Middle East’s Reinforcing Embrace of the Multipolar World

 

Middle East’s Reinforcing Embrace of the Multipolar World

Middle East’s Reinforcing Embrace of the Multipolar World

12.08.2023 Author: Salman Rafi Sheikh  journal-neo.org/2023/08/12/

The China-brokered deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran and the Russia-brokered deal between Saudi Arabia and Syria gave a glimpse into how the shifting dynamics of global geopolitics are changing regional alignments. China and Russia need the Middle East on their side to be able to effectively challenge – and even reverse – the US-dominated system. The past few months have seen some success in this behalf, evident from the fact that many countries in the Middle East are no longer following the US dictates and that some are even challenging the US (Saudi), seeking concessions from it (Turkey), with countries like Iran already being in a perpetual tussle with Washington for many years. At the same time, whatever is happening in the Middle East is not simply an outcome of Chinese and Russian influence. A lot of it is, in fact, tied to the specific policies of specific countries and their own strategic (re)calculations responding to global politics. Although a lot of this is happening against the context of the shift towards multipolarity, the following developments do not necessarily have superpowers mediating between the relevant countries to chart new courses. Instead, they show how the region is remaking itself as a powerhouse in this multipolar world.

Consider, for instance, the recent embrace between Turkey’s Erdoğan and Saudi Arabia’s Mohammad bin Salman (M.B.S.). From Ankara being an ardent opponent of MBS in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi to Ankara transferring the trial of the murder from Turkey to Saudi Arabia shows an overall parallel shift in the bilateral relations of both countries – a shift that is necessitated by both countries’ national interests. With wars in Libya, Yemen and Syria coming to an end and with the ‘Arab Spring’ fever now over, both Ankara and Riyadh have reasons to end the period of animosity – which defined the decade between 2010 and 2020 – and reshape their ties to match the new regional and global realities.

In the past decade, Turkey pursued an aggressive foreign policy that sought to establish Ankara as the leader of the Muslim world. But Turkey today is far from achieving this goal. Its economy is weak with a more than 60 percent inflation rate and its currency has lost its value many times over. At the same time, Turkey is under a lot of geopolitical pressure from countries in the East Mediterranean, and Ankara is also under pressure from the US and its NATO allies to facilitate Sweden’s NATO membership. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is diversifying its ties in the wake of its dwindling ties with the US. Its drive to increase its military capacity and develop an autonomous military approach is at the heart of its recent defence (drone) deals with Turkey. Mutual convenience is, therefore, bringing the two erstwhile political and ideological rivals closer.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey “expressed their determination” to enhance cooperation and coordination in defence and military industries, and to activate their agreements “in a way that serves and achieves the common interests of the two countries and contributes to achieving security and peace in the region and the world”, according to the joint statement issued on July 19.

At the same time, Turkey has also revamped its ties with the UAE. During Erdoğan’s recent visit,  both states inked trade deals worth US$50 billion. Following Erdoğan’s Gul trips, Ankara announced that it expects US$10 billion in foreign investment from Gulf states, with further investments of up to US$30 billion expected over a longer period in Turkey’s energy, infrastructure and defence sectors.

With Saudi itself focused on completely rebranding itself from being the main advocate of Wahhabism throughout the world to becoming a modern centre of the Muslim world, with Islam itself taking a back seat, it is keen to drastically reduce its direct involvement in conflicts. This is most clearly evident in Yemen, where war and fighting have considerably receded (although Yemen is still far from peaceful). In this context, the deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran did leave a crucial impact on the state of the war. At the same time, Saudi Arabia itself is making diplomatic advances towards the Houthi rebels. Although Riyadh is yet to find any meaningful success, there is no denying that Riyadh’s approach towards Yemen is changing and that it is keen to exit this conflict with dignity. There are two reasons for Riyadh to exit. First, US support is no longer available. Two, the war in Yemen is taking a heavy toll on its finances, and it is also a massive distraction for Riyadh’s super-intensive drive of mega infrastructural development to turn itself into a ‘new Dubai.’ War, development and modernisation are, as it stands, hard to coexist. Riyad understands that.

None of this is to suggest that the Middle East is emerging, or unifying, as a bloc on the lines of the European Union and/or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Middle East is far from it, yet the developments we have seen or will see – including increasing defence cooperation between countries like Saudi and Turkey – indicate a precise shift towards such a possibility in the future.

For such a bloc to emerge, regional faultlines must disappear. While these faultlines e.g., the ideological divide separating Turkey, Saudi, Iran, and Qatar, have not disappeared, these states have learned to bypass them to develop ties in mutually beneficial ways. This is precisely what European states did after the Second World War. For the Middle Eastern states, there is certainly an opportunity to do the same in the wake of the US exit from the region, the possibility of diversified alliances with superpowers, and the will to transform their own political economies away from dependence on oil.

Most importantly, the more the Middle East focuses on neutralising its internal faultlines and emerging as a region, the more it will reinforce the politics of a multipolar world.  As it stands, its chances of emerging and surviving as a powerhouse are tied to this multipolar world. Within a US-dominated unipolar world, the Middle East will remain a junior player unable to influence regional and global politics to its advantage.

Salman Rafi Sheikh, research-analyst of International Relations and Pakistan’s foreign and domestic affairs, exclusively for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”.

 

Summit Russia-Africa Economic

The Russia-Africa summit is a confident step towards a multipolar world

journal-neo.org/2023/08/14/ 14.08.2023 Author: Viktor Mikhin

Nearly 50 African nations participated in the Second Summit Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in St. Petersburg, which shook the foundations of the antiquated society the West had built for itself. Only five African countries did not attend the summit in Russia on July 27–28 for various reasons, while about 20 heads of state and government were there.

Moscow, which pompously hosted this productive event, stated that the large turnout “confirms [Africans’] desire to strengthen ties with our country, regardless of the circumstances.” The main theme of the summit was peace, security, and development—the creation of a new multipolar world where Africa would take its rightful place. This stands in stark contrast to the West’s long-defunct doctrine, which has only ever known how to fill areas of the world with lethal weaponry, fight wars, and enslave many countries economically. Suffice it to recall the tragic outcomes of Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and, most recently, Ukraine, where the “democratic” West, led by the United States, destroyed these nations totally with its “democratic” efforts.

According to Dr. Fred M’membe, president of the Socialist Party of Zambia, the United States was able to deter several African politicians from visiting Russia through nefarious blackmail and malicious provocations. “Many people are deterred from visiting Russia by individuals who want to rule the globe and those who believe that the only way to go is the path of the United States,” according to M’membe. “We know who our friends are, and we have the right to choose our own friends. No one should choose our friends for us. We are here in Russia today to demonstrate this,” he added.

Speaking at the meeting of heads of state, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted Sovereign Development with a number of notable Russian efforts to support Africa, including access to food, fertilizer, modern technology, and energy. Setting aside some individual nations, it was reported that “literally all the leaders” of significant regional institutions on the continent, ranging from the African Union to the African Export-Import Bank, were present at the summit. In addition, Vladimir Putin met with Dilma Rousseff, President of the BRICS New Development Bank, and the prime ministers of Ethiopia and Egypt, in separate bilateral discussions.

On the margins of the event, Isaias Afwerki, the president of the State of Eritrea, claimed that decades ago, Western forces not only sought to “contain Russia” but also “declared war on anyone” who stood in the way of their goals. And there is ample evidence for that. “When we talk about this Russia-Africa summit,… This is not a coincidence, and a new world order is needed. There must be a world order. They can’t keep dominating by transitioning from slavery to colonialism, neocolonialism, and hegemony. How long can people support this dangerous ideology that destabilizes every part of the world?“

He said that “They will use all the tools, as they are using now in Ukraine, to give the impression that this is a fight between Russia and Ukraine, you know? Ukraine and Russia have nothing to do with it; it’s their [the hegemonic powers’] war, declared… And it’s not just Russia; it’s everyone else: Asia, Latin America, Europe, North and South America, and so on. People are tired of it.“ The Eritrean president went on to say: “The success of this second summit of Russian-African solidarity is an important milestone proving that their western strategies are failing. What is the difference between colonialism, slavery, and the systematic annihilation of indigenous peoples? The goal is the same. And then there’s this hegemonic ideology, containing this and containing that, causing issues and conflicts here and there. It’s the same strategy, it’s a pattern, and the pattern is clear to everyone. People have now learned their lesson. The names may change, the tactics may change, but the goals remain the same.“

By adopting policies to put an end to decolonization on the continent and to secure compensation for economic and humanitarian harm, the summit addressed historical injustices against Africa. The West’s colonial practices, which included restitution of cultural property taken during colonial plunder, caused this enormous harm to African states. The African World Reparations and Repatriation Truth Commission which met in Accra, Ghana, in August 1999, demanded reparations from “all Western European and American peoples and institutions that participated in and benefited from the slave trade and colonial conquests.” It was also calculated that “the number of human lives lost to Africa during the slave trade and the value of gold, diamonds, and other minerals taken from the continent during the colonial plunder” would come to almost 777 trillion dollars. What does it matter that the “enlightened, civilized, and Christian” West still continues to loot Africa’s resources while arrogantly laughing at the “stupidity” of these “second-class people”?

The goal of collaborating to combat manifestations of neo-colonial practices aimed at undermining state sovereignty, denying them the ability to make their own decisions, and preventing them from pillaging their natural resources was also underlined by Russia and African governments. The meeting emphasized the increasing urgency of joint action to combat forms of intolerance in the context of overcoming the consequences of colonialism, slavery, and the slave trade, including the transatlantic slave trade, which has been recognized as a terrible tragedy in the track record of humankind.

Important questions about the sovereignty of African States were discussed in the 74-article joint declaration that was adopted at the conclusion of the summit. It is well known that both USA and France continue to loot Africa at an accelerated rate, with the “democratic” US having 28 military bases in 15 of the continent’s countries, while France continues to maintain a presence in 10 States. Vladimir Putin praised the declaration, calling it a testament to the unwavering commitment to building a multipolar world order. The declaration asks for enhancing the long-standing and mutually beneficial friendly ties between Russia and African governments, as well as for mutual respect and trust, continuing long-standing traditions of cooperative resistance to colonialism and the establishment of African state independence.

At the summit’s conclusion, participants made clear that they were opposed to xenophobia, related intolerance, aggressive nationalism, neo-Nazism, Neo-fascism, Afrophobia, Russophobia, all forms of racism and racial discrimination, as well as discrimination based on religion, belief, or origin. This included, but was not limited to, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The West, which is viewing its collapse with dread, is trying to poison the entire planet for the last time by aggressively and intensively imposing all these toxic aspects on it.

They said that this reflected Africa’s expanding global role and influence as a crucial pillar of a multipolar world and applauded the growing significance of African States and the African Union as the foremost continental body in international affairs. In order to prevent neocolonialism, imposing conditionality, and double standards from depriving States and peoples of their ability to make autonomous decisions about their development, the Summit reiterated the necessity of uniting in opposition to these practices. Enhance equal and mutually beneficial cooperation between Russian and African countries in order to promote the creation of a more just, balanced, and multipolar world order that resolutely opposes all manifestations of international conflict on the African continent.

The significance of all governments adhering to international law and respecting the fundamental principles of the UN Charter was highlighted. The summit condemned the practice of freezing sovereign foreign exchange reserves as well as unilateral, illegal restrictive measures, including secondary measures. It emphasized that using political blackmail to persuade leaders of third countries to take such actions or to sway states’ political and economic policies is unacceptable.

The declaration commended Russia for its willingness to maintain its steadfast assistance in bolstering the national sovereignty of African governments as well as all other facets of their security. In order to strengthen peace, stability, and security in Africa, it was stated that a permanent Russian-African high-level mechanism would be established to coordinate efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, especially violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and on information security issues.

Concerns were made about global food security issues, such as rising food and fertilizer costs and disruptions in international supply networks, which disproportionately impacted the African continent. African leaders welcomed Russia’s determination to continue to assist their states in addressing issues related to the provision of food, fertilizers, and energy resources. For its part, Russia claims it intends to increase shipments of vehicles, industrial equipment, and fertilizers to Africa, with payments to be paid in the local currency. Moscow also plans to provide commercial and humanitarian grain shipments to “African friends,” according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin said Russia and Africa also pledged to “fight neocolonialism, the practice of illegal sanctions, and attempts to undermine traditional moral values.” Russia will contribute 1.2 billion rubles to a “large-scale aid program” for African health initiatives. The Russian president complimented the summit’s “constructive, friendly atmosphere” and positive outcomes in his closing remarks. Vladimir Putin claims that the agreed declaration shows “the commitment of all our states to the formation of a just and democratic multipolar world order based on the universally acknowledged principles of international law and the UN Charter.”

According to Putin, the influence of once-dominant Western powers is waning as Africa gains political and economic clout. “Before our eyes, the African continent is becoming a new center of power. Its political and economic role is growing exponentially. And this has become an objective reality,“ the Russian president said.

Viktor Mikhin, corresponding member of RANS, exclusively for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”

கிழக்கு அபிவிருத்திகள் குறித்து ஆர். சம்பந்தனுடன் செந்தில் தொண்டமான் கலந்துரையாடல்

 

தமிழ்த் தேசியக் கூட்டமைப்பின் தலைவரும் பாராளுமன்ற உறுப்பினருமான சம்பந்தன் உடன் கிழக்கு மாககாண ஆளுநர் செந்தில் தொண்டமான் நேற்று (08) மரியாதை நிமிர்த்தம் சந்தித்திருந்தார்.

இதன் போது கிழக்கு மாகாணத்தில் மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்ட அபிவிருத்திகள் குறித்து கலந்துரையாடல் மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டது.

இச்சந்திப்பு பாராளுமன்ற உறுப்பினர் சம்பந்தனின் உத்தியோகபூர்வ இல்லத்தில் இடம்பெற்றிருந்தது.

https://www.thinakaran.lk/

Foreign Ministry clueless about CIA Chief William J. Burns’ alleged visit to Sri Lanka

SL Foreign Minister Ali Sabry

 Foreign Ministry clueless about top US spook’s clandestine visit

The Island Published on 2023/08/11 By Saman Indrajith

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry told Parliament yesterday that his ministry had received no information about CIA Chief William J. Burns’ alleged visit to Sri Lanka on Feb 14.

Making a ministerial statement in response to a series of questions raised by SLPP dissident MP Ven. Aturaliye Ratana Thera on June 22, the minister said that his ministry only provided necessary diplomatic clearances for the aircraft to fly to Sri Lanka.

Minister Sabry said that he had been aware that two aircraft of the United States Air Force had arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport on Feb. 14 and according to the information provided by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation and Airport and Aviation Services Lanka Ltd, a number of US officials had officially entered the country.

The Minister’s response to Ven Ratana’s queries: “This is my answer after consulting all the relevant agencies. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the link between the foreign countries, entities, institutions and ministries departments and institutions in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not the focal point for the subject area that comes under the purview of the MCC. It is noted as an expert committee was appointed by the Cabinet in December, 2019 to review the MCC agreement and the final report was handed over to the former President in June, 2020. The proposed SOFA is an agreement between the US and Sri Lanka, according to the line ministry in this regard also the Ministry of Defence and information required in this regard could be obtained from the Ministry of Defence. ACSA is also an agreement that comes under the Defence Ministry. Relevant line ministry in this regard is the Defence Ministry and further information may be obtained from the Ministry of Defence.

“Therefore, it is appropriate to ask the relevant line ministry – the ministry of Defence regarding the reimplementation of these agreements and its current status and the purposes. I am aware that two aircraft belonging to the American Air Force arrived at the Katunayake BIA in the afternoon of Feb 14, 2023. According to the information provided by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation and Airport and Aviation Services Lanka Limited, they have officially entered into the country.

“The two planes that had arrived at the Katunayake International Airport under No RCH 23/992142A and RCH 231/00215A. I further mention that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had done only the necessary diplomatic clearances for the aircraft to fly to Sri Lanka. The chairman of the Airport and Aviation Services Lanka Limited has informed that the names, passport numbers and Visa number of the persons who came in the two aircrafts could be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

“Further the Airport and Aviation Services Pvt Ltd has informed this ministry that they are not aware of the fact to which organisation in the United States the said group belongs to and responsible for and have met with the parties or organizations in Sri Lanka bearing what responsibilities and what matters to the agreement were discussed in this meeting. And therefore, some of these questions seem to be referred to the wrong ministry. So, based on the evidence that we gathered, and the information which we acquired from different agencies, this is the information which I can provide to the question raised by Ven Aturaliye Ratana Thera on June 22, 2023.”

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இலங்கைப் பிரஜா உரிமைச் சட்டமும், தமிழ்க் காங்கிரஸ் கட்சியும்- கஜேந்திரகுமார் பொன்னம்பலம்

 

மலையக மக்கள் இலங்கைக்கு வந்த 200 வது ஆண்டு நினைவை குறிக்கும் நடைபவனி ஒன்று தலைமன்னாரில் இருந்து மாத்தளை வரை நடைபெறுகிறது.

அதற்கான ஆதரவு பேரணி ஒன்று யாழ்ப்பாணத்தில் நடந்த போது அதில் நானும் எமது அமைப்பினரும் அதில் பங்குபற்றியிருந்தோம்.

அதில் கலந்துகொண்டிருந்த ஒரு பொதுமகன் என்னிடம் “ மலையக மக்களின் பிரஜா உரிமையை பறித்த சட்டத்திற்கு உங்கள் பாட்டனார் தலைமையில் உங்கள் கட்சி ஆதரவு வழங்கியமைக்காக இப்போதாவது மனிப்பு கேட்பீர்களா என கேட்டிருந்தார்.

எனக்கு மிக மனவேதனையை தந்த அந்த கேள்விக்கான தெளிவுபடுத்தலை நான் இங்கு செய்ய விரும்புகிறேன்.

இங்கு இந்த ஒத்திவைப்பு பிரேரணையை முன்வைத்திருக்கும் மலையக மலையக மக்களின் பிரதிநிதிகளாக இங்கு அமர்ந்திருக்கும் கெளரவ மனோ கணேசன் மற்றும் கெளரவ இராதாகிருஶ்னண் ஆகியோர் அம்மக்களின் பிரச்சினைகளையும் தேவைப்பாடுகளையும் மிக தெளிவாக முன்வைப்பார்கள் என நம்புகிறேன் . மலையக மக்களின் பிரதிநிதிகள் தமது மக்களின் தேவைகளை வழமையாகவே மிக தெளிவாக முன்வைப்பவர்கள். அதில் என்னுடைய தலையீட்டிற்கு தேவையிராது என நம்புகிறேன். 

ஆதலால், இந்த சந்தர்ப்பத்தில் மலையக மக்கள் குறித்தான எமது கட்சியின் நிலைப்பாட்டை தெளிவாக பதிவு செய்ய விரும்புகிறேன்.

மலையக மக்களின் குடியுரிமையை பறித்த இலங்கை பிரஜா உரிமை சட்டத்தை (18/1948)  எமது கட்சி எதிர்த்தே வாக்களித்திருந்தது.

அந்த சட்டத்தில்  இரண்டு தலைமுறைகள் இலங்கையில் வாழ்ந்ததை சட்ட ஆவணங்கள்  மூலம் உறுதிப்படுத்தினாலேயே இலங்கை பிரஜா உரிமை மலையக மக்களுக்கு வழங்கப்படும் என சொல்லப்பட்டிருந்தது. அது அக்காலப்பகுதியில் மலையக மக்களால் ஒருபோதும் செய்யப்பட கூடியது அல்ல.அன்றைய சூழ்நிலையில் மட்டுமல்ல இன்றும் கூட அப்படியான ஆவண சமர்ப்பித்தல் எந்தவொரு நாட்டிலும் இல்லை. மலையக மக்களை இந்த நாட்டில் உரிமையற்றவர்களாக மாற்றிய சட்டத்தை எனது பாட்டனார் ஜீ ஜீ பொன்னம்பலம் தலைமையிலான அகில இலங்கை தமிழ் காங்கிரஸ் முற்றுமுழுதாக எதிர்த்தே வாக்களித்திருந்தது என்பதை மிக தெளிவாக இந்த இடத்தில் பதிவு செய்ய விரும்புகிறேன்.

அதன் பின்னர் இலங்கையின் சுதந்திரத்துக்கு பின்னர்  ஒரு  பல்லின பிரதிநிதித்துவ அரசை அமைக்க அழைப்பு விடுத்த பிரதமர் டி எஸ் சேனநாயக்காவுடன் நடந்த பேச்சுகளில் மலையக மக்களின் பிரஜா உரிமையை பறித்த இலங்கை குடியுரிமை சட்டத்தை மீளப்பெறுமாறு அகில இலங்கை தமிழ் காங்கிரஸ் நிபந்தனை விதித்திருந்தது.இந்த கோரிக்கைகளுக்கு இந்திய பிரதமர் ஜவகர்லால் நேருவும் தனது ஆதரவை வெளிப்படுத்தியிருந்தார். ஆனால் டி.எஸ் சேனநாயக்க அரசு , ஏலவே நிறைவேற்றிய இலங்கை பிரஜா உரிமை சட்டத்தை மீள பெறுவதற்கு மறுத்திருந்தது. அதற்கு பதிலாக இந்திய- பாகிஸ்தான் குடியுரிமை சட்டத்தை கொண்டுவரலாம் எனும் நிலைப்பாட்டை எடுத்தது( சட்ட இலக்கம் 3/1948). அதன் பிரகாரம் 10 வருடங்கள் இலங்கையில் இருப்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்துவதன் மூலம் இலங்கை பிரஜா உரிமையை பெற்றுக்கொள்ள முடியும் எனும் நிலைப்பாட்டை டி. எஸ். சேனநாயக்க அரசு எடுத்திருந்தது.

ஆனால்  , நவீன உலகில் இருக்கும் நடைமுறையான ஐந்து வருடங்கள் இந்த நாட்டில் இருந்தமைக்கான ஆதாரத்தை சமர்ப்பிப்பதன் மூலம் இலங்கை குடியுரிமையை பெற்றுக்கொள்ள வழிவகை செய்யுமாறு அகில இலங்கை தமிழ் காங்கிரஸ் உட்பட ஏனைய தமிழ் கட்சிகள் தமது தீர்வை  முன்வைத்திருந்தன. ஐந்து வருட கோரிக்கைக்கு இணங்க மறுத்த டி. எஸ். சேனநாயக்க , தமிழ் கட்சிகள் மற்றும் இந்திய பிரதமர் ஜவகர்லால் நேரு ஆகியோரின் தொடர்ச்சியான அழுத்தம் காரணமாக , ஒரு குடும்பம் 7 வருடம் இலங்கையில் இருப்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்தினால் இலங்கை பிரஜா உரிமையை பெறலாம் எனும் நிலைப்பாட்டிற்கு இணங்கிவந்தார். தனிநபருக்கு அந்த கால எல்லை 10 வருடம் எனவும் கூறப்பட்டு இந்திய- பாகிஸ்தான் குடியுரிமை சட்டம் நிறைவேற்றப்பட்டது.

இந்த இந்திய- பாகிஸ்தான் குடியுரிமை சட்ட மூலம் நிறைவேற்றப்பட்டு இரண்டு வருடங்களுக்குள் பதிவுகளை மேற்கொண்டால் மாத்திரமே  அவர்கள் பிரஜா உரிமை பெற முடியும் என அரசு அறிவித்திருந்தது.

இதன் மூலம் ஏறத்தாழ 85% மலையக மக்கள் இலங்கை குடியுரிமையை பெறக்கூடிய வாய்ப்பை பெற்றுகொடுத்தது. 85% மலையக மக்கள் குடியுரிமையை பெறக்கூடிய அந்த சட்டத்திற்கே அகில இலங்கை தமிழ் காங்கிரஸ் ஆதரவளித்திருந்தது. துரதிர்ஷ்டவசமாக , அந்த சந்தர்ப்பத்தில் தமிழ் காங்கிரசில் பிளவு ஏற்பட்டு திரு செல்வநாயகம் அவர்கள் கட்சியில் இருந்து விலகி புதிய கட்சியை ஸ்தாபித்தார். அவர் தலைமையிலான தமிழரசுக்கட்சி, மற்றும் தொண்டமான் தலைமையிலான இலங்கை தொழிலாளர் காங்கிரஸ் ஆகியன,   மலையக மக்களில்  ஏறத்தாழ 85 % ஆனவர்களுக்கு இலங்கை பிரஜா உரிமையை பெற்றுக்கொள்ள கூடிய அந்த சட்ட மூலத்தை எதிர்த்திருந்தார்கள். ஐந்து வருடம் இலங்கையில் இருந்தமைக்கான ஆதாரத்தை சமர்ப்பித்தல் மூலம் பிரஜா உரிமை வழங்கும் கோரிக்கைக்கு டி. எஸ். சேனநாயக்க அரசு இணங்காதபடியால்  3-1949  ஏறத்தாழ 85 % மலையக மக்கள் பிரஜா உரிமை பெறக்கூடியதாக இருந்த இந்திய- பாகிஸ்தான் குடியுரிமை  சட்ட மூலத்தின் கீழ் பிரஜா உரிமைக்கு விண்ணப்பிக்க வேண்டாம் எனும் பிரசார இயக்கத்தையும் ஆரம்பித்து மலையக மக்கள் பிரஜா உரிமையை பெறுவதற்கான விண்ணப்பத்தை சமர்ப்பிப்பதை எதிர்த்து இருந்தார்கள்.

டி.எஸ். சேனநாயக்க அரசு இந்த சட்டத்தை மாற்றப்போவதில்லை என ஈற்றில் புரிந்து கொண்ட இவர்கள், கடைசி ஆறு மாத காலப்பகுதிக்குள் தமது கோரிக்கையில் இருந்து பின்வாங்கி  மலையக மக்களை பிரஜா உரிமைக்கு விண்ணப்பிக்குமாறு கோரிக்கை விடுத்திருந்தார்கள்.அந்த ஆறுமாத காலத்துக்குள்ளேயே தொண்டமான் உட்பட்ட சிலர் பிரஜா உரிமையை பெற்றுக் கொண்டார்கள். 

ஆனால் இந்த சட்டமூலத்தின் கீழ் விண்ணப்பிக்கவேண்டாம் எனும் கோரிக்கையை ஏற்ற சாமானிய மலையக மக்கள், விண்ணப்பத்திற்கான எதுவித ஆவணங்களின் ஆயத்தமும் இல்லாத நிலையில் திடீரென இறுதி ஆறுமாதங்களுக்குள் விண்ணப்பத்தை சமர்ப்பிக்க முடியாத துரதிர்ஷட நிலைக்கு உள்ளானார்கள்.ஏறத்தாழ 85% வீதமானோர் பிரஜா உரிமை பெற கூடிய சட்டமூலத்தை எமது கட்சி ஆதரித்ததே தவிர எதிர்க்கவில்லை.உண்மையில் அதை எதிர்த்தது தமிழரசுக்கட்சிதான் . அந்த நிலைப்பாட்டில் கூட இறுதி கட்டத்தில் மாற்றத்தை செய்ததால்  வெறும் 15% ஆன மலையக மக்களே  பிரஜா உரிமை பெற கூடியதாக இருந்தது. 85% மலையக  மக்கள் பிரஜா உரிமை பெறும் சந்தர்ப்பத்தை வீணாக இழந்திருந்தோம். தமிழரசுக்கட்சியின் கோரிக்கையின் பிரகாரம் இந்த சட்டமூலத்தினை பகிஷ்கரித்தமையால்  ஏறத்தாழ 85% மலையக மக்கள் நாடற்றவர்கள் ஆனார்கள்.இந்த 85% மலையக மக்கள் குறித்து தீர்மானம் எடுக்கப்படும் என எதிர்ப்பார்க்கப்பட்ட சிறிமா - சாஸ்திரி ஒப்பந்தம் மூலம் இந்த 85% மலையக மக்களின் ஏறத்தாழ அரைவாசிபேர் நாடற்றவர்களாக இந்தியாவுக்கு அனுப்பப்பட்டார்கள் . 

இந்த இடத்தில் மீண்டும் தெளிவாக ஒன்றை பதிவு செய்ய விரும்புகிறேன்.

 மலையக மக்களின் பிரஜா உரிமையை பறித்த 18/1948 இலங்கை பிரஜா உரிமை சட்டத்தை எமது தமிழ் காங்கிரஸ் கட்சி முழுமையாக எதிர்த்தே இருந்தது . பறிக்கப்பட்ட பிரஜா உரிமையை மீள வழங்கும் 3-1949 இந்திய- பாகிஸ்தான் குடியுரிமை சட்டத்தையே எமது அமைப்பு ஆதரித்திருந்தது. 

இந்தவிடயத்தில் 100 % வெற்றியை பெறுவது தான் வெற்றி, மாறாக  ஆககுறைந்தது   85 வீதமாவது வெற்றியை பெறுவதற்கு சம்மதித்தமை வெற்றியல்ல என குற்றம் சுமத்தப்பட்டால் , 85% மக்கள் பிரஜா உரிமையை பெறக்கூடிய சட்ட மூலத்துக்கு ஆதரவளித்தற்காக நிபந்தனையற்ற விதத்தில் இதயபூர்வமாக  மலையக மக்களிடம் மன்னிப்பு கேட்க தயாராக இருக்கிறேன்.

ஆககுறைந்தது 85 % மலையக மக்கள்  பிரஜா உரிமையை பெறக் கூடிய சட்டமூலத்தை ஆதரித்தது , பிழையென கூறுபவர்கள் , அந்த 85% மலையக மக்கள் நாடற்றவர்களாக்கப்பட்டு , அவர்களில் அரைவாசிக்கும் மேற்பட்டோர் இந்தியாவிற்கு நாடுகடத்தப்பட ஏதுவாக அமைந்த சிறிமா - சாஸ்திரி ஒப்பந்தத்தை எதுவித தயக்கமோ கூச்சமோ இன்றி ஆதரித்தார்கள்.  அந்த மக்களின் மூதாதையர் இந்தியாவில் இருந்து வந்ததை தவிர இந்தியா பற்றி எதுவுமே தெரிந்திராத , இலங்கையிலேயே பிறந்து இலங்கையராகவே வாழ்ந்த அந்த அப்பாவி மலையக மக்களினை இந்தியாவிற்கு நாடுகடத்திய சிறிமா -சாஸ்திரி உடன்படிக்கையை ஆதரித்து மலையக மக்களுக்கு  மிகப்பாரிய துரோகத்தை இழைத்தவர்களும் மலையக மக்களிடம் மன்னிப்பு கோர வேண்டும்.

இறுதியாக இந்த இடத்தில் மலையக மக்கள் குறித்து  தமிழ் தேசிய மக்கள் முன்னணியினரான எமது நிலைப்பாட்டை தெளிவாக முன்வைக்க விரும்புகிறேன்.

மலையக மக்களின் முன்னேற்றத்துக்காக எந்த தரப்பினாலும் நேர்மையாக முன்வைக்கப்படும் எந்த திட்டத்தையும் முழுமனதோடு எதுவித நிபந்தனையுமின்றி ஆதரிப்பதற்கு தமிழ் தேசிய மக்கள் முன்னணி எப்போதும் தயாராகவே இருக்கும் .

கஜேந்திரகுமார் பொன்னம்பலம் 

தலைவர் 

தமிழ் தேசிய மக்கள் முன்னணி

Ceylon Citizenship Act- 18/1948

Exclusive: China identifies the culprits behind cyberattack on Wuhan Earthquake Monitoring Center

 CHINA / SOCIETY

Exclusive: China identifies the culprits behind cyberattack on Wuhan Earthquake Monitoring Center; a secretive US global reconnaissance system to be exposed

By Yuan Hong       Published: Aug 14, 2023 09:30 AM

   

 

New progress has been made on an investigation into a cyberattack incident targeting the Wuhan Earthquake Monitoring Center affiliated to the city's Emergency Management Bureau, after a joint investigation team formed by the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center (CVERC) and Chinese cybersecurity company 360 discovered malicious backdoor software that exhibits characteristics of US intelligence agencies, the Global Times learned on Monday. Chinese authorities will publicly disclose a highly secretive global reconnaissance system of the US government, which poses a serious security threat to China's national security and world peace.

On July 26, the Wuhan Earthquake Monitoring Center reported that some front-end station collection points of the earthquake reporting data had been implanted with backdoor programs, attracting widespread attention. The CVERC and the company 360 immediately formed a joint investigation team to go to Wuhan for investigation and evidence collection.

Du Zhenhua, a senior engineer from the CVERC, told the Global Times that the team has found very complex backdoor malware in the victim's network, fitting the characteristics of US intelligence agencies, highly concealed, and aiming to steal earthquake monitoring-related data, with a clear military reconnaissance purpose.

Why target earthquake monitoring system? 

Du explained that China is a country seriously affected by earthquake disasters, with multiple occurrences causing severe loss of life and property. "Therefore, China attaches great importance to earthquake monitoring and early warning. In order to improve the monitoring and early warning capability of geological disasters, earthquake monitoring data includes not only basic information like magnitude and epicenter but also rich geographical and geological data such as surface deformation and hydrological monitoring," Du said. 

These data also hold high value as military intelligence. Hence, the cyberattack on the earthquake monitoring center by US intelligence agencies was a planned and premeditated cyber military reconnaissance action, the expert noted. 

Xiao Xinguang, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and also the chief software architect of leading anti-virus company Antiy Labs, further explained to the Global Times that although the location, magnitude, and depth are publicly released information, they are based on the calculations from multiple sensors. 

"The comprehensive vibration and sound wave data collected by these sensors, especially infrasound data, have significant intelligence value for judging geological terrain, analyzing weapons system tests, and nuclear tests," Xiao said. 

Furthermore, this is just one of the reasons the US targets earthquake monitoring and other systems with cyberattacks. Xiao also analyzed that the current information gathering is only one type of  behaviors that have been exposed. 

There are still many information theft instances targeting other fields that have not yet come to the surface. By leveraging its global comprehensive reconnaissance ability, along with various means of intrusion, theft, and other comprehensive measures to obtain all kinds of telemetry data, and combining other multi-source auxiliary data, it forms the ability to analyze, judge, attribute, and locate China's economic, social operations, and even military actions.

Causing social panic

Experts believe that cyberattacks on civil infrastructure, including earthquake monitoring systems, can lead to serious consequences.

Du underlined that if the attackers maliciously damaged earthquake monitoring system, it would become ineffective in providing accurate data during an earthquake. This would impact earthquake early warnings and disaster assessment work, leading to more severe loss of life and property. 

"Even more dangerous is that if the attackers tamper with the earthquake monitoring data, triggering false alarms, it could lead to social panic and disorder, resulting in casualties among innocent people," Du said. 

The remote sensing and telemetry systems and data are national strategic resources that must be given priority protection, Xiao said. "These data can display the basic operation of our country's economy and society from macro to micro levels and provide comprehensive support for integrated decision-making and emergency response. They are the supporting resources for territorial safety and national security."

"US intelligence agencies not only actively collect various signal intelligence but have also long obtained other countries' comprehensive earth system science remote sensing and telemetry data as strategic intelligence through various means. This includes sharing through allied intelligence mechanisms, coercing high-tech companies to provide it, and using academic and scientific research activities," Xiao said. 

He also explained that the discovery of the cyberattack on Wuhan earthquake monitoring center was not accidental, indicating that cyberattack intrusion and theft have become the lowest-cost way for the US to obtain other countries' remote sensing and telemetry data. 

The US has developed a series of signal intelligence collection, analysis, and processing systems, such as the Echelon project for electromagnetic signal spying, the Main Core project for telecommunications operators, and the PRISM project's super access interface for large IT and internet manufacturers.

"After many years of continuous tracking with relevant departments, we will soon publicly disclose a global reconnaissance system of the US government, which poses serious security threats to China's national security and world peace. We must be highly vigilant and tightly guard against this," Xiao said. 

Violating international law

In fact, a plethora of internal documents from the National Security Agency (NSA) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) exposed in events such as Prism, Shadow Brokers and WikiLeaks reveal that the US, as a real "hacker empire" and "spying empire," targets "indiscriminately" (including its allies) in its cyber intelligence collection activities. Civil institutions and individuals worldwide are its targets for cyberattacks, fully exposing the US' double standards and hypocrisy on human rights issues.

Du further stated that the US military intelligence agencies' use of their information technology advantage to launch cyberattacks on civilian infrastructure is a criminal act in clear violation of international law, seriously infringing on China's national security and public interest. 

"In fact, for a long time, the US' cyberattacks on China's key information infrastructure have been all-encompassing, with government agencies, universities, research institutions, and large corporations all being targeted by its cyberespionage activities. The US is attempting to use these unfair means to comprehensively steal China's political, economic, military, and diplomatic sensitive information, to contain China's development and progress, and to maintain the US' world hegemony," he said. 

As a veteran expert in computer virus prevention technology and emergency response, Du suggested that if China's key information infrastructure is attacked with state-backed hackers, relevant units must report the cyberattack to relevant authorities immediately; build cybersecurity capabilities; strengthen supply chain security management, increase autonomous control abilities; conduct regular cybersecurity drills to improve emergency handling and recovery abilities.

Xiao believed that although China's overall cybersecurity  ecosystem is still relatively small in market size, overall, it's complete in technology categories without obvious weaknesses. "In continuous confrontation with threats, especially in identifying, analyzing, and exposing advanced persistent cyberattacks, including those from the US, many excellent Chinese cybersecurity  companies have demonstrated their abilities, becoming the industry's supporting force in safeguarding national security and defending the security of the cyberspace community."

China does not need to underestimate itself in terms of cybersecurity  capabilities, he noted. "We can establish more ambitious goals, become a competent force in the national governance system, create a capability advantage compared to main geopolitical competitors, and not become a significant constraint and risk vulnerability, even when facing comprehensive suppression by hegemonic states or in high-intensity security conflicts. 

"We can achieve an overall risk controllable state by strengthening the construction of the public service attributes of cybersecurity , and enhancing the construction of common security capabilities, resilience mechanisms, and cybersecurity  infrastructure," Xiao said. 

PC reforms focal point in coming months

 

PC reforms focal point in coming months

By Our Political Editor sundaytimes.lk/230813

President outlines policy on power devolution; process likely to delay elections

The initiative came from President and was not made in India or under pressure from it

Opposition charges bribery and corruption rampant in health sector; but puts off till next month no-confidence motion against minister

Minister threatens to resign over non extension of service of his Ministry Secretary

Devolution of power to the provinces is not the only programme the President is pushing these days: He is seen here discussing with agriculture experts an ambitious plan to digitalise and modernise the agriculture with a view to ensuring food security for Sri Lankans

There are some important takeaways from Wednesday’s ‘special statement’ in Parliament by President Ranil Wickremesinghe — these border on pronouncements of policy on key issues related to further devolution.

The execution of these aspects is bound to push back indefinitely the conduct of Provincial Council (PC) elections. These PCs were the by product of India’s mediation and are covered by the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement of 1987. The nine councils whose terms ended at different times between 2015 and 2017 have remained defunct. The previous yahapalana (good governance) government introduced legislation to empower itself to delay the polls. Interesting enough, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), key beneficiaries of the devolution exercise,  staunchly backed this move.  For each province, governors appointed by the President now exercise most functions.

The issue surfaced again when President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited New Delhi in July. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. That meant the inclusion of a provision for PCs to have a provincial police force. However, President Wickremesinghe has now offered a 13A without these police powers. The offer was much ahead of his visit to New Delhi. Contrary to belief in some sections of the Sri Lankan polity, neither his move to further strengthen Provincial Councils nor the offer of an enhanced devolution package was the result of pressure from India. It is an initiative of his own though India is happy if it meets its own outlines.  No doubt it is a task that is politically challenging and one that has been cautiously avoided by seven of his predecessors. If he does succeed, though the road is riddled with many obstacles, that would be a feather in his political cap and make him a national hero.

A negative outcome, one is not wrong in saying, could be disastrous both for the President and the United National Party (UNP), which he is now trying to nurture on a new path. Significantly, he is embarking on the task on his own having smelt success in persuading the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to grant an Extended Fund Facility. There again, the second tranche, due in September, is anxiously awaited.

Wednesday’s statement by President Wickremesinghe spelled out measures to reform the PCs. Pointing out that at the all-party meetings “we could not arrive at a comprehensive agreement on power devolution,” he said, “it is time to change the situation.” He added: “The division of power and authority between provincial councils, the central government, and local governing bodies lacks clarity. Consequently, he declared, subjects overlap between provincial councils and the central government, resulting in duplication of efforts and delayed actions. Instead of resolving people’s issues, problems are escalating due to these inefficiencies “

Highlights from President’s speech

Here are some of the highlights of President Wickremesinghe’s statement which make clear that besides delayed PC polls, the reforms envisaged for Provincial Councils would also take much time. The reformed PCs will not be in place until sometime later next year. This again could be the earliest since a string of intended legislative measures has to be presented in Parliament amidst other businesses. Added to that will be constitutional amendments envisaged. Thus, elections to Provincial Councils would become uncertain, much the same as the polls for local councils. Since Parliament is required for the passage of laws, a general election too would be on the back burner leaving only the presidential elections to come first.

President Wickremesinghe said, “Following the revision of laws pertaining to Provincial Councils and the implementation of new legislation, should the Parliament endorse the amending the Provincial Council Voting Act, which includes voting based on the District Proportional System and allows Members of Parliament the right to contest in Provincial Councils, with a minimum of 25% female representation.” President Wickremesinghe noted that once discussions have been held and consensus reached regarding the proposed increase in the number of provincial councils, measures will be undertaken to conduct provincial council elections.

“The executive and administrative powers required to enact the decentralised subjects will remain under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Councils. The province will retain the executive or administrative powers (implementation powers) with regard to the said devolved power; I will present the above proposals to parliament as constitutional amendments so the House could take them forward for necessary action.

“In response to the interim report, several parties including the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the Janatha Vimukti Peramuna, the Tamil United Liberation Front, Jathika Hela Urumaya, United Opposition, All Ceylon Muslim Congress, All Ceylon People’s Congress, Eelam People’s Democratic Party, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Tamil Progressive Party of Mr. Douglas Devananda, and President’s Counsel Mr. Jayampathi Wickramaratne presented documents. This aspect should also be noted. Furthermore, attention should be directed towards the report from the committee established to examine the relationship between Parliament and the Provincial Councils, as well as the report from the Sub-Committee on Centre Periphery Relations……..

“Today, I present my proposals and forthcoming actions concerning the 13th Amendment and the devolution of powers to this esteemed House. I urge a thorough examination of these suggestions. I invite you to contribute your ideas as well. Taking all these viewpoints into careful consideration, the responsibility of arriving at the final decision regarding the role and future of provincial councils rests solely with this honourable council (sic).”  Note: The reference is to Parliament. “What characterises modern democracies? The establishment of decentralised governance as opposed to devolution. Devolution of power serves to bring political, economic, social, and cultural matters closer to the people. This goal is pursued using diverse methods in different nations across the globe. Decentralisation is recognised as a pathway to achieving a form of direct democracy. While no governmental system can fully transition to a direct democracy where all citizens gather to make decisions, it’s feasible to construct an institutional framework that facilitates people’s participation and their expression of will in political, economic, and social processes.

“The provincial council system serves as one such framework that brings power to the people. Furthermore, we recently initiated several other strategies to empower the populace. We have bolstered sectoral committees and fostered youth involvement for this purpose. Concurrently, efforts are underway to establish public assemblies, aiming to involve citizens in grassroots governance. The Janasabha Secretariat has been launched, and once model assemblies are established, we advance the Assembly Act. Considering these advancements, I believe our focus should be on devising methods and strategies to further empower the people through provincial councils. By doing so, we can transform provincial councils into institutions that safeguard national unity.

“In recent years, numerous committees associated with Parliament have produced several documents that thoroughly examine the subject of provincial councils and their prospective trajectory. Among these documents is the interim report released on September 21, 2017, by the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Council of Sri Lanka, under my leadership. Importantly, all parties represented within Parliament endorsed the recommendations outlined in this interim report. The interim report offers recommendations concerning amendments to Articles 3, 4, and 5 of the Constitution. We are now bringing forward these proposed constitutional amendments for consideration by Parliament….”

The ‘special statement’ which runs into 15 pages also incorporates the proposals President Wickremesinghe made before meetings of the party leaders on two different occasions. One is made up of 15 pages and the other 16. Since, his proposals will come for discussion before leaders of political parties represented in Parliament, the critical question is how the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), whose government Wickremesinghe leads, will respond to them. The main opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) has taken up the position that Provincial Council elections should be held before any reforms are considered. Its General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said, “We are in favour of devolution and the 13th Amendment. However, we do not want them to be used as smokescreens to delay elections.”

The ruling SLPP is yet to react officially. At least one formidable faction is opposed to the move on the grounds that it did not cover President Wickremesinghe’s mandate. The claim is that he had been elected by Parliament to complete his predecessor’s term which did not have a public endorsement to broaden the concept of PCs.

However, there is a segment that has remained in favour of President Wickremesinghe supporting his economic initiatives. How they would respond remains to be seen. Other than that, several organisations, including those representing the clergy, are preparing themselves to protest. President Wickremesinghe’s proposals, like those of other political parties, will come up for discussion at a meeting of political parties represented in Parliament. Thereafter, a final set of proposals will have to come before the House for final approval.

No-faith motion against Rambukwella

Another matter of concern for the main opposition SJB is the vote of no confidence against Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella over the present crisis in the health sector where urgently needed medicine has been unavailable or in short supply. At Wednesday’s sittings of Parliament, President Wickremesinghe sprung a surprise on the SJB by offering to debate the motion last Thursday, Friday and even Saturday. He charged that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa was not keen on pursuing the matter. Premadasa, however, responded that the opposition first wanted to debate the case of plantation workers, due for that day, and take three days thereafter at a future sitting to discuss the no-confidence motion.

SJB parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar said yesterday that their members have begun a campaign on Thursday to create more public awareness of the no-confidence motion. “We protested outside the Ministry of Health and will continue our campaign. We are also collecting signatures to a petition addressed to the President about the present situation in the state health sector where shortage of medicines persists. We have reason to believe large-scale corruption and the import of poor-quality medicinal drugs have become rampant. Sittings of Parliament this week saw Health Minister Rambukwella talking to parliamentary colleagues to seek their support when the motion is taken up for debate. The motion, in the name of 46 opposition MPs states:

“Whereas solutions have not been put forward so far for the crisis that has arisen in the health sector at present;

“And whereas the opinion of the experts is that most of the sorrowful incidents that are reported from hospitals day by day are deaths and impairments caused due to the use of drugs which are either substandard or low in quality;

“And whereas he is accountable as the Minister of Health for not duly appointing the Board of Directors of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, for the importing of low quality drugs, for the importing of drugs deviating from the tender procedure, for the importing of drugs at exorbitant prices, for the scarcity of essential drugs and shortage of laboratory equipment in the hospital system and for the purchasing of unregistered drugs on the pretext of emergency purchases thereby resulting in deaths and impairments due to their use;

“And whereas the Minister of Health has neglected to duly regulate the process of importing drugs to this country in a manner not inconsistent with the guiding principles of State Policy stipulated in Article 27 of the Constitution regardless of the fact that the government is bound to uphold the Principles therein;

“And whereas the Minister has acted ruining the safe health service available for people, thereby breaching the pledge he has given in terms of Article 53 of the Constitution;  “And whereas the Minister has neglected his fundamental duties required by Article 28 of the Constitution and people have to pay the price of his irresponsible conduct with their lives;

“That this Parliament resolves that it has no confidence in the competence of Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Health, to function as a Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers any longer.”

The motion is in the names of opposition parliamentarians Sajith Premadasa, R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara,  Lakshman Kiriella, Rajitha Senarathne, Kumara Welgama, Chandima Weerakkody,  M. S. Thowfeek, Imran Maharoof, Hesha Withanage, Selvarajah Kajendren, Chaminda Wijesiri, Velu Kumar, Gayantha Karunatilleka, Ashok Abeysinghe, Kabir Hashim, Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana, Thushara Indunil Amarasena, Kins Nelson, Waruna Liyanage,  Patali Champika Ranawaka,  W. H. M. Dharmasena, V. Radhakrishnan,  S. M. Marikkar, Harshana Rajakaruna Wasantha Yapabandara, Eran Wickramaratne,  Harsha de Silva, Niroshan Perera,  Buddhika Pathirana,  J. C. Alawathuwala, Jayarathna Herath,  K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Nalin Bandara Jayam Aha, Dilip Wedaarachchi,  Thalatha Athukorala, Ishak Rahuman, Ajith Mannapperuma, . Hector Appuhamy, Mayantha Dissanayake,  Rohana Bandara,  Mano Ganesan, Vijitha Herath, M. Udayakumar, Harini Amarasuriya and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka.

Asked whether there was any reluctance on the part of the opposition not to go ahead with the motion early, having made urgent demands for it, SJB General Secretary Ranjit Madduma Bandara replied, “We would not work according to the government’s agenda. We have our own agenda. Therefore, we would debate the no-confidence motion according to our agenda. We plan to have the debate on the first parliamentary sitting week of September. We already have the support of the opposition. We must see how government members will respond to what we will reveal during the debate.”

In another development, the government averted a serious political crisis when a cabinet minister threatened to resign. The reason – a move by the Presidential Secretariat to name a new Secretary to his Ministry after the incumbent had reached the age of 60, the limit allowed for these officers. When the request by the official for a further extension was declined, the Minister concerned intervened. He insisted that a further extension would have to be given to him since that was the official who knew the subject. Otherwise, he warned that he would immediately tender his resignation. Such a resignation by the Minister would have triggered a crisis not only in the Cabinet of Ministers but also created issues in a key region where the Minister had undertaken several projects.

The Presidential Secretariat has now declared that all Secretaries due to retire would be allowed to continue in office until December 31. Thereafter, there would be no extensions of service to those who have reached the age of 60.

President Wickremesinghe’s new proposals to broaden the role of the Provincial Councils would no doubt be a focal point in the government’s decentralisation project. It will allow parliamentarians to contest PCs, raise women’s representation to 25% or higher and Advisory Councils to guide governors; and PCs are no doubt new milestones. With their current strength in Parliament, the SLPP government will be able to overcome the no-confidence vote on Minister Rambukwella. Nevertheless, the opposition parties are armed with some alarming details of shortcomings in the health sector, which they say has become a den of corruption.