Business
How Yogendra Duraiswamy stood up to power and shone in public service
Book Review
Title – MY DIPLOMAT (Second Edition)
Author – Sivanandini Duraiswamy
Publisher – Jam Fruit Tree Publications
Reviewed by Lynn Ockersz
The right-thinking of Sri Lanka and the world over continue to recoil with horror on recollecting the vandalizing and burning of the Jaffna Public Library in the lead-up to the District Development Council (DDC) election in Northern Sri Lanka in mid-1981. The outrage was an acid test of the integrity of the J.R. Jayewardene regime of the time as well that of the country’s law-enforcers and public officials.
The regime concerned and sections of those entrusted with keeping the law emerged from the veritable hell fires which were the torching of the Library, utterly disgraced. But this was not the case with, Yogendra Duraiswamy (YD), the senior public servant and Returning Officer in charge of conducting the relevant poll.
YD was verbally urged strongly by the central authorities to replace some of the officials under him who were charged with overseeing the poll with some others who were hand-picked stooges of the powers-that-were. But his answer was a firm ‘No’. That is, YD listened only to the voice of his conscience and was undeterred from carrying out his duty.
However, on receiving written orders from the ‘top’, Duraiswamy, as a public servant who was bound to carry out written instructions from the state, was compelled to enable those officials who were recommended by the state to oversee the election. The regime could have been described as ‘having won the day’ by virtue of exercising its might, but YD came out of the crisis with his personal integrity firmly intact. He once again proved that his honesty was unimpeachable.
Meanwhile, some policemen who were on duty in the polling booth area were gunned-down in cold blood by separatist militants. This triggered mind-numbing violence on the part of the rest of the policemen at the location, who torched the venerated library in a maniacal frenzy. Thus came to pass a drastic degeneration of the law and order situation in the country.
The torching of the Library contributed in no small measure towards plunging Sri Lanka into chronic and continuous lawlessness. This incident, among other divisive developments, set the stage for the 30-year war and the dramatic disruption of racial harmony in Sri Lanka.
Thanks to ‘MY DIPLOMAT’ (Second Edition), a highly readable and engaging biography of the well-known Sri Lankan and international civil servant Yogendra Duraiswamy by his widow, Sivanandini Duraiswamy, the world is in a position today to not only gain some penetrating insights into the politics of Sri Lanka but to also have a veritable panoramic view of the world and its affairs of the decades past.
The fact that YD was in Sri Lanka’s Foreign Service for long years and was much traveled before he returned to Sri Lanka and took up some important positions in the local administrative service, enabled his wife and lifelong companion, Sivanandini, to provide the reader of the biography with a record of the world in all its entrancing aspects and excitement, since she was by his side and experienced places and times at first hand.
The biographer transports the reader into geographical spaces that are not only exhilarating for their rare beauty and aesthetic appeal but also for their historic importance and their centrality in the evolution of the modern world. Just some of these countries and places are: the UN in New York, Italy, Peking, Yugoslavia, Iraq, Iran and Jordan. All these places and more are made to come alive for us by Sivanandini’s fecund and flowing pen.
During his Jaffna years in particular, YD endured many a storm in the public sphere with serenity and dignity. Unbowed by power he did not hesitate to point out to those in authority in politics and the law enforcement machinery the error of their ways. Thereby he helped considerably in promoting ethnic and religious peace. A marked strength of ‘My Diplomat’ is that it contains a multiplicity of public pronouncements YD made in respect of the ethnic conflict and its resolution. In the latter respect as well the biography is a treasury of wisdom.
The biography cantains most of the statements YD made in relation to Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict and its resolution and if the reader is seeking expert knowledge on how the conflict should be resolved peacefully and in fairness to the communities concerned this biography would prove immensely handy. Until the very end, YD was a promoter of ethnic peace and ‘My Diplomat’ proves this conclusively.
Besides, his intellectuality and wisdom, YD was a rare and exemplary human and this biography by his doting widow says it all very eloquently and simply. In the chapter titled, ‘Yogendra’ Sivanandini writes thus: ‘Armed with faith and discipline he went ahead in life, taking Naresh (their son) and me along with him. Our life together was grand and beautiful because we lived it honestly, with dignity and decorum. Troubles came our way many times, but Yoga was always there facing them with equanimity and steering us through difficulties.’
YD’s life then, was one that was well lived. He was a role model, whose public and personal life revolved around the foremost ethical values and principles. Among the conscientious of the world, his beneficial influence will endure over time.
By Ifham Nizam
The grid connection becomes a significant challenge as Sri Lanka scales up solar energy, Senior Lecturer at the University of Moratuwa’s Department of Electrical Engineering, Professor Asanka Rodrigo stressed.
He added: “We must conduct extensive studies on load flow, dynamic impacts and protection measures to ensure grid stability.”
Delivering the keynote address, at the partnership last Friday at the Marino Beach Colombo between E.B. Creasy, said to be one of the pioneers of solar energy in Sri Lanka, and LONGI, the world’s largest solar model manufacturer, Rodrigo said that he believes that the partnership highlights Sri Lanka’s commitment to renewable energy and the role both companies will play in supporting the nation’s green energy goals.
Discussing the integration of renewable energy into Sri Lanka’s national grid, he acknowledged that while the country’s small size poses challenges, it also presents opportunities for growth. “As a country close to the equator, we have excellent solar and wind resources, which make solar and wind a priority in our energy mix,” he noted.
Rodrigo detailed the government’s ambitious renewable energy goals, aiming for 70 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Rodrigo added: “The challenges of integrating large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly intermittent sources like solar are considerable.
“The country has made significant progress in solar power deployment, achieving milestones of 200 MW in May 2019 and 1000 MW in July 2024. With an ambitious target of 4000 MW by 2030, the focus is on diversifying solar power infrastructure, including rooftop, ground-mounted, and floating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
“Sri Lanka’s energy transition plan, as detailed in the draft Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP) for 2025–2044, reflects a commitment to reducing dependency on fossil fuels while enhancing grid reliability and energy security.”
Sanjeev Rajaratnam, Managing Director of E. B. Creasy & Co. PLC stressed the company’s long-standing commitment to solar energy.
He added: “Since the year 2000, E.B. Creasy has been promoting solar energy solutions to homes and businesses in Sri Lanka. Our business depends on our ability to provide energy solutions that reduce energy bills while lowering carbon footprints.”
He stressed that the company’s dedication to customer service and high-quality solutions has earned it the trust of the industry.
Chin Lee, Head of South Asia Peninsula Region at LONGI, followed with insights into the company’s achievements and future vision.
He said LONGI has set seven world records for photovoltaic (PV) cell conversion efficiency in recent years. “In 2023, we achieved 27.09% efficiency with our HVC solar cells, a world record for non-concentrated silicon cells,” said Chin Lee, reflecting on the company’s technological innovations.
He also addressed challenges in the solar market, mentioning how the price of solar panels surged by nearly 60% over the past year, but expressed confidence in LONGI’s ability to navigate these difficulties while delivering reliable, high-value products to customers.
Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd won as the most sustainable Tour Operator/ DMC at the “Sustainability Awards 2024,” organized by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) for the tourism industry. This is the second time Aitken Spence Travels has won this award.
The primary objective of this recognition program was to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of tourism sector stakeholders in promoting sustainability within their businesses. Additionally, it aims to create a competitive platform to increase visibility, highlights achievements through success stories, enhances reputations among industry peers and stakeholders, and utilizes this recognition to foster future partnerships and business opportunities.
This year the awards focused on two main segments; namely the Tour Operators/Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and Hotel & accommodation service providers. Within each category, there was a sub-category awards for both large enterprises and small to medium-sized enterprises.
The evaluation of the awards took into consideration factors such as the organizations holistic approach towards sustainability, the company’s visionary leadership, innovative capability, and resistance to external factors when implementing sustainability practices.
Stasshani Jayawardena, Head of the Tourism Sector for Aitken Spence PLC, commented “We are delighted to receive this recognition for the second time, as the last award ceremony was held in 2022. As one of the leading DMCs in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, sustainability is deeply rooted into our company’s core values”.
Premier automotive event
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
For the first time in Sri Lanka, the Institute of Insurance Motor Assessors & Engineers, Sri Lanka (IIMAESL) will host a major motor show ” titled AutoTechniCar 2025″.
Arrangements are underway to hold this important event at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre (BMICH) in Colombo from Jan. 10 -12, 2025.
The much-anticipated motor show will rally industry professionals, service providers, suppliers and automotive enthusiasts as the latest developments in the automotive sector are going to be showcased at the event.
IIMAESL President Dr. Sudamma Kolitha Chandrasiri speaking to the press in Colombo said last week that they are excited to present Sri Lanka’s premier automotive event, AutoTechniCar 2025 because it will provide a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration within the automotive aftermarket sector.
Celebrating its seventh year, the IIMAESL has made significant strides in promoting professional excellence within the automotive industry. Over the past years, the Institute has conducted numerous professional development sessions and technical symposiums in Colombo and surrounding areas, benefiting members and enhancing industry standards.
AutoTechniCar 2025 aims to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders from the automotive sector, including aftermarket service providers, fleet owners, vehicle owners and users, transportation leaders, industry professionals, students, and the public.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge automotive solutions, gain insights into legal frameworks and regulations, and learn about the latest trends in vehicle safety, accident prevention, and restoration.
“This event is designed not only to promote the automotive aftermarket industry but also to educate and engage all those involved in or passionate about the sector,” Dr. Chandrasiri said.
‘’While the interactive technical sessions of the event will help broaden the knowledge of the attendees in direct contact with many experts, it will also provide a publicity platform for brand promotions.
‘’It will also have the latest products and services on display by leading brands in the automotive industry.
‘’With thousands of people expected to attend over the three-day period, the event is set to become a major highlight in Sri Lanka’s automotive calendar.
“Through this exhibition, we aim to elevate the profile of the automotive sector in Sri Lanka and foster a greater understanding of its role in our economy and daily lives,” Dr. Chandrasiri added.
As the IIMAESL continues its mission to raise professional standards and provide continuous learning opportunities, AutoTechniCar 2025 promises to be a significant event in the advancement of the automotive industry in Sri Lanka.
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