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Govt. should reduce expenditure on infrastructure development temporarily to feed people faced with hunger

Published

5 years ago

2021/07/4

We live in a highly commercialized world where making maximum profit is the measure of success, and not the outcomes and their real benefit to humanity with minimal harm to life and the environment. In addition in Sri Lanka there is a high degree of exploitation of both the farmer and the consumer by excessive profiteering by middlemen, such as mill owners and traders. The result is that the farmers are suffering and are facing hunger. The vast mass of consumers are also faced with hunger.

Society led by the scientific community has to be on constant vigilance to ensure the safety of all living things. It was with great satisfaction that a majority of people in Sri Lanka welcomed the President’s demand for the immediate cessation of the use of agrochemicals (an accepted cause of various serious diseases such as cancer and kidney disease) and the switch over to the use of organic fertilizer. An open and valuable discussion has resulted, especially with regard to the outcomes and implementation.

The powerful chemicals lobby says that yields will drop due to the fact that the hybrid seeds used and the chemical fertilizers complement each other, and the pesticide/weedicide lobby joins in, as they too will lose much income.

I am happy that the local scientific community is by and large for the switch over to organic farming. The best proposal appears to be that of Dr. C. M. Wijeyaratne, Dr. Lionel Weerakoon, Buddhi Jayasuriya and some others. It envisages “a planned shift to Ecological Farming” within the farm itself, without just “adding organic fertilizer” from outside. Setting this up in the country results in a wide network of farmer organizations to coordinate this shift, and to ensure that the farmer and the consumer get a good deal. (The LSSP has all along promoted the setting up and linking of farmer and consumer cooperatives to eliminate exploitation by the middleman). These three have proposed a gradual step-wise process based on the FAO recommendations while stressing the use of appropriate technology and the importance of good water management.

An excellent strategy is included for the plantation sector, “Employee By Out of plantations for improving productivity, production and conservation”. The LSSP has always promoted the idea of worker participation in management, but this takes it a step further giving the workers a share in the ownership of the enterprise,(which has also been a part of the LSSP program). The importance of further developing animal husbandry is also stressed. As part of the implementation mechanism they propose establishing a Sustainable Agriculture Development Authority (SADA) which I appreciate. This would ensure maximum benefits to the farmer and the consumer and ensure that the replacement of harmful chemicals by organic inputs will be ensured. I am hoping to go along with them to present this valuable set of proposal to the President to obtain his support for its implementation.

As a further step in controlling the major problems of hunger among our people I would also appeal to the President and the Prime Minister to reduce the expenditure on infrastructure development temporarily in order to provide food for all those who are faced with hunger.

Besides the acute problem of hunger the major problem facing our people is that of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is now once again becoming a major problem with a marked increase in the number of cases and deaths. The introduction of the Delta variant of the virus has increased the threat to humanity. This causes more severe illness with a higher proportion of deaths, and also spreads much quicker. I urged the Minister of Health and her officials to accept the fact that there is community spread of the Covid infection and that it is not confined to identified clusters. This needs a community based strategy for its control. I suggest that there should be a committee of party leaders set up in Parliament to interact with the Minister to get maximum support countrywide to get the message across that this is a National problem.

This would enable the Covid Committees to be established down to village and slum levels and procure the cooperation of everybody. This should emphasize the understanding and implementation of the health guidelines (like the regular wearing of masks, social distancing and the constant washing of hands with soap and water). These committees should ensure that everybody fully implements these health practices. This will be vital if there is an upsurge of the Delta variant of the virus. These committees can also identify possible cases as soon as they appear and get them hospitalized after PCR testing and help in the tracing and quarantining of contacts.

The committee would also conduct intensive health education so that everyone is fully aware of the need for the above mentioned action. The Government would then be able to carry out an intensive and effective control program across the country. If the situation gets worse the government will have to act sternly to ensure that people do not form crowds anywhere and that even at home visitors are kept out. All workplaces should use minimal staff, observing the health rules and confine the group meetings to five persons.

The education of children maintained with the use of digital communication is desirable. The cost of this is heavy and the Government may not able to fund that program widely. It may be mainly richer children who will benefit from a such a scheme. For the other children the best option would be the use of television channels. If indicated, specially for senior students, there could be small classes held according to the health rules on important subjects with the presence of the teacher.

The vaccination program is being done fairly widely, but in a haphazard manner. The vaccines to be used in the country should be carefully chosen and it would be preferable if RNA based vaccines are avoided in view of the possibility of future genetic consequences. Considering their limited level and time of protection, I would use vaccines mainly to protect the vulnerable group (elderly and those with chronic illnesses). The scare about a post-Covid syndrome affecting children does not need immunization of children. This is a relatively rare occurrence in a few children and it fits into the pattern of the Kawasaky disease which is seen as an occasional event with many virus infections. Large scale vaccination is costly and not necessary. Further the vaccine against the Alpha variant is not very effective against the Delta variant.

In the present situation facing the country, the major emphasis must be placed on providing food to the hungry and also to reducing the spread of the Covid-19 virus (specially the Delta variant), and the proper treatment in hospital of those who are seriously affected. But if there is proper health education and strict enforcement of the health rules then the problem itself can be prevented.

Prof. Tissa Vitarana

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Mechanism to be established involving university academics and experts for Education Reforms – President

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/22

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government is taking steps to establish a comprehensive mechanism, supported by an appropriate legal framework, to bring together university academics, experts and all relevant parties in order to resolve issues arising during the implementation of education reforms.

The President made these remarks during a discussion with the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) held on Wednesday (21) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.

During the discussion, FUTA members emphasized the challenges encountered while trying to implement educational reforms through a framework established by the National Institute of Education, in line with the current laws and regulations.

They further emphasized that while their association acknowledges the need for new education reforms, the urgency of such reforms is greater for students in rural schools than for those in urban schools.

The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations further stated that they appreciate the decision taken by the Government, under the leadership of the President, to address the issues arising from education reforms and affirmed their readiness to contribute to this process.

As a continuation of the previous discussion, proposals addressing the challenges faced by academics within the university system, along with possible solutions, were presented to the President. In response, the President emphasized that the Government would take all possible measures to safeguard the university system and strengthen education.

The discussion also covered proposed amendments to the Universities Act.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that, in the aftermath of the recent disaster, the Government has been effectively implementing a nationwide rebuilding programme, addressing economic stability, development and all critical sectors. The President also called upon university academics to actively support these reconstruction efforts.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilaka, as well as representatives of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations, including its President, Prof. P. R. Weerathunga, Vice President M. A. M. Sameem and Secretary Charudaththe Ilangasinghe.

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New integrated framework to bring all stakeholders together to safeguard and rebuild Central highlands – President

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/22

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the isolated functioning of institutions responsible for construction and land management, agriculture, livestock and environmental conservation has posed challenges in restoring the Central Highlands, which were devastated by Cyclone Ditwah. The President further noted that efforts are underway to establish a new integrated framework, bringing together all relevant parties to swiftly safeguard and rebuild the Central Highlands

The President made these remarks during a discussion held on Wednesday (21) at the Presidential Secretariat with representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and relevant government and private sector institutions, focusing on securing the Central Highlands and restoring forest plantations.

It was emphasized that nearly 4,000 landslides have occurred in the Central Highlands due to Cyclone Ditwa and that prolonged unauthorized construction, cultivation activities and lack of proper maintenance have contributed to this situation. The discussion also stressed the urgent need for a national policy to secure the Central Highlands and ensure its preservation for future generations.

The discussion also addressed the need for an Authority empowered under the relevant legislation to oversee these activities and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed officials to expedite the implementation.

Representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasized the necessity of maintaining a dedicated financial fund for these initiatives and confirmed their full support to Sri Lanka for the restoration of the Central Highlands.

Representatives who attended included Country Operations Head, ADB Sri Lanka Resident Mission, Cholpon Mambetova, Senior Agricultural and Natural Resources Specialist at the ADB Sumith Pokhrel and Assistant Project Officer Krishanthi Dabare, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Azusa Kubota and programme representatives Wageesha Gunasekara and Sugandhi Samarasinghe.

Also participating were Commissioner-General of Essential Services and Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Engineer L. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta along with senior officials from the relevant Ministries and heads of other government and private institutions.

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ICC T20 World Cup Trophy tour in Sri Lanka launched under President’s patronage

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/22

Priyan

The official tour showcasing the ICC T20 World Cup trophy, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026, was formally inaugurated on Wednesday (21) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The trophy will be displayed in several major cities across the island from Wednesday 21st until Saturday 24th, over a period of four days. Cricket fans will have the opportunity to see the golden trophy up close during the Sri Lanka vs England One-Day International match at the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo.

Subsequently, plans are in place to take the trophy to the cities of Kandy, Dambulla and Jaffna, providing cricket enthusiasts in those regions as well with the opportunity to take commemorative photographs with the World Cup trophy and view it. The primary aim of this tour is to generate excitement and build spectator interest in the lead-up to hosting a World Cup tournament in the country.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held from 7th February to 8th March 2026 co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India. This World Cup is the largest tournament Sri Lanka will host since the T20 World Cup held in 2012.

The tournament schedule was revealed on 25th November 2025 in India, where the International Cricket Council (ICC) selected the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo, the Pallekele International Stadium and the Colombo SSC Ground as the venues for matches in Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, 8 matches are scheduled at the R. Premadasa International Stadium, 5 matches at the Colombo SSC Ground and 7 matches at the Pallekele International Stadium.

Twenty countries are set to participate in this tournament. Twenty matches of the tournament are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, with all matches involving the Pakistan team to be played in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, a special feature is that if the Pakistan team qualifies for the semi-finals and the final, Sri Lanka will also host those two matches.

In that event, the final will be held at the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo, increasing the number of matches scheduled for Sri Lanka to 22.

Apart from the host nations Sri Lanka and India, Test-playing nations England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will be represented in this tournament. Additionally, the United States of America, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Namibia, Nepal, Oman and the United Arab Emirates are the other contributing countries.

The T20 World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka at the beginning of 2026 can be considered an excellent opportunity to deliver effective value to the country’s economy, tourism industry, sports development, international promotion and society.

In particular, the arrival of teams, media groups and thousands of spectators, including foreign tourists, will generate significant foreign exchange earnings for the country. It is also expected to create short and long-term employment opportunities in various sectors including hotel and food & beverage businesses, transport services and technical and operational services.

By Sri Lanka hosting this tournament, long-term benefits such as increased opportunities for new investments as Sri Lanka is recognised worldwide as a tourist destination, the identification of Sri Lanka as a year-round sports tourism hub and the strengthening of Sri Lanka’s international profile leading to an enhancement of the country’s value, will be attained.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Gamage, Deputy Minister of Sports, Sugath Tilakaratne, Director General of Sports, S. Achchudan, Sri Lanka Cricket President, Shammi Silva along with the Executive Committee and a group including Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup team captain Dasun Shanaka and Head Coach, Sanath Jayasuriya were also present at the occasion.