14 February, 2025

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Ethnic Reconciliation To Win Economic Struggle

By Ameer Ali

Dr. Ameer Ali

A fundamental truth or axiom that many economists and development experts ignore in their models is the role of ordinary people in building a country’s economy and contributing to its development. The size of an economy’s Gross National Product is not simply the outcome of land, labour, capital and technology, but above all it depends on the collective synergy pumped out of the feeling of connectivity of the populace towards a nation’s struggle for economic growth and development. The size and depth of that synergy is unquantifiable, which is the reason why it is ignored. In a plural society like Sri Lanka, which consists of several ethnic communities and cultures, it is the task of the government and national leaders to see that all communities and cultures rally behind the nation’s commitment towards achieving economic prosperity. But, unfortunately, seventy-six years of politics dictated by a policy of divide and rule, and an overall system of governance structured on an ideology of racial majoritarianism had deprived the nation’s struggle for economic development that invaluable synergy and feeling of connectivity, and the consequences of that deprivation are now crystal clear. At last, an opportunity has arisen as the result of a new awakening from a young generation of Sri Lankans who want to get rid of that politics of hatred, its ideological foundation and mode of governance. The results of the last General Election bear witness to the success of their awakening,        

No political party or coalition of parties since independence had ever received such a mammoth mandate to govern from every recognizable community in the country as NPP did. NPP’s slogan “system change” originally coined by the aragalaya youth and that party’s fearless commitment to close forever the ethnonationalist political culture and its corrupt governance proved magnetic to a vast majority of voters. It was indeed a silent revolution kindled by the aragalaya youth which finally convinced every community that to deny support to NPP tantamount to a political suicide. Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s victory at the Presidential Election was only a dress rehearsal for the final showdown that took place on 19th November.

Be that as it may, there are plenty of issues that needs addressing and demand solution for a complete system change which would mean something positive to every community and every citizen. But two of those issues need immediate attention: economy and ethnic reconciliation. In a sense, these two are interrelated.  Economic splendour alone does not bring ethnic reconciliation as one former President dreamt, and without ethnic reconciliation economic growth and prosperity would be stunted at best or retarded at worst.

Until now, minority communities in this country were either remained spectators of the development drama staged by successive governments or played the role of extras. In other words, these communities were not fully incorporated into the national struggle for growth and prosperity. This was particularly true of the Tamil minority. It was that feeling of disconnection and rejection that sowed the seeds of Tamil discontent, which grew from peaceful resistance to organized violence when Tamil leadership fell into the hands of a rebellious generation. A similar trend was noticeable within the Muslim community also as demonstrated by the 2020 Easter massacre.

If there is one political leader and one political party that could reverse this trend of intercommunal disconnection, dissatisfaction and discontent and bring them all together under the umbrella of a united Sri Lanka that leader would be Anura Kumara Dissanayaka (AKD) and that party would be NPP. The support his party received from Tamil and Muslim voters from North and East would vouch for this. For instance, when he was asked about implementing the Rajiv Gandhi inspired 13th Amendment, AKD bluntly responded that he wanted to go beyond that Amendment, which would only mean power devolution and something more. That would mean a meaningful and deeper participation of minorities in the country’s economic struggle and social transformation. Why shouldn’t the North be developed with diaspora Tamil investments and why shouldn’t the East be developed with diaspora Tamil and Muslim investments? This is why ethnic reconciliation needs to become a necessary requirement for success in economic struggle.

But already a few communal hate mongers have started rekindling the fear of separatism and they are making a mountain out of molehill about the omission of Muslim representation in the cabinet. True, such representation from all communities could be a good public relations exercise. Many of the former governments did exactly that. But did that solve the ethnic problem? Weren’t Tamils and Muslims subjected to cycles of organized violence watched by security forces? What did those Muslim and Tamil ministers do to prevent those episodes except to visit the scenes of violence once everything quietened down?  But as long as cabinet ministers and officials under their portfolio abide by the law and made answerable to any breaches and as long as the judiciary remains free from political interference should it matter whether a minister is a Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim? Ethnic reconciliation and economic development are therefore inseparable. To put it bluntly, without ethnic reconciliation Sri Lanka’s economic struggle cannot be won. Hence, the priority for it in NPP’s agenda for year 2025.      

But the economy itself requires special attention, because voters are expecting quick relief from punishing cost of living and falling real income. But the major problem is the IMF trap. NPP, despite canvassing before the election that it would renegotiate some of IMF’s conditionalities, decided in the end not to do so, and pragmatism dictated to go along with that agenda almost to the end. This is however not the same as treading along the path that Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW) laid out, as his supporters are claiming. Because even IMF was disappointed with RW’s incompetence to tackle corruption and reform governance. How could he when he was promoting corruption and protecting the corrupt under his wings? Didn’t the CBSL Bond Scam take place when he was the Prime Minister? Who except him protected all those who bankrupted the treasury and the economy so that he could win their support when needed to survive as President? But the fact that NPP straight away launched its anti-corruption campaign and governance reforms was welcomed by IMF and with that campaign IMF agenda should produce better results than without it.

Yet, that alone is insufficient. Government needs extra resources to invest in and to rejuvenate the neglected local production sector particularly food production. IMF is not concerned about this. With food production turning into a gamble with climate in many poor countries there seems to be a hidden agenda among rich nations not unknown to IMF to convert those countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America into consumers of factory produced food by MNCs in rich nations. The agreement arrived few days ago at CoP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan to offer financial assistance of an annual sum of $300 billion for the next ten years as compensation to poor nations for the environmental havoc caused by the four industrial revolutions and environmentally unfriendly scientific and technological advancement in rich countries was really an “insult” as some delegates from the poor nations called it. This is why food security should become the primary target on NPP’s economic agenda. Why not encourage diaspora Sri Lankans to invest in this sector? The East and parts of the North in particular, could become a granary supplying the bulk of the nation’s victuals. But the ethnic disharmony fed by a racially determined system of land distribution in these provinces has prevented this becoming a reality. Absence of ethnic reconciliation which cripples the synergy from collective participation has therefore become the enemy of economic development.  Will year 2025 under NPP put an end to this curse?

*Dr. Ameer Ali, Business School, Murdoch University, W. Australia

Latest comments

  • 3
    1

    Sri Lanka exemplifies the crucial role that ordinary people play in building a country’s economy and contributing to its development. The nation’s beauty lies in its rich cultural diversity, which is significantly influenced by various religions. This cultural togetherness fosters an inflow of capital into the developing country. For instance, investments in building factories are recorded as capital flows in the financial account of the balance of payments. Such capital investments are instrumental in developing the economy and enhancing its productive capacity Country like India, Singapore and Malaysia model. All countries can be reached through Sri lanla Multicultural increased variety of knowledge skills

    • 2
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      SL exemplyfying anything?
      We should pause the time machine a little I think. There is a long way to go and many a slip between the cup and the lip,

  • 7
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    NPP’s first promise to the voters on their election platforms was ethnic reconciliation. However, laws relating to this should have been the first bill that should be presented in the Parliament, but the Government is not following its promise. First black mark on the NPP Government.

    • 3
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      Well, the government has already given hopes to minorities by implementing several goodwill actions, haven’t they? Then there are long queues to buy Nadu rice that need to be addressed quicker. A lot to do with the flood victims and bring their lives back to normal. Establishing law and order and elimination of corruption are the first steps NPP promised to implement so they are equally important too.
      All these are more important than addressing Rajiv-Dixit pact that was signed 35 years ago.

  • 6
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    For Sri Lanka to progress as a Nation, the North and the East have to be developed significantly by introducing modern technology to agriculture and fisheries, and by better utilizing natural resources like the Trincomalee harbour and the vast mineral deposits which reportedly exist in these provinces.

    There should be a concerted effort to improve the standards of living of the people of these areas whose lives have not seen much improvement for several decades. Economic development, better employment opportunities, prosperity, hope for the future, and ethnic harmony usually go hand in hand.

  • 10
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    We all know who massacred thousands of JVP and JVP supporters in 1971 and 1988/98 . We also know thousands of Tamils in 1958,1977, snd 1983 and thousands of LTTE and Tamil people until 2009. It is the same governments with same political leaders over the seven or eight decades using racism and religious fundamentalism.. If this truly understood by NPP and its team it is not difficult to convince the Sinhalese or Tamil to accept a devolution of power where people can work together to reach the goal of peace , and development. Anura will become a the first national hero of this country loved by all citizens, all communities forever.

    • 9
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      Do we also know who killed Vijaya Kumaranatunge among others?
      In 1971, the JVP was not really a killer, but 1988-89 it was almost as bad as the government.
      The JVP must take a good look in the mirror and reconcile with its past so that they will not recur.

      • 4
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        “Do we also know who killed Vijaya Kumaranatunge among others?
        You should know more about who Killed SWRD anD Viyayakumaranatunge because you was inside the door?

        • 3
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          I know what a pathetic sod you are, and do not bother to confirm it repeatedly.

          • 0
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            SJ: “what a pathetic sod you are”
            Very disappointing note there. Accuracy, admirable though it is, does not justify such direct dissemination of the fact you have uncovered.

            • 2
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              SAV
              Thanks
              But read his c**p and advise me differently if possible.

  • 5
    1

    … it is the task of the government to see that all communities rally behind the commitment towards achieving economic prosperity.
    Alas that this axiom has to be stressed.
    .
    … representation from all communities could be a good public relations exercise.
    Valid, only if, those representatives reflect the values of those communities. Not, if they are mere token representatives.

  • 9
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    “…..Weren’t Tamils and Muslims subjected to cycles of organized violence watched by security forces?Many of the former governments did exactly that. But did that solve the ethnic problem? Weren’t Tamils and Muslims subjected to cycles of organized violence watched by security forces? What did those Muslim and Tamil ministers do to prevent those episodes except to visit the scenes of violence once everything quietened down? ……”

    Dr Ali, I am glad your stand is a complete (positive) change to that of your previous article.
    Well done – Optime factum!!

  • 3
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    Ethnic reconcilliation already existed/exists among the people (though not among politicians), as seen during the Tsunami when coastal people helped each other without asking if they are Tamils, Muslims or Sinhalese. The 2024 vote also proves this, where the old politicians (descendents of the Upper caste rulers who became top bootlickers of the British in the 19th century) were discarded. This time, of the 244 Maveer Naal, apparaently only 10 had LTTE symbolism. During Premadasa’s time, when (1990?) he invited the LTTE for talks and put them in the Hilton, there was great hope among the people. Premadasa wanted the LTTE in democratic politics. The LTTE indeed registered a Party. But there cannot be a fair election with one of the parties, the Tigers, being armed to the teeth. So, requirement number one – give up arms. Of course the LTTE rejected that. So, after 19 years of bloodshed destroying the Tamils, in 2009 the LTTE were finally killed and disarmed. It was NEVER the people who were not reconciled, nor not wanting peace. If requirment No. 1 was removing weapons, requirement No.2 was removing the racist sinhala and tamil politicians. This happened 99% in the 2024 November election.

  • 2
    1

    The current administration, led by the head of government and its key members, has so far showcased impressive oratory skills—what critics are calling mere lip service to the nation. However, there has been little progress on the implementation of meaningful economic reforms. Despite the much-publicized focus on addressing corruption, there is yet to be a concrete effort to table or discuss bills in Parliament aimed at rejuvenating Sri Lanka’s struggling economy.

    .

    One glaring issue is the lack of development in the Northern and Eastern regions of the island. These areas, historically marginalized due to the civil conflict, hold immense economic potential but remain neglected. Critics suggest this is because of a lingering fear that these regions could outpace the rest of the country economically if given adequate support. At the same time, large portions of rural southern Sri Lanka also face similar neglect, leaving much of the country’s potential untapped.

  • 2
    0

    A bold vision for North and East port and harbor development could transform Sri Lanka into a hub for international trade, leveraging its strategic location. At present, much of this trade bypasses Sri Lanka in favor of India. If the government were to capitalize on this opportunity—even in the post-conflict era—the benefits to the nation as a whole could be monumental.

    .

    Incentives like concessionary tax rates to establish industrial and technological zones in these regions could attract foreign investment, create jobs, and shift the economic burden away from Colombo. Developing assembly lines, improving worker quality, and investing in rare earth material processing for export are just some of the avenues that could diversify the economy. Additionally, infrastructure projects such as tunnels, ferry lines, and electricity generation—driven by affordable, competitive pricing—would facilitate faster movement of goods and people, ensuring more equitable development across the country.

    .

    Equally crucial is addressing the disparity in pay between public and private sector employees for comparable roles. This inequity not only impacts morale but also limits the competitiveness of the workforce.

  • 3
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    Meanwhile, the agricultural sector faces its own set of challenges. The widespread use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers without adequate health and safety measures has led to a surge in renal failure and other health complications among farmers and agricultural workers. Studies have highlighted the deteriorating quality of soil and water, exacerbating these risks. Without a balanced and inclusive agricultural policy, the nation’s focus on grain and vegetable production risks leading to long-term disaster for both the environment and public health.

    .

    For Sri Lanka to rise above its economic struggles, the government must prioritize systemic reforms over rhetoric. Bold initiatives for regional development, investment in modern industries, and sustainable agricultural policies are not just important—they are imperative for the country’s survival and progress.

    • 5
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      Dayan says “ The widespread use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers without adequate health and safety measures has led to a surge in renal failure and other health complications among farmers and agricultural workers.“.
      This claim is no longer tenable. This story was peddled by Jayasumana, Dr. Padeniya, Ven. Ratana, Champika Ranwaka et al (“toxin-free” nation project). So Sirisena banned Glyphosate and Gotabhaya banned all agrochemicals, triggering economic ruin. Measurements of toxin levels in the Dry Zone and other areas by the WHO (2013 report), by the many research teams (Tokyo University, CERTKID of Peradeniya U and Kandy Hospital, U of North Carolina and SJP, etc) show negligible pesticides, heavy metals (like Arsenic, cadmium) in the soil, water and the food chain, way below the WHO thresholds. Ven. Ratana et al invoked “Natha Deviyo” (not facts) to support toxin claim. Renowned biologist Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda issued a U-Tube debunking claims that pesticdes and fertilzers cause Sri Lanka’s renal diseases etc. The disease is found only in areas with excess fluoride (of natural origin) in hard water. If agrochemicals cause Renal disease, people who drink water from agricultural canals and tanks should get sick. They don’t. Instead, those who drink water from dug wells (away from the water table of the tanks) get sick.

      • 11
        7

        Sebastian,

        The pesticides imported from China contain high levels of toxic chemicals. QC/environmental regulations are very poor in that country. Renal failure is very high in China, though they try to cover it up.

        • 7
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          If such pesticides are used, then you should see it in chemical analysis of water, soil and food. AS I mentioned, the levels found so far are miniscule and at the limit of detection. The cause of renal illness in Sri Lanka is now well understood. The biggest user of pesticides and chemicals is the twa industry. But the renal illness (called chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology) is NOT found among tea wrokers, or among agricultural workers who drink water from agricultural sources. It is those who drink water from their own tube wells and dug wells, which are AWAY from fertilized areas, that get this disease. Just because there is a probelm in China, or because “living-with-nature” ecolos in California are opposed to fertilizers, people in Sri Lanka should not blindly folow them. Furthermore there are two monsoons and lots of rain that washes off not only the pesticides, but even the soil of this country. The Registrar of Pesticides in Sri Lanka has to approve every import.

          • 12
            10

            ” The cause of renal illness in Sri Lanka is now well understood.”

            If it was well understood, it would be relatively easy to prevent, assuming proper education. No one wants to get kidney failure, as it is hell on earth to live with. In fact, the rate of incidence is increasing: “Chronic kidney disease has now attained epidemic proportions, placing a significant strain on Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.”

            https://researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/4671925/1/Weerakoon-etal-2024-Chronic-kidney-disease-in-sri-lanka.pdf

            “Furthermore there are two monsoons and lots of rain that washes off not only the pesticides”

            The rain does not necessarily wash away all the pesticide residue. Not to mention, there can be runoff of pesticides into wells and other bodies of water.

            I am not asserting that these pesticides are the primary cause of CKD in Sri Lanka, though that may be the case. I leave that to the experts. However, the government needs to take a more aggressive approach here. Instead of showing off by shopping at a supermarket or walking from A to B, actually tackle a real problem that affects 10% or more of the population.

          • 8
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            Hello SebastianSR,
            My Brother in Law died 2 years ago of Kidney and Liver disease. None of the Doctors could come up with a Diagnosis or possible Treatment. He was a Rice Farmer up in the Hills outside Gampola. It would be productive to compare how many of the Family members contract these diseases compared with the men/women who actually apply these Chemicals to the Fields.
            It is also a problem in Agricultural Areas of the UK e.g. Cumbria and parts of Scotland.
            My Brother in Law also worked in a Fuel Distribution Site before taking on the Rice Farm. Highly toxic Chemicals like Toluene and Benzene are present in Petroleum Products.
            Best regards

            • 3
              12

              Hello LS, this is truly an unsolvable problem, Sri Lanka and many developing countries are caught up in it to a greater extent than any other agricultural nation in the developed world. My late condolences on the untimely death of your brother.
              .
              Countries of our nature have to struggle with other shortcomings in treating such health problems with a stepmother’s priorities.
              .
              The reason is, water analysis (regional labs) in European and other developed countries is a routine method for consumers to allow their groundwater for their agriculture and various other uses.
              In many parts of Germany, as a tap water consumer, you have the right to check the profile of updated water analysis.
              The law is treated with maximum punishment against those who throw any kind of contaminants into the water they consume. Unlike in Rajapaksa-ruined Sri Lanka, the laws are strictly enforced. In a country where law and order is questionable, what can go right ?

              • 3
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                cont.
                .
                2
                Unfortunately, Sri Lanka, Venezuela or many other poor countries do not have sufficient resources to continue such water analyses due to lack of funds in those countries.
                Therefore, farming communities like Rajarata (srilanka) and like-minded vulnerable areas of the world are automatically faced with the consumption of contaminated water without access to other alternatives.
                .
                At that time, the glyphosate issue arose and a whole lot of information was revealed by researchers from all over the world, both pro and anti-Monsanto (Monsanto Glyphosate Manufacturing Company) researchers, but with most of it it was not revealed. In fact, it was caused not only by the excessive use of the herbicide Round-up. Former controversial SLPP Minister Jayasumana became famous through research projects based on the “Unknown Kidney Disease of Sri Lanka” and although he worked with some groups in the United States, myths based on “Natha Deviya” or such stories were planted by them in Sri Lanka. Then the poor people will fall deeper. One issue that Sri Lankans do not pay due attention to is their blind belief in myths.

                Tbd

                • 3
                  12

                  cont.

                  There are also other heavy metal derivatives (Cd, As, Pb etc) which have been shown to damage the cortex and other parts of the human kidney, making it an easy target for kidney disease, which even 30 year old farmers are unaware of. . I personally knew that several researchers were working on this subject in Europe, some have updated publications on the subject while others are stuck unable to make glyphosate which is responsible for the onset of the disease.
                  .
                  Importers of agrochemicals and other hazardous substances to Sri Lanka (not forgetting various pharmaceuticals) have not been properly regulated by Sri Lanka and other developing countries for the past 20 years, and even this has become a profitable business for Rajapaksa’s close businessmen in the past 2 decades. DDT (a carcinogenic chemical) was still valid as a pesticide and could be used many years after it was banned by first world countries from their agricultural landscapes. Also, the small countries of South Asia were completely dependent on Indian hegemony in such matters, a fortiori to the state of small poor countries, if India had not banned them in time. This factor is the main reason for many tragic problems in that heavily affected region (South Asia).

        • 6
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          Hello Lester,
          Evidence?
          Best regards

          • 6
            10

            LS,
            .
            Evidence from Jester the Lester ?

            Pigs might fly !

          • 9
            6

            Hello Scot,

            You must be aware that a single instance of a brother-in-law does not constitute as valid “evidence.” Although you are not spamming like the illegal immigrant in Germany. Good luck.

            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faulty_generalization

            • 3
              0

              Hello Lester,
              You must also be aware that I asked you for this Evidence “The pesticides imported from China contain high levels of toxic chemicals. QC/environmental regulations are very poor in that country. Renal failure is very high in China, though they try to cover it up”.
              Now where is your “Evidence” for the above?
              I used the example of my Brother in Law as an example of one of your other quotes “Chronic kidney disease has now attained epidemic proportions, placing a significant strain on Sri Lanka’s healthcare system”.
              He died a painful death in Hospital, alleviated somewhat by the Medicines that we provided.
              In the UK you would be provided by a MacMillan Nurse administering Terminal Patients with regular top-ups of Morphine when necessary. I watched one of my UK Relation’s last moments in the room with a MacMillan Nurse. She (my relation) died of Lung Cancer that affected the Bronchial Division of the Trachea and was inoperable.
              Best regards

          • 9
            9

            LS
            “Evdence?”
            You know Lester well enough to predict the answer, which could be on the lines of ” India Gandhi was an Italian, which raises the possibility that the runoff from Italian factories in India causes air pollution here”

        • 6
          4

          Leater
          What are your sources of information?
          The usual one– fantasy?

          • 3
            6

            SJ,

            You are pro-Marxist/pro-Chinese so just follow the Great Leader to the end of the rainbow.

            “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.” – Mao Zedong

            • 6
              1

              Have you found the barrel?
              Any old barrel should do for one who cannot tell the difference.

              • 0
                2

                A binary decision is not as simple as it seems. If you imagine some asset like stocks. The odds should be 50% in your favor, but most will lose 95% of the time.

                • 2
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                  Q. Have you found the barrel?
                  A. If you imagine some asset like stocks. The odds should be 50% in your favor,
                  More from the master of malle pol.
                  Rather like a squid escaping in a cloud of ink.

      • 3
        0

        @SebastianSR – I’m not entirely sure what’s in the WHO’s 2013 report or whether it remains relevant to the current context. However, the idea that a single measure being below or on the borderline of the threshold means we are “all good” is overly simplistic and potentially misleading.

        .

        Numerous studies conducted by researchers in various regions have reached conclusions consistent with previous findings on this subject. Many of these studies have identified a link between the occurrence of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) and exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb).

        .

        Moreover, evidence suggests that regardless of whether levels fall below threshold limits, arsenic contamination in soil and water has been increasing year after year. CKDu is not only a significant concern in Sri Lanka but also a global issue requiring urgent attention.

        .

        Ref:
        1. https://sdg.rjt.ac.lk/archives/3659
        2. https://storage.googleapis.com/jnl-sljo-j-jnsfsl-files/journals/1/articles/11128/submission/proof/11128-1-46385-1-10-20221030.pdf
        3. https://irispublishers.com/wjass/pdf/WJASS.MS.ID.000501.pdf

        • 5
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          Dayan,
          Thanks for your valuable comments. Many of us have been forced to fall for the stupid and false claims propagated by an estranged srilanken immigrant from the UK, however, you who make such comments are opening the eyes of the people. Your contribution is truly appreciated. Actually, we should use the current forum to discuss such issues rather than ones with ego-polishing or heroworshiping wasteful discussions.
          .
          To my knowledge, the number of people affected by UKKD in Sri Lanka is reported to be much lower today with the time that vulnerable areas are now provided with clean water for their consumption. However, this needs further attention.
          I hope that the powerful NPP government will act in this dire situation, without getting hung up on the arguments against the past rulers. If our people do not come together to solve health problems like this across the country, our younger generation will be lost prematurely. Also, it should not be forgotten that Sri Lanka has been hit by severe economic problems regarding water in recent years, , I believe, funding for such a project could be set back at various levels.

        • 2
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          Hello Dayan,
          I was brought up in an area that has a similar Metamorphic Geology to the Central Province here in Sri Lanka. I recognise many of the rocks around here (Gneiss, Schist, Quartzite and Granite) as they are common in North East Scotland.
          Radon Gas and Heavy Metals are very common in these Rocks. They have significantly higher rates of CDKu
          Cumbria and parts of Wales have similar rocks and also higher rates of CKDu. A contributory factor may be that Water from these rocks is Soft (low pH) and may contain more of the Heavy Metals and Chemicals that are associated with these ilnesses (Cancers and Kidney Diseases).
          There is a proliferation of Research Projects going on around the World to ascertain the likely causes of these diseases, but my guess is that if Radon is present then it will probably be one of the Contributory Factors.
          Best regards

          • 4
            4

            LS,
            There is a bit of history attached to this issue (like everything else in Sri Lanka! ).
            ÇKD prevails mostly in the North Central Province. Not in the South-Western or Southern or even much in the North. This is significant because much of the NCP was opened up for agriculture through various colonisation schemes post-independence, with the grand aim of making the country self-sufficient in rice. Until the colonists arrived, CKD was unheard of.
            Now, the NCP was indeed the breadbasket of the country 2000 years ago, but was abandoned. The reason (conveniently) given is Chola invasions, but even Cholas have to eat, so there is no reason for them to destroy cultivation. In colonial times, malaria was the problem, but did ancient farmers know of kidney disease too in this area, causing them to abandon it?

            • 1
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              LS and OC,
              .
              Sri Lanka is burdened by CKD and its consequences for decades, and the costs and other issues associated with hemodialysis services provided to ESRD patients have exacerbated this burden. In light of the country’s economic situation, the greatest challenge for the healthcare system has been the provision of adequate, high-priced hemodialysis services to an ever-increasing population of patients. In addition, the dearth of adequate resources and workforce, the economic status and occupation of patients, the transport distance and costs for patients, the absence of a proper screening program, and the lack of community awareness and knowledge have negatively impacted the service and the prognosis of patients. Therefore, it is crucial to pursue and implement strategies to enhance the quality standards of this life-saving procedure in order to improve the patients’ quality of life and overall health.

              Quoted from the publication below
              https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/puh2.155#:~:text=According%20to%20data%20from%202020,afflicted%20by%20kidney%2Drelated%20ailments.

          • 4
            3

            Hello Scot,

            “A contributory factor may be that Water from these rocks is Soft (low pH) and may contain more of the Heavy Metals and Chemicals that are associated with these ilnesses (Cancers and Kidney Diseases).”

            So then you are somewhat in alignment with Jayasumana, who reached the conclusion that, ” The current study strongly favors the hypothesis that CKDu epidemic among farmers in dry zone of Sri Lanka is associated with, history of drinking water from a well that was abandoned. In addition, it is associated with spraying glyphosate and other pesticides in paddy fields. Farmers do not use personnel protective equipments and wears scanty clothing due to heat when spraying pesticides. ”

            Regardless of the source, it seems that water is one of the primary transmitters. One way to significantly cut down on kidney disease in Sri Lanka would be via advanced water purification. But that is rather expensive.

            The other point (here I am speculating) is that farmers may be using pesticides and fertilizers in excess of safety guidelines.

        • 5
          0

          The reference 1 cited by Dayan is from the Rajarata University Channaa Jayasumana Group: mis-inofrmation. Reference 2 is to a paper published in a predatory journal and has no scientific standing. The third paper (national science foundation, SL) actually says that heavy metals etc., found in Sri Lankan soil are from weathering rock (not from fertilizers). Let us go to prestigious research journals like Nature (I give refences below). In Sri Lanka renal disease is endemic in random villages in the dry zone. But the seemingly random distribution fits the geological distribution of fluoride from geological sources. SL scientists have done a great job in regard to chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu). The research has been led by an interdisciplinary team of kidney specialists (Kandy hospital) + Geologists + Chemists + international scientists from U of Tokyo, and US labs etc. Check with Dr. Tikiri Abesekera (Kandy hospital), Prof. Chandrajith, U of Peradeniya, Prof. Oliver Illeperuma U of Peradeniya. See for instance the research papers:
          (1) Wasana et al, in the prestigious journal: Nature: Scientific Reports 2017, 7:42516. 10.1038/srep42516 which you can read at https://www.nature.com/articles/srep42516,
          (2) Balasooriya et al in Springer Journal Exposure and Health, 2019, 12(4):823-834 10.1007/s12403-019-00340-w. This is also an open-access article available at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12403-019-00340-w

          • 5
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            (reply to Dayan continued)
            Predatory journals are those that publish an article if a page charge is paid, without peer review.
            Leading Sri Lankan scientists have puslished their research in top journals, and also fight the mythmaking agaist fertilizers and pesticides that the Channa Jayasumana types stated (with Natha Deviyo) and also supported by the the elitist “organic food” affaciandos who claim that all our food is “poisoned”.
            All this has been countered in detail by the excellent U-tube issued by the renowned biologist Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda who won the Linnean medal for his work: Listen to his U-tube which is unfortunately, only in Sinhala
            https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AJp%2DCX5bpWS4LUo&id=B41356F321656C67%2192406&cid=B41356F321656C67&parId=root&parQt=sharedby&o=OneUp

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              Hello SebastianSR,
              I lived in a Town on the English Welsh Border that had a higher than average Cancer Rate. I knew that Radon had been implicated in higher rates, so I asked the Local Council what the levels of Radon were. They told me that there was No Radon in Shropshire.
              My friend the Head Librarian from next door to the Council told me that the Same People from the Council Building had refused to collect Documents from the Basement due to High Radon Levels. He showed me the Newspaper Article which I copied and showed to them. They said it had happened before their time in the Council, which I knew was a lie.
              Anyway here is an excellent Article on Radon Gas – https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/13/7460
              Best regards

              • 4
                0

                Yes, Radon gas in basements is well known to be a health hazard. The solution is, if you plan to buy a house in such a place, install a fan system that will exhaust the basement gas. Don’t wait till the Municiple council does things. In Sri Lanka, thorium, a radioactive material, is found in the blackish beach sands, and also in the mineral known as monozite. Just as radium emits Radon, thorium emits the radioactive gas Thoron. I think the IFS in Kandy and the Geology Dept did measurements of thoron gas emissions, and found them quite high. This causes cancer etc., in Sri Lanka. Then, without any investigation, someone will say, “it is all caused by fertilizers and pesticides”. Some Marxist like to blame “Big international agri-business” and oppose agrochemicals. In a country like Sri Lanka, we need fertilizers as the soil gets washed away of nutrients in two heavy monsoons.

                • 3
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                  SebastianSR,

                  A study conducted by Duke University at least partially validates Jayasumana’s findings.

                  A massive field study of the wells supplying drinking water to the Sri Lankan communities, conducted by researchers at Duke University, has identified a possible culprit — glyphosate, the active compound in Roundup, the most widely used herbicide in the world.

                  The results of the study were published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters on September 13, 2023.

                  Through this technique, the researchers found significantly higher levels of the herbicide in 44% of wells within the affected areas versus just 8% of those outside it.

                  https://pratt.duke.edu/news/roundup-ingredient-connected-epidemic-levels-chronic-kidney-disease/?cn-reloaded=1

                  Jayasumana was not involved in this study. Jayasumana may be controversial for his stance on COVID burials, but that is a separate issue. Apparently, his reputation as a researcher is quite high: “Prof. Jayasumana is included in the world’s top 2% scientists identified by Stanford University in both 2021 and 2022.” There may have been a few issues with the data collection his 2013 paper, however, numerous other papers (by other researchers) validate those findings. In addition, many critics of the paper are pro-glyphosate. His findings threatened their monetary agenda aka multi-billion dollar industry.

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                    This study by Duke University (actually Ruhuna University man Mangala Silva with Duke) was shown to be false. The amount of glyphsate in the wells were expressed in grams/liter. All chemists and biochemists (one subject in my backround) know that the concentraions have to be expressed in grame-moles/litre. This mean you divide concentraions by the molecular weight. Glyphosate has a molecular weight of about 200. So, but not diving by the molecular weight, Ruhuna-Duke University paper exagerated the importance of glyphosate by a factor of 200. This very serious ERROR was pointed out by other scientists. See: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00879
                    entitled Comment on “Glyphosate and Fluoride in High-Hardness Drinking Water Are Positively Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka” that appeared in Environmental Science & Technology LettersVol 11/Issue 3, February 2024
                    The Ruhuna University man, Dr. Mangala Silva is a Jayasumana/NalindeSilva Acolyte. In additon to the above ERROR, Duke-Ruhuna study did not reveal the actual well-concetrations of glyphosate and so others can’t fully check what they have done!!!!

                  • 1
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                    Of course Jayasumana, together with Dr. Sanath Gunatilleke (Califronia University) have a very very high reprutation as they have been pushed up to the top by the very powerful anti-GMO movent who have being trying hard to pin kidney disease on glyphosate without success. Then in 2013 Jaysumana (Rajarata U), Sanath Gunatilleke (alif. U) and Ms. Senanayake (Kelaniya clairvoyant who claims to speak to Natha deviyo) published a paper jointly in a predatory journal run by a chinese businessman claiming the “hypothesis” that Arsenic, Glyphosate and hard water produce a hithertoo unknown toxin that causes kidney disease. That such a toxin doesnt exist was immediately pointed out by Lankan and foreign scientists. Nevertheless the anti-GMO lobby, the internet “Guru” Dr. Mercola, the Calrifornia “Truthout.com”, and the international organic food lobby headed by Prince Charles (now king) made the Jayasuman paper internationally famous. They even got an AAAS prize sponosored by the anti-GMO people who claimed that Jayasumana popularized public science while facing death threats from big agri-business. I found most of this info in an article on glyphosate that appeared in the GLC-project website.

                    • 0
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                      Seb,
                      This was one of my favorite topics in those days, so I came across the following article while searching for it.
                      https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24562182/
                      .
                      Nathadeviya was introduced to Jayasumana by the late Dr. Nalin de Silva, as I learned from my colleagues in Colombo. I really don’t know why a science boy would fall for such myths.

                • 1
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                  Hello SSR,
                  Thank you for your comment. It helped me gain some knowledge on this subject in relation to Sri Lanka. I never thought that the above mentioned elements that emit radon would also be present in Sri Lankan soil at such high levels. It is common in Germany for some areas to be severely affected by some radio-active emission elements.
                  Therefore, I advise people when moving there for their livelihood.

                  For the first time in Sri Lanka, an attempt was made to measure the outdoor radon levels
                  using CR 39 type passive radon detectors. Preliminary results indicate that in Sri Lanka, 220Rn isotope
                  is more abundance than 222Rn isotope. These results were also confirmed by in-situ measurements. Sri
                  Lanka has one of the highest 220Rn values in the region. It was also noted that environmental
                  conditions and other physical factors have a significant effect on the outdoor radon measurements
                  using passive discriminative detectors.

                  More you will read about this under the publications@
                  Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hatana Road, Kandy, KY20000, Sri Lanka

      • 4
        9

        SSR,

        “Ven. Ratana et al invoked “Natha Deviyo” (not facts) to support toxin claim. ” Unfortunately, it is easy to manipulate the mindset of also MBBS medical doctors if born to srilanken soil (best example is Jayasumanaya, who became a Prof. thanks to his connections to MARA et al).
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMeyoDbFkT4&t=2030s

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2c81QMQtA8
        (the truth behind Dhammika Tonic is beyond all stupidies)

        I think this alarming issue on UKKD should be compared with like-minded countries rather than comparing factors in the developed world. Developed countries do not lack funds for their regular water analysis.
        *
        Sri Lankans were supposed to become a Somalia by July 2022. Sri Lankans had to suffer a lot thanks to RW led austerity measures and IMF interventions amidst the resistance of various Sinhala extremists (Vasideva Nanayakkara, Wimal Buruwanse, Gevindu Kumaranatg etc).
        *
        This is a nation full of criminals and vagabonds of various natures, who are standing against national level agreements that could lead to the upliftment of the poor (70% of the population). They are like a village dominated by fierce rabid dogs. Their barking will block almost any progressive step planned

        Tbd

  • 2
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    National unity & reconciliation is still a dream.
    With a large number of government employees, WHY CAN’T the GoSL run the Local governments without any more ELECTIONS. We can have honarary prominent locals as advisors to those who govern their AREAS/REGIONS.

    • 7
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      The TNA could not even decide on who is going to be their leader, and so if they cannot even govern themselves, do you really believe that “prominent locals” can be unanimously approved?
      Do you remeber how EROS, TELO, ENLF, PLOT, etc., etc., and how they settled on who runs the show? Do you remeber the last Northern Provincial council and how it spent its time bickering with each other? How many Tamil parties contested in the last election?
      Do you see or hear about the goings on in the Jaffna University that Prof. Ratnajeevn Hoole brings out exposing all the dirty linen? Ditto for the dirty linen in his church affairs that he writes about. So, you think they can settle on a prominent leader?
      Then comes the issue of caste and who the prominent local should be!

  • 2
    10

    “Absence of ethnic reconciliation which cripples the synergy from collective participation has therefore become the enemy of economic development. Will year 2025 under NPP put an end to this curse?”

    The reality is that the NPP or other forces will not do magic in a short time. In addition, AKD is not bold enough to act as their pre-election platform presentations.
    .
    If the NPP’s views are based on their few meetings organized in those cities during the pre-election period, they will all be the same as their U-turn responses with the new DSA and IMF recommendations.

    It is true that there are more Tamil Sri Lankans who migrated to Western Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region during the war. Some of them have a better standard of living in those countries, while the majority of others barely cover their daily lives. With the Covid crisis, most of the others as diaspora in Europe, America and the world have had some impact on their family economy.

  • 1
    10

    Minister like Handunetti or demagogues have encouraged people to record his “big speeches” at their pre-election rallies.
    :
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyTuNFbt-bE

    People are keeping their mouths shut like vaccinated rats today.
    So the problem in this society is that people are lazy, fascist, and the RW-led group has achieved it for the nation, but they don’t give him any gratitude or respect. I think people in this country are divided between the rascals and the people who respect them.

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