Connect with us

Opinion

Protesters and those who plan to suppress them in Sri Lanka

Published

on

By Ananda P. Dasanayake

The government of Sri Lanka published its proposed Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on 17 March 2023. If adopted, it would replace the old Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) of 1971. The PTA was invoked mainly to deal with the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) terrorism in northern Sri Lanka. After the war was over, the government came under pressure from sections of the international community, including the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), to repeal the PTA and replace it with a new law that conforms to international standards in countering terrorism.

The word terrorism came into the Sri Lankan political vocabulary in 1971 when I was a teenager. A group of educated, yet rebellious youth led an insurrection in 1971 against the corrupt rulers and the declining living conditions of the poor. Then the government used emergency laws to curb the uprising. This group is also alleged to have led the 1988-89 violent acts. The PTA Bill of 1971 was used to curb that.

The new ATA bill purports to do away with the provisions of the PTA that were considered in violation of international human rights law. Instead, the new Bill places the power to make detention orders in the hands of a Deputy Inspector General of Police, a power which under the PTA was held by the Minister of Defence. Critics including the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) have already raised objections to the provisions of ATA. The danger of the new bill is that any ordinary citizen, living in Sri Lanka or abroad, who criticises any element of the government under the freedom of expression right can now be considered a terrorist by the new and very loose definition of terrorism in the ATA. Under this definition, any citizen who is politically conscious or active can be labeled as a terrorist and arrested by the rulers. The proposed Anti-Terrorism Act would empower the authorities to systematically violate fundamental human rights, Human Rights Watch said. “The proposed counterterrorism law would permit the Sri Lankan government to continue to use draconian measures to silence peaceful critics and target minorities,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The government’s crackdown on dissent and misuse of existing counterterrorism laws to arbitrarily detain protesters highlights the obvious risk of abuse.”

In an interview given to the BBC, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, who drafted the bill, claimed that the new bill was developed after studying counter-terrorism laws of the countries such as the United States, India, the United Kingdom, and Germany.  The International Conference of Jurists (ICJ), however, says that the newly proposed anti-terrorism legislation, if adopted as currently formulated, will give rise to a panoply of human rights violations, as much as the PTA was open to misuse. The Minister’s defence of the bill seems to be based on the provision that the magistrates can intervene if there are any wrong accusations. This claim is ridiculous given that Sri Lanka has no independent judiciary or transparent law and order as most judges and law enforcement officials are in the pockets of powerful politicians.

The ATT has some new features as well. It contains what the rulers learned from the recent people’s uprising (known as Aragalaya in Sri Lanka) that led to the ouster of the then President Gotabaya Rajapakse. Aragalaya took place when the Sri Lankan civilians took to the streets in droves in March 2022, semi-organised, to protest the corrupt rulers and their devastating policies. The government brutally attacked them together with the journalists and banned all social media, and unconstitutionally imposed a 72-hour curfew and emergency law. The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung tweeted that Sri Lankans have a right to protest peacefully. Under the ATA, the president has the power to label the internet and new technology-based campaigns, social media, and democratic activism that were crucial during the Aragalaya as terrorist activities. The new act refers to the presidential powers in 42 places compared to just 11 places in the PTA.

Despite all these concerns, the public, both urban and rural, have no real understanding of what the ATA entails. They are of the opinion that the ATA applies only to the ‘terrorists’ in a traditional sense such as those who bomb places, etc., and not to them. But under the ATA, anyone can now be considered a terrorist except the rulers of the country. If you call a corrupt politician corrupt, you will be considered a terrorist. Some ministers have openly threatened the protestors by saying that they have enough water in the Beira Lake (a place that played a significant role during the Aragalaya), and enough tear gas canisters bought using the borrowed money. These threats need to be highlighted and publicly debated. The current discussion on the subject is limited to a few news conferences by the opponents, a few news articles based on expert reviews, and some international dissent.

While President Biden and Vice President Harris trot the world emphasising the importance of global democracy, the corrupt Sri Lankan rulers who are emboldened by the recent IMF loan they secured are trying to kill democracy in Sri Lanka for sure. The US ambassador to Sri Lanka should express her concerns about the danger of the proposed act just like the European Commission and Human Rights Watch have already done.  The USA could easily influence the Sri Lankan government as they depend on the IMF.

Prof. Ananda P. Dasanayake is a Public Voices Fellow of The Op-Ed Project in partnership with New York University.



Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Opinion

Blueprint for economic empowerment in Sri Lanka’s gig economy

Published

on

“Creating 300,000 Online Jobs:

By Dammike Kobbekaduwe,
FIPM (SL), Member-CIPM-SL, MBA(HRM)

Objectives of the Article

Assess

the viability and economic impact of creating 300,000 online jobs in Sri Lanka.

Present

a bankable business plan for investment support from financial institutions.

Outline

a detailed cost-benefit analysis, supported by viability ratios for funding eligibility.

Establish

a sustainable financial and operational model for building a skilled gig workforce.

Sri Lanka’s gig economy presents a compelling solution for youth employment, targeting 300,000 online jobs for young people, particularly those who completed GCE OL. With a goal of generating substantial monthly income streams, this project seeks to address the country’s economic challenges and stimulate growth through digital employment. While a monthly earning a realistic starting income of $300–$500 is achievable and scalable, infusing approximately $50 million monthly into the economy once the workforce reaches full capacity.

To ensure financial viability and attract investment, we conduct a comprehensive economic analysis. This document highlights key investment metrics, including viability ratios, projected cash flow, and a cost-benefit breakdown to support the proposal as a bankable doEconomic Analysis and Viability

This project’s financial feasibility and appeal for funding rely on assessing profitability and return potential. Calculations are based on the cost of infrastructure, worker setup costs, and recurring expenses.

1. Capital and Operational Costs

Capital Setup Per Worker

Laptop (16GB RAM):

LKR 300,000 (one-time purchase)

Data Plan:

LKR 8,000 per month

Electricity:

LKR 8,000 per month (solar option as a long-term cost-saving measure)

Annual Cost Per Worker

One-time Equipment Cost:

LKR 300,000

Recurring Monthly Costs:

LKR 192,000 (LKR 16,000 x 12)

Total Yearly Cost Per Worker

Year 1:

LKR 492,000

Year 2+ (Excluding Laptop):

LKR 192,000 per year

Total Initial Investment for 300,000 Workers

Laptops:

LKR 90 billion

Year 1 Recurring Costs:

LKR 57.6 billion

Initial Year Investment Requirement:

LKR 147.6 billion

2. Projected Revenue and Cash Injection

A monthly earning potential of $300–$500 per worker in Sri Lanka’s gig market (based on average entry-level online job earnings globally) provides realistic targets for cash generation.

Monthly Cash Injection at Full Capacity

Minimum Revenue Goal (300,000 workers at $300):

$90 million/month

Maximum Revenue Goal (300,000 workers at $500):

$150 million/month

Expected Economic Contribution:

$50 million/month as a sustainable average.

3. Viability Ratios and Business Metrics

To validate the project’s financial health, banks and investors can consider the following key metrics:

A. Return on Investment (ROI)

The ROI assesses the profitability relative to costs.

See FIG 1

For Year 1 (Initial setup + recurring costs):

Total Annual Revenue:

$90 million * 12 months * 300,000 = LKR 324 billion (at $300/month per worker) See FIG 2

Interpretation:

A 119.5% ROI suggests strong profitability, with returns significantly outpacing the initial investment within the first year, making it attractive for lenders and investors.

B. Break-even Point (BEP)

The BEP indicates when revenue will cover initial costs.

See FIG 3

For a $50 million monthly injection:

Interpretation: A break-even within three months reflects a rapid recovery period, underscoring the project’s viability. See FIG 4

C. Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)

To ensure sufficient earnings to cover debt obligations, DSCR is critical for bank funding. See FIG 5

Assuming monthly operating income of LKR 3.24 billion and an estimated debt service of LKR 1.5 billion:

Interpretation:

With a DSCR above 2, the project is well-positioned for loan approval, demonstrating strong debt repayment capacity. See FIG 6

Implementation Plan for the National Gig Workforce

Phase 1: Training and Equipment Setup

Digital Literacy Programs:

Partner with local institutions to offer foundational training.

Laptop Financing:

Government-backed financing for laptops and solar installations for sustainable power solutions.

Phase 2: Skill Development and Placement

Skill Development Centers:

Partner with international e-learning platforms and host training boot camps.

Placement Programs:

Establish online job-matching platforms to connect workers with international clients.

Phase 3: Scaling and Economic Integration

Tax Incentives:

Offer tax breaks to local businesses hiring from the gig workforce.

Freelancer Support Network:

Create a national freelancer association for continued training and mentorship.

Resources Required For Workers:

Training:

Digital and language skills to enter global markets.

Equipment:

Laptops with financing options.

Connectivity:

Affordable data plans or subsidies.

For Stakeholders:

Government Initiatives:

Funding for training and incentives.

Private-Sector Partnerships: Skill development programs and job portals.

Financial Institutions: Loan products tailored for workers’ needs.

Conclusion

This plan offers a scalable solution to Sri Lanka’s unemployment crisis, particularly for young people with limited formal education. By creating 300,000 online jobs and targeting a monthly cash inflow of $50 million, the initiative supports economic resilience while empowering youth with valuable skills. A financial model based on solid viability ratios makes this project attractive to lenders, ensuring a rapid return on investment and sustainable growth.

References

International Labour Organization. (2023). The Gig Economy: Opportunities and Challenges for Youth Employment in Developing Economies. Available at: https://www.ilo.org/

Upwork. (2023). Freelancer Earnings and Trends Report. Available at: https://www.upwork.com/research

World Bank. (2022). Digital Jobs and Economic Growth:

A Guide for Developing Nations. Washington, DC: World Bank Publications.

Fiverr. (2023). Freelancer Earnings and Skill Development:

A Global Perspective. Available at: https://www.fiverr.com/research

Coursera. (2023). Skill Trends in the Digital Economy:

A Report on Online Education in Emerging Markets. Available at: https://www.coursera.com/research

Sri Lanka Department of Census and Statistics. (2023). Youth Unemployment and Educational Attainment: Annual Report.

Continue Reading

Opinion

Hospitals and corruption

Published

on

On December 2, in The Island Cassandra CRY saw the state of hospitals and corruption as separate issues, but I believe they are deeply interconnected. The dismal condition of hospitals is a direct consequence of systemic corruption. Over the past several decades, trade unions, driven by self-interest, have focused solely on advocating for their members’ rights, often at the expense of their responsibilities. This trend has affected not only hospitals but also other government and some private sector institutions.

Currently, the country is led by a political party that has heavily relied on its trade unions for promotion and political gain. Given this close relationship, restoring order should be relatively straightforward. A simple directive from the relevant ministers to their allied union leaders could be enough to initiate meaningful reforms.

S K Muthukumara

Continue Reading

Opinion

Building Inclusive Policies for a Modern and Collaborative Public Sector in Sri Lanka

Published

on

by Upali Athukorala
Former Senior Assistant Secretary
(Foreign Relations) Ministry of Labour

The Cabinet of Ministers, at its meeting on 28th October 2024, granted its concurrence to implement the project titled “Social Dialogue for Peace and Crisis Prevention in Sri Lanka,” which is technically supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and financially backed by the Peace Building Fund of the UN Secretary-General. This initiative, implemented across the public, private, and informal sectors, is a collaborative effort involving the ILO, UNFPA, and UNESCO. The project builds upon the public sector initiative to introduce a Dispute Prevention and Resolution Mechanism in the Public Service, initially approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 23rd November 2023 (Cabinet Paper No. 23/2138/605/068). The current Cabinet decision reinforces this earlier approval, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering peace and social cohesion through inclusive dialogue and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms. This Article focuses only on the public sector initiative

The Public Service

The 2016 Public Sector Census reported Sri Lanka’s public sector workforce at approximately 1.4 million, which has grown to around 1.6 million according to the 2023 Budget speech. This workforce is critical in maintaining socio-economic stability and ensuring the delivery of essential goods and services to citizens. However, its efficiency is constrained by several challenges. Outdated and inefficient systems reduce productivity, while the limited adoption of modern technologies hinders the timely and quality delivery of services. Additionally, significant skill gaps and inadequate employee training limit their ability to meet the evolving demands of the public sector. Adversarial employee-management relations further complicate the situation, with employees feeling excluded from key decisions on pay and working conditions. This exclusion has resulted in frequent strikes and work stoppages. Such disruptions, coupled with perceived inequities and inconsistencies in employment practices, undermine morale, trust, and the overall functionality of the public service. Collectively, these issues impair the sector’s ability to deliver public goods and services effectively, negatively affecting citizens’ lives and the country’s development. Moreover, as Sri Lanka embraces open economic policies, the private sector is positioned as the engine of growth, fostering innovation, investment, and employment. A robust and efficient public service is essential to implement these policies effectively and create an environment that enables the private sector to thrive.

How to Address the Issues: A Three-Pronged Approach

Workplace Cooperation Through Social Dialogue

Sri Lanka’s current initiative to transform adversarial management relations hinges on implementing a multi-tiered social dialogue system. The country is making significant strides toward promoting workplace cooperation by providing platforms for dialogue at the workplace, sectoral, and national levels. These platforms enable public sector employees and management to engage in less aggressive, more collaborative processes, ultimately improving service delivery.

At each level, whether through workplace forums, sectoral dialogues, or national forums, the objective remains the same: to ensure that public service delivery is not disrupted by disputes while also addressing the concerns of public sector employees in a peaceful, democratic manner. Adopting these practices aligns with international standards, particularly those set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and positions Sri Lanka as a country that respects and upholds labour rights while ensuring effective governance.

A comprehensive social dialogue framework is being proposed to address this gap, covering the entire field—from individual workplaces to ministries and national-level forums. These forums will allow employees, directly and through their representatives, to engage with their public service employer through information exchange, consultation, and negotiation processes, aiming to improve productivity and regulate changes to pay, as well as terms and conditions of employment.

Workplace forums promote open dialogue and collaboration between management and employees. They provide a structured environment where workplace issues can be discussed and concerns addressed, fostering mutual understanding. Such dialogue strengthens the working environment and contributes to the country’s social and economic development by encouraging transparency and cooperative problem-solving.

Training initiatives such as the Training of Trainers (ToT) programme are crucial at the workplace level. These programmes equip senior officials with the skills to lead dialogues and mediate disputes. By developing trainers with expertise in conflict resolution, the public sector can prevent conflicts from escalating into strikes or work stoppages. These workshops empower management and employees to engage in constructive conversations, focusing on mutual understanding and problem-solving.

At the sectoral level, forums are being introduced in historically contentious areas such as health, education, and transport. These forums consist of representatives from management and employees, often from trade unions, and are designed to address sector-specific issues. By institutionalising regular communication in these key sectors, the government aims to reduce the risk of adversarial relationships leading to disruptions in essential services.

At the national level, Sri Lanka is promoting national forums that bring together representatives from different public sector bodies, trade unions, and stakeholders. These national-level dialogues address systemic issues affecting employee-management relations across the public service and discuss implementing national policies to enhance workplace cooperation and service delivery.

The dialogue framework connects the National Public Service Dialogue Forum (NPSDF) with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service Commission, ensuring that the decisions made by the forum are aligned with government policies and implemented effectively (See Figure 1). These two institutions play a critical role in translating the outcomes of sectoral councils and workplace forums into actionable strategies, particularly in resource allocation and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the framework establishes links between the dialogue forums and arbitration and mediation mechanisms. These mechanisms are instrumental in addressing and resolving conflicts during discussions, ensuring the process remains collaborative and solutions-oriented. This integration supports a robust conflict resolution system, enhancing stakeholder trust and cooperation.

Introducing Dispute Settlement Machinery

The proposed dispute prevention and settlement mechanism aims to bring critical structural changes to Sri Lanka’s public service. This includes introducing alternative dispute settlement mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration services and revising the roles of existing institutions like the Public Service Commission and Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Revising regulations such as the Establishment Code and enforcing Administrative Appeals Tribunal Orders at the Magistrate Court is also essential. These changes address the gaps in the current dispute prevention and settlement framework, leading to a more harmonious workplace.

Promoting Modern Human Resources Management Methods in the Public Service

The current approach to human resources in the Sri Lankan public service primarily focuses on personnel administration rather than on modern human resource management that aligns with the service’s larger mission and goals. To address this, the ILO study proposes implementing modern human resources development methods across the public service. This includes considerable investment in human resources functions, a comprehensive training component, and a robust monitoring mechanism.

In addition, it is recommended that the Ministry of Public Administration establish a public service-wide database to support these reforms facilitated by the Department of Census and Statistics. This database would help monitor progress, manage human resources effectively, and ensure the reforms are implemented smoothly.

Pilot Activities

The Railway Department has implemented its pilot programme for nearly two years, marking a significant advancement in fostering workplace dialogue within Sri Lanka’s public sector. Over this period, nine workplace forums have been successfully established, providing a platform for employees and management to address workplace challenges and improve operational efficiency collaboratively. Building on this foundation, actions are now underway to set up a sectoral forum for the entire Transport sector, which will unify the efforts of these forums, promote policy coherence, and address broader sector-wide issues. Inspired by the success of the Railway Department’s initiative, similar efforts are being made to establish workplace forums in the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, and Provincial Councils, as well as the Ministry of Education, further expanding the scope and impact of social dialogue in enhancing public sector governance.

Continue Reading

Trending