Ukraine too, wants Udayanga

Weeratunga was recently arrested by Interpol in Dubai while trying to go to the US by a banned passport. Interpol rejected a request by Sri Lanka to hand him over, and instead released him on bail.

 

He was arrested a second time for violating bail conditions. Sri Lanka’s talks with Interpol failed.

 

The immigration and emigration act says a person should be extradited to the airport of origin. Therefore, Interpol is most likely to hand Weeratunga over to Ukraine.

IGP tries to go above the president

It is through the police chief that the STF receives the money from the Law and Order Ministry, according to a method introduced by ministry secretary Padmasiri Jayamanne.

 

Reports of the special presidential commission of investigation mention several frauds committed by Jayamanne when he was at the Ministry of Plantation Industries.

 

The STF has been conducting raids countrywide against sand and drug rackets etc., just like the Walana anti-vice squad did in the past. In one instance, the STF raided a factory in Nuwara Eliya that had been mixing tea with glucose.

 

This has not gone well with the corrupt police officers, as unannounced raids by the STF have nabbed corrupt businessemen friendly with them. Through the IGP, they are trying to sabotage the STF raids.

 

At a recent meeting, president Maithripala Sirisena questioned as to why allocations to the STF had been curtailed. Secretary Jayamanne replied that a structural change in its administration was being done. An angry president told him not to reduce even five cents and continue with the usual allocations.

 

The corrupt officers are now trying to get STF commandant senior DIG Latiff replaced with DIG Sirimevan Pathirana. Lanka News Web will soon bring you a detailed article on Pathirana’s conduct.

 

IGP again proves he is above police commission

Bus Driver's Son becomes UK's new Home Secretary

of the fallout from the Windrush revelations, and it will be his job to sort it out now.

One advantage he should have is that, as he told the Sunday Telegraph: "It immediately impacted me. I'm a second-generation migrant, my parents came to this country from Pakistan, just like the Windrush generation, obviously a different part of the world, from South Asia not the Caribbean, but other than that, similar in almost every way."

For those who haven't been following the story, the row has been about people who moved to the UK legally from the Commonwealth before 1973 being treated as illegal immigrants now if they had not elected to get a British passport in the past or were unable to provide a wide variety of documentary evidence that they had lived in the UK ever since.

Mr Javid told the newspaper: "When I heard about the Windrush issue, I thought that could be my mum, it could be my dad, it could be my uncle, it could be me."

The MP for Bromsgrove since 2010 was born in Rochdale, one of five sons of parents who had moved to the UK from Pakistan.

Mr Javid told the Evening Standard in 2012: "My dad was from a tiny village in Pakistan and came here when he was 17 to look for work,

"He settled in Rochdale and became a cotton-mill worker for Courtaulds. But he was quite ambitious, and saw that bus drivers were better paid. His nickname was Mr Night and Day because he used to work every hour God sent his way."

Mr Javid spent most of his childhood in Bristol, attending comprehensive school while his father worked on the buses.

He did well in his exams and headed off to Exeter University to study economics and politics - giving a clear hint of his future career direction. He also met his future wife, Laura, while there.
A Conservative Party supporter in the 1980s, towards the end of the Thatcher years he attended his first party conference at the age of 20, handing out leaflets against the then prime minister's decision to join the Exchange Rate Mechanism.

After university, he set his sights on a job in the City. As he told the Standard: "Some people, in a friendly way, tried to lower my expectations.

"They often tell you that unless you wear an old school tie or have the family contacts, you just won't get a chance to work in the City. But they were wrong."

His career move worked out well. And by the age of 25, he had become a vice-president at Chase Manhattan Bank, later moving to Deutsche Bank, where he rose to become a managing director before leaving in the summer of 2009 to concentrate on a political career.

Elected for the first time in 2010, he has had a rapid rise.

He began his ministerial career with roles in the Treasury, before becoming the first cabinet minister of Asian descent when he was appointed culture, media and sport secretary in 2014.

He did that for a year before moving to business secretary for a year and then moving on to be communities and local government secretary.

Mr Javid talking to Tata Steel workers in 2016

Long thought of a Eurosceptic, it was a surprise to many when Mr Javid came out for Remain during the UK's 2016 referendum on whether or not to stay in the European Union.

That meant, of course, that like then Home Secretary now Prime Minister Theresa May and his one-time mentor, then Chancellor George Osborne, he was on the losing side.

There was an ill-fated and very short-lived bid to succeed David Cameron as Conservative leader after the referendum, on a "joint ticket" with Stephen Crabb. (He would have been chancellor to Mr Crabb's prime minister.)

In his cabinet roles so far he has, as BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg put it, avoided major calamity, although he faced questions as business secretary over Tata steel, and as communities secretary over the response to the Grenfell disaster.

He has also not been afraid to ruffle feathers, with uncompromising messages to some in the business community and local government. And, according to James Forsyth, political editor of the Spectator magazine, Mr Javid has not been afraid to clash with Mrs May.

But he arrives at the Home Office having already expressed public anger about the Windrush fiasco, and the first item in his bulging in-tray will be sorting it out.

- BBC

UNP to have constitutional amendment

The statement also says,

 

Many of the younger members of the team have involved in driving the process of organizing the United National Party forward to enhance the day today functions of the Party. As such, a number of appointments have been made. Among P. Perera appointed as Trade Union Secretary.

 

The new energy and approach that they bring will undoubtedly pave a strong way forward, together with the Deputy Leader and the Assistant Leader. With their commitment and untiring efforts, there can be no doubt that the Party will progress.

 

We intend to allocate new responsibilities to the Deputy Leader in order to further strengthen our journey to victory so as to drive the process of organizing the party towards the success.

 

We also intend to create new posts by appointing a Secretary and Assistant Secretary to further strengthen and organize the party. We hope to give more opportunities to young Members of Parliament to help drive forward the Party’s mission.

 

We are aiming to give specific responsibilities to each of the Members of Parliament and with this in mind we are developing an initial procedure to do this.

 

Our supporters, who have faithfully backed the United National Party, even through the most difficult of times, must be given high priority. There remain a number of unresolved issues with our supporters that must be addressed. Furthermore, there are cases where justice has not yet been served where our supporters have faced injustice and we pledge that appropriate and immediate action will be taken regarding all these issues.

 

You may ask why we have taken action to re-organize the Party following the local Government elections.

 

The United National Party is a party that listens its supporters and the people. We are a party that considers people’s opinions, attitudes and responses.

 

We have accurately read and identified the message given to us by the people in the last Local Government elections and we are acting to implement the necessary changes. In order to achieve this we have made use of several Committee reports. The reports were reviewed by a committee that was elected by Members of Parliament, and following discussions, recommendations were presented at the working committee meeting held recently.

 

By reorganizing the Party at the wish of the people we have demonstrated that United National Party is the only political party that is flexible and people focused.

 

There are people who have criticised our re-organization, and there are those who have made light of this process. But none of them worked towards bringing our party to victory during the last local election. In fact some of them actively worked against us. Some of them had the hidden objective of destroying the Party. However, we should not worry about their agenda.  What we must instead focus on is taking the necessary action to strengthen the party with increased commitment.

 

Discussion and convention have always been the means of resolving our problems. Where possible, we always work to come to a common agreement on any issue, whether this involves the working committee or our Members of Parliament. It is the proud tradition of the United National Party to respect all views, even controversial views, until a final common decision has been made. It is the duty of the true supporter to understand these traditions and to preserve them.

 

Our process of reform and reorganization does not end with this. We have taken a policy decision to implement the suggestions mentioned in Ruwan Wijewardhane Committee report. We will take action to bring relevant constitutional amendments as well.

 

Accordingly, we have planned to elevate more new faces to the level of the leadership and to bring in young blood to strengthen the party further. The group of Members of Parliament, the working committee together with the newly appointed officers will implement the above plans with the utmost commitment and effort.

Navin seeks freedom to revive UNP

Dissanayake said he should have the required freedom and no disruptions from anyone. He said he would raise the matter with the party leader. Unlike other parties, the UNP has the strength to bring about that required change in the political culture.

 

He also said his immediate targets would be the upcoming polls for the north central, and Sabaragamuwa provincial councils. He believed he would get the necessary resources.

 

Dissanayake said that especially the rural people should be satisfied with the fertilizer subsidy and welfare schemes. The taxpayers’ money should be utilized properly, with a dialogue launched on the manner of using it, he said.

 

According to him, the people have given a clear signal to the government that they were not satisfied with its welfare programmes and its journey.

 

Dissanayake added that together with the new general secretary, he would strive to take the party on the path to victory after introducing structural reforms.

 

Ashika Brahamana

Interpol to review red warrants for Arjun, Udayanga

Inrterpol has now informed Sri Lanka that it was reviewing the red warrants. It has not asked for an explanation, as it has the powers to annual any red warrant. Interpol is of the view that Sri Lanka is misusing the red warrant facility for political reasons.

Twin suicide bombers kill more than 20 including six journalists in Afghanistan's Kabul

 

The blasts went off during rush hour on Monday morning in the Shash Darak area of the Afghan capital.

In the first explosion, a suicide bomber detonated himself close to the National Directorate of Security (NDS), the main Afghan intelligence agency, TOLO News quoted an interior ministry spokesman as saying.

Suicide blast hits Kabul voter registration centreIn another explosion that followed 20 minutes later, a second suicide bomber targeted emergency medical workers and journalists who had arrived at the scene, Al Jazeera's Jennifer Glasse, reporting from Kabul, said.

Glasse said six journalists who rushed to cover the aftermath of the first explosion were killed in the second blast. 

A spokesperson for the Afghan health ministry said the attacks killed at least 21 people and wounded 27 others.

AFP news agency reported that its chief photographer in Kabul, Shah Marai, was among the fatalities.

An Al Jazeera photographer was also injured in the incident.

TOLO News also reported that two other journalists were wounded in the second blast.

There were fears that the death toll could rise.

"It's a very grim morning here," Al Jazeera's Glasse said describing the situation in the Afghan capital.

She added that there are many fortified streets near the site of the attack.

"There's a lot of security in that area - it's not far from NATO headquarters - and security has been beefed up around the Afghan capita,l but clearly they haven't been able to stop these kind of attacks"

The explosions on Monday come just a week after a blast hit a voter registration centre in Kabul, killing at least 57 people and wounding more than a hundred others.  

Attacks have multiplied in recent days in advance of the long-delayed parliamentary and district council elections scheduled for October 20 this year.

"The series of attacks here in Kabul have made the Afghan capital most dangerous place in Afghanistan to be," Al Jazeera's Glasse said.

(ALJAZEERA)

‘Royal College clique’ captures UNP positions

 

They are leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, deputy leader Sajith Premadadas, assistant leader Ravi Karunanayake, general secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, chairman Kabir Hashim and treasurer Harsha de Silva.

Palitha Range Bandara says the change in the UNP office-bearers was not one expected by the people, who will soon react to it.

He has told BBC Sinhala Service that the people wanted a factual reorganizing of the party, not an exchange of positions among a clique.

The other new apointments include Navin Dissanayake as the national organizer and Ruwan Wijewardena as the deputy general secretary.

Range Bandara said the party positions have been shared by a certain clique, like handing out the card pack.

The resignation of veteran Joseph Michael Perera from the working committee is just one reaction.

Range Bandara insisted that they would continue their struggle to strengthen the party.

Joseph Michael Perera said he was not in agreement with how certain top positions were allotted.

He said he had not issue with the leader, but that party positions should be filled in agreement of all, and added that he had a question about the party programme.

Sri Lanka Political Unrest Tests Reform Momentum : Fitch

The ruling coalition suffered heavy losses in local elections in February, pointing to waning support amid signs of friction within the ruling coalition. The prime minister survived a vote of no confidence in early April, before parliament was effectively suspended until 8 May upon the resignation of coalition ministers. The coalition leadership is now discussing a cabinet reshuffle. 

The government has shown strong commitment to the IMF programme that began in June 2016. The IMF announced on 20 April it had reached staff level agreement on the 4th review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), subject to approval of the automatic fuel pricing mechanism. We noted an improving policy framework that supported macroeconomic stability when we affirmed Sri Lanka's rating with a Stable Outlook in February 2018. Structural fiscal reforms, such as a VAT hike, have pushed up the revenue-to-GDP ratio and narrowed the fiscal deficit in recent years. An Inland Revenue Act in 2017 implemented from 1 April 2018 is likely to increase revenue further. 

This progress may still continue if recent political problems can be resolved and the government keeps in place an economic team that prioritises reform and stability. Some positive efforts have continued even amid the upheaval. For example, in March 2018 an Active Liability Management Act was passed and the cabinet approved amendments to the Monetary Law Act (MLA), which facilitate flexible inflation targeting. 

The risk of political instability disrupting policy continuity might be mitigated by the election schedule. The presidential election is not due until end-2019, and parliamentary elections will follow. Early elections would require approval from a two-thirds majority of parliament and the president. The current administration is therefore likely to remain in power for at least another 18 months.

However, policy implementation looks likely to become slower and more challenging. Reform distractions and pressure for more populist policies might also rise as Sri Lanka enters an election cycle. Fuel and electricity price reforms to create automatic adjustment mechanisms were an IMF structural benchmark to be completed by end-2016. Approval of the fuel price reform is a requirement of the completion of the IMF's next review, and further delay in implementation could raise risks to the fiscal outlook.

Large upcoming debt maturities and low reserve coverage make Sri Lanka vulnerable to shifts in global investor confidence, which could be affected by an extended period of political unrest or signs of waning commitment to the IMF programme.

Gross external debt was equivalent to 59% of GDP in 2017, and a quarter of this - around USD15 billion - is due to be repaid in 2019-22. The Active Liability Management Act may allow the authorities to smooth debt repayments, while foreign reserves were bolstered by a sovereign bond issuance of USD2.5 billion in April. However, reserves stood at just USD7.3 billion in March 2018 and Sri Lanka's international liquidity ratio of 69% is well below the 147% median for sovereigns rated at 'B' or below. A high proportion of public debt is denominated in foreign currency, which could weaken repayment ability should there be sustained rupee depreciation. The rupee has weakened by 2.4% against the US dollar so far in 2018.

- Fitch Wire | www.fitchratings.com

Why President & Marapana were never together in London?

Lanka NewsWeb reliably learns that it is because the President Sirisena is angry with Minister Marapana, a President's Counsel & a former Attorney General of Sri Lanka, as he was involved in drafting an impeachment motion against the President.

As the then Attorney General, Mr. Marapana played an active role against the impeachment motion brought against former President R. Premadasa.

When he learnt about the move by the UNP, the President has decided to prorogue the parliament before leaving for London to attend the CHOGM.

As a result, those who planned the impeachment against the President had to withdraw their plans, at least for now.

UNP loses H’tota MC mayor post

At the recent LG polls, the UNP secured nine seats, the highest in the MC.

 

A mayor was due to be chosen on March 28, but only the nine UNP members and another were present at the meeting. Due to a lack of quorum, the meeting was put off.

 

When the MC met today, the nine UNP, seven SLPP, four UPFA and the JVP members were present.

 

The UNP nominated D.A. Gamini as the mayor, and the UPFA’s Fernando too, was named. At an open vote, Gamini obtained nine votes, as against 11 for Fernando, while the JVP member abstained.

 

At the vote for the deputy mayor, SLPP’s Gamini Sri Ananda defeated UNP’s Sayakkara Anura Shantha by 11 votes to nine.

 

After the meeting, mayor Fernando told the media that he was happy not because he was elected mayor, but that the second salvo had been fired from Hambantota against a government which has a PM who had swindled the Central Bank in broad daylight.

 

The halted development would resume under Mahinda Rajapaksa, he said, adding that the UNP was not allowed to gain power in the MC.

 

Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi - Hambantota

Engineer student Kanishka who died ... went on Kitulgala trip after collecting money by exchanging betel

Engineer student Kanishka who died ... went on Kitulgala trip after collecting money by exchanging betel

Kanishka Dilshan Weerakoon (23) who passed away when a boat capsized while on a pleasure trip with his friends in Kitulgala a few days ago was a young man who went forward in life while amidst financial difficulties and was someone who won the hearts of everybody, it is learned.

He had in fact lived with his father, mother and younger sister in Katuwellegama area in Negombo in a small dwelling which still was not completed as such. He had secured 9 As at the Ordinary Level

and 3  As at the Advanced Level and thus had achieved remarkable success and had subsequently been selected for the faculty of Engineering. "In a short time I'll release you mother from the cumbersome job that you are going to. After I get a good job, I'll finish building the house; will get a vehicle and after educating nangi we'll be able to live a good life" were the words he had uttered, his mother Mrs. S.D. Pushpamali expressed with unbearable sorrow. She in fact is attached to Wathupitiwela Hospital. Kaniska's father Roycharles Weerakoon (55) is a retired person from the police.

Kanisha has had his education at Gampaha Bandaranaika College and having obtained 3 distinguished passes in Maths at the Advanced Level was chosen for the third position in Gampaha district and later managed to enter the Moratuwa university.

As preplanned, 13 had gone to engage in water sports. One team of six has got into a 'dinghy' boat. This water sport in fact was not only difficult but one which confronts danger. Though the sport had commenced with safety-belts and safety uniforms being worn, most unexpectedly the boat had toppled and Dilshan was involuntarily forced to to die with large quantities of water entering his body through the mouth. Whatever it is, some people have said that if that water could have been removed from the body through first aid, this death could have been prevented.

The deceased's friend Thisara Kavindra said at the inquest into the death: "We were given instructions by the aiya who rowed the boat before we got into the boat that if a case of emergency is sensed, to get hold of the safety-rope and to bend down towards the inside of the boat. After that, seven of us got into the boat and after travelling down a short distance, the boat tilted towards the right side and struck a rock at a spot where the river was flowing between two rocks. Just then the boat got trapped in a current and went under the waters. At that moment both Chanaka and Dilshan got swept downwards.

Just then the aiya who rowed the boat said that one person is stuck in the boat. Then I and Kosala pulled Kanishka who was stuck inside the boat. But he didn't come out. Because the surge of the water at that time was so strong, I also was drifted downwards in the river. I got hold of a rock and got on top of that rock".

The postmortem of the dead person was conducted by the Judicial Medical Officer of Karawanella hospital and a verdict of death due to suffocation in drowning was given. This student who was someone who had tried to cover his necessities with the Mahapola scholarship fund instead of depending on any monies from home, it is said. It is also understood that he had even established himself as a leader of a group by helping out his colleagues in explaining things in relevant educational activities. On this particular occasion he had managed to collect the required money necessary for the said water sport with the monies he had received from his relatives when he had called on them with a sheaf of betel for the Sinhala Avurudu, it is reported. The house in which they now reside has still not been completed and finished as such. It had been constructed on a low expenditure according to Dilshan's knowledge.

(Report -- Arandara Dissanaika of Seethawaka and Nimanthi Fernando of Negombo)

Safari jeeps disturb Yala animals

Safari jeeps and other vehicles that enter the Yala national park have been ordered with speed limits and imposed with strict rules in order to prevent disruptions to the wild animals.

From 23 October 2017, a maximum of 300 vehicles were allowed per day, but Safari jeep owners and drivers protested against it. Again, the number of vehicles permitted a day has been increased to 600, of them 500 from Palatupana entry point and 100 from Katagamuwa entry point, custodian of the park D.P. Siayasinghe said.

However, these vehicles continue to disrupt the lifestyle of animals in the wild. Yala is mostly visited for its leopards although it boasts of most other wildlife in the country as well.

President of the Safari jeep owners association P.D. Keerthi said there were less than 125 jeeps during the war. Now, the number is around 1,200, but the government has failed to control it, leading to the present situation, he said.

He said they had asked four wildlife ministers to register the Safari jeeps and the Wildlife Department was given details of around 600 of them. But, a minister of the area is not allowing it to proceed, Keerthi charged.

Remove transmission tower

When visitors see an animal, all the jeeps surround it and others are informed by phone about it, which disrupts the animal’s freedom. Oficials are not listening to our requests to remove the transmission tower, while everybody blames the jeeps only, he said.

Training needed for drivers

Keerthi also said there were untrained drivers who worsen the situation for the animals due to their indiscipline.

Park custodian Siyasinghe said they are patrolling the park to nab errand drivers. He said that there were certain animals who are now used to humans, for example an eight year old bear at Uraniya area.

Scientific method needed

According to chairman of the Centre for Environment and Nature Studies Sajiva Chamikara, Sri Lanka’s national parks are very small in extent, although rich in biodiversity, when compared to other countries. He said therefore a scientific method should be undertaken for vehicle entries. For example, mornings are busy times for the animals and they become less active towards noon. It is OK if more vehicles are allowed in the mornings and less vehicles towards the afternoons.

Vehicles make animals sick

 

Vehicle emissions and the dust they disturb cause respiratory illnesses among the animals, he noted. National parks are intended to protect the wild animals, but promoting tourism and commercial activities in them denies them that safety, he added.

Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi - Hambantota

 

When great Leviathan is replaced by a dying rat, anarchy will necessarily follow

When Thomas Hobbes wrote his book, the Leviathan, he likened the state to a mighty fish, using a biblical symbol. His basic argument was that if human beings are to organize their society for their own benefit, so as to overcome each ones’ greed to grab things for themselves alone, there was the need of a great authority by way of a state, so that order and peace can prevail.

 

This was the beginning of the discussion of many theories about the state in modern times. Many aspects of Hobbes’ theory have been enriched by others, like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and very many others.

 

While the nature of the state was subjected to many different kinds of analysis, the central argument that there should be an authoritative structure to order the affairs of the entire society, which would be called the state, was solidly agreed upon. Developments on the rule of law and the enforcement of laws were made with the basic understanding that this authoritative structure will remain within the society in order to hold it together.

 

Closer examination of the manner in which this authority was created and maintained in different countries would demonstrate a few common features. Most importantly, this authoritative structure is to be based on laws. While there were various views on the manner in which the laws are to be made, there was a fundamental agreement that when the laws are thus made, they require the compliance of everyone. Furthermore, in order to ensure this compliance, law enforcement agencies were developed and the cost of this was to be borne by the state. Additionally, within a democratic state, this authoritative structure must always conduct its affairs in a just manner. Towards that end, the Judiciary, the Prosecution branch and the Investigative branches of the Police were developed, to work within strict rules and ensure that the state could function authoritatively and justly.

 

This imposed a heavy burden on any government, as the creation and maintenance of this authoritative structure requires considerable financial and human resources. The generation and maintenance of these resources was an essential element of state intervention.

 

Ultimately, the government’s commitment to the responsibility of maintaining a functional system of exercise of authority within a framework of law and due process became the very foundation of arrangements for staying together as organized human societies. Since then, the 

overall presumption has been that wherever the governments put all the necessary resources into maintaining these authoritative structures, there will be peace and order. Similarly, where governments fail to meet these obligations, there will be disorder and conflict within societies.

 

That presumption is based on the assumption that in living together as organized societies, there will always be causes for disorder and conflict among various groups and individuals. There can never be the complete elimination of the possibility of disorder or even violence.

 

The only manner in which disorder and violent conflict can be prevented, is by the exercise of state authority through its law enforcement capacity. For that purpose, the state also acquired the rights to use of violence to counteract any attempts to undo the established order and established framework for dealing with conflict.

 

The most dangerous situation that can arise for society is when a government or series of governments ignore their fundamental obligation to maintain this authoritative structure, including to supply the necessary human and financial resources for its effective functioning.

 

When the state abdicates from these obligations, or when it becomes incapable of dealing with the maintenance of such an authoritative structure, then such a society could face many negative consequences. A government that refuses to allocate resources to maintain the structure needed to keep the society together endangers that whole society. Unwise policies or misuse of resources in ensuring the existence of such an authoritative structure can only result in social anarchy. In such a society, things fall apart and entire lives within the society would turn out to be cruel and violent. People will find it impossible to ensure their protection.

 

The ultimate aim of maintaining an authoritative state structure is the protection of the people. Being without such a structure is being without the possibility of protection. The absence of protection results in insecurity, exposure to danger and chaos. This is where a weak government takes its society. Such governments drive people to anarchy. And a government that drives people to anarchy does not have a legitimacy to exist.

 

 

# # #

 

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) works towards the radical rethinking and fundamental redesigning of justice institutions in order to protect and promote human rights in Asia. Established in 1984, the Hong Kong based organisation is a Laureate of the Right Livelihood Award, 2014.

UNP names Akila, Kabir, Navin, Ruwan and Harsha for party positions

State Minister Dr. Harsha De Silva was named as the Treasurer of the party while Ruwan Wijewardene was appointed the Deputy General Secretary and State Minister Ajith P. Perera the Trade Union Secretary. Minister Sajith Premadasa will remain as the Deputy Leader while Ravi Karunanayake will continue as Assistant Leader.

Mr. Kariyawasam, who confirmed that he had been named as the new General Secretary of the party, said the other positions will be finalized at the meeting of the working committee today.

Mr. Premadasa said the party leader had nominated the names for the posts while the politburo had expressed its views with regard to the reorganization of the party. He said everything will be finalized today. “I would like to be elected to my post,” he added.

Another politburo member, who did not wish to be named, revealed that some party members had informed Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe that people expected something better. Mr. Wickremesinghe, in response, had suggested a ballot where the working committee and the parliamentary group are given the opportunity of electing office bearers for the party.

Politburo members, who had expressed concern about the people’s aspirations, have then said the parliamentary group should be briefed about these views before the working committee meeting. However, it has been decided to hold the working committee meeting today (26) to obtain its approval for the nominated office bearers.

RSF hails Shawkan’s UNESCO prize, calls for his immediate release

RSF had proposed Shawkan as a candidate for the prize. The decision’s announcement is timely because Egyptian prosecutors have just requested the death penalty for this young photographer, who has been detained arbitrarily for nearly five years just for doing his job as a journalist.

The United Nations itself has described his arrest and detention as arbitrary.

“Shawkan is not a terrorist, he is a journalist and a credit to his country,” RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. “Today we issue a solemn appeal to the Egyptian authorities to carry out his immediate and unconditional release.”

Father’s politics does not qualify son for leadership – Ravi Karunanayake

The reorganizing of the UNP is still a hot topic. Let’s start from that.

 

A committee has been appointed for reorganizing the party. It cannot be said how soon that will take place. But, there should be a radical change. We have to show to the people that the UNP is a flexible, down-to-earth party.

 

Party leader, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has come under serious criticism. In a flexible and radical change in the party, do you say his time is over?

 

A leader cannot be made or ruined by a newspaper. But, a leader’s conduct portrays the party’s conduct. If there is something that needs to be rectified, that should be rectified. Our party needs flexibility. The question is how? The leader has the strength to make these changes. He has his weaknesses too. We admit that he has more strong points than weaknesses. Everybody is saying there should be a change. But, they have no answers when asked about the successors. We have to elaborate on this.

 

Will the reorganizing committee be making a positive response?

 

We have taken the first step. At this moment, we cannot say such and such persons should change. Performance will show the strong persons. I am saying that a leadership council should be formed. Some are saying that their father was such and such. That is useless. The talent should be considered. A person who cannot win the electorate, division is useless. Those who point the finger at us were badly defeated. Such things should change.

 

Those could have been changed when the Yahapaalana government introduced a change in the political culture?

 

I believe that a better change could have been possible had we formed a government of our own. Had that happened, I believe, all these problems would not have been there. We had a setback after a victory. The president was the common candidate. We have our agreements. 

 

Is is justifiable to blame internal party problems on the coalition government?

 

Isn’t this coalition government the reason for all these problems? The real Yahapaalanaya is for the opposition. We have nothing. We have a government but we have nothing. We prepare the stage, but others perform. We too, can perform. Those who lost came from the national list and perform. Those cannot be covered up any longer. We have a backbone to speak about those things.

 

What has gone wrong in Yahapaalanaya?

 

I believe there was no target. There was talk only, no action. Both sides could not think alike and mistrust worsened it. Both the president and the PM are wrong. When they perform, we get hurt. The opposition prevails.  I am saying this openly, there are mistakes and false accusations are made. When that happens, the wrongdoing gets covered up.

 

You are saying there was no target. If so, are the policy manifestos, economic plans presented false? Were they presented merely for the purpose of presenting?

 

We implemented the policy manifestos. We were attacked because we did something. But, what we mostly did was to boast, and there was not action. The UNP-led government started projects at a cost of millions of rupees. But, the media had only 10 per cent of space for them. The differences between the two have an impact too. Things being talked about were done 11 years ago. We did more in two years. I am mostly happy because we rectified the economy that was on its knees. The biggest worry is that the party then worked frugally, with competition among Premadasa, Lalith, Gamini and Ronnie. Now it has turned into jealousy. What is being done today is to subdue the others. Talent has no place. That is the malady in the UNP.

 

What the economic affairs committee led by the PM did mostly went wrong. In the end, the president intervened and annulled it.

 

Accusations can be made easily. I believe it took up too much time. There should have been a specific time-frame. I managed my ministry very firmly. If public officials are enough, no minister is needed to do otherwise. Bureaucracy is the country’s biggest problem. They have taken the people hostage. One third of the income goes to pay salaries. 10 to 15 pc more goes to pay pensions. What do the people get? Nobody talks about this.

 

What about your maintenance? That is not easy either.

 

(Laughing) That is a topic you like very much. Those who cannot be maintained should be removed. I don’t deny it, or else you will say we are protecting ourselves. But, there is wastage. I admit it. You should help us to rectify it. Take Singapore for example. They get paid enough and they do not need to look for more. It is the beggars who look for more from anywhere. In this country, politics is considered a free service. We have gained politicial strength after working in the private sector. That strength takes us forward. We too, are attacked. We have been made political beggars.

 

A main reason for this situation is that what you promised before gaining power was not fulfilled. A regime against fraud and corruption ended up being accused of having protected swindlers. That is valid today too.

 

I do not accuse anyone, because I too, have been accused falsely. Love is the solution for hatred. So, I look at this in a different way. The entire country is in a big problem. If we don’t think alike and work, we will be in for bigger trouble. Popular speeches are useless. What is best for the country should be done. I was criticized when I shaped up the finance ministry in 2015. That is not there any more. We have to think about the country, not about power. That is valid for Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maithripala Sirisena, Mahinda Rajapakse and Anura Dissanayake.

 

We should have a programme for the next 10 years at least. If not, Tamils will think their problems are not being looked at. The south will say something else. Muslims too, will say they are ignored. We have to look at all these, take decisions and work.  We have to face the reality. 

 

Why is it that the SLFP and the UNP have failed after nearly three years to have a common stand?

 

That is very unfortunate. The entire world is watching us. Nobody thought it will become a joke like this.

 

After the no-confidence motion, both parties said they would have their own government. But, that does not look like an easy task?

 

Yes. We can form a government. We could have done that in 2015 too. We need to set aside petty politics, work together in the next 18 months and bring about a transformation. If there is a will, there is a way.

 

But, some SLFP members have left the government. There appears to be no consensus between the president and the PM either?

 

Remember, we were able to defeat Rajapaksa in 2014. Many things can happen in 18 months. People should know that big talkers do not love the country. It is those who work who love the country. It should also be looked into if those who do work really work for the country or for their personal benefit. Ten honest persons are enough to make this country. Time is ripe to make that change. I am not sad, but I have been sidelined after doing all this. We have been attacked needlessly for having protected the party too. When they point one finger at me, four fingers are leveled at them. At the LG polls, I won my division 100 pc. Where are the accusations now?

 

Will there be justice in the next cabinet reshuffle?

 

Definitely, justice should be served. First of all, it should be asked as to why I was removed from the ministry. An explanation is needed about the accusations against me. The party is like struck with lightning since the day I was sidelined.

 

But, it is unlikely the UNP appears on your behalf?

 

Our party too, has black sheep, those who are jealous.

 

Will the UNP support the JVP’s constitutional amendment to abolish the executive presidency, which was also promised by the government?

 

Definitely. It is a traitor who cannot give 100 pc for that. We came to power with a promise to abolish it. Chandrika promised too, got elected twice, but did nothing. Mahinda too, got elected twice, but did not do it. It should be abolished. If that is not possible, there will be hatred in the country.

 

Those who oppose it say abolition of the executive presidency will divide the country and that separatism will thrive. Why can’t the truth of these be communicated to the people?

 

The executive presidency created this division after 1978. Such talk is like a drunkard trying to get up by leaning onto a lamppost. J.R. Jayewardene brought unity for the country. When we say it should be abolished, no finger pointing is needed.

 

Ashika Brahmana

Pictures – Nishantha Priyadarshana

 

Sri Lanka says Securing a World free of Nuclear Weapons foremost priority

Ambassador Azeez highlighted the importance of the NPT as the global regime for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament that called for a balanced and non-discriminatory approach to building international peace and security. He stressed that the non-proliferation treaty regime should be taken forward, while promoting and safe guarding the economic development prospects for all, through equal access to the technology advancing peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

He also called upon the State Parties to seriously address the prevalent dichotomy between the lack of progress in disarmament and increasing emphasis and efforts on non-proliferation, urging them to “manifest their support for, and investment in, disarmament training and education provided by the UN and other organizations” .   

The Second Preparatory Meeting that began its deliberations on 23 April 2018 in Geneva would continue until 04 May 2018 and is aimed to help evolve a negotiated outcome at the NPT Review Conference to be held in New York in April/May 2020.

Sri Lanka: May Day and Workers’ Rights - Lionel Bopage

The President’s postponement of the May Day celebrations in Sri Lanka to May 7 is allegedly because of a request made by Mahanayaka Theros., This is a crass political ploy of exploiting religious sentiment to inhibit protests of the working people by diverting their attention away from the burning issues of the day. Some of the parties and unions who are supposed to represent workers’ interests have already fallen in line with the government. Others have decided to take their protests to the streets on May 1, despite a municipal ban on marches.

 

The issue of overlapping of May Day with Vesak Day has arisen many times previously. The façade of religiosity becomes apparent at times when this occurs. In 1967, the UNP regime postponed May Day celebrations to the 2nd of May. As quoted in news reports, the Communist Party (Peking Wing) opposed it and Maithripala Sirisena supported the Communist Party’s decision. Now he himself is displaying his opportunism by postponing May Day celebrations.

 

Several trade unions in Sri Lanka have strongly objected to this decision to postpone May Day, emphasising that it is a right of workers to celebrate international workers’ day on May 1. The JVP has declared that they will go ahead with the May Day Rally but will hold the Colombo rally on May 7. It is holding its May 1st rally in Jaffna, which is interesting. One could question whether this option is utilised not to confront the issue giving prominence to religion over workers’ rights. According to the JVP, bringing large crowds to Colombo on May Day for celebrations would become an obstacle for Vesak celebrations that will be held in Colombo. This is not the first time the JVP seems to have wavered on this issue. In 2008, the JVP took the initiative to change the May Day from May 1 due to Vesak celebrations, by requesting the government to do so.

 

This year, Vesak Day does not fall on May 1. The clash is due to the declaration of a Vesak week this year. If the Vesak Week is turned into an annual event, it will be interesting to find out what the JVP position would be. One could easily interpret and equate the JVP position to “killing two birds with one stone”. Thus, they avoid having a May Day rally in Colombo on the May Day itself, despite the relevance of the International Working Day to the working people of the south of Sri Lanka, many of whom reside in Colombo.

 

When we were released from prison in November 1977, the position of the JVP towards the mobilisation of workers was to organise them in a single workers’ federation, without being concerned of their individual political affiliations. The slogan was One Trade Union for One Industry. However, this did not materialise and the JVP then formed its own trade union under the banner of “Socialist Workers Union”. This fragmentation of workers unity along party lines can be seen in many countries including Sri Lanka and India.

 

In Sri Lanka, workers have joined ranks with capitalist political parties such as the UNP, the SLPP and the SLFP. Even those on the left are associated with and scattered around, many political parties and groups. These political entities, when they were in power directly or as constituents of capitalist ruling coalitions, have violently suppressed many struggles led by the workers and the youth of the country. Sectarianism among trade unions contributes to not 

having joint May Day events, thus contributing to the weakness of the workers’ movement. This is also one of the factors that has affected the legitimacy of the trade unions in the public eye and has also contributed to the apathy of some sections of the working people.

 

Workers instead of mobilising independently to safeguard their own interests, are now paying lip service to their cause. Meanwhile the regime is working on the advice and agenda of the IMF and the World Bank by stripping hard-earned workers’ rights, including the eight-hour working day. This situation will not change, until trade unions organise on the basis of One Trade Union for One Industry policy. At the same time, the only guarantee for such unity will be to practice democracy within trade unions.

 

Apparently, one of the main trade unions that allow working people with diverse political views to come together for participative decision making is the Ceylon Mercantile Union that had been previously led by comrade, the late Bala Tampoe. However, despite workers with diverse political views being allowed to join the union, I note that during his long tenure, a solid grip was maintained on the union by the General Secretary till his demise.

 

Thus, this Government has declared May Day a working day. Furthermore, the Colombo Municipal Council controlled by the UNP has refused to grant permission to hold May Day rallies in public parks in Colombo on May 1. This is clearly a ban on all May Day celebrations in Colombo. The sort of repressive action this government takes against those organising May Day events on May 1, could very well be on par with the violent repressive action the previous regime took against e workers struggles at the time. As the United States and several other countries had done, the Government of Sri Lanka seems to have come forward to openly curb democratic rights of the working people.

 

One could observe historic parallels; when many socialist groups came into being during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Some of them were political parties and others just choirs. Many socialists were even elected to represent their constituencies. However, big businesses and the state controlled the political process. Seeing that there was no way they could advance for a better future, many rejected the available political space, which had been designed to protect the wealthy. Most of them broke away from political organisations to become anarchists. They stressed the need for worker directed industries and cherished direct action over bureaucratic political processes.

 

Working people all over the world celebrates their traditions, histories and victories on May 1, every year. The socialists and communists of the Second International commemorated the Haymarket Affair in Chicago on the first of May, which became May Day as we know it. It is now a public holiday in many countries with workers around the world including Sri Lanka celebrating May Day with protest rallies and marches. For many millennia, May Day has been a day celebrating rebirth and fertility. Originally, it was a pagan holiday celebrating the start of summer. May Day is also related to the festival of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, and is associated with the spring festivals of the Renaissance, particularly in the northern hemisphere and to this day is celebrated in many cultures. Later, the pagan nature of May Day gave way to a more secular celebration in Europe and North America. In this sense, there is no contradiction or clash between the interests of those celebrating May Day as the International Working Day and those who celebrate it in a cultural manner.

 

Since the 1880s, it has been recognised as the International Worker's Day. At the time, working class movements had been fighting for fair working conditions including a standardised eight-hour working days and the rights of the trade unions. Under drastic and adverse working conditions, workers had to work 10 to 16-hour days with no holiday provisions. Due to unsafe work practices, death and injury were a commonplace occurrence. During this time, the working class was in constant struggle to gain an 8-hour work day. However, it was only in the late 1880's that organized labour was able to gain sufficient power to declare the 8-hour working day, without the consent of employers.

 

In 1884, Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (which later became the American Federation of Labor) proclaimed that "eight hours shall constitute a legal day's labour from and after May 1, 1886." Many reiterated this proclamation and wished to support it with strikes and demonstrations. Initially, anarchists and radicals thought this was too reformist as it failed to strike "at the root of the evil." Despite these hesitations, “an estimated quarter million workers in the Chicago area became directly involved in the crusade to implement the eight hour work day”. With this, the radicals agreed to fight for the 8-hour working day, but with the realisation that greater issues than the 8-hour day existed.

 

May 1, 1886 was the first May Day celebration in the world. In Chicago, 40,000 went out on strike. Parades, bands and tens of thousands of demonstrators on the streets illustrated the workers' strength and unity. Strikers responded to the police beatings by throwing rocks and the police responded with gunfire, killing several strikers and wounding many. The Chicago protests spread across Europe. Yet, many being not aware of this believe it is a day celebrated only by the communists and socialists. Despite this belief, May Day has continued to be associated with the objective of achieving social and economic fairness and justice for all working people.

 

Socialism became an attractive proposition to workers only at a later stage. The idea of working class control over production and distribution of all goods and services was new and very attractive. They came to the understanding that capitalism worked only in favour of owners of means of production by trading the labour and lives of workers for profit. With thousands of needless deaths of men, women and children at work, life expectancy was as low as early twenties in certain industries. When there was no hope but death and destitution, socialism offered them a humane alternative.

 

Nowadays workers in the west: coming from many faiths and ethnicities work together to protect the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers. For the past several years, immigration policy has been a focus for mobilising at May Day events. In the modern movement for worker’s rights, immigrants and their supporters march in the streets. Immigration has been compounded by the ruling classes into a divisive political issue; we need to transform it into a human issue.

 

History teaches us that people fought for the rights and dignities we enjoy today. There is a lot more to fight for. If we remember that people were shot for us to enjoy the eight hour working day; if we recognise that homes were burnt down for us to have Saturday as part of the weekend; if we recollect child victims of industrial accidents who marched in the streets protesting working conditions and child labour only to be beaten down by the police and company thugs, then only can we understand that our current conditions cannot be taken for granted. The sacrifices so many people made cannot be forgotten. Otherwise, we will have to fight all over again to gain the very same rights our forbearers won. That is the historical lesson we need to learn when celebrating May Day, which is vital.

IGP again proves he is above police commission

They are Palitha Siriwardena, Gamini Perera, E. Jayasuriya, Mevan Silva and Anura Abeywickrema.

 

But, they are yet to be promoted, although they have only a few months remaining for retirement.

 

The commission is responsible for all promotions and transfers in the police, but the IGP is citing various reasons and avoiding its latest recommendation.

 

He is saying that Siriwardena is a Rajapaksa stooge and that Perera had appealed and got a transfer to Jaffna revoked.

 

The commission met yesterday (23) and discussed these promotions too.

 

The IGP disregards the commission’s recommendations, does what he wants and keeps the commission only as a stamp for his decisions. But, no responsible authority appears to have taken notice of his conduct.

The second National Youth Summit by SDJF concluded successfully

The second NYS 2018, convened by the Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum (SDJF) concluded successfully in Colombo on Saturday (21).  The Summit which emphasized the Summit theme ‘Sustainable Peace and Development’ for a better nation, has proposed the Ministry of National Co-existence, Dialogue and Official Languages to develop a cohesive and dedicated minority inclusive youth and peace building policy in line with the  National Youth Policy 2014. The proposal is an outcome of the active engagement of nearly 500 young leaders from across the country belonging to different backgrounds and ethnicities, who participated in the dialogue.

The two day National Youth Summit held at the BMICH and at the Department of Government Information respectively, was an endeavor of SDJF along with its partner organizations including Ministries, Embassies, Universities, INGO’s and local NGO’s, aimed to create a platform for youths to reflect on the Summit theme, and to encourage youth from different ethnicities to meet, learn and be part of a wider peace building network, demonstrating their shared missions, showcasing innovative and creative solutions towards peace building and reconciliation.

Speaking about the engagement of youth in peace and reconciliation, His Excellency David McKinnon - High Commissioner to Sri Lanka said “Youth are equal stakeholders in the state and they have a lot to contribute.” Youth are often seen as activists and not much in policy development process, he added. 

Ms. Paula Bulancea, Deputy Representative for UNICEF Sri Lanka; Mr. M. Y. S. Deshapriya, Secretary of the Ministry of National Coexistence, Dialog and Official Languages: Prof. Shahid Rasool, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) India; Dr. Saumiya Liyanage, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of the Visual and Performing Arts and Mr. Waruna Alahakoon, Deputy Director of Education (Drama and Theatre), Ministry of Education also addressed the gathering. Representatives from the U.S Embassy in Colombo also attended the Summit. 

During the Inauguration Day, two learning manuals focusing on Forum Theatre and on Youth and Peace building were launched. The first copies were handed over to the Chief Guest and other guests by Mr. Waruna Alahakoon. The manuals were developed to help young people to understand pluralistic values through arts and culture.

The Chief Guest for Day 2, Ms. Ritsu Nacken, Representatives of UNFPA Sri Lanka and the Head of UN Youth Agenda in Sri Lanka in her speech highlighted that youth have so much of energy, new ideas and goodwill to contribute to the country. “We believe unlocking this youth potential is the key to sustainable peace and development,” she said. 

The sessions showcased youth involvement in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), through 7 parallel sessions under four broader themes; Youth Innovation in Peace building and Promoting Equality; Youth as Peace Allies; Youth Peacebuilding Networks and Role of the Youth in Peace Building & Promoting SDGs. 

Prof. Shahid Rasool, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Center for Asia (CEMCA) – India, addressed the gathering on the importance of skill building of youth for inclusive development and peace building agenda and overcome unemployment issues in Sri Lanka. 

During the sessions youths exchanged their peacebuilding experiences and came up with innovative strategies to transform the nation into a peaceful place with their involvement in various peacebuilding mechanisms.  

The Summit concluded with an awards evening recognizing the efforts of those youngsters who contributed for SDJF’s peacebuilding programs. 

The feedback gathered from partner organizations and participants stressed on ways to take forward the UN2250 resolution, in which the UN Security Council urges its member states to consider ways to give youth a greater voice in decision-making at the local, national, regional and international levels. 

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Canadian High Commission, Neelan Thiruchchelvam Trust, World Vision Sri Lanka, WUSC Sri Lanka, and Commonwealth Media Educational Centre for Asia (CEMCA) supported the second National Youth Summit 2018, financially.

Pix by: Ajith Senevirathne

 

Mirissa and Midigama attacks reflect Sri Lanka’s brutal realities

How were these illegal constructions permitted to operate in the first instance? Was the Coast Conservation Department, deaf, dumb and blind to these infractions under a new political dispensation which promised the enforcement of the law? And should not the Excise Department be held accountable for the collusion of their officers in permitting the illegal sale of liquor by these outlets? It is ludicrous that a Minster of this Government is reduced to the state of apologizing to the public for being unable to summon responsible officers of the Excise Department to account for its duties in this regard. And further, to what extent are Sri Lankan women safe when they walk the beaches of the South and elsewhere in this country? To what extent are there unreported rapes and incidents of sexual harassment or just plain harassment which are not treated seriously by law enforcement authorities?

Certainly a sterner hand is warranted in bringing offenders to justice. Unlike in the past, telephone calls do not go out from politicians to judicial officers commanding to rule in a particular way in cases before them but that does not suffice to address the problem. The arrest of thugs who operate under cover of political impunity cannot be sufficient either. As has happened in the past, these characters may be arrested but then let out on bail with the cases falling by the wayside.

A lack of confidence in the system
In fact, as has been documented in many instances, police officers themselves collude with such miscreants with little or no disciplinary action being enforced against them. In that regard, the appeal of the Inspector General of Police for the assaulted tourists to return and testify to the facts in the two instances is ironic. Similar appeals have been issued to victims of assault in other cases, including in several cases where journalists had been assaulted and brutalized during the previous regime. They have been asked to return to Sri Lanka to testify.

But who will want to take that risk given the fundamental lack of confidence in the law enforcement process and the lack of safety for witnesses in the criminal justice system? Let alone foreigners, will Sri Lankans wish to subject themselves to such an ordeal? A major promise of this Government when it came into power was that it would enact and effectively implement a Victim and Witness Protection Act.

Though a law was enacted and a Victim and Witness Protection Authority established, it was weak-kneed in many respects, not the least of which was that the police was given the task of spearheading its protection division. This was likened by many cynics to be akin to giving the fox the duty to guard the hen house, as it were. Since then, the Government has taken no interest in its activation, only parroting the fact of the enactment of this law at periodic sessions of the United Nations in Geneva and elsewhere. It appears that even pretending commitment to the idea of witness and victim protection is not evidenced any longer.

Our ghosts of the past
What happened at Mirissa and Midigama were not isolated incidents but reflections of a daily lived reality in Sri Lanka, not only for tourists but also for citizens, where at any given point, the law can yield to bestiality with catastrophic consequences. That is what war, political savagery and the abandonment of the Rule of Law has brought about for this country.

Exorcising these ghosts of the past will be remarkably arduous, if at all, this is indeed possible.

- Kishali Pinto -Jayawardena | The Sunday Times - Focus on Rights

Full cabinet reshuffle in the coming week - Rajitha

He said the new cabinet list has been prepared scientifically and will be finalized once the president returned from Britain.

Senaratne also said that the two main parties went against his advice and contested the LG polls separately. The PM was in agreement, but the lawyers close to the president objected, he said.

He also said the joint opposition cannot win the 2020 election as it is incapable of gaining 50 per cent of the votes without the support of the Tamils and the Muslims. The government will unite all forces and win the election, Senaratne added.