Why Can’t We Make it Here? – Goes Viral!

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Why Can’t We Make it Here? – Goes Viral!

e-Con e-News 12-18 July 2020

This ee is dedicated to Bhadra Gunatilake & Theja Gunawardana

Kuvanna’s Song

Kuvanna, tell us who made your spinning wheel?

Who taught you to weave? Can our elders tell?

Those drums Vijaya heard, who made them?

Why’d he grow so afraid on hearing those beats?

     Can our elders recall those beats?

Those drums echo the pulse of our bursting hearts,

 Beating out the rhythms for those who built

Great canals, lakes, stupendous stupa?

Who organized those workers? Who shaped their hammers and chisels?

Who fed them? Can our elders find out?

How did farmers make new seeds, sharp sickles, deep ploughs?

     How shall our children learn how to grow?

Can our elders beat the drums? Quicken our pulse, our hearts, our hands?

To beat out the rhythms to make the wheel?

To spin out a new world again?

• Miniran Balakaya’s Why Can’t We Make it Here? • Ask Local Candidates?

• Multinationals Monopolize Sri Lanka Media • White Goodies Grease Elections

• Video co-op Miniran Balakaya’s documentary Why Can’t We Make it Here? has reached almost 200,000 people in one week, with 6,000 ‘likes’, and almost 600 people sharing the video. All this without corporate sponsorship. One would think such ‘celebrity’ would intrigue the hourly/daily media? No way! They’re too busy suckling the chemistries of fair&lovely Unilever, who dominate our advertising, media, and most tragic of all, our home market – thereby preventing local industrialization.

     A visit to Mini-B’s facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/miniranbalakaya), shows how enthralled people are by the art and science of making things. This ee notes the 100s of comments about the short video, many of which reveal a deep deadly frustration, cynicism, disillusion, and yet, even in its dudgeon, evinces clear yearning for a change to our colonial import-export plantation economy (see ee Focus, B1)

• Miniran Balakaya declares: “Our Why Can’t We Make it Here? video was made to support modern industrialization in Sri Lanka. Please contact your local election candidates, tell them about the video, and ask them to support a plan for modern industrialization in Lanka. Ask them how you can help. The capitalist media won’t discuss this, but we need to start a national conversation on this issue, because there are many misunderstandings and myths:  We have a large home market but it’s filled with imports. Also, modern industrialization is more than making goods. Modern industrialization is the making of machines that make goods, but also requires the creation of an ecosystem of machinofacture in which production thrives.

      The farmer could supply inexpensive food for workers in industry, who supply the machinery and technological tools to help the farmer produce inexpensively. Inexpensive food means workers save more and can spend on goods made by industry. Industries supplying goods for workers and farmers could get their machinery and raw materials from other industries. The farmers with technology could then afford to buy goods for their families” – youtube.com/watch?v=0WUrUpKBMnM

• Multinationals Monopolize SL Media – Harangues thunder against import restrictions and import substitution, midst the refrain for “exports” and “foreign exchange” to sustain their import-export plantation slave economy. At the same time, beware of so-called headlines about occasional fancy ‘inventions’ and ‘Made-in-Sri-Lanka products,’ thrown as crumbs.

     The daily media is totally in the pockets of the import mafia, led from behind by the “Leading Multinationals” (see ee Focus). Some media quietly signal in grey ink at the bottom of stories that their news is “sponsored”. But that’s not the only sponsored news. The entire media has been sold out!

     Beware of the deadly ‘infinitive’ tense – “to” do, etc – in headlines, which are only promises, rarely fulfilled – “to enact”, “to be self-sufficient”, to be accomplished”, etc.

     Industrialization requires a holistic state-sponsored political, economic and military strategy. Capitalists are clearly not interested! ee keeps asking: “Where have all the profits gone?” “Where is the industrial plan?”

• Why isn’t the Elections Commission, during our elections, preventing foreign donations by white embassies under the camouflage of various “good works” – Covid, women’s rights, anti-narcotics, training, etc? And is it not the job of the Treasury to monitor such slush funds clearly meant to influence the election? These embassies represent multinational corporations who are responsible for much of the corruption – well, to be precise, underdevelopment – in our world. (see ee Focus, Multinationals & Violence)

Contents:

A1. Reader Comments –

• Independent vs Non-Aligned • Get China to Build Machines Here • 1953 Revelations • Queen, Coup & Status Quo • Buddhaghosa’s Bonfires • Marx’s Ghost & Thattumaru!

A2. Quotes of the Week

• Statistics of Independence • Engineers & Thirst • Tarzan, Che & Nasser • Al Capone & the ‘American Dream’ • Lost Our Way

A3. Random Notes –

• Tourism & SMEs • Seizers, Violence, Banks & Multinationals • Critics & Responses to Miniran Balakaya Video • Is Lanka’s Market Small? • Where’s Foreign Exchange, FDI Gone? • Socialist Countries Helped Sri Lanka More • China Helped Defeat Terrorism • Content Laws • SWRD & Sinhala Buddhists • CTC & Covid Whitewash • Tobacco Multinationals Unmasked

B. ee Focus       

B1. Responses to Miniran Balakaya’s Why Can’t We Make It Here?

B2. An Open Letter to Ms Alaina Teplitz of the US Embassy – SL Study Circle

B3. Leading Multinationals, Violence & Corruption

B4. Police, Gansabha & Conciliation Boards

B5. Theja Gunawardana –  Leading Pioneer in Sri Lanka’s Left Movement

C. News Index

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A1. Reader Comments

ee thanks Readers who send articles of interest. Please excerpt or summarize what is important about any article sent, or your comments, and place the e-link at the end. It’s better to send them as email.

• “Being ‘non-aligned’ is imprecise, craven and weak. We need an ‘independence’ policy. We need to be independent! We should ally with whoever helps us most become independent.”

• “It is policies that matter. We should request socialist China to assist us to develop our energy and mineral resources like natural gas, iron, graphite, titanium, to make agricultural machinery here in rural areas. This will raise the bar for other countries who claim they wish to be friends!”

• “Another comprehensive and analytical newsletter”

• “1953 and 1956 stories were so revealing…The BBC this week tried to take the blame away from a still-in-power Queen for the sacking of Australian Gough Whitlam in 1975 by her representative, the Governor General. Their dear queen is declared free of blame for her rep in Australia removing a PM who had a majority in parliament. When Maithripala removed Ranil, the queen’s government was shocked. The Aussie precedent forgotten!” (see ee Sovereignty)

• “Did Buddhaghosa burn all the original Buddhist texts in Sinhala?”

ee responds: As far as ee knows. much of the Buddhist tales was an oral tradition until first written down in Lanka in Sinhala: “Malalasekera quotes from another report, ‘of this whole library of books expository of the Tipitaka, a bonfire ‘as high as 7 average aged elephants’ was made…” ee also agrees with authors who state it doesn’t matter if the stories about Buddhghosa are true. ee’s interested in the taxes he refers to. Also see:

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=222501

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=222711

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=223684

• “Marx died in 1884, not 1883…”

ee: True, and the RALH Gunwardana reference should perhaps read: “Marx made detailed notes on the system of land tenure, particularly such practices as ande, betma, thattumaru and service tenure.” Marx’s ghost indeed hangs over us: he was born in 1818, Lanka’s first war of liberation from England.

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A2. Quotes of the Week_

“Some Sri Lankan political myths… are communicated over and over again by some experienced people. Either they’ve not been informed or they’re misguiding the people… eg, under the English there were only 929 Doctors to support a population of 6.6 million people. However, Ceylon had 147,000 servants, dhobies, and watchers. The infant mortality rate was 26% and the literacy rate was 58%. Only 70,000 spoke in English. There were 418 Civil Engineers. There were 30,000 school teachers to support a population of 2.5 million between the ages of 5-15 years. With the above track record, some people still state that Ceylon – Sri Lanka – has not achieved much for the last 70 years. You could make direct comparisons to each indicator as of now. Some say that before independence, colonial Ceylon managed to have a surplus budget. Indeed if services towards education, health and welfare are not adequately provided, achieving a budget surplus is a simple process.”

• “People in many parts of the country suffer due to lack of water for drinking and irrigation purposes. Tanks and irrigation systems have nearly collapsed. Development of the road network in rural areas should be expedited. Development projects serve no purpose if they fail to meet the basic needs of the people.” (see ee Industry, President to Engineers)

• “What began to bother the West was the degree to which China, for all of its superficial adaptations to capitalist logic, was dramatically outperforming its competitors in the West, seemingly benefiting from the state management of economic activity, despite political authoritarianism, in a manner superior to what seemed possible in the developed societies of the West, especially with respect to savings and the investment of public funds. This dynamic is brilliantly depicted for Asia as  whole by the Indian economist Deepak Nayyar, in The Asian Resurgence: Diversity in Development (2019), which suggested an overall post-colonial Asian challenge to Western ascendancy in which 14 Asian countries, led by China, produced the most remarkable record of economic growth and poverty alleviation in the past 50 years that the world has ever known, and these countries achieved these remarkable results without the trappings of liberal democracy, thus drawing into question the US claim that market-driven constitutionalism was the only arrangement of state/society relations that was legitimate and materially successful.” (see ee Security, Richard Falk)

• “If you want to become another Tarzan, a white man coming among black men, leading them and protecting them… it can’t be done.” So said Egypt’s charismatic young leader, the tribune of Pan-Arabism, Gamal Abdel Nasser, to another young revolutionary, Che Guevara, on the eve of Che’s journey to the forests of Kivu Province in the former Belgian Congo to spearhead revolution in the heart of Africa.”

     When Guevara first met Nasser in 1959 in the course of his initial postrevolutionary tour of Africa, he asked him how many refugees had been created in Egypt’s own revolution. Nasser replied, only a few, which Guevara declared meant “that nothing much happened in your revolution… I measure the depth of the social transformation by the number of people who are affected by it and feel they have no place in the new society.”

• “This American system of ours gives to each and every one of us a great opportunity if we only seize it with both hands and make the most of it” – Al Capone

• “In our small misguided countries, we have lost our way, and the political party system has basically tribalized the countries in such a way that our countries are in a constant state of disaffection and ferment. Blind loyalty to the political party is always stronger than loyalty to the nation. Black populations that have been robbed, battered and raped by the colonizers have meekly chosen to retain the colonial sovereign as their head of state, while still arguing that they are independent. They also meekly accept a development agenda designed by the colonizers and put under the supervision of institutions like the IMF and the World Bank. They meekly accepted the burden of the so-called Millennium Development Goals (8 targets), and when that was clearly taking them nowhere, they later accepted the new burden of the Sustainable Development Goals (17 targets).

     Where are our brains, and why would we so trustingly depend on our perpetual slave masters to lead us into a bright future?” – Herman Grant, Jamaican economist.

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A3. Random Notes (‘Seeing Number in Chaos’)_

• The Central Bank issued a pitiful plea this week for banks (& related finance/leasing companies) to abstain from physical violence against recalcitrant clients, to prevent “the use of force in the possession of equipment”.

     How will this non-violence be achieved under the rule of merchants and moneylenders, who operate warlords to ensure extortion of harvests, and repayment of extortionate loans taken to pay for industrial goods? These merchants are beholden to multinational corporations, who supply cultivators with inputs (fertilizer, pesticides, machinery, clothes, goods) to barter to cultivators in exchange for next year’s harvest. Keeping the cultivators non-monetized!

     While the media love to blame politicians and government, the private sector multinational monopolies are the major source of corruption in the country. Bribery and violence – “as American as Apple Pie!” – is fundamental to the maintenance of these foreign monopolies.

     Our scholars in Sri Lanka, let alone NGOs such as WB-linked Transparency International, have shied away from exposing the relationship between monopoly and violence and corruption of banks, manufacturers and distributors such as Caltex/Exxon (which rules the energy industry, hence our roads and wires), Unilever (FMCGs, shops, advertising & media), Nestlé (milk, water, collection, distribution), Ceylon Tobacco (Shops), Baur (fertilizer), etc, and of course the fundamental role of banks such as Citibank (linked to Exxon), Standard Chartered & HSBC – all linked to 500 years of chattel slavery, the drug trade (opium), and imperialism.

     An equally pitiful interview with a “Transparency International” official in Colombo asking about private sector corruption got no answer from him. Though it is abundantly clear the private sector is far far more corrupt than the public sector. TI is a slave of its master, the World Bank, whose interest, like its master, the US Treasury, is making the state subservient to capitalism. (see ee Focus, Multinationals & Monopoly)

• Yankee Wars – Those who still insist it was Sinhala Buddhists behind the murder of SWRD Banadaranaike, should read Kamalika Peries’ extensive essays on Erasing the Eelam Victory (see ee Sovereignty). More recent claims suggest the murder was to prevent the implementation of the 10-year Plan for industrialization as well.

• Many Small/Medium Enterprises are tourist ventures! No wonder the World Bank, the US, the EU, the ADB, all get so orgasmic about SMEs! All this fuss, all this digital and carbonic ink – the mountain labours and gives forth a hikmeeya! As ee reiterates over and over again, if the country were turned into a giant tourist hotel or a tea plantation, we would not need schools! For there are no special skills required! Plucking leaves! Plantations are minimal-skill labor-intensive operations. Tourism is rentier activity par excellence. Selling scenery and a usually imported bed! Sweeping rooms, serving tea? Yes sir? No, sir! Is this what a great civilization amounts to after all the grand chronicles? (see ee Business)

• The Tobacco Lobby – Here’s a list of the tobacco trade’s interference in health affairs during Covid. Sri Lanka’s medical specialists urge the government not to pretend there’s no Covid crisis.

– tobaccounmaskedsouth.asia/Globally_Reported_Tobacco_Industry_Interference_during_COVID-19_Pandemic

• Drops in Smoking in England – “This purported drop occurred despite the despicable attempt by the Tobacco lobby to create the impression that smoking was protective – through an obscure group’s ‘study’. These studies are then amplified in popular media, even if they lose credibility in scientific circles for their flawed methodology. And they’re quoted in comments, even at the end of reports on proper studies with large samples. It can be seen in this one too. Smokers allow the tobacco trade to resort to any deception, to keep them smoking, without a murmur. And even defend the trade’s nastiest actions. They find higher covid mortality associations with several factors – including current smoking. But the single catch-all label they use in their conclusions is – ‘underlying cardiovascular disease’. Smoking is not mentioned in their conclusions. Smoking as a risk is safely relegated to the results section alone. BBC makes sure it softens the blow with a balancing slant at the end, to ensure that most smokers will think the much greater risk of death need not be taken too seriously.”

– medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.18.20105288v1

– nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2007621

– bbc.com/news/health-53403610

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B. Special Focus_

B1. Criticisms & Responses to Why Can’t we Make it Here?

Here are some critical comments (translated from Sinhala) made by random viewers about the Miniran Balakaya video, Why Can’t We Make it Here?, and the possibilities for industrialization:

• ‘We lack a big market • We have no discipline • Politicians won’t get commissions from import mafia • We’re incapable. We’re not innovators, we’re imitators • Too much drug money, too many rentiers • Stupid education system, idiotic voters, those who get and give votes should answer this video • Too much jealousy, too many lies, as long as rogues in power, they’ll never allow • We need to make people first, too many bureaucrats • This video promotes SLFP, but what have they done since 1994? • We can’t make everything in Sri Lanka. We’d go bankrupt, and the government have to rescue them. • We need to choose what imports to substitute carefully, what will make a profit over the long term, and bring foreign exchange. • A lack of knowledge isn’t the problem, it’s fraud, corruption, commissions, not thinking about the country, individual greed, not realizing we’re all going to die eventually, this is how most people think. No point talking. • Industrial work has to be considered a dignified occupation • Socialism doesn’t work • We have the best pepper, yet we import bad pepper and ruin the farmer…’

– https://www.facebook.com/miniranbalakaya.

Responses to a few of the comments above:

     • ‘Some claim Sri Lanka’s market is too small to support industrialization. And the media also promotes this. This week, Pathfinder’s Milinda Moragoda also reiterated this myth in the Island. Yet multinational Unilever’s chairman has clearly stated: “The consumer base in SL’s Western Province is almost equal to the consumer base in Thailand which is affluent and modern”! (Yes, Thailand, which has 70 million people!)’

• ‘Private-sector multinational monopolies are the major source of corruption in the country. Bribery and violence is fundamental to the maintenance of these foreign monopolies. Corruption is not the most major issue, and not just a matter of politicians alone. Officials and businesspeople are heavily involved. Our biggest issue is the lack of unity and organization to push such demands.’

• ‘Politicians are the products of interests, and it was a strong workers’ movement from the 1950s-70s that demanded local industrial production. So it’s vital that workers and peasants prioritize and synchronize actions and demands.’

• ‘The media constantly claims we need foreign exchange, foreign direct investment, and exports. Yet what’s being done with the foreign exchange we get now? Foreign investment is dominated by multinational corporations, mainly based in the US, Canada, Western Europe, Japan.’

• ‘Some insist we need foreign exchange, etc, yet also insult socialist countries, especially China. They forget it’s the socialist countries who supported much of Sri Lanka’s early industrial efforts, and it’s China who would have a clear interest in us not remaining a tool of the white man. China also helped us defeat terrorism.

• ‘Our links with foreign friends should be based on their interest in helping us become an independent modern industrial country. Most industrial countries have “content laws” where a major % of any imported product must be made inside their country.

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B2. An Open Letter to Ms Alaina Teplitz of the US Embassy – Sri Lanka Study Circle

“We, the members of the Sri Lanka Study Circle in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement,  the largest organized grouping of Nations after the UN, that initiated a UN General Assembly Resolution in 1971 unanimously adopted by the entire World to make forever the Indian Ocean a Zone of Peace within which area No Nuclear Weapons whatsoever would be permitted – are perturbed by your insensitive and hypocritical attitude in not providing the Sri Lankan people official Sinhala and Tamil translations of the draft MCC Conditional-Contract made out in English, which too was made public only a few months ago, while you took time and effort to have your MCC propaganda material… translated into Sinhala and Tamil.

     This matter is of grave importance to the people of this country, about 98% of whom do not have an intricate knowledge of the English Language – and that includes parliamentarians – to read, understand and give an independent opinion on an issue that affects the very Sovereignty and future of the Country, her people and the unborn generations of Sri Lankans whose Fundamental Rights will be adversely affected.

     When Agreements such as these are signed or are being prepared to be signed behind the backs of the People and their Representatives, you are working against the very norms of civilized behaviour laid out clearly in the Vienna Convention on International Treaties.

     We, the members of the Sri Lanka Study Circle, demand that you make available immediately to the people of Sri Lanka the official Sinhala and Tamil translations of the draft MCC Conditional-Contract and in the same measure make available to the people the originals and translations of the SOFA and ACSA.

     We demand that you do so immediately, before the General Elections, because the people can then study these Agreements and the election results will reflect in no uncertain terms what the people think of these ‘Agreements’ and the motives of the USA.”

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/12/an-open-letter-to-ms-alaina-teplitz-of-the-us-embassy

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B3. Multinationals, Violence & Corruption

Multinational Banks and Corporations, such as Citibank, Exxon, Standard Chartered, Unilever, Ceylon Tobacco, Nestlé, etc., are the key instruments of finance capital. The world economy is maintained by the 5 monopolies of finance, technology, the planet’s resources, communications, and military power. The highest offices of these multinational corporations are concentrated in New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo. Washington coordinates the triad of the US & Canada, Western Europe, and Japan to ensure the imperialist system is greased.

     Multinational Corporations arose out of the concentration and centralization of capital, which created monopoly capital by the 20^th century. They operate across countries and different industries, as arms of an imperialist world system. These MNCs firms entangle state structures and class societies, to profit from the capitalist system and the division between imperialist centre and most of the world.

     Most corporate giants which control the US economy travelled the road pioneered by Standard Oil (Exxon) to become multinational corporations. MNCs operate abroad, and make fundamental decisions on marketing, production, and research. Controlling foreign investment (especially in manufacturing) and internalizing external transaction costs (at the same time inflating prices and avoiding taxes), they are the dominant employer of industrial workers, shifting labour-intensive manufacture at will across the world. They exploit global wage differentials to lower wages, enforce capital shortages and underdevelopment (preventing transfer of high technology and science) to maximize their profits, sucking out massive surpluses from our countries.

     The 21st century has seen “an explosion in the treaties, agreements, and other mechanisms whereby global capital imposes rules, regulations, and modes of behaviour upon governments and their citizenry… [Former US President] Obama, speaking at Nike headquarters in May 2015, declared: “We have to make sure that America writes the rules of the global economy, while our economy is in the position of global strength. Because if we don’t write the rules for trade around the world,” there will come a time when, “guess what – China will”.

     At Rutgers University in May 2016, Obama advised the new graduates – who soon would “go out there and conquer the world” – against dreaming of the “good old days”, because they actually “weren’t that great”. But there were exceptions, Obama quickly added, like the periods following the end of WW2 and the Cold War, “when the world bent more easily to our will”. Today, he assured his audience, things are once again improving, and the US need no longer fear the future, because “we seized the future and made it our own.” The world is more interconnected than ever, and “building walls won’t change that.” In this “age of global supply chains”, the nation’s task is to “make sure that international rules are consistent with our values”.

     “The word ‘value’ works in two senses here, given Obama’s reference to global commodity chains. In his vision, the world should continue ‘to bend to our will’ and to ‘our’ freely appropriated, commodified values – rather than theirs. For all [Obama’s] talk of the future, a look at the history of the imperialist global economy shows the assumptions underlying these remarks are anything but novel.”

– monthlyreview.org/2016/07/01/multinational-corporations-and-the-globalization-of-monopoly-capital-from-the-1960s-to-the-present/

• British American Tobacco’s Ceylon Tobacco Corporation initiated & hosted the first Leading Multinational Corporations (LMNC) meetings in Sri Lanka, starting Jan 2018: For multinationals “To speak as a single voice, in order to implement things through the govt… to ensure [LMNC] constantly interacts” with officials (& corrupts them!) The LMNCs’ first inspirational speaker was named “Lawless”!

    The LMNC claim they make a “large revenue & tax contribution”, and most have “roots for over a century” in Lanka. MNCs have “a value chain of 180,000 people” and “bring in an estimated 125bn in tax revenue… 6% of total govt revenue”. They feel “a lack of appreciation”, and also whine, “CTC is heavily taxed” , upset about govt regulations & taxes. CTC blames health problems on “non-standard smokes’, and want the same “status to compete with local corporates”.

    MNCS here want “decent payback” for their investment, and want “to establish a model where industry consultation is the norm not the exception”, to “make it a more open economy”, open to “more foreign investments”. They wish to “change the mindset of leaders of the country”, “to take on international competition”. That “everything needs to be fixed in the context of international standards, in terms of human rights & labor law too”, so as “to come out of this slow domestic economy which is mainly agricultural”. He finds employees “too afraid to speak… & challenge hierarchy”…

  ee does have a question for NSBM: Could the “local corporates” refer to Vallibel, Hayley’s, etc, who are really fronts for MNCs?! And do ‘human rights’ include economic rights?

– nsbm.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Business_Dialogue_2019.pdf

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B4. Police, Gansabha & Conciliation Boards

From Police Role by Dr Frank de Silva, former Inspector General of Police:

     “Law’s delay is one of the culprits resulting in unrestrained public expenditure and driving parties to greater crime. Dragging on the process in courts is a systemic failure of the criminal justice process. Distortion, corruption and inefficiency are the other factors which deter access to justice. These are simply the result of vested interests manipulating the system…”

     De Silva attributes the laws delay to the monopolistic trends that run through the criminal justice process. “Law making is determined by law professionals without consulting the community or other affected parties. Rules drafted to prescribe the police without consulting the police, is conduct which fits into the descriptive phrase of Lawyers’ law. They are in effect, ‘rules of lawyers, rules made by lawyers, rules for lawyers in lawyers’ interest’. Accordingly a role for police is diminished to the extent of separation of the law from the community.”

     “In 1959 a step to rectify the situation in involving the community was taken with the introduction of a law to establish Conciliation Boards, which had many advantages. Such involvement enabled the community to identify itself with the formal law in a meaningful manner than through the formal courts. Resolution of these problems was equally expeditious. The parties to the dispute benefited from the little expense the parties now had to incur. Conciliation of crimes and disputes through conciliation and mediation gave some relief to the police from the weight of the court process.”

     “In fact this was more or less getting back to the gansabhava system.” De Silva cites Dr GC Mendis’s reference to Colebrook’s statement: “I consider that the ancient mode of referring such cases to a Gamsaba or a Village Council would be advantageously preserved where it is established and restored where it has been superseded.” According to Fr SG Perera, Colebrook attended a meeting of gamsabhava and was much impressed by the institution. Dr Ralph Pieris in his book, Sinhalese Social Organisations states, “Gamsabhavas or Village Councils consisted of an assembly of the principal and experienced men of the village. The endeavours of this assembly of neighbours were directed not so much to punishment as to amicable settlement of disputes according to accepted canons of justice.”

     “It seems history has been repeated. As happened to Gamsabhavas in the 1830s, in 1979 the functions of the Conciliation Boards were peremptorily dismissed and vested interests prevailed over community concerns.”

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/sunday-times-2/eliminating-corruption-in-public-service-dont-blame-police-alone-409155.html

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B5. Theja Gunawardana – a Leading Pioneer in SL’s Left Movement

an Indomitable Fighter for Social Justice – Kalyananda Tiranagama

The 25th anniversary of the death of Theja Gunawardana, a great personality and indefatigable fighter for social justice who played an indelible role in the Left Movement in Sri Lanka, falls on July 17, 2020. Most people belonging to the present generations may not be aware of the role Theja played and the contributions she made in the early stages of the Left Movement in our country and for the anti-imperialist and anti-colonialist struggle in the Afro-Asian Region.

     While reading the proceedings of the famous Trine Case reported in the daily newspapers, as a student of age 14 living in Galle, I came to know of Theja for the first time in 1954. A news item in Trine, a weekly tabloid newspaper published by her, had stated that Minister of Finance Oliver Goonetilake had committed an act of corruption by receiving a commission while negotiating a loan one month prior to his appointment as Governor General. Theja was tried at a Trial-at-Bar before 3 Judges of the Supreme Court on the charges of criminally defaming Sir Oliver Goonetilake, the newly appointed Governor General and thereby creating ‘civil commotion’. It was the first Trial-at-Bar ever held in Sri Lanka and Theja was defended by the well-known English Queen’s Counsel DN Pritt, who had conducted the defence in several politically sensational cases – eg Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Lee Kuan-Yu of Singapore. Wide publicity was given to the Trine Case proceedings in local newspapers, which left an indelible mark in my memory of Theja as a heroic woman who had the courage and audacity to challenge any authority.

     In his autobiography, The Defence Accuses, DN Pritt paid high tribute to her as a remarkable personality with a high moral character: “(the Government) certainly regarded this fearless, critical and incorruptible woman as a great thorn in their flesh… I was, she told me, never to apologise for a syllable or comma, nor to express regret, or anything but a determination to prove up to the hilt the charges she had made; and I was not to worry for an instant about the risk she was running of imprisonment, and in particular of imprisonment for a much longer term than would be imposed if she did not ‘justify’.”

     The case against Theja was a landmark in the history of the Left movement of the country. It not only aroused much public interest, but ultimately turned out as an indictment against the Government. She was acquitted of all charges and carried in a huge procession from the Court to Pettah.

     Theja came from a very rich family. Her father Manage Piyadasa was a member of the Ceylon National Congress, Mahabodhi Society and the Buddhist Theosophical Society. He was a philanthropist who built 4 educational institutions. Her mother Elizabeth Ponweera was an educationist. Theja was well-versed in several languages. She offered English, French, Latin, Geography and Mathematics for London Matriculation in 1935. She got her BA in English Honours in 1939. She studied Spanish to write on the Cuban Revolution.

     Instead of pursuing personal goals, immediately after completing her University education, Theja became an active social worker devoting her time, energy and wealth for the upliftment of rural women through Lanka Mahila Samiti… On the recommendation of DS Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Theja was selected by the US State Department for a study tour covering rural welfare, education, cultural and sociological fields under its Exchange of Persons Program in 1950.

     Immediately after her return from the Study Tour in the US, Theja realized she had to play a more dynamic role in the progressive movement in Sri Lanka, if she were to make a greater contribution to the progress of the people. She made a pioneering role to promote friendship between socialist countries and the people of Sri Lanka, to educate them on the vast achievements made by the people in socialist countries then.

     She was the Founder President of the Ceylon-China Friendship Association in 1950. For 10 years as President and for another 16 years till 1975 as VP of the Association, she devoted her time and energy for promoting friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and China. From 1970-74 she functioned as the VP of the Ceylon–North Vietnam and Ceylon-North Korea Friendship Associations and SL-Cambodia Cultural Parishad.

     Theja played a key role in the World Peace Council. From 1952-62 she functioned as the Secretary of Ceylon Peace Council. She was elected a Bureau Member of the World Peace Council in Vienna in 1955. From 1955-62 she led the Sri Lanka delegation to 5 World Conferences against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. During the same period she was the World Peace Council Bureau Secretary in Delhi, Stockholm, Vienna, and Tokyo.

     Theja was a leading figure in the Afro-Asian Solidarity Movement against colonialism and imperialism. She was a Founder Member of the Afro-Asian Solidarity Secretariat in Cairo, Egypt, in 1956. She was the President of the Afro-Asian Solidarity Association of Ceylon 1958-65. She was a delegate to the Afro-Asian Women’s Conference held in Cairo in 1961. She made a valuable contribution to Afro-Asian Solidarity against colonialism and imperialism at the AAS Conferences held in Cairo, Moshi (Tanzania) and Cyprus, 1958-64. She was the Chairperson of the Asian Economic Seminar held in Colombo and of the 2nd Asian Economic Seminar held in Pyongyang in 1963. She also played a key role at the Afro-Asian Writers Conference held in Peking in 1966. Theja was the livewire of the Lanka Kantha Peramuna, the Women’s Front of the Communist Party.

     I met Theja for the first time in 1963 when I visited Colombo to attend the Congress of the Ceylon CP, representing the Peradeniya University Party group. That was the time the Sino-Soviet split was emerging. She took a principled stand in every split that occurred in the Left Movement of Sri Lanka. She always took the side of the weak, the poor, radical and emerging groups, as against the strong, the rich, reformist and established groups. Her house was open to every radical group fighting for social justice, for creating a better world. She generously supported them all. I made it a point to visit her whenever I came to Colombo and seek her advice and support for our activities as young radicals.

     Theja Gunawardane is linked to one of the most memorable incidents in my life. During the Youth Uprising of 1971 the Criminal Investigation Department of Sri Lanka Police arrested me on April 12, 1971, at Theja’s house at Temple Rd, Maradana. At that time I was practising as a lawyer in Ratnapura and Avissawella courts. While I was there, Theja’s house was surrounded and searched by the Police. The Police identified me. I was manacled and assaulted then and there. Theja, her daughter Shanthi and I were brought to the notorious 4th Floor of the CID. I was badly assaulted and tortured and taken to the Welikada Prison the following night. I spent 2 years and 8 months at Welikada and Jaffna Prisons, detained under the Emergency Regulations as a security risk.

     Theja Gunawardana was such a giant in our own circumstances, a great multifaceted personality with varied talents and skills who was destined to play a significant role and make a valuable contribution to the people’s movement in the era of anti-imperialist struggle not only in Sri Lanka, but also in the Asia-Africa Region.

     Theja shone in a number of fields: a dedicated social worker, a pioneer leader in the women’s movement in Sri Lanka, author of many publications dealing with different subjects, a historian par excellence, a talented artist who not only brought out her own artistic creations of high quality but also generously supported other artists in their efforts to create people-oriented productions of high quality, a journalist who edited several newspapers and journals, a person with a wide knowledge and understanding of different religious doctrines and philosophies, and a fearless researcher who never hesitated to boldly examine and subject to review any established practice or view.

     There were a number of works written by her dealing with world peace, anti-imperialist struggles, socialist gains, and the split in the socialist camp: Never Again Wills Japan (against the threat of nuclear war), Venceremos (We Shall Win – on the triumph of Cuban Revolution), Congo Survives Operation Great Divide (revealing the imperialist plot against Patrice Lumumba), Whither India-China Relations, White Heat for Green Carpet (on People’s Communes in China), Khruschevism (revisionism in the USSR), China’s Cultural Revolution. All in-depth studies on contemporary issues.

     She took much effort to bring forward traditional dancers in the country and took the initiative to set up Jathika Kala Peramuna (National Arts Front). She made an important contribution to the development of the cultural life of this country when she served as a member of the Commission for organizing the College of Fine Arts[, Oriental Dancing and Music (popularly known as the Heywood Institute)]. Kohomba Kankariya (Dance Drama of the Ravana Dynasty), published in 1975 in Sinhala and English, was the culmination of her 42 years of research in the cultural and anthropological fields. It is a great work of art.

     Theja did vast research on early history of Sri Lanka. Much of her research still remains in the form of manuscripts… Theja never hesitated to express controversial views based on her findings in her research and studies.

     She did deep studies on comparative religion. She remained a member of Theosophical Society for a long time. She wrote a large number of articles and presented papers at Inter Religion Seminars held in Bangalore, China, London, Islamabad, Lahore, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, 1969-83. She wrote extensively on Islam, Christianity and Buddhism.

     Theja Gunawardana never sought power, fame or position. She was a good friend of both Prime Ministers SWRD and Sirimavo Bandaranaike. [and was made] Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Pakistan and Iran, 1974-77.

     Theja played a historic role in the anti-imperialist, anti-colonialist struggles in the last half century. She devoted all her time, energy and wealth for the service of the people not only of Sri Lanka, but also of other countries struggling against colonialism and for economic, cultural and social independence. Great personalities like Theja are rarely born in the world.

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224829

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=225004

__________________________________________________________

C. News Index______________________________________________

• ee News Index provides headlines and links to gain a sense of the weekly focus of published English ‘business news’ mainly to expose the backwardness of a multinationally controlled ‘local media’:

C1. Sovereignty

(ee is pro-politics, pro-politician, pro-nation-state, anti-corporatist, anti-expert, anti-NGO)

ee Sovereignty news emphasizes sovereignty as economic sovereignty – a strong nation is built on modern industrialization fueled by a producer culture.

• The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly – Wasala

‘The SLPP has called off its scheduled propaganda rallies…in view of the rising threat of a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic….Apparently, the UNP/SJB/JVP are not concerned with anything but regaining power to deliver the coup de grace to the unitary state, as required by their foreign masters.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=225018

• An Open Letter to Ms. Alaina Teplitz of the US Embassy – Sri Lanka Study Circle

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/12/an-open-letter-to-ms-alaina-teplitz-of-the-us-embassy/

• If Gota Does Not Open his Mouth Now & Say NO to MCC SOFA and ACSA –

Sri Lanka Study Circle

‘Many Sri Lankans aware of US designs on the country and who abhor their strangling white- supremacist attitude openly say, Teplitz, you can keep it; why have you not taken it back as you so repeatedly threatened since 2018?’

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/16/if-gota-does-not-open-his-mouth-now-and-say-no-to-mcc-sofa-and-acsa/

• From LTTE to USA – Does Sri Lanka Need a New War?

‘The US is building its military strength in the Indo-Pacific Region with US Indo-Pacific Command regularly highlighting the importance of using Sri Lanka’s strategic location’

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/16/from-ltte-to-usa-does-sri-lanka-need-a-new-war/

• Covid & MCC Sri Lanka: Health risk in flooding SL with US/Foreign Personnel? – Waduge

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/12/covid-mcc-sri-lanka-health-risk-in-flooding-sri-lanka-with-us-foreign-personnel/

• Do you Know The Contents of the US SOFA Agreement with Sri Lanka? – Waduge

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/14/do-you-know-what-contents-of-the-us-sofa-agreement-with-sri-lanka-is/

• ACSA-SOFA -MCC Tax Exemptions Questions Who’s Actual Beneficiary! – Waduge

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/16/acsa-sofa-mcc-agreements-tax-exemptions-questions-who-is-the-actual-beneficiary/

• LSSP strongly opposes the MCC, ACSA and SOFA Agreements

‘It is extremely worrying when Cabinet spokesman, Minister Bandula Gunawardene, is reported to have stated at a media briefing, while denying signing the MCC agreement, that the Government has entered into ACSA and SOFA agreements with the US Government. The situation is made more disturbing when newspapers report that Basil Rajapakse allegedly mentioned that if this has been stated by Bandula Gunawardene then it could be correct. I earnestly request the President and the Prime Minister to make a categorical statement denying the newspaper reports if they are not true, and to reassure the people that the Government has no intention of signing or implementing the MCC, ACSA and SOFA agreements’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224734

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224898

• Udaya Pushes for Repealing of 19A, warns of SOFA, MCC et al

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224903

• ACSA, SOFA, MCC Once concluded there is no walking away from treaties – Kohona

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224929

• US Staffer from MCC Spent Considerable Time working from ‘Temple Trees’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/columns/covid-19-dictates-terms-for-august-5-elections-409203.html

• Overall human rights situation in SL deteriorated in 2019: England

– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Overall-human-rights-situation-in-SL-deteriorated-in-2019-Report/108-192135

• Sri Lanka: Non-Aligned Policy Key to Balancing Act

‘Indian Navy Commanders who were present at recent defence dialogues in Sri Lanka had made what he described as “belligerent statements”, telling SL in effect to “watch what it is doing with China”.’

– dailynews.lk/2020/07/16/features/223377/sri-lanka-non-aligned-policy-key-balancing-act

• Travails of diplomats

‘What concerns us is that in the midst of all this (and much more), the US Secretary and our Foreign Minister talked about “shared democratic traditions, respect for human rights, and the importance of transparency for the long-term stability and prosperity of the people”. Come on!… Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ms. Teplitz, are you listening? Maybe you’d welcome a chat with Shamindra Ferdinando, clear the air so to speak, face masks and all?

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224875’

• Erasing the Eelam Victory Part 17 A&B&D&E

‘Sri Lanka is now in approaching its fourth round of western rule, this time under the USA. When the English left Ceylon in 1948, USA was ready to take over, but in the euphoria of independence, this went unnoticed…’

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/12/erasing-the-eelam-victory-part-17-a/

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/15/erasing-the-eelam-victory-part-17-b/

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/17/erasing-the-eelam-victory-part-17-d/

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/17/erasing-the-eelam-victory-part-17-e/

• Need for skilled diplomacy, not platform rhetoric – Sunday Times

‘Last week we wrote about the emerging pitfalls in hurting, virtually antagonising an old donor friend in Japan in the economic development of this country. Further scenarios are playing out these days over the Colombo port involving India, and a grant from the United States…Communist China’s recent prosperity is purely due to that country doing business with the US and Europe.’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/editorial/need-for-skilled-diplomacy-not-platform-rhetoric-409197.html

• What will happen to ECT located along international shipping routes?

‘ECT is identified as a deepwater port and it would be able to accommodate even the largest vessel in the world… It is now clear, Adani Group – one of India’s largest conglomerates is preparing to get involved in the project for the development of ECT. Gautam Adani, the Chairman of Adani Group is a very close associate of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi…

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/17/what-will-happen-to-ect-located-along-international-shipping-routes/

• ECT Cranes Still not Used Despite Agreement with Unions

‘Chandrasiri Mahagamage, the secretary of the All Ceylon General Ports Employees Union said, a cabinet paper put forward recently has paved the way for the terminal to be handed over to the private sector.’

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/17/slpa-debt-not-settled-using-lease-payment-of-hambantota-port

• Should India be given Colombo Port? – Waduge

‘If India is building a hub to divert Sri Lanka’s currently operated transshipment cargo which began in 2015, it only means Sri Lanka’s Port officials should have by now developed a business plan to counter by finding ways and means to draw the volumes that is likely to be lost for Sri Lanka.’

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/16/should-india-be-given-colombo-port/

• Sri Lanka’s SAGT joins global blockchain freight platform

‘SL’s South Asia Gateway Terminals had joined Tradelens, a global blockchain driven information sharing platform developed by AP Moller-Maersk and IMB Sri which already had more than 115 terminal and 15 customs agencies on board.’

– economynext.com/sri-lankas-sagt-joins-global-blockchain-freight-platform-72101/

• Govt. higher-ups ordered to provide MSD security for Jeevan: MSD Director

– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Govt-higher-ups-ordered-to-provide-MSD-security-for-Jeevan-MSD-Director/108-192121

• DMK warns India’s PM about China’s plans in Sri Lanka, urges revival of Sethu Samudram

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/columns/august-5-polls-disruption-plans-go-up-in-flames-bomb-maker-killed-409209.html

• East Container Terminal and national interest

‘About 80% of transshipment containers to Colombo come from the Indian sub-continent and hence it is an important contribution. The Ports Authority should bear in mind the that Vizhinjam international Port in Kerala is coming into operation in October 2020 as a landlord port, funded by Adani Group and it is an arch-competitor to Colombo.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224828

• India in talks with Sri Lanka over request for debt relief

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224717
• India to give debt moratorium for Sri Lanka?

‘SL total outstanding loan component from India is US $962 million. This includes the interest accrued. The payment due for this year with interest is US$169.7 million. The SL Government made this request as part of its plan for debt restructuring. Meanwhile, the agreement for the currency SWAP faculty of US$1.1 billion will be signed between Reserve Bank of India & SL Central Bank next week.

– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/India-to-give-debt-moratorium-for-Sri-Lanka/108-192066

• LTTE cadre who died in bomb explosion responsible for several previous blasts

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224901

• Poll nears, campaigners play up India rhetoric in Sri Lanka

‘Tamil National Alliance’s (TNA) former parliamentarian S. Shritharan said: “India is watching us closely, pointing to inadequacies in our campaign, they tell us you should be a formidable force, and work with hill-country Tamil leaders, only then we [India] will be able to pressure Sri Lanka.”’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224796

• Sri Lanka’s Tamil National Alliance In Transition? – OpEd

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/14/sri-lankas-tamil-national-alliance-in-transition-oped/

• Indian High-C assures CB full support for proposed US$ 1.1bn SWAP with RBI

– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Indian-HC-assures-full-support-for-proposed-US-1-1bn-SWAP-with-RBI/273-191916

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/cb-governor-meets-acting-indian-high-commissioner-to-discuss-proposed-swap-facility

– ft.lk/front-page/Special-SWAP-talks/44-703153

• Hakeem insists SLMC ruling political party in Muslim community

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=225030

• Lanka denies claims made by UN Special Rapporteur

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224816

• Fresh civil society project ‘Forward, Not Backward’ launched ahead of Aug 2020 polls

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224879

• ‘Forward, Not Backward’: Dayan responds

 – island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224926

• GL tears into Yusuf, thanks civil society for proving SLPP allegations

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224924

• A Committee reviewing Sri Lanka–Singapore FTA: AG informs SC

– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/A-Committee-reviewing-Sri-LankaSingapore-FTA-AG-informs-SC/108-191803

• Japan suspends discussions on debt relief.

‘The ridiculous and it appears, deliberately misleading controversy over the Millennium Challenge Account grant of $ 480 million is further damaging….Were the Democrats to win the US presidency in November, there is the chance of a more human rights and democracy friendly international environment taking hold’

– ft.lk/columns/The-General-Election-of-2020/4-703054

• Japan grants Rs.340mn to strengthen anti-narcotic activities in SL

‘Sri Lanka Police has identified the necessity of modern equipment to detect large scale drug trafficking activities and the individuals under the influence of dangerous drugs.’

– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Japan-grants-Rs-340mn-to-strengthen-anti-narcotic-activities-in-SL/108-191821

• Japan assists career development of Sri Lanka Govt. executives

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122133/japan-assists-career-development-of-sri-lanka-govt-executives

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122108/japan-provides-human-resources-development-scholarships-for-the-sri-lankan-public-sector

• Hindu Extremism linked to BJP in India: HRW

‘More than 50 people had been killed and more than 250 seriously injured by the Hindu extremist groups in the last four years; says a recent report of the Human Rights Watch, most of the attacks on religious minorities in the Indian-Occupied Kashmir are led by BJP supporters.’

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/17/justice-trampled/

• Nepal’s cable networks ban Indian news channels

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224722

• Why India’s China strategy is changing – Tharoor

‘India has lately increased cooperation with the US military. In 2016, it concluded a logistics support agreement, and in 2018, it reached a communication security agreement and an accord on geospatial cooperation. Moreover, India has embraced, at least rhetorically, the US concept of a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” and is gradually abandoning its reluctance to participate in the US-led “Quad,” an informal four-country grouping (which also includes Australia and Japan) focused on countering China’s regional ambitions. The foundations have been laid for a more substantive strategic shift.’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/sunday-times-2/why-indias-china-strategy-is-changing-409195.html

• The Asia Pacific Arms Race has taken an Ominous Turn, particularly in the Indian Ocean

– aljazeera.com/indepth/features/analysis-asia-pacific-arms-race-ominous-turn-200711070709341.html

• US-China tensions taking centre stage in global politics

 – island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224931

• India favours early delineation of border with China – Venkat Narayan

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224789

• Is India letting China win without fighting in the Himalayas? – Venkat Narayan

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224752

• China’s aggressions against India give insight into CPC thinking these days, says US. NSA

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224948

• Why a Trade War With China Is a Bad Idea for India

‘It is far from impossible to imagine that China’s assertive military behavior might ultimately have the perverse effect of pushing India in an inward economic direction whose long-term beneficiary is China itself. India should avoid this path. As Modi weighs how to respond, he must recognize that India has scant ability to hurt China economically, but it has plenty of ability to hurt itself.’

– foreignpolicy.com/2020/06/29/trade-war-china-bad-idea-india-border-skirmish-boycott/

• An envoy’s quest to regain dignity for Lanka’s African community

sundaytimes.lk/200712/plus/an-envoys-quest-to-regain-dignity-for-lankas-african-community-408955.html

• SL joins int’l community in calling Israel to abandon planned annexation

– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/SL-joins-intl-community-in-calling-Israel-to-abandon-planned-annexation/108-192122

• BBC whitewashes Queen over Gough Whitlam case

‘Queen not told in advance of Australia PM’s sacking, letters show’

– bbc.com/news/world-australia-53386554

• The Coup Against ‘The Most Loyal Ally’

‘As Australia is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen as head of state, the governor-general claimed he had the authority to do this. However this “reserve power” to remove an elected prime minister who held a majority in the House of Representatives has been debated ever since by legal experts….Australian ASIO’s real power derived from the UKUSA Treaty, with its secret pact of loyalty to foreign intelligence organisations – notably the CIA and MI6.’

– counterpunch.org/2020/06/03/the-coup-against-the-most-loyal-ally

• Trudeaus Caught Pocketing NGO WE Money

“WE has directed young people towards ineffective political actions and a narrow understanding of doing good in the world…teaching kids that ‘breaking the cycle of poverty’ (WE’s words) involves travelling to a ‘developing’ country to build a school and not marching on the IMF, World Bank, White House or Parliament Hill to demand the cancellation of global South debts. That’s the real #WEscam.” In fact, a little discussed reason the federal government funds NGOs is to co-opt internationalist minded young people into aligning with Canadian foreign policy. “A generation of kids have learned about ‘international development’ but still don’t know what an IMF structural adjustment program is.” Imposed by the Washington-based international financial institution, structural adjustment programs (SAPs) pushed indebted African, Asian and Latin American countries to privatize state assets, weaken labour regulations and liberalize trade and investment rules. Through the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s Canada channeled hundreds of millions of dollars in “aid” to support SAPs. Canadian mining companies greatly benefited from liberalized mining laws, but structural adjustment policies produced deep social and economic crises. Nutritional status, health, education and other social indicators declined in the wake of SAPs.

– yvesengler.com/2020/07/17/the-real-we-scandal

– washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/trudeau-said-he-took-many-lessons-from-his-last-ethics-scandal-now-hes-in-another-one/2020/07/15

________________________________________________________________

C2. Security (the state beyond ‘a pair of handcuffs’, monopolies of legitimate violence)

ee Security section focuses on the state (a pair of handcuffs, which sposedly has the monopoly of legitimate violence), and how the ‘national security’ doctrine is undermined by private interests, with no interest in divulging or fighting the real enemy, whose chief aim is to prevent an industrial renaissance as the basis of a truly independent nation.

• 04 to 05 people die daily due to train accidents: Department of Railways

‘…in 2019, 369 sustained injuries in railway accidents, 215 died and 443 committed suicide.’

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/18/04-to-05-people-die-daily-due-to-train-accidents-department-of-railways/

• Committee proposes to abolish unauthorised leasing biz; avoid use of force when seizing assets

– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Committee-proposes-to-abolish-unauthorised-leasing-biz-avoid-use-of-force-when-seizing-assets/273-191778

• “Don’t use force”, official committee says on seizure of equipment by finance/leasing firms: CB

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/dont-use-force-official-committee-says-on-seizure-of-equipment-by-financeleasing-firms-408808.html

• Non-Bank Financial Institutions call for reforms strengthening legal enforcement in the sector

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122322/nbfis-call-for-positive-reforms-strengthening-legal-enforcement-in-the-sector

• Leasing companies want inclusion in “Saubagya” scheme

– ft.lk/front-page/Leasing-companies-want-inclusion-in-Saubagya-scheme/44-703192

• MMBL-Pathfinder launches ‘Pathfinder Vimana’ drone technology initiative

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/16/mmbl-pathfinder-launches-pathfinder-vimana-drone-technology-initiative/

• AG approves draft regulations on de-radicalising holders of extremist views

– ft.lk/top-story/AG-approves-draft-regulations-on-de-radicalising-holders-of-extremist-views/26-703336

• 14 arrested over unrest at Angulana Police station to be produced in court today

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/17/14-arrested-over-unrest-at-angulana-police-station-to-be-produced-in-court-today

• Eliminating corruption in public service: Don’t blame Police alone, Blame Lawyers

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/sunday-times-2/eliminating-corruption-in-public-service-dont-blame-police-alone-409155.html

• A Bit of Unorthodox History of the Police

– ceylontoday.lk/news/a-bit-of-unorthodox-history-of-the-police

• BASL: ‘Unqualified persons practising law in violation of SC rules’

 – island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224984

 • Remembering heroes of Operation Eagle

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224928

• President immune to judicial process – AG

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/14/president-immune-to-judicial-process-ag/

• Plan to hand over preparation of driving licenses to the Army mooted

– colombopage.com/archive_20B/Jul15_1594754507CH.php

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-military-eyes-driving-license-production-business-71990/

• Swordsmen and mandarins

‘Serious concern has been expressed in some quarters about the Rajapaksa government’s increasing dependence on the military to have civilian functions performed…As for the DMT, the biggest problem is not the licence printing racket. It is the nexus between the so-called driving schools and the DMT officials, who take bribes to issue driving licences.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=news-section&page=news-section&code_title=55

• Sri Lanka Reflects A Trend Of Leaders With Military Backgrounds Doing Better In Asia – Arjuna Mahendran

– colombotelegraph.com/index.php/sri-lanka-reflects-a-trend-of-leaders-with-military-backgrounds-doing-better-in-asia/

• The big, bad wolf of Lanka’s politico-police-military nexus – Sunday Times

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/columns/the-big-bad-wolf-of-lankas-politico-police-military-nexus-409186.html

• Military, state officers under EC scrutiny

‘For the first time during an election, state sector officials, those in the military and police have come under a microscope for airing their views on the social media including Facebook.’

 – sundaytimes.lk/200712/news/military-state-officers-under-ec-scrutiny-409266.html

• Democracy can help manage the pandemic and its economic fallout – FT

‘45% of households were affected by loss of daily wages because of the curfew. Severe effects were felt by 37% of households….lack of democracy in China was a contributory factor. The incentives governing the actions of the regional authorities resulted in a delay of days in reporting. The central authorities did not have good-quality information to act upon. This is a narrative that helped explain the collapse of the central planning model implemented in the former Soviet Union….’

– ft.lk/columns/Democracy-can-help-manage-the-pandemic-and-its-economic-fallout/4-703067

• Time to End the Covid-19 Fear Psychosis & Militarized Curfews

‘It appears that the SL navy caught Covid-19 as part of a trend in the increasingly militarized Indian Ocean region: The U.S. Navy’s Aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt led the way with 900 plus Covid-19 cases on board in Guam, followed by France’s Charles de Gaulle Aircraft carrier. At this time Covid-19 has also spread to the Indian Navy camp in Mumbai and SL’s Welisarra Navy camp and from there to many sailors and their families all over the country.’

– indepthnews.net/index.php/opinion/3512-time-to-end-the-covid-19-fear-psychosis-militarized-curfews

• Sexual bribery frequent in some communities – Transparency’s Asoka Obeyesekere diverts….

‘Q We hear about corruption in the Public Sector but what about corruption in the private sector?’

– dailymirror.lk/opinion/Sexual-bribery-frequent-in-some-communities-Asoka-Obeyesekere/172-191746

• No thieves broke into the Museum in the 1980s

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/plus/letters-to-the-editor-5-408951.html

• Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne appointed new Navy chief

– adaderana.lk/news/65564/vice-admiral-nishantha-ulugetenne-appointed-new-navy-chief

• Cold War with China and the Thucydides Trap: a Conversation with Richard Falk

– counterpunch.org/2020/07/09/cold-war-with-china-and-the-thucydides-trap-a-conversation-with-richard-falk

• U.S. bases in Okinawa report more COVID-19 cases, pushing total to 99

– japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/13/national/japan-us-coronavirus-military-bases-okinawa • ISI using pro-Khalistan elements in Canada for terror acts in India, reveals a report:

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/14/isi-using-pro-khalistan-elements-in-canada-for-terror-acts-in-india-reveals-a-report/

• Sri Lankan man accused of killing wife in Canada gets his trial dismissed due to court delays

‘Thanabalasingham who had obtained refugee status in Canada and later became a Permanent Resident told the authorities that he was happy to return to Sri Lanka “as soon as possible.”’

– economynext.com/sri-lankan-man-accused-of-killing-wife-in-canada-gets-his-trial-dismissed-due-to-court-delays-72104/

• UN chief warns of deadly germs as potential bio-terrorist weapons

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/sunday-times-2/un-chief-warns-of-deadly-germs-as-potential-bio-terrorist-weapons-409099.html

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C3. Economists (Study the Economists before you study the Economics)

ee Economists shows how paid capitalist/academic ‘professionals’ confuse (misdefinitions, etc) and divert (with false indices, etc) from the steps needed to achieve an industrial country.

• Limited Internal Market claims Rockefeller Pathfinder Moragoda

‘When they do address economic issues, many candidates espouse impractical and discredited ideologies that make no economic sense and seek to isolate Sri Lanka from the world at large. “Such inward-looking policies if implemented will seriously jeopardize Sri Lanka’s economic future and set us back several generations. A small economy with a limited internal market like ours cannot survive by isolating ourselves from the world,”

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224718

• Where is the money? – Reductio Ad Abeyratnum

‘If money ends up in the hands of “speculative investors” in stocks, bonds, gold, oil, and property, and any other toxic asset, then there is no economic revival.’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/where-is-the-money-408861.html

• Strengthening exports essential for economy – Sanderatne

‘There is a repeated call for self-sufficiency. This is a popular and patriotic appeal, not a realistic economic option’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/columns/strengthening-exports-essential-for-economy-409191.html

• World Bank downgrading of Sri Lanka status was ‘figurative’: CB Governor

‘A new system is now in place to keep the President informed of CB activities by regularly meeting with the President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/columns/policies-and-principles-first-please-409199.html

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/world-bank-downgrading-of-sri-lanka-status-was-figurativecb-governor-408845.html

• Voters be warned: Fearmongers are at work – Wijewardena

‘The best example used in the present election campaigns is the fear of MCC Compact grant offered to Sri Lanka by the US government.’

– ft.lk/columns/Voters-be-warned-Fearmongers-are-at-work/4-702977

• SJB goes for sustainable SOEs model

‘Appointments to the Boards of SOEs will be professionals who require approval by an independent body akin to the Central Bank doing a fit and proper test for appointments to boards of banks…all SOEs will be required to make regular disclosures including quarterly financial performance like listed companies whilst SOEs will be audited by reputed accounting and auditing firms apart from the Auditor General.’

– ft.lk/front-page/SJB-goes-for-sustainable-SOEs-model/44-703099

• Man blamed for nearly half Sri Lanka virus cases speaks out

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/15/man-blamed-for-nearly-half-sri-lanka-virus-cases-speaks-out/

• Self-Reliant Double Talk: Modi

‘Portraying the Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self Reliant India) campaign as a people’s movement, Modi said 1.3 billion Indians have given a call for self-reliance. “A self-reliant India merges domestic production and consumption with global supply chains. Atma Nirbhar Bharat is not about self-contained or being closed to the world. It’s about being self-sustaining and self-generating. We will pursue policies that promote efficiency, equity and resilience,” he added.

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224759

• Multinational Corporations and the Globalization of Monopoly Capital

– monthlyreview.org/2016/07/01/multinational-corporations-and-the-globalization-of-monopoly-capital-from-the-1960s-to-the-present/

• How the US Federal Reserve created a financial opioid crisis in the West

‘By targeting asset prices to bolster the economy, the Federal Reserve is again creating an asset bubble. The US central bank’s loose monetary policy, more than China, is really to blame for US troubles now’ – scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3093311/how-us-federal-reserve-created-financial-opioid-crisis-west

• The Fiscal Deficit, Modern Monetary Theory and Progressive Economic Policy

‘In a nutshell, MMT puts forward a powerful critique of mainstream macro-economic policy but discounts the need for truly radical change if the economy is to be regulated and managed for the public good.’

– socialistproject.ca/2020/07/fiscal-deficit-mmt-progressive-economic-policy/

• Global debt and economic recovery

‘Paul Polman, International Chamber of Commerce Chairman speaking at a top level UN Summit last week noted that US$5 trillion of trade financing capacity will be needed in 2021 to restore global commerce to its pre-Covid-19 trend…The scale of public financing required in this regard should not be underestimated. It’s unlikely commercial markets can satisfy this need without appropriate public support.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224779

• WB urges adequate social safety nets as S. Asia intensifies fight against Covid-19

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224922

• Why is China Painted as ‘Capitalist’ by Western Propaganda?

‘But China is not a capitalist country, as it is not an imperialist one. It is the least expansionist major country on the Planet.’

– journal-neo.org/2020/07/03/why-is-china-painted-as-capitalist-by-western-propaganda/

• Economics of Imperialism: Analysis of how the world economy works

‘Can China do much to fight back against the power wielded by the US in the world economy? At first sight, that looks unlikely. China is big, but world trade is conducted in dollars, and the US has economic, political and military influence across the globe…As one might expect, China has been responding to US attacks, and the outcome is likely to foment a split in the world economy.– economicsofimperialism.blogspot.com/2020/07/china-us-power.html?

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C4. Economy (Usually reported in monetary terms)

ee Economy section shows how the economy is usually measured by false indices like GDP, etc, and in monetary terms, confusing money and capital, while calling for privatization and deregulation, etc.

• Exchange controls extended to preserve foreign reserves

– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Exchange-controls-extended-to-preserve-foreign-reserves/273-192080

• Continuing measures to preserve foreign currency reserve position of SL

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224952

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/continuation-of-measures-taken-to-preserve-the-foreign-currency-reserve-position-of-sri-lanka/

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122356/further-6-months-restrictions-on-outward-remittances-by-cb

– ft.lk/front-page/Govt-expands-limits-on-forex-outflows-by-6-months/44-703287

– lankabusinessonline.com/sri-lanka-restricts-outward-remittances-on-capital-transactions-for-six-months/

• Sri Lanka extends term of expropriation compensation committee

‘Sri Lanka expropriated a number of firms including foreign owned ones in 2011, using a ad hominem law where enterprises named. A legislative challenge was also outlawed in a serious violation of the separation of powers, legal analysts said raisin concerns over rule of law as well as private property ownership. Expropriation of private property is a factor that contributes to an uncertain and high risk business environment that economists call ‘regime uncertainty’’

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-extends-term-of-expropriation-compensation-committee-72028/

• Sri Lanka’s trade deficit narrows in May 2020

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/sri-lankas-trade-deficit-narrows-in-may-2020/

• First time no budget in a fiscal year

‘Third Vote on Account to be presented after Aug. 5 poll…It is expected that borrowings for 2020 on a net basis would be in the region of Rs. 1,257 billion. The total foreign borrowing on a net basis would be Rs. 523 billion, while the balance will be borrowed domestically, the estimates show.’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/first-time-no-budget-in-a-fiscal-year-409001.html

• Sri Lanka central bank ‘unprints’ money

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-central-bank-unprints-money-71851

• CB boosts SDA to attract more forex

– ft.lk/front-page/CB-boosts-SDA-to-attract-more-forex/44-703096

• China leads Sri Lanka foreign loans as 2020 projects disrupted by Covid-19

– economynext.com/china-leads-sri-lanka-foreign-loans-as-2020-projects-disrupted-by-covid-19-72061/

• UNP manifesto focuses on Japan-like economy revival plan: Ranil W

‘Sri Lanka is slated to lose one million jobs and foreign revenue worth USD 7 billion this year…’

– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/UNP-manifesto-focuses-on-Japan-like-economy-revival-plan-RW/108-192051

• China’s 2Q GDP grows 3.2%, beats expectations

– dailymirror.lk/business__main/Chinas-2Q-GDP-grows-3-2-beats-expectations/245-192081

• Caribbean Nations Selling Second Passports Are Slashing Prices

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/caribbean-nations-selling-second-passports-are-slashing-prices/

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C5. Workers (Inadequate Stats, Wasteful Transport, Unmodern Plantations, Services)

ee Workers attempts to correct the massive gaps and disinformation about workers, urban and rural and their representatives (trade unions, etc), and to highlight the need for organized worker power

• Sri Lanka deal on partial Coronavirus wages with EFC to continue till September

‘Under the deal EFC members will pay 50 percent of the salary or 14,500 rupees, whichever is greater for workers who are sent on leave or work a few days…. Sri Lanka has no laws to furlough employees or lay-off quickly. Firms generally stop hiring or have voluntary retirement plans. Labour contracts that are expiring are not renewed’

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-deal-on-partial-coronavirus-wages-with-efc-to-continue-till-september-72079/

• Government mulls unemployment benefits for private sector layoffs

‘At least 500,000 private sector employees are faced with the prospect of losing their jobs due to the collapse of SL businesses following the coronavirus blow, a senior Labour Ministry official said. Of this so far about 450,000 tourism-industry workers have lost their jobs in SL as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic deepens. The job loss includes 180,000 direct employees with the rest from indirectly-related industries…A trade union leader said that another 30,000 have lost their jobs on a general count and added that more will have to face the threat of job losses in the future.’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/government-mulls-unemployment-benefits-for-private-sector-layoffs-408993.html

• Agreement on private sector employees’ salary extended till September

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/16/agreement-on-private-sector-employees-salary-extended-till-september/

 • “Smart Shirts workers at home on half pay”

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/smart-shirts-workers-at-home-on-half-pay-2-408825.html

• Public Health Inspectors Union step away from COVID-19 control duties

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/17/phis-step-away-from-covid-19-control-duties/

• Prepare for war

‘Worryingly, the Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) withdrew from COVID-19-related duties, yesterday, claiming that they were not authorised to enforce the pandemic control laws. They have played a pivotal role in controlling the disease, and their pullout is bound to affect the on-going anti-coronavirus campaign adversely. Why the government has not cared to heed the PHIs’ demand which is nothing but fair is the question. The Health Ministry is notorious for long-drawn-out trade union disputes’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=news-section&page=news-section&code_title=60

• Wildlife officers engage in trade union action

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/17/wildlife-officers-engage-in-trade-union-action/

• Pensioners challenge Govt. decision to suspend pension hike

‘Petitioners said that around 110,000 pensioners are adversely affected by the Government decision to suspend the pension hike and seek an Order from the CA to stop the operation of the second circular.’

– ft.lk/front-page/Pensioners-challenge-Govt-decision-to-suspend-pension-hike/44-703345
• CWC, Jeevan Thondaman and Nuwara-Eliya Tamils

‘There are four electoral divisions in the Nuwara -Eliya electoral district. They are Nuwara Eliya – Maskeliya, Kotmale, Hanguranketa and Walapane. The Nuwara Eliya -Maskeliya electoral division is a merger of the old Nuwara Eliya and Maskeliya constituencies under the first-past-the-post election system. About 75% are Tamils in this electoral division, the other three electoral divisions Kotmale, Walapane and Hanguranketa have 53%, 26% and 21% Tamils respectively.’

– dailymirror.lk/opinion/CWC-Jeevan-Thondaman-and-Nuwara-Eliya-Tamils/172-192186

• Teachers’ union boss complains about principals brazenly flouting ministry instructions

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224810

• Over 150 Colleges of Education diploma holders receive teaching appointments

‘The number of teachers that have been absorbed to the teacher cadre from the National Colleges of Education so far is more than 130,603 and the percentage of it is 52.91% of the entire teacher cadre of this country.’

– colombopage.com/archive_20B/Jul15_1594837779CH.php

• ADB, Govt. to carry out feasibility studies for 10 high-tech universities

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/govt-to-carry-out-feasibility-studies-for-10-high-tech-universities/

• WFP and Australia donate food packs to kids missing free midday meals due to school closures

– economynext.com/wfp-and-australia-donate-food-packs-to-kids-missing-free-midday-meals-due-to-school-closures-72064/

• Sri Lanka to bar foreigners from construction, IT deals to boost locals in Covid-19 crisis

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-to-bar-foreigners-from-construction-it-deals-to-boost-locals-in-covid-19-crisis-minister-72052/

• Workers’ remittances decline 23.2% in May

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/workers-remittances-decline-23-2-in-may/

• Sri Lanka health professionals to get quick visas to work in the UK

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-health-professionals-to-get-quick-visas-to-work-in-the-uk-72084/

• 2021-2030 declared as the Decade of Skills Development

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122216/2021-2030-declared-as-the-decade-of-skills-development

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224906

• 100 local craftsmen receive German assistance

‘The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) and Würth Lanka signed an agreement last week to train 100 local craftsmen…’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224851

• German Embassy donates funds to Women In Need

‘Around 1500 women and children in Batticaloa, Jaffna and Matara will be direct and includes 105 police women, 105 mid-level government officials and many other participants…’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=225012

• Women & Media Collective makes post-lockdown recommendations for marginalised

– economynext.com/women-media-collective-makes-post-lockdown-policy-recommendations-for-marginalised-communities-72090/

• Roving vendors banned inside buses

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224853

• Sri Lankan appointed President of Asian HR association

‘Dhammika Fernando, incumbent President of CIPM Sri Lanka, has been appointed as the President of the prestigious Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resource Management (APFHRM) and a Board Member of the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA) in July…He currently functions as the Executive General Manager and the Local Chief Officer of Tropical Findings (Pvt) Ltd, a Japanese multinational’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/sri-lankan-appointed-president-of-asian-hr-association-408816.html

• Interview: The League of Revolutionary Black Workers

Two industrial workers, members of Detroit’s League of Revolutionary Black Workers, share experiences with political organizing and education.

– daily.jstor.org/league-revolutionary-black-workers

• Court stalls Trump’s bid to resume federal capital punishment

– dailymirror.lk/opinion/Court-stalls-Trumps-bid-to-resume-federal-capital-punishment/172-191854

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C6. Agriculture (Robbery of rural home market; Machines, if used, mainly imported)

ee Agriculture emphasizes the failure to industrialize on an agriculture that keeps the cultivator impoverished under moneylender and merchant, and the need to protect the rural home market. Also, importation of agricultural machinery, lack of rural monetization and commercialization, etc.

• Fonterra team gathers in prayer, invokes blessings for everyone’s safety

‘Blessings were invoked as a sign of gratitude to Fonterra employees, dairy farmers, suppliers, trade agents island-wide, retail partners and extended families who remained committed to serving the nation throughout the Covid-19 crisis, alongside our Tri-Forces, health care workers, and dedicated task forces’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/fonterra-team-gathers-in-prayer-invokes-blessings-for-everyones-safety-408848.html

• Mass killing of cattle, again?

‘State efforts are underway to import 2500 milch cows from Australia…’

– dailymirror.lk/news-features/Mass-killing-of-cattle-again/131-191900

• Treasury releases funds to Paddy Marketing Board for Yala season’s harvest

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/14/treasury-releases-funds-to-paddy-marketing-board-for-yala-seasons-harvest/

• Yala Harvest Paddy price set at Rs. 50 per kilo

– ft.lk/front-page/Paddy-price-set-at-Rs-50-per-kilo/44-703152

• Sri Lanka to give same state guaranteed price for all types of paddy

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-to-give-same-state-guaranteed-price-for-all-types-of-paddy-71975/

– colombopage.com/archive_20B/Jul14_1594736400CH.php

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224940

• Sri Lanka to spend Rs10.4 billion for paddy floor price

‘Sri Lanka has allocated 10.4 billion rupees to help enforce a floor price for paddy harvested during the Yala minor cultivation season…state-run Paddy Marketing Board will make the purchases through stores scattered around the country. The price will be paid regardless of the type of rice. The unintended economic consequences of the move is not known’

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-to-spend-rs10-4-billion-for-paddy-floor-price-72040/– economynext.com/sri-lanka-to-spend-rs10-4-billion-for-paddy-floor-price-72040/

• President stresses need for value added agricultural products

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224793

• President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s advice to farmers

‘The re-export of pepper has been completely stopped….The President instructed the farmers not to fall prey to middlemen, and to take steps to sell their paddy harvest at government controlled prices.’

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/12/president-gotabaya-rajapaksas-advice-to-farmers/

• Local companies can be given contracts to resolve water issues : President

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/17/local-companies-can-be-given-contracts-to-resolve-water-issues-president/

• Coconut Development Authority initiates investment assistance program for entrepreneurs

‘Aims to promote bristle fibre production, encourage construction of coconut shell burners… to provide entrepreneurs with financial assistance to obtain machines. These machines are locally improved with automated husk holding technology, and are able to manufacture bristle and mattress fibre to promote, upgrade and encourage bristle fibre production. In 2019, Sri Lanka exported coconut fibre products worth of $197 million of which $3 million was bristle fibre.’

– ft.lk/front-page/CDA-initiates-investment-assistance-program-for-entrepreneurs/44-703156

• Northern Farmers get Cashew lands

‘The Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation (SLCC) and the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) have come forward to offer 200 acres of land to the Northern farmers for the cultivation of crops within the Cashew plants.’

– dailynews.lk/2020/07/16/finance/223361/northern-farmers-get-cashew-lands

• PM directs 13 tea factories to be investigated and reopened

‘Factory owners complain about livelihood losses to about 100,000 people due to closures’

– ft.lk/front-page/PM-directs-13-tea-factories-to-be-investigated-and-reopened/44-703337

• Flawed projects lead to rapid deforestation : Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero

‘“Recently they attempted to sell off about 500,000 hectares of lands to multinational corporations,”’

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/17/flawed-projects-lead-to-rapid-deforestation-ven-pahiyangala-ananda-sagara-thero/

• DIMO Agribusinesses expands footprint in Sri Lanka with third Agri Techno Park

‘These Agri techno parks act as regional model farms for optimisation of technology in the agriculture sector and as technology transferring hubs for the farmer community in the respective region. They will be developed as research and development centres in the agriculture sector while introducing latest technologies in crop management and farming methods to the farmer community, providing farmer training/engagement to promote good agriculture practices.’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/dimo-agribusinesses-expands-footprint-in-sri-lanka-with-third-agri-techno-park-408822.html

• Fishing industry: Lifeblood of the coastal regions

‘Along the 1770 km long coast of Sri Lanka, there are 969 fishing villages.’

– dailynews.lk/2020/03/10/features/213879/fishing-industry-lifeblood-coastal-regions

• Lankan canned fish producers gearing to enter global market in four years

‘”Presently, there is a consumption demand for 250,000 units of canned fish on a daily basis and we produce 150,000 units per day. We are in the process of increasing it to 200,000 in the coming months. If the market’s operating environment continues to remain favorable, we will be able to manufacture the total domestic demand of canned fish in 3 years and should be able to commence exporting the commodity in 4 years,” President of the five-member Canned Fish Manufacturers Association of Sri Lanka (CFMASL) said…. earnings from sea food exports recorded US$ 18.6 million in May 2019 while this figure was US $ 11.5 million in May 2020. Expenditure on sea food imports was US$ 25.9 million in May 2019 while this figure declined to US$19.5 million in May 2020.

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224920

• Development of local canned fish industry could save country US$ 70 mn annually

‘Urges quick development of Oluvil harbour’

– dailynews.lk/2020/07/15/finance/223252/development-local-canned-fish-industry-could-save-country-us-70-mn

• People’s Bank supports the creation of a self-sufficient nation with a distribution of Aswenna loans in Keppetipola

‘The loans were distributed for the purpose of agriculture, horticulture, greenhouse crops and dairy milk production.’

– dailymirror.lk/press-releases/Peoples-Bank-supports-the-creation-of-a-self-sufficient-nation-with-a-distribution-of-Aswenna-loans/335-192130

• Sri Lanka’s tea production costs, the highest in the world’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224993

• Project to use drones for agriculture takes off

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122305/in-pictures-project-to-use-drones-for-agriculture-takes-off

• Driving Dispossession: The Global Push to “Unlock the Economic Potential of Land,”

‘The report sounds the alarm on the unprecedented wave of privatization of natural resources that is underway around the world. Through six case studies—Ukraine, Zambia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and Brazil’

– oaklandinstitute.org/driving-dispossession

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C7. Industry (False definitions, anti-industrial sermons, rentier/entrepreneur, etc)

ee Industry section notes the ignorance about industrialization, the buying of foreign machinery, the need to make machines that make machines, build a producer culture. False definitions of industry, entrepreneur, etc, abound.

• President calls on engineers to revolutionize construction sector

“People in many parts of the country suffer due to lack of water for drinking and irrigation purposes. Tanks and irrigation systems have nearly collapsed. Development of the road network in rural areas should be expedited. Development projects serve no purpose if they fail to meet the basic needs of the people.”

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/president-calls-on-engineers-to-revolutionize-construction-sector

– ft.lk/front-page/President-calls-on-engineers-to-revolutionise-construction-sector/44-703339

• Sri Lanka to probe mineral exploration on Mannar Island by Australian company

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/15/sri-lanka-to-probe-mineral-exploration-on-mannar-island-by-australian-company/

• Licences required for transportation of sand: CA orders acting IGP

– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Licences-required-for-transportation-of-sand-CA-orders-acting-IGP/108-192143

• CA directs Acting IGP to implement law on sand transportation permits

– ft.lk/front-page/CA-directs-Acting-IGP-to-implement-law-on-sand-transportation-permits/44-703338

• Valaichchenai paper to the market from the 30th

– colombopage.com/archive_20B/Jul17_1595003089CH.php

• Import of second hand craft with no agelimits killing local boat building industry – Sumithra Fernando

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224964

• Where is State Engineering Corporation now?

‘Established under the brilliant engineer Dr. ANS Kulasinghe, it had the capacity to design and build any type of building and carry out any civil engineering project. With its inception in 1962, SEC’s footprint was practically there in all the national civil and building projects. The list is too long, and included the beautiful Colombo Planetarium, all the large industrial projects from Oruwala Steel, Thulhiriya Textile, Plywood Kosgama, Tyre Kelaniya….office complexes like Peoples Bank, Insurance Corp, CWE, SEC Head office, universities and a multitude of housing complexes. Further, SEC was the local civil contractor to the Polgolla dam and Ukuwela powerhouse in the first stage of Mahaweli. Later they were involved with the construction of Khettarama Stadium, Hambantota Stadium, Cricket Board Hq at the SSC and so on. You can’t forget their role in the re-erection of Maligawila Buddha Statue, Golden Roof of the Dalada Maligawa and many cultural projects…. Till about the mid-1990s, they were the only local contracting organization that could design and build using prestressed concrete technology, and had well equipped precast yards. To my knowledge that knowhow and the facilities are still there.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224977

• Procurement guidelines to be amended to give preference to local companies

‘IT, construction, furniture manufacturers to benefit most from new move’

– ft.lk/front-page/Procurement-guidelines-to-be-amended-to-give-preference-to-local-companies/44-703285

• All Govt. software requirements to be given to domestic companies

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/all-govt-software-requirements-to-be-given-to-domestic-companies/

 • Local value addition industries not denied of imports, says CB

‘Sri Lanka has long neglected building and assisting its domestic industrial base for cheaper imports… allowing the country’s handful of heavy-duty industries that existed through late 1970s to crumble. This resulted in over a million people to seek foreign employment mostly as unskilled labourers, while another million now drive three-wheelers, mostly the ones in their prime working age, depriving the country of a crucial labour force, which otherwise would have been put to use for more productive purposes.

– dailymirror.lk/business__main/Local-value-addition-industries-not-denied-of-imports-says-CB/245-191785

• Import restrictions to hurt consumer durables market, says Singer

‘Home appliances sector regained its top position to become the largest revenue generator for the group while the revenue from IT products segment declined from Rs.19.4 billion an year ago to Rs.14.4 billion mainly due to the decrease in Huawei smartphone business due to US-China restrictions.

– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Import-restrictions-to-hurt-consumer-durables-market-says-market-leader/273-191915

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/import-restrictions-likely-to-have-a-considerable-impact-on-consumer-durables-market-singer-group-ceo/

• Sri Lanka imports collapse 44 percent in May, after lockdowns, Nixon’s shock

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-imports-collapse-44-percent-in-may-after-lockdowns-nixons-shock-71909/

• Notable reduction in merchandise imports

– cbsl.gov.lk/en/monthly-trade-bulletin

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224867

• June vehicle registrations reach pre-pandemic levels as pent-up demand leads to heavy buying

‘Total of 32,123 vehicles registered, almost double the May number…’

– dailymirror.lk/business-news/June-vehicle-registrations-reach-pre-pandemic-levels-as-pent-up-demand-leads-to-heavy-buying/273-191780

• A return to import substitution won’t deliver rapid growth

– lankabusinessonline.com/opinion-a-return-to-import-substitution-wont-deliver-rapid-growth/

• Sri Lanka ports’ operational profit declines during 1st four months

‘The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), which operates the ports of Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, Kankasanthurai, Oluvil and Point Pedro, recorded a profit… Capacity at terminals at the Colombo Port is nearing maximum capacity with around 16,000 freight containers at Colombo Port. The maximum capacity at the Colombo Port is 30,000 freight containers.

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122380/sri-lanka-ports-operational-profit-declines-during-1st-four-months

• National Export Strategy for a prompt COVID-19 recovery

‘Multinationals are now – more than ever – looking to diversify regionally; this suggests a manufacturing shift from China is structural and long term in nature. For example, Japan has earmarked $ 2.2 bn for manufactures to shift production off China[1]. This backdrop should be exploited as a positive windfall for Sri Lanka.’

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/national-export-strategy-for-a-prompt-covid-19-recovery/

• Export Development Board reiterates need for policymakers focus on National Export Strategy

– dailymirror.lk/business-news/EDB-reiterates-need-for-policymakers-to-focus-on-NES/273-192171

• Sri Lanka exports rebound in June 2020 as Covid-19 controlled, PPE $100mn

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-exports-rebound-in-june-2020-as-covid-19-controlled-ppe-100mn-72106/

• Apparel factories face temporary closure

‘Hirdaramani will be closing a few factories owing to order cancellations… Hirdaramani has about 19 factories at present in the country…The toughest period would be from September to December…’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/apparel-factories-face-temporary-closure-408991.html

• Apparel sector yet to see any light at end of tunnel

‘Sri Lanka’s apparel industry provides direct employment to more than 400,000 workers. In 2019, the sector recorded US$ 5.6 billion exports.’

– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Apparel-sector-yet-to-see-any-light-at-end-of-tunnel/273-191914

• Sri Lanka embassy in Vietnam in push to knit apparel industries together

‘Sri Lanka’s MAS and Hirdramani apparel groups have factories in Vietnam.’

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-embassy-in-vietnam-in-push-to-knit-apparel-industries-together-71926/

• Cabinet nod for first bio-tech innovation park in Homagama

‘Bio-tech institute to produce 10 items including insulin and human growth hormones’

– ft.lk/front-page/Cabinet-nod-for-first-bio-tech-innovation-park-in-Homagama/44-703341

• Sanofi and Baurs partner to leverage synergies in Sri Lanka

‘With its impressive distribution network and impactful marketing competencies, Baurs has become the most preferred distributor to represent the world’s largest and renowned pharmaceutical companies, in SL.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224995

• Standard Chartered finances apparel Brandix for Personal Protective Equipment production

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/standard-chartered-finances-apparel-manufacturer-brandix-for-personal-protective-equipment-production/

• Ethanol clearance delay, ban on imports hurt industry

‘ethanol containers imported by the Harry Jayawardena-led Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka had been ordered to be released on the intervention of the President…At least 22 small licensed importers have been affected by the ban on ethanol imports’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/ethanol-clearance-delay-ban-on-imports-hurt-industry-408831.html

• Industry Classification, Industry Authority, & Industry Policy Development

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/13/industry-classification-industry-authority-and-industry-policy-development/

• BIA new terminal project takes off with loan from Japan

‘Japanese companies have been selected as consultants and builders…About 200 Japanese are due to arrive in Sri Lanka for engineering work and supervision of the project.’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/news/bia-new-terminal-project-takes-off-with-loan-from-japan-409256.html

• Japan’s Sierra Cables gets Rs.900.50 million aerial bundle cable deal

‘M/s Sierra cables PLC had won a contract worth Rs. 900.50 million (without Vat) to supply aerial bundle cables to state-run Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).’

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/sierra-cables-gets-rs-900-50mn-aerial-bundle-cable-deal/

• Almas and Carlines up stake in Sierra Cables to 13%

‘As of 31 December, their collective stake amounted to 7.6%. Sierra Holdings Ltd., with a 58% stake, is the biggest shareholder.’

– ft.lk/business/Almas-and-Carlines-up-stake-in-Sierra-Cables-to-13/34-703278

• Investing in renewable energy could be the way forward – Dhammika Perera

“The mini-hydropower sector is near saturation and hydropower energy generation is itself susceptible to the erratic patterns of floods and droughts we experience continually, so investing in solar and wind power, for instance, could be the way forward to meet the country’s energy needs.’

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/investing-in-renewable-energy-could-be-the-way-forward-dhammika-perera/

• Is the CEB an awful loss-making outfit?

‘It is the frank view of this commentator that bribery, mainly of state high ups, was commonplace in private gas-turbine, oil-fired, barge and diesel-engine projects.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224745

• Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board loses Rs20bn up to April 2020

‘State-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) gives furnace oil at high fixed prices to the CEB which is not linked to market costs.’

– economynext.com/sri-lankas-ceylon-electricity-board-loses-rs20bn-up-to-april-2020-71972/

• CPSTL wants Rs. 15bn Cabinet awarded tender to Chinese company annuled

‘…for a proposed mega cross country pipeline project after a fresh feasibility study showed that its own engineering team had the capacity to undertake the job and complete work within 30 months at an estimated cost of Rs. 5 billion – one third of the original estimate

‘– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224719

• Norochcholai fourth unit: CEB engineers redlight contract to Chinese company

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/news/norochcholai-fourth-unit-ceb-engineers-redlight-contract-to-chinese-company-409249.html

• CEB conducts study for 4th generator at Norochcholai Power Plant

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/14/ceb-conducts-study-for-4th-generator-at-norochcholai-power-plant/

• Ceylon Petroleum Corporation loses Rs45 billion to April 2020 amid soft-peg collapse

– economynext.com/sri-lankas-cpc-loses-rs45-billion-to-april-2020-amid-soft-peg-collapse-71915/

• Litro Gas empowering Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 economic recovery

‘The Company commands a market share of 75% as the country’s provider of domestic LPG…The tough economic conditions only enhanced the Company’s strength, Koswatte adds, pointing out that gearing increased from 20% to 29%, confirmed as the highest in the history of the Company, following the undertaking of restructuring by Royal Dutch Shell in 1995….Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. and Litro Gas Terminal Lanka Ltd. are owned by the General Treasury via SL Insurance Corporation…our team comprising of 229 highly skilled specialists and digital natives…’

– ft.lk/business/Litro-Gas-empowering-Sri-Lanka-s-COVID-19-economic-recovery/34-703057

• PAP sees share purchases by directors/ shareholders

‘Panasian Power PLC (PAP), a renewable energy firm…secured our first retail contract, being the exclusive channel partner to Sungrow Inverters… PAP’s overseas diversification strategy continues with a 10MW hydro plant in Zambia undergoing feasibility studies’

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/pap-sees-share-purchases-by-directors-shareholders-408999.html

• Sri Lanka Telecom to roll out 200,000 optical fibre links with Nokia tech

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224907

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-telecom-to-roll-out-200000-optical-fibre-links-with-nokia-tech-72013/

• Purpose And Value Of Maths Labs

‘Sri Lanka’s first Maths Lab was inaugurated in 1974 at St. Anthony’s College, Kandy.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224786

• Hambantota Port and China’s Geopolitical Trap – Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

– ceylontoday.lk/news/hambantota-port-and-china-s-geopolitical-trap

• Digital technology is vital for economic growth – Huawei VP

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/digital-technology-is-vital-for-economic-growth-408819.html

• India’s first private jet terminal opens in Delhi this month

‘The terminal has been built at a cost of INR1.5 billion over one-and-a-half years by Bird ExecuJet Airport Services Private Limited, a joint venture between Bird Group and ExecuJet Aviation Group, an international business aviation company based at Zurich Airport in Switzerland.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224758

• Behind the Accidentally Resilient Design of Athens Apartments

‘The civil war that finally ended in 1949 provoked many to flee a partly devastated countryside. New Athenians needed homes fast, but the state lacked the funds and will to construct public housing, and banks were offering few loans. To solve this conundrum, Greeks created their own funding system called antiparochi, in which developers saved themselves the cost of buying land by giving landowners a share of the constructed units when they were completed.’

– bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-07-15/the-design-history-of-athens-iconic-apartments

• Nikola Tesla: The Life and Times of the Genius Who Lit the World

‘His mother had a talent for making home-made appliances and tools and an excellent memory. Nikola credited his eidetic memory and creative abilities to his mother’s genetics and influence’

– amp-interestingengineering-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.interestingengineering.com/the-life-and-times-of-nikola-tesla

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C8. Finance (Making money from money, banks, lack of investment in modernity)

ee Finance tracks the effects of financialization, pointing to the curious role of ratings agencies, again false indices, etc.

• New appointees to Monetary Board of Central Bank assume duties

‘Jayamaha currently serves as a Director at Overseas Realty (Ceylon) Ltd…Samantha Kumarasinghe currently serves as Chairman and Managing Director of several companies in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Vietnam that operate in industrial sectors across cosmetics, textile chemicals, household cleaning products, organic food and biological fertilizers.’

– colombopage.com/archive_20B/Jul15_1594826452CH.php

• Sri Lanka Treasury Bill rates plunge to 30-yr low

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/sri-lanka-treasury-bill-rates-plunge-to-30-yr-low/

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-treasuries-yields-plunge-at-auction-after-rate-cut-72003/

• Sri Lanka’s stocks plunge. ASPI drops by 112 points (July 13)

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/sri-lankas-stocks-plunge-aspi-drops-by-112-points/

• CSE momentum slacks owing to selling pressure in blue chips (July 14)

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224869

• Sri Lanka rupee marginally stronger, stocks gain at open (July 14)

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-marginally-stronger-stocks-gain-at-open-71928/

• Sri Lanka rupee flat, gilt yields and stocks plunge (July 15)

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-flat-gilt-yields-and-stocks-plunge-72008/

• Sri Lanka rupee opens stronger, stocks down (July 15)

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-opens-stronger-stocks-down-71980/

• Sri Lanka rupee opens weaker, stocks gain (July 17)

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-opens-weaker-stocks-gain-72087/

 • $454mn outflow from government securities in first 5 months, CSE cumulative outflow $64mn

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/454mn-outflow-from-government-securities-in-first-five-months-cse-cumulative-outflow-64mn/

• Finance Min. issues letters on outstanding dues to suppliers

‘The Finance Ministry yesterday said it has commenced issuing letters to contractors and suppliers owed by the Government, so they can use the document to obtain loans from commercial banks.’

– ft.lk/top-story/Finance-Min-issues-letters-on-outstanding-dues-to-suppliers/26-703159

– economynext.com/sri-lanka-issuing-treasury-letters-confirming-state-debts-to-contractors-and-suppliers-71940/

– lankabusinessonline.com/treasury-issues-letters-confirming-bills-due-from-sri-lankas-government-to-contractors/

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122393/central-bank-regulatory-measures-to-revive-covid-19-hit-businesses

• More interest on loan repayments after moratorium ends

‘Commercial banks will be allowed to charge additional interest on differed installments after the moratorium ends on interest and capital payments of loans to businesses affected by COVID-19…The moratorium concessions were offered to COVID -19 hit businesses including self-employment and individuals under the CB’s Extraordinary Regulatory Measures, and the Monetary Law Act Order No. 1 of 2020 on Maximum Interest Rates on Pawning Advances of Licensed Banks.

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/more-interest-on-loan-repayments-after-moratorium-ends-408997.html

• SDAs attract just $86.9m

– sundaytimes.lk/200712/business-times/sdas-attract-just-86-9m-408995.html

• CBSL relaxes its Monetary Policy Stance

‘to reduce the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank… to induce a further reduction in market lending rates, thereby encouraging the financial system to aggressively enhance lending to productive sectors of the economy’

• Business owners protest ‘conspiracies’ of banks and financial institutions

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122188/business-owners-protest-conspiracies-of-banks-and-financial-institutions

• New laws on the cards to prevent finance company mismanagement

 – sundaytimes.lk/article/1122227/new-laws-on-the-cards-to-prevent-finance-company-mismanagement

• As NPLs build up, finance companies call for regulatory forbearance

– dailymirror.lk/business-news/As-NPLs-build-up-finance-companies-call-for-regulatory-forbearance/273-192079

• NBFIs urge authorities not to overlook their service to borrowers excluded from banking sector

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224951

• Monetary Board suspends business of ETI Finance and Swarnamahal Finance

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224852

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224822

• CB suspends business of two more failed finance companies

 – sundaytimes.lk/article/1122146/cb-suspends-business-of-two-more-failed-finance-companies

• Six fmr Sanasa Society officers arrested over Rs. 708mn financial fraud

– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Six-fmr-Sanasa-Society-officers-arrested-over-Rs-708mn-financial-fraud/108-191739

• Right balance between credit growth and system stability urged – Moody’s India

‘ICRA Lanka says financial institutions were on weaker footing even before pandemic…Cautions about bad and reckless borrowers seeking free rides on easy money’

– dailymirror.lk/business__main/Right-balance-between-credit-growth-and-system-stability-urged/245-191917

– dailymirror.lk/business__main/Right-balance-between-credit-growth-and-system-stability-urged/245-191917

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/cb-must-strike-balance-between-financial-sector-stability-credit-growth-icra/

• Central Bank, banks and financial markets

‘A Chairman of a leading commercial bank writes: “From bank to the pocket or to the business?” We can ask the same question from commercial banks. A writer, in a recent article, stated: “Sri Lanka’s commercial banks are at present in a state of a massive excess liquidity. They are sitting on a huge amount of cash but there are no matching loan applications to dispose it.’

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122177/opinion-central-bank-banks-and-financial-markets

• WB’s IFC supports ComBank to expand access to finance for women

‘With around one million SMEs – more than 14% of which are women-owned – small businesses are a significant engine of job creation in Sri Lanka, providing a livelihood for nearly 2.25 million people and contributing to 52 percent of the country’s GDP. However, over 30 percent of SMEs have unmet financing needs, with a financing gap estimated at US$13.7 billion.’

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ifc-supports-combank-to-expand-access-to-finance-for-women/

• NDB to raise Rs. 6.5 billion through debenture issue

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224953

• Vajira Kulatilaka Joins Sampath Bank PLC Board

‘Prior to this, he had served as Director / CEO of the NDB Investment Banking Cluster…He was the Chairman of the Colombo Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2017, the Chairman of the South Asian Federation of Exchanges (SAFE) from 2015 to 2017 and a council member of the University of Moratuwa from 2015 to 2019.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224760

• Mixed sentiments on bourse, interest in JKH, ComBank

‘Interest mainly concentrated in heavyweight JKH and COMB which accounted for 48% of crossings for the week. Meanwhile, the foreign sell-off continued for a sixth consecutive week, with net foreign outflow for the week totalling to Rs. 1.5Bn relative to a net outflow of Rs. 1.1Bn the previous week.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224755

___________________________________________________________________________________

C9. Business (Rentierism: money via imports, real-estate, tourism, insurance, fear, privatization)

ee Business aka ee Rentier focuses on diversions of the oligarchy, making money from unproductive land selling, tourism, insurance, advertising, etc. – the charade of press releases disguised as ‘news’

• Commercial HC issues order restraining Millennium Teas infringing ‘Zahra Tea’ trademark

‘infringement of the Trade Mark of Zahra Exports Ltd., onto packing materials cartons and boxes and exporting the same to the North African country Mali. …Zahra Exports is a joint venture company between Akbar Brothers and Stassen Exports.’

– ft.lk/front-page/Commercial-HC-issues-orders-restraining-Millennium-Teas-from-infringing-Zahra-Tea-trademark/44-703288

• Magistrate issues travel ban, summons on criminal complaint against condo developer

‘The case has been filed alleging fraudulent collection of money from buyers with the promise of providing luxury flats to be built in Colombo and suburbs.’

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/15/property-fraud-revealed-in-court/

– ft.lk/front-page/Magistrate-issues-travel-ban-summons-on-criminal-complaint-against-condo-developer/44-703157

• Share ownership shuffle within family-held Renuka group

‘The three quoted companies under the Renuka umbrella are Renuka Hotels PLC, Renuka City Hotels PLC and Cargo Boat Development PLC (CBD)’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224754

• LankaPropertyWeb records the highest traffic in June

– lankabusinessonline.com/lankapropertyweb-records-the-highest-traffic-in-june/

• SLTDA creates provisional licensing to assist SMEs

‘Sri Lanka Tourism is extending its support to the SME sector, which is considered to be over 60% of the industry’

– ft.lk/front-page/SLTDA-creates-provisional-licensing-to-assist-SMEs/44-703193

– lankabusinessonline.com/sltda-creates-provisional-licensing-to-assist-smes/

• Debt moratorium on tourism vehicles extended by further 6-months

– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/debt-moratorium-on-tourism-vehicles-extended-by-further-6-months/

• Sabaragamuwa Governor counting on banks to help resuscitate tourism industry

 – island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224961

• Chrishan Mendis appointed to CIMA Council UK

‘The Council is the governing body of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)’

– ft.lk/business/Chrishan-Mendis-appointed-to-CIMA-Council-UK/34-703280

• IFS recognised as Top Export Corporate Brand by Brands Annual

‘Marks 22 years of operation in SL with 1,400 employee base…IFS serves thousands of customers globally, including 150 customers in the South Asia region in manufacturing, energy &utilities, engineering,construction&infrastructure, field service management andaviation and defense industries.’

– sundaytimes.lk/article/1122149/unilever-sri-lankas-ustore-facilitates-direct-access-to-essential-goods

• Dialog Axiata homage by publishing the directory of Amarapura Maha Nikaya Temples

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224818

• Hambantota District Chamber to work with Chinese Chamber of Commerce in SL

– ft.lk/business/Hambantota-District-Chamber-to-work-with-Chinese-Chamber-of-Commerce-in-SL/34-703145

• Coronavirus cost jobs at a third of small firms open in May: global Facebook survey

– ft.lk/front-page/Coronavirus-cost-jobs-at-a-third-of-small-firms-open-in-May-global-Facebook-survey/44-703196

• Uber appoints Prabhjeet Singh as President of India, South Asia

‘Prabh joined Uber in August 2015 from McKinsey and Co. Key members include… SatinderBindra, former Director United Nations and Principal Director Asian Development Bank, now Director Communications; Pavan Vaish, former co-founder and CEO of IBM Daksh…’

– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Uber-appoints-Prabhjeet-Singh-as-President-of-India-South-Asia/273-192169

______________________________________________________

C10. Politics (Anti-parliament discourse, unelected constitution)

ee Politics points to the constant media diversions and the mercantile and financial forces behind the political actors, of policy taken over by private interests minus public oversight.

• Theja Gunawardana – a leading pioneer in Sri Lanka’s Left movement

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224829

• Theja Gunawardana – A brief addendum

‘As the key person in the Afro-Asia Solidarity Association in Sri Lanka, Theja edited its official organs, “Solidarity” in English and “Sahayogitha” in Sinhala’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=225004

• Is the UNP Social Democratic?: Bahu Joining UNP

– ceylontoday.lk/news/is-the-unp-social-democratic-bahu-joining-unp

• Another looming constitutional crisis

‘Yahapalana domination of CC may continue till October 2021…CC member Javed Yusuf openly engages in politics…SLPP on a roll as opposition flounders’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224733
• Mahinda-Sajith spat over “Communalistic Political Parties”

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224731

• Yuthukama challenges UNP , SJB to take their constitutional proposals before the electorate 2020 parliamentary polls:

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224989

• Ranil Wickremasinghe’s crimes against Sri Lanka and its people for forty years

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/16/ranil-wickremasinghes-crimes-against-sri-lanka-and-its-people-for-forty-years-2/

• ‘Only JVP led NPP can create an inclusive Sri Lankan identity’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224894

• Northern politics revolve around only one issue

‘The political outlook of the of minority politicians, be they contest under parties with racial tags or under the so-called national parties, is narrower than that of the major political parties in the country…’

– dailymirror.lk/opinion/Northern-politics-revolve-around-only-one-issue/172-192058

• The political culture in Sri Lanka is misogynist – TNA’s Ambika Satkunanathan

– dailymirror.lk/opinion/The-political-culture-in-Sri-Lanka-is-misogynist-Ambika-Satkunanathan/172-191898

• Changing PR system will adversely impact Muslim community – Hakeem

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224960

• Literacy, Democracy and the Role of Intellectuals

‘The casual discussions, I have had with young ones who have passed the ordinary level exam, mostly the non medical staff at the private hospitals, clearly expose their lack of any knowledge of history. Recently, I found that many of them have not heard about Lincoln, Hitler, Mandela, world wars, slavery or the assassination of one of our own prime ministers and a president. Only a few knew that we had been colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British!’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224791

• Dayan opposes govt. move to abolish 19th Amendment

‘”It’s not correct to think that we are just going back to the bad old days of Mahinda Rajapaksa. It’s much worse than that’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224850

• The Infinity Stones of a steamroller majority – Jayatilleka

‘An ultra-violent social upheaval (1986-89) was traced back by the Presidential Youth Commission – of which Prof. G.L. Pieris was a member – to, among other things, the alteration in the character of the state apparatus and sector, which caused recruitment and resource allocation choices to be made not in a neutral fashion on merit, but on political criteria as patronage, because the independent Public Service Commission had been eliminated by the 1972 Constitution and not restored by the 1978 Constitution.’

– ft.lk/columns/The-Infinity-Stones-of-a-steamroller-majority/4-703169

• Antistalinism is Left-Wing Racism – Part 1

‘Why do some among the Left shriek in horror and cry ‘Stalinist’ upon hearing anything positive about the Soviet Union, China, or any other country where a Communist Party took power? Why does such Anti-Stalinism dominate the Left only in countries with a history of being the colonisers? Leftism with Imperial characteristics? The ‘Imperial Left’ perhaps?That former term is a much broader church, the focus here is on the geopolitical substance of ‘Anti–Stalinism’.’

– theorientaldespot.com/article/antistalinism1

• Putin and post-communist age

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=225006

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C11. Media (Mis/Coverage of economics, technology, science and art)

ee Media shows how corporate media monopoly determines what is news, art, culture, etc. The media is part of the public relations (corporate propaganda) industry. The failure to highlight our priorities, the need to read between the lines. To set new perspectives and priorities.

• Police failed to protect 13th Century King’s assembly hall in Kurunegala: DG Archaeology

– newsfirst.lk/2020/07/17/police-failed-to-protect-13th-century-kings-assembly-hall-in-kurunegala-dg-archaeology/

• Govt. minister in moves to demolish 13th century assembly hall

– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Govt-minister-in-moves-to-demolish-13th-century-assembly-hall/108-192191

• Queen Victoria “rented” our Kandyan throne!

‘After the English deposed our last king Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, they looted his throne and installed it in Windsor Palace.’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224836

• Buddhist monks claim Ayodhya is a Buddhist site

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=225025

• Bandula Nanayakkarawasam

“The brightest spark in the fifth generation of contemporary Sinhala songwriters.”

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=225001

• ‘Thanamalvila Kollek’: A rare rendering of rags to riches

‘Thanamalvila Divisional Secretariat, Moneragala District, Uva Province, one of the poorest regions, amply highlights the urban-rural divide with relative deprivation of economic opportunities’

– ft.lk/columns/Thanamalvila-Kollek-A-rare-rendering-of-rags-to-riches/4-702976

• Koggala: Fascination we encounter in Martin Wickramasinghe’s books still lingers

– lankaweb.com/news/items/2020/07/14/koggala-fascination-we-encounter-in-martin-wickramasinghes-books-still-lingers/

• Book Launch: ‘An Annotated Bibliography on Upcountry Tamils’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224925

• Captain Elmo does Singapore Sally of US Advocata

‘‘Return to Sri Lanka’ is a lovely book… written by Professor Razeen Sally’

– island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=224878

• The Revolutionary Life of Paul Robeson: Scholar Gerald Horne on the Great Anti-Fascist Singer, Artist, and Rebel

‘Even before the pandemic, I felt like, living in Texas, I felt like I take my life in my hands everytime I step outside of my door. And in fact, given what happened to Breonna Taylor, I’m taking my life in my hands by being inside where I live!’

– theintercept.com/2020/07/15/the-revolutionary-life-of-paul-robeson-scholar-gerald-horne-on-the-great-antifascist-singer-artist-and-rebel

• Jacques Derrida Interviews Jazz’s Ornette Coleman: Talk Improvisation, Language & Racism (1997)

“The jazz musician is probably the only person for whom the composer is not a very interesting individual, in the sense that he prefers to destroy what the composer writes or says.”

– http://openculture.com/2014/09/jacques-derrida-interviews-ornette-coleman.html

• The Great American Firewall: On the Question of Censorship

– mronline.org/2020/07/17/the-great-american-firewall-on-the-question-of-censorship

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