Lanka Courier: Volume 1 Issue 02 by Lanka Courier

International Edition

FEBRUARY 2021

ISSN:2773-6962 | volume 1 issue 2 email:lankacourier@gmail.com | web:lankacourier.com

Living the truth

Exclusive Interview with Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva

Combatting Covid-19 Sri Lankan Approach

The Story Untold

Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council

Editorial

A politicised report, an unprincipled stance

e believe that the recently issued report on Sri Lanka by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a politically biased report which intends to harm the reputation of a member state. This report should be rejected with contempt by all member states and parties working for the progress of human civilization. It is commendable that several independent intellectuals who work for the betterment of humanity, without compromising fundamentals of human rights and international law, have already clarified and refuted the narrow objectives set out in this report. Their observation is that the report itself violates the very mandate of the OHCHR. Such misconduct should not be tolerated and the false precedence it provides may further erode public confidence in the organization. This is not what people expect from a global governing body such as OHCHR. Sadly, the OHCHR has given a serious misinterpretation of the decades-long terrorist threat in Sri Lanka by questioning impartiality, fairness and fundamentals of justice. A careful reading of the contents of this report proves that the report was prepared and published for political gain. The report not only causes damage to the dignity of the targeted member state but also to the foundation of the United Nations which cannot be underestimated. The authors of the report have set a false precedent for the world by distorting the ground reality. The consequences can be very serious. Such reports, which are published to achieve unilateral narrow political objectives, is not the way to resolve social conflicts, but can only lead to new conflicts and socialconfusions. This is why all member states must vehemently reject this destitute attempt. Sri Lanka is a country that has severely greatly while in the clutches of the most dangerous terrorists in the globe for decades. It was the innocent unarmed civilians who lived in this country who had to pay the price. This persecution ended in May 2009. The Government of Sri Lanka has rescued nearly 300,000 unarmed civilians who were enslaved by terrorists and used as human shields. They were provided with the necessary facilities to uplift their livelihoods. Roads, schools and other basic infrastructure

was swiftly spearheaded while an exemplary rehabilitation programmes for a peaceful post-conflict society ensured the non-recurrence of violence. But, with vanquishing terrorists, a number of groups residing in various countries faced serious challenges to its existence. Therefore, they launched a sinister propaganda campaign against Sri Lanka and its people. Accordingly, various pseudo organizations were formed to demand justice for what had never happened. The truth is that none of these fictitious theatrics did anything for the development of the people of this country. None of the people who shed crocodile tears about justice did anything to give meaning to the lives of thousands of children living in various parts of the country, including the North and East, who lost their childhoods, forced to become child soldiers under the terrorists who usurped their right to education. Those critics did not give a single meal to the helpless Tamils who were enslaved by the terrorists. It is very painful to see international bodies such as the United Nations from which people expect an independent and impartial service to resolve the real social complexities faced by small countries like Sri Lanka, have fallen victim to various machinations. The report issued by OHCHR on Sri Lanka is just another manifestation of this uneven and unjust process. The international cooperation of all nation-states and independent intellectuals is essential to stop the interference in the internal affairs of countries like Sri Lanka. Our request is loud and clear. It is the primary duty of all to make decisions based on the ground reality and facts without prioritizing prejudices. But, as the saying goes, it is possible to wake someone from sleep, but no amount of noise will wake someone who is pretending to be asleep. This is why we are grateful to countries and organizations that speak truth about Sri Lanka, during such challenging times to clear the misconceptions created by certain parties with vested interests. The resilience of Sri Lankans is seen in their warm smile. If Sri Lankans can defeat the most brutal terrorism, they can march forward as one regardless of those who cast doubts

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February 2021

Reawakening

Peasant Livelihood The “Discussion with the Village” (Gama Samaga Pilisandara) programme commenced on September 25, 2020 from Badulla district. Thereafter programmes were organized covering Matale, Ratnapura, Anuradhapura, Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Kalutara, Moneragala and Kegalle districts. The idea behind this programme is for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to talk to the rural communities living in remote and difficult areas without intermediaries about their long-standing unresolved problems and to present them directly to the officials in order to find solutions. Problems that can be solved on the spot are instantly addressed. The rest which take time to deal with are noted down to find solutions later. The objective of the programme is to reach out to the people of the villages, understand their problems and find solutions through their own suggestions.

Meemure Village life should also be beautiful, like the village itself – President tells at Meemure

Villagers don’t harm environment

resident Gotabaya Rajapaksa has emphasized that “the life in the village, like the village itself, should be beautiful.” The President made these remarks when talking to people he had gone to see in village, Meemure.

About Meemure The village of Meemure is located at one end of the Kandy District, 40 km away from Hunnasgiriya on the Kandy-Mahiyangana road and 35 km from boarders of the Badulla and Matale districts. According to legends, the village of Meemure was a dwelling of the Great King Ravana. Some believe that the village called Maha Pabbatha mentioned during the reign of King Maha Ravana is presently named as Meemure. The

legends say that king Ravana has landed his “Dandumonaraya” (believed to be the aircraft of King Ravana) on Lakegala Mountain after kidnapping Princess Sita. The village of Meemure is also considered to be the heart of the Knuckles Natural Reserve, a World Heritage Site. Karambaketiya, Kumbukkolla, Pusseela, Kaikawala and Meemure Grama Niladhari Divisions belong to the Ududumbara Divisional Secretariat. These villages have 378 families with a total population of 1127. Paddy farming is the main livelihood of the villagers. Others engage in the cultivation of minor export crops such as pepper and kithul related industries.

Pulse of the people The President who commented about the natural beauty of the environment said that the people living

in these villages never destroy the rural environment and that it is the villager who has protected the environment so far. The President also said that he does not see the cultivation activities that have been carried out for generations since the time of our ancestors as harmful to the environment. The President made these remarks participating in the “Discussion with the Village” programme held on 13th of February at the Meemure Junior School premises in the Ududumbara Divisional Secretariat Division, Kandy District. This marks the 10th in the series of “Discussion with the Village” programme. President opened the ‘Smart Classroom’ equipped with computers donated by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Mobitel to Kaikawala Primary School. The computers donated by the SLT Mobitel for Meemure Junior school, and televisions and internet connections

February 2021

donated by Dialog Axiata were also handed over to the principal of the school by the President. The President also participated in the inaugural tour of the newly added bus by the Sri Lanka Transport Board to ply on the Ududumbara road in Meemure. The people explained to the President that their main problems are the underdeveloped status of the road network and the lack of undisputed ownership to the lands for cultivation purposes. Responding to the complaints regarding poor road infrastructure facilities, the President instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Roads to repair the two bridges on the Meemure-Hunnasgiriya route and complete the development of the road as soon as possible. It was also decided to expedite the reconstruction of the by-roads in the village including the road from Mediwaka to Pallewela, from Dombagahapitiya to the 35th-mile post and from Karambaketiya to Huluketadelagaha. The President instructed the officials to take steps to assign a doctor to the Central Dispensary in Kaikawala, to provide an ambulance, to fill the existing medical staff vacancies at the Ududumbara Hospital and to develop other infrastructure facilities. President Rajapaksa in an evaluation of the potential of the Meemure area as a tourist destination stressed the need to improve facilities for adventurous water sports and other accommodations and facilities to promote tourism industry there. The President drew the attention of the officials to take necessary measures to identify the places and activities of tourist attraction including hiking and educating and training the local people to enter tourism and providing ATM facilities by a State Bank to the village of Meemure. Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage pointed out that Meemure

February 2021

could attract more tourists by encouraging farmers to use organic fertilizers in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits. When Enasal cultivation was taken up for discussion, the Minister of Agriculture was tasked to appoint a committee to investigate the matter and to take formal actions. In addition, it was also discussed to examine the reasons for poor yield in the pepper cultivation as well. The President directed that immediate steps be taken to rehabilitate and re-activate the electric fence preventing elephant intrusion and to provide solutions to the land issues in the area promptly. It was advised to rectify the persisting shortage of teachers in the schools in Meemure,Kumbukgolla and Kaikawala and to develop infrastructure facilities including IT rooms and libraries. It was also decided to provide other miscellaneous facilities in the preschools and Dhamma schools in the area. The President also paid special attention to build a common Teachers’ Dormitory for all three schools as well. Restoration of canal culverts and the supply of clean drinking water have been identified as two other basic requirements in these areas. It was also decided to expedite the development of communication and internet facilities in the area as well. The President instructed the Secretary to the Ministry to examine the issues pertaining to drinking water needs in Pusseela, Kaikawala, Hasalaka and Weragama in the Ududumbara area and provide formal solutions promptly. The President also noted that the clean drinking water requirements of all the schools in the country should be met expeditiously. The President instructed the restoration of the Huluketadelagaha, Madakumbura, Naela, Kodayangale and Pagirimana anicuts and six other tanks in the area.

February 2021

Medirigiriya Farmers permitted to carry on traditional cultivation until issues resolved

About Vedikachchiya

edikachchiya village in Medirigiriya Divisional Secretariat located around 45 km away from Polonnaruwa city belongs to Zone “D” of the Mahaweli Development project. Consisting villages of Samagipura, Darshanapura, Dahamwewa and Peramaduwa, the area covers around 79 square kilometers. The population in the village is 2561 people belonging to 723 families. Agriculture and selfemployment are the sources of main livelihood of the people in Wedikachchiya and surrounding villages. One of the major problems faced by the villagers is that paddy cultivation has to be restricted only to the Maha Season due to shortage of water. This situation forces them to leave the village during the Yala Season seeking employment as hired labourers.

Pulse of the people President Gotabaya Rajapaksa speaking to the villagers said permission

February 2021

will be granted to farmers to engage in their traditional cultivation activities continuously without any disruption until related issues are resolved. President arrived at various decisions focusing on issues fervently raised by the farmers who attended

the 6th in the series of programme “Discussion with the Village”. Officials of Wildlife, Forest Conservation, Environment, Police and other institutions were instructed by the President not to disturb with traditional cultivation

activities. However, President emphasized that no one is allowed to clear forests newly for cultivational purposes.

the problem of the people properly and to commence the construction of both trenches and electric fences as a permanent solution.

Polonnaruwa is one of the districts that are severely affected by the threat posed by wild elephants. President instructed relevant parties to nderstand

People gathered highlighted the disruption caused to the education of students due to the development work being stalled in many schools

in the district. Paying attention to the matter, President Rajapaksa directed authorities to expedite the completion of all development work at schools in the island. President stated that new houses will be built replacing the existing ones in the Wedikachchiya village which lacks even basic facilities. The political authority and the officials in the district were instructed to take immediate steps to repair the canals and tanks and provide irrigation water as a solution to the long standing cultivation problems of the villagers enabling them to cultivate during both the seasons. President Rajapaksa emphasized the need to establish vocational training facilities for students who sit GCE (A/L) examination. The State Minister in charge of the subject would be made aware of this requirement and vocational training opportunities would be created, President said. Attention of the President was particularly paid to the drinking water shortage in the area. President advised to complete the project to meet the demand for water of ten thousand families by constructing a water purification plant connecting Kaudulla Wewa and laying pipe lines before the end of 2021.

President instructed the officials of the Ministry of Power to provide “Solar Power Systems” free of charge to schools and low income families who are unable to pay their electricity bills.

February 2021

Aluthwewa President signs 17,000 deeds after clearing disputes at the “Discussion in the Village” in Monaragala

About Aluthwewa Aluthwewa is bordered by the villages Kotawehera Mankada, Wellawaya, Hambegamuwa and Walawe river and Kandiyapita tank. Dalukgala, Koratuwewa, Kilimbunna, Millagala, Dahaiyagala, Nabadapalessa and Pokunuthenna areas fall under the Aluthwewa Grama Niladhari Division. 790 families live in Aluthwewa where the total population is 2794. Aluthwewa became a settlement in the early 20th century due to the migration of people from the Udawalawe National Park area for hunting and Chena farming. Paddy and Chena farming are the main livelihood of many settlers in this village.

Pulse of the people President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

February 2021

instruted the officials to withdraw cases filed under old circulars due to the implementation of new rules that will allow farmers to continue cultivation on lands traditionally used for agriculture. President Rajapaksa has instructed all the departments and

institutions, including wildlife, forestry, environment and land, to take into consideration requests frequently made by the public during the “Discussion with the Village” sessions when formulating new laws in the interest of the people. Existing issues with the laws

will be resolved and new laws will be implemented. This decision was taken to relieve the public of their sufferings caused as a result of litigation against state institutions. President stated that he has already signed 17,000 deeds after clearing land disputes. President Rajapaksa made these directives and remarks during the 8th Discussion with the Village programme

on the bank of the Kukulkatuwa tank in Thanamalwila Aluthwewa Grama Niladhari Division, Monaragala on January (30). President conversed with the students and the villagers who were gathered at the Kotawehera Mankada Maha Vidyalaya and inquired into the hardships they face upon arrival in the Thanamalvila area for the “Discussion

with the Village programme” . President Rajapaksa instructed the Army to commence the development of the playground of Kotawehera Mankada Maha Vidyalaya immediately at the request of the students. President was also concerned about constructing an auditorium for the school. Ideas and suggestions of the people are given due consideration in solving their issues. President Rajapaksa emphasized the requirement of people’s representatives, government officials and the rural masses in managing their villages in unison. It has come to light about the persisting shortage of English teachers in a number of schools on the island. As a remedy, the President instructed the Secretary of Education to expedite the recruitment of English teachers to the respective schools. The need for clean drinking water in Aluthwewa and surrounding villages and the measures to be taken to address this issue immediately were discussed in depth.

The President instructed the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage to

February 2021

commence the Kumbukkan Oya project, which was first proposed in 1952, but remains unimplemented so far and complete expeditiously. It was decided to implement the Weheragala Wewa Project and the Sevanagala water purification facility properly to meet the drinking water needs of the people. The President stressed the urgent need to identify the natural water sources in the area and to use them in order to meet the drinking water needs. Steps were also taken to supply drinking water to many villages including Aluthwewa through an RO Plant and piped water.

The President instructed the officials to fast-track the restoration of 10 tanks including the Kukulkatuwa tank, as requested by the people for their cultivation purposes.

At the request of the villagers, the Health Secretary agreed to establish a Paediatric and Maternity clinic at the Hambegamuwa Hospital. In addition, President Rajapaksa instructed that a psychiatrist’s clinic should be conducted to cover the Thanamalwila and Moneragala areas at least once a month.

Attention was also drawn to address the shortage of doctors and nurses at the Hambegamuwa Regional Hospital, Moneragala, Thanamalwila and Wellawaya Hospitals and to develop other infrastructure facilities.

It was also decided to renovate all the elephant fences in the district which were built a few years ago and left unattended. The President directed the officials to conduct a rapid field study on the unauthorized constructions in the Bodagama tank reserve and to take further measures not to allow any unauthorized constructions in any of the tank reserves.

President Rajapaksa instructed the officials to immediately look into the use of substandard weedicides in agriculture and stressed that the law should be strictly enforced against businessmen who sell such inferior material

February 2021

From braving a battle to curbing COVID

General Shavendra Silva In this exclusive interview Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva talks candidly about his life, the army and his work as the head of the Presidential Task Force at the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO). An astute professional, a courageous official, a general with an illustrious career but most of all, an individual who puts the needs of 21.8 million people first before his own, speaks up. Below are excerpts from the interview with Nilantha Ilangamuwa, Editor in Chief of Lanka Courier: Q. General, let me start this interview by quoting a sentence from the farewell speech of late Major General Muttukumaru, and he said ‘when army was formed, we set out to achieve standards of conduct and professional efficiency in keeping with the prestige of an independent state.’ The army

is one of the pioneering state organ, which has overcome numerous challenges, while keeping its standards of conduct in protecting the prestige of our nation. Can you give us a brief overview of this historical pathway? A. The prestige of a

nation is a direct measure on how far it can preserve its values and pursue interest, amidst influences by other state and non-state actors in the global arena. The power or the ability to pursue and preserve the interests of any country stems from four instruments namely diplomatic, information,

economy and military. Out of this ‘military’ plays a vital role since all other factors are undermined if the security of the country is at a doubt. In other sense a military is required to protect and preserve the conducive environment for exercising the diplomacy, economy and information powers by a

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country. While some countries use the military as a tool to save the country from internal and external threats, other may use it for power projection and impose their geopolitical will to take the interests away from the homeland. We have ample experiences from the world on how Armies have achieved the desired goals professionally and other means. Therefore, the standards of the conduct of the Army lies on how reliable that Army is in delivering the necessary effect and achieving objectives set by the democratic government and how professional the Army is in achieving it. Sri Lanka Army is not an exemption to this phenomenon; in our history we have learnt that some of our Kings have sent expeditionary forces abroad and have used the land forces to repulse the invasions and assure the territorial integrity, however, there is no evidence that our army have degraded the decorum. The land force or the Army is the key military power we have in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s national interest against multifaceted adversaries. Therefore, conduct of the military is a direct reflection of the government will. From the inception, Sri Lanka Army has been the most credible force of the government in mitigating various challenges against the state, for its professional, reliable and systematic approach to situations. From the independence in 1948 Sri Lanka was challenged by two major insurgency situations firstly JVP insurgency in 1971 and 1987 and secondly so called ethnically fuelled LTTE

February 2021

terrorism. In these cases, the Army was the principal mean of exercising legitimate force by the government. These operations were conducted successfully in different terrains, levels and constraints proving its credibility as a professional force. At the end of 1990’s

The daring military operation to rescue trapped civilians is considered as one of the biggest humanitarian operations in the world. At the latter stage of the operation, LTTE kept civilians under captivity as last resort. LTTE began killing innocent civilians when they tried to flee from LTTE captivity to the Army held areas during which lot of civilians lost their lives and many people were wounded.

LTTE appeared more-bloodier, well-organized and having its firm ties with internationally rooted Diaspora. LTTE not limiting its target to military bases, began to target socio, economic, and religious hubs with the aim of paralyzing the government, sometimes in the form of suicide attacks, converting itself gradually

from insurgency to semiconventional force which possesses an Air wing and a powerful Naval wing. Consequently, the Sri Lanka Army started fighting a semi-conventional war with LTTE Terrorists. The Army stood firm and reorganized its forces to outmanoeuvre the LTTE without resorting to war of attrition or unethical tactics as used by the LTTE. This is another example of the standard maintained by a legitimate Army. Final stage of the war was largely humanitarian in nature, since the LTTE used human shield as the final resort. This opened a new dimension to the Sri Lankan Army involvement. Issues concerning the physical safety of civilians was the prime concern. Sri Lanka Army operated with tight hands, where the use of heavy weapons, machineguns or sometimes even the small arms were strictly controlled to prevent human suffering. The active approach of the relief system to this humanitarian crisis highlights Sri Lanka Army’s status as a critical and persistent success of the operations spearheaded on humanitarian considerations. This was a real test on Sri Lanka Army’s professionalism, standards and conduct. The daring military operation to rescue the trapped civilians is considered as one of the biggest humanitarian operations in the world. At the latter stage of the operation, LTTE kept civilians under captivity as last resort. LTTE began killing innocent civilians when they tried to flee from LTTE captivity to the Army held areas during which lot of civilians lost their lives and

many people were wounded. Some individuals and groups try to frame these inhumane activities of LTTE Terrorist as government forces actions, which is absolutely not true. Sri Lanka Army happened to utilize limited weapons, highly precise munitions and highly skilled and trained soldiers to deal with this situation. The course of action demanded from Sri Lanka Army to handle humanitarian aids, treating sick and wounded as the initial action followed by demining, rehabilitation, aiding the resettlement and uplifting the socio economic standards of the people of North and East. Despite each occasion demanded different capabilities, the Army has professionally responded preserving its identity, quality and decorum. As you witness today, the relevance, credibility and the standard of the Army in safeguarding the country’s prestige, was again proved by the involvement of Army in containing the recent COVID 19 outbreak where we happened to work with many stakeholders, agencies and authorities. Therefore, as General Muthukumaru, the first Commander of the Army highlighted the Army has been an essential element of Sri Lanka’s existence as a sovereign state and the Army has kept its standard and high quality as a professional force to date. Q. Can you take us back to your school days and to what led you to join the Army and inspired you thereafter? A. I started my primary schooling from St Joseph’s

College Anuradhapura. Later when my father was transferred to Matale for work, I happened to change my School to Vijaya College, Matale where I studied at grade 4 and 5. For grade 6, I joined St Thomas’ College, Matale which I consider the first turning point of my life. On the first day, my mother, who was a teacher, wanted me to join the College Band. But on that day I did not even have a musical instrument. Only on the second day I managed to carry a flute. My first bandmaster was Mr Bandara Athauda (a professional musician now); his charisma and conduct inspired me to perform in the band and appreciate music. In grade 8, the college band was selected the Cadet Band of National Cadet Corps and I was the first Cadet Band Sergeant Major. In addition to the Cadet Band, I was a member of the school cadet platoon since grade 6 and became a Cadet Sergeant in grade 8. I also played for the school Cricket Team. When I was playing for under 12 Team my brother was Captain for under 14 school team keeping wickets. When my brother left school, I was selected as the wicket keeper of the first XI team as I was performing better than the wicket keeper of the under 16-school team. I managed to play for the first XI cricket team while playing for under 15-cricket team. In grade 8, I was made prefect at my school as I was playing for school first XI cricket team, performing as the school bandleader and a Cadet Sergeant. Grade 8 was one of the turning points in my life where I was able to represent the school in several fields as the first

Sergeant Major of the School Cadet Band, Captain of under 15-school cricket team while playing for the first XI cricket team, Sergeant of the school cadet platoon and a school prefect. By the time, I finished grade 10, I was appointed Head Prefect of the school in addition to the responsibilities of Captain of School first XI Cricket Team and School Band Leader. As a young student, I had to lead the school students, some of them who were elder to me and senior in school. This gave me an edge and competence to continue as a leader. During my career as a military leader, my performances contributed to being selected for commanding formations and to lead soldiers over many other officers who were senior and elder to me. I was the youngest officer ever as a Commanding Officer of an infantry battalion in the Sri Lanka Army to lead the soldiers in Operation Riviresa and I was the youngest officer to become a Major General in the Sri Lanka Army. I have continued with the same spirit as in my school days to give my best to the country. With profound gratitude and honor, I have to admit the success that I have achieved and the position I am at today is because of the attributes I was endowed by my School. I pay my humble respect to my first Principal Mr. A.J Wijesinhe, my Cadet Masters Colonel Welegedara and Colonel Berni Thennakoon for teaching me how to stand tall. Even today when I have to stand in attention, I adhere to the instructions given to me by them years ago. I thank my masters and all other teachers of St Thomas’s College Matale,

for recognizing me as a potential leader, entrusting me to bear responsibilities greater than my age and bestowing the best leadership attributes on me. To mention what inspired me to join the Army and thereafter; first, I had an inspiration to join the Sri Lanka Cricket Team in my school days. When I grew older, I was selected to Sri Lanka Under 19 School Cricket Team. When I came to NCC for Under 19 School Cricket Team practices, I saw how the outstation cricketers were alienated in the Colombo cricket forum and I realized it was a impossible for an outstation cricketer to be a player in the National Cricket Team, however my dream would not fade away. Meanwhile, I watched an Officer from Sri Lanka Air Force, Susil Fernando who was playing in Sri Lankan Cricket Team. This was a herald of hope for me to join the services and so I worked towards my dream. Secondly my elder brother had already joined Sri Lanka Air Force, which inspired me to join the services. I think these are the motives for me. When I applied to be an Officer, I got the opportunity to choose between the Army and Air Force where I took the chose the Army. As I mentioned earlier, I had a dream to continue with Cricket in the service; however, this motivation was overshadowed by the need to become a career infantryman. Firstly in the Sri Lanka Military Academy, I met (late) Major Genral Janaka Perera. His charisma, conduct and lectures left indelible inspiration on me. Secondly I was fortunate to be the first officer to be

posted to the prestigious Gajaba Regiment which bestowed me the pride of an infantryman. Lastly when I marched to my Commanding Officer as a young Second Lieutenant for the first time, my Commanding Officer happened to be the Great General Vijaya Wimalarathna who is a fame battlehardened legend in the Army. I still remember the instructions and advices given to me by General Vijaya Wimalarathna on the very first day and the very first few hours of my career as an officer. The words he told inspired me and remains in my mind and it paved the way for me to be who I am today. I tried my best to practice his valuable insights even today. His guidance even led me to be an instructor at Sri Lanka Military Academy. I respect the great leadership of my Officer Commanding, Colonel Y N Palipana (who was killed with other higher-ranking Officers in August 1992). From whom I learnt the lessons of conducting myself as an officer, infantryman and gentleman with highest military decorum. Fifth, during the war, particularly during the last stages of the war, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka recognised me as a potential Division Commander and appointed me as the General Officer Commanding of 58 Division as well as the Commander of Commando Brigade. Trusting me to bear these responsibilities amidst many other Officers senior to me inspired me to lead the 58 Division and the Commando Brigade as the most successful field formations in the humanitarian operation. Finally, but most importantly, the leader who inspired me since the day one

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of my officering as a Second Lieutenant in the Gajaba Regiment is none other than His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Having served with him since the first day of my officering, I still see the same human and gentleman in him even many years later. He understood every junior officer under him and was an exemplary leader to his subordinates and followers. His foresight has always been instrumental in decision making and I personally learnt a lot of lessons from him to succeed my career as a leader. He is a proven visionary leader and a decision maker who wisely analyzes the situations methodically to bring out best possible responses. I remember His Excellency the President as the Second in Command of my Battalion, once saved my life when I was critically injured during the Operation Wadamarachchi at Achchuweli, where he himself attended by lifting me onto a helicopter under the heavy thrust and rains of offensive fire by LTTE. From there, during many stages of my life as my Commanding Officer where I was the Adjutant, Secretary Defence and His Excellency the President of the country, has been a mentor, savior and leader of my life where his recognition of me to the position where I am today is a great inspiration and motivation for me to serve this country with utmost dedication and spirit. Q. How do you respond to those who criticize you? A. The criticism is an inevitable phenomenon in any profession, work, service, or any person. Whatever

February 2021

you do can be criticised by someone. However, a true Sri Lankan will never criticise the Armed Forces or me. Since the end of Humanitarian Operations, I see how the people and especially all the religious clergies praise and respect our Armed Forces, and with the responses of the society I realize where I stand. On the other hand, a few people of our country attempt to criticise the services and me expecting to accomplish personal agendas or to support different organizations. We have been criticized by some parties of the international community due to the huge false propaganda carried out by the LTTE, their supporters and interested parties. Without knowing the truth, they must be criticizing us. But being a very strong believer in Buddhism and a person who respects all the religious teachings I believe that one day the truth will win. Today, interested parties of LTTE and sympathizers are creating stories and criticizing me and our Armed Forces for the selfless dedications made to protect the country and nation. I am the only person who has been given a travel ban after committing my entire life for the betterment of the country that is home for Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and all other communities. Even my innocent daughters have also been affected for no reason due to the travel ban imposed on them when were very small at the time of war. As an Army Officer who has been a frontline commander at the expense of my personal life, time and comfort, I think I should not go behind every critique and answer them because it wastes my time which could

General Shavendra Silva

be effectively used to serve the nation. It is my view that I should not waste my valuable time to justify the fabricated stories which are created for the personal gains. I am not at all interested in such baseless critiques. But, if there are any constructive criticisms with a validity, I take them in right spirit and adjust myself or even thank the particular person. I mostly welcome anyone who gives me feedback on what I do. However, unfortunately, I rarely get such constructive criticism with a right validity today. Q. You are one of the busiest people in our country. How do you find time and what advice can you give? A. I have become busy purely because of my appointments and profession. There I must highlight that these appointments and responsibilities are given to me with a lot of expectations and trust. That is why I have been given responsibilities of not only the Commander of the Army or Chief of Defence Staff but number of other appointments such as the Head of National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID 19 and Chairman, National Selection Committee for Sports. I believe I have been given these responsibilities with the trust that I can accomplish those. So despite the busy schedules, the mental satisfaction I get by serving the motherland and its people makes me motivated to do more. So, the message I give is “It is not the end of the day that gives you a relief but the accomplishment of objective

gives you the real relief” It is my family who always encourages and motivates me despite my busy schedule. I am grateful to my loving daughters who are always there for me with their words of encouragement giving me a sense of satisfaction. Specially, I wish to thank my wife who is always in touch with everything I do and comes up with brilliant insights, and suggestions in the areas that she is also capable off. She always tolerates my schedules and is always there for me and our family. Q. The terrorist threat faced by the people of the country for decades ended in 2009. But there has been little talk of rehabilitation in the aftermath of the conflict. What is your opinion about that program? A. The conflict never ends with the military defeat of insurgents. The post conflict measures are most essential to prevent future resurgence, peace-building and achieving normalcy. Therefore, the military actions need to be followed by treatment to wounded in action, rehabilitation of ex combatants, rebuilding of damaged properties and infrastructure, demining, aiding the resettlement and uplifting the socio-economic standards of the people in the conflict zones. This was very well perceived by the then government which commenced peace-building mechanism soon after the defeat of LTTE in May 2009. Rehabilitation of ex LTTE combatants was a key activity in peace-building process. At the end of the conflict, around 12000 LTTE

combatants surrendered to the government forces and among those combatants there were men, women and children. The majority was rescued by the 58 Infantry Division which I commanded during the humanitarian operation. Many of them were heavily brainwashed, radicalized and had been away from the civilized society for many years. The Bureau of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, was established to take the lead role together with other relevant institutions and line ministries. Sri Lanka Army played a major role in this process, with the direction of His Excellency the President and the guidance of Secretary Defence who is now His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka. The Army prepared, administrated and conducted the rehabilitation in coordination with Ministry of Rehabilitation and Resettlement and the process is highly commended by the independent institutions and reputed intellectuals. The rehabilitees were directed to 24 Protective Accommodation and Rehabilitation Centres. At these centres, a comprehensive study and analysis was carried out on all ex-combatants to ascertain their involvement in the conflict. In the beginning of the programme, levels of radicalization, talents and experiences were assessed they made to undergo educational, vocational, and skills development programmes along with development of mental tranquillity, spiritual enhancement and expansion of moral values to prepare them to re-join the community.

The rehabilitation process mainly aimed on achieving the community security by completely converting the ex-combatant into a civilian since the government understood that they could be abetted again by roots of LTTE and other interested parties. To supplement total community security and better integration of these rehabilitees, it was necessary to uplift the standard of the war affected area and make a conducive environment for them to earn their living. For this the government initiated the reconciliation process in parallel to rehabilitation process. Conclusion of armed conflict provides the opportunity to the citizens of conflicted areas to rebuild their lives, societies, and economies. Therefore, the ex-combatants were to be integrated to that society so that they can be useful to the society. The vocational training, supplemented by religious teaching programmes adopted at the rehabilitation centres were highly effective in reintegration of ex combatants in this context. Many ex-combatants have joined the private and government jobs, which are the positive indications of a successful rehabilitation programme. I believe the post war rehabilitation process was successful despite it was not spoken widely. Often this has been kept away from discussion by the interested parties. There are almost no signs even after 12 years that the ex-combatants are willing to go back to the hostilities, which is a real measure of the quality of the rehabilitation programme. We have to understand

February 2021

that if not forcefully recruited, they were innocent and local Tamil people and most importantly the citizens of this country. The government effort was to get these EXLTTE cadres back to society at the earliest. How best we have done this is now being seen as they spend a life as lawful civilian for last 12 years. Q. Various allegations have been levelled against our country by organizations and individuals. Many are based on the assumptions instead of facts. How should we as a country deal with such an experience? A. Each of these allegations have a hidden agenda. We must not be discouraged or unnecessarily panic in the wake of these allegations. It is important that we should not try to counter each and every allegation by making an unnecessary ramification, unless the allegations are framed by credible organisations. It is surprising and disappointing to see some of the reputed organizations make allegations based on distorted facts, assumptions, or by influence of parties with vested interests. These allegations have been charged against the frontline commanders in the humanitarian operation despite the fact that we have fought a Humanitarian war. However, the government has answered rights allegation that has been framed by UNHCR. His Excellency the President was the Secretary Defence during the war and present Honourable Prime Minister was His Excellency the President during the Humanitarian Operation. As

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I know, they have explained the international community on what actually happened, how the humanitarian operation unfolded and how information have been distorted by the adversaries in the wake of obvious defeat. Also through diplomatic and information means we

Sri Lanka Army and all Forces have proved that we are a human centred Army. If not, as some says, the Army could have finished the LTTE menace in less than 3 years. It should be noted that, it is not the strength or the capabilities of LTTE made this war prolonged but the humanitarian aspects and consideration of possible suffering to the Sri Lankans made this war dragged for long time.

should further convince the world to identify the hidden motivation against these allegations. If there is a gap in promoting what we have done during the Humanitarian Operation, the vacuum can be filled with the misinformation by adverse

parties. Sri Lanka Army and all Forces have proved that we are a human centred Army. If not, as some says, the Army could have finished the LTTE menace in less than 3 years. It should be noted that, it is not the strength or the capabilities of LTTE made this war prolonged but the humanitarian aspects and consideration of possible suffering to the Sri Lankans made this war dragged for long time. Our Officers and soldiers have given eyes, limbs, organs and even their precious lives to rescue the civilians from the clutches of LTTE. Sometimes our women soldiers have even assisted and facilitated our Tamil sisters during their confinements amidst the heights of war. I don’t think these sacrifices and sensitive stories have been disclosed to the world by the interested parties who make allegations on our military at the international forum. Therefore, I think we have to pursue on fact-based information to tell the world how we have preserved the rights of all ethnicities in Sri Lanka. Q. It is imperative that national action can be taken without any discrimination against propaganda projects carried out against the state. Certain groups seek to undermine the dignity of the country to achieve narrow political gains. We have seen many countries forget their political desires and unite for common goals when threatened by the enemies. What is your view? A. We have to assess and see whether we are united against adversaries of the country. I think Yes, except

for very few people with ulterior motives. I believe we have a national unity against adversaries which is one of our core values from the history. I think the national action is in place already with us. We have capable and educated officials in the Foreign Ministry and in foreign missions. They are the people who should project our values and dignity to the world. I would like to answer your question in two aspects. First, about propaganda project to undermine the dignity; at this information age we have to understand that anybody from any nook and corner the world can propagate information against the state and undermine the state’s value. But if you consider carefully as to who undermines the dignity of the country, it is few factions with personal agendas who do these things. Automatically, the disinformation and fake news often spread locally for narrow goals, can lead to discredit the country’s values internationally. Therefore, we cannot expect these parties to unite against any propaganda projects carried out by external parties. It is something that should be felt by everyone as a Sri Lankan rather than someone trying to create that sense in the Sri Lankans’ minds. If there is any deviation within the country, that should not be projected to outside so that another party can capitalize our weaknesses. I believe, despite social, political, religious or ethnical beliefs and ideologies we have to have a national policy to react against international propaganda undermining the dignity of the country. Also, there is an urgent need

to find ways to disclose intentional tactics used to undermine democracy and values of the country. Q. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a new challenge facing Sri Lanka since the beginning of last year. It is a challenge that Sri Lanka has never faced before. What is the strategic plan to deal novel pandemic caused global health emergency? A. The strategy adopted to battle against this novel challenge stems from the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President and the guidance of Honourable Prime Minister and the Government. When the COVID-19 proliferated rapidly around the world, the imminent risk of a possible import of this deadly virus was envisaged by the HE the President and Honourable Prime Minister. Accordingly, the National Action Committee was appointed on 27 January 2020 including Sri Lanka Army, Tri-services and other stakeholders with directions to forecast the future possibilities and implementing health measures to preventing the spread of deadly Coronavirus Sri Lanka. Subsequent increase of cases in Sri Lanka prompted the necessity of a national strategy to underpin the coordination, collaboration and recalibration of roles and responsibilities of different agencies. To cater for this, HE the President established the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 and entrusted me to spearhead its effective functioning. The National Operation Centre comprises of Healthcare Authorities

and Experts, Tri-services, Police, Disaster Management Authorities, vital economic figures, intellectuals and research and development agencies etc. Bringing all the stakeholders to one platform allowed a synergized planning, collaborative decision-making and identifying the critical conditions to achieve and timeline for the same. The main response strategy initially focused on three objectives; Containment of Affected Cases, Prevention of Spreading and Breaking the Chain of Spread and Minimising the Loss of Lives. The containment of affected cases has been entrusted to Armed Forces and operationalize through the comprehensive quarantine process. This process is staffed and supported by many nursing, medical and operational staff from both the Ministry of Health and military. With the requirement to quarantine the repatriated Sri Lankans from the foreign countries, the quarantine process has now been further reinforced with providing quarantine facilities in more than 90 quarantine centres including government quarantine centres, leading hotels and in the houses if the condition of the houses permits to do so. The military is taking them through the complete quarantine process before integrated into society. Contact tracing of affected personnel is an essential factor for containment and prevention. The military intelligence network alone with the police traced the immediate and secondary contacts of affected personnel within a short period and directed

them for quarantine process followed by testing when required. The public health officials have been working hand-in-hand with military and police to make this process a success. Also, the strategy includes imposing of restrictions on selective areas when the threat of spreading is high. We are very careful in designating these isolated

As a middleincome country, our attention has been drawn towards economic revival now. With all standard and specific health guidance, the plans are in place to accommodate tourism, medical tourism, absorbing of Sri Lankan nationals from abroad.

areas and we have a high end concern on allowing the day today activities are least hindered. I should specially mention with gratitude the role played by the public and private media. They were instrumental in carrying the necessary information and convincing the general public to support the government mechanism in combating against the COVID 19.

The second objective, ‘Prevention of Spreading and Breaking the Chain of Spread’, is the responsibility of all citizens, including healthcare agencies, institutions, law enforcing agencies and armed forces. The prevention of spreading depends on the best health practices, personal responsibility and law enforcing etc. This is a people centric approach therefore, compliance of the general public is highly important. It is inevitable that when travel restrictions are imposed subsequent economic and social difficulties increase. To underpin this, HE the President has established Special Presidential Taskforce on essential services, for directing, coordinating and monitoring the delivery of continuous services of food, medicine, banking and other amenities for the sustenance of overall community life. To ensure the containment of the virus and the economy of the country to run, the country has been normalised with restrictions, dos and don’ts. Therefore, people of this country should use this freedom wisely and responsibly. The third objective is the ‘Minimising the loss of lives’. We must thank the health authorities, consultants, specialists, doctors, nurses and other health-related staff for achieving this objective. They work relentlessly round the clock to protect the affected cases. Also, there are many supporting agencies in this process, including the military in uplifting the facilities of the hospitals and preparing intermediate treatment centres for asymptomatic patients etc., the Health Ministry, who facilitates the process with

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medicine, medical equipment and all necessary facilities and Research and Development Agencies, who facilitate and enhance the testing and diagnostic capacity. As a middle-income country, our attention has been drawn towards economic revival now. With all standard and specific health guidance, the plans are in place to accommodate tourism, medical tourism, absorbing of Sri Lankan nationals from abroad. Also with the vaccination programme we have new prospects of combatting this virus where, the government has taken initiative to give the vaccine to vulnerable agencies in the frontline of battle against COVID 19 and the vulnerable population in the country. Q. The programme against the Covid-19 epidemic in Sri Lanka has been praised internationally. What were the major challenges in dealing with this invisible enemy? A. We embarked into the battle against COVID 19 at a situation the virus was novel, the entire world was at stand still and no country had found a solution for the pandemic with minimum evidence on the behavioural pattern of the pandemic. Therefore, we had to go for our own strategy. Even though we did not have problems with stakeholders, when operationalizing the strategy, few practical problems were encountered. First, the isolation of affected personnel to contain the virus was not equally easy in every part of the county. Because, the spatial distribution of the population in some areas in the country, was

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too congested, so that home-based quarantine was not possible, for which we introduced the novel and unique ‘rootball’ system; may be for the first time in the world. In that, the personnel of close contacts were pull-out as a whole group from congested street, lane or housing complex, and transferred to quarantine centres. Second, despite the strategies were made to keep people at home, there was a dire need for people to go out, reasons being the food, medicine etc. For this, HE the President established Special Presidential Taskforce on Essential Services that direct, coordinate and monitor the delivery of continuous services of food, medicine, banking and other amenities for the sustainment of community life. Third, there was a need to convey the real proliferation pattern of the virus, necessity of best health practices, personal responsibility, need for law enforcing to the people where the details of the situation were not clear and had been heavily distorted by false information’s through internet etc. In this regard, informing the public of the government strategy, and indoctrinating the necessity of compliance with the instruction issued by authorities was a challenge. We must be thankful for the National and private media for conveying the correct and exact information to and from the public. Fourth, Non-compliance by the general public over safety and hygiene measures and guidelines stipulated by the government has become the biggest challenge. The today’s situation could have

been much different if all the citizens acted responsibly. Q. The post-pandemic phase is a critical period for any country. What is the responsibility of the security forces in particular? A. The normalization and the economic revival is needed for the country to be safe and secure. Armed Forces differ widely from other organizations in terms of capacity, capability and, perhaps most importantly, their relationship to the state. The primary role of the security forces is to assure the safety, security and to make a conductive environment for economy and social activities. We cannot undermine the fact that the Armed Forces are to protect citizens, ensure the survival of the state, and cope with emergencies as well as combatting crimes and threats. Therefore, in post COVID 19 pandemic (even though we have not come to that stage still) I believe as the military we have to be ready to face in any critical situation and respond on behalf of the people of this country. Q. National security is the backbone of a state and a subject that is evolving day by day. What message do you think you should deliver to the policymakers and the people of this country about this national responsibility? A. With the great leadership and clear vision of His Excellency the President, the ‘Vistas for Prosperity and Splendour’ policy framework provides the basis to understand what is meant by national security and aspects we should consider, what are our values that we should

protect against adversaries, and what are national objectives. The security sector needs to be consisted with all the structures, institutions and personnel responsible for security provision, management and oversight at national and local levels as well as the public support and sensible citizens. Therefore, if the policy preparation does not include these stakeholders and if the policy makers do not understand what is meant by national security as it is prescribed by the government, the policy becomes flaw or useless. Also, National security policy should encompass understanding the strategic environment, enduring values, interests, national objectives, threats, risks, and challenges before formulating national security objectives. We all need to start thinking on the same line, rationally interpret the national policy document, as well as align the strategies of different departments to the national objectives in order to ensure the integrity of the national security sector. When the departmental objectives are aligned with the national objectives, we can derive what changes we need, what standards we must attain and what actions are required from each component. Sri Lanka Army has already documented the Army Way Forward Strategy 2020-2025 in line with national security policy and it has proven very successful. Therefore, everyone should be encouraged to observe, and report any threat to national security within their frame and support the national security plans and actions in their capacity

Sri Pada;

a summit to the sun

or Buddhists, the peak is believed to hold the footprint of Gauthama Buddha. For Hindus, the rock formation at the summit holds the footprint of Lord Shiva. Christians believe it is the footprint of St Thomas, the early apostle of India. Muslims believe that the peak is the place where Adam descended on to the Earth after being banished from the heaven – hence, the name Adam’s Peak. Encyclopædia Britannica (1910) notes with reference to the footprint at the summit of the Peak; “…the Portuguese Christians were divided between the conflicting claims of St Thomas and the eunuch of Candace, queen of Ethiopia.” Poetically the peak is also called Samanalakanda, a place where butterflies go to die. Nearly 2,243 meters in height, this lofty mountain peak has sparked the imagination for centuries and a focus for pilgrimage for more than 1000 years. Adams Peak remains a focal attractions for the diverse communities in Sri Lanka; an embodiment of unity. Climbing the summit

of Adams Peak to watch the sunrise is a story reserved for a different day altogether. Those who have been fortunate to watch the first glint of the sunshine will tell you that it is unlike any other, anywhere on Earth. For some it’s a devotional journey, others it’s a ritual, sometime spiritual and if not those, then it’s a challenge. Whatever the motivation, climbing the Sri Pada is not an undertaking that anyone takes lightly. Climbers will tell you there are six routes leading to the sacred peak from around the mountain: Hatton-Nallathanni, RatnapuraPalabaddala, Kuruwita-Erathna, Murraywatte, Mookuwatte and Malimboda. Of these, the HattonNallathanni route is relatively the easier climb with Ratnapura-Palabaddala closely followed. Kuruwita-Erathna is the third most popular route. It is a rather strenuous route of 12 kilometers and takes about 8-12 hours for the climb, depending on the ability of each climber. The first landmark encountered along this route is the Warnagala Falls.

Although its volume of water has now been reduced as a result of a hydro-power plant upriver, legend says Warnagala Falls was a voluminous in that it used to flow over the expanse of a large rock bed. Today, this landmark what is prominent is the rock surface that covers an extensive area. Up to this point the trail is rather difficult. There are steps along the way only at the most difficult parts. The scenery is dotted by abandoned lush tea plantation. After reaching Warnagala the vista of greenery that is laid before one’s eyes is enough to dispel any physical exhaustion. Climbers will then encounter the Seethagangula (The Cold River), after climbing five kilometers of the distance. There is a natural pool of cool water that no visitor can resist taking a plunge. Whether every climber can resist the biting cold of the pool is a different story. After passing this point, is where the intense part of the climb beings. The trek enters dense wilderness. During the off season, the part of the route is particularly pleasing to the eyes.. The flowers of vibrant colours and butterflies are abundant in this area. At Galwangediya, the route

merges with the RathnapuraPalabathgala trail. After a brief trek comes the most formidable challenge of the entire journey; Maha Giri Damba. As the name suggests, the ‘Great Rock’ is a steep climb that is not suited for the faint hearted. The point of climbing the Sri pada is to witness the ‘Ira Sevaya;’ the rising sun, according to legends paying homage to the holy peak. On a clear day, in the far away distance, one can faintly discern the skyline of capital Colombo. And that is the true reward of the climb. The peak pilgrimage season is in April, and the goal is to be on top of the mountain at sunrise, when the distinctive shape of the mountain casts a triangular shadow on the surrounding plain and can be seen to move quickly downward as the sun rises. Climbing at night can be a remarkable experience, with the lights of the path leading up and into the stars overhead. There are rest stops along the way. The mountain is most often scaled from December to May. During other months it is hard to climb the mountain due to very heavy rain, extreme wind, and thick mist

February 2021

Battle on Covid-19

Importance of Vaccination

Dr Asela Gunawardena “I wish to reiterate that people must at all times ensure that they follow health guidelines, wear a mask properly, sanitize, restrict their movement, maintain a social distance,” Director General of Health Services, Dr Asela Gunawardena said in an interview with Lanka Courier. Following are the excerpts; Q. Give us an overview of this challenge that you are facing? We have been through so many challenges before but this is unlike any other. A. This is a challenge not only for our country but the whole world. No one knows what is going to happen next, that is the nature of this pandemic. The virus first came to Sri Lanka around the end of March which led to the first wave from April 2020. It went on up to July and there was a two month lull before the second wave started in October. During the first wave, most of us did not know how the virus was behaving or the disease pattern. We knew it was contagious but not how fast it could spread. We depended on international figures and tried to apply it here. What we have seen is that the scenario differs from country to country. It was later identified that there were several mutations of the

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I wish to reiterate that people must at all times ensure that they follow health guidelines, wear a mask properly, sanitize, restrict their movement, maintain a social distance. Even if they have to go to a supermarket, one member from one family must go.

virus and we began to study the pattern of the disease. The first strategy was to lockdown, which is to prevent the movement of

people. This led to the closure of all services except hospitals. The case load went down to a zero naturally. We had a two month gap of zero new cases. The Brandix cluster from Minuwangoda began in a small way but went up to huge numbers. The Fish market was affected in the process. Previously we locked down the whole country but during the second wave we locked down only certain places as there were serious economic repercussions arising from a total lockdown. The government was tasked with ensuring the smooth running of the country while battling a pandemic of which we knew very little about. It is a predicament for every country and we pursued a zero COVID strategy where we singled out specific places and locked it down. We also changed the treatment methodology. During the first wave, we took the first contacts to the quarantine centres but we did not do so for the second wave and allowed the first contact to seek self-isolation at home. As we are removing the COVID positive patient from the situation we are lessening the extent it would spread. We also kept in mind that keeping the patient at home meant risking the elderly population. Sri Lanka is the only country in the world where we take them to the quarantine centre, treat them and send them home. Even those coming from abroad we quarantined them for 14 days before sending them home. All of this is run on state expense. The sad part is that people don't realize how much is spent on these operations. We are doing nearly 15000 PCR tests per day. In the private sector you are charged Rs.6000 to Rs.8000. If you multiply it by the 15000 you get a substantial amount which we are spending on our own. Similarly we are maintaining care

centres and even treating asymptomatic patients for 14 days. In between these two there are several administrative, logistic, transport costs involved which are not visible or known. But people are picking up only shortcomings so they have to be mindful of this matter. So much of an effort is being put to contain the pandemic. It is because of this management that we have been ranked 10th globally. People also have a moral responsibility to practice health guidelines. To wear a face mask properly, maintain a 1 meter distance, sanitizing your hands with sanitizers or soap and to minimize travel. If you must travel to a funeral or wedding, make sure you don't linger for long and when returning home to immediately wash the clothes you wore and have a wash before you come into contact with anyone else. Majority of people we see are adhering to this but it is those who are not adhering who are contributing to the spread. At a wedding hall, if there is one positive patient, it risks the entire 150 at the hall. They may be wearing the mask throughout the day but at the wedding you may take it off and we are cautioning people against it as much as possible. People should give the government the fullest support. The police, tri-forces, health sector alone cannot do this. We need the support of the general public. All countries that have done this well have had the support of the general public. We have begun vaccinations as well while so many other countries are yet to even start. Q. As the technical head, what are the strengths and shortcomings as well? A. As the Department of Health, we have nearly 160 000 health sector workers. It is inclusive of the curative and preventive health staff. At present, we have a competent staff which is why it is being reflected in the number of deaths. This is despite the fact that we have 70 000 cases, we have only 400 odd deaths where the mortality rate is less than .4 percent. That itself demonstrates the competency of the health staff. Even the preventative staff, they initiate contact tracing and ensure quarantine

is done swiftly. On the other side, we have introduced a novel concept called intermediate care centres, which is where most of the positive cases who do not show any symptoms are kept. There are identified in hospitals such as IDH, Mulleriyawa, Teldeniya, Welikanda, Iranawila, Kilinochchi, Methsiri sevana in Anuradhapura which also serve as intermediate centres. The IC are also manned by doctors and nurses and we speak to them over the phone. Patients are well looked after the consultant and other staff. This is the manner in which the health sector is working. We can work with this staff strength. Logistically we have the necessary vehicles for patient management. Q. If the number of cases go up, are we able to handle it? A. There is a limit for everything. At the moment we have buffer beds, but if the case load goes up by 10002000 per day, then we have a problem. We will have to change the strategy and improvise. As of now we have no issue as we are managing fine. If we can control the case we can maintain the bed numbers. Q. What do you make of our research capacity? A. There are researches going on but in Sri Lanka we have very limited research capacity where much of it is done in the university. As the virus is too young it is not right to seek a conclusion right now. Yesterday’s facts are being disputed today. We adhere to the WHO strategy in all these grey areas. Q. Tell me about this vaccination process, why we need to wait after the first dose, how long it will take to vaccinate the population? A. Any vaccine we produce is meant to prevent getting the disease. We have a good national vaccination programme in the country targeting infants and children. We give them the vaccine to prevent them from getting these viruses. Globally there are many

vaccines being produced, some are given the emergency user licenses are given by WHO including AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna. The viru which is given in Sri Lanka is produced by COVISHIELD in India but it is AstraZeneca. We give this vaccine to prevent deaths happening in old age and vulnerable populations as there are contributory conditions such as lung disease, kidney disease and so on. The other reason is to reduce the transmissibility. Even if you get the virus your capacity to give it to another person is greatly reduced. Which is why we still ask those who are vaccinated to continue following the health guidelines. With this, in Sri Lanka what we have seen is that the disease affects the 30-60 year ago group, which is the productive age bracket. If we immunize them, they will lend more productive days to the economy. Because if they fall ill, they will be kept for 14-21 days at treatment centres. You and the economy lose out on so many days. So when the first donation came from India, we made sure to give the frontline health workers, airports, ports, tri-forces etc. According to the plan we are rolling out the vaccination programme starting with 60 and above, where priority will be given to those with contributing disease and then the 30 - 60 age group. It all depends on the orders. We have placed more orders with Covishield, but they too are inundated with many requests. We are expecting 1.5 million vaccines which however won't come in single stock but in batches. WHO has pledged to give 20 percent of our population, and the first COVAX will arrive by the end of February. We have COVID task force headed by the President who reiterated that it will be given on government expense and sector. I wish to reiterate that people must at all times ensure that they follow health guidelines, wear a mask properly, sanitize, restrict their movement, maintain a social distance. Even if they have to go to a supermarket, one member from one family must go. There will be holidays coming up and if they must travel to ensure that they only mingle with their relations and not outsiders. We cannot however risk reopening schools as yet

February 2021

Testimony under threat:

What is it like to be the first witness after a war?

Rubawathy Ketheeswaran - Government Agent of Kilinochchi District An endless stream of internally displaced persons that started as a trickle developed into a great force of humanity, fleeing the conflict zone in early 2009. One path ran through Kilinochchi across where Rubawathy Ketheeswaran was working. The war ended in May 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE terrorists and the number of refugees ballooned to crisis proportions with 300,000 in the largest IDP camp known as Menik Farm. The challenging task of resettling IDPs fell on the shoulders of Ketheeswaran when she was appointed as the District Secretary of Kilinochchi in November 2009. It called for an extraordinary

February 2021

effort of coordinating an array of stakeholders including the Security Forces, Government Departments, NGOs, INGOs and UN organizations. At a time when there are conflicting information and unfounded reports of what happened after the war, we caught up with Ms. Keetheswaran to hear her story. Rubawathy was raised in a poor family in Kilinochchi, she reminisces. She went to a rural school and her ambition was to come out of the poverty stricken situation her family was in. She went on to excel in her studies, and sit for the SLAS exam, emerging as Kilinochci’s first SLAS officer on record. “When I took over

office, there were no people,” she said adding that there was only a military in a ghost town. “We not only resettled people back, we had to rebuild this city and each of their lives from scratch.” Q. How many were resettled? A. 39 000 families, 130 000 individuals were brought back. Q. There are criticisms that the government did not assist them sufficiently and there is increased militarization? A. In the beginning, there were no people in the district, there was the army

that provided security. That is an undeniable fact. But they helped to resettle the people, some of these places were laden with mines and we depended on them to tell us where it was safe. When we began to resettle people, the military did not interfere in our activities. While some like to label their support as interference, we look at it as providing the essential assistance. Gradually we saw them move away, with time their appearance in the city waned. Q. There are allegations that Hindu temples were demolished and Buddhist temples were erected. Is there any truth to it?

A. No Hindu temple was demolished here. During the war, many buildings were damaged due to shelling. But the government provided funds to rehabilitate all religious places. Q. There is still a lot of criticism over land grabbing alleging that security forces are engaged in acts? A. I have to reiterate that long before people were resettled it was the army that occupied lands including private lands. However when people came back to their homes and wanted their lands back, it was given to them. I lent my support to the public to secure the lands back to the original owners. That said, the security forces needed land to maintain their presence here which we provided. This area where we are now was occupied by the army, but when we asked them the space to build a new secretariat, they gave it up willingly and we gave them a small space in return. Q. Why are there so many misleading messages? A. It is all politics. Politicians constantly need something to tell people and keep people emotionally attached to them to secure their votes. Q. What measures have you taken to create awareness? A. We cannot engage in propaganda but we can ensure that people’s needs are addressed. Q. Can you talk us through some of the initiatives you have taken to ensure that

normalcy is restored? A. There have been many issues, as I mentioned we had to rebuild this city and lives from nothing. As an example, many marriages that had taken place were due to forcible recruitment by the LTTE. To get away from the clutches of the LTTE youngsters married early. Some were married before 18 although it was illegal. They lived together and had children. But the children did not have birth certificates. There are so many stories like that.

No Hindu temple was demolished here. During the war, many buildings were damaged due to shelling. But the government provided funds to rehabilitate all religious places.

Another striking example was when the mother, father and child were separated during the war. The father assumed the child was with the mother and the mother assumed vice versa. When they finally reunited, neither of them knew where the child was. They searched and eventually when all possibilities were exhausted, they were given a death certificate. At the secretariat

we set up a reunion centre. A child who had been under the care of another individual was brought here and when these parents met the child, it turned out to be theirs. These are just some of the examples of their stories. Q. What are the challenges you are face now? A. The macro finance companies while providing loans have provided appliances and other homeware which appealed to the women who head these households. When these women were unable to pay off a loan, they were hastily provided with another loan at higher interest rates. As most of them are women, they are harassed, appliances are taken away and they are driven to commit suicide, which is still a huge issue for us. When it comes to land matters most of these people do not have documentation. Some had sold their lands, obtained money and now due to the unavailability of the documents, wish to reclaim their lands. In other instances their land had been rented out and families that lived there for over 20 years had multiplied and the lands were further sub divided and sold. Recently we noticed an increase in suicide attempts of school going children which is a cause for concern. Drug abuse is high among adolescents. Even youth hailing from well to do families are addicted. Q. There is a huge difference in sentiments expressed by you compared to those expressed by Tamils overseas. Why do you think so?

A. Those who left the country over 20, 30 or 40 years ago still hold on to ideals of what this place should be like. However that situation has changed and we need to coexist with many communities. We cannot live alone. Those ideals are outdated. When they lead comfortable lives they can say and do as they please, but we have to work hard to create a better future for our children. They can say anything but we have to work at it. Q. Do you think the government made mistakes during this time? A. I believe some of the policies have to be changed. Particularly in the education sector. Language is what links us with others and our children are also learning new languages. Why can’t we sit for language exams? Suspicions and misunderstandings arise when we cannot understand another person but when you can use language to link communities it changes. Without any disparity we all should be treated equal. I don’t see unequal treatment but I get these complaints. The lessons learnt in overcoming challenges in Batticoloa would have certainly strengthened her efforts in Killinochchi. Her leadership built up a team effort that overcame immense challenges and resettlement of the Killinochchi IDPs was achieved in eighteen months. The newly resettled, struggling to get on with building livelihoods were confronted with monsoonal floods and erratic droughts that impacted Killinochchi. Throughout it all she was a strong pillar anyone relied on

February 2021

Time to Reengineer the United Nations Has the world’s bastion of hope, forgotten its purpose?

Dr. Thomas G. Weiss Do we need the United Nations? Where would the contemporary world be without its largest intergovernmental organization? For 75 years the UN has existed as a bastion of hope. It has survived wars, a Cold War, famines, natural disasters and pandemics. Through it all its central mission to restore international peace, ensure security, and advance human development and social

February 2021

progress have been a guiding light for many in times of darkness. But has the UN failed member states in recent times. The Security Council couldn’t even call for a ceasefire in conflict zones due to the prevailing pandemic. Has the UN failed in its mission? These fundamental questions have been explored by the leading analyst of UN history and politics, Thomas G.

Weiss, in this hard-hitting, authoritative book. While counterfactuals are often dismissed as academic contrivances, they can serve to focus the mind; and here, Weiss uses them to ably demonstrate the pluses and minuses of multilateral cooperation. Dr Weiss argues that the inward-looking and populist movements in electoral politics worldwide make robust multilateralism more, not less compelling. Dr. Thomas G. Weiss, a Presidential Professor at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center and Director of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies spoke to Rukshana Rizwie of Lanka Courier on UN and member Asian nations.

for a better world if the UN was more creative and effective. Do you think the UN as a system understands this or is receptive of its failures? Do you see them changing?

Q. In your book 'Would the world be better without the UN,' you have very convincingly made a case

Q. When we look at current affairs of the world as it is, there is a shopping list of unresolved conflicts,

A. I was conceived during the San Francisco conference and born during the first meetings in London. And I have been analyzing the UN for my entire professional career— including ten years in the secretariat. I have not given up, as yet. So, yes, the UN and the UN system are capable of changing. Whether change— let alone “transformation,” which is what is required— will come before the world organization becomes a relic, that is the question.

Member States Signs Preamble of UN Charter to Commemorate 75th Anniversary. Secretary-General António Guterres poses in front of the Preamble of the UN Charter. Photo credit UN Photo. climate crisis, trade wars and breakdown in international cooperation. While many are quick to blame the UN. Do you think, when states fail to agree the UN becomes powerless to act? A. States get the international organizations and the UN that they deserve. When they want such organizations to act, they can and often do. There is, nonetheless, more room for initiatives by senior and junior officials than many observers think. The excuse by too many UN officials is that they are powerless. That reflects laziness and a lack of initiative. Q. Many member states

particularly those so-called developing countries have a difficult relationship with the UN, particularly the UN Human Rights Council. Many argue that their reports are biased and politically motivated. What is your take? A. The US and Israel complain that the HRC is biased. The more countries that complain, the greater the chances that any human rights body is actually doing its job. In fact, if there were not complaints, the HRC would be doing what the UN too often does, namely genuflect at the altar of state sovereignty. Q. Many member states

prefer to have a homegrown mechanism for truthseeking, transparency and accountability as opposed to some of the resolutions passed by the UNHRC calling for interfering domestic affairs questioning the sovereignty of those nations. In your understanding, what is the best way that the UN and its treaty bodies can help? A. Whether it is the SDGs or human rights norms, the UN should be an open, honest, hard-hitting monitor. Pulling punches and being quiet only helps the rule breakers. Q. The current UN Secretary-General,

Antonio Guterres, also acknowledges the inherent weakness of the UN. International media quoted him as saying that "when we look at multilateral institutions, we have to recognise they have no teeth. Or, when they do, they don't want to bite." What is your take on this? A. He is correct, but he has not even bared his teeth let alone bite. The SG’s only tool is the bully pulpit. And Guterres has fallen into the diplomat’s and politician’s trap of hoping to keep 193 member states happy all of the time. That is a fool’s errand

February 2021

The Story Still Untold

Sri Lanka Friend to All Enemy to none In the aftermath of the world’s greatest catastrophe, the Second World War, Sri Lanka played a significant role in turning the tide of events to negotiate peace between the two parties. Urging the states that attended the San Francisco Conference in 1951 to choose love over hatred, Sri Lanka made its mark in a long tradition of promoting world peace. To this date, it has not changed this standpoint.

From Armed Group to Terror Outfit

ll former colonies in the world carry their unique burdens. Those that were able to shed the weight of their colonial inheritance have achieved development at a rapid and substantial rate. Sri Lanka’s burden was the legacy of ‘divide and rule.’ This has not been so easy to shed, especially with the resistance of those who benefitted from it. This legacy was used by some politicians in the North to misrepresent the economic difficulties and unemployment common throughout the entire country in the 1970s as the product of deliberate action against the people of the North. This led to the emergence of armed militant groups, culminating in the assassination of the Mayor of Jaffna, Alfred Duraiappa who was a member of the governing party at the time. The LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) annihilated the other armed groups within a short period and became the only armed militant group in the North. It grew in strength and wealth, thanks to regional and international geopolitics and was identified as the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2008. It was known for assassinating those who

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Jaffna fort held dissenting views, regardless of their ethnicity. The LTTE pioneered suicide bombings in the world and later became the only terrorist organization to have assassinated two world leaders; a serving President of Sri Lanka and a former Prime Minister of India. The precedents that the LTTE set was later followed by many similar terrorist groups, including the Islamic State (IS).

Love over Hatred The conflict in Sri Lanka caused thousands to become homeless, and thousands more to lose the livelihoods that they had. Throughout the humanitarian operation, the Government

of Sri Lanka provided humanitarian relief to the conflict affected areas, under the aegis of the Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Assistance, which had the participation of the Government, UN Resident Representative and several Heads of Foreign Missions in Colombo. Food, medicines, and all essential supplies were sent to conflict areas without delay. Even the Government retirement benefits (pensions) of those who had retired and were living in conflict areas were paid without delay. The Sri Lankan government was commended by Neil Bhune, UN Resident Representative in Colombo and Robert O. Blake, US Ambassador in Colombo at that time on the provision of humanitarian relief. This

is ample testimony that the humanitarian operation was not directed against civilians. The efforts of the Government were vindicated within a short period of time. The mass exodus of civilians who were fleeing the clutches of the LTTE, rushing as fast as they could to the Government controlled areas became a common sight during the last few months of the humanitarian operation. All these fleeing civilians were given food, shelter and the much needed assurance of the safety of their lives. Among the civilians were exLTTE cadres, including 594 child soldiers. The subsequent fate of those 594 child soldiers showcase Sri Lanka’s determination to ensure a lasting peace. The Government took a policy decision to not prosecute child soldiers and to give them back the life that they had lost. All former child soldiers were given education, some in elite schools in Colombo, and were provided an opportunity to reintegrate into the society without any stigma. This bears strong testimony to the Government’s accountability for the future of the nation and its responsibility towards its own people. The adult cadres too were rehabilitated, allowing them to learn new life skills, find employment and raise families. The Tamil ethnic community living outside conflict areas, representing more than half of the entire Tamil population, continued to lead their normal lives with the Sinhala and Muslim communities. The average death toll of over 250 per day during the conflict became zero in its aftermath. By ending the conflict, Sri Lanka had ensured the most fundamental right of its people; the right to life.

Still Counting the Numbers The conflict in Sri Lanka has given rise to a feature that is still being debated; the number of casualties during the last phase of the humanitarian operation. The Report of the Panel of Experts appointed by the UN former Secretary General Ban Ki Moon (popularly known as the ‘Darusman Report’) cites the number as 40,000. Some other reports cite numbers as high as 140,000. It is strange that these reports have failed

to identify the mass burial or cremation grounds which are needed for such a large number of corpses. Nor do these reports reveal the sources of their information. These sources need to be cross-examined to identify mass graves, if those existed in reality. The Satellite Analysis by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conducted in the district of Mullaitivu in May 2009 estimates a total number of 1,346 graves, out of which, 960 have been identified as those belonging to the LTTE. No other source gives evidence for the existence of such graveyards. It is also strange that the clear evidence given by recognized bodies for the number of casualties during the last phase of the humanitarian operation has gone unnoticed. The UN Country Team in Sri Lanka has cited this number to be 7,721. This resonates with the AAAS analysis. The estimation of the population in Wanni between January to May 2009 conducted with the involvement of Government Agents and international representatives, including the UN Resident Coordinator and representatives of the World Food Programme,have revealed that the highest population there was estimated as 300,000. Out of this, 293,800 had reported to welfare centres in the Government controlled areas, leaving approximately 7,000 more to be accounted for. It is worth noting that this number also includes LTTE cadres who were killed in action, escaped to Government controlled areas or evaded arrest to flee abroad. The UNICEF supported the establishment of a Family Tracing and Reunification Unit in the former conflict areas in December 2009. This has recorded 2,564 applications as of June 2011, of which 676 were related to children and 1,888 to adults. Parents submitting 64% of applications for tracing of children have reported that their children were recruited by the LTTE. The Enumeration of Vital Events, conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics and manned on the ground entirely by officers of Tamil ethnicity, records a total number of 8,998 deaths between 1st January and 31st May 2009. This also includes deaths

due to sicknesses and natural causes, accidents, suicides and other unspecified causes. All these reports, prepared with the participation of international bodies, their representatives, public servants as well as civilians from the Tamil ethnic community, bear clear witness to the conduct of the Government. They also bear witness to its accountability. Why are these findings so repeatedly overlooked when making reference to Sri Lanka’s conflict?

Geopolitics of Survival The 30 year long conflict has become the livelihood of some parties outside Sri Lanka, who have sought refugee status in affluent countries and now comprise significant electoral constituencies. Secure in the West, they have a comfortable standard of life. They have good employment opportunities and their offspring enjoy advanced education. Fearing the possible return to Sri Lanka, they propagate the falsehood of discrimination against the Tamil ethnic minority. Although the evidence of international bodies is readily available to those who seek the truth, they ignore these sources and continue to cite the unproven numbers. Little do they understand that these attempts to safeguard their own status in their new homes do not advance the cause of those very people for whom they appear to be speaking. Sri Lanka holds a unique position among countries that were conflictaffected in recent history. She has maintained normalcy without plunging back into conflict. Those who will fully ignore the progress that Sri Lanka has made in development and reconciliation during the aftermath of the conflict are doing a grave injustice to Sri Lankans of all ethnicities who have suffered from terrorism and are gradually rebuilding themselves as one nation. In continuing to believe and propagate the lies of conflict, we are only feeding the tensions of the present and stoking the conflicts of the future

by Jeevanthie Senanayake

February 2021

COMBATTING COVID-19

SRI LANKAN APPROACH Introduction

utbreak of COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan Province in Chinain December 2019. On 30 January 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of international concern and on 11 March 2020, WHO recognized it as a pandemic. As of now it has spread to number of countries in the world and Sri Lanka cannot be an exception.First COVID-19 patientin Sri Lanka was reported on 27 January 2020, that of a Chinese national but first Sri Lankan COVID-19 patient detected in Sri Lanka on 11 March 2020. Sri Lanka faced the First Wave of

February 2021

COVID-19 from March – September 2020 and assessment by Chinese YICAI Research Institute in September 2020 ranked Sri Lanka as number 2 in terms of prevention measures of the epidemic. Since October 2020, Sri Lanka is experiencing the effects of the Second Wave of COVID-19 and research by an Australian Think-Tank Lowy Institute in January 2021 placed Sri Lanka at number 10 on the list of countries responding best to the pandemic.

Sri Lanka’s preparation for COVID-19 Vision of the President for combatting COVID-19 is “proactive intervention to prevent any outbreak of COVID-19 within

Photo Credit UNICEF Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka”. All preparations and actions by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) are within this intent. Sri Lanka acted well before the pandemic hit the region. The National Action Committee for COVID-19 was established on 26 January 2020, a day before the detection of first COVID-19 patient in Sri Lanka. The committee was tasked to strategize measures to prevent any outbreak in Sri Lanka. Health sector was prepared for any medical emergency while other sectors were also prepared for any eventualities. Defence Forces were kept ready and were given the mandate to establish and handle quarantine centers. Police was given the directives to be prepared for enforcement of law during any situation. State Intelligence Service

was tasked to undertake researches on global and regional developments and to assess possible impacts on Sri Lanka. The GoSL took many other proactive actions as epicenter of the virus shifted from East to West. The GoSL promptly imposed travel restrictions for arrivals mostly from affected countries starting from 10 March 2020 and imposed total travel restrictions into Sri Lanka by 20 March 2020. All arrivals were directed to central-quarantine. It was made compulsory for persons who came before 10 March 2020 to self-quarantine themselves. Many actions in the field of medical and health care were also taken. These include strengthening of health service, obtaining enough testing materials for COVID-19, infrastructure developments in already available hospitals, dedicating certain hospitals for COVID-19 testing / patients and even constructing separate hospitals for COVID-19 patients. In midMarch 2020, the GoSL established the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) to spearhead combined operations of combatting COVID-19.

Diagram 1

Sri Lanka’s approach for COVID-19 The GoSL strategy in combatting COVID-19 is a whole-of-government approach. It cascades down from the vision and the direction of His Excellency the President. Sri Lankan approach broadly focuses on four Lines of Operations (LOO); (a) Military / Police / Intelligence (b) Medical and Health Care (c) Psychological and (d) Economy and Well-being of Community. Overall concept of the Sri Lankan approach is as Diagram 1.

Military / Police / Intelligence line of operation This line is focusing on prevention of virus getting into Sri Lanka, contain if already present within the country and prevent further spreading through various processes. This LOO size the pandemic into a manageable scale for medical and health care sector to handle and also enables medical and health care LOO. This is an exclusively intelligence driven process. This LOO contributes largely to identify the origin of the virus, identify the vulnerable

Diagram 2 communities, possible contaminations and prevent the spreading through human mobility. Essence of the strategy is based on Detection (D), Isolation (I) and Tracing (T); DIT Model. Each component in the model overlaps and complements each other. General concept of the DIT model is as Diagram 2. Detection is twofold; detecting positive cases and detecting vulnerable communities. Detection process is combined with big-data analysis, verification of records with various agencies like Immigration and Emigration, Registration of People, Voter Registration., etc. Based on the results of detection,

Isolation is used to segregate different communities through number of measures to include community to oblige to self-quarantine, central-quarantine in quarantine centers, enforcing curfews to restrict the mobility of communities and thereby prevent the spreading, isolation of vulnerable areas and complete lockdowns if necessary. Tracing is an important process and is employed to identify the root cause / origin of the case. Tracing is heavily based on ground intelligence and big-data analysis. Information from Telcos are of high value. Tracing would identify the family associates (FA), close associates

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Combatting an unseen enemy. A Sri Lankan flight is ready to take off from Bandaranaike International Airport (Photo credit Sri Lankan Airline) (CA), distance associates (DA) of a patient, his / her movement details, contacts, places visited., etc. Results of tracing would propose persons / communities for self-quarantine / central-quarantine., etc.

Medical and health care line of operation This line is focusing on early detection, isolation and provide treatment while contact tracing through primary healthcare staff. It also involved in promoting public health preventive measures to prevent disease from spreading. Testing facilities performed by a network of Laboratories, grassroots level actions by the Epidemiology Unit with the support of Public Health Inspectors and Medical Officers of Health, smooth functioning of hospitals and quarantine of exposed persons are of paramount importance in this regard. Health Surveillance, Detection through Testing and continuous Health Monitoring are the essence in this process. Health Surveillance is focused on detection of cases through exposed

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contacts to quarantine measures, comprehensive and rapid contact tracing of the infected persons and case identification through severe / acute respiratory illness or even through post mortem testing of all suspected sudden deaths. Detection of positive cases are done through (a) laboratory confirmation of suspected persons admitted to hospitals(b) sampling of associates of already positive cases (either they are in self-quarantine or central-quarantine) (c) random sampling of high risk / vulnerable communities and high risk / vulnerable areas and (d) sampling at border control points. Health Monitoring of exposed persons are monitored and if symptoms appear are admitted to quarantine hospitals for investigation while those who do not get symptoms are tested before being released from quarantine hospitals. Simple process of detection is depicted below: Detection is twofold; detecting positive cases and detecting vulnerable communities. Detection process is combined with big-data analysis, verification of records with various

agencies like Immigration and Emigration, Registration of People, Voter Registration., etc. Based on the results of detection, Isolation is used to segregate different communities through number of measures to include community to oblige to self-quarantine, central-quarantine in quarantine centers, enforcing curfews to restrict the mobility of communities and thereby prevent the spreading, isolation of vulnerable areas and complete lockdowns if necessary. Tracing is an important process and is employed to identify the root cause / origin of the case. Tracing is heavily based on ground intelligence and big-data analysis. Information from Telcos are of high value. Tracing would identify the family associates (FA), close associates (CA), distance associates (DA) of a patient, his / her movement details, contacts, places visited., etc. Results of tracing would propose persons / communities for self-quarantine / central-quarantine., etc.

Medical and health care line of operation This line is focusing on early

detection, isolation and provide treatment while contact tracing through primary healthcare staff. It also involved in promoting public health preventive measures to prevent disease from spreading. Testing facilities performed by a network of Laboratories, grassroots level actions by the Epidemiology Unit with the support of Public Health Inspectors and Medical Officers of Health, smooth functioning of hospitals and quarantine of exposed persons are of paramount importance in this regard. Health Surveillance, Detection through Testing and continuous Health Monitoring are the essence in this process. Health Surveillance is focused on detection of cases through exposed contacts to quarantine measures, comprehensive and rapid contact tracing of the infected persons and case identification through severe / acute respiratory illness or even through post mortem testing of all suspected sudden deaths. Detection of positive cases are done through (a) laboratory confirmation of suspected persons admitted to hospitals(b) sampling of associates of already positive cases (either they are in self-quarantine or central-quarantine) (c) random sampling of high risk / vulnerable communities and high risk / vulnerable areas and (d) sampling at border control points. Health Monitoring of exposed persons are monitored and if symptoms appear are admitted to quarantine hospitals for investigation while those who do not get symptoms are tested before being released from quarantine hospitals. Simple process of detection is depicted as Diagram 3.

Psychological Line Of Operation Theme of psychological line in fighting COVID-19 is “Life First”. Giving the right information of the COVID-19 situation in the country to local public and to the international community is of vital importance in order to keep them well-informed. This would prevent any misinformation or disinformation by unverified sources. President’s Media Division (PMD) acts as the official source of information of GoSL initiatives / actions and continues to provide right information

Diagram 3

Diagram 4 to the public through its website, twitter and Facebook. Conceptualization of psychological line is as follows as Diagram 4. NOCPCO continues to work with public information campaigns through regular media briefings on COVID-19 situation, statistics and operations related to combat COVID-19. Epidemiology Unit (EPID) and Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) of Ministry of Health also update official figures in their websites. Several actions have also been implemented to build confidence of the public over the GoSL approach in fighting COVID-19 and the ability to control the situation. Experts from different fields have extensively used State and Private media (both TV and radio channels), social media forums / platforms to share the right information with the general public through a number of discussions / programmes. Likewise, printed media has also been used.

Economy and well-being of communityline of operation This LOO is focusing on maintaining the economy focusing on future in the

country whilst looking after the immediate well-being of population by providing them with uninterrupted food supplies and medicines. Further, it looks at the mid and long term economic strategies against possible future global economic recession due to pandemic situation. The GoSL established a dedicated Task Force to undertake this responsibility. In mid and short term, the Task Force is to cover the administration of essential services to continue civilian life in areas and has also been tasked with the responsibility of taking measures to distribute products in liaising with all the institutes while paying attention to the activities undertaken by other agencies to maintain normalcy in the civilian life. This Task Force is to steer the relevant institutes to create a productive economy through the formulation of a unique economic structure based on novel initiatives. Implementation of joint operations to establish a people-centric economy which will promote domestic industrialists and entrepreneurs is another objective of this Task Force. The Task Force comprises of Governors, Secretaries to Ministries, Tri Forces Commanders, Acting

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Inspector General of Police, Chairmen of several Departments, Corporations and Authorities and District and Divisional Secretaries.

Synergy of the Sri Lankan approach None of these lines could produce desired results by working in isolation. Intelligence is required for precise situational awareness for other lines to act. Medical and Health Care need to coordinate with Military / Police / Intelligence line to detect, isolate and trace. Similarly, psychological and economic lines require inputs from intelligence for their responses. Thus, coordination and cooperation between different lines and synchronization of ground and technical intelligence is pivotal in this effort. Further, coordination and cooperation between line Ministries, Tri-forces and Police, Departments, Corporations, Authorities, Local Government Systems, all State and Private Sectors partners are of paramount importance in this. Such synchronization is the masterpiece in Sri Lankan approach in combatting COVID-19 since the first case in March 2020.

Controlling mechanism of spread of COVID-19 Process adopted by the GoSL in both First and Second Waves in controlling the spread of COVID-19 is akin to Hammer and

Dance theory by Tomas Pueyo. Sri Lankan approach was focusing on using various aggressive proactive measures (Hammer) in anticipating spikes of cases and bring the spread of virus under controllable level (Dance) so that the health sector can handle the case load without exhaust. This process is continuous and reviewed after each case or cluster then adopted to the next case or cluster with the experiences gained by handing previous cases or clusters.

Versatility during the second wave Discovery of a positive patient on 03 October 2020 from an apparel company considered as the beginning of the Second Wave in Sri Lanka. Preparedness and experiences from the First Wave assisted Sri Lanka to cope-up with the outcomes of the Second Wave. The President’s vision remains as same as “proactive intervention to prevent any outbreak of COVID-19 within Sri Lanka” whilst policy for the Second Wave is to “proactively controlling, countering and managing the outbreak whilst keeping the economy moving”. Overall strategy adopted during the Second Wave remains as same; application of four LOOS and the process used also akin to the “Hammer and Dance” theory. However,this time, the process is adaptive based on different dynamics to include the importance of up-and-running the economy whilst

controlling, countering and managing the pandemic situation. The GoSL quickly converted already available quarantine centers into Intermediate Treatment Centers (ITC) and expand hospital capacities to absorb incoming patients, increased testing capacities in many folds and introduced new testing algorithm. In contrast to central-quarantine for first line of contacts during the First Wave, this time, the GoSL adopted strict homequarantine for all first line of contacts. It also employed extensive contact tracing, identification of vulnerable areas / groups, continued testings in those areas / groups, imposed quarantine curfews, isolations and lockdowns based on test results, conducted continuous medical surveillance in those areas and planned exit-strategies based on outcomes of subsequent testings. All these happened whilst ensuring uninterrupted food and medical supplies to those who were under quarantine, isolation and / or lockdown or otherwise as well. District Level Committees comprising of heath, defence, police and other authorities to handle localized spread within districts have also been established and certain authorities of controlling, countering and managing have also been decentralized. Gradual opening of country’s economy, education, transport, essential services, government and private sectors, tourism, etc. commence under strict health guidelines. This process is dynamic, flexible and adaptive.

Conclusion Spreading of COVID-19 pandemic in the world is continuing and different countries have employed different ways and means to combat the spreading. The GoSL strategy in combatting COVID-19 is a whole-of-government approach focused on prevention, containment and management. It cascades from the vision of the President; “proactive intervention to prevent any outbreak of COVID-19 within Sri Lanka”. There is no “one-fit-all solution” to this pandemic. Sri Lankan model is unique, an aggressive, continuous, dynamic, flexible and adaptive model by Kelum Maddumage Photo Credit UNICEF Sri Lanka

February 2021

Nationalism and Culture Jawaharlal Nehru was an Indian independence activist and the first Prime Minister of India. He was a central figure in Indian politics both before and after independence. Following excerpts have been adapted from his essay, “Nationalism and Internationalism”

he individual human being or race or nation must necessarily have a certain depth and certain roots somewhere. They do not count for much unless they have roots in the past, which past is after all the accumulation of generations of experience and some type of wisdom. It is essential that you have that. Otherwise you become just pale copies of something which has no real meaning to you as an individual or as a group. On the other hand, one cannot live in roots alone. Even roots wither unless they come out in the sun and the free air. Only then can the roots give you sustenance. Only then can there be a branching out and a flowering. How, then, are you to balance these two essential factors? It is very difficult, because some people think a great deal about the flowers and the leaves on the branches, forgetting that they only flourish because there is a stout root to sustain them. Others think so much of the roots that no flowers or leaves or

branches are left; there is only a thick stem somewhere. So, the question is how one is to achieve a balance. Does culture mean some inner growth in the man? Of course, it must. A person who cannot understand another’s view-point is to that extent limited in mind and culture, because nobody, perhaps, barring some very extraordinary human beings, can presume to have the fullest knowledge and wisdom. The other party or the other group may also have some inkling of knowledge or wisdom or truth and if we shut our minds to that then we not only deprive ourselves of it but we cultivate an attitude of mind which, I would say, is opposed to that of a cultured man. The cultured mind, rooted in itself, should have its doors and windows open. It should have the capacity to understand the other’s view-point fully even though it cannot always agree with it. The question of agreement or disagreement only arises when you understand a thing. Otherwise, it is blind negation which is not a cultured approach to any question… Almost every country in the world believes that it has some special dispensation from Providence, that it is of the chosen people or race and that others, whether they are good or bad, are somewhat inferior creatures. It is

extraordinary how this kind of feeling persists in all nations of the East as well as of the West without exception. The nations of the East are strongly entrenched in their own ideas and convictions and sometimes in their own sense of superiority about certain matters. Anyhow, in the course of the last two or three hundred years, they have received many knocks on the head and they have been humiliated, they have been debased and they have been exploited. And so, in spite of their feeling that they were superior in many ways, they were forced to admit that they could be knocked about and exploited. To some extent, this brought a sense of realism to them. There was also an attempt to escape from reality by saying that it was sad that we were not so advanced in material and technical things but that these were after all superficial things; nevertheless, we were superior in essential things, in spiritual things, in moral values. I have no doubt that spiritual things and moral values are ultimately more important than other things but the way one finds escape in the thought that one is spiritually superior, simply because one is inferior in a material and physical sense, is surprising. It does not follow by any means. It is an escape from facing up to the causes of one’s degradation. Nationalism, of course, is a curious phenomenon which at a certain stage in a country’s history gives life, growth, strength and unity but, at the same time, it has a tendency to limit one, because one thinks of one’s country as something different from the rest of the world. The perspective changes and one is continuously thinking of one’s own struggles and virtues and failings to the exclusion of other thoughts. The result is that the same nationalism, which is the symbol of growth for a people, becomes a symbol of the cessation of that growth in the mind. Nationalism, when it becomes successful, sometimes goes on spreading in an aggressive way and becomes a danger internationally. Whatever line of thought you follow, you arrive at the conclusion that some kind of balance must be found. Otherwise something that was good can turn into evil

February 2021

Waiting for a genius Lu Xun (Lu Hsun) was the pen name of Zhou Shuren. Lu is widely regarded as one of modern China’s most prominent and influential writers. His work promoted radical change through criticism of antiquated cultural values and repressive social customs. Following excerpts from a lecture delivered to the Alumni of the Peking Normal University’s Middle School on January 17, 1924. In addition to writing, Lu worked as an editor, professor and dean of studies. He passed away in 1936.

t seems to me that among the many requests shouted at writers and artists today, one of the loudest is the demand for a genius. And this proves two things: first, that there is no genius just now in China; secondly, that everybody is sick and tired of our modern art. Is there really no genius? There may be, but we have never seen one and neither has anyone else. So on the evidence of our eyes and ears we can say there is not—not only no genius, but no public capable of producing a genius. Genius is not some freak of nature which grows of itself in deep forests or wildernesses, but something brought forth and nurtured by a certain type of public. Without such a public there will be no genius. When crossing the Alps, Napoleon once declared, "I am higher than the Alps!" What a heroic statement! But we must not forget how many troops he had at his back. Without these troops he would simply have been captured or driven back by the enemy on the other side; and then, far from seeming heroic, his behaviour would have appeared that of a madman. To my mind, then, before we expect a genius to appear, we should first call for a public capable of producing a genius. In the same way, if we want

February 2021

fine trees and lovely flowers, we must first produce good soil. The soil, actually, is more important than the flowers and trees, for without it nothing can grow. Soil is essential to flowers and trees, just as good troops were to Napoleon. Yet judging by present-day pronouncements and trends, the demand for genius goes hand in hand with attempts to destroy it—some would even sweep away the soil in which it might grow. I dare say at least nine-tenths of the present company would like to see a genius appear. Yet as things are at present it is not only hard to produce a genius, but hard to procure the soil from which a genius could grow. It seems to me that while genius is born, not made, anyone can become part of the soil to nurture genius. It is more urgent for us to provide the soil than to demand the genius; for otherwise, even if we have hundreds of geniuses, they will not be able to strike root for lack of soil, like bean-sprouts grown on a plate. To be the soil we must become more broad-minded. In other words we must accept new ideas and free ourselves of the old fetters, in order to accept and appreciate any future genius. Nor must we despise the humblest tasks. Original writers should go on writing; others can translate, introduce, enjoy, read, or use literature to kill time. It may sound rather odd to speak of killing time with literature, but at least this is better than trampling it underfoot. Of course the soil cannot be compared with genius, but even to be the soil is difficult unless we persevere and spare no pains. Still, everything depends on men's efforts, and here we have a better chance of success than if we wait idly for a heaven-sent genius. In this lie the strength of the soil and its great expectations, as well as its reward. For when a beautiful blossom grows from the soil, all who see it naturally take pleasure in the sight, including the soil itself. You need not be a blossom yourself to feel a lifting of your spirit-provided, always, that soil has a spirit too

he Report issued by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka is questionable on several counts (A/HRC/46/20). Although titled ‘Promotion [of ] Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights,’there is nothing on the question of ‘reconciliation.’ Instead, the report is completely focusing on punitive judgements in the name of ‘accountability.’ Not a single recommendation on devolution or provincial council system. The document is more of a political manifesto, than a human-rights report. There is a very clear bias towards the last government, in contrast to the present government. This political partiality or interference is very clear and should not have been in a UN human rights report. A credible human rights report should be unbiased and objective, focusing on human rights and human rights violations of the people without dragging on political matters or preferences. The purpose of such a report for the Human Rights Council from the High Commissioner should be to enlighten the member countries about the facts and evidence of the past or the present to engage in a constructive dialogue with the country concerned, and recommending necessary steps to promote human rights, reconciliation, and accountability. Especially of a country where extremism and terrorism have been recurrent problems, such reports should particularly be careful not to give excuses (udagedi) directly or indirectly for such movements to reemerge. There is no mentioning of the terrorist attacks in April 2019 which in fact marked the deteriorating security and human rights situation in the country. It appears that the human rights ‘advocates’ at the Commissioner’s Office do not accept that peoples’ security in a country (let alone national security) is a necessary condition for the protection and promotion of human rights. This is a fundamental defect in the ‘Western’ thinking of human rights to my experience and knowledge on the subject. It may be the case that the

Commissioner is angered or prejudiced by the Sri Lanka’s decision to withdraw from the previous co-sponsorship of the Human Rights Council’s resolution that the last government signed. That is apparently why the present government is castigated. The Commissioner herself is a politician with clear ideological views. It must be understood that in independent and sovereign countries there can be different views on the

to characterize the ‘armed conflict’ as between two equal contenders. Those were armed insurrections against a democratically elected government. Most alarming in the Report is the obvious political bias expressed in favor of the last government and against the present government. This should not be the case in a human rights report. Paragraphs 15 and 16 are very clear on this matter. First para begins:

Highly Questionable OHCHR Report matter of ‘co-sponsorship’ and if this understanding is lacking on the part of the Commissioner, there cannot be proper understanding of human rights or freedoms. Part II of the Report tries to give a distorted and even a dangerous picture of the origins of insurrections, armed conflicts, and violence in Sri Lanka. Paragraph 7 begins with the following sentence. “Sri Lanka’s armed conflict emerged against the backdrop of deepening discrimination and marginalisation of the country’s minorities, particularly the Tamils.” Mind you, there was an armed conflict in 1971 without any connection to the Tamils or discrimination against the Tamils. Most of these armed conflicts emerged (1971, 1983-2009, 198789) because of political objectives (or aspirations) above and beyond social grievances. Or otherwise, there were democratic and peaceful means to rectify them although arduous and slow. The phrase ‘against the backdrop’ in the statement may appear sobering the implied connection between the ‘armed conflict’ and ‘discrimination of minorities.’ However, it is a direct or indirect justification of the LTTE’s ‘armed conflict.’ It is also not correct

“It was at this juncture that a national unity Government, formed in January 2015, made important commitments to confront the past, strengthen democratic and independent institutions, and end impunity….The developments since November 2019, however, have reversed that direction and, instead, threaten a return to patterns ofdiscrimination and widespread violations of human rights experienced in past decades.” This is a clear example that the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s Office has anobvious political bias over political matters, party politics and democratic governmental changes within a sovereign and an independent country. The task of the Commissioner’s Office or the UN would be to involve member countries in a constructive dialogue without preferring defeated governments/parties, and without involving in political polemics. Otherwise, there are serious doubts whether the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s Office aiding and abetting defeated governments, terrorist groups like the LTTE ostensibly in the name of human rights by Dr Laksiri Fernando

February 2021

What painful truths did the LTTE conceal until today? Truth Behind Dare documentary sends shockwaves

he first video documentary produced by Lanka Courier, poignantly titled “Truth Behind Dare” which was released on the eve of the United Nations 46th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, sent shockwaves across the country and overseas. The video brings to life, footages seen never before of the brutality of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on Tamil Children and animals. The documentary shows how members of the LTTE terrorist organization used explosives such as TNT to kill thousands of dogs and goats in the North and East of Sri Lanka and in other instance used the animals as shooting props for practices. This is the first time in almost 11 years since the end of the conflict that the true picture of the LTTE has emerged, and goes to show why the organization is one of the most ruthless and dangerous terrorist outfits that has no qualms for the life of its own people. Contradictory to the very ethos the LTTE preached, bullied and threatened the Tamil people into believing, in the video innocent

February 2021

children taken away from their families and deprived of their childhood only to be trained as LTTE cadres. The footage was supplied by former LTTE cadres who wanted to expose the brutality of this organization. Will those grieving parents who are looking for their lost children identify the children shown in the documentary? In an emotional appeal, a father is seen reluctantly giving away his young son teary eyed and shattered. The boy who appears to be wearing his father’s shirt looks lost and speechless. The father is seen wiping away tears and still firmly holding on to the hands of his own child, unwilling to part with him. For they know they may never see their children ever again. The documentary traces such tragic stories of children abducted by the LTTE from Tamil families in the North and East. The location where some of the footage was taken has not been named to protect those who have revealed this information. The video shows young children, who have barely reached puberty, being trained to fight in wars and being given cyanide capsules to

commit suicide upon capture. A woman named Adel is shown helping train these children. She wears a smile and is seen pleased with the way the children rehearse. The narrator rhetorically asks who will bring these violent groups before International Courts and what human rights body would talk about these atrocities. The narrator notes that those who benefited from terrorism still live today with bloodlust. The Army saved nearly 300,000 unarmed civilians towards the latter stage of the war. The wish of every Sri Lankan is that such a tragic past should never be experienced by anyone ever again. Since its original release in English, the video has been released in Sinhala, Tamil, Chinese, German, Hindi and French. The publication has received an overwhelming response and continues to do so even at the time this edition of the magazine went into press. The video is available online on Lanka Courier official Youtube Channel and social media platforms

Where Media Practices hobble Human Rights

he dominant Western powers and their UN organs have the world at their feet when they address the Eelam Wars in Sri Lanka. The media engines commanded by their arms have enormous reach, while the Sri Lankan media outlets are little backwaters of limited reach. Moreover, some of the leading newspapers in Colombo enter the propaganda warfare with both feet hobbled: they adhere to the standard rule that news features should not include bibliographies. Take note. In the rigorous realm of academia, my first step in assessing a work is to study its BIBLIOGRAPHY. In fields of study where I have expertise that survey immediately displays flaws. Yet, in the hidebound news-media world that form of background appraisal is not on display for discerning readers. The burgeoning debate on Eelam War IV has been moulded by allegations on the deaths among so-called “Tamil civilians” – in a situation where some Tiger personnel were in civvies in a crowded populace. Moreover, the UN and HR voices have displayed gross ignorance in ignoring one of the basic lessons in modern warfare: namely that the number of soldiers wounded-in-action (WIA) always outnumber those killed-in-action (KIA) – generally by about 4-to-1, but often more. This failure reveals ivory-tower ignorance. This measure of post-war ignorance has been due to complicity in the strategy pursued by the LTTE, assisted by Tamil diaspora voices. Despite the censure of “terrorism,” powerful arms within the West led by Norway, supported the Tamil cause and believed that the LTTE could not be defeated. However, clever strategies enabled the Sri Lankan forces to get the edge on the LTTE by early 2008. At this stage the LTTE, aided by Bishop Rayappu, persuaded the populace in the western half of the Vannito move eastwards

with lock, stock and goods – a process sustained till early 2009 when they were locked into an ever-declining pocket of land. Concurrently, the Tigers ratcheted up their propaganda picture of “an impending humanitarian catastrophe.” The strategic logic was simple: as the LTTE political commissar Pulidevan informed some friends in Europe -- “just as in Kosovo if enough civilians died … the world would be forced to step in.”

This measure of post-war ignorance has been due to complicity in the strategy pursued by the LTTE, assisted by Tamil diaspora voices

US ambassador Robert Blake was the point-man in Western pressure on the Sri Lankan leaders; but the UN marshalled by Ban Ki-Moon sent Holmes, Samuel and Nambiar to Colombo at different times in early 2009 to exert pressure on the government. The intent was clear: to save the LTTE leaders under the pretext of averting a “humanitarian catastrophe.” That ulterior motive was displayed by a secret meeting with LTTE diaspora leaders in Kuala Lumpur in February 2009 and the advent of a recce team from the US Pacific Command to the island that same month. Its urgency was then displayed in the forceful entry of two European Foreign Ministers into the island in late April 2009 with the intent of forcing Prime Minister Rajapaksa’s hand. The failure of these efforts should not conceal the intent. The West and its

UN handmaidens were intent on keeping the LTTE and its cause of Eelam alive. The degree to which the UN Secretariat was committed to the US/ Norwegian programme was seen when Ban-ki-Moon flew to Sri Lanka when the war ended and organised a helicopter flight over the battle terrain. His reports and pictures were among the first in the process of Western reprisal directed at Sri Lanka’s heart. The subsequent UN and UNHRC investigations have been directed by vengeance. An Office Investigating Sri Lanka headed by Sandra Beidas was established in Geneva for this purpose. In seeking memoranda from the public, the OISL decreed that photographs and maps could not be submitted. Two vital aides in inquiry were thereby excluded. The media world continues to deepen this type of failure by omitting bibliographies – documentation vital to investigation. However, it is the domination of primeval politics at the peak that stands out vividly. “We will get you,” said Eileen Donahue to SL ambassador Kunanayakam in Geneva in September 2011. Internal machinations within the Rajapakse administration then shackled Kunanayakam’s efforts still further. Thus, vicious big-power policies have been on display throughout the politics of Eelam War IV and the aftermath in the 2010s. The punishment of Sri Lanka was consolidated by the USA’s promotion of Sirisena’s career from 2012 and its participation in a brokering process that brought Wickremasinghe and Sirisena together to challenge the Rajapaksa regime government in 2014/15 and effect a democratic change of government in early 2015. If you think a little article in little Lanka Courier will alter the state of the game, well, think again.... and smile ruefully... sadly by Michael Roberts

February 2021

Celebrating 100 Years of Service

Mounted Division of Sri Lanka Police Later in 1956 the proper Police Mounted Division was established with the strength of one sub Inspectors, 02 Police sergeants and 22 Police Constables with 23 thoroughbred horses imported from Australia. Thereafter the strength of the number of horses had been increased from time to time and new stables have been started in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and at Police Collage in Kalutara. In 1998 a new breed of horses named “Selle Francais” were introduced from France for Police duties in keeping with the International standers of using warm blood horses for Police work because of their majestic appearance and calmness. The strength of the Police Mounted Division gradually increased to 02 chief Inspector, 09 Inspectors, 04 Sub Inspectors,14 Sergeants, 38 Constables with 48 horses. Presently the Police Mounted Division is under the supervised by Director Mounted Division. The spectacular journey of this division, this year is celebrating its 100 years journey. We wish you a happy anniversary.

ounted Division of Sri Lanka Police was established in 1921 at as the only means of transport provided to the higher ranks and file under the British rule. Initially it was a special unit under the command of British with a few horses. This was the beginning of a well established Police Mounted Division in the year to some. At the beginning this division was consisted of eight mounted British Sergeants and constables who were later promoted as mounted sub Inspectors. In 1948 equestrian section was re organized and expanded for the first time with 03 Sri Lankan Sub Inspectors.

February 2021