4 October, 2024

Blog

IMF Forecasts & Systemic Crisis

By Ameer Ali

Dr. Ameer Ali

If you feed enough oats to the horse, some will pass through to feed the sparrows (referring to trickle down economics.” (Galbraith)  

IMF’s Global Financial Stability Report was released a few days ago, which referred to a “perilous combination of vulnerabilities that have been lurking under the surface of a global financial system for years”, and Tobias Adrian the Financial Counsellor and Director of Monetary and Capital Markets Department of IMF added that “the emergence of stress in financial markets complicates the task of central banks as they seek to maintain  towards higher interest rates in the face of stubbornly high inflation”. Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of IMF noted further that “with rising geopolitical tensions and still-high inflation, a robust recovery remains elusive.” Based on all this is a forecast of an economic growth rate of 2.8% for 2023 and 3% for 2024 and next five years, the weakest projection since 1990 and well below the average annual growth of 3.8% over the past two decades. 

In a scathing attack on globalization and blind financialization of economies, Joseph Stiglitz a Noble Laureate, and author of Globalization and Its Discontents (2002) among several other publications, accused the IMF and its market fundamentalism, the so called “Washington Consensus”, and US Treasury for the terrible consequences such as increased destitution, widening wealth gap, social conflict, and an atmosphere of hopelessness almost in every part of the world. In other words, the crisis the world is facing today is more fundamental and systemic, rather than particular to individual economies or societies.  

With the breakup of the Bretton Woods arrangements in which the value of US dollar was fixed against gold, and other currencies were bound to the dollar, an era of stable and predictable exchange rates and restricted speculation came to an end. With Milton Friedman’s monetarism and free market economics coinciding with the fall of Keynesianism from 1980s finance capitalism and financialization of economies gained momentum, and the share of the financial sector in GDP and in relation to the real sector increased rapidly. It was a fundamental and systemic change, and in this system financial markets, corporations and elites exerted greater influence on national economic policies and their results. IMF became the watchdog of this system. 

In simple terms, what happened after this change was the gradual weakening of the direct link between the real economy and its finance partner. The flood of financial instruments created by the money market was more to earn short term profits than to invest in the real economy for sustainable growth. While the real sector was starved of direct investment banking corporations, industrial firms, and capitalists were creating new and novel instruments that could be traded in the market to earn quick profit. Speculation and risk calculation became a new art in a world of crypto currencies, tax havens and nonbank financial intermediaries. Central banks that are expected to control the behaviour of money markets, guarantee adequate money supply, and protect the value of domestic currencies are almost powerless and are described as an anachronism in this risky financial world. Is it then a wonder that “a perilous combination of vulnerabilities (are) lurking under the surface” of this system as the IMF report claims? Isn’t there a systemic crisis? 

Small but open economies like Sri Lanka have no choice but to seek assistance from the watchdog in times of serious economic crisis. That is what the current regime under President Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW) has done after Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Presidency delayed the SOS message by a couple of years. Yet, it is better be late than never, and the economy is now under IMF’s remote control. However, IMF has no special medicine to offer to the sick economy except to advice and release funds to protect and stabilize the finance sector. And any benefit to the real sector on which a vast majority of Sri Lankans depend for their existence is expected to be a positive fallout from the expected growth of the financial sector, a phenomenon described by Galbraith as “trickledown economics.” It was Joseph Stiglitz who in an interview given after the 1997-99 Asian Financial Crisis pointed out that “reform cannot be imposed either from the outside or from the top down. The most successful developing countries have not followed the Washington Consensus” i.e., IMF.  

Sri Lankas has its own systemic crisis. The seeds of that crisis were sown in the very birth of its independence from colonialism. An ideology of Sinhala-Buddhist ethnonationalism, which originated in the 19th century, worked from behind the scenes to transform the country’s multiethnic democracy into, if possible, a monoethnic majoritarian autocracy. And the root cause of today’s economic crisis should be traced back to that pernicious ideology which granted social license to Sinhala-Buddhist governments to develop the economy to benefit that majority. There was no accountability to what those governments did. Nepotism and corruption became the order of the day, the country lived beyond its means, and borrowed without limits to cover recurrent budget deficits, which ultimately bankrupted the treasury. Now it has sought the help of IMF, which has its own global system to protect.        

IMF’s warning about slow growing economies struggling to cope with stubbornly high inflation and high interest rates also needs closer look. Raising interest rate to counter inflation works effectively if that inflation is demand-pull and not cost-push. But the current rate of inflation is not entirely caused by increased demand but more by supply constraints caused by the pandemic, the war in Europe and climatic catastrophes. How could increasing interest rate remove supply constraints and reduce natural disasters? Has IMF or the system it protects any solution to the war in Europe and climate change? A blanket increase in interest rate would only make things worse than better. Even in rich countries like Australia households are complaining of increasing cost of living. 

Producers engaged in real economy needs to borrow funds at low cost to invest and increase production. Without producing exportable surpluses how could an economy like Sri Lanka overcome its persistent trade deficit? Therefore, credit control by central banks needs to be qualitative and discriminatory to benefit the real economy rather than to favour speculators and short-term profit seekers. When banks themselves indulge in speculative investment what hope is there for growth sustainability and financial stability? This is a systemic issue.   

 Besides the systemic crisis in the neo-liberal world, Sri Lanka has its own systemic crisis. None of the political parties in the country except NNP is calling for systemic change. Whereas President RW seems to feel contented with the current system while putting the trust on IMF experiment to rescue his presidency and the economy. Obviously, the finance sector and the elite are totally supportive of that experiment, but understandably the real sector and ordinary households that are bearing the cost of this exercise by way of higher prices, taxes and tariffs have their reservations. Given the unavoidability of the hardship and forbearance of ordinary folks there is no guarantee that there is light at the end of the tunnel because of the forecast global downturn. IMF’s report has carefully avoided the word recession and is more worried about protecting the financial side of the economy than peoples’ lives. To quote Stiglitz again, “development is about transforming the lives of people, not just transforming economies.” It has been found that majority of countries that received assistance from IMF had not experienced notable improvement in the living conditions of their people. IMF reforms often fail on that ground. 

Adding to the global gloom are Sri Lanka’s own vulnerabilities lurking under the surface such as the ethnic question and foreign relations. To resolve the ethnic question RW is attempting to implement the controversial 13th Amendment. There is no way he could achieve this without changing the system. With a sizeable Tamil diaspora community working overnight to influence Western powers, the ethnic issue has become a sensitive factor in Sri Lanka’s foreign relations.  

It may be to tackle those vulnerabilities and save the status quo that RW is resorting to protect himself and the regime with a new Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This Act in its draft form appears to be a camouflaged replica of the previous Prevention of Terrorism Act, which was internationally condemned for its draconian measures to invade human rights and democratic freedom. If ATA were to be passed in the parliament in its original form and without substantial amendments the country would enter a dangerous zone in local politics, which would make economic recovery even more difficult.   

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

Latest comments

  • 4
    0

    IMF assistance may take care of just one side of the equation. Until the other side is also attended do not expect to see our Economy balancing any time soon.
    (This is my understanding of Ameer Ali’s article.)

    • 2
      0

      Another understanding!
      “If you feed enough oats to the horse, some will pass through to feed the sparrows (referring to trickle down economics.” (Galbraith).
      This is another saying for tickling effect , you look after the haves, and the benefits tickled down to the have nots-a benevolent rich.
      This is the philosophy of neo liberal economists to solve poverty.

    • 4
      0

      You guys of intellectual-bent can argue till the cows come home …….. but to a simpleton like me, who is only ever capable of looking at the simple distilled end-result/outcome ………. all third-world liberation/freedom/self-rule struggles are the highest form of masochism.

      All the struggles ……. in the end ……. achieve nothing but transferring the right/ability to abuse from foreigners to one’s own kind. And one’s own kind abuse better than any foreigner ever did.

      Anyone care to argue?


      Native, why did you follow the ex-colonisers to reside in their countries? ……… Why didn’t you remain behind to enjoy the glorious freedom/self-rule achieved by your own Sinhala-Buddhists?



      Perhaps it’s not just the country that needs a “system-change” ……… some should wash away their “education” ……. and learn to think anew ……..

  • 11
    7

    System failure at global and national level.
    Ranil has no damn clue.
    And what does he do?
    Hold a gun to people’s head.

    • 8
      3

      “To resolve the ethnic question RW is attempting to implement the controversial 13th Amendment. There is no way he could achieve this without changing the system.”
      Is anyone going to protest when RW designates the Loku Hamuduruwos as terrorists and locks them up under his new ATA?
      The Cardinal?

      • 3
        2

        old codger,
        Are you posing a question, or, floating an answer.

        • 1
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          Nathan,
          Both. 🙂

      • 6
        4

        OC
        Watch what you say.
        Not many around with a sense of humor. Numbers are declining.

        • 3
          3

          “Not many around with a sense of humor “

          Hahaha… You really a comedian! You have made my chest and stomach to pain, by that humor!!.

          (Honestly, please tell me, what you think about the world? Is that something even very much below the UNP-SLFP rulers think about the Sinhala Buddhist Modayas?)

          • 3
            1

            That is one hand up as witness.

      • 7
        1

        Old Codger,
        13 Amendment is not controversial, but it is a well thought out compromise programme. But unfortunately, the racists made it controversial by designating 13A as Indian imposed and compromise on the sovereignty of Sri Lanka

        • 8
          9

          Did not the LTTE do its part to undermine the autonomy of the N&E PC simply because it did not want an EPRLF government?
          This was not the first time that LTTE’s pettiness knowingly helped SB racism.
          BTW
          The Indians did not have a clue about the national question of SL. They went by the TNA narrative. 13A was a sell out of Hill Country Tamils and Muslims not by will, but by plain ignorance.

          • 5
            4

            And the lives of the Muslims and Hill Country Tamils are now extraordinary in the current climax, especially the Hill Country Tamils from independence. What can I say, you indeed are something and nothing can describe you. If I want to be kind can only state a self-hating Tamil, who will go to any lengths to see that the Island’s Tamils are denied their just rights and support their marginalisation. You are either brainwashed or brain-dead to be kind or have a selfish agenda. Please explain to me how an act that recognises to some extent the legitimate aspirations of the island’s native Tamils, their ancient homeland provides them with some security with regards to land rights and police powers is a sell-out of Hill Country Tamils who hardly live there and have a different set of problems and the Tamil Muslims again when the vast majority of them (72%) live amongst the Sinhalese and seem to be happy and until recently supported Sinhalese Buddhist racism against the island’s native and Hill country Tamils.

            • 5
              3

              So recognising the ancient history of the Eelam Tamils to some extent and their homeland become a sellout to Hill Country Tamils and Muslim Tamils , who have a different history, demography and agenda from the native indigenous Tamils. This is like some idiot stating providing home rule to the Scottish in the UK is a sellout to the Afro-Caribbean British and South Asian origin British. Sec 13a protects the rights of all Tamils and Tamil speakers living in the ancient Tamil homeland in the north and east not just the native Eelam Tamils but also the Hill country Tamils and the Muslim Tamils who live there. Understood. so where is the sellout? Do not deliberately try to mislead and create mischief. Unlike the other two Tamil/Tamil speaking communities the native Eelam Tamils from the north and east have an ancient history and homeland on the island and have been there long before a people called Sinhalese evolved largely from the native Dravidian Tamil and semi-Tamil speaking tribes who converted to Buddism and immigrants from India some from the north but the vast majority again from then Tamil South India and DNA proves this and not the Prince Vijaya fairy tale.

          • 3
            3

            Come on man, The heavenly time that you spent on CT for N-E Autonomy is already part of the past Mahavamsa and now you are reinventing EPRLF sacrificing itself for Tamils Autonomy? Is it that your earnest hope that your comment alone is enough to get a VC position from Appe Aanduwa? My eyes are running to see your innocence, Sir. Tell me something, what does SB Racism mean? Is it a useful tool to go to the UK? What about Bathiudeen racism? You never heard of it? “The Indians did not have a clue about the national question of SL. How much do you think that India must know to solve the Tamils problem? Have you heard about Bangladesh? So how many Indian professors wrote about the future Bangladesh before it was liberated by India, from Pakistan? Could you define what is the pettiness of LTTE? Please do not show your Marianne trench deep heinousness as you are rating the LTTE. Could you define the gentleman-ship of Deva and lady ship of Vasanthi, the keyboard you used to define LTTE’s pettiness?

          • 4
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            SJ trying to protect BS Fundamentalism and the sold of leftism to BS Fundamentalism. SB racism and Fundamentalism has a long history before the birth of LTTE or EPRLF. SJ knowingly helped BSF

            • 3
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              You are trying hard to impose your imagination on me.
              Find just one short utterance by me defending any form of bigotry, be it SB racism or any fundamentalism.
              *
              Some do have emotional difficulty in facing the slightest criticism of LTTE’s narrow nationalist racism and cruelty.

  • 2
    6

    Blindly increasing interest rates can only make products scarcer in the hands of low-income consumers. Interest rates increase not just kill the wages paid out to workers and consumer loans obtainable (car, house, major surgeries, wedding…. all get controlled) by consumers, it even kills production by squeezing the Commercial loans too. To be simple, it forces the economy to shrink, both ways, i.e., production and consumption. (To be honest, any growth number given by the Evil Administration is only a bloody lie; instead, the economy is going to suffer for years to come (The Central Bank numbers are outright cheating for Evil to hang around in his job). If the production gets out to warehouses, then consumption loans must be released to have them cleared from warehouses. Business means money rolling. If the money is rolling out without income, that is living on credit. So, the IMF wants to pull back the money let out without the budgets balanced, all these years. Unfortunately, by these measures, the shrinking economy is what the IMF is seeking to achieve. Fake & overheated Langkang economy must be frozen to cool down to promote sustainable balanced growth. Again, in other words, produce, earn money, consume with your income, clear the warehouses to release new production. This is the economic cycle.

  • 2
    6

    In a country where the economy grows by a very smart planning process, you need not listen to the IMF or need not shrink the lending. When production and consumption keep cycling, lending, and paying the loan will roll smoothly. Economy overheating or living on credits are no features of such a dynamic economy. So, the countries with dynamic economies are letting the loan lenders and banking Industry freely work so only their economy can achieve sustainable growth. Langkang, which hemorrhages large parts of exports bill payments, sovereign bond loans, and grants as foreign deposits, has no way of self-balancing budgets. This kind of leak cannot be compensated by the local economic activities. That is the production took place is much lesser in the value to the loans obtained. This vast gap can only be cured by deprivation & austerity of consumption. That is the way to pull back all unwanted loans given out to balance the foreign deposits which were depleting the economy. What is happening is, earlier, Hitler roasted the population and now the Evil Emperor is steaming them to bring back the evaporated water in tissues by the roasting process. If you fall repeatedly sick, you need to be cured by bad tasting medicines. If they are repeatedly roasted and steamed by the cartwheel UNP- SLFP, UNP-SLFP cycle, hopefully they will learn or cease to exist.

  • 1
    5

    Remember, good tasting or bad tasting, the medicines need not to work always. So the death of the patient also with in the boarder!

  • 6
    6

    Dr Ammer Ali,
    Let us move forward without just speculating about the IMF long term recovery initiative without a viable alternate master plan .It is just beating about the bush
    It is true that NPP is the only political party or group in Sri Lanka that had called for THAT HAD CALLED FOR systemic change since aragalaya days, but did they ever spelt out the detailed proposal or a road map? and further NPP is calling for elections without any changes in any of the systems.
    Does it make any sense?.
    What is the priority is systemic changes not elections, not even presidential?

    • 5
      6

      If you admit that it is the system that has failed, not any individuals or political parties it is axiomatic if elections are held under the same system the result will be the same.

      If you still believe that you could make a difference, it means that you have not understood the system theory.
      If a system had failed repeatedly, it will fail again until the system is destroyed and replaced with a new progressive system

      • 7
        3

        “If a system had failed repeatedly, it will fail again until the system is destroyed and replaced with a new progressive system”
        Whose system theory this is may I know.
        *
        Systems do not exist in isolation. They interact with their environment. Think about the implications?

        • 1
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          ” Whose system theory this is may I know.

          You sound like you know a lot of systems theories. Could list them one after other and give some enlightenment in those?

          Thanks in Advance in for clarifying the matter!

        • 3
          2

          Ref Wikipedia!

          • 4
            1

            Great.
            So it is Wikipedia that tells us that “If a system had failed repeatedly, it will fail again until the system is destroyed and replaced with a new progressive system”
            Wikipedia is as wide as an ocean and holds as much fact as fiction and a conman gets away by citing it as source, but avoiding specific reference!
            Thus, Wikipedia is one a great escape route.
            How pathetic can one be!

            • 3
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              SJ,
              A long time ago, the Church would lock up its Bibles, to avoid the unitiated taking its very loosely worded passages literally.
              Do you think Wikipedia should be similarly restricted, along with YouTube for good measure?

              • 3
                1

                OC
                I, like you, am a champion of free speech, as long as free speech includes speaking up against nonsense parading as information.
                My protest was not against Wikipedia or YouTube, but citing either (even falsely) as though they are the last word on any subject.
                In Tamil weeklies, articles are taken from the Internet, at times translated, and signed as “Source: Internet”.
                The paper does not divulge its exact source in case other papers lay access to their mine of information.

                • 1
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                  “The paper does not divulge its exact source in case other papers lay access to their mine of information.”

                  Could you write this for us in laypeople English, instead of Das Kapital standard, please.

                  • 4
                    1

                    Which word can you not understand there?
                    I know and use standard English, which you obviously cannot handle,.
                    Never mind, no serious comment is meant for “people like you– lay or not”.
                    *
                    BTW
                    Do not take too much of the illegal stuff.

                • 0
                  0

                  SJ,
                  TIC.

            • 1
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              I thought since you always copy and paste from Wikipedia, you must be impressed. Another clue about systems. Have you ever heard of close and open systems, if not, you are a novice a long way to go.

              Still you may survive with tears for the departed and their buried concepts and barren theories that had become stale and obsolete.

              • 3
                1

                Not always, but to cite source. I give the link as well, unlike some dodgy characters.
                *
                All I needed to know was the source of “If a system had failed repeatedly, it will fail again until the system is destroyed and replaced with a new progressive system”.
                You have no answer but only abuse to offer.
                It is probably a cooked up theory, regardless of whether the system concerned is closed or open or half closed and half open.
                *
                Abuse cannot make a falsehood the truth.

            • 2
              2

              “Wikipedia is as wide as an ocean and holds as much fact as fiction and a conman gets away by citing it as source, but avoiding specific reference! “

              Thank you master for sharing your long-preserved technique of how you are surviving in CT for such long. Cross my heart and hope to die! Without missing your famous one word, we will be following this heavenly advice.

              • 3
                1

                “Cross my heart and hope to die!”
                When?

            • 1
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              Part 1
              I was away from my computer for a few days and to Colombo Telegraph and during this short period there appeared in CT columns, some nasty and vituperative comments to my comment that needs refutation.
              The comment was,
              “If a system had failed repeatedly, it will fail again until the system is destroyed and replaced with a new progressive system”.
              This was the statement that was repeatedly challenged.
              I, now will substantiate my claim from the past, not from research articles.
              Do you seriously request citations for the above? Like to a research article ‘Unlikely!
              Systemic changes may be effected due to revolutions like French, American, Russian and Chinese Revolutions where all old systems were replaced by new system resulting in the birth of new nations with new systems throughout the length and breadth of the country.

              • 0
                0

                Part 2 continued from part 1
                Marxist Dialectic Materialism or Marxist Historical Materialism. Where social revolutions from Primitive Communism, to Slavery, then to Feudalism and finally to capitalism were explained vividly and how the next stage of social change could occur leading to establishment of Communism could be evolved from the earlier systems by revolutionary means.. Earlier systems were replaced by a new, more vibrant systems through systemic changes.

                Chairman Mao’s quotation that you cannot make omelets without destroying the eggs or something to that effect meaning that old should be destroyed before something new is born. Or Lenin’s quotation to the effect that ‘All powers to the Soviets’ during the Russian Revolution.
                You could read all about these dramatic events from American Author- John Reads, Ten days that shocked the world” – on the spot account of Russian Revolution.

                • 1
                  0

                  Part 3
                  I had shown clearly with necessary back up information about the destroying existing systems before the birth of new systems and after the earlier systems were destroyed only some remnants could survive for the time being until they also go the way of others before them.

                  The research articles of course are published in research journals, magazines and even books that needs citations sited. Does every ordinary articles, in newspapers, letters to the Editors, regular columnist and ordinary comments by readers need citations?
                  Where is freedom of speech and why not censorship imposed and have a monopoly of news!
                  Where is freedom of speech and why not censorship imposed and have a monopoly of news!
                  Wikipedia is a valuable stores of knowledge from various sources and almost every computer literate person go to Wikipedia for checking facts.
                  If Wikipedia spread false news why not ban it everywhere in every language, in the interest of truth and fair play?

                  • 2
                    1

                    “I was away from my computer for a few days and to Colombo Telegraph and during this short period there appeared in CT columns, some nasty and vituperative comments to my comment that needs refutation.”
                    *
                    Your memory seems to play tricks.
                    My comment on repeatedly failing systems was brief and polite.
                    And the writer of the comment, knowingly or not, responded rather amusingly. Then there were a few exchanges– nothing rude said on my part.
                    {A canny one (grammar excused) from him in the series:
                    “Another clue about systems. Have you ever heard of close and open systems, if not, you are a novice a long way to go.”}
                    I sought clarification of a claim on repeatedly failing systems. Now I doubt if I will ever have a sensible answer. Most importantly, it is unfair to expect it.
                    *
                    To make SK happy I will end with: “You win. You win. You win”.

    • 9
      0

      srikrish: ” What is the priority is systemic change, not elections, not even presidential”. At its face value, your statement is absolutely correct.

      But the “Million Dollar” question is: Who would and could do that “Systemic Change”?

      Would and could the present Government of Ranil W (combination of UNP/SLPP); SJB and all other “Communal” parties combined do it? In my opinion, NONE of these parties would do it. So it is pointless and futile to ask them.

      So the ANSWER is to “ELECT” a “NEW” political party with a majority that would and could do that “SYSTEM” change. That is why the “ELECTIONS” are a MUST.

      • 1
        4

        Simon,
        Elections!
        How mature democracies behave in elections.
        In USA, Could any other third party candidates other than democrats or Republicans win elections?
        It is always two party race, a third party has no chance
        So in any other western neo-liberal democracies such as UK, Canada, Australia or any country in the EU,
        Do you think any third party has a chance to penetrate this barrier and win? Unlikely you will agree.
        De you thing NPP to win in a presidential election?

        It is better for them to wake up!

        In the Latin American countries the experience is different, they will strike after the elections and ensure that the victory will be aborted.

        Elections will never bring in systemic changes, whereas extra parliamentary struggles will do!

        • 10
          3

          “In the Latin American countries the experience is different, they will strike after the elections and ensure that the victory will be aborted.”
          Which country?
          Something like that happened in the US recently.

          • 1
            6

            Something like that happened in the US recently.

            Date and incidents please! All the possible links preferred. (Please avoid the conspiracy theories.)

            • 4
              1

              I will not overburden your brain.
              Something is a singular noun.

              • 1
                4

                “I will not overburden your brain”. What a kind gentleman, if not the only sage who never came to the sinful earth but remained in heaven ever!

                Don’t feel too shy like a chicken to say that openly, because everyone knows that one word. Your “LIE “ That one word more shameful of you than to the two words “Conspiracy Theory” to confess. It is ok if you couldn’t tell what happened and accept it because it was only a lie but play more of the hide & seek. Everybody knows who you are.

                • 0
                  0

                  to stop bold

                • 4
                  1

                  That is the illegal stuff speaking.
                  So, can one be angry?
                  One tries to be kind.

        • 9
          4

          Dear srikrish,
          .
          Please continue the debate
          about which system of voting would best suit us. I’m very much an amateur, but whenever this question comes up, my ears prick up.
          .
          Each decent system has its strengths and weaknesses. After 75 years, we’re still debating! A Constitution must be a permanent framework. Let us see one in place, and hopefully hardly ever amend it.
          .
          Our problem here is that there is no system. The Constitution is tinkered with to suit the new situation that arises each year. That must stop.
          .
          However, conducting elections regularly is very necessary, and the results must be respected. To change the Constitution a mandate must be obtained. It looks s though such a change will come about after we have a Parliament where the majority of those elected promise a new Constitution during the campaign, and with a President who concurs.
          .
          The pending local government elections will have nothing to do with Constitutional Change; it’s a small (“podi”) election. All the more reason why it must be held. We must be willing to die agitating for it!
          .
          Who will win should not be part of the debate. How each of us will vote cannot be interfered with by anybody else.

          • 8
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            SM
            Don’t forget that in the cradle of democracy, ancient Greece, only the citizens could vote. Women, slaves, serfs, etc need not apply. Is that a solution?

            • 9
              6

              Dear oc,
              .
              I’m shocked
              at the nonchalance with which you slip in this reference to Ancient Greece. I’m going to attempt a rebuttal of your argument at the bottom of this page.
              .
              I’m beginning to feel that you’re not really interested in striving to make a better world; you only want to make clever debating points. I’m not interested in that.

              • 6
                4

                SM,
                “I’m beginning to feel that you’re not really interested in striving to make a better world”
                As I pointed out below, there is only self-interest. Wouldn’t it be in your interest to hang on to your Honda rather than lose it to some commissar in a JVP government?

            • 3
              0

              OC,
              That may be the awakening point and even better than Aragalaya has brought forth!!!???
              We could embark on the FEUDAL SYSTEM OF “HOUSEHOLDERS BATHING” and “NEW CLOTHOTHES being ADORNED ANNUALLY AND EVENTFUL, WITH ALUTH AVURUDU CEREMONY AND ASTROLOGY to play key role!!!???
              What a saving on Water (project loans)and Textile Imports – then confirm imports to CHINA our dear friend in need!!!
              The cost would be down “CHEAP AS CHIPS???”
              WHT A WONDEFUL TIME??
              64 MILLION USD QUESTION, “WHO WILL BELL THE CAT”??? The commercial trade, Up In Arms!!!?

            • 6
              0

              OC
              Sit Down.
              The iskolamahaththaya asked a less naughty boy.

              • 1
                3

                “OC
                Sit Down.
                The iskolamahaththaya asked a less naughty boy.

                Ha, even the UOJ Saddami slipped a step on the doob grass bulwark? Probably it might be dupe grass bull walk!

                • 5
                  1

                  “doob grass”
                  Is that the grass you smoke?
                  Let me check on it.

          • 3
            0

            Dear logical thinkers,
            .
            The biggest problem I see they don’t respect facts. 😒 .
            .
            Myths control them round the clock. Ironically they are the champions at doing things auspicious.
            .
            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKHhyjR52B0.
            .
            I have to agree 👍 not only with Harini but also with the other two.
            .
            Saddest reality 😢 that JVPrs are only crying on CORRUTION which is obviously 👎 the single huge problem we have in our hell today

            • 5
              5

              I’m sorry, LM.
              .
              I don’t get the point that you’re making. Is there anything about “auspicious times” being followed by Harini?

            • 5
              0

              “Myths control them round the clock. Ironically they are the champions at doing things auspicious.”

              Sorry to confuse you. I have the feeling you might have eaten too much “oil cake (Kewum)”.
              By “them” I meant all Sri Lankans. As usual you see things differently.

          • 6
            0

            (Part)
            S-M,
            “Each decent system has its strengths and weaknesses. After 75 years, we’re still debating! A Constitution must be a permanent framework. Let us see one in place, and hopefully hardly ever amend it.”
            Absolutely agree with you!!!
            It is a very NOBLE THOUGHT INDEED, hopefully would be a reality indeed in the near future!!!
            However there is an ingredient to ensure that noble thought becomes a REALITY!!??
            That is a word – “CONCENSUS” – AN EVASIVE CONCEPT TO Sri Lankan SOCIETY AT LARGE!!!???
            They – the Sri Lankan Polity must be first and foremost grand idealist, first of all discard from the lexicon, “I” and “ME” and erase all thoughts beholden to that word and become accustomed to the usage of “WE” and “US”!!!???
            Unable to envision that happening in this decade!!!???
            Our current dilemma indeed, “divisional thinking” of 6.9 million, 1.8million, 1+million, and 1+ million voter base (not including their dependants and families) to change in this period up to 2030!!!
            POLITICIANS HAD BRAINWASHED THE ELECTORATE AND IT IS HARD TO NOW CHANGE THAT CORRUPT MINDSET!!
            So the constitutions, if and when they decide to have one!!!
            It would be Romesh de Silva, Ali Sabry, Manohara de Silva instruments,
            (TBC)

            • 6
              2

              Dear Mahila,
              .
              Many thanks for appreciating the point that I have made to expand the implications of what srikrish had said.
              .
              I think that this is the most important issue facing us now. We very much need a new CONSTITUTION – a decent and rational one. Can somebody give me a rational explanation of how such a Constitution can be enacted by the current (legal but) illegitimate President and the Rajapaksa crooks. Even the SJB is in disarray.
              .
              And the NPP? I suspect that poor AKD must be wondering how he can keep control of his less educated supporters by continuing to say the right thing. The ultra-clever but anonymous “old codger” has committed hara-kiri by worshipping pure “Utilitaranism”. “leelagemalli” has joined him. I don’t wish either of them ill, but let’s roast them both at the bottom of the page!
              .
              We desperately need elections!
              .
              The complex argument has become much simpler.
              .
              Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V) of Bandarawela

              • 2
                0

                SM,
                “Can somebody give me a rational explanation of how such a Constitution can be enacted by the current (legal but) illegitimate President and the Rajapaksa crooks. “
                Good question.
                Now, many here hold up the British legal system as excellent (certainly better than ours). A question for you: Who enacted their Constitution?

              • 4
                0

                OC and logical thinkers@
                There are stupid people everywhere, but what matters is their percentage of a population. It became more clear in November 2019. Those who argued with me have become saints today. My prediction was that if Rajapaksa returns to power, the consequences would be like a bull entering a barn. ….. It is now in front of our eyes.
                Why on earth did EVEN these seniors fall for that stupidity?

              • 4
                0

                Dear SM,
                .
                May I correct you again ?
                I have never supported politicians and fascists in my home country but as far as leaders are concerned, I consider RW and CBK to be the ones who can do the job. It was the Rajapaksas and Wimal Weerawans who destroyed the Sri Lankan society. It was distorted by the malecha media and by so called “artists”. That’s why people hate “Jackson Anthony” who is dying today.Can you please see the facts ?
                .
                I am against rascals and popular politicians in my country. I was and am for federalism. I have been very against racism since childhood. I left home at 16 because I couldn’t stand the way my father and relatives treated their cinnamon peelers and other workers. I saw my relatives offering the lower chair to the workers. My mother told me dozens of times, “My dear son, you will not be able to survive in Sri Lankan society.” She asked me to leave the country and find my way. She has been my compass in this life, and she will continue to be.

          • 2
            0

            (PART ii)
            Involving their limited thought process, as much as we had DSS and Sir JP’s called Lord Soulbury Constitution, Colvin R De Silva/Felix RDB/Sirimavo RDB, or JRJ/HWJ constitution!!!???
            Because they are self-serving they would be amended at whims and fancies of who is in power!!?? This phenomenon to be negated, constitution making should have wider concensus!!!
            JVP/NPP may dislike, but as example the STATE REORGANISATION COMMISSION OF India – headed by K M Pannikkar in 1953!!??
            Holds good THE country which in 1948 born, independent with state strife to “tear-apart” from UNION!!??
            Now as 4th largest economy soon!!!???
            There should be a hidden secret – Melancholy, strife torn standing “TALL IN UNITY”!!???
            Recognition in world leadership, forthcoming without difficulty
            AUKUS, QUAD and many more!!!??
            At independence, we were “streets ahead of Pakistan, India, Maldives and Singapore”!!!???
            Singapore is now 1st world country, the PM of that country in admiration of Ceylon’s’ stature in worldly affairs “dreamt of Singapore following then Ceylon”!!!
            His hopes were “dashed ” to smithereens within 10 years, soon after 1948 citizenship act and 1956 Language policy in Lanka!!!???

            One man’s Power Hunger and vanity, convoluted thought process caused destructions and dismay!!
            (TBC)

          • 2
            0

            (PART III)
            SELFISHNESS!!!??
            Ended up finally in Bankruptcy, DDEPRIVATION AND STARVATION in “Granary of the East!!??
            Being an optimist with positive outlook confident it is achievable, but the ground realities, depth of treachery seem UNSURMOUNTABLE!!
            EVEN FOR AKD, VH OR ANY OTHER, UNLESS THIS “MALAIS” IS CURED!!!
            Hence doubt even 2048 is unachievable in the present context and relevance!!!
            SAD INDEED, BUT REALITY MUST BE FACED WITH STRENGTH AND CURARTIVE PROCESS ATTEMPTED!!!

        • 7
          0

          srikrish: Thanks. I was speaking of S/L political environment. At this “Moment,” a “Third Force” (more so a “Second Force” because a dividing line is being drawn) is likely to emerge. The “Dynamics” of political “Awareness” (among a younger generation) PLUS an “Enough is Enough” ( among the older generation) “Changes” are in the offing. Who takes “Advantage” and what “Changes” that GROUP offers are emerging; but not yet established?

          No “GROUP” who resort to “Extra Parliamentary Struggles” that you speak will not succeed. Of course, I wouldn’t rule out that “Aragalaya” types.

    • 7
      6

      Here’s something new, but only for those who can understand Sinhalese:
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTLtY_ek_u4
      .
      Anura Kumara Dissanayaka | Npp | jvp in a one to one discussion from South Korea on 17/04/2023. Duration 42 minutes.
      .
      Many critics of the NPP imagine that I am an actual member of the NPP; I’m not, and I don’t know much about the internal workings of the Party. Anyway, having made that assumption, they also state that they have all heard enough of the rather repetitive stump speech. So have I!
      .
      Well, this is a discussion of the current situation in the country, and. more specifically of the Anti-Terrorism Bill.
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe (4831114444V)

      .

      • 7
        2

        SM, is it not enough with your links ?

        Fooling the nation again would have further dire consequences.

        you are asking us to listen to his speeches being made to our labourers led sinnhala audience in Korea ? ????????????????????????

        The same was done by Wimal Weerawnse to Italian labourers shortly before Nov 2019. Thousands of them returned to country to vote for GOTA. What was the consequence ?

        Many of us yet remain unanswered for crucial questions posed to JVP/NPP,…… regarding their alternatives other than IMF, in today’s context in our country.

        AKD and NPP leadership does not seem to enlighten us with the facts about their options on reviving our economy. I have the feeling that AKD is telling the same as Dr Harsha De Silva and RW regarding how we lankens could create a huge market for exports in some provinces in INDIA not forgetting booming african moderate economies.

      • 7
        2

        SM
        “I don’t know much about the internal workings of the Party. “
        That’s a startling admission for someone who promotes the JVP so much.What are your opinions based on? Promises? Even Gota made a lot of promises, and got elected. What’s the difference?

        • 10
          0

          OC
          Kumar David is a member, but, based on his writings, I doubt if he knows much about the internal workings of the Party.
          He knew something long ago I think, but is a victim of political amnesia.
          *
          His once comrade-in-arms VBK burned his fingers by getting close to a Party without knowing much about the internal workings of the Party, against warnings from people who knew something about the internal workings of the Party.

          • 3
            0

            VBK burned his fingers— in fact with two parties.

            • 3
              0

              Now burning with a third

        • 4
          0

          Dear OC,
          .
          “I don’t know much about the internal affairs of the party” – then the question immediately arose as to what he knew about the party. Isn’t this similar to the “sadhu sadu effect of our SINHALA BUDDHAGAMA (which is not true buddhism) followers in my homeland”?

          However, we have to thank SM for being so honest. My Grandma studied just upto grade 8 also had that quality. However, she never tried to be a “teacher” to us or others. That explains the difference between SM and my beloved Grandma.
          ,
          He finally realized that it is not easy to mislead CT audience. The same thing happened to him regarding “Senior Advocate Mugdha Nagananda Kodituvakku a few years ago”. I warned many CT readers that SM doesn’t know any of its basics but he behaves like a common villager and he will do anything on command. This is the reason why South Asia is stagnant with myths.

          tbc

          • 4
            0

            Cont.
            .
            If the majority of our society is no different from SINHALA_MAN, the brainwashing is very successful.

            Such is the easy potential of our political crooks, they know our people are dumber than they appear.
            “Our people are voting intelligently and conscientiously,” Mara reiterated

            . Jackson Anthony or like pimps in artistic disguise were hired in order to take the message to the grassroots.

            Today, the cyber army hired by the JVP leadership is also the same. Brainwashing by knowing the mental level of common people. This is a curse.
            -This is a curse.This is a curse.This is a curse.This is a curse.This is This is a curse.This is a curse.This is a curse.This is a curse.This is a curse.a curse.This is a curse.This is a curse.This is a curse.

            SM was unable to answer a single question about JVP’s real plans based on how to bring “dollars to the country”, he ignored several other minor questions in the last 12 months. Instead, he attacked the messenger for doing so.

            Period !

  • 5
    6

    System change is impossible in Sri Lanka as long as no change in the religious system. The religious system and democracy are two major barriors for system change. The majority democracy and Sri Lankan Buddhist philosophy (not Lord Buddha’s preaching) gave substantial benefits to majority community which is Sinhala Buddhists at the expense of minority Tamil speaking communities. So, the majority Buddhists Sinhala do not agree for any system change to create a balanced system or justice system or devoloution of power or equal rights or merit based system. Even though the current system brought bankgruptcy and sufferings to the majority low income Sinhalese people, it has not affected the middle class or political or religious people who are not bothered about the suffering of the low income Buddhist Sinhala who are fully depend on them to their one day meal.

  • 5
    5

    As usual, a thought provoking article by AA. Flogging neo-liberalism is okay but how many of our politicians who took economic decisions understood what it meant. The utterm itself is new to SL politics. We thrust what happened into the form of new-liberalism. It is more accurate to say that our life has been dictated by the single theme of racial politics and not by any economic theory. The drive for Sinhala Buddhist supremacy has been the consuming passion of politics conducted by a coterie of nationalist leaders who had no economic vision outside fattening their family wealth. Neo-liberalism is not to be faulted for that. The growth of garment factories and economic zones were not indicative of neoliberalism. We have not been able to move out of ethnic politics to develop any economic plans. That is the reason for our present plight. I do not think we will change. The “Maha” Sangha will not let us change as it means they will lose their power.

  • 7
    1

    Dr. Ammir Ali: I would like to draw your attention to the 1970s, the “Beginning” of an “Awakening” that Sri Lanka had initiated with the slogan: ” Thama Hista Thama Athamai Sarana” ( Your Hand is the only Shield for your Head). That was the beginning of “Industrialization” and a “Modernizing” of both industry and agriculture. For example, remember how we started our own “Textile Industry” (e.g. Thulhiriya, Veyangoda, Hand Loom, and Hosiery Factories, etc), in the “Agriculture” sector – the Research Establishments at Batalagoda, Mahailluppallama, (that introduced BG 4 & 11 & M5) varieties of high yield rice) Thalawakerle (High-Grade Tea), etc. There was even a “Car Assembly” plant that produced “SKODA”, and “Shaving Razer Blade” factories (brand names “Good Morning & Mister) Paper Mills, Cement Factories, Sugar Factories at Kanthale & Hingurana, etc. There were many more such “BEGINNINGS” in all the fields of “Industrialization” and “Agricultural” sectors.

    Reflect on what was “DONE” to “DISMANTAL” those developments after JRJ came to power in 1977 with the “Popular” slogan of “LIBERALIZATION” and “MARKET ECONOMY”. That was the “BEGINNING” of our “DOWNFALL” and every successor to him is “RESPONSIBLE” and “ACCOUNTABLE” for the plight we are in today.

    Also “REFLECT” how India did follow with all “ENTHUSIASM” (diverting the mindset of people) the same thing we had in the 1970s and where they are TODAY.

    • 3
      0

      Simon,
      “the 1970s, the “Beginning” of an “Awakening” that Sri Lanka had initiated with the slogan: ” Thama Hista Thama Athamai Sarana” ( Your Hand is the only Shield for your Head). That was the beginning of “Industrialization” and a “Modernizing” of both industry and agriculture. For example, ———————————————————————————————————–fields of “Industrialization” and “Agricultural” sectors.”
      Agree with you. Tremendous impetus for National industries after1970’s.
      Some examples cited were well before 1970!!! Name a few, Kanthale Sugar 1960, Cement factory KKS 1955, Paranthan Chemicals 1955, Paper Mills Valaichchenai 1950 (Initiated by Sir JK), Maha Illuppallama started during colonial times 1902/3 and revamped and upgraded carryout specialised Rice Research in 1950 (Under DS and Dudley), affiliated to IRRS Manila, Cement factory Puttalam (PCW) 1966 (worked in this institution) and Ruhunu Cement Packaging plant Galle 1966!!! Service accessibility of packaged cement bags closer to the vast customer base South Western SL as the Plant was in North SL due to raw material source proximity!!
      Rationalisation of business plan, subsequently being supplied ‘CLINKER’ from PCW!!
      The point am striving to point out is that industrialisation started before 1970’s, definitely emphasis 1970-77. Principally, due dearth of Foreign exchange!!! Perhaps impetus was ideological Change!!!??
      (TBC)

    • 2
      0

      (PART ii)
      But all local industries didn’t prove to be as successful too as one would expect, as the imported equivalent!!??Example “Good Morning and Mister” – not sharp or long lasting as Wilkinson blades – resorting to as I did get regular supply by post either from Middle east (My Brother workplace) of friends from England!! Local industries must be promoted and also sustained, but those industries too should be upto the “Mark” – not ‘SHORT CHANGING QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION’ – the reason they went out!!??
      My memory doesn’t hold a SKODA car factory, though it was not a very popular automotive, except, Vere De Mel, owner – ‘QUICKSHAWS’ predominant Taxi company used exclusively later heading Tourism Authority – 1965 had such ideas!!! Never materialised!!! Like VW factory – 2017!!
      Another iconic manufacture, Mitsubishi Colt and UMC Mazda in 1965-69 to provide relief to New Car starving public, since Ban!!
      Not to forget tooth paste manufactured by Unilevers, was “glorified slaked lime” in a plastic tube – not because the manufacturer didn’t believe in quality, but IMPORT CURTAILMENT of necessary raw materials!!!
      Such were the vicissitudes or vagaries of local industrial manufacture!!!
      Outcome wouldn’t be different w/o attitudinal change – innovation and quality – match imports!!!

      • 5
        0

        Mahila
        Yes, it was Upali FIAT, not Skoda.

    • 4
      0

      Simon,
      “Also “REFLECT” how India did follow with all “ENTHUSIASM” (diverting the mindset of people) the same thing we had in the 1970s and where they are TODAY.”
      Not really. Indians don’t drive Ambassadors nowadays. Global brands are everywhere. Even Damro is a visible player. Once their economy was liberalised, only the strong brands survived, which is as it should be. CocaCola and IBM came back, Ashok Leyland survives competition from Volvo. Usha is mostly Chinese made, and smartphones use Chinese parts.
      In the end, the consumer pays for protecting inefficient industries. For us, the answer is not to try and make everything, but to link with the Indian market. The same applies to electricity supply.

  • 4
    2

    Dr.Ameer Ali has identified the core issue.
    His lines……….
    …….Srilanka has its own systemic crisis………..
    ……..An ideology of Sinhala Buddhist ethnonationalism………….
    Could this systemic crisis be EVER put right?
    Could Aragalaya at least go half way ?

    Sam Wijesinha, one time Secretary General of Parliament [ was married to President RWs fathers sister ] wrote ……..
    It is a curious thing that Buddhism, which was introduced into Ceylon by one foreigner [ Mahinda son of a north Indian Emperor Asoka ] should have been rediscovered in Ceylon 2000 years later,by another foreigner American Col.Olcott.
    So far so good as far as Buddhism went.

    Then emerged Don David Hewavitharana [ Anagarika Dharmapala ], a disciple of Olcott AND ONE WHO IS CENTRAL TO THE TALE OF TROUBLED INDEPENDENT SRILANKA..
    Wheras Olcott saw Buddhism as a worldly and scientific Philosophy, Dharmapala came to regard Buddhist practice in Ceylon as a vehicle of SINHALA HEGEMONY.
    By the time of his death in 1933 he had laid the foundation and now the superstructure
    has been completed with a new brand of Buddhism………
    Sinhala Buddhist Political Buddhism.

    • 2
      0

      Simon,
      “Whereas Col Olcott saw Buddhism as a worldly and scientific Philosophy, Dharmapala came to regard Buddhist practice in Ceylon as a vehicle of SINHALA HEGEMONY.”
      Thanks for saying what you said and had the Guts to say it!!
      Call a ‘SPADE A SPADE AND NONE OTHER’!!!??
      Because if anyone does by any other, or even attempts, its TANTAMOUNT TO DECEPTION – a lie and mislead the masses and contribute to mischief!!!?
      This malaise of deception should be allayed, before everything else, for the long term SYSTEM CHANGE in the country for “LONG TERM GOO”, for this nations’ recovery!!!!???
      WELL SAID AND WELL DONE!!??? NEEDS HEART AND MIND CHANGE!!!
      May I crave the indulgence of ‘one and all’, to reproduce section of ‘THIRUKKURAL’, (COUPLETS) by the Hindu Sage THIRUVALLUVAR, nominates Lying as the worst form of crime, as if the “PRACTICE OF LYING (DECEPTION) is ELIMINATED FROM SOCIETY, all other forms of crimes, ROBBING,LARCERNY, RAPE, HR VIOLATION, MURDER would become NATURALLY DEAD AND VANISH FROM THE LANDSCAPE”!?
      In this deceptive world, that is a task unsurmountable!!!??? Are we able to that matchless task!!??

  • 6
    0

    continued: The “DIFFERENCE” between us and India: India had and has “PATRIOTS” as “Rulers” and we had and have “TRAITORS” as “Rulaers”. It is time to “CHANGE” this “SYSTEM”.
    Reading my above comment one would ask questions: Why we failed in the 1970s with all those “Developments” (in Industry, agriculture & affected economy) Why did that “Development” was not continued after 1977 (the beginning of JRJ and that followed).
    Answer to (1) The “Government” (Administration) did not know how to “COMMUNICATE” and muster a “WINNING” support base both by “EXAMPLE” and to “SOFTEN” the “HARDSHIPS” that people were to face in a short time. In the absence of both of these, the people lost “FAITH” in the system, and “TRUST and CONFIDENCE” eroded at geometric proportions.
    Answer to (2) Within the background at (1) above the “Politicians” were quick enough to grab power and “Masterminded” a plan to offer a “COMFORT ZONE” – a “New Liberal Market Economy”. This changed everything and is being continued to date. Yet, those “Politicians” MESSED up everything
    Read what Late Sri Nehru said: ” Today, in the world of politics and economics there is a search for power and yet when power is attained much else of value has gone. Political trickery and intrigue take the place of idealism, and cowardice and selfishness the place of disinterested courage.

    • 3
      0

      Simon,
      “The “DIFFERENCE” between us and India: India had and has “PATRIOTS” as “Rulers” and we had and have “TRAITORS” as “Rulaers”. It is time to “CHANGE” this “SYSTEM”.
      Reading my above comment one would ask questions: Why we failed in the 1970s with all those “Developments” (in Industry, agriculture & affected economy) Why did that “Development” was not continued after 1977″
      The Indian experience was not that simple. They almost went bankrupt by 1990, and were bailed out by the IMF. They were forced to reform the economy, and that is why “they are where they are now”.
      Your interpretation of history is wrong. The “development ” was not continued because it was bad economics. Why make, say a poor quality razor blade when good ones can be had in all shapes and sizes? The tyre factory too became efficient after privatisation. As you may have heard, foreign oil companies will be given permission to sell fuel BELOW the CPC price. How do you think that is possible?

    • 7
      1

      S
      Ddid you say ‘India had and has “PATRIOTS” as “Rulers”’
      Sorry to disappoint you, nobody had or has.

      • 0
        1

        ” Ddid you say” What is it? Another one word lie?

        India always had and has terrorist patriots as rulers, right from the time of Aryan invasion to until now. Otherwise how Deva successfully dodged Chennai High court?

        • 5
          2

          Still muddled? But then that is normal.

    • 1
      1

      Simon,
      The ‘deception and lies’, started with the independence of this nation – leave out many instances, before that time – the REMOVAL OF CITIZENSHIP OF THE INDENTURED LABOUR OR “INDIAN TAMILS”, as commonly known, wasn’t solely, because, British Imperialist brought them to service the Tea (before that Coffee) and Rubber plantations and left them in this country destitute, when they left!!!??? Nay!!! They were citizens of this country and had voting rights at independence!!! – DECEPTION FIRSTHAND and of highest order by none other than by the so-called statesman we had – first PM of Independent Ceylon – “KALE JOHN” – A.K.A. DSS!!!
      SAD BUT TRUE!!!
      The election PRIOR TO CITIZENSHIP ACT revealed that the “Tamils of Indian Origin” had allegiance to the left parties – importantly Trotskyist LSSP, who won in those electorates handsomely!!!??? So methodology invented to nullify LSSP!!?? DEPRIVE CITIZENSHIP TO DEPRIVE THEM VOTING LSSP!!!???
      Solomon West Ridgeway wasn’t THE FIRST SINNER to resort to DECEPTION AND GIMMICKS TO COME TO POWER!!! Nor MaRa, 1st to manifest FAMILY RULE!!!
      THEN HOW TO SEARCH AND LOCATE STATESMAN!!!
      May the Triple Gem help and bless Sri Lanka to achieve it!!

  • 5
    1

    One question always lingers in my mind: How can IMF accept the Budget presented to the Parliament and approved as a “dependable document” when the LG Election funding allocated in the Buget was not released to the EC?

    • 0
      4

      IMF lied that Langkang has full filled 9 conditions before approving the loan. But minimum, Langkang did not talk with China for loan restructuring. China gave a reply to Langkang, depending on the talk IMF made with China. The IMF lied, in addition to the above lie, that China had promised IMF that it is ready give all needed concession for Langkang. But if you have been browsing the news headings today, you know that China is demanding that all those who lent to the Langkang should take the responsibility of their loans. Will IMF tell that news to all other lenders of Langkang? IMF has its own PTA, CTA, and ATA. If you accuse the IMF of anything, they will arrest you and send you to a Netherlands prison as war criminals. Beware of dogs, they all have sharp teeth!

    • 6
      2

      B1
      I said earlier more than once that the IMF needs the deal more than Sri Lanka.

  • 4
    1

    Contd: Maybe the budget was based on the forecast given to IMF or maybe the IMF forecast was based on the approved Budget, in both cases one document not achieving its goal shows that both the forecast and the Budget cannot be depended upon for the financial performance of the country. Hence how did IMF fund?

  • 1
    0

    “Things “will only get worse unless and until the rotten lot which has “ruled” this country from the very beginning is sent to pasture and bring in younger brighter people with “brains” which is in abundance fortunately to take over governing.
    The peaceful way of achieving this objective is to introduce age limits and term limits to elected office and have equal representation of both sexes in the parliament.

  • 4
    0

    Though the article has some good points, many of them are just generalizations. Furthermore, the writer does not define what he means by a ” system change” . Does it cover laws, systems, processes, and governance methods? My view is, yes it covers all of the above and there must be changes in such things. If someone accepts this definition, then one can see some changes being made………..

    • 5
      1

      NR,
      “Furthermore, the writer does not define what he means by a ” system change”.
      He never has, just like the JVP, which he supports. What he means is a JVP government, but doesn’t want to say it openly.

      • 5
        0

        He stared this thing about ‘Systemic Change’, and thankfully stopped it soon. But others have got hooked to it.
        There are two issues: One is a radical change for which one has to work hard among the people and the other is working within a system in the hope that it can somehow by altered.
        But both need serious thought, not catchy slogans.

        • 2
          0

          …somehow be altered.

    • 6
      1

      NR,
      .
      Don’t forget the funny writer is having fun bashing RW and the interim government back and forth. Our Sinhalese man or others will praise the one-sided analysis as “brilliant”.
      The same Sinhalese man who could not answer us about “those leaders are the JVP’s alternative program” is behaving today like a cat that has defecated on a stone.
      .
      As for me, as long as our people do not change, there will be no change in tangible nature.

      Their mindset needs to be changed through a paradigm shift.

      Every citizen has to pay his taxes regardless of the amount, major or minor, but in a fair manner.
      Always standing against good and bad should not be done from now on for the future of our youth.

  • 8
    0

    Mahila & OC: Thank you for your views. I am glad my comment has evoked valuable input on my view of “Your own hands are the shield for your head”.

    Mahila: Thank you for arranging those institutions in a chronology which I failed.

    The view that I wanted to express was: We had a “VISION” and took “INITIAL” steps to institute a “BEGINNING” toward meaningful standing to “WALK THE TALK”. No doubt, the “Beginning” was not without ups and downs. It is like a newborn learning to walk. Have you not observed how water starts boiling? It starts with “Bubbles” and as the heat spreads the real boiling starts.

    What was lacking in that forward march: (1) Proper policy initiative from the Government (2) Timely Technical and Financial support from the Financial Institutions (3) Supportive input to fill the vacuum (between the lost satisfaction and the new adventure of the beginning) that got created among the consumers (4) The determination of the people to bear the “Heat” and “Live” a while until bearing the fruits of what was sown. In the case of India, all these shortcomings were successfully “Enduared” and “Survived” to see the “Hay Days”. That is the difference I pointed out.

    Thank you again for the exchange of views.

    • 1
      0

      Simon,
      Thanks for your complementary words.
      “The determination of the people to bear the “Heat” and “Live” a while until bearing the fruits of what was sown. In the case of India, all these shortcomings were successfully “Endured” and “Survived” to see the “Hay Days”. That is the difference I pointed out.”
      FULLY AGREE.
      That’s due to cultural difference – the Sri Lankans – more emotive tendency, resulting in IMPATIENCE!!!
      Example.2019 April, Easter Bomb Blast and 2019 November Presidential Election result is a classic as the spontaneous and irrational decisions en masse!!!
      Result, DISASTER, MAYHEM, DEPRIVATION, BANKRUPTCY, STARVATION, FAILED STATE!!!???

  • 7
    5

    Dear old codger,
    .
    1/many
    .
    You have
    , in passing, referred to the fact that in Ancient Greece “Democracy” was confined to male citizens. True, but what are you implying?
    .
    I have read a lot (relative to most Lankans) about Democracy in Ancient Greece. It was required study, but somewhat blurred now. It is fascinating to read about those early efforts at Democracy, but wasn’t it notoriously inefficient? For example, it was a commonplace to blame the defeat of Athens in the Peloponnesean Wars upon the workings of the Democracy. However, what is the point you’re trying to make?
    .
    It may be that I will be forced to agree with you that Democracy is a failure, but are you also going to say that the governing of this country need have nothing to so with Ethics, and Morality?

    • 5
      2

      SM,
      “the governing of this country need have nothing to so with Ethics, and Morality?”
      You forget that Ethics and Morality change with time. Do I have to educate you on , for example, pederasty in Ancient Greece, or why the Vinaya Pitakaya cautions Buddhist monks against having sex in cemeteries?
      It was quite moral as recently as 1944 to burn 75000 German civilians in 2 nights, or ethical for Stalin (AKD’s mentor) to purge all his opponents in the 30’s.
      Wake up, Sinhala Man. There is no such thing as moral politics. There is only self-interest. Don’t let AKD convince you otherwise.

      • 7
        2

        OC,
        .
        My belated New Years wishes to you.
        :
        I’m tired of “AKD’s famous speeches who know all the theories”. I have seen the world, but I never underestimated that our young leaders would be one-sided. However, I am more pessimistic than ever about Sri Lanka’s future.

        I also do not respect today’s SJB leader. Today we are struggling to see the future leaders of our motherland.

        A whole blood transfusion is the only way to save the life of a blood cancer patient, and likewise, without rebuilding society, nothing will succeed for the public good.
        One of the easy option would be to export “SLPP” henchmen (incl. MaRa family) to China along with “Sri Lanken Monkeys”.

        The Chinese meat industry is said to be short of exotic animals.

        • 8
          2

          LM,
          “I’m tired of “AKD’s famous speeches who know all the theories””
          AKD is smart. He tailors his speeches to suit his audiences, who are mostly ignorant of economics. That includes SM.

          • 5
            8

            Dear oc.
            .
            “leelagemalli” says
            that he’s tired of AKD’s speeches without having availed himself of the opportunity given to him by AKD travelling all the way to his hometown in Germany. And then he wastes his time and ours by writing all this on CT. When it is put to him as baldly as that, I’m sure that he realises the truth of what I say, but then the ghosts dance in front of him.
            .
            There are others whom I know who act like that without being able to realise that they are scapegoating poor Anura and the JVP. Yesterday, one such man, older but also abler than I, was telling me that he has little doubt that it was the JVP that killed this man:
            .
            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premakeerthi_de_Alwis
            .
            I’ve just read that up, and find that a member of the JVP has actually been convicted of the murder. That murder I had read about. I think that there was violence from two sides then. Not so now.
            .
            I support the current NPP which has the JVP (which regretfully acknowledges its violent past) as its most significant single component.
            .
            BASTA!

            • 5
              0

              Hey, Is there anything wrong in Learning English on CT!
              …. one such man, older but also abler than I ….
              I am of the belief that it is:
              …. one such man, older but also abler than me …
              Let Sinhala_Man or even an English_Man guide me!

              • 8
                0

                Dear Nathan,
                .
                Let’s not get stuck too long on this:
                .
                https://onlinewritingtraining.com.au/than-i-versus-than-me/
                .
                In this instance (please do a little more hunting using the Google browser) you will find that “both are right” can be said. Get back to me if you’re not willing to let it be at that.
                .
                A few months ago, we finally concluded that “an year” is wrong; one has to say “a year”. But there was agreement that “murders” of that sort should not result in anybody being executed.
                .
                That we ought to get Local Government Elections held is an issue for which I’m willing to sacrifice my own life. Again, thanks for the light-hearted digression, but let’s not allow Ranil, oc, and LM off the hook by allowing this to generate heated discussion. In such matters of governance let us not allow “anything goes”.
                .
                TheVishramikaGambadIngirisiIskoleMahathathaya who goes by only one identity in Bandarawela (and even elsewhere on Planet Earth) – Panini Edirisinhe

                • 4
                  0

                  I’d have let it stay, if you would have said ‘Get back to I’!

                  • 0
                    0

                    Nathan,
                    Get back to I in Bandarawela?

                • 6
                  0

                  “A few months ago, we finally concluded that “an year” is wrong; “
                  Some of us disagreed and still disagree.

                  • 2
                    0

                    SJ,
                    Apparently “I” also means “we”.
                    How educative CT is!

                    • 2
                      0

                      OC
                      “Apparently “I” also means “we”.”
                      And vice versa when the Queen (now the King) says “We”.

                  • 2
                    2

                    I remembered it, SJ, but didn’t want to irritate you with it.
                    .
                    What you said was this: Lankan speakers of English pronounce the initial sound in “year” without friction that is to say as a vowel, and you said that “year” is pronounced exactly the same as “ear”. In that case, I said, “an year” would be rational because the consonant “n” is introduced to make speaking easier.
                    .
                    However, I made a further observation. Listeners to English often find it difficult to understand speakers of other areas than theirs, but usually have little problem with the written language.
                    .
                    If we followed your suggestion, and went for phonetic transcription, our English would not be intelligible to users from other geographical areas.

            • 7
              1

              SM,
              “without having availed himself of the opportunity given to him by AKD travelling all the way to his hometown in Germany. “
              Really? In this century, in which you can listen to anybody without actually meeting them? Do you need to meet a politician to know that he’s fudging?

              • 1
                2

                LM is pretty mixed-up inside. He’s haunted by memories of dead friends. They were murdered in the dark period from 1987 to 1990. He blames the JVP for those murders. But not only were there two sides to that violence, but also those “guilty” individuals are now dead.
                .
                LM is incapable of handling details. He refuses to acknowledge that the current members of the JVP are quite different individuals.
                .
                The current JVP disavows violence and has expressed sincere regret. LM won’t even listen to them.
                .
                On the other hand, he sent me links to two YouTubes of Professor Sartath Wijesooriya. I listened to the first, then checked the credits. Seven years old, and no relevance to the current events that cause us concern. Sentimental stuff, I thought, and I didn’t listen to the second video.
                .
                When LM and I interacted, he sent me lots of stuff on poor patronisingly Lankans helped by other superior Lankans. He thought me God-send, I think. An English-using Sinhalese in straitened circumstances. I proved to be a disobedient possession!

                • 2
                  0

                  SM,
                  .
                  Our neutral commenter OC made it very clear, it is better anyone to make shortened comments with much more meaningful substance. That I took to hearts last night.
                  .
                  The CT readership has to decide whether they can buy everything you say about the Janata Vimukti Peramuna.

                  I hope NPP will not led by JVP knowing their barbaric past (killing university professors, burning government buses, burning transformers, burning houses and properties, last but not least taking the lives of the youth in 50 000 in 89-92 insurgency).
                  The very same rebels should not be allowed to destroy the nation from the place where the dogs of the Rajapaksas looted.

                  May the divine forces (whatever invisible forces are behind humans) bless you and Mother Sri Lanka. May you finally gain some wisdom for our suffering nation. Enough of the misleading. is enough
                  .

              • 1
                2

                Dear oc,
                .
                You have damned yourself in the comments on this page. You have consciously rejected all moral values in the comments here.
                .
                Even the Utilitarianism of J.S. Mill recognised the need to not act selfishly. What was aimed at was the greatest happiness of the greatest numbers.
                .
                You, and Ranil W. are aiming at the selfish attainment of your goals.
                .
                Disgusting!

          • 7
            1

            OC,
            .
            Do you really think that’s AKD’s smartness? To me it is a lack of intelligence. He should not have gone to South Korea. We know that if Wimal Weerawansa came to them today, they would tear him apart peacefully, just as Jamal Khashoggi’s last moments ended in Istanbul 5 years ago.

            For me, AKD is not YET mature enough to be the leader of this nation. Those who promote him should eat “thanakola and punnaku as their staple food.”

            He cannot even be the leader of the opposition. Look, how many of us agree with Sajith’s opposition leadership today? Let alone the AKD opposition leadership, almost everyone criticizes him loudly? Truth is that Sajith can make compromises with others rather than AKD.
            AKD can only point fingers at others assuming they are cleaner……would it work if he was in ruling party?

            tbc

            • 6
              0

              cont.
              .
              Why am I saying that, because AKD focuses only on CORRUPTION and not only on the cancer that our nation is suffering from. Our nation is suffering from various cancers. He is firmly stuck with anti-IMF agendas, with no real alternatives. We failed 9 out of 16 with the IMF on “failing to find compromises in this abusive nation”. However, VASU dewa led groups are more in our country than opposite progressive people.

              MaRa’s retort to the gallery of stupid leadership was “people are smart”….remember? That fooled the very same people again and again Unfortunately that line of songs is now defunct. .. People have gradually realized that they are just tricks to grab their votes.

            • 5
              3

              Addressing any new readers arriving in time for this article:
              .
              There are many “habitual commenters” on Colombo Telegraph who identify one another by initials. They usually refer to me as “SM”. I couldn’t care less, but my name is Panini Edirsinhe and I’m usually to be found in Bandarawela.
              .
              When we “waste” many hours each day, are we serious? I think that “yes” can be safely asserted.
              .
              May I suggest that you identify two particularly significant comments by “Raj-UK” who values his privacy. He has made three serious comments, in response to what I have said. Comments which reflect clear thinking by a good man, made on the 16th, just three days ago. They are to be found here:
              .
              https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/government-services-still-the-same-chaos/
              .
              I submitted four comments the following day, but three have been guillotined, probably because the cut-off time was over.
              .
              Sadly, there is a real diminution of respect by me for some other commenters.

          • 6
            0

            OC,
            “He tailors his speeches to suit his audiences, who are mostly ignorant of economics. That includes SM”
            .
            U are spot on👌 😉 😍 👏 😏 😌 👌

        • 6
          8

          Dear LM,
          .
          Do you agree with this statement by oc?
          .
          “There is no such thing as moral politics. There is only self-interest.”
          .
          There are occasions on which you tell only half the truth and distort. However, never, not even when my disagreements with you have generated some heat, have I attributed all that you say CT to furtherance of “self-interest”.
          .
          That you are indulging yourself has been all too evident to me for the past seven years.
          .
          That may apply to me as well, but I make a conscious effort to transcend such personal egoism.

          • 7
            0

            SM,
            .
            Politics is not easy as it looks in particular in developing countries. It is not at all easy when entire society is entwined and paralised by MYTHS rather than truths.

            In contrary to that, It was much easier Dr Angela Merkel, who was the former Chanzeller of Germany to play good politics. That was the case also with former US Prez Obama. Their audiences are relatively more intelligent.

            However, when it comes to SOUTH ASIA, it is harder and thousand times complicated than we the outsiders imagine. Unfortunately, some sl parties in action for the last 30 or more years are still not convinced about this reality yet today.
            :
            With this being the global reality, Do you really think that AKD has the ability to lead Sri Lankans in the current context?

            For many, including myself, AKD*’s leadership skills would be enough to riot a university or bring a crowd to the streets, however, such leaders are impractical to get us out of the crisis we are in today.

            tbc

            • 7
              0

              cont.
              .
              His permament accusations based on anecdotal information would animate crowds, but not on long term, people would realize, corruption is not the only issue in current crisis.
              Not only corruption, but people s perception disorder and blindness to myths and all make them stupdier than appeared to be.
              :
              AKD s abilities in external affairs are relatively inadequate.That is becoming clear today than few months ago.
              A country that is helpless like a patient in the intensive care unit will not come out of the current crisis if leaders would not have the capactiy to make compromises.

              Self-proclaimed arguments will not advance us any inch. Stick to the facts and make it real, that’s what I can repeat to you or the citizens.

              If all of our citizens are like srilanken diaspora in Korea and Italy, AKD would succeed. Truth is unfortunately our people are varied thinkers. But there are many others in the country who are reluctant to vote for AKD. That was the reason, they got repeatedly rejected. AKD led groups have not yet learned to adjust themselves to the levels we the people expect them to.

          • 7
            0

            SM,
            ““There is no such thing as moral politics. There is only self-interest.”
            Yes, that’s what I think. If you don’t think so, feel free to name a politician who was absolutely moral all the time and got elected too.

            • 6
              0

              OC and other logical thinkers over to you@

              This is definitely not a country where true Buddhism is the dominant religion….Sinhala Buddhagama is not really Buddhism. Watch the video below… it will stress you out.

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvjilFWMRbY

              This will surely not be assimilated by sinhala man but by rational thinkers, that is my wish…not only here but on other occasions this song and audience response will show the horrible level of Sri Lankan society, I am dumb. I am what about you ?

              Look at the music giant s dancing to the sad song sung by Elton Jones, but the content of the song tells about the grief with the victims and the dead of the Nilwala River.

              But the Sri Lankan music giant is sending the message because the song was a party song. How many of our population will grasp it?

              • 4
                0

                apologies,
                .
                But the Sri Lankan music giants are sending the message because the song for them was a party song. How many of our population will grasp it? when would our people start thinking properly ?

          • 5
            0

            SM,
            .
            “Do you agree with this statement by oc?
            .
            “There is no such thing as moral politics. There is only self-interest.””
            Everyone with some knowledge would have to 👍 with OC in that regard.
            .
            He proved us again that Sinhala Man lives in parallel universe
            🤩🤩🤩

          • 0
            0

            SM,
            .
            “That may apply to me as well, but I make a conscious effort to transcend such personal egoism..”

            Your efforts may be genuine, however what if your path of approach is ever so far from reality?
            To me, you seem too similar to the “DHAMMIKA BANDARA aka Paniya inventor” maker to dream of being the inventor of the cure for the Covid pandemic. In fact, it became clear that Panimaker was schizophrenic.

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8EkxhM43mM
            .
            Likewise, CT readers will soon realize that your efforts will end up in vain.

        • 5
          8

          “leelagemalli”!
          .
          Here’s something for you:

          .
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh-941-_qkw
          .
          That’s a fifteen minute video, a good deal of it in English.
          .
          Oh, I’m aware that your Sinhalese is better than mine.
          .

          https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/jayasri-priyalal-12-april-2023/
          .
          However, whereas I try to respect all human beings, you hate your fellow Sinhalese more than all other peoples. You pretend to love the minorities in Lanka, but that is only a way in which you want to exact revenge on us for your having had a father who bequeathed a brown skin to you. Please note that my observation is not really nasty compared with your (unrealistic) wish to see:
          the Chinese (whom you seem to consider cannibals) gorging on Rajapaksa flesh.
          .
          Never mind that; view the YouTube and comment on it!

          • 7
            0

            SM, self proclaimed scholastic, Panini Ed, JVP promoter not knowing the inner workings of JVP/NPP,

            Do us a favor and stop adding AKD links on this valuable platform where we can discuss things constructively.
            Long live if you think that the CT crowd and the crowd at the JVP rallies are the same. That’s all I can say about your stupidity.

            • 4
              6

              The difference between what you say and what has come from me is that I have scrupulously stuck to what I know, and I have actually listened to and understood what I have suggested that you pay attention to.
              .
              I have asked you to pay attention to these 42 minutes of AKD.
              .
              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTLtY_ek_u4
              .
              LM dismisses that as having an audience of labourers. Wrong. It is a discussion in Sinhala, with just one person, in Korea. When I met AKD for the only time so far I commented on how effectively he speaks, but only in Sinhala. I’m sure that there must be other languages, most notably English, but also Tamil, where he understands something, and will use them in personal chats. What is important is that he displays right values.
              .
              There is nothing to suggest that Joseph Stalin, the ruthless dictator who controlled the Soviet Union for a long time was his mentor. I have hardly studied the writings of Karl Marx, but there is no harm in reading him. How his writing was later distorted by totalitarian regimes can hardly be relevant. Note that AKD has visited South Korea three times, North Korea, never.
              .
              I may not be the most persuasive writer of comments here, but don’t let that dictate what you think.

            • 3
              4

              Continuing………..
              .
              Since comments are still being accepted, and I think that these observations are valid.
              .
              We humans often get things wrong, but if we communicate honestly, we are likely to say things that are worthwhile. I have hear it said that there are 6,500 languages in the world; very few individuals will claim to know even a dozen. However, for us on this island today, three languages matter a good deal: Sinhala, Tamil and the language that I’m using here. It would be wonderful if the prospective leader of this country was fluent in them all. And if he/she is not comfortable with using them?
              .
              Well, use them only to the extent to which you are comfortable, but don’t let unhealthy complexes breed in you. AKD is clearly comfortable within his own skin, but is that sufficient for a Tamil speaker on this terribly divided island. Let the Tamils decide that. I see it as a major weakness that the NPP hasn’t yet been able to establish sufficient links with Tamils. There are links, but we need more. At least let’s acknowledge the problem.

            • 3
              5

              This article has been about managing the Economies of the World, with particular emphasis on Sri Lanka.
              .
              I could never have written it, nor will I pretend to understand the subject better than “old codger.” No, I’m not in competition with him. I know that we should never consume more than we produce. We have allowed some to do so; hence the present crisis. It is a general truth that younger people will be better able to “produce”. We, who are older, must know when to gracefully retire. Some have rudely suggested that I follow that advice myself. No problem! All I’m doing is writing on a public forum, having clearly identified myself.
              .
              The solution is with you; don’t read it!
              .
              So there!
              .
              Panini Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V)

  • 2
    5

    Comments on this article will soon have to be halted. Therefore let me state that I know that we have to come up with some better solutions that now seem to be on offer.
    .
    Please study all this objectively. What both old codger and “leelagemalli” seem to be saying is that all decencies can be ignored if the powers that have wrested control of this island are in a position to suppress all dissent. This can never be right.
    .
    Panini Edirisinhe

    • 4
      0

      SM,
      What exactly are “decencies”? Now, don’t run to a dictionary, please.

      • 4
        0

        BTW,
        My understanding of a decent writer is one who doesn’t write 600 words when only 20 are necessary. 😩

        • 1
          1

          The meaning changes. In “A decent writer” – “decent” is an adjective. “Decencies is a noun.
          .
          – not cheating, not lying, not betraying, – those are common decencies.
          .
          We are faced with your hero – a man who (by legal means, it is true) seized power. In the process what has happened?
          .
          http://www.colombopage.com/archive_23A/Apr20_1681966675CH.php
          .
          I did not know that man. When they – he and his friends – got rid of Gota you rejoiced. That turned to harassment the moment Ranil was in the saddle. Shame, shame, SHAME!

    • 6
      0

      S-M,
      My take is current Politicians are ‘playing’ on the SELF SERVING MODE and don’t cre 2 hoots about ETHICS AND MORALITY!!!?? That’s the Truth and bottom line and as such are electable and are re-elected even when found culpable by Courts – Cunningness!!!
      EXAMPLES, ONE TOO MANY TO LIST HEREIN
      However, when they adopt and practice GOOD ETHICS AND MORALITY, all these guys could aspire to be STATESMAN!!!
      of which we have none, because WE HAVE SURFEIT OF CUNNING SELF SERVING, UNETHICAL AND IMMORAL KIND!!!???
      in another conversation, SIMON, laments, “unfortunately we SL Did not and Do not seem to have STATESMAN”!!!???
      That’s the blatant Truth of the matter and that lament would become a chorus very soon!!!!???
      SAD BUT BLATANT TRUTH!!!

    • 5
      0

      Thanks for all your comments. But according to my understanding, even if the writer claims to be an economist, he has focused only on his bashing side with negativity in his mind.
      The writer compares the situation in his native country without studying the real reasons for the nation’s fall properly. It doesn’t take rocket science to figure it out. I think that you don’t need to study “Economics” in order to understand the basics.
      I quote it here below.
      “Besides the systemic crisis of the neoliberal world, Sri Lanka has its own systemic crisis. No political party in the country except NNP calls for systemic change. But RW President is satisfied with the current situation. An IMF experiment and his presidency to save the economy. Trust me”

      He even got the acronym NPP wrong.
      .
      As far as I have studied it, RW has not reacted as if he is contented with the current system. What he is doing is solving a crisis created by a bunch of crooks who are aided by deliberately stupid people (70% of our people are stupid). Is not that so ?

      I wished he could enter his retirement like CBK did and not take the risk because this nation is screwed.

      • 4
        0

        cont.
        I wished RW could enter his retirement like CBK did and not take the risk because this nation is screwed.
        Good riddance to bad rubbish. I don’t hate Sri Lankan people, but I have reached my limit and I don’t have as much sympathy for them as I used to. If people don’t realize the truth, nothing will work for a “real change”.
        Unlike the writer comes up with his retellings, not only the politicians but also the people are to blame. If people are smart, the Rajapaksas will not come back to power.

        They should have been jailed a long time ago. Even Shiranti has no right to be released from jail. Study the high-profile criminal charges against her under their administration. It clears your doubts.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bixBZMso7wI
        Reply

  • 2
    2

    Dear oc,
    .
    You have damned yourself in the comments on this page. You have consciously rejected all moral values.
    .
    Even the Utilitarianism of J.S. Mill recognised the need to not act selfishly. What was aimed at was the greatest happiness of the greatest number.
    .
    Ranil W. and you are aiming at the selfish attainment of your goals.
    .
    Disgusting!
    .
    Usually, your wit and intelligence redeemed for me some decencies that you used to display. I hope that we see something of those qualities in you re-emerging. But you have soiled yourself with your observations here.
    .
    LM lacks that intelligence and I don’t think that he realises that he appears crude and boorish to others (including you, probably).

    • 0
      0

      SM,

      “LM lacks that intelligence and I don’t think that he realises that he appears crude and boorish to others (including you, probably).”.

      I have been mean to those who promote JVP, Rajapaksas or any kind of murderers, but not to everyone.

      However, I will take care of my language in the future. It is only because I am very disappointed with our people. I really made a lot of sacrifices. And I don’t respect people who praise ex-murderers.
      I have no idea about the bill that is currently being discussed, however, I would agree if stricter laws are put in place to protect young people in my home country from falling prey to drugs and other crimes. Thirty percent of today’s youth are believed to be drug addicts or dealers. Anyone living in the developed world would agree with the strict rules.

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