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Death in many guises

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By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

We are not sure whether Andare is a legendary figure or a ‘Matara Man’ born around 1742 in the village of Udamalala, who went all the way to Kandy to serve King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. But we can be pretty sure that the exploits of this famous court jester will not cease to entertain for generations to come. Only Andare could get away with daring antics but, unfortunately, on one occasion he went too far, greatly annoying the King who, in a fit of rage, condemned Andare to death. In desperation, he pleaded, “Your Majesty, considering that I have been your humble servant for so long please allow me to choose the mode of death”. The good King did not have the heart to refuse and agreed to this request, under the impression that Andare would choose the mode of his execution but when Andare quipped “Your Majesty, I like to die when I am old”, and the King burst out laughing! Like Andare, we all would love to live to a ripe old age to die. But then, we do not want to drag on with a life of infirmity. Perhaps, the best way to leave this world is with a sudden death in old age!

Death comes in many guises: some die in-utero, others in childhood, yet others in the prime of youth and the lucky live to a ripe old age. Some have a long-drawn out deaths whilst others die suddenly. As I wrote in a song, during my medical student days, “Andagena upanne, andawa merenne, me sansare oba kohida yanne” (we are born with a cry, make others cry when we die, do not know where we go in this cycle of life).

Although sudden death is a nice way to go, if it does not happen too early, it can create huge problems the dear ones of the deceased. Sudden deaths often necessitate a post-mortem examination but, in some instances, even the PM examination may not show the exact cause of death although it would help to exclude foul play. Someone living alone, who dies suddenly, may not be found for days leading to decomposition, which makes the job of the pathologist doing the PM examination even more difficult. This was highlighted by the recent unfortunate sudden death of Zacky Jabbar, the Deputy Editor of this newspaper. Three months ago, a regular contributor to this newspaper, Rajeewa Jayaweera died under tragic circumstances; unfortunately, he took his own life: yet another guise of death. We live in an era of uncontrolled social media and the irresponsible, baseless rumours spread that these two deaths heralded a killing spree by the government, added to the distress of the families.

Sudden deaths are often due to problems of the heart although, on some rare occasions, they can happen as the result of a massive stroke or the rupture of a main blood vessel, usually due to weakening of the wall and dilatation forming an aneurysm. Sudden deaths due to heart problems are referred to as Sudden Cardiac Deaths (SCD) and result invariably from abnormal heart rhythms, the most common being ventricular fibrillation (VF). The main pumping chambers of the heart are the ventricles, which pump blood to arteries by coordinated contractions of muscle fibres but in ventricular fibrillation the muscle fibres contract in an irregular discordant manner like a ‘bag of worms’ without any effective emptying. VF can be caused by the ventricular muscle not getting enough blood due to narrowing of the coronary arteries, the vital arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself, sometimes made worse by a blood clot developing on the narrowed vessel, causing complete obstruction: Coronary Thrombosis. VF also can occur due to abnormalities in the ‘wiring system’ or the electrical activation system in the heart.

Very rapid heart rate, tachycardia, too can cause sudden death. Blood that returns from various parts of body is taken by the venous system to the right side of the heart to be pumped to the lungs where replenishing of red blood cells with oxygen, oxygenation, takes place. Oxygenated blood returns to the left side of the heart to be pumped around the body. If the heart beats too fast there is no time for the pumping chamber to fill, so that even if effective contraction occurs, there is no blood to pump out resulting in collapse. These rapid rates can occur with significant underlying disease but in some instances occur on a structurally normal heart, due to electrolyte disturbances, drug interactions etc.

Too slow a heart rate is also detrimental and the heart rate needs to be around 60 – 70 beats per minute at rest. In addition, the rate needs to increase with increased activity, to keep pace with the metabolic demand. For this, as well as to give electrical signals for the synchronised working of the various chambers of the heart, there is an electrical conducting system with built in pacemakers, buried in the tissues surrounding the heart muscle. When there is a block in this circuit, heart block occurs. This block in the electrical circuit of the heart causes slow heart rates or bring the heart to a complete standstill resulting in death. In such deaths, there are no PM findings unless detailed microscopic studies are done on the conducting system but this laborious process is hardly ever done.

Fortunately, in heart blocks there are warning symptoms like fainting, blackouts, sudden and transient giddiness, etc. When patients present with these suggestive symptoms Cardiologists arrange monitoring of heart rhythm using various devices. Once confirmed, heart block is one of the easiest and the most cost-effective conditions to treat with a permanent pacemaker. In fact, I set up the permanent pacemaker programme in the Cardiology Unit [Colombo] way back in late seventies.

There are many rare and perplexing rhythm abnormalities that occur in a structurally normal heart, some of which are brought about or exaggerated by chemical and electrolyte imbalances. The trigger for contraction of the heart muscle is an electrical impulse, very tiny in strength, which depolarises the muscle. For the next contraction to occur the cardiac muscle has to repolarise and this period of repolarisation is vulnerable to many factors. Some genetic abnormalities affect this period causing syndromes like ‘Prolonged Q-T syndrome’ and ‘Brugada syndrome’. A dangerous rhythm could be precipitated in susceptible individuals by drugs which affect depolarisation. By regular monitoring of drug reactions and interactions we are able to avoid prescription of drugs that may cause potential harm. Unfortunately, various preparations used in alternative medical systems like Ayurveda contain multiple plant-based derivatives whose safety has not been tested adequately. The argument that plant based products are harmless is fallacious as plants have many toxic compounds. Further, compounds that may not have direct harmful effects may interfere in the repolarisation process of vulnerable individuals. An expert eye may detect subtle ECG changes in these conditions but for confirmation, specialised invasive tests are needed. Deaths due to these conditions are impossible to detect in PMs, as the death was due to a functional abnormality, not structural.

Another cause of sudden deaths is cardiomyopathies: abnormalities of the heart muscle itself. There are many types, the commonest being dilated cardiomyopathy associated with heart failure. In this condition the chest x-ray shows an enlarged heart and an echocardiogram (ultrasound examination of the heart) would confirm poor function. However, the lethal variety is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where there is unnecessary and unregulated thickening of the heart muscle, to varying degrees. Sometimes the thickening of the muscle is so great that it obliterates the ventricular cavity but more commonly what it does is to obstruct the outflow. Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are liable to have sudden deaths, especially when they undertake sudden, severe unaccustomed to exertion: they virtually drop dead. The cause of death is easy to establish in these cases as there are obvious structural abnormalities. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathies are often inherited, and once an unfortunate case is detected what is important is family study: to identify family members who may be affected and treat them appropriately to prevent sudden death.

The realisation that someone who had sudden cardiac deaths had hearts that are ‘too good to die’ gave rise to the concept of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, which has saved innumerable lives around the world. It has evolved over time and is much simpler now. Pressing the breast bone down against the spine, about 50 times a minute, could imitate the pumping action of the heart, though to a lesser degree, but that could enhance the survival of the brain for some time and has saved many lives. This was coupled with mouth-to-mouth breathing, at the beginning, but it was later shown that this step, which some found difficulty in complying with, does not make a significant difference. Thus, the present CPR technique is simple and should be taught to all upper school children. Even the young can have sudden deaths and a simple procedure like CPR coupled with prompt treatment in hospital has the potential to save many lives.



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The Trade Game’s New Rules: Sri Lanka’s Shot at Winning

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The global trading system, once a beacon of predictability and cooperation, is in tatters. For decades, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) upheld a rules-based order grounded in principles like the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause, ensuring equitable treatment among trading partners. This framework fostered an era of unprecedented economic integration, lifting nations—large and small—through the tide of globalisation. Yet, that era is fading fast. The United States, long a champion of this system when it suited its interests, has detonated its foundations with escalating tariffs and unilateral protectionism. These measures, often targeting economic rivals like China, flout the WTO’s core tenets, replacing multilateral consensus with a power-driven free-for-all. The US’s selective tariffs—disregarding MFN principles—signal a retreat from cooperative trade norms, fragmenting the global economy into blocs shaped by political expediency rather than economic logic. For smaller nations like Sri Lanka, this shift is both a peril and a puzzle: the rules we relied upon are gone, and the future is being forged around us, whether we act or not.

This upheaval is not merely a bilateral spat between superpowers; it’s a seismic reconfiguration of global trade. The US, despite trumpeting its goods trade deficits, quietly maintains a surplus in services—a complexity drowned out by the rhetoric of protectionism. Its push to resurrect domestic manufacturing, especially in critical industries like semiconductors and steel, hints at a broader strategy to insulate itself from foreign competition. Historical parallels loom large: the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which raised US duties on hundreds of imports, deepened the Great Depression by choking global trade. Today’s interconnected supply chains amplify that risk, where a single tariff can ripple across continents, slashing demand and destabilising markets. The likelihood of a full-blown trade war grows, with tit-for-tat retaliations threatening to redraw economic alliances. Growth forecasts for 2025 are already tilting downwards, and for Sri Lanka—just emerging from the bruising IMF-prescribed reforms—this instability could snuff out nascent recovery. Yet, amidst this chaos, the future is taking shape. Regional blocs are coalescing, new trade routes are emerging, and nimble nations are seizing opportunities. Sri Lanka cannot afford to stand still as the world moves forward.

Opportunities and Strategies for Sri Lanka:

Exploiting Trade Diversions and Gaps

The fracturing of traditional trade flows offers Sri Lanka a chance to step into the breach. As US buyers grapple with higher costs from tariff-hit countries like China, Sri Lanka could position itself as a viable substitute. Our apparel sector, already a global player, could capture market share lost by pricier competitors, while rubber products and electronics components—where we have latent capacity—could find new buyers. Beyond substitution, we could embed ourselves as a cost-effective link in supply chains shifting away from China, offering stability to multinationals wary of volatility. The actionable path is clear: identify tariff-affected goods where Sri Lanka holds competitive edges, then aggressively market these through international trade fairs, digital B2B platforms, and targeted outreach to US importers. This requires swift coordination between the Export Development Board and the private sector to seize the moment.

Strengthening Bilateral Trade Negotiations

While the WTO weakens, bilateral deals gain prominence. Sri Lanka must negotiate preferential trade agreements or tariff concessions with the US, focusing on key exports like tea, garments, and spices. Our status as a developing nation, potentially via the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), offers leverage—though its reinstatement has been erratic since its lapse in 2020. Diplomatic and economic lobbying in Washington, backed by a clear case of mutual benefit, could restore or expand this access. Beyond the US, forging similar pacts with other major markets—such as the UK post-Brexit or Japan—would bolster our position. This demands a dedicated trade negotiation team, armed with data and a compelling narrative of Sri Lanka as a reliable partner in a turbulent world.

Diversifying Export Markets

Over-reliance on any single market, particularly the US, is a liability in this volatile landscape. Sri Lanka must pivot towards emerging economies and regional players—India, ASEAN, the Middle East, and Africa—where tariff structures are less prone to sudden shocks. India’s growing consumer base, for instance, could absorb more of our tea and apparel, while the Gulf’s demand for construction materials aligns with our rubber and coir strengths. Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to tap these markets is vital, through trade facilitation hubs, subsidised market research, and digital tools like e-commerce platforms. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce could lead here, bridging SMEs with opportunities abroad.

Investing in Value Addition and Branding

Exporting raw materials confines us to low-profit cycles. Shifting to high-value, branded goods—think premium Ceylon teas with traceable origins, eco-friendly packaging, or artisanal spices—could transform our economic profile. Take tea: instead of bulk exports, we could market single-estate blends to affluent consumers in Europe or North America, commanding triple the price. Government support is key—tax incentives for innovation, grants for sustainable packaging, and training for entrepreneurs to build global brands. The success of Dilmah, a homegrown name, proves this model works; scaling it across sectors could redefine Sri Lanka’s export identity.

Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

As multinationals flee US-China trade tensions, Sri Lanka can pitch itself as a neutral, cost-effective production hub. Our strategic location, skilled workforce, and existing Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are assets—if we market them right. Streamlining FDI approvals, cutting red tape, and offering tax holidays could lure firms in textiles, electronics, or even renewable energy components. Look at Vietnam, which has soaked up billions in FDI by positioning itself as a China alternative; Sri Lanka could emulate this with a fraction of the scale but equal ambition. The Board of Investment must prioritise this, showcasing our stability amid global upheaval.

Cushioning Vulnerable Sectors and Building Resilience

Not all sectors will thrive in this shift. Those hit by reduced global demand—say, gemstone exporters reliant on Western jewellers—need a lifeline: subsidies, credit guarantees, or export insurance to weather the storm. More broadly, Sri Lanka’s lack of a coherent industrial policy is a glaring weakness. Selling off state development banks like DFCC and NDB was a strategic blunder; we need a new institution tied to a long-term industrial vision, fostering manufacturing and innovation. Education, too, is underfunded—government spending is at historic lows, leaving us unprepared for a skills-driven economy. Job support programmes and a task force to tackle immediate business and worker uncertainties are urgent steps to shore up resilience.

Partnering with Regional Blocs

Isolation is not an option. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is moribund, crippled by India-Pakistan tensions, but alternatives beckon. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) offers a platform to deepen ties with India, Bangladesh, and Thailand, prioritising collaborative growth. More ambitiously, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)—the world’s largest trade bloc, spanning ASEAN, China, Japan, and Australia—looms as a game-changer. Could Sri Lanka join? It’s not a member yet, but observer status or a phased accession isn’t implausible. Our proximity to India, an RCEP signatory, and our trade complementarities (e.g., tea for China’s market, apparel for Southeast Asia) make a case. Joining would require aligning regulations, boosting competitiveness, and lobbying through diplomatic channels—perhaps via ASEAN ties. Even short of full membership, negotiating parallel deals with RCEP nations could integrate us into their supply chains, amplifying our reach. Regionalism, not nationalism, is our shield against global fragmentation.

The way forward

The rise of protectionism tests Sri Lanka, but it need not break us. History warns of downturns, yet today’s stakes—jobs, wages, stability—are too high for inaction. The government must act boldly: unite resources, strengthen resilience, and prioritise citizens over short-term politics. Economic openness and social cohesion remain our north stars. As the world reshapes itself, Sri Lanka must carve its place—not just to survive, but to thrive.

(The writer is Professor of Marketing University of Surrey. Views expressed in this article are personal)

by Prof. Chanaka Jayawardhena
Chanaka.j@gmail.com

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David Attenborough and Sri Lanka – a tribute for celebration of 99 years on the planet!

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Sir David Attenborough

BBC Earth recently launched a seven-part documentary series titled ‘Asia’, showcasing the region’s diverse wildlife. The Guardian referred this documentary as a masterclass in television, in which every element is cooked to perfection. The narration was done by Attenborough, and it also featured Sri Lanka’s wild elephants. Series producer Matthew Wright told The Daily Telegraph that “every recording session includes a pronunciation guide, no matter who the narrator is. But David politely said he doesn’t need it because he’s been to most places and met most of the animals we cover – so you hear his great voice pronouncing all these words correctly straight off the bat.”

by Tharindu Muthukumarana
tharinduele@gmail.com

(Author of the award-winning book “The Life of Last Proboscideans: Elephants”)

Sir David Attenborough has been an internationally recognised household name. On May 8, 2025, he did celebrate 99 years on this planet, and he remains as dynamic as ever. Fans of his span multiple generations, from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha. On that account, it’s no surprise that Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. As a nature documentary narrator, he had touched on many natural subjects. Attenborough’s voice is distinguishable, and it’s remarkable that, despite his age, it remains in high demand. Having said that, something special for us Sri Lankans is that he had narrated various documentaries related to Sri Lanka as well. This article features a glimpse of it.

Attenborough’s dream to visit Sri Lanka and how it got shattered

In the year 1945, Attenborough won a scholarship from the University of Cambridge to study zoology and geology. He completed his degree in natural sciences in 1947 and was anticipating a career that would ultimately take him to remote and exciting parts of the world. This was during an era when World War II had just ended. Soon after, he was called for National Service and enrolled in the Royal Navy. But as he joined, his main interest was not fighting in a war but to travel somewhere romantic where natural beauty is concerned. During his training period at Gosport, he met old naval hands who talked a lot about Trincomalee. As you may know, at that time Trinco was the home port of the Eastern Fleet of the Royal Navy. Young Attenborough was captivated by Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and hoped to be posted to Trinco after completing his training. But, unfortunately, his dreams got shattered when he was sent to join an aircraft carrier that was being mothballed as part of the Reserve Fleet in the Firth of Forth. He served in the Navy for two years but was not involved in any war during his service.

Having said that, there is lingering doubt: ‘What if Attenborough got the chance to come to Sri Lanka during his naval days?’ Would he have made Sri Lanka his home like Sir Arthur C. Clarke did? I will leave it to you to decide!

Narration on sperm whales in Blue Planet II

Blue Planet II is a 2017 marine life documentary series created by the BBC and narrated by Attenborough. The filming process spanned over four years, encompassing 125 expeditions across 39 countries. This series featured sperm whales found in Trincomalee waters. A superpod is a vast assembly of whales, where they interact through physical contact, socialising, and communication. Sri Lanka provided an incredible opportunity to witness this phenomenon. The documentary showcasing it became the most-watched television programme in the UK in 2017. In China, its popularity was so immense that it reportedly impacted the nation’s internet speed due to the sheer number of viewers. Additionally, British universities, including the University of Southampton, saw a significant rise in applications for marine biology degrees after the documentary aired.

In April 2018, spurred by the rising public awareness generated by Blue Planet II, the British government revealed it was contemplating a nationwide ban on single-use plastic items. Reports also indicated that Queen Elizabeth II’s move to prohibit plastic bottles and straws within the royal estates was partially influenced by the documentary. A study conducted in 2020 further suggested that the programme had a lasting impact, significantly heightening political, media, and public engagement with plastic pollution in the UK—an issue that had previously struggled to gain momentum. According to Sri Lankan tourism experts, this documentary had a positive impact on whale-watching tourism in the country.

Narration for Sri Lanka’s mangrove conservation project

A few years ago, a non-profit environmental conservation organisation, called Seacology, did an important project to help Sri Lanka to preserve and replant all of its mangrove forests. For this project a mini documentary was made, and the narration was done by Attenborough. This project conserved about 21,782 acres (8,815 hectares) of mangrove forests on the island. Furthermore, it offered alternative career training and microloans to 12,000 underprivileged women living in 1,500 hamlets near the country’s mangrove forests. This initiative also replanted 9,600 acres (3,885 hectares) of mangrove forests that had been cleared, using seedlings cultivated in three Seacology-funded mangrove nurseries.

Narration on mugger crocodile in Planet Earth III

In 2023, the BBC launched a wildlife documentary series titled Planet Earth III, narrated by Attenborough. In it, a scene that was shot in Yala National Park was included, and The Daily Mail regarded this as “stunning shots of a crocodile surprising a group of deer”. This involves, during the dry season, how a mugger crocodile waits for the opportunity to grab its prey. As time passes by, a herd of spotted deer arrive at the waterhole to quench their thirst. However, the crocodile was successful. Attenborough says in the documentary that “These crocodiles have learnt to exploit the deer’s desperate need for fresh water.” According to the cameraman Abdullah Khan, to take that shot, it took about five weeks of filming.

Narration on Sri Lankan elephants

BBC Earth recently launched a seven-part documentary series, titled ‘Asia’, showcasing the region’s diverse wildlife. The Guardian referred this documentary as a masterclass in television, in which every element is cooked to perfection. The narration was done by Attenborough, and it also featured Sri Lanka’s wild elephants. Series producer Matthew Wright told The Daily Telegraph that “every recording session includes a pronunciation guide, no matter who the narrator is. But David politely said he doesn’t need it because he’s been to most places and met most of the animals we cover – so you hear his great voice pronouncing all these words correctly straight off the bat.”

It gave special attention to cheeky elephants on the Buttala-Kataragama road, which have a behaviour of staying in the middle of the road and soliciting food from motorists. The elephant named ‘Buttala Raja’ stole the show. In the documentary, Attenborough says, “Raja’s persuasive charm has earned him a reputation. He knows which vehicles aren’t worth bothering with and which have the potential to deliver a feast. Raja’s gentle nature has won many hearts.” A cropped video clip from that documentary, which shows those elephants, went viral on social media sites recently.

In conclusion, as Attenborough celebrates 99 years, I wish him a joyful year filled with exciting adventures and remarkable discoveries. Also, not to mention what we Sri Lankans always say: “Ayubowewa! (May you live long)”.

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A wake- up call

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President Dissanayake

I have not, for many months, written about the current political situation, not least because I had really no idea where we were heading. I thought the President elected last September was the best alternative we had, but that was no great recommendation given the other candidates. Sajith Premadasa was the best of the rest, to my mind, but he did seem to carry a lot of old Ranil Wickremesinghe baggage, and he did not develop the vision of his father, by far the most productive President we have had.

Premadasa adjusted the opening of the economy which, to give him his due, J R Jayewardene had initiated, to introduce a healthy dose of social recalibration, with enormous emphasis on rural development which had been ignored in the first 11 years of UNP rule. I was sorry that Sajith seemed instead to go along with the Westernised model his principal economic advisers trumpeted. Given how Donald Trump has now upended the gospel of free trade which the West imposed on us for years, it is a good thing that the extremists did not have a free hand for the three months before Trump turned everything upside down.

The current government however was not as independent in its approach as I would have liked, and perhaps under the influence of the most effective of American ambassadors in recent years has seemed to go along with many of the remedies that the previous government has put forward. But there was one area in which they did shift from the lethargy of Ranil Wickremesinghe. This was with regard to the most important, to my mind, of World Bank recommendations—pursuing the plundered money. Obviously Ranil, given his own record and that of those who made him President, was not likely to act, though I was deeply ashamed that more decent folk such as Indrajith Coomaraswamy remained mealy-mouthed and allowed the rot to carry on.

Indeed, the evidence that is emerging about the role of the Presidential Secretariat in continuing corruption suggests that things got worse in the two years of Ranil’s Presidency. Though I may be more indulgent to Gotabaya Rajapaksa than he deserves, it is worth noting that there are no allegations of his office being the fountainhead of corruption while he was President, though he seems to have given a free hand to the most monstrous of the hangers on of the Rajapaksa clan, let alone its members. But Ranil’s antics with his friend Lord Francis Maude suggest that he was no better than those characters, though obviously he worked in more subtle ways.

But though the NPP seemed to present a sea change as far as dealing with corruption is concerned, they are painfully slow. It is disappointment about this that was the most important reason for its loss of support at the local government election. Efforts to convince itself with specious arguments that it in fact won the election are pitiful. Worse, they may become a substitute for analysis of what went wrong.

It is useless to complain that governments have to proceed slowly. This is what we have been told for years, and while there are traces of some efforts being made, the general impression is that this government will fail miserably to check corruption. If not corrupt itself, for the moment, unless it acts some of its members will begin to think there is nothing wrong with corruption. For one still remembers how swiftly members of Chandrika Kumaratunga’s cabinet lost their ideals – I recall my brother-in-law telling me with surprise that Srimani Athulathmudali was pretty bad, though that may have been due to those who controlled her then – and I recall too how the promise of Yahapalanaya was destroyed, with the President soon enough following Ranil Wickremesinghe in paving the way for his near and dear to make money.

There are enough mechanisms in place to act, and the government also has a majority to introduce new mechanisms. The argument one hears from those who probably did not vote for this government but were happy to give it a chance is that they have no experience, and there is no professional capacity to innovate. But they do have enough experts with goodwill towards them who could advise productively.

I cannot understand for instance why they have not made use of Nigel Hatch, who did yeoman service for them in cases before the courts to highlight the double dealing of the government with regard to postponement of elections. Perhaps, the problem was that he was approached to represent the party through the Prime Minister, and she has less authority than her position would imply. But surely those who do have authority must understand the need to make sure that the capable are entrusted with responsibilities commensurate to the problems before us.

If they are diffident about their capacity to communicate, they should once again make use of the Prime Minister and her staff. Her Secretary is a capable man, but he seems unable to assert himself, and will not take decisions. To move from corruption to diffidence about productive action, it is worrying for instance that he seems to have shelved the admirable project about mangrove restoration that has been presented to him. That had been initiated by Ruwan Wijewardene before the big wind came and blew him away. But surely Pradeep Saputantri can understand English as well as Ruwan, and he should be able on his own to get the Prime Minister’s approval to take things forward. Sending things up and down for comments takes ages and is no way to give the country the action it so urgently wants.

The President must realise that, though the honeymoon is not yet over, it soon will be. Premadasa was up and running as soon as he was elected; so were J R and Mahinda with regard to their most productive activities. Nothing can be done about natural disasters, but a combination of strikes and what seems incompetence in vital areas will make unpopularity increase in leaps and bounds. I hope the President will not be carried away by the pleasures of travel and forget the hopes the country had in him six months ago.

by Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha

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