Features

Ranil comes to grips with need to trim public service and take a peace oriented path to development

Published

4 months ago

2025/09/7

Thilina Walpola

U.S. President George W. Bush Meets With Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe

GLP and Moragoda assisted in taking message overseas

The radical overhaul and reform of the public service was also one of the priorities in Ranil’s plan of action for the economy and good governance. Its main problem was that it had grown too large -almost one third larger than it needed to be – and was in need of redefining its role in the face of the private sector coming into various areas of production, distribution and exchange. The public service was sluggish, impervious largely to people’s needs, badly politicized and, as many alleged, often corrupt.

Ranil had me appointed at the beginning of 2002 as chairman of the Administrative Reforms Committee (ARC) with a challenging set of problems to be sorted out. When we in the ARC began closely examining its structure and the manner in which it functioned, we found that Sri Lanka could probably do with a public service of three-fourths of its present size. A third mainly consisting of clerical and support level staff could well be hived out and put into more productive occupations.

The cost of the public service had increased enormously and the pension bill had reached very high levels. In fact, it was being said that each year about a quarter of the entire budget of the country was spent on maintaining a largely inefficient and unproductive public service. The frustration of the political authorities at their inability to get things done effectively and speedily was palpable.

The ARC needed to report to the prime minister and Ranil was very quick in giving our recommendations early approval.

He was quick in realizing the salient points in the recommendations and would substantially contribute to the formulation of the final document. I know that he spent much time and energy interpolating in hand (his hand-writing was difficult to read and often Sandra Perera, who was his confidential secretary, had to be called in to decipher the scrawls and wriggles) various ideas into the body of the text, which were very helpful.

Ranil’s Physical Infrastructure Development Plan containing 64 large-scale development projects from roads, ports, to power was also part of the Regaining Sri Lanka initiative. These included some really futuristic ideas and gave a vivid clue to his thoughts for a refashioned Sri Lanka. Ranil was a modernist in every sense of the word. While many of us of the older generation looked at development and saw its realization in the development of land, irrigation, agriculture and so on, Ranil saw it in different terms. To him, real development and the future of Sri Lanka lay essentially in the service sector – in banking, finance, tourism, IT, `call centres’ and so on.

He saw Sri Lanka as the ‘hub’, providing services to the world and the huge Indian middle-class market in particular. He believed implicitly, and his readings in history supported this, that the country’s future was in trade. We had been an important entrepot point for east-west trade in the past. Our strategic geographical location on the tip of India and on the main east-west shipping route made this our natural business. The success of the port of Colombo in providing transshipment facilities for thousands of containers from India for cargo bound to Europe and Japan appeared to support his vision.

He had plans for the expansion of the capacity of the Colombo port. He spent a great deal of time on restarting the integrated development plan for Hambantota in the south of the country combining port development with a coal-fired power project and oil refinery. This would not only ‘capture’ the merchant shipping, literally in the hundreds, which passed within ten miles of the southern coast of Sri Lanka but would also help kick-start the economic regeneration of the extremely poor, underdeveloped and ill-resourced southern districts.

While the earlier Sri Lankan leaders would have thought of employment generation in rural development, Ranil Wickremesinghe saw it in urban development in the growing towns and cities. His megapolis concept was far out in the future with satellite towns, inner and outer necklace roads around Colombo and a network of expressways to the far corners of the island connecting with these. He was most enthusiastic when discussing such plans. The Land Bridge with India, across the submerged islands of the Palk Straits was one of his pet projects and he made it sound extremely attractive both in concept and in the ease of its execution. He was wont to expatiate on the Land Bridge project extensively in his conversations on Sri Lanka’s long term future with foreign leaders, especially those from the donor community.

Making friends overseas Ranil at work abroad

Sri Lanka’s foreign relations took an important dimension during this short period. As the peace process moved on, it became necessary to change the mindset of officials in the foreign capitals of the countries we associated with, in order that they would fall in line with the policy that was being followed at home. In short from fighting terrorism, we had now embarked on a partnership with the LTTE exploring ways in which we could normalize life in the country, and move towards a political negotiation which could lead to durable peace and the restoration of the economy.

This change of ingrained attitudes proved an extremely difficult one to handle. Ranil found that our missions abroad, too, had been strongly motivated in the direction of ‘wiping out terrorism’. Our missions had been pushing this line with the governments to which they had been accredited.

Making our own diplomats see that there was an alternative approach which was now being pursued at home, meant in fact shifting from ‘fast forward gear’ to virtually `reverse’. To many in the foreign service who had been strongly influenced to move in the direction of banning the LTTE, moving into reverse proved to be exceedingly difficult. There were always some who did not either catch on fast enough, or preferred not to align, with the changed policy line. This necessitated a great deal of travel by Ranil himself with G L Peiris and Milinda Moragoda, spearheading the new approach.

All the major capitals – London, Washington, Brussels, New Delhi and Tokyo – were visited more than once and long and detailed discussions entered into with the prime ministers or presidents. The presentation of the Sri Lankan position at these meetings with the top leaders, as in Washington with George Bush, took the following form. After the usual greetings and photography, Rapil would begin with a short resume of how far we had come and the road blocks to be faced. G L would then take over and in masterly fashion elaborate on the issues up for resolution following the last meeting between the two sides in Sattahip, Oslo, Berlin, Hakone or wherever.

Then Milinda would come in with an ‘economic needs’ overview and the urgency of resource support. The other side was usually well briefed, with the local ambassador Ashley Wills (US), Stephen Evans (Britain) or ‘lchi’ Otsuko (Japan) as the case may be, who had flown ahead to his capital adding up-to-the-minute assessments. The questions put to us would be polite, pointed and precise. Ours was usually a well orchestrated, polished performance and well received. An informal, standing, ‘meet the press’ would follow outside with Ranil exultant, expertly ducking the tough rapid-fire questions amidst the flash of cameras, from half the world’s media.

Quite unexpectedly, although the battle against terrorism worldwide had heightened after 9/11 the terrible Al-Qaeda attack on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington the response of the world leaders in the capitals Ranil visited was not as difficult as he anticipated. Those of us who accompanied him were very relieved that most of the leaders we met such as President Bush in Washington, Tony Blair in London, Atal Behari Vajpayee in New Delhi and the foreign ministers of Canada, Norway, Japan and Australia among others were most encouraging in urging Ranil to move forward in the path he had chosen of negotiation rather than keep pursuing as in the past, the military option.

President Bush’s response, for example, was quite surprising since he had just come through 9/11 and was strongly advocating a global war against terrorism. Tony Blair, however, had the experience of the negotiated settlement in Northern Ireland and was much more positively inclined. What came out of these discussions was not only the strong endorsement of the government’s policy but of the reiteration that Sri Lanka deserved a change to move away from militarization and war and should take its rightful place in the world as a forward looking modern nation ready to engage itself in the emerging economic order of the 20th century. I believe all this struck a resonant note in Ranil’s mind as to the future he envisaged.

(Excerpted from Render Unto Caesar by Bradman Weerakoon)

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Features

US’ drastic aid cut to UN poses moral challenge to world

Published

15 hours ago

2026/01/1

Thilina Walpola

An UN humanitarian mission in the Gaza. [File: Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency]

‘Adapt, shrink or die’ – thus runs the warning issued by the Trump administration to UN humanitarian agencies with brute insensitivity in the wake of its recent decision to drastically reduce to $2bn its humanitarian aid to the UN system. This is a substantial climb down from the $17bn the US usually provided to the UN for its humanitarian operations.

Considering that the US has hitherto been the UN’s biggest aid provider, it need hardly be said that the US decision would pose a daunting challenge to the UN’s humanitarian operations around the world. This would indeed mean that, among other things, people living in poverty and stifling material hardships, in particularly the Southern hemisphere, could dramatically increase. Coming on top of the US decision to bring to an end USAID operations, the poor of the world could be said to have been left to their devices as a consequence of these morally insensitive policy rethinks of the Trump administration.

Earlier, the UN had warned that it would be compelled to reduce its aid programs in the face of ‘the deepest funding cuts ever.’ In fact the UN is on record as requesting the world for $23bn for its 2026 aid operations.

If this UN appeal happens to go unheeded, the possibilities are that the UN would not be in a position to uphold the status it has hitherto held as the world’s foremost humanitarian aid provider. It would not be incorrect to state that a substantial part of the rationale for the UN’s existence could come in for questioning if its humanitarian identity is thus eroded.

Inherent in these developments is a challenge for those sections of the international community that wish to stand up and be counted as humanists and the ‘Conscience of the World.’ A responsibility is cast on them to not only keep the UN system going but to also ensure its increased efficiency as a humanitarian aid provider to particularly the poorest of the poor.

It is unfortunate that the US is increasingly opting for a position of international isolation. Such a policy position was adopted by it in the decades leading to World War Two and the consequences for the world as a result for this policy posture were most disquieting. For instance, it opened the door to the flourishing of dictatorial regimes in the West, such as that led by Adolph Hitler in Germany, which nearly paved the way for the subjugation of a good part of Europe by the Nazis.

If the US had not intervened militarily in the war on the side of the Allies, the West would have faced the distressing prospect of coming under the sway of the Nazis and as a result earned indefinite political and military repression. By entering World War Two the US helped to ward off these bleak outcomes and indeed helped the major democracies of Western Europe to hold their own and thrive against fascism and dictatorial rule.

Republican administrations in the US in particular have not proved the greatest defenders of democratic rule the world over, but by helping to keep the international power balance in favour of democracy and fundamental human rights they could keep under a tight leash fascism and linked anti-democratic forces even in contemporary times. Russia’s invasion and continued occupation of parts of Ukraine reminds us starkly that the democracy versus fascism battle is far from over.

Right now, the US needs to remain on the side of the rest of the West very firmly, lest fascism enjoys another unfettered lease of life through the absence of countervailing and substantial military and political power.

However, by reducing its financial support for the UN and backing away from sustaining its humanitarian programs the world over the US could be laying the ground work for an aggravation of poverty in the South in particular and its accompaniments, such as, political repression, runaway social discontent and anarchy.

What should not go unnoticed by the US is the fact that peace and social stability in the South and the flourishing of the same conditions in the global North are symbiotically linked, although not so apparent at first blush. For instance, if illegal migration from the South to the US is a major problem for the US today, it is because poor countries are not receiving development assistance from the UN system to the required degree. Such deprivation on the part of the South leads to aggravating social discontent in the latter and consequences such as illegal migratory movements from South to North.

Accordingly, it will be in the North’s best interests to ensure that the South is not deprived of sustained development assistance since the latter is an essential condition for social contentment and stable governance, which factors in turn would guard against the emergence of phenomena such as illegal migration.

Meanwhile, democratic sections of the rest of the world in particular need to consider it a matter of conscience to ensure the sustenance and flourishing of the UN system. To be sure, the UN system is considerably flawed but at present it could be called the most equitable and fair among international development organizations and the most far-flung one. Without it world poverty would have proved unmanageable along with the ills that come along with it.

Dehumanizing poverty is an indictment on humanity. It stands to reason that the world community should rally round the UN and ensure its survival lest the abomination which is poverty flourishes. In this undertaking the world needs to stand united. Ambiguities on this score could be self-defeating for the world community.

For example, all groupings of countries that could demonstrate economic muscle need to figure prominently in this initiative. One such grouping is BRICS. Inasmuch as the US and the West should shrug aside Realpolitik considerations in this enterprise, the same goes for organizations such as BRICS.

The arrival at the above international consensus would be greatly facilitated by stepped up dialogue among states on the continued importance of the UN system. Fresh efforts to speed-up UN reform would prove major catalysts in bringing about these positive changes as well. Also requiring to be shunned is the blind pursuit of narrow national interests.

Features

Egg white scene …

Published

15 hours ago

2026/01/1

Thilina Walpola

Hi! Great to be back after my Christmas break.

Thought of starting this week with egg white.

Yes, eggs are brimming with nutrients beneficial for your overall health and wellness, but did you know that eggs, especially the whites, are excellent for your complexion?

OK, if you have no idea about how to use egg whites for your face, read on.

Egg White, Lemon, Honey:

Separate the yolk from the egg white and add about a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and about one and a half teaspoons of organic honey. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are mixed well.

Apply this mixture to your face and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes before cleansing your face with a gentle face wash.

Don’t forget to apply your favourite moisturiser, after using this face mask, to help seal in all the goodness.

Egg White, Avocado:

In a clean mixing bowl, start by mashing the avocado, until it turns into a soft, lump-free paste, and then add the whites of one egg, a teaspoon of yoghurt and mix everything together until it looks like a creamy paste.

Apply this mixture all over your face and neck area, and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off with cold water and a gentle face wash.

Egg White, Cucumber, Yoghurt:

In a bowl, add one egg white, one teaspoon each of yoghurt, fresh cucumber juice and organic honey. Mix all the ingredients together until it forms a thick paste.

Apply this paste all over your face and neck area and leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then gently rinse off this face mask with lukewarm water and immediately follow it up with a gentle and nourishing moisturiser.

Egg White, Aloe Vera, Castor Oil:

To the egg white, add about a teaspoon each of aloe vera gel and castor oil and then mix all the ingredients together and apply it all over your face and neck area in a thin, even layer.

Leave it on for about 20 minutes and wash it off with a gentle face wash and some cold water. Follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.

Features

Confusion cropping up with Ne-Yo in the spotlight

Published

15 hours ago

2026/01/1

Thilina Walpola

Ne-Yo: His management should clarify the last-minute cancellation

Superlatives galore were used, especially on social media, to highlight R&B singer Ne-Yo’s trip to Sri Lanka: Global superstar Ne-Yo to perform live in Colombo this December; Ne-Yo concert puts Sri Lanka back on the global entertainment map; A global music sensation is coming to Sri Lanka … and there were lots more!

At an official press conference, held at a five-star venue, in Colombo, it was indicated that the gathering marked a defining moment for Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry as international R&B powerhouse and three-time Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo prepares to take the stage in Colombo this December.

What’s more, the occasion was graced by the presence of Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs of Sri Lanka, and Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, alongside distinguished dignitaries, sponsors, and members of the media.

Shah Rukh Khan: Disappointed his fans in Sri Lanka

According to reports, the concert had received the official endorsement of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, recognising it as a flagship initiative in developing the country’s concert economy by attracting fans, and media, from all over South Asia.

Nick Carter: His concert, too, was cancelled due to “Unforeseen circumstances

However, I had that strange feeling that this concert would not become a reality, keeping in mind what happened to Nick Carter’s Colombo concert – cancelled at the very last moment.

Carter issued a video message announcing he had to return to the USA due to “unforeseen circumstances” and a “family emergency”.

Though “unforeseen circumstances” was the official reason provided by Carter and the local organisers, there was speculation that low ticket sales may also have been a factor in the cancellation.

Well, “Unforeseen Circumstances” has cropped up again!

In a brief statement, via social media, the organisers of the Ne-Yo concert said the decision was taken due to “unforeseen circumstances and factors beyond their control.”

Ne-Yo, too, subsequently made an announcement, citing “Unforeseen circumstances.”

The public has a right to know what these “unforeseen circumstances” are, and who is to be blamed – the organisers or Ne-Yo!

Ne-Yo’s management certainly need to come out with the truth.

However, those who are aware of some of the happenings in the setup here put it down to poor ticket sales, mentioning that the tickets for the concert, and a meet-and-greet event, were exorbitantly high, considering that Ne-Yo is not a current mega star.

We also had a cancellation coming our way from Shah Rukh Khan, who was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka for the City of Dreams resort launch, and then this was received: “Unfortunately due to unforeseen personal reasons beyond his control, Mr. Khan is no longer able to attend.”

Referring to this kind of mess up, a leading showbiz personality said that it will only make people reluctant to buy their tickets, online.

“Tickets will go mostly at the gate and it will be very bad for the industry,” he added.