      |
||
|
|
||
|
Morning Spice by Ginger
Sri Lanka could produce crystal glassThe other day I was talking to a former sec of Industries. I thought he had come for the anniversary of Noritake which he was mainly responsible for setting up. It was he if I was not mistaken who did much of the spade work behind the noritake project which included inducing the Japanese participant to come into the project strangely enough he had not come for the celebrations but for his son’s wedding, he was happy, however that the establishment had reached its present dimensions and its palpable signs of viability.
He however was not quite so happy and neither was Ginger that the cut or crystal glass venture he had proposed had not come off. The foreign expert who was here on a fact finding mission was confident that Sri Lanka could produce the best crystal glass in the world. That was because he was confident that Sri Lanka had the best Silica sand in the world and the skills of our workers also matched that of their counterparts elsewhere. Mr. Weeraratne’s main lament was that we abandoned the sheet glass project where China had promised the machinery gratis. Ginger has always been baffled by our failure to go for industries where the raw materials are available here. We should have made bigger strides where our rubber industries are concerned as well.
Erythropoitin drug
If you are going to climb mountains or take part in some Marathon the best thing you could take to help you keep on going is Erythropoitin (EPO). This drug is very popular among cyclists who are on so called National tours where they cycle through the major extent of some country or other.EPO is really a natural protein that helps produce red cells which carry the needed oxygen on these contests which need a lot of wind which is what determines your staying power. You have to be careful however not to take too much of it because it could make your blood gelatinous thus making your heart work harder and straining it.
Looking for holiday resort?
Now if you are really looking for a place where you would want to be away from it all and still be in Asia where would you pick on. Would it be the Maldives, some outlandish, Thai or Malaysian holiday resort? There is one little resort that is getting quite a name these days.Tiny little Guam which really is US Territory offers tourist quite a deal. It has first class hotel accommodation, a magical adventure zone water park Dolphin watching and a whole heap of facilities. The Guam territory is just three hours flight from Japan or Taiwan and shopping is duty free. The great thing is the quiet and peace you enjoy.
Readers of Dr. J. B. Kelegama’s letter under the heading "Fast Track Trade Liberalisation with India" will no doubt realise the implications and will wonder about the fast track and how this could be a one way track for the local industrialist and farmers.
The SMRC trade liberalisation and its pluses and minuses have been very clearly explained by Dr. Kelegama.
Actually how will the agreement work?
It is very good to have good relations and bilateral agreements with our giant neighbour. It is the largest market in the region. That was why old and new shopkeepers turned a blind eye when Indian’s sent food parcels etc. and violated our airspace.
In this modern world, markets are more important than principles and values. Be that as it may, the experts who have been extolling the virtues of SAFTA and SMRC and the Fast Track have given serious thought to the actual working of the proposed and agreed two way trade? Will there be two way trade?
We produce and/or manufacture all that is done in India! Except for agricultural products like Tea, Rubber, Coconut and the traditional items and our graphite, Mica, Gems the other items like potatoes, onions, rice etc. are heavily dependent on imported fertiliser and this sends up the price. In India the cost of production is much less and is in the region of one fourth of our cost in some cases.
Thank God, India consumes almost all the tea they produce! If not where will "Ceylon Tea" be?
If the Free Fast Track import of agricultural produce is implemented, i.e. they are not in our "negative list" about 50,000 farmer families have to be treated as refugees and put on the dole!
Let us look at the Garment Trade. Are we second to anybody in this region on quality, productivity and technology? Middle Eastern countries and Bangladesh consider Sri Lanka to be leading in garment production and recruit Sri Lankans from Asst. Production Managers and upward. Foreign Buyers consider it is worth paying a premium to get their orders manufactured here!
Garment Exporters Associations who lobbied to get the import duty on Fabric zero rated from 35% would have had case to do so! Yes, we do not have a good raw material (Textile Fabric) base in order to successfully face the challenges of quota free trade in the near future, where quick turn around period, small minimum order quantities are going to be the name of the game. Very large percentage of inputs of the garments exported by us are imported. Is this the case with India?
They are self sufficient as far as all the necessary raw material inputs are concerned. On top of this, the Indian garment exporter enjoys 17% rebate on its exports.
Another expressed aim of the Associations of the Apparel Exporters in canvassing for zero rating of duty on textile imports, is to make Sri Lanka a Centre for made up garments like Indonesia and Bangkok today, and draw the buyers from Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa, Middle East (and why not India!) to Colombo! Currently they are shopping in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Indonesia the Philippines and China.
This is perfect logic. This will bring indirect benefits to the country by boosting the flagging tourist industry and also rejuvenating the cottage industries.
But what did the Government do? Instead of limiting the lowering of tariff to the import of textile fabric, they reduced the import duty of ready made garments from 35% to 10%. How on earth will this help our garment industry?, Be it export oriented or domestic market oriented. Will this help reduce the unemployment problem!
On the other hand, who asked for it? Is it not like a man who is purging, eating buriyani?
Can the domestic rag trade which is dependent 100% on imported raw materials compete with other manufacturers in the region having only a tariff protection of 10%. Wages in Sri Lanka are the highest in the region. Yes we may have a slight edge in productivity but is it sufficient to counter very low wages, Electricity costs? Additionally, Indian exporter enjoys a benefit of a draw back of 17% of the value of export of garments.
Is the made up Garments in our "negative list"? Textile is already in India’s negative list! Does "Textiles" include made ups? If yes, this means our market will be inundated with Readymade garments imported from India, making the Fast Track Trade Liberalisation, a Fast Track Destruction of Manufacturers of Garments to the domestic market. Good bye Velona! Good bye Harrods! Good bye Candy! Good bye Polo! Good bye Emerald! Good bye DGI ! Good bye Wear-well! Good bye tens of thousands of Cottage industrialist making Garments! And the Indian exporter will receive a reward of 17% for doing this!
If the import duty rate is not restored to the pre 1997 Budget rate of 35% or not kept at the higher band in today’s context, let alone making the Garment Exporters Association dream of shaping the small time manufacturers to become exporters, this will be the last nail on the coffin of the manufacturers of garments to the domestic market!
The Ministry of Trade and Foreign Affairs have spared no pain to get the agreement off the ground. But will the Ministry of Industrial Development endorse the one way fast track as it definitely be one way track. For whom the bell tolls, its for thee! !
Our people like imported goods and if the imported items are good as the local stuff, and is cheaper, it will only be the insane who will think of patriotism and buy local.
It is the people in the know and guys who are experts who begin everything that is harmful to the Lankans!
There is so much to be done to uplift the local manufacturer/exporter. Is the government doing anything about it? What has happened to the Export Development Bank which has been coming for a considerable period of time? The government has failed the industrialist in this regard. What the industrialist need is convenient export credit at low cost, and quickly help the local entrepreneurs. Not suicide missions, inviting the wolf to the hens house!
What is the point of having a large market when we do not have the means and advantages to cater to that market. The government shackles the local entrepreneurs and requests them to dance with foreign exporters. Are we not putting the cart before the bull?
Sri Lankan industrialists may be the only in their lot in the world, to be so exposed to challenges of such competition with no govt. protection, support or at least, recognition!
How can we compete with others who enjoy some kind of protection be it tariff, non-tariff, rebates, drawbacks etc. etc..
The world accepts that we make very good garments. Our ceramic and porcelain tiles and crockery can beat anybody from this region, our cement is of higher standards, our asbestos sheets are of very good quality in comparison, our furniture manufacturing was a pride to the nation. But all in vain!
All efforts put into make these world standards are in vain with people who worship "Imported (Rata) Badu"" and with governments who’s policies always run against national interests. So much so that our Industrial and Trade Policies are now being "Imported"!
Anichchawata Sankara and RIP local industries!!!!
A. F. M. Ikram
Dehiwala
It is now quite clear to the whole country that the PA and UNP have turned the NWP election theatre into a well organised battlefield for the purpose of snatching the free vote of the public by creating a fear psychosis among them. Although both parties should take the full responsibility for this situation, the PA being the party in power no doubt is playing the bigger role. They have unleashed their wild beasts in ministerial cloaks to roam the electorate freely.
Even the policing of the area is forcibly taken over by these wild animals. PA hierarchy is blind, deaf and dumb to this despicable conduct of their so called public representatives, which means the leadership does not want to stop this. All this is happening because both these major parties are well aware that the public have no confidence in them anymore. People know that both these groups have cheated them for fifty long years taking their turns. People are well aware that both groups will stoop down to the lowest level possible to get power and to hold on to it, no matter what happens to the people and the country. Past histories of these two groups are full of evidence to prove it.
The electors of NWP can teach a good lesson to both these political groups by totally rejecting them at the forthcoming polls. By doing this the voters can show these deranged politicians that the public have had enough of this nonsense.
That is the only possible means by which the public can effectively bring in some sense to these sick politicians. Whether you put the PA or the UNP in power this time we all know that we are asking for more and more violence at the next election. Therefore I think it is well worth giving it a try.
A. D. Dharmakirti
Pannipitiya
We are almost on the 50th milestone on freedom’s road, but if we pause to take stock of our achievements, we have nothing substantial to our credit of which we can really boast of
While other countries are making giant strides of progress politically, socially, economically, and in so many other fields, we are only marching back to the bullock-cart stage with vanity, pride and infantile complex.
One such glaring example is that in India and seven other Western countries which I visited during the recent past, the validity of a Passport is for a period of ten years from the date of issue, but in Sri-Lanka it is only for 5 years.
Thereafter, the Passport holder has to get it renewed for a further period of 5 years paying a certain some of money. This procedure is something quite unnecessary and unwanted causing only additional work to the authorities concerned, apart from wasting the Passport holders precious time, money and energy. Why cannot the passports straight away be issued for the full period of 10 years once and for all:
It is sincerely and earnestly hoped that Sri-Lanka will follow suit or fall-in-line with the policy of those progressive and advanced countries in the world, as otherwise the old Adage "The old order changeth yielding place to new" will lose its meaning burying it in the labyrinth of deep oblivion:
M. R. Bunny
AIB (London)
Mahindapala’s attacks on Hinduism
I respond to Mr. Mahindapala’s article "Turning a blind eye to Jaffna" that appeared in the Island newspaper of 10 December, 1998. Mahindapala erroneously attributes the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka to the exaggerated social inequities in the Hindu society of the Jaffna peninsula and makes the mistake of viewing Jaffna society through a static lens.
Hinduism, like every other religion, has had its share of social problems. However, it has positive and redeeming features as well, such as its inclusivist and tolerant approach to life. Hinduism is noted for its rich traditions of philosophy, empiricism, science, medicine, art and architecture. It is an old civilization renowned for its intellectual accommodation and broad-mindedness. In more recent times, Hindu society has produced outstanding social reformers and thinkers such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Vivekananda, Vinobha Bhave and the Sri Lankan sage, Yoga Swami.
The recent extreme actions of renegade groups in India, such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, in response to a concerted agenda of Christian conversions amongst the poor, violate the tolerant Hindu ethos. This is unfortunate.
Medieval Jaffna society was indeed oppressive and hierarchical. Nevertheless, the identical situation prevailed in pre-revolutionary France, pre-civil war United States, pre-Bolshevik Russia, pre-Communist Tibet and pre-independence Mexico. Religion sanctioned and legitimized the exploitation of serf labour in these agrarian societies. The oppression of the poor existed in most pre-modern societies. Mahindapala is incorrect to single out Hinduism as a prime cause of social exploitation.
Ethnic problems exist in several countries be it Pakistan, China (Tibet), Malaysia, Sudan, Indonesia, and the United States. The race problem in Sri Lanka is largely due to two simple factors i.e. the perceptions of the majority Sinhalese community that the Sri Lankan polity should reflect their numerical predominance, and the contentions of the Tamil people that they are a people of equal standing in the larger body politic. The Tamils quest for absolute parity of status, regardless of demographics, is much like the Muslim League’s position in pre-partition India.
One solution in Sri Lanka is to emphasize the close ties that link Hinduism and Buddhism. Both religions share the same philosophic concepts such as Karma, Samsara and Moksha. Hindus and Buddhists possess a common calendar and frequently venerate the same gods. Rather than attacking Hinduism, Mahindapala should focus his energies on the strident and secular Tamil nationalism instead.
Mahindapala alleges that the so-called Vellalar leadership in Jaffna "did not create any space for non-racist ideologies to take root". He claims that there was no "political identity in their genes, no liberalism, no socialism, no nothing else for a tolerant democratic personality to emerge from the tortured and agonizing womb of Jaffna". This is a blatant lie.
The Jaffna Youth Congress in the 1930s was a progressive, liberal and socialist movement that sought to unite all Sri Lankans on the pro-independence platform. The Communist Party likewise registered a very strong presence in the Jaffna peninsula until 1956. In fact Samuel James Chelvanayakam, father of Tamil separatism, lost to the Communist party candidate in the Kankesanturai seat in 1952.
Mahindapala writes that in Jaffna, " Vellala fascism was sanctified by the Hindu religion which became the law of the land". He adds that "Vellala fascism and Hindu religion, in short, were inseparable". He also claims that "at the turn of the 19th century, there must have been at least 25,000 slaves in Jaffna". This malicious criticism borders on personal hatred.
The so-called Farmer caste (Vellalars) did dominate Jaffna society and politics until the late 1970s much like the Radala (Farmer caste) did in Kandyan society and politics. Both the Vellalar and the Radala presided over hierarchical and unjust social orders. However, members of the Tamil rebel groups are predominantly non-Farmer caste. The LTTE, like the earlier JVP, largely draws its leadership and ranks from the so-called Fishermen caste. Mahindapala’s characterization of the Tamil rebel movement as Vellalar- inspired is far fetched and incorrect.
Mrs. A. Rajasingham
Dehiwela
Rambling Notes by Nihal Corea
Move to charge bus crew laudableIt was nice to see the traffic police snap into action at least in the verbal sense. It said at last that drivers and conductors would be charged for carrying passengers on the food board. The very threat to prosecute a bus crew needs considerable, fortitude and the police officer who made such an announcement deserves immediate decoration. It was gallantry of the highest order.
Fleshing it all into reality is another matter and there may be cynics who feel that officer has gone and put his foot in his mouth. Bus crews are notorious for not caring two hoots for such rescripts. The writ of the state it must be remembered does not apply to them. They are above the law as they have shown in a number of instances.
What is more, they give a public demonstration of such immunity or authority every minute of the day. Watch a bus making its wayward journey to its destination and try to count how many of the traffic regulations have not been broken in the process. Yet who is there to stop them on their journey through death and destruction. That they enjoy freedom at its fullest is obvious to any one watching the traffic on our roads.
Politically they appear to have more clout than a cabinet minister. A ministerial edict went out that all bus passengrs should be issued with bus tickets from the first of the month. The bus crews decided that no such thing should happen and there it all ended. The ministry got quite some media coverage of its good intentions but the bus crew got the cash.
Now coming back to the issue of the ban on passengers travelling on foot boards and the consequences of doing so it seems evident that the police are rather keen to minimise the number of deaths on the road. It appears that driver conductor and even the passengers on the foot board would be prosecuted. It might be a nice jolly party after all with all three ending up as good friends and so forth.
The fact however is that the public would be a little doubtful whether in actual effect the bus crews would feel the long arm of the law which seems to be rather tightly folded where the traffic offender is concerned. The bus crews would possibly have a huge laugh at such threats. They usually do when there is any talk of getting tough with them.
The law has so far not succeeded in persuading bus crews not to overtake or drive on the wrong side of the road, ignore traffic signals and pedestrian crossings, throw passengers on their faces at halts and so forth. How the police are going to get away with this sabre rattling at the most powerful segment of our society is yet to be seen. We should be thankful for small mercies these days.
Anyway foot board riding is a habit that will die hard in this country. Many people in this country get to their destination by foot board travel and it may not be the ones on buses but the fact remains that it is one of the commonest ways of going places and making others pay for it. So why come down on bus crews only!
Ombudsman
Lanka Bell promise not honouredWith telecommunication companies offering various incentives to prospective clients, I picked Lanka Bell, as I urgently needed a telephone. There were two salient features in their offer. One was the offer of a telephone connection within two weeks, and if they failed to give the connection within that time, they would provide a second telephone free of charge. The other incentive was the offer of easy payment terms through Singer (Sri Lanka) or the Finance Co.
On 12/12/98 I executed a transaction with Singer, Nugegoda complete with down payment, two guarantors and the signing of the bond.
Based on Lanka Bell’s offer to provide a telephone connection in two weeks, I should have had my telephone connection by 26/12/98. However on 24/12/98 as 12 days had passed with no action, I contacted the Manager Singer, who promptly contacted Lanka Bell and communicated to me that a site survey will be carried out within the next two days. This did not happen.
Again on 28/12/98, I contacted the Manager Singer. This time Lanka Bell had claimed that they could not locate the site, and had requested another site sketch to be faxed. This was very strange as my residence is located off the main highway, Lake Road, Boralesgamuwa opposite Ratnayake Rubber Industries, where the name board of Mr. P. J. Semaratne, Attorney-at-law is prominently displayed. In fact I live in the upper floor of Mr. Semaratne’s house. All these details were made available to Lanka Bell, through Singer. Their inability to locate the site of my residence was a lie. The facts of the case, I got to know later was that the site location sketch was lost at Lanka Bell.
Lanka Bell officials had called at my residence on 30/12/98 at 2.35 p.m. after I had waited and left my residence at 1.30 p.m. They had left a note to contact them on 075-377777. As there was no response from 31/12/98 to 3/1/99, I managed to get through to Lanka Bell on 4/1/99. I was promised a site survey on 5/1/99. This was also a non-event, and upto the time of writing this letter 7/1/99, I have had no news at all.
As my episode with Lanka Bell indicated shabby handling of a client, I telephoned 075-375375 and called for the CEO or someone in authority. A male voice said he can help me. I requested utmost despatch in providing my telephone connection, as Lanka Bell had not honoured their pledge of two weeks deadline to provide my telephone connection.
I was flabbergasted when the officer said Lanka Bell holds no guarantee for telephone connections requested through Singer or the Finance. I told the officer concerned if such was the case they should have informed Singer and the Finance. I also indicated to the officer, that I will give due publicity to this kind of fraudulent deal by Lanka Bell and called for the name of the officer. He then cut off the call.
I reported the matter to the Manager Singer who was very annoyed and promptly telephoned Lanka Bell. This time a lady answered and she spoke to me as well, and wanted the name of the officer to whom I had spoken. This I did not know as he disconnected the line.
The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Commission must investigate such instances perpetrated on the unsuspecting public. I await the quality ring, that was promised within two weeks, and of course the second telephone connection I am entitled to by default.
A. G. Talayaratne
Boralasgamuwa
