A conversation that cannot be delayed

The Island 2025/01/27

Academic Freedom:

by Anushka Kahandagamage

The recent cancellation of the lecture ‘How to Fight Against the IMF Austerity Programme,’ organised by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE-Sri Lanka) at the University of Peradeniya, sparked a buzz about academic freedom in the country—though not to a significant extent.

In Sri Lanka, academic freedom is a topic that is rarely discussed and often understood in a limited sense, which diminishes its significance. However, I believe academic freedom is closely linked to the overall spirit and practice of democracy in society and should be integrated into the education system not only at the tertiary level, but also at earlier stages of education.

The discourse

The discourse on academic freedom, as I understand it, is closely tied to the entire education system. Violations of academic freedom can occur due to factors such as the privatisation of education, militarisation of education, cuts to the budget for the humanities and social sciences, politicisation of the university system, and issues related to gender and diversity, among others. Together, these factors can create an ecosystem in which academic freedom is at serious risk.

State Interference and Politicisation

One of the most pervasive forms of violating academic freedom is state interference in academic matters and the politicization of universities. The state can intervene in the university system at various levels, such as threatening academics who speak out against the government or other nation states with close ties to it, especially when those states are involved in human rights abuses and war. At the same time, discouraging and banning research which are seen as a threat to the existing power structures or creating an eco-system in which scholars are scared to conduct research and write on specific themes.

Another form of politicisation of universities that also impacts academic freedom is the direct and indirect interference of state and professors in authority in the recruitment process. The decline in the standards of faculty recruitments is a pressing concern within the academic landscape. University academic departments, if which many come under humanities and social sciences, increasingly adopt the practice of recruiting individuals with bachelor’s degrees for positions as lecturers and assistant lecturers. Sri Lanka stands out as possibly one of the very few countries in South Asia where individuals, armed only with a bachelor’s degree, can commence teaching sociology or any other discipline in universities and oversee dissertation research at the undergraduate level. This shift in recruitment practices has consequences for the academic rigour within university departments. These recruitments are often based on favouritism from academics in positions of power or political interference. They are frequently made to bring in passive academics who are submissive to the system and have little understanding of what academic freedom truly means.

Privatisation of Education

While the privatis x+ation of education has been a topic of discussion in many left-wing academic circles for a long time, a solution does not seem imminent or likely in the near future. Privatisation will affect the autonomy of the education at all levels, setting the agendas relevant to market forces and obstructing critical and innovative thinking, which foster human values and challenge the foundation of market-driven society and forms of authoritarianism. Further, privatisation of education undermines academic freedom, as its focus is to maintain the exploitative capitalist system and justify it.

Budget Cuts in Humanities and Social Sciences

All over the world, Humanities and Social Sciences departments of Universities are facing budget cuts. Whenever there is a deficit of funds, universities tend to eliminate some departments and reduce the size of those within the Humanities and Social Sciences by laying off faculty and cutting budgets. For example, in 2022, I experienced the consequences of budget cuts to the humanities firsthand, when the University of Otago, which I was attending at the time, was struggling with funding. It affected many departments within the Humanities and Social Sciences. These are forms of violating academic freedom—the freedom to study and research subjects that students and faculty are passionate about, and for academics to have stable careers. However, by eliminating some departments from the university system or reducing the capacity of departments within the Humanities and Social Sciences, the very concept of academic freedom becomes invisible within the system.

Militarisation of Education

Militarisation of education and academic freedom lies in contrast to each other. Militarising education will have serious consequences. On one hand, it will diminish the value of other knowledge systems. On the other hand, military institutions will foster compliance rather than critical thinking, producing citizens who unquestioningly obey authority and power. This shift would lead to a society where injustice goes unchallenged and human rights violations become commonplace. This is particularly concerning because education in this situation will play a crucial role in shaping ideologies that reinforce military structures.

The public’s understanding of what is ‘common sense’ would be conditioned by military values. Against a background where military institutions are handling or influencing higher education, the idea of academic freedom will diminish. For an example, in any country, the military will generally align itself with the state. In this kind of situation, research which may be critical of the authoritarian state will not take place within the premises of territory education institutes, which are run by the military. The same applies more generally to all other territory education entities in countries under heavy military influence.

New Normal

The lack of updated knowledge within academic institutions often leads to an environment where critical thinking is marginalised, and discussions on academic freedom are suppressed, erased or the university community is unaware of its existence. When faculty and students are not encouraged or equipped with the latest knowledge, they are less able to critically engage with contemporary issues or challenge the status quo. This stifles the kind of intellectual inquiry that is central to academic freedom.

In Sri Lanka, there is a growing trend of uncritical thinking becoming the norm, both among academics and students. Many academics, particularly those in positions of authority, are reluctant to voice opinions that challenge the prevailing political, social, or economic systems, or rather they intend and make an effort to sustain the very system which supress the critical thinking. This is partly due to fear of political or institutional repercussions, and partly because many have become accustomed to a system where conformity has become the easy way and is also profitable socially and financially.

Students, who are following in the footsteps of their passive and unvocal professors, lack, even the mere ability to see the injustice of the system and to understand the importance of academic freedom. Instead of becoming creative and responsive critical thinkers, these students would more likely choose the easy way: get the degree certificate and leave the university. This lack of intellectual challenge diminishes the role of universities as spaces for critical thought and social progress, effectively erasing important conversations about academic freedom, democracy, and justice.

Against this backdrop of silence, submissive academics are becoming the new norm. In societies like ours, which are healing from institutionalised violence are deeply undemocratic, and have experienced widespread human rights violations from both the state and other parties, constant dialogue and action are needed to foster a healthy democracy and intellectual growth. As academic freedom diminishes, so does the capacity for meaningful discourse and social change. Without a vibrant exchange of ideas, universities become less places of learning and more sites of conformity, where questioning the system is seen as dangerous or unnecessary.

First batch of imported salt arrives in Sri Lanka

January 27, 2025

The first batch of imported salt, totalling 1,485 metric tons, arrived in Sri Lanka today, the State Trading Corporation (STC) announced.

The Cabinet of Ministers had recently approved the import of 30,000 metric tons of salt.

The move was to address the current shortage of salt in the local market due to challenges faced by local salterns during the recent monsoon season. 

As such, Cabinet approval has been granted for the import of salt from India until 28 February 2025. 

Meanwhile, providing an update on the salt imports last week, STC Chairman Ravindra Fernando said an additional 12,500 metric tons is expected by January 31. 

He further said that two importers have been authorized to import salt from India to meet the country’s demand. (Newswire)

Coconut shortage: Govt. in discussion with pvt. sector on imports

27 Jan 2025 | BY Sahan Tennekoon TM

The Government is considering the importation of coconut pieces required for export industries, stated the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security.

This, following calls from coconut exporters for permission to address the anticipated coconut shortage.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security R.M. Jayawardena stated that a final decision on coconut imports is yet to be made. However, he mentioned that discussions are ongoing to allow companies or exporters to import coconuts according to their requirements. “We have held several discussions on this matter, but a final decision has not been reached,” he said.

He clarified that whole coconuts will not be imported; only coconut pieces will be allowed. He also noted that while the coconut harvest would be sufficient for consumption, its use in various industries and commercial purposes has created a shortage. Furthermore, he assured that coconuts from State-owned lands (Janawasama) would not be auctioned, but would instead be sold at Sathosa outlets for consumer purposes.

The Deputy Minister added that coconut prices could be maintained at a concessionary level from March onwards, as the coconut harvest begins to enter the market during that time. “We have two seasons for coconut harvesting. The first season begins in March, which increases the supply to the market. This will help us stabilise the prices at a favourable level,” he explained.

Last week, the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries highlighted that Sri Lanka’s continued decline in coconut production might necessitate the importation of coconuts for domestic consumption. They also called for the inclusion of substantial fertiliser subsidies in the upcoming Budget.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa granted bail

January 27, 2025   

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who had been remanded in custody, has been granted bail after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court this morning (27).

Accordingly, he was ordered to be released on two surety bails of Rs. 50 million each by Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Rathnayake, following an extended hearing of the facts.

The Additional Magistrate, who also imposed an overseas travel ban on Rajapaksa, ordered the Immigration and Emigration Controller to be informed in this regard.

Meanwhile, Yoshitha Rajapaksa was ordered to appear at the Sri Lanka Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division on the last Sunday of every month, also ordered against the influencing of any witnesses in the case.

The Additional Magistrate, while declaring his decision, ordered that the suspect be released on bail in accordance with the provisions of the Bail Act, as the prosecution has failed to present sufficient and satisfactory evidence to warrant further remand.

On January 25, Yoshitha Rajapaksa was arrested by CID officers in the Beliatta area under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, and produced before Aluthkade No. 5 Additional Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeevani. Accordingly, he was remanded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act until January 27 after being produced before the Colombo Additional Magistrate.

This followed the recording of a statement before the CID.

The arrest came after the Attorney General notified the CID on January 23, stating there was sufficient evidence for Yoshitha Rajapaksa to be named as a respondent in a land case valued at Rs. 34 million.

The case involves Yoshitha’s grandmother, Daisy Forrest Wickremesinghe, also known as ‘Daisy Achchi’, at Sirimal Pedesa in Ratmalana.

The primary suspect in the case, which is still pending, is Daisy Forrest, who is also Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s grandmother.

Rajapaksa family’s financial deals probed as multiple money laundering cases against Yoshitha

January 27, 2025   

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (27) granted bail to Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was remanded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. 

The decision came after a lengthy hearing presided over by Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Ratnayake.

Rajapaksa was released on two surety bails of Rs. 50 million each, with additional bail conditions imposed. These include an overseas travel ban, monthly reporting to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on the last Sunday of each month, and a strict directive to avoid influencing witnesses.

During the trial, the court was told that the charges against Yoshitha Rajapaksa stem from multiple investigations related to alleged money laundering activities. 

Additional Solicitor General Dilipa Peiris, representing the FCID, presented evidence linking the suspect to suspicious property transactions, including the purchase of a Rs. 350 million house in Sirimal Mawatha, Ratmalana, in 2012.

Investigations revealed the property was acquired in the name of Daisy Forrest, the grandmother of the suspect, who had worked in modest positions such as a hospital employee, teacher, and hostel warden, Peiris stated, noting that her declared income was insufficient to support such a purchase, and her statements to police were inconsistent, suggesting involvement of undisclosed funds.

The Additional Solicitor General mentioned that further inquiries uncovered the deed to the property in the possession of an individual, Palitha Gamage, who claimed it was given to him by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

The Additional Solicitor General argued this demonstrated an attempt to obscure the true ownership of the property and highlighted concerns over undisclosed income and the circulation of laundered money.

He also detailed Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s income as a Navy Lieutenant from 2006 to 2016, where his monthly salary of Rs. 73,000 was directly credited to his account without withdrawals. The prosecution questioned how such limited income could justify the purchase of a high-value property.

President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis, representing the defendant, countered that the investigation into the property transaction began over eight years ago and has not reached a conclusion. He noted that the primary suspect, Daisy Forrest, was released on bail without being remanded, and argued that it was unfair to hold Yoshitha Rajapaksa in custody when the main suspect had been granted leniency.

Mendis also emphasized the delayed progress of the investigation, highlighting that case files were forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department in 2018 but remain unresolved. He urged the court to release the suspect on bail under appropriate conditions.

In his ruling, Additional Magistrate Manjula Ratnayake emphasized the importance of freezing assets involved in money laundering cases. However, he noted that the property in question had not been frozen. 

While acknowledging the seriousness of the case, the Additional Magistrate stated that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify further remanding the suspect.

The Additional Magistrate dismissed the prosecution’s argument that public unrest and the gravity of the charges warranted continued detention, stating that remanding a suspect requires substantive evidence rather than generalized claims.

Based on the facts presented, the court ruled in favor of releasing Yoshitha Rajapaksa on bail, while reiterating the need for continued investigation into the allegations.

However, the Additional Solicitor General Dilipa Peiris, representing the FCID, stated to the court that this case is part of a broader investigation involving three separate money laundering allegations against Yoshitha Rajapaksa. These include:

-The purchase of a Rs. 50 million worth house in Dehiwala
-Investments in the CSN Channel
-The purchase of the Rs. 350 million Ratmalana property

The investigations will continue under the FCID, with further court proceedings expected, Ada Derana reporter said.⍐

 

Govt. accused of facilitating exploitation of paddy farmers

by Norman Palihawadane and Anuradha Hiripitiyage The Island  2025/01/27

Farmers’ associations and political parties are flaying the government for its failure to set a certified price for paddy and leaving small-scale farmers vulnerable to exploitation by powerful rice millers.

Both the National Freedom Front (NFF) and the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) have blamed the government for prioritising the interests of the big-time millers over those of struggling farmers.

The NFF has accused the government of deliberately withholding a minimum price for paddy as a favour to millers who allegedly supported the ruling party during elections.

Karunathilaka Herath, leader of the NFF’s Farmers’ Wing, said, “President Anura Kumara Dissanayake claims to be the son of a farmer, but he has failed to offer a solution to the paddy crisis. The government has bowed not only to multinational corporations but also to five leading millers in the country.”

Herath said that the government had reneged on its campaign promise to support the agricultural sector. “A few months have passed since the government was formed, but farmers have been left to fend for themselves, just as they were under previous administrations. Paddy harvesting has already begun, but farmers are without a proper price for their produce. Prices vary widely from district to district, leaving farmers uncertain and desperate,” he said.

The Frontline Socialist Party’s Farmers’ Struggle Movement (FSM) said that the current system benefited millers disproportionately at the expense of farmers.

Addressing the media at the FSP headquarters, in Nugegoda, FSM National Organizer Vimal Wathtuhewa said: “Paddy harvesting is underway in key agricultural districts like Ampara, Batticaloa, Monaragala, Trincomalee, and Hambantota, but the government has failed to announce a guaranteed price. Mill owners are taking advantage of this and setting prices arbitrarily, leaving farmers with significant losses.”

Wathtuhewa said that the government’s allocation of Rs. 500 million for purchasing paddy, was inadequate to meet even four days’ worth of national rice consumption. Claiming that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had attributed the rice shortage to ‘data distortions’, Waththuhewa argued that the real issue was due to flawed decision-making and the government’s reliance on inaccurate data.

“Even with adverse weather damaging approximately 40,000 hectares, Sri Lanka can still produce around three million metric tons of rice annually, and that amount is enough to meet the country’s annual consumption requirement of 2.4 million metric tons. The idea that data distortions caused the rice shortage is misleading,” he said.

“Five major mill owners collectively release 1.2 million kilos of rice daily into the market, while the national daily rice consumption is 6.5 million kilos. If these mill owners withheld rice for just four to five days, it would create a severe food crisis,” he said.

Both Herath and Wathtuhewa called on the government to act immediately to protect farmers and ensure food security.

“The government was elected to serve the people, not a handful of powerful mill owners. It’s time to address the real issues and ensure farmers receive a fair price for their paddy,” Wathtuhewa said.⍐

(JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva in an interview with the Sunday Observer

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva in an interview with the Sunday Observer shared his perspectives on the current political developments in the country and the Government’s way forward. He said during its short tenure in office, the Government has put an end to the corrupt political culture which swindled public funds, creating an administration which is free from fraud and corruption. The people have realised that the Government has fulfilled an enormous task to get the country out of the crisis, giving every possible relief to the people.

Excerpts of the interview

Q: Around five months have passed since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected and around two months since the National People’s Power (NPP) Government was set up with a two-thirds majority. In retrospect, what is your assessment of the progress made so far?

A: Our political opponents level criticisms thinking that the NPP Government was formed three to four years ago. This Government was set up two months ago. The people have realised that the Government has fulfilled an enormous task within its short tenure in office. We have worked hard to get the country out of the crisis. On the other hand, some relief measures have been given to the people. The biggest task we made was to end the corrupt political culture which swindled public funds creating an administration which is free from fraud and corruption. We have minimised waste of public funds. We have stopped the practice of politicians being above the people. At present, people don’t see any politicians going along with so many security personnel and backup vehicles, and this is a big change.

Our political opponents said that if an NPP Government comes to power, we won’t get any foreign assistance or aid and we will lack international connections. We have practically proven during the past two to three months that the NPP Government has received the highest number of foreign aid and investments. Countries worldwide have accepted that we are a democratic Government, free from fraud and corruption. Therefore, countries such as China, India and many other countries have decided to help us. We have already given much relief to the people and steps were also taken to reduce electricity tariffs. If there are few shortcomings, the Government has done a lot during this short tenure in office.

Q: What are the benefits that the country will gain by the President’s recent visits to India and China? How does the Government intend to balance these two giant regional powers without taking anyone’s side?

A: We have a good political understanding on their strengths and contradictions between two countries. When the President went to India, he categorically said that we would not allow anything to happen in Sri Lankan territorial waters which would pose any threat to India’s national security but we didn’t bow down before India. However, we strengthened our bilateral ties with India. India has pledged to extend its support to our digitisation project and poverty eradication drive. In addition, we have obtained nearly a US$ 400 million loan from India to upgrade our railway signalling system. They have agreed to write it off and turn it into a donation. The President’s Chinese visit was also a very fruitful in that 15 MoUs were signed. The biggest was the US$ 3.7 billion investment in an oil refinery project in Sri Lanka. China has also donated 500 million Yuan which can be used in our projects. Recently, we met a large number of foreign Ambassadors including those from Australia, US and UK and they pledged support to us. They have seriously taken into consideration that the Government has checked violence, racism and created an administration free from fraud and corruption.

Q: Nabbing corrupt persons associated with past regimes was one of the main promises of the NPP Government. Yet, critics say that apart from a few illegal vehicle assembly cases, no substantial charges have been brought against any politician. What is the reason for the delay?

A: Whoever has committed any wrongdoing, the law will be implemented against them regardless of their positions. Those who made a big hue and cry saying that the culprits are not brought to book, now say that the Government takes revenge against its political opponents. A former Minister of the Kurunegala district was arrested in a case of alleged misappropriation of public funds which had occurred over ten years ago. When that arrest was made, his friends and close associates went before the media and said that the Government has resorted to taking revenge from its opponents. We have given full freedom to the law enforcement authorities to conduct their investigations.

Q: Likewise, there are accusations that this Government also is not making much headway regarding the Easter Sunday attacks’ probe and also the killings of journalists such as Lasantha Wickrematunge and the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda under past regimes. What is the reason for this delay?

A: Steps should be taken regarding these incidents. As we all are aware, these are very complex issues because the Governments in power at that time were connected to these incidents. If ordinary citizens had committed such offences, we should have implemented the law against them. The investigations into the Easter Sunday carnage had revealed that some former intelligence and Army officers had also got involved in those incidents and some of that information had been distorted and concealed. However, the investigations are continuing and I hope we will be able to reveal the truth soon.

As for Lasantha Wickrematunge’s assassination, the information on those investigations has been distorted. His assassination took place before 2015 and a new Government came to power in 2015 and it didn’t take any action in that regard. Then Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government came to power in 2019 and they took every possible measure to distort and conceal that evidence. Amid these hardships, we will continue investigations and hope we could bring all those culprits who were connected to those crimes to book.

Countries worldwide have accepted that we are a democratic Government

Q: Reducing the Cost of Living was a main campaign plank of the NPP and indeed, the Government has managed to bring down power tariffs. However, it has not substantially reduced fuel prices. What is the reason for this?

A: The Government has given a 20 percent reduction in electricity tariffs to consumers and 30 percent to industries. Accordingly, the rates of all services and industries should come down and we will monitor that closely. We have given a series of relief measures to the poorer segment of the society. The amount of money given under the Aswesuma program and its beneficiaries has been increased. In addition, nearly 1.3 million children have been given an allowance of Rs.6,000 each to purchase school stationery while Rs.60 provided for a preschool student on meal has been increased up to Rs.100. A fuel price formula was introduced earlier and the state monopoly of distributing fuel was given up in the recent past.

The distribution of fuel was also given to Sinopec and IOC. At present, fuel is imported and distributed by CPC, Sinopec and IOC. Therefore, the price is decided based on the cost incurred by these three companies to import fuel. However, a situation has been created where the Government is not in a position to decide on the fuel prices. The fuel price is decided on based on the price formula and if the fuel is sold by the CPC below that price, Sinopec and IOC will also follow suit. Then the Government will have to provide the loss they incur due to selling fuel at lower prices. At present, there is an issue as the Government is not in a position to do that. We think we could further reduce the fuel prices when the new oil refinery is set up and use oil tanks in Trincomalee to refine crude oil.

Q: Judging by the market conditions, the Government has not been able to end the shortage of certain varieties of rice and also bring down rice prices in general. Again, critics say that the NPP Government is also being held hostage by the big mill mafia. What is your comment?

A: Actually, this is not an issue created by us and it was there when we came to power as well. All those paddy fields had been cultivated during the tenure of the former Government. The issue was that the Government institutions didn’t have accurate data. When the decisions were taken based on that wrong information, it paved the way to create a rice shortage in the local market. However, we imported nearly 170,000 metric tons of rice and controlled the shortage. When Ranil Wickremesinghe was the President, 20 kilograms of rice packs were distributed among people countrywide with the intervention of then Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. Red rice stocks in the Southern province rice mills which were distributed among the people. It is a known fact that red rice is not consumed everywhere in the country. Most people in Anuradhapura consume Nadu rice. Red rice stock in the South was over as a result of distributing red rice countrywide.

There is no possibility of importing red rice and then a kilogram of red rice would be at over Rs.300. There is a small issue until the paddy harvest is reaped during this harvesting season.

Q: There are fears that the economy could be adversely affected if there are uncontrolled imports of private vehicles. What is the Government’s plan to protect the economy whilst allowing vehicle imports?

A: There are several reasons for us to import vehicles. Our vehicle market has become inactive due to the non-import of vehicles for a long time. There are a large number of people who depend on this industry and they have lost their jobs. Therefore, a certain number of vehicles has to be imported to activate the vehicle market. According to the agreement the former Government signed with the IMF, there is a particular percentage that the Government should maintain its revenue. Then the taxes should be imposed to achieve this target. However, we cannot impose more taxes on the masses.

If a tax is imposed on imported vehicles, then the Government’s tax revenue will go up. That is why a decision was taken to import vehicles. Initially, we would allocate nearly US$ one billion to import these vehicles. We believe these vehicle imports will not have any adverse impact on the economy. We have been able to successfully exceed the targets given by the IMF and increase our foreign reserves.

Q: The Opposition as well as media critics also charge that the political inexperience of most NPP Ministers and MPs could be a major disadvantage in governance. What is your comment on this?

A: Today we have to suffer because of certain actions taken by some of those well experienced politicians. They committed the Central Bank daylight robbery based on their experience and still we are suffering due to that. Many frauds and corruption took place under the former Governments. So many development projects were suspended and cancelled due to the attempts of those well experienced Ministers. Some politicians of former Governments used their experience to swindle public funds, get commissions and solicit bribes. We believe this lack of political experience is in a way good for the country. New Ministers and MPs are catching up their duties so quickly.

None of them are new to politics or work alone and they all work as a team. They have already delivered so many positive things which the well experienced politicians couldn’t do in the past.

Q: Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) politicians and various sections have raised concerns on the Government’s decision to reclaim the official residence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Would you comment?

A: Those who try to survive with the help of public funds even after they get defeated have panicked. We have received a mandate to change the country’s political culture and curtail the perks and privileges enjoyed by politicians. We first commenced to curtail that on our own and not from Mahinda Rajapaksa. We didn’t appoint our relatives to Government institutions or offer them top positions. We stopped using luxury vehicles and started using normal vehicles. We didn’t give official residences to Ministers and asked them to stay at the Madiwela Housing Complex. We didn’t give police security to Ministers. So, we have already curtailed many perks and privileges enjoyed by former Ministers and MPs. While doing so, we also asked former Presidents to minimise their wasteful expenditure.

This is not an issue just confined to Mahinda Rajapaksa. If some particular individual has retired from the Presidency, if he or she attempts to survive on public funds, it’s a shameful act. When there are over 2.5 to three million people who are not in a position to even have their three meals a day, how can one particular individual live in a huge State-owned house along with hundreds of security personnel merely because he held the Presidency. It was Mahinda Rajapaksa’s supporters who said that the LTTE has been wiped out and there is a threat. Then what is the purpose of having such a huge security for him? There is a culture that they have maintained to live above the people such as VVIPs spending public funds as they please. When their movement is disturbed, they start crying but that is not relevant to us.

If Mahinda Rajapaksa doesn’t have a house, we are ready to give him a house. However, that won’t be a huge official residence that he has occupied so far. Therefore, he should either pay the rent of the house or should vacate it and we are ready to provide him a suitable house. We believe there is no stable economy in Sri Lanka where we can treat Mahinda Rajapaksa like a king. He has three sons so they should be ashamed of keeping him in an official residence. They have a responsibility to look after their father.

Q: The Opposition and various sections have raised concern on the Clean Sri Lanka program launched by the Government. Can you explain?

A: Clean Sri Lanka is the massive socio, economic and political movement commenced in recent times to change the country. This is not a mere garbage disposal project. The prime objective of the program is to ensure cleanliness in the country and create an awareness to change the attitude of the people. Therefore, it will take a few years to effect these changes. When this project was started, some institutions jumped the gun and even a small issue came up when the police attempted to remove the modifications in buses. However, there is a law which prevails in the country and the police attempted to remove those modifications of buses but we have controlled it now. We have to implement the Clean Sri Lanka project step by step. This is a difficult task but this will bring a lot of benefits to the society.

Q: The Opposition alleges that the Government has failed to fulfill its pledges given to the people. Your views?

A: This Opposition has failed. Earlier, they were in the Government. But the people ousted them from Government and confined them to a limited number of MPs in the Opposition. I think they have not gained any experience from the people’s mandate given to them. All what they said during the election campaign on the NPP have proved to be completely false. Even today, if they want to rectify their mistakes, they should submit constructive criticism to the Government. A constructive dialogue should begin in Parliament without levelling baseless allegations.

However, the Opposition doesn’t have that ability and ideologically they are very poor. We like the manner in which the current Opposition conducts itself and they would never be able to win public confidence.

Q: The Opposition alleges that the NPP vote base has declined and it suffered a setback in the recent Cooperative Society Elections which were held in a few areas. Would you elaborate?

A: When they formed Governments, did they win all 160 electorates in the country? They were also defeated in over 50 electorates. At the last election, the NPP won 21 electoral districts but was defeated in the Batticaloa district. In politics, you can’t win all districts. Recently, the NPP won nearly 25 to 30 cooperative society elections and were defeated in only two.

Q: Some say that you are actually running the Government behind the scenes. Is this a true description of the work you do?

A: That is not so. The President and the Ministers do a great deal of effort. Actually, I don’t work as hard as them and I only look after the party activities. However, the Government cannot be run without Ministers, its parliamentary group and officers. Similarly, the support of the JVP and NPP is also needed to run the Government. Therefore, we work collectively sharing our responsibilities. I fulfill the task entrusted on me. So, it is difficult to judge whose work is more important. The duty done by our office assistants is also vital to continue the Government.⍐

Reliance to build world's largest data centre in Jamnagar

India's AI push: Reliance to build world's largest data centre in Jamnagar

Rimjhim Singh New Delhi Jan 24 2025 BS

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries is set to build the world’s largest data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, according to a Bloomberg News report. This project marks a significant step in Reliance’s entry into India’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector.

 

The company has reportedly procured AI semiconductors from Nvidia, a global leader in AI technology. This follows the October 2024 announcement at the Nvidia AI Summit, where Reliance and Nvidia revealed plans to collaborate on AI infrastructure. Nvidia committed to supplying its advanced Blackwell AI processors for a one-gigawatt data centre that Reliance plans to establish.

 

Commenting on India’s AI potential at the summit, Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s CEO, stated: “It makes complete sense that India should manufacture its own AI. You should not export data to import intelligence. India should not export flour to import bread.”

  

Mukesh Ambani echoed this sentiment, highlighting India’s strong digital connectivity infrastructure. He said: “We can use intelligence to actually bring prosperity to all the people and bring equality to the world. Apart from the US and China, India has the best digital connectivity infrastructure.”

Reliance and Nvidia’s growing partnership

In September 2024, Reliance Industries and Nvidia partnered to develop AI supercomputers and large language models (LLMs) tailored to India’s diverse languages. This collaboration underscores Reliance’s ambition to leverage AI for India’s unique needs. Nvidia later announced a similar partnership with the Tata Group, reflecting its commitment to India’s AI-driven growth.

India’s AI aspirations

The Indian government has pledged over Rs 10,000 crore to fund startups, AI projects, and LLM development as part of its AI ambitions. However, challenges persist. The nation’s semiconductor industry remains in its infancy, with no domestic chip production facilities to date. Establishing semiconductor fabrication plants is a capital-intensive and time-consuming process requiring a highly specialised workforce, which India is still developing.

 

While India’s AI journey is still unfolding, these initiatives, combined with partnerships like those between Reliance, Nvidia, and the Tata Group, showcase the country’s commitment to becoming a global AI powerhouse.⍐

Trump threatens Russia, others with tariffs if Ukraine deal not reached

Trump threatens Russia, others with tariffs if Ukraine deal not reached

By David Lawder and Daphne Psaledakis January 22, 2025

• Summary

• Trump threatens tariffs on Russia over Ukraine conflict
• Russia's deputy UN ambassador says will have to see what "deal" means
• Trump previously declared he would have a deal on first day in office
• US imports from Russia have fallen sharply since 2014

WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would add new tariffs to his sanctions threat against Russia if the country does not make a deal to end its war in Ukraine, and added that these could also be applied to "other participating countries."

In a post on Truth Social, Trump modified comments he made on Tuesday that he would likely impose sanctions against Russia if President Vladimir Putin refused to negotiate an end to the nearly three-year conflict.

"If we don't make a 'deal,' and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries," Trump said.

Trump's post did not identify the countries that he considered participants in the conflict, or how he defined participation.

Former President Joe Biden's administration heaped heavy sanctions on thousands of entities in Russia's banking, defense, manufacturing, energy, technology and other sectors since Moscow's February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has killed tens of thousands of people and reduced cities to rubble.

Russia's deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said Moscow will have to see what Trump thinks a "deal" to end the war in Ukraine means.

"It's not merely the question of ending the war," Polyanskiy told Reuters. "It's first and foremost the question of addressing root causes of Ukrainian crisis."

In the runup to his Nov. 5 election victory, Trump declared dozens of times that he would have a deal in place between Ukraine and Russia on his first day in office, if not before. But Trump's aides have conceded a deal to end the war could take months or longer.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Treasury hit Russia's energy revenues with its hardest sanctions yet, targeting oil and gas producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as 183 vessels that are part of the so-called dark fleet of tankers aimed at evading other Western trade curbs.

SANCTION AND TARIFF THREATS

Trump has sought to use the threat of tariffs to achieve non-trade goals, including threatening Mexico, Canada and China with duties to push them to stop illegal migration and the flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl into the United States.

Those three countries are the top U.S. trading partners, accounting for more than $2.1 trillion in annual two-way trade.

Russia is far down the list, with U.S. imports from Russia falling to $2.9 billion through the first 11 months of 2024 from $29.6 billion in 2021.

The U.S. imported $13.5 billion worth of Russian petroleum products in 2014, but this has fallen to zero after Ukraine war-related sanctions. Some other top import categories a decade ago, including semi-finished steel and pig iron, have also fallen to zero.

The U.S. still imports significant amounts of Russian fertilizers used in agriculture - about $1.4 billion worth in 2023 - as well as more than $1 billion each worth of uranium for nuclear power use and palladium and rhodium used in automotive catalytic converters.

"One way to hit Russia hard would be to sanction and stop the use of Russian wood in finished wood products coming from China, Vietnam and other countries," said Tim Brightbill, a trade attorney at the Wiley Rein law firm in Washington.

As for other participants, the Biden administration had imposed sanctions against entities in North Korea and Iran for weapons supplies to Russia and against Chinese entities that supply components and other goods that Russia's war effort.

Trump said he was "going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War!"

The negotiating positions of the two warring sides remain far apart, and some Ukrainians fear they could be forced to make massive concessions after three years of brutal combat.

The conflict has developed into a war of attrition largely fought along front lines in eastern Ukraine, with huge numbers of casualties on both sides.⍐