Sri Lanka suggests single clearance document for regional trade

14 Jul, 2012 10:45:45

July 14, 2012 (LBO) - A single document that harmonises different regulations of South Asian countries for clearing cargo would help boost regional trade, Sri Lanka's external affairs minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris said.

Trade among countries of the South Asian region was far below its potential and simplified procedures were needed to increase volumes, he told a forum on trade facilitation in Colombo Friday.

"Regretfully, volumes of trade within the south Asian region are far, far below what it should be," Peiris said.

Trade volume within the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) region was only five percent of their total trade compared with 55 percent within the European Union and 22 percent in the South East Asian (Asean) regional economic bloc.

Critics say economic nationalism had robbed the freedoms of the citizens to trade with one another, especially after gaining self determination from British rule allowing producers to prey on consumer with the backing of the state.

Post independent South Asian rulers have imposed trade restrictions on citizens to give large profits to powerful rent seeking nationalist businesses that were perhaps not even seen under the Dutch East India Company.

In Sri Lanka in particular, which was among the first countries to restore trade freedoms to people, protectionist businesses had begun to rob citizens' freedoms again.

Meanwhile Pieris said arguments that it was not possible to increase intra-regional trade since south Asian countries export the same products were not entirely valid.

He pointed to Indian vehicle exports to Sri Lanka and the island's plans to import pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh.

"Globally, within each region very strong steps are being taken to promote intra-regional trade," Peiris said.

He noted how Sri Lanka lost its market for tea in Egypt after African countries fixed trade agreements to promote intra-regional trade.

"Although we had a substantial hold on tea markets in some African countries such as Egypt, today these African countries have come together and concluded agreements to promote trade within the African region.

"It had a negative impact on tea exports from Sri Lanka into markets we had in various parts of Africa."

He also noted that 70 percent of Indo-Lanka trade is taking place outside the free trade agreement between the two countries.

"You can have free trade agreements but the impediments we have to deal with today are largely non-tariff barriers," Peiris told the forum organised by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, the SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Friedrich Naumann Foundation.

"When you try to export there are numerous problems. We need to simplify trade procedures."

Peiris said some of the problems were a lack of uniformity in banking and problems in transportation, and cargo clearance at national borders.

"The cumulative impact of all these impediments is substantial and constitutes today the major disincentive to increasing trade volumes within the SAARC region," Peiris said.

"We need to give thought to a single clearance certificate."

SAARC member countries need to ensure greater harmonisation of trade procedures and automation of cargo clearance such as using electronic data transmission.

"This can't be done only by formal talks within governments and dealing with only tariffs because non-tariff barriers are pretty inhibitive," Peiris said, adding that SAARC was not only a political entity but that its economic dimension was now critical.

Professional bodies have established a whole network of contacts within the SAARC region and this was one of most significant achievements of the regional grouping up to now.

"Harmonisation of standards, such as among accountants, will contribute to solving the problem."

Peiris noted how in the EU trade led to European countries coming together much closer.

"Trade led to political and monetary union because trade is relatively non-controversial. When you have problems among countries, you can start with areas where there no problems.

"Then you find it easier to deal with seemingly intractable problems as we see from Europe's experience."

Drop Tamil Eelam agenda: Chidambaram to Karunanidhi

Karthick S, TNN | Jul 16, 2012, 06.36AM IST  | The Times of India

CHENNAI: Union home minister P Chidambaram on Sunday reportedly conveyed to DMK chief M Karunanidhi the central government's displeasure over a move by the ally to pass a resolution to demand Tamil Eelam at a meeting of the Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation (TESO) in Chennai on August 12.

The TESO, which comprises supporters of Eelam (separate Tamil land in Sri Lanka) and was revived by Karunanidhi after three decades, is seen as a political strategy to boost the flagging morale of his party, which lost the 2011 assembly polls, as well as to reiterate his importance as a Tamil leader. But such a meeting, to be organised by a key ally of the UPA government, could prove a huge embarrassment for India, whose stated international policy is for cordial ties with Sri Lanka. The nearly half-anhour discussion between Chidambaram and Karunanidhi took place at the DMK chief's CIT Colony residence in Chennai on Sunday.

The meeting comes a day after the Centre issued a notification extending the ban on LTTE.

Initially, the meeting between the two leaders was described as a courtesy call ahead of the July 19 presidential poll, DMK sources later confirmed that Chidmabaram conveyed the message that the UPA government considered it ill-advisable for the DMK leader to revive the Eelam call in the state. DMK sources said Karunanidhi, too, conveyed his unhappiness with the UPA government's stand.

The issue has cropped up a day before a meeting of the DMK MPs and MLAs to discuss the presidential poll. "A lot of preparation and effort have gone into ensuring that the TESO meet is a success. We have sent invitations to all the major political party leaders, including those in the Congress, BJP, Left, JD(U), NCP, TMC and the Shiv Sena. Leaders like Sharad Pawar, Sharad Yadav, Omar Abdullah and Ram Vilas Paswan have indicated their keenness to participate in the conference," said a senior DMK leader. The DMK has also invited Tamil MPs from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan military officers in Tamil Nadu spark protests

Reported by Sanjay Pinto, Edited by Sabyasachi Dasgupta | Updated: July 15, 2012 23:57 IST

Chennai: Close on the heels of the recent objection raised by Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa to the training of Sri Lankan airmen at the Indian Air Force station in Tambaram, Chennai, two Lankan officers - Rear Admiral SN Ranasinghe and Major General Jayasularaaga Dias - have arrived at the hill station of Coonoor, sparking protests.

The officers are part of a 25-member delegation from 10 countries for a one day programme at the Defence Services Staff College.

The officers, who landed in Tamil Nadu on Sunday evening, have already got a taste of the strong anti-Lankan sentiment in Chennai. 25 MDMK workers attempted to take out a march to the Gateway hotel, where the visitors are staying, and were arrested by the police. There is heavy police deployment outside the hotel as a few Tamil outfits are expected to stage demonstrations on Monday in a bid to prevent the officers from attending the conference.

Recently, bowing to pressure from the Tamil Nadu chief minister, as well as UPA ally the DMK, MDMK and PMK, the Indian Defence Ministry ordered the Lankan Air Force trainees to be moved out of the state. Ms Jayalalithaa had also accused the centre of "pussyfooting" over the issue instead of "pouncing on Sri Lanka like a tiger."

The presence of the two officers is bound to result in more angry statements released by political parties in Tamil Nadu. Interestingly, Ms Jayalalithaa is camping at Kodanad, less than 50 kms from the venue of the conference.

No one can challenge the right of the army-SL

Wednesday, 11 July 2012 21:21

Sri Lanka Army on Wednesday (11) said that no one can challenge or dispute the right of the Sri Lanka army to be serving anywhere in the country.

“No one can challenge or dispute the right of the Army to be serving anywhere in the country. It is their prerogative and area of responsibility. The public in Jaffna overwhelmingly support the Army presence and they know very well it is the Army who will come to their help in the event of any emergency. I don’t think the Jaffna public would ever dare to allow the Army to move out in any case,” Army Chief Jagath Jayasuriya told media this evening in Colombo.

The Commander made this comment responding to a question, that troops in the Jaffna peninsula remain confined to their military formations, performing their routine legitimate duties, similar to the roles and tasks of any other Army.

“Like any other Army in the world, we, in the Army as directed by the government have thrown our full weight behind the country’s post-conflict recovery machine and infrastructure development tasks and roles. It has been amply proved that our commitment for any development project could perform comparatively much faster and more effective than any other civil organization could do. Everywhere in the world, the armies play a vital role in post-conflict situations and Sri Lanka remains no exception”, the Commander said.

The commander was addressing a press conference on the forthcoming international defence seminar to be held in Colombo next month said that more than 63 countries in the world have been invited to attend the three-day ‘Defence Seminar - 2012’ in Colombo with a view to sharing and discussing post-conflict experiences on the road to recovery and reconciliatory moves, designed for long-lasting peace and stability.

“Final arrangements are now in progress to hold the Army-initiated international ‘Defence Seminar - 2012’, titled ‘Towards Lasting Peace and Stability’ from August 08-10, 2012 at Colombo Galadari Hotel and it is focused on the thematic 5Rs (Reconstruction, Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, Reconciliation) in post-conflict Sri Lanka,” he said.

By yesterday, a total of 24 representatives from 14 countries have already confirmed their participation in the deliberations. In addition, a few more dozens of other foreign destinations are in close contact with the Army for onward arrangements, the commander.(SD)
Daily Mirror

Indian Infiltration secret behind calls to remove Mullikulam Navy Camp

Fri, 2012-07-13 00:40 — editor        By Shenali Waduge

India’s comments, actions and gestures never happen without reason and become accentuated by their Sri Lankan mouthpiece the TNA ever willing to carry out anything and everything India orders. Thus, the diplomatic tempos being thrust on Sri Lanka are all nothing but pressure points to clear Sri Lanka’s military presence along the coastal fronts leaving Sri Lanka open to India’s whims and desires.

Therefore, we should not shrug the links to the greater plan currently being carved by India in continuing its efforts to destabilize Sri Lanka, whilst pretending to be a friend. Mullikulam is important because of its location within the small strip of area connecting India through a ferry service perfect to advance India’s grandiose plans to interfere in sovereign Sri Lanka.

There is much to read between the lines. The diplomatic chidings regarding Indian fishermen, the TNA’s sudden concern for 81 non-Hindu families, the uproar over their displacement and demand for them to be resettled while insisting that the Navy camp be remove dare intricately linked. At the back of our mind should always remain the 50,000 sponsored Indian homes and the question of who these homes are actually meant for. With only a handful of the 297,000 refugees saved by Sri Lanka’s military remaining to be resettled it begs to question whether these 50,000 houses are being earmarked for a greater Indian plan!
Let us see what this fuss is all about and derive at possible conclusions how it has become a trend to use electronic media, Tamil Nadu leaders, the TNA, Christian and Catholic NGOs and their representatives to become mouthpieces simply to use these naïve people to advance their ulterior motives. Mullikulam is not the first such instance.
The Mullikulam Navy camp area comprises around 10acres with 2000 acres surrounding which is mostly jungle terrain. Within the current area of the camp there is a Church which is possibly about 100 years old, but now in decrepit condition and 32 houses most of which are partly destroyed and in bad condition. Bishops from Mannar arrive every Sunday for religious prayers.
We are well aware of the fixation to issue inflated civilian casualties and numbers and it came as no surprise when internationally it was relayed that 200 families have been purposely displaced by Sri Lanka’s military. Contrary to these false propaganda is the fact that there are not more than 110 (81 families) people at the center of the issue. Also true is that these people had been living in parts of Mannar since 2000 which would obviously explain why the houses are in bad condition and why the condition of the Church is no better. What is more these families do not have any title deeds either despite the TNA’s calls that these people be given their land. The people too are well aware that they do not possess any title deeds and so are ever grateful to be given built homes within an enclave that they can carry out their livelihood. Even the children of these families had been receiving their education in Mannar and there is no evidence of any school being run pre-war in the area.
The navy has provided the people plenty of facilities. Contrary to the accusations of inhumanness of the armed forces, it is the navy that provides water through bowzers, the navy has also facilitated the people with toilets and navy doctors attend to the medical needs of the people. The navy has also gone to the extent of making a clear path in order for these non-Hindus to attend Church on Sundays from the makeshift homes they currently live in. There are enough of food purchasing outlets and there is a significant presence of NGOs and Church involvement to assist the families as well.
The livelihood of these people naturally depends on the season with men (40 or so) taking to fishing during season and during off season attending to agriculture (paddy cultivation and vegetables)
The issue at hand appears to be that having realized the importance of Mullkulam, India does not desire to have the naval camp present and India is doing what it knows best to create a scenario of embarrassment for the Sri Lankan Government and its military. This is a modus operandi that India is famous for. The naval camp was created in2008 and it has now been turned into the North Western province naval headquarters housing 1500 sailors and 25 officers.
It is for Sri Lankan authorities to realize that India remains only another neighbor in the South Asian region and India has no right to be dictating how our coastal areas are to be run. If the people in question are satisfied with the arrangement that they are to be built 32 houses close to the paddy field and fishing area and just 4km from the Church to which a bus service is promised to be arranged for them to go to Church on Sundays what is India’s and TNA’s problem when the people are extremely happy with the arrangement offered through the Government. Why does India and TNA want to use these people who had abandoned these houses decades ago wish to insist that they remain in order to use them as a ruse to demand the closure or removal of the Navy camp?
If these people are to be given homes, to be close to fishing and agriculture and to be given electricity when their homes will be gifted once complete has anyone given these people anything better over the years except to use them to promote lies about hartals and complaints which are being relayed over electronic media?
To make matters worse while India and Tamil Nadu are often up in arms about harassment of Indian fishermen do they forget to mention that it is Indian “fishermen” that come poaching into Sri Lanka’s territorial waters and they come in trawlers and crafts with 500 or1000 Indians inside leaving Sri Lanka’s navy in a tight situation on how to arrest and who to arrest.
It is not difficult to really connect what India’s plan is to use different strategies to demand Sri Lanka’s Government remove its strategic bases from the coastal areas especially in areas that India finds it easy to steadily bring in illegal Indian immigrants and house them over time to be used when the time is right. Thus, it is important to always remember the 50,000 Indian housing scheme and checklist who exactly each house has been awarded to. We have not forgotten that 30 years is a very long period that illegal immigrants would have been arriving in Sri Lanka and these Indians are now living as Sri Lankans and that is why we cannot make sense of the population figures in the North and East especially pre-war.
What Sri Lankans must remember at all times is that with the LTTE now no more, India has to now think of different ways to infiltrate Indians into Sri Lanka – in the South it is happening through bogus commercial ventures and open visas systems in other parts it is taking place through our waters. Never has there been an important time than now to protect our shores and Sri Lanka’s Navy needs to be given the fullest backing and public support.