“Before you study the economics, study the economists!”
e-Con e-News 24-30 October 2021
“SWRD is remembered for kicking the English out.
You’ll be remembered for bringing them back in!“
This is how LSSP politician Colvin R de Silva shot down a proposal by SLFP leader Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1974 to send Lal Jayawardena (son of interdicted Central Bank governor NU Jayawardena, and later Treasury Secretary under Sirimavo B. and JR Jayawardane) and Anura Weeraratne (Secretary to Minister of Industries, and convicted swindler) to Shannon, Ireland, to study the world’s first Free Trade Zone (FTZ).
The Sri Lanka Communist Party labeled FTZs, ‘vahal kalapa’ – slave zones. Indeed, 60 years after Shannon’s FTZ was inaugurated in 1959, Ireland still remains an English colony, still broken in two, still an infamous tax hideout for top US multinationals, etc. Some would like us to share in such fettered freedoms, as Sri Lanka’s underdeveloping economy is now facing even more powerful headwinds than that 1970 government did.
Sirimavo Bandaranaike had the last laugh, perhaps. She started kicking out the socialists from the ruling coalition in 1975, lubricated by bribes from the USA and their pharmaceutical companies (with their prevention of vaccine production here having deadly consequences, as we recently found out). Yet JR and the Yankees had the longer lasting laugh on Mrs. B (see Random Notes).
• Last ee watched a beribboned parade of foreign envoys and their war officials with armed hardware in tow from the English to French and Germans, to the Israelis, Indians, Japanese, and the USA. All here apparently to feast on the upcoming budget, which dispenses a large percentage for ‘defense’. They included ominous visits North and East, with the usual chorus crying about ‘human rights’ and peace. Their shrilling falsettos & deep basses of the choir depend on high commissions and higher commissioners!
Meanwhile the SL army announced this week they have produced, not new machines that make weapons-making machines, but organic fertilizer! Which of course, the media under-reported.
The media circus escalated attacks on an organic fertilizer shipment from China, which they headlined as ‘tainted’. Last week, a reader wondered about the testing against China being fixed. We then saw a curious small news item, ‘Container goods inspections are currently being carried out by SL Customs at 3 private sector yards in Orugodawatte and Grandpass’ – locations dominated by colonial MNCs and related merchant families. The old game of using ‘tilts’ and ‘insults’ towards socialist countries to reinforce white colonialism, continues.
The tainted organic episode attained another level with China whitelisting the People’s Bank over not paying for delivery as contracted. Meanwhile, there’s rising disquiet over the People’s Bank paying $1.275million to the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative for a product first patented here, which failed to gain investment from People’s Bank etc., and was then sold to India, who is now profiting off us! (see Politics, Gevindu)
• The Oh-I-See of the CIC! – The vociferous campaign attacking the government’s organic program has been coordinated by one of the largest toxic fertilizer importers into the country – England’s CIC. CIC’s parent ICI is owned by warmonger Nobel, who gives out peace & science prizes too. CIC/ICI’s point man turns out to be a pedigreed Peradeniya Professor, who was setting agricultural policy for the government! CIC/ICI this week posted Rs9.54billion in revenues (for 2Q 2021/2). The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is CIC/ICI’s 2nd largest local shareholder too (ee Agriculture).
• CIC/ICI and Unilever are powerful tools of an imperialist English state. This ee looks at the strong coordination between English multinationals and the English government, as was exposed in their cozy relationship with Nazi Germany throughout the war (see ee Focus).
In 1946 a secret network of Unilever executives smuggling goods was exposed in Holland. In 1947, a ‘Committee of British Industrial Interests’ met at Unilever House, Blackfriars, in London. This committee of 20 English MNCs was chaired by V Cavendish Bentinck, former chairman of the Joint Intelligence Subcommittee of the English Chiefs of Staff (Secret Service)! How’s that for free trade!? Is this private/public binary bull only for off-white idiots? (Random Notes)
• All these professors and bureaucrats in the agribusiness pocket, signing letters against the organic program, what have they been doing all this time? Why does their curriculum have no proper transitional program to a less toxic, let alone a more industrialized, agriculture, which enriches and re-skills the majority rural people? Why no research on how the rural home market has been hijacked?
The so-called national media does not popularize discussion of agricultural and modern industrial issues. Instead, as evident from the last few months, they exist only to prioritize the dominance of the import-export plantation-linked MNCs and related oligarchs. Just like the economists and the bankers and their finance companies, who only exist to sell imported machinery and goods to people. This ee continues looking at how such a white educational system was promulgated (see ee Focus, Andradi).
‘In 2013, the CID investigated the Friedrich Naumann Foundation,
operating in Sri Lanka since 1974, for going “beyond its legal limitations
in Sri Lanka” after conducting workshops for opposition parties, and funding
the opposition UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe’s foreign tours & political activities.’
• Last week, US-funded thinktanks unleashed their NATO Panzer Division on Sri Lanka. Justus Lenz, a ‘Policy Advisor’ to the ‘Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom‘ claimed, ‘Germany’s success’ was due to ‘Free markets’ blah blah blah, ‘Rule of Law blah blah blah, ‘Abstention from direct market interventions (mostly)’ blah blah blah, and ‘Free Trade!’ Blah! Blah! Snore!
This ee examines the fascinating imperialist biography of the eponymous Freidrich Naumann and his role in pushing stylized German goods on the world. Was he really for ‘for freedom’? Definitely not! Or maybe he was: Freiheit nur für Deutsche – freedom for Germans only!
So like all Europeans singing ‘free trade’ songs, Herr Lenz chooses to tiptoe over the bloody graveyards of their warmongering history wearing the spotless shoes of personal virtue. He must also have been unaware of the war officials from Germany that visited to threaten Sri Lanka last week.
Do as the Germans do not as they say. ee is paraphrasing Alexander Hamilton, the architect of US industrial policy, who said, ‘Do as the English do, not as they say.’ He was referring to English bull about their ‘free media and free trade’, which the US ignored but now pushes on us (ee Focus).
Meanwhile international advisors of local political agglutinations, who claim to be appalled at militarism, despotism, & people referring to Hitler, have no problem quoting Hitler’s spiritual advisor Nietzsche! They think they’re hip! Thus doublespeak our ‘political scientists’ (ee Politics, Gambit).
• Across the Pond: The SL media keeps ignoring the white wars on East Africa and the western Indian Ocean, let alone Mozambique and South Africa. Sudan briefly flickered, with no mention that the US has been fueling conflict in Sudan to control its energy resources, and control access to the Red Sea which links the Mediterranean to Asia and is one of the world’s busiest waterways (ee Sovereignty, Sudan).
• The media also does not mention the meeting of the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters. Wonder why? After all that huffin & puffin about Pandora’s Pettiya?
As for tax & debt, our media will not mention, how ‘80% of the historic debt that the UN has today in its regular budget is attributable to non-payments by the USA’. (ee Sovereignty, Cuba)
So while the whites are undermining the General Assembly in finance & media-monopolized Manhattan, they’ve been financing Geneva where there’s no veto-wielding China & Russia to defend Sri Lanka as in NY.
• ee supports all past present and future countries that challenge the white hegemon: So ‘now for something completely different’ than what our boring media dishes out: Check out this video by an English Monty Python satirist on the DPRK aka Free Korea aka the Best Korea – dailymotion.com/video/x82kffn
Contents:
A1. Reader Comments –
• NDB Drops Development from Name • ee is Great Source • Civil Service Hijack • GSP Jokes • Ungoogling Industry • Vaccine Disinfo
A2. Quotes of the Week
• Upali undid NM • Constitution Protected English Multinationals • Freedom of Navigation • Profits Subsidized by Government • Biggest Polluters are Whites • Destroying the World Once vs. Twice • USA has Most Prisoners
A3. Random Notes –
• Peradeniya Professor Caught • Bribing & Destroying Sirimavo • Yankee JR as Kalinga Magha • ’75 Sell-Out Rerun? • FTZ Fail • Mahaveli Boondoggle • Infrastructure & Machines • Aid & Machines • Sarvodaya Sells out Village Home Market • Corporates Giving Themselves Prizes • Companies Ignore Labor Department • SLBC Rupa-Vapidity • No Sinhala Tech Names • Corporate Eco-Hijack
B. ee Focus
B1. Local vs. English Language Schools – WMDD Andradi
B2. Friedrich Naumann: German Art, Industrialization & Imperialism in the 20thC
B3. Unilever & the English State at War
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 news sent, or your comments, and place any e-link at the end. Email: econenews@gmail.com
• ‘They should remove the word ‘Development’ from the National Development Bank.’
• ‘ee is a great source of education. It’s better than any newspaper or magazine here.’
• ‘ee needs to be clearer about how the private sector, the import-export plantation oligarchy, has captured the permanent bureaucracy (the so-called civil service) and how this wholesale corruption works. “In China the politician is permanent” needs to be explained. Is ee suggesting China is more democratic?’ [ee: Yes]
• ‘When the US and EU speak of “trade privileges”, ee needs to put that ‘GSP+’ joke in quotes. It is based on buying their overpriced imports.’
• ‘Imperialist countries take their industrial policies very seriously. Try searching the internet (well, try googling) for ‘US exports’. They first tell you what the US imports, just to show how “open” they are.’
• ‘The campaign opposing vaccination, masks etc and generally dismissing the seriousness of Covid is huge. I find it puzzling there is such a strong move pushing this. Either, they know something more than we do and are genuinely troubled. Or it’s due to scattered conspiracy theorists doing their thing. Or it’s a campaign of fake stuff with strong financial backing. But what vested interest group stands to benefit from downplaying responses for Covid control?’ [ee: they wish to divert from their crime of preventing production of medicines in our countries]
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A2. Quotes of the Week_
• ‘I happened to be in Colombo on the day NM Perera was presenting his Budget for the following year. His speech, or excerpts, were being broadcast and both of us were listening carefully. While I had no idea what Dr Perera was going on about half the time, Upali kept up a constant stream of instantaneous comments on how a smart businessman would exploit the very proposals which Dr Perera was putting forward to tie them down hand and foot.’ – ee Business, Upali
• ‘The Senate was one of the 5 constitutional safeguards that were included in the 1946 Constitution in order to remove the fear of “domination and oppression” by a “permanent and unassailable majority” which existed especially in the minds of Ceylon’s ethnic and religious minorities. The other entrenched safeguards were multi-member constituencies in those electorates in which a substantial minority, whether racial, religious or otherwise, lived; 6 nominated members of the House of Representatives to represent interests which were either not represented or were inadequately represented; an independent Public Service Commission which would guarantee strict impartiality in all matters affecting appointments; and a prohibition on Parliament enacting legislation either to confer a privilege or to impose a disability on persons of any particular community or religion.’ – ee Politics, Senate
• ‘A Chinese-Russian joint naval flotilla is displaying “freedom of navigation” by making a circle around Japan and sailing toward the US Navy base in Yokosuka, headquarters of the US 7th Fleet, from which the US has been making provocative moves in the Taiwan Straits and South China Sea.’ – ee Sovereignty, Biden
• ‘IT sector contributes 25% of all US non-financial corporate sector profits. And the other large contributor to profits is the consumer media sector, where Amazon dominates (50% of profits in the sector). So if you strip out these sectors from the stock market and the profits data, then the rest of the corporate sector is not doing so well, at all. Moreover, US corporate profits have been heavily subsidised in the last year from government handouts.’ – ee Economists, Roberts
• ‘The biggest emitters or consumers of carbon apart from the fossil fuel industry are the richest wealth and income earners in the Global North who have excessive consumption and fly everywhere. It is the military (the biggest sector of carbon consumption). Then there is waste of capitalist production and consumption in autos, aircraft and airlines, shipping, chemicals, bottled water, processed foods, unnecessary pharmaceuticals and so on is directly linked to carbon emissions. Harmful industrial processes like industrial agriculture, industrial fishing, logging, mining and so on are also major global heaters, while the banking industry operates to underwrite and promote all this carbon emission.’ – ee Economists, COP-out
• ‘China won’t engage in a nuclear arms race with the US. We think it’s stupid. I know that the US can destroy China 10 times, but we will MAKE SURE we have full capability to destroy the US once.’ (ee Sovereignty, Hypersonic)
• ‘The USA not only has the dubious distinction of being the country with the largest population of incarcerated people, but it also has political prisoners held longer than anywhere else in the world.’ – ee Security, Maroon
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A3. Random Notes (‘Seeing Number in Chaos’)_
• Peradeniya Agriculture Prof Buddhi Marambe, Director of the huge English chemical importer CIC/ICI has been caught red-handed orchestrating the unrelenting attacks on the government’s organic policy. It’s not just him. The entire educational and linked system, private and public, is rotten to the core.
The good Professor is said to have fled to England, tho he claims he’ll be attending the same environmental extravaganza (COP 26) that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe will also attend. So what are all these chemical company representatives doing at these environmental conferences, and why are all those who clamor constantly about climate change, tree-cutting, etc., so quiet about toxic agricultural practices? – tho to be honest, global whitening (& related wars) seem more deadly than global warming!
Marambe headed the advisory committee to formulate the national agricultural policy, which has been already submitted to the government. Accordingly, he was removed from the expert committee to formulate a National Agriculture Policy, SL Agriculture Sector Modernization Project, and the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Program. Marambe claims the advisory committee no longer functions anyway, so his dismissal amounts to naught.
Anyway, so what if the good professor turns out to be a hired gun? Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde. What else is new. The media must demand of economists who demand transparency and rule of law: Physician, heal thyself! Economists Abeyratne, Wijewardena, Colombage, Athukorala should divulge which banks they work for, which ‘development’ banks, which are really fronts for the central banks of imperialist countries.
• NextGenSL (‘a cross-party political grouping’) partnered this week with Germany’s Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom to organize a pre-budget discussion titled Budget 2022: SL’s Path to Economic Stability, featuring economists, local and foreign. What is the link between NextGenSL & NextGenerationEU, the $969bn Covid19 recovery fund for the EU? And who or what is the Friedrich Naumann Foundation?
• The 1970 government had inherited a bankrupt treasury from the much-beloved economic czar of the 1965-70 UNP, Gamani Corea. Corea had initiated import substitution in agriculture to halt a deteriorating balance of payments, not as part of any conscious industrial policy. The 1970 government had to deal with an insurrection puppeteered by agent-provocateurs, and another major capitalist downturn in 1973-4, which saw dramatic price increases for fuel and food worldwide. Finance Minister NM Perera refused an IMF package, cos it involved increases in the price of rice.
Sirimavo B instead started to kick out the Left from the ruling coalition in 1975, in return for bribes from the US and their pharmaceutical companies, which eventually led to the murder of Senake Bibile. Bibile was planning to set up local pharma production. Bibile’s murder led to the rise of pharma importers like Hemas, who by preventing local vaccine production in 2020, as well as blocking early import of vaccines, must be held responsible for the rampant rise in Covid deaths, and further disruption of an already dysfunctional economic system.
Yet Yankee Dicky aka JR laughed even longer, and later. He stripped Sirimavo of her civic rights (without a squeal from the ‘human rights’ lobby), sending her party into now-more-imminent oblivion! JR got even bigger bribes from the US, to invite the robber barons in, setting up FTZs, and an ‘open economy’, unleashing 30 years of terrorism on the peasantry and working class.
Destroying the trade union movement, JR also plunged the country into 30 years of terror and mass murder. This week saw commemoration of the businessman who set up the fake-industrial FTZ, Upali Wijewardena, whose ‘disappearance’ midst a UNP leadership wrangle, augured greater intrigue (see ee Media).
Sirimavo’s daughter Chandrika, who could have restored her father’s legacy, even stripping JR of his civic rights for a vandalism greater than any fury Kalinga Magha inflicted, instead jumped deeper into Rockfeller’s oil well, extending privatization, deregulation, and so-called liberalization – the sell-offs of public resources and worse: the promise of ‘56, of which she was a second child.
Are we in for replay of these sorry sell-outs? Do those acceding to imperialist (US, English, Indian, Japanese, EU, etc.) demands really believe they will gain the trust of the white man and their off-white merchants and moneylenders? Could such whites deliver us from slavery, of which they are the world’s foremost experts, into nidhahasa, already 73 years late? (see Random Notes)
The Free Trade Zone here, contrary to the overmuch praise poured on it, has failed miserably to transform the economy. The Zone was dominated by the readymade garments industry, and foreign firms enjoying tax holidays soon asserted themselves over established local firms. It remains a laundry for overpriced imported inputs for over-adulated exports.
• JR’s biggest boondoggle was the World-Bank-promoted Mahaveli scheme. The Mahaveli scheme promised to provide electricity to India as well, reducing our fuel import bill!
The World Bank, ADB etc., funding infrastructure and making much-advertized donations. are just an excuse to sell us foreign machinery, experts, goods and services.
Infrastructure must connect investment to research to factory to warehouse to local home market outlets. Otherwise it is an ongoing fraud, which became most evident with the Mahaveli scandal and replicated in a thousand ways throughout various infrastructure boondoggles.
The failure of the media to expose this generosity as to who gain from this ‘aid’ and assistance’, shows the media’s own deep complicity in the fraud. Rather than the weekly pointing to some retail political scandal or another, the media should point to themselves:
• Selling foreign machinery, by first donating it for free resembles a drug pushers’ tactics. News reported this week, ‘EU, WHO & World Vision have joined to support Sri Lanka’s Covid-19 health response’: ‘World Vision will provide equipment such as pulse oximeters, oxygen regulators, multiparameter monitors, ECG machines, nebulizers and hospital beds to 29 health facilities.’ So what happens when they break down or we need more?
• Japan first developed their home market before developing an export market. Yet Sri Lanka’s Sarvodaya Development Finance, which claims to be village-based, proclaimed this week, it is seeking funds to obtain international markets for local village products thru its ‘IPO’. This IPO is heavily promoted by Capital Media, which owns EconomyNext, and is also linked to Fitch, etc. EconomyNext news has taken to hard-selling the Sarvodaya Development Fund’s IPO. Every news item clicked on features a purpling SDF pop-up.
Is it a coincidence that Sarvodaya is a front for Japanese, European and US tractors and machinery, and 13% of SDF is owned by Japanese Gentosha Total Asset Consulting Inc? 52% of SDF is owned by Sarvodaya Economic Enterprises Development Services (SEEDS), 22% by Sarvodaya-related entities, and 13% by other existing shareholders. There is no mention of who exactly owns which shares that have voting rights. This the media will not report!
• A Prize-Getting Oligarchy – ‘Wijeya Newspapers wins multiple new generation awards 2021… Brandix strengthens gender equality focus… LOLC honored among the TOP 10 Most Admired …receiving the award from Gopal Baglay, High Commissioner of India to SL.’
The capitalist media’s business news is mainly full of cut&paste ads parading as news. It includes exorbitant claims, eg, ‘Most admired company… Great workplace… Best employer’. How many ‘Best employers’ can there be? Lajja naeddha suit-aykata? Definitely not. This is why they wear suits in tropical countries and import ACs!
Midst such great self-awarded accolades we noted the Labour Department claimed to be ‘disappointed with a poor response from private sector for e-survey’:Less than 1,000 companies responded, out of over 86,000 companies employing 2.6 million under the Dept of Labour. There are 8.6mn workers: 64.5% males, 35.5% females. The private sector employs almost 3.5mn people whilst own account workers amount to 2.7mn. Non-agricultural sector employs 81.3% of the private sector employees and 57.3% of own account workers. So how does the media know about ‘Best Workplaces’? (ee Workers, Labor Survey) Meanwhile the apparel mafia (JAAF) claims to be worried about women, if the country loses GSP+ (see ee Industry).
• The Media Minister this week huffed, the government can no longer bear ‘the commercial failure of state media’. Well, if it has failed it’s because it has been made to fail, like all other national assets that the capitalist media misname ‘State-Owned Enterprises’. Selling off ‘SOEs’ is a theme (more popular than Yohani) among house-trained economists who demand their sale to MNCs.
The state of the state and the media may be gathered not just from the absolutely vacuous strains dominated by Yankee and Indian programming, but from trying to find SLBC on FM Radio. It’s almost impossible to locate, cosseted between private radio stations of all description. It appears to have no dedication to inspiring a solid Sri Lankan let alone a Sinhala identity, let alone any industrial producer-related common sense. It’s not merely a commercial failure, it has failed the country.
The perennial SLBC Housewives’ Choice program sounds like it’s still serenading English navies and US Marines marooned on battleships lingering outside Colombo harbor, waiting to plant their craka boots on the ground under the last 2017 ACSA agreement, awaiting renewal again in 2027.
Meanwhile essays in Gammiris.lk note how every single machine-related trope in Sinhala is a crude simplistic Anglicization. Is it just a language issue or more that we are prevented from industrializing! (ee Media, Namebook, also: ee Focus, Naumann, English Education)
• The media this week highlighted, ‘Australia pledges support to Lanka in its efforts to mitigate climate change issues’, while news leaked out that Australia, in fact run by major mining conglomerate BHP Billiton, has been putting pressure on the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in the run up to the COP26 negotiations in Glasgow (see ee Agriculture, Fossil fuel). Then again, these issues have been taken away from the general assembly in New York to other imperialist locations, where capitalists predominate.
The organic silence of the environmental ‘movement’ about the organic issue in Sri Lanka, displays its hijacking by corporate funds, via Rockefeller’s IUCN, WWF, etc., clamoring about climate change, tree-hugging and carbon footprints, etc – all directed at preventing independent industrialization in our world. There are 2 streams in the ecological movement, one linked to Malthusianism (too many people, eugenics, population control, family planning, etc), and the other to the socialist movement that linked the squeezing of workers to the depredations of the earth, water and soil.
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B. Special Focus_
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B1. Local vs. English Language Schools – WMDD Andradi
Although local-language (‘vernacular’) schools fitted in with the missionary purposes, better than did English schools, the missionaries did establish in the early years a number of institutions imparting a superior English education. Thus the Wesleyans founded an English school at Jaffna in 1817, and others worthy of special mention were established at Vadukkodai by the USA, and in 1827 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) at Kotte (Jaffna Central College; Ruberu, R, Education in the Colonial Era).
The main purpose of these schools, as the CMS specified, was to “train Ceylonese for Christian work among their own people,” but in the years before the Colebrook reforms, they provided the best English education available to “the natives” (Balding, J.W., One Hundred Years in Ceylon).
In quantity, however, the provision was meagre for the missions mainly concentrated on vernacular education and government did very little at all, despite some interest shown by Governor Brownrigg. Nevertheless, as in Bengal, there was a local demand for English education that far outstripped the official supply. And as in Bengal, the demand was met by a remarkable proliferation of private schools. These charged fees, provided a purely secular education and were conducted by individuals on a businesslike basis. It is significant that by 1833 there appears to have been 640 such schools with 8,424 children, as against 236 missionary schools with 9,274 pupils and 97 government schools with 1,914 pupils. (The eagerness to learn English evinced particularly by the Burghers is illustrated by the case of Hillebrand, who immediately after the Dutch capitulation, satisfied his desire to learn English by making the acquaintance of soldiers and “plying them with food and drink.” Hillebrand did become a judicial officer subsequently, Gratien, LJ, Government Schools).
Evidently these private schools were supplying a very practical if mundane need for a knowledge of English among those aspiring to government or commercial employment.
The appointment of the Colebrooke-Cameron Commission indicated, however, that the Colonial Office was prepared to reappraise the position of Ceylon, and the economic changes that began in the 1830s reinforced the government’s new readiness to pay attention to the island’s educational system. “For Colebrooke,” it had been said, “education was to serve two purposes; as a preparation of candidates for public employment, and as an aid to natives to cultivate European attainments” (de Silva, KM, Social Policy and Missionary Organizations in Ceylon 1840-55).
This view sprang from the need to place the finances of the colony on a sound footing, expenditure having exceeded revenue for a number of years, and Colebrooke’s belief that the replacement of costly Europeans by local personnel was the best way to reduce expenditure. He therefore recommended a more extensive employment of Ceylonese in the administration.
A competent knowledge of the English language should be required in the native functionaries throughout the country. The possibility of future advancement to situations now exclusively held by Europeans will constitute a most powerful inducement with the natives of high caste to relinquish many absurd prejudices and to qualify themselves for general employment. With this view it would be highly expedient that the intentions of the Government to open the Civil Service to Her Majesty’s native subjects should be publicly declared (Mendis, G.C., Colebrooke-Cameron Papers I).
From these views flowed Colebrook’s proposals regarding education. It has been seen that both the government and missionary schools concentrated their energies mainly on local-language education. Colebrook realized that a change of policy was required. Referring to the government schools he observed, “Nothing is taught in the schools but reading in the Native languages and writing in the Native character.” He thought that the British missionaries had not sufficiently appreciated the importance of diffusing a knowledge of English through their schools and he singled out the US missionaries for special praise on this score:
“The American Missionaries are fully impressed with the importance of rendering the English language the general medium of instruction and of the inestimable value of this acquirement in itself to the people.” (As early as 1848 the Batticotta Institution taught science. It had a laboratory. Subjects taught included Natural Philosophy, Optics and Astronomy. It “is entitled to rank with many a European University” (Tennent). “Science is taught principally as an auxiliary to the object of propagating Christianity”, Brief Sketch of the American Mission in Ceylon).
A knowledge of English was not, however, enough. Colebrook pointed out that from the nature of employment open to civil servants, some knowledge of the general principles of law, as well as information on subjects of trade and finance would be of great advantage:
There are no means at present of insuring these qualifications in the candidates for public employment, and to aid the disposition already evinced by natives to cultivate European attainments, some support from government will still be required. It would be unpracticable for individuals, even of the most respectable classes to support the expense of attending the acquirement of a liberal education in Europe …” (Mendis, G.C., Colebrooke-Cameron Papers I).
Accordingly, to facilitate the reform of government schools he proposed that they be placed under the immediate direction of a commission composed of the archdeacon, the clergy, government agents and other officials. The schoolmasters appointed by the commission “should in all instances be required to possess a competent knowledge of English to enable them to give instruction in that language.” He also recommended the establishment of a college in Colombo, as desired by the principal native inhabitants of the island. This would give great encouragement to elementary schools and “afford native youths a means of qualifying themselves for different branches of the public service” (Mendis, G.C.).
Colebrooke’s vision and language might seem prosaic in comparison with that of Macaulay, who would soon be penning his famous minute on education in India, but he did consider that an English education was desirable for other reasons than the training of a body of local functionaries. Mendis points out that Colebrooke in his proposals to establish English schools:
… was influenced by the view held by Englishmen at the time, that Oriental learning was of little value and that a knowledge of English would lead to the moral and intellectual improvement of Eastern peoples. He believed further that a knowledge of English was a necessity for Ceylon to emerge successfully from a feudal into a commercial society and for the people to be acquainted with the modes of thought and ideas of their rulers (Mendis, G.C).
Thus while stressing the need for educating the local official for government service, he also saw the process as a solvent of caste and superstitious religion. When commenting upon the need for a superior English educational institution, Colebrooke observed:
Without at present reducing the various appointments now extensively held by Natives … who from their selection are in general strongly imbued with the prejudices of caste, the future appointments of Natives to the service of Government should depend upon their having availed themselves of these opportunities of instruction which would be open to them; and upon the disposition to discountenance the prejudices of the people and to co-operate with the Government in its views for the ultimate abolition of all unnecessary and invidious distinctions (Mendis, G.C.).
The English-language-educated Ceylonese official would be different from a predecessor educated in Sinhala or Tamil not only linguistically, but in outlook as well, thus, Colebrooke appears to have seen in the former an agency for societal change.
A school commission on the lines recommended by Colebrooke was appointed to direct the educational affairs of the island. Initially its attention, when not distracted by sectarian or personal wrangling, mainly turned upon the encouragement of English education. Under Governor Mackenzie (1837-41), however, a vigorous effort was made to extend education in local languages. For this, Mackenzie drew upon his experience of education in the Gaelic-speaking Scottish highlands and the advice of the Wesleyans who taught very successfully through Tamil in Jaffna. The hope was that through the local languages a much wider audience could be reached – and so exposed to the influence of Christianity. In his proposals, Mackenzie was careful to show that education in local languages would serve as a preparation for English education, and that existing English schools would be unaffected. Even so, his ideas met with stiff opposition in Ceylon and at the Colonial Office from those who thought “the labour and expense … might be better devoted to the instruction of the natives in the English language”(De Silva, K.M). Their application had to wait until 1843, when the influence of Wesleyan minister Rev. D.J. Gogerly with the Governor, Colonial Secretary and Legislative Council secured approval of a much wider extension of local-language education in addition to continued government support for English schools and education.
This shift in emphasis ran counter to deeply held convictions that the English language was the key to all improvement and Wesleyan support for it drew the hostility of the Anglican establishment in Ceylon. When a financial crisis hit the island in 1847-48, therefore, the opportunity was taken to undo much of the work initiated by Mackenzie, and carried out by Gogerly. A committee of the school commission, appointed in 1847, concluded: “Fully agreeing with the advocates of English education as to the paramount importance of a complete renovation of the native mind, of letting in of new light,” it was proper, “to keep up the present system of vernacular schools, but in such subordination and distribution as shall make them essentially subordinate to the English schools” (This section covering the vernacular experiment initiated by Mackenzie is based on Chapter IV of K.M. de Silva’s very useful study) In 1848, while there were 24 government Sinhala- and Tamil-language schools, there were 103 in which the medium was English and the tendency in mixed-media schools was everywhere to neglect the local-language section.
The next two decades, during which the financial setback of 1847 was overcome, saw a continued government emphasis on English education, though not an exclusive one, and a continued demand for such education among the upper and middle classes. By the middle years of the century there were in the island not merely a considerable number of local people in minor government posts requiring a knowledge of English, but also a fair number of well-educated men who had distinguished themselves in official life. Names such as Lorenz, de Alwis, Morgan, Dias and Coomaraswamy represent a generation of Ceylonese who had fully availed themselves of the new European and US educational facilities. These English-language-educated Ceylonese reflected one of the most important manifestations of the impact of a half a century of British rule. With such sound fruit of English-language education in Ceylon, the cause of Anglicisation might have seemed triumphant and the fate of the brief experiment in local-language education finally sealed.
(Excerpt from: Sri Lanka Subordinates of the British: English-Educated Ceylonese in the Official Life of Ceylon 1865-83, WMDD Andradi)
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B2. Friedrich Naumann: German Art, Industrialization & Imperialism in the 20thC
Colonial policy is a child of industrial policy – France’s PM Jules Ferry
The great divide in standards of living between the imperialist countries and the rest of the world occurred after the rise of machine-making-machine industrial capitalist economies from the 1860s. The term ‘imperialism’ entered many languages to describe the rivalry between European states to redivide colonies & spheres of influence in Africa & Asia, turning our countries into suppliers of raw materials & markets for their machine goods, dominating international politics from the mid-1880s onwards.
• ‘Colonial policy is a child of industrial policy‘, France’s Prime Minister Jules Ferry came to declare in the late 1880s. With the first Ferry ministry in 1880 colonization gained support, and during the second Ferry ministry in the mid-1880s the French conquered/grabbed Annam and Tonkin (in Vietnam) but also Northern Congo and Madagascar. 1880-95, French control overseas was extended from 1.0 to 9.5 million sq.km.
Colonial expansion should secure both ‘essential raw materials and markets for French industrial output’, contradicting the rhetoric of free trade among nations. The Empire had to industrialize through a division of labor; industrialization should take place in France and the colonies should supply raw materials and markets. Meanwhile, French manufacturers’ cries for protection became stronger and the system of French tariffs was extended to Algeria in 1884 and to Indochina in 1887. The principle of protection, which became the general basis of French colonial organization, was confirmed by the general tariff law passed in 1892 known as the ‘Meline tariff’. The tariff regime enchained the colonies within the French Empire for French exports to the colonies, but imports from the colonies were subject to French tariffs, thereby favoring French products. This unequal system was promoted by France since income from colonial trade had to pay for the expense of being invaded and ruled. The anti-colonial lobby in France demanded that colonies should not be a burden to the French economy, which led to ‘the more autonomous colonial budgetary system inaugurated in SE Asia by Governor-General Doumer in 1897’. The system of protection initiated in the 1880s remained the economic basis of French colonialism until WW2. The protectionist or autarkic colonial economic system in the 20th century was supported mainly from those industrialists who had an important outlet in the colonies, particularly in the cotton textile industry.’ (Adapted from: I Norlund, The French Empire, the Colonial State in Vietnam and Economic Policy, 1885-1940)
• Europe sliced Africa up into chunks at the 1884 Berlin Conference. Germany was not happy with its carcass, for little-ass Belgium (backed by England & France) got huge hunks like the Congo, and strategic carvings like Rwanda. England was meanwhile imposing genocidal famines in Sri Lanka, India, China, Canada, etc.
• Germany committed genocide in Namibia in 1903. The children of many of those genocidaires (Goering, etc.) rose to top positions in Nazi Germany. In 1904 an Anglo-French Entente Cordiale recognized English control of Egypt and French control of Morocco. In 1905 Germany challenged France’s control over Morocco, threatening war. In 1906 Germany called up reserve units, and France moved troops to the German border. Germany’s only supporter was Austria-Hungary. France was supported by England, Russia, Italy, Spain, and the USA. In the so-called 2nd Moroccan Crisis in 1911, French troops invaded the interior of Morocco, and Germany threatened warfare. France then claimed Morocco as a protectorate in exchange for territorial concessions to Germany from the French Congo. In 1912 the socialists won elections in Germany.
• ‘The Empire is a bread & butter question’, declared Cecil John Rhodes in 1895. After attending a meeting of the unemployed in the East End of London, Rhodes said: ‘I listened to the wild speeches, which were just a cry for ‘bread! bread!’ and on my way home I pondered over the scene and I became more than ever convinced of the importance of imperialism… My cherished idea is a solution for the social problem, ie, in order to save the 40,000,000 inhabitants of England from a bloody civil war, we colonial statesmen must acquire new lands to settle the surplus population, to provide new markets for the goods produced in the factories and mines.’ VI Lenin used this quote in his classic, Imperialism, the Latest Stage of Capitalism (1917)
• 19th-century German industrial products had notoriously been labeled ‘cheap and bad’, as at the US Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition in 1876.
Midst the attempt to re-divide the world among European imperialists, steal raw materials and capture markets, the Prussian Ministry of Commerce and Trade, 1903-7, sponsored path-breaking modernist design principles by converging economic development, design aesthetics, and educational reform in its top 3 dozen schools for arts, crafts, and trades (Kunstgewerbe und Handwerkerschulen).
The Prussian government’s Commerce Minister Theodor Möller sought to train a new generation of artisans, building trades workers, and small and medium enterprises to promote a modern consumer economy in order to bolster large industry. Artisans gained ‘the advantages enjoyed by large enterprise’, to revolutionize the design and production of Germany’s applied arts goods, and boost the country’s competitive position in international markets to overhaul Germany’s bad reputation for its products.
The Deutscher Werkbund of 1907 was made the most advanced organization for the promotion of fresh approaches to design across Germany, uniting artists, craftsmen, architects, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, cultural critics, and government officials, to improve ‘German production through artistic intervention’.
The Werkbund transmuted the values of the English Arts and Crafts movement into techniques of proto-industrial design at state schools across Germany. Design councils across Europe and North America, and later Japan, embraced design as a key instance of ‘soft power’.
1907-12, the Werkbund debated how business, the applied arts, and industry could best reform and modernize German production, distribution, and consumption. From 1912 the Werkbund began aggressively building a foreign network to fit imperialist German industrial and foreign policy for global commercial expansion.
(More than a century after creating the Werkbund in 1907, academics ignore its political and economic basis, and instead aesthetically debate its legacy, pitting the ‘making of industrial types’ (Typisierung) vs ‘artistic individualism’, promoting a ‘modernist teleology’ where standardization and its tendency toward machined abstraction were products of industrial culture.)
Werkbund leaders, including Friedrich Naumann, with close contacts in the German Foreign Office and newspaper editors throughout German-speaking Europe, made the Werkbund the official representative of German foreign trade and finished goods’ industries abroad.
In 1912 the socialists of the Social Democratic Party captured the majority in the Reichstag elections, despite a discriminatory voting system, which put non-property owners at a distinct disadvantage.
German Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg rejected calls from conservatives in the military, heavy industry, and agriculture to dissolve the Reichstag (parliament) and to ban political demonstrations in support of the Social Democrats, while also refusing the socialists’ central demand for a system of one-person–one-vote for workers and other disenfranchised groups.
The government then aggressively promoted commercial expansion at home and abroad, using the Deutscher Werkbund and Association for Light Industry (Bund Deutscher Industriellen, or BDI, a group that represented the makers of German finished goods).
By 1913, Naumann et al, the Chancellor’s office and the Foreign Office, enlarged the Werkbund’s network contacting German diplomatic outposts in Rio de Janeiro, Beirut, Calcutta, Genoa, and other cities, telling them about the Werkbund’s central role in improving German products and supporting German culture with artists, manufacturers, and merchants. Consulates had to furnish addresses of all German businesses and professionals in foreign lands to serve as conduits for Werkbund propaganda. This was known as Weltpolitik, or global politics, to secure well-designed German products a place in the Weltwirtschaft, or world economy.
In this new system, Germans from the working to the middle classes, and from manufacturers to business professionals, would benefit from the flood of revenues from the expanding export and manufacturing economy.
Pre-WWI German military expansion and gunboat diplomacy wove nicely with global commercial success for Werkbund designers and companies. The Krupp Steelworks, one of the largest Werkbund firms, took maximum advantage of the government’s new outlook. They sponsored free passage for Brazil’s Minister of Transport and one-time War Ministry attaché, to tour the planned Werkbund Exhibition of 1914, and to see German industry’s finest locomotives, passenger train cars, automobiles, and planes, tour Krupp steelworks’ 80 factories in Essen, to explain the Krupp steel production process, and see Germany’s finest steel-plated armor, naval guns, artillery field pieces, and railway wheels and rails, obtaining sizable contracts from Brazil.
The Stuttgart-based automotive giant Robert Bosch, a major Werkbund patron, underwrote Werkbund design competitions for a House of German-Turkish Friendship for Istanbul in 1916, to influence the Ottoman empire.
Naumann et al then mapped a pre-war roadmap for imperialism. The German-Austro-Hungarian Economic Association in 1913 planned a gigantic trading bloc dominated politically and economically by Germany, with programs for customs’ unions and unification of East Central Europe under German hegemony attacking the English Empire’s ‘sorest spots’, Egypt and India, advocating a ‘Berlin to Baghdad line… the most spectacular enterprise undertaken abroad by German banks’ – a rail line and axis of trade projected well beyond Germany, Austria-Hungary, through the Balkans and Turkey, and ultimately to the Persian Gulf.
Germany planned to grab such raw material supplies as oil, iron, and bauxite it desperately needed from newly secured markets in the Balkans, Turkey, and from Ottoman-Arab holdings extending around the Red Sea. In exchange, these allies and trade partners would have privileged access to products from Germany’s burgeoning finished-goods industries – ie, Werkbund industries. German commercial, banking, and industrial interests also backed these measures.
Naumann called for a pan-German and East Central European Mitteleuropa, and his book Mitteleuropa became the politician’s best-selling, most-translated and most-discussed publication. 6 weeks after the July 1914 Werkbund annual congress in Cologne, their World War I broke out with the general mobilization of German military forces. The Werkbund leadership’s propaganda and policies thus provided a far-reaching program of ‘types’ for manufacturing, production, and export.
The Werkbund merged with the Nazi Kampfbund in 1933, with design objects distributed to manufacturers and planners for mass production and export. Its blatant imperialist rhetoric was expunged after 1945. In 1951 the West German government founded a new design council, the Rat für Formgebung (German Design Council), and the East German government set up the Amt der industriellen Formgestaltung (Office of Industrial Design), to promote German design abroad. (Adapted from: The Globalization of the Deutscher Werkbund, Design Reform, Industrial Policy, and German Foreign Policy, 1907-14, John V Maciuika)
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B3. Unilever & the English State at War
Brexit England has stubbornly resisted releasing country-by-country data on the taxes and business activities of large multinational companies. In 2018, Unilever was part of a gang of conglomerates that set up the League of Multinational Corporations in Sri Lanka.
Unilever is notorious for breaking foreign exchange, monopoly and trade regulations. But it is a well-kept secret. This is because Unilever, as the largest advertiser in the world, exercises monopoly power over the capitalist media.
A few of the major allegations against Unilever are: foreign control over equity shares (i.e., they deny locals the right to share in the profits of the company, and to vote on matters of corporate policy and choosing the board of directors), preventing investment in local capital-intensive production, stealing home markets, overproduction to flood markets, exploitation of workers through subcontracting, etc.
Unilever was formed in 1929 by merging Dutch Margarine Unie and British soapmaker Lever Brothers, and was controlled by 4 large family firms: Jurgens, Van den Bergh, Schicht, Lever Brothers, and 2 smaller firms: Calvé-Delft and Hartog. They invested in large production facilities, distribution networks and management talent, and operated thru their family networks to ensure a comparative advantage over competitors.
In 1934, a gang of European corporations later known as ABUP – AKU (Akzo, now owner of ICI/CIC), BPM (Royal Dutch/Shell), Unilever and Philips – increased collaboration. Until 1934 Unilever had been transferring large dividends from Unilever’s German subsidiaries to Unilever NV in Rotterdam. Cash surpluses blocked in Germany were safely and profitably invested in government or quasi-government institutions.
After the Nazis were brought to power, Germany’s currency problems were increased, with severe balance of payments problems and a rapid deterioration of Germany’s foreign exchange position. Importers into Germany, like Unilever’s raw materials companies, were increasingly rationed by the Reichsbank for needed foreign exchange. In July 1934 Unilever claimed to no longer receive any foreign exchange. In reaction the company blocked shipments of raw materials into Germany.
Reichsbank President Hjalmar Schacht was made Economics Minister, saying he was prepared to ruin the Reichsmark to achieve rearmament. In September 1934, Schacht launched his New Plan: Exports had to pay for imports and were brought into line with Germany’s needs and its policy of self-sufficiency. They suspended capital exports and interest payments. For every separate import a foreign-exchange certificate had to be obtained. Transfer of dividends to England and the Netherlands became more difficult.
Unilever now held millions of blocked Reichsmarks and, needed ‘hard currency’ to import raw materials to run its factories in Germany. In September 1934, 7 English exporters (including Unilever, Dunlop, Shell), of wool, mineral oil, metal, jute, rubber, non-ferrous metals, and non-mineral oils and fats into Germany, met with Schacht and Hitler, about forex issues.
Germany and England co-founded the Anglo-German Fellowship in March 1935, largely financed by Unilever and ICI. Corporate members were financial institutions like Schröder, Lazard and the Midland Bank and large industrial firms like Firth-Vickers Stainless Steels, Unilever, Dunlop and Shell. Directors of ICI, Tate and Lyle, and the Distillers company joined in a private capacity.
In April 1936 Hitler appointed H. Göring as Plenipotentiary for the Securing of Raw Materials and Foreign Exchange Demands of the Reich. Göring had to overcome the raw materials crisis and currency crisis and forced through the policy of self-reliance. As the margarine business depended on imports of raw materials, Unilever, the largest importer of edible oils and fats, began negotiations with Goring. Göring objected to Unilever using most of its foreign exchange for imports of oils and fats. The Third Reich then decided to start developing synthetic soap made from mineral fats and stimulate development of domestic oil-bearing seed. Unilever claimed their continental (German) business was damaged by the margarine regulations and currency restrictions. Unilever claimed to have used much of its RM150million in liquid assets to finance a shipbuilding program in Germany, stimulating German employment and using stagnant capacity in German shipyards. Unilever paid to imported 117,000 tons of fats and oil into Germany without any payment of foreign exchange.
In 1938 an anti-Unilever committee called National Anti-Polyp Action (NAPA), was named after a newspaper article: ‘A polyp in the national canals’. Unilever’s expanding influence in the Dutch economy was compared to a polyp (octopus) whose tentacles reached into almost every aspect of the national economy, threatening economic independence, and was an ‘economic dictatorship’.
In response to war starting between Germany and England, Unilever changed its organization into a dual legal structure. 2 ‘autonomous’ Boards were created: Limited in London, NV in Rotterdam. No director of either company was now a director of the other. Control from the centre was minimized and rested basically upon 3 devices: an annual operating plan, an annual capital expenditure budget and the selection of the top management of the national companies.
In 1946 it was revealed that for many years during the war, Unilever had organized the illegal distribution of margarine, and carried on after. They were exposed by the arrest of an outside accomplice in the streets who was carrying a bag containing between 60 and 100 packets of margarine. The inquiry soon reached the top of Unilever’s Sales Organization (UVC). In the official view, NV was not implicated. Unilever started an investigation of its own system of control and suspended 15 managers of UVC. In the press, however, Unilever was attacked fiercely. Especially, the communist paper de Waarheid (Truth) used the ‘coupons affair’ (bonnen-affaire) to demonstrate capitalism’s depravity and saw Unilever’s involvement solely as further proof of how monopolistic companies misused their position of power.
Insecure on the European continent (in particular in Germany), Dutch and English multinationals established confidential lobby groups in the Netherlands as well as in Britain. The first ‘Contact Committee’ of AKU (Akzo), BPM (Royal Dutch/Shell), Unilever and Philips, abbreviated to ABUP, was held on 31 October 1946 in The Hague. They called themselves the ‘Big Four’ by analogy with the 4 Allied powers.
With a dire need for post-war policy coordination, the first contact meeting discussed the most urgent issues: trade relations with Germany, the US decartelization proposal in Germany and nationalization in various countries. On 30 June 1947 the first meeting of ‘The Committee of British Industrial Interests in Germany’ was held at Unilever House, Blackfriars, in London. It aimed to link English industry with interests in Germany and English government authorities engaged with Germany. Its objective was to obtain the return to the full control of German subsidiaries of English companies. The first meeting was attended by representatives of Courtaulds, Ever Ready, Unilever, Anglo-Iranian Oil, Shell. Other English companies, which had had direct or indirect control over German businesses before the war, could also join the committee… Only English companies with FDI in Germany could become members. Soon the committee accepted another 15 MNCs for membership. V Cavendish Bentinck, former chairman of the Joint Intelligence Subcommittee of the Chiefs of Staff (Secret Service), was put in the chair, because of his extensive political network and knowledge of Germany.
In September 1947 the ABUP in the Netherlands set up a subcommittee for Dutch industrial interests in Germany, like the English interest group. Former Economics minister Max Steenberghe was made the chair, supported by the Foreign Office, the Economics Ministry and the Ministry of Finance of the Netherlands…. (International Business and National War Interests, Unilever between Reich and Empire, 1939-45, Ben Wubs)
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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.
• Regime Change & Constitutions – Is Sri Lanka ready?
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/27/regime-change-constitutions-is-sri-lanka-ready/
• Attempts to weaken Sri Lanka’s National Security in the guise of Easter Sunday Justice
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/26/attempts-to-weaken-sri-lankas-national-security-on-guise-of-easter-sunday-justice
• Church demands Easter Sunday justice – did Church punish Church priests linked to LTTE?
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/27/sri-lanka-church-demands-easter-sunday-justice-did-the-church-punish-church-priests-linked-to-ltte/
• Largest-ever Indian Naval flotilla arrives in Trincomalee
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/24/largest-ever-indian-naval-flotilla-arrives-in-sri-lanka/
– ft.lk/ft_tv/First-Training-Squadron-of-Indian-Navy-Arrives-in-Colombo-and-Trincomalee/10520-724789
– economynext.com/india-navy-sailing-vessels-tarangini-and-sudarshini-in-sri-lanka-87282/#modal-one
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/29/first-training-squadron-of-indian-navy-departs-the-island/
• SLNS ‘Samudura’ takes part in naval exercise with England’s HMS ‘Kent’
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/25/slns-samudura-takes-part-in-naval-exercise-with-hms-kent/
– island.lk/slns-samudura-takes-part-in-naval-exercise-with-royal-navys-hms-kent/
• India comes to SL rescue despite China tilt. Will Colombo mend ways now? – Col. Hariharan
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/25/india-comes-to-sri-lankas-rescue-despite-its-china-tilt-will-colombo-mend-its-ways-now/
• US keen to strengthen defence ties with SL despite alleged accountability issues
‘SL also re-entered the ACSA (Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement) with the US in August 2017’
– island.lk/us-keen-to-strengthen-defence-ties-with-sl-despite-alleged-accountability-issues/
• Erasing the Eelam Victory Part 19E 1, 2 & 3, 19F
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/24/erasing-the-eelam-victory-part-19-e1/
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/25/erasing-the-eelam-victory-part-19e2/
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/24/erasing-the-eelam-victory-part-19e3/
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/26/erasing-the-eelam-victory-pt-19f/
• Ex-Indian HC in Colombo during turbulent 1989-90 featured in Pathfinder “In Conversation”
– island.lk/ex-indian-hc-in-colombo-during-turbulent-1989-90-will-be-featured-in-next-pathfinder-in-conversation-webinar/
• Revealing the Hidden History of Jaffna Part 3
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/23/reply-to-c-v-wigneswarans-attack-on-prof-g-l-peiris-part-3-revealing-the-hidden-history-of-jaffna/
• Condemn casteist violence at Vaddukoddai; Resolve to fight all forms of caste oppression
– island.lk/we-condemn-casteist-violence-at-vaddukoddai-we-resolve-to-fight-against-all-forms-of-caste-oppression/
• Ending the Dispossession of Northern Fishers by Indian Trawlers
– island.lk/ending-the-dispossession-of-northern-fishers-by-indian-trawlers/
• The LTTE & the Catholic Church
– kalaya.org/2021/10/blog-post_26.html#more
• New Northern Governor Jeevan Thiagarajah shares his roadmap
– ft.lk/opinion/New-Northern-Governor-Jeevan-Thiagarajah-shares-his-roadmap/14-724860
• Wiggy blasts Presidential Task Force as another attempt to undermine Tamils
– island.lk/wiggy-blasts-presidential-task-force-appointed-to-achieve-one-country-one-law-objective-as-another-attempt-to-undermine-tamils/
• TNA in Mannar accuses Gov’t of shooting messenger
– island.lk/tna%e2%80%88accuses-govt-of-shooting-messenger/
• Govt. assures Sri Lanka remains a non-aligned country
– ft.lk/top-story/Govt-assures-Sri-Lanka-remains-a-non-aligned-country/26-724920
• US ambassador nominee pledges to make Lanka vital partner in Indo-Pacific
“We have with the Development Finance Corporation and the Export-Import Bank to provide alternatives to coercive lending and opaque contracts”
– island.lk/us-ambassador-nominee-pledges-to-make-lanka-vital-partner-in-indo-pacific
• Biden’s appointee for Dept. of State Global Justice no stranger to Lanka
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/cabraal-dodges-imf-bouncers-at-international-forum-459638.html
• Outgoing Japanese Ambassador calls on President
– island.lk/outgoing-japanese-ambassador-calls-on-president/
• TRCSL to hand over Lotus Tower to Treasury-owned company
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/news/trcsl-to-hand-over-lotus-tower-to-treasury-owned-company-459616.html
• Indian Defence Minister conveniently forgets infamous interventions in SL
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/cabraal-dodges-imf-bouncers-at-international-forum-459638.html
• IPKF massacre: Request for memorial at Jaffna Teaching hospital
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/cabraal-dodges-imf-bouncers-at-international-forum-459638.html
• A Referendum on PCs
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/editorial/back-to-school-a-strike-and-lessons-to-be-learnt-459593.html
• Indo-Lanka fishing conflict surfaces again
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/news/indo-lanka-fishing-conflict-surfaces-again-459651.html
• Adani pays surprise visit to Mannar
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Adani-pays-surprise-visit-to-Mannar/108-223267
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/adani-to-meet-president-gotabaya-in-colombo/
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/25/indian-billionaire-gautam-adani-in-sri-lanka-expected-to-meet-president/
– timesonline.lk/news-online/Indian-billionaire-Gautam-Adani-to-meet-President-today/2-1135677
– ft.lk/front-page/Indian-tycoon-Adani-calls-on-Rajapaksas-keen-on-SL-infrastructure/44-724921
• Cardinal Lost in Grief
– gammiris.lk/cardinal-lost-in-grief/
• Director SIS lodges complaint against Rev. Fr. Siril Gamini
‘Major General Sallay (then Brigadier) had actively played a role in nurturing Saharan and his cohorts.’
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Director-SIS-lodges-complaint-against-Rev-Fr-Siril-Gamini/108-223254
• Pope conveys solidarity with Cardinal in revealing truth behind Easter Sunday attacks
– dailymirror.lk/top_story/Pope-conveys-solidarity-with-Cardinal-in-revealing-truth-behind-Easter-Sunday-attacks/155-223165
– island.lk/easter-sunday-carnage-pope-pledges-solidarity-with-cardinal-seeking-justice/
• Constructive dialogue beyond international community – USAID’s NPC
– island.lk/constructive-dialogue-beyond-international-community/
• India must convince neighbors against debt trap of China: Indian General Bipin Rawat
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/24/india-must-convince-neighbors-against-debt-trap-of-china-gen-bipin-rawat/
• RSS condemns Islamist attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/29/rss-condemns-islamist-attacks-on-hindu-minorities-in-bangladesh/
• PM expresses appreciation to China for its continued support
– island.lk/pm-expresses-appreciation-to-china-for-its-continued-support/
• Myanmar Releases SL Fishing Boats
– kalaya.org/2021/10/blog-post_28.html#more
• Sri Lankans protest against Pakistan for supporting Taliban in Afghanistan: India
– aninews.in/news/world/asia/sri-lankans-protest-against-pakistan-for-supporting-taliban-in-afghanistan20211023201211
• Taliban Government gains traction
‘Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Acting Taliban Dy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar’
– indianpunchline.com/reflections-on-events-in-afghanistan-30/
• Chinese President Xi marks 50th anniversary of restoration of China’s lawful UN seat
– http://www.news.cn/english/2021-10/25/c_1310267311.htm
• Taiwan Demonstrates that the US Empire is a Paper Tiger
– blackagendareport.com/taiwan-demonstrates-american-empire-paper-tiger
• Biden’s Taiwan gaffe meant no harm
‘China is forecast to overtake Japan as the world’s biggest buyer of LNG this year.’
– indianpunchline.com/bidens-taiwan-gaffe-meant-no-harm/
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/sunday-times-2/the-taiwan-triangle-459464.html
• On The Delusion In U.S. Foreign Policy And What Might Change It
– moonofalabama.org/2021/10/on-the-delusion-in-us-foreign-policy-and-what-might-change-it.html
• Pentagon Generals, News Writers Abuse Chinese Test Flight To Argue For More Weapons
– moonofalabama.org/2021/10/pentagon-generals-news-writers-abuse-chinese-test-flight-to-argue-for-more-weapons.html
• Russia and China hold first joint patrols in the Pacific
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/23/russia-and-china-hold-first-joint-patrols-in-the-pacific/
• Israel to build over 1,300 new settler units in West Bank despite international outcry
– radiohc.cu/en/noticias/internacionales/274888-israel-to-build-over-1300-new-settler-units-in-west-bank-despite-international-outcry
• Killing of Gaddafi 10 Years ago Killed the Nation of Libya and Destroyed its People
– blackagendareport.com/killing-gaddafi-10-years-ago-has-resulted-death-nation-libya-and-destruction-its-people
• No true democracy for Africans as long as US, EU, NATO, and Israel finance the militaries
– blackagendareport.com/black-alliance-peace-us-out-africa-network-stand-people-sudan
– newsclick.in/more-than-one-million-sudanese-streets-against-coup
– socialistproject.ca/2021/10/no-way-back-to-military-dictatorship-sudan/
• How US Interference in Cuba Creates a False Picture of its Society: Nov. 15 Uproar Planned
– newsclick.in/How-US-Interference-Cuba-Creates-False-Picture-Society
• Cuba offers evidence of links between illicit march organizers and U.S. based mercenaries
– radiohc.cu/en/noticias/nacionales/275130-cuba-offers-further-evidence-of-links-between-illicit-march-organizers-and-us-based-mercenaries
• ALBA-TCP to address impacts of sanctions on regional development at COP26
– radiohc.cu/en/noticias/internacionales/274890-alba-tcp-to-address-impacts-of-sanctions-on-regional-development
• Puerto Ricans Resist Austerity Measures and Corporate Corruption
– blackagendareport.com/puerto-ricans-resist-austerity-measures-and-corporate-corruption
• 38 Years After US Invasion, Grenada’s New Jewel Movement Still Inspires
– counterpunch.org/2021/10/27/38-years-after-a-triple-assassination-grenadas-new-jewel-movement-still-inspires/
• Bolivian president calls for unity in the face of coup attempts
– radiohc.cu/en/noticias/internacionales/275530-bolivian-president-calls-for-unity-in-the-face-of-coup-attempts
• Miami Defenders of Twice US Kidnapped Venezuelan Ambassador, Rally for his Release
– blackagendareport.com/miami-defenders-twice-us-kidnapped-venezuelan-ambassador-alex-saab-rally-his-release
• The US effort to destabilize Nicaragua is an ongoing crime
– blackagendareport.com/why-defending-nicaragua-important
• Cuba denounces U.S. financial boycott of the UN
– radiohc.cu/en/noticias/nacionales/275451-cuba-denounces-us-financial-boycott-of-the-un
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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.
• Govt. in dilemma over anti-terrorism law:
– island.lk/govt-in-dilemma-over-anti-terrorism-law/
• Of 85,000 police force, over 40,000 are providing security to politicians – Financial Times
– ft.lk/columns/Will-financial-problems-force-the-President-to-resolve-basic-issues/4-725098
• Ven. Gnanasara to head Presidential Task Force for ’’One Country, One Law’’ concept
– dailymirror.lk/top_story/Ven-Gnanasara-Thera-to-head-Presidential-Task-Force-for-One-Country-One-Law-concept/155-223378
– ft.lk/columns/Unveiling-the-MMDA/4-725143
• Eran questions COPE’s purpose if it cannot take punitive actions against fraud and corruption
– ft.lk/news/Eran-questions-COPE-s-purpose-if-it-cannot-take-punitive-actions-against-fraud-and-corruption/56-724802
• Appeal Court issues notice on petition challenging tender for alcohol products tax stamps
– ft.lk/front-page/Appeal-Court-issues-notice-on-petition-challenging-tender-for-alcohol-products-tax-stamps/44-724795
• Secretary to President says strict legal action against false reports about him
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/24/secretary-to-president-says-strict-legal-action-against-false-reports-about-him/
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/24/govt-funds-cannot-be-deposited-into-private-accounts-vijitha-herath/
• Unrest at Welikada Prison brought under control
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Unrest-at-Welikada-Prison-brought-under-control/108-223156
• ASPs directed to ensure cops’ welfare, eliminate corruption
– island.lk/asps-directed-to-ensure-cops-welfare-eliminate-corruption/
• SL Army Commander in Russia for talks with Russian Land Forces Chief
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/25/army-commander-in-russia-for-talks-with-russian-land-forces-chief/
• Sri Lanka Navy takes delivery of Used USCGC Douglas Munro
– ft.lk/news/Sri-Lanka-Navy-takes-delivery-of-Ex-USCGC-Douglas-Munro/56-725032
• When intelligence is unintelligent
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/sunday-times-2/when-intelligence-is-unintelligent-459410.html
• A ‘charade of justice’ under cover of ‘modernizing laws’?
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/a-charade-of-justice-under-cover-of-modernizing-laws-459460.html
• Greatest obstacle to reform efforts has been all-male All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU)
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/plus/letters-to-the-editor-7-459087.html
• Ali Sabry’s equation: An indication of acrobatics on a high wire?
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/27/ali-sabrys-equation-an-indication-of-acrobatics-on-a-high-wire/
• The Killing of a Prime Minister 2
– island.lk/beyond-reasonable-doubt-r/
• Remembering the Eviction of Northern Muslims
– dailymirror.lk/opinion/Remembering-the-Eviction-of-Northern-Muslims/172-223648
• 25% paid extortion money in Ransomware: Sophos
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/business-times/25-paid-extortion-money-in-ransomware-sophos-459176.html
• World War II – The Battle of The Indian Ocean
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/24/world-war-ii-the-battle-of-the-indian-ocean-5-april-1942-over-colombo-ceylon-interview-with-commodore-leonard-birchall-obe-dfc-cd-retdthe-saviour-of-ceylon/
• The Latest Chapter in Vietnam’s Valiant Battle Against the Delta Variant
– counterpunch.org/2021/10/28/the-latest-chapter-in-vietnams-valiant-battle-against-the-delta-variant/
• Washington Expels Major Chinese Phone Carrier From US Market
– newsclick.in/washington-expels-major-chinese-phone-carrier-US-market-citing-national-security-concerns
• Microsoft Blames Russia For Failure To Enforce Its Vendors Account Security
‘no public evidence was provided that it was a Russian one’
– moonofalabama.org/2021/10/microsoft-blames-russia-for-failure-to-enforce-its-vendors-account-security.html
• Big Brother is watching you, as electronic surveillance proliferates
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/sunday-times-2/big-brother-is-watching-you-as-electronic-surveillance-proliferates-459403.html
• Russell “Maroon” Shoatz is Free, But Other Political Prisoners Languish
– blackagendareport.com/russell-maroon-shoatz-free-other-political-prisoners-languish
• How US Prosecutors Use Conspiracy and Questionable Testimony in “Gang” Cases
– blackagendareport.com/how-prosecutors-use-conspiracy-and-questionable-testimony-gang-cases
• Hollywood Death Investigated by Law Firm Who Investigated Kennedy Assassination
– wallstreetonparade.com/2021/10/death-on-alec-baldwin-set-with-colt-45-to-be-investigated-by-law-firm-whose-partners-investigated-kennedy-assassination-lehman-bankruptcy-and-citigroup-settlement/
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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.
• Pandemic to Endemic – Implications for Sri Lankan Economy
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/pandemic-to-endemic-implications-for-sri-lankan-economy/
• Sri Lanka debt restructure: A critique from a third eye
– ft.lk/columns/Sri-Lanka-debt-restructure-A-critique-from-a-third-eye/4-724843
• Central Bank Governor’s role elevated to Cabinet rank
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Central-Bank-Governors-role-elevated-to-Cabinet-rank/273-223364
• Cabraal dodges IMF bouncers at international forum – Sunday Times
‘at United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) dialogue on ‘Financing Sustainable Development and Addressing Debt Risks in the Aftermath of COVID-19’
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/cabraal-dodges-imf-bouncers-at-international-forum-459638.html
• CB shrugs off claims that money printing is behind current inflation
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/CB-shrugs-off-claims-that-money-printing-is-behind-current-inflation/273-223307
• ISB buy-backs: Policy reversal by Central Bank – an addendum
– ft.lk/columns/ISB-buy-backs-Policy-reversal-by-Central-Bank-an-addendum/4-724861
• Sri Lanka’s development and big businesses – Anila Dias Bandaranaike
‘Labour market reforms must address labour shortages, low wages and inflexible labour laws that hurt both employers and employees’
– island.lk/sri-lankas-development-and-big-businesses/
• Top women corporates share insights on navigating headwinds amid pandemic
‘Sampath Bank Senior Deputy General Manager Shashi Kandambi Jassim, Jetwing Travels and Jetwing Hotels Chairperson Shiromal Cooray, Hemas Holdings Group CEO Kasturi Wilson and Prime Group Co-Chairperson Sandamini Perera’
– ft.lk/special-report/Top-women-leaders-share-insights-on-navigating-headwinds-amid-pandemic/22-721224
• FTA: A painful choice for Sri Lanka – Abeyratne
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/business-times/fta-a-painful-choice-for-sri-lanka-459210.html
• Removal of price controls should have come as part of overall reform package: Abeyratne
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Removal-of-price-controls-should-have-come-as-part-of-overall-reform-package-Prof-Abeyratne/273-223200
• Sri Lanka’s 2022 budget unlikely to be relief package: Abeyratne tells Germans
– economynext.com/sri-lankas-2022-budget-unlikely-to-be-relief-package-economist-87299/
• Sri Lanka can come out of economic crisis if ‘right policies’ are in place: opposition legislator
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-can-come-out-of-economic-crisis-if-right-policies-are-in-place-opposition-legislator-87291/
• A child’s guide to cryptos, crypto mining and blockchain – Part I: Wijewardena
– ft.lk/columns/A-child-s-guide-to-cryptos-crypto-mining-and-blockchain-Part-I/4-724841
• These games are dangerous – Usvatte-aratchi
– island.lk/these-games-are-dangerous/
• IPS Policy Insights: COVID-19, the global economy and Sri Lanka’s external sector outlook
– island.lk/ips-policy-insights-covid-19-the-global-economy-and-sri-lankas-external-sector-outlook/
• US Verité Research offers solutions for USD liquidity crisis
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/business-times/verite-research-offers-solutions-for-usd-liquidity-crisis-459179.html
• US Verité Research reveals implementation lags in 2020 Budget
– ft.lk/top-story/Verit%C3%A9-Research-reveals-implementation-lags-in-2020-Budget/26-725061
– ft.lk/front-page/Revenue-enhancement-measures-crucial-for-2022-Budget/44-725060
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Poor-budget-credibility-cited-as-major-issue-for-public-finances/273-223635
• Sri Lanka’s economy seen as a ‘ticking time bomb’ – Nikkei
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/27/sri-lankas-economy-seen-as-a-ticking-time-bomb/
• Need for multipronged reform programme stressed
– island.lk/need-for-multipronged-reform-programme-stressed/
• SOEs bleeding money – Feizal Samath
‘Thankfully, Sri Lanka privatised plantations some years ago’
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/cabraal-dodges-imf-bouncers-at-international-forum-459638.html
• CCC Economic Summit December 6 on opportunity to reset in new global norm
– ft.lk/business/CCC-Economic-Summit-to-put-spotlight-on-Sri-Lanka-s-opportunity-to-reset-in-new-global-norm/34-725094
• Stocks, profit margins and the economy – Roberts
‘the US stock market seems impervious to the news on inflation and interest rates. Why is that?’
– thenextrecession.wordpress.com/2021/10/25/stocks-profit-margins-and-the-economy/
• Biden is No FDR and Build Back Better Legislation Proves It
– blackagendareport.com/biden-no-fdr-and-build-back-better-legislation-proves-it
• U.S. Corporate Media Watch
‘The ISIS-K suicide bomber who attacked the mosque in Kunduz was a Uighur Muslim. ‘
– blackagendareport.com/us-corporate-media-watch-0
• COP-out 26
– thenextrecession.wordpress.com/2021/10/28/cop-out-26/
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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, their constant moaning about debt and balance of payments without stating the need for industrial production to overcome such issues, etc.
• Gazette issued declaring several services as Essential Services
‘… including the Ports Authority (SLPA), Railway Department (SLRD), all District and Divisional Secretariats, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the Postal Department’
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Gazette-issued-declaring-several-services-as-Essential-Services/108-223662
• People’s Bank whitelisted by Chinese Embassy
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/29/peoples-bank-blacklisted-by-chinese-embassy/
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Payment-to-Chinese-Company-halted-following-court-decision-Peoples-Bank/108-223583
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Peoples-Bank-says-acting-on-court-order-in-response-to-Chinese-Embassy-blacklisting/273-223636
• CBSL issues new rules on conversion of export proceeds
– ft.lk/front-page/CBSL-issues-new-rules-on-conversion-of-export-proceeds/44-725169
• Sri Lanka inflation soars to 4-year high in October 2021, food up 24-pct over 2-years
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-inflation-soars-to-4-year-high-in-october-2021-food-up-24-pct-over-2-years-87423/
• First sand dune ATV adventure centre opened at Port City by Sports Minister Namal
– island.lk/while-the-country-is-burning/
• ‘Dollar reserves in SL plummet drastically, putting the economy in jeopardy’ – Island
– island.lk/dollar-reserves-in-sl-plummet-drastically-putting-the-economy-in-jeopardy/
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/cabraal-dodges-imf-bouncers-at-international-forum-459638.html
• Audit Report- 2020 handed over to Speaker
‘Parliament has full control over public finances in terms of Article 148 of the Constitution…audits of Ministries and Departments, Public Corporations, Authorities, Boards and Statutory Funds, Provincial Councils, Local Government Institutions, Foreign Aid Projects and other Institutions are presented to Parliament under nine categories’
– timesonline.lk/news-online/Audit-Report-2020-handed-over-to-Speaker/2-1135748
• Government at a loss of Rs. 27 billion in excise revenue this year due to COVID
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/government-is-at-a-loss-of-rs-27-billion-in-excise-revenue-this-year-due-to-the-covid-situation-copa-reveals
– timesonline.lk/news-online/Govt-loses-Rs-27-billion-in-excise-revenue-due-to-COVID-pandemic-COPA/2-1135708
• CB provides update on envisaged forex inflows announced in six-month road map
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/CB-provides-update-on-envisaged-forex-inflows-announced-in-six-month-road-map/273-223367
– ft.lk/front-page/Central-Bank-says-it-is-walking-the-talk-post-roadmap-unveiling/44-724922
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/progress-of-securing-foreign-exchange-inflows-as-announced-in-the-six-month-road-map-for-ensuring-macroeconomic-and-financial-system-stability/
• Sri Lanka short tenor bonds quoted, rupee officially at 203
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-short-tenor-bonds-quoted-rupee-officially-at-203-87285/#modal-one
• State borrowings from banking sector hit Rs.169bn in August
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/State-borrowings-from-banking-sector-hit-Rs-169bn-in-August/273-223199
• CB to source funds from the Gulf
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/business-times/cb-to-source-funds-from-the-gulf-459236.html
• CPC recommends fuel price hike instead of tax reduction
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/news/cpc-recommends-fuel-price-hike-instead-of-tax-reduction-459612.html
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/farmers-on-the-streets-not-in-their-fields-teachers-on-the-streets-not-in-their-classrooms-459601.html
• Fitch expects import controls on vehicles to remain at least in part in near term
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Fitch-expects-import-controls-on-vehicles-to-remain-at-least-in-part-in-near-term/273-223304
• Lending rates race ahead of deposit rates widening spreads by over 200bps
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Lending-rates-race-ahead-of-deposit-rates-widening-spreads-by-over-200bps/273-223300
• Sri Lanka has second successful Treasuries auction in 3-month bills only
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-has-second-successful-treasuries-auction-in-3-month-bills-only-87345/
• Moody’s further downgrades Sri Lanka to Caa2
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Moodys-further-downgrades-Sri-Lanka-to-Caa2/108-223499
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/moodys-downgrades-sri-lankas-rating-to-caa2-outlook-stable/
– ft.lk/front-page/Moody-s-downgrades-Sri-Lanka-s-rating-to-Caa2-outlook-stable/44-725081
• Ill-timed and unacceptable rating action by Moody’s renews concerns of subjectivity – CBSL
– island.lk/ill-timed-and-unacceptable-rating-action-by-moodys-renews-concerns-of-subjectivity-cbsl/
– ft.lk/top-story/Govt-maligns-Moody-s/26-725080
• Fitch Upgrades the Maldives to ‘B-‘; Outlook Stable
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/29/fitch-upgrades-the-maldives-to-b-outlook-stable/
• US Helms-Burton Act discouraging foreign investment in Cuba
– radiohc.cu/en/noticias/nacionales/275304-cuba-prioritizes-and-needs-foreign-investment
• U.S. Third Quarter Growth Was Almost Nil at 0.5 Percent
– wallstreetonparade.com/2021/10/atlanta-feds-gdpnow-says-u-s-third-quarter-growth-was-almost-nil-at-0-5-percent-wall-street-economists-are-forecasting-over-3-percent/
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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
• CEB Trade Union warns of strike similar to the one in 1996
– dailymirror.lk/latest_news/CEB-Trade-Union-warns-of-strike-similar-to-the-one-in-1996/342-223411
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/27/the-country-will-be-in-darkness-if-lng-deal-not-withdrawn-warn-trade-unions/
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/29/electricity-tus-protest-against-controversial-lng-deal-walk-out-planned-for-3rd-nov/
• CEBEU broken to meet changing times, Senior Engineers’ Association formed
– island.lk/cebeu-broken-to-meet-changing-times-senior-engineers-association-formed/
• Unions threaten to cripple port to foil bid to bring in contaminated fertiliser
– island.lk/unions-threaten-to-cripple-port-to-foil-bid-to-bring-in-contaminated-fertiliser/
• Teacher trade unions call for parents’ support to win their demands
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/news/teacher-trade-unions-call-for-parents-support-to-win-their-demands-459645.html
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/editorial/back-to-school-a-strike-and-lessons-to-be-learnt-459593.html
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/schools-rest-on-volcano-of-brimming-discontent-459427.html
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/farmers-on-the-streets-not-in-their-fields-teachers-on-the-streets-not-in-their-classrooms-459601.html
– island.lk/of-that-hug-in-the-ring/
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/27/confrontation-between-teachers-cops-at-agitation-site/
• Raja Collure removed as Communist Party Chairman Over Union Battle
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Raja-Collure-removed-as-Communist-Party-Chairman/108-223171
– island.lk/that-pay-cut-threat-boomerangs-on-collure/
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Court-suspends-Communist-Partys-decision-to-remove-Raja-Collure/108-223594
• Ayurveda Health Workers demand COVID special allowance
– timesonline.lk/news-online/In-Pictures-Ayurveda-Health-Workers-demand-COVID-special-allowance/2-1135694
• From Cycle Chains, Bullets to Pay Packs – Evolution of State’s Response to Strikes
– dailymirror.lk/opinion/From-Cycle-Chains-Bullets-to-Pay-Packs/231-223206
• Labour Dept. disappointed with poor response from private sector for e-survey
‘Less than 1,000 companies responded… Over 86,000 companies employing 2.6 million under the Department of Labour…The economically active population in Sri Lanka was at 8.6 million, with 64.5% males and 35.5% females. The private sector employs almost 3.5 million people whilst own account workers amount to 2.7 million. Non-agricultural sector employs 81.3% of the private sector employees and 57.3% of its own account workers.’
– ft.lk/front-page/Labour-Dept-disappointed-with-poor-response-from-private-sector-for-e-survey/44-725086
• Samarajiva, head of LirneAsia, says sack public sector workers
‘“The trade unions and employers got together and decided that they were going to be paid 50% of their earnings. So everybody took a hit except the government or the public sector employees.”’
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-needs-radical-public-service-consolidation-training-blitz-samarajiva-87352/
• Chartered Institute of Personnel Management to host World HR Congress 2021
‘with the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA) and Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resource Management (APFHRM) from December 6…panelists includes Johnny C. Taylor – Society for Human Resource Management-USA, Peter Cheese –Chartered Institute Personnel Development-UK, Sunita Bhuyan- HR Practitioner on Wellness, TV Rao – TVRLS-India, Paul Mills – Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, and Archana Arcot – Infosys McCamish-USA’
– island.lk/officials-at-the-head-table-l-to-r-priyankara-seneviratne-hony-secretary-cipm-dhammika-fernando-chairman-world-hr-congress-2021-jayantha-amarasinghe-president-cipm-prof-ajantha-dharmasiri-co-ch/
• Sri Lanka’s pandemic-hit unemployment show need for social security: IPS
– economynext.com/sri-lankas-pandemic-hit-unemployment-show-need-for-social-security-ips-87257/#modal-one
• Govt. to incentivise remittances inflow via “SL-Remit”
– ft.lk/front-page/Govt-to-incentivise-remittances-inflow-via-SL-Remit/44-724906
• Sri Lankan mother kills her two daughters in Italy
– dailymirror.lk/latest_news/Sri-Lankan-mother-kills-her-two-daughters-in-Italy/342-223402
• The Communist newspaper Aththa called the ‘Free Trade Zone’ Wahal Kalapaya
– island.lk/the-flamboyant-tycoon/
• From Dandu Bendi Ruppa to the National University of Singapore and PhD in Fluid Dynamics
– island.lk/how-many-roads-must-a-man-walk-down/
• Cuba and Sri Lanka discuss expanding sports collaboration
– radiohc.cu/en/noticias/deportes/275475-cuba-and-sri-lanka-discuss-expanding-sports-collaboration
• The African Woman Today, Ama Ata Aidoo, 1992.
“In most countries of Africa whole sectors of the economy, such as internal trade, agriculture, agro-business and health care are in the hands of women.”
– blackagendareport.com/essay-african-woman-today-ama-ata-aidoo-1992
• Long-Term Care: Ontario Must Reinstate Annual Comprehensive Inspections
– socialistproject.ca/2021/10/long-term-care-ontario-must-reinstate-annual-comprehensive-inspections/
• Hollywood union protested dangerous working conditions days before Shooting on Set
– insider.com/alec-baldwin-prop-gun-death-rust-hollywood-union-strike-2021-10
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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.
• Maduru Oya Reservoir releases Water for the Maha Season.
‘to cultivate 60,000 acres of paddy fields of Mahaweli B Zone coming under Maduru Oya Reservoir’
– ft.lk/ft_tv/Maduru-Oya-Reservoir-releases-Water-for-the-Maha-Season/10520-724913
• Sri Lanka Army Produced Organic Fertilizer for Maha Season.
– ft.lk/ft_tv/Sri-Lanka-Army-Produced-Organic-Fertilizer-for-Maha-Season/10520-725014
• Imported nadu rice priced at Rs. 98/-, to be sold from today
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/29/imported-nadu-rice-priced-at-rs-98-to-be-sold-from-today/
• Former Marketing Department ensured vegetables at fair prices including a Cannery
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/29/to-remind-our-leaders-what-we-need-today-our-former-marketing-department-to-ensure-vegetables-at-fair-prices-including-a-cannery/
• Where are the Eco-NGOs, environmentalists and vociferous political parties now?
– dailymirror.lk/opinion/Is-shifting-to-organic-fertilizer-unthinkable-EDITORIAL/172-223520
• Mahindananda apportions blame to two other ministers
‘The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment should have played a bigger role in promoting the going green campaign’
– island.lk/mahindananda-apportions-blame-to-two-other-ministers/
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-health-environment-ministries-faulted-for-not-helping-market-organic-fertilzer-87387/
– island.lk/pnf-tells-govt-to-get-its-act-together/
– island.lk/no-organic-solutions-to-diseases-affecting-potato-and-big-onion-cultivations-agriculture-minister/
• Prof. Buddhi Marambe flees to England
– island.lk/await-follow-up-episodes-on-removal-of-prof-marambe-after-nov-11/
• Prof. Buddhi Marambe, CIC Director, removed from all positions with immediately – Ministry
– dailymirror.lk/latest_news/Prof-Buddhi-Marambe-removed-from-all-positions-with-immediate-effect-Ministry/342-223333
– economynext.com/sacked-sri-lanka-scientist-says-organic-push-needs-evidence-based-path-87329/
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/27/prof-marambe-breaks-silence-questions-removal-from-agri-committee/
– timesonline.lk/news-online/Academic-who-criticised-organic-fertiliser-policy-removed-from-posts-at-Agriculture-Ministry/2-1135704
• President’s Close Advisors highly biased and ignorant of agriculture – Professors
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/27/overcoming-the-current-agriculture-crisis/
• Agriculture Ministry Secretary given powers to allow import of weedicides and pesticides
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Agriculture-Ministry-Secy-given-powers-to-allow-import-of-weedicides-and-pesticides/273-223452
• Chinese Fertilizer and Our Scientists Who are Not Ours
– kalaya.org/2021/10/blog-post_27.html#more
• Farmers fast demanding fertilizer active for third day
– ft.lk/ft_tv/Farmers-and-members-of-farmer-s-organizations-of-Mahaweli-Zone-B-were-seen-protesting-today-at-the-Welikanda-Ruhunuketha-Paddy-Fields/10520-724788
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/24/fertilizer-shortages-linked-to-escalating-vegetable-prices-video/
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/26/farmers-fast-demanding-fertilizer-active-for-third-day-video/
• CIC Holdings generated revenues of Rs.9.54 billion 3 months ended September 2021 (2Q22).
‘CIC Holdings is one of the largest fertiliser importers and manufacturers…Paints & General Industries has 53.31% stake, while Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) had 9.06% as 2nd largest shareholder’
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/CIC-Holdings-records-strong-second-quarter-performance/273-223197
• ‘Rural women need inclusive approach to recover from COVID-19 negative impact’
‘Around 25.5% of the population in Sri Lanka engage in agriculture. More than 81% live in rural areas. 80% of the poor people depend on the rural sector. Women comprise at least 50% of this demography.
– island.lk/rural-women-need-inclusive-approach-to-recover-from-covid-19-negative-impact/
• Hayley’s HJS Condiments expands out-grower network, connects smallholders to supply chains
– island.lk/hjs-condiments-expands-out-grower-network-connects-smallholders-to-global-supply-chains/
• SLINTEC still holds patent for producing Nano urea in Sri Lanka
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/business-times/amidst-imports-sri-lanka-developed-nano-fertiliser-11-years-ago-459239.html
• Sri Lanka offers case study of organic agriculture to the world
‘Rs.12.8bn funding proposal from Poland for organic fertiliser production in SL’
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Rs-12-8bn-funding-proposal-from-Poland-for-organic-fertiliser-production-in-SL/273-223362
– island.lk/sri-lanka-offers-case-study-of-organic-agriculture-to-the-world/
• China rejects claims of bacteria in fertiliser, asks for world’s No 1 tester Swiss SGS group
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/26/chinese-organic-fertilizer-company-wants-controversial-samples-to-be-tested-by-the-swiss-sgs-group/
– island.lk/china-rejects-claims-of-bacteria-in-fertiliser-asks-for-intervention-of-worlds-no-1-testing-organisation/
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/26/re-test-our-rejected-fertilizer-from-3rd-party-china-requests-from-agri-ministry/
• High Court stops payments for harmful Chinese fertiliser; shipment to be turned away
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/news/high-court-stops-payments-for-harmful-chinese-fertiliser-shipment-to-be-turned-away-459657.html
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/business-times/sri-lanka-deep-in-chinese-tender-faux-pas-459230.html
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/farmers-on-the-streets-not-in-their-fields-teachers-on-the-streets-not-in-their-classrooms-459601.html
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/business-times/urea-is-back-farmers-in-the-lurch-459206.html
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Ceylon-Fertilizer-Company-obtains-enjoining-order-against-Chinese-company-PMD/108-223153
– island.lk/govt-urged-to-come-clean-on-harmful-chinese-organic-fertiliser-shipment/
– island.lk/when-haste-leads-to-trouble/
– dailymirror.lk/plus/The-organic-fertiliser-fiasco-Is-Sri-Lankas-bio-security-at-risk/352-223203
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/25/sri-lanka-has-abandoned-its-ill-informed-organic-only-law/
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Fertilizer-issue-Chinese-dispute-National-Plant-Quarantine-in-Sri-Lanka/108-223350
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-to-import-some-agro-chemicals-amid-protests-crop-devastation-concerns-87324/
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/27/no-need-to-panic-regarding-chinese-fertilizer-stocks-jagath-kumara/
– island.lk/when-beggars-begin-to-choose/
– economynext.com/china-doubles-down-on-bacteria-tainted-fertilizer-row-blacklisting-sri-lanka-state-bank-87412/
• JVP urges Govt. not to allow Chinese ship under any grounds
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/JVP-urges-Govt-not-to-allow-Chinese-ship-under-any-grounds/108-223154
– dailymirror.lk/latest_news/Govt-plans-to-allow-organic-fertilizer-cargo-agreeing-fresh-test-via-third-party-JVP/342-223343
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/26/chinese-fertilizer-ship-sailing-under-a-different-name/
• Why Small Farms will be the backbone of food security
– island.lk/why-small-farms-will-be-the-backbone-of-food-security/
• Necessity of Recommended Imported Agro Chemicals – Rajadurai, Planters’ Assoc.
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/necessity-of-recommended-agro-chemicals-for-sustainable-tea-cultivation/
• Boost for SME tea estate owners via Rs. 797 m funding from ADB; banks told step up support
– ft.lk/front-page/Boost-for-SME-tea-estate-owners-via-Rs-797-m-funding-from-ADB-banks-told-step-up-support/44-725056
• Molecular and cellular toxicity of fluoride in mystery, tubulointerstitial chronic kidney disease: a systematic review
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/24/molecular-and-cellular-toxicity-of-fluoride-in-mystery-tubulointerstitial-chronic-kidney-disease-a-systematic-review/
• A Referendum on Organic Farming
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/24/a-referendum-on-organic-farming/
• Sri Lanka egg prices up as feed costs soar amid money printing, import controls
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-egg-prices-up-as-feed-costs-soar-amid-money-printing-import-controls-87268/#modal-one
• Caught between devil and troubled waters
– island.lk/caught-between-devil-and-troubled-waters/
• Prohibiting cattle slaughter
– island.lk/prohibiting-cattle-slaughter/
• Architect Of The Mahaweli Diversion Scheme – C.P. De Silva
‘He contracted with the US Operations Mission (USOM) to undertake a feasibility study of the planned Mahaweli development scheme and The Canadian Hunting Survey Corporation to conduct a separate independent survey’
– dailymirror.lk/opinion/ARCHITECT-OF-THE-MAHAWELI-DIVERSION-SCHEME-C-P-DE-SILVA/172-223652
• Rising sea levels, Sri Lanka and lessons from the Dutch
– ft.lk/columns/Rising-sea-levels-Sri-Lanka-and-lessons-from-the-Dutch/4-724842
• Four arrested for clearing section of Thabbowa Forest Reserve
– timesonline.lk/news-online/Four-arrested-for-clearing-section-of-Thabbowa-Forest-Reserve/2-1135692
• Cardinal lashes out at Minister known as Ten Percent for selling Muthurajawela
– island.lk/cardinal-lashes-out-at-minister-known-as-ten-percent/
– island.lk/uda-keen-to-protect-muturajawela-sanctuary-under-cardinals-leadership/
• New Director General for Zoology Department
– dailymirror.lk/latest_news/New-Director-General-for-Zoology-Department/342-223347
• Zimbabwe’s bumper harvest: what explains the success?
– wp.me/p1O6DY-WY
• Sri Lanka to back ‘Consign Coal to History’ at COP26
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Sri-Lanka-to-back-Consign-Coal-to-History-at-COP26/273-223366
• Wealthy nations tried to dilute UN climate report ahead of COP26 global summit
– radiohc.cu/en/noticias/internacionales/274677-wealthy-nations-tried-to-dilute-un-climate-report-ahead-of-cop26-global-summit
• For every dollar pledged to tackle climate, 4 dollars spent on fossil fuel subsidies – UNDP
– ft.lk/front-page/For-every-dollar-pledged-to-tackle-climate-crisis-four-dollars-spent-on-fossil-fuel-subsidies/44-725053
• Fossil Fuel and Meat Producing Countries Lobbying Against Climate Action
– socialistproject.ca/2021/10/fossil-fuel-meat-producing-countries-lobbying-against-climate-action/
• Australia pledges support to Lanka in its efforts to mitigate climate change issues
– island.lk/australia-pledges-support-to-lanka-in-its-efforts-to-mitigate-climate-change-issues/
• Despite Cutbacks, ExxonMobil Continues to Fund Climate Science Denial
‘US oil and gas major ExxonMobil spent more than $39 million to manufacture doubt’
– newsclick.in/Despite-Cutbacks-ExxonMobil-Continues-Fund-Climate-Science-Denial
• Ecosocialism Not Extinction!
– socialistproject.ca/2021/10/ecosocialism-not-extinction/
• Largest Vertical Farm that Uses Only Sunlight Begins First Harvest
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/29/uks-largest-vertical-farm-that-uses-only-sunlight-begins-first-harvest/
_____________________________________________________________________
C7. Industry (False definitions, anti-industrial sermons, rentier/entrepreneur, etc)
ee Industry notes the ignorance about industrialization (versus handicraft and manufacture), the dependence on importing foreign machinery, the need to make machines that make machines, build a producer culture. False definitions of industry, entrepreneur, etc, abound, and the need for a holistic political, economic and military strategy to overcome the domination by merchants and moneylenders.
• $250 Mn inflow expected from New Fortress Energy – CBSL
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/27/250-mn-inflow-expected-from-new-fortress-energy-cbsl/
• Kerawalapitiya plant: CEB engineers seek SC order to quash Govt.’s deals with US firm
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/news/kerawalapitiya-plant-ceb-engineers-seek-sc-order-to-quash-govt-s-deals-with-us-firm-459623.html
• Weerawansa reveals why he boycotted govt. parliamentary group meeting on New Fortress
– island.lk/weerawansa-reveals-why-he-boycotted-govt-parliamentary-group-meeting/
• SLPP rebels vow to scuttle New Fortress deal
– island.lk/slpp-rebels-vow-to-scuttle-new-fortress-deal
– ft.lk/front-page/Three-cabinet-ministers-oppose-US-deal-on-Yugadanavi-power-plant/44-725174
– ft.lk/front-page/PM-says-party-leaders-agreed-to-make-observations/44-725173
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/30/at-that-point-i-wondered-whether-i-was-dreaming-wimal-recalls-lng-deal-in-cabinet/
• JVP goes to court challenging New Fortress LNG deal
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/26/jvp-goes-to-court-challenging-new-fortress-lng-deal/
– island.lk/jvp-too-moves-court-against-deal-with-us-company/
• Trinco oil tanks imbroglio
‘Some of our treasures lying idle have to be and could be used in the right manner with honesty and dignity. A hidden treasure in this instance is the 100 oil tanks farm in Trincomalee’
– ft.lk/columns/Trinco-oil-tanks-imbroglio/4-724977
• Oil price war between Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia
– island.lk/ips-policy-insights-covid-19-the-global-economy-and-sri-lankas-external-sector-outlook/
• How Poland Tried To Win But Lost The Gas Game
– moonofalabama.org/2021/10/how-poland-tried-to-win-but-lost-the-gas-game.html
• Focus on Laggala Gem mining big shots bigger than the law
– dailymirror.lk/expose/Focus-on-Laggala-Gem-mining-big-shots-bigger-than-the-law/333-223283
• Sri Lanka awards Petrol, Diesel contracts to Vitol Asia (Singapore) Pte Ltd
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-awards-petrol-diesel-contracts-to-vitol-asia-singapore-pte-ltd-87313/
– ft.lk/front-page/Govt-awards-8-month-supply-contract-on-diesel-and-petrol-to-Vitol/44-724931
– timesonline.lk/news-online/Singapore-based-company-given-long-term-contract-to-import-petrol-and-diesel/2-1135702
• Oil prices extend gains to multi-year highs on tight supply
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Oil-prices-extend-gains-to-multi-year-highs-on-tight-supply/273-223301
• Sri Lanka’s CPC says petrol, diesel losses rise as LIOC hikes prices
– economynext.com/sri-lankas-cpc-says-petrol-diesel-losses-rise-as-lioc-hikes-prices-87276/#modal-one
• Govt. says CPC prices will not be increased, will absorb losses
– ft.lk/front-page/Govt-says-CPC-prices-will-not-be-increased-will-absorb-losses/44-724932
• Swisstek Aluminium Mega Roof Solar Project
‘Swisstek, subsidiary of Lanka Walltiles under Vallibel One PLC Group’
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/swisstek-aluminium-switches-to-green-energy-through-mega-roof-solar-project/
• Sri Lanka to support ‘no new coal’ at COP26
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-to-support-no-new-coal-at-cop26-87310/
• Container goods inspection to be shifted to Kerawalapitiya
‘Container goods inspections are currently being carried out by Sri Lanka Customs at three private sector yards in Orugodawatte and Grandpass. ‘
– ft.lk/front-page/Container-goods-inspection-to-be-shifted-to-Kerawalapitiya/44-724929
• Sri Lanka including Bangladesh can benefit from CPEC
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/26/sri-lanka-including-bangladesh-can-benefit-from-cpec/
• Cement prices skyrocket: Minister
– dailymirror.lk/latest_news/Cement-prices-skyrocket-Minister/342-223324
• Tokyo Cement ramps up supply to address shortage
– ft.lk/front-page/Tokyo-Cement-ramps-up-supply-to-address-shortage/44-724927
• Trade Minister urged to take over Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT)
– island.lk/trade-minister-urged-to-initiate-process-of-taking-over-sliit/
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Crisis-hits-SLIIT-Campus/108-223224
– island.lk/govt-mp-moves-sc-to-cancel-sliit-deal-action-against-ex-minister-et-al/
• US Microsoft launches Dynamics 365 Business Central in Sri Lanka
‘peakers consisted of Conrad Dias (Director, LOLC Holdings & Director/CEO, LOLC Finance) and Enrico Lisk (Director – Digital Transformation, ZILLIONe)’
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/microsoft-launches-dynamics-365-business-central-in-sri-lanka-bringing-connected-operational-experiences-to-local-businesses/
• $33m funding from Kuwait to set up Moratuwa Uni. Medical faculty
– ft.lk/front-page/33-m-funding-from-Kuwait-to-set-up-Moratuwa-Uni-Medical-faculty/44-724928
• Rs. 85 billion tunnel project: Irrigation Ministry responds to ST story – Right of reply
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/news/rs-85-billion-tunnel-project-irrigation-ministry-responds-to-st-story-right-of-reply-459608.html
• MAGA to design and build ADB-funded Faculty of Technology at the Rajarata University
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/maga-to-design-and-build-new-faculty-of-technology-at-the-rajarata-university/
• 14% of paints sold here contain lead in excess of permitted limits
‘Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), in association with the US based Occupational Knowledge (OK) International’
– island.lk/14-percent-of-paints-sold-here-contain-lead-in-excess-of-permitted-limits
• India Ready to Provide Latest Technology to Uplift the Railway Service.
– ft.lk/ft_tv/India-Ready-to-Provide-Technology-to-Uplift-the-Railway-Service/10520-724918
• Coca-Cola donates 4 Optiflow Oxygen Machines
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/the-coca-cola-foundation-provides-additional-funding-to-sri-lanka-red-cross-society-to-help-combat-covid-19-as-part-of-the-stopthespread-initiative/
• Construction of a Formula One racing track, of all things, in Hambantota
– island.lk/vroom-dream/
• Corrugated Packaging Industry facing multiple challenges, seeks support to cope a little better
– island.lk/corrugated-packaging-industry-facing-multiple-challenges-seeks-support-to-cope-a-little-better/
• Sri Lanka GSP+ loss: JAAF chief worried about rural women
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-gsp-loss-will-hit-multiple-sectors-rural-women-jaaf-chief-87297/
• Upali W pioneered the assembly of Mazda cars at Homagama.
– island.lk/the-upali-i-knew/
• Cargo ship on fire off Victoria, B.C., as combustible containers float in Strait of Juan de Fuca
– seattletimes.com/seattle-news/cargo-ship-on-fire-off-victoria-b-c-while-combustible-containers-float-in-strait-of-juan-de-fuca/
• The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (Sri Lanka Branch)
– dailymirror.lk/news-features/The-exemplary-life-of-L-Sydney-de-Silva/131-223643
• Has the drone delivered my parcel yet?
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/plus/has-the-drone-delivered-my-parcel-yet-459074.html
• ZENGAGE and England’s Scores Consultancy Group
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/zengage-transforming-young-startup-owners-beyond-borders/
• Education start-up Magicbit raises USAID funding through Angel Fund
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-education-start-up-magicbit-raises-funding-through-angel-fund-87292/
• Fadna pushes pharmaceuticals with All Island Private Pharmacy Owners Association
– ft.lk/business/Fadna-uplifts-pharmaceutical-industry-with-Grow-Beyond/34-725134
• European Union, WHO & World Vision join to support Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 health response
‘World Vision will provide equipment such as pulse oximeters, oxygen regulators, multiparameter monitors, ECG machines, nebulizers and hospital beds to 29 health facilities’
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/european-union-who-and-world-vision-join-hands-to-support-sri-lankas-covid-19-health-response/
• Deconstructing Electric Vehicles on the Eve of Glasgow COP26
– socialistproject.ca/2021/10/deconstructing-electric-vehicles-eve-of-glasgow-cop26/
______________________________________________________________________
C8. Finance (Making money from money, banks, lack of investment in modernity)
ee Finance tracks the effects of financialization, the curious role of ratings agencies, false indices, etc., and the rule of moneylenders.
• Dheerasinghe to chair committee examining revival options for failed finance firms
‘Other members are Sujeewa Mudalige, Managing Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Tishan Subasinghe, Managing Director of Moore Stephens Consulting (Pvt.) Ltd and Thiyagarajah Dharmarajah, Senior Partner Audit and Assurance of Amerasekera & Company, Chartered Accountants. Ranee Jayamaha, Appointed Member of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, will serve as Advisor to the committee while J.P.R. Karunaratne, Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, would serve as Secretary to the committee.’
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Dheerasinghe-to-chair-committee-examining-revival-options-for-failed-finance-firms/273-223640
– island.lk/advisory-committee-for-revival-of-failed-licensed-finance-companies/
• Beware of Financial Scams – Central Bank
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/beware-of-financial-scams/
• Sri Lanka’s Expolanka profit surges to Rs12bn in Sept quarter
– ft.lk/top-story/Expolanka-elevates-to-first-with-2-b-market-cap/26-724797
– economynext.com/sri-lankas-expolanka-profit-surges-to-rs12bn-in-sept-quarter-87395/
• Vallibel Finance net interest income of Rs.1.41 billion in 2Q ended September 2021
‘Vallibel Investments, investment vehicle of Dhammika Perera, controls 73% of Vallibel Finance’
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Vallibel-Finance-reports-robust-Sept-profits-on-loans-higher-margins/273-223303
• Seylan Bank 3Q 2021 Profit After Tax recorded at Rs. 3.2 billion
– island.lk/seylan-bank-3q-2021-profit-after-tax-recorded-at-rs-3-2-billion/
• Renuka Holdings buys control of Carson’s Guardian Capital for Rs. 636 m
‘RH subsidiary Shaw Wallace and Hedges, related parties S.V. Rajiyah and J.J.B. Aloysius, acquired shares… Carson Cumberbatch PLC’s Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust as at 30 June held 84% stake or 21.7 million shares and Carson Cumberbatch held 2.25%…. Guardian Capital said the company together with its parent Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust PLC entered into a Share Sales and Purchase Agreement (SSPA) with Gazelle Asset Management Ltd. (GAZELLE), a Company incorporated in Singapore, for the sale of 21,692,800 ordinary shares being 83.97% stake held by CGIT of the company to GAZELLE… NDB Investment Bank is the exclusive Financial Advisors…’
– ft.lk/front-page/Renuka-Holdings-buys-control-of-Carson-s-Guardian-Capital-for-Rs-636-m/44-725084
• Sarvodaya Development Finance to debut IPO managed by NDB Investment Bank
‘52 percent of the SDF is owned by Sarvodaya Economic Enterprises Development Services (SEEDS) Limited, 22 percent by Sarvodaya related entities, and 13 percent each by Japanese Gentosha Total Asset Consulting Inc. and other existing shareholders.’
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/sarvodaya-development-finance-to-debut-ipo-on-path-towards-securing-economic-resilience/
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-president-calls-coalition-partner-meet-to-head-off-storm-over-lng-deal-87365/
• LOLC to invest Rs. 1.4 b to make Pakistani microfinance fully-owned subsidiary
‘LOLC Holdings subsidiary Singapore-based LOLC Asia, owns 50.1% stake in Pak Oman Microfinance Bank (POMB)… LOLC announced exit from PRASAC Microfinance Institution of Cambodia selling 70% stake’
– ft.lk/front-page/LOLC-to-invest-Rs-1-4-b-to-make-Pakistani-microfinance-fully-owned-subsidiary/44-724791
• With over Rs. 3 billion capital, SMB Leasing PLC gears for higher growth
‘The company is primarily engaged in providing finance leases, mortgage loans, personal loans and gold loans.’
– island.lk/with-over-rs-3-billion-capital-smb-leasing-plc-gears-for-higher-growth/
• LCB Finance’s Rs.500mn Initial Public Offering snapped up
‘NDB Investment Bank was the financial advisor to the issue’
– ww– ft.lk/financial-services/LCB-Finance-looks-to-rapid-transformation-via-IPO/42-724826
• Credit card spend up in August, but balance per card below pre-pandemic level
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Credit-card-spend-up-in-August-but-balance-per-card-below-pre-pandemic-level/273-223198
• Kelly Felder becomes first major SL brand to accept Bitcoin, crypto payments
– ft.lk/front-page/Kelly-Felder-becomes-first-major-brand-to-accept-Bitcoin-crypto-payments/44-724790
• Bluestone Capital forges ahead with its Cloud Kitchen expansion
– ft.lk/business/Bluestone-Capital-forges-ahead-with-its-Cloud-Kitchen-expansion/34-724837
• Plan to Move All US Bank Deposits to the Fed and Let the New York Fed Short Stocks
– wallstreetonparade.com/2021/10/bidens-nominee-omarova-has-a-published-plan-to-move-all-bank-deposits-to-the-fed-and-let-the-new-york-fed-short-stocks/
• Wall Street Underwriting Cayman Islands Shell Companies, Passing Them Off as Real Chinese Companies
– wallstreetonparade.com/2021/10/congressman-brad-sherman-wall-street-has-been-underwriting-cayman-islands-shell-companies-and-passing-them-off-as-the-real-chinese-companies/
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C9. Business (Rentierism: money via imports, real-estate, tourism, insurance, fear, privatization)
ee Business aka ee Rentier focuses on diversions of the oligarchy, the domination by a merchant mafia, making money from unproductive land sales, tourism, insurance, advertising, etc. – the charade of press releases disguised as ‘news’
• Jason Avanceña appointed Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka PLC
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Jason-Avance%C3%B1a-appointed-Managing-Director-of-Nestl%C3%A9-Lanka-PLC/273-223193
• Sri Lanka’s Cargills to consolidate property into one unit
– economynext.com/sri-lankas-cargills-to-consolidate-property-into-one-unit-87350/
• IFS files petition to wind up Informatics International
– ft.lk/front-page/IFS-files-petition-to-wind-up-Informatics-International/44-725166
• IFS appoints Andy Watts as new VP of Asia
‘Andy’s previous roles include Senior Vice President APJ at ServiceMax. He also held sales positions in RightNow and Oracle, and most recently established and launched Sitetracker across Asia Pacific.’
– bizenglish.adaderana.lk/ifs-appoints-andy-watts-as-new-vp-of-asia/
• Global Compact to hold SL’s largest Business Sustainability Conference – Making Global Goals Local Business (MGGLB)
‘Exclusive Leadership Forum with Kanni Wignaraja, Assistant Secretary General, UN Musimbi Kanyoro, Chair, United World Colleges & member of Board of UN Global Compact; David NaiPek Lau, Dialog Axiata & Dilhan Fernando Dilmah Tea and Chairman of Global Compact Network’
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Global-Compact-to-hold-SLs-largest-Business-Sustainability-Conference/273-223194
– ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-s-largest-business-sustainability-conference-this-week/44-724794
• Overseas Realty appoints Ajit Jayaratne as new Chairman
‘He has served at Forbes & Walker, as Chairman of the Colombo Stock Exchange, Finance Commission and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Singapore.
The company also announced Ben Nien Tao, son of S.P. Tao, as a NonExecutive Director of Overseas Realty (Ceylon). Tao is a Director of Shing Kwan Group of Companies and holds an indirect shareholding of 1,063,519,897 shares Overseas Realty (Ceylon) owning the World Trade Centre and Havelock City Developments.’
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Overseas-Realty-appoints-Ajit-Jayaratne-as-new-Chairman/273-223457
• Alliance Finance sells Rajagiriya property for Rs. 524.5 m to Iconic
– ft.lk/front-page/Alliance-Finance-sells-Rajagiriya-property-for-Rs-524-5-m-to-Iconic/44-725085
• Stern legal action against false propaganda: Dr.Jayasundera
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Stern-legal-action-against-false-propaganda-Dr-Jayasundera/108-223167
• Port City to add over US$ 9bn in value to GDP: PwC
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Port-City-to-add-over-US-9bn-in-value-to-GDP-PwC/273-223196
– ft.lk/opinion/Economic-impact-of-Port-City/14-724839
• China-Sri Lanka port cooperation in eyes of Sri Lankan manager
– youtube.com/watch?v=xbM4n6sqN50&ab_channel=NewChinaTV
• Omani firm that sought Colombo prime land now wants solar park
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/news/omani-firm-that-sought-colombo-prime-land-now-wants-solar-park-459659.html
• Certified Management Accountants proposes “Made in Sri Lanka” Project in upcoming budget
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/business-times/cma-proposes-made-in-sri-lanka-project-in-upcoming-budget-459182.html
• Pacific Textiles Chairman Masaru Okutomi appointed as Teejay Lanka Director
‘knitted fabric maker Pacific Textiles of Hong Kong whose key shareholder is the Tokyo Stock Exchange listed Toray Industries Inc., owns 28 per cent of Teejay Lanka.’
– island.lk/pacific-textiles-chairman-masaru-okutomi-appointed-director-of-teejay-lanka/
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/Pacific-Textiles-Chairman-Masaru-Okutomi-appointed-as-Teejay-Lanka-Director/273-223299
JAT Holdings appoints overseas market expert Gaurav Jain as Director
‘worked with England’s LG Harris & Co., parent company of Harris brushes & rollers, manufactured by JAT in SL…in Curacao, he was Import-Export Manager…& ACCO Brands in England.’
– dailymirror.lk/business-news/JAT-Holdings-appoints-overseas-market-expert-Gaurav-Jain-as-Director-to-drive-global-expansion/273-223298
• Upali’s secret of business growth: Avoid payment of tax
– island.lk/upali-wijewardene-brilliant-man-and-generous-friend/
• De Zoysa started the South Western Bus Company, the largest and main private bus company
– dailymirror.lk/opinion/Commemorating-The-Charismatic-Sir-Cyril-de-Zoysa-Pioneer-Buddhist-Revivalist-on-his-125th-Birthday/172-223285
• Foreign Minister to launch Lanka-England Chamber of Commerce in London
‘Presided over by HSBC bank. Lord Davies of Abersoch, the English Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to SL and a host of invitees including the representatives of the London Stock Exchange and De La Rue’
– island.lk/foreign-minister-to-launch-lanka-uk-chamber-of-commerce-in-london/
• One-third of Accelerated Mahaweli Diversion Project funds went into private pockets
– sundaytimes.lk/211024/columns/mega-corruption-stealing-resources-from-the-poor-459576.html
• PricewaterhouseCoopers Signed Off on Evergrande’s Books,
– wallstreetonparade.com/2021/10/house-hearing-pricewaterhousecoopers-signed-off-on-evergrandes-books-which-counted-unbuilt-and-unsold-properties-as-assets/
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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.
• The Government Should be Changed, It Can Be Changed
– kalaya.org/2021/10/blog-post_26.html#more
• The Loss of the Left to the Left
– kalaya.org/2021/10/blog-post_29.html#more
• SLPP beset by contentious issues: Gevindu too strikes discordant note
– island.lk/slpp-beset-by-contentious-issues-gevindu-too-strikes-discordant-note/
– island.lk/back-to-abcd/
• Abolition of the Senate
– ft.lk/columns/Abolition-of-the-Senate/4-724978
• Parliamentary Council appoints S. Arumainayagam & P. S. M. Charles
– newsfirst.lk/2021/10/27/parliamentary-council-approves-appointments-for-s-arumainayagam-p-s-m-charles/
• The peasantry and the middle-class – Devapriya
– island.lk/the-peasantry-and-the-middle-class/
• Panama Papers identified Champika Ranawaka’s (Samagi Bala Wegaya) right-hand man
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/29/pandora-papers/
• The Gnanasara gambit and peasant power – Jayatilleka
– ft.lk/columns/The-Gnanasara-gambit-and-peasant-power/4-725039
• Appointment of monk to head task force on laws raises human rights concerns –Balachandran
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/27/appointment-of-militant-monk-to-head-task-force-on-uniform-laws-raises-human-rights-concerns
– economynext.com/sri-lanka-nationalist-monks-appointment-to-law-taskforce-spreads-shock-and-awe-87348/
• From abolishing the Senate to adopting a third new constitution – Philips
– island.lk/from-abolishing-the-senate-to-adopting-a-third-new-constitution/
• The United States and social democracy – David
‘I am confident that democracy will not die in the US short of civil war’
– island.lk/the-united-states-and-social-democracy/
• JR’s Kandy march against B-C Pact – Jeyaraj
– ft.lk/columns/JR-s-Kandy-march-against-B-C-Pact/4-724979
• A Statesman and benevolent leader – Sir Oliver Goonethileke
‘become an Underwriting Member of Lloyd’s of London, the famous reinsurance house in London’
– dailymirror.lk/news-features/A-Statesman-and-benevolent-leader/131-223645
• Adapting Marxism to the Chinese Context: Communist Party of China
– en.qstheory.cn/2021-09/08/c_657826.htm
• The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto
– blackagendareport.com/book-review-devil-you-know-black-power-manifesto
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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.
• Media Minister says Govt. can no longer bear commercial failure of state media
– timesonline.lk/news-online/Media-Minister-says-Govt-can-no-longer-bear-commercial-failure-of-state-media/2-1135699
• Rescuing Sri Lankan history: Reflections on the past
‘Kuveni having engaged herself with a spinning wheel at the time of Vijaya’s entrance showed that society had been advanced prior to Indo-Aryan colonisation.’
– island.lk/rescuing-sri-lankan-history-reflections-on-the-past/
• Manipulative Reporting on Workers and Rights of the Public
– lankaweb.com/news/items/2021/10/25/manipulative-reporting-and-rights-of-the-public/
• South Asia RTI laws are good but questions over effective use
– economynext.com/south-asia-rti-laws-are-good-but-questions-over-effective-use-87338/
• From Kandy to Zoom – Chandrakeerthi
– island.lk/how-many-roads-must-a-man-walk-down/
• That Namebook – Chandrakeerthi
‘All technology is in English’
– gammiris.lk
• 85% of northern people accustomed to watching Indian television channels
– dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/85-of-northern-people-accustomed-to-watching-Indian-television-channels/108-223168
• Upali Wijewardene – an enigma and a legend
‘it was from the South that he sought to enter Parliament for which there were vacancies even as he boarded his Lear Jet that day in the Malaysian capital.’
– island.lk/upali-wijewardene-an-enigma-and-a-legend/
– island.lk/upali-was-exceptional-even-as-a-child/
• The First Editorial of Sunday Island inaugural issue on Oct 04, 1981
– island.lk/the-first-editorial-of-sunday-island-inaugural-issue-on-oct-04-1981/
• Newspapers were an entrée to politics
‘Upali had fought off much of the opposition to his being a candidate for Parliament, and a by-election was also in the offing.’
– island.lk/newspapers-were-an-entree-to-politics/
• Wijeya Newspapers wins multiple awards at Women in Management awards 2021
– dailymirror.lk/caption_story/WNL-wins-multiple-awards-at-new-generation-awards-2021/110-223658
• Sri Vikrama Rajasinha wore royalty on his sleeve even after losing his Kingdom
– dailymirror.lk/opinion/Sri-Vikrama-Rajasinha-wore-royalty-on-his-sleeve-even-after-losing-his-Kingdom/172-223286
• Weeramunda worked with foreign academics, notably James Brow, Mick Moore
– island.lk/prof-anthony-joseph-weeramunda/
• The cities of Sri Lanka – What’s behind a name?
– island.lk/the-cities-of-sri-lanka-whats-behind-a-name-2/
• Modern view of the Island’s ancient past
– island.lk/modern-view-of-the-islands-ancient-past/
• Facebook Wavered in Checking Misinformation
– newsclick.in/Internal-Documents-Facebook-Wavered-Checking-Misinformation-Hate-Speech-India-Report
• India Defends IT Rule Requiring WhatsApp to Trace Originator of Message
– newsclick.in/centre-hc-defends-it-rule-requiring-whatsapp-trace-originator-message
• Sardar Udham ‘projects hatred towards English’: Jury members not sending film to Oscars
– hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/sardar-udham-projects-our-hatred-towards-british-jury-member-on-why-film-wasn-t-sent-to-oscars-fans-say-truth-is-bitter-101635219066968.html
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