Opinion

Minister’s promise to make Lanka’s agricultural sector export-oriented

Published

2 years ago

2023/06/26

By Chandre Dharmawardana
chandre.dharma@yahoo.ca

According to a recent news report (The Island 23^rd June 2023), Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has claimed that the “agricultural sector to be transformed into an export-oriented economy”! This is a surprising statement since the plantation sector, established by the British, has been from the start (and even now) an export-oriented economy. It is no secret that this traditional but well-established export earning sector is in trouble due to successive politically and ideologically motivated moves that began with the nationalisation of the sector, de-nationalisation of the sector, “greening” of the sector to satisfy eco-extremists who wanted herbicides like glyphosate banned, and then banned fertilisers and all agrochemicals (see: ) banned from the country.

What the country needs at this moment is cutting down imports by achieving self sufficiency in energy and food needs locally, and NOT prioritising export-oriented agriculture.

The minister is making the usual mistake that the country must “earn foreign exchange” by increasing its export earnings. This however is NOT as simple as it looks. Any such development of an export-oriented market requires the investment of a large amount of initial capital most of which would be in foreign exchange, and competing with established vendors for market acceptance. The export-oriented plantation industry set up by the British involved automatic market penetration, and also a very large investment in foreign capital, road and rail construction, and the best industrial know-how of that era as the British Islands were the then leaders of the industrial revolution. Today that valuable rail system has deteriorated due to poor maintenance. An export-oriented market needs the efficient support of all that valuable infra-structure that countries like China have built up.

The official statement says, “Minister Amaraweera asserted that comprehensive strategies have been formulated to meet the country’s domestic consumption demands, ensuring the success of all agricultural products”. This is a blanket statement covering everything and saying nothing, drawn up by ministry henchmen whose comprehensive strategy is nothing but spinning words.

SAVING foreign exchange that is used up in importing food stuffs (e.g., sugar) that can be easily produced in Sri Lanka itself should be much easier than earning foreign exchange. An even more important source of saving foreign exchange is in developing LOCAL sources of energy to replace fossil fuels. Fossil fuels (e.g., diesel) can be replaced by non-edible vegetable oils that can be extracted from, e.g., castor, an easily grown weed-like plant that yields seeds within a year. The castor oil suitably transformed (to reduce the viscosity), or simply mixed with ethanol can be used in combustion engines. Ethanol can be produced by fermentation technology, well-known to every Kassippu brewer. The burning of such oils is much cleaner than burning fossil fuels as the molecules of these vegetable fuels contain more oxygen (See ). It must not be forgotten that Diesel himself ran his engines using vegetable oils. Vegetable oils were replaced by fossil fuel only after 1923 by which time the West was literally stealing oil for free from various conquered lands.

Furthermore, when a major war is raging (as is the case right now, in Ukraine) saving foreign exchange by establishing energy and food security is more likely to be successful than by promoting agricultural products and soft consumer exports (like garments). These are adversely affected during a war when the available money is channeled to military raw materials. So, Bangladesh that was doing well just recently is now in big trouble with its soft exports. However, given that there has always been a war (Afghan-US war lasted 11 years till just recently, and so on), small countries can be strategic in developing appropriate exports keeping strategic materials in mind.

But the minister has been wrongly advised to push for export-oriented agriculture while even the domestic needs for sugar and edible oils are not met. It is unlikely that the Minster had considered strategic raw materials that become valuable during war time. This seems to have escaped even the author Prabhat Patnaik in his essay entitled “Pitfalls of export-oriented growth” (see ).

During World War II, then political leaders like D. S. Senanayake and Oliver Goonetileke realised the importance of Rubber and made a lot of money, and continued to make more money during the Korean war. At that time Government leaders had the support of an excellent and honest administrative staff, as seen by the ease and efficiency of the Gal Oya project that was done within budget, without incurring foreign debt or foreign aid, and well on time. The political leaders accepted the advice of the top civil servants who in turn worked with British or US experts. At that time a significant local scientific community did not exist. Today, there is a significant local scientific community; but they seemed to be sidelined by the government, not only in archaeology (as has happened in regard to the Kurundi temple in Mooladoova, now known as Mullaitive), but also in agriculture, energy, and engineering.

This healthy balance of payments that existed after the Korean war vanished rapidly after 1956 when Western investors pulled out, fearing SWRD’s cabinet that included Phillip Gunawardena and other avowed Marxists who were threatening nationalisation of privately held foreign and local assets.

Natural rubber, activated charcoal, graphite, titanium, plumbago, kaolin, and many other things that Sri Lanka has can be exploited at a much higher price during a war. Furthermore, aviation fuel can be produced from various vegetable oils. The Ukrainian war has all the signs of a war that will last several years and more. Enterprising businessmen should be given government support to strategically position their exports to the war market.

Many writers including the present author have written about these topics in the past. However, pseudoscientists posing as environmental gurus had joined with opponents of the “green revolution” to mislead the public with false claims of toxins like arsenic and cadmium being in food, or “exponential increases in non-communicable diseases” that had been allegedly caused by the use of agrochemicals and fertilisers. Advocates of “organic farming” or “traditional farming,” etc., had joined with these false environmentalists and successfully sidelined modern agricultural science. Unproven microbial fertilisers have been added to this witches’ brew to further exploit the hapless farmer. It is not clear if the Minister’s advisors are able to shed the myths that have taken hold of Sri Lanka’s agriculture and give him proper advice.

Those who claim to communicate with divine beings like God Natha had dictated agricultural policy and even the health policy of Sri Lanka. Very often, the naïve beliefs of some of the political leaders were in line with the views of these traditionalists who hold a nostalgic and romantic view of the past anchored in occult beliefs. Some of them had called for the elimination of the tea plantations claiming them to have only dwindling value.

Unfortunately, they are wrong. The minister’s belief that new efforts in agriculture must be made “export oriented” is to put the cart before the horse. What he should do to begin with is to support and strengthen the EXISTING export-oriented plantation sector, while also giving priority to developing an agricultural sector that will provide local self sufficiency in energy and food. That will rapidly SAVE large amounts of foreign exchange for a modest outlay mainly in local funds.

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Opinion

LG polls, what a waste of money!

Published

3 days ago

2025/03/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

If the people of this country were asked whether they want elections to the local government, majority of them would say no! How many years have elapsed since the local councils became defunct? And did not the country function without these councils that were labelled as ‘white elephants’?

If the present government’s wish is to do the will of the people, they should reconsider having local government elections. This way the government will not only save a considerable amount of money on holding elections, but also save even a greater amount by not having to maintain these local councils, which have become a bane on the country’s economy.

One would hope that the country will be able to get rid of these local councils and revert back to the days of having competent Government Agents and a team of dedicated government officials been tasked with the responsibility of attending to the needs of the people in those areas.

M. Joseph A. Nihal Perera

Opinion

What not to do

Published

4 days ago

2025/03/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Trump and Zelensky arguing in the White House

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

It is immaterial whether you like him or not but one thing is crystal clear; Donald Trump has shown, very clearly, who is the boss. Surely, presidents of two countries are equal; perhaps, that is the impression Volodymyr Zelensky had when he went to the White House to meet Trump but the hard reality, otherwise, would have dawned on him with his inglorious exit! True, the behaviour of President Trump and VP Vance were hardly praiseworthy but Zelensky did what exactly he should not do. Afterall, he was on a begging mission and beggars cannot be choosers! He behaved like professional beggars in Colombo who throw money back when you give a small amount!!

Despite the risk of belonging to the minority, perhaps of non-Americans, I must say that I quite like Trump and admire him as a straight-talking politician. He keeps to his words; however atrocious they sound! Unfortunately, most critics overlook the fact that what Trump is doing is exactly what he pledged during his election campaign and that the American voters elected him decisively. When he lost to Biden, all political commentators wrote him off, more so because of his refusal to admit defeat and non-condemnation of his supporters who rioted. When he announced his intention to contest, it only evoked pundits’ laughter as they concluded that the Republican Party would never nominate him. Undaunted, Trump got the party to rally round him and won a non-consecutive second term; a feat achieved only once before, by Grover Cleveland around the end of the nineteenth century. His victory, against all predictions, was more decisive as he got more collegiate votes and, even though it does not matter, won the popular vote too which he did not get when he got elected the first term. Even his bitterest critics should accept this fact.

Zelensky was elected the president of Ukraine after the elected pro-Soviet president was deposed by a ‘peoples revolution’ engineered by the EU with the support of USA. After this, the EU attempted to bring Ukraine to NATO, disregarding the Munich agreement which precipitated the Russian invasion. He should have realised that, if not for the air-defence system which Trump authorised for Ukraine during his first term, Russian invasion would have been complete. It may well be that he was not aware as when this happened Zelensky may still have been the comedian acting the part of the president! Very likely, Trump was referring to this when he accused Zelensky of being ungrateful.

Zelensky also should have remembered that he disregarded requests from Trump, after his defeat by Biden, to implicate Biden’s son in some shady deals in Ukraine and that one of the last acts of Biden was to pardon his son and grant immunity to cover the alleged period. Perhaps, actions of the European leaders who embrace him every time they see him, as a long-lost brother, and invitations to address their parliaments has induced an element of the superiority complex in Zelensky that he behaved so combative.

Trump wanted to be the mediator to stop the war and spoke to Putin first. Instead of waiting for Trump to speak to him, egged on by EU leaders Zelensky started criticising Trump for not involving him in the talks. His remark “He should be on our side” demonstrated clearly that Zelensky had not understood the role of a mediator. His lack of political experience was the major reason for the fiasco in the White House and the subsequent actions of Trump clearly showed Zelensky where he stands! PM Starmer and President Macron seem to have given some sensible advice and he seems to be eating humble pie. In the process Trump has ensured that the European nations pay for their defence than piggy-backing on the US, which I am sure would please the American voter. By the way, though Macron talks big about defence France spends less than 2% of GDP. Trump seems vindicated. Of course, Trump could be blamed for being undiplomatic but he can afford to be as he has the upper hand!

Ranil on Al Jazeera

Zelensky has shown what not to do: instead of being diplomatic being aggressive when you need favours! Meanwhile, Ranil has shown what not to do when it comes to TV interviews. God only knows who advised him, and why, for him to go ‘Head to Head’ with Mehdi Hasan on Al-Jazeera. Perhaps, he wanted to broadcast to the world that he was the saviour of Sri Lanka! The experienced politician he is, one would have expected Ranil to realise that he would be questioned about his role in making Sri Lanka bankrupt as well, in addition to raising other issues.

The interview itself was far from head to head; more likely heads to head! It turned out to be an inquisition by Tiger supporters and the only person who spoke sense being Niraj Deva, who demonstrated his maturity by being involved in British and EU politics. The worst was the compere who seems keen to listen his own voice, reminding me of a Sinhala interviewer on a YouTube channel whose interviews I have stopped watching!

Ranil claims, after the interview was broadcast, that it had been heavily edited reduced from a two-hour recording. Surely, despite whatever reason he agreed to, he should have laid ground rules. He could have insisted on unedited broadcast or his approval before broadcast, if it was edited. It was very naïve of Ranil to have walked in to a trap for no gain. Though his performance was not as bad as widely reported, he should have been more composed at the beginning as he turned out to be later. Overall, he gave another opportunity for the Tiger rump and its supporters to bash Sri Lanka, unfortunately.

Medhi Hasan should watch some of David Frost interviews, especially the one with Richard Nixon, and learn how to elicit crucial information in a gentle exploratory manner than shouting with repeated interruptions. He does not seem to think it is necessary to give time for the interviewee to respond to his questions. I will never watch Al-Jazeera’s “Head to Head” again!

Ranil’s best was his parting shot; when asked by Hasan whether he would contest the next presidential election, he said “No, I will retire and watch Al-Jazeera and hope to see you better mannered”!

Opinion

Ajahn Brahm to visit SL in May 2025

Published

5 days ago

2025/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka (ABSSL) is pleased to announce that Ajahn Brahm will be visiting Sri Lanka for a short stay in May this year. Many, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, know him and have listened to his addresses made on earlier visits, including his 2023 public talk at the BMICH, which was attended by over 4,000 people.

Ajahn Brahmavamso, popularly known as Ajahn Brahm, is the Head Abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine, Perth. He was a pupil of the famous Thai forest monk Ajahn Chah, considered the best Theravada meditation teacher in the last century. By his own choice, Ajahn Brahmavamso shortened his name and was extra pleased that the initials represent the major religions of the world. He is renowned world-wide as an outstanding meditation bhikkhu, teacher and instructor, guiding thousands of practitioners.

As in previous visits, Ajahn Brahm’s schedule will be packed with addresses, meetings with senior professionals, business leaders, and researchers. This year, a special session has been included for teenagers and young adults.

The agenda planned for him includes:

Public address at the BMICH to all irrespective of religion and age; then to a younger audience.

· Exclusive Leadership Forum for senior professionals and business leaders.

· Forum with academics engaged in research at the Centre for Meditation Research, University of Colombo.

· A week-long meditation retreat for the Ven Sangha and experienced lay meditators.

Public Addresses

The public addresses will be on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, at the BMICH Main Hall and Sirimavo Halls; Ajahn Brahm moving from one hall to another so the entire audience sees him. Each hall will be well equipped with audio and video presentation. The first address: The Art of Meaningful Living, is designed for all, age notwithstanding, offering wisdom and practical insights for a fulfilling life. The second: Coping with Life Transitions and Emotional Challenges, is a special session tailored for teens and young adults, addressing key challenges faced by them in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. Both talks will be in English, with concise translation to Sinhala by Ven Damita Thera.

Exclusive Forums

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, two exclusive forums will be held at the BMICH Committee Room, Jasmine Hall. The first such session will be with eighty invited Sri Lankan academics and scientists engaged in research on meditation at the Centre for Meditation Research of the University of Colombo. This will be followed in the evening by an interactive session for a hundred invited senior professionals and business leaders, featuring a talk on leadership followed by a Q&A session.

Meditation Retreat

The most significant item on Ajahn Brahm’s programme will be a week-long meditation retreat at the Barberyn Waves Ayurveda Resort in Weligama. Focus is intended to be on the fifty members of the Ven Sangha. A limited number of experienced lay meditators will also have the opportunity to participate.

Participation & Registration

Those interested in attending the public talks at the BMICH are kindly advised to register at to secure free passes. For further information, please contact the Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka at .