Prithi Perera
Allow me please to be as brief as possible in responding to the Positions taken by Fair Dinkum” and Thuppahi.
Falsehood 1. As genuine Sri Lankans, we should not want to be colonized by anyone of the big powers, be it US, China and or for that matter, Western Europe or India.
Falsehood 2. As such, based on 1, being a fifth column of Russia becomes irrelevant. Therefore, no need for any pipe !!
Falsehood 3. The corruption by our politicians cannot be blamed on China alone. They make use of any opportunity to do so, be it Chinese, US, European, Indian and or Japanese interventions. However, proving is not made easy since asset declarations for politicians are not being strictly enforced. Also, there is no obligatory presence of the Auditor General and the Attorney General in the COPE/COPA Committees in Parliament to ensure in depth forensic audit analyses and legal follow up actions. This is real and are stark raving facts and not lies or disinformation.
Yet another fact not mentioned in FOURSQUARE DINKUM on the country’s financial collapse is the non evidence based decision to ban chemical fertilizers with immediate effect that badly affected the agriculture sector food production, resulting in massive losses in harvests and in resorting to food imports making huge additions to the foreign currency deficits. Other factors include the timely non re-arranging or restructuring of the foreign debt and not initiating action to seek IMF assistance in a timely manner. We have to also bear in mind that other countries too have had to face up to COVID 19, but, yet, they are not as badly off as Sri Lanka is.
Falsehood 4. In working towards sustainable development, it is not merely social and cultural aspects that have to be taken account of, but, issues of environment and economy. The said projects have totally disregarded those important aspects. Please look at issues in a holistic manner and not be blinded by bias.
Falsehood 5. The responses being given here are clear, concise and brief and not false or insane. They are not mere claims.
Falsehood 6. Yes. For once, we are in agreement that China has been and is our traditional friend, just as much as India and the West have been where trading and assistance have been concerned.
Falsehood 7. It is not only China’s money at work, all kinds of monies are at work !! I agree that Michael Roberts and his “Thuppahi Blog” allows all kinds of multiple narratives to be heard and is a good thing.
Falsehood 8. At the present moment, it is mostly India and China in the recent past who have helped most. Even Bangladesh has stepped in by way of credit and currency swaps. We have also to keep in mind that it is the West who have been our major traditional trading partners. We need all and have to work with all for the greater common good of the country.
Falsehood 9. There was a delay in response from China to restructure debts. But, they are helping despite the issues they are also facing.
Falsehood 10. Right at the present moment, India has been the biggest giver. Dynamics do change and will keep changing.
Falsehood 11. It is to be borne in mind that IMF interventions have to do with Foreign Currency Assistance and Adjustments, whilst those of WB and ADB are mostly for reconstruction and development, including for infrastructure. We need all types of loans, whilst the foreign currency requirement becomes an immediate need. We need all to save Mother Lanka from the brink we have been brought to by our corrupt and inept rulers. It has also to be noted that we are already on belt squeezing and not just tightening and the IMF requirements may have already been somewhat achieved. Furthermore, all multilaterals, including IMF have advised that ensuring of the “social net” is an imperative at this crucial juncture.
Hope to have responded in brief and as appropriate !
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