When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go

Obtaining an Employment visa to the UAE, which ought to have taken ‘three or four days’ (according to my sources in Dubai) ended up taking all of eight weeks… If that sounds like I’m grumbling - No, I’m not … I have found a new kind of peace that is helping me to ride out this situation.

The High Commission of India has taken twenty months now – and there is no end in sight. It’s amazing how much lack of responsibility and empathy exists in the corridors of bureaucracy there! As was frequently mentioned when the Indian Government refused to condemn the Myanmar junta: “India does not necessarily do what is morally right, but what is politically expedient.”

Back to my scene… Until Wednesday, I was twiddling my thumbs and waiting for the UAE visa, which – as I mentioned - took a long time coming. I used the opportunity to wrap up matters with the bloke I am writing about… He has checked all the facts and spellings and given me a carte blanche on creative work.

I have asked to be booked on the December 21st flight to Dubai – to rejoin the country’s community of migrant workers before Christmas.

Fed Up of Procedures? Go, DIE!

The process of renewing a Sri Lankan passport is simple and fast. This morning, we discovered exactly how fast - when Uncle and I decided to get the validity of his passport extended by five years. We visited the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) in Punchi Borella.

The approach to the offices was like a bazaar, with colourful shops and restaurants in which to while away the waiting hours. We entered the building at 11 o’clock sharp.

Having obtained a form from Jetwing Travels and filled it up at home, there was no time lost. It was a simple matter of getting a signature, paying the appropriate fees (LKR 500 for a five-year extension) and waiting for the renewed travel document.

Signboards posted all over suggested that the passport would be ready “within two hours”. The dynamic gentleman behind the counter provided us with entertainment and kept us posted on the status.

Exactly an hour after we had entered the office, we were out – with Uncle’s passport having been renewed till April 2013! Considering that this office frequently handles more than 1,000 renewal requests on a single day, the experience was like a breath of fresh air.

Go, DIE!

...Madison County, Anybody...?

When I was younger, I used to get my literary kicks reading books by Alistair MacLean. His descriptions blended fact with fiction and captured my imagination. I still recall how, in Fear Is the Key, I think, he describes how a fugitive evades arrest by climbing a tree... He then explains the role of the protuberance above the eye and how it prevented the pursuers from seeing the fugitive.

…I lost my reading habit when I started working. I preferred spending my non-working hours with some interesting friends, I guess.

However, in 2000, I met with a car crash in which I almost lost my left arm. While recuperating in hospital, I started catching up with reading. I started with John Grisham and got hooked on his story-telling style. I was a die-hard Grisham fan, still am. The Firm was my first book followed in quick succession by A Time to Kill and Runaway Jury.

I prefer the Grisham books to the movies that they have been made into. Give me a good book any day… Books spur the imagination, while movies generally tend to be damp squibs, especially after you have read the book.

I generally like the books that have been recommended to me. One memorable book was Ladies Coupe by Anita Nair – for the insights the book gave me into the feminine psyche. One exception was Lolita, which bordered on soft pornography at times but made for heavy reading.

The Bridges of Madison County must qualify as one of the best books that I’ve ever read. The treatment of the theme is sensitive; it touched a chord somewhere deep down inside me. ‘…Madison County’ takes story telling to another level, drawing on the finest human emotions. Few authors can draw pictures with their words and portray characters as realistically as Robert James Waller does.

So, what’s the book about? I’m not telling, but I am willing to lend the book to anybody who appreciates a heart-warming love story. The only condition is that you lend it forward…

Just Motherhood, No Apple Pie

The young mother set foot on the path of life. “Is this the long way?” she asked.

And her guide said: “Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it… But the end will be better than the beginning.”

But the young mother was happy and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, “Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come.”

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, “A little patience and we are there.” So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said, “Mother, we would not have done it without you.”

And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage. Today, I've given them strength."

And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the mother said: “Look up. Lift your eyes to the light. And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness. And that night the Mother said, "This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God.”

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather.

And at last they came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, “I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them.”

And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.” And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her but she is with us still. A mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence..."

Your mother is always with you… She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well.

Your mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every teardrop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space... not even death!

Courtesy: Charmaine Webster

"This Too Shall Pass"

When I first met Uncle at Veeranna Gardens more than twenty years ago, I spent a lot of time with him. I needed to… because I was courting one of his daughters and I had to impress him before I could even begin to impress her.

He told me how mischievous his daughter had been when she was younger – but that did not dissuade me.

Uncle and I spent a lot of time together, drinking endless cups of tea together as he regaled me with stories of British Army life. We discussed everything under the sun: politics, sport, religion and life in general. I recall with fondness his sense of humour and his happiness despite the adverse circumstances during those days.

What impressed me most about him was his sense of history. He seemed to know everything that had happened in the past. By all accounts, he had already lived a life that was full.

In his later years, after the stroke that he suffered, I remember Uncle for his resilience. Against all odds, he soldiered on and was there with a welcoming smile whenever we visited him.

We still have vivid memories of my sister’s wedding reception, at which Uncle and Aunty surprised us all by doing an impromptu dance. That picture will be embedded in our minds for a long time.

My father-in-law was a good man who did his best for his family. He is in a better place now and life goes on for the rest of us. Looking down at his wife and children - his pride and joy, he would want them to be strong. I think he would want them to be comforted by the words of this song:

“The Father knows the tears you cry before they fall
He feels your pain, His heart and yours are one
The Father knows that sorrow's heavy chains are strong
But with His strength, you'll overcome.

“This too shall pass
Like every night that's come before it
He'll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass
So in this thought be comforted
It's in His Hands
This too shall pass.”

When Will We Ever Learn?

Emmanuel Ratnajothi Rajaratnam passed away in Bangalore this morning, after an 81-year stint. My father-in-law was a good man.

In the days when I used to court his daughter with moonlight and roses, I remember him singing this song by Pete Seeger:

"Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone?
Girls have picked them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

"Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young girls gone?
Taken husbands every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

"Where have all the young men gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young men gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young men gone?
Gone for soldiers every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

"Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

"Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Covered with flowers every one
When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?"

On Horns of Bullish Dilemma

I visited Bahrain earlier this week for a round of interviews with a small (US$ 16 million) company called Al Zain Trading Co WLL. I have been short-listed and am expecting them to make me an offer over the next couple of days. I am very excited about this assignment because I see potential in the company that I can help unleash.

The designation would be Group Financial Controller and I didn’t hear a gulp when I quoted my price over the phone. In fact, they went ahead and booked my tickets after that (Emirates via Dubai while going, SriLankan direct while returning).

If I accept their offer, my predecessor will be asked to resign. Yes, the company follows a hire-and-fire kind of policy and I am aware that it could happen to me sometime. But I think I can live up to the expectations of the Managing Director.

Bahrain seems to be a better place to live in than Dubai, with greater savings potential thrown in for good measure… The only negative factors would be:
1. That I would have to say ‘Bye-bye’ to the TATAs and give up that employment-till-you retire safety net.
2. That it would be unfair to Titan after they have been so kind to me… even though they will take their pound of flesh from my final settlement.

Therefore, I am grappling with my conscience and my sense of security on this decision. What do you think?

On Dates and First Impressions

My overall impression of Dubai is that it’s a great place in which to experience a new and alien culture. However, when it comes to living, I’d prefer Colombo, Bangalore or Goa any day… The fast pace of life in Dubai cramps my style, which probably indicates that I am not as young as I used to be.

The traffic is certainly fast but, thankfully, orderly. The public transport sucks - Taxis are expensive and unpredictable. Buses are predictable: You can consider yourself fortunate when the bus you are waiting for arrives in less than 45 minutes.

Like the Yanks, the Arabs drive on the wrong side of the road – I mean the right hand side. On my first day in the Middle East, I looked right while stepping off the kerb, into the path of an oncoming car. Luckily for me, the driver braked and waved me across. “Another Indian,” he must have assumed.

These Indians are everywhere. I asked a young man managing an Internet café whether he was from Tamil Nadu. “No, from Kerala,” he replied.

I ordered a parota and kurma at an Indian restaurant. They were good, but the uppuma that my Aunt ordered smelt better. The buffet lunch and ginger beer at ‘Chef Lanka’ nearby was worth the price (AED 14) for nostalgia value.

Unlike housing, electronics is reasonably priced. Uncle bought a desktop - complete with web cam and Internet access - for AED 2,200 (LKR 66,000).

Dubai’s malls and departmental stores are a browser’s delight. The chilled buttermilk in cartons (brand: Laban-up) and unlimited variety of fruit juices were delicious.

In BurJuman, there was a shop specializing in date products - including date wine and ‘chocoDates’; these were a gastronomical experience. My personal favourite was dates stuffed with marzipan, probably because it was after a long time that a lady was offering me a free date!

Taking Stock of My Life

Over the past nineteen months since I left my home In Bangalore, I have learned the meaning of words like ‘hope’. And ‘frustration’.

I revived a hobby – journalism - and have even made significant progress on writing a book.

Rather late in life, my family learned to truly appreciate all the blessings that we had hitherto taken for granted. Along the way, we also learned some important lessons about life and values. We have become stronger - mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

We have survived the ordeal thus far... This would probably not have been possible without the steadfast support of Titan’s senior management. And we are immensely grateful to them for propping us up when they could have turned away... Through this experience, I discovered that God exists and that he works through people.

But this state of uncertainty could not continue indefinitely…

I needed to explore opportunities beyond Titan, even beyond India. That was a major step, but – with no alternative in sight - one that had to be taken. Accordingly, I arrived in Dubai during September 2007 to explore opportunities there, but got the timing wrong: it was the holy month of Ramadan, when companies work shorter hours.

I am back in Colombo after having spent a good five weeks in Dubai, looking at alternate career options. Of the jobs on offer, I have zeroed in on one with Voltas… as ‘Manager – Finance’ with their International Operations Business Group. The compensation package itself is nothing great, but at least it’s a bird in the hand. The silver lining is that I would continue to be employed by the TATA Group... with the prospect of returning home to India at some later date (after the bureaucrats in Delhi get their act together).

Let’s see what happens… I have not yet resigned from Titan and I certainly hope that the India visa comes through first… But from present indications, I expect to be moving to Dubai during the next fortnight.

Fast Cricket and Slow Beaches

Because it was the holy month of Ramadan, there was no way I could eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset. That was certainly out of respect for the locals’ customs. Besides, taking such liberties would have resulted in instant censure... However, I did manage to quaff a glass of chilled water in the pantry of my uncle’s office – and felt guilty at the transgression!

The Twenty20 World Cup was in full swing… Desiree Premachandra, SriLankan Airlines’ Country Manager for the UAE, invited the diaspora to watch Sri Lanka playing New Zealand at the Marco Polo Hotel. We watched the match on a big screen, while hogging cashew nuts and short-eats (washed down with Bacardi and coke). When Sri Lanka won by seven wickets, party-poppers were distributed to celebrate the victory.

On another evening, Mark Pillai, HR Manager – Middle East of Halliburton Ltd, treated me to a few rounds of the brew that cheers at The Seamen’s Club, while we watched India beat Australia by fifteen runs. The Indian expatriates celebrated, as only they know how! We adjourned to an Arabian diner to sample the cuisine – dishes that are easier to digest than to pronounce.


The white sands of Jumeirah beach are nice, in a tame sort of way... That’s the problem with artificial beaches… One is so accustomed to the force and power of nature, the waves crashing dramatically against the rocks of Mount Lavinia… In Jumeirah, the sea laps against the shore with small waves that belong more to a lake or lagoon than to the majestic ocean.

The redeeming features of Jumeirah beach were the jogging and cycling tracks that run the entire length of the beach. I did manage to put in a fair amount of walking at sunset, but not enough…

Dubai: What’s the Buzz?

The buildings in Dubai have character… Towering over the landscape like an irreverent finger is the Burj Dubai - at 150 storeys and 555 metres already the tallest in the world.

The flyovers are amazing, as are the underpasses and floating bridges. The traffic whizzes past at breathtaking speed. While the mandated ‘minimum speed limit’ on the highways is 60 kmph, the fancy cars go twice as fast. The occasional motorbike and bicycle that one sees on the road are an aberration, a rarity that is probably explained by the ridiculously low price of petrol, which retails at AED 6.25 per imperial gallon or LKR 42 per litre.

Probably because the average Dubai resident can afford his own car, the public transport system sucks. The flow of traffic is – by and large – orderly… Jams are rare and tooting your horn is more an expression of extreme annoyance than anything else.

In this alien land, the diversity of spoken languages is amazing… While walking the streets, it is normal to hear a lot of Hindi, some Malayalam, a little Tamil and even a smattering of Sinhala.

Housing is Public Problem Number One. To describe it as expensive is putting it mildly. One can expect to shell out AED 3,000 (LKR 90,000) per month for shared accommodations comprising a room, a kitchen and a bathroom. That's par for the course; thankfully, I stayed with an aunt and uncle in the upmarket residential area of Jumeira.

Most Internet cafes charge AED 3 (LKR 90) per hour because they come equipped with a web cam and headphones. These are frequented by hordes of Filipinos, who carry on their chattering conversations with friends and relatives back home. One would be lucky to discover those cafes that charge AED 1 (LKR 30) per hour; these are preferred by the South Asians.

During my visit in September, I was pleasantly surprised to note that churches are air-conditioned. The diversity of the city’s culture was evident when, during the church service, we could hear the mullah’s call to prayer, emanating from the mosque next door.

Nuggets of Simple Wisdom

Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

Marry a man/ woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

When you say, “I love you”, mean it.

When you say, “I'm sorry”, look the person in the eye.

Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

Believe in love at first sight.

Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

Don't judge people by their relatives.

Talk slowly but think quickly.

When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, “Why do you want to know?”

Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

Say “God bless you” when you hear someone sneeze.

When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

Spend some time alone.

(Courtesy: Marina Motha)

Out of the Kaleidoscope

Not having been out of the country for over a year, I had been looking forward to this trip to Dubai. Like a voyager of yore, I was venturing out to seek my fame and, more importantly, a change of fortunes.

At Katunayake, my new blue jeans and crisp white shirt seemed to have the same effect on the security staff as a red flag would have on a bull. I was stopped at every point and the contents of my overweight bag were scrutinised with some interest. My faithful dictaphone came in for special attention.

The waiting room for passengers flying out to Dubai was like a bus terminus. The teeming masses (that remit foreign exchange that keeps CBSL from going under) were in traveling mode, it seems.

The SriLankan Airlines flight was lovely. As we left the lush greenery and red-tiled roofs behind, I settled down with a can of Carlsberg beer – and then another. Through the window, I was pensive as we flew over the southern part of India, before the aroma of delicious chicken biriyani brought me back to reality. After tucking into a scrumptious meal like that, a few minutes of snoozing is mandatory. On awakening, I sipped a glass of coffee-flavoured Tia Maria and awaited the descent.

Flying into the Gulf, one sees a vast expanse of desert... nothing but sand dunes as far as eye could see… until a few minutes before landing.

The Dubai arrivals lounge has an international flavour to it, with all those nationalities scurrying hither and thither like ants. Emerging from the airport terminus was like exiting the New Delhi airport – a crowd of South Asian-looking persons (‘cabbies’, probably) crowded the entrance.

Since it was an evening in September, I had – I was told - escaped the worst of the heat, but it was hot nevertheless. The uncle’s air-conditioned Camry whisked me away at fast clip, past signboards that read ‘Minimum Speed Limit: 60 kmph’ and ‘Maximum Speed Limit 100 kmph’.

Welcome to life in the fast lane!

Dubai: Higher, Faster, Hotter!

Look out for a series of posts on Dubai - when I find the time to write!

Sunny Side like No Other?

COLOMBO: The Maldivian tourism industry, riding on its slogan ‘The sunny side of life’, is booming. The country has made giant strides and is now a leading destination in the Indian Ocean. Last year, 602,000 tourists stayed an average of 8.4 days in that country and spent US$ 115 per day (excluding payment for the hotel). Officials expect arrivals to increase by 10-15% during 2007.

Culture, nature and adventure are the mainstay of tourism in Sri Lanka, while beaches are the prime attraction in the Maldives. Besides, the Maldives attracts a more premium leisure tourist, exactly the kind of traveler that Sri Lanka has been attempting to woo recently. Hence, there is ample scope for a symbiotic relationship between the tourism sectors of both countries.

Addressing a press briefing here on Tuesday, Abdul Hameed Zakariyya, Maldivian Deputy Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation, emphasized, “We are not competing destinations, we are complementary destinations.” He described tourism as a very dynamic industry and said that his visit was intended “to explore further opportunities for investors and industry on both sides”.

Immediately prior to the briefing, the Sri Lanka – Maldives Joint Task Force on Tourism (JTFT), consisting of representatives from the public and private sectors, discussed ways and means to protect each country’s tourism turf. The task force also decided to work on jointly promoting their countries to travelers from China.

Faiszar Musthapha, Deputy Minister of Tourism, seemed upbeat at the prospect of collaboration. He announced that Milinda Moragoda, Tourism Minister, had offered 25 scholarships to Maldivian students in the Sri Lanka Hotel School. In a move that is perceived as significant, the hotel school will provide certificate- or diploma-level training to these students. They will then form the nucleus for the skilled labour needed to staff the 44 new resorts opening in the Maldives.

Sri Lanka is inextricably linked with Maldivian tourism, playing a significant role in transporting passengers. Zakariyya pointed out that 35% of his country’s leisure traffic prefers flying SriLankan Airlines. Musthapha drove home the point, saying, “Through John Keells and Aitken Spence, Sri Lanka owns 12% of the Maldivian hotel sector.” Interestingly, of the 22,000 employees in Maldivian resorts also, 12% are Sri Lankans. Besides skilled labour, Sri Lanka also supplies fruits and vegetables.

Thus far, Maldivian tour operators have been pushing inbound tourism but will start promoting dual destinations soon. Last year, 26,500 Maldivians visited Sri Lanka - on holiday, to study or for medical purposes, making it the fourth largest source market.

The JTFT first met during 2004 in the Maldives but, with both countries suffering from the impacts of the tsunami, it has taken three years before this second meeting. It was decided that the JTFT would meet twice a year henceforth. An Action Committee will also be created – with six representatives from each side - to address any impediments. A smoother process for Maldivian investments in Sri Lanka and vice versa was also considered.

Rains Keep Yala Open

Yala National Park, which is usually closed for visitors from August 31st, will remain open till September 15th this year.

On a request by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB), the Director General of Wildlife Conservation has approved keeping the park open to visitors. With the good rainfall enjoyed this year, the park is not encountering water problems that usually prompt closure of the park.

“Keeping the park open is in the interest of tourism and we are fortunate that there is no water problem this year,” said Renton de Alwis, SLTB Chairman. “With tourist arrivals improving, it is good to be able to showcase this attraction to visitors currently in Sri Lanka.”

The travel and tourism industry has seen a recovery in August 2007, with Colombo having been the venue for international events: 8th ICAAP, the Regional Conference of the South Asia Free Media Movement and ‘FACETS 2007’, the current gem and jewellery exhibition. August being the month of the Kandy Perahara, an event marketed aggressively by Sri Lankan hotels, has also been a contributor for the high arrivals. The industry is hopeful that the trend will continue with other major events on the tourism calendar playing a part.

Courtesy: Prashanthi Ravindran

Letter to Dear Mr Bill Gates

We have bought a computer for our home and we found problems, which I want to bring to your notice.

1. After connecting to internet, we planned to open e-mail account and whenever we fill the form in Hotmail in the password column, only ‘******’ appears, but in the rest of the fields whatever we typed appears. But we face this problem only in password field.

We checked with hardware vendor Santa Singh and he said that there is no problem in keyboard. Because of this, we open the e-mail account with password ‘******’. I request you to check this as we ourselves do not know what the password is.

2. We find there is 'Run' in the menu. One of my friend clicked 'Run' has ran upto Amritsar! So, we request you to change that to ’Sit’, so that we can click that by sitting.

3. One doubt is that any 'Re-scooter' available in system? As I find only'Re-cycle', but I own a scooter at my home.

4. There is 'Find' button but it is not working properly. My wife lost the door key and we tried a lot for tracing the key with this 'Find', but unable to trace. Is it a bug??

5. Please confirm when you are going to give me money for winning 'HEARTS' (playing cards in games). And when are you coming to my home to collect your money?

6. My child learnt 'Microsoft Word'. Now he wants to learn 'Microsoft Sentence'. So when you will provide that?

7. Hey yeh kya hai? I brought computer, CPU, mouse and keypad lekhin there is only one icon with 'MY Computer'. Remaining ka kya huwa?

8. Arre yeh to kamaal hi aap bole raha hi ki 'MY Pictures' lekhin there is not even single photo of mine. So when you will keep my photo in that?

9. Is that 'NOTEPEN' available in system? As I find only ‘NOTEPAD’, tell me fast as I lost my PEN.

10. There is 'MICROSOFT OFFICE'. What about 'MICROSOFT HOME’?

Thanking you,

Banta Singh,
Punjab.

(Courtesy: Jonathan Motha)

Planning For a Heart Attack

A century ago, the average life expectancy of a human being was 46 years. The primary causes of death were pneumonia, tuberculosis and enteritis. Until as recently as fifty years ago, most people who suffered a heart attack died of it.

How times have changed! The current life expectancy statistic stand at 76 years, which means people are living thirty years more than they used to. They die of lifestyle-related causes: heart disease (29%), cancer (23%) and stroke (7%). The world’s largest-selling medicine is Lipitor, a drug that lowers cholesterol - another lifestyle-induced ailment. Our lifestyles are killing us softly…

We are surviving longer only due to the progress of medical sciences. Today, there is a high probability that the victim of a heart attack will survive. Statisticians point out that a male who has just survived his first heart attack stands a 75% chance of living at least five years more. A heart transplant recipient can expect to live ten years after the transplant. A person diagnosed with cancer has a 50% probability of surviving another five years, minimum.

But there’s a flip side to these advances in modern medicine, cautions Ashok Sardana, MD – Continental Group International, UAE. He ought to know. As a certified financial advisor from the Chartered Insurance Institute of London, Sardana has been advising clients on a range of financial services for over 27 years. Speaking on ‘Modern Medicine and Its Impact on Financial Planning’ recently, he said the high probability of a person’s surviving a debilitating illness raises questions about his subsequent earning capacity.

In the past, medical insurance and life insurance were adequate as bail-out policies. Medical insurance paid the hospital bills. Life insurance - subject to all those terms and conditions – provided an assured sum of money on maturity (survival) or to dependents on death.

For most of us, who have not been born with silver spoons in our mouths, our ability to earn an income is our most important asset. The problem is: What happens if you suffer an attack that diminishes your earning capacity before your life insurance policy matures? Would you be unable to afford the lifestyle that you have been accustomed to? How would you afford expenses like home renovation or travel or whatever?

‘Critical illness protection’ provides insurance by paying a guaranteed lump sum amount. The insured person becomes eligible to apply for the amount upon first being diagnosed with any of the specified illnesses or being prescribed certain surgical procedures. These typically include heart attack, stroke, cancer and bypass surgery.

Premium is based on age, gender and physical condition of the insured: Typically, a male aged 35 would pay a monthly premium of US$ 140 per month for an assured lump sum of US$ 100,000. A 45-year-old man would pay US$ 230 for US$ 100,000. A woman would pay a premium of approximately 83% of that, reflecting the lower incidence of critical illnesses among the fairer gender.

Eulogy from Jeremy’s Family

Born: July 7th 1952
Died: June 3rd 2007

In our 29 years of married life, I learned values from Jeremy that are as unforgettable as the man himself. His family meant everything to him and he meant the world to us too. Jeremy was soft-spoken and unassuming, never hesitant to help a human being in need… even people who were unfair to him.

A man of many talents, Jeremy sang particularly well. Blessed with a keen photographer’s eye, he derived delight from the wondrous colours of nature’s palette. His adept hands fixed his children’s toys as confidently as high-tech gadgetry like television sets and computers. Even as he treasured his ‘family time’, he found relaxation in fishing and reading.

Jeremy spread sunshine wherever he went. Being the jovial and joyous person that he was, people loved being in his company, especially when he was in one of his entertaining moods. His magnetic appeal used to attract little children to him and he reciprocated by buying gifts for all who came his way.

In today’s world, some of Jeremy’s beliefs would appear quaint, like: a family should have just enough for its needs because, if there was an abundance of riches, the family could go astray.

Dadda, you were always there for us, ever so patient, our friend as much as our parent. It’s strange to realise that we will not have your reassuring presence by our side when we walk up the aisle.

We know that you are now with Jesus, watching over us. We will treasure memories of the wonderful times we shared… But, despite those memories, Dadda, we miss you…

- Patricia Fernando and the Children

Foreign Capital Not a Panacea

Foreign capital does not necessarily spur growth in non-industrialised countries and hence it ought not to be considered a panacea. Non-industrialised countries are better off focussing their energies on domestic reforms. This was the crux of the 57th Anniversary Lecture of the CBSL, delivered by Prof. Raghuram G Rajan, University of Chicago.

Macro-economic theory suggests that the marginal productivity of capital should be high in poor countries that are deprived of capital. Hence, the logic goes, capital should flow from rich to poor countries and - within poor countries - to the most productive of them. Over time, less capital has been flowing to poor countries even though they have improved their financial systems. Foreign capital has not even been flowing to the fastest growing economies; in recent times, the direction has been reversing. Foreign direct investment from private sources does follow the theoretical expectation, admits Prof. Rajan, but a different pattern emerges when one looks at the big picture.

A reason for this anomaly is the limited ability of domestic financial systems in non-industrial countries to effectively absorb and deploy foreign capital. Where financial infrastructure is poor, the ‘development effect’ of capital on growth is diluted or eliminated, postulated Prof. Rajan, who is an Eric J Gleacher Distinguished Professor of Finance.

Basing his findings on empirical data from 1970 to 2004, Prof. Rajan highlighted that the pace of growth in non-industrialised countries is positively correlated with savings rather than with investment. Therefore, in what was probably a message for Sri Lanka, he recommended reliance on financing through domestic savings rather than from foreign capital sources. “Be open without being excessively reliant,” he said.

In fast-growing economies, excessive domestic consumption and dependence on foreign capital leads to currency over-valuation and concomitant lowering of exports. This adversely impacts returns on investment and overall growth. Besides, as country income increases, people spend on low-supply goods, resulting in higher inflation.

Earlier, delivering the inaugural address, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, CBSL Governor, admitted that the country’s per capita income of US$ 1,355 does not reveal the actual situation. The Western Province has a per capita income of US$ 1,900, while the other eight provinces average less than US$ 800. We cannot double per capita income every six to seven years with our own resources, he said. “We need to look at foreign direct investment and borrowings.”

Cabraal emphasised the need to make ourselves, as a country, more marketable. With infrastructure projects worth US$ 5 billion in the pipeline, he urged the gathering of bankers to move forward despite the challenges.

W A Wijewardena, Deputy Governor - CBSL, spoke on Central Banking: Six Decades after John Exter, the first governor of the central bank. The Exter Report presented the case for a central bank in the country. That was at a time when Ceylon was operating under the Currency Board system and the country’s currency was backed by foreign reserves maintained with the Reserve Bank of India.

The Ultimate Lingua Franca

Eric Fernando, who took some amazing photographs, and I visited many interesting places along the coast, witnessing how people had rebuilt their lives after the tsunami. We handed over the 32-page booklet to the printers yesterday – and I am pleased with the effort…! Five hundred copies of the report will be ready in about a week’s time.

As you are probably aware, I am also writing a book - the biography of a Sri Lankan Navy Commander... When I have the time, I also write reports for the Financial Times on Sunday.

When it comes to communicating in English, I seem to be at a slight advantage here. When compared with urban India, written and spoken English skills are mediocre in Sri Lanka. However, among the educated elite (especially the older generation), there are many excellent authors and orators. And such people have reached very senior levels as a consequence of their typically-foreign education. Without intending to sound condescending, I have come across many bloggers who have an excellent command of the language. (I wonder: Do they use those skills to earn some pocket-money, like I do?)

Sri Lanka had a good head-start, having been part of the Commonwealth. But the rulers frittered that advantage away, just as they have done to the many natural advantages that this country had. On the subject of language, for example, they had a short-sighted and chauvinistic policy called ‘Sinhala Only’. This worked to the detriment of all other languages that existed – although the Tamils justifiably claim that it was to subvert their nationhood - and finally to the detriment of the country's BPO potential!

Report Done, It’s Time to Fly

I am implementing plans to visit Dubai next month - long overdue - to check out jobs there as a safety net (if MHA decides that India would be better-off without me). Even if the India visa does come through, this is an opportunity to check out that city… One never knows when I will be footloose and fancy-free again.

I’ve decided to grab the first attractive opportunity that comes my way – and evaluate other options as they emerge...

I got roped in to write a report for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)... Sri Lanka is hosting a UNDP Workshop next month and they needed someone to write a report on their tsunami recovery effort. I have just finished writing the report and handed over the 32-page booklet to the printers yesterday. The style is very un-UN-like and I hope they appreciate it. Five hundred copies will be ready in about a week’s time.

You might be able to read portions of it on my blog after the report is released. I have adopted a relaxed, readable style – unlike typical UN publications that read like they've been written by a constipated parrot. So, watch this space!

Marina to the Rescue

Marina visited New Delhi last week and met with the decision-makers in the Ministry of Home Affairs. They managed to trace my file and my wife explained the case to them in intricate detail. After that, they finally seem to have seen reason and have promised to push things along. Marina has been asked to call again on Monday… It’s like waiting for exam results all over again!

As an employer, Titan has been fantastic, extremely supportive during these difficult times!

Choices: Dubai, Bangalore or Colombo?

A Lion like No Other

Sri Lanka Tourism’s initiative to support Lion Mahendra Amerasuriya on his installation as world President at the Lions International Convention in Chicago last month, saw the Upuli Channa Performing Arts Foundation presenting a stunning dance recital, showcasing Sri Lanka as a country rich in culture and arts.

The event drew over 30,000 representatives from 200 countries, from a 1.2 million strong Lion’s movement to the “United Centre” Chicago home to the legendary basketball players, the Chicago Bulls. The procession of member clubs were led by batik saree-clad ladies and sarong-clad men waving Sri Lanka flags and Sesaths, earning them the award for “Best Parade” in the procession.

Sri Lanka Tourist Board made use of this historic moment when the first Sri Lankan to be inducted to the high office of world presidency of the Lions Club took place in Chicago to draw positive attention to Sri Lanka. The sponsorship of the sixteen-member dance troupe of the Channa Upuli Performing Arts Foundation was but one aspect; the focus was a total awareness-creating programme of Sri Lanka - A Land like No Other - to the Lions present at the convention.

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board stall at the convention drew many, and the interest in Sri Lanka, was further heightened - amongst Lions at the convention - by Sri Lanka being the venue for their forthcoming 35th ISSAME Forum (Lions regional meeting covering the South African, Middle Eastern and SAARC region). The ISSAME is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka this year from 5th – 8th December, and over 500 members are expected to participate.

Lion Mahendra Amerasuriya will travel to 200 countries during his tenure of World Club Presidency, attending board meetings and Lions movement-related activities. An illustrious Sri Lankan, Lion Mahendra has agreed to the request of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board to showcase “Destination Sri Lanka” on his travels abroad. Audio and video recordings covering Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, scenic beauty, heritage sites, and wildlife will be included in these presentations. These will be reminders to the world that Sri Lanka is still a country of distinguished persons and a destination waiting to delight the traveller.

(Courtesy: Prashanthi Ravindran, Asst Director - PR, Sri Lanka Tourist Board)

On MICE, Ecotourists & Monkeys

The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) market constitutes 15% to 20% of tourists to Sri Lanka. However, the MICE tourists' contribution is merely 10% of foreign exchange the country earns from tourism. That is because such visitors typically spend less time in the country (under four days) than a package tourist does.

Of the nine million Indians expected to travel out next year, 800,000 will be on MICE. Sri Lanka is well connected to India and - with even more airlines joining the fray - is ideally poised to tap that opportunity. To promote our country as a destination, Cooray will be accompanying a delegation of 25-30 tourism leaders to India.

These leaders will interact with at least 100 of India's leading companies at road-shows planned in Bangalore and Hyderabad (September 6th to 11th). The promotion intends to tap the abundant affluence in these software centres and grab a bigger byte of the conference business. These road-shows will be followed by similar ones in Chennai during October, and Mumbai and New Delhi later this year. Cocktails and presentations on Sri Lankan tourism will certainly feature on the menu.

Lately, Indian companies have been riding the crest of an economic wave and have the resources to take their employees to foreign destinations. Value for money is very relevant for them, and Sri Lankan hotels offer very competitive pricing. Indians who have visited Sri Lanka marvel at its diversity, describing it as "God's Own Country", an epithet popularised by Kerala Tourism to describe that South Indian state.

Dr D A C Silva, Senior lecturer at the University of Colombo, explained Community Tourism: "Traditional tourism focuses on tourism and hopes that spin-off benefits will trickle down to the community," he said. "But this recent trend promotes community welfare through tourism."

Today's tourist is an anthropologist who explores cultures, attitudes and lifestyles - to expand his awareness. This typically European eco-tourist is also curious about how his money is helping people. Palitha Gurusinghe, Chairman, Sri Lanka EcoTours, provided the sad example of the Udawalawe National Park, which tourists pay US$ 25 to enter, but the people there live below the poverty line.

Describing the promotion of Sri Lanka as "a real nightmare", Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, CEO - Jetwing EcoHolidays, narrated how a documentary film crew was obstructed by the Galle Fort Heritage Committee because their permit from the Sri Lanka Tourist Board was inadequate. By doing so, they were blocking international coverage potentially worth US$ 50 million in terms of telecast time on Discovery or National Geographic.

"If you want to film monkeys in Polonnaruwa," Wijeyeratne went on, "you need to liaise with the central Cultural Fund, the Department of Archaeology and the Forest Department, besides keeping the local temple priests happy." Acknowledging this narrow-mindedness, George Michael, Additional Secretary, Tourism Ministry, promised a 'one-stop-shop' that will issue such permits in future.

Jetwing Gets PATA on the Back

In 2002, a couple of gentlemen on a visit to the Barnes Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in UK were immensely impressed by what they saw there. “Why not replicate something similar in Sri Lanka?” they thought. In due course, they did! The gentlemen are Hiran Cooray, Deputy Chairman, Jetwing Hotels Ltd, and Gehan de Silva Wijeyratne, CEO, Jetwing Eco Holidays. Their replica was created within view of the renowned Sigiriya rock fortress and is Jetwing’s newest property – Vil Uyana.

But the transformation of their dream into reality was not quite smooth sailing… “We wanted to turn barren land into wetland, but the authorities here did not understand,” recounts Cooray. “Consequently, we had to struggle for 23 months to get approval.”

The creation of the 9½ acre lake alone cost Jetwing a whopping Rs 40 million… But it’s payback time now. The premium price-tag of US$ 110 per night for bed and breakfast does not seem to be a deterrent. Cooray says, “Occupancy is pushing 40% and the majority of our guests are locals... We can’t grumble at the way things are shaping up.”

Vil Uyana’s moment of glory, however, came recently, when the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced its 24 Gold Award winners. In addition to these, four Best-of-Show Grand Awards were announced. Jetwing’s Youth Development Project at Vil Uyana bagged the Grand Award in the Education and Training category for the ‘We Dreamed a Dream’ project. The project was originally planned to bridge the skills gap and equip local youngsters for employment. This was done by providing training in hospitality and English – free - to school-leavers from disadvantaged farming families in the Sigiriya area.

Jetwing went to temples and asked monks to find them youth aged eighteen years and above. Teaching of English to the selected youth commenced in January 2006, at the temple premises itself. A ‘personality profile test’ facilitated determining the youngsters’ aptitudes for different areas of hotel operations. Accordingly, individuals were trained in Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage or Kitchen Operations. The passing out ceremony took place in June 2006 and successful candidates were absorbed into the staff cadre.

In addition, Sri Lanka has won three Gold Awards. SriLankan Airlines bagged one for its ‘Home Away from Home’ marketing campaign for carriers. Chaaya Hotels & Resorts won two: (a) in the Environment category, for its ecotourism project, Chaaya Village Habarana and (b) in the Marketing Media category, for its CD-ROM. All award recipients will be honoured at a special luncheon at the PATA Travel Mart 2007 to be held in Bali, Indonesia, on September 28th 2007.

Speaking at a media conference recently, Dr P Ramanujam, Secretary, Ministry of Urban and Sacred Area Development, remarked, “If tourism is to be sustainable, we have to get the community involved."

Based on its accomplishments - in ecotourism and engagement of local communities - Jetwing has recently signed a contract to build two rainforest lodges in Cambodia.

Long-term Investment

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.

So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease…

All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer,
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.

No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.

I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book;
It was the book of life.

God looked into his book and said
"Your name I cannot find
I once was going to write it down…
But never found the time."

(Courtesy: Ravi Bhatia)

Ravages of Time (1973 to 2007)

UNICEF Foster Care Ad

(Courtesy: Malaika Fernando)

Noah's Ark Retold: 2007

The Lord came unto Noah, who was living in Canada, and said, “Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for forty days and forty nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark. "Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?”

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.

“Then the Hydro One demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark’s move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

“Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

“When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

“Then the Ministry of the Environment ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

“I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Immigration and Naturalization are checking the Visa status of most of the people who want to work. The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.

“To make matters worse, Revenue Canada seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark.”

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, “You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," replied the Lord. “The Government beat me to it."

(Courtesy: Ravi Bhatia)

FREE-lancing: A Darn Good Deal

Business Editor: "The value of an article is not measured on word count but by whether it’s an assignment or rewritten press release or active story or investigation. Business reporters are paid over and above what news/ features freelancers are.

"The totality of a freelancer’s work is taken into account. That is, if a freelancer is a regular contributor and if it is felt that he/ she should make a reasonable amount for an otherwise lean month, then the payment is upped at the discretion of the editor.

"There is an upper limit for copy. An average of Rs 1,750 per piece is a darn good rate at any newspaper in Sri Lanka."

Comment: It is reassuring to know that what appeared to be inconsistency in payment is actually a deliberate attempt at protecting writers' earnings each month.

Turning Turtle Conservator

We watched batik, pots and bricks being made… But the highlight was when, on the deserted Rekawa beach, we watched by torchlight as an endangered 250-kg Green Turtle laid its eggs.

Fortified by a couple of beers - and string-hoppers cooked by a hospitable ‘Daisy Akka’, we had trudged through miles of soft sand to observe this miracle of creation. With bated breath, we counted 106 ping-pong ball-sized eggs that will hatch in seven weeks. The nest protectors of Turtle Conservation Project (an NGO) had done it again!

We then returned to a rustic dwelling by the lagoon, where waves lap softly against the shore and creepy-crawlies do their number...

'Cloning' Credit Cards

Advancements in technology, especially in the financial services industry, and the ease with which cross-border flows of financial transactions can take place have made it easier for criminals - including terrorists - to take advantage of liberalized financial markets and innovative technologies.

Recently, LTTE terrorists successfully perpetrated a massive credit card fraud in London, costing the British public - according to reports - about GBP 100 million by skimming credit cards belonging to the British public. Skimming has been a common technique used to raise funds for terrorists in Algeria, Kashmir and Chechnya, and now it is clear that it is being extensively practiced in the Western world too.

The modus operandi in this case was said to be the ‘cloning’ of credit cards skimmed at petrol sheds in various parts of England by the LTTE to fund its terrorist activities in Sri Lanka. It has been reported that about 200 independently owned petrol stations are under investigation, where LTTE terrorists operating under the guise of petrol shed staff have been involved.

The investigations have also apparently revealed that the credit cards cloned in Britain have been used to obtain funds in Thailand, and some other far-off parts of the world. In that context, it is important to note that such criminal activities could very well be happening in our own countries too, and we may be inadvertently funding terrorism ourselves.

Today, combating terrorism cannot be considered the sole responsibility of single governments or single sets of soldiers who fight at the front at the risk of their lives. We must all get involved in an international effort if we are to defeat this menace.

(Excerpts from keynote address by Ajith Nivard Cabraal, CBSL Governor, at a workshop in Colombo on May 7th 2007)

Terrorists: A Step Ahead

Money laundering refers to the conversion of proceeds derived from any unlawful activity (tainted cash or property) into legitimate assets by bringing them into the mainstream. While a precise quantification of the funds laundered is difficult, IMF estimates a figure exceeding US$ 1.35 trillion (3% of the world’s GDP).

Typically, the process of laundering money takes place in three distinct phases: Firstly, placement - when the ill-gotten gains are deposited with financial institutions. Then, layering through multiple transactions is how the origin of the deposit is disguised. Finally, integration is the utilisation of disguised funds to purchase clean, legitimate assets.

Describing the phenomenon, H A Karunaratna, Director – Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of CBSL, spoke of the vital role played by central banks in maintaining financial system stability. Addressing a seminar on ‘Anti – Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism’ last week, he pointed out that the banking system is vulnerable because of its ability to transfer funds rapidly.

Indicating how acts of terrorism do not require massive sums of money, Karunaratna recalled how Al-Qaeda caused massive destruction to the US economy in 2001. “Their cost was limited to flying lessons and a box of cutters with six blades”, he said.

In Sri Lanka, there are three pieces of legislation that seek to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism: The Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing Act, 2005 (CSTFA), The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2006 (PMLA) and The Financial Transactions Reporting Act, 2006 (FTRA). These were enacted in response to a worldwide clamour for a clampdown. But “terrorists are always one step ahead of regulators,” contends Karunaratna.

Joan de Zilva, Consultant – FIU of CBSL, said that the definition of ‘unlawful activities’ that constitute an offence under the PMLA encompasses the entire gamut of crime. She said that Section 31 of FTRA places an obligation on the financial system to file suspicious transaction reports and to exercise customer due diligence. This overrides all restrictions on disclosure imposed by any other law.

On methods adopted for money laundering, de Zilva described alternate remittance systems like hawala as “a potent source of terrorist financing”. International trade transactions, cash smuggling and trade in precious metals and gemstones are also adopted. Referring to occasional misuse of charities, de Zilva said, “Some NGOs put on a humanitarian face and come to countries where natural disasters have struck. Sri Lanka received Rs 40 billion in the aftermath of the tsunami, 80% of which was brought in by NGOs - and banks swept aside due diligence.”

Buwaneka Aluwihare, Deputy Solicitor General, described money laundering and terrorist financing as ‘victimless crimes’ where no one rushes to the law enforcement agencies to file complaints.

To safeguard the banking system, banks need to know their customers, said R M P Ratnayaka, Sri Lanka Banks Association. In that context, “’Customers’ refers not only to account-holders but also to those who transact casually”, he clarified.

Consular Section: “Bureaucracy”

For all intents and purposes, my visa tangle does not seem to have got unraveled one bit. The embassy here promptly sends a reminder to the ministry in New Delhi every month. They then wait – until the next month - for a response; this has been going on since August 2006..!

Titan seems to be losing hope and patience on my case, after having tried – completely ineffectively – to cut through the jungle of red tape. Marina (my better half) is planning a last-ditch mission to Delhi next week to try and make them see reason. If that fails, it would be time to activate ‘Plan B’ - securing alternate employment.

Grandma

Francesca Victoria

Born: April 5th 1920
Died: June 25th 2007

“She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue…
And her children rise up and call her happy."
- Proverbs 31

Grandma was always gentle, kind, patient, caring, graceful, hospitable, generous, happy, loving, and dignified! Her life is a shining example of how life ought to be lived. By her actions, she taught us to treat people with kindness and forgiveness. She always kept confidences and only focused on the good in people. She was genuinely interested in the poor and the troubled, and gave unconditionally of her resources and time.

Grandma always seemed to have time for us, her grandchildren, too - to ask how we were faring and then listen patiently to our litany of childish problems. Her concern somehow made our worries just melt away. She was an integral part of our lives – as we graduated from report cards to wedding cards.

We fondly recall her presence: those beautiful eyes, those soft hands, that sweet smell of powder and eau de cologne and, the rustle of her saree as she bustled about the household. We would drink our morning cup of ‘Grandma’s tea’ from wobbly silver tumblers. With the sunlight streaming through the window, we have marveled together at the birds splashing in the bird-bath and twittering on the temple tree.

Grandma organised some memorable midnight feasts for us, at which we ate ice-creams and chocolates, and she enthralled us with stories filled with magic and mystique. Princes, princesses, fairies and a flying white horse featured prominently in them. In one particular story, the prince and princess got married in the end and Grandma attended their grand wedding. As a parting gift, she said, they gave her the blue enamel bangle that she used to wear!

She taught us action songs like ‘On The Good Ship Lollipop', ‘Animal Crackers’ and ‘My Ship Sails From China’ - and every song from ‘The Sound of Music’.

Our family values and sense of morality were learnt from her. Like when she used to switch off the television whenever inappropriate content came on. And how she gently reprimanded us when a skirt stopped short of our knobbly knees... When we slept over, she would put chairs beside our bed to ensure we didn’t roll off… even after we became teenagers!

Grandma was like a shepherd, and we were her flock... She brought up ten amazing children. Then, she did the same to us – and, finally, to her thirteen great-grandchildren. It brings us solace to know that she is now in the hands of the Good Shepherd from whom she drew so much strength.

Late at night, Grandma would say “Good night, God bless you” to each one of us and would retire to bed only after saying a prayer before the altar in the hall. She had unwavering faith in God. What sustained her during difficult times was prayer. "Lord Jesus,” she would pray, “hold my hand and walk through this world with me."

Once - at the end of our holidays - I was crying at the prospect of leaving. Grandma hugged me and said, “Whenever you feel sad, look at the moon and think of me - I will be looking at the same moon and thinking of you too.”

Thank you, darling Grandma, for all that you were to us and for all that you taught us about living! Until we meet again, we’ll look at the moon; okay, Grandma? Does it look the same from Heaven?

- By her 23 grandchildren

30 Years of Liberation

July 2007 marks the 30th anniversary of the free market in Sri Lanka.

“The United National Party led by Junius Richard Jayewardene (‘JR’) swept to victory over Sirimavo Bandaranaike's Sri Lanka Freedom Party. With JR’s swearing in as Prime Minister on July 23rd 2007 came liberalisation of the economy. The shackles of a closed, state-controlled economy - which witnessed bread queues and foreign exchange shortages - were broken. JR opened the economy to market forces, to which many credit the subsequent growth - but also greater social divisions. The move also destroyed local industry to some extent.”

- Feizal Samath, Business Editor, The ST Financial Times (STFT)

STFT: Has the open economy brought gains to this country?

AM: Yes… The foreign exchange crisis of the 1970s brought home the message that we are living in an interlinked world. We realised, even before other countries did, the need to set our sails according to the new economic winds that had begun to blow across the globe.

STFT: Would we have done any better under a free market if not for the conflict that broke out in the early 1980s?

AM: Yes… The conflict represents a diversion of productive resources for destructive purposes. These could have been better deployed on infrastructure and social development.

STFT: Assuming there had been no conflict, would Sri Lanka have developed to become a successful state like other thriving Asian economies?

AM: Yes… It is estimated that the conflict has trimmed 2 percentage points off our GDP each year. The compounded effect is that our per capita income would have been at least 60% higher than it currently is. Besides, the 'brain drain' phenomenon wouldn't have been as rapid.

STFT: Has local industry been affected by the free market?

AM: Yes… Economic forces have caused some domestic industries to perform and others to perish. With uncompetitive firms having fallen by the wayside, there have been social costs.

WANTED: ‘One-Stop Shop’

The Industrial Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) and Institute of Policy Studies jointly embarked on a process, last year, to cobble together a National Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF). The consultative exercise collated views of key stakeholders in Sri Lanka - including industry, employees and public authorities. The initiative, funded by World Bank, was completed and the report handed over to President Mahinda Rajapakse, also Chairman of the Economic Council, in March 2007.

Key conclusions of the NIPF:
Overall economic stability is essential for growth
Rural development must come from business linkages, not handouts
Industry requires better access to finance and information
Trade remedies are essential for protection of domestic industries

Final policy recommendations, based thereon:
The government must facilitate, by establishing an umbrella organisation/ one-stop shop for industry
Policy should be a consistent, consultative and transparent
All constraints must be addressed fast, within this framework

Addressing the AGM of IASL this week, Dr Anura Ekanayake, Chairman, spoke of the consultative process that had been followed. He was pleasantly surprised to note the degree of understanding and goodwill that emanated from the trade unions. “They are aware of productivity issues and competitiveness concerns,” he remarked.

Drawing on CBSL statistics, Dr Ekanayake expressed concern at the persistent decline in industrial growth, quarter by quarter. After recording 8.3% during 2005, growth had slipped to 7.2% during 2006; Q1 of 2007 has been a matter for real concern, with growth declining further - to 6%. This trend is particularly worrying because the slowdown is happening “despite the economy benefiting from increasing external and domestic demand for factory products”. Intensified global competition in the apparel industry and deceleration of economic activity in the North & East complete the gloomy picture.

Attempting to examine some of the causes of this trend, Dr Ekanayake spoke of higher and more volatile energy prices. Domestic prices are determined by international markets. The higher prices have had serious repercussions on manufacturing industries across the board. Predictably, these implications have been harsher on industries that are energy intensive.

The sharp rise in administered interest rates has raised financing costs. Due to the lower operating margins that they typically command, the “small and medium sector has suffered more than others,” Dr Ekanayake clarified. The deterioration in exchange rates has affected the competitiveness of domestic industries by increasing their cost of imported inputs.

Local industry was further impeded by delays in implementing infrastructure projects. By end-Q1 2007, only 8% of funds had been deployed, against the 25% that it should – on a pro rata basis – have been. Dr Ekanayake urged Kumara Welgama, Minister of Industrial Development - and Chief Guest at the AGM, to ensure that “expenditure be invested rather than diverted for other purposes”.

Welgama asked members to focus on the broader picture of balanced regional development. He urged industrialists to avail of the concessions offered by the government to invest in remote areas.

Sops for Nissan, Kyron & Amby

The government is pulling out all the stops in a bid to attract foreign automobile majors to assemble cars in Sri Lanka. At least two rounds of discussions were scheduled during the week to iron out certain impediments and improve the feasibility of such a move.

Speaking to The Sunday Times FT, Kumara Welgama, Minister of Industrial Development, highlighted one significant change that would attract the motor industry to invest here…

Foreign manufacturers have already rejected the minimum local value addition norms of 30% that had been stipulated. The local auto ancillary industry is at a nascent stage, they say, and components are not available to that extent. They have sought that the norm be relaxed to 15%, which would make investment worth considering because tyres, batteries and upholstery are available locally.

Indicating a refreshing sense of flexibility, Welgama expresses willingness to concede the concession. He says, “We can gradually increase the local value addition to 30% later”, as ancillary industries develop and grow. Another positive fallout of such a move would be the generation of employment at the assembly units that would be set up.

It is expected that, once that is approved, motor companies would seriously consider biting the bait. There are a few companies that are already lining up to set up assembly lines. These include Nissan Motor Company and some Korean carmakers – including SsangYong, which launched the ‘Kyron’ last year.

Hindustan Motors is also in contention. The company’s most visible product is the Ambassador, which has been ruling Indian roads for generations and is a quaint sight on Indian roads even today. Originally based on the Morris Oxford (UK, 1948), its dependability, spaciousness and comfort factor have made it Indians’ most preferred car for generations.