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Reluctance to celebrate republic day: Outcome of a strange Sri Lankan malady

Published

3 years ago

2022/05/22

by Prof. Tissa vitarana

After suffering the ignominy and pain of having been colonized by three imperialist powers for 450 years, the last as a part of the British Empire for nearly 150 years, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) became a completely independent and sovereign Republic only on May 22, 1972. This was the day when Parliament passed the Republican Constitution prepared by Dr. Colvin R. de Silva, at a special Constitutional Assembly.

But for some strange reason, when Sri Lanka should be proud of this fact and, like other such republics, it should celebrate that day every year, it does not do so. For example this is in complete contrast with our vast neighbor India, which celebrates its Republic Day on February 26 each year with even greater pomp and pageantry than it does for Independence Day which falls on August 15. In Sri Lanka We only celebrate Independence Day, which is only a formal mockery of independence, which falls on February 4, but not Republic Day which should fall today on May 22.

In fact Sri Lanka became a Republic only in 1972, as many as 24 long years of continuing shame, after we got Independence in 1948. In contrast India became a Republic in 1950, just three years after it got Independence in 1947. It was quick to cut the umbilical cord and become completely free, unlike in the case of Sri Lanka, which persisted in groveling at the feet of Britain, paying homage to its “Royal Family”.

As we all know, formal Independence from Britain was only partial, a mere mockery, but it appears to have satisfied the UNP rulers of that time. The British Queen remained the head of state, the British Army retained its military bases in Sri Lanka and power remained in their hands, and in the system of legal justice established in Sri Lanka, the final Court of Appeal was the British Privy Council, in London.

The UNP and other capitalist leaders of Sri Lanka were content to retain this colonial subservience for 24 years, while India rushed to sever it. The architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar, a leader of the small Buddhist minority in India, was given full support by the Congress Party of India, led by Nehru and Gandhi, being true patriots, and he completed the task by 1950, in just three years.

The fact is that the UNP and other rulers of Sri Lanka were in no hurry to achieve true and full independence, and it was left to one of the leaders of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP), Dr. Colvin R. de Silva, to accomplish this task in two years by drafting the Republican Constitution in 1972. In Sri Lanka it was the socialist Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) that made the achievement of complete independence its principle objective and continuously fought for its implementation.

In fact it was the LSSP, formed in 1935, that had as its main task the achievement of complete independence from rule by British imperialism. It continued the fight even through the period of the Second World War from 1939 to 1945, specially as the country was not directly involved in the war. The British rulers proscribed the LSSP and imprisoned its leaders, Dr.Colvin R de Silva, Dr.N.M.Perera, Philip Gunewardena, Leslie Goonewardena and Edmund Samarakkody.

They escaped from jail in Kandy and continued the fight against British imperialism as part of the Congress Socialist Party of India, and were jailed there as well. On their return the LSSP leaders were treated as heroes by the people. Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, all along a leader of the UNP, in its Sinhala Maha Sabha wing, finally left the UNP and formed the SLFP in 1951, with Sinhala Buddhist revivalism as his main political plank. The LSSP that was the main opposition to the UNP came under racialist attack for its stand to make both Sinhala and Tamil as official languages in place of English, spoken mainly by the ruling elite.

A majority of the Sinhala supporters of the LSSP left to join the SLFP, and many of its Tamil leaders and supporters, such as MP Anandasangaree, left to join the Federal Party and the TULF. The LSSP was decimated further, when Philip Gunewardena together with the bulk of the Sinhala Buddhist supporters joined Bandaranaike to form the MEP.

In the 1970 General Election an SLFP, LSSP, CP Coalition Government came to power, with the LSSP getting 19 MPs and the CP six. Colvin was made the Minister of Plantation and Constitutional Affairs, and this gave him the opportunity to formulate the Republican Constitution. It was a difficult job well done, but unfortunately the large SLFP majority overcame Colvin’s plea for Tamil to be made an official language, along with Sinhala. Had that been done the nearly 30 years of disastrous internal war with the LTTE could have been averted, and the tragic deaths of our people and the damage prevented. Our economy would not be in such a bad state.

Another shortcoming in retrospect is the electoral system and big swings for the winning party. The Electoral Reform Committee set up in Parliament headed by Dinesh Gunewardena, of which I was a member, has offered a solution, the mixed system that has been a success in Germany and other countries. This along with further devolution to village level would rectify the short comings in Colvin’s Constitution.

But instead of being grateful to Colvin for his work, and to Dr. N.M.Perera for his overcoming a more severe economic crisis than what we face today, Mrs.Bandaranaike fell for the promise of USA led investment, now that economic stability had been restored, but she implemented their condition and got rid of the LSSP from the Coalition Government. The CP too was forced to leave the next year. I suspect that the desire not to celebrate Republic Day in Sri Lanka is due to the fear that the SLFP has that the credit of becoming a Republic would flow to the LSSP.

As the present General Secretary of the LSSP I too have been subject to this type of behavior from the SLFP. I give two instances to support my claim. One is the fact that though I possess a PhD from London University in the field of Virology, I have not been made a member of any committee set up to control the Covid-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. The Health Consultative Committee met in Parliament only on one occasion since the outbreak of Covid-19. As a member I suggested that the control strategy based on cluster system required to be strengthened to defeat the community spreading of the infection which had just begun.

If quick action is taken by the Health Ministry the further spread of the pandemic could be prevented and or even eliminated. The Minister of Health, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, who was presiding refuse to accept my proposal which, if implemented may have prevented the spread of the epidemic and the more deaths that occurred in the country. The other example is that while I was the Governor in the North Central Province I was asked to resign immediately and come to the office of Basil Rajapaksa in Colombo to sign the National List as they had decided to make me a Cabinet Minister.

But when the new Government was formed I was not even a Minister, but only an ordinary member of Parliament. Consider my record as the Minister of Science and Technology when I set up 163 Vidatha Centres, one in each administrative division, and provided the technology for 12,637 entrepreneurs (SMEs) to arise. I also initiated action to set up Hi-tech Centers to promote Sri Lanka’s export industry. I set up the World’s 18th Nanotechnology Centre (SLINTEC) in Homagama and prepared plans for a Biotechnology Centre (SLIBTEC) which is now on going. It would appear that the good work done for the country and for the people by the LSSP is not appreciated, but even sabotaged.

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Breakaway JVP faction decries Indo-Lanka MoUs as betrayal

Published

5 hours ago

2025/04/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Pubudu

… alleges Kanchana’s Electricity Act exploited to facilitate ‘deal’ with India

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has alleged that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake entered into seven MoUs/Agreements with India without consulting Parliament or the Cabinet of Ministers.

Accusing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is the leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), as well as the National People’s Power (NPP), of undermining Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, the breakaway JVP faction pointed out the signing of seven MoUs/Agreements had coincided with the 54th anniversary of the JVP’s first insurrection.

The top FSP spokesman and their Education Secretary, Pubudu Jayagoda, told a press conference, at their Nugegoda party office, that the JVP had completely betrayed those who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 and 1987-1990 insurrections. Having completely changed its policy towards India, the JVP was now down on its knees before India, Jayagoda said.

The dissident JVPer emphasised that such vital MoUs/Agreements couldn’t be finalised without proper consultations. Declaring that the MoUs/Agreements hadn’t been released yet, Jayagoda said that the FSP, in terms of the Right to Information Act, sought the copies of them as the public couldn’t be deprived of their right to know.

The section, now calling themselves FSP, split from the JVP in early 2012 after major differences among the top leadership over the direction of the party. Anura Kumara Dissanayake succeeded Somawansa Amarasinghe as the JVP leader in Dec. 2014.

Referring to the MoU, in respect of the implementation of HVDC interconnection for import/export of power, Jayagoda said that the NPP took advantage of the new Electricity Act that was enforced by the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government in late June last year to pave the way for a deal with India. The JVP-led NPP that moved court against the then Power Minister Kanchana Wijesekera’s Bill, and voted against the Bill at the second reading, exploited the same to its advantage, Jayagoda charged.

The Sri Lanka Electricity Bill repealed the 1969 Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Act and subsequent laws regarding the electricity industry.

Comparing the MoU, signed in the presence of President Dissanayake and Premier Narendra Modi, Jayagoda said that both Nepal and Bangladesh had been trapped in similar agreements they signed earlier.

Jayagoda alleged that Nepal was in such a pathetic situation even if they could meet electricity requirement through hydro-power generation, the agreement with India compelled them to obtain power from India.

Jayagoda pointed out that the government now boasted of a proposed new120 MW solar power plant at Sampur to be implemented in two stages after having crippled domestic solar power generation capacity. The former JVPer said that the NPP government was bending backwards to appease India and pursuing an agenda inimical to Sri Lanka.

Jayagoda dealt with the MoU on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation. The FSP spokesman said that the Indian-funded project to issue digital NIC would be disastrous as it would enable India to gather information.

Commenting on a MoU that covered the health sector, Jayagoda alleged that the government had agreed to share authority exercised by the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA) with India.

Jayagoda said that the MoU on defence cooperation undermined the country’s vital security interests and jeopardised relations with other countries.

The FSP said that political parties, represented in Parliament, were largely silent and seemed to be reluctant at least to express their views on the betrayal of the country.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

News

Adani’s Colombo Terminal commences operations

Published

5 hours ago

2025/04/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

A bulk carrier at the newly operational Colombo West terminal(pic courtesy Adani group)

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated transport utility, has announced the commencement of operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), located at the Port of Colombo, the company said in a statement issued simultaneously in Ahmedabad and Colombo yesterday (07)

Developed under a landmark public–private partnership, CWIT is operated by a consortium comprising India’s largest port operator Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd., leading Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, under a 35-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement.

The CWIT project represents a significant investment of USD 800 million and features a 1,400-metre long quay and 20-metre depth, enabling the terminal to handle approximately 3.2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually. It is the first deep-water terminal in Colombo to be fully automated, designed to enhance cargo handling capabilities, improve vessel turnaround times and elevate the port’s status as a key transshipment hub in South Asia.

Construction began in early 2022 and has since achieved rapid progress. With the installation of cutting-edge infrastructure now nearing completion, CWIT is poised to set new benchmarks in operational efficiency and reliability in regional maritime logistics.

“The commencement of operations at CWIT marks a momentous milestone in regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka,” said Chairman of the Adani Group Gautam Adani. “Not only does this terminal represent the future of trade in the Indian Ocean but its opening is also a proud moment for Sri Lanka, placing it firmly on the global maritime map. The CWIT project will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs locally and unlock immense economic value for the island nation. It also stands as a shining example of the deep-rooted friendship and growing strategic ties between the two neighbours, and of what can be achieved through visionary public–private partnerships. Delivering this world-class facility in record time also reflects the Adani Group’s proven ability to efficiently execute large-scale critical infrastructure projects anywhere in the world.”

“We are proud to see the progress in the development of the West Container Terminal, a project that strengthens Sri Lanka’s position as a regional maritime hub,” said Chairperson, John Keells Group Krishan Balendra. “This project is one of the John Keells Group’s largest investments and is among the most significant private-sector investments in Sri Lanka. Together with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Adani Group, we will elevate Colombo’s status as a leading transshipment hub. We are confident that the project will enhance global trade and connectivity in the region”, he said.

News

SLIC Life reports robust performance with Rs. 30.7 Billion PBT in 2024

Published

6 hours ago

2025/04/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Nusith Kumaratunga (L) / Chandana L. Aluthgama (R)

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Life Limited (SLICLL) has concluded the year 2024 with outstanding financial performance, achieving a remarkable profit before taxation of Rs. 30.7 billion. The text of SLIC statement: “The company recorded a robust Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 26.3 billion, reflecting an impressive 25% growth. Remarkably, as of December 31, 2024, Sri Lanka Insurance Life marked a historic milestone with a New Business volume of Rs. 5.3 billion, recording a 48% growth, the highest in the company’s history.

Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to policyholders, Sri Lanka Insurance Life disbursed Rs. 13.7 billion in maturity settlements and claim payments in 2024, these figures reaffirm the company’s financial strength and dedication to fulfilling its obligations. Further cementing its position as a market leader, SLICLL continued to expand its asset base to an impressive Rs. 237 billion and grew its Life Fund to Rs. 213.2 billion. These achievements were realised amidst organizational transformations and challenging economic conditions. Additionally, the company recorded 319 MDRT qualifiers, the highest ever for SLIC Life.

Highlighting its prudent investment strategies and unwavering commitment to policyholders, Sri Lanka Insurance Life declared the largest Life Insurance bonus in the industry for 2023, amounting to Rs. 11.2 billion. Over the past two decades, the company has consistently delivered industry-leading bonus payouts, with cumulative declarations exceeding Rs. 104 billion. Continuing this legacy, Sri Lanka Insurance Life is set to declare its highest ever bonus for 2024, with official communication to be released in the near future.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Insurance, Mr. Chandana L. Aluthgama, stated, “Our exceptional financial performance is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our team, who have navigated challenges with unwavering commitment. Despite economic fluctuations and internal transformations, our strategic focus has reinforced our market leadership. As we step into the future, we remain committed to innovation, customer trust, and industry leadership.”

Chairman of Sri Lanka Insurance, Mr. Nusith Kumaratunga, emphasized, “Sri Lanka Insurance Life has proven its strength and stability, delivering sustainable growth while reinforcing its role in the nation’s economic progress. Our vision extends beyond business success, we aim to contribute to national development by strengthening the economy and reducing dependency of the people on state support.”

Beyond financial success, Sri Lanka Insurance Life continued to earn industry recognition in 2024. The company was named ‘The Most Loved Life Insurance Brand’ by LMD for the seventh consecutive year and was ranked among the ‘Top 100 Most Valuable Brands’ in Sri Lanka by LMD Brand Finance. Additionally, SLIC Life secured top honors at the ‘Best Management Practices Company Awards 2024,’ ranking among the top ten companies and winning the ‘Insurance – Public Sector Company’ category.

Committed to international standards and operational excellence, Sri Lanka Insurance Life maintains ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and ISO 14064-1:2018 certifications. The company also continues its social impact initiatives, including the free Life Insurance cover gifted to parents of newborns on World Children’s Day for the third consecutive year, supported 1100 families in flood affected areas, providing emergency assistance to pilgrims traveling to Anuradhapura for Poson Poya and the awarding of 370 Suba Pathum scholarships to outstanding students in national examinations.

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka Insurance Life remains focused on driving innovation, enhancing customer confidence, and making meaningful contributions to society. With a solid foundation and a clear vision, the company is poised to maintain its legacy of excellence and leadership in the insurance industry.