By Sarath Dissanayake –
Sarath Dissanayake
Part I: Sri Lanka’s Pre-and Post-Independence Eras Through the 20th Century
First and foremost, let me be absolutely clear that this write-up is in no way an attempt to belittle or downplay the U.S.’s 250th Anniversary of Independence, nor does it aim to make a comparative assessment of the historical legacies of the U.S. and Sri Lanka. Keeping in mind the distinct historical, geopolitical, and socio-cultural contexts of both nations, my aim is purely to share insights on Sri Lanka’s 2,500-year history in contrast to America’s 250 years of independence. As such, this is neither an affront to Sri Lanka-U.S. relations, nor should it be viewed as a critique of their mutually beneficial, long-term friendship.
On July 4, 2026, America celebrated its 250th Anniversary of Independence with pomp and pageantry. This milestone was a powerful display of the country’s glorious legacy, indomitable lineage, and spirit, as well as the valor and candor of the American colonists who fought for independence in the American Revolution (1775–1783). American founding fathers—such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay – had their work cut out for them. By leading the revolution against British imperialists for freedom and emancipation, they eventually liberated the nation and transformed it into a 21st-century superpower. In contrast, while we in Sri Lanka pride ourselves on a 2,500-year-old civilization nurtured by Buddhist virtues and spiritual values, our current socio-economic status quo stands in stark contrast to what our forefathers envisioned, raising more questions than answers.
A Historical Perspective of Sri Lanka – Colonial Legacy
Our ancestors possessed the human ingenuity, engineering prowess, spirited vision, and divine foresight to unleash their true potential and achieve human excellence throughout history. This legacy remains in abundance, woven into everything inherited and passed down through generations. Their unparalleled achievements, selfless sacrifices, and sheer resilience bear all the hallmarks of Sri Lanka – what was once a thriving and prosperous nation, evoking a sense of pride, greatness, heroism, and dignity in the minds of their descendants.
The sky-high stupas, gigantic reservoirs, magnificent citadels, architectural marvels, archaeological wonders, colossal monasteries, and sprawling cities scattered across vast swathe of Sri Lanka’s landscape serve as enduring testaments to the extraordinary willpower and capabilities our ancestors prided themselves on. Indeed, the nation was blessed with larger-than-life warriors and rulers who transformed the island into a thriving, prosperous, and self-sustaining civilization. Even the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers, who ruled the island for nearly 450 years (1505–1948), acknowledged the existence of a well-established and sophisticated system of governance in their official records.
The closely-knit “village-temple-tank” model has been the cornerstone of community life throughout the country’s history. This generation-old lifestyle, symbolizing connection, loyalty, and interdependence, took root in every corner of the island. This model village concept formed a tapestry bound by nature, heritage, spirituality, and culture. It blended human vitality and peaceful cohabitation with the unique characteristics of Sri Lanka’s roots, deeply anchored in a 2,500-year-old Buddhist philosophy. This way of life was nurtured and preserved under ancient Sri Lankan monarchs long before many other well-known civilizations in South Asia and beyond.
Sri Lanka’s Buddhist Renaissance and Spiritual Emancipation
The legacy that Sri Lanka has cherished throughout its 2,500-year recorded history holds a unique place in the global annals of civilization. The Mahavamsa (the Great Chronicle detailing the history of Buddhism and the monarchy) and the Buddhist Canon (the foundational scriptures containing the Buddha’s discourses, monastic discipline, and philosophical analysis) serve as two distinct, authoritative primary sources. Compiled by Buddhist monks and historians following the Buddha’s passing (Mahaparinirvana), these texts stand as living testaments to Sri Lanka’s enduring spiritual heritage.
As a comprehensive historical guide spanning over two millennia, the Mahavamsa provides rare insight and a monumental first-hand account of the Buddhist foothold on the island. Its chapters offer vivid illustrations of ancient kingships, monastic life, and early inhabitants, charting a path from spiritual awakening to ultimate emancipation. Furthermore, historical records reveal that trade delegations and spiritual missions frequently traveled between Ceylon – as Sri Lanka was formerly known, and nations across Europe and the Middle East, centuries before European explorers first set foot on the island in the 15th century.
1948 Independence and Key Developments
In 1948, Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) gained independence from British rule, transitioning from a British Crown Colony to a self-governing Dominion within the British Commonwealth. This turning point in the country’s history was marked by a constitutional transfer of power and the hoisting of the Lion Flag by the country’s first Prime Minister, D.S. Senanayake. The British monarch remained the head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General. Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake formed the first cabinet under the newly implemented Soulbury Constitution. The government represented a coalition of English-educated, Westernized elites who took over the reins of power from the departing British administration. The “Ceylon Citizenship Act” was passed later that year, which made it extremely difficult for Indian Tamils (Malaiyaha Tamils) working on the central highland plantations to obtain citizenship. This effectively rendered hundreds of thousands of estate workers stateless, severely limiting their political rights and participation.
Post-Independence Major Milestones
1. Robust Economic and Social Indicators in 1948
Upon gaining independence from British rule in 1948, Sri Lanka possessed one of Asia’s strongest economies. The nation boasted exceptional social indicators, a robust financial foundation, and a high standard of living. Most notably, its per capita income was the second highest in the region, trailing only Japan. These positive indicators reflected Sri Lanka’s economic prowess and superior socio-economic standing among Asian nations at the dawn of its self-governance.
2. Strong Economy, Free Education, and Free Healthcare for All
British colonialism was instrumental in entrenching a new cropping pattern in Sri Lankan agriculture, which was closely aligned with demands in the European market. The British introduced tea, coffee, and rubber to the upcountry, bringing in large numbers of Indian Tamil workers to work as indentured laborers. At the time of independence in 1948, a third of Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product (GDP) came from the export of these primary agricultural commodities, predominantly tea, rubber, and coconut.
Until the second half of the 1950s, the Sri Lankan economy enjoyed a consistent trade surplus owing to rising primary commodity prices. The growing tax revenues from export crops allowed the government to invest heavily in free education, free primary healthcare, and a subsidized food rationing system. Because of these early investments, Sri Lanka became a famous outlier in development literature, achieving admirable social sector indicators despite its low per capita income levels.
Even though this plantation-based model made the country prosperous by developing-world standards, it left the economy highly vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Despite these structural vulnerabilities, the colonial inheritance provided Sri Lanka with a well-developed infrastructure, strong human development indicators—such as exceptionally high literacy rates—and an efficient administrative mechanism.
3. The UN, NAM and Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy Dispensation
Sri Lanka was officially admitted to the United Nations as a member state on December 14, 1955. Since then, the country has maintained a permanent mission in New York and has been elected to serve both as a non-permanent member of the UNSC and member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). As a cornerstone of its early foreign policy, Sri Lanka became one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). After participating in the pivotal 1955 Bandung Conference, the nation officially joined the movement at its inaugural summit in Belgrade in 1961. Highlighting its diplomatic prominence on the global stage, Sri Lanka hosted the 5th NAM Summit in Colombo in 1976 and remains an active partner of the movement today.
Major Turning Points in the Country’s Post-Independence Era (1948–2026) :-
Given the complexities of recounting Sri Lanka’s post-independence political journey over nearly eight decades, this section navigates the major historical benchmarks to illustrate the country’s trajectory in contrast to America’s 250 years of independence. In doing so, I will explore these milestones through the following broader perspectives and paradigm shifts from a layman’s point of view:
1. Sinhala Only Act in 1956 and Major Riots in 1958
The immediate post-independence era was characterized by rising socio-political and communal tensions between Sinhalese and Tamil factions, resulting in significant instability and sporadic violence. While initial full-scale clashes were temporarily contained, communal sentiments remained highly strained across the country.
A critical turning point occurred in 1956 with the passage of the Official Language Act, commonly known as the “Sinhala Only Act.” This legislation established Sinhala as the sole official language of the country, replacing English. The act took effect immediately, positioning Sinhala as the primary language in public administration, commerce, and education. Consequently, deep-seated ethnic frustrations culminated in 1958, when the first major anti-Tamil riots flared up in Colombo and other parts of the island, deeply fracturing the nation’s social fabric.
2. 1971 Insurrection, Republican Transition, and Closed Economy (1970–1977)
The socio-political instability of this era deepened in April 1971, when the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a radical Marxist youth movement, launched a violent, armed insurrection against the elected government. Driven by high youth unemployment, economic stagnation, and anti-imperialist rhetoric, the uprising caught the state off guard. Although the government successfully crushed the insurrection within a few months, it resulted in thousands of casualties and signaled deep structural flaws within the post-independence socio-economic framework.
Amidst this volatility, the country underwent a monumental constitutional transformation on May 22, 1972. The government enacted a new constitution that officially severed all formal colonial ties with the British Crown, changing the nation’s name from the Dominion of Ceylon to the Republic of Sri Lanka. While this shift solidified absolute national sovereignty, the 1972 Constitution also centralized state power, further entrenched the Sinhala-Only policy, and gave Buddhism the “foremost place” in the state, which deeply alienated minority communities and exacerbated ethnic polarization.
Simultaneously, the administration implemented an aggressive socialist economic experiment characterized by strict import-substitution policies and extensive state nationalization. To foster self-reliance, the government restricted imports of foreign goods, heavily regulated private enterprises, and nationalized major sectors, including the British-owned tea and rubber plantations. However, this “closed economy” model ultimately strangled growth. By the mid-1970s, severe shortages of essential food items, medicine, and fuel forced citizens into long rationing lines, pushing the public’s patience to a breaking point and setting the stage for a radical economic U-turn.
3. The 1977 Open Economy and Executive Presidency
Frustrated by the shortages of the closed economy, the electorate voted overwhelmingly for a sweeping political shift in 1977. The newly elected administration immediately dismantled the socialist model, making Sri Lanka the first country in South Asia to liberalize its economy. This “Open Economy” policy removed import restrictions, encouraged foreign direct investment, established free-trade zones, and initiated massive infrastructure projects like the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Program. While liberalization modernized the economy and introduced consumer abundance, it also widened income inequality and left local agricultural sectors vulnerable to global competition.
To provide the political stability deemed necessary for these rapid economic changes, the government enacted a new constitution in 1978. This landmark document introduced the Executive Presidency, fundamentally altering Sri Lanka’s governance by concentrating immense power in a single, directly elected leader. This structural shift severely weakened the check-and-balance system of parliament. It created a highly centralized governance framework that future administrations would repeatedly exploit for political expediency rather than public welfare.
4. LTTE Conflict, July 1983 and Indo-Lanka Accord
The LTTE’s violent campaign for an independent Tamil state, known as Tamil Eelam, began in the early 1980s and became a severe scourge for Sri Lanka. The resulting decades of brutal warfare devastated communities and claimed an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 lives before the group’s military defeat. In its formative years, the militant group received implicit and material support from various political factions in India, which included the establishment of training camps in the state of Tamil Nadu.
A catastrophic turning point occurred in July 1983, (Black July 1983) when communal riots broke out between Sinhalese mobs and Tamil citizens. The widespread violence forced over 100,000 Tamils to flee the country, laying the foundation for a politically active Tamil diaspora across Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Western Europe. This dark milestone officially ignited a 26-year civil war between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). By 1987, the conflict drew direct foreign intervention; the Indian government deployed the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) following the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord. Although intended to disarm the militants and enforce a ceasefire, hostilities soon broke out between the IPKF and the LTTE, initiating a deadly new phase of the war. The conflict drained the nation’s financial resources, caused a massive brain drain of educated talent, and severely damaged Sri Lanka’s international reputation, completely overshadowing the economic promises of the 1977 liberalization.
Post-Independence Sri Lanka and Political Expediency
With a recorded history dating back 2,500 years to the Buddhist era, Sri Lanka today stands at a critical crossroads. In principle, ours is a pluralistic society and a stable democracy characterized by a multi-ethnic, m-religious, m-cultural, and m-linguistic fabric, with vibrant, shared cross-cultural values rooted in our collective identity.
Sri Lanka’s immediate post-independence era was deeply hindered by colonial vestiges and a servitude mindset often blamed for stalling the national psyche. This transgenerational attitude, shaped by historical imperialism, normalized a perceived superiority of European standards that undermined indigenous cultures, languages, and identities. Conversely, there is no validity in blaming colonial masters for our modern ailments and failures. Common sense dictates that our colonial inheritance was a mix of both positive and negative outcomes / elements, which is typical for nations with similar colonial histories.
For instance, the benefits Sri Lankans have accrued from colonial legacies are abundantly evident across almost every conceivable field, including the English language, the railway network, universal franchise, a democratic framework, constitutional law, and the plantation economy. Conversely, the country suffered severe losses under colonial powers, experiencing the erosion of its cultural identity, traditional moral standards, indigenous wealth, sovereign land rights, human dignity, and native religious freedoms. While the plantation-based model initially made the country prosperous by developing-world standards, it ultimately left the economy highly vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
Ironically, successive regimes since 1948 have absolutely failed to govern effectively and unite the country. The complacent attitude across the political divide underscores the mediocre mindset and character of average stereotypical politicians. They remain disconnected from reality, unable to gauge public discord, or transcend their prejudiced mindsets to solve the populace’s burning problems. Instead of offering practical solutions, these political factions engage in blame games and dodge responsibility, indifferent to the public’s woes, while leaving citizens high and dry, and at the mercy of none.
Ultimately, decades of socio-economic mismanagement, political expediency, and lack of long-term vision, cohesive strategy, accountability and best practices etc have led to systemic failures and structural flaws. This poor governance has been compounded by institutionalized waste, corruption and nepotism, eroding public faith in state institutions. Consequently, public trust in successive governments has declined sharply, reflecting widespread frustration. So much so, this downward spiral, from a self-sufficient economy in 1948 to a near-bankrupt nation, culminated in the 2022 economic crisis and widespread public uprisings, leaving behind a fragile economy and an anxious populace divided along party lines.
By all accounts, Sri Lanka’s post-Independence status-quo continues to erode public confidence in the political establishment, with people losing hope and trust in politicians and their short-sighted political dispensations. There is no justification or rationale for the continuity of such futile and bankrupt policies under the guise of public welfare, especially in the context of the abysmal governance failure of the country on the whims and fancies of mainstream political parties for seven decades since 1948.
“Sri Lanka failed because it had wrong and weak leaders… When I went to Colombo for the first time in 1956, it was a better city than Singapore… They had sterling reserves. They had two universities… But it didn’t flourish.” – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew Lee (on Sri Lanka’s squandered potential)
(To be continued to Part – 11 ( Navigating Sri Lanka’s Last 25 Years (from 2001 to-date, and Sri Lanka–U.S. Relations)
*The writer is a retired Ambassador and Foreign Ministry Spokesman. He can be reached at schandrad@hotmail.com
Reference:
America At 250: Are The Good Times Really Over Or Just Evolving (https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/america-at-250-are-the-good-times-really-over-or-just-evolving/)
Ajith / July 15, 2026
“my aim is purely to share insights on Sri Lanka’s 2,500-year history in contrast to America’s 250 years of independence.”
You cannot compare insights on Sri Lanka’s year history with 250 years history of America after independence. You have to compare the history of Srilanka after the independence of Srilanka. Do you know the 2500 year history of America?
/
Sarath / July 15, 2026
Ajith,
Thanks. The notion that no comparison is possible between US’s 250 years of Independence and Sri Lanka’s 2500 year old civilization does not make sense. Mind you the comparison is not simply on the years of each others’ period of transition (250 vs 2500 ). The article is aimed at both an “objective and subjective” analysis / assessment between the two transitions based on verifiable facts such as GDP, Per Capita, Human Development Indexes, economy, education, trade, investments, literacy and life expectancy, food security, and above all “feel good factor” and other routine factors such as malnutrition, self sufficiency in food, basic essentials. Therefore, comparison is possible between US’s 250 and SL’s 2500 in all conceivable / tangible spheres of interest and concern from a classical and authoritative perspective. Hope this makes sense.
/
nimal fernando / July 17, 2026
“Sri Lanka At 2500: Navigating Post-Independence Sri Lanka”
–
–
I look up and down. Left and Right. North and South. West and East. ………. Don’t see no independence.
–
Don’t see no independence. (double negative, a nod to wanna be Yankee Hip-Hop.)
–
–
I see people still busy spending their every waking hour …….. to prolong the same cultural and “Buddhist” bondage we have been saddled with for longer than 2500 years.
–
–
Cultural-pride, “Buddhist”-heritage-pride, this pride, that pride, …….. Any form of pride is nothing but foolish-pride.
–
If Buddha didn’t say it, he should have. If not, all his voluminous output is all null and void. Vis-à-vis useless.
–
What people think thinking ……. is rearranging their prejudices. ……. :))))
–
Talking shop ……. what a pastime ……….
–
“A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.”
–
Hope I can save myself ……. while I still can ………..
/
chiv / July 17, 2026
Nimal , it’s called
In- Dependence
75 Years of family kleptocracy,
30 years of civil war ,
2 insurrection
Thousands murdered.
Annual Geneva inquisition
Mass Graves
Gun / Drugs / Mafia culture
16 IMF resuscitations
…………… etc ……etc……….
………….. etc
And many more
culminating in Bankruptcy, dysfunctional and a failed nation.
Comparing Lanka at 2500 to ?????
It ain’t easy
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Chiv / Nimal
This certainly is worthy of reply, not to find a scapegoat for the mess, but a way out from the mess we are collectively in. What history teaches us is not to repent and not to repeat. But to take courage and move forward. In that sense, what’s needed is take stock of our past misdeeds, and strive and forge ahead with optimism.
As the British historian Arnold Toynbee famously observed, civilizations and nations grow and renew themselves by overcoming severe crises: Our institutional collapse, decadence, economic collapse and bankruptcy are the bitter fruits of that political blunders and mismanagement, but they also mark the end of an unsustainable status quo, not the end of our history. Real change on this island will not come from blind optimism, but from a fiercely resilient citizenship that learns from these 75 years of backwardness and political expediency, betrayal and channels its collective anger into rebuilding a functional state, rather than abandoning it altogether.
Recognizing the brokenness is the first step toward fixing it. We cannot lose hope, because giving up only surrenders the future to those who caused the suffering. The story of our nation is not over, and our actions today are what will finally determine our tomorrow..Let’s make that happen in the name of, and for the sake of our future generations.
/
Jit / July 18, 2026
…..and some people want all what you mentioned are resolved within 20 months…no, actually they wanted them gone by the second month!
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
Nimal,
Thanks. That’s your take, and you have all the right and freedom to decide what’s right and what’s useless, which is what Buddha said in the opening lines of Dhammapada – “The mind is everything. What you think, you become” (All mental phenomena have mind as their forerunner; they have mind as their chief; they are mind-made).
By the way, here are some quotes about the necessity of knowing history:
1) “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” — Marcus Garvey”
2) “If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree.” — Michael Crichton”
3) “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” — George Santayana”
4) “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” — Robert Heinlein”
5) “To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.” — Cicero
Over to you – Cheers Nimal !
/
nimal fernando / July 18, 2026
Sarath,
–
I’m not a man of books: a bookish person. …….. (Well except Playboy: my reference in college.)
–
I’m a practical man.
–
How have we put into practice all you have quoted from Buddha to Cicero?
–
We can have a battle of quotes. Is that your purpose of all your writing?
–
Do, how things really operate/transpire in practice/reality, matter?
–
Read what chiv has written about our history/practice.
–
I would rather have a different history! :)))
–
True, it’s a free world …….. I’ll let you wallow in that history …… if that’s what floats your boat.
/
LankaScot / July 18, 2026
Hello Nimal,
I was always ambivalent about LP Hartley’s “The past is a Foreign Country, they do things differently there”.
However after reading David Lowenthal’s book “The Past is a Foreign Country” it changed my mind. He said “A unified past once certified by experts and reliant on written texts has become a fragmented, contested history forged by us all.”
As an example I was sitting in The National Archives (Kew) going through the 93rd Regiment’s Muster Book researching my 2nd Gt Grandfather’s experiences in the Crimean War. I turned a page and a Hand-written note of a Regimental Inquiry dropped out. It was dated 4th September 1855. It listed the names of Soldiers that had died (mostly of Cholera) or were missing. Here is one of the Witnesses Statement “Sgt John Coull 93rd Highlanders states: “I left the Regiment whilst on the march from ‘Old Fort’ to Balaclava on the 25th September 1854. Private Thomas Harrison was with me, we went down to the Belbeck. I was with him when he expired on the beach.”.
I passed the Document on to the Research Staff who verified that it was original and gave me a photocopy.
Best regards
/
nimal fernando / July 19, 2026
LS,
–
I feel …….. the 2 areas/components of History should be separated.
–
History as the mere recording of events that transpired in the past.
–
And the interpretation of History.
–
Interpretation is contentious ……. prone to bias.
–
I’m not qualified to say it ……. the few lessons of History I’ve ever sat in …… my mind was somewhere else …….. OC doesn’t have to guess where. :)))
–
–
Kew ….. been to the gardens a few times. Ah England: fond memories.
/
nimal fernando / July 19, 2026
“The Boston Tea Party is a classic example of how the same historical event is viewed in radically different ways depending on which side of the conflict you are on.
–
The American Perspective: A Glorious Rebellion.
–
To the American colonists, the December 16, 1773 protest by the Sons of Liberty was a justified defiance against tyranny.
–
The British Perspective: Treason and Vandalism.
–
To the British government and Crown loyalists, the destruction of 342 chests of East India Company tea (valued at roughly $10,000 at the time, or millions today) was a criminal act of treason, vandalism, and economic terrorism.”
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Nimal,
Well, I am too with you on – letting bygones be bygones, and forget the rest, put aside past misdeeds and offenses, and forgive and move on, and focus on the present and future. It’s a great way to let go of old baggage and start afresh. Yes, there’s no point harping on the past and repenting and repenting history. That’s cool. Cheers
/
nimal fernando / July 18, 2026
Sarath, ……. The difference between you and me ……. you roam a theoretical dreamscape.
–
There were sentries in Sigiriya …….. who were scrawling love-starved poems/odes on the walls to imaginary beauties.
–
I’m a practical man .
–
I have no time for wishful thinking. To hell with love-sick poems/odes, I’d rather have the beauty: the physical bundle of joy in my arms. …….. I’m rapt as long as I get there before OC.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Niml,
I take your point. But, can you ever imagine and think of a world without dreamers. There you are, and be practical my friend. Every “practical man” needs a dreamer to point him in the right direction. 😄
The Sigiriya poets may have written to imaginary beauties, but at least they left behind timeless verses. The practical fellows? History forgot them.
As for you, clutching the “physical bundle of joy” before OC arrives… that’s less romance and more a 100-metre sprint! Just remember—beauty may appreciate being admired, but she usually prefers not to be treated like the last seat on a crowded bus. 😉
/
chiv / July 18, 2026
Nimal,
I feel jealous seeing Lankans having awful lot of time to kill.
Then again, are they productive ???
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Chiv,
A pretty good and smart one.
/
LankaScot / July 16, 2026
Hello Ajith,
There have been people in America for around 30,000 years not 2500 or 250.
Best regards
/
Sarath / July 16, 2026
LS / A
In the context of US history, the earliest benchmark that can possibly be used for the purpose of historical studies and comparative assessments is the American Revolution in 1776. That’s the reason why America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence was taken as a benchmark for this article for subjective / objective comparison.
In the case of Sri Lanka, the 2500-year Buddhist era is the earliest benchmark that’s sufficiently catalogued and recorded in the history books, which is amply illustrated in the Mahavamsa and the Buddhist Canon that serve as two distinct, authoritative primary sources. Compiled by Buddhist monks and historians following the Buddha’s passing (Mahaparinirvana), these texts stand as living testaments to Sri Lanka’s enduring spiritual heritage.
Trust the above make sense.
/
LankaScot / July 16, 2026
Hello Sarath,
And why to you consider 247 BCE to be 2500 years ago? My maths may be wrong.
Best regards
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
LS
The date 247 BCE is considered 2500 years ago because historical dates are calculated by adding the years before the start of the Common Era (BCE) to the years after it (CE).
Since there is no “Year Zero” in the historical calendar, the calculation for 247 BCE is roughly: 247 (years before year zero) + 2026 (years since year zero) = 2273 years ago.
Because 2273 is an approximation, historians often round to the nearest thousand or half-thousand, referring to it in loose terms as “2500 years ago” for simplicity.
Trust this makes sense. Thanks
/
SJ / July 17, 2026
LS
He does not understand the arithmetic.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
LS
Have no idea what arithmetic SJ speaks of. Do you have any issues with my explanation, or what I have shared / commented ?
/
LankaScot / July 16, 2026
Do not to, apologies
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
LS
Thanks
/
nimal fernando / July 18, 2026
LS,
–
I wrote this in the other place ……. and comments got closed while writing. Need to give Ranil his proper place in history. :)))
–
–
“Adam Smith was quite good, however I can’t think of any since then.”
–
–
You are a bit unfair to leave out our very own Ranil.
–
It’s unanimous ……. Native, OC, LM and I …… all agree Ranil is the greatest economist since Adam Smith.
–
Smith was a Scot so you’re biased …….. hope we are not biased about Ranil.
–
–
Perhaps there were nameless faceless people who were not regarded as Economists …….. who were responsible for the great post-war booms of Japan, West Germany ……… and later China, Singapore, ……… and others.
–
I was stunned by the post-Soviet progress of Poland: how well they are doing ……… other post-Soviet East European countries are doing well too ……… but feel Poland is the best.
–
Is it one Economist ……. or a collection?
/
old codger / July 18, 2026
Nimal,
“It’s unanimous ……. Native, OC, LM and I …… all agree Ranil is the greatest economist since Adam Smith.”
Is he Adam Smith reborn? If you have proof that Adam Smith had certain predilections, possibly.
/
nimal fernando / July 19, 2026
OC,
–
For you and Native …… not gonna say another word. :)))
–
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWlNTu3YAXU
–
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI_lvZXlfuI
/
PJ Fernando / July 16, 2026
Mr. Sarath Dissanayake,
The usual way of comparing civilizations is to compare the individual achievements in arts, culture, science (astronomy, physics, chemistry, mathematics etc) geographic discovery, philosophy, etc
China produced giants such as Confucius and Laotse, Mengzi who produced Confucianism
Daoism,Mohism,Legalism,Yin-Yang / schools of thought.
India produced Kautilya, Nagarjuna, Kapila, and others, who produced
Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Buddhism, and Jainism., all of which influenced countries as far away as Japan.
Even ancient Egypt had:
Imhotep — the most famous early Egyptian architect, traditionally credited with designing the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara.
Hemiunu — often associated with the design and construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza for Pharaoh Khufu.
Amenhotep, son of Hapu — a renowned architect, scribe, and official in the reign of Amenhotep III;
In the Americas, there was Sak Taan Waax, an ancient mathematician.
Can you provide a comparable list of ancient Sri Lankans?
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
PJF
Thanks for your comments.
Please find below a note on Sri Lanka’s rich and unique story in regard to its own proud civilization.
Introduction :
Sri Lanka’s monarchy stands as one of the world’s longest-lasting, stretching an incredible 2,358 years from 543 BCE to 1815 CE, which is testament of the sheer longevity of the ancient rulers’ reign, influence and impact on the nation’s enduring legacy, history, culture and heritage.
Prince Vijaya’s arrival marked the beginning of Sri Lanka’s rich history with the Tambapanni Kingdom’s founding in 543 BCE. The magnificent Anuradhapura Kingdom followed and lasted until 1017 CE. Sri Lankan kings created engineering marvels that amaze us even today. The 5,000-acre Parakrama Samudra reservoir and the architectural wonder of Ruwanwelisaya stupa stand as testament to their brilliance. Buddha’s Tooth Relic became a fascinating symbol of kingship – rulers needed to possess it to legitimize their reign. Sri Lanka’s timeline shows remarkable continuity with human settlements dating back more than two millennia. The earliest urban developments near Anuradhapura appeared in the 10th century BCE.
The Mahavamsa records 15 powerful kings who shaped Sri Lanka’s destiny. Their military conquests, religious patronage, mesmerizing footprints and extraordinary architectural achievements rooted in history, continue to transform and rewrite Sri Lanka’s landscape and destiny to-date.
Sri Lanka’s intellectual and spiritual lineage from the Buddhist era to post-Independence period is rich with visionary thinkers, historians, missionaries, revolutionists, reformers, scholars etc, who shaped the island’s historical, cultural, religious, spiritual and philosophical and socio-economic landscape. Sri Lankan visionaries in the pre-colonial and colonial eras were predominantly Buddhist prelates, ancient monarchs, historians and early reformers who shaped the island’s Buddhist era, ancient history and heritage, culture, agriculture, and infrastructure.
From Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, from Sigiriya’s sky fortress to the sacred city of Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa; this island was built by visionaries, warriors, and master builders who prided themselves on Sri Lanka’s rich and ancient civilization seemed centuries ahead of its time.
TBC – (To Be Continued )
/
Bhante Emeritus / July 18, 2026
Mr.Sarath,
I think you are being less than honest when you write :
“Sri Lanka’s monarchy stands as one of the world’s longest-lasting, stretching an incredible 2,358 years from 543 BCE to 1815 CE, which is testament of the sheer longevity of the ancient rulers’ reign, influence and impact on the nation’s enduring legacy, history, culture and heritage.”
The mahavamsha mentions about 120 monarchs. Of these, about 25 were violently overthrown, mostly murdered.
You talk of Sigiriya as a great wonder (sky fortress), but neglect the fact that it was built by Kassapa who walled up his father in a bund.,a very cruel act.
Do you not think it is important to tell us the bad thing along with the good ones, since you emphasise Buddhism so much? Otherwise it becomes an attempt to whitewash history.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bhante,
Thank you for your comment. My article focuses on the historical significance and enduring legacy of Sri Lanka’s monarchy rather than serving as a comprehensive account of every ruler or event. Kassapa’s patricide and the violent struggles for power are well-documented aspects of our history and certainly should not be overlooked. Recognizing the achievements of a civilisation, however, does not require ignoring its darker chapters.
History is at its most meaningful when it acknowledges both. At the end of the day, what King Kassapa built has become an archeological master-piece, and could have been the 8th Scientific Wonder of the World as once Sir Arthur C Clearke asserted. But what’s important to remember is not repent and repeat their misdeeds and sinful acts.
Cheers Bhante
/
PJ Fernando / July 18, 2026
Mr Sarath Dissanayake,
“From Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, from Sigiriya’s sky fortress to the sacred city of Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa; this island was built by visionaries, warriors, and master builders who prided themselves on Sri Lanka’s rich and ancient civilization seemed centuries ahead of its time.”
Another commenter has noted the murders of many kings.
Another has noted Greek scientists making discoveries that benefit ALL of humanity long before any Sri Lankan. So therefore, what is there to be proud of, and was centuries ahead of its time, as you put it?
You are a great writer of bana stories, but are they honest?
To justify yourself, please tell us three ancient Sri Lankan inventions, or literary works, or philosophy that are used in other countries today? Please leave Buddhism out of it, since it came from India.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
PJF,
You are sounded as if you are an alien landed on Sri Lanka from nowhere. Are you really a Human or a Robot ? I’m serious, because you seemed to be a newly born Baby just woken up from deep slumber. Otherwise, how dare you mutter such cock. If you just turn your eyes around on any part of Sri Lanka you would be utterly surprised by what you see in abundance all across the swathes of Sri Lanka’s landscape.
It’s there for anybody, with an iota of common sense to see, experience and enjoy. Go to Anuradhapura, polonnaruwa and any other ancient city in the country, and ask any ordinary folk on the street. I’m sure whoever you speak to on the road, (unless that person is deaf, blind and dumb,) any ordinary human being would show you enough and one things which would take you to moon if not the sun.
I’m really saddened by your cheap antics and sickening comment. Thanks
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
RJF
Further to the earlier introductory note, please refer to the detailed explanatory notes below in respect of Sri Lanka’s 2500-year legacy covering each sphere of influence, legacy and specialty.
Ancient Engineering Achievements
The pre-colonial visionaries engineered sophisticated water management systems that transformed the island’s arid dry zone into a thriving agricultural landscape.
The Bisokotuwa (Valve Pit): Invented in Sri Lanka around the 3rd century BC, this structural breakthrough allowed ancient engineers to regulate water pressure and release massive volumes from deep reservoirs without eroding the reservoir dams.
The Yoda Ela (Giant Canal): Built during King Dhatusena’s reign, this 54-mile canal carries water from the Kala Wewa reservoir to Anuradhapura. It features a slope of less than six inches per mile, a precision feat that baffles modern surveyors.
1. Pre-Colonial Visionaries and Architects (Ancient to Medieval Eras):
A. King Parakramabahu I (1123–1186 AD): Known as “Parakramabahu the Great”, he unified the island and was a pioneer in water conservation, famously stating: “Not even a drop of water should flow into the sea without being used.”
B. King Mahasena (276–303 CE): A master irrigation engineer who oversaw the construction of 16 massive reservoirs, including the expansive Minneriya Wewa, to transform the dry zone into an agricultural paradise.
C. King Pandukabhaya (437–367 BC): Founder of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, he was a visionary urban planner who instituted structured city administration, defined village boundaries, and commissioned the first artificial reservoirs.
D. King Devanampiyatissa (247–207 BCE): Celebrated monarch who established Buddhism as the state religion of Sri Lanka. Ruling from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, his era is famous for his conversion by Arahat Mahinda and his close diplomatic ties with Indian Emperor Ashoka
2. Colonial Era Visionaries and Reformers (16th to 20th Centuries):
A. Anagarika Dharmapala (1864–1933): A leading reformer and nationalist who spearheaded the Buddhist revival movement in Ceylon, opposed British imperial subjugation, and championed modern education.
B. C. W. W. Kannangara (1884–1969): Often called the “Father of Free Education” in Sri Lanka, he drove the historic 1940s legislative reforms that provided free education from kindergarten to university, fundamentally transforming societal mobility.
C. A. E. Goonasinhe (1891–1967): A pioneering labor leader who organized Ceylon’s first trade unions and fought for the voting rights and improved working conditions of the Ceylonese working class against colonial factory owners.
TBC – To Be Continued
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
PJF
Further to the Introductory Note and Detailed Explanatory Note shared above.
The following 5 lists of extraordinary ancient Sri Lankans who had become role models for generations of Sri Lankans and continue to inspire millions of our forefathers including current generations have done a remarkable service and contributions to shape and transform the country’s enduring legacy and destiny with their visionary leaderships, selfless sacrifices, remarkable expertise, foresighted missions and guidance in their chosen fields of speciality.
1. Buddhist Missionaries and Reformers
A. Mahinda Thero (3rd Century BCE): An Indian Buddhist monk and son of Emperor Ashoka, he was the primary missionary who officially brought Buddhism to King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, laying the cultural and spiritual foundation of the island.
B. Sanghamitta Thera (3rd Century BCE): The sister of Mahinda, she was an ordained nun who brought a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka and established the Order of Bhikkhunis (nuns).
C. Anagarika Dharmapala (1864–1933): A leading figure in the 19th-century Buddhist revival. He worked to reclaim Buddhism from British colonial and Christian influence, revived the religion in India via the Maha Bodhi Society of India, and was one of the first to teach the Dhamma in three continents.
2. Philosophers and Reformists
A. Ananda Coomaraswamy (1877–1947): A pioneering Ceylonese-born metaphysician and art historian, he played a pivotal role in interpreting Eastern art to the West and defending the island’s indigenous culture against Europeanization.
B. K. N. Jayatilleke (1920–1970): A prominent modern philosopher who rigorously analyzed early Buddhist epistemology, notably through his seminal work, Early Buddhist Theory of Knowledge.
3. Historians and Scholars
Ven. Walpola Rahula Thera (1907–1997): A highly celebrated Buddhist monk, historian, and author of What the Buddha Taught. He became the first bhikkhu to hold a professorial chair in the Western world (at Northwestern University) in 1964.
Mahanama Thero (5th Century CE): An ancient chronicler and Buddhist monk who compiled the Mahavamsa—a monumental epic historical chronicle of the island that serves as the basis for much of early South Asian history.
Ven. Buddhaghosa (5th Century CE): An influential Indian scholar-monk who traveled to Sri Lanka to study the ancient commentaries at the Mahavihara in Anuradhapura. He subsequently wrote the Visuddhimagga (Path of Purification), the most important Theravada text outside of the Pali Canon.
4. Revolutionists and National Heroes
Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala, Henry Olcott, Ananda Coomaraswamy
5. Statesmen and Visionary Leaders
D.S. Senanayake, and those who fought against Colonial Masters and
Imperialists
/
LankaScot / July 19, 2026
Hello Sarath,
I hate to nitpick, however since when was Henry Olcott, American Theosophist a Sri Lankan? You stated at the beginning “The following 5 lists of extraordinary ancient Sri Lankans who had become role models for generations of Sri Lankans”
There are quite a few in the list that are not Sri Lankans; that’s called “Porky Pies” in the UK.
Best regards
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
LS
Yes you are correct. But at least they had the foresight and pride to call themselves Sri Lankans, and mind you most, if not all of them had left an undeniable mark, lasting legacy and footprint which we still cherish. Take Dr Arthur Clerke, Dr Henry Olcott, Robert Knox, Just to name a few. Thanks
/
SJ / July 17, 2026
PJF
I take your point but when you say “India produced Kautilya, Nagarjuna, Kapila, and others, who produced Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Buddhism, and Jainism”, I think that you confuse theories that emerged in the course of history with concepts introduced by individuals.
/
PJ Fernando / July 18, 2026
Mr.SJ,
I basically mean that really great civilizations produce individuals who produce ideas that spread far beyond their points of origin. Thanks.
/
SJ / July 18, 2026
Mr PJF
Most examples that you gave, take Vedanta and Yoga for instance, are not attributable to individuals.
There were great thinkers. But not all are recorded in history.
Some ideas develop as they spread. Names are often convenient labels.
Otherwise what you said made much sense, and I thank you for your intervention.
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
SJ
Thanks for pointers and clarification.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
PJF
Reference your reply to SJ. Since your reply appeared to be in response / relating to my comment earlier on, I thought it fit to invite your attention to my following comment posted to Bodika. Hope that makes sense. Thanks
——————
Come on. This is not rocket science. In the good old days, there were no Politicians, Presidents, Prime Ministers, MPs and lawmakers by name. Similarly, there weren’t Engineers, Scientists, Lawyers, Accountants by profession. So Kings and Monarchs and civilians did all the hard work. All what I can say is that you have not carefully gone through the list of people I posted and read what they have done in regard to managing the affairs of the country during kingdships. .
1) If you had read carefully, you would have noticed King Mahasena (276–303 CE), himself was an irrigation engineer who oversaw the construction of 16 massive reservoirs, including the expansive Minneriya Wewa, to transform the dry zone into an agricultural paradise.
2) Similarly King Parakramabahu I (1123–1186 AD) also known as “Parakramabahu the Great”, unified the island and was a pioneer in water conservation, famously stating: “Not even a drop of water should flow into the sea without being used.”
3) Then it was King Datusena who built The Yoda Ela (Giant Canal):, 54-mile canal which carries water from the Kala Wewa reservoir to Anuradhapura. It features a slope of less than six inches per mile, a precision feat that baffles modern surveyors.
4) Then King Pandukabhaya (437–367 BC):, who founded the Anuradhapura Kingdom, and was he a visionary urban planner who instituted structured city administration, defined village boundaries, and commissioned the first artificial reservoirs.
5) Then King Devanampiyatissa (247–207 BCE): was the celebrated monarch who established Buddhism as the state religion of Sri Lanka. Ruling from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, his era is famous for his conversion by Arahat Mahinda and his close diplomatic ties with Indian Emperor Ashoka.
6) The Mahavamsa records 15 powerful kings who shaped Sri Lanka’s destiny. Their military conquests, religious patronage, mesmerizing footprints and extraordinary architectural achievements rooted in history, continue to transform and rewrite Sri Lanka’s landscape and destiny to-date.
So don’t ask for names of Engineers, Doctors, Architects and so on, from the ancient eras / times as well as names of Executive Presidents, Prime Ministers, Cabinet of Ministers, Chief Justices, Speakers and other Big Shots by name from the Colonial and Pre and Post-Colonial era.
Meanwhile, you also must learn little bit of Sri Lanka’s history and civilization before looking for names of Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers and other Professional people from Colonial and Civilization Era. Similarly, don’t search for the so-called owners of BENZ, BMW, JAGUAR Cars as much Pizza, Hamburgers, and Apples from that era.
Trust this makes sense.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
PJF
You still appeared to be in the stone-age though I though you are in the 21st century. What’s wrong with you.
All what i said in my reply to you was don’t search for Engineers, doctors, architects and others who you would have thought – would have done the sky high stupas, giant water tanks and 12000 tanks, magnificent citadels, rock fortresses, carvings, frescoes, monasteries during pre and colonial era. No no, you are certainly mistaken. All those ancient architectural marvels and master pieces, picturesque wonders what you see throughout the country’s swathes of hinterland, were done by kings, court of advisers, normal human beings and village folks, and not by so-called Engineers who you tend to believe mistakenly.
As I repeated said before, there were no Katubedde and Peradeniya Engineers, Colombo Elite Doctors, Lawyers, Scientists, Accountants, Architects and other so-called professionals during kingships and Monarchs at the time these huge and historical stupas, gigantic tanks and reservoirs and citadels were bulit. They were hand-made with no caterpillars, tractors, backhoes, cranes,at the time.
If this is not enough, can you at least show me just one good piece of work and structure being built by the so called professionals, engineers, architects, archeologists, builders with all what they seemed to be capable of with their Peradeniya, Moratuwa, Katubedda, Kelaniya Engineering Degrees in Civil, Structural, Hydraulic, Construction fields and MSc and PhD from foreign universities. Just one piece of work.
Can they even think or imagine doing a structure similar to Ruwanseliseya, Parakrama Samudraya, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Yodha Ella and huge Monastries built on Rock Pillars and 7-tier Citadels similar to Vatadageya, Lankathilaka, and rock carvings of the likes of Samadhi Statue, Isurumuniya, Sigiriya Frescos, Gal Viharaya 3-postured Buddha Statues.
Mind you those are the kind of engineering marvels, architectural master pieces and wonders, visionary craftsmanship and engineering prowess of our ancestors we ought to be mindful of. Trust this helps
/
PJ Fernando / July 19, 2026
Mr.Sarath,
“You are sounded as if you are an alien landed on Sri Lanka from nowhere. Are you really a Human or a Robot ? I’m serious, because you seemed to be a newly born Baby just woken up from deep slumber. Otherwise, how dare you mutter such cock. “
I am sorry I have to deflate pompous pricks who try to escape in clouds of ink when they have no answers.
“Can they even think or imagine doing a structure similar to Ruwanseliseya, Parakrama Samudraya, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Yodha Ella and huge Monastries built on Rock Pillars and 7-tier Citadels similar to Vatadageya, Lankathilaka, and rock carvings of……”
Mr. Sarath, it seems you are the alien in Sri Lanka. Not me. Have you heard of Wimalasurendra’s dam and power station?
Since you’re fixated on Buddhism, why not go and look at the Kalutara Stupa? Do you even know that it is a HOLLOW stupa with another one inside? Do you think your “Ancient engineers ” can “even think or imagine doing a structure similar” to it?
Also go look at the Mahaweli Mahaseya.
Would you name one ancient stupa which is not a pile of earth ? You seriously think these are world-beating wonders when the Egyptian Pyramids had Chambers inside 4000 years ago?
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
PJF,
You are cherry-picking. Come-on. What’s are you talking about. Don’t you know, the Kalutara Stupa is a replica of Ruwanweliseya, and Mahaweli Mahaseya, is another replica. They are not originals my dear. Can your so called engineers even imagine how the the scenic Sigiriya was built without cranes or modern technology and engineers. Like you, these so called Engineers have just done nothing, but to find what’s inside a real Stupa. You don’t even know what’s inside a Stupa which shows your what’s inside your tiny little mind, Ask from a kindergaren kid, he /she will tell you. Inside the stupas you find not pile of earth my dear, there you get scared Relics, and not repeat not repeat muds, as you tend to think. Bur=t don’t break them now to check what’s in it. Please please. Thanks.
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
PJF,
Please note, what I meant by “tiny little mind” does not mean anything, and is common to all humans, and don’t take it as a rebuke, but a simple fact. My profound apologies if that has caused any pain of mind. Cheers
/
PJ Fernando / July 19, 2026
Mr.Sarath,
Most of the people you have mentioned have something to do with Buddhism.
But Buddhism originated in India, not Sri Lanka.
Can you not think of any Sri Lankan ideas , concepts or inventions that still influence the world today, like
Gunpowder (China)
Printing press (China)
Screw pump (Egypt/Greece)
Global exploration (Portugal)
Buddhism, Jainism etc (India)
Honest answers please. No cock.
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
PJF,
You are sounded as if you want me to think the way you think. No that’s not civilization. Don’t look at how or who did what. Please look at how the history connects one another, and what we can learn from history, and how it helps keep doing what is perceived to be good while leaving past misdeeds and mistakes for the past history. That should be the spirit in which we should look up to our forefathers and history. Not based on their religious patronage, ethnic considerations. Caste, Creed, political affiliations. That mentality cannot help us move forward, that will only take us backwards. Hope this helps come to terms with realities of life and what history tells us.
/
Bodika / July 15, 2026
Hon’ble Mr. Author,
“To foster self-reliance, the government restricted imports of foreign goods, heavily regulated private enterprises, and nationalized major sectors, including the British-owned tea and rubber plantations. However, this “closed economy” model ultimately strangled growth.”
But aren’t you against the open economic model too?
” deeply anchored in a 2,500-year-old Buddhist philosophy. This way of life was nurtured and preserved under ancient Sri Lankan monarchs long before many other well-known civilizations in South Asia and beyond.”
Please explain which South Asian civilizations were less developed than ours. Especially, I believe the hon’ble author could help with the names of the famous scientists (Ravana is one) who built Sri Lankan science and technology, and their numerous inventions. Special mention must be given to the development of astrology and accurate predictions of rainfall, which resulted in bountiful harvests.
/
Sarath / July 16, 2026
Bodike,
Great pointers, comments and observations. On your first poser as to my observations on the open economy, please note both open and closed economic models have both merits and demerits unique to each of them. But why we are in such a mess today (not even being able to produce our staple food and basic commodities ) because our economy was opened with no controls; exactly the way it was done in Russia. That’s is precisely why China did it in staggered basis or in phases / stages, with strict controls in place. In doing so, China was able retain certain favorable elements beneficial to people of the closed economic model, and only replacing the elements that need to be replaced. In other words, China did the opening the right way by controlling both external and internal factors. So people were not adversely impacted and they had safety nets to compensate those left behind in the process. They never experienced food stages and lack of basic commodities whatsoever. But in Sri Lanka we simply opened up everything at once which led to certain crucial sectors (food production, local industries and SME’s ) wide open for competition, enabling our foreign competitors to enter our markets with cheap goods and basic food commodities at ease. That’s why I said open economy for third world countries is a bane as our archaic systems and foundations are not solid enough to absorb shocks and triggers. Having said that we too benefitted from open economy in the form of introducing advanced technology and innovative expertise and technology transfer.
/
Sarath / July 16, 2026
Bodima
,
On the second poser, why “closed economy model ultimately strangled growth” is best explained in terms of “market stagnation” and “lack of value addition, product diversification and branding” compounded by competition from new market players who have already undertaken innovative and best practices to penetrate new markets with value additions and product diversification with superior quality, branding and market promotion. But Sri Lankan tea, rubber, coconut and other traditional products have not been subjected to such quality oriented market promotion, value-additions and quality conscious branding whatsoever during colonial era and immediate post independence transition period. That’s what I meant by stagnation. Trust this makes sense. Thanks
/
leelagemalli / July 16, 2026
cont.
–
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HRX6Ug2nR0
–
The recent parliamentary committee proceedings raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of governance and institutional accountability in Sri Lanka. Based on the issues discussed during the hearing, there appear to be significant gaps in the performance of some senior public officials, particularly in implementing established procedures and aligning institutional practices with international standards. One issue that drew particular attention was the apparent lack of comprehensive cybersecurity training, even among senior officials. In an era where digital security is a fundamental component of public administration, such shortcomings expose institutions to unnecessary risks and highlight the need for stronger leadership, continuous professional development, and better oversight.
–
The committee also revealed delays in completing important financial and administrative processes. Although responsibility for money transfer procedures had already been transferred to the Treasury and Finance Department, documents that were expected to be finalized by the end of the previous year had reportedly still not been completed by March 2026. If accurate, such delays point to weaknesses in administrative coordination and accountability that can affect the efficient use of public resources and erode public trust. The committee’s discussions underscore the importance of strengthening governance, ensuring that officials fulfil their responsibilities in a timely manner, and building a culture of transparency, competence, and accountability throughout the public service.
/
Sarath / July 16, 2026
Leela,
Your observations reinforce the status-quo of total decadence of bureaucratic accountability and collective responsibility on the management of state finances, administrative guidelines and state protocols. Furthermore, it raises pertinent questions on the absence best practices and good governance initiatives at senior managerial levels of government institutions. What has been exposed at COPA are mind-boggling, – which are not merely isolated mistakes, but a deeply entrenched system breakdowns and failures and deep rooted institutionalized bureaucratic complacency and lethargy. When vital procedures—such as the transition of financial routing frameworks to the Treasury—are allowed to drag on past deadlines into March 2026 without any sense of urgency, it lays bare a total breakdown of collective responsibility.
Furthermore, the glaring gaps in cybersecurity training among senior leadership show a dangerous precedent and indifference toward modernizing governance to meet global standards. It is this deep seated culture of zero accountability and pervasive indifference to public welfare that breeds systemic corruption and erodes public trust. Until our administrative hierarchy moves past political expediency and embraces strict transparency, competence, and domestic accountability, no superficial reform will have any counter-effect, let alone ridding the public sector of such malpractices and systemic barriers. Thank you once again keeping us in the loop on COPA exposures.
/
LankaScot / July 16, 2026
Hello Leelagemalli,
I have seen both in-house and outsourced Cyber Security. An in-house 24/7 Solution requires very competent SME’s (Subject Matter Experts) which may be difficult and expensive in Sri Lanka. An outsourced Cyber Security could be more affordable; here is a list of suitable providers – https://www.goodfirms.co/it-services/cyber-security/sri-lanka
Even then you will need Guidance on SLA’s (Service Level Agreements) and a comprehensive IT Service Management System like ITIL –
https://itsm.tools/itil-version-5-vs-itil-4-key-changes/
Competent IT Auditors are also essential for in-house systems e.g. ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 27001 (Information Security) or the International, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
In my experience Government Personnel are not best placed to make these Decisions and should take advice from reputable IT Consultancies. This will sound self-deprecating, but I have seen too many IT Failures from the inside.
Best regards
/
leelagemalli / July 17, 2026
Hello LankaScot,
I am ashamed to call myself a Sri Lankan today.
Only days ago, the Minister of Justice publicly admitted he was unaware of the latest developments surrounding the tragic violence at Negombo Prison, where more than 27 inmates reportedly lost their lives and many others were injured, including prison officers and police personnel. The following day, the same minister openly acknowledged that, as Minister of Justice, he did not even possess a basic understanding of the legal framework governing “firing orders.” At the same time, the Minister of Defence; the President himself—maintained complete silence.
Such admissions and silence from those entrusted with upholding justice and national security are deeply disturbing and raise serious questions about competence, accountability, and leadership.
–
Today, what is even more alarming is that none of those responsible has offered a meaningful explanation, expressed remorse, or addressed the brutal events that unfolded inside Negombo Prison. This was a government that came to power promising genuine change, transparency, and a higher standard of governance while relentlessly condemning its predecessors as thieves, liars, and failures. Yet when confronted with a national tragedy, the response has been confusion, ignorance, and silence. If those who promised to transform the country cannot accept responsibility or provide answers in moments like these, then the public has every right to question whether the promised change was ever more than a slogan.
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
Leela,
You couldn’t have said it better. As of yesterday, the death toll has risen to 31 (10 Prison officers and 21 prisoners ) But not a word from powers that be, and were utterly conspicuous in their silence though a week has passed.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
LS / LM
Your comments deserve a reply. I specially like the catch-phrase SME’s (Subject Matter Experts) which is what is missing in Sri Lanka. Maybe I am wrong, or just blinded by my own biases. From what I read, often times I begin to think that our so-called experts, either think they know it all, or they lack expertise in their chosen fields. Your idea of outsourcing reputable IT Consultants to get the job done certainly is the need of the hour. I am too of the same opinion after watching the infamous COPE / COPA meeting of CBSL / Treasury officials just last week. Thanks for sharing. Great Minds Always Find Common Ground.
/
Bodika / July 16, 2026
Hon’ble Author,
“But why we are in such a mess today (not even being able to produce our staple food and basic commodities ) because our economy was opened with no controls; “
But our agriculture was not opened to foreigners. It is our own farmers who cannot “produce our staple food and basic commodities”. How do you explain that?
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
Bodika
Thanks for your interest in open economy and farming. Please find my take on your query.
When the closed economy was opened in 1977 with no controls, it included agriculture too. Perhaps you would have been born long after the 1977 open economy / market liberalization came into being, and guess you had little exposure to post-1977 transition, and how people traditionally lived on farming and agriculture, became victims of the open economic model, which was a turning point for them. (who made a living on agriculture and cottage industries).. As a result, local markets were flooded with imported stuff, from basic food items; rice to dhal to milk powder, butter cheese, jams etc, to house-hold goods such as textiles; farm and agriculture tools and machinery, bicycles, soft toys, stationary and what not.
Can you just imagine the farmers’ plight and the fate befell them due to imported goods flooding markets, and they being deprived of their livelihood with no income for their produce. In another words, local farmers were left high and dry, being unable to make a living out of their produce and with prices of local produce plummeting due to competition, in the face high demand for cheap imported food items, groceries, basic commodities and non-essentials and food items.
As you know, in the good old days, Sri Lanka was self-sufficient in rice, vegetables, fruits, spices, and you name it. But with the open economic policy and market liberalization, our.farmers, cottage industries, including hand-loom and textiles manufacturers, SMEs had a tough time due to imported cheap goods and the resultant severe competition, amidst unfair pricing and low demand for local products. So government’s short sighted economic liberalization with no controls, really put local farmers in a quandary, and some of them either abandoning or giving up farming. That’s what has happened since 1977s.
The situation now is seemingly worse, with high cost of raw materials, rising cost of fertilizer and raw materials such as seed paddy, pesticides and farming tools etc, with no subsidies paid by the government amidst rising cost of production. In the circumstances, farmers left with no option but to find alternate income sources, and give up farming or losing hopes on their traditional livelihood and agriculture and farming, compounded by lack of government controls to protect local farmers, cottage industries, SMEs and other traditional livelihoods which remained the mainstay of majority of households thrived on agriculture and farming.
Trust this makes sense
/
Bodika / July 18, 2026
Mr.Sarath,
Okay, I only called you with respect due to a former ambassador educator it’s, just as I respect teachers.
But I am a researcher, and I find this statement false:
“As you know, in the good old days, Sri Lanka was self-sufficient in rice, vegetables, fruits, spices, and you name it. ” When were these good old days?
Even according to the memory of my parents, food was imported. There was a variety of rice called milchard from Burma even in 1950 and before. Then, as you very well know, we exchanged rubber for rice from China.
I am told that markets were full of imported apples, grapes, cheese, butter at affordable prices in colonial times, along with local fruits. What is wrong with that?
Can I ask why you yourself live in a country that imports a lot of its food. If it is good for that country, why is it bad for us?
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika,
Thanks for your pointer. I will just give few examples to prove you wrong and prove I am correct.
1) Historically, Sri Lanka is frequently referred to as the “Granary of the East” (or sometimes the “Rice Bowl of Asia”) due to its ancient, highly advanced irrigation networks and indigenous rice cultivation.
2) Historians note that during this era of agricultural abundance, the island cultivated over 2,000 indigenous rice varieties. Refer to “Traditional Rice of Sri Lanka article”.
3) Sri Lanka was historically regarded as a self-sufficient agricultural nation and the “granary of the East,” notably during the ancient Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms. This was achieved through a massive network of irrigation tanks, reservoirs, and canals that supported extensive paddy cultivation.
4) In the Post-Independence Era, the government of Sri Lanka heavily prioritized rice production to achieve national self-sufficiency. These efforts yielded significant success, with domestic production often meeting around 95% of the country’s requirement over the last decade.
The above says / proves the truth. Trust the above makes sense. Thanks
/
PJ Fernando / July 19, 2026
Mr.
Sarath,
“Sri Lanka was historically regarded as a self-sufficient agricultural nation and the “granary of the East,” notably during the ancient Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms. This was achieved through a massive network of irrigation tanks, reservoirs, and canals that supported extensive paddy cultivation.”
Again, you are leaving out a significant detail.
Practically the entire population was employed in agriculture, some as serfs. The King owned all the land.There was no social mobility. If that was possible today, we could export rice too.
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
PJF,
One must imagine how hard and basic the life would have been in the good old days to understand the status-quo prevailed then, almost 2.5 millennia ago. Start from there, then you will understand and begin to appreciate what kings and our ancestors had done are real wonders., which nobody could ever deny and take for granted.
Don’t harp som much on history, History is dead and gone. What we can learn from history is what worth considering. Let bygones be bygones. In the Kings era, the main stay for people was agriculture. The period we are talking about not 200-400 years ago, this is 2 – 2.5 millennia, preferable feudal age where people haven’t had proper education, roads, health, sanitation, and other basics, let alone even what our ancestors would have dreamt of, what was possible during colonial and post colonial ear.
So it was pretty much, very primitive and feudal society then. No comparion possible with the situ now, let alone education, health sciences, export agriculture and all what we talk of today and past few for generations. Thanks
/
PJ Fernando / July 19, 2026
You have not answered Bodika about why you live in a country which imports a lot of food.
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
PJF,
Being very much part and parcel of Sri Lankan society, I would put the question back to you. As I have been repeatedly telling that the successive rulers, engineers, agronomists, professionals including educationists, planners and even religious leaders and those who ruled the country since 1948, have failed to deliver, unlike our ancestors. So we all ourselves must ask and answer that question ourselves, not to put it to another person. That should be the spirit with which we must show ourselves too are responsible and part of the problem, rather than to find scapegoats for each and every rotten thing. Thanks
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika,
On the honorable part, just take it easy. i was simply asking you politely, to call me Sarath as others do. Otherwise, I appreciate your honesty and openness and honesty. thanks
/
Sarath / July 16, 2026
Bodima,
On your final pointer “which other South Asian civilizations were less developed than ours” is certainly subjective. You seemed to be under mistaken notion that I tried to drive a wedge between SL civilization and South Asian civilizations which is completely out of question. Please read carefully; your emphasis on the word “civilization” does not make sense in the context of my reference to Sri Lanka’s way of life nurtured and prevalent during ancient monarchial rule, which is clearly evident from from ancient Sri Lankan archeological masterpieces, advanced irrigation systems, hydraulic networks and man-made reservoirs and tanks numbering well over 12,000 which itself is humongous accomplishment in every sense of the word,. Then look at how Sigiriya rock fortress and mesmerizing story behind its water ways and artistic talents of ancestors. Read the book “Village Folk – Tales of Ceylon” by Henry Parker which clearly illustrates the rare talents of Sri Lanka’s ancestors and their rich cultural heritage of folklore and ancient oral traditions, including versatile life styles of early islanders. You may also wish to read K.M. de Silva’s history of Sri Lanka which has vividly narrated lesser known facts of our ancestors. If that is not good enough, then just ponder why is Sri Lanka called “Thrice Blessed Land” and why Buddha has has referred Sri Lanka – a “heaven for Buddhism” and the only country he visited after enlightenment. If that even is not enough, how come Sri Lanka became only second to Japan in terms of GDP in 1948, and why Sri Lankans are ahead of other South Asians in terms of literacy rate and human indexes. Furthermore, Sri Lankan men and women above the age of 21 are granted adult franchise in 1931, first in women enfranchisement. Hope the above is testament to why Sri Lanka enjoys a unique place in South Asia. Thanks
/
Bodika / July 16, 2026
Hon’ble Author,
I was only asking which South Asian civilizations were inferior/less developed than ours, and in what way? Also, I am disappointed that an erudite gentleman like you cannot mention the names of a few ancient Sri Lankan scientists (like Ravana for one), of which there must have been hundreds of course.
“If that even is not enough, how come Sri Lanka became only second to Japan in terms of GDP in 1948”
Where is your evidence for this?
Besides, in 1945, Japan was destroyed and occupied, and had no economy to speak of.
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
Bodika,
On your first query in regard to names of Sri Lankans who had left a lasting impression and foot print for what they had been for Sri Lanka’s enduring legacy, please see my reply to Mr P.J. Fernando where I have named a host of Sri Lankans who have excelled in their chosen fields of expertise.
Secondly I have also given enough reasons why these Sri Lankans were held in high esteem even now,, and why Sri Lanka was considered a model nation in 1948 by none other than the late Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew whose remarks had been quoted at the end of my write-up as a foot note, which are reproduced below, for your ready reference.
“Sri Lanka failed because it had wrong and weak leaders… When I went to Colombo for the first time in 1956, it was a better city than Singapore… They had sterling reserves. They had two universities… But it didn’t flourish.” – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew Lee (on Sri Lanka’s squandered potential)
Trust the above clarifies.
/
Bodika / July 17, 2026
Hon’ble Mr. D,
I saw your answer to PJ Fernando, but I don’t see anything but a list of kings and some colonial era persons.
Were ancient Sri Lankans only able to invented the Bisokotuwa? Who was the inventor? If his name is not written, why? If the Chinese or Indians could write down the names of scientists and philosophers, why not Sri Lankans?
I know there must have been great scientists and mathematician in Sri Lanka, but where are their books?
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
Bodika,
On your last point, whether evidence is available on the economic prowess (GDP) Sri Lanka enjoyed in 1948 which only trailed Japan in terms of GDP., please read the report compiled by K.G.D.D. Weerasinghe, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka titled ” Recent Trends in The Emerging Economy of Sri Lanka”. (Mind you this piece of information is from the 60th Anniversary Commemorative Volume of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka: 1950 – 2010.)
Please refer to paragraph lines 6 / 7 vide paragraph 2 on page 216, under the chapter “The Economy in the Post Independence Period’ where it reads as follows
“The GDP percapita which was US dollars 120 in 1948 was only second to Japan in Asia” …..
Link for page 216 is at https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/sites/default/files/cbslweb_documents/publications/otherpub/60th_anniversary_recent_trends_in_the_emerging_economy_of_sri_lanka.pdf
Trust this suffice
/
Bodika / July 17, 2026
Hon’ble Sarath,
Mr. Weerasingha is not an historian. Stories like these have a life of their own because everyone keeps quoting each other with no actual evidence. The fact is that India’s GDP even at that time was far more than either Ceylon or Japan. From 1850 to 1947, India’s GDP in 1990 international dollar terms grew from $125.7 billion to $213.7 billion, a 70% increase, Evidence:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_India
In 1948, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) was approximately US $850 million.
Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka https://share.google/MQn4xD0qebypJf5Sb
GDP per capita is a different matter, because it is divided by population. But the fact remains that Japan (and Singapore) was ruined at that time, therefore it is comparing apples and oranges.
Did you know that Singapore had the biggest dockyard in the world and a Ford car factory in 1939?
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika
Once again you seemed to be mistaken. It’s not the real GDP that we are talking about. But the per Capita Income of Sri Lanka and Japan. According to historical records Japan’s per capita income was approximately $121, while Sri Lanka’s (then Ceylon) per capita income followed immediately behind at $120. I am least bothered about the status-quo of Japan and Singapore in 1948, and your apples and oranges. My humble appeal from you is not to try to reverse world history, and erase history books just to prove your imaginary numbers and hollowed misconceptions. Trust this makes sense.
/
Bodika / July 18, 2026
Mr.Sarath,
Can you give me a link 🔗 to an economic paper to prove that the per capita income of Japan was lower than Sri Lanka? Not a quote from a book, please?
“imaginary numbers and hollowed misconceptions. Trust this makes sense.”
No, it does not make sense, because I give actual links, which you or anybody else can read and decide, whereas you quote from books by dubious authors.
I respect you as a former great ambassador who brought the first Sri Lankan nurses to the Middle East in 2005 (my sister among them) but I feel you have no proof of what you state, and that is sad for such a great person. Even great people make mistakes.
Furthermore, are you aware that there was huge economic migration from Ceylon to Singapore at that time. Even the Foreign Minister is of Sri Lankan descent. Do you think that would happen if Singapore was poorer than Sri Lanka?
I believe you are misled by imaginary stats put out by self-interested individuals wanting to prove how great is Sri Lanka.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika
I think you have have not been honest in your comments of late. Have I ever said Sri Lanka’s per capita in 1948 was higher than Japan ? Never never. Please check and show me if I have said so.
I have been all along pretty clear and consistent with my comment / saying loud and clear that SL’s per capita was only second to Japan in 1948, and not otherwise. So that’s the mistake number 1. That is what Dr Dheerasekera, Dy Governor., CBSL has published in CBSL 60th Commemorative Publication. Can you think of any better and authoritative quote and source than that of Dy Governor’s publication. If you think so, then you are certainly mistaken.
How come and how dare you call Dy Governor of CBSL is a dubious author ? After-all he has said so, and clearly illustrated the facts in the CBSL 60th Anniversary Commemorative Publication which is an authoritative and official publication. Do you think a person no less than of the calibre of Dy. Governor / CBSL would just write gossips, essays and sing hosannas just to please his masters without realizing the gravity of what he has written, said and quoted in his official capacity as the sitting Dy Governor / CBSL
BTW, I am pleased to hear that your sister too was in that first batch to Kuwait. What a sheer and happy coincidence. can you please send me an email to my private email account with your contact details. B’se I would love to keep in touch just to get to know you better.
Then my last response on your poser on Singapore. By the way, I feel you have a special corner for Singapore, since you keep on writing and referencing S’pore for what it’s worth. yes, S’pore has done far better than other Asian countries in 1948 as it remained in the hands of British imperialists as a colony at the time. So naturally, with a fewer population, Singapore would have done pretty much better than Sri Lanka then.
But even then (if Singapore would have been in a better shape than Sri Lanka) it is late Singaporean Premier Lee Quan Yew who once (upon visiting Sri Lanka) had said that Sri Lanka was in better shape at the time, and he would consider building Singapore based on Sri Lanka as a model.
So what more do you need to prove Sri Lanka’s status-quo in 1948 which was seen as a model for other Asian countries. Trust this makes sense. Thanks
/
old codger / July 18, 2026
Sarath,
Bodika claims that you ” brought the first Sri Lankan nurses to the Gulf in 2005″
But from personal experience, I know there were Sri Lanka nurses, both male and female, in Saudi Arabia in 1978.
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
OC
Yes that’s true. In fact the first batch of Sri Lankan nurses to Kuwait came in 2010. Read this story in Ada Derana. Though, the original plan was to bring a group of 200 nurses in the first batch, only 100 qualified to come to Kuwait (Only 100 qualified at the exam and viva conducted by M/Health of Sri Lanka and Embassy of Kuwait in Colombo).
In fact, the plan included other healthcare professionals, but only nurses were taken in the end. Thanks .
Read the link to Ada Derana link : https://adaderana.lk/news/8013
Indians in Kuwait link : https://www.indiansinkuwait.com/news/First-batch-of-Sri-Lankan-nurses-to-arrive-soon
/
old codger / July 19, 2026
Sarath.
The Internet didn’t exist in 1978, but I was employed in the same company and met Sri Lankan nurses there.
“first batch of Sri Lankan nurses will arrive in Kuwait Kuwait Times reported quoting Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Kuwait Sarath Dissanayake “
The journal is quoting you on the matter.
In any case I am talking about Saudi Arabia.
/
PJ Fernando / July 19, 2026
Mr. Codger,
You are correct. The Sri Lankan nurses were recruit by the Lagodan agency in February 1978. I had connections with the owner.
I believe they went to work in Aramco facilities.
Mr. Sarath must correct himself.
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
PJF,
Thanks for the pointer. What I noted was the first batch of SL nurses to Kuwait was taken during my tenure in Kuwait in 2010. What you are referring to is the year in which SL nurses were taken to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere. Hope this clarifies.
/
Bodika / July 17, 2026
Hon’ble Mr Sarath,
Economic data for 1939 indicates that Singapore’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was valued at approximately S$802 million (or around U.S.$385 million at the time), according to historical data from the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
Therefore it’s GDP per Capita was 550 USD at the time, compared to Sri Lanka at 120 USD.
That is how income is compared, under equal conditions.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika
Thanks for your pointer. However much you try to harp on Singapore mantra,
please note Singapore was not an independent country in 1948. Rather, it was a tightly packed British Crown colony operating as a specialized, high-volume trading port.
Economists and historians comparing the post-independence potential of nations separated unique city-state trading hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong from sovereign nations. Excluding the micro-colony of Singapore, Sri Lanka structurally outpaced the rest of Asia’s nations (including South Korea, India, Thailand, and Taiwan
Hope this makes sense.
/
PJ Fernando / July 18, 2026
Mr.Sarath D,
I think you are not being fair to Ms Bodika when you reject the links provided by her as false. Why don’t you actually read those links, after all, one is from the Central Bank itself. Surely you can believe that instead of insisting that “the deputy governor” is right?
It is clear that Ms. Bodika is some kind of economic researching , so you should take her seriously.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
PJF
Thanks for your pointers. However, I have been pretty consistent and straight forward all along in my responses to Bodika. I never rejected what she has quoted and refenced.
See below what I have said to Bodika in my last reply in regard to per capita, and how much one should respect the CBSL Dy Governor’s authoritative comments and publication, in his official capacity representing CBSL on the 60th Anniversary Commemorative Publication of CBSL. Trust my reply posted below clarifies the position and misunderstanding once and for all. Thanks
—————————–
Bodika
I think you have have not been honest in your comments of late. Have I ever said Sri Lanka’s per capita in 1948 was higher than Japan ? Never never. Please check and show me if I have said so.
I have been all along pretty clear and consistent with my comment / saying loud and clear that SL’s per capita was only second to Japan in 1948, and not otherwise. So that’s the mistake number 1. That is what Dr Dheerasekera, Dy Governor., CBSL has published in the CBSL 60th Commemorative Publication. Can you think of any better and authoritative quote and source than that of Dy Governor’s publication. If you think so, then you are certainly mistaken.
How come and how dare you call Dy Governor of CBSL is a dubious author ? After-all he has said so, and clearly illustrated the facts in the CBSL 60th Anniversary Commemorative Publication which is an authoritative and official publication. Do you think a person no less than of the calibre of Dy. Governor / CBSL would just write gossips, essays and sing hosannas just to please his masters without realizing the gravity of what he has written, said and quoted in his official capacity as the sitting Dy Governor / CBSL
BTW, I am pleased to hear that your sister too was in that first batch to Kuwait. What a sheer and happy coincidence. can you please send me an email to my private email account with your contact details. B’se I would love to keep in touch just to get to know you better.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika
Come on. This is not rocket science. In the good old days, there were no Politicians, Presidents, Prime Ministers, MPs and lawmakers by name. Similarly, there weren’t Engineers, Scientists, Lawyers, Accountants by profession. So Kings and Monarchs and civilians did all the hard work. All what I can say is that you have not carefully gone through the list of people I posted and read what they have done in regard to managing the affairs of the country during kingdships. .
1) If you had read carefully, you would have noticed King Mahasena (276–303 CE), himself was an irrigation engineer who oversaw the construction of 16 massive reservoirs, including the expansive Minneriya Wewa, to transform the dry zone into an agricultural paradise.
2) Similarly King Parakramabahu I (1123–1186 AD) also known as “Parakramabahu the Great”, unified the island and was a pioneer in water conservation, famously stating: “Not even a drop of water should flow into the sea without being used.”
3) Then it was King Datusena who built The Yoda Ela (Giant Canal):, 54-mile canal which carries water from the Kala Wewa reservoir to Anuradhapura. It features a slope of less than six inches per mile, a precision feat that baffles modern surveyors.
4) Then King Pandukabhaya (437–367 BC):, who founded the Anuradhapura Kingdom, and was he a visionary urban planner who instituted structured city administration, defined village boundaries, and commissioned the first artificial reservoirs.
5) Then King Devanampiyatissa (247–207 BCE): was the celebrated monarch who established Buddhism as the state religion of Sri Lanka. Ruling from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, his era is famous for his conversion by Arahat Mahinda and his close diplomatic ties with Indian Emperor Ashoka.
6) The Mahavamsa records 15 powerful kings who shaped Sri Lanka’s destiny. Their military conquests, religious patronage, mesmerizing footprints and extraordinary architectural achievements rooted in history, continue to transform and rewrite Sri Lanka’s landscape and destiny to-date.
So don’t ask for names of Engineers, Doctors, Architects and so on, from the ancient eras / times as well as names of Executive Presidents, Prime Ministers, Cabinet of Ministers, Chief Justices, Speakers and other Big Shots by name from the Colonial and Pre and Post-Colonial era.
Meanwhile, you also must learn little bit of Sri Lanka’s history and civilization before looking for names of Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers and other Professional people from Colonial and Civilization Era. Similarly, don’t search for the so-called owners of BENZ, BMW, JAGUAR Cars as much Pizza, Hamburgers, and Apples from that era.
Trust this makes sense.
/
Bodika / July 18, 2026
Mr. Sarath,
If you say Mahasena was an irrigation engineer, then Gamini Dissanayake was one also.
Please don’t demean your illustrious status.
“In the good old days, there were no Politicians, Presidents, Prime Ministers, MPs and lawmakers by name. Similarly, there weren’t Engineers, Scientists, Lawyers, Accountants by profession”
When were these good old days? 100 years ago? 250? 1000? 2000?
Archimedes (c. 287–212 BC) invented the screw pump .
Hero of Alexandria (c. 1 AD): Often considered the world’s first mechanical engineer. He invented the aeolipile, the first rudimentary steam-powered engine. Hero also developed a coin-operated vending machine that dispensed holy water, automatic temple doors driven by heated air, and the wind-wheel to power organs.
Ctesibius (c. 285–222 BC): A mathematician and chief engineer in Alexandria, recognized as the “father of pneumatics.” He invented the hydraulis, a hydraulic pipe organ, as well as the force pump (utilizing cylinders and plungers) and a highly accurate water clock.
I can provide more proof if you like, that other great civilizations RECORDED the names of their Engineers and scientists.
So, can you provide a list of similar ancient Sri Lankan inventions that changed the world, and the names of the inventors?
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika / PJF
You still appeared to be in the stone-age though I though you are in the 21st century. What’s wrong with you.
All what i said in my reply to you was don’t search for Engineers, doctors, architects and others who you would have thought – would have done the sky high stupas, giant water tanks and 12000 tanks, magnificent citadels, rock fortresses, carvings, frescoes, monasteries during pre and colonial era. No no, you are certainly mistaken. All those ancient architectural marvels and master pieces, picturesque wonders what you see throughout the country’s swathes of hinterland, were done by kings, court of advisers, normal human beings and village folks, and not by so-called Engineers who you tend to believe mistakenly.
As I repeated said before, there were no Katubedde and Peradeniya Engineers, Colombo Elite Doctors, Lawyers, Scientists, Accountants, Architects and other so-called professionals during kingships and Monarchs at the time these huge and historical stupas, gigantic tanks and reservoirs and citadels were bulit. They were hand-made with no caterpillars, tractors, backhoes, cranes,at the time.
If this is not enough, can you at least show me just one good piece of work and structure being built by the so called professionals, engineers, architects, archeologists, builders with all what they seemed to be capable of with their Peradeniya, Moratuwa, Katubedda, Kelaniya Engineering Degrees in Civil, Structural, Hydraulic, Construction fields and MSc and PhD from foreign universities. Just one piece of work.
Can they even think or imagine doing a structure similar to Ruwanseliseya, Parakrama Samudraya, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Yodha Ella and huge Monastries built on Rock Pillars and 7-tier Citadels similar to Vatadageya, Lankathilaka, and rock carvings of the likes of Samadhi Statue, Isurumuniya, Sigiriya Frescos, Gal Viharaya 3-postured Buddha Statues.
Mind you those are the kind of engineering marvels, architectural master pieces and wonders, visionary craftsmanship and engineering prowess of our ancestors we ought to be mindful of. Trust this helps
/
leelagemalli / July 19, 2026
Hello Bodhika and all fact checkers,
–
History deserves respect, but it also deserves honesty. Ravana is one of the greatest figures in South Asian mythology and literature, much as Zeus, Heracles, Achilles, and other figures of Greek mythology have shaped European culture.
–
For centuries, many people in medieval Europe regarded such stories as intertwined with their understanding of the past, yet modern historical scholarship distinguishes mythology from verifiable history. Likewise, Ravana occupies an important place in cultural and religious tradition, but no accepted archaeological evidence, contemporary inscriptions, coins, or historical records have verified him as a real king of ancient Sri Lanka or as an ancient scientist with advanced technology. Believing something because it inspires national pride is not the same as establishing it as historical fact. Genuine history is built on evidence that can be examined, questioned, and independently verified—not on repetition, emotion, or viral headlines. If convincing evidence is discovered in the future, historians would welcome and evaluate it. Until then, the responsible position is to distinguish between cultural tradition, religious belief, and evidence-based history.
/
LankaScot / July 16, 2026
Hello Sarath,
Do you really think that the following text is History? – “To this great gathering of that yakkhas went the Blessed One, and there, in the midst of that assembly, hovering in the air over their heads, at the place of the (future) Mahiyangana-thupa” –
https://mahavamsa.org/mahavamsa/original-version/01-visit-thatagatha/
That’s from George Turner 1837 or so Translation.
The Mahavamsa (like the Christian Bible) is a mix of Supernatural Events and Historical Information.
Personally I think that the IVC (Indus Valley Civilisation) 3300 to 1300 BCE far exceeded that of Sri Lanka and is “widely recognized for its grid-town planning, advanced drainage systems, and large public buildings such as the great granary”.
Harappa and Mohenjo-daro had extensive Drainage Systems and Household Washrooms 3000 years before Sri Lanka.
Take your blinkers and Cassock off.
Best regards
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
LS,
Sri Lanka’s civilization (SLC) is uniquely characterized by its continuous historiographical tradition. This direct access to an unbroken chronological lineage sets it entirely apart from the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC). As clearly proved in my article, SLC is backed by written history; with ample evidence in the form of two authoritative records such as the Mahavamsa and the Pali Canon. Furthermore, the structural make-up of these two civilizations highlights a fundamental methodological division in history: text-based historical reconstruction versus purely material archeology. From a historical perspective, IVC is yet to be backed by historical records as opposed to SLC, which is at the heart of my article.
As such, Sri Lanka’s 2500-year civilization is unparalleled in the annals of South Asian landscape. If this does not make sense, given below is a narrative of IVC appeared in historical records.
“The Indus Valley Civilization spanned the regions of present-day Pakistan, northwestern India, and northeastern Afghanistan. There is no traditional written history or deciphered language from this society. Knowledge of this civilization comes entirely from archaeological excavations of ancient urban ruins. Unlike ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, there is no deciphered written history of the Indus Valley Civilization. The people of the Indus Valley did leave behind a written language, primarily found on carved stamp seals and pottery. However, this script consists of only about 400–500 distinct symbols and remains undeciphered.
Because the script cannot be read, there are no recorded stories, religious texts, or royal decrees left by the people themselves. Because this ancient culture left behind no clear signs of palaces, massive monuments, or supreme rulers, their exact society is still debated by experts”.
/
LankaScot / July 17, 2026
Hello Sarath,
You haven’t taken off the Cassock, you’re still preaching. Have you ever answered any questions asked directly? You sound like all the Christian Apologists, dodge, swivel, pivot or ignore.
Best regards
/
SJ / July 18, 2026
LS
You simply trigger the BS machine by trying to reason with it.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
LS,
Do you know what SJ means by his infamous two letters “BS” ? If you know what it means, would you mind sharing for the sake of our learned readers. I can only think of one word with “BS’, which is “Bitter Sweet” which is what he would have meant I suppose.however, if there is a different word for “BS” could you please share. Thanks
/
Bodika / July 17, 2026
Hon’ble Mr.D
A written record of ancient kings is not a substitute for real achievements in technology by real people whose names are recorded. The fact that the script cannot be read doesn’t negate the real achievements of the IVC, many centuries before Sri Lanka. As Mr Scot says, “its grid-town planning, advanced drainage systems, and large public buildings such as the great granary”.
Harappa and Mohenjo-daro had extensive Drainage Systems and Household Washrooms 3000 years before Sri Lanka.”
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika / LS
Please note, I am comfortable – calling me Sarath, instead of Hon’ble Mr D which is allergic to me.
Come on, my article is built around verifiable information and records pertaining to Sri Lanka’s 2500 year civilization; and nothing more and nothing else. As such all what I have said and written has been backed by verifiable records as in the case of Mahavamsa which is rooted in 2500years of Buddhist era. Any civilization without verifiable records and proven facts, I’m afraid would not fall within my ambit of facts-checked reporting and presentations. That’s the bottom line in my way of reporting and presenting case studies. Thanks for your understanding.
/
Bodika / July 18, 2026
Mr.Sarath.
“Any civilization without verifiable records and proven facts, I’m afraid would not fall within my ambit of facts-checked reporting and presentations.”
The Greek civilization has recorded the names of its inventors and scientists. The Islamic civilization recorded the names of its poets, astronomers, and physicians. So, are they superior to ours?
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika,
All what I said was that my write-up is focussed on what I am able to verify from historical texts and records. There may be other civilizations elsewhere which may not have such records and lineage to prove its bonafide legacy. Never mind, mine is always a story and presentation backed by verifiable facts and info, as is the case with this write-up too. Nothing more and nothing less. Thanks
/
LankaScot / July 18, 2026
Hello Sarath,
Apparently the Mahavamsa was written in the 5th Century “Its blend of history, legend, and religious devotion reflects the deep connection between Sri Lanka’s monarchy and Buddhism”.
Note the phrase “blend of history, legend, and religious devotion”. It is not primarily a History Book and anything claimed by it should have independent verification. The veracity of the stories of King Arthur has been argued about for hundreds of years.
“The chronicle was written at the Mahavihara in Anuradhapura around the 5th century CE by the monk Mahanama”. –
https://lakpura.com/da/pages/mahavamsa?srsltid=AfmBOoqx8jxMTEgRqhaRfi7iqU1JHXRLmU-83Ss3azX5FLud_gPQZ_UX
The oldest Sri Lankan Coins with Kings names were from around the 11th/12th Centuries AD. Coins are usually a very reliable source of Evidence for verifying the existence of real personages (Kings, Queens and Caesars etc.).
I wouldn’t claim that the Ramanaya was definitely based on the Odyssey, however there are remarkable similarities. But both are Legends, probably based on real events. Priam and Paris are probably real People found in Hittite texts, however the only real character connected to the Ramayana is Valmiki.
Is there any Objective Historical Evidence for Queen Kuveni or Ravana?
Best regards
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
LS
On your query on Mahavansa, what you say makes sense, which has been pieced together in the 5th century BC.
On the latter query on Ramayana and the Odyssey,I have different take altogether, to begin with. The parallels between the Ramayana and the Odyssey are definitely wild to think about. You’re spot on that most ancient epics usually have some core truth buried under all the myth, just like Troy.To answer your question about Ravana and Kuveni – to be honest there’s zero evidence, but there are tales you could easily dig up from historical records which often tend to be shrouded in mystery, hearsay, and far from real.
On Ravana, Sri Lanka has enough folklore spots tied to him, but haven’t found any actual inscriptions or receipts from his era.
As for Kuveni, she plays a massive part of Sri Lanka’s origin story in the Mahavamsa, but historians view her more as a symbol of the island’s early indigenous people rather than a proven historical queen.So it is purely legendary for now, but they still make for an epic backstory. For instance, the Ravana trail sounds an interesting project which once done, would have more to build-up from where it stands now.
Appreciate your genuine interest in Sri Lanka’s history and civilization which happened to be my favorite too. Thanks
After all, Great Minds Have All In Common.
/
leelagemalli / July 18, 2026
Hello Sarath,
–
As professionals in the corporate world, we regularly execute high-value payments to local and international vendors, often exceeding US$100,000. Yet no transaction is processed based on a single email or by one individual. Every payment undergoes multiple levels of verification, strict approval workflows, segregation of duties, and repeated cross-checks because cyber threats such as phishing and business email compromise are well known risks. In many multinational companies across the US and Germany, mandatory cybersecurity training is conducted regularly to ensure every employee understands these threats and their responsibilities.
–
This raises a serious question: how could institutions as critical as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the State Treasury fail to detect and prevent such a scam?
–
If private corporations handling large financial transactions have robust controls, continuous training, and shared accountability, government institutions entrusted with public funds should be held to an even higher standard.
–
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7rBEsBRG2k&t=51s
–
This debate highlights a deeper issue; not just a phishing attack, but a culture in which responsibility, cybersecurity awareness, and institutional accountability were not treated with the seriousness they demand.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
LM
Absolutely, and couldn’t have said it better and louder. That’s precisely what the COPA was trying to find out.and pointing at, with the meeting with CBSL and Treasury officials amidst all the hullabaloo, lackadaisical mindset and disappointment. Thanks
/
SJ / July 17, 2026
“… continuous historiographical tradition. This direct access to an unbroken chronological lineage sets it entirely apart from the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC).” etc.
What BS!
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
SJ / LS
It’s always easy for any mediocre reader to use the two letters “BS” just for the sake of fun – without any logic and reason. In the event a reader does have genuine reservations on a point raised /comment shared by an author, it is nothing but fair for the poser to raise such points of contention without being bluff and beating around the bush – like the way others do. Thanks
/
SJ / July 18, 2026
BS is BS regardless of whatever you think of the person who pointed it out.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
SJ
Thanks for the clarification. Cheers
/
SJ / July 18, 2026
BTW
I will not call you a mediocrity, but am amazed how you generate so many mediocre comments.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
SJ
I never use the word “mediocre” with any particular reader in mind. Please read the context in which the word “mediocre was used. Here it is. reproduced for your easy reference.- ” It’s always easy for any mediocre reader to use the two letters “BS” just for the sake of fun – without any logic and reason”. So tell me whether you should take it personally or not. If you take it personally, that certainly is unhelpful in a public forum such as CT. My profound apologies if that had caused you any pain of mind. Thanks
/
chiv / July 19, 2026
SJ, 👌
/
LankaScot / July 18, 2026
Hello Sarath,
I tried to decipher what you meant above, I couldn’t, however being a “mediocre reader” that’s no surprise.
What I ask is “What method do you use to decide which parts of the Mahavamsa (or any other Historical Document) are true?
Remember “Regardless of whether they are paid or hold a degree, historians are defined by how they critically analyze, verify, and interpret primary sources (like letters, artifacts, and government records) rather than simply reading secondary sources”.
Best regards
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
LS
I never use the word “mediocre” with any particular reader in mind. Please read the context in which the word “mediocre was used. Here it is. reproduced for your easy reference.- ” It’s always easy for any mediocre reader to use the two letters “BS” just for the sake of fun – without any logic and reason”. So tell me whether you should take it personally or not. If you take it personally, that certainly is unhelpful in a public forum such as CT. My profound apologies if that had caused you any pain of mind.
Coming to your million $ question on Mahavamsa, my take is as follows.
The Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle) is widely considered by historians to be an authentic and highly valuable historical document, though it requires careful analysis. It chronicles the history of Sri Lanka from 543 BCE through 1815 CE and was officially added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register for its international documentary heritage.
Historically, the Mahavamsa acts as an invaluable, long-running chronicle, but it must be read with the understanding that it was written by Buddhist monks with distinct religious and dynastic goals. This is how Mahavamsa is depicted / narrated in the official records, presented by, and inscribed in the UNESCO official records.
Trust this clarifies the position. Thanks
/
old codger / July 18, 2026
Mr.Sarath ,
“it is nothing but fair for the (mediocre?) poser to raise such points of contention without being bluff and beating around the bush – like the way others do. “
But you have been irritated to the point of ridiculing poor Mr. Bodika for asking the names of ancient Sri Lankan inventors. Why don’t you just say that you can’t find any, and that is a fault in our history?
Is this consistent with your preaching of self-awareness etc?
/
LankaScot / July 18, 2026
Hello OC,
I have one candidate, Marty McFly. In “Back to the Future 10” he goes back 2500 years to Taprobane and gives the Buddha his Hoverboard, unfortunately he didn’t tell anyone that he actually borrowed it – “Marty McFly borrows a pink, magnetic-levitating Mattel hoverboard” – “Back to the Future Part II (1989)”. 1000 years later he did King Kashyapa a favour by giving him a high pressure Water Pump, some steel pipe and a Special Gearbox to drive it (No Electricity back then, Zeus was stuck in Greece).
Best regards
/
old codger / July 19, 2026
LS,
“Zeus was stuck in Greece”
Surely Marty could have gone forward a bit and borrowed a solar panel off Lester’s roof?
/
Jit / July 19, 2026
I enjoyed your darkly cheeky humour LS! 🤣
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
OC
Thanks for raising that timely pointer. If you read my reply to Bodika carefully, it begins by reminding Bodika of my reply to PJF in which all he had asked for, has been furnished. In other words, Bodika was reminded of the fact that I did furnish the names of all who did what mattered during colonial and pre colonial era, though he failed to read the list from top to bottom despite my telling him that all what he wanted has been already furnished (in my reply to PJF).
Needless to note, I didn’t post the same list to Bodika – simply because the list of names ran into 3 pages, and was simply too much to repost once again, as it seemed both bulky and lengthy.
What you seemed to suggest in your last para is wrong. If you read my reply to Bodika, I did say that the names were given in my reply to PJF, and not otherwise, (meaning I cannot find names). So your assumption is wrong.
On your last point, whether I practice what I preach; just note how many times I have replied him with all sincerity and fairness. At least 15 replies out of 100 odd comments as of today. But when someone asks me repeatedly for names of engineers, architects, astrologers and all so called professionals of pre-colonial times, (knowing too well that there were obviously no such – so called professionals during that era ) naturally that’s basically not helpful. Even after pointing out the futility / fallacy of repeating such a hypothetical question, if someone keeps on asking the same question, then there’s something wrong with that person and his-her questioning. That’s exactly what happened and what prompted me to question his credibility of asking such hypothetical question over and over again.
Trust that clarifies the position.
/
old codger / July 19, 2026
Sarath,
You have said what is necessary here, ie, you can’t find any evidence, but in too many words .
So, why didn’t you just say at the start that our history has a fault in that it doesn’t record individuals except those are linked to Buddhism, unlike other countries. Simple, isn’t it?
/
Jit / July 19, 2026
OC, Sarath’s problem is, he is deeply stuck in the “vavayi, dagabayi, gamai, pansalai” doctrine despite his many DPL postings. That is the typical myopia many Sri Lankans are afflicted with — an infection that leaves most unable to see beyond the tip of their own nose.
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
OC,
I feel you too have not read my long list of ancient Sri Lankan kings, visionaries, historians, advisers and other great Sri Lankans who are responsible for all that what one could see across our landscape, from North to South and East to West. I have even sighted who did what, in that long list of names of our ancestors with clear notes / pointers as to how and what each of these persons did in terms of building Sri Lanka’s ancient citadels, stupas, tanks, and what not.
So the names and the work they did had been clearly defined. But the problem with both Bodika and PJF was they want names of ancient engineers, architects, and other professionals which obviously non existed during feudal era and pre-colonial era and after. That’s was the only problem, which I clearly explained to both of them Please see my replies. But deciphering and accepting the reality is their problem. Thanks for your help, go between and mediating back and forth.
/
Sarath / July 19, 2026
OC,
Your true and candid mediation in good faith certainly speaks volumes about your bona-fide intentions. After all, we have so much in common. Cheers
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
LS,
Sorry I missed the first part of your comment in the mad rush to answer the latter part. Now that i have dealt with the Indus Valley Civilization, let me therefore address the Yakkhas matter.
I’m completely at loss, and utterly confused as to why you have quoted the Mahavamsa out of context, and harping only on its super natural texts as if Mahavamsa is full of super natural and mythical texts- which is far from the truth.
Having noted your futile attempt to belittle and mis-interpret Mahavamsa solely based on its supernatural passages, inter-alia reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of ancient historiography, and distortion of its historical lineage. Any attempts to dismiss the historical value of the Mahavamsa in its entirety on flimsy grounds of mistaken narratives, is utterly incomprehensible, and amounts to a betrayal of Sri Lanka’s 2500-years of enduring legacy and history.
After all, ancient chronicles worldwide regularly wrapped concrete history in religious allegories to inspire readers. In fact, it is common knowledge that the secular lineages in the Mahavamsa possess immense chronological credibility. It was actually the critical text used by researchers to identify and date the Indian Emperor Asoka. Additionally, its structural descriptions accurately match physical archaeological discoveries across the island. Stripping away its factual authority because of its spiritual metaphors is flawed historical analysis.
As the mythologist Joseph Campbell famously noted – Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths. The supernatural passages in the Mahavamsa are the spiritual dreams of an ancient civilization, but the bedrock history beneath them is entirely real. Hope this clarifies. Thanks
/
Bodika / July 18, 2026
Mr. Sarath,
“your futile attempt to belittle and mis-interpret Mahavamsa solely based on its supernatural passages, “
But you yourself wrote this:
“As such all what I have said and written has been backed by verifiable records as in the case of Mahavamsa which is rooted in 2500years of Buddhist era. Any civilization without verifiable records and proven facts,”
So you clearly believe that MV is proven fact.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika
When I said all what, it means almost, but not 100 %..
No historical records however authentic it may mean, would be 100% real and true as clearly pointed out in my reply to LS above. Thanks
/
LankaScot / July 18, 2026
Hello Sarath,
I noticed that you’re good at the “Straw Man” fallacies, you would make a good Politician.
Best regards
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
LS
Thanks for your candid opinion of me. Please be aware, when I said all what………………………, it means almost, but not 100 %..
No historical records however authentic it may mean, would be 100% real and true as clearly pointed out in my reply to LS above. Thanks
/
leelagemalli / July 16, 2026
Hello Sarath,
“But why we are in such a mess today (not even being able to produce our staple food and basic commodities ) because our economy was opened with no controls;”
–
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63ynqxdsyio
–
If the information presented during this parliamentary committee hearing is carefully examined alongside other recent governance failures, it becomes difficult to attribute responsibility to a single individual.
Instead, the issues appear to reflect broader institutional and systemic weaknesses. When repeated delays, procedural lapses, and failures in oversight occur across multiple departments and levels of authority, they suggest a collective breakdown rather than an isolated mistake. One of the most concerning aspects is the apparent absence of a culture that encourages people to ask the simple but essential question: “Why?” Without curiosity, accountability, and a willingness to challenge ineffective practices, the same problems are likely to be repeated, regardless of who holds office.
Tbc
/
Sarath / July 16, 2026
Leela,
You hit the nail on the head. What’s been presented / shared at COPA makes absolute sense and perfectly contextualizes how deep-seated these governance issues truly are. This really adds weight to the discussion and agree with your narrative that we can’t just scapegoat a single individual for these deep seated / rooted issues. Rather it’s collective institutional breakdown and a broader systemic failure where lack of oversight and constant procedural lapses / delays have become the order of the day – across departments and ministries. I’m afraid, without accountability, no structural reform can truly take root. Appreciate you bringing these vital points to the fore.
/
old codger / July 16, 2026
LM,
“One of the most concerning aspects is the apparent absence of a culture that encourages people to ask the simple but essential question: “Why?”
Exactly. We are too intimidated by authority, from monks to PHI’s
Take agriculture for example. We have been trying since 1935 for self-sufficiency in basic foods, but to no avail. But while we talk glibly about a 2500 year old civilization with 11000 tanks, the world has moved on. The world’s biggest vegetable exporter is a country smaller than Sri Lanka, Netherlands, which uses ultra-modern methods to grow even tropical vegetables in poly-tunnels, while we are busy complaining about wild elephants.
Consider the anti-dengue campaign. In spite of all the PHIs and prosecutions, dengue only increases every year. Instead of trying to eradicate mosquitoes, why not provide flat water containers for them to lay eggs in? These can be emptied daily by householders, killing the larvae.
/
leelagemalli / July 17, 2026
Hello OC,
A nation’s progress is not measured only by elections, highways, or economic statistics, but by the everyday responsibility its citizens show toward the environment and one another. In countries such as Japan and parts of Germany, public awareness campaigns have helped cultivate habits that reduce mosquito breeding, control ticks, and keep schools and neighborhoods clean. These successes are not accidents; they reflect a culture that values civic responsibility, scientific thinking, and personal accountability.
In Sri Lanka, however, I am often disheartened to see people neglecting their immediate surroundings while devoting time to gossip, political hostility, and empty rhetoric.
Even on Poya days, when thousands gather at temples to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings, there seems to be too little emphasis on one of his most profound messages: not to accept claims blindly, but to examine them critically through wisdom and experience. That spirit of inquiry is essential not only in religion but also in public life.
/
leelagemalli / July 17, 2026
cont.
What troubles me even more is that this uncritical mindset often extends beyond the general public. I have encountered highly educated professionals and academics who respond to serious national issues with surprising complacency, while some political spokespersons appear to assume that repeating convenient narratives is enough to satisfy the public.
Equally concerning are sweeping declarations that any current leader is “the best president Sri Lanka has ever produced,” as though thoughtful evaluation has been replaced by unquestioning admiration.
No leader should be elevated beyond scrutiny, and no criticism should be dismissed out of loyalty or emotion. A healthy democracy depends on citizens who ask difficult questions, demand evidence, and judge leaders by their integrity, competence, and measurable results; not by slogans, personalities, or partisan enthusiasm.
Sri Lanka deserves a public culture where critical thinking is valued as highly as devotion, and where genuine patriotism means improving the nation rather than merely praising those in power.
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
Leela,
You have said it well and louder. I cannot agree with you more on the status-quo.
/
old codger / July 17, 2026
A correction. The Netherlands is the third largest vegetable exporter. But the fact remains that it is smaller than Sri Lanka.
/
leelagemalli / July 17, 2026
oc,
The Netherlands is one of the world’s largest vegetable exporters despite being smaller than Sri Lanka. Likewise, countries such as Ethiopia have also become important exporters of fruits and vegetables to Europe, although on a much smaller scale.
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
OC / LM
You have said it loud and clear.
Besides CBSL and Treasury officials who abysmally failed at the COPA Meeting just last week on the missing funds to the tune of millions from state coffers, you have brought to the fore, yet another catastrophic human failure as regards the alarming trend of Dengue cases in the country which has reached 70,000 cases with 40 deaths. What a pathetic situation on the health front which shows abysmal failure and negligence on the part of powers that be, in charge of health and peoples’ well-being.
As you have rightly said, the Netherlands’ success story in vegetables, flowers has caught everybody by complete surprise in. recent times. The Netherlands is also a global leader in semiconductor technology, water management, life sciences, and logistics, leveraging its highly connected trade ecosystem. They are the largest exporter of cut flowers accounting for 40-50% of cut flower exports. As you have pointed out, yet the size of the Netherlands is smaller than ours, which shows their scientific prowess and ingenuity.
On the other hand, with our network of over 15000 water tanks and reservoirs, plus highly connected and advanced irrigation networks (which too was done by our ancestors), we have absolutely failed as a nation.
All what one can see and proudly boasts about ourselves has been the work of our ancestors hundreds of years ago. Had not for the work of our ancestors (irrigation canals, tanks, architectural master pieces and archeological marvels in Anuradhapura, Polonaruwa, Sigiriya and elsewhere throughout the country (which continue to sustain tourism industry to-date) and also what we inherited and left behind by colonial powers (railways, bridges, colonial infrastructure, giant fortresses in Galle, Matara, Kandy etc, tea and rubber plantations in the mid and up country, education, language, legal system, courts and administrative and civil service, traditions and culture ), it’s hard to find local inventions, scientific discoveries, wonders, and technological master pieces, systems developed by local talents to-date. I’m sorry to mutter all this. Thanks once again for bringing yet another important dimension to our discussion.
/
SJ / July 17, 2026
oc
I think that we have a huge appetite for BS.
Or else, why do we trigger a BS maker by reacting to him?
I am guilty too.
/
old codger / July 18, 2026
SJ,
Probing the limits of where BS ends and defensive aggravation begins is fun. The threshold is much lower in the case of @.
/
chiv / July 19, 2026
OC,
You mean
Mr / Mrs/ Miss Bodika …… PJF ……..
Bhante ………..
they’ll keep trying ………………..
but going in circles
😅🤣😂😂🤣😅
Haven’t we heard and seen enough 🤔
75 years is a F….
life time of a person.
My 99 years old mom after hoping for years finally resigned to.the fact
It’s SHAM all the way.
/
leelagemalli / July 17, 2026
Hello OC,
Sri Lanka will not make meaningful progress until we, as Sri Lankans, are willing to honestly examine the deeper reasons behind our economic and social challenges.
–
Reducing corruption is important, but it is not a complete solution. Our difficulties in education, transport, trade, healthcare, and public administration stem from multiple long-standing structural issues that require critical self-reflection and sustained reform. Too often, we take great pride in our 2,500-year-old history while spending too little time asking why we have struggled to achieve our economic aspirations or create enough opportunities for young people to build fulfilling lives at home. As a result, an increasing number of educated and talented youth are determined to leave Sri Lanka for countries such as Finland, Norway, Canada, and others where they believe they will find better prospects, stronger institutions, and greater opportunities for personal and professional growth.
/
leelagemalli / July 19, 2026
cont.
The consequences of ignoring this reality are now visible.
–
Election after election has been driven by exaggerated promises, emotional appeals, and misinformation, leaving many citizens frustrated when expectations are not met. Every government inherits difficult challenges, but competence, professionalism, and effective communication remain essential standards by which public officials should be judged. Sri Lanka deserves leaders who are prepared for the responsibilities they assume, who can engage confidently with the international community, and who place national interest above political spectacle.
No country can prosper while myths are allowed to triumph over facts, while personality cults replace institutions, or while citizens surrender independent thought to political, religious, or cultural authority. The rebuilding of Sri Lanka must therefore begin not only with fiscal reforms or economic recovery, but with the transformation of the national mindset. A nation becomes truly free only when its people have the courage to think independently, question fearlessly, demand accountability, and defend truth over propaganda. Until that transformation occurs, every political victory will remain temporary, and every economic recovery will stand on fragile foundations.
/
leelagemalli / July 19, 2026
Hello OC,
.
Sri Lanka’s crisis did not begin with an economic collapse, nor did it end with the military defeat of the LTTE in May 2009.
The deeper crisis has always been the condition of our society itself. More than half a century ago, Professor Abraham T. Kovoor warned that Sri Lankans were too easily intimidated by authority; whether it came from religious leaders, politicians, or other figures of influence. His observation remains remarkably relevant today.
–
https://heritage.humanists.uk/abraham-kovoor/
–
Political independence from British colonial rule was an important milestone, but genuine freedom demands something far greater: a citizenry capable of questioning authority, resisting manipulation, rejecting superstition and misinformation, and making decisions based on reason and evidence rather than fear or blind loyalty.
–
The greatest missed opportunity in our modern history came after the war ended in 2009. Once the battlefield had been cleared, the nation should have embarked on an equally determined campaign to heal the minds of its people. Instead of returning immediately to partisan politics and development slogans, Sri Lanka needed psychologists, sociologists, educators, historians, and community leaders working together to rebuild trust, address decades of trauma, strengthen democratic values, and nurture critical thinking.
Roads, bridges, ports, and airports can be built with money, but a healthy society cannot (Best examples: Hairy Deepthi and her/his twin figure Mr Nutless). It requires vision, education, and sustained social investment.
/
leelagemalli / July 16, 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HRX6Ug2nR0
/
Sarath / July 16, 2026
Leela,
It’s all hell breaks loose at COPA hearings, What a shame. Yes these CBSL and Treasury mediocres should be grilled to the core. Anyway it’s interesting to watch how COPA conducts its hearings which are wide open for public glare. I like the way how COPA and MPs grill and crucify officials, which reminds me of BBC Tim Sebastian’s HardTalk. What a damning indictment on CBSL and Treasury officials. Yes, please keep naming and shaming.
/
leelagemalli / July 17, 2026
Hello Sarath,
allow me to correct you – not Leela but leelagemalli :)
What matters above all is honesty, integrity, and accountability. I have lived in Europe for more than three decades after being encouraged to remain and contribute to its development. Yet I have never lost my bond with my home country, despite the ignorant labels some people attach to those of us living abroad. One lesson I have learned from Western Europe is that strong institutions, clear laws, and a culture of responsibility make both employers and employees accountable for the work entrusted to them. Even when we report to senior colleagues, we cannot simply ignore our duties or escape responsibility. In today’s world, phishing attacks and cyber fraud can occur anywhere, which is precisely why cyber security awareness and internal control procedures are mandatory in every professional institution. That is why it is deeply troubling to ask how highly educated officials at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the State Treasury could have failed to question an unusual transfer of such an enormous sum.
–
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYp5zrI4Xi0
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
LM
Thanks and apologies for misquoting. A timely comment on institutional accountability. One cannot shy away from questioning lack of accountability, good governance, check and balances, institutional failures and decadence of the state, as well as unethical and irresponsible conduct and lack of oversight of those in power and authority – which have been clearly exposed at the COPA meeting with CBSL and Treasury officials just last week. You rightly question the state’s bounden responsibility and the unshakable obligations of officials in charge of state finances and their discharge of duties vis-a-vis as peoples’ representatives.
On the other hand, living abroad doesn’t diminish one’s bond to their homeland—it often provides the clarity needed to see what is missing. Western Europe’s model shows that strong laws and a culture of responsibility must bind everyone, regardless of rank.
The massive financial oversight at the Central Bank and Treasury isn’t just a technical glitch; it represents a catastrophic failure of basic accountability and mandatory internal control procedures. Education and high rank mean nothing without a culture of responsibility.
When senior officials fail to question massive, unusual financial transfers, their inaction speaks volumes. True integrity means never ignoring your duty. Cyber security and internal controls are only as strong as the human vigilance behind them. Silence or lack of questioning at the highest levels of institutions like the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Treasury is indeed troubling to say the least..
/
Bodika / July 17, 2026
Mr Leelagemalli,
As I have pointed out above to Mr. Sarath, some highly educated officials put false statements in Central bank reports without checking them.
/
leelagemalli / July 18, 2026
Mr Bodika,
Sri Lanka’s economy was effectively in the intensive care unit in 2022 after the country declared sovereign default.
–
Painful but necessary reforms were introduced, and despite high taxes and public dissatisfaction, the previous administration under the leadership of Mr RW managed to rebuild the country’s gross official reserves from around US$20 million to over US$6.2 billion within a relatively short period. The current government came to power promising that it possessed a far superior team of economic experts who would deliver much better results. Yet, after nearly 18 months in office, the increase in national reserves has been marginal compared with what was achieved during the recovery phase. If a government campaigns on superior competence, it must be judged by measurable economic outcomes—not by speeches, slogans, or political narratives.
–
Performance, not promises, is what determines whether a government succeeds. During the past 18 months, the public has also witnessed controversies over procurement processes, concerns about transparency, significant cybersecurity failures, and repeated questions about ministerial accountability. Despite these issues, there has been little visible responsibility taken at the highest levels.
–
Sri Lanka cannot afford another government that asks its people to trust words over results. A nation recovering from bankruptcy needs capable leadership, consistent economic management, and ministers who are held accountable for poor performance.
–
Patriotism is not about defending politicians; it is about demanding measurable progress for the country.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika,
I’m afraid you seemed to be completely out of mind as you tend to cast aspersions on none other than the Deputy Governor of the CBSL. How dare you say, what he has written is false ? Don’t be under the illusion that the Central Bank Deputy Governor would simply say hosannas (in the CBSL commemorative volumes) Sri on Lanka’s Peer capita in 1948 just to please mediocre Sri Lankans and Montessori kids. Just double check and see what you saw is credible and official. Thanks
/
Bodika / July 18, 2026
Mr.Sarath,
I have given the links to the relevant CB report. You can read it yourself and tell me if the data is wrong.
Someone can be a “deputy director ” or whatever and still be incompetent, Mr. Sarath.
I am sure you are aware of incompetent IGP’s, Chief Justices, Presidents,
I was commenting on our culture of subservience to “authority “.
How dare you is not relevant. If a high authority is provably wrong, why are we afraid to say so?
This is why we have failed as a country, nothing more, nothing less!
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika,
I stand by what I have quoted, which I have done after verification with clarity.
So there’s no reason for me to look at what you have referenced. Appreciate your efforts and understanding. Thanks
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Bodika / LM
Reference Bodika’s comments to LM.
Thanks Bodika for your comment. I’m afraid you seemed to be completely out of mind as you tend to cast aspersions on none other than the Deputy Governor of the CBSL. How dare you say, what he has written is false ? Don’t be under the illusion that the Central Bank Deputy Governor would simply sing hosannas (in the CBSL commemorative volumes) on Sri Lanka’s Per capita in 1948 just to please mediocre Sri Lankans and Montessori kids. Just double check and see whether what you quote is credible, and from an authoritative source. Thanks
/
LankaScot / July 17, 2026
Hello Sarath,
I liked the way that Stephen Sackur (the longest running Presenter of “Hardtalk”) interviewed people. Here is one of his milder Interviews with Hardeep Singh Puri Ji
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAx-rR5h10g
Here is Tim Sebastian’s interview with the same Politician in 2002
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRtQJzEtrpI
By the way where do you stand on Modi’s Hindutwa policies and Kashmiri Independence?
Best regards
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
LS,
Thanks. Given the sensitivity of Hindutwa policies and Kashmiri Independence for Indians and those who are toying with that idea for their selfish partisan interests, I’m afraid, I would not go into nitty gritty of it. Having said that, I thank you for engaging so deeply with the article, and for raising a question that touches on some of the most critical geopolitical and cultural debates of our time. As you are privy, questions regarding Prime Minister Modi’s Hindutva policies and the issue of Kashmiri independence are deeply complex, highly sensitive, and evoke strong, polarized viewpoints globally.
Because these matters involve profound questions of national identity, human rights, sovereignty, and constitutional law, I would have to avoid commenting, and taking a definitive stance on the question in an open forum like CT. Nevertheless, I appreciate readers like you who push the conversation into crucial, contemporary areas. Cheers
/
old codger / July 18, 2026
Sarath,
I don’t see why you are careful about commenting on the Kashmir issue. You are no longer a government employee.
I myself think the people of Kashmir must be given the right to decide if they want to be independent (difficult considering its landlocked condition) or join Pakistan.
What you say here (CT is in any case run from UK) cannot affect any other country.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
OC
Of course, and I take your point. But I am no authority to speak on a subject matter which is very close to our heart, but falls within the Indo-Pakistan ambit which is far away from our theatre of operations. It’s always better to be safe than being misquoted.
Thanks for your understanding.
/
SJ / July 18, 2026
LM
Congratulations
You have joined the ranks of ‘great minds’, but oc beat you to it.
Yet, are you not going to thank him for this great favour?
/
LankaScot / July 18, 2026
Hello SJ,
I think that I have also been inducted into this “Hall of Fame”, however for some strange reason I don’t feel elated😉.
Best regards
/
leelagemalli / July 19, 2026
Hello LS,
How is the dengue situation in the Gampola area now? Unlike previous outbreaks, it seems that this time the authorities have struggled to control the spread, especially in maintaining clean environments and preventing mosquito breeding.
–
It raises a question: if Sri Lanka had faced another major crisis like COVID-19, would groups that are good at political speeches but weak in practical action have been able to prevent serious human losses?
–
What went wrong this time compared with the past? Is it a failure of government response, local administration, public awareness, or community responsibility?
–
Dengue cases are rising rapidly in Sri Lanka. One important issue is why many communities struggle to keep their surroundings clean. Countries like Japan teach school going children from a young age that cleaning and protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility.
–
Sri Lanka may need to build a stronger culture of cleanliness and prevention, because controlling dengue requires not only government action but also daily responsibility from every citizen.
/
leelagemalli / July 19, 2026
Mr SJ,
thank you.
“You have joined the ranks of ‘great minds’, but oc beat you to it.
Yet, are you not going to thank him for this great favour?”
–
Personally, I don’t think this is simply about intelligence. It’s also about being willing to look beyond our own perspective, compare our situation with that of other countries, and remain open to evidence.
–
As you observed elsewhere, this seems to be true of many people, including what often appears to be the majority of commenters in this forum: rumors, gossip, and misinformation tend to receive more attention than verified facts.
In a way, it’s like acquiring a taste for foods that others find unpleasant—people develop different preferences (e.g blue cheese or KARAWALA(stinky dried fish)). What concerns me is that obvious falsehoods and misconceptions are so often repeated and accepted without much critical examination.
/
leelagemalli / July 17, 2026
cont.
Even in Sri Lanka’s earlier generations, our elders exercised greater caution when handling large sums of money, carefully verifying information, seeking confirmation, and proceeding step by step before releasing funds. Such prudence required neither sophisticated technology nor advanced cyber security systems—only common sense and a strong sense of responsibility.
–
By contrast, the manner in which the Ministry of Finance, the Secretary to the Treasury, and the Central Bank reportedly handled this matter projects an image of institutional negligence that is difficult to comprehend. It reflects a failure of governance, oversight, and professional judgment that no nation should accept. It is particularly disappointing that such an incident has occurred under the leadership of President AKD, whose administration came to power promising competence, transparency, and accountability. Public confidence cannot be sustained by promises or political rhetoric alone; it depends on institutions that consistently demonstrate responsibility, diligence, and respect for the public trust.
/
Sarath / July 17, 2026
LM
You couldn’t have said it better, and I cannot agree more. After all great minds think alike. Thanks
/
leelagemalli / July 18, 2026
But, dear Sarath, there are enough contributors in this CT-community who would like to see AKD given more time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bj30BNAoyA&t=149s
–
To me, it’s like waiting to see “Pigs Might Fly” one day.
They don’t care if the truth is respected. They are against individuals.
–
For various reasons, I hope that our youth will be directed to a brighter future, regardless of party politics. Regardless of how poorly they perform, the majority of our people remain loyal to their preferred leaders. Just check closely: most of our positive comments are not rewarded with “green thumbs,” yet those who upvote their own comments to appear dominant just do so. Unfortunately, they do not respect the truth and facts.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
LM,
Yes you are right. Hope they too would see the light, sooner rather than later.
/
SJ / July 19, 2026
Are congratulations in order for being inducted into the Great Minds Club?
/
leelagemalli / July 19, 2026
Dear Readers,
.
In light of the recent phishing incident that resulted in the loss of more than USD 2.5 million through a transfer to the Australian government, we need to take a closer look at the level of expertise and standards within some of our key public institutions, including the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the State Treasury Department.
–
Although it has been stated that CBSL officials provided training to Treasury officials on handling such transfers; a process that was previously managed under CBSL; the incident raises concerns about whether the necessary skills, procedures, and oversight mechanisms are meeting international standards.
–
Even in routine matters, the way certain tasks are documented, completed, and managed does not always appear to reflect the level of professionalism and accountability expected from institutions of this importance.
–
I encourage everyone to watch the video below and consider the broader issues it highlights regarding capacity, governance, and the need for stronger systems and standards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTmuRqnDg5M&t=1226s
–
May we all hope for stronger institutions, better decision-making, and a renewed commitment to professionalism and excellence.
/
auntyfreeze / July 17, 2026
Sarath, when you say: ‘communal riots broke out between Sinhalese mobs and Tamil citizens’ are you insinuating that Tamils fought back in ’83?
Don’t agree with this framing as it appears to be a watering down of events. In fact, I have noticed a recent trend amongst writers in the South to frame the riots as solely a UNP thing that ordinary Sinhalese had nothing to do with, and the war just something Tamils woke up one morning and decided to wage.
/
Sarath / July 18, 2026
Auntyfreeze,
Thanks for your pointer. I am totally with you on this. What took place in July 1983 was not at all “COMMUNAL RIOTS” as I have mistakenly mentioned, but simply attacking our Tamil brethren indiscriminately and violently without any provocation. My humble apologies for any pain of mind caused to you and others due to my misinterpretation of facts, which is purely unintentional. Once again my profound apologies for the misinterpretation of facts. Thanks
/
SJ / July 18, 2026
af
What is in the pot comes up in the ladle.
/