⦁ ‘Yuan Wang 5’ docks in Hambantota on 16th -22nd.
⦁ Loosing GSP+ imminent!
⦁ Will China completely withdraw from the debt restructuring negotiations!
Last week, through the ‘State Secrets’ column, we took steps to make an extraordinary revelation about the Chinese spy ship ‘Yuan Wang 5’, which was the most serious diplomatic crisis that Sri Lanka has faced in recent times. In a background where no media wanted to talk about this or did not report anything about the Chinese ship for other reasons, we took steps to write down all the information and the international opposition raised against it one by one for our ‘state secrets’ readers.
There we said that India and USA are very disturbed because of this Chinese ship, and had taken steps to officially inform the government of sri Lanka about their objection. In particular, we reported that Indian High Commissioner Mr. Gopal Bagle and American Ambassador Julie Chung have officially informed their objection to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that they even met President Ranil Wickremesinghe and expressed their objection in person.
Last week we also reported that the President had informed Mrs. Julie Chung to present the necessary reasons why the ship should be stopped its arrival to sri Lanka where the atmosphere was created for its arrival on Thursday the 11th.
Accordingly, by last weekend, the American ambassador took steps to report Ranil’s response to the US State Department. There she informed that if the Chinese ship wants to be stopped or if it is opposed to its arrival, the President will ask what the reasons are.
Along with this notification, the US State Department sent Chung a top secret report last weekend containing all the information regarding the Yuan Wang 5 ship. In this report, which consisted of many pages, the United States had taken steps to include all the facts about the type of the Chinese ship in question, and tasks it can perform, etc.
As soon as she received this report, Chung took steps to hold another face-to-face discussion with the President. There, the ambassador has handed over the relevant report to the President and unofficially informed the President that if the ship comes to Sri Lanka, many serious issues will arise from the US side.
However, while India and the United States have launched a huge behind-the-scenes battle against the arrival of the Chinese ship, China has not stood idly . Especially when Sri Lanka is currently facing the most serious economic crisis in its history, the International Monetary Fund and Mrs. Samantha Power, who is the head of the IMF, informed Sri Lanka that in order to get the support of the IMF, Sri Lanka must first take steps to restructure the loans given by China.
Otherwise, the Financial Fund had taken steps to formally inform Sri Lanka that the Financial Fund’s support would not be provided to Sri Lanka. Accordingly, in order to obtain the support of the Financial Fund, which was the only remaining option, Sri Lanka must negotiate with China and take measures to extend the repayment period of the loans taken so far.
Yuan Wang 5
However, based on the current situation regarding the Wang 5 ship, if the Chinese ship’s voyage to Sri Lanka is stopped, there is a risk that China will completely withdraw from the debt restructuring negotiations. Moreover, it is certain that China will completely end the support provided to Sri Lanka. If that happens, not only the money to be received from the financial fund will be lost, but also it will become very difficult to find a solution to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in the absence of Chinese support.
Accordingly, the Sri Lanka’s Chinese Ambassador , Mr. Kee Shenhong, met the President on two occasions and took steps to discuss about the Wang 5 ship’s schedule arrival . During those discussions, the Chinese ambassador had pointed out to the President that the Chinese ship left China because of the permission issued by Sri Lanka to enter its harbour, and that it has been sailing for almost a month without stopping at any port, and because of that, the ship needs to get fuel and food for the sailors.
That this ship is coming to Hambantota port based on extremely humanitarian reasons. There is news that the president has also taken steps to inform the Chinese ambassador about the issues that have arisen because of the Chinese ship.
However, under this situation, it has been reported to us that a very serious red light has been issued to the government from the Chinese side. That red light is that if Sri Lanka takes steps to prevent the passage of the Chinese ship to Sri Lanka due to the influence of India and USA, it will seriously affect the Sino-Sri Lanka relations for a lifetime.
Despite this serious red light issued by China, Sri Lanka finally decided to suspend the voyage of the Wang 5 ship to Sri Lanka. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had taken steps to inform China about that and in that message it was said that steps should be taken to delay the journey of the Chinese ship to Sri Lanka.
China was not idling with this response of Sri Lanka. Taking steps to respond immediately, China took steps to suspend all Chinese social media support for a massive publicity program that was to be carried out in China regarding Sri Lanka’s tourism industry this week. In the past, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry reserve a big quota for Chinese tourists.
This decision taken by China in the face of the emerging crisis said that China has already made an unofficial decision not to allow its tourists to go to Sri Lanka. If so, it will undoubtedly deal a serious blow to Sri Lanka’s economy in another angle.
On the other hand, the Chinese ship had also prepared its route facing Sri Lanka by last Thursday without changing its course. Once the Sri Lankan government notified the ship to suspend its journey, the ship increased its speed and took steps to move towards Sri Lanka. But at the same time, many countries were greatly disturbed and reacted against it, and now it was also observed the ship in question took steps to slow down its speed.
According to this, as of last Thursday, this ship could be seen moving up and down at a very gentle speed on the mountain range on the seabed called ‘Ninety East Ridge’, which is located near the east of Sri Lanka.
However, whether this ship has arrived in Sri Lanka or not, Sri Lanka will have to face a number of national and international problems based on the ship. Right now, India has a grudge against us due to allowing the Chinese ship to come to Hambantota. When no other country helped Sri Lanka during the recent difficult period, India took steps to provide a credit facility of nearly 4 billion dollars to Sri Lanka to get fuel, food and medicine.
But knowing that India will protest regardless of that, the government has taken steps to put India in some trouble by allowing the Chinese ship to come to Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, it can be seen that the UMBW, which is jointly established by India, America, Japan and Australia based on a number of issues including monitoring Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean, is also under some agitation through this incident. In particular, the United States officially informed the Sri Lankan government of its opposition as a result.
In addition, China is now angry because of the inadequacy of allowing the Chinese ship to arrive and then changing it. Accordingly, knowingly or unknowingly, by giving permission to the Chinese ship to come to Sri Lanka, it can be seen that Sri Lanka has dragged themselves in to a conflict among 3 countries.
So who allowed this Chinese ship to come to Sri Lanka? What is the reason for this ship’s arrival? Was it allowed by the government of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa? Or from Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe’s government? Was the ship’s ‘Catalogue’ or the data containing its information not checked while giving permission to the ship? Was the proper procedure followed in approving the ship? Or was it a conspiracy to allow the ship to arrive?
A number of serious issues have arisen in the face of the country at this time, such as whether an investigation will be carried out etc.
Here, some parties say that they have requested permission to come to this ship through an ordinary letter, and permission has been given at the lower level of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But the problem is whether such a step can be adopted in the case of such a ship.
EU’s warning
In the midst of all this, last Wednesday, a special group came to the President’s Secretariat to meet the President. Those are the ambassadors of the countries belonging to the European Commission.
These ambassadors had come to meet Ranil with some serious warnings to the government. Especially in the discussion they had with Ranil, they took steps to express their displeasure to the government regarding the arrest of the activists including the attack on the peaceful activists of ‘Gota Go’ village. It has been learned that the ambassadors of the European Commission have exchanged views with Ranil on the importance of protecting civil and human rights and above all freedom of expression and the right to dissent.
Also, the European ambassadors have taken steps to remind on 3 points. a), G.S.P. Plus relief, 2) getting support from the International Monetary Fund and the 3) Geneva Human Rights Commission are the 3 things. G.S.P. Sri Lanka is entitled to the Plus concession under the direct contribution and approval of the European Commission.
Also, the support of the European Commission is essential to get the support of the International Monetary Fund. Because the European Commission also has a decision-making power in the voting on whether to provide economic support to Sri Lanka. On the other hand, there is a risk of passing a resolution against Sri Lanka at the Geneva Human Rights Conference this time. There, too, the European Commission has the ability to play a big role.
Accordingly, in this discussion, the European Commission has informed the government that if the government continues to interfere with the freedom of expression of the people, GSP will be withdrawn. A serious question arises regarding the provision of the Commission’s support to Sri Lanka in all the three topics namely Plus, Financial Fund and Geneva. Accordingly, as ‘one after the another crisis’ in the face of a severe financial crisis, it has been seen that Sri Lanka has now had to collide with the international community.
Government party meeting
In the meantime, the news related to the Chinese ship had become a major topic in the meeting of the ruling party’s parliamentary group chaired by the President last Monday. At the beginning of the meeting, Sarath Weerasekera questioned Ranil about it and said that permission should be given to the Chinese ship to come to Sri Lanka, and if such a thing is done in the face of Indian opposition, it would not be acceptable.
We remember what India did to us in ’87. They sent the Indian army. India came from above and dropped lentils in Jaffna. In this way, India cannot be allowed to do whatever it wants. We need to let the Chinese ship in. China has been with us since then. Therefore, we have to make decisions as we want without taking decisions as every other one says…’ when Sarath Weerasekera said this , Ranil could be seen replying with a bit of displeasure. Accordingly, Ranil gave a salutary answer and said that the countries should not be angered and work should be done at this time.
Suren Raghavan came out with a strange story. Raghavan said that since Hambantota port belongs to China, China can bring its ships to it at any time. But former President Mahinda, who was immediately disturbed by Raghavan’s strange story, said that it was completely wrong.
No, no… Hambantota port has not been given to China for free. It is only leased to China. When Mahinda said that they can’t bring ships to Hambantota whenever they want…’, Ranil also approved and informed Raghvan to withdraw that statement immediately. Accordingly, Raghavan took steps to withdraw his statement.
However, Pramita Bandara Thennakoon asked who paved the way for such a diplomatic crisis to emerge. By whom and when was this ship authorized to arrive? Foreign Minister Ali Sabri replied. Sabri said that permission was requested for the ship on July 12, and permission was granted on July 14. Sabri said there that permission has been given at the lower level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. Again, Pramitha was questioning about allowing such a ship to come within those few days when the country was on fire, but he did not get a proper answer.
After that, the MPs asked Ranil about the struggle that had been widely advertised to be held on the 9th. There, Ranil said that he does not think that there will be large protests as happened in the past months, and according to the information he has received, the JVP and the ‘vanguards’ have organized a protest march from the Viharamaha Devi Garden to the Independence Square.
When Ranil mentioned to the group about a plan by the JVP and the vanguards to trap him and how his wife Maithree Wickramasinghe avoided it, it was seen that the group of MPs were impatient to know about it.
‘No, . Both J.V.P and the ‘frontliners’ are ready to trap me. Maitri and I were in two places that day. I was getting ready to go to the meeting. While getting ready, Maitri called me twice and asked me to come to the place where she was at that time. I prepared to go to the meeting without caring too much about it. But for the third time, Maithri called and told him to come where she was in a little more urgently. That time I stopped going to the meeting and went to see Maithri. It prevented me from being trapped by JVP. So I tell these MPs that even if they don’t always listen to the ladies, if the ladies say it a little too often, they should listen to it…’ when Ranil said, everyone laughed in unison.
Special court to try MP Amarakirthi’s Murder
After that, the topic of discussion was about the Amarakirthi Athukorala MP who was murdered on May 9th. There, some MPs asked Ranil to set up a special court to hear and finish Amarakirthi’s case as soon as possible. There, Ranil said that he would appoint a three-member panel for the trial of Amarakirthi, and also appoint a three-member panel to investigate not only Amarakirthi’s but also the attack on Kumar Welgama MP.
After that, the MPs inquired about the compensation given to Mr. Amarakirthi’s family. Ranil replied that a substantial compensation should be given to the Amarakirti family, which will be decided and approved by the cabinet. Also, Ranil informed the group of Pohottu MPs that even if it is not necessary, the compensation amount will be submitted to the Parliament and approval will be obtained from it.
After that, the progress of the talks regarding the creation of an all-party government was discussed. Ranil did not know that JVP had initially said that he would come to this discussion, but later a letter had been sent to him refusing to join the all-party talks. Accordingly, Ranil commented from the position of negotiating with the JVP.
‘I discussed with Samagi Jana Balavega. Some people there want to come to an all-party government. Some people don’t like it. I am ready to talk with other parties. JVP will meet tomorrow. Then we can make a final decision about it next week. In any case, when you guys talk in the parliament this week, put pressure on SJB and talk so that they feel like joining the all-party government…’ Ranil also gave advice to the Pohottu group.
However, immediately after the meeting of the Manthi group, the information about the letter sent by the JVP rejecting the negotiations came to be known. The state secret column has heard that JVP has been strongly influenced not to participate in the discussions while looking for information about it. However, Ranil, who was immediately disturbed by this news, called the JVP and inquired about it. It is not appropriate for us to meet at such a time. That’s why these are postponed…’
Dissolving the parliament ?
Last week, we had reported the information that the President was preparing to dissolve Parliament through the ‘State Secrets’ Column. There we pointed out that by next March, the President will have the power to dissolve the Parliament, and accordingly, the President is preparing to dissolve the Parliament and hold a general election. Accordingly, as of last week, knowing this fact or not, the JVP has now planned to launch a massive campaign within the country to demand a general election. They have also planned to launch it under the hashtag
In addition to this, Ranil’s speech about the general election was also seen to be greatly disturbed many last week. The reason for this was that Ranil had made a promise that a general election would not be held for two and a half years, among the promises he made to Pohottuwa to become president. But when it was heard that Ranil had decided to break it and go for an emergency general election, it was seen that the Pohottu councilors were very disturbed.
However, this agitation was also seen in the group of ruling party MPs. It was said in a big whisper that spread among the members that Mr. Wijedasa Rajapakse had made a ‘little bend’ to get a quick vote through one of the clauses of the 20th amendment to be brought. Several lawyers were of the opinion that under that section, the president can get a chance to dissolve the parliament.
They had pointed out that there was a small knot in this amendment that the parliament could be dissolved before the 22nd amendment came into effect. Accordingly, several MPs discussed that through this article, the President will have the opportunity to make a plan to go to an emergency general election. It was also seen how some MPs expressed their frustration in this regard.
The President gave us a promise that he will not go to an emergency general election. But if he is preparing to go to the polls at the time when the 20th amendment to be presented , I will not raise my hand for that .We are bringing amendments to it. We will raise our hand to 20 only if our amendments are accepted,’ said the member.
Meanwhile, there was an exchange of views between the MPs regarding the cabinet to be appointed in the future. One of the MPs pointed out that Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Johnston Fernando and Mahindananda Aluthgamage from the Pohottuwa side are already tipped to get the positions of Cabinet Ministers. It was also said that their names have already been sent to the President from the side of Pohottuwa.
It was also discussed that a group of Pohottuwa MPs had met the President last week and asked for the posts of State Ministers. A member of parliament also said that the president has declared that he is ready to offer them the positions of cabinet ministers and not the positions of state ministers.
In addition to all this, last week we revealed another special fact to the country through the ‘State Secrets’ column. It is about Pohottuwa and UNP contesting the upcoming general elections together. We said that when Ranil came to Kandy, the UNP party members were called to the Presidential house, where the President put this matter before the UNP party members for the first time.
However, this fact that we revealed was confirmed in a television program held last week with the participation of UNP General Secretary Range Bandara and Pohottu General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam. That was with Range Bandara making a public statement about it. Range said that the two parties reached an agreement at the historic Presidential Palace in Kandy to unite Pohottuwa and the United National Party. Range said that the agreement was similar to the Upland Agreement signed in 1815. But it was seen that Range had forgotten that the 1815 Kandyan Agreement was a betrayal to wipe up the country.
SJB Parliamentarian meeting
Last week, the parliamentary group meeting of Samagi Jana Balawega was held at the opposition leader’s office. There, special attention was paid to the President’s inauguration speech, and the stance that the United People’s Force should take in the related debate was discussed at length.
‘The country fell into such a serious situation because of the wrong policies taken by the previous government. No one can deny it. Everyone in this country does not need to be responsible for that…’ said Rajitha.
The President has called to join an all-party program. Everyone should remember that it is not an all-party government. At this time, the people of the country do not like the dramas that are being made by taking positions. We will give our full support to an all-party programme…’ General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara said.
Yes, the executive committee system of the parliament should be strengthened. It should also be transformed into a powerful work force. Without that, an all-party program will not succeed.’ was Sajitha’s position.
After that, Dr. Harsha de Silva stood up. Harsha said that some people are spreading false rumors that he will join the government and there is no truth in those rumors’.
‘I don’t do double work. When you speak from your heart, someone can take it wrong. But we will never go to the government from the party. We agree with the leader. But we have to work for our country. We all have to do it together. I am not talking about getting government minister positions. We will come together to build this country through a strong committee system.
Not only that, the government does not have a referendum. The government is trying to hold on to the public opinion artificially. The only thing that needs to be done is to hold a vote very soon. Through that, a new referendum must be reached…’ said Harsha.
After that, Harsha drew attention to a news item published in a newspaper.
A statement made by our Minister Tissa Attanayake regarding privatization has been published in a newspaper. It is said that we are totally against privatization. As a party, when we issue statements related to economic matters, we issue statements after discussions…’ said Harsha.
Minister Harsha, what I actually said is not what is in the newspapers.
But when I read the report, there is what I meant…’ Tissa said.
‘Sometimes, some media use quotes the way they want. Of course, the CIA system is in many media. Don’t take them too seriously. Let’s do our program with the people of this country…’ Sajith said.
‘They are very good at tricks like that. Some people said that they voted for Ranil in the election to choose the president. They were planted as news. What really happened, none of us voted for them. What to do now? Now they say our people are going there. It would have been good for the government to plant lies like that at that time. But it will not be good for the country…’
Gayanta Karunathilaka said. ‘There is a contradiction between the distortion of skulls inside the parliament and the public opinion outside. It can be taken care of in an election. Let’s work for it…’ said Sajith.
Silent protest by SJB
Opposite to the entrance of Parliament on the 9th, members of Samagi Jana Balavega held a silent protest. It is demanding for the state repression to be stopped and emergency law to be lifted.
Sajith said that there is doubt as to whether the government is working to fill the jails of this country with youth on the occasion of the upcoming International Youth Day on the twelfth, and said that this repression by the government should be stopped immediately. Sajith said that he strongly condemns the government’s repression and state militia, Samagi Jana Balavega and Samagi Jana Sanandhan, and said that the hand behind the mysterious disappearance of the youth should be revealed.
The leader of the opposition said that the emergency law implemented by the government should be abolished immediately and the country should be restored to normal law.
Sajith said that it was unanimously decided to propose to the government to establish an executive committee system that should be newly established in the parliament for the joint program to build the all-party country.
By Special correspondent