Sri Lanka’s Two Faced & Fading Good Governance

By Thambu Kanagasabai –November 17, 2016

Thambu Kanagasabai

With the support of 6.2 million, the present Sri Lankan Government swept into power, winning both the presidential and general elections on the slogan of ‘GOOD GOVERNANCE’ – it was believed, to end, the ‘Bad Governance’ of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Mahinda Rajapaksa hugely energised by his victory over the LTTE in 2009 – embarked on a path of family dictatorial rule, self-glorification and abuse of power. Rajapaksa’s victory, albeit not won solely by his effort alone but one that was a combined and co-ordinated one, with military and logistical assistance coming from twenty two countries who were united in their quest to get rid of the LTTE and its leadership at any cost and price. Hailed as a hero and wallowing in his military success and in the popularity he enjoyed among the Sinhalese and the Buddhist clergy, Rajapaksa exploited the euphoria of victory to the maximum. Impeaching the Chief Justice and seizing control of the judiciary and all other independent commissions, he was able to consolidate power and as a consequence strengthen his presidency. While corruption became rampant, an atmosphere of fear and insecurity began enveloping the country where human rights activists, political opponents and journalists who exposed the truth faced possible death, the killings in all cases, carried out by agents of the state, after abductions in ‘White Vans’.

With democratic values in jeopardy, the literate and politically matured Sri Lankan voters waited for the elections to remove the increasingly unpopular Rajapaksa clan. Sensing island wide resentment and opposition to Rajapaksa’s rule, Maithripala Sirisena jumped from the Rajapaksa band wagon and joined hands with Ranil Wickremesingha to get rid of Rajapaksa and his all powerful, no questions asked family rule. ‘GOOD GOVERNANCE’ was the coined slogan of ‘Maithri’ and ‘Ranil’, a term that mesmerised and won over the public. The western powers also lent their backing to unseat Rajapaksa who was an irritant to them for leaning on and hobnobbing with China.

The ‘GOOD GOVERNANCE’ election manifesto of ‘Ranil’ and ‘Maithri’ who led this unique rainbow coalition contained many promises – those which the public trusted and voted for, key amongst them:

1. Promotion of rule of law
2. Ending the culture of impunity
3. Eradication of bribery and corruption
4. Punishing corrupt politicians and officials particularly those who 
held high offices and those who controlled the state machinery in the past
5. Promoting accountability, justice and reconciliation and solving the
 ethnic problem.

The vast majority of Tamils in the North and Eastern provinces also voted for the newly formed Ranil/Maithri coalition reposing faith on the promises made – It could be said the coalition virtually won the elections on the back of the Tamil vote.

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SRI LANKA PM WICKEMESINGHE LIKENS DAILY FT TO TOILET PAPER OVER CRITICAL REPORTING

17/11/2016

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday was critical of Daily FT News paper of the Wijeya Newspapers Limited, over two opinion articles in Wednesday’s issue on Government plans for Hambantota port and offers of tabs to students, likening the country’s only national business daily to cheaper than toilet paper.

Referring to the opinion piece on Hambantota Port, (Sale of Hambantota Port – A fair deal?) the Premier clarified that there was no sale but only a lease arrangement.

He claimed no one was selling the port but said the plan was to invite China Merchant to buy 80% of shares of Hambantota port for $ 1.1 billion, which would help the Balance of Payments.

The Prime Minister told the Business Today Awards that the country had got a white elephant port costing $ 1.3 billion for which debt has to be serviced. He said what is proposed was a better alternative than increasing more taxes to pay off debt. He said already there were many offers for new ventures in Hambantota such as an oil refinery, a dockyard, a cement plant and a LNG power plant.

The Premier was also critical of the opinion piece focusing on 2017 Budget move on granting tabs for students (Can tabs do what PCs or bricks could not do for education) saying FT was even opposing that move when it was beneficial for all, rather than being exclusive resources limited only to the wealthy.

He concluded his comments on FT stating “Any way (such reporting) will help the FT to increase its circulation. I have asked the Finance Minister to put a 800% tax on Toilet paper, because FT will be the alternative.”

Daily Mirror

Social Movement, Continued

Featured image courtesy Sri Lanka Guardian

VICTOR IVAN on 11/17/2016

A particular segment of the country was decisively committed to defeat the Rajapaksa regime and replace it with the present regime of Good Governance. This segment was motivated not by party politics or personal gain, but by genuine concern for the common good of the country, and threw their full weight into it. Nevertheless, the members of this social segment are now rather puzzled to witness the present course of the Good Governance regime. They are in a state of confusion and disappointment and wonder whether they have been cheated by the two leaders of the Good Governance regime. In terms of political consciousness, this segment of people can be described as the most advanced, informed section of Sri Lanka’s social hierarchy. If this segment is discouraged and become apathetic, invariably, it might have an adverse impact not only on the present, but also on the future of the country.

Social Movement.docx by Thavam Ratna on Scribd

What makes some countries rich and others prone to poverty? 

Friday, 18 November 2016

Many years ago as primary students we were taught that a nation’s environment is the result of a combination of human effort and policies, which can and are influenced by leaders and that rich countries were in the north of the globe, and most poor countries are in the south, but later on we were told that it was not geography that causes wealth or poverty. After all, Australia and New Zealand are part of the Southern hemisphere, and both are doing fine. You couldn’t say this of Papua New Guinea, which is the Asian country closest to Australia and New Zealand.

A superficial view is to blame racial differences. Black Africa is the poorest and most disordered part of the world, and Haiti, with an almost entirely black population, is the poorest country of the Americas. But the coincidence is accidental. What makes some countries rich, and others prone to poverty is not related to skin colour or racial factors. Many immigrants from poor nations do very well in the US and Canada, though one has to admit that both countries are likely to make immigration easy only for the best and the brightest of those who hail from Third World countries.

It is also not the presence or lack of natural resources that makes a country rich or poor in the long run. Japan is a country with very limited natural resources, and it has been the richest country in Asia for a long time.

On the other hand, it is easy to predict that some Third World countries that currently are rich because of immense reserves of natural wealth while not being burdened with large populations, will slide back when the natural resources are depleted. While a handful of countries thanks to great leadership managed to achieve economic prosperity that has helped them to escape the perils of poverty, while many other countries fail in this respect and continue to be trapped in poverty.

Was it chance? Their people? Their products and services? Their markets? The growth experience of the various countries of the world as we all know is filled with success and a great deal of disasters, which has huge implications for the living standards of ordinary people.

Drivers of prosperity

Economics has sometimes a narrow scope. It studies a nation’s prosperity through trade flows, monetary, fiscal and budget policies. The analysis of companies is a bit broader. It encompasses strategy, structure and finance but also less “rational” fields such as human resources, corporate culture or consumer behaviours.

Competitiveness provides a broader basis for analysis. It looks at all the elements that can explain the success of a nation. Industries often thrive when they are forced to overcome high labour costs or lack natural resources. When their customers won’t accept inferior, outdated products, when their local competitors are “murderous”, and when government offers no protection from their competition and sets tough technical and regularity standards.

For instance the Italian shoe industry is prodded by sophisticated consumer demand that encourage entry by many new firms. Many of them, family-owned, compete very jealousy. The shoemakers are compelled to spew out new models continuously and must keep improving to increase efficiency to stay competitive within Italy’s quirky, high cost infrastructure. When the home market got saturated, Italian manufacturers went overseas and achieved international success.

According to Professor Porter, competitive advantage based on only one or two factors is unsustainable. South Korea’s construction industry grew rapidly during the mid ’80s simply by applying low cost labour to projects that did not require sophisticated engineering. It lost out when other countries that had cheap labour jumped in. Resources based advantages too frequently suffer the same fate.

Two additional variables, “chance” and “government” have a big impact. Chance is outside the control of industries; wars and embargoes can reshape industry structure in a country for or against it. A government can improve or retard competitive advantage. Vigorous enforcement of antitrust laws encourages competition and stimulates innovation. For an industry to flourish, domestic rivalry is nearly always necessary. It drives companies to move beyond whatever initial advantage that led to the founding of the industry and to develop their international potential. 

Productivity

To maintain competitive advantage, the industry must normally broaden and upgrade from their original sources of success and take it to the next level. In the early stage of economic growth many believe that a country needs a strong government that can mobilise and direct resources that are important. Therefore the success of poor countries according to them hinges critically on the quality of government leadership, i.e. its development oriented leadership, its ability to promote good talent to head critical institutions and its approach for policy formulation with industry.

China is a case in point, however their future success will largely depend on the ability of the Chinese President Xi Jinping to liberalise the financial sector, ensure a democratic system that ensures more people get a bigger share of their growth and more discussion about the human and environmental cost of its massive infrastructure projects.

On the other hand India, even though poor in resource, is super rich in human talent and in technology. Knowledge is perhaps the most critical competitiveness factor. As countries move up the economic scale, the more they thrive on knowledge to ensure their prosperity and to compete in world markets. How that knowledge is acquired and managed is each nation’s responsibility. 

Innovation

Companies via frugal innovation have been able to create affordable products to billions of people in South Asia. By creating scale, Indian companies have expanded domestically and overseas and thereby grown their economy in their own country. Indian companies are stepping into the next level of development by investing big time in HRD and RD almost imitating the Japanese companies in the ’70s and ’80s. However the gap between the rural have-nots and the urban-haves are widening by the day, causing huge problems in many states.

On the other hand, the Asian Tigers all saw their economies take off during the ’70s and ’80s not purely because of authoritarian regimes but because they aggressively pumped up their exports and integrated well into the world economy. Many of them, despite being starved of human talent, have become service hubs for many top corporations earning top dollars for their country by cleverly opening their doors to skilled talent and by leveraging on technology. The productivity of human capital, productivity of physical capital and the combined effect of these two factors of productivity is therefore essential for a country’s prosperity.

Hence, in the final analysis, to create a basis for competitive advantage and a platform for sustained economic growth, many believe that a country needs good governance, competent and credible leaders, healthy savings, high levels of investment in technology and people, good macroeconomic management and finally a disciplined public service.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe realises the challenges this country is facing and has invited the private sector many times to join the Government’s effort to develop Sri Lanka by investing for growth, harnessing political stability and policies towards a highly competitive social market economy. 

(The writer is a senior company director.)

Death in Weerawansa’s mansion :Youth had illicit relationship with Sashi and died due to excessive intake of Viagra !

(Lanka-e-News -17.Nov.2016, 9.00 AM) The death of the youth (24) Lahiru Janith Dissanayake under suspicious and mysterious circumstances while he was staying the night in the mansion of Wimal Weerawansa on the 24 th of October has been due to the intake of excess amount of the aphrodisiac -Viagra , based on the medical report  . The youth has been maintaining an illicit sexual relationship with Weerawansa’s wife  for a long period , and it is the latter who had given him the Viagra to stimulate inordinate sexual urge , a witness revealed , according to reports reaching Lanka e news.

Report of Dr. P.B. Dissanayake

Based on the report of Medical specialist Dr.P.B. Dissanayake of Kalubowila hospital  who conducted the autopsy , at the time of the death of the youth there was an excess amount of Viagra in his system and extraordinary sexual  stimulation . Since the Viagra intake was excessive , the blood supply to the heart was enormous resulting in the heart failure owing to the  inability of the heart  to cope with the blood rush. The blood vessel has burst , and that was why blood had oozed out at the nose.

When his organ was dissected seminal fluid was detected meaning that he died while he was engaged in sex, and his sexual activity had lasted for a period between 4 to 6 hours prior to his death , the medical report reveals.

Illicit husband -wife relationship between Lahiru and Sashi 

Meanwhile, a friend of the deceased had made a  most intriguing and interesting statement  to  the police officers investigating the death (The friend’s name cannot be  revealed right now).

According to his evidence , the youth and Sashi Weerawansa had been living as husband and wife for a long time on the sly. The deceased  had been visiting Weerawansa’s house as a friend of his son Vibuthi . After  Weerawansa learnt of the affair Lahiru had with his wife , one day he has barged into the house of Lahiru and  assaulted him . He had also  warned Lahiru  not  to step into Weerawansa’s house, and to sever the friendship ties with his son Vibuthi.

However , Weerawansa has taken precautions not to discuss this before the inmates of Lahiru’s house. Nevertheless Lahiru’s mother who got wind of this has berated Lahiru , and told him to stop visiting the house of Weerawansa where Sashi (Weerawansa’s wife cum Lahiru’s illict lover)  was also living.

Lahiru has told his friend (witness)  that no matter who says what , he is not going to halt his affair with Weerawansa’s wife Sashi.  Weerawansa who heard of this had assaulted Sashi , Lahiru has revealed most sorrowfully to his friend. Lahiru has also disclosed that when he is with Sashi , she gives a drug, and when that is taken he  ‘ can smash  until that  is torn into bits’ , the statement to the police of Lahiru’s friend reveals.

Sudath Chandrasekera , special assistant of Prime Minister (P.M.) exerts pressure

There had been intense pressure brought to bear on the police to suppress the evidence of the friend of Lahiru. The main person behind this is Sudath Chandrasekera a former police officer  , and currently the ‘special assistant of prime minister’   who from the very outset left no stone unturned to conceal this episode  from the moment the alleged murder was known , and was exerting undue pressures on the police.

This was the culprit  whom Lanka  e news referred to without mentioning the name in  its earlier reports as the scoundrel  who was interfering with the investigations.  Because his name was not certain at that time we did not reveal it. But now it is confirmed he is the rascal. 

Sudath the culprit paints the picture that he is the ‘Private secretary’ of the P.M. though the latter does not have such a secretary. 

Sudath holds the post of ‘Prime Minister’s special assistant’  , the same post as Sandra Perera and K.P. Dayaratne at Temple Trees. Though Sandra and Dayaratne are discharging their duties duly in their posts , Sudath has been chased away by the P.M. and warned not to step into the Temple Trees after his despicable and detestable  wheeler dealer activities became known. Hence Sudath is now  functioning from Sri Kotha only. Even after  Sudath was discarded , he still indulges in high handed activities surreptitiously while masquerading as  P.M.’s ‘private secretary’ to  dupe even the ministers and high ranking police officers.

Of course , the surest and swiftest route available to  the P. M. if it is his desire to  tarnish his image is to allow Sudath to abuse his position by interfering in police investigations continuously, putting through illicit deals ,  and selling  P.M.’s  name.

It is to be noted , it is only after Lanka e news fearlessly , frankly and forthrightly exposed the sly activities , the interference and undue pressures exerted  pertaining  to this mysterious death  , the investigation was entrusted to the CID by the president.

The investigations are continuing.

Connected Reports

* Investigations begin into the phone calls exchanged with the allegedly murdered youth in Weerawansa’s house

* Weerawansa’s daughter complained to Children and Women’s Bureau to seek political asylum for whole family in Western country ?

* Investigations into alleged murder most foul within Weerawansa’s home entrusted to CID by president ! -Lahiru was a virile ebullient youth-witness

* ‘Why are you more worried than the inmates of the house of the deceased ?’ Ask Weerawansa’s murderers and threaten Website editors

* Seminal fluid all over the private parts of the youth allegedly murdered in the house of Weerawansa !
-Investigations suppressed by a most high profile political leader

* Lahiru the lover of Weerawansa’s daughter was murdered..? Open inquest by JMO..
-‘We are suspicious’ -voice recording of friend of Lahiru (audio tape herein)

* Body of youth found in home of Weerawansa ! Deceased has neck injuries and bleeding nose

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by     (2016-11-17 04:12:07)

Tension Mounts As Batticaloa Buddhist Monk Encroaches A Private Land To Erect Temple

November 17, 2016

Police intervened once again when Batticaloa Buddhist monk Ampitiye Sumanarathana encroached into a private land where a Bo tree is and attempted to erect a Buddhist Temple.

The Monk claimed the Bo tree on the Badulla-Senkallady Road, Pankudaveli area was a palce of Buddhist worship and has historical evidence.

Tension mounted as he arrived with many Sinhalese in vehicles.

Tamils also arrived as the land was owned by a Tamil.

Apparently, the monk attempted to encorach this particular land and he was restrained with a court order. However he returned to the same land wanting to build a temple on November 16.

When the matter was infomed to TNA MP Viyalendiran Sathasivam, he infomed the police and arrived to the spot immediatley. Police warned that no one should enter the property or remove anything from the land.

The Monk claimed that Prabhalaran or any of his LTTE members did not harm him but people now are behaving like fools creating unnecessary issues and he did not want the land but only the Bo tree area to build a temple.

He said he did not want to disturb the Tamil community or capture land however he would want to protect this place of worship.

Police informed them there would be a police post at that spot and no one can enter the land in future.

The monk has urged the Archeaological Dept to visit the place of historical importance and verify his claims. The owner of the land said the monk despite been warned and issued with a court order still harresses people bringing disharmony among all. They said he captures private lands and forces the governement officials to issue deeds.

A Hindu priest too visted the place in support of the Tamils. The monk did not want to leave the area untill a governement offical gave him permission to errect a temple. The TNA MP urged the police official to quickly sort out the matter and told the Tamils to allow the police to do their duties and not to stir tension.  The monk wowed that he would returm to see whether the police post would be installed as promised. (By Myrna L)

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Sino-Lanka Diplomacy: Govt. Have No Policies to Attract Investments – Chinese Envoy

( November 17, 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Sri Lanka has the potential but does not have the policies to attract investments, Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Yi Xianliang said.

Addressing the China- Sri Lanka Business Meeting for Investment and Trade held yesterday in Colombo the ambassador however expressed optimism that such policies will be formulated soon. Xianliang said if projects in the China-Sri Lanka industrial park project in Hambantota could be implemented well, the park could attract colossal investments as China’s investment in three to five years will top US$ 5 billion in the region.

The ambassador said at present they were only asking for 50 square kilometers of land for the industrial park project which will be situated behind the Hambantota port followed up with a inner city. He said negotiations were underway to set up an energy power generating plant, an oil refinery plant, a chemical fertilizer factory and a ship building facility.

He said the Chinese government and entrepreneurs trust the government and has confidence in Sri Lanka. The question now is whether the Sri Lankan government will expedite its policies.

Xianliang said the Chinese government and entrepreneurs has confidence in Sri Lanka. The question now is whether the Sri Lankan government can expedite the policies.

China’s investment to Sri Lanka is open and inclusive. The port city project had been suspended for a year and a half and that had cost a lot to China and Sri Lanka and he made it clear to the Sri Lankan President and the Prime Minister that it should not happen again. He expressed optimism that the future changes of governments in Sri Lanka will not affect the country’s investment policy in anyway.

The ambassador said last year out bound Chinese tourists reached 130 million and only 200,000 visited Sri Lanka. This year 300,000 Chinese have visited Sri Lanka so far and in the next five years it could exceed 1 million.

Xianliang said the out bound foreign investment from China was US$ 150 billion and if Sri Lanka could attract 1% of this it would still amount to US$1.5 billion.

Sri Lankan government moves to curb communal hate speech

Abdul Razik, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Thawheed Jamaath.

16th November 2016

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government has moved to curb communal hate speech by arresting and getting remanded two extremists, one a Sinhalese and the other a Muslim, on charges of making communally incendiary speeches in the capital earlier in the month. 

A Sinhalese man, Dan Priyasad, leader of “Savior of Sinhalese” was arrested and remanded till November 26. On Wednesday, police held Abdul Razik, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Tawheed Jamaath and had him remanded till November 29.        

On November 3, Thawheed Jamath's General Secretary Abdul Razik had publicly insulted Buddhism, and reprimanded the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, in filthy language on social media. On November 7, Dan Priyasad, had said publically at a pocket meeting in front of the Fort Railway station,  that he will kill all Muslims, even using suicide bombers. 

Meanwhile, the Tamils are demanding action against a Batticaloa-based Buddhist monk, Ven.Ampitiya Sumanarathana Himi, for publicly scolding in filthy words a Tamil Grama Sewaka for filing cases against Sinhalese.  The petty official stood in silence as the monk called him a “Tiger” and a “dog” and vowed to smash the “rule of the Tamils and Muslims over Sri Lanka”. A police officer who was on the spot silently watched the monk abuse the official. The video of the monk’s ranting went viral on the social media. 

The government is yet to take cognizance of the monk's behavior. 

Meanwhile, Muslim  women have launched a signature campaign against the assault on two Muslim women by Islamic conservatives.

Juwairiya, founder of the Muslim Women's Development Trust, Puttalam, and Nufitha, a victim of child marriage turned activist from Vallachenai, were threatened  for speaking in favor of  amending the iniquitous Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) of 1951 in a TV program. The two women had also made a representation to the human rights sub-committee of the Sri Lankan parliament on the need to amend the MMDA.

A statement by Muslim women activists, which is going around for signatures of Muslims, says that abusive and anonymous phone calls are being made to the families of the two women activists asking them to ensure the safety of their wives, sisters and daughters. The callers demanded that the activists give up the campaign against the MMDA.

“We, as Muslims, have always condemned the use of violence, threats and intimidation. We stood united against such intimidation when used against members of our community by nationalist Buddhist groups, and will therefore not accept the use of such tactics by members of our own community. We continue to assert Islam is a peaceful religion, tolerant and accepting of diversity, and will resolve differences through peaceful means,” the statement said.

“Women’s groups have not suggested that Muslim Personal Laws be repealed. They only ask for reforms to protect the rights of women and girls. We recognise differing views within the community on the extent of reform, but there is broad acceptance that the law has to be reformed,” the statement said. 

A run through of the endorsing signatures in the on-line statement shows that very few Muslim men have signed so far.

‘Awa’ has 62 members : 38 arrested ; leader Vinodhan incarcerated; all have money and first sword from Brazil- Sagala Ratnayake

(Lanka-e-News -18.Nov.2016, 3.35AM) The leader of ‘Awa’ group Kumares Rathinam Vinothan alias ‘Awa’ was arrested and remanded ,and of this group comprising 62 members , 38 of them have been taken into custody .However the 8  new leaders who have sprung up following the remanding of Vinothan have not been arrested , and the police are on their trail , minister of law and order Sagala Ratnayake revealed.

The firts sword used by this group was made in Brazil and was smuggled into Sri Lanka (SL) through India by a member of the group. Thereafter swords were made here according to  that model . The one who refused to turn this out  was cut and chopped , the minister further revealed. 

The minister made these revelations when answering the questions posed by the opposition chief whip Anura Kumara Dissanayake in parliament 15th.  

When the cabinet spokesman said, this Awa group was spawned during the Gotabaya era under  an army major general , this was rejected by others of the government who argued the Forces  had nothing to do with this group  whereupon Anura Kumara questioned , then what is the true position ? Since there were para military groups such as ‘Pra’ and ‘Cats’  created by the government’s forces at one time  , the people must be enlightened on this ,Anura Kumara insisted.

Anura Kumara asserted, since there were paramilitary groups of the government in the past  operating under names like ‘Pra’ and ‘yellow cats,’ the people  must be made aware of these developments.

The deputy defense minister Ruwan Wijewardena  who gave the answer first said , there are no two views , and cabinet spokesman minister  Senaratne did not say the army created such a group . Of those who are now in custody , so far only one member has been identified as having been in the forces , and he has now left the forces .However investigations are under way to ascertain whether others of the forces are linked to it. 

Sagala answering the question posed by Anura Kumara went on to  explain at length ....

‘I shall give answers to the questions of Anura Kumara . He is asking about the investigations conducted into these groups. During a festival at the Amman Kovil, Inuvel, Jaffna in 2011 , there was a clash between two factions. One group gathered together  in order to attack their opponents .

That group of youths got ready to indulge in hooliganism in Jaffna , and identified themselves as “Awa’ group.  Kumares Rathnam Vinodhan alias ‘Awa’ residing in Inuvel West in the vicinity of Amman kovil had been  functioning as its leader . He is now in remand. The majority of members of this organization are  in the age range, 18 to 25 years. The youths of this group have been engaging in robberies ; intimidating and assaulting  University students;  threatening businessmen and extorting money in the Jaffna peninsular in Kopay , Chunnakam , Chavakacheri , Manipay police divisions , as well as in the northern province. 

At the outset this group had been displaying ‘heroism’ stemming form  their puerile mentality . In order to make an ostentation of their so called heroism , they have been attacking University students and people , according to information received. Owing to their activities the youths of destitute families have also been induced  to join in their so called ‘heroism’ and to make an exhibitionism among society .

In addition, there is data that during the past , these youths have committed crimes on contract basis , including extortion committed on businessmen ,  and so forth.  Members of this group have also been arrested and produced before courts on account of their crimes. There are instances in which  the courts have incarcerated them , while some were released on bail. Fines have also been imposed on them .

At the same time when these wrongdoers were  incarcerated they have befriended  most dangerous criminals , and when they came out , they have engaged in more  crimes jointly with the dangerous criminals. 

This group of about 62 members have been identified , and 38 of them are now in custody . Investigations are on going against six of them . Against the other 32 , investgations have progressed   point of  courts action . Meanwhile a search is on against 8 supposedly main  leaders of  present time. There are new leaders because the old main leader is now imprisoned. This is the current situation.

These are not youths in society who are being led into  terrorism . They have a lot of money with them .It is our  view this group is receiving funds from the relatives abroad. Every one of them  has  a latest model motor bike.  The first sword from Brazil (or some country)  has been smuggled into SL via South India by a member of the group . Using this as a model several more similar swords have been made via  the blacksmiths in SL. There is  also a report that when a blacksmith refused to make the sword , he was cut and chopped.  Investigations are under way in this regard. 

I wish  to make special mention about  the member  of the army earlier referred to.  He is one who was serving in the electricity and mechanical   engineering regiment . He has not reported  for  duty  for many months.  That is, he is being treated  as an army deserter  by the army,’ Sagala concluded.

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by     (2016-11-17 22:12:08)

Ruwan’s ‘tube lights’ about ‘Ava’ ignite

Nov 17, 2016

Law and order and southern development minister Sagala Ratnayake told parliament yesterday (15) that 62 members of the ‘Ava’ group have been identified and that 38 of them are already in custody. He said so in response to a question raised by MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and he went onto say that among the arrested is a youth who had served in the Army. Commenting on this, defence state minister Ruwan Wijewardena said claims of a military link to the ‘Ava’ group could not be disregarded.

Exposure

It is only now the defence state minister’s ‘tube lights’ have started igniting. On October 27, Lanka News Web revealed that the group of thugs named ‘Ava’ was formed by Maj. Gen. Mahinda Haturusinghe during the previous Rajapaksa regime. Later, cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne told the cabinet media briefing that ‘Ava’ has been formed with the knowledge of former defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Being Babyish and Gota’s excuse

As usually, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa responded by saying the military had not connection with ‘Ava.’ And, that he said like a baby that the state minister’s remark was an insult to the military. Since no one accepts setting a thief to catch a thief, we do not take Gotabhaya’s statement seriously. But, then ‘Yahapaalana’ government appointee northern provinces governor Reginald Cooray and Ruwan Wijewardena came to Gotabhaya’s rescue. They repeatedly said the military had nothing to do with the ‘Ava’ group. Ruwan Wijewardena who parachuted into the defence ministry might not know how to rescue the big fish, but the previous Rajapaksa regime used the military to commit numerous illegal acts. Not only the military, it had also maintained several paramilitary groups too.  Then, those who tried to expose these had to taste the revenge of the Medamulana thugs. Every time a link was talked about between the military and crimes, what the ex-Rajapaksa regime brings forward is the paying of homage to war heroes and patriotism. But, the people who were not blinded by war mentality and were in their true senses will know that the Rajapaksas did not remember the dignity of those war heroes and patriotism when they used the military to get their dirty work done.

Those who try to cover up the crimes committed by the military are worried not about the average soldiers who had followed the orders, but about the top officials who gave the orders. Especially Gotabhaya is trying to escape responsibility. If Ruwan and Reginald are not babies, they should understand that it would be Gotabhaya and other top level criminals and conspirators who would escape through their deeds.

Betraying the law for morale

When even the country’s president is trying to give impunity to the military members by preaching about their morale, minister Rajitha Senaratne should be commended for appearing on behalf of the exposure of the truth. We may have criticisms about minister Senaratne’s other political work, but his role to protect the basic democratic principal that everyone is equal before the law and not allowing a weakening of the supremacy of the law in order to keep the morale of a select few, should be appreciated.

Also, the attempt by the president to nurture Sinhala supremacist war mentality, instead of keeping the promises given to the people at elections to establish law and peace, equality, reconciliation, and the conduct of the prime minister who is powerless to oppose it and the hilarities of their henchmen followers should be opposed alike.

LNW intends to bring to you a detailed report about ‘Ava’ group soon.

Previous article

No military connection to Ava group – defence state minister

"Aava" is Gota's creation-Rajitha says,Gota says it is a disgrace to army

Ava Group was created by Maj. Gen. Mahinda Haturusinghe!

RAJAPAKSA RELATIVE FORMER AMBASSADOR TO US ARRESTED:ALLEGEDLY ACCEPTED USD 245,000 COMMISSION:

Image: Wickramasuriya is a close relative of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

17/11/2016

The Police Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) arrested former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US, Jaliya Wickramasuriya yesterday.

Wickramasuriya was arrested for allegedly accepting a USD 245,000 commission while serving as the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US, under the previous government.

It is alleged that he had accepted this commission following a contract awarded to refurbish the embassy. The former ambassador had reportedly remitted this money to Sri Lanka.

The former ambassador is a close relative of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The FCID prevented Wickramasuriya from leaving the country on Wednesday. Police sources said the former Ambassador would be produced before court today.

Wickramasuriya, a businessman and a tea exporter by profession who migrated to the US in 1999, was first given a diplomatic posting in 2005, the year former President Rajapaksa came to power.

He first served as the Sri Lankan Consul General in Los Angeles, California from 2005 to 2008.

He was then promoted as the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States, despite his strong business links with the country.

After the new government came to power, the Foreign Affairs Ministry received a number of complaints from Sri Lankans living in the US, against the former ambassador.

DN

Rent a car circus for Govt. MPs flounders..! Gobbling up of Rs. 2450 million public funds -True story!!

(Lanka-e-News -17.Nov.2016, 9.20 AM) The decision taken by the government to provide jeeps to M.P.s who are extending support to the government has floundered on the rocks ,  and is in a state in which it cannot be propelled  to fruition. Consequently , the government   has not only  come in for heavy flak , but the measures taken  have also gone awry.

This proposal was made initially to provide vehicles to all MPs, in which case 129 vehicles would become necessary. In that event MPs like Weerawansa and Gammanpila the most rejected and abhorred of the lot too would become entitled to a vehicle each for no valid reason.. Hence , it was proposed that only the development project monitoring MPs be provided with vehicles, in which case the  total number of  58 MPs including 50 UNP M.P.s, 4 SLFP M .P.s , and 4 MPs of the minority parties will become entitled to vehicles. This proposal was made on 6 th of  June .

Two and only … 

This was to be implemented  by the parliamentary reforms and media ministry through the finance ministry. The vehicles were to be procured under a  leasing scheme. Newspaper notices were made by the Cabinet tender bids Committee , and though  9 companies collected applications only the following companies made  tender bids.

1. M/S Pasans Rent a Car and tours Co. (Pvt) Ltd
2. Join Venture of M/S Value Trade (Pvt) Ltd and M/S Toyozumi Power marketing GMBH , Germany.
 
The Cabinet tender Board rejected the two companies because those did not have the adequate experience and financial standing. Consequently , the Finance ministry and the parliamentary reforms committee were driven into a quandary, and efforts were made to find  another alternative  instead of the leasing scheme  .

Meanwhile a payment of Rs. 200,000.00 monthly to the MPs hereinbefore mentioned  was authorized until the vehicles are procured for  them. Accordingly each M.P is getting  an additional payment of Rs 200,000.00 monthly since April. 

Experience and financial means magically provided by ‘Sakraya’

After the leasing scheme aforementioned foundered, based on a cabinet paper of 29 th September  , it was proposed  to obtain vehicles on monthly hire. The rental inclusive of tax per vehicle to be  Rs. 700,000.00 per month. The fuel was to be supplied by the hiring  company , and the period of the contract is  to be  5 years. 

The monthly mileage allowed  per vehicle is  3000 kilometers  .That means the cost per kilometer is more than Rs.250.00. Besides,  the vehicle taken on rent will  never become the property of the government or the M.P.
 
The strange and curious part of this drama is , only the two companies aforementioned making the tender bids .The earlier Cabinet tender committee does not become relevant because the present procurement  does not concern  purchase of vehicles , rather it now relates to vehicles procured on  monthly rental basis. These vehicles on monthly rental have to be approved  by the financial affairs  committee under the P.M.

In a most dramatic turnabout ,shockingly  this committee had given approval to take the 58 vehicles on lease terms at monthly rental  of Rs. 700,000.00 per vehicle from Value Trade Pvt. Co. affiliated to Toyosumi power marketing Co. Germany which was earlier rejected as not having the adequate experience and financial standing .Perhaps Sakraya has magically  gifted the rejected Co. with experience and financial ability.

If secretary signs he will have to face the FCID…..

The necessary funds are to  be released by the general treasury to the ministry of parliamentary reforms and media , and the parliamentary reforms ministry will be signing this contract.  Truly speaking , it is the secretary of the ministry who signs this contract would be rendering himself liable  to be hauled up before the FCID  ,and is likely to end up in jail, because this will incur grave loss to the government without any trace of doubt. 

At the end of 5 years,  a sum of Rs. 42 million would have been spent (wasted)  on each jeep  and none would be owning a  jeep. However  one thing is sure   , the Value Trade Pvt. Co . affiliated to the Toyosumi Power marketing Co. Germany which was confirmed as  not having  the experience nor the financial standing earlier would be paid a whopping  Rs. 2450 million !  to make it  a company  now with  Financial means and also experience !!

The 58 MPs don’t agree ….

The 58 MPs who are collecting Rs. 200,000.00 now since  April have opposed this because this payment will be stopped after they get a vehicle .Thereafter they will not get a cent. The vehicle procured  too cannot  be owned by them. Neither can they sell them nor hire out. They cannot save any money on the fuel too, and since many of them are already having vehicles , they have to keep these vehicles idling at home. Consequently, these MPs are resisting this scheme.

The president whose attention has been drawn to this issue , has instructed this proposal to be  tabled before the Cabinet fiscal committee to review it. He has also intimated to the Cabinet to take action in line with  the Cabinet tender committee requirements  to confirm the transparency. Accordingly , following an  agreement reached via  discussion between minister of parliamentary reforms Gayantha Karunatileke  and minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake , a fresh cabinet paper will have to be tabled .

The Cabinet paper submitted to procure vehicles on rent and the letter tabled by the president to the cabinet are hereunder

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by     (2016-11-17 04:32:22)

Duty Free Permit Abuse: Deputy Minister Palitha Thewarapperuma’s Brand New Duty Free Land Cruiser For Sale

November 17, 2016 

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Cultural Affairs and Wayamba Development and UNP MP Palitha Thewarapperuma‘s brand new Toyota Land Cruiser is now for sale. This Land Cruiser is imported from Japan with a duty free vehicle permit, which resulted in the country losing millions of rupees in revenue.

Palitha Thewarapperuma

According to the Sri Lanka Customs’ declaration form the actual cost of the imported vehicle is stated as Rs 9.2 million even though MP Thewarapperuma has advertised to sell it for Rs 39 million. He had only paid to government Rs 1,750.00 as Customs’ paperwork fees.

A whopping sum of Rs 33,457,500.00 is the total loss to the government as the stated amount in the customs import papers that has been waived off for this purpose.

According to Sri Lanka’s pioneering MP Monitoring Website (Manthri.lk) Thewarapperuma has participated 32 times in parliament and only participated 2 topics.

At least 77 MPs in Parliament have used their duty free permits to purchase luxury vehicles in 2016 alone, which has resulted in the country losing billions of rupees in revenue.

Most of the vehicles that have been imported have been Toyota Land Cruisers, Hummers, BMW’s and Mercedes Benz. In July, lawyer and rights activist Nagananda  Kodituwakku told the Supreme Court that the MPs instantly make as much as Rs. 25 million for each permit they sold, which they receive free of charge from the government.

Meanwhile issuing a statement the Friday Forum said: “The ugly practice of Parliamentarians selling duty-free vehicles, enabling them to make profits in millions of rupees, must be stopped immediately. The profits they make, in place of the taxes they have been exempted from paying, rightfully belong in state coffers. Various justifications have been given by Ministers of all governments and Members of Parliament for continuing what is an outrageous, if not illegal, practice.”

“Ironically, these justifications are now voiced at a time when a controversial tax – VAT –has been increased, and other measures are in hand to address a serious national debt crisis. These sales of vehicles imported duty free appear to be tolerated by the government as a way of providing MP’s with financial resources to fulfill their public duties. In no sense is this legitimate. Subsidies to any one – be they farmers or parliamentarians – must be authorized through the national budget that is subject to public scrutiny.” the Friday Forum further said.

Readers can compare the Engine Number and the Chassis Number of the vehicle in the advert (for sale of Toyota Land Cruiser imported on MP permit) with the same information provided in the import declaration presented for Customs purposes and the tax-waiver granted for this vehicle.

The relevant Customs Declaration presented for this vehicle is re-produced below:

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