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Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 04/02

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Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 04/02

SRI LANKA CELEBRATES ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE TODAY

  1. China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning accuses US of “jabbing fingers at China’s close cooperation with Sri Lanka”: urges US to “show some sincerity and actually do something to help Sri Lanka”: asserts China has been providing assistance for Sri Lanka’s economic and social development to the best of China’s capabilities.
  2. SJB MP Tissa Attanayake says Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and the SJB will boycott Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence anniversary celebrations: asserts the engagement in such activities is a wastage of money at a time when the country is facing one of its worst economic crises.
  3. Mahaweli Authority informs Power & Energy Ministry that there is not enough water in reservoirs to be released for hydro-power generation: asserts only 50% can be used as expected rainfall has not been experienced and the available water is needed for agricultural purposes.
  4. Supreme Court rejects HRC request for an interim order preventing the CEB from imposing any power cuts during the GCE (A/L) exams: CEB requests permission from PUC to re-impose power cuts of 2 hours & 20 minutes: 2 members of the PUC resign.
  5. Elections Commission announces that postal voting for the LG Election will be on 22, 23 & 24 February.
  6. IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige alleges the Police had a plan to kill him while he was in police custody.
  7. Former Presidential Advisor Ashu Marasinghe who resigned from his post last month after a controversial video was leaked to the media by SJB Member Hirunika Premachandra involving the abuse of a pet dog, re-appointed to the position.
  8. Executive Director of People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana
    Hettiarachchi alleges that a sinister campaign is underway to undermine the Elections Commission: accuses the Govt of issuing media releases and carrying out activities that make people doubt whether the Commission is doing enough to hold the LG election in March.
  9. Police fire tear gas and use water cannons to disperse protestors near the Elphinstone Theatre in Maradana.
  10. Senior CPC official says the price of petrol had been increased by Rs 30 recently to mainly cover the losses due to late payments for oil shipments: claims the CPC has to pay additional demurrage, late fees, port charges and shipping charges, as a result: explains that to meet these expenses, the CPC has been compelled to make the price increase.

President’s Independence Day Message

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President’s Independence Day Message

Our 75th Anniversary of Independence from colonial rule is being observed during an extremely critical and challenging time in the country. It is, indeed, a decisive moment. However it presents an opportunity for us not only to review our strengths and gains as a nation but also to rectify our errors and failures.

Since 1948, we have, as a nation, undergone many tests and travails – from riots, insurgencies and war to natural disasters. These experiences have left us with a sense of inculcated resilience that has made us revive better when faced with adversity. Therefore, I am confident that even at this juncture we will pool our energies as the daughters and sons of one mother to rise up from the current economic abyss and build back stronger.

There is a new economic and social reform agenda before the country with the objectives focusing first on recovery and then on renewed development. It is imperative for us to unite in its implementation so that we can emerge with a high level of economic prosperity. I pledge today to make the extremely difficult though vital decisions to achieve this goal with courage and determination. I anticipate the confidence and support of you, the people of our country, in this endeavour.

I also take the opportunity to thank you, the Sri Lankan expatriate community, for your contribution towards the development of our motherland despite your distance. I would like to invite you to join us in securing a bright future for the younger generation of Sri Lankans who are at the vanguard of economic and social development. Your faith and investment in the unique and creative ideas of our talented youth who lack capital could give considerable hope and be of immense benefit to our country in this crisis.

On this historic anniversary, let us all resolve to meet the challenges of this year with further patience and fortitude.

I extend warm felicitations to you, Sri Lankans, here and aboard.

Ranil Wickremesinghe
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
04th February 2023

Namo Namo Matha – A step towards a century: Sri Lanka celebrates 75th Independence Day

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Namo Namo Matha – A step towards a century: Sri Lanka celebrates 75th Independence Day

Sri Lanka’s 75th National Independence Day celebration is today (4).

Sri Lanka got its independence after being a British colony for four hundred and thirty-three years. It was on February 4, 1948.

All arrangements have been made to hold this year’s Independence Day celebrations this morning under the leadership of President Ranil Wickramasinghe at the area around Galle Face Green.

The National Ceremony to be held under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena will begin at 8.30 a.m.

The Armed Forces, the Police, the Civil Defense Force and the National Cadet Corps Sri Lanka will be joining this year’s Independence Day Parade and a number of cultural events will also be added to it.

The Army, Air Force, and Navy will display their military power and manpower as well as modern military equipment will be added to the celebrations.

Over 650 Indian delegates visit the island for Tata Steel conference soon

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Over 650 Indian delegates visit the island for Tata Steel conference soon

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene will inaugurate the Tata Steel and Tata Tiscon annual dealer conference in Colombo on 7 February, along with the High Commissioner for India Gopal Baglay.

Over 650 delegates are expected from India for this conference. Tata Steel is one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers with operations that are fully integrated – from mining to the manufacturing and marketing of finished products.

They form part of the Tata Group which is India’s largest conglomerate operating in over 150 countries. Acknowledged as the founder of the Tata Group in 1868, Jamsetji Tata is sometimes referred to as the “father of Indian industry”.

Tata Steel, part of India’s giant Tata Group, is hosting over 650 dealers and other delegates for a dealers conference in Sri Lanka on February 7.

“Tata’s decision to hold the conference in Sri Lanka is a demonstration of Indian companies willing to support the rebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka. The conference and logistics is being handled by their main dealer and representative in South India the VNC Group,”company officails said.

Tata Steel will also make a substantial cash contribution to the ‘Lifeline Sri Lanka’ project jointly run by Rotary International and UNICEF to fund medicine supplies to Sri Lanka.

Tata Steel, together with its subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures, is spread across five continents with an employee base of over 65,000. The group recorded a consolidated turnover of $ 32.83 billion in the financial year ending 31 March 2022.

Tata Tiscon plays a vital role in the nation building by building ecosystems, nurturing entrepreneurs and empowering consumers.

Tatas decision to hold the conference in Sri Lanka is a demonstration of Indian companies willing to support the rebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka.

The conference and logistics are being handled by their main dealer and representative in South India, the VNC Group.

Tata Steel will also make a substantial cash contribution to the ‘Lifeline Sri Lanka’ project jointly run by Rotary International and UNICEF to fund medicine supplies to Sri Lanka.

Tata Steel, is one of the world’s most geographically diversified steel producers with operations that are fully integrated – from mining to the manufacturing and marketing of finished products. They form part of the Tata Group which is India largest conglomerate operating in over 150 countries.

Tata Steel, together with its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, is spread across five continents with an employee base of over 65,000. The group recorded a consolidated turnover of US$32.83 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2022.

Sri Lanka concludes Fourth UPR of the UN Human Rights Council, UPR Working Group

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Sri Lanka concludes Fourth UPR of the UN Human Rights Council, UPR Working Group

Sri Lanka concluded its 4th Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) during the 42nd Session of the UPR Working Group on Wednesday, 1st February in Geneva. Sri Lanka’s National

Report was prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with input from government ministries and agencies through an inclusive and broad-based process where civil society organizations and the National Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka were also consulted.  

The UPR is conducted as a review mechanism by the UPR Working Group of the UN Human Rights Council in four year cycles. Sri Lanka’s last UPR review was in 2017.

Delivering the opening statement via a pre-recorded statement, the Head of Delegation, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry highlighted the progress and achievements made by Sri Lanka since its last review including the implementation of the recommendations accepted. Sri Lanka envisages 2023, the 75th anniversary of independence, to be a year of socio-economic stabilization, reconciliation, and recovery. The Minister also said that “it is important to learn from the past, and it is equally important to move on, to build better and stronger.”

The Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka highlighted legislative and policy measures implemented by Sri Lanka during the reporting period including the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, strengthening efforts on the reconciliation processes and the national independent institutions.

The Sri Lanka delegation responded to the queries and comments from the floor ranging from issues relating to inter alia freedom of expression and assembly, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), migrant workers, rights of minorities, combating corruption, social protection, rights of women, persons with disabilities, children, food security and progress achieved on SDGs.

The Review was conducted in a constructive atmosphere with the participation of delegates from 106 countries providing their appreciation, comments and recommendations covering a broad range of issues on the floor.  Appreciation was expressed for the implementation of recommendations accepted by Sri Lanka in the 3rd Cycle, despite the socio economic challenges posed by the COVID pandemic and global crises.

Serbia, Zambia and Cuba welcomed the implementation of recommendations accepted in the last Cycle.

Bangladesh welcomed efforts “to establish gender equality, and curb gender based violence”. Bhutan commended Sri Lanka for its “concerted efforts and progress in implementing its human rights obligations despite the enormous socio-economic challenges.” Nepal welcomed the adoption of the National Nutrition Policy.  India “took note of the engagement by the Government of Sri Lanka with members of the international community and other organizations on various aspects of human rights situation and reconciliation issues in Sri Lanka.” Maldives congratulated the Government for “introducing a policy for Gender Mainstreaming in all sectoral Ministries that includes the establishment of gender focal points, gender-responsive budgeting and anti-sexual harassment committees.” Pakistan appreciated “Sri Lanka’s continued cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms” while also welcoming “legislative, administrative measures such as the enactment of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Amendment) Act No 12 of 2022, 21st Amendment to the Constitution and measures under National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force”.

Thailand commended Sri Lanka for achieving COVID vaccination coverage of its targeted population above WHO targets.

Japan appreciated “the positive steps taken by Sri Lanka since the previous review cycle, including the implementation of Amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act”. Japan said it “considers it important that the international community support Sri Lanka’s own efforts to foster reconciliation in the country”.

Chile, Egypt and Ireland also noted with appreciation the recent amendments to the PTA.

The UK welcomed “Sri Lanka’s commitments on respect for the rights of those from all religious and ethnic groups” and further said Sri Lanka’s “recent efforts to foster political inclusion and constitutional reform are particularly welcome.”

Qatar, noted with appreciation the adoption of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security”. This was also welcomed by Spain. Algeria, welcomed the “constitutional amendment of 2022”.

Türkiye was “pleased to observe that Sri Lanka amended the Prevention of Terrorism Acts and held an All-Party Conference to revive reconciliation process.”

The Philippines welcomed the “recent approval of the establishment of the Office for Overseas Sri Lankans”.

Nigeria commended the Government for its “unwavering commitment to its international human rights obligations and continued cooperation with human rights mechanisms.”

Saudi Arabia commended Sri Lanka’s “tireless work to achieve the goals of sustainable development and combat human trafficking”.

Namibia appreciated the “specific legislative, policy and institutional measure adopted by Sri Lanka with the aim of fulfilling its obligations under international human rights law.”

Oman appreciated the National Action Plan to combat trafficking of persons.

China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela and Malaysia made supportive statements on Sri Lanka’s efforts.

UAE appreciated “ongoing national reconciliation path in line with local priorities and policies”.

Several other countries commended Sri Lanka’s continuous efforts to promote human rights of its people, in particular the adoption of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, work of the independent commissions and domestic reconciliation efforts including the work of the OMP, OR and ONUR. Countries also underlined the importance of the promotion and protection of the rights of children, women, persons with disabilities, older persons and migrants. Many countries appreciated the constructive engagement of Sri Lanka with the UPR process and the efforts taken in preparing the national Report.

Belgium appreciated “efforts by the government to tackle gender-based violence” while noting remaining challenges.

Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Hungary and Vietnam commended Sri Lanka’s progress made on the SDGs. Several countries welcomed Sri Lanka’s efforts towards socio-economic stabilization, reconciliation and recovery despite challenges.

While thanking all Government and civil society partners who engaged in the UPR process and the delegations who spoke during the Review, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative in Geneva said that Sri Lanka will carefully consider the recommendations received.

In closing the Review, the President of the Council and Chair of the Session, PR of the Czech Republic thanked the Sri Lanka delegation for its engagement and readiness to answer all questions and comments, as well as the preparations which he said were done “in an excellent manner.”

The delegation of Sri Lanka was led by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. The delegation in Geneva comprised the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva, senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, the Attorney General’s Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN, as well as over 20 line Ministries joining virtually from Colombo.

US and China debate on SL debt restructure amid Paris Club word on cards

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US and China debate on SL debt restructure amid Paris Club word on cards

US and China are exchanging words on Sri Lanka’s ongoing debt restructuring process to gain IMF board approval for US$ 2.9 billion bail out loan,amidst speculations on the likelihood of Paris Club assurance for debt rescheduling.

India is the only creditor which has given its assurance in a letter to the IMF following proper procedure so far among all critors of Sri Lanka although Japan and China have indicated their willingness to support the debt restructuring process, official sources confirmed.

The Paris Club of creditor nations is ready to provide financing assurances to Sri Lanka, a key step needed to unlock a $2.9 billion bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The informal group of bilateral lenders is set to “soon” announce its support to the crisis-hit nation on a debt overhaul, said one of the people, who asked not to be named because talks are private

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has retaliated to comments made by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland during her visit to Sri Lanka that terms extended by China to Sri Lanka for getting IMF debt relief are not enough.

While the IMF has not yet provided any guidance on where the lender stands regarding China’s assurances to Sri Lanka, a U.S. official visiting Colombo said on Wednesday that Beijing has not done enough.

“What China has offered so far is not enough. We need to see credible and specific assurances that they will meet the IMF standard of debt relief,” U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said .The U.S. is the largest IMF member.

“Rather than jabbing fingers at China’s close cooperation with Sri Lanka, the US might as well show some sincerity and actually do something to help Sri Lanka weather through the current difficulties,” Ning said responding to journalists at a regular press conference on Thursday (02).

“What was said by the US side does not reflect the truth. The Export-Import Bank of China has already provided Sri Lanka with the letter to express support for its debt sustainability. Sri Lanka has responded positively and thanked China for that,” she added.

“China stands ready to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions and continue to play a positive role in helping Sri Lanka navigate the situation, easing its debt burden, and helping it achieve sustainable development,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson assured.

Sri Lanka’s public debt stood at 122 percent of GDP, of which 70 per cent is denominated in foreign currency, according to data in a country presentation to investors in November.

China and India, both non-Paris Club members, are the top bilateral lenders. “Paris Club assurance is not reliant on China,” said the source.

Another source said the informal group is currently reaching out to other non-Paris Club besides China on financing assurances, but did not provide any further details.

India previously committed to help ease the debt burden of neighbour Sri Lanka as part of the IMF programme, and China’s Eximbank offered a two-year moratorium in a letter sent to the island nation in January.

Sri Lanka crashes to the lowest economic growth among 148 countries

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Sri Lanka crashes to the lowest economic growth among 148 countries

Sri Lanka is now moving towards the lowest economic growth among 148 nations even below the economic growth of South Sudan, the World Bank global economic prospects report (published in Jan 2023) revealed.

According to the World Bank report Sri Lanka is expected to have the lowest economic growth of -4.2 percent in real GDP with unprecedented contraction.

Sri Lanka is followed by Russian Federation with -3.3 percent of GDP, Syrian Arab Republic -3.2, Equatorial Guinea -2.6, Belarus-2.3, Haiti -1.1, Chile -0.9 and South Sudan 0,the report indicated.

Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to register a real contraction of around 8.0 percent in 2022 and a gradual recovery from the second half of 2023, the Central Bank said.

Releasing the outlook for the economy for 2023, the Monetary Board of the Central Bank said that the headline inflation is expected to move along a disinflationary path with a deceleration in the first half of 2023 and reaching the desired levels of inflation towards the end of 2023.

According to the Central Bank, the monetary policy will remain focused on ensuring price stability over the medium term and inflation expectations to remain well anchored along the projected disinflation path.

Meanwhile, measures are underway to secure financing assurances from official creditors for the debt restructuring process aimed at ensuring medium-term public debt sustainability.

“With significant progress being made at present in relation to the interaction with the Sri Lankan creditors, the envisaged IMF facility is expected to materialize in early 2023,” the Central Bank said.

The sacrifice made by individuals and businesses during these difficult times would be meaningful only when economic stability is restored over the medium to long term.

“Towards that end, collective and coordinated efforts are needed from all corners of society to ensure that the economy makes a sustainable recovery.”

The excessively high levels of interest rates observed at present are expected to moderate in the period ahead as money market liquidity conditions improve and the risk premia attached to debt restructuring concerns assuage.

The Central Bank has already requested the banking and non-banking sector institutions to avoid unhealthy competition for raising deposits by offering high rates of interest, which has led to excessive adjustments in all market interest rates, including the lending rates, well above the adjustment of policy interest rates.

Sri Lanka, which in the 1970s was being hailed as a development success story for a low-income nation, is now mired in a financial and economic disaster, its worst yet since independence in 1948.

Despite notable investments in infrastructure projects, and a largely stable growth rate from 2013 to 2019, the Sri Lankan story was marred by a series of untimely and mismanaged economic measures that led to the current meltdown.

External factors have compounded the catastrophe, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Six crucial economic issues that have led to the Sri Lankan crisis: Theyare the impact of the 2019 tax cuts on the domestic economy; successive BOP crises; a series of 17 IMF bailouts that went wrong; the sudden disastrous switch to organic farming; the downfall of the tourism sector following the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings; and soaring external debt.

Karu Jayasuriya awarded with the honorary Sri Lankabhimanya award

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Karu Jayasuriya awarded with the honorary Sri Lankabhimanya award

The ‘Sri Lankabhimanya’ Award, deemed the most prestigious lifetime award in the country, was conferred on Parliamentarian Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya.

President Ranil Wickramasinghe presented the award to Jayasuriya this morning at the President’s Residence in Colombo.

It has been a tradition since 1986 to present a once-in-a-lifetime national award to Sri Lankan citizens and non-Sri Lankan citizens who have rendered outstanding service to the nation within the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the Sri Lankabhimanya Award is the highest award given in this country.

It is also special that the ceremony held for the presentation of this award was the first state ceremony held there after the restoration of the President’s House in Colombo, which was severely damaged during the public protest on July 9.

SL-UK trade records £1.3 billion in 2022 before the new trading scheme

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SL-UK trade records £1.3 billion in 2022 before the new trading scheme

Sri Lanka is set to benefit from the UK’s new trade concessionary scheme Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) that will replace the GSP+ in that country and will be in force from 2023, finance ministry sources said.

The UK’s new Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is one of the most generous sets of trading preferences of any country in the world, and will benefit Sri Lanka by boosting the economy and supporting jobs,as senior official of the ministry said.

Under the new scheme, Sri Lanka will continue to benefit from duty free exports to the UK on over 80 percent of export products while tariffs on over 150 additional products will also be removed.

According to the latest UK fact sheet on bilateral trade, total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Sri Lanka was £1.3 billion, in current prices.

This was an increase in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2022, an increase of 10.2 percent or £124 million from the four quarters to the end of Q3 2021.

Of this £1.3 billion: total UK exports to Sri Lanka amounted to £336 million, in current prices, in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2022 (an increase of 10.2 percent or £31 million compared to the fourquarters to the end of Q3 2021).

Total UK imports from Sri Lanka amounted to £1.0 billion, in current prices, in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2022 (an increase of 10.2 percent or £93 million compared to the four quarters to the end of Q3 2021).

Sri Lanka was the UK’s 80th largest trading partner in the four quarters to the end of Q32022 accounting for 0.1 percent of total UK trade.

In 2021, the outward stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UK in Sri Lanka was£309 million.

In 2021, the inward stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the UK from Sri Lanka was £11 million.

Sri Lanka’s access to the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus was already under review for extension as the country failed to adhere to several of the commitments it made, mainly with regard to human rights.

GSP is an annual trade concession worth over US$ 500 million which has boosted Sri Lanka’s exports to EU member states mainly in the garments sector, a top forex earner.

The EU has stressed on several occasions that the island nation needs to uphold its commitments, particularly with regard to eradicating human rights violations in the country.

Recently Sri Lanka has fallen into trouble as it failed to implement several of the commitments undertaken including repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Can we celebrate the 75th Independence day of Ceylon when one community celebrates the other laments?

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Can we celebrate the 75th Independence day of Ceylon when one community celebrates the other laments?

Dear Sinhala Brethren,

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools” – Martin Luther King jr

We wish to live in a conflict-free Sri Lanka where we can join in to celebrate Island’s 75th Independence day as much as you do. Both communities lost thousands of lives and limbs and caused enormous pain and unimaginable suffering. We became poorer and beg the international community. Brothers and sisters, let us address our grievances and aspirations to end all conflicts. Let us rebuild our beautiful island where all feel equal and dignified.

Sri Lanka is our island too. How it has alienated the Tamils since Independence is a clear indication of that deliberate policy of discrimination that became constitutionalised and institutionalised. For us to celebrate independence as much as you do, we need our Sinhala brethren to address sincerely our longstanding grievances and aspirations now. Such acts of justice will not cause any harm to any other people. It will neither uproot anyone, restrict their freedom of movement nor deprive them of their rights in whatever form of devolution.

It is not at all about the separation of our beautiful island, but it is to ensure that the island celebrates undivided patriotism, powersharing is inevitable and reassuring the individual rights and collective rights of all the people through a plurinational democracy. Let us explore tried and tested models in the world that will be suitable for power sharing in Sri Lanka.

The conflicts were man-made in Sri Lanka. Worse when murder and mayhem took place in the name of peace & religion. Instead of addressing the underlying issues, the conflicts were allowed to deteriorate and then suppressed. Then it becomes a way of living and political culture. Let us be the ambassadors of goodwill. The pogroms and war have destroyed the country beyond repair. The effects of violence have not only bankrupted the country but brought the system to its knees. The state culture of violence permeated even those against violence. The mutual killings and destruction must end, apologies for the past atrocities endorsed and true acts of reconciliation shall prevail among all people. The politicians et al who robbed the people of their future are still at large, protected by the system.

The anger of future generations called for System Change and disposed of the most powerful despots from their positions. It could be regarded as the most peaceful revolution ever witnessed to dispose of the heads of government. It is the responsible conduct of those activists who stood by the people with lived experience at the forefront and pitched on peace and harmony that remains an admiration. In the same belief, we appeal to the peaceful, invigorating and generous communities to effect the necessary change peacefully on the Island.

The war-ravaged political doctrine has exposed the hegemony and lost its purpose. The same countries that supported the war efforts are calling for UN action because of the excesses that were carried out beyond International Humanitarian Law. Some countries the Sri Lankan called on to protect the sovereignty of Sri Lanka are violating our sovereignty and exploiting the economic situation. Let’s seek bilaterally acceptable universal solutions that can end unaccountability, violence, hunger and corruption with a new Social Contract that will address all past commissions and omissions. End the fear of persecution,
undemocratic governance and unacceptable expenditures. Whilst we starve we cannot allocate funds for a defence force that fights no enemy or a bloated government service sector that swallows all resources that are meant for people.

The remedies cannot be brought by the statutes alone. Devolution has been absorbed into the constitution but never implemented by the legislature or judiciary. Even agreements have been made since 1957 but all agreements and negotiations have been reneged or aborted and resulted in confrontations. The real change has to come from the hearts and minds of the people. History has documented the magnanimity of the Sinhalese people who stood firm risking their own lives to defend the people and their properties in 1958, 1977 and 1983 anti-Tamil pogroms though many hundreds and thousands were sadly maimed & massacred. The survivors and injured who were robbed of their dignity were sent by ships to Tamil Homeland from refugee camps in Colombo as the final solution for those victims. Their independence and identities are to be protected wherever they are and in the territory that has protected them. It is the essential element of the realisation of human rights, non-discrimination and equality. We believe in the new generation that Sri Lanka has produced beyond the ethnic divide to end
ethnic injustice.

Many of you have been visiting war-ravaged areas in the North-East and have seen for yourself the extent of the destruction the Tamil civilians were subjected to the brunt of the war. Mothers and fathers are still looking for their children. Children are still looking for their parents. Their lives have been destroyed but the Transitional justice and psychosocial support had been delayed for them. It’s a humanitarian crisis which needs an urgent and lasting solution addressing guarantees of non-recurrence. The delayed justice has taken the responsibility of justice to international fora as Sri Lanka remains the party to the crime.

It’s beyond any doubt that Sri Lanka is at a crossroad and need to be salvaged from its foundation i.e. politically and economically. We are ready, willing and able to work shoulder to shoulder with you all to salvage the country and it is high time we do away with the bloody past and overcome mistrust and hegemonic behaviour. Let’s come together to salvage this country, which was once a role model for many democracies around the world.

The injustice perpetrated over the years must be addressed to end the ongoing atrocity crimes, to embark on constitutional reforms to end the hegemony & unaccountability. The powersharing structure in the multi-ethnic and multi-national plural society of Sri Lanka is anticipated to address all ethnic conflicts. However, the power-sharing arrangement also demands a culture of impunity eradicated not only among the government but also among the people too. Sri Lanka also has to establish an independent judiciary and end state persecution by repealing the Prevention of Terrorist Act. The structure must be based on reparative justice that guarantees the non-recurrence of atrocity crimes and cannot be denied out of any absurd claims. The conflict resolution encompasses security sector reforms including vetting all defence forces that may have contributed to the mass atrocities of 1988-1990 among Sinhala and 2009 Mullivaikal massacre.

The People’s Struggle has created an opportunity for all the people to come together. The young generation has stood steadfastly for ethnic justice, accountability and reconciliation. The outside world demands inclusive democracy and constitutional and institutional formalities. This is an unmissable opportunity for the new agents of peace and democracy to accommodate the system change envisaged that can bring peace, prosperity and democracy. Their rights are guaranteed constitutionally through structural reforms, tax reforms, food security and most importantly physical security. Their independence and identities to be protected wherever they have been flourishing historically and the territory that has protected them. Let there be powersharing and collective sovereignty to unify the country!

Global Tamil Civil Society
([email protected])

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