Clark hands over letter to govt. and 
expects response by Monday

Meets P.B.J, Collure and Lalith at Treasury 
Secretariat on Jan. 2

Emirates not willing to sell 43.6% shares 
for less than USD 150mn

As tensions rise speculation is rife 
Emirates-SriLankan deal doomed to end 

Govt. wants executive power for chairman 
under new deal 

Large number of pilots leave due to uncertainty created by a possible Emirates pull out

Emirates wants new management 
contract for five years

President Rajapakse calls Harry and directs him to resume catering services for Mihin despite huge debt

By Sonali Samarasinghe

Sri Lanka's national carrier remains the centre of intense controversy as President of Emirates, Tim Clark last week arrived in Sri Lanka to discuss the fate of the troubled partnership.

Tim Clark arrived here last Wednesday (2) and handed over a letter containing a business proposal to the Government of Sri Lanka. It is learnt Emirates is expecting a response from the government by tomorrow (7).

Clark was to meet Treasury Secretary P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary Ministry of Aviation Tilak Collure and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga on the evening of January 2 at the Treasury Secretariat where he tabled the letter for consideration.

Despite the hostility following the eviction of SriLankan CEO Peter Hill, the internationally respected Clark did not want Emirates to withdraw from the deal in bad faith, hence the letter containing a set of proposals to resolve the dispute.

The Sunday Leader investigations reveal the letter contained a brief business proposal. Emirates has requested that the existing shareholder agreement continues in its present form with Emirates retaining full powers and 100% management control but for a period of five years as opposed to 10  in the 1998 agreement. 

Double the fleet

Clark has also said he would double the fleet during this period and enhance the SriLankan routes. SriLankan currently has 14 aircraft on commercial dry lease basis.  

However it is unlikely the two major shareholders will come to an agreement with Minister of Aviation and Ports Chamal Rajapakse telling media Friday the government would not renew the SriLankan / Emirates deal if Emirates does not agree to several new conditions laid down by Sri Lanka.

Govt demands

The Sunday Leader investigations reveal that the conditions imposed by the government include two vital changes that would put the government in the pilot's seat.

(1)        The government demands that the chairman of the national carrier who is currently appointed by the GoSL will be an executive chairman with full powers. This would mean he would have full control over executive functions and would not be a figurehead as is the case now.

(2)        The government also demands that the government directors should be actively involved and have a say in all top appointments to senior managerial posts and in the decision making process.

Stop the outsourcing

The other demands include demands made by the unions such as stopping the outsourcing of services and recruiting from within the airline staff to manage counters and offices abroad etcetera.

However the first two demands are contentious in nature and it is unlikely given the contents of Clark's proposal for a further five year run on the existing terms that the two shareholders will come to any agreement.

Be that as it may Clark's letter follows an earlier letter of demand sent by Emirates last week through a Sri Lankan law firm F.J & G. de Saram's requesting the government to reinstate Peter Hill's work permit and resident visa.   

The letter (see box) stated the Government of Sri Lanka has acted illegally and unlawfully and in contravention of the provisions of the shareholders' agreement as well as the Articles of Association of SriLankan Airlines Limited.

The letter also stated that the actions of the government in cancelling the work permit of Peter Hill has caused unquantifiable losses and the losses will continuously and incessantly rise unless the GOSL immediately reverses its decision. (See box for full letter)   

Concerned over allegations

Meanwhile top government sources also told The Sunday Leader Clark was reported to have been concerned over allegations made by the Board of Investment Chairman Dammika Perera that Emirates who have 100% management control over the national carrier was violating the 1998 agreement which envisages a synergic partnership.

Clark had sought a rapprochement of sorts vis-a-vis the BOI and a halt to the allegations. A suggestion it is learnt had also been made to meet with the BOI Chairman Dammika Perera to thrash out the differences.

It was Perera who on December 19 last year cancelled the work permit of SriLankan Airlines CEO Peter Hill and was instrumental in his expulsion from the country. 

Dammika Perera, an astute and street savvy businessman himself, earlier publicly accused Emirates of violating agreements by undercutting SriLankan on pricing on the same routes on which SriLankan code shares with Emirates.

Violation of contract

Perera told The Sunday Leader that Emirates was also in violation of the contract by not appointing SriLankan Airlines the GSA for Emirates in the region and alleged that neither was the frequent flyer programme Skywards conducted in a transparent manner.   

The Emirates 10 year management contract with the government ends March 30 this year and it is unlikely in this atmosphere of hostility widely seen as precipitated by the government and other interested elements, that the agreement will be renewed.

Bracing for a fight

However BOI Chairman Dammika Perera who has been appointed a member of the negotiating team which will seek to renegotiate the agreement in March rejected any finality on the matter saying negotiations will get underway and there were no indications as yet that the government will not renew the contract or otherwise.

Nonetheless that the government is bracing for a fight is obvious. Many in the industry believe that Peter Hill's expulsion is also part of a provocation technique and an over excessive strategy to apply pressure on Emirates to agree to the government's conditions.

Pub owner

Government elements have even taken pictures of CEO in exile Peter Hill's pub, The Constitution in London and distributed among local media in a bid to show Hill is nothing more than a pub owner. Hill took a break from the industry prior to joining SriLankan and purchased a historic old pub in London. However Peter Hill is a respected airline manager and has been in the airline business since he was 17. He is also a pioneering figure in Emirates and has been with the airline since its inception.

Air Cargo News on January 4, said Hill has literally lifted SriLankan airlines up from the ashes having survived all manner of challenges including a terrorist attack in 2001. Hill is also quoted as saying "We have been working for our management contract to be extended and have been negotiating a new contract with the GoSL for some time now." He is also quoted as saying he looks forward to returning to Sri Lanka once the storm blows over.

Be that as it may a top SriLankan Airlines source speaking on condition of anonymity told The Sunday Leader that the national carrier would not be able to stand alone if Emirates were to pull out at this juncture.

Can't stand alone

He said that within the period of the agreement the right of first refusal lies with the GoSL in case of a sale of the shares. However the national carrier will not be able to stand alone as there was no capital infusion for expansion of fleet, redecoration of aircraft or increase in capacity and routes.

He also noted that the very reason Emirates was brought in as a partner was to ensure the national carrier would not be dependent on government funding and said the level at which SriLankan Airlines is now is a reflection of their excellent management. With all the negatives in the country, a lack of a modern fleet, a lack of flatbed seats and the prevailing war situation, SriLankan has become today a top level international airline.

Dammika Perera however reacted saying that even at this moment there was no infusion of capital by Emirates in any case. Perera also earlier noted that SriLankan had been afforded a huge fuel subsidy of Rs.500 million in 2002 as well. 

Meanwhile like jackals to the spoils it is learnt local elements are already competing to buy the stake held by Emirates and to re-negotiate the management contract. 

While some local hopefuls are expecting the 43.6 percent stake of SriLankan held by Emirates to sell at a price of about USD 100 million, top Emirates sources told The Sunday Leader they would expect at least USD150 million for their shares if they were to sell. Emirates entered the contract on March 31, 1998 paying a sum of USD 70 million for 40% shares. Subsequently they bought up 3.6% of employee shares.      

Uneasy relationship

The uneasy relationship between the two largest shareholders, Emirates with 43.6% shares and the Government of Sri Lanka with 51% shares has faltered badly since the advent of     President Mahinda Rajapakse's budget airline project Mihin Lanka headed by his Coordinating Secretary Sajin Vass Gunawardena.

It reached breaking point earlier in December when CEO Peter Hill was expelled from the country following an alleged refusal by the national carrier to accommodate a Presidential request for 35 seats inclusive of 18 business class seats from London to Colombo due to unavailability.

But Sajin Vass though playing a key role in the expulsion of Peter Hill, for all his bombastic power play is a mere gopher at the beck and call of President Rajapakse under whose patronage he will thrive in high places for a space. For Sajin the prospect of his loss making flop Mihin being able to piggy back on the national carrier is an incentive also shared by his patron saint Mahinda Rajapakse.   

Meanwhile in another twist to the drama Mihin Lanka CEO Sajin Vass Gunawardena, was to make frantic representations to President Mahinda Rajapakse to prevail upon SriLankan Airlines to restore its catering services which had been stopped for over two months due to non payment of dues. Mihin was compelled during this time to get its inflight catering done from two outside restaurants situated in Colombo. However Mahinda Rajapakse was to call Chairman, SriLankan Airlines, Harry Jayawardena  and direct SriLankan Airlines to resume catering services to Mihin notwithstanding the huge debt amounting to some US$ 350,000.

Spluttering badly

In  yet another side show to the airline drama, the debt ridden Mihin Lanka was to find itself spluttering badly after SriLankan Airlines withdrew its ground handling and catering services. Mihin owes the national carrier far over USD 1 million for services and SriLankan last Tuesday refused to provide ground handling services for its MJ201 flight to Bangkok.

Mihin personnel had to manually push back the massive aircraft which had already been boarded by passengers and was ready for take off. Sri Lankan has also withdrawn its staff from all Mihin check-in counters and the budget airline has desperately cast a net to drag in retired SriLankan Airlines personnel to man its ground handling at the Katunayake Airport. 

President Rajapakse's budget speech of 2008 contained three interesting remarks. It said the "Lankaputra Development Bank was set up to extend financial assistance to ordinary entrepreneurs who were affected by the privatisation of development banks."

For low income travellers

"Mihin Lanka - the new budget airline - was set up to facilitate foreign travel of low income travellers. The process has commenced to re-engineer the management of SriLankan Airlines in a manner favourable to the country."

The debt ridden budget airline headed by inexperienced staff like Sajin Vass Gunawardena and retired SriLankan Airlines personnel has been a burden on the Treasury and the public since its launch last year. It received large amounts of money from Lankaputra Bank, which was set up, not for the benefit of airlines but for the small and medium enterprises.

Lankaputra is headed by none other than Sajin's father Ajit. Sajin's brother Manoj heads the international sales division of SriLankan Airlines which was the department in charge of handling the controversial Presidential request for seats from London to Colombo last December.       

Burden on the public

Airline experts say Mihin which is making a Rs. 8-9 million loss a day is doomed to eat into the Treasury and will continue to be a heavy burden on the already harried public.

They say that if as Mihin claims they are operating full flights then they should be recording an operational profit. If a low cost carrier was making a yield of 85% on most routes and 65% on some routes then it was time experts say the budget airline does away with the wet leasing of the two aircraft - the A320 and A321 and change over to a dry lease at which time the cost would come tumbling down.

Experts allege that a wet lease compels Mihin to buy from the airline leasing company a number of specified block hours per month at the minimum if made use of or not. The excess amount of block hours will be paid for but not used.

Mihin pays the Bulgarian leasing company US$2750 per hour at the rate of 11 hours minimum per day. That is 330 -350 flying hours a month minimum. If air crew, insurance, maintenance is calculated at the going rate of US$80, Mihin pays approximately US$2830 per hour. That is US$600 per hour more than the going rate of US$2100-2300 for a two engine aircraft and US$250,000 per month at the minimum. 

Pilots

Meanwhile in a mass exodus 28 pilots have already left the national carrier this year mainly due to the uncertainty and insecurities faced by a possible pull out by Emirates, SriLankan sources said.  

A top source said it would be extremely difficult for SriLankan to expand its fleet under the circumstances especially with fuel hitting $100 a barrel and an international demand for pilots worldwide.

Maheswaran's cry for justice

Suspect reportedly linked to Intelligence

MP's security slashed from 18 to 2 by Govt.

LTTE points accusing finger at Govt.

Ameen PC wants MP's last interview to be the Dying Declaration

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

Credible evidence has emerged to indicate that the prime suspect in the assassination of UNP Parliamentarian, Thyagarajah Maheswaran is a former Ministerial Security Division (MSD) person named Thomas Collin Valentine alias Wasanthan.

Currently receiving medical treatment at the Police Hospital, Colombo under tight security, Wasanthan has reportedly worked for the Ministerial Security Division (MSD) and been assigned at different times to provide security for both the slain Maheswaran as well as EPDP Leader and Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, Douglas Devananda.

Mind you the murder of Maheswaran has to be viewed from the standpoint of the government having slashed his security contingent from 18 to just two following the criticism he launched during the third reading of the budget with his cries for additional security falling on the deaf ears of the defence authorities.

The upshot of that deafening silence was the murder of the UNP MP while praying at a kovil on new year's day. It is also pertinent to note that TNA MP Joseph Pararajasingham was murdered in a church in Batticaloa on Christmas Day 2005.

Be that as it may, with 12 suspects so far arrested in connection with Maheswaran's murder including three from Jaffna, all living down Beach Road, close to Jaffna town, the police however remained tight lipped about the identity of the suspects except to say that the one receiving treatment at the hospital under tight security was the prime suspect and that he was purportedly 17 years of age.

Police tight lipped

That conclusion is reached on the basis of the identity card that was in his possession though the police are tight lipped whether it was a forgery. Interestingly the government also claims the suspect had left Jaffna in 1995 which then means he was only five years old at the time.

Meanwhile, President's Counsel, M. L. N. Ameen looking after the interests of the Maheswaran family at the magisterial inquiry had submitted to court that investigations should also include the information emerging from the final interviews given by the slain MP, particularly to the Minnal programme on Shakti TV and an interview with Lanka-e-News where he had been severely critical of the EPDP and vowed to divulge vital information on January 8 when parliament meets, of those responsible for the spate of abductions and killings in the northern peninsula.

Besides, he also spoke against the CWC for voting with the government and the EPDP for undemocratic acts during his final parliamentary speech made on December 14, the final day of the budget debate.

The legal luminary, M.L.N. Ameen, while making submissions to court has urged that it was mandatory to discover not just the assassin but also the reason for carrying out the assassination.

 "Such details could be hopefully obtained if the scope of the investigations are not narrowed down to merely apprehending the assassin. This needs to be more inclusive," Ameen said.

Minnal interview

Court has issued directives to the CID to conduct investigations in an inclusive manner and ordered to obtain the CDs containing the Minnal interview on Shakti TV with the legislator. The death inquest report is to be submitted to court on January 10.

Towards his end, Thyagarajah Maheswaran became more and more critical of the current regime and openly blamed the EPDP for alleged abductions and extortions in the north. With the withdrawal of his security on December 18, he became more aggressive, blaming the government for reducing his security to make him vulnerable to various threats.

In his last conversation with this writer, post withdrawal of security he said, "We are scared to live, to travel. One needs to be a Tamil to truly understand this vulnerability."

"It was as if he was driven to desperation. He wanted to get things off his chest," fellow MP Mano Ganesan noted.

Reveal details

His final recorded interview also contained a promise that when the extension of the state of emergency is taken up for debate on January 8, he would not only reveal the true details of the extra judicial killings and abductions in the north but also the names of those involved.

When contacted, highly placed CID sources confirmed that not only the CDs but also all the speeches and interviews given by the MP would now become material for the combined investigation.

"We understand that the contents of these interviews would be important," a senior officer commented.

As allegations mounted, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, Douglas Devananda issued a statement disclaiming any connection to the assassination or to the suspect. The EPDP claimed that such 'wild allegations' were merely to divert attention and misdirect investigations.

However, the possibility of the suspected assassin reportedly being a MSD person who had served both Devananda and Maheswaran has given rise to a series of fresh questions.

An LTTE cadre

Pertinent questions are now being raised as to why the suspect was quickly labeled as an LTTE cadre by IGP Victor Perera no less, if he had served at one time in the MSD. That also would mean, the man would have been thoroughly screened by the intelligence authorities prior to being enlisted, and special screening would have been done to ascertain whether he had any LTTE links or not.

The LTTE theory would, thus fall, if and when Wasanathan's identity is truly established as a former MSD person. That would also directly link the administration, for in that case the prime suspect would also be someone who was one in the government's defence bracket.

Further, strong objections have been raised by the lawyers, activists and the UNP against IGP Victor Perera visiting the suspect while at the National Hospital and his subsequent statement indicating a possible LTTE hand in the assassination.

In this backdrop, the LTTE that tends to maintain stoic silence on southern assassinations without claiming or disclaiming responsibility broke the rule this time by seeking to distance itself from the heinous crime.

Genocidal regime

It palmed off responsibility to 'a genocidal regime that is committed to war and elimination of Tamil politicians who aired their views on the plight of the Tamil community.' The Tiger statement came from the Head of its Peace Secretariat, S. Puleedevan.

Meanwhile, the suspect's blood samples have been obtained for DNA testing along with blood samples from the Sivam Hindu Kovil in Kotahena for comparisons and further investigations.

As Maheswaran's funeral service was conducted on Thursday (3) amidst a massive gathering of politicians, diplomats, activists and other mourners. UNP legislators wore black shawls and black gags and conducted a peaceful demonstration. Dozens of shops in Pettah were shut down by the owners to mourn the loss of an MP who raised his voice on their behalf, only to be forcibly opened by the police.

The fate of UNP legislator Thyagrajah Maheswaran was encapsulated by parliamentary colleague Dayasiri Jayasekera in the aftermath of the assassination.

Jayasekera commented that every time some incident happened, MPs naturally raise the matter in parliament about breaches of their parliamentary privileges for action.

"You only have to look at this incident to understand how useless inquiries, commissions, and investigations can become. The security withdrawal of a MP under severe threat is a breach of privilege. One single act of withdrawing security has paved the way for Maheswaran's death. What worse breach of privilege can there be? Look at how irreversible the situation is today. How many more should die for the legislature, the government and the authorities to take appropriate action? How many more must die before security assessment is done in a professional manner? How can we give a dead man his life back?"

All the President's men

While the ever increasing cost of living has become the staple diet of the average citizen while breaking under unbearable economic burdens, it is noteworthy that not only does President Mahinda Rajapakse enjoy the rare distinction of having the world's largest cabinet but also a record number of advisors and consultants on a variety of subjects, some of which are laughable.

The President enjoys the services of 26 advisors cum consultants no less and 10 coordinating secretaries at a time when average cabinet ministers had the services of coordinators scrapped in March 2007 in a bid to practice austerity.  While ministers were instructed to scrap their coordinators, the President has gone ahead and appointed 10, some, with qualifications that should make this nation cry due to the mediocre selections. (See box)

President Rajapakse has 10 coordinating secretaries, two of them offering 'honorary service.' One of the coordinators Sajin Vaas Gunawardena (33) is of dubious repute to say the least, drawing a salary of Rs. 450,000 as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the so-called budget airline, Mihin Lanka.  Given the perks that he enjoys from a 'budget airline' that cushions a few like him, it is just as well that he offers his 'services' to the Head of State free of charge, conflict of interest notwithstanding.

Handpicked coordinator

Interestingly, the Presidential Coordinator who was also hand picked to run the only Sri Lankan budget airline, records as his highest academic achievement the A/L certificate. Vass Gunawardena claims to have performed the duties of coordinating secretary to Rajapakse when he was opposition leader and later prime minister besides counting several years in executive grade employment.

 Daya Gallage (51) too has her A/L qualification, hardly the kind of education and skill that is expected of a presidential coordinator.

Sumith Wijesinghe (45) holds a degree in law while the President's Religious Affairs Coordinating Secretary, Ven. Getamanne Gunananda Thero (38) holds a Prachina Panditha degree in oriental languages and a diploma in Buddhism, qualifications that are much higher and relevant than those of some coordinators like Gunawardena.

Journalist turned Presidential Coordinating Secretary - Parliamentary Affairs, Kumarasiri Hettige (42) is listed as a 'grade one' journalist in the documents submitted to parliament and is listed as a holder of a diploma in mass communication from the Sri Jayawardenapura University.

Avinda Ishanka Wickremasinghe (31) has his A/L qualification and counts several years service as an executive.

The worst qualified

The worst qualified duo among the 10 coordinators are Vernon S. Samarakoon (66) and Kithsiri Ganganath Abeygunewardene (38) having only their O/L qualification for support. Samarakoon also holds a diploma in mechanical engineering while Abeygunewardene has previously worked as a co-ordinating secretary at the Ministry of Policy Planning and Implementation.

Two other co-ordinating secretaries have not disclosed their qualifications to parliament. Mohomed Farzan Munzoor (36) has experience over a decade as a managing director of a private company whereas Nimal Chandra Amarasinghe (68) holds a London diploma in personnel management with over 15 years experience in administrative capacity in private companies.

As far as the co-ordinators go, only two persons have degree level qualifications, and while education is certainly not the singular criteria for selection, there is no denying that it is an important aspect to be considered when appointing someone as a presidential co-ordinator.

What is more, just two persons have worked closely with ministries and it is anybody's guess as to their skills in performing a politically flavoured co-ordinator's job. (See box for full perks.)

Mind you what is on record officially is not what is in fact being used in reality. For example Sajin goes around with a fleet of vehicles and security to boot but such is not reflected as official entitlements or for that matter the facilities used by Special Presidential Advisor, Basil Rajapakse.

Public Property Act

The significance of  what is stated as official entitlements is that some day when the high flyers are not in office, they could be charged for offences under the Public Property Act for misuse of public property if it can be established that they have in fact availed themselves of more than what is officially stipulated.

In contrast, the 26 consultants are a mixed bag. Some like Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala are distinguished professionals while one third of the appointees are retired politicians. With due respect to them, some of them might not even be capable of performing any duty, even in an honorary capacity.

Nine of the consultants offer honorary service while eight consultants are former legislators.

The senior most consultant, Ronnie de Mel (81) is a former minister who is now Senior Presidential Advisor, Finance and Economic Affairs. He draws a salary of Rs. 60,000.

The most distinguished

The most distinguished among the 26 is Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala (69) who is a senior Presidential Advisor. He holders a master's degree and has functioned as a former deputy secretary general of the United Nations. He performs honorary service.

Tyronne Fernando (65) is also a Presidential Consultant, a former UNP minister holding a master's degree and a legal practitioner. He also holds a diploma in mass communication.

Presidential Consultant Lakshman Jayakody (76) is a former SLFP minister. He is paid a salary of Rs. 60,000.

Presidential Consultant, Social Infrastructure Facilities, Sunimal Fernando (69) holds a degree from Cambridge University as well as from the University of London. He draws a salary of Rs. 60,000.

Firebrand politician, trade unionists and former legislator, Vasudeva Nanayakkara (67) too finds himself among the many advisors to the chief executive. His subject is unspecified and is paid Rs. 60,000 as remuneration. He currently functions as the opposition leader of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

Mixed bag

Advisor, Administrative Affairs, Dhammika Amerasinghe (68) is a former additional secretary to the president. He has a special degree in economics.  He too is paid Rs. 60,000 per month.

Prof. P. W. Epasinghe (71), Presidential Consultant on Scientific Affairs draws Rs. 60,000 as salary. He is a professor in mathematics.

Veteran musician/composer, Visharada Rohana Weerasinghe (59) is Advisor to the President on Aesthetic and Cultural Affairs. He is paid Rs. 60,000 monthly for his services.  Listed as his highest academic qualification is his Advanced Level qualification.

A. H. M. Azwer (70), a former parliamentary affairs minister and a national list UNP parliamentarian for a long time was also rewarded with an advisor's post last year.  He is Presidential Advisor on Parliamentary Affairs and is paid Rs. 40,000.

Ven. Matale Amarawansa Thero (69) serves as Advisor on Religious Affairs to the President, gratis. The monk dabbles in propagation work of Buddhism overseas and researches on Buddhism.

Richard Pathirana (69), a former chief government whip and a senior cabinet minister for years quit parliamentary politics due to ill health.  Now appointed presidential advisor for an unspecified subject, he draws a salary of Rs. 30,000.

Varied qualifications

Nazir Ahamed (47) holds a degree in science and is an electronics engineer. He is paid a Rs. 30,000 salary as a presidential advisor.

Jayaratne B. Wijekoon (59) is a Presidential Advisor offering honorary service. He holds a science degree and had been a consultant to a reputed consultancy firm based in Sweden.

The youngest presidential advisor is Harinda P. Widanage (30), a former Sunday Times journalist.  He holds a masters degree from AACM (UK).  He is advisor to the chief executive on international affairs and performs honorary service.

L. S. Wanigatunga (77) holds a masters degree and is paid Rs. 40,000 as remuneration. His appointment is likely to be considered one of the most absurd as he as tasked to advice the president on of all the topics under the sun, on home gardens development.

Ven. Walpola Piyananda Thero (65) performs free service as Presidential Advisor on International Religious Affairs. He holds a masters degree and is chief sanghanayaka in the United States.

Steeped in politics

A former mayor of Colombo, Prasanna Gunewardena (60) too finds himself among the advisors to the President. A highly qualified architect he holds a masters degree in town planning and has many other distinctions to his credit. His task sounds steeped in politics and ridiculous given the fact that he advises the head of state on infrastructure development in Hambantota!

Gamini Gunaratne (54) too performs gratis service as Presidential Advisor on International Relations. He holds a masters degree in science.

Among the most distinguished professionals rendering service as presidential advisors is Manju Hattotuwa (46). He performs an honorary task and holds a masters degree in business management in addition to holding a science degree.  Associated with information technology advancement in the country, he is chairman of two companies. He advises the President on information technology.

Chandra Fernando (63) holds an advisory post in Infrastructure Development - East. Fernando is a former Inspector General of Police (IGP), a lawyer cum holder of a science degree. He is paid Rs. 40,000 and it is anybody's guess what a former policeman could be advising the President on how to improve the infrastructure in the east armed with science and law degrees!

Conflict resolution expert

Anura Solomans (50) is a senior journalist attached to the Divaina newspaper. He advises the President on conflict resolution. For this rare distinction of advising the Head of State on resolving conflict in a country that has observed 28 years of warfare, Solomons was chosen by the President last year. The senior journalist has two diplomas from the Maryland University and the Defence Academy in Pennsylvania on Conflict Resolution along with a degree from the Greenland University, US on the same.

Daya Upali Hewapathirana (71) holds a masters degree and had served as a professor at a university in the United States.  However, he is paid Rs. 60,000 to perform the role of Presidential Advisor on Task Management.

A former minister and senior parliamentarian, Dr. Jagath Balasuriya (68) holds a BA honours degree and postgraduate qualification from the University of Hideburg.  A lawyer by profession he also holds a postgraduate qualification in international relations. He draws a Rs. 40,000 salary.

Former CWC strongman and legislator, S. Sathasivam (58) is Presidential Advisor on Plantation Development. He too is paid Rs. 40,000 as remuneration.

The latest addition to the list of presidential advisors is former Sri Lankan cricketer and spin legend, D. S. de Silva (64). While he renders honorary service, he is billed to draw a salary and allowances exceeding Rs. 300,000 from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), an appointment that is on the way. And pray tell this nation why the President needs a special advisor on cricket when he has never wielded a bat for his alma mater and with cricket not being a significant legislative or administrative requirement.

Maybe, soccer, rugby, hockey, basketball, tennis, volleyball, elle and gymnastics advisors are to follow. God knows whether the country needs them.

 And then of course you have on top of all that the Special Presidential Advisor, Basil Rajapakse, whose qualifications the whole country is all too aware of.