News

Sri Lanka in serious trouble, tangled in manifold issues: Karu J

Published

4 years ago

2021/02/28

Text of remarks made at NMSJ press briefing on Thursday

As Sri Lankans, we speak with great sadness today. Our motherland is tangled up in various issues and therefore we would like to mainly focus on only two such aspects. The people are under great pressure today due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The economy has collapsed. Due to the sharp rise in the cost of living, people are going without food and drink. There are many families today who are unable to have three square meals a day.

While the country is facing such a conundrum, several powerful countries in the world have submitted a report to the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) against Sri Lanka. It speaks of imposing embargos on Sri Lanka. Faced with the worst terrorism in the world, we fully understand its seriousness and the devastation it has caused to lives and resources. We also need to understand that the world is not made up of only our country.

The first draft of a resolution on Sri Lanka has been released recently by several countries including Britain, Germany and Canada. The proposal is reportedly due to be discussed on March 1. All countries represented at the UNHRC have been invited to attend. Considering this resolution, it appears that there is no problem with its preamble. It reaffirms the commitment of those countries to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.

But they have expressed regret over the terrorist attack in 2019 and agreed that the last Presidential and General Elections were held in a democratic manner. However, there is a serious challenge facing our country in terms of the clauses included in the resolution. We as a country need to pay close attention to this. We hope that the government will represent the country with the utmost intelligence, mature diplomacy and honesty.

Under no circumstances should we be arrogant or rash. As a democratic country that respects and abides by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Sri Lanka must act in a manner that protects the international prestige and reputation that it has established in the past. Therefore, we reiterate that we must face this challenge with intellectual and diplomatic maturity at this juncture while safeguarding our dignity as an independent, sovereign nation.

If we do not do so and further exacerbate the issue and if for that reason the UNHRC takes a tough decision, it will be people of this country who will suffer and not be the rulers or the politicians of this country. Therefore, we hope that all parties will work together to resolve this issue through dialogue and consensus. If that happens then it would be a great mental relief to all.

We are not expressing these views not to blame or criticize the government but instead because everyone needs to understand the challenge faced by the country. In such a situation, the whole country should be united and be reconciled. But that is not the case. Today, we are a nation divided on various issues. The 20th Amendment has caused a great deal of confusion in the country. The vast majority of religious communities, including the Maha Sangha, as well as the majority of society, are opposed to the 20th Amendment.

I would like to ask the parties who stood for the 20th Amendment if one individual given unlimited powers has managed to fulfill any of the promises given to the country. Is there really any victory the country has achieved due to the 20th Amendment? Did it guarantee the rights of the people of the country? Has the 20th Amendment helped to overcome the economic crisis in the country? What support has it given to combat the Covid-19 pandemic? Was it able to strengthen parliament, ensure the independence of the judiciary or establish the rule of law? Has the infinite power gained by one person through the 20th Amendment equipped the country to face the Geneva challenge? It has reversed all that.

The country’s legislative body has been turned into a barren field and the people’s representatives have been turned into mere puppets. Must I even speak of the state of the judiciary? The country’s economy is on a downward spiral as never before. Today internationally our country has lost many honourable friends. Sri Lanka is becoming isolated in the world.

In addition, as the only country in the world that does not allow burial by interfering with the traditional customs of the Muslim community, our country has been strongly opposed by the Muslim countries and the people of the world. According to reports, even though the Committee of Experts were positive about allowing burials and the Hon. Prime Minister making a public statement in Parliament on the matter, the Hon. Prime Minister as well as the Parliament have been humiliated by the statements made by a State Minister and a Member of Parliament.

It shows the weakness of the government’s decision-making power and has done great damage to its reputation. These are matters that need the attention of the authorities. The government should take a firm decision about burials. Also, the catastrophe caused by 20A could be the beginning of yet another catastrophe. This is evident from the inclusion of both of the above in the Geneva Resolutions.

These incidents took place under the present regime; so taking a closer look at those issues prudent step. But sadly, instead of putting out such fires that have engulfed the country, we have seen a few people intoxicated by greed igniting them instead. This is evident through their attacks on politicians who hold different views and those who do not belong to their camp.

We see the report of the Upali Abeyratne Commission as the worst insult to the judiciary. The world sees this as a great joke. It is seen as an attempt by a greedy government to break the backbone of the opposition and create a perpetual dictatorship in this country by depriving the opposition of their civic rights. Upali Abeyratne’s recommendations have done great damage to the recognition and respect that the Sri Lankan judiciary has gained in recent times, both locally and internationally.

This has caused us great pain. I responsibly state here that in this situation too we act with great confidence in our judiciary. We urge the judiciary to further strengthen that belief. Accordingly, we tell those individuals who are leading this country to destruction today to not boast about their two-thirds majority. Do not set fire to the country at this unfortunate time.

We express these views with the noble objective of creating a just, law-abiding and moral country as wished by Ven. Sobhitha Thera. The vision of making it a success is the sole objective of our organization.

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Breakaway JVP faction decries Indo-Lanka MoUs as betrayal

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.