March 11, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has further appreciated against the US Dollar today (11) in comparison to last week’s Thursday, as per leading commercial banks in the country.
At Peoples Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 301.60 from Rs. 302.05, and the selling price to Rs. 312.11 from Rs. 312.57.
At Commercial Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 301.15 from Rs. 301.89, and the selling price to Rs. 310.50 from Rs. 311.75.
At Sampath Bank, the buying price of the US Dollar has dropped to Rs. 302.50 from Rs. 303, and the selling price to Rs. 311.50 from Rs. 312.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the principles of the United National Party (UNP) do not exist in the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): asserts only the UNP had a plan to build the country: invites the SJB to rejoin the UNP to save the country from debt and build a safe country for future generations: publicly humiliates the National Peoples Power (NPP) by displaying a slide featuring photographs of JVP Leader Anura Dissanayake and one of their previous manifestos, and questioning whether the NPP has any plan.
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) accepts President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s invitation for opposition parties to meet with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF): TNA leader R. Sampanthan will participate, while other major opposition parties like the Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB) and the National People’s Power (NPP) have opted out.
JVP/NPP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to visit Canada, based on an invitation extended by the Canadian branch of the NPP: The NPP Leader will visit Canada on March 23 and 24: Public gatherings are scheduled to take place in Toronto on 23 and Vancouver on 24.
Sabaragamuwa Province Governor Navin Dissanayake expressed disappointment after being excluded from the speakers list at the United National Party (UNP) rally in Kuliyapitiya: questions the decision-making process within the party: Minister Harin Fernando was also absent from the rally, which was attended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance Minister authorises the import and re-export of several spices, such as pepper, ginger, nutmeg, and turmeric, through a gazette notification: Importers must ensure a minimum local value addition of 35% before re-exporting the spices, with approval from the Controller General of Imports and Exports.
Employees at the Central Mail Exchange in Colombo initiated a 24-hour token strike due to a year-long malfunction of the building’s elevator, causing difficulties for nearly 40% of women workers: The United Postal Trade Unions Front (UPTUF) announced the strike, emphasising the need for elevator repairs, with a warning of continued action if the issue remains unaddressed after a month.
The government returns 109.56 acres of land in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, previously held by the military, to the lawful owners: This marks the 24th consecutive release of such properties: Only 0.5% of land remains under military control for security purposes.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) faces challenges in maintaining consistent water distribution due to dry weather, leading to reduced pressure or restrictions in some areas: launches a hotline, 1939, to address the issue, aiming for proactive management.
Sri Lanka’s official foreign currency reserves in February slightly increased to US$ 4,517 million, with the Central Bank maintaining efforts to bolster reserves by accumulating foreign currency from banks: The subdued demand for foreign currency, along with debt repayments, has allowed for reserve accumulation: Despite signs of economic recovery, import demand remains modest, but there are indications of a potential uptick fuelled by upcoming festivities and improving lending rates.
Right-arm paceman Nuwan Thushara shone in the recent T-20 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, securing a 28-run victory for Sri Lanka and a 2-1 series win: Thushara’s exceptional bowling performance of 5 for 20, including a hat trick with his first three balls, earned him the man of the final award: Chasing a target of 174, he achieved the hat trick in the fourth over of the innings: This was his 8th T-20 international appearance, showcasing his remarkable talent despite being initially benched for the series.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): Amidst prevailing dry weather conditions, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has underscored difficulties in ensuring uninterrupted water distribution across different locales.
The escalating daily demand for water has intensified the strain, leading to diminished water pressure in certain areas or imposition of restrictions.
Highlighting the imperative for preemptive actions, the NWSDB has introduced measures to tackle these issues proactively.
In a bid to streamline public grievances and provide prompt resolutions, the NWSDB has inaugurated a hotline, 1939, for reporting any disruptions in water supply.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance has issued a gazette notification authorising the import and re-export of various spices, including pepper, ginger, nutmeg, and turmeric.
The gazette announcement outlines that pepper, nutmeg, mace, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and other spices may be imported with the approval of the Controller General of Imports and Exports.
Importers are required to add a minimum local value of 35 per cent before re-exporting the spices.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): The government facilitated the return of 109.56 acres of land, previously held by the military, to the lawful proprietors in the Jaffna peninsula, marking the 24th consecutive release of such properties.
The returned lands encompass five parcels in the Jaffna District and seven in the Kilinochchi District, the Sri Lanka Army said.
At present, only 0.5 per cent of the land remains under military occupation, designated as vital for upholding normalcy and ensuring security within the region.
This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the Sri Lankan government to restore occupied lands to their rightful owners.
Under the leadership of Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, and the oversight of Commander of the Security Forces – Jaffna, Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe, the process continues.
The event saw the participation of Sagala Ratnayake, Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor, who attended as the Chief Guest.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): Leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the National Peoples Power (NPP) MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to visit Canada, based on an invitation extended by the Canadian branch of the NPP.
The NPP Leader will visit Canada on March 23 and 24 and public gatherings are scheduled to take place in Toronto on 23 and Vancouver on 24.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): The employees of the Central Mail Exchange in Colombo announced a 24-hour token strike commencing from midnight yesterday (10).
The United Postal Trade Unions Front (UPTUF) addressing a briefing yesterday elucidated that the strike action arises from the prolonged non-functionality of the building’s elevator, persisting for nearly a year.
They highlighted the significant challenges faced by approximately 40 per cent of female employees, including pregnant women, due to this issue.
Given that the Central Mail Exchange spans eight floors, maneuvering mail bags has become exceptionally burdensome.
If the government does not address the elevator repair within a month, the trade union action will persist, the UPTUF emphasised.
March 10, Colombo (LNW): The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has officially accepted President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s invitation to opposition political parties for consultations with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
As per the announcement by Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) leader S. Shritharan, TNA leader R. Sampanthan is set to partake in the forthcoming dialogue scheduled at the Presidential Secretariat today (11).
While invitations were extended to several opposition entities, it has been observed that both the Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB) and the National People’s Power (NPP) have chosen not to engage in the discussions.
Although the discussion was initiated following a request by SJB MP Harsha De Silva, Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, his participation is pending confirmation.
March 11, Colombo (LNW): A few showers are likely in Eastern province and in Hambantota district, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Ratnapura, Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (11).
Mainly dry weather will prevail in the other areas of the island, the statement added.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas extending from Hambantota to Batticaloa via Pottuvil.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (20-30)kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota can be fairly rough at times.
This deflection flies in the face of the facts. As Reuters reported in the first six weeks of the war, hospital morgues sent figures to the health centre which were then collated. Excel spreadsheets were used to keep track of names, ages and ID numbers, which were then transmitted to the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah. As the aerial devastation continues it has become harder to keep track as vital infrastructure has been destroyed and health workers have been killed by the indiscriminate and sometimes targeted bombing.[i] It should be noted that the figures that were collated after earlier aerial bombardments were seen as accurate. In fact, the current figures could be a gross underestimate, as identifying bodies buried under tons of rubble has now become almost impossible.
Oxfam estimates that the Zionist military machine is killing 250 Palestinians a day with many more prone to hunger disease and cold, which could like in Lanka could kill many civilians. It is estimated that this carpet bombing of civilians is the highest daily figure for wars anywhere in the world in the last 24 years. Even the horrific Syrian conflict (96 deaths per day) Sudan (51.6) Iraq (50.8). It is considerably greater than the carnage in Ukraine (43.9) and trouble plagued Yemen (15.8)[ii]
Amnesty International early in the conflict began collating and analysing data from satellite imagery, verified photos, and investigated air bombardment carried out by the Zionist forces between October 7 to 12 and investigated five cases of bombing which wiped out whole families. It came to the conclusion in each of these cases internal international humanitarian law was violated by a failure to distinguish between civilian and military targets.
In their stated intent to use all means to destroy Hamas, Israeli forces have shown a shocking disregard for civilian lives. They have pulverised street after street of residential buildings killing civilians on a mass scale and destroying essential infrastructure, while new restrictions mean Gaza is fast running out of water, medicine, and electricity.
It has decimated whole families, leaving only memories and rubble in its wake.[iii] At the time of writing the death toll is over 26,000, with around 60,000 wounded and the vast majority facing starvation and lack of water, medicine and shelter. This continual pressure and the lack of a political and economic solution makes the possibility of a non-violent response fade by the day.
What makes a person join the LTTE or Hamas? In Jaffna, which was under the control of the Sinhalese military, a mother of a female member of their elite Black Tiger Unit observed: ‘We could not separate ourselves from the war. We lived inside it’.[iv].
For many there is an intergenerational perspective on whether to just survive or fight back. As the mother of the cadre said: ‘When a child experiences too much sadness it can feel no more. We tolerate and bear everything. Not all children accept suffering.’ Her daughter: ‘Father was killed in the middle of Jaffna town. He is going to work in the post office, he was a peon. If I did not join, people will be pushed into slavery.’
Critics can dispassionately point out that at the time she made the statement there had been well over 300 suicide missions. These missions caused deaths and terror and hardened opposing opinion. But what good would such a hectoring, patronising and rarified tone achieve? Instead of labelling her a terrorist and a fanatic, we must first try and empathise with her very real sorrow, pain and sense of injustice and lack of rights. Like the millions of people around the world who march in solidarity with the Palestinians all one can do is listen to the sorrow, pain, her very real sense of injustice and lack of rights. These are important matters which we must first deal with, instead of imposing labels on the marginalised and the dispossessed. To do so the respective unitarist states of Lanka and Israel must be democratised from the “river to the sea” with equal rights for all. If this is not done the vicious cycles of brutal discrimination, atrocities and horrific counter offenses becomes the norm. Context is everything and the above narrative begs the question who are the real terrorists?
Conclusion
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a judgement of 15 to 2 against the Zionist state stated that there is a plausible case for genocide against Palestinians. The targeting of civilians, hospitals, schools, UN compounds, mosques, universities buttress the case. The ICJ also argued that statements made by the current Israeli president and members of cabinet, combined with the actions of the military, can be construed as genocidal intent. The beleaguered prime minister Netanyahu then let the cat out of the bag and unequivocally stated that from the river to the sea the land is for Jewish Zionists only. Both these statements have put the Zionist project in Palestine under a critical microscope. Miraculously, after this expose, the Zionist state came up with evidence that twelve workers from United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA) were involved in the October 7 attacks. Immediately, and without assessing the evidence, Australia, Britain, and the US withdrew aid, taking no account of the fact that UNWRA has sacked nine of the accused and has started an investigation. As mentioned, around 80 per cent of the population of Gaza are facing imminent starvation and their principal food source is UNWRA. The fact is that many of the claims that Israel has made about Palestinians are demonstrably false, not to mention the fact that it makes no sense to attack an organisation that employs around 13,000 people because of the alleged crimes of twelve of their workers. Barely mentioned is the fact that settler fanatics are trying to block vital food going to Gaza.[v] The Zionist state is yet to provide evidence to support their claims and the western countries who have withdrawn funding seem in no hurry to get the evidence unlike the UN.
Sadly, the majority of Israelis, if opinion polls are anything to go by, support the crushing of the Palestinians. But cracks in the “rules-based order” are starting to appear. Many senior bureaucrats and journalists in the West have signed a letter deploring their countries’ double standards when it comes to Israel.[vi]
In Sri Lanka, in 2022, it was clear that the economy was collapsing. The government had to go cap in hand to the International Monetary Fund to bail out the country. For many Lankans this was an eye-opener, as they discovered that the existential threat of the Tamils was not the cause of their misery. It was a combination of political and bureaucratic incompetence combined with corruption. Since being granted independence in 1948 the country has never been able to pay for its imports or expand its industrial base to a degree that could make the country economically viable. Instead, the politicians kept on borrowing, resulting in periodic crisis.
This time a group of young people coalesced in loose affiliations demanding the resignation of the government and structural change. This became known as the Aragalaya (the struggle in Sinhalese). It morphed into a mass protest movement and toppled the then President, forcing him to flee the country. This mass movement was open to all, but its loose structure was not a match for the state. Parliament appointed as an interim President a wily operator who had decades of experience in quelling protest and shifting the gaze of the populace to manufactured enemies. This he gradually did again, with arrests, imprisonment, and thuggery, aided by the legislative, administrative, and constitutional armoury built over decades to evade scrutiny and accountability. This suite of powers had been traditionally used against Tamils, left wing parties, journalists, civil rights activists, and trade unionists. It was now being used on ordinary people who might have in the past supported measures against what they presumed to be the ‘other’. An election will be held later this year and the disgraced political elite are preparing to return to power, blaming foreigners, minorities, and progressive political formations for the crisis which they themselves clearly caused. They seem to be clawing back some of their supporters, though whether they will succeed is still an open political question. [vii]
With regard to both the Zionist and the Lankan state, the international community has, for strategic, commercial, and political reasons, been lax and gullible. Neither the Zionist nor the Lankan state has ever been prevailed upon to change its behaviour. For how long is the international community[viii] going to accept their assurances (extending over decades) that they are democratic states and their enemies are the terrorists? For killing of the ‘others’ on an industrial scale and herding them into ghettos, the Zionist and Lankan states should both be in the dock.
10 March 2024
[i] Sawafta, Ali and Fick, Maggie, ‘How many Palestinians have died in Gaza? Death Toll explained’. Published December 9, 2023. Retrieved: https:// www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-many-palestinians–have-died-gaza-war-how-will-counting-continue.
[ii] ‘Daily Death Rate in Gaza higher than any other major 21st century conflict.’ Oxfam Press Release, 11 January 2024. Retrieved: https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/daily-death-rate-gaza-higher-any-other-major-21st-century-conflict-oxfam
[iii] ‘Damning Evidence of war crimes as Israeli attacks wipe out entire families in Gaza.’ Amnesty, October 2023. Retrieved: https:// www.amnesty.org.latest news, 2023.10
[iv] All the conversations are from the documentary, Arnestad, B. and Daae, M. (2007) My daughter the terrorist. Snitt film Production.
[vi] ‘Grave Violations’: Western officials in unprecedented Gaza protest. The New Daily, February 2, 2024.
[vii] For a good overview see Dr Lionel Bopage’s recent interview on 3CR with Green Left Weekley Radio. The podcast is available at: https://www.3cr.org.au/greenleftweekleyradio/episode/behind-weapons-industry-australia-economic-crisis-sri-lanka-sovereignty.
[viii] It should be noted that the main backer of the Lankan state is China. In the UN the main countries blocking any change also include Russia, Cuba, and Venezuela. On the opposite camp are the ardent supporters of the Zionist state, Australia, Britain and the United States.
