News

ATA is a continuation of PTA in more repressive form – Prof. Uyangoda

Published

3 years ago

2023/04/7

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The proposed Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) is a direct response to the citizens’ protest movement of 2022 and the continuation of these protests this year, Professor Jayadeva Uyangoda, a political scientist, said during an online seminar on the ATA, organised by the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) recently.

“The ATA is a continuation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in a much repressive form. The terrorism it seeks to suppress is citizen’s political activism. The proposed law frames terrorism as a broad, arbitrary and an alarmingly undemocratic manner,” he said.Prof. Uyangoda said that people had used the term, ‘draconian’, to describe the PTA, however the new ATA went beyond the PTA in its repressive capacity.

“The present government and the President want to address two dimensions. One is that the authority and legitimacy of the current ruling class is in a severe crisis. Most of the people reject the political order run by the current politicians as a whole. This is a severe form of political crisis. The second aspect is that the executive presidential system introduced in 1978 has also faced a severe crisis. The crisis was so deep that unarmed protestors could dislodge a very powerful president. That crisis of executive political order continues,” he said.

What Wickremesinghe is trying to do is to resolve the twin crisis of the existing political order by using the state and political power he has access to. These twin crises occurred because politically conscious citizens not only reject, for the first time, the legitimacy of the political class but also, they are demanding a radical transformation of political culture and class, he said.

“This kind of transformative social demands are not acceptable for the ruling elites. So, what could they do? One thing they could do is introduce new legislation that would transform Sri Lanka into a police state under the supervision of the current political leadership. The political implications of the ATA are far reaching than the PTA or the emergency regulations that we have been having since the 1970s. ATA is trying to achieve what the PTA or the emergency regulations could not achieve, i.e. an effective police state. Sri Lanka is entering a state of heightened de-democratisation,” he said.

Sri Lanka has been in a path of rapid de-democratisation since the 1970s with sporadic attempts to re-democratise it by sections of the people and reformist politicians. However, last year Sri Lanka entered a new phase of re-democratisation with the protest movement.

“What the government has been trying to do is constantly terrorize the politically conscious and active groups of citizens,” he said.

The ATA criminalises the citizen’s political activism and in turn makes the citizen’s political activism an anti-state political activism, Uyangoda said.

“The punishment for activism is 20 years in jail. One of the lessons that the political class has learnt from the protests last year is that they should not allow Sri Lankans to become active, assertive citizens. They don’t only want passive citizens but also subservient citizens. They want to make politically active citizens to be criminals. That is the police state dimension of this,” he said.

He added the proposed ATA is also an attempt by the government to prepare for the social unrest that is likely to arise in the country due to its disastrous austerity measures.

Uyangoda suggests that the burden of economic revival is being placed solely on the poor and middle class, which has created an impending social crisis. He views the proposed ATA as a continuation of the current Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in a much more oppressive form that seeks to counter citizens’ political activism. He warned that the ruling class’s undemocratic response to quash protests and demonstrations would further oppress the people and turn them into terrorists.

Uyangoda argued that the ruling class was aware that their economic programme was likely to lead to daily protests and demonstrations on the country’s roads, and they were trying to prevent such events by strengthening their capabilities and passing oppressive laws. He urged the government to reconsider their approach, warning that such laws will only exacerbate the social crisis and lead to further unrest.

“The middle class has become somewhat politically active. They are the ones opposing the new tax reforms the most. So, the proletariat and the middle classes have both become politicised. One of the ways that capitalism can respond to this is by forcefully de-politicising the people. To achieve this the government has to further strengthen the repressive laws and mechanisms it has. The new enemies of the ruling class are political citizens, the trade unions, the farmers, etc. The government wants to make any form of opposition and act of terrorism,” he said.

Prof. Shyama Banneheka, head of FUTA said that the proposed ATA goes beyond anti-terrorism laws found in most countries. However, it is quite similar to laws passed by governments that attempt to crush dissent and suppress perceived threats by aggrieved people who are affected by disastrous government policies.

Meanwhile, Ermiza Tegal, lawyer and a human rights activist, said that the ATA allows the executive to take over the power of the judiciary. The ATA has a clause empowering the President to make regulations and directions.

“Right now emergency law is the only law that the President can make and that is in an emergency situation. This ATA allows the president to make regulations and directions not only during a time of emergency,” she said.

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News

37 advisors for President, PM and seven cabinet ministers

Published

12 hours ago

2025/11/16

Thilina Walpola

The government has appointed 37 advisors to assist the President, the Prime Minister, and seven Cabinet ministers.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed 10 advisors for the Ministry of Digital Economy and 14 for the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education. Advisors for the President and Prime Minister serve voluntarily and do not receive government salaries or allowances, with all of the Prime Minister’s advisors being specialists in the field of education.

Other appointments include three advisors for Minister of Industries Sunil Handunnetti, three for Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake, and two for Science and Technology Minister Prof. Krishantha Abeysena. Single advisors have been appointed for Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, Agriculture Minister K. D. Lalkantha, Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendige, Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Vasantha Samarasinha, and Provincial Councils Minister Prof. Chandana Abeyratne.

While most advisors work without pay, three—serving Ministers Samarasinha, Patabendige, and Aberathna—receive salaries, allowances, and vehicles. The advisor to Minister Samarasinha earns Rs. 227,695 a month and is entitled to a fuel allowance of Rs 46,695.

Minister Patabendige’s advisor receives Rs 213,635 monthly, a vehicle, and Rs 47,685 for diesel. Minister Abeyratne’s advisor, former Ministry Secretary Ashoka Peiris, earns Rs 117,150, a living allowance of Rs 17,800, and Rs 46,695 for fuel.

The details were submitted to Parliament in writing in response to a question from Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara.

by Akitha Perera ✍️

News

MoU on US-Lanka Defence partnership signed

Published

12 hours ago

2025/11/16

Thilina Walpola

US Ambassador Julie Chung, Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard Brigadier General Trenton Gibson, Secretary of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, and Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara after the signing of the MoU on Friday.

The United States and Sri Lanka on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalising the defence partnership between the Montana National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard District 13, and the Sri Lanka Armed Forces under the Department of War’s State Partnership Program (SPP).

The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Defence, Battaramulla.

U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard Brigadier General Trenton Gibson, and the Secretary of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, signed the MOU marking a historic milestone in U.S.–Sri Lanka defense relations, underscoring both nations’ shared commitment to regional stability, maritime security, and professional military collaboration in the Indo-Pacific to advance our common goal of peace through partnership.

U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung highlighted the significance of the new chapter in U.S.–Sri Lanka defense cooperation: “From wildfire response and flood relief in Montana to peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts overseas, the Montana National Guard has a proud record of service and professionalism. This partnership with Sri Lanka, reaffirmed through today’s MOU, strengthens our shared resolve for a secure Indo-Pacific—building trust, readiness, and lasting peace through partnership.”

Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) said, “This agreement represents a progressive initiative that will further enhance Sri Lanka’s defense capabilities and reinforce the enduring partnership with the United States. Over the years, our two nations have long cooperated in areas such as military training, disaster relief, and defense exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and trust. This framework will open new avenues for collaboration, promote capacity-building, and contribute to ensuring peace, security, and stability across the region.”

Brigadier General Trenton Gibson, Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard, said: “We are honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Sri Lankan counterparts. Together, we’ll build strength, trust, and lasting bonds that enhance the security of both our nations.”

Established in 2021, the Montana–Sri Lanka partnership takes a major step forward today as the MOU formalizes a framework for deeper collaboration, strengthening professional ties and advancing joint security cooperation between the two nations. Through the State Partnership Program, the Montana National Guard, the citizen-soldier component of the U.S. Armed Forces from the State of Montana, brings extensive expertise in disaster response, homeland defense, and global partnerships. Since 2021, the Montana National Guard and Sri Lanka’s armed forces have deepened their partnership through joint training, expert exchanges, and reciprocal visits that have built trust and strengthened defense cooperation. Notable recent engagements include ATLAS ANGEL 2024 and PACIFIC ANGEL 2025, where U.S. and Sri Lankan personnel worked side by side to enhance humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities. Under the State Partnership Program, the U.S. Coast Guard District 13 also welcomed Sri Lanka Coast Guard officers to Seattle in August 2025 for joint training on oil spill response, including hazardous waste operations, shoreline recovery, and on-water cleanup—sharing expertise to safeguard sea lanes and protect the marine environment.

With this MOU, Sri Lanka joins a global network of 115 nations partnered with U.S. state National Guards under the State Partnership Program (SPP). The first series of joint activities under this MOU is planned for summer of 2026, focusing on disaster response, maritime domain awareness, and professional military education.

The Montana-Sri Lanka National Guard partnership will focus on:

Joint training and professional exchanges to enhance interoperability and readiness.

Maritime Domain Awareness cooperation, addressing trafficking, migration, and narcotics interdiction.

Crisis response and humanitarian assistance, leveraging the Guard’s dual military–civilian capabilities, to include military medical and engineer activities.

Aviation operations, supporting mission success through skill and excellence.

Military and civil disaster readiness and response, military-civilian coordination for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Background: The State Partnership Program (SPP) was created in 1993 by the U.S. Department of Defense—now the Department of War—after the end of the Cold War to foster enduring relationships between U.S. state National Guards and partner nations. The SPP pairs the U.S. National Guard with foreign military counterparts to support defense security goals such as civil-military preparedness, critical infrastructure protection, and defense modernization. Through exchange programs and joint capacity-building exercises, partners strengthen interoperability. Today, through the SPP, the National Guard of every state, three U.S. territories and the District of Columbia is partnered with over 100 partner countries — nations on every continent but Antarctica —promoting peace, stability, and mutual readiness through training, humanitarian assistance, and expertise exchange.

The Montana National Guard, headquartered in Helena, Montana, is composed of highly trained soldiers and airmen who serve both their state and the nation. Its participation in the SPP reflects the Guard’s dual mission: defending the United States while advancing global peace and security through trusted international partnerships.

News

Significant contraction in profitability of SOE sector in first half of 2025

Published

12 hours ago

2025/11/16

Thilina Walpola

Eighteen out of 52 major state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have incurred losses in the first six months of 2025, worsening fiscal pressures on the government and taxpayers, according to the Mid-Year Fiscal Report released by the Ministry of Finance.

The report has revealed a significant contraction in the profitability of the SOE sector. During the first half of 2024, the 52 entities collectively posted profits of Rs. 280.7 billion. In contrast, their combined profit for the corresponding period in 2025 has dropped to Rs. 227.8 billion—a decline of more than Rs. 52 billion.

Among the largest loss-makers are the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), SriLankan Airlines and the Lanka Sugar Company, all of which have recorded steep reversals compared to previous years. The CEB has posted a pre-tax loss of Rs. 13.2 billion as at 30 June 2025, a dramatic fall from profits of Rs. 144 billion in 2024 and Rs. 57.6 billion in 2023.

SriLankan Airlines has also suffered a sharp downturn, recording a pre-tax loss of Rs. 12 billion between April and June alone. The airline’s cumulative losses now stand at a staggering Rs. 628 billion. Its equity position has deteriorated to a negative Rs. 415 billion, while total liabilities have risen to Rs. 606.7 billion.

A BBC report cited by the Finance Ministry attributes the airline’s continuing losses to inadequate revenue diversification and heavy debt-servicing obligations.

The Cabinet has already approved restructuring of long-overdue debt amounting to USD 210 million and Rs. 31.4 billion, to be serviced with Treasury involvement.

Meanwhile, Lanka Sugar Company Limited has recorded a pre-tax loss of Rs. 2.6 billion as at 30 June, compared to a loss of Rs. 1.9 billion in 2024 and a profit of Rs. 2.8 billion in 2023, reflecting further deterioration in performance.

Presenting the 2026 Budget, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said political interference, weak financial discipline and patronage-based recruitment had turned several state entities into “a heavy burden on the economy.” He noted that a number of institutions had failed to pay bank loans, taxes or employee EPF/ETF contributions. The government has already allocated Rs. 11 billion to settle overdue employee benefits and outstanding taxes.

The President said the government would shut down institutions with no commercial, regulatory or administrative value, merge agencies performing overlapping functions and reorganise those that have diverged from their core mandates.

SOEs currently in the red include the CEB, SriLankan Airlines, Lanka Sugar Company, State Engineering Corporation, Lanka Sathosa, Hotel Developers (Lanka) Ltd, State Development and Construction Corporation, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, State Timber Corporation, ITN, SLBC, State Printing Corporation, Ceylon Fisheries Harbour Corporation, National Livestock Development Board, Janatha Estate Development Board, Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation and the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation.

A number of institutions—among them Lanka Sugar Pvt Ltd, the Janatha Estate Development Board, SLSPC, SLRC, Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, NLDB, Elkaduwa Plantations Ltd, SLBC, North Sea Ltd and Lanka Ceramics JV Corporation—have been unable to meet EPF/ETF and tax obligations and now require direct Treasury support.

Despite the pressures, the Finance Ministry notes that several major SOEs have posted stronger results. State banks have reported a combined profitability increase of Rs. 65.5 billion in the first half of the year, while the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, National Water Supply and Drainage Board and Employees’ Trust Fund Board have also improved their performance.

The government has already begun the process of closing 33 inactive institutions by 2026 and restructuring others in line with new efficiency and governance targets.