28 March, 2024

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Voice Of Intellectuals Essential For Good Governance

By Chandra Jayaratne –

Chandra Jayaratne

William Hague once stated, “Inspiring scenes of people taking the future of their countries into their own hands will ignite greater demands for good governance and political reform elsewhere in the world, including in Asia and in Africa”. Will we in Sri Lanka see such a move in the post independence era, with the professionals and intellectuals in society giving leadership?

The Voice of the professionals/intellectuals is so vital for assurance of good governance. Are our Professional Institutes/Associations, Business Chambers, Academics and Intellectuals, playing their part in Sri Lanka today, in line with public expectations and their professional conduct commitments? Why are they silent even when issues of direct relevance to their specialism’s surface in governance? Why do they fail to initiate ideas and advocate issues of critical importance to the growth and prosperity of the nation? Why do they not openly critique, debate and advocate from an apolitical and independent stand point? Why do they leave it all to politicians, the media and civil society groups? Does this silence not promote bad governance, lack of transparency and accountability, misrepresentation, non delivery on promises, inequity, oversight failures and even bribery and corruption?

The absence of the intellectual voice, debate and advocacy on the following challenging issues, along with the lack of follow up essential leadership representations with commitment, when governance decisions are unacceptable, are a slur on the societal expectations of professional ethics and standards of conduct by Professional Institutes/Associations, Business Chambers and Academics:

* Ministerial pronouncement that the country does not require a loan from the International Monetary Fund, based on its current economic status, and that Sri Lanka will have Forex Flows of USD 32 Billion in 2021, inclusive of  Port City Investments of USD 2.5 billion;

* In line with the above policy decision, should the country say “No Thank You”, even to the enhanced Special Drawing Rights due for approval by the IMF soon?;

* Ministerial pronouncement that Sri Lankan Rupee will appreciate against the US Dollar again to the level of Rs 185 and no unnecessary fear should be entertained;

* Ministerial pronouncement on the adequacy of the CWE distributed, Rs 1000/- ‘Sahana Malla’ to feed a household of 4 persons for a specified period;

* Decision to impose a ban on imports of turmeric ignoring the local production capacity shortfall in the interim, which shortfall can be met only years in to the future;

* Sri Lanka destroying the consignments of turmeric seized whilst being smuggled in to Sri Lanka; without handing it over to a State owned Ayurvedic medicinal manufacturing enterprise for use in medicinal preparations;

* Inconsistent, often varied along with several exemptions accompanied import restrictions policy; where the initial suspension of the facilitation of imports of 156 categories of products under certain payment methods (including rice, flour, sugar, bakery products, apparel products, ceramics, and furniture) came in to operation; whilst permitting the imports of 111 categories of items (such as milk, dried vegetables, palm oil, electrical appliances and construction materials), only on a credit basis, without stakeholder voice being considered;

* The later sudden imposition of palm oil imports ban, along with restrictions on establishing new palm oil plantations, and requiring present plantations to uproot existing plantations in a phased manner;

* In the validation of whether coconut oil distributed had excessive levels of aflatoxin, 125 samples were collected island wide; and out of which 55 samples were tested in the first batch and announced that the average level of the 55 samples taken together was below set maximum limit (ie. not how many of the 55 samples tested had levels of aflatoxin above standards);

* A senior official of the Sri Lanka Standards Bureau confirming that there are many food items in the market which contain aflatoxin and the identity of companies importing them could not be divulged as certain manufacturing processes could even collapse if it was done; 

* Ministerial pronouncement that there was no relationship between money printing by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the depreciation of the local rupee in the foreign currency market;

* Central Bank suspending the licensed commercial banks from entering into forward rate agreements for foreign exchange without consultation of relevant stakeholders;

* Central Bank requiring every exporter of goods, immediately upon the receipt of such export proceeds into Sri Lanka, within 180 days from export ( imposed at a time the overseas buyers were pressurizing suppliers to extend enhanced credit periods) to convert 25% from and out of the total of the exports proceeds received in Sri Lanka into rupees through a licensed bank, whilst at the same time having directed Licensed Banks to sell to the Central Bank 50 per cent of export proceeds converted into Sri Lanka rupees by exporters (12.5 per cent of total foreign exchange earnings), and followed up action with these directions being changed several times during a short period;

* Decision to impose an immediate ban on the imports of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and weedicides, without timely notice, professional research of consequential impacts and associated socio economic risks, stakeholder discussions and without an appropriate time lag for substitute products to be available in the market to meet demand;

* The failure to examine whether the Port City related investments and operations will in the longer term add significant cumulative net cash inflow returns to Sri Lanka, corresponding to the level of national resources allocated, utility services provided and attractive tax and other concessions and incentives granted;

* The failure to examine carefully whether the Port City investors will have significant comparative advantages over local investors engaged in the City of Colombo in similar businesses and associated undesirable discriminatory operational framework;

* Failure to project whether the operational structure, rules and regulations applicable within the Port City, will lead to significant options for Money Laundering, Transfer Pricing and cleaning Black Money; and in such an event will Sri Lanka be downgraded in the Financial Action Task Force high risks and other monitored jurisdictions list;

* A leader of a youth wing of a leading political party inquiring as to why some citizens are opposing the Port City Bill being enacted, when it’s operations will lead to an incremental value addition of USD 18 Billion by 2028, to boost our present meager external reserves;

* The Executive appearing not to heed to professional best advise rendered by medical and health specialists in the management and control of the Covid  pandemic;

* The apparent Executive inaction and ignoring of the best advice on Environmental Protection and human elephant conflict management;

* Apparent lack of ground level assurance validations of food security, health, nutrition and wellbeing and capability development of the young and youth in the foreseeable future in the context f global and local challenges in governance;

Let our Decision Makers, the Executive and the Intellectuals be reminded that Dalai Lama is quoted as stating, “Lack of transparency, results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity”.

It is a fervent hope that apolitical and independent voice of intellectuals will emerge soon; and not delayed to a period post a national calamity followed by chaos; in the current context owing to potential bad governance, lack of transparency, accountability and adherence to hallowed principles of upholding of rule of law, democratic rights, right to information and justice with equity and equality.

Society at large looks forward to the day that professionals and intellectuals discard their “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” resembling the three monkey faces, each with eyes, ears and mouth closed.

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Latest comments

  • 4
    3

    The Voice of the professionals/intellectuals is so vital for assurance of good governance.

    WHO Voice of the professionals/intellectuals approval of creamtion and burrial was oderdered, The absence of the intellectual made it to dragged and then come in line with WHO approval.

    • 30
      2

      “Intellectuals”

      Ah! That’s a laugh!

      The word means different things to different people.

      For 6.9 million, the intellectuals are the Rajapakses.

      If you put all the Rajapakses together there isn’t a single decent OL-pass among the lot of them.

      It doesn’t take much to be an intellectual in Lanka.

      We need less, not more “intellectuals.”

      Try commonsense …….. there’s nothing wrong with it!

      • 5
        8

        nf
        Is there a defined category called intellectuals here?
        Do not worry if you are not an intellectual. You will miss very little.
        The richest and most powerful do not belong to that category.

        • 14
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          Being the richest and most powerful will not always bring contentment.
          If being an intellectual is one who has the faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively, then to him money and power are not of consequence.

          • 0
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            MV
            Sounds right.
            But by your second set of criteria there cannot be many intellectuals on this planet.
            *
            Nothing brings contentment.
            One finds it within.

            • 0
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              …Contentment. One finds it WITHIN….
              But aiming for riches and power distracts one to the OUTSIDE world.
              Hence my statement : If being an intellectual is one who has the faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively, then to him money and power are not of consequence.
              ……there cannot be MANY intellectuals on this planet……
              True, hence our plight !!

      • 7
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        nimal fernando

        “It doesn’t take much to be an intellectual in Lanka.”

        In this island it does not take much effort, knowledge, wisdom, ….. to be recognised as intellectual. Do you consider C V Wigneshwaran an intellectual, as he quotes
        Jean-Jacques Rousseau””Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains.”?
        Please refer his interview with Samantha Rajapaksa:

        http://english.wamehanda.org/2021/05/05/i-hope-you-and-i-are-working-in-the-same-wave-length-c-v-wigneswaran/

      • 12
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        To add.

        Only a minute percentage of Lankans are born stupid.

        To give Norm Chomsky’s phrase ” Manufacturing Consent” a different twist ……… in Lanka, people go around “Manufacturing Stupidity.” Self-Manufacturing Stupidity on a daily basis. …….. Just look around.

        For most Lankan intellectuals, the Rajapakses are the “intellectuals!”

        Take photographs from 2 years back, when Gota as a candidate, was going around with his Vijaya Maga or some crap ……….. look at the cream of the Lankan elite/intellectuals that were sitting around him!

        Back then, I had an argument with the esteemed physician/intellectual Dr M.M. Janapriya (contributor to this forum) who was canvassing for a dictator. I was telling him exactly how it’s going to turn up. His friend Sunil Abeyratne (who I believe is also a physician) came to his defence.

        Am I an intellectual by any stretch of the imagination? Just an ordinary Lankan pleb with a little commonsense. …………. if I’m an intellectual then Native Wedda is freaking Immanuel Kant!

        This is what Sunil Abeyratne is saying now ……… “I sincerely thought Gota would make changes to benefit the country. I am not so sure now.”

        • 16
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          continued

          This is not to ridicule anyone but to point out how Lankan elite/intellectuals think and to knock some sense in.

          The Rajapakses are pure Mafia – just read how Al Capone ran Chicago. Uneducated, uncultured, uncivilized, uncouth, murderous rascals.

          I don’t blame the Rajapakses: they don’t know any better ………. Can’t run a decent Westminster system even if they wanted to! …….. Wouldn’t know one even if it fell on their heads!

          I blame the selfish/self-interested intellectual scum of the earth who brought them to power.

          To hell with all this intellectuals nonsense …….. You can’t vote for something bad and expect something good to come out of it ……….. and that’s plain and simple commonsense ………..

          • 12
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            This is what I wrote Dr.M.M.Janapriya on October 13, 2019.

            “Sure, I’m on edge a little …….. however we look at it …….. we are sleepwalking into handing over the country to a well-known serial-killer. That’s the bottom line.

            Some people might want that to happen ………. but in the 21st century …….. in a daily loudly professed Buddhist country ………. for someone looking-in from afar it looks surreal beyond belief.

            A serial-killer ……… well-known to all the citizens ………. will be voted in by a majority as the president in a month’s time!

            That’s the reality we have to face ……….. all the scholarly articles in the whole damn universe is moot ….. not gonna do a thing!”

            And I haven’t even come a million miles anywhere near Sumanadasa’s crystal ball ……………

            How’s that for commonsense!

        • 8
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          nimal fernando
–
“For most Lankan intellectuals, the Rajapakses are the “intellectuals!”
–
This is not just their fantasy, but the University of Colombo made it a reality by awarding Honorary Degrees to the brothers, on 6 September 2009 Mahinda Rajapaksa was awarded a LLD, on the same day Gotabaya Rajapaksa was awarded a DSc.
–
University of Colombo must have recognized their ability to commit war crimes and kill Demelas in large numbers and increase their unearned income without breaking into the treasury.
–
However Dr Laksiri Fernando gave different reason:
” I wish to draw your attention to the conferring of honorary doctorates in 2009 to the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Gotabaya Rajapaksa by the University of Colombo. As you may know, I was the proposer of this motion at the Senate on the 29th of May 2009 which was carried unanimously and later approved by the Council of the University.
          The premise for that proposal was that both the President and the Secretary of Defence had rendered an immense service to the country by bringing an end to the nearly three decades of war that bled the country and even disrupted the university education. ……….”
–
I Propose To Revoke Doctorates From GR & MR
Dr Laksiri Fernando
Colombo Telegraph
OCTOBER 11, 2015


      • 18
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        Ah Nimal, you are such a spoilsport, aren’t you? Why do you speak so condescendingly about our first family?

        Didn’t you know that Big Papa “earned” his Law Diploma using the vast depths of his knowledge while serving as a library peon at Vidyodaya? It was nothing whatsoever to do with Jayaraj Fernandopulle. Didn’t you know that Nandasena Malli is on the verge of being awarded not one, but ttwo PhD-s for his sagacity and gentleness of character, manifested fully in his actions over the past 18 months?

        Didn’t you know that Namal Buwa has a first class in the law college exams, despite the ambient heat and sweat, blood, toil and tears? This had nothing to do with some other privileged Baiiya being given an air-conditioned private room with a computer and access to all manner of reference material plus a private coach on demand.

        Didn’t you know that young Rohitha Chooti Patiya already has a PhD in Mathematics and Rocket Science and is on the verge of “earning” his second?

        Only poor Yoshitha Madhyama Patiya has no intellectual streak in him, so he says that hard work is what got him his rewards, including the ability to look like a clown in Ascot gear while “going to the races”.

      • 4
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        This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.

        For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2

        • 5
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          Dr. Eagle ‘dumb’ Eye, again and again you have been posting brief comments, while they are brief, they are absolutely brilliant. Thanks, please come again.

      • 6
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        Mr. Nimal Fernando. Did it not ever occur to you that Srilanka is a nation of glorified Mr. Oedipuses.

      • 6
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        Of the following, who is an intellectual?
        Rohitha Rajapaksa, (Space systems analyst)
        G.L. Pieris, Professor of law
        Channa Jayasumana, Professor of medicine.
        Jayanath Colombage, Admiral Professor.
        Nandasena Rajapaksa, ????
        Who says there are no intellectuals to advise Nandasena? But Intelligence is a different matter.

        • 2
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          old codger

          “Nandasena Rajapaksa, ????”

          Please look at the number of qualification Nanthu had earned:

          Gota was awarded Masters degree on Defence Studies from the University of Madras in 1983.

          He has also obtained a Postgraduate degree in Information Technology from the University of Colombo in 1992.

          University of Colombo awarded him a DSc.

          By the way on 24 May 2009 the Sanghas/Karaka Sabas gave him SCROLLS, the contents is not known. Was it the deed to the entire island?

          What more qualifications does he needs to prove himself an intellectual?

      • 1
        7

        nimal fernando,
        “For 6.9 million, the intellectuals are the Rajapakses.
        If you put all the Rajapakses together there isn’t a single decent OL-pass among the lot of them.”
        —-
        Is passing examinations a requirement to become an intellectual?

        • 5
          1

          EE,

          Mr Mahindapala,

          As you are over 80 ……. out of respect for elders ……… let me make it very easy for you.

          Name an intellectual among the entire lot of Rajapakses ……… then we can assume passing examinations is not a requirement to become an intellectual.

          That’s a very reasonable question …….. not from me but by the father of logic ol’ Aristotle ……….in the vein of —–> All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is mortal.

          If you are game enough to say Mahinda, Gota Basil, Namal, ……. or any other Rajapakse ………… is an intellectual, then we can safely assume passing exams is not a requirement.

          Then I’d say, no intellectual will get commercial flights to take off from Katunayake and land in Mattala 5 minutes later, therefore, anyone who made that decision is not an intellectual.

          See how easy this game is!

          Do not fret Mr Mahindapala ……… this is not rocket science but very simple logic.

          Happy? The ball is in your court. :))

          • 1
            2

            nimal fernando
            Rajapakshes are intellectuals. They demonstrated that with the way they dealt with megalomaniac Piripaharan and LTTE Tamil terrorists. JR failed, Premadasa failed, Ranil failed, Chandrika failed, Piripaharan failed but Rajapakshes passed.
            Tamil terrorists bragged that they cannot be defeated militarily. Rajapakshes used their brains and gave them a humiliating defeat at Nandikadal. Tigers are still licking their wounds cursing Rajapakshes.
            —-
            “Name an intellectual among the entire lot of Rajapakses”

            • 2
              2

              EE,

              Anything you were going to say was pre-empted with this

              “Then I’d say, no intellectual will get commercial flights to take off from Katunayake and land in Mattala 5 minutes later, therefore, anyone who made that decision is not an intellectual.”

              That’s the beauty of logic ……… isn’t it Mr Mahindapala? :))


              BTW …… people have now realized that Gota or the Rajapakses had nothing to do with the war-victory ……… their bungling capabilities are now amply demonstrated for everyone to see.

              If not for Fonseka and the thousands of soldiers who fought the battles ……. the Rajapakses will be still shivering, hiding in their bunkers unable to take credit for it.


              “Rajapakshes used their brains and gave them a humiliating defeat” ……… signs of a delusionary mind! …… Old age can do that to you …….. When did you last see your psychiatrist Mr Mahindapala?

              The name “Ranil” might worsen your condition ……. but since you are in Oz this is a good shrink to see https://vimeo.com/7620523 …….. we know him, can get him to put you on the couch for free ………

              What are friends for, eh? :))

              • 0
                1

                nimal fernando
                That was a business strategy to promote the new airport. Dumbos who have no idea about business strategies criticize that decision.
                Ranil who pretend that he is an intellectual made the dumb decision to store paddy at Mattala airport while there were several other places available to store paddy to damage the reputation of the airport so that he can sell that and put the check in his pocket as he did with Hambantota port.
                —-
                “Then I’d say, no intellectual will get commercial flights to take off from Katunayake and land in Mattala 5 minutes later, therefore, anyone who made that decision is not an intellectual.”

                • 1
                  1

                  Eagle,
                  “That was a business strategy to promote the new airport. “
                  Do you know how much fuel a plane needs to take off? If you take off twice while going to Dubai, what does it do to the cost? Do you know that SriLankan lost 18 billion annually while Mahinda was doing that? It was our money, not yours. We are the ones that have to pay 1800 bucks each without even getting on a plane. Not foreign twits like you.

                • 1
                  1

                  “That was a business strategy to promote the new airport. Dumbos who have no idea about business strategies criticize that decision.”

                  Mr Mahindapala,

                  Ha ha ha ha ha ………. I can’t just stop laughing!

                  But when a 80+ Lankan sprouts such wisdom I might start crying!

                  Mr Mahindapala the business I know ……… and the business you know are chalk and cheese.

                  I’ll stop out of kindness for an elder …… don’t wanna make you embarrass yourself.

                  See I’m a nice guy Even if I have to say so myself! :))

                  • 2
                    0

                    nm: Let me remind you of the “Intelligence” of the present President Gotabaya Nandasena Rajapakse. When he was the Secretary of Defense, a “Puppy Dog” for his wife was brought down in a Sri Lankan flight. To do that, he issued “Instructions” to “Down Grade” the flight, so that a separate pilot of his choice (a pilot who was not licensed to fly the type which was scheduled) could be used. As a result “09 Fare Paying Passengers” had to be offloaded and provide alternate “Hotel Accommodation” and substitute flights to Colombo. Have you also forgotten how this “NGR” started “Mihin Lanka” as its Chairman and ended up with “Rs.3 billion” Loss? Do you need “Many” more of “Rajapaksas”?

            • 3
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              EE,
              Rajapakshes are Interllectuals ? … my foot.. then I have to respect my BULL DOG more from today on… this proves everything about your PATHOLOGICAL problems.

              • 2
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                My Dear LLM: The “BEST” I heard from you. “….I have to respect my BULLDOG..”

                • 2
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                  My dear SIMON, I only become speechless today not being able to tolerate these idiots anymore.
                  If Rajapakshes are interllectuals, then all prisoners and high criminals should also be considered as interllectuals. Basta.

                  EE is becoming uncontrollable today. He does not seem to know what he has been talking about so called US sinhalaya….

      • 1
        0

        The Sinhala Intelligentsia has been frightened to death in Sri
        Lanka / Judges sever. Ranjan is fixed. The makings of a
        dictator cannot be better proved than the current activities of
        a Nandasena

    • 7
      0

      The problem is that even this writer believes that voice (appointing) of the intellectuals will solve all the problems in SL. Dear writer, being Clever you cannot solve certain problems. You need the knowledge and the experience which is called WISDOM.
Look at the Viyath Maga intellectuals who are working and advising this govt. We all thought they were going to solve our problems but now the voters describe them in Sinhala as
“රත්තරන් මොල
පිත්තලයි බොල”
      Please reflect on the following two answers from the 16 answers given by Lord Buddha to King Pasenadi Kosol’s 16 dreams. The answers clearly explain our country’s plight due to the behaviour of corrupt and selfish attitude of some political leaders and their Ministers who ruled our country during last few decades. It is fascinating to learn that over 2600 years ago what Lord Buddha had said could easily be applied today to our rulers in Sri Lanka.
      King’s Dream No. 4
Some men replaced the strong adult bulls who were pulling the first carts in a caravan with weak young calves. Since the young ones were too weak to haul the load, they refused to pull the carts. So, the caravan was unmoving.
      Cont..

      • 5
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        Part 2
        Buddha’s Answer
Dear King, this dream says that future rulers overlook intellectuals and give higher positions like minister- ships, diplomatic positions, and appointments to courts, to ill-bred, ignorant people and make a mess of their governing. Intellectuals, when called finally for help, would refuse assistance and the government would fall to ruins.
        King’s Dream No. 5
I saw an extraordinary horse which had two mouths on either side of its head being fed on both sides at once. It was eating greedily.
        Buddha’s Answer
Dear King, when the world is nearing its end, the rulers that come to power are so irresponsible, they appoint greedy men to the highchair of law. These deceitful judges, blind to the truth and honesty, take bribes from both parties like the voracious horse with two mouths.

  • 24
    3

    Whole Sri Lankan society is corrupt: Professionals and intellectuals are equally corrupt looking to fill their pockets like what the ruling politicians have been doing for decades

    Socrates 2400 years ago:

    In politics Socrates believed that the best form of government being neither a tyranny nor a democracy. Instead, government worked best when ruled by individuals who had the greatest ability, knowledge and virtue, and possessed a complete understanding of themselves.

  • 14
    4

    Isn’t it proves that most of the so called professionals and intellectuals are reached to their current status through back door?

    • 6
      3

      T&A
      Why do you expect any different from intellectuals than from others?
      Professionals qualify in institutions and train in their work places.
      There is no back door to being an intellectual.

  • 17
    1

    Dear Mr.C.J.
    Most (repeat most – not all) of our Professionals and Intellectuals are “virtually” moribund and are only guided by what is in for me – So they are Unprofessional and pseudo-Intellectuals.
    See the infamous Viyatmaga – what have they achieved except for a few posts to their
    leaders, who now are not interested.
    Exemplified by my comment below on why the BASL, a professional body, does not take up the matter of an over zealous Magistrate’s behaviour……….
    ……..Even the Bar Association website says :
    “Whilst safeguarding the rights and privileges of its members, the BASL “also” lobbies for the rights of citizens “where necessary”, in the wake of national issues and crises.”
    So you see that their first object is themselves and secondly (in passing – Note “also”), they will lobby for citizens rights, presumably if they feel like it, “where necessary”.
    Till the time when decency prevailed in our Society and Lawyers were honourable, we could have expected them to take up this case. But the way they have skirted the major issues of the past two or three decades with pliable Presidents and EX-Cos., no one really depends on them……..

    • 10
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      In fact in which…..Professional Institute/Association, Business Chamber, …. have they a clause that they will intervene as their civic duties and obligations to society’s well being.

    • 8
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      Professional organizations exist to protect their members right to freeze their clients.
      Who is responsible for law delays.
      Lawyers and judges.
      In Singapore, the trials take place whole day starting like any other Govt office at times even outside office hours.
      Courts complete the trials record time No postponement of cases to allow lawyers to take so many cases in several courts and can not attend trials. Vothside lawyers and Judge fleeze the litigants.
      Can you expect justice from such a fraudulent judge who backs the lawyers at the expense of the litigants.
      BASL members are all intllecrutand financial frauds worse than politicians may except few like Nagananda and Sumanthiran.
      Ask Anrit about Chartered Accountants. Ask about GMOA members who fleeze patients after studying at the tax payers money..
      What professionals are true to their profession.
      Look at the Central bank, they do not supervise the financial institutions properly. Those financial institutions do not have proper systems to give fair and true statement of affairs. They do not ensure the stability of those institutions. Only create entry barriers and increase the monopoly of few who aein business ad help them to fleeze the clients.
      Author also was part of that inefficient central bank that allowed Financial institutions to collapse.
      He is writing like a saint about professionalism

      • 9
        0

        Dear Dilshan.
        ………Author also was part of that inefficient central bank that allowed Financial institutions to collapse……………..
        I think it is better to double check on this. May be you are confusing with another person who subscribes to CT.

        • 4
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          You are right. I am sorry on the mox up.
          Author is part of Chartered Accountants mafia whose members robbed the Goverment still did not do anything to EY the accounting firm in the Sri Lanka insurance

          • 4
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            Dear Dilshan,
            I agree with your sentiments in a general way but singling out one individual like author CJ, needs more evaluation of the circumstances…..
            I know it is easy to identify one bad individual in an organisation and extrapolate to the whole or conversely identify an organization and say all individuals there, are symptomatic of the ills of it.
            Realistically, in the case of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, (and most others), I think the inherent system leaves little room for the collection of people therein to think of anything other than personal loyalties. How many have articled at EY ? Or how many at BDO or KPMG. So most of these are Old Boy networks. We should not expect anything from them as Society.
            The only course is the establishment of an organization dedicated to uphold the rights of society comprising those who think outside of loyalties to all these separate organisations.

            • 0
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              Myview
              I agree. But it really annoys when someone who allow improper things to happen in their organization start saying they could improve others.
              Problem of creating separate organization is not so easy under the Gestapo type Government.

              • 0
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                Thanks Dilshan for openness. Let’s move on.
                Regards.

  • 14
    1

    ”…Voice Of Intellectuals…? In current SL, I am sure the voice is ‘yes sir, no sir, 3 bags full sir’.

    It has to be an intellectual who will appreciate intellectual conversation but our politicians are largely uneducated. In the military, orders are obeyed down the line with no questions asked, which is one reason SL has military backed govt. As citizens, we are either opportunists, which has made us selfish & corrupt, even to the extent of shamelessly giving up our professional ethics & integrity, or, gullible enough to believe living in la la land which promises milk & honey tomorrow. So, the voice of intellectuals is a lone voice on deaf ears.

    • 6
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      ‘yes sir, no sir, 3 bags full sir’.
      Is it very different where you are?

      • 4
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        SJ

        For your information, yes. The average politician & civil servant in UK is much better than in SL & the media is there to hold those in high offices accountable.

        • 1
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          Have you not heard of abuse of privilege by British MPs.
          Do not tell me about the honesty of the British media. At times they make ‘the Island’ look very respectable.

          • 2
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            SJ

            There have been cases where MPs have swindled their expense accounts but, thanks to media exposure, they have been recovered & some have even been jailed. The corruption in SL is massive comparatively & is unlikely will ever even come to court. There is an investigation underway currently about lucrative contracts that have been awarded to cronies during the pandemic & Boris J for getting party donors to pay for the refurbishment of his official Downing street flat. The PM is allowed £30,000 annually for refurbishment but BJ has spent £200k for the refurbishment & admits asking donors for an advance payment but says he has paid all the borrowings with his money since. It is difficult to get away with sleaze in UK, unlike in SL where it is blatant.

  • 12
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    What if interllectuals are under permament threat ?

    Paniya makers and promoters are given red carpet treatments while all the meidcal specialists are fully neglected today. This is becoming evident looking at the manner, how the leadership totally ignore, WHO recognized well known, well experience Prof. Tissa Vitarana as a senior virologist. Fake Prof. Channa ballige putha is a novice politician, but not the least knowledge how he has to liase with rich countries in order to purchase or get granted the – necessary loads of vaccines – but he behaves no different MR’s junta REGIME 01 wandibattayas. I really dont, CHANNA could prove his ablities in post doctoral research in his field in order him to be awarded – PROFESSORSHIP. … that is really shame to srilanken academic community.

    Good governance did achieve a lot atleast wihtin the first 2 years. Current govt is ever indebted to SUVASARIYA ambulance service established by Dr Harsha De Silva and his supporters. Today, people of this country have no other choice but to rely on SUVASARIYA, but not a single word of gratefulness added by the bunch of criminals in power today.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEOToC62yzU

    However, bond scam which was already established by MaRa Junta Regime 01, became known during the good goverannce. If anyone would prove that Arjuna Mahendran’s CV was similar to that of a traditional bond scammer,… I would not post against MR et al again.

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    The intellectuals and the educated are among the most corrupt people in the country. What is needed is not educated people but people with high moral standards, people of honour and integrity. Are there any left or have they all gone abroad?

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      Paul@
      They have one thing in common which is sinhala Genetics. And many of them are guided pinguththarayas led buddhagama which is not real buddhism as taught by lord buddha. 😐😐😐😐😐😐😐

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        Leelagemalli, may be they can learn something from this Tamil citizen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVDVWAdDJ4A

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          Paul@
          See, the monk produced by Tamil community is 1000000000000000000000 time buddhist than all the sinhala sangaya pinguttharayas all together.
          :
          It is high time even MUSLIM community to produce good buddhist monks because sinhala buddhist monks have been abusing the sangahood. Most known to me, among the sinhala buddhist monks are all like ones that are busy with the oldest profession.
          .
          Look at
          – abhayaramaya – anandha
          – abhyethissa mudhalali
          – alle baluwansha
          – kotuwe bp – bohoma pin.. hamudurwo
          – bbs pissu balla
          – managlasarma kunuharupa haamudurwoa (bad mouth, from Mangala ramaya)
          – Gangaramaya thug …
          – Kelaniya Temple pinguththarya, who became to all – laughing stock… (embaaracing Sorbone University)
          my dear beloved srilankens, please stop giving FREE FOOD to pinguthahrayas… turn to the stray dogs in colombo district… those dogs would atleast waging their tails as gesture of repay.

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    Srilanka has abundance of intellectuals CJ included. Too many crooks spoil the broth.

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      HP,
      .
      why dont the educated people come out of their caccoons ? You could question what happened to senior citizens in your age ? Are they all down with their health problems as no time would be amply avaialbe them to react against the deteriorating levels of the society today ?
      They ve been in their long slumber… what an attitude ? I have not lived in that country for the last few decades, though keep travel back home often.
      :
      Not even far poor nations from Africa would stay so indifferent.
      Perhaps the sinhala buddhism/culture is the reasoning behind the lethargy and indifference nature of the people today.

      • 4
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        HP,

        What do you suggest to the victims of two highly notorious Chief Justices who hijacked the Courts of Law audaciously making a mockery of courts and ass of the law? I presume you must have read the comments elsewhere? Is there a mechanism to make them answerable for turning the justice system upside down? Under their command judges lost their independence. A doctor or an engineer can be sued for malpractice. Even lawyers. How about the judges and the CJs at that?

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          My Apologies. I meant LM.

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    Singapore produced Lee Kwan Yew and his pioneering cabinet colleagues to lead a government from independence to first world status now as envisaged by Socrates 2400 years ago.

    Most third world countries in the mean time are muddling through with majoritarian ‘democracy’ or various form of dictatorship.

    • 2
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      “… to lead a government from independence to first world status now as envisaged by Socrates 2400 years ago.”
      Socrates would be turning in his grave to learn this, that is if he still lies there .

      • 2
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        Talk of putting your foot down with a firm hand…..🤪🤪

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    “Intellectuals” from where? We have only “Boot licking cowards”

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      Intellectualism is buried since alpanimals from medamulana cave mobilised in our local politics. See today not a single person cant question on depreciation of dollar even if shameless MaRa rabbleroused at the time it reached to 180 0r so, there JVPres too tried to fish in muddy waters not focusing on the “fact check” that was the reason why JVP lost from frying pan to fire in last election. Besides bond scam though revealed by GG govt but it was well established by Mafia boss and his baggage boy, cabral from 2008. ☹☹☹☹

  • 7
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    There is no reason to worry too much about intellectuals as we have the following well educated intellectuals who are elected by ordinary voters to guide them and represent them in PARLIAMENT.
    Wimal weeraeanse Dr.political sicence
    Gamanpulle-Dr.internatinal relations.
    Rohitha Abewardena-international and inland gold trade advisor.
    Prasana Ranathuga-Dr.garbage disposal mangement.
    In addition there are other half baked intellectuals who are directly appointed and selected from forces who are all guardians of human rights SUCH AS SHAVENDRA SILVA AND SARATH WEERASEKERA to keep the good name of SRILANAKA IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD.

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    Corrupt half baked intellectuals joined Viyath Maga (Vipath maga) to get posts such as ambassador posts, VC posts, corporation heads and list MPs. Real intellectuals are not contacted in taking crucial decisions. Fertiliser import ban is a classic case where the President has listened to Ven Rathana instead of professionals which is going to be a disaster. Several experienced scientists have voiced concern. Administrators close to the president always shield the real intellectuals from the President but instead give their own two cents worth of advice.on any issue.
    All what the president has to do is to read the opinions expressed by senior, experienced and mature individuals in newspapers and talk to them to get honest advice.

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      a14455 / May 8, 2021
      Brilliant
      Thanks for making it short. U will never see it right ☹☹☹☹☹☹☹
      Please check any anatomical changes becoming clear on ur dog head. Gota a end ll be speedy than appeared to be😐😐😐😐😐😐

  • 5
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    Mr. Chandra Jayaratne: You say: “Absence of intellectual voice, debate, and advocacy on the following issues”. All those issues you have spelled out are the “CREATIONS” of the “Intellectuals” of this country. So is there any meaning in asking the very “Intellectuals” to voice, debate those issues? The only time these “Intellectuals” voice and debate is when a “Political Change” is in the offing and that too to safeguard their interests but not the country.

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      Dear Simon,
      ……on the following issues. All those issues you (CJ) have spelled out are the “CREATIONS” of the “Intellectuals” of this country…………
      No – most, if not all issues, are creations of a political background even disregarding the advice of good professionals (health and agriculture) and better intellectuals (economics and related fields).
      Unfortunately, the existing system does not admit of the professionals and intellectuals advice to be taken, but only that of a coterie of sycophants around the powers that are. This is simply because the political authorities are not interested in the country but only their desire to help their friends and themselves to loot.
      A total system change is called for. I know it is asking too much, but may be a new constitution where the educated, the professionals and intellectuals can run this country.
      Angela Merkel – She obtained a doctorate in quantum chemistry in 1986 and worked as a research scientist until 1989.
      LKY – After attending the London School of Economics, Lee transferred to and graduated from Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, with starred-first-class honours in law. He became a barrister of the Middle Temple in 1950 and practised law until 1959.
      His Son Lee H L, current PM Singapore – He studied in Trinity College, University of Cambridge, graduating in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in computer science.

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        MyView: Thanks: My way of looking at an “Intellectual” is different. An “Intellectual” must be, “Principled”, “Capable” and “Circumpectious” to GUIDE and LEAD, even the most arrogant, corrupted “Political Brute” that he/she serves. The trouble today is, we don’t have such “Intellectuals” but “Educated Rouges” who act as “Accomplices” in crime. Good examples are the present Secretary and the Advisor to President – both are “Criminals” (in my view) who managed to “Escape” the arm of the Law. We had a “CLASSY” set of “Intellectuals” and that is “History”. That culture changed with the introduction of the “Open Economy” under which the people were driven to live by the sward of the “Crooked” ways and means of living beyond means. Haven’t the whole society become a “PREY” to this culture. We can change it. The need is to have real intellectuals (whom I described above) installed at the “Political Hierarchy”.

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          Dear Simon,
          With all due respect, the person you describe as Principled Capable and Circumspect (meaning wary) is a good Leader (not intellectual). Yes, we need them badly.
          But to me an intellectual means more of in “mind stature” (he of the intellect) than the leader who is more of an earthly bent. Intellectuals to me, are generally, not necessarily good leaders but more the advisors.
          Say in India, Gandhi had intellectual content and incorporated nonviolence into his ethical system—with one modification. He modified it from being a moral virtue into a civic virtue.
          Then Abdul Kalaam, the nuclear physicist of India’s Agni fame, supplied intellectual inputs as President..
          They were not Leaders in the political context but were intellectuals who gave much.
          PS:
          BTW, the two scum you have referred to, are not intellectuals by any stretch of the imagination.

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            MyView: Thank you. Agreed.

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      Bro SIMON,
      it is high time to bring new defintions to all the kind of terms under incumbent junta regime.
      :
      Please discuss this with your KADAMANDIYA community, you could gather real good information representing a cross section of today s society. By the way, wha thappened to that RATHTHARAN – pushpakumara, one another high criminal, but a diehard supporter to RAJAPAKSHE JUNTA NET WORK ?

      I lived in GALLE before I moved to CMBO in 80ties.: Last few decades, I became just regular visitor to my motherland. So, what you have been commenting in each of your comment goes close to my hearts. I know how my father explained things to my beloved mother, just returning from his regular chats made with Kadamandiya folks. So I am well aware of the mind set of them. They would not tolerate anything. If Dilith Jayaweeras DERANA would telecast anything, the very same people would not care much …. .. I think what to be changed, need of the hour is the thinking patterns of our people. If Today s Ethiopians could win the hearts and minds of european investors…. why do our peopel repeatedly fail to realize it yet today ? Perhaps, they should change their fodder….. by taking to cattle. 😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐

  • 1
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    To make a pizza in our blessed land you have to have 3 passes in A/L to make legislation or debate of crucial port city bill?
    Election commission should put minimum qualifications and criminal background check for candidate monks should refrain from pirth nool business to these donkeys
    Look at the country where are we heading hope another Vijay

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    You have asked the following question , knowing the full answer

    “The Voice of the professionals/intellectuals is so vital for assurance of good governance. Are our Professional Institutes/Associations, Business Chambers, Academics and Intellectuals, playing their part in Sri Lanka today, in line with public expectations and their professional conduct commitments? Why are they silent even when issues of direct relevance to their specialism’s surface in governance? Why do they fail to initiate ideas and advocate issues of critical importance to the growth and prosperity of the nation?

    The answer is simple, in Sri Lanka professionals/intellectuals and the business community are an EXTENSION of the corrupt political leadership. They are corrupt to the core . Corruption that ruled Sri Lanka over 70 years has bred corrupt administration, judiciary, professionals, media and academia. Every adult in that country is corrupt. Corruption breeds corruption and the corruption is expected to shield corruption. Today everyone is reaping the results of corruption. The only country on earth where everyone has committed gravest sin by robbing from the “begging Bowl of Lord Buddha”. You are just pretending not to know.

  • 0
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    what is the definition of an intellectual? What sort of degree is needed? How old does one need to be? How many years of experience?

    • 2
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      intellectual

      noun [ C ]

      UK 

       /ˌɪn.təlˈek.tʃu.əl/ US 

       /ˌɪn.t̬əlˈek.tʃu.əl/

       

      C2

      a very educated person whose interests are studying and other activities that involve careful thinking and mental effort:

      She was too much of an intellectual to find popular movies interesting.
      😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐

    • 5
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      Best example if ur brother as a MBBS holder if he would nt behave like that kaliamma controlled Jayasumana(rajapakse backlicker), then he belongs to the intellectuals. Got it? U need lot more Montessori lessons until u ever see the difference s🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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        ah I see , These intellectuals have to have the correct political affiliation as well? How convenient. ?

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          In today s context yes. Former HM achieved that much for the benefit of the masses, because Sorysena did involve in his decisions. But bp , Gota does nt seem to allow anything today if not for his close confidiants. That Jayasumana is no good enough to clean toilets in HM but given more powers for the very reason.see people are more suffering today.😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎by Covid and scarcity of essential medicines 😐😐😐😐

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            Apologies, because Sorysena did NOT involve in his decisions. .😎😎😎

  • 0
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    CJ . Your thoughts are noble and much in your vein. Do the rest of your breed share this trait.

    Recently a well known professional body gave awards to business performers and do some of them deserve these accolades.

    E.g we know where in from the first COVID arose and the lack of employee safety the company had exhibited with or without the concurrence of the hierarchy. CJ whatever it may be the leaders are responsible.

    How come this body of Managing Accountants confer honors to a CEO type who should be responsible to the issues that arose.
    How many of professionals in your chosen band would certify a Fin. Statements which should be qualified.
    What about the glorified Chartered Bookkeeper turned economist. Or those who say 650m is better than 750 m to benefit those with perpetual connections and all for a buck.
    Your efforts are laudable but start at home with the Chartered Bookkeepers and other similar Managing bookkeepers.

  • 5
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    After witnessing how the intellectuals of Vyathmaga act in the Parliament, especially Sarath Weerasekera, I will think twice about demanding intellectuals taking part in good governance. What we have seen up to now, at least as far as the so-called intellectuals who are actively involved in politics today, that too in SLPP, their Vyathmaga has been left in Mahamaga and they all have become thugs. The behaviour of Sarath Weerasekera is unparliamentary. He is a racist so are most of the so-called SLPP intellectuals. After witnessing this can we really find intellectuals who are not racists in Sri Lanka who wish to get involved in politics? I am not sure!

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      My dear B1, POHOTTUWA viyathmaga are more like fish mongering women in negombo fish market, please dont fe6 like I am insulting sl fish monger community, to my eyes they are equally indecent to my eyes.😐😐😐😐😐

  • 9
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    Oh, intelect does not mean a person with a degree or a certificate. Intellect is a person who should have the ability to think, analyse, learn, search, question, with wisdom, logic, honesty and commonsense. Our intellects are propasori Jaya Sumana, GL Peries, Namal Baby, Weeramonkey, Gamanpulle, RARE Admiral Sarath, Gotta, Vasudeva, Dinesh to name a few. So can anyone imagine the country can progress with these morons. Did you see how people without masks were carried away? Did you see married beauties big comedy show. Did you see how they boast after obtaing loans from China. Did you see how they impliment one country, one law concept. Did you see how that acting chief magistrate despensed justice to a sensible man for honking horn. Did you see cold blooded murderers released with compensation. But one thing is certain and that Buddha will be turning in his grave.

    • 3
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      POHOTTUWA choice s but it s too late 😎😎😎😎😎😎

  • 2
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    Black Lankan, Whether intellectual with common sense or intelligence with degrees, they all function according to natural laws of their own understanding. In addition there is inspiration according to supernatural laws, which must be from the good side for our benefit and the evil side for our destruction. Receive from the good side and do no evil. To escape from past murder and corruption, receive karmic pardon through humility and turning to the good side and not repeat the past. No other way.

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