum

February 24, 2015 

“To present key Bills on the national drug policy, electoral reform and the Nineteenth Amendment without even sharing them on the official Government website so that citizens can be privy to the drafts, would violate a basic democratic obligation in good governance”, says the Friday Forum.

Dr.Deepika Udagama

Issuing a statement today on transparency and public consultation within the 100 day program, the Friday Forum urges the Government to achieve a better balance between implementing all these key reforms within the time frame, and meeting its responsibility towards the people of Sri Lanka for this to be transparent and consultative.

We publish below the statement in full;

The Friday Forum commends the efforts of the Government to implement the 100 day program as promised in President Sirisena’s election manifesto. However it is also concerned that focusing largely on accomplishing this within the short time frame may risk overriding other aspects like democratic and consultative processes and stakeholder interests. To present key Bills on the national drug policy, electoral reform and the Nineteenth Amendment without even sharing them on the official Government website so that citizens can be privy to the drafts, would violate a basic democratic obligation in good governance. While welcoming the move by the government to hold a stakeholder consultation on the Draft Right to Information Bill in a few days, we would nevertheless wish to express the need to facilitate a broader consultative process as the series of contemplated legislation is of vital importance to entrench democratic governance in the country.

We urge the Government to achieve a better balance between implementing all these key reforms within the time frame, and meeting its responsibility towards the people of Sri Lanka for this to be transparent and consultative, even if the outcome is a delay or deferment over and above the 100 days. The President was given an overwhelming mandate for his promise of good governance as much as for the 100 day implementation, and best practices of the former must be seen in the latter. While we as citizens understand the difficulties of implementing 100 day commitments, we expect the government to identify priority areas with transparency and proceed to formulate changes in a consultative and democratic manner.

Professor Savitri Goonesekere               Ms. Shanthi Dias               Dr. Deepika Udagama,

on behalf of the Friday Forum

Professor Savitri Goonesekere, Dr. Deepika Udagama, Ms. Shanthi Dias, Dr. G. Usvatte-aratchi, Rt. Reverend Duleep de Chickera, Professor Camena Guneratne, Ms. Suriya Wickremasinghe, Dr. Selvy Thiruchandran, Rev. Dr. Jayasiri Peiris, Mr. Saliya Pieris, Mr. Ananda Galappatti, Mr. Priyantha Gamage, Ms. Manouri  Muttettuwegama, Professor Arjuna Aluwihare, Ms, Damaris Wickremesekera, Professor Gameela Samarasinghe, Mr. Ahilan Kadirgamar, Professor Ranjini Obeyesekere, Mr. Faiz-ur Rahman, Mr. Danesh Casie-Chetty, Mr. Tissa Jayatilaka, Dr A.C.Visvalingam, Mr. Javid Yusuf, Professor Gananath Obeyesekere, Mr. Chandra Jayaratne.

Mr .Prime minister don't insult sakkili by comparing them with Racist !!

 Monday, 23 February 2015 

Breaking his long silence, prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (22) in Kurunegala fired the first salvo against a group of despicable journalists. We have certain reservations about the conduct of the premier, but we raise both our hands in support for him in this matter. The PM has launched a pioneering effort to deal the first blow to bring down the tree called communalism that has spread its branches in the Sri Lankan society. We have been expecting such a thing like a leader like him.

In the past when caste was a consideration, Sakkili (scavenger) was treated as a lowly segment of society. They had carried out their livelihood without inconveniencing others and led their lives harmlessly. By comparing such a group of people existent in our society to the communalistic, tribal, despicable journalists, the PM has committed a serious wrong. That is because, the scavengers have a dignity better than these despicable journalists. Here, we recall that the then chief justice Neville Samarakoon, ordering former ‘Eththa’ editor Siriwardena to pay a Rs. 5.00 compensation to a former higher education minister for having called him a ‘bull’, asked as to whether who would compensate for the pain of mind suffered by the bull for comparing a minister to it.

Since the new government took power, keeping silence for a week or two, this communalistic gang has once again begun creating false alarms and raising their ugly heads. From the 1987 Indo-Lanka accord, they had preached about a division of the country. They sermonized that the formation of provincial councils would definitely divide the country. By saying so, these so-called journalists took 60,000 youths to their death by making them swallow a patriotic rope. What the JVP had done was to lend a helping hand to that. These idiots cannot comprehend that as long as India remained our neighbour, formation of a separate state in Sri Lanka will not take place. India has already proven that the possibility of such a division had been negated by the wiping out of the LTTE first, and then by the removal of Mahinda Rajapaksa from power. Well knowing that it was them who would have to encounter more problems than Sri Lanka if the island becomes divided, India has now finished usurping its power shrewdly in Sri Lankan politics.

‘Irida Divaina’, of which Anura Soloman is the editor, has mixed up racism with nationalism. It is their right to propagate the Sinhala Buddhist opinion. We respect that. Edmund Ranasinghe, who nurtured ‘Divaina’ represented Sinhala Buddhism nationalism. Journalist of our time Dayasena Gunasinghe, to whom we bow with reverence, transgressed this Sinhala Buddhist nationalism. He would never belong to this class. Today’s ‘Divaina’ wants full-grown journalists like Dayasena Gunasinghe. But, unfortunately, it has a group that has got nationalism and communalism mixed up like Gamini Sumanasekara, Merril Perera, Narada Nissanka, Jayantha Chandrasiri and Anura Solomon. Their opinions can be tolerated, but the gutter journalism by the likes of Keerthi Warnakulasuriya, Saman Gamage and Manoj Abeydheera cannot be endured at all. A glaring example was an article by Saman Gamage in yesteday’s ‘Irida Divaina’ that had justified the ‘murder of Welikada prisoners’.

‘Rivira’ is a newspaper that is became extinct from the outset. Sisira Paranatantri was a very precious journalist when he was at ‘Divaina.’ Considering Dayasena Gunasinghe as his teacher, Sisira had used his pen bravely and elegantly, but he became dead after he had gone to live and cohabitate with Mahinda Rajapaksa. Now, what is living is a communalistic avatar of him. What Sisira does in Sinhala, Malinda Seneviratne does in English in ‘The Nation’ newspaper. As Prof. Carlo Fonseka said, it is doubtful as to whether Malinda had ever set foot on Harvard, even for a rain.

All the above-mentioned journalists have a sacred right to promote their master Mahidna Rajapaksa. They should definitely be grateful to their master who had served them hoppers at Temple Trees every month, paid fees for their children’s studies abroad and the medical bills for the bypass operations. But, for that they should not provoke communalism by using national newspapers.

One thing should be stressed here. There is every likelihood that tempted by the prime minister’s speech yesterday, the idiotic monkeys surrounding him would harass these journalists in order to appease their master. That should be prevented. All of them should be defeated ideologically, and not by beating them up, breaking their legs, shaving their faces clean or abducting them in white vans. If they continue to promote communalism, they should be dealt with in accordance with the law, and in no other way, we stress to the present government in conclusion.

Inside Story: Sri Lanka Navy involvement in Human Smuggling

by A Special Defence Correspondent

(February 24, 2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The shocking information of human trafficking by members of the Sri Lanka Navy has come to light with shocking detail. While talking to the Sri Lanka Guardian exclusively, senior serving officers of the intelligence community have revealed the name of those officers involved in this shameless game of trading human beings.

Here is the brief outline;

The Sri Lanka Navy, one-time one of most respected security forces in the Island nation, had kept their eyes on those who were engaged in human smuggling in last decades. Therefore the senior officers were able to crack down on many illegal boats which were involved in human smuggling. Some of those boats were heading to Italy while others were going to other parts of the world with larger number of illegal migrants.

However, after the civil war the interest of going to Australia increased among the general population. The Navy officers were interested in making some extra money by helping those who are engaged in this illegality.

There were two groups within the Sri Lanka Navy headed by senior officers; one of them was led by a one-time media spokesperson. The second group was led by one Lieutenant Commander, who is planning to leave the country so then he could escape persecution. Those two groups were involved the human smuggling in last few years in which they were earned enormous amount of money.

Apart from those two groups, there was a group headed by senior intelligence officials of the Navy which was monitoring and measuring the illegal involvement of their colleagues. Two intelligence officers informed their superiors but unfortunately they were instructed to remain silent and no direct action was taken against them.

“Let the buggers go. If possible make a hole in the boat”, was the answer by the top official in a meeting where they discussed the nightmare.

Despite the strong warnings by the intelligence community, those two teams were able to do their human trafficking with the political blessings. As we pointed earlier, the first team which was headed by former spokesperson of the Navy was able to collect money from the people and organise the boats whereas the second team was only collecting the money from the people.

During last three years there were more than 120 boats with illegal immigrants departing for Australia, and more than 60 boats were arrested by the Navy. Those two teams collected the ransom from arrested boats and released them while the boats which they organised were protected till they departed the boundaries.

Now the leader of the first team is breaking the ground and revealing the crimes that he and his colleagues were involved in. As the result of that, secret camps where numerous Tamil people were held and kidnapping dozens of Tamil youth for ransom was exposed.

The Sri Lanka navy was heavily politicised by the former President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa therefore it has lost it spirits and dignity. The former President sent the most senior officials on compulsory retirement.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa maintained the cordial relationship with Canberra government headed by Premier Mr. Tony Abbott. Abbott gave materials donations to the Rajapaksa government, to crack down the illegal migrants and his foreign minister made a surprised secret mission to Sri Lanka months back.

However, it’s none other than the navy officers; those who maintained close relationship with the Rajapaksa government that organised this human smuggling project.

Related Story: Sri Lanka Navy officer in human smuggling plans to flee

6% For Education, How Do We Use It?

By Thangamuthu Jayasingam -February 23, 2015

Dr. Thangamuthu Jayasingam

I am very pleased as an Academic and a member of FUTA that we initiated the “6% for education” march with a hundred days of protest which had finally materialized. I consider this as one of the most significant social issues that we had undertaken over the recent past. But getting that alone is not enough, but the educational system would have to utilize it for those activities which were blocked by the limitation of funds in a systematic and a rational approach so that the values of state education and free education are conserved, more realistically enhanced, for the benefit of the future of this country. This may not be the mandate of the FUTA though they would be happy to be part of the process as any academic.

I pen down my views and thinking on where and how the funds could be and should be utilized which is only an opinion, but an informed opinion.

Teachers salary

In my list the priorities the salary of the Teacher is on top. How could anyone be content with his employment if it does not provide a reasonable means of income to manage his/her family ? This leads to the next step. Search for other means of income, legal or illegal, but either way utilizing time which eventually causes a mega strain on the person and the family concerned. Let us increase their salary to reasonable figures even if it is a raise of 100% as appropriate. We would have more persons of caliber entering the teaching profession with sincerity ( matha, pitha, guru is part of our tradition and has a high place for the teacher and respect). No other profession gives you the pleasure of being called ‘sir’ by the students even 50 years after leaving school, which is the best reward what a teacher gains, beyond all other claims. We could and should avoid political appointments ‘specially before elections’ making thousands of teachers at will with no interview or check on the ability or intention of the candidates. The system is saddled with those for the next few decades, some wrong choices may be destroying the system itself. Increase in salary does not come free but with assured responsibility of performance in class that needs to be periodically monitored and slowly dissuade the students from the need of TUITION CLASSES. Teachers who are engaged with tuition classes need to be cautioned for any violation on conflict of interest ( the same student being in class and tuition fro example ) and those offenders to be dealt by disciplinary procedure. No one would like to lose a teaching job if it pays well given its holidays and the end of term benefits that are in place. It is definite task that needs to be considered as priority, the levels and the terms associated could be discussed with those in the profession and trade unions as necessary.Read More

Nugegoda tremors

Editorial-February 23, 2015

Last week’s successful pro-Mahinda rally at Nugegoda has unsettled the government though its leaders have sought to put a bold face on it. Claiming that they won’t be cowed by such muscle flexing they have gone into the attack mode. Wimal Weerawansa’s wife has been arrested over an alleged offence committed some years ago! He challenged them to do so and they did! Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has dared former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest the next general election if he can. President Maithripala Sirisena is reported to have faulted the SLFP seniors who attended the Nugegoda rally which was, in effect, a revolt against the current SLFP leadership.

Those who engineered the ouster of Rajapaksa are now racking their brains to prevent him from making a comeback. Some of them have suggested that no general election be held this year and/or President Sirisena return to Parliament as Prime Minster after abolishing the executive presidency. But, the government is desperate to finish its 100-day project against tremendous odds and have Parliament dissolved before the tide turns. After the completion of its ambitious programme, it won’t have much to offer to the people.

There is no guarantee that oil prices will remain low in the world market indefinitely. If the factors that led to international market manipulations such as the situation in Ukraine cease to be, oil prices are bound to shoot up aggravating Sri Lanka’s economic woes. That the government is struggling to prevent the rupee from tumbling is only too well known. Prices of most commodities are still at the pre-Jan. 08 level though the recent mini budget has brought some relief to the people. The public employees numbering about 1.5 million have not received the promised 10,000-rupee pay hike; the government tells them they will get only Rs. 7,000 as an allowance—Rs. 5,000 to be paid from this month and Rs. 2,000 from June. Even the JVP which backed the Opposition alliance to the hilt is now demanding that the promised 10,000-rupee salary increase be paid in addition to Rs. 3,000 given by the previous government.

The government has some serious problems to contend with on the political front as well. The JHU has been demanding action against the Rajapaksas. The JVP is also out for former President Rajapaksa’s scalp. In spite of their pre-election claims that they had irrefutable evidence against the top guns of the previous government and all that they needed to throw the corrupt behind bars was the election of Sirisena as President, none of those politicians has been thrown into the cooler so far.

The new government is blowing hot and cold on the abolition of the executive presidency. Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera and others of his ilk demand that the presidency be abolished once and for all, but the government wants only some powers vested therein curtailed so that the Prime Minister will be the de facto Head of State.

Meanwhile, the pro-Mahinda faction of the UPFA claims that if the Jan. 08 presidential poll had been a parliamentary election, the UPFA would have secured about 111 seats with the number of votes it polled (5.8 million). Psephologically speaking, the way people vote at presidential and parliamentary elections differ, but the fact remains that 6.2 million votes Sirisena polled will be divided among the UNP, the JVP, the JHU and the TNA at the June election with the SLMC possibly coalescing with the UNP. What the CWC will do remains to be seen. If the votes Sirisena polled on his own go back to the UPFA, then the SLFP-led Opposition will be able to turn the tables on the UNP. However, it is not statistics, but ground realities that determine the outcome of an election.

The intraparty rivalries have already cost the UPFA its unity, a prerequisite for its success at a general election. The new SLFP leadership controlled by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga will not be able to nominate the Rajapaksas to contest the June election, having vilified them. President Sirisena himself never misses an opportunity to tar and feather Mahinda Rajapaksa, his sons, siblings and cronies. It is highly unlikely that either Sirisena or Kumaratunga will want Rajapaksa to be associated with the UPFA’s general election campaign. But, if President Sirisena, as the SLFP leader, does not lead the UPFA’s general election campaign to appease the UNP which enabled him to secure the presidency, he will be strengthening the hands of Rajapaksa, who has offered to do so.

The thinking of the SLFP rebels is that unless Rajapaksa is allowed to lead the UPFA election campaign as the prime ministerial candidate, they should contest the general election separately and win enough seats to hold the balance of power in a hung parliament. But, in such an eventuality, the SLFP/UPFA vote will be split much to the advantage of the UNP.

It is not only cricket, the game of glorious uncertainties, which takes you into a topsy-turvy world where you are sure of nothing. Politics also does!

Wimal in trouble due to Shashi’s confession

Monday, 23 February 2015 

Shashi Weerawansa was arrested by the CID for possessing two passports containing fake information’s. She was arrested yesterday 22nd and undergoing an interrogation now.

When there was a disposition to arrest her she has called the health minister Rajitha Senarathna and complained why not her nominal husband Wimal Weerawansa and his close associates who are charged with larger frauds are not arrested and why she is arrested for committing a relatively minor fraud.

Meantime Shashi has told about the thieves and fraudster who associated with her husband and has given a lengthy briefing about the latter’s illegal activities.

Selling another’s property by a forged deed, supplying stones to the Colombo harbor, obtaining a tar permit, the financial frauds he committed with international smugglers joining with the Salaka owner and few other illegal deals and businesses of him. Further she has revealed about his personal affairs with other women’s.

Minister Rajitha Senarathna has told her to confess all those to the CID so that we can take necessary actions against those.

Following this revelation Wimal has got excited and the latter has told his media associates not to report Shashi as his wife when reporting news about her but to report as she is the mother of his children’s.

Although this Weerawansa couple collectively indulged in massive frauds and corruptions during the Rajapaksa regime with impunity they had many disruptions in their personal lives and now it has reached its peak.

Sri Lanka mulls future of Rajapakse's white elephants

By AFP- 22 February 2015

From a multi-million dollar airport ignored by airlines to a lavish cricket stadium rejected by players, Sri Lanka’s new government is mulling the future of a string of white elephants.

Former president Mahinda Rajapakse ordered the state-of-the-art facilities built in his southern home town of Hambantota in extensive efforts to turn his rural constituency into a regional business hub.

Vast revenues were channelled into the vanity projects, mostly named after the former strongman who ruled the tropical island for a decade and was determined to keep the loss-making ventures open.

Sri Lanka Mulls Future of Rajapakse's White Elephants by Thavam Ratna