What has weather got to do with violence?

We in Sri Lanka have a culture which we cannot change irrespective of the weather. It was fascinating to see the mobs outside the Magistrate’s Courthouse in Colombo when Namal Rajapaksa was released from prison.

by Victor Cherubim 

( July 21, 2016, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) Many of you would have read that we have a heat wave in Britain over the past two days with temperatures soaring as high as Sri Lanka, in the 30 degrees centigrade.

The way we put up with it is different to Sri Lanka. To us variation in temperature is tolerable if it is cold weather, but for some unknown reason, a spike of temperature causing “heat and humidity” even for a Sri Lankan living in London, to say the least, is unbearable. The way we adjust to high temperatures is also rather different. We run to the coast, to the beaches surrounding England with our bikini’s and sun creams.

The twists and turns in the summer 

How many of you know that it is mostly in the summer that Judges before they go on the midsummer recess come up with the most so-called “hideous” judgments. Today, we are told, the Supreme Court of England & Wales made an overriding decision in regard to a fraudulent insurance claim. According to Common Law, when a claim has been fabricated or dishonestly exaggerated or embellished, or in layman language, “lied upon,” there is valid reason to dismiss the claim. But in Versloot Dredging BV v HDI Gerlung Industrie Versicherung AG, the Supreme Court held if a valid claim is honest and a lie in respect of any part of it, is dishonest, the claim stands and cannot be rejected.

In another instance, summertime is the ideal time to take twists and turns of not only the road (Kaduganawa), but also of difficult decisions. Britain today announced she will relinquish its Presidency of the European Council, which she would have occupied in rotation after the Slovak Presidency in January 2017, taken in turns by the 27 Members of the European Union every six months. What is seen is that Britain means business. 

We also note that it is in the summer of the Northern Hemisphere, whether we live in England or in Sri Lanka, that we read about the escalation of acts of violence against humanity. I need hardly mention that in the month of July in particular, man gets vile and appears to lose control of his senses and has the tendency to vandalise, violate become vicious in more ways than one. We have seen the July riots in Sri Lanka in 1983, the recurring violence around Europe this summer.

The link between crime and warming climate 

A pattern has become evident around the Northern Hemisphere and experts (Scientists) have stated that violent behaviour is regarded as climate related. The rise in the numbers of murders and assaults, violence, even coups, are seen as we research historic data as well as contemporary statistics.

The findings of Professor Paul Van Lange of Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam does state that heat does contribute to more aggressive and violent behaviour.

How to self-control? 

As the weather in Britain is continually changing and the days of scorching heat will be automatically followed by thunderstorms and heavy downpours soon as predicted, people in Britain are more tolerant. 

It is not just the heat but how much there is variation in the weather, that changes people’s behaviour.

We all know that heat makes people feel uncomfortable and irritated which makes them more aggressive. But, why don’t government’s plan for tacking aggressive behaviour a

t the height of the hot weather? Why are there no contingency plans to tackle heat wave induced crime?

Mood swings are well known. They affect people in different ways. “How people approach life is a part of culture and culture is strangely affected by climate.”

“Namal’s release from his high mattress in Welikada” 

We in Sri Lanka have a culture which we cannot change irrespective of the weather. It was fascinating to see the mobs outside the Magistrate’s Courthouse in Colombo when Namal Rajapaksa was released from prison. Someone said that the thousands, who thronged in and out of the Court, were all “bussed in.” It appeared otherwise, as there was no violence. Was it planned by the Police authorities to keep a low profile, to allow the crowds to have their own “tamasha.” Who knows?

Preparing Our Nation for Extreme Heat

Summary: As a heat wave spreads across the United States, here are three things you need to know about extreme heat.

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This map says it all. Stay safe as it heats up: Drink water, stay out of the sun, and check on your neighbors.

12:36 PM - 20 Jul 2016

JULY 20, 2016

As a heat wave spreads across the country this week, the federal government is working overtime to help state, regional, tribal, and local communities prepare for potential extreme-heat events.

Extreme heat affects everybody – our family, friends and neighbors. Our nation’s most vulnerable include the elderly, children, emergency responders, outdoor workers, low-income households, athletes, and even our pets. In extreme heat conditions, simple daily activities like walking a dog (in my case, it’s our golden doodle Coco!), going for a jog, or spending time outside with the kids can be dangerous.

That’s why we’re taking the threat of extreme heat so seriously. We know if we are prepared to respond to extreme heat, we can dramatically reduce the risks to ourselves and our loved ones. The majority of heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. We can make our communities more prepared, recognize the early warning signs of heat stroke or exhaustion, and spread the word about practical solutions and resources that are available in the face of these severe conditions.

1. Older adults, children, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to the impacts of excessive heat. When it’s extremely hot outside, check in on those at risk at least twice a day and observe them for signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, cold, pale skin, nausea, or vomiting. For heat stroke, you may observe high body temperature, hot, red, dry or moist skin, or even possible unconsciousness. Pay special attention to the impact of heat on infants and young children – who are not only less efficient at regulating heat internally than adults, but of course, have to rely on others to stay safe.

2. Stay cool indoors. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. When the weather becomes extremely hot, and if air conditioning is not available at home, spend time in air conditioned locations, including shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters that may be established in your area. Athletes should avoid over exerting themselves, and in any environment, be sure to move at a comfortable pace and wear appropriate clothing.

3. And regardless of your activity level, stay hydrated. Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake. Do not perform heavy exercise in an extreme heat environment, and remain hydrated while exposed.

Average temperatures across the country are at historic highs, which means we'll have more hot days and more heat waves this summer. We need to be ready. More information on temperature predictions and toolkits to help you prepare for heat waves can be found here.

Learn how to recognize health problems related to extreme heat and what to do in the event of an emergency in this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guide.

Finally, download and use the free FEMA app, which helps prepare families for extreme weather and other hazardous events. The app is available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

Additional resources on extreme heat, including information about understanding the risk, case studies, and heat health tools, can be found in the National Integrated Heat Health Information System toolkit.
Have a great summer and stay cool!

Chlamydia vaccine 'shows promise'

20 July 2016

Canadian scientists have developed a promising vaccine prototype against chlamydia, a study in mice suggests.

Research, published in the journal Vaccine, shows that mice given the immunisation are more likely to fight off the infection.

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK and globally. There is currently no vaccine approved for human use.

Experts say condoms are currently the best form of protection.

A team of researchers at McMaster University in Ontario gave mice two doses of the prototype vaccine, delivered through the nose.

When the animals were later exposed to chlamydia, vaccinated mice had fewer copies of the bacteria replicating in their systems.

Mice in the vaccinated group also had fewer signs of damage to their reproductive organs.

Prof James Mahony described the results as "very promising".

He added: "We will trial the vaccine on other animal models before moving on to human trials."

Long-term issues

Researchers hope their vaccine will also work against chlamydia infections of the eye - a common cause of blindness in developing countries.

Meanwhile, figures released by Public Health England suggest chlamydia was the most common sexually transmitted infection last year.

There were more than 200,000 diagnoses of chlamydia in 2015, with 129,000 among young people aged 15 to 24 years.

The infection is most commonly passed on through sexual contact but often people do not notice any symptoms.

However, if not treated with antibiotics early on, the bug can lead to long-term health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

Public Health England says anyone under 25 who is sexually active should be tested for chlamydia every year and when they change partners.

Sinhala Buddhist monks and Sri Lankan police threaten Tamil fishermen

 20 July 2016

Sinhala Buddhist monks, accompanied by Sri Lankan police and Sinhalese fishermen, threatened a group of Tamil fishermen in Mullaitivu on Tuesday, as tensions continued to flare in the region between the two groups.

The Tamil fishermen, who were setting up to dry their daily catch in Kokkilai, were approached by a group of Sinhalese fishermen on Tuesday. Accompanied by a local Buddhist monk and Sri Lankan police officers, the Sinhalese group proceeded to threaten the Tamils and destroying their equipment they said.

The Tamil fishermen were quickly forced to flee.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan police on Wednesday morning issued a summons to 19 Tamil fishermen and 2 Christian priests, ordering them to report to a police station.

The traditionally Tamil region has seen extensive state sponsored settling of Sinhala fishermen report Tamil politicians, who state that the Sinhalese receive active support from Sri Lanka’s security forces (see here and here).

Tamil fishermen still state they face restrictions on where they can fish, which led to them using Kokkilai harbor, despite it not having been renovated since the end of the armed conflict. Military imposed restrictions along Kokkilai River leave them little choice of other areas to carry out their business.

Sinhalese fishermen backed by the security forces though, continue to enjoy the freedom to fish in restricted areas, report Tamil fishermen.

“If we cannot do our profession at our own place, then where can we go?” they said after the incident.

Sri Lanka: Post-War Abyssal

Image courtesy: www.irinnews.org © Amantha Perera/IRIN

The pitiful situation that the University of Jaffna allowed itself  into, which later some of the extreme political gangs, were attempting to use for other means, portrayed the eldritch atmosphere in our society. Most of us are not ready to accept with faith and work on the basis of true principles of unity and harmony. This is applicable to each community whatever its name.

by Nilantha Ilangamuwa

But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?  ― Albert Camus

( July 21, 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian)  Here is the disastrous and forlorn situation that many are facing in the post-conflict situation in Sri Lanka. Seven years have been passed but the wounds of the bloody conflict keep putrefying society due to absence of healing. In his recent talk, one of the medical doctors attached to the Kilinochchi district hospital has disclosed few more heartbreaking facts out of countless numbers, on the socio-economic situation in the area.

Not a single family which has been unaffected by the brutal conflict which produced more and more desperation, doubt, misery and mistrust in public life.

In most affected families women turned themselves into the single parents, while the rate of child abuses has escalated to alarming levels – largely due to lack of paternal protection in women-headed families. Most of the females have been affected to the roots due to trauma and depression, leading to increased level of suicides.   120 suicide cases were reported in first six months of this year and in the most horrendous of these cases, the victims used insecticides to kill themselves.  Child marriages – the “tragic trick” most of the parents in the area used to prevent their children being abducted by the Tamil Tigers, the vicious terror outfit which used Child Soldiers in large scale, is still continuing.  Three hundred thousand population affected by custody has decreased to hundred thousand. Thirty thousands of soldiers were re-deployed in the area.  What else does one need to understand the tribalism and the backward travel of our society, and the situation that our brothers and sisters are facing?

Take out all masks you are wearing, forget political afflation you are in, keep aside the historical illusions which control your conscience; take a deep breath and think rationally to heal these hearts, and think why we were unable to consolidate our political power to solve this catastrophic and anguishing problem. This is not an exception to the particular region or the district, but this is indeed applicable throughout the country. Nothing different when it comes to the races or clan you belong to but this scenario is common to all. From war to national disaster, this is the hapless reality most of the victims are going through.

It is indeed somewhat, comforting to hear the words of the President – Mr. Maithripala Sirisena when he expressed his commitment to bringing us out of this quagmire  by introducing “national reconciliation” as a subject in the public education system. This is subsequent to Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe expressing his keenness to introduce the anti-corruption and criminal justice system as subjects to the National Education System. Actions are yet to be taken.

There is no doubt we need such subject-matters to be included in the Public Education System, which unfortunately continues to be riddled with dead theoretical hierarchy. The country’s education system is producing living machines in place of the substantive and healthy living humans confirming humanity through their soul-connections – made through the regulated pathway of Education.  The government and their officials in Administration are required to take immediate actions to restore the missing links in the education system, so as to ensure that at least the next generation in this nation will widen its sharing and broaden its mind.  That is indeed a long term plan which the state should be continuously acting upon whichever political side comes into power.

But unfortunately, in Sri Lanka, there are no bipartisan state policies but political party based agendas and desires which are controlling almost every section of the state. Devolution of Power – based on policies and strengths is the need of the hour, and the most important political fact is that majority people in this country have empowered the Government with the mandate to enact such plan. The core purpose of “Common National Government” or “Hybrid Government” is based on this basic value desperately needed by Sri Lanka.

In the meanwhile, our country needs a reliable mechanism to identify, analyse and apply effective procedures to generate the atmosphere where the victims of a three-decade nightmare, can nurture their hopes and expectations – however weak and small the post-war residue is, so they would live and contribute to humanity rather than go screaming for immediate death.

The pitiful situation that the University of Jaffna allowed itself  into, which later some of the extreme political gangs, were attempting to use for other means, portrayed the eldritch atmosphere in our society. 

Most of us are not ready to accept with faith and work on the basis of true principles of unity and harmony. This is applicable to each community whatever its name. Time has already passed, to think and work beyond the locum of political ambitions. If we as the countrymen need peace we have to work on peace; yes … the whole peace and nothing but the peace.

However, peace without truth is nothing but an illusion – a deceptive misguidance which generates opportunities and problems to chew the sweet and bitter tastes of evil respectively.  Let’s strengthen unity before it leave us again!

Broken promises: Kepapulavu displaced to restart fast unto death next week 

By Ruki Fernando, Marisa de Silva and Swasthika Arulingam-Friday, 15 July 2016

The people of Kepapulavu decided this week (11) to restart their fast unto death on 19 July, as they have lost all confidence in Government authorities, and the false promises given to them by the Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Vigneswaran in March, this year.

The people called off their previous fast unto death on 24 March, upon the Chief Minister’s promise to look into the matter and provide them with a solution within three months. Three-and-a-half months since then, villagers are still awaiting the new Government to release their lands, under the occupation of the military since the end of the war in 2009.

In May this year, villagers were able to get a glimpse of their houses when the Army opened roads for limited time during an annual temple festival.

“Every year more and more changes are done to our lands. Some houses have been destroyed. The wells have been closed. Other buildings have been put up. Boundaries have been demarcated differently. But the jack and coconut trees which we have planted have started bearing fruits,” says Santhraleela, a community activist, upon seeing her old village.

However she is determined that all the villagers should be allowed to go back home. “They will have to release our lands. We will return. Even if they have destroyed our houses, we want them to release our lands,” says Santhraleela.

History

“When I enter my home, it feels as fondly familiar to me as the love of my mother and father…” – a village elder from Kepapulavu who is longing to return home.

The Kepapulavu Grama Niladhari division is situated in the Martinepattu Divisional Secretariat in Mullaitivu district.  It comprises of four villages – Sooripuram, Seeniyamottai Kepapulavu, and Palakudiyiruppu. Some inhabitants who are mainly farmers and fishermen told us they trace their history for more than six decades while others were reported as landless families settled by the LTTE. Kepapulavu is known for its fertile red soil, fresh water wells, and marine resources.

The villagers were amongst the hundreds thousands displaced during the last phase of the war in 2009 and illegally detained in Menik farm.

Despite appeals to go back to their own homes, in September 2012, around 150 families were allocated quarter acre of new lands to each, irrespective of how much they owned before displacement. They were thus re-displaced, to an area originally known as Sooripuram situated adjacent to their original villages. This is now called the ‘Kepapulavu Model Village’. People said they felt as if in the middle of nowhere. With no assistance to put up shelters by authorities, people on their own constructed shacks with scrap material they brought in from Menik farm.

The 150 families were requested to sign an application accepting their new lands by the former Government Agent of Mullaitivu. Although two of the 150 families refused to sign the document, they too were compelled to stay in the alternative plot of land and subsequently received a temporary permits. Around 146 other families had stayed with host families and relations and settled in Sooripuram in January 2013. They were not asked to sign any land permits upon their arrival. A total of 59 families from Sooripuram, 55 families from Pilavu Kudiviruppu and 159 families from Kepapulavu are currently displaced, due to the military occupation of their lands. The displaced families now reside in the Kepapulavu model village. In March 2013, 16 families were allowed to return to their original lands in Seeniyamottai.

The land which was once theirs

The housing lands of these displaced occupied by the military spans about 520 acres. Homes of people are now being used for settlements of military personnel and their families. In addition to the houses, school and church premises already in place, many pre-fabricated houses too have been installed within the settlement to accommodate military families.

In March 2014, the military had built and handed over 287 temporary houses for the people whose lands and buildings they had occupied1. When the former Deputy Minister of the Resettlement Ministry Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan inaugurated this housing scheme in 2013, he was reported to have told the people not to plant any trees, as it was only temporary housing.

Further, in 2014, when the Commanding Officer of the area had handed  over the houses to the people, he too had told the people that these were only temporary lands and that if the political situation changes, that they would get their lands back.

Around 25-30 families do not live in the military built houses as there is inadequate water in that area. “We had large wells brimming with cool, clear water. We could bend over, and scoop water in a jug to quench our thirst. Now we have to walk long distances with buckets to collect water to have a bath,” reminisced village elders, who seem to be suffering the most, with vivid memories of home.

Farming families struggle to cultivate their lands as they have to walk seven to 10 km from the new settlement to reach their paddy lands, which was nearby their houses in their original villages. Cultivation and home gardening used to be family activities, but now, with the increase in distance, often women and children stay behind to look after the house.

“Around 3½ km stretch of beach is occupied by the military, that we are not permitted to use,” said Kaliappan Maheswaran, President of the Fisheries Society. The fishermen cannot dock their boats in this stretch of the coast. Fishing or throwing of nets is prohibited in 50ms of sea area touching the occupied coast. He states that prior to displacement the coast was around 150ms from their houses. Now fishermen have to cross 700ms in order to reach the sea.

Due to these barriers, fisher-folk go to sea only once in two or three days. Hence their income too have shrunk. Maheswaran also said that he used to cultivate peanuts so that even when it was off season for fishing, he would have a steady income coming in. However now he says this is not possible as water is only available in the common wells in the model village.

Due to change of lifestyle and lack of employment opportunities the villagers state the youth have become restless. People brew and drink illegal liquor. Police carry out regular crack downs, but as the fines are very low, the brewers merely pay off the fine and revert to their activities the very next day.

Women have taken on some of the income burden of their families. Young women leave to Colombo to work in garment factories and others travel far to find work. Women coming home late in to the night is creating frictions within families. Two women have joined the military as well.

Protests/appeals 

The families of Kepapulavu had held at least five protests between 2012 and 2016 demanding that their lands be released.  In the course of 2015, the people had also met with the Resettlement Minister, D.M. Swaminathan and Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen regarding their demand to return to their places of origin. They have also written an appeal to the Presidential Secretariat and sent a letter to the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa, along with copies of 60 land deeds.

A single mother of two is the only remaining Plaintiff who continues a legal battle to win back her land, though three others had initially filed cases to reclaim land. She doesn’t live in the temporary house provided as she feels unsafe. She says she has thus far persisted in her Court case amidst intimidation, threats and even, on occasion, verbal abuse and degrading treatment by the then Area Commander Samarasinghe.

According to her, the five acres she owns include both paddy and housing lands. “The military has built a bakery, kitchen, hospital and two wells on my land. I was told that whenever senior Army officers visit, they are put up at accommodation on my land,” she said.

When the Courts and the Divisional Secretariat had asked her to accept alternative land, she had insisted on getting her own land back. “If only more people had filed cases, we could have been stronger and more effective. I also haven’t attended any more meetings with Government officials, as I’m very angry,” she added defiantly.

With all their previous attempts to get back their lands having failed, the people resorted to a fast on to death on 24 March. Santhraleela, a community leader who has been actively campaigning for her people, states that representatives from political parties inquired into their situation during this protest which lasted for three days.

On the third day the Chief Minister (CM) of the Northern Provincial Council via a letter had promised to look in to the matter and provide a solution within three months. Upon this promise, the fast was terminated. Three weeks after the fast, a team of five people were dispatched by the CM. Santhraleela says they asked general questions about their situation, but no undertaking was given to them about getting back their land. However, the three-month period has long past, and the villagers are yet to hear from the Chief Minister regarding a solution to their problem.

Struggles to reclaim lands 

Coincidently in the month of March this year, after several years of protests and court battles, the people of Panama in the south eastern coast forcibly entered and reclaimed their lands, which had been occupied by the Navy, Air Force and Special Task Force since 2010. Communities across the country are continuing their struggle to reclaim lands which have been unfairly and illegally grabbed from them in the name of security and development. The new Government has taken the initiative to return a few of the illegally-occupied lands, but will they respond positively and allow all the displaced to go back home?

Footnotes

1 Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, Army completes construction of houses in Keppapilavu Model Village - http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Army_completes_construction_of_houses_in_Keppapilavu_Model_Village_20160303_04

(This article was originally written for WATCHDOG).

President throws JHU’s bluffs and duffer Dilan’s views into garbage bin !

(Lanka-e-News -20.July.2016, 11.30PM) While the racists by birth  and extremists of the Jathika Hela Urumaya , and political pimps like Dilan Perera within the government are blabbering vociferously  that the executive presidency shall be retained even ignoring the mandate of the government  , the executive president of the country Maithripala Sirisena on the contrary reiterated clearly that the  executive presidency shall be abolished and   constitutional amendment shall  be passed in respect of national reconciliation.

The president made these comments in Kilinochchi on the 18th when he was handing over the ownership of the vocational training center established with German aid to the people.

The president went on to say , if the Sinhalese Buddhist people in the South are to live in peace with happiness , then the issues of the other communities in the country should be understood with a view to finding solutions. Besides , all the communities should commit themselves to contribute towards national reconciliation. 

It must be understood the people of the North are having issues , and all issues should be duly understood and resolved. Irrespective of the difficulties experienced when seeking to achieve national reconciliation , all those difficulties shall be overcome and reconciliation shall be accomplished , the president pointed out. 

The groups that are trying to form new forces must learn new lessons regarding national peace and reconciliation , and work towards those goals . The groups that are forming new forces and political parties should be free from corruption and frauds , the president emphasized. 

National reconciliation should be made a subject in schools

With a view to establishing national reconciliation, it  must be made  a subject  in the school curriculum. Every University and  every vocational training center should be  made into a venue  that promotes national reconciliation , the president exhorted.

As promised the executive presidency will be abolished , and the constitutional amendment will be introduced , the president said , thereby indicating he is a long lasting leader . The constitutional amendment is being introduced to promote harmony and reconciliation among the races , and not to create divisions , the president noted.

There are many who are  propagating false stories that via reconciliation , the country is going to be divided  in order to mislead the people , but  those mischievous propaganda are not going to deter or daunt him  , he added. The president therefore requested the people not to fall prey to those  mischievous agendas and propagandas.

The president also said , the educated class including  graduates are staging protests and demonstrations because of the flawed education system  , which will soon be remedied .

Photos and report by Dinasena Rathugamage
Translated by Jeff

---------------------------
by     (2016-07-20 18:04:54)

Proletariat has to overcome lapses of liberalism

DR.Vickramabahu Karunaratne-2016-07-21

"COPE could conduct a probe and refer the matter to the Cabinet for action and can make some impact on pressurizing the government to take action against those who are responsible if a fraud had taken place," he said. Anura implied that this government too wants to protect corrupt officials and politicians and that is why proper methods are not used to conduct inquiries. It is well known that State-owned enterprises do not bring socialism or better management compared to the private sector enterprises. Within capitalism there are State capitalist enterprises and often dens of corruption

. Networks of mafia type organizations breed in these corporations, in particular to deal with MNCs. Thus they become sources for foreign vampires, while these local agents become the new rich local capitalists. The developing world needs huge sums of money to address its many problems with health, housing, education, and more. A new world report says corrupt practices by multinational companies, their government enablers, and others, are depriving people of a better life.

A financial watchdog group, Washington-based Global Financial Integrity [GFI], reports astounding sums of money are extracted every year from African, Asian, and Latin American nations. GFI's new report says that over thousand billion dollars was taken out of these countries through what it calls illicit capital outflows. "Over the decade from 2002 to 2011, we're talking about $5.9 trillion that have moved out of the developing countries. Nothing is as harmful as this loss of capital to the poorer countries of the world." Anura said appointing special committees would not make any sense. "If there were any allegations against any one during the previous regime, the former President used to gather all the files while the present government is appointing committees. Gathering files was Rajapaksa's way of handling corruption and appointing committees is the present government's way of handling it." However, there is qualitative change. In the first instance we do not know anything about the bleeding international vampires and local collaborators. In the second instance we are aware of these ruthless activities and know the actors in the corruption drama. Further, Anura said the committee that had been appointed by the government will not do any good as some of the members of it are involved in the deal. So, comrade you know a lot already!

Governments in Western Europe
Even in Western Europe and Eastern Europe there was nationalization throughout the 20th century, especially after World War II. Governments in Western Europe, both left and right of centre, saw State intervention as necessary to rebuild economies shattered by war. Government control over so-called natural monopolies like industry was the norm. This included telecommunications, power, petroleum, railways, airports, airlines, public transport, healthcare,

postal services and sometimes banks. Many large industrial corporations were also nationalized or created as government corporations, including among many British Steel Corporation, Statoil and Irish Sugar. However, starting in the late 1970s and accelerating through the 1980s and 1990s many of these corporations were privatized, though many still remain wholly or partially owned by the respective governments. Even in these corporations corruption was a serious problem. It was found that the short answer to curtailing the problem of corruption and illicit financial flows is transparency – greater transparency in the global financial system. This means getting rid of disguised corporations; this means exchanging tax information across borders; this means all organizations automatically reporting their sales and profits and taxes paid in every jurisdiction where they're in business.

But we are today stuck with the developing democratic revolution. What happened in the Jaffna University week ago shows that ruthless forces are hell bent on creating a Sinhala chauvinist upsurge. This main issue cannot be avoided by just harping on exploitation, plunder and corruption in the bourgeois society. All attempts to form undemocratic puritanical socialism whether in Russia, China or Cuba have not given us a proper answer. Hence, while it is essential to carry out a proper probe on the deal between corrupt elements, we have to give prime attention to the needs of the democratic revolution. In fact it is the proletariat that has to overcome the lapses of liberalism to carry out the tasks of democratic revolution. Unfortunately Anura and the JVP are pressed by the ultra left to abandon the responsibility towards the democratic mass movement. 

Indian Ocean: Theatre of Geopolitical Interest

by Mangala Samaraweera

( July 21, 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, at the South Asia Diaspora Conference Panel on the Geopolitics of South Asia warned of the potential for conflict and violence instead of peace and stability, as the Indian Ocean became a ‘theatre of global geopolitical interest and potential rivalry.

In his speech, the Foreign Minister said: “It would be a great and ironic tragedy if Asia’s hard won independence, economic development and rising living standards led to conflict and violence rather than peace and stability.”

“Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to identify and implement ways and means of ensuring that Asia’s rise creates the conditions for regional and global stability, as opposed to chaos,” Minister Samaraweera said.

Full text of the speech is reproduced below:

Following Minister Balakrishnan’s incisive speech and amidst such a distinguished panel, there is little unique insight that I can shed on the geopolitics of South Asia.

But one specific lens I can offer is that of South Asia’s only island state, and the South Asian state with the largest per capita diaspora population.

From Sri Lanka’s perspective South Asian geopolitics is closely tied to Indian Ocean geopolitics, and is undergirded by an over-arching environment of rising inter-connectivity and inter-dependence.

These two overlapping regions are inextricably linked. K.M. Panikkar, the late Indian diplomat and historian, correctly identified the Indian sub-continent as a quintessential Rimland; that is a region whose fundamental interests and future are tied to their coastlines and the seas beyond.

By using this appellation Panikkar was emphasising that the Indian sub-continent, divided from the Asian hinterland by the Himalayas, is – whether it likes it or not – geographically destined to look outward onto the Indian Ocean rather than inward into Tibet or Central Asia.

And of course, over centuries and even millennia this fact of nature has resulted in the sub-continent becoming the central node of trading links, cultural connections and diasporic communities that constitute the web of the Indian Ocean World.

As a result, today, there is little doubt that the Indian Ocean is of central, if not pre-eminent, significance to South Asia.

In turn, at this time of global transitional, as the unipolar world order is on the wane with the rise of China and India, the Indian Ocean is quickly becoming a theatre of global geopolitical interest and potential rivalry.

As such, it would be a great and ironical tragedy if Asia’s hard won independence, economic development and rising living standards led to conflict and violence rather than peace and stability.

Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to identify and implement ways and means of ensuring that Asia’s rise creates the conditions for regional and global stability as opposed to chaos.

Such thought and action is of principal importance during this period of flux when the old order is being cast aside but the new order has yet to emerge.

This period of strategic opportunity brings with it the prospect of putting in place the framework of values, principles, norms, conventions and institutions necessary for peace, well before the mortar had dried on a faulty foundation.

This responsibility is made all the more acute, as it is the first time that we Asians will be key players in determining the architecture of our regional maritime order which has been controlled by external powers more or less since Alfonso of Alberquerque made the Indian Ocean a Portuguese lake in the early 16th Century.

We in Sri Lanka have learnt our lessons the hard way. After years of violent conflict, which has created such a large, diverse and vibrant Sri Lankan diasporic community across the globe, we know that creating rules developed by legitimate, representative and inclusive institutions and imbued with universal values is essential for peace and stability.

I don’t think it would be naïve to say, that like in Sri Lanka, in a very fundamental sense, parties with an interest in the Indian Ocean have a greater convergence of interests than divergence.

Interdependence between economies and peoples is at historically unprecedented highs, there is growing understanding that trade is imperative for development and there is little appetite for risking an optimistic future to conflict and instability.

In addition, there are also very specific instances were interests converge; for example both India and China have a shared concern with keeping the Hormuz and Red Sea choke-points open to free maritime passage.

In this context of macro-convergence and limited micro-convergence, a framework for regulating power in the Indian Ocean and beyond is required. Of course, such a framework must be flexible enough to respond to strategic changes, for example, if unexpectedly fast Indian growth shifts the regional balance of power, but it must also effectively constrain, channel and process the exercise of power.

First, such a framework will need to maintain and uphold the rules-based international order and the principles that undergird them.

It is this very order that has so successfully prevented a global conflict since the Second World War, provided a sense of security for millions of people living in small states such as mine and perhaps most importantly providing the bedrock for our unprecedented collective economic prosperity.

Preserving the sovereignty of states, including their sovereign right to pool sovereignty and share it, must naturally be a cornerstone of this framework for peaceful development.

And in the context of the Indian Ocean ensuring peaceful development, it requires a stable maritime environment including the freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in accordance with international law.

Naturally, the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, which was significantly shaped by Sri Lankans such as Shirley Amerasinghe, is an integral component of this framework. But there are many other global commons and areas of connectivity, such as the environment, where rules-based systems at the global and regional level will become ever more necessary.

Great care must be taken to ensure that rules are perceived to be legitimate and institutions that create and enforce them are inclusive and representative.

They must be accepted by all the major stakeholders, by the haves and the have-nots and they must be have the consent of both the strong and the weak.

Whether we like it or not, global and regional bodies need to take into consideration balances of power – whether economic or otherwise.  Failure to do so will lead to parallel, competing bodies or norms and ultimately lead to institutional instability and stress on the norms and rules that have served us so well.

Such a framework is unlikely to amount to much without a set of common values. One useful starting point for the development of common values for the Indian Ocean region and beyond is the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence outlined at the Colombo Powers Conference over half a century ago.

The values underlying these principles can provide a starting point for updating and expanding the Five Principles to reflect the realities of an increasingly inter-connected, inter-dependent and complex world, where the concept of Westphalian sovereignty is increasing outdated and irrelevant.

This brings me to my second point, inter-dependence. Perhaps more than any conscious design, the effects of technological innovation and globalization have helped avert conflict.

We need to continue to build inter-dependence into our regional and global frameworks. Increasing economic inter-dependence between East Asia and South Asia – both through bilateral and ‘mega’ trade deals like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership- can play an important role in strategically stabilising the region.

Improved sea, air and land connectivity through smarter regulation and greater investment in connectivity could also be an important catalyst. In this context, the Maritime Silk Road, Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor and other initiatives are very welcome, especially if they can provide a transparent, rules-based, inclusive, institutionalized and principled means of facilitating cooperative development.

Allow me to conclude, by noting that building understanding and confidence is a tremendous task that will require great courage, political will and perseverance.

But we have a useful example in the region in the form of ASEAN.

Both South Asian and East Asian countries have a great deal to learn from this example, as we navigate the transitions in the short, medium and long terms.

And just as Singapore has over the years helped stakeholders come together and work towards their common interests in South-East Asia, Sri Lanka, the Gateway to South Asia, which is also fast becoming the hub of the Indian Ocean and which maintains excellent relations with all relevant stakeholders, will too, play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and cooperation for peaceful development in the region.

Regulatory Oversight Accountability over Government Bond Issues and Related Secondary Market Transactions

An open letter to Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy:

July 20, 2016, 12:00 pm 

You would no doubt agree, that effective and professional best practices embedded regulatory oversight over Government bond issues and related secondary market transactions, ensuring that engaged intermediaries duly discharge their professional commitments in line with best market practices, are an essential imperative of a well governed securities market in Sri Lanka.

Such a governance framework is also an essential investor right, as endorsed by the Securities & Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka and the Chartered Financial Analysts Society of Sri Lanka ( refer attachment). These rights need to be duly discharged through ensuring that; "all associated financial professionals and intermediary organizations are Honest, competent, and ethical in conduct and complies with applicable law;

Independent and objective in advice and assistance, based on informed analysis, prudent judgment, and diligent effort;

Financial interests of the investor takes precedence over those of the professional and organization;

Fair in treatment in relation to other clients;

Disclosure of any existing or potential conflicts of interest in providing products or services;

Understanding the clients circumstances and ensuring advice is based on clients financial objectives and constraints;

Clear, accurate, complete and timely communications;

Fees and costs involved be transparent;

Confidentiality of information assured;

Complete supporting records are maintained

Whilst acknowledging that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has competent professionals and infrastructure support to provide the oversight framework as set out above, recent controversial bond issues related experiences have clearly demonstrated that the Central Bank suffers from definite conflicts of interests, due its role in

Being the primary issuer and manager of the Government Bond issues;

Being the effective Manger and Portfolio Investor of the largest Securities market player in Sri Lanka – the Employees Provident Fund

In addition, it is commonly believed that the secondary market information data set maintained by the Central Bank is inadequate and incomplete for effective regulation of market and associated intermediaries. It is reported that the records maintained in the Central Bank, covering the secondary market transactions, fail to record the basic market data relevant to the prices at which the secondary market transactions have taken place.

In the light of above it is urged that the Monetary Board resolves to assign the role and responsibility to for regulatory oversight over Government bond issues and the related secondary market transactions to the Securities & Exchange Commission, at the earliest opportunity.

You will note from the attached copies of correspondence with the Securities & Exchange Commission, that the Securities & Exchange Commission, needs to make a minor amendment to its empowering enactment, to undertake this expanded role of supervision of the Government Bond issues and associated secondary market..

I trust that you and the Monetary Board, will immediately begin negotiation with the Securities & Exchange Commission and the Government, for the formal transfer of the oversight responsibility over Government Bond Issues and associated Secondary Market dealings, to the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Chandra Jayaratne

CC. The President, The Prime Minister, The Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Minister of Finance, Minister of Justice, Monetary Board, Chairman SEC, The Auditor General, Attorney General, Chairman COPE , Ceylon Chamber of Commerce