Don’t the Sinhalese people know about the Buddhist monks in the North-East seizing the traditional lands of the Tamils and setting up Buddhist temples against the law? So far no Sinhalese public has condemned the injustice being done in Tamil Pradesh in the name of Buddhism. There is no news about this in the Sinhala and English media.

Sinhala and English media only highlight the illegal activities of Buddhist monks or court injunctions against the activities of Buddhist monks. In other words, those news are based on the tone that Buddhist priests and Buddhism have no place in Tamil areas.

Why are Buddhist temples and Buddha statues in Tamil territories where Buddhist Sinhalese people do not live? Where are the funds for building Buddhist temples coming from amid the current economic crisis?

It is clear that all these are planned and directed with the aim of eliminating the theory of the homeland of the Tamils and establishing the entire island of Sri Lanka as a Buddhist Sinhalese territory.

The Thirty Years War is the main reason for the current economic decline. Sinhala politicians understand this. But instead of telling the truth to the Sinhalese people, they are inciting racism. Production should be increased and the export economy should improve.

International Monetary Fund loans and aid from the US, India, and China governments alone are not enough to build Sri Lanka’s economy. It will plunge Sri Lanka into irretrievable debt.

Therefore, through the permanent political solution that Elam Tamils want, the natural resources in the North East should be developed and the productive economy should be increased.

Thirty years of continuous war made it convenient for the Sinhalese rulers to engage in corruption and abuse of power. Even after May 2009, corruption continues in other forms. Sinhalese people should understand this.

But the mainstream Sinhala English media and Sinhala politicians do not reveal the facts to the Sinhala people.

Some Sinhala and English news websites are revealing the fact that the non-presentation of a permanent political solution to the ethnic problem is the cause of all the current crises in Sri Lanka.

Certain Sinhala academics and some Sinhala alternative media have condemned the aggressive activities of the Buddhist clergy. However, they are a very small proportion of the total Sinhalese population of the island of Sri Lanka, so it will not be enough to create a proper understanding among the entire Sinhalese population.

Many Sinhalese politicians do not want to speak against Buddhist priests. In particular, the government has remained silent on Buddhistization. Many Tamil parliamentarians are accusing the Sri Lankan parliament that the government, especially the Sinhalese politicians, is behind these activities.

But they blame the government and the Sri Lankan army and maintain relations with the government through the back door. On the contrary, none of the Tamil parliamentarians are ready to take to the streets and fight. Addressing parliament with heroic fervor. But the Tamil parties are not ready to conduct continuous moral struggles in a democratic way.

The Sinhalese settlements that started in 1949 with the Kalloya Settlement Project in the Eastern Province of Amparai district continue to this day in the North East.

The project was somewhat hampered by the intervening thirty years of armed conflict. But since May 2009, today fourteen years of rapid and well-planned Sinhalese settlements are taking place.

The American and Indian governments, which provided arms and financial aid to the Sri Lankan government during the war, do not ask for justifications about this to date. The Chinese government does not need to seek justice from the Sri Lankan government regarding the Elam Tamils.

America and India have been giving full cooperation to the Sri Lankan government even after May 2009, showing and pretending to support the Elam Tamils. But the Chinese government has not lied about supporting the Elam Tamils and has been giving cooperation only to the Sri Lankan government very honestly.

The biggest concern of the Tamils is that the Tamil National Parties have not devised any mechanism to gain the political emancipation of the Elam Tamils using the contemporary geopolitical economic interests and rivalries of the dominant countries.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Minister Late Mangala Samaraweera, Sri Lankan Ambassador to India Milinda Moragoda, Sri Lankan Ambassador to America Mahinda Samarasinghe, and Professor G.L Peiris are the best diplomats for the Sinhalese people.

Regardless of the parties they belong to, they act with one voice in matters related to the political liberation of Elam Tamils In other words, they are working very subtly in maintaining Sri Lankan Unitary State to strengthen Sri Lankan nationality.

But Tamils do not have good diplomats like them. They claim to be Tamil political representatives and only pay more attention to electoral politics.

Like the Sinhalese political parties, they should form a mechanism and engage in activities related to political emancipation and Tamils homeland development of the Elam Tamils with a united voice. But Tamils do not seem to have any such processes.

On the contrary, they are only devising election strategies to increase the number of members for their respective parties in the next parliamentary elections.

It is different that the Tamil people did not accept the Thirteenth Amendment Act as a political solution to the ethnic crisis. But the funny thing here is that many Sinhalese politicians do not want to fully implement even the Thirteenth Amendment.

It is a well-known fact that there is no place for economic progress and peace on the island of Sri Lanka until the Sinhalese politicians are freed from the Buddhist Mahavamsa mentality.

There is no alternative that the Sinhalese people can understand what is happening in the North East if the truth is expressed in a non-racist manner

*A. Nixon Senior Journalist, Lecturer in Media (Former president of Tamil Media Alliance)

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has said that China is one of Sri Lanka’s best and true friends or “Kalyana Mitras” and acknowledged “with appreciation” China’s “much needed support in the debt restructuring process.”

”Gunawardena was speaking as the Chief Guest at the 7th China-South Asia Exhibition jointly organized by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Yunnan State Government on Wednesday.

Sixty countries are participating in this huge trade exhibition, including all South and Southeast Asian countries as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (RCEP) member countries.

The exhibition includes 15 exhibition halls, including a biomedical and healthcare pavilion, a resource economic pavilion and a regional cooperation pavilion, with a total area of 150,000 square meters. This exhibition is scheduled to be held until the 20th of August under the theme of ‘cooperation and coordination for development’.

State Ministers Taraka Balasuriya, Janaka Vakkambura, Kanaka Herath, Member of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Foreign Ministers and businessmen are participating in this visit.

Here is the text of his speech:

“Mr Chairman of Expo, Firstly, I wish to convey my appreciation for the invitation to the beautiful city of Kunming in Yunan and for the excellent hospitality extended to my delegation from Sri Lanka. It is an honour to attend as the Chief Guest at the 7th China – South Asia Exposition and at the 27th Kunming Import and Export Fair. This occasion will mark another historical milestone in our bilateral relations, as we come together to further strengthen centuries of warm friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”

“At the very outset let me congratulate and extend fraternal warm wishes to His Excellency President Xi Jinping, the Communist Party of China, and to the People of China for the tremendous leadership given to People across the World in delivering the impossible and achieving unprecedented landmarks in human civilization. Especially, the alleviation of hundreds of millions of Poor People out of Poverty, and showing continuous economic growth.”

“Last year too, I was invited by Yunan Government to electronically address the South Asia Expo. It was the time when China was opening after the post-covid era for economic recovery. And I wish to recall how scientifically advanced Miracle Rice variety was introduced at that platform.”

“At the same time on behalf of the Government of His Excellency Ranil Wickramasinghe and the people of Sri Lanka, I take this opportunity to convey warm best wishes to our friends in China, especially in Yunnan Province for the success of China – South Asia Exposition, brining a larger segment of Asian countries in participation. This proudly speaks achievements in the backdrop of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.”

“Friends, let me recollect the warm friendship shared between China and Sri Lanka dating back to many centuries, pioneered by Buddhist Priest Fa Hien. I would also like to note that Admiral Zheng Ha, who was born in Kunming, the city where we are here today celebrating this important event, came to Sri Lanka in early 15th century, and placed an inscription marking his visit to Sri Lanka.”

“These historical relations were fostered by thriving trade exchanges along the Maritime Silk Route and far reaching cooperation in culture and knowledge. Yapahuwa is a historical Kingdom in Sri Lanka which boasts the largest collection of Chinese coins and Chinese porcelain found in Sri Lanka.”

“Your Excellencies, the People’s Republic of China was promulgated after the long successful victory march towards 1949 Revolution, with a long and arduous journey led by the Communist Party of China with Great Leader Mao Tse Tung along with other leaders.”

“Soon after our two countries have enjoyed 66 years of excellent diplomatic relations. Even prior to establishing formal diplomatic ties, China and Sri Lanka entered to “Rubber-Rice Pact”, which marked the 70th anniversary last year, and marked a new chapter in international trade.”

“Since then, China and Sri Lanka regarded each other as good friends and a special relationship has existed between our two countries.”

“I wish to acknowledge with gratitude the unwavering support of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka for national sovereignty and integrity and for continuing to stand by us during challenging times.”

“I would like to reiterate that Sri Lanka continues to uphold the ‘One China Policy’ in all spheres including bilateral and multilateral fora and I wish to affirm our commitment in this regard.”

“At a time when Sri Lanka was faced with difficult economic hardships, the Hon Governor of Yunnan Province visited Sri Lanka, in May 2023, and committed to multifaceted areas of cooperation.”

“During the devastating global covid pandemic and Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis, China helped Sri Lanka through various humanitarian assistance, including RMB 500 Mn for fuel to farmers and fishermen, staple diet of rice to school students, and 70% of school uniform requirement for the year 2023.”

“We acknowledge with appreciation that China has extended much-needed support in debt restructuring process, which was essential to secure international support. We are confident that China will extend continued cooperation in the future towards Sri Lanka’s broader economic recovery.”

“The most significant recent Chinese development projects in Sri Lanka include the Hambantota Port, Hambantota Industrial Zone, Mattala Airport, and Colombo Port City project and all other major sectors.”

“Colombo Port City project is Sri Lanka’s flagship project on achieving a financial and commercial hub in the region, with clear strategic advantage of being located at the very centre of the East-West Maritime Trade Lanes.”

“Therefore, investments from China are critical to propelling Sri Lanka’s economy, and also, I kindly request all friends present here today to encourage more Government and Private sector investment, trade, cooperation, and ventures into Sri Lanka.”

“Chinese tourist arrivals have been one of the key strengths of the Sri Lankan tourism industry. Mainly thanks to an announcement made in February this year by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, placing Sri Lanka among the Top 20 countries for tourism.”

“I take this opportunity to call for a joint effort between our countries to enhance tourism among us, as collectively we have much more to offer. let us not forget that This Century Belongs to Asia. This is Asia’s Century.”

“I wish to refer to the words of President Xi Jinping’s steadfast commitment to “share achievements of China towards the future betterment of mankind.”

“Continuous leadership of the CPC has guided China to emerge in the path of Socialism with Chinese characteristics as a true decisive global giant with a grand new era of development, especially in Asia, Africa, & Latin America, and towards prosperity of all Nations.”

“Dear Friends, in conclusion I wish to emphasize that in Buddhism the importance of cultivating Kalyana Mitras is taught. Kalyana Mitra is the best of friendships that sees through times of good and through times of difficulty. Sri Lanka sees the friendship cultivated with China to be one of the true best Kalyana Mitras, amidst times of good and difficulty, China stood by Sri Lanka.”

Vice Presidents of Indonesia, Mianmar, Nepal,Vice Prime Minister of Vietnam,minister of commerce Maldives,Sri Lanka State Ministers Tharaka Baalasooriya,Janaka Wakkumbura, Kanaka Herath, member of parliament Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayaka, Government officials of many countries, representatives participated for this occasion.

Sri Lanka is once again getting involved in a major geopolitical issue over a Chinese marine research vessel that is expected to reach Sri Lanka in October.

India is paying close attention to a new Chinese marine research vessel, Shi Yan 6, which is expected to dock at the Colombo and Hambantota deep sea ports in the Sea of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Navy on Wednesday (16) confirmed that the Shi Yan 6 will reach Sri Lanka on the 25th of October, and will be involved in research operations in the Sea of Sri Lanka for a period of seventeen days.

Sri Lanka Navy said that the Shi Yan 6, Research and Survey Vessel will be reaching Sri Lanka for joint research operations with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency, also known as NARA.

However, on Tuesday (15), the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) said the vessels’ arrival is part of an agreement reached with the Ruhuna University of Sri Lanka.

NARA officials said that it would link with the vessel in order to obtain water samples for its own research.

The Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology at the University of Ruhuna said that it had sought permission for its researchers to board the Shi Yan 6, but there has been no response to the request as of Tuesday (15) evening.

This is not the first time that the Shi Yan 6, Research and Survey Vessel will be visiting Sri Lanka.

The Shi Yan 6, Research and Survey Vessel had previously visited Sri Lanka on the 20th of April 2022, and remained in the Sea of Sri Lanka for a total of ten days.

Over a past few years, a large number of vessels had reached Sri Lankan ports, and a majority of them are Chinese research and survey vessels.

These vessels include the Shi Yan 6, Shi Yan 1, Shi Yan 3, Xiang Yang Hong 3, Xiang Yang Hong 18, Xiang Yang Hong 1, Xiang Yang Hong 6, and Xiang Yang Hong 19.

The Shi Yan 6 vessel had left China on July 6, 2023 and as of Tuesday (15) afternoon, the vessel was positioned in the South China Sea some 345 nautical miles away from Vietnam.

However, it had changed course towards China, and had updated its next port of call to Port of Guangzhou.

As of Wednesday (16) evening, the Shi Yan 6 vessel was heading towards the Port of Guangzhou at a speed of 11 nautical miles per hour.

India is paying close attention to a new Chinese marine research vessel, Shi Yan 6, and it is learnt that India has taken up the issue at the highest diplomatic levels.

The ruling SLPP parliamentary group should intervene to make President Ranil Wickremesinghe examine the draft Constitution formulated by the nine-member committee appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Cabinet-of-Ministers, rebel SLPP List MP Gevindu Cumaratunga said yesterday (15).

President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva headed the committee.

Having elected UNP leader Wickremesinghe in July last year as the President to complete the remainder of the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s five-year term, the SLPP couldn’t remain silent on their own initiative, Cumaratunga said.

Responding to a query raised by The Island, the leader of civil society group Yuthukama stressed that the SLPP received two mandates at the Nov. 2019 presidential and Aug. 2020 parliamentary polls to introduce a new Constitution.

President Wickremesinghe should under no circumstances implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution or contemplate going beyond that particular amendment, the first time entrant to Parliament said.

Questioning the President’s Office’s request for political parties to submit their recommendations, regarding the 13th Amendment, by 15th August, MP Cumaratunga said that the SLPP owed an explanation regarding its failure to take up the issue at hand with the President.

The committee announced by the then Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC, comprised Gamini Marapana P.C., Manohara de Silva P.C., Sanjeewa Jayawardena P.C., Samantha Ratwatte P.C., Prof. Naazima Kamardeen, Prof. A. Sarveswaran, Prof. Wasantha Seneviratne and Prof. G.H. Peiris.

According to the committee, the draft that had been finalized in March 2022 was handed over to the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in April though it was never subject to public discussion. Both Sinhala and English copies were handed over to the President while the Legal Draftsman was requested to translate it to Tamil.

Of the political parties represented in Parliament, the main Opposition SJB and President Wickremesinghe’s party the UNP haven’t made representations to Romesh de Silva’s Committee. In spite of the Joint Legal Secretaries of the SJB meeting the Chairman of the Committee to work out modalities, the anticipated meeting didn’t take place, sources said.

The Committee received representations from delegations led by Basil Rajapaksa (SLPP), R. Sampathan (TNA), Dinesh Gunawardena (MEP), Udaya Gammanpila (PHU), Wimal Weerawansa (JNP), Tiran Alles (UPP), Vasudeva Nanayakkara (DLF), Anura Kumara Dissanayake (JJB), Raja Collure (Socialist Alliance), Dew Gunasekera (CP), Nimal Siripala de Silva (SLFP), Rushdi Habeeb (ACMC), Douglas Devananda (EPDP), Bandula Chandrasekera (JHU), Mano Ganesan (TPA), V. Radhakrishnan (UPF), Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (TMVP), Senthil Thondaman (CWC), Prof. Tissa Vitharana (LSSP), C.V. Wigneswaran (TMTK) and Asanka Navaratne (SLMP).

About a week before President Rajapaksa fled the country, amidst violent protests, the Committee planned to address the media regarding the new Constitution at the Presidential Secretariat. However, the media briefing was cancelled at the eleventh hour.

The committee has been divided over the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, enacted in 1988, in the wake of the Indo-Lanka Accord, signed in the year before.

The majority of Romesh de Silva’s Committee has not endorsed the Provincial Council, introduced in terms of the 13th Amendment, whereas Prof. A. Sarveswaran disagreed with the relevant Chapter (XXII) that he asserted deprived Provincial Council the powers enjoyed under the present Constitution, thereby affected reconciliation efforts.

Those who opposed asserted that the 13th Amendment undermined the unitary character thereby threatened the security of the State.

One member declared his opposition to the Provincial Council system and was not in favour of the provisions incorporated in Chapter XXII. That particular member has explained the grave danger in continuing with the existing system and the intensification of that threat in case of further devolution of power.

But two members supported the proposed Chapter XXII on the basis that

(i) No separate elections are held to constitute Provincial Councils,

(ii) Provincial Councils to consist of representatives of Local Authorities elected at the Local Authority Elections,

(iii) Provincial Councils to exercise executive power subject to the executive powers of the President and the Cabinet of Ministers

(iv) Power of the National State Assembly is not restricted in any manner with regard to any subject on which a Provincial Council has the power to make statutes.

The draft contained a full chapter on Provincial Councils. The Committee has suggested election of members to Provincial Councils and Local Authorities will be held on the same day in one election with each elector having two votes to elect a member for his electoral unit [ward] and a member for the Provincial Council from any one of the candidates in his local government area.