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| Sunday, 30 March 2003 |
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Unilateral action open to charge of imperialism - Dr. Saravanamuttu by P. Krishnaswamy Economists, business entrepreneurs and analysts expressed grave concern over the outbreak of war in Iraq and its repercussions on the Sri Lankan economy in particular and the 'World System' in general. Excerpts of some of their views are reproduced below: Professor C. Suriyakumaran, former Regional Director UNEP and Global Director Ed.Tr.C.A.: "The repercussions of this war are too far-reaching for anyone's comfort. First, the U.N. is in tatters. The crisis has most affected the U.N. But for sure a bit of re-think has to be done. A new distribution of U.N. power and its functions is called for. "The U.S., of course, is the big player. As a tailpiece, one is tempted to recall that tag when the U.N. was founded at Danbarton-Oaks, that it was important to keep the U.N. in the U.S., in order to keep the U.S. in the U.N." Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Alternatives: "I am of the belief that the war in Iraq would effect greater legitimacy if it was backed up by U.N. resolution. Furthermore, it would seem that war is going to take longer than hitherto imagined and that regime change in Iraq is not going to be quick and easy. There is also the danger that it will create much problems than it would solve with regard to peace in the Middle East. It is effecting a unilateral action that is wide open to the charge of imperialism." Tilak de Soysa, Chairman, Chamber of Commerce of Ceylon: "Our two major concerns are the drop in sale of low-grown teas at the Colombo Tea Auction and the problems being encountered by Middle East returnees in encashing their currencies. "The Middle East imports about 50-60 per cent of our total tea production, the bulk of which is low grown tea. At the last tea auction 40-45 percent remained unsold due to lack of demand. Due to reasons mainly attributable to the war, buyers in the Middle East have not been purchasing. "Middle East returnees are facing difficulties in having their money in M.E. currencies encashed at the airport and at local banks. This is because clearing houses in Singapore fear rapid depreciation of currency values. Following the intervention of the Central Bank, the local banks have agreed to encash M.E. currency up to Rs. 10,000. "Tea traders have appealed to the Government for immediate relief to be granted to the low-grown tea sector." Captain R. A. Rajendra, Executive Director, Green Lanka Shipping: "Gulf countries, which are major buyers of our tea and agricultural produce like fruits and vegetables are reluctant to open Letters of Credit fearing war risks. If the war prolongs, the underwriters may impose additional Insurance Premia which, in turn, will compel the ship owners to impose war risk surcharges. This again will cause the prices of our export items to soar and their competitiveness in the foreign markets will be affected. If the war does not end quickly, ship owners may think twice about sending their vessels to the war zone. The frequency of services to the Gulf region may drop rapidly, resulting in higher freight charges." Dr. Kumari Jayawardana, Secretary, Social Scientists' Association: "I am totally against this illegal action, not backed up by the U.N. The eminent jurist, Justice Weeramantry, has recently said that the war is really illegal in terms of the UN Charter. It is not only having repercussions on the World Economy and the economy of Sri Lanka but, perhaps, more seriously a breach in the international rule of law. We hope that the Sri Lankan Government will take a principle stand and oppose the war, specially since the government is in the midst of a peace process in our own country. "I have no doubt the vast majority of the people of Sri Lanka express their solidarity not only with the people of Iraq, but also with all those around the world who are protesting against the war." |
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