When the National Carrier is entangled in a troubling ‘rat affair’

“Get back to work, restore discipline, then argue your case.”

– Lee Kuan Yew to SIA Pilots

The recent debacle involving Sri Lanka’s national airline and a rat in an airplane paints a picture of sheer incompetence and mismanagement that is not only embarrassing but, also deeply concerning for the country’s aviation industry.

Blaming a rat, for grounding a plane for three days, is not just an excuse; it’s a testament to the sorry state of affairs within the cash-strapped carrier. To suggest that a single rodent could wreak such havoc on an aircraft, causing chaotic delays and sparking fears among investers, is nothing short of absurd.

The fact that it took three days to resolve the issue speaks volumes about the airline’s lack of preparedness and contingency planning. It’s inconceivable that a modern airline, especially one with a fleet of 23 aircraft, would be brought to its knees by a rat.

Moreover, the revelation that three other aircraft had been grounded for over a year, due to lack of funds for mandatory overhauling of engines, is a damning indictment of the airline’s financial mismanagement. With accumulated losses of more than USD 1.8 billion, it’s clear that drastic action is needed to salvage the carrier from further deterioration.

The remarks by Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, warning that the incident might scare off potential investers, highlight the broader implications of the airline’s woes. In a country already grappling with economic challenges, the inability to attract investment in crucial sectors such as aviation could have far-reaching consequences for Sri Lanka’s economy.

The sad irony of the situation is that the airline’s decline can be traced back to a series of poor decisions and political interference. From the scrapping of a profitable management agreement with Emirates in 2008 to the refusal to accommodate fare-paying passengers in favour of government officials, the airline has been plagued by a lack of accountability and transparency.

In 1980, Singapore Airlines (SIA) faced a crisis that threatened its very existence. Profits plummeted, clashes with the pilot’s union erupted, and accusations of mistreatment of passengers during a strike added to the turmoil. At the heart of the crisis was a dispute over salaries and working conditions, leading to an illegal work-to-rule action by the pilots’ union.

Facing this turmoil head-on, Singapore’s founding father and then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew intervened decisively. Summoning representatives of the Singapore Airlines Pilots’ Association (SIAPA) to his office on 1 December 1980, Lee demonstrated unwavering resolve. His firm stance left SIAPA leaders questioning the feasibility of continuing their fight. Lee made it clear that he would not yield to union pressure, setting a precedent of strong leadership in times of crisis.

Compare this to the approach taken by Lee, when he dealt with the problems facing Singapore Airlines. Rather than making excuses or pointing fingers, Lee took decisive action to address the root causes of the airline’s challenges, implementing reforms and instilling a culture of excellence that turned the carrier into a global success story.

The current crises in both, the national carrier and the country, stem from the reckless actions of our so-called leaders, who have treated governance like a game of cards, endangering the lives of citizens. It’s evident why SriLankan Airlines finds itself in such dire straits, particularly when Emirates withdrew from managing the airline in 2008, largely due to excessive political interference.

In 2008, when Emirates withdrew its support, SriLankan Airlines saw a significant downturn in fortunes. Despite recording a profit of Rs 9.288 billion that year, the airline accumulated losses totalling Rs 128.238 billion (USD 875 million) from 2008 to 2015 under government administration. In October 2016, SriLankan Airlines absorbed the operations of its white elephant sister carrier Mihin Lanka which never generated profit since its inception in 2007. The airline lost 248 billion rupees up to April 2022 with most of it coming from the collapse of the currency.

Recalling his handling of the matter during discussions with SIA Pilots, Lee emphasised the necessity of strong leadership, stating, “Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I spent a whole lifetime building this. And as long as I’m in charge, nobody’s going to knock it down.”

Sri Lanka’s enduring problem lies in our political leadership, which has historically viewed the challenges faced by citizens as separate from their own lives and the futures of their children.

Locals outraged as Israeli and Ukrainian tourists operate businesses in South

Following the Daily Mirror’s expose on Russian tourists engaging in illegal businesses in several areas in the south, it has now come to light that many Israeli and Ukrainian tourists are also engaged in running similar businesses in the south, hampering local businesses and causing much concern among industry stakeholders.

The Daily Mirror visited these areas along the southern coastal belt and learnt that business operations run by Israeli and Ukrainian tourists include boutique hotels, restaurants and cafes.

However, local tour operators claim that most Ukrainian tourists have even reached the extent of organizing excursions which they claim is illegal as tourists don’t have a license to operate as inbound tour guides.

Local nationals in the south claim that if an immediate monitoring process is not enforced, tourists and locals are likely to clash as the tourists are attempting to hinder local businesses and hinder their livelihoods.

During a visit on ground, the Daily Mirror also learnt that Israeli nationals have purchased lands to set up their businesses. Local sources told the Daily Mirror that some Israeli nationals have purchased lands on a 99-year lease basis. As a result, the demand for land and property has skyrocketed in these areas.

The tourism sector stakeholders on Monday confirmed that Sri Lanka is witnessing an increasing trend of international visitors engaging in business activities and warned that the industry, in certain parts of the country, is impacted as a result.

Officials from the industry said they had alerted the relevant authorities regarding a section of tourists arriving in the country for long stays, carrying out business activities, without proper registrations and a majority of these tourist-run businesses started off small but have grown considerably over time.

“We have been talking about this to the authorities as early as 2022. We saw this situation brewing in the South but now it has spread to other areas as well,” SLAITO President Nishard Wijetunge said.

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando had over the weekend said his Ministry had held discussions with the Immigration Department following several complaints from local businesses and following raids conducted by the authorities, several of these foreign run businesses were not registered with the SLTDA and neither were they paying taxes.

SriLankan Cancels Flights and Delays Others

SriLankan Airlines, the country’s national carrier, has announced the cancellation of three flights slated for departure today (27).

Ashok Pathirage, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, confirmed that three flights were cancelled on Monday (26), and passengers were informed of the cancellation.

Furthermore, the airline has revealed that an additional seven flights scheduled for departure today (27) will face delays.

Deepal Perera, the spokesperson for SriLankan Airlines, cited technical faults as the cause behind the delays.

The affected flights, identified by their respective flight codes, include UL 364, UL 161, UL 314, UL 121, UL 189, UL 880, and UL 470.

NPP to support no-faith motion on Speaker

The National People’s Power (NPP) will support the no-confidence motion which is to be brought in by the Opposition against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhane, former NPP MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

He told a news conference that the no-confidence motion is to be brought in regarding a Consitutional matter and not against the Speaker’s conduct in Parlaiment or his reactions to the Opposition and therfere, the NPP will vote against the Speaker.

He said the amendments to the Online Safety Bill as recommended by the Attorney General had not been included during the Committee Stage and that the Speaker and his staf is expected to ensure that all proposed amendments are included.

He said it is a violation of Parliamentary traditions and the no-confidence motion against the Speaker is justifible.

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Supreme Lanka Coalition to support no-confidence motion against Speaker

The Supreme Lanka Coalition (‘Uttara Lanka Sabhagaya’) has decided to endorse the no-confidence motion against Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

The decision was taken when the MP group of the political alliance formed by the group of independent political parties including Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila met on Monday (Feb.26).

On Monday (Feb.26), several opposition parties led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa signed a motion of no confidence against the Speaker, claiming that he had violated the Constitution.

As such, a group of MPs belonging to the opposition in Parliament including M. A. Sumanthiran, Lakshman Kiriella, Prof. G. L. Pieris, Tissa Attanayake, Chandima Weerakkody and Shan Wijayalal de Silva, had inked the motion for approving the much-disputed Online Safety Bill amidst ‘irregular procedures’.

The no-confidence motion pointed out that the Speaker had ignored the Supreme Court’s recommendations pertaining to Sections 13, 17, 20, 33 (6), 34 (1), 35 (1), 21, 22 and 33 of the Online Safety Bill.

Earlier this month, Opposition Leader charged that the Speaker had ignored nine recommendations given by the Supreme Court while enacting the Online Safety Act, adding that they no longer have faith in him.

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Eran demands to know fate of Easter carnage probes

SJB MP Eran Wickremaratne has demanded to know from Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena the progress of the Presidential Commission appointed to probe into the allegations levelled by Channel 4 regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

MP Wickremaratne’s question, listed in the latest Addendum to the Order Book of Parliament, asks the Prime Minister to inform the House of the date when the report of the Presidential Commission will be made available to Parliament and the public.

The MP has also called on the Prime Minister to inform the House of the reasons for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate into the same allegations levelled by Channel 4 regarding the aforesaid attacks.

In addition, the MP calls on the Prime Minister to inform the House of the progress made by the PSC, if there was no progress, the reasons and of the parameters of the PSC.

Wickremaratne calls on Prime Minister Gunawardena to appraise the House of the reasons the government has repeatedly ignored the calls for an independent international inquiry on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

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Seven petitions against Deshabandu being appointed as IGP fixed for April 2

Seven Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging the decision to appoint Deshabandu Thennakoon as the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the IGP were today fixed for April 2 by the Supreme Court.

Court was informed that the parties were yet to receive minutes pertaining to the Constitutional Council appointing Deshabandu Tennakoon as the new IGP.

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Woman earned Rs. 20,000 per hour by using children to beg

The Kompannavidiya Police reported to the Fort Magistrate’s Court that the elderly woman who was recently arrested by the Police while begging in the company of three children near a supermarket at Hyde Park Corner earned more than Rs. 20,000 per hour. Charges have been filed against the suspect woman for deploying underaged children for begging.

The Magistrate ordered the minor child, who is around two years old, to be placed in an orphanage in Moratuwa. Earlier Court ordered that the other two children who are of school-going age to be placed under probation care.

The Magistrate made this order after perusing the school and grama niladhari reports related to the two children which were submitted by the Police following an order by the Courts during the previous hearing.

The two children aged eight and nine whose identity can be confirmed were ordered to be placed in a child care centre and the Magistrate also ordered that a certificate of presumed age of the minor child be filed with the Court and that the child be provided with necessary vaccinations and health facilities.

The Police told the Court that according to the observations made by the Police team during a period of one hour, they had seeing the children going to the cars of customers coming out of the shopping mall and begging for money, and the money collected in this way within an hour was Rs. 20,700, which the Police had seized.

The Police informed the Court that the suspect woman does not provide specific information about the children and changes the information from time to time. One time she had said that she is taking care of her cousin’s children.

The Police informed the Court that she has been coming to the relevant place with the children for begging for a long period of time and there was also a case against her previously for using a four-year-old child for begging.

Sri Lanka’s Grisly Recent History Goes Unpunished By ARJUNA RANAWANA

They lie buried in numerous mass graves, all evidence of Sri Lanka’s murderous recent past which has been punctuated by multiple civil conflicts.

Whatever remains is evidence of Sri Lanka’s grisly history of the extrajudicial executions of rebels in both Northern and Southern insurrections.

Most of the bodies remain in mass graves that stretch from Chemmani and Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna to burial sites in the Colombo and Matale Districts and the Southern and Central Provinces.

The dead could be anyone; captured rebels, those caught in crossfires and others who were deemed to be “inconvenient,” according to a report titled ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s War Time Role’ released by the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) on 17 January 2024.

A horrific record

Sri Lanka’s recent blood-soaked history is replete with mass killings and many “disappearances” from the various incidents during the insurgencies of the JVP as well as the Tamil separatist war.

The activist group Journalists for Democracy and affiliated organisations claim that at least 32 mass graves have been identified across the island. A report published in Groundviews in January said these graves “dotted across the country that hold the remains of not just the casualties of the civil war but also those who disappeared during the two JVP uprisings in 1971 and from 1988 to 1989.”

A 1999 United Nations study noted that Sri Lanka has the second-highest number of enforced disappearances in the world with around 12,000 people missing after being detained by government Security Forces. Figures vary with Amnesty International reporting that the number of disappeared persons could be as high as 60,000.

There is no official government figure.

Evidence against GR

Now, fifteen years after the separatist war in Sri Lanka ended, mounting evidence has emerged against former President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, for his pivotal role in the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the civil war, say Human Rights lawyers in this new report.

Rajapaksa figures in two serious passages of time where suspected cadres of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna were killed at Matale in the 1988-89 period and LTTE cadres and civilians on the frontlines of Nandikadal which proved to be the final battle of the Eelam War.

The ITJP report quotes its Executive Director Yasmin Sooka as saying if Sri Lanka “is serious about dealing with its violent past, the litmus test is to hold (former President) Gotabaya Rajapaksa criminally accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

The report presents detailed evidence connecting the former President when he was Secretary to the Ministry of Defence to numerous massacres of civilians. Although not the army commander, nor Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gotabaya had command and effective control of the security forces during the Civil War as the Defence Secretary and the younger brother of then President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The ITJP report says the then Defence Secretary Rajapaksa had “contemporaneous knowledge of the violations of international humanitarian law and international criminal law being committed, and failed to take any steps to prevent them, or to hold those under his command accountable. He and successive Sri Lankan governments have had countless opportunities since the war ended to initiate credible investigations into allegations of gross human rights violations and to establish prosecutions. Instead of allowing the truth to come to light, Gotabaya and his successors have perpetuated denial of the complicity of the security forces in these violations, rewarding and protecting the alleged perpetrators.”

The 104-page document examines evidence of Rajapaksa’s involvement in and knowledge of attacks on the No Fire Zones set up to protect civilians, his failure to prevent and investigate summary executions, enforced disappearances, torture, rape and sexual violence, arbitrary detention and the denial of humanitarian aid to civilians.

Individual stories that were leaked at the time gave credence to these incidents.

One was the evidence of the killing of LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran’s younger son Balachandran. The boy, according to some reports, had been escorted to the Sri Lanka Army lines by an LTTE bodyguard at Mullivaikkal. Photos purported to have been taken at that stage show the boy wrapped in a Sri Lanka Army issue sarong eating a biscuit behind the Sri Lanka Army lines. A second photo shows him dead at the same location, his body riddled with bullets.

Another set of pictures was that of the LTTE’s TV icon Issapriya whose image was widely circulated. There were unconfirmed reports that she had been sexually assaulted along with other young women who had been captured as the LTTE unravelled. That is followed by another picture of her corpse shot at close range.

Eventually, the Sri Lankan government during President Maithripala Sirisena’s tenure acknowledged that some 65,000 persons were missing and granted close surviving relatives rights to manage their properties, the ITJP report states.

Matale Mass Grave

Rajapaksa was the military Coordinating Officer for the Matale District in 1989 when the area was rocked by the so-called Deshapremi Janatha Vyaparaya a JVP offshoot. He was a Lt. Colonel at the time.

In December 2012, reports emerged that a mass grave had been found in the grounds of the Matale Hospital.

Accusations were made at the time that the remains unearthed were that of JVP cadres who had been captured and allegedly killed during the insurrection, a claim the party repeatedly made.

No government however pursued an investigation into the discovery because politics got in the way; after all the UNP was in power when the killings were supposedly carried out and the officer responsible, Gotabaya, was the brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa at the time, a prominent leader in the SLFP.

The government of the day meanwhile claimed the bodies were of victims of a landslide in the 1950s.

However, there was no proper investigation to prove which theory was factual.

The ITJP report also contains the names of former Army Commander, Lt Gen Shavendra Silva and others who are seen as Gotabaya loyalists in the Army. The report also claims that Army top brass, other than Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka, who was Commander of the Army at the time the civil war ended, had close personal connections to Rajapaksa.

These incidents, however, are not the only horrific events of our island nation’s history; abductions and disappearances of young men, allegedly by members of the armed forces, the massacre of a group of Buddhist monks at Aranthalawa, the killing of pilgrims at Anuradhapura, the latter two by the LTTE, random killings of public servants and others by rebel groups, and more recently the Easter Sunday bombings, the list goes on. And the powers that be, govern with impunity.

So, it is unlikely that the relatives of the victims will find closure until justice is served and those whose hands are bloodstained are held accountable for their actions.

United Petroleum Australia enters Sri Lanka’s retail fuel market

United Petroleum Australia Pty Ltd has entered into a contract with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Power and Energy to supply petroleum products into the local market.

The agreement was signed on 22 February by Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, and Eddie Hirsch, on behalf of United Petroleum Australia, in his capacity as the owner of the company.

The Australian-owned petroleum retailer and importer has been assigned 150 fuel stations across Sri Lanka, and has also been given the right to build 50 new fuel stations.

Accordingly, United Petroleum Australia incorporated a company in Sri Lanka under the name ‘United Petroleum Lanka Pvt. Ltd.’, to carry out operations within the country, with former Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) Board Member Dr. Prabath Samarasinghe having been appointed as the Director and CEO of the company.

This marks the first expansion of the Australian company’s expansion of its retail petroleum outside of Australia, with the company owning over 500 fuel stations across Australia.

Issuing a statement on the expansion, Director of United Petroleum Lanka stated “United is a billion-dollar company with focus on quality, safety and environment. Owners of the company believe that they should be able to benchmark good practices to Sri Lankan retail petroleum market and enhance the quality of products and services to its customers”.

In March 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers gave the nod to award licenses to China’s Sinopec, Australia’s United Petroleum and RM Parks of the USA, in collaboration with multinational oil and gas company – Shell PLC, to enter the fuel retail market in Sri Lanka

In 2022, the Sri Lankan government decided to open up Sri Lanka’s fuel import and retail sales market to companies from oil-producing nations in a bid to address the foreign exchange crisis.

The Petroleum Products (Special Provisions) Bill also received the approval of ministerial consultative committee on power & energy, paving the way for new suppliers to enter the local fuel market as importers, distributors, and retail operators for petroleum products.