
By Jehan Perera –

Jehan Perera
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been indicating the government’s intention to conduct both presidential and parliamentary elections this year. He is reported to have made this same declaration during his visit to Australia last week. This would be viewed positively by those who are waiting for elections that would ensure a government with a people’s mandate for the difficult road ahead. The most powerful post in the country, the presidency, is devoid of such a mandate though it presides over a most decisive period when the country is mired in international bankruptcy. The two intermediate levels of government, provincial and local, are without elected representation. Governing without a people’s mandate may be empowering to those who are making the decisions, but those at the receiving end are likely to revolt in the longer term.
Unfortunately, there remains more than an undercurrent of doubt about the government’s actual intentions with regard to elections. The president has been a member of three government’s stretching across decades that did not hold elections when they were due. In 1981, he was the minister of education when the government held a referendum to postpone general elections by six years. In 2017, he was prime minister when the government embarked upon a course of electoral reform that left the electoral system for provincial councils in a state of limbo which continues. Again, in 2022, he was president when the government announced it had no money to hold the local government elections which remain postponed to this day.
Adding to the doubts, Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardane has noted that “Balancing the revenue and expenses of a fiscal year is the most daunting task of the Government. We are in the process of finding mechanisms to address the long-term budget deficits incurred and amidst that we have managed to allocate Rs. 10 billion to conduct the Presidential and General elections this year.” The figure of Rs 10 billion was the sum that the Election Commission sought to hold local government elections in 2022. The question is whether this same amount would be sufficient to meet the costs of both national elections when there has been high inflation in the intervening two years. With the recovery of the economy, finding Rs 20 billion for both elections should be easier today than finding the Rs 10 billion was in 2022.
Restricting Freedoms
In 2024, the indications are that elections will indeed take place. The government has taken major initiatives that would deliver economic benefits to the people that have been long denied to them. The government has decided to provide two million farmer families with ownership rights to the plots of land on which they and their families have cultivated crops for decades on renewable government permits. In the estate sector, the hitherto landless wage earners who have toiled on the tea and rubber estates for decades would be given land ownership to build their own houses and home gardens. The transfer of ownership of land to the people would empower them to either invest in it or sell it even to multinational companies interested in large scale agribusiness. But this land should not be sold at low prices due to current poverty. There may need to be restrictions on sale of the land for at least 5 years if the outcome is to be beneficial to the farmers.
The president has also been speaking of the possibility of reducing taxes that burden the poorer sections of the population as macro-economic data indicates the economy is picking up. The restoration and improvement of living standards would be the surest way for the government to prevail at the elections to come. The president’s speech to parliament at the inaugural session following its prorogation referred to a V-shaped recovery (in terms of a graph) which would counter the more grim news and social media messages that speak of increased poverty, malnutrition, school dropouts and general desperation that the masses of people are said to be suffering from. The president said “Our economy, which initially plummeted with unprecedented speed, has undergone a remarkable turnaround at rocket speed, resembling a V-shaped recovery igniting hope.”
In addition to providing for the people’s economic needs the government is seeking to strengthen its position in the public debate by ensuring that other points of view, especially those that are in opposition to it, are restricted if not suppressed entirely. This has taken the form of new laws that seek to outlaw and even criminalise dissenting opinions. The Online Safety Act represents the first of a triad of draconian new laws that will give power to members of the government to load the public debate in its favour by silencing critical voices that utilise social media. The OSA was passed under controversial circumstances in parliament. There are two other draconian laws that are pending- the Anti Terrorism Bill which is near finalization and the Broadcasting Authority Bill which will threaten mainstream media. It is ironic that those same political leaders who led the country to the present crisis seem determined to silence voices that make criticisms and suggest alternatives in public.
Unacceptable Law
The latest threat to civic space to emerge is the draft law for NGO Registration and Supervision which will replace the Voluntary Social Services Organisations Act of 1980 which has been used by civic organisations to gain legal status for the work they do. At present organisations that wish to register have a range of options according to the common law tradition that Sri Lanka is heir to from the British colonial period. Organisations can register also under the Companies Act if they wish to have legal personality or register at the local level at the government’s district and divisional secretariats. Even presently, funds that come to NGOs come through banks who do due diligence based on the Central Bank. They are subject to audit by donors. That NGOs not registered with the National NGO secretariat are supervised by other state bodies. The proposed new law is different in that it compels civic organisations to register in one place, be they micro-finance organisations or trusts or even those incorporated by parliament. There is a recurring pattern of the government trying to control civil society through the registration and supervision process.
The Ministry of National Security under which the police functions is currently in the national and international spotlight on account of its anti-drug campaign that has led to tens of thousands of police raids and arrests. The location of the NGO Secretariat under the Ministry of Public Security itself sends a negative message that the government considers civic organisations within the framework of this law and order. International human rights standards and the Sri Lankan constitution guarantees freedom of association and expression. Citizens should be free to associate in any form and restrictions may only apply once an activity is suspected or found to be illegal. The proposed Bill seeks to regulate non-governmental activity which encompasses a broad spectrum of organization – informal, formal, voluntary, paid, non-profit, for profit, national, District focused, community based and village-based and a broad range of types of activities and aims. They can also be accused of going against “core cultural values.” In terms of this restriction, calling for a secular state, or for gay and lesbian rights, or for the right to abortion might be construed as going against core cultural values and opening them to punitive action.
In 2018, a predecessor government in which the present president was prime minister came up with a similar law. At that time the National NGO Secretariat was under the Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation. When appeals to the ministry fell on deaf ears, a group of concerned civil society leaders met with then Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and made their appeal to him. Within days the draft law was withdrawn and those civic leaders who had made the representations were requested by the prime minister to come up with their own recommended framework for civil society. This was done after two years of consultation with a wide swathe of civil society and led to the formulation of guiding principles for a legal framework for the not-for-profit sector. These guidelines were also submitted to the government a year ago but their content or spirit is not in the present draft law. In these circumstances, the hope will be to meet the president as in 2018, when he was prime minister. It may be the same wheel that has to turn for the betterment of the community and country at large.
Nathan / February 14, 2024
… that would ensure a government with a people’s mandate.
_ Each and every Govt , we have had was one with a mandate of ‘the people’. What’s the difference this time?
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… but those at the receiving end are likely to revolt in the longer term.
_ Revolt? What is that. The President has such a firm grip even protests are not likely.
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whywhy / February 16, 2024
Nathan ,
” The president has such a firm grip even protests are not likely ” .
Half Baked ‘ Aragalaya ‘ turned out a Blessing to the Full Baked
Traditional Bandwagon . Carnival is coming soon . Samurdi
could be replaced with a Decorated Uniformed Guard to protect
yourself from further ‘ Aragalaya ‘ .
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chiv / February 14, 2024
Did we ever, have unrestricted civic spaces ???? If so more than 40 journalist will be alive today, CT founder will be functioning from Lanka and not in exile, Rajapaksas would not have been found guilty of murders ( journalist / Lasantha ) ………….. PTA / APT, ban social media, when Rajapaksas were desperate to bring such law Ranil vehemently opposed, Pissu Sira staged constipational coup, blank censored news media during JR’ time and you writing “tongue in cheek ” articles ????? What more some despicable retards demanding to know the identity of people who write comments.
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RBH59 / February 14, 2024
Restrictions Of Civic Space Is Unacceptable
He is reported to have made this same declaration during his visit to Australia last week.
his validating democratic He told this back of his mind he knows he is representing Sri lanka without peoples vote ( Zero) faulted democratic. The people are hungry: It is because those in authority eat up too much in taxes
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nimal fernando / February 14, 2024
“Restrictions Of Civic Space Is Unacceptable”
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Jehan, ……. Did you just wake up, pal?
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In Lanka, Civic Space, food, medicines, school-books, voting, elections, religious space, ………. even a plot in the blooming cemetery (what happened to LTTE cemeteries) …….. is restricted at the whims of politicians. Nothing is restricted for the politicians if they are with the ruler who doles out their freedom/non-restriction. …….. I won’t mention Ranil: Native gets upset ……. and I won’t mention Mahinda/Gota: Soma gets upset. ……… Gotta tip toe daily through Lankans’ adulthood-s gingerly …….. not to step on toes ……. not to hurt feelings.
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While OC and Ramona are taking in the breathtaking scenery on the land-bridge …….. for some economic free-thinkers out here ……… there is no one size that fits all ……. perhaps, economically-untrained AKD, unbeknown to him, has stumbled onto some truths about state ownership, price-controls, safeguarding local industries, …….. how Switzerland keeps it going ……. and why Geneva has trounced Bandarawela despite not having STC ……… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEBU0QkhYNI
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Ranil/Mahinda hang your heads down and cry ……. supporters return to early childhood ……. give ye brains a chance to develop differently ………
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Ajith / February 14, 2024
Do we need a Presidential system?
Do we need to analyse the impact of the President’s since it was introduced to this country?
What is the impact on the economy?
What is the impact on democracy?
What is the impact on the political, social, ethnic stability?
What is the impact on the Judiciary?
…………………………………………………………
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Captain Morgan / February 14, 2024
Ever since Ranil Wickremasinghe was appointed President, he has been dealing with the multifarious issues afflicting the country on a purely symptomatic basis. Only the most worrisome issue of the day is addressed to relieve the immediate pressure on him by administering some kasaya or paracetamol, putting a splint, bandage and plaster of Paris, or applying hot fomentation followed by rubbing in some medicinal oil.
The one thing that he does aggressively and with enthusiasm is drafting and enacting repressive and undemocratic legislation. He will never do anything bold and groundbreaking such as one might expect of a statesman. The other thing he does enthusiastically is globetrotting on dubious errands at the expense of the poor citizen.
What a loser and a joker he is!
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Douglas / February 17, 2024
Captain Morgan: “What a loser and a joker he is”. Sorry. You have not assessed him correctly.
He (Ranil W) is the “Kapati Rajah” ( a Fox-like) and a “Crook” following the footsteps of his uncle – JRJ. He is not a “Loser”. He manipulated the Rajapakses in such a brave manner to become the President even though he and his party (UN)) go wiped out at the Parliamentary Elections. Now he speaks of “2048” to be the year of “prosperity and Splendor” (the theme song of the Rajapakse clan) What he is hinting at?
If he fails in that “Game Plan”, a second “Hidden Agenda” is on the cards, and that is to secure a “Top Job” in an International Organization. That too is financed by the taxpayers of this country. That “Globe Trotting on Dubious Errands” – you mentioned is the next “Game Plan”.
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whywhy / February 16, 2024
” Panam panthiyile , Kunam kuppaiyile , Izaaip parthu arinthu nadakkazavar
Manizarille Pilaikkum manizarille ” . Sung by Seerkali Govindarajan and
written by K M Shareef . For Non Tamil readers , I translate this . The meaning .
Money is the central focus on any occasion , meaning , the objective in life (first
line- Panam panthiyile) . Morality is in the bin , the second line Kunam Kuppaiyile .
Anyone who doesn’t understand and live accordingly is , not a man who knows to
survive – the last longer line . Money is the central focus and Quality of Man is in
the Bin . About 62 yrs ago this message was delivered by a beautiful song . Many
cultures have written so many songs about this attitude of man . But Europeans
and the West mainly , have managed to wipe out this menace through meaningful
reforms . But , under a man like Ranil , there’s another song in the same era to
explain it . Same song writer penned it . ” Irukkum Idaththai vittu ” .
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Good Sense / February 17, 2024
Apart from the record of not conducting elections and introducing noose tightening laws, I must entertain the doubt, based on rumors circulated that specialized water cannons and as well as a huge number of drones are imported with a view to control crowds and thereby curtail the freedom of expression. At a time of difficulty there should be discipline and ideally it should be self-imposed encouraged through education and setting an example. It appears that some want to stay in office beyond the duration permissible. The modus operandi of not holding elections, say local government or provincial is to change the basis of election in such a way that important pre-requisites must be adhered prior to holding elections. Such pre-requisites not being fulfilled enables the indefinite postponements. Voting classified as a sovereign and human right of the people therefore undeniable. I think the author can muster the support to canvass a case in an appropriate court of law. The case for holding the elections is that the change of the legal framework should not be a barrier to hold elections and if they are then an interpretation be sought that the old framework should apply automatically. automatically the old framework should apply.
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Good Sense / February 17, 2024
Balancing revenue and expense is a daunting task! OMG! That is true for any family, any institution and even to the monarchs using gold-plated Rolls-Royces. As an economist and a former tuition master of the subject he is aware that resources are limited, and the needs must be prioritized thus the remainder unfulfilled is the opportunity cost. Therefore, what are the key expenses that must be met under any circumstances? Expenses of holding of elections too is a key expense and those who are in authority must have that money. None can forget the lame excuse tendered for not holding local government elections is the lack of money to spend for payment of salaries of public servants if the elections were held. It is the duty of the Finance Minister, State Ministers, Secretary of the Ministry, and a string of other officials living in a lap of luxury to ensure such state revenues to meet the key expenses. Sadly, it is noted that election expenses are skyrocketing (as with others) but the essential facilities to the staff performing the thankless job of election duty are dwindling. Elections too must be held cost effectively maintaining standards.
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deepthi silva / February 17, 2024
Only in Sri Lanka – a man rejected by the voter is appointed President by a government which was chased away by an angry country.
He attacks the protestors and then as President starts globe trotting with his wife, including for the Queens funeral and the Kings coronation.
As before he also goes for the Davos meeting.
Now he says the presidency is not good for the country and must abolish it !
He also claims to be elite !
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