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CEY
September 10, 198:
 

2 AMITY CONFERENCE
yeVA EVN RURAL STUDEs
SPORTSCOPE
3 Rs.. 4. OO

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TO OUR
This week, too, we have been schedule. We hope that we will be Censorship has been partially relaxed little more freely on some matters. censorship' on matters concernings ec among public officers. Newspaper ed Censorship on news and views. News into consideration various emergency apply to foreign Correspondents.
We will also publish For daily press which we think will provic nts but also help to unfold the story avouring to record the diverse tren make history, we will pursue the ob tion and Reconstruction under the um
Tribune has not been able, afte feature The Foreign Scene because w section together are, for the moment, are submerged in an unexpected rush others have been displaced (temporari most" important collaborator in this fiel hysteria. Tribune will endeavour to r soon as possible. In the meantime, for a little while longer.
We are making efforts to trace who have been displaced. Our netwo and elsewhere has been shattered. We h; to our readers and well-wishers help L that has dawned in Sri Lanka.
TRE
43, DaWSc
Colom
7e/ 3

READERS
able to maintain the usual 28 page able to keep it up. Now that the We may be able to express ourselves a There is still what is called a 'limited lition, incitement, or causing disaffection tors are expected to exercise their own spapers could air their views taking regulations in force. The same will
he Record, news reports from the le not only documentation for studeof these troubled times. Whilst endeis that have made and continue to jectives of Reconciliation, Rehabilitabrella of Development.
r the July disturbances, to publish its writers who had helped to put that not in a position to do so. Some
of work outside their normal functions, ly, we hope) and, unfortunately, our d is no more - a tragic victim of mob 2sume its coverage of world events as we will ask readers to bear with us
the present addresses of Subscribers ork of Sales Agents in Colombo, Kandy ave to build a new and we look forward IS regain a normalcy in the new era
3 UNE
on Street, bo 2. 3172

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TRIBUNE
A Journal of Ceylon and World Affairs
Founded in 1954
Every Saturday
Editor: S.P. Amarasingam
Vol.27 . va No.47
September, 10, 1983
43, Dawson Street. Colombo 2.
Tel: 33172
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 1 -Amity Conference
EDTOR'S NOTEBOOK 2 -Sense of insecurity
IS THERE DISCRIMINATION? 3 —-Gamani Jayasuriya
FILM FOCUS 5 -Crisis
BOOK REVIEW 6 -Existence
MAHAWEL 6 -Harnessing
SRI LANKA CHRONICE 9 -August 22-28
FOR THE RECORD 12 -7 ea After July
Citizens Committee
AGRCULTURAL D1 GEST 16 -World Bank & Agriculture
US Railways
RECONSTRUCTION 20 -National Unity Village Studies Rural Strategies
SPORTSCOPE 23 -Spotlight, Chronicle
CONFIDENTIALLY 28
-Past Regrets
ETER FRC
THE PICTURE O readers that the n wellbeing of the it is mot enough t important to bui! have been broke turbed and comr repaired and huma We wil ask our ference on Natio Ariyaratne, to be of all community an expression of discuss what eve dence in the pop CauSeS that have Time wil mot a II have sorely wou to remember the When a person is Out the cause or attend immediate is to our shame v otherS, Or Buddh allowed Such Soc grip our Society of this national ca ence and purpo that this beautifu human beings irr live with human c We beg for your must surely have the North and th Ours, therefore, is of this nature. T Hatred can only great religions, E teach the greatne is now imperative its own Soul and that our culture h is there among us sink all our differe the rebuilding of own identity with contribute more t bringing beauty t greatest need. Le that each individi ration which has our nation and it all our peoples. posterity and alsc not have a secon

M THE EDITOR
N THE COVER is only to remind ourselves and our ain task before all of us is to build to ensure the future Country. But, after the recent traumatic happenings, ) build dams and power-stations. It has become more d bridges to span shattered human relations. Hearts , minds have been paralysed, dialogue has been dislunication disrupted. The damage done has to be infellowship has to be re-established. In this connection, readers to extend their fullest support to the Conal Amity proposed by the Sarvodaya leader, Dr. A. T. held on October 1 and 2. He states that this conferences and religious leaders is being summoned to enable views concerning the present national crisis and to ryone can do to restore national well-being and confiulation. “To continue to dwe!! emdlessly om the petty ed to a national tragedy would be an exercise in futility. ow such agonizing long analysis of the causes which ded our nation now. Rather, what is now needed is Buddha's advice to a person pierced by an arrow Wounded by an arrow, one must not waste time to find the creed or any other details of the assailant, but to ly to the wounded person and alleviate his pain. It whether we be Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors, Burghers and ists, Hindus, Christians Muslims or Baha'is, to have ial and moral devastation and degradation to So quickly and not to have foreseen and prevented the occurence lamity. Let us revert unitedly with singleness of consciSe to our clear responsibility to posterity to ensure island-our Motherland-becomes a land where all espective of their ethnic origin creed caste or class ignity and happiness innthe true broghterhood of man. views relating to these and any other suggestions you None of us can doubt that what has happened in2 South could happen again anywhere at any time. s the task to ensure against any repetitition of disasters ime is of the essence. Hatred will not cease by hatred. ne conquered by love, the Buddha has taught us. All suddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, slam and Bahal SS of the human being, his dignity and his true worth. It that we as people and a nation discover its true bearings, its own identify, is we are to protect the great heritage as preserved for us for the past 2500 years. And, who ; who is not desirous of doing this? Let us all sit together, 2nces and put our shoulders to the greatest of the tasksthe moral values of our nation. Let us search four our in the intergrity of our nation, where all our differences o our stength than to our division, like different flowers o a single garden. This is the hour or our nation's tail of us answer itselflessly. Each little halp or assistance uals gives would countribute to the great moral regeneto be undertaken on all aspects of life. in order to save 's great cultural heritage based on the great faiths of This can be the greatest legacy you could leave for its greatest bulwark for generations to come. We will d chance'.

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EDTOR'S NOTEBOOK
Law and Order
Colombo, September 5:
Judging by the speeches and statements now being made by some persons who are said to be close to the seats of power, it is clear that either there, is no awareness of the real situation in the Country that a pervading sense of insecurity and uncertainty has inhibited all purposeful activity or that they are guilty of a deliberate attempt to bury their heads ostrichlike in the sand to pretend that everything was 'back to normal'. Many politicians and bureaucrats seem to think that by repeating the formula'everything is normal', 'everything is normal", they will be able to persuade people that Sri Lanka is once again back to where it was before the July disturbances.
This is an illusion. The slogan 'everything is normal' is not a mantra that can restor? What is no more. It is time that politicians, bureaucrats and others realise that the old world is no more and that a new era has dawned, and that the future has to be built on the realities that have emerged after the July disturbances. Unless these realities are identified and made the basis for shaping the future, tne country will continue to wallow in the quagmire of a Fool's Paradise as it is now doing.
Go to any government office and see how much is being done. In most, very little, and in some none. Go to any private sector organisation, and you see that an undeclared go-slow at every level is the order of the day.
The sense of fear, uncertainty and insecurity has -become all pervading. it is not among the Tamils alone. The Sinhalese and Muslim population in Colombo, Ratmalana, Moratuva, Kandy, Matale, Badulla, Kalutara and other places which witnessed the carnage entertain fears (which they no longer hide) that they might be the next victims of the marauding hordes which want to destroy the statuis quo and also grab loot.
There is no record of the number who have left the country for temporary or even permanent asylum in foreign countries. Not many in this country can afford to escape in this way. Even fewer have friends or relations who can provide accomodation even for a short time. And there is no doubt that the number of those who want to get out of the country is legion. But the tight immigration laws of the rich industrialised countries, which had absorbed large numbers of Sri Lankans from 1956, has cheked a new exodus. A survey will show that among the most anxious to get out of the island are Sinhalese professionals and technocrats.
2

One of the realities of the post-July situation is that a very large number of the trained and skilled personnel in this country-Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher-want to get out and seek employment elsewhere. The mantra 'everything is back to normal' has no meaning for them. Unless the sense of fear, uncertainty and insecurity that has now eaten into their soul is removed, they will spend all their time in devising ways as to how they can get out of the country. They will not get into the spirit of the new objectives of the government-reconciliation, rehabili tation and recónstruction. They will be unable to render any purposeful or meaningful activity to help the country-or even themselves.
it is therefore, time that the government recognized that this fear of insecurity and uncertainty is a reality and that it is necessary to take steps to remove it as the first priority in any campaign to get the country back om track.
This fear stems from one simple cause: the problem of Law and Order. Everybody asks will there be a breakdown of law and order again 2 Will the security forces and the police be able to contain disturbances in the future? How will the home Guards function ? is the proposal to mibilise all males between 18 and 55 to organise security in their own areas only on paper ?
it is also well to remember that foreign tourists will come only if they know that there will be no breakdown in the law and order situation. It is not merely that they fear for their own safety-they know that they will be looked after-but they will not like to see the scenes of arson, looting and killing they have heard of, seen in pictures and on the TV.
To restore Sri Lanka's image abroad it is mot enough to proclaim over and again that "normalcy" has been reestablished. It is not enough to provide information about ethnic conflict, about Eelam. about the terrorist, the anti-social forces, the neo-marxist ideologues and the like. It is essential to convince tourists from whatever country they come that law and order was mot likely to break down.
How this can be done, for the short-term and longterm, is a matter for experts in the field of communication and public relations. Bungling amateurish attempts will make matters worse.
But professionals cannot hope to succeed unless some concrete and meaningful steps are implemented.
We do not, at this, juncture, want to spel out whathas to be done. Everybody who matters knows.
ж.
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

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GAMINI JAYASURIYA
ls There Discrimination Against Tamils ?
We publish below an extract from a statement made by the Hon. Gamini Jayasuriya in Parliament on August, 25. Mr. Jayasuriya hails from a distinguished family, several members of which had been in the forefront of the struggle for Sri Lanka's independence and the Buddhist renaissance, foremost among whom was the national hero, the late Anagarika Dharmapala, freedom-fighter, social reformer and Buddhist missionary.
Born on 30th April 1924, he was educated at Royal College, where he represented the College at Cricket. He grew up in a political environment, in which his family members were active. His father, the late Mr. Bernard Jayasuriya, was an elected Member of the State Council of Sri Lanka. Joining the family business firm, Don Carolis and Sons, one of the first and largest successful commercial and industrial undertakings established by Sri Lankans he later become its Managing Director, but soon abandoned it to devote full time to public affairs.
As an active member of the United National Party, he served it for a time as its Joint Secretary. At the Parliamentary General Elections in 1960, he contested Homagama, his home constituency, and entered the National Legislature at the age of 35 and continued to be a Member of Parliament, except during the period 1970-1977, winning four Parliamentary General Elections. He has been active in politics throughout. He was Deputy Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs, from 1965-1970. As Minister of Health from 1977 to 1982, he has hleped to develop the Health Care Services of the country to meet today's needs and challenges by improving the institutions and training facilities for medical and para-medical personnel. On 4th May, 1982, he was appointed the Minister of Agricultural Development and Research, on 7th June 1983 he was appointed the Minister of Food and Co-operatives, in addition, to the portfolio of AgriCulture.
Active in several leading Buddhist, Cultural and Educational Organisations, he is the President of the Maha Bodhi Society, founded in 1891 by his illustrious kinsman, the Anagarika Dharmapala, to Spaarhead national reforms and Buddhist revival and its promotion abroad, particularly in Britain and India. He is the President of the Anagarika Dhar. mapala Trust and Secretary of the Vidyadhara Sabha which is the governing body qf the Vidyodaya Pirivena, the reputed seat of Buddhist studies and oriental learning. He is the President of the Sri Lanka-Nepal Buddhist Society. He is also the President of the
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

Indo-Ceylon Society, which is aimed at improving the friendly ties, cultural and economic relations batween the two neighbouring countries. w
Mr. Jayasuriya is well known for his moderate and Iiberal views on all matters. Most import tantly, he has never indulged in chauvinistic. jingoistic, racialist or extremist views in his long political career, What he says must he listened to with respect-EDITOR.
IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO EXAM NE the causes of the violence of one sought a lasting political Solution. The violence was sparked off by the massacre of 13 soldiers at Thinnaveli om the night of 23rd July. That was only the immediate spark. The events showed very clearly one thing. That was that the acts of terrorism in the North were the work only of a misguided group of youths aided and abetted by Certain political leaders. They clearly showed that the Tamil community, as a whole, be it in Jaffna or in Colombo or elsewhere was not with the terrorists. Similarly it also showed that the Sinhalese people, as a whole, were friendly towards the Tamils, as they had always been and that the acts of retaliation were confined to small groups of mischief makers, motiwated or incited by interested paties. It also brought out another important factor. That is the effectiveness of the prompt action taken by the Government to restore law and order, provide refuge to victims, punish wrong doers and above all, to ensure uninterrupted supply and distribution of food and other essentials to the people. This too was a yeoman task achieved by the various Ministries and volunteers, almost within 48 hours, so that adequate food Supplies reached all consumers in cities as well as remote villages (including Jaffna, to which transport had to be by Sea in some instances) homes, as well as large institutions, such as hospitals and refugee camps. In fact, the food prices came down so much, even lower than in normal times, and there were no queues-except perhaps for cigarettes.
The immediate cause of the recent outburst of violence is not an independent or spontaneous act. It was the climax of a long drawn out and well planned series of trecherous acts over the years, committed by the terrorists of the North. This trend, as we all know began a few decades ago. First the demands' then demonstrations, then threats at a political level and finally plunder, arson, and murder, with the enlisting, training and indoctrinating of Tamil youths, who became tigers and terrorists with political support. This is borne out by many instances. would like to refer here to the Sansoni Commission Report-A presidential Commission Report published im 1980. There, paragraphs 6 and 8 refer to certain events as far back as May 1972. lt says that when the 1972 Republican Constitution was promulgated, TULF called a Hartal and TULF members dedicated the Selves to the acts of winning liberation. Black flags were flown, schools were boycotted and buses
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Stoned. At the public meeting on 24th May 1972, Mr. A. Amirtha'ingam said: "There will be a day for the Tamils also to use arms. Therefore, it is verynecessary that they should have friendly relationship with certain organisations in foreign countries,.."
in the face of all these, what has the government done? What have the Sinhalese people done? Did they retaliate 2 No. Did they deprive the North of any development aid ? Certainly mot. ln fact, the attitude of the govemment, as well as that of the Sinhalese people, have been characterised by patience and tolerance and moderation all these years. The timing and the increasing magnitude of terrorists acts clearly indicate what they really are. They are part and parcel of a demonic design, planned in cold blood, using groups of immature youths to carry them out. So that certain persons can gain their own ambitions. This mad gangsterism is fanned and encouraged by such men who sometimes pose off as great demoCrats working within the parliamentary system when they happen to come down here, while when they
only their message of violence and pose off as martyrs. Their speeches and their writing show this duplicity. Their strategy appears to be three fold: Violence, Propaganda and Anti-development acts. Violence to break down the Government's administration by killing security personnel, plundering banks, co-operatives, railway stations etc., and destroying public utitities. (2) Propaganda in Sri Lanka and abroad to gain sympathy, funds and perhaps Weapons and training for terrorists youths and encouraging them to seek political asylum abroad. Their campaign is to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka abroad. It is well organised and well funded. (3) To thwart the government's development efforts.
They must remember that Sri Lanka is a Small island with only 15 million people. Of that 74% are Sinhalese, numbering neary 110 lakhs, while Sri Lankan Tamils are only 12.6% numbering 18 lakhs. Tamils of Indian origin are only 5.6% numbering a little over 8 lakhs, while the Sri Lankan Moors are 7% numbering tem amd a half lakhs. Malays,
a situation), if the Tamils agitate to claim that their 12.6% population has been discriminated against in education, employment opportunities or development assistance, it is far from the truth. In actual fact, they have more than 2 or 3 times their ethnic proportions in the most important positions in the public and corporation sector as well as in private enterprise. It is a fact that, as a part of the 'divide and rule' policy of the colonial rulers, religious and ethnic minorities received more privileges and preferential treatment during colonia days. This was so in educational and employment opportunities. This has been at the expense of the majority community. It anyone still advocates the repetition of that colonial pattern, they are not political realists. iš
4.

Here are some examples at random from the latest Census and Statistics figures available. They show how the Sri Lankan Tamils are placed in the State and Corporation sector employment. Please remember that they are only 12.6% of the total population. But they have 34.9% of the engineers, 28.9% surveyors, 35.1% doctors, 38.8% Veterinary surgeons, 30.2% medical technicians, 33.1% accountants in the public Service. In the Corporation service, their per centage is not very different. In these circumstances, how could anyone claim that they do not get their due share in terms of ethnic proportions? How can the mass media abroad Say that they have been discriminated against? Then look at the key diplomats abroad They are mostly Tamils. These are facts that Eelam propagandists have deliberately Suppressed, These are facts that the world should come to know. What is the position in the field of education? As you know, our Universities (which are statutory bodies) and institutes of higher learning, such as training colleges and technical colleges etc. together employ 74.7% Sinhalese, while 23% are Sri Lankan Tamils, 1.9% Moors and Malays and 0.2% Burghers. Not only that. They have two universities for themSelves im Jaffna and at Vantharamullai im addition to access to all other universities.
They talk of employment discrimination. Look at the new industries that have arisen in the countrytourism, hotel trade and banks, both foreign and local. That is the percentage of top and middle level employment that the Tamil minority enjoys? Is it below 12.6% or many times over ? Even in domestic employment in expatriate households in Sri Lanka (in the homes of the staff of embassies, foreign banks and agencies) who comprise the majority of the domestic staff They have also thus come very close to hubs of power and they get their viewpoints across that way too Let us now look at the job opportunities we have given them in the recruitment to rhe state services' In 1977, 22.6% recruited to the Accountants' Service, 42.3% recruited to the Engineers' Service, 21.6% recruited to the Shroff's Service were Tamils. in 1978, 56.6% recruited to the Engineers Service were Tamils while only 39.9% were Sinhalese. Now let us take a look at University admissions to see whether the charge of ethnic discrimination is justified. In 1977, in the admissions to the Universities 27.8% for Medicine, 44.8% for Veterinary Science, and 23.5% for Agriculture and 31.3% for Architecture went to Tamil students. In the following year 1978. 42% for Medicine, 62% for Dental Surgery, 50% for Veterinary Science, 30% for Agriculture, 33% for. Bio-Sciences, 34.9% for Engineering and 36.8% for Architecture went to Tamils. Figures for subsequent years are Only slightly different, but still they continue to say that they are not getting sufficient jobs in the State Service and the Corporation sector nor opportunities in higher eduction.
I say this not with malice but in great sorrow say this because International mass media has been
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made to say nasty things about Sri Lanka and its people. Therefore, it is necessary to put the record right as it is our duty to seek a political solution to our problems on a basis of truth. We are two races but we have so much in common; we have lived in amity for centuries side by side in this country. We have worshiped at the same shtines and the same Gods. We cherish a common cultural heritage that stemmed from the Indian civilisation and nurtured here in SriLanka to suit our own indigenous identity. It is in a unitary and indivisible State that out aspitation can find fulfilment, for we are interdependent in many ways; that is the objective of the government. Any departure from that will pave the path to peril. That is whys while the Tamil terrorists continued their murderous, campaign, the Sinhalese people and the govemment steadfastly stuck to the principle of democracy, with patience, tolerance and magnanimity. There was no retaliation; there was no deprivation of what is due to the Tamils in the North-be it employment, be it trade and business, be it the recruitment to the State Services or be it admission to the higher institutes of learning. We have given them more than their due ethnic share, as I have just pointed OUt. : , ,
We have also been very magnanimous in our development efforts. If you take the example of the Service that we have rendered to the Jaffna Peninsula, it will be clear. I do not wish to detail them as it will take a very long time. It would suffice, if I refer to development activities this Government has undertaken in the North. Integrated Rural Development, industrial Development, Health, Food and Cooperatives are some such areas. They show that we have acted in goodwill and with great generosity at a time when the terrorists have taken up arms against us. That fact never made us waver from the path of justice and fair play. It was this Government that created in 1979 the Ministry of Regional Development, with responsibility for the preparation and implementation of Special Projects in the Northern and Eastern Provinces in addition to being responsible for the Department of Hindu Religion and Hindu Culture and the implementation of the constitutional provision relating to the official use of the Tamil language. Then the Manmar-Vavuniya integrated Rural Development Project is ready for implementation in 1984. It was estimated to cost Rs. 720 million. Then the Deccentralized Budget Expenditure for Jaffna District has been raised yearly from Rs. 16 million in 1976 to Rs. 40 million im 1980. in the sphere of Health, from 1978 to 1982, we have effected many improvements and given additional facilities. They include the provision of a new cobalt Unit at Tellipallai, a new Telephone Exchange, and creating 6 new posts of Consultants and appointing them to Jaffna General Hospital. We have also established a new Teaching Hospital in Jaffna, twenty ambulances were also provided to Jaffna, Vavuniya and Batticoloa. Three comsul
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

tants were applionted to Point Pedro Hospital and 3
to Mannar Hospital. These are new posts created.
We have also established a Nurses Training School. at Batticoloa. Many other development projects have contributed to the prosperity in the North. I have a feeling that the ordinary citizens of the North are fair minded enough to appreciate all these. It is only a few politicians and the terrorists who seek to turn a blind eye to them. So we have to be fair by them. Let them also realise that in violence there is no victor or vanquished-all are sufferers. They . cannot find solution with guns, nor can we find it
with the touch of a magic wand. Both races to work together to find solutions.
in the Dhammapada, there is a story of two groups of monks who violently threatened each other and how the Buddha advised them. (In Gatha 130): "All tremble at the rod, life is dear to all. Comparing others with oneself, one should neither Strike nor cause to strike". Let each community compare itself with the other and view the problems of the other from his view point also. lt is only with such a change of heart that the two communities can solve thei problems and continue to live in amity and dignity.
FILM FOCUS
Crisis
The devastating 'Goonda' executed 'cyclone' that overtook the country in the last week of July this year has overtaken the cinema industry as well. A few well patronised cinemas have been devastated, while many others are making valiant efforts to emerge from the ashes. The fiery week that it was did not bypass many new Sinhala films awaiting release and took millions to produce. And why these costly 'eggs' were kept in one studio without fire safety measures is difficult to Surmise. Repeats of the English films and worn out Sinhala films have become the order of the day, neither of them helping the Exhibitor to earn his daily bread, for they were already in a sorry plight financially when the 'storm' struck without warning.
This column has been witness to a paltry collection of Rs. 200 or so for a resurrected film (Sinhalese). in Hatton, with the overheads and other dues to the National Film Corporation, Taxes to the Municipality, Electrictly bilis etc., trebling this collection. And to : make matters worse South Indian films have been sheved, perhaps as a safety measure. These provided the Golden Eggs for the NFC too. This is the hour for the National Flim Corporation, to draw up a system of prioities to save the industry and mot to dream dreams of a rosy future, like the release of the 'Gandhi' film in October for instance: a film already hacked by Video.
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Airstly assistance should be given to repair the cinemas for film exhibition. Many picturegoers, who would like to rest their minds off that chilling week, would prefer to turn to the cinemas for the relaxation they need so badly, with their popular film houses damaged and left as monuments to the disaster. Secondly, the flow down of films have to be done intelligently till the crisis passes over. No that this column has any prejudices against the Colombo cinemas, but it takes pity on the outstation ones, that are receiving step-motherly treatment. It is the money spinners that should be in circuit now instead of being left to roost in the NFC stores. The past daily reports from cinemas should help to sort Such films out for a fair circulation throughout the country. Thirdly, it Tamil films have to be kept off the circuit temporarily from a security angle, then why not turn to India for less costly indi films that could save the day, both for the NFC and the Exhibitors.
it will be the end of the road fortne Cinema industry if quick measures are not mooted, and a highpowered committee should be appointed to examine all aspects and provide relief. This column counts on Chairman Anton Wickremasinghe of the NFC to act without delay, for the people scarred in mind by the recent events are looking aghast and in vain for the entertainment centres that many roads led to in the past. Till the situation normalise om the cinema front, this Column rests its pen where film reviews are concerned, for most of them in circuit have been already served through this Column aiready. General comments om the Industry will how- ever be maintained as far as possible.
James W. Benedict August 25, 1983.
X
REVIEW
Thought Provoking Book
THIS BAFFLING EXISTENCE by K.Kanapathi Pillai B.A., F.R.C.S. (Publisher: K.V. Somasundaram, Akkaraipattu, Batticoloa). It would seem as though no thought is too big for the author of 'This Baffling Existence'. 'Going through the 325 pages of this thought-provo1cing book, one feels as though one is confronted with a formidable poser in life, for the thoughts set forth appear at the outset to be truly shattering in their effect. They seem to unhinge one's traditional beliefs and disturb one's orthodoxy. But as one wades through the pages one gets the comforting assurance: there is 'something more' in every object; be it mineral, be it plant, be it animal or be it human, that transforms, transmutes, and progresses. It goes on and on in a never-ending chain towards the attainment of a spiritual posture.
6.

There is a puzzlement, many a riddle in the universe. Human life, as it is lived today, has its gloss and gitter, laughter and merriment, slaughter and murder; good and evil. All these, the author maintains, are the surfacing of the inner turbulence that resides in the heart of the atom, in the heart of man, and in the core of the universe. All these thoughts one encounters in the opening discourse. Then there is an unravelling of the mystery in the remaining twelve discourses. Matter awakens into mind and mind having a greater awareness, evolves into the Spirit. One becomes aware of a rare sense of 'oneness'- 'logical menism'-in existence, while remaining consistently aware of the multiplicity of events in nature. The 'one' is real, the rest is 'maya': this is the theme: The author attempts to construe a meaning in the plurality of existence,which, according to him, is 'one' at one giance, and "many' at the next. Time is of no concern in eternity. The reader is recommended to make a critical study of every one of the discourses with diligence and in true earnest. The outcome is a compact volume of philosophical thinking: a true fusion of the transcendental thinking of the East and the scientiic thinking of the West–a solid amalgam.
Printer's errors, there are. The author employs a style richly arrayed in a rare lyrical garb. The proceeds of the sale of this book are to be used for the building of the Ramakrishna Mission Saradha Girl's Home (Orphanage), Ramakrishnapuram, Batticoloa. Price Rs. 50. Available at: Ramaksishn Mission, Ramakrishnapuram, Batticoloa, Sri Lanka.
A. Thavarajah, B.A. (London) Attorney-at-law (Advocate) JP. Hospital Road, Batticolioa, 25.8.83.
MAHAWEL
Harnessing the River
As in the past, the development of the water resources of the Mahaweli for agriculture in the Dry Zone has figured prominenly in the plans of Sri Lanka's national leaders in modern times, particularly after independence in 1948.
Mr. G. V. Gunawardena, one-time Deputy Directoi of irrigation, who retired recently as General Manager of the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau, said this in an article titled ''Birth of the Mahaweli Project' to mark the 75th anniversary of the irrigation Department: "According to records available in the Irrigation Department investigations connected with the diversion of Mahaweli water into the Malwatu Oya Basin had been carried out as far back as
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1902. Several intelligent persons had thought of the possiblity of utilizing the Mahaweli water that flows through the parched Dry Zone to benefit this region before it emptied itself into the sea mear Trincomalee.
'It is rather obscure as to who thought of this first. The enormity of he project was such that with the limited resources of the irrigation Department it was not possible to embark on the investigations at an appropriate level of acceptance. For several decades the possibility of harnessing the untapped Mahaweli waters for the development of the Dry Zone was an accepted fact and periodically this proposal had been brought into focus by many throughout the first half of this century. In a limited way the irrigation Department effected the first diversion from the Mahaveli Basin into the Kala Oya Basin when the Nalanda Reservoir Project was implemented in 1957. This enabled the augmentation of Kalawewa with water from the Mahaweli Basin, the diversion being effected via the Ebbawela cut.' Among those who made pointed reference to the need for tapping the resources of the Mahaweli were Mr. D. J. Wimalasurendra, a brilliant civil and electrical engineer who in 1918 referred in particular to the hydro-power potential of the Mahaweli and the need for harnessing it.
Mr. K. Balasingham, a Member of the Legislative Council in 1920, is recorded as being among the very first who stressed the desirability of diverting the Mahaweli with the object of irrigating the Dry Zone and converting the Jaffna lagoon into a fresh water lake. Mr. A. Maheswaran, a former Director of irrigation and now Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development, in an article to mark the 75th anniversary of the irrigation Department, said: 'During the early fifties, the irrigation Department carried out preliminary studies for the diversion of the Mahaweli Ganga at a site mear Polgola. It may be recalled that when Mr. Hans Pfeifer a UN Adviser, addressed the members of the Engineering Association of Ceylon in December 1955, he criticised the proposal to divert the Mahaweli to the North. In his controversial report to the Govemment, Mr. Pfeifer concluded that, from considerations of development of hydropower, the priorities for development should be Maskeliya Oya Scheme (Seven Virgins), Randenigala Reservoir Scheme on Mahaweli Ganga, Ratnapura Reservoi on Kalu Ganga followed by Victoria Falls Reservoir on Mahaweli. However, the Irrigat on Department went ahead with its studies on the proposals for diversion on the basis that irrigation development should receive priority consideration over powet development."
THE MASTER PLAN : A Master Plan drawn up during 1964-1968 by UN experts and their local counterparts for harnessing the resources of the
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

Mahaweli envisaged the development of 365,000 ha. (247,000 acs.) of already developed and but which however could do with improved irrigation facilities, for double cropping. This plan also envisaged the installation of 600 MW of hydro-power capacity, at major dams and canal drops. The construction schedule of the Master Plan was phased over a 30-year plan. The plan had obviously been drawn up on the basis that the country did not have the resouces to implement more than one major project at a time.
Basically the Mahaweli Project was to provide irrigation for agriculture and water for domestic use, generate hydro-power for a whole range of agrobased industry in the Mahaweli area and elsewhere, provide effective flood control and, most important, opan out new land for agricultural settlement.
The Mahaweli Project is the largest developmen project conceived in Sri Lanka. Indeed, it is the largest conceivable in this country. The total Mahaweli Project area covers 39 per cent of the whole island, 55 per cent of the Dry Zone, and ecompasses 60 per cent of the irrigable, and as yet undeveloped land surface of Sri Lanka.
AT GRPS WITH THE RIVER: Construction work on the first project in the Master Plan-the Polgola Diversion, was inaugurated in February 1970 by the late Mr. Dudley Senanayake, then Prime Minister, and his Minister of Land, irrigation and Power, the late Mr. C. P. de Silva. The main components of this first Project were the Polgolla Diver Sion Dam and Tunnel, the Ukuwela Power Stationand the Bowatenna Dam and Tunnel.
With the completion of the Polgola and Bowatenna complexes in early 1976, 132,000 acres of existing paddy lands in the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee Districts were benefitted. The completion date coincided with a period of drought. But thanks to the Mahaweli waters, all 132,000 acres were double-cropped. The additional production attributable to . Mahaweli waters, over four cropping seasons alone (two years) enabled the recovery, by the value of agricultural production, of the entire cost of Polgolla and Bowatenna complexes amounting to approximately Rs. 400 million. This disproved an oft-repeated view that irrigated agricultural projects have a long gestation period.
The development of 71,000 acres of new lands in the Kandaiama and Kalawewa areas known as System 'H' is now complete. About 25,000 farmerfamilies have been settled in this area. Eight new. townships, twenty-six village centres and hamlets, at the rate of one for every 125 families, are being developed to provide facilities for eduction, health, agricultural inputs, marketing, agricultural processing and consumer Supplies. :. . .
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TENDER
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVT., HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION. DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS
Tenders for construction of O.P.D. Block Base Hospital, Matale will be received by the Chairman, Tender Board, Department of Buildings, Colombo 1, up to 10.00 a.m. on Wednesday 28.09.83.
O2 Tender forms could be obtained from District Engineer/Matale Engineer before 4.15 p.m. on 23.09. 83 by registered Contractors or “Trial etter" holders of Department for Rs. 2,000,000.00 and above on production of a tender deposit receipt for Rs. 2,000,00 issued by Buildings Department, Colombo, or any Kachcheri outside Colombo.
03 Please note that Private Company tenderers should declare the names of the Current Directors and shareholders. Public Company tenderers should declare the names of the Current Directors.
04. Any further particulars could be obtained from the above Engineer.
K. C. Samaraweera
Director of Buildings
DEPARTMENT OF Buildings, P. O. BOX504, COLOMBO. 1, 1983.09.10. GUNEAN
3

NOTICE
MNSTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT HOUSING & CONSTRUCTION. DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS
Tenders for construction of Work shop for Junior Technical Institute at Dambulla will be received by the Chairman, Tender Board. Department of Buildings, Colombo 1, upto 10.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 28.09.83
2. Tender forms could be obtained from
District Engineer / Matale Engineer before 4.15 p.m on 23.09.83, by registered contractors or "Trial Letter" holders of Department for Rs. 350,000,00 and above on production of a tender deposit receipt for Rs. 250/-issued dy Buildings Department, Colombo, or ahy Kachcheri outside Colombo.
3. Please note that Private Company tenderers should declare the names of the current Directors and Shareholders Public Company tenderers should declare the names of the current Directors.
4. Any further particulars could be obtained from the above Engineer.
K. C. Samaraweera. DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS.
Department of Buildings, P.O. Box 504, Colombo. 1 1983 09. 10 GUNE/
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

Page 11
SRI LANKA CHRONICE
August 22 - 28
DIARY OF EVENTS IN SRI LANKA COMPLED FROM DALY NEWSPAPERS PUBLISHED IN COLOMBO
OW-Daily Wews; CDM-Daily Mirror; EO-Evening Observer; S7-Sunday Times SO-Sunday Observer; DM-Dinamina; LD-Lankadipa; WK-Virakesari: ATH-Aththa; SM-Silumina SLDP-Sri Lankadipa; JD-Janadina; SU-Sun, DV-Davasa; DP-Dinapathi; CM-Chinthamani; WK-Weekend; RV-Riviresa; DK-Dinakara; EW-EelanadulS-Island; DJ-Divaina; /DPR-Information Dept. Press Release.
MOWDAY, AUGUST 22. The report of the government-appointed task force that assessed the economic damage of the July violence when many factories were attacked says that the losses do not run as high as first feared, Finance Minister Ronnie de Mel said yesterday. The curfew begins at 7 p.m. today and ends at 4 a.m. tomorrow in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Ratnapura and Kegalle; the curfew in the police areas of Dehiwela, Piliyandala, Mt. Lavinia, Maharagama and Kohuwela will begin at 11 p.m. on account of the Bellanwila Perahera; in Kandy where the Esala Perahera is now om, the curfew will operate from midnight. President Zia U-Haq's cabinet meets today as a campaign against his military rule enters its second week with at least 13 people killed during demonstrations in the southern province of Sind. Philippine military forces were put on 'high alert' to guard against possible violence by grieving Supporters of top Opposition leader Benigno Aquino shot dead today at the airport on his return home, sources close to the military said-DW. Damage done to industrial units during last month's ethnic violence is not as bad as originally estimated --some factories can restart immediately, some within a month and the balance within a maximum period of six months-CDM. The Government is likely to formulate a new procedure to expedite the disposal of riot-related cases; according to a govemment spokesman these new provisions will prevai over the provisions of the Evidence Ordinance and therefore certain mandatory provisions will be suspended by the new law. Sri Lanka is to initiate negotiations with the lindian government to decide om the future of about 9000 displaced people who have made a formal request to be sent to India -SU. The TULF Secretary General A Amirthalingam who is currently in India is expected to return to Sri Lanka by ferry. The Kandy Esala Perahera should be continued to its traditional conclusion despite threats from disruptive forces, however formidable they were, Airlanka, the country's national carrier is planning to
YRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

start new services to Copenhagen and Vienna, official sources said yesterday. Police and the armed services have already taken 1,500 suspects into custody in connection wtith offences under the emergency regulations. Hingurakgoda Police have taken into custody a gang which had been terrorising the Polonnaruwa and Hingurakgoda areas following a raid on their jungle hideout at Minneriya AS. The names of displaced persons and those rendered homeless will be entered in the electoral registers under the existing addresses; their names will not be deleted from the electora registers because they have been rendered homeless-DP.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23: President Jayewardene addressing the nation last night pledged his government's commitment to the maintenance if law and order and the preservation of the democratic way of life. The 7 p.m. - 4 a.m. curfew now operative n eight districts has been extended to include Jaffna, Trincomalee and Batticoloa districts from today, the Government announced yesterday. The leader of the Opposition in the Sri Lanka parliament Mr. A. Amirthalingam said last night that the TULF MPs have not resigned their seats in the house so far. The assassination of Philippines Opposition leader Benigno Aquino on his return home from self-exile in the Unitc. States is unlikely to affect currently strong relations between Washington and Manila-DN. President J. R. Jayewardene in an address to the nation last night said that the tension and animosity between the Sinhalese and the Tamil people had been recreated and flamed up for the purpose of political activities and desires of those who, we think, led Spearheaded and outlined this movement-CDM. Bus and rail fares will go up from Monday, following Thursday night's fuel price hike. The TULF is to decide today whether its MPs should remain in Parliament or not; a party spokesman told yesterday that the issue would be decided at the party convention scheduled to be held in Mannar today and tommorrow. A University Vice Chancellors have been reappointed with wider powers by the President yesterday atter they were removed by a gazette motification om Thursday-SU. 'Sri Lanka is too small an island for two independent states. The very idea is inconceivable and economically unviable", the Catholic Weekly newspaper of india The Bombay Examiner said in an editorial. The paper said that no time should be lost in taking up the thread of dialogue to seek reconciliation om honourable terms. Russia came back as an active buyer at yesterday's tea auctions in Colombo –łS. The Parliamentary group and the Generał Council of the TULF will meet immediately on the return of the leader of the Opposition Mr. Amirthalingam from India-DP.
WEpNESDAY, AUGUST 24: Trade and Shipping Minister Lalith Athulathmudali said on Monday that
9'

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he would soon draw up an insurance scheme to cover all workers against loss of employment, damage to workplaces and similar risks; this would guarantee job security and impart a sense of security to all workers, he said. The curfew will begin at 11 p.m. today in 12 districts and will end at 4.am. tomorrow; the districts are Colombo, Gampaha Kalutara, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle Kandy, Jaffna, Trincomalee and Batticoloa. The President of Liberia yesterday began the first visit to Israel by a Black African leader for a decade and received an immediate pledge of Israeli help against any intervention by Libya-DN. Relatives and friends of victims of the recent riots who had lost hope in locating them can have fresh hope now; they can now forward their inquiries to the Red Cross Society which is setting up a Missing Persons Bureau-CDM. Indian Premier Mrs. Indira Gandhi's Special emissary Shri G. Parthasarathy arrives here tomorrow for talks with President J. R. Jayewardene. Commissioner-General of Essential Services, Bradman Weerakoon, yesterday expressed satisfaction over the functioning of seven services which had been declared essential under emergency regulations–SU. An international dimension has beem added to the intermittent and so far sterile negotiations between the Sri Lanka Government and the TULF with India's offer to help both sides to start a dialogue, according to a report from New Delhi by Salamat Ali of the Far Eastern Economic Review, who specialises in South Asian affairs. The Sri Lankan government on Monday defended its conduct in last month's race riots before the United Nations Sub-Committee on Human Rights, where it had been accused of indifference to the fate of the Tamil minority. The European country that sends Sri Lanka the most number of tourists every year also sends the most number of carriers of illicit drugs-S.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25. Nearly 65 percent of those in refugee camps in Colombo today are stateless persons; the Indian high Commission has agreed to offer travel documents to the families of these refugees to enable them to decide on settling down in India, a spokesman for the Commissioner-General of Essential Services said at a press briefing yesterday. The curfew operates from 11 p.m. today and will end at 4 a.m. tomorrow; two more areas come under curfew from today in addition to the 11 districts announced earlier; they are Vavuniya and Mannar. Three protestors were shot dead by police and nearly 200 people were wounded in violent clashes in Sind province yesterday as President Zia U Haq said the continuing campaign against his military regime gave him no cause for anxiety -DW. The voluntary contributions made by the Commericial banks in the island, both local and foreign, in response to the appeal made by me for rehabilitation is an inspiring example to the entire
O

private sector said Finance Minister Mr. Ronnie de Mel, yesterday at the Finance Ministry when he received contributions from seven commecial banks -CDM. The situation in Sri Lanka is gener rally calm and there is no cause for anxiety, the Secretary to the Ministry of State and Competent Authority Douglas Liyanage said yesterday; the only cause for concern, he pointed out, was rumour which led to pandemonium. Armed forces and the Police launched a combing out operating in the north yesterday after reports that leaders of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and Nava Sama Samaja Party were hiding there-SU. Indian Foreign Minister Mr. P. V. Narasimha Rao yesterday rejected a proposal that a peacekeeping force from outside should be stationed in Sri Lanka to protect the Tamil minority here; the proposal to the above effect was made at a meeting of the Indian Parliamentary Consultative Committee on regional States The Secretary General of the TULF Mr. Amirthalingam may mot return to Sri Lanka until Indian Prime Minister's special envoy., . Mr. G. Parthasarathy who is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka goes back to mida, TULF sources Said yesterday-lS.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26: The leader of the Opposition in the Sri Lankan parliament Mr. A. Amirthalingam, met Mr. G. Parthasarathy, Indian Prime Minister indira Gandhi's special envoy, in Madras last night and discussed the Tami's problems there for over an hour. The curfew begins at 11 p.m. today and ends at 4 a.m. tomorrow in 14 districts. Dr. Premadasa Udagama, a senior member of the SLFP has resigned from the post of Assistant Secretary and from the membership of the politburo; he has how ever retained his SLFP membership. Pakistan's largest party has called on the people of the Punjab, the country's most populous province to join a campaign against the martial law government in an unsigned statement said to have been writtem by the widow of executed Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto-DN. Mr. , G. Parthasarathy the indian Prime Minister's special envoy arrived yesterday evening; he will meet President Jayewardeme for talks on the current situation in the country, it is reliably understood that Mr. Parthasarathy will apprise President Jayewardene today of his talks with the South Indian leaders and the TULF General Secretary in Madras-CDM. Industraial Ventures, having private foreign capital, which were damaged during the recent disturbances should be considered as priority cases for rehabilitation, the task force has recommended to the government. The severe drought may halve the rice crop for this year, according to a top official of the Food Department; although about 40 million bushels were expected from the yala crop which is harvested in September, a recent evaluation shows that only 18 to 20 million bushels would be harvested this season, he said
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

Page 13
Govemment should seriously think of getting all sections of the people, political and religious to settle the present problems, Maithripala Semanayake said in Parliament yesterday-SU. The recent disturbances in Sri Lanka has spawned an Indian doctrine of regional security under which no South Asian government must ask for external military assistance with an anti-Indian bias from any country, asserts this week's issue of the well known indian journal India Today. The indian Prime Minister's Special emissary to Sri Lamka Mr. G. Parthasarathy will have his first round of talks with President Jayewardene at 10 a.m. today, according to highly placed government sources-IS.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27. The Government is trying to find accommodation for the public Serwants who have lost their homes or tenancies after the recent disturbances, Ministry of State Secretary Douglas Liyanage said; Mr. Liyanage said that one of the suggestions being explored is the old chummery form of accommodation or group housing. The curfew begins at 11 p.m. today and ends at 4 a.m. tomorrow in 14 districts. Three more people died in violenet anti-government demonstrations in Pakistan's southren Sind province as the underground opposition prepares to spread the protests to other regions. President Francois Mitterrand's warning that French troops could take the offensive if they were attacked by Libyan forces in Chad has received a mixed reaction in Paris-DN. REPIA has divested properties back to the Maharaja Organisation, K. G. 1 industries, St Anthony's, Hirdaramani and Jafferjee Brothers as they have commenced reconstruction and repair works to their riot damaged manufacturing industries at their own expense-CDM. indian Premier indira Gandhi's special envoy Shri G. Pathasarathy yesterday had 90-minute meeting with President J. R. Jayewardene; they spoke to each other without and aides, State Ministry Secretary and Competent Authority Douglas Liyanage told a news briefing; there was a frank exchange of views he said. Secretary General of the TULF. A. Amirthalingam returned to Colombo from Madaras last morning in a surprise move which caught most political observers by surprise-SU. Tamil residents and businessmen in the Western province who escaped acts of violence during the disturbances are now being Solicited for testimonials by certain politicians; these politicians have approached unaffected persons and requested testimonials to the effect their safety had been guaranteed as a result of protective measures taken by the politicians concerned. State Counsel are to assist the CD in their investigations into the cause for the recent spate of violence in the country. Indian Prime Minister Mrs. Andira Gandhi's special envoy, Mr. G. Parthasarathy met Mrs. Sirima Bandaranaike the leader of the SLFP. at her residence at Rosmead Place Colombo and had a hour long discussion on the current situation-S;
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

SUNDAY AUGUST 28: Separatism in Sri Lanka has no international government support according to ministerial sources; the fact is they say that World opinion has taken the position that Sri Lanka cannot be divided. Several Schools have decided on a positive approach to the problem of communal disharmony in the country, when schools reopen tomorrow; they hope to tackle this problem at School level by introducing a series of programs Specially aimed at bringing together students of all communities in their respective schools. The curfew begins at 11 p.m. today and ends at 4 a.m. tomorrow in the 14 districts. The country's health Services are short-handed by around 120 doctors as a result of the recent disturbances a Health Ministry official told the Sunday Observer last night-SO. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has purchased 165 000 metric tons of crude oil from the official OPEC supplier - National ranian Oil Corporation of Iran at US dollars 28 per barrel. Lanka Tankers Ltd. a subsidiary of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has finally purchased the tanker MT Innovator from Daewee industrial Corporation of South Korea for lifting crude oil from the Arabian Gulf to Colombo; the tanker could carry a maximum of 125 000 tons of crude oil-ST. With the immediate matter of translocation shelter and food for the 60 000 displaced persons being Sorted out Government is now compelled to find solutions to many more deeper issues brought about by this trauma. Indian Premier Indira Gandhi's Special envoy yesterday continued his dialogues with several government and opposition leaders; among those he met for talks yesterday were the Minister of Industries and Sceientific Affairs, Cyril Mathew and Minister of Lands, Land development and Mahaweli Development, Gamini Dissanayake-WK. The Prime Minister of New Zealand Mr. Robert Muldoon has told the Deputy Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Tyrome. Fermando that Sri Lanka could not permit a separation of its terriroty as such a separation would resultin the country being a pawn of a Super power which has designs on the indian Ocean. Several TULF MPs arrived in Colombo yesterday to discuss current developments concerning the visit of the lindian Special Envoy Mr. G. Parthasarathy to Sri Lanka The number of refugees in the four camps in Colombo maintained by the Department of Social Services is now 13,500 Secretary, Social Services Ministry, Mr. W. M. Wijeratne Banda said yesterday-lS.
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FOR THE RECORD
JULY DSTURBANCES AND
The Tea Industry
This report by Forbes & Walker Ltd., dated August 25, 1983 is divided into four broad sections which includes an introductory Note, the Plantation Sector, the Tea Trade and Matters of General importance. This report sets out the problems that had occured in the Tea Industry as a result of the recent disturbances and gives an approximate measures of losses. The most important factor Ahowever is that there never vivas a complete breakdown of the production and marketing of tea. The report concludes by confidently upholding this assurance ás Sri Lanka embarks on the next 100 years of Tea Marketing in Sri Lanka.
1-INTRODUCToRY : THE DISTURBANCES experienced in Sri Lanka at the end of July 1983 have been given wide coverage in the media. There is no doubt that the crisis itself was completely out of character with our country which has been and will continue to be a peace loving nation. It is, however, regrettable that some foreign media Sources have tended to distort the actual situation and incorrectly painted a picture of a compietely unsettled nation in which chaos is reigning Supreme. The unfortunate event that took place in our country in July 1983. will undoubtedly retard the unprecedented economic growth Sri Lanka has been experiencing over the past few years. A biased and distorted image created internationally will only accentuate the problems. A small country like Sri Lanka with limited resources for economic development naturally has to rely on the Support and good will of all countries, particularly in the developed world. Any misrepresentation therefore of the facts concerning the civil disturbances could result in a substantial erosion of the confidence with which the global business community will look at Sri Lanka in the future. This in turn will damage and severely restrict the economic revival of our country.
WE IN THE BUSINESS WORLD are mot competent to comment on the political aspects of the problems. Suffice it to say, however, that we together with the vast majority of our countrymen fully supports the democratic ideals of the Government. The misrepresentation by the foreign media in the political
12

field has to a great extent been dealt with by the government and other organisations. Nevertheles in the various fields of business activity in which our country is internationally linked with, there could be misgivings and doubts as to our future stability, due to certain inaccuracies and falsehoods. We therefore feel that it is important that the commercial Sector of our country should, in their respective areas of activity endeavour to dispel these misgivings, if any, especially, with our associates, clients principals and friends abroad. It is with this is mind that the attached note on the tea industry ha's been prepared.
FOR BES & WALKERS LIMITED with over One hundred years of existence has been closely associated with tea and have always had the utmost confidence in this great industry. We therefore, feel it is our duty that being intimately connected with most areas of operation, be it in the plantation sector or the tea trade, we should give an accurate and unbiassed report on the present state of the tea industry vis-a-vis the recent disturbances. As mentioned earlier, the need for this report has been prompted because certain elements, some unscrupulously, Some unknowingly, have given inaccurate data and information regarding the Sri Lanka tea industry. This would have damaging and far reaching consequences to our country, which after all, still depends on tea for the largest component of the export earnings of the country.
We are also concerned, since we are justifiably proud of the fact that Colombo is presently not only the largest single marketing centre for tea internationally, but also has the greatest spread of out market activity in the world, and we intend to keep it that way. The foregoing makes it important that this report goes out to all our friends in the TEA WORLD, so that there will not be any doubt regarding the continued stability of the Sri Lanka tea industry. We hope the integrity which Forbes & Walker Limited has always prided itself on, in preparing any report, which means concentrating of facts and giving a balanced point of view, and not sensationalism, will make those who read the report realise that there is absolutely no reason to feel any apprenhensions about continuing to depend on Sri Lanka whose former name of 'CEYLON' is still synonymous with 'TEA'.
THE PLANTATION SECTOR: We have throughout the period of the disturbances kept in close touch with the various Regional Boards scattered in the main planting Districts and wherever possible contacted a cross section of estates as well. it has been confirmed that most estates continued to harvest and manufacture teas during the period of the problems. The possible exceptions were the few days in which the 24 hour curfew were imposed when no plucking of green leaf would have been poissible.
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 19es

Page 15
Further, in Some particularly bad areas, a few estates immediately bordering the towns did have problems in carrying out normal work for a short period. We would however stress that no green leave was "thrown out of the bush' due to the inability to pluck in sufficient time for processing. Consequently, any fear that Sri Lanka will Suffer a substantial or even a minute crop loss due to the recent problems is completely unfounded. Admittedly, the slight delay in plucking the green leaf at the optimum point, will create a minor setback to the quality of the teas produced during this period. This would however be relevant to a production period of just around one Week or even less. These teas wi be reflected in Some of the invoices coming up for sale during the last Sale in August 1983 and a few lines in the first sale in September 1983.
The official crop released for July 1983 at 13.1
million kilos records a shortfall of 2.2 million kilos on the corresponding figure for July 1982, Since, the Sri Lanka crop for June 1983 at 25.3 million kiloS reflected a substantial increase on the 1983 June figure of 17 million kilos, there could be a sentiment that the lower figure for July 1983 was due to a crop loss following the disturbances. This is however not so and the crop figure merely relects the cropping conditions that prevailed during July 1983. It is also likely that due to the posta delays and possible procedural delays in entering the crop records promptly at estate level, especially some private owned units, certain figures were not received at the time the July 1983 crop was finalised. These would be adjusted by the time the August 1983 figure is released by around mid September. An fact, judging from cross Section of reports received from Estates it is not unlikely that the August 1982 crop of 13.1 million kilos would be exceeded in August 1983.
As tea interests will be aware, the disturbances occured at a time the traditional Uva/Uda PussellaWa quality Season was setting in. As mentioned earlier, there was a slight setback to the manufacture of Seasonal quality teas at the height of the crisis. This was however only for a very limited period and the normal manufacturing processes employed during the quality Season were quickly restored. Notwithstanding, due to the rescheduling of sales and delays in the despatching of samples to Colombo for cataloguing purposes, which will be mentioned later On in this report, the seasonal quality teas will be staggered out throughout the September Sales, unlike in previos years when the bulk of the seasonal quality Uva/Uda Pussellawa's have been offered over the August and first half of September sales. Further, other than for the vagares of weather which has been somewhat unsettled this year in both Uva and Uda Pussellawa Districts we do mot anticipate any major setback to the production of Seasonal quality teas.
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

There has been absolutely no damage caused to any State owned Tea Factory, which accounts for around 85% of our total tea production. Even amongst the Private Sector factories, no major damage has been reported other than for ome small proprietor owned unit in the Kandy District. Therefore, no Substantial setback to manufacture or production has occured. A few estates did suffer damage to some Workers' quarters and certain estate buildings, but not of any magnitude to create a total collapse to that particular unit of production. It must however be pointed out that the State Managed estates thus affected was due to the fact that they were in close proximity, in fact bordering the Town or Bazaar areas that were disrupted during the disturbances,
and was mot specifically earmarked for damage as a Tea Estate.
Contrary to certain incorrect, reports there was no major displacement of Estate workers from the properties. Most of the workers who were affected on the Estates were relocated on the same Estate itself and even the workers who were temporarily housed in welfare centres have now returned to the estates. There may be some sense of fear and apprehension amongst a certain section of the Estage workers which is natural after a disturbance of this nature. In fact this also prevailed on previous occasions of communal disturbances. Thereafter however, the workers themselves overcome this doubt as normalcy returns. There is therefore absolutely no truth in the distorted information that there is a mass exodus of skilled estate workers from Sri Lanka. We repeat that all Planting Districts have reconfirmed that the situation on the estates, particularly the State Managed properties which forms the bulk of the Tea Estates, is now normal, and even during the heights of the crisis no major setback to production occured.
There was a definite problem regarding transport of teas from the Estates to Colombo, as well as the despatch of samples and other informatiom for- cataloguing purposes. This situation is now under control and despatches are fast coming back to normal, although bottle-necks in this operation are Wikely to occur till around the end of August 1983.
To be Concluded
ж
THE CITIZENS COMMITTEE FOR NATIONAL HARMONY ON THE
July 1983 Disturbances
Vice-Presidents: Dr. M. C. M. Kaleel, Mr. James Rutnam, Mr. O. L. de Kretser, Mr. Hector Abhayawardhana, Mr. A. W. M.
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Ameer, Fr. Swithin Fernando, Fr. Joe de Mel, Mr. Godfrey Gunatilleke; Joint Secretares: Ven. M. Ratnakara, Fr. Tissa BalaSuriya: , Assistant Secretaries : Mir. Bernadeen Silva, Mr. S. Abeysekera: Joint Treasures. Mr. M. Mazzahim Mohideen, Dr. Cario Fonseka. W
A UNIOUE OPPORTUNTY for a frank and open exchange of views between persoms representing Sinhala and Tamil organisations and groups was afforded at a meeting initiated by the citizenscom. mittee for National Harmony which was held at the headquarters of the All-Ceylon Buddhist Congress On August 20th and 21st. The meeting was presided over by Ven. Dr. Hewampola Ratmasara. The meeting discussed the urgent problems arising out of the recent communal disturbnces. Among the topics discussed were the steps that had to be taken by both Sinhala and Tamil communities simultaneously to end violence as a means of solving the Sinhala-Tamil problems and in particular to prevent a recurrence of the type of violence that took place in July.
The meeting discussed the need to create an environment of security and communal amity for the rehabilitation of the victims and their return to the homes and neighbourhoods in which they resided. The meetiug also discussed the need to create a genuime Sri Lankan identity which creates a common commitment among Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher and a other groups to a united Sri Lanka, provide a national environment that assures citizens of all communities freedom from fear of violence and the right to live with human dignity and self-respect. in this context the meeting addressed itself to issues of ethnic balance in economic activities which would, among other things, look after various grievances which have been voiced by the majority community. The meeting proposed a programme of work which could enable citizens and non-governmental organisations to contribute substantially to the solutions of ethnic problems on each of the main issues. The programme envisages a close dialogue and collaboration between the Sinhala and Tamil citizens in carrying out this work. The participants expect to continue discussions to workout the programme in detai and organise groups wihch could implement it. n addition the meeting has made several recommendations for
OVernment action.
A MONG THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED were members from the following organisations: Citizens Committee for National Harmony; Young Mens Buddhist Association; Shanti Sena Bhikku Sangamaya ; Mahabodhi Society; Colombo Chetty's Association; Centre for Society and Religion; Pubuduwa of the Catholic Church; All-Ceylon Moors ASSociation; Moors Islamic Cultural Home; AllCeylon Muslim League; Ceylon Workers' Congress; Social Economic Development Centre; Marga Insti
14

tute; Dutch Burgher Union ; Kantha Handa; AllCeylon Buddhist Congress; Sinhala Bala Mandalaya; Satyodaya; Centre for National and Tamil Affairs National Council; Colombo Diocesan Committee for Social Study and Action ; Sri Lanka Methodist Church; Ali Ceylon YMMA Conference; Ali Ceylon Union of Muslim Youth league FrontS; Sri Lanka Humanitarian Society; Democratic Worker's Congress; N. C. C. Commission for Justice and Peace; Society for international Development and Service Civil International. On the basis of the discussions held and with the support of those who participated in these discussions, the Citizens Committee for National
Harmony has issued the following statement:
THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF COMMUNAL VOLENCE has left the whole nation demoralised and shaken. We sympathise deeply with all those who are victims of this violence. We share the agony of the familes of those killed by violence anywhere in the country. In this unprecedented human tragedy many lost their dear ones, their homes, all their possessions and life work. It makes us profoundly sad and resolved to do what we can to undo the damage especially to persons and human relationships. We must take steps to see that there is no recurrence of such inhumanity. There are rays of hope in the friendly protection given to Tamil families by numerous Sinhala families, and in the desire of the great majority of the Tamil people to life peacefully in a united Sri Lanka. The agents of violence in the North and in the South are small groups which were able to terrorise people, especially in the situation of mutual suspicions, a failure to arrive at a timely negotiated political solution and the breakdown of law and order.
The outlawing of separatism has helped allay the fears of the Sinhala majority regarding the threat of division of the country. Nevertheless, the causes of temsiom remain and an uneasy Nu previas in the absence of positive advances towards a peaceful . convivance of all our peoples. Most Tamil families in the South and in the plantations feel a deep Sense of insecurity. Their first demand in the guaranteering of the right to life. in this societal Crisis we acknowledge that we need a sincere return to the fundamental values of our great religious traditions. The core values of compassion and tolerance of Buddhism and Hinduism have been the traditional cementing base of Sinhala-Tamil relations over the centuries. The sense of community of Islam and Christianity also help to build the oneness of our multi-racial, multi-religious country. Y
The Sinhala and Tamil people must act simu- i taneously to prevent any recurrence of such violence. The Sinhala people must resolve that senseless communal violence even as retaliation for any terrorist activity in the North,
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10 1983

Page 17
is self-destructive. It destroys social stability and discipline, the religious and moral wellbeing of the nation, its economic life, its international image and foreign assistamce, Above al, it dehumanizes both the agents of violence as well as its victims. The control of terrorism in the North has to be by the security forces of the State and a politically negotiated solution to the problems which are the case of terrorism.
SUCH RETALATORY VOLENCE can achieve the opposite of what it intends, it sends more and more Tamil people to the North and East and thus makes division a de facto reality. This may indeed Support the strategy of Northern terrorism. It can also lead to the endangering of Sri Lanka's national Sovereignty, or our friendly relations with South Asian nations and of our nonaligned status. We can then easily become a victim of global power conflicts and international intrigues. It is important to distinguish clearly between the situation of the Tamils of Indian descent and their political position from the rest of the Tamil problem. The Tamils of recent Indian origin have clearly expressed their desire to be in one United Sri Lanka. The violence against them has no political grounds but it can have serious consequences on national life and internationally, specially in relation to South India. A special effort should be made to communicate this to the Sinhala Aeople who live in close proximity to this community
The Self-appraisal and reorientation of the attitudes and perceptions of the Sinhala community must go hand in hand with a response of the Tamil community. A clear dissociation from terrorism and from the politics of separation by the Tamil community will greatly help reduce the distrust and animosity among the Sinhala people. The Sinhala majority have to uinderstand the tragic dilemma of the average Tamil person trapped between the sporadic and determinate terrorism of the North and the sudden and indiscriminate terror in the South. The experience of the Tamil people of recent Indian origin offers little consolution in this. It has to be recognised that most Tamils in the South have mot espoused separatism, they are for a united Sri Lanka and some of them have clearly stated so. Ouite a ew are active members of the national political parties. All the same, a reaffirmation of the Tamil desire for a united Sri Lanka is very helpful and necessary now.
AN ENDURING RESOLUTION of our ethnic con flicts depends on the articulation and general accep tance of a basic Sri Lankan identify which both includes and transcends ethnic loyalties. The Sr Lankan national identity should be based on the cor values of our religions. It should provide for thi recongnition of the primary role of the Sinhala Bud dhist culture of the vast majority and the due plac of the other cultures within a perspective of toleranc
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

and fair play. Within this perspective we need to resolve the pervasive question of the ethnic balance which is equitable to both the majority and the minoirities. This concerns issues such as education, emploment, development activities and land settle-i. ment. The actual position, based on data, should be made known, and equitable national policies evolved by consensus, Such policies on such an ethnic balance could be transitional, during a period of competition for scarce economic opportunity. They may include a mixed participation in trade and industry. The grievance of the majority that Sinhalese do not enjoy access to property and economic opportunities in Tami areas, should also be dealt with under this perspective. The Sri Lankan national identity should be inculcated through the educational media and be operative in the administrative services and the security forces, Narrow communalistic ideologies in these areas can be disastrous even in the future. Ways of non-formal education and training on a multi-racial basis should be developed.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT : 1. The trends towards confrontation should be reversed by political dialogue and negotiations between the two communities. Both the Government and the TULF, mindful of their present constraints, should agree to begin megotiations for a modus vivendi in a united Sri Lanka-without insistence on categorical positions on the part of either.
2. Tendencies towards overlooking or even benefitting from mob violence-seen since the early 1970s-must be effectively checked by the law: otherwise the whole framework of law and order breaks down eventually.
3. A pattern has been seen in this communal violence. Govemment has informed the people of a planned plot by Northern terrorists and Southen extremists, it is essential that, as soon as feasible, a ful investigation by an impartial Commission of inquiry be instituted to investigate and report on this and make recommendations to prevent future recurrence, and for speedy and equitable compensation to victims.
4. The mass media can help create a genuine Sri Lankan national identy with the help of music drama, films, creative arts, popular artists. An independent multi-racial, multi-religious national task force should be set up for this. t can countar falsehoods, misinformation and prejudices among our communal groups and in international media.
5. A high-level Commission om education for the promotion of communal amity be appointed and its recommendation be speedily implemented.
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Page 18
6. A special Security apparatus to be set up to ensure the safety of Tamil peoples in Sinhala areas. This can be in close relationship with the neighbourhood groups and Home Guards.
7. Recognising that deep cleavages have been catsed in our society by the distrust and gap between govemment and opposition parties, the increased inequalities between the affluent and the poorest groups, and the tendency for a recourse to mob violence to resolve political issues, we believe there is a need for government to set in motion a process of reconciliation which can create conditions in which groups can have confidence in the democratic process of negotiation and conflict-resolution. This can be a great asset in the realising of communal
harmony alse.
8. Censored. This paragraph will be published nex Week.
A PEOPLE'S RESPONSE : The present tragic situation in communal relations is a responsibility of not only political parties but of all the peoples of the country. People of all communities must get together as individuals and through their various religious, cultural and Social organisations and act to overcome this process of self-destruction which has been gathering force. We must learn to accept and respect each other as human persons whose primary right is the right to life, to work and a peaceful home. Our racial tensions must be contained and resolved by mutual comprehension and equitable acceptance of each other's rights within a United Sri Lanka. A continuing frank dialogue and attitude of give and take is required for this.
For this purpose we resolve to form groups of persons committed to the building of a United Lanka in which there is respect for all persons and communities. Such groups will foster mutual under standing, share in inviting refugees to their homes, ensure their Security and participate in the rebuilding of their homes and our common Social life. This is the best and most effective response by all to the divisive and violent trend Sthat have brought us to this sorry plight of hundreds of deaths and over hundred thousand refugees. The unity of our country will then be built on the unity of the peoples in their minds and hearts and local communities. We invite all perSons of goodwill to join in such United Lanka groups So. that all the people may share in the rebuilding of our homes and work places as well as in the reconcitiations of minds and hearts.
Godfrey Gunatileke Vice-President Ven. Dr. Hewanpola Ratnasara Jt. Secretary Fr. Tissa Balasuiriya Jt. Secretary.
281, Deans Road Colombo 10. August 22, 1963.
16

UECBLUE AGRICULTURAL
DIGEST
WORLD BANK and THE THIRD WORLD-2
Agricultural Research
in Sri Lanka the World Bank, IMF and other international financial agencies, have been the subject of much Controversy. They were regarded, especially by left-leaning political parties, no doubt with some fusification, as the instruments of western capitalism seeking not only to strengthen international capitalism but also to bring more and more of the developing Third World, (where many countries were experimenting with 'mixed economy' economic pro- grammes or psuedo-socialist state sector programmes), into the orbit of the world capitalist system.
But time has shown that, in view of the realities of global economics, many, if not most, of the socialist and communist countries are not able to do without some form of co-operation and assistance from these financial institutions. From 1977, Sri Lanka has, more than before, obtained the advice and assistance of these institutions. We publish this week the second of three instalments of a lengthy, extract on the World Bank and the Third World.
AS RESERVES OF ARABLE LAND that can be put to the plow decline, much of the food for a growing population will have to come from increases in yields on land that is now under cultivation. In the mid 1960s, largely as a result of international research Several varieties of improved seeds were developed that, when combined with fertilizer and appropriate water conditions, were capable of increasing the yields of rice and wheat Substantially. Despite these convincing advances in research, however,
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10 1983

Page 19
and the subsequent expansion in the area under cultivation in these two cereals, many developing countries continue to attach low priority to agricultural research W
Two significant indicators of this low priority are; The money spent on agricultural research in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while increasing steadily through the years, still accounts for no more than a fourth of the estimated S 5,000 million mow Spent of agricultural research throughout the world : the number of agricultural research Scientists in the developing countries is grossly inadequate; their number-about 23,000, excluding those in Chinacorresponds roughly to the total number in Japan alone.
Partly because of inadequate funding and a lack of trained manpower, some research projects, particularly in the low-income countries, are poorly designed and slow to be implemented. Many of the national programs are limited in scope and they are typically the weakest links in the global research effort. Despite wide diversity in research capabilities among countries, a number of those weaknesses have been identified. There is a general lack of appreciation by govemments of the role that effective research plays in agricultural growth and development; deficient organizational structures for research and extension result in fragmentation of effort and weak linkages between research and extension and the generation of research results that have practical value to farmers; and training programs for research scienties and technicians are generally deficient.
THERE IS ANURGENT NEED, therefore, to strengthen the administrative and technical capabilities of many national research institutions. Whenever it can be done. the number of staff should be increased in such cases training programs should be expanded; and qualified managers recruited. No less important are serious efforts to reduce the gap between laboratory research and its extension to the farmers fields. Substantial progress in this direction has been made through new approaches to agricultural extension.
For more than a decade, the Executive Directors of the Bank have supported the efforts of member. developing countries to build up their national research institutions. They have recognized that funds allocated for agricultural research can be an efficient source of agricultural growth and can yield greater economic returns than other possible investments in rural areas. Consequently, research and extension have been among the most rapidly growing activities in the agricultural and rural development portfolio of the Bank. In fiscal 1980, they accounted for about S 400 million, or roughly 9 percent of the nearly s 3,460 million in lending for agricultural and rural
rRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, t983

development. An additional $ 11.7 million was granted to the Consultative Group for Intermational Agricultural Research (CGIAR) for support of international agricultural research .
Bank assistance for agricultural research has generally been of four types: (1) agriculture and rural development projects that have adaptive research and extension components; (2) national or statewide research and extension projects-by far the largest and fastest growing category; (3) education projects that include agricultural components; and, (4) grant funds for the CGIAR.
In approving these projects-some thirty in number and S72 milion incost, between fiscal 1971 and fisca 1980 the Executive has tried to ensure that the principal objectives of research are the improvement of food crops and the development of simple technologies that small farmers can afford. Nevertheless, the Executive Directors realize that better technologies suitable for use by low-income produces, especially those living in agriculturally marginal areas, are still needed.
AS THE NEED FOR FOOD GROWS, many developing countries will be required to increase food production by about 3 percent to 4 percent a year. Many of these countries will have to increase their investment in agricultural research substantially if these production goals are to be achieved. An annual increase of about 10 percent in investment for reSearch would be appropriate in many countries. For these countries, an expenditure for research equal to about 2 percent of agricultural gross domestiC product would mot be reasonable; the average for all the developing countries was 0.31 percent in 1975.
in preparing guidelines for the future, which ad outlined in the June 1981 publication, Agricultural Aresearch Sector Policy Paper, the Executive Die ctors have recognized that the World Bank take the lead among international institutions in supportung national research. They have approved steady increases in the Bank's five-year ending progral for agricultural research and extension-from about S 330 million în fiscal 1979 to mote than $ 550 mil”
iom in fiscal 1984 (in constant US. dollars).
The present emphasis of research on food crops, low-income groups, and low-cost technologies will continue. The aim of projects supported by the Bank will be to achieve a proper balance in funding between research and extension; an appropriate linkage between national efforts and loca activities and between the work of intemational research institutions and that of national organisations wil be encouraged. While the emphasis will be un applied research, support for more basic research will be 17

Page 20
offered selectively where potential benefits seem to warrant long lead time and commitment of substantial resources.
UN Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC) : twelve international and nine bilateral agencies are represented on the SubCommittee. As fiscal agent for and cosponsor with the UNDP and the WHO of the Special Program for Research and Training im Tropical Disease, the Bank continued its support of research into new and better methods of treatment and control of six major tropical diseases. It will continue $2.48 million to the financing of the Special Program during calendar 1981. With
the WHO, it participated in the design of a research
and development program for the control of diaratheal diseases through more effective methods of preparation, dissemination, and use of oral dehydration therapy and by providing environmental and personal health Services. The Bank also participated in the meetings of the Health 2,000 Resources Group sponsored by the WHO, the aim of which is to monitor the mobilization of resources and the use of resources in the light of investment experience
A Committee of International Adevelopment Assistance Institutions on the Environment was established in 1981, with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the Secretariat, to give effect to the Declaration of Environment Policies and Procedures Relating to Economic Development which the Bank and other agencies adopted last year. Further harmonization of environmental policies, programs, and performance will be sought through linkage with bilateral development aid agencies. The Bank's Office of Environmental Affairs also held Consultations with other agencies on the Regional Seas Programme of the UNEP, om control of desertification, and on such other subjects as the management of tropical forests and the use and regulation
of pestisides.
To be Concluded.
C
USA
Railways Deregulated - 2
One of the main bottlenecks that restrict and inhibit the marketing of agricultural produce, fertilisers and other essentials is transport. There is also no doubt that the state-owned Sri Lanka Railways has ceased to play the competitive and purposeful role it should in freight transport. We publish below the concluding part of the story of the impact of 'Deregulation' of the railroads in the United States where for a long time the Railroad Companies had been under 'Federal"
18

(government) controlo. * : " lin fargon under- : : standable in Sri Lanka, certain railroads had been brought under virtual state (nationalised) control. In this state, the railways in the USA had suffered serious losses. But when the Federal Government withdrew its controls and permitted the Railways to operate freely on an open economy basis, they began not only to make profits but also present a competitive challenge to road transport which for a long time had enjoyed a virtual monopoly in freight transport This article and what it reveals has many lessons for Sri Lanka.
ONE OF THE GOALS OF DEREGULATION was to reduce the degree to which railroads made use of general,across-the-board rate changes by encouraging railroads to make more changes on an individual basis. This too, seems to be happening-frequently to the benefit of both railroad and shipper. While a number of individual rates have increased, many others have dropped as railroads have attempted to increase business to fill cars that otherwise would stand idle. Both BN and Santa Fe say more individual rates have been reduced than incrased under the new rules. Even some relatively sma shippers have been the beneficiaries of rate reductions by railroads. Chessie and Family Lines, for example, reduced rates as much as S 2.47 a tom on single car coa shipments moving from mines along family Lines in Eastern Kentucky and eastern points served by Chessie.
Some railroads have been moving aggressively to reduce the number of empty backhaus-the empty return of freight cars to the owner-by sharply reducing a number of rates. Conrail has historically had a high number of empty backhaus and has been particularly active in this area. In one instance Conrail reduced rates for moving furniture to the Southwest by as much as 20 percent. As an example, the price for moving a carload of furniture from Boston to Dallas was lowered from $ 3,258 to $ 2,650. To reduce the number of empty returns to Canada. backhaul rates om Canadian Natioma boxcars Were slashed as much as 35 percent. Appliance rates to the West and Southwest were reduced up to 30 percent. The backhaul rate programme has succeeded both in gaining new businiess for Conrail and in reducing the number of empty backhauls. During the first two years of the program, it was credited with pringing in S 7 million worth of new business to Conrail, with connecting carriers also gaining new ՅVՅՈԱ63,
1981 saw a huge surplus of grain-carrying cars is farmers have stored increasing amounts of grain 1 hopes of obtaining better market prices later. aced with this situation, a number of railroads sponded by reducing many grain rates. Burlington
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Page 21
Northern, for example, cut some of its wheat and barley rates by 10 to 15 percent. Other grain reductions have come from the Santa Fe, the Missouri Pacific and the Cotton Belt. During one period this spring, the Soo Line offered a particularly unique incentivetwo free movements of loaded grain cars for every ten carloads handled, an action that led to an immediate boost in business. Conrail has also put lower grain rates into effect for a three-month period, ending in late September. in an unusual twist, Contrail is emphasizing short hauls in particular-hauls that frequently go by truck. The cost of a 200 mile move was reduced from $ 1,368 to $ 585. Longer hauls were also reduced, although not by as large a percentage. The rate for a 750-mile move was lowered from $2,916 to $ 1,764.
Piggyback Deregulation : Early in 1981, the interstate Commerce Commission totally deregulated piggyback traffic-the movement of trailers or containers on flatcars. Railroads have been moving in several directions as a result of this new freedom. One railroad announced a series of rate increases between the Midwest and some Atlantic portsand then rolled back Some of those increases because of competition from trucks, other railroads and other ports. In fact, many piggyback rates have dropped since they were deregulated. BN reduced single container rates for export traffic to ports in the Pacific Northwest in an effort to gain new business. BN is also offering special backhaul rates im an effort to fill empty trailers or containers moving from Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado to either Chicago or the Pacific Northwest. N & W is another line that has reduced some container rates in an effort to obtain more of the export business moving between the Midwest and East Coast ports.
Other railroads reacted to deregulation of piggyback by stepping up service. Chessie inaugurated a new non-stop (except for crew changes) train that goes from Chicago to Philadelphia. Family Lines started a new intermodal run between Hamlet, N.C. and Memphis, Tenn., in an effort to provide faste service. Shippers seem to be responding quite favourably to the newly deregulated piggy-back Service During the first 13 weeks of 1981, before piggyback was deregulated, traffic was down almost 6 percent from 1980. During the second 13 weeks of 1981when piggyback deregulation took effect-the number of trailers or containers handled was up 4.7 percent while the number of piggyback cars loadec rose 3.6 percent from 1980 figures.
A Spur to innovation : Other innovations art also coming under the free climate fostered by dere gulation. Chessie has worked with Dravo Meching Corporation, the water transport subsidiary of Dravo Corporation, to develop a new intermodal transpor package involving the movement of import product
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10 1983

via ocean vessel, river barge, rail car and truck under a single through-Service rate. Deregulation is even being used to reduced the paperwork burden on shippers and railroads. Tariffs have been particularly voluminous and confusing in the railroad industry. Family Lines has scrapped all its old intermodal tariffs and replaced them with a simple four-page price list that allows a shipper to determine quickly what the cost of transport will be.
New Life for Branch Lines : The new laws are also being used to preserve service that might otherwise have been eliminated. The Missouri Pacific had a line in Northwest Arkansas that was targeted for abandoment before passage of the Staggers Act. By utilising the surcharge provision of that law, the railroad found it could both preserve that line and rehabilitate it. The shippers, obviously, were willing to pay. Another provision of the law permits shippers or communities to buy a line that might otherwise be abandoned. This provision is also being used to maintain service that otherwise would have been lost. in Pennylvania, for example, Carbon County agreed to buy an 18 mile branch line that had been scheduled for abandonment by Conrail.
in Illinois, one shipper-the Beaverville Grain and Lumber Company-purchased from the bankrupt Milwaukee Road a 57-mile long branch lime that had been idle for two years. Using provisions of the Staggers Act, the shippers' new rail-road subsidiarythe Kankakee, Beavervile & Southern-declared itself to be exempt from all CC regulations except for that relating to joint rates and entered into four-year contracts with major shippers. Those contracts will provide the new railroad with enough traffic to make the line viable.
The Future : Railroads were totally regulated for almost a century. Obviously it will take for railroads to learn all the things that can be done in a freer climate. It will also take shippars time to learn this as well. But already it is apparent that both can use deregulation to their respective advantage. it is, in fact, already apparent that deregulation is working. Rairoads are gaining new business. Customers are gaining improved service And... earnings are on the upswing, with railroads reporting a rate of return of 5.11 percent for the most recent 12 mont period highest in mroe than three decades. The foundation has been laid-a foundation upon which railroads can bulld a growing, prosperous future.
Concluded.
C
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Page 22
REHABITATION RECONSTRUCTION AND THE PEOPLE
FOR NATIONAL UNITY
Forget Caste, Creed, Race
By R. Kahawita
"BRTH, RACE, CREED OF INO CONSEOUENCE”:
THE PRESIDENT : This is what the National
Press headline in its issue of 6.7.83, reporting the address of the President to the 33rd Annual General meeting of the Sri Lanka Accountants' Service. However, we find that an individual still has to disclose his personal secrets in dealing with Government Departments. We pin-pointed this absurdity in a previous article; if we want to consider Sri Lanka as one, this kind of information must be proscribed. Administrative Machinery never moves in the way the people want it to move. So we have to disclose what you are and who are to get things done, as if you are served with a different laddle according to your caste, creed and race.
The President went om to say : "Everyone in the World has and must have problems but these could be settled by talking them over, sitting round the table, by discussion and conciliation. That is now democracy should function'. We said the same thing in our 1977 Manifesto, asking the people to support us to Usher in a just and fair society. We did not stand by that promise of 'sitting round the table' to discuss each other's problems. Five years have gone by since we said this; nothing happened, we have lost our Credibility and have also landed ourselves in inter-communal chaos. There are, on both sides, people who cannot think in any other way, but add fue to the fire-discussion and conciliation are not in their modus operandi to find a solution to the problem. They can survive only if there is trouble.
His Excellency has said very rightly too 'sitting round the table and talking them over', is the democratic way of finding the other man's point of view. Let us at least initiate now what we promised to do five years ago. Even though it may be too late to turn the extremists and their supporters from the path of destruction and murder they have chosen to destroy the Democratic way of life and 'the Dharmista Society' we have pledged the people to usher in; nevertheless, let us invite whoever that can win the Confidence of the two communities to sit round the table and work out a Solution acceptable to all who
20

'consider Sri Lanka as one'. The Prasident has opened the door and let him now carry on the discussions and around being reconciliation to make Sri Lanka one country and one people.
Colombo, 15.7.83.
c Σ:
SCHOLARS
And Village Studies - 2
By Dr. A. T. Ariyaratine
We publish the second installment of a paper entitled VILLAGE STUDIES FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES, by Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne at the Asian Regional Seminar organised by the Sri Lanka Marga lnstitute. This version is taken from the Sarvodaya magazine, DAWA. What Dr. Ariyaratne says provides food for thought for all those who are interested in the villages of Sri Lanka and desire to help in the process of construction and development. There are, unfortunately, a great many academics with great pretensions to knowledge and Wisdom who participate from ivory towers on Olympian heights of intellectual arrogance about what is good for the village and its rural folk. The way Dr. Ariyaratne debunks these self-styled prophets of contemporary punditry who operate under the umbrella of the much abused concept of "Development' will help all perceptive persons to understand some of true realities in our villages.
YOU SCHOLARS OF TEN SAY that you intend to test you 'theories' on the people in the village. In such cases, often find social Scientists being interested only in the "Theories' but not in the people. My experiences in development work have taught me that all theories are formulated by the People and for the People. According to that belief your grand theory must be of practical relevance to the village. When you test a theory on the people, taking the people as a set of guinea pigs, without any human feeling for them, then thery is devoid of any value for me o for the village. You many test your theory in the village but in your commitment to search you should also have a parallel commitment to humanity. Love andr espect for human beings should be a guiding principle in your village studies. Without such love or affection and respect, your development research would lose tS import to the village.
do not know how you would look at Theory which ome people borrow from outside, becoming recepive to them quite quickly and attempt to fuse them
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Page 23
with the village situation without realising its practical relevance to the problems at hand in the village Ouite a number of scholars have asked me whether through our development work we have been able to break down the class-structure of the village P. How far have you been successful in changing the asset structure ? The questions are undoubtedly Wedded to the theory with which the scholars have identified themselves. observe in questions of this type the sheer inability to understand development from the point of view of people. Actually these scholars are looking at the village and the process of development from the wrong end of the telescope. They do not realize that even the terminology used by them is something foreign to the village. What does the Concept of 'class' mean to the village 2 in order to tunderstand that one has to experience the village life. What is an asset-structure to the villagers ? Without understanding these concepts from the point of view of the people it is inconceivable how one could find out answers pertaining to such concepts in the village.
A scholar known to me once worked in the village on a Research Project. He observed our Shramadana Camps or work Camps 'organised by us with the purpose of spending our time, energy and thought not only for the benefit of one but for the entire community. For scholars who had no roots in our culture and village experiences, Shramadana is nothing but forced labour, a type of voluntary service forcibly extracted by fuedal lords in the past by deceiving the people in most cases by means of religious motivation. In the rich tradition of village culture there is the 'concept of the transference of merits when you do or engage yourself in a positive act, you could transfer the happiness you have gained in the performance of the act also to others who may have been direct beneficiaries of the act or who were not associated with you in the performance of the act. The concept of transference of merit is also a psychological devise that strengthened groupCohesiveness. It also had a corollary, the accumulation of Surplus merit. In the village during your leisure time, you translate your leisure time to surplus merit by engaging yourself in community activities. You 'donate' your labour to the construction of a religious edifice, a water tank or an irrigation channel. In addition to the practical benefit you render to the community from such acts, there is also the belief in accumulating merit. The merit thus accumulated manifested itself in the form of a physical structure Serving the community. In a way it motivated you to engage in positive activities beneficial to the
community.
SHRAMADANA is a process of accumulating merit by contributing your thoughts, energy' and time to a community work. As it is a process of accumulating merit there was no compulsion about it. You engaged in the work which you thought would benefit you
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

as well as others in the community. At the same time you believed that joining in the work brings. you merit. You could then transfer this merit to others. Because of the belief in marit, you were motivated to engage in the act and because of the transference of merit, group-cohesion was emphasised and effeced. When one understands these aspects, the complex concept of Shramadana became clear to us. It is not a strategy devised to exploit others, although it is possible to utilise it in this manner if some unscruplous elements desire it so. This understanding is absolutely necessary for a development research in the village. I am Sometimes surprised at the short period of preparation that a scholar devotes for gathering information on village life before he actually embarks on his research. He asks questions of the above-type because he has neither understood the the village nor the process of development released there. These development experiences are inextricably bound by their roots to the village tradition and culture. The tradition and culture has to be understood before such questions are posed. -
When we moved to Kanatholuwa in 1958, at the Nalanda College where I was a Science Teacher at the time, the Social Service League which was instrumental in the initiation of the first Shramadana that later aid the basis for the emergence of the Sarvodaya Movement, took nearly a period of six months for the preparation involved in going to the village. Although most of us who participated at the initial work camp came from the village, a village inhabited by a 'Backward Community was something which none of us had experienced. We consulted people with specialised knowlege, invited the R.D. officers associated with the Backward Communities Development Project to come and lecture to and exploited possible techniques and ayes to gain an understanding of our selected 'villageWhen I consider this intensive preparatory period and the work done, am really astonished how so scholars hope to go to a village and without Such intensive preparation attempt to start research work there.
DEVELOPMENT THEORY, as Sarvodaya experience has taught me, has to come from the village itself. When we worked in the villages where the so-called Backward Communities lived, beginning from Kamathoiuwa already mentioned, the first lesson W ear ised in Davelopment is that we have to learn the method of Development as it is found among the people first and the devise ways and means of improving it, if we do so desire it. in a way feel that Yas a stroke of fortune that led us to the villages inhabited by "Backward Communities". Here we met men and women economically under-privileged and socially regarded as almost "untouchables". It was from programmes with the "most depressed" ("Unto this last' people, the Antyodaya people) communities, who lived very much below the poverty ine, 21

Page 24
We were able to experience how to set the process of Development in motion almost from scratch. They were illiterate, for the most part unhealthy and without any skills or employment.
Working with them was indeed a village research for us. It was useless to ask them questions because they could not find answers nor could they understand the questions. Just imagine asking "What is your job?' from a man who has never prossessed any visible form of employment that he could call a 'job'. We learned that our best research is to experience V life with them and let them ask questions from us if they can. It is in this process we realized the futility of attempting to theorise from a distance. do not here mean the grand theorist who spins from a comfortable arm chair at home. A theorist could transport the arm-chair to the village where the people do not even possess chairs, or even known about them, sit On it and theorize.
This type of theorising cannot be associated with
research, in the village particularly in the area of development. A researcher, as far as we have realised
from our experience in Sarvodaya has also to be associated with the process of development. I cannot indeed conceive of two separate personalities, one. a researcher and one a development worker. In the village they often say "he who carries the torch should also carry the mammoty'. you light your own way and Cut your own path. Of course, you scholars would argue out and say that these two ought to be separated. They should come from two different disciplines are not bundled together, it serves to purpose. In the development process, the development worker while getting immersed in development, comes to occupy the vantage point of a researcher. The Researcher prepares the path, the development worker makes the ardous journey; when they are combined as one the Researcher could always translate into action
what he finds out from research though the Develop
ment Worker in him.
Το Be Concluded
RURAL SECTOR Must Devise its Own
Strategies
By Ronnie de Mel
FINANCE AND PLANNING MINISTER RONNE DE MEL said the rural sector must not be at the receiving end of the bureaucratic prescriptions for rural welfare, but should devise its own strategies for rural development. 'Unfortunately the rural Sector has grown accustomed to passively receiving handout and other concessions from government', t
22

he said in his keynote address on "Rural Development initiatives' at a conference at the ART yesterday. He said that in Sri Lanka's economic and Social context, the country's development fundamentally depends on the performance of the rural sector. The Government had done much but the government alone cannot transform the rural sector. Initiatives must come from individuals and groups for the economic development of the rural sector. There are mamy reasons for the lack of imitiatives in the rural Sector today. Some of them historical, some of them economic and some of them Social.
Mr. de Mei said : "Foremost, among the reasons for the lack of initiatives in the rural Sector is the dependence on government intervention to assist this sector. After centuries of foreign rule, poverty and governmental controls, instead of the rural people of this country organising themselves to generate economically useful activities, they depend almost totally on the government organising economic activities for them. People participate passively without any fealing of participatory involvement. The repercussions of this are deep and serious. It has sapped the moral strength and courage of rural people who tend to think of their problems as insurmountable and therefore are reconciled to the conditions they live in. Some sort of Karma, Some sort of fatalism which Myrdal portrayed so well in his Asian.... Change and development they know as dependent on governmental action rather than as their own. If their conditions must improve, they seem to think the government should improve it for them. 'Once this dependent paychosis develops, individuals and individuals in groups ack initiatives. They speak of constraints, problems, inadequate resources and all sorts of difficulties rather than realise their own strength develop ingenious solutions on their own initiative or mo', ilise resources for change and development.
'THE GLAMOUR OF LIFE IN THE URBAN SECTOR is also responsible for the lack of initiatives in the rural Sector. There is, in other words, an urban bias in development in many countries. Resources tend to be channelled away from the rural Sector to the urban sector social life and amenities are improved in urban areas at the neglect of the villages' Although this has been less in Sri Lanka, there are many third world countries 1 know of, where stil chey exist. Even middle levels tend to be drawn 'owards the towns, Town schools are improved at the expense of rural schools. So also town roads, hospitals, water service, electricity. We must guard igainst this trend. This is the beginning of the end of many governments in many lands. This urban bias n development results in a brain drain away from the ural sector. Persons who are educated in the rural ector, people with initiative and talent seek their ivelihood outside the rural sector which has nurtured heir very skills. Consequently, the rural sector becomes
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

Page 25
the habitat of the weaker sections of the community . . and the ability of this sector to develop with its own
resources gets weaker and weaker.
'At this point, it may be worth recalling that our traditional, social and economic systems laid great stress and importance on community action. There are many examples and illustrations of this and some of them are even extinct today. For instance, the traditional ''Attam' system whereby each farm household assists in the cultivation of the others promotes the most economic use of abour that can be conceiwed. Similarly, community management of irrigation has been a tradition in our villages. Another example in the area of finance are the voluntary village credit societies that have been developed. These Societies have arisen out of the felt needs of the community and are based on the small savings of its members. in many paris of the country these credit Societies provide finance for essential needs such sicknesses, funerals and ceremonies as well as money for Small economic enterprises.
"THE FUNDAMENTAL REOUREMENT for meaningful rural initiatives for economic development is a fundamental change in the psychology of rural people. Foremost among the requirements would be the development of a consciousness that rural people can take action which could liberate them from poverty, ignorance and exploitation. Rural people have been at the receiving end of bureaucratic actions, middlemen exploitation, eitist sermons and tremendous alienation from decision making. It is natural therefore for rural projects to develop a frame of mind that they have no control over their own lives or their economic activity. They become the victims of the strategies and structures that are imposed upon them from outside. Consequently, a fatalistic attitude develops and they consider economic and social development a hamdout of politicians, bureaucrats and the elite. n the towns, hope, the D.D.Cs, Pradeshaya Gramodaya Mandalas will help to get over this attitude of mind. Here too implementation counts. Good schemes can be ruined by bad implementation.
'Social workers, community organisations and other groups of enlightened people must all play an important role. Therefore 1 consider the fisrt and most important function of voluntary organisations conCerned with rural development to be that of inducing a fundamental change in the values of rural people, which enables the release of the creative initiatives of the rural population. In this area of group action an important contribution which organisation could make is the imparting of knowledge on how individuais can organise themselves and mamagement devices which ensure that the individuals who form groups are benefited both according to their needs as well as their contribution.
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1982

"The urgency and importance of rural development is clear to most poeple. Without a reawakening of the villages not only Sri Lankan villages but also third world countries cannot transform themselves. While there are many efforts in various directions to reawaken the collective spirit, yet these efforts are still inadequate. We need more people of dedication, more research through experience and above all an enthusiasm to work for the welfare of the rural masses,'
-Daily Mirror 16/7/83.
VELEURE 4.sponrSCOPf
vs. *Sease
SPOTLIGHT
O DRUG TESTS FOR ATHLETES
SRI LANKA CRICKET O SUGATHADASA STADIUM
While the local sports activities are slowly gathering momentum, the spotlight was focussed on intermational atheletics where the testing of competitors for drugs was the talking point among all sportsmen and women and sports fans. The Pan American Games in Caracas saw nearly 40 sportsmen failing the drug test at the time of writing and Mario Yazdez Rana, President of the Pam Americam Sports Organisation, told Reuters in an interview that it was possible the new advanced testing techniques which have already resulted in the disqualification of 11 weight-lifters for taking banned drugs might thin out the ranks of competitors. "It's possible well be left with few athletes, but better few clean ones than many who are not", said the President. The President further added: "Every athlete should be examined before and after each event." He said, "The Sophisticated testing equipment being used in Caracas, brought by a team of West German scientists could detect the use of illegal substances such as anabolic steroids as much as six months afterwards'.
Rama who is Mexican, said some of the athletes who failed the urine tests had admitted taking anabolic steroids. Some weight-lifters om realising that they had not passed the antidoping control said, 'Do you suppose we can lift weights just by eating carrots?'. Some athletes added water to their urine samples because they thought it would
23

Page 26
be detected, he said. 'But of course they hadn't Seen the anti-doping. Control system', he remarked. Athletes have been banned from major sporting events for more than 10 years for using anabolic steriods, chemicals which are similar to male hormones which build up muscle tissues. According to sports officials and several others, especially in weight-lifting and field events competitors have escaped undetected. Assording to President Rana, athletes disqualified from the Pan American Games could be banned from competition for one or two years or more. "The sportsmen are intelligent. They know that if they are punished here, they will not be able to take part in the Olympic Games next year', he said.
During the controversy, twelve United States athletes went back without competing at the Pan American or giving explanations for their departures. The US delegation leaders in a statement said that they had warned all their athletes that the dopetesting equipment in Caracas was the most Sophisticated used at a major event. Howevery, they added that the Sudden departure of the 12 should not be interpreted as an indication of guilt. Paul Bishop, one of the 12 US athletes to leave said on arrival at Los Angeles that his decision not to compete had nothing to do with the doping tests. He gave poor food and living conditions at the athletes village for his not taking part. The Budapest based international Weightlifiting Federation (IWF) said in a statement signed on behalf of the WS Executive Committee by Secretary General Tamas Ajan and issued by the official Hungarian MT News Agency that stiff penalties will be meted out to the 11 weightlifters found guilty of using
drugs.
"Weightlifting is one of the oldest sports included in Olympic events and had developed dynamically. To maintain its purity the IWF will impose severe punishment on violators of the doping regulations. Thanks to the effort of IWF and National Associations use of doping practice ceased over the past two years and IWF checks came across only two instances where doping was used'. The statement added "For this season it was an un-expected development that 11 sportsmen were found using drugs in Caracas . ... but it is already clear that none had participated im 1 WF controlled International tournaments over
the past year'.
According to an AFP report, stringent anti-doping controls designed to discover traces of proscribed substances absorbed into the body even after Several years will be brought into operation for the 1984 Olympic Games in Sarajevo and Los Angeles. It is possible that even more up to date equipment will be available to the Olympic Dope Testing Committee, giving rise to speculation that the amateur sporting world could face the biggest crisis in its history. According to Dr. Tony Maly, Medical Director of the
24

Los Angeles Olympic Organising Committee, equipment available for the games will be 'at least equal, to or probably better' than that which has brought the affair to light in Caracas.
Sri Lanka's first ever Test match in England will be at Lord's, the headquarters of cricket next year from August 23 to 28 according to the itinerary of Sri. Lankans nine-match tour of England, released recently by the Test and Country Cricket Board and confirmed by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. Zimbabwe and New Zealand have confirmed their tours of Lanka in December this year and February, next year. On their tour of England, Sri Lanka, in addition to the Test will play Seven other three-day games against countries like Nottinghamshire, Surrey. Gloucestershire, Hamshire, Kent, Sussex and Warwickshire. Sri Lanka are expected to share this tour with the West indies who will play a full series with England. In the meantime, the Sri Lanka Cricket, Board is awaiting confirmation from the indians, India has been invited for a 25-day tour from January next year. The Indians are expected to play two Tests, three ome-day internationals and one threeday game. Sri Lanka's tour of England: July 25 to 27 v Nottinghamshire, July 28 to 30 v Surey, August 4 to 6 v Gloucestershire, August 8 to 10 v Hampshire. August 11 to 13 v Kent, August 10 to 20 v Sussex, August 23 to 28 v England at Lords, August 29 to 31 v Warwickshire and September 2 to 4 a three day game at Scarborough.
After the recent disturbances which brought all sport in the country to an abrupt halt, the local cricket Scene will get cracking again when the under 25 tournament for clubs, organised by the Cricket Board and Sponsored by Ceylon Tobacco gets underway on a league basis from September 17. The winners of the tourney wil receive the Bristol Trophy. Ceylon Tobacco has given Rs. 75,000 to be distribution as follows: Rs. 500 per match for each club (exclusding umpires fees) ; Rs. 7,500 for the champion team, Rs. 4,000 for the runners up, Rs. 1000 for the Man of the Match (final) Rs. 750, each for the best batsman, best bowler and best fielder (final) and Rs. 750 each for the man of the match-in each Semi-final.
Mr. Ronnie de Mel, Finance Minister visited the Sugathadasa Stadium at the invitation of the Prime Minister Mr. R. Premadasa and saw its re-development work nearing completion. Mr. Premadasa who is the architest of the re-development project explained the details of the project to Mr. de Mel and showed him round the stadium. The Stadium has been redeveloped to international standards with the privision of modern facilities and amenities far various Sports as well as for spectators. The Rs. 30 million project is financed entirely through voluimtary contributions. Mr. de Met after taking a look round the
TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1982

Page 27
re-developed Sugathadasa stadium said, 'I am amazed by the progress which has been made in the construction of the redeveloped Sugathadasa Stadium in such a short time. lt is a tribute to the leadership of the Prime Minister and the genoristy of the various donors and organisations which have helped cpmplete this work. It is an inspiring example of self-help without any government support'. The reconstruction of the Stadium has been done at minimum cost without any support from the Treasury
ALLROUNDER
SPORTS CHRON1CLE
August 22 - 28
MONDAY, AUGUST 22 in connection with the Mahapola now being held at the Balapitiya Rewatha MMV premises, a cycle race, cross-county y race and a volley ball match sponsored by the National Yourth Services Council was held recently. Results: Bicycle race : 1. W. H. T. Prabhath de Silva, 2. B. A. Sanath de Silva and 3. W. Shantha Lal de Silva. Cross Country race: 1. H. T. Sumanasena, 2. B. H. Neil Sudath and 3. D. H. Yasaratme. Volley Ball match: National Youth Services Council beat Balapitiya Youth Council. Zimbabwean Brain Davison struck a spectacular 123 not out and lifted Leicestershire to a healthy 281 for 5 declared on the opening day of their three-day game against the New Zealand Cricketers yesterday; New Zealand replied with 31. Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert Lloyd Scored Semi Final victories in, the Canadian Women's Open Tennis Toumament to set a showdown between the long-time rivals in the Final. Navratilova, the Top Seed and Defending Champion. beat Hama Mandi - kova of Czechoslovakia 6-7, 7 - 5 and the Second Seeded Lloyd crushed fellow American Eisei Burgin 6 - 2, 6- -0.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23: Maithri Samarasinghe created rhe biggest upset in the Royal Colombo Golf Club Championships at the Ridgeways on Sunday when he beat Rani Pieris 1 - up at the 18th in the quarter finals. Kent joined Yorkshire at the Top of The John Player One-day Cricket league table today ; Yokshire did mot have a Game amd Kent took the opportunity to catch them by beating Warwickshire; Both sides had 40 points from 14 games in the 40 overs Competition. Somerset were two points behind with a game in hand and two points further back were the current Holders of the Trophy Sussex, New Zealand opening batsman John Wrigh is doubtful for the Fourth Cricket Test against Englanc at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, after being struck of the foot by Leicestershire paceman John Agnew yesterday: Leicestershire 1st innings 281 for 5 and New Zealand 265.
TRIBUNE SEPTEMBER 10, 1983

WEDWESDAY, AUGUST 24: Saragama Prajaman
dalaya became champions at the annual Prajaman
dala sports meet of the Kudagalbada korale held recently at the Kudagalagamuwa Maha Vidyalaya grounds. Results: 1. J. M. Tilakaratna, 2. Nimai Santasiri. 200 metres : 1. W. GantamidaSa. 2. H. M. Sarathchandra; 400 metres, 1. S. D. Ariyasema Meemasso and 2. J. M. Gunapala. St. Anthony's College, Katugastota, scored a close 2-1 win over Akurana Central College in their school's under 15 Soccer tournament match played at KatugaStota recently. Chima's Han Jiam amd Han Aiping, who beat World Champions Sunday to reach the Single
Finals of the world Badminton Cup, went on to tak the Individual titles yesterday: Han Jian beat lindo
nesia's Hastomi Arbi 15-4, 15-13 in tine Men's even. and Han Aiping defeated compatiot Zhan Ailing Twice All-England 11-6, 5-11, 11-4 to take the Women's Crown.
THURSDAY AUGUST 25: Sri Sangamitta Girls School, Matale, emerged Senior and Junior champions at the Matale District inter-school athletic meet hald at the Bernard Aluvihare stadium recently St. Thomas College, Matale, became Senior boys champions and Zahira College, Matale, Junior boys champions. St. Joseph's BMV won the Under 19 and Under 17 netball titles at the Kegale District sports meet held at the Kegalie Public grounds. The Netherlands and Soviet Union made virtually certain of reaching the semi-finals of the European Hockey Championship after wins in their qualifying pool at Amsterdam; whie the Dutch beat Poland 5-1 and the Soviet Union defeated Scotland 4 - 1 their nearest rivals Belgium could only draw 0-0 with Ireland in disappointing game. The England men's team scored an excellent extra time Win Over defending champions Canada in the Commonwealth Basketball Championships yesterday.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26: David Thomas' century against Sussex at the week end could prove a decisive factor when the England Selectors finalise their eleven for the Fourth Test Match against New Zealand starting at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The Australian Young Crickerers were bowled out for 175 in 43.3 overs at Fenners, Cambridge by a National Association of Young Cricketers side. New English Country Championship leaders Essex are already in sight of another victory after overwhelming Bottom-of-theTable Worcestershire at Colchester yesterday; the visitors were dismissed for just 84, with Norbert Philip grabbing six wickets and John Lever four; then Graham Gooch and Ken McEwan both raced to centuries. Welsh Cup Holders Swansa and FC Magedeburg of East Germany drew 1 - 1 in their European Cup winners Cup Preliminary round first Leg Tie in front of only 7,000 spectators at Swansea, Wales yesterday.
25

Page 28
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27: New Zealand chasing England's first innings total of 420 were in serious trouble at 136 for seven wickets at close of play on the second day of the fourth and final Cricket Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham yesterday. East German Lutz Hesslich re-emerged from the shadow of World Spring King Sergei Kopylov of the Soviet Union at the World Cycling Championship at Zurich yesterday Essex consolidated their led of the English Country Cricket Championship yesterday by beating Worcestershire inside two days to earn a maximum 24 points. an Botham and Derek Randall gave their critics a sharp slap in the face with a sparking 186-run partnership in only 32 overs as England took commend on the first day of the fourth and Final Rest match against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, Nottingham yesterday.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28: Victory Sports Club entered the finals of the A. R. M. Yaseen Cup knock out Soccer tournament when they scored a hard fought
1-nil win over Saunders 'Blnes' in the semi-finals played on the City League grounds yesterday. F. J. de Saram Jnr. created a major upset when he pulled off a good one up win on the 19th beating Willie Barsenbach-the defending champion to meet Maithree Samarasinghe who also pulled off a fine win over Priya Femando in the final of RCGC Cup Golf Championships om the RCGC courts yesterday. An unbeaten knock of 109 by A. J. Lamb enabled
England to increase their lead to 465 runs as they were 252 runs for the loss of eight wickets at close of play on the third day of the fourth and fian cricket Test against New Zealand being played at Nottingham yesterday. England were cruising towards almost certain victory at tea on the third day of the Fourth and final Cricket Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge yesterday: New Zealand first innings 207 and England 151.
THE WORLD THAT WE MUST SEEK
'The world that we must seek is a World in which the creative spirit is alive, in which life is an adventure full of joy and hope, based rather upon the impulse to construct than upon the desire to retain what we possess or to seize what is possessed by others. It must be a world in which affection has free play, in which love is purged of the instinct for domination, in which cruelty and envy have been dispelled by happiness and the unfettered development of all the instincts that build up life and fill it with mental delights. Such a world is possible; it waits only for man to wish to create it.' t
Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)
26

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CONFIDENTIALLY Past Regrets, Future Hopes
IST NOT TRUE that though the Government was unable to stop the devastation and carnage that struck Colombo, Kandy. Badulla, Bandarawela,
Matale and a number of other places during the Black
Week in July and a few days in August, it was able
to set up Relief Camps in double quick time and
organise food supplies in a manner that merits
praise and admiration ? That, as we pointed out in
this column last week that with about a 125,000 people (at the peak) in Relief camps in Colombo
and elsewhere, the Government restored law and
order (a little belatedly according to many pople) ?. That whilst, the armed forces enforced the curfew and ended the reign of the armed marauders, organised gangs of arsonists and other anti-social elements, the Police started to round up the thugs and looters ? That a very large quantity of the looted goods have been found and they are now in official warehouses to he restored to the owners if they can be traced ? That all this however can bring little comfrot to those who have been displaced or looted ? That is is more difficult to console the kith and kin of those who were killed ? That nevertheless no good comes of continuously harping on a chorus of unending recriminations ? That one must ook to the future, no doubt with caution and care that, something better will arise from the ruins and ashes all around us? That hope eternal, it is said, springs in the human breast and there is no reason why the present cannot be one more occasion for good to come from the evil shambles of destruction ?
IS IT NOT A FACT that whatever way one looks at it, the humanitarian effort launched by the Government for the relief and rehabilitation of displaced persons stands out as a beacon of hope for the immediate future of Sri Lanka? That last Week We referred to some of the facts relating to setting up and running of these Relief Camps ? That in each of these camps, Health Centres were established and voiunteer medical personnel assisted in providing health services. The Red Cross and other organisations too assisted in running these Health Centres? That an adequate Supply of drugs was maintained by the Government and a Medical Team from the Health Ministry visited the camps daily together with volunteer doctors from outside. A few cases of diarrhoea in Some . of the camps was the only major health problem but this too was soon brought under control? That in the sphere of sanitary and toilet facilities, several additional temporary toilets were constructed to Supplement the existing toilets in the school building: Municipalities assisted by voluntary organisations regularly disinfected and cleaned the entire camp inlcuding the toilets? That with the law and order situ
28

ation being rapidly restored in the Country displaced persons who wished to move out to the houses of friends, relatives or possibly to their own homes were helped to do so by the government? That ships, trains and buses were provided to transport without any charge those who wished to move out of the Relief Camps ? That im addi ion to gift packs containing, clothing, milkfood dry rations were made freely available to those who were moving out
THAT WITH IN A SHORT TIME the number of such displaced persons began to fall dramatically and the Relief Camps were closed down one by one with the remaining displaced persons to be housed in two or three Central Relief Camps. That by the end of July eigh een Relief Camps had been established in Colombo namely: 1. Ratmalana Airport building: 2. Hindu College/Kathiesan Kovil / Pillayar Kovil/ Saraswathi Hall Bambalapitiya; 3. Sirima Bandaranaika School,Colombo; 4. Thurstan College, Colombo 5. Mahanama Vidyalaya, Colombo; 6. St Peter's College, Colombo; 7. St. Benedicts College, Kotahena; 8. St. Lucia's Maha Vidyalaya, Kotahena; 9. Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya, Kotahena; 10. Good Shepherd Comaent, Kotahena; 11. Kotahena Maha Vidyalaya, Kotahena; 12. Siwan Kovil Camp; 13. Gintupitiya Kovil Camp; 14 Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda: 15. ssipathana Maha Widyalaya, Colombo 5; 16. Ladies College, Colombo; 17. St. Thomas Preparatitory School, Kollupitiya; 18. St. Thomas College, Mr. Lavinia? That the Outstation camps were established in Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Kegalle, Kandy, Matale, Badulla, Batticoloa and Trincomalee? That apart from the Relief Camps many of the Tamil persons affected by the disturbances found shelter in Sinhalese homes and in religious institutions like Budd is temples and Christian churches? That these persons were also supplied with relief assistsnce? That it is difficult to talk about the future of those who were in Relief camps or have been victims of the Carnage? That it is equairly difficult to discuss either the prospects for the futue or what should be done immediately to rescue the country from the total inertia into which it has fallen? That the number of those who have expressed a desire to leave the Country, including a very large number of Sinhalese families, is legion? That it is one thing to want to leave, but in the world of today with all countries tightening their immigration laws, finding suitable employment elsewhere has become more and more difficult? That in the end the vast majority of those who are rightly disgusted with all that has happened will have to find a solution, om a personal basis, as a member of a community and as a citizen, here in this island itself? That men and women of goodwill have started thinking, having dialogues and making Concrete suggestions as to how it could be done?
To be concluded. . . . TRIBUNE SEPTEMBER 10, 1982

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RS, 5. 00 frade
E BOOKSHOP
MBO 2
O0 a . m. - 12. 30 p... rim.)
m for Tribune Publications at Tribune Printers ombo, 2 on September 10 1983.

Page 32
The Most Massive D Program Count
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Following Books are availab EX - STORES :
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3. -do4. Kadinam Mahaweliya 5. Mahaweli Frontiers
6. -do
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