Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
TO
JUNE 2016
DIGEST
Global Goals:
Is Sri Lanka Ready?
Balancing the
Scales: Taming
Supermarket
Buyer Power
page 06
Attracting Foreign
Direct Investment
to Sri Lanka: The
Need for Proactive
Investor Facilitation
page 12
08
16
04
46
36
42
04
06
08
10
12
14
16
18
20
Chinas One Belt One Road Initiative: Implications for Sri Lanka
22
23
24
26
27
29
30
IPS Publications
32
34
36
38
Beat Diabetes in Sri Lanka: Too Much Sugar is Not that Sweet
Executive Director
Saman Kelegama, DPhil (Oxon)
Inside IPS
World Kidney Day 2016: What More Can Sri Lanka Do To Save
Lives?
Deputy Director
Dushni Weerakoon, PhD (Manchester)
On 25th Sept, 2015, 193 member states of the United Nations including Sri Lanka adopted the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development. In effect, they agreed to: end poverty and hunger, combat
inequalities, build peaceful, just and inclusive societies, protect human rights, promote gender
equality and empower women and girls, protect the planet and its natural resources, and to balance
the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. This comprehensive
agenda contains 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and associated 169 targets, which are to
be achieved by 2030, requiring action by the international community and national governments.
The new development agenda builds on the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs), which were adopted in 2000 and guided development activities during the last 15 years. The
MDGs proved that goal setting can lift millions out of poverty, and improve living conditions, including
peoples access to education, health, safe & adequate water and sanitation, etc.
Achieving SDGs by 2030 could be a difficult task unless all stakeholders work in unison. In this
regard, proper awareness and coordination between Ministries, Departments, other government
agencies, and stakeholders (private sector, civil society, and people) are important. In fact, every
single person in each country has a role to play. In the feature article, From Millennium Development
Goals to Sustainable Development Goals: Is Sri Lanka Ready for the Next Step? Wimal Nanayakkara
emphasis this point and highlights further steps Sri Lanka can take to ensure that the country
successfully achieves the agreed goals.
The Digest also contains three other articles, which look closely at some of the SDGs relating
to poverty and inequality, gender, and environment. Reducing incidence of poverty by half and
eradicating extreme poverty, are two of the important targets expected to be achieved by 2030, and
the article, Can Sri Lanka Eradicate Poverty and Reduce Income Inequality by 2030? explores what
Sri Lanka can do to achieve these targets in time.
Environment goals also take prominence in SDGs, with several related indicators cutting across
many goals. Therefore, effectively reporting on these goals becomes a challenging task, according to
Kanchana Wickramasinghe in the article, Implementing Green Goals in SDGs in Sri Lanka.
In terms of gender equality, there are many crucial steps Sri Lanka needs to take in order to face
the challenges and successfully reach SDG Goal on; Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering
All Women and Girls. Sunimalee Madurawala explores this issue in Making a Better Place for Her:
Gender Equality for Sustainable Development in Sri Lanka.
These articles are supplemented by an interview with Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Head of UN-ESCAP South
and South-West Asia, in which he highlights key policy priorities for South Asia to achieve these
targets. In the interview, he stresses the world cannot achieve the SDGs without the South Asia
Region.
40
42
44
46
48
Like previous issues, the Digest is a compilation of articles written by IPS research staff over the
first half of 2016, covering a range of contemporary and critical national, regional, and international
economic policy issues. These were written and published electronically as well as in print with an
objective of contributing to public debate. The Digest is also interspersed with the Diary of Events of
the Institute, information on IPS Latest Publications, and Fun Facts documenting developments in the
country during this period.
50
Authors
We welcome your feedback and hope you find the Digest interesting!
52
Fast Facts
24
30
Editorial
Janaka Wijayasiri
Research Fellow
janaka@ips.lk
September 2016
The Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) is an autonomous institution that aims to promote policy-oriented economic research and to strengthen the capacity for medium-term policy
analysis in sri lanka. Its mission is to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country through informed, independent and high quality research that seeks to influence the
policy process. With over two decades of substantial research expertise, IPS has emerged as a regional centre of excellence and the most influential think tank in Sri Lanka.
Brexit: The
Not-So-United Kingdom
By Suwendrani Jayaratne, Kithmina Hewage, and Chantal Sirisena
On June 23rd 2016, Britain became the first country to vote to leave
the EU, following a tense referendum and fierce campaigning on both
sides. The final result saw the Leave campaign win by a small majority:
51.9% to 48.1% and hours later, the UK Prime Minister David Cameron
announced his resignation from office by October 2016. What follows
will be significant political and economic upheaval. After 59 years of the
blocs history, this is a watershed moment and much uncertainty remains
over what form the break up will take and the implications for not only
the UK, but also its many trading partners, including the rest of Europe.
A Tragic Split
The EU referendum came about as a result of David Camerons
campaign pledge for his second term as Prime Minister. He promised
to reform the European Union and put it to a referendum before the end
of 2017. Voters had been dissatisfied for many years by the continued
transfer of power to the EU, immigration issues and the contribution of
funds to a region that was struggling to emerge from the global financial
crisis. The issue was gaining considerable traction in the UK and led
to the increasing power of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) who won
the most votes in the European elections in May 2014 and ultimately
spearheaded the Leave campaign alongside prominent Conservative
Party MPs such as Boris Johnson and Michael Gove.
In February of this year, Cameron finally struck a deal with the EU
that would change the terms of Britains membership to take effect
EU Referendum Vote by Age Groups
80
25%
90
56%
60
50
40
61%
44%
Percentage of vote
70
little to tackle high immigration and taking back powers from Brussels.
Ultimately, it was too little, too late.
Demographic Divide
The final result saw a split in voting outcomes across the UK with
Scotland (62.0%), Northern Ireland (55.8%) and London (59.9%) voting
overwhelmingly to Remain in the EU. As expected, there was also a
resounding vote from those under 24, voting to Remain by 75% to 25%.
Areas with higher incomes and higher levels of education also had a
greater tendency to vote Remain.
Trade with EU
30
25-49
50-64
Age group
39%
18-24
44%
56%
10
75%
20
65+
Remain
Leave
Majority leave
Majority remain
Tie
Undeclared
British Politics
The political ramifications of the referendum are already taking place
with the announcement by Prime Minister David Cameron that he will
Who would Britain have to negotiate a trade deal with?
Number of countries Britain would need to agree trade deals with to replicate its
EU trading Agreement
0
50
100
150
EU member states
EU member states
plus countries with
which the EU has
free trade agreements
giving them more market share. Thus buyer power and retail power
are both mutually reinforcing. From a consumer welfare perspective,
reduction in retail prices is seen as positive. However these benefits may
only accrue in the short run. The abuse of buyer power at the detriment
of suppliers would in the long term adversely impact consumers as
ultimately both consumers and suppliers are connected.
Impact on Consumers
Whilst consumers may benefit from lower prices in the short term, in the
long term, if buying prices are held down to unsustainably low levels over
a long period, there is a risks to the survival of suppliers. As such supply
may dry up leading to higher buying prices, which in consequence would
translate into higher retail prices in the long run
Supermarkets claim that their own brands mean additional choice for
consumers; however, evidence suggests that retailers own brands tend
to drive out branded goods. Limited shelf space means that branded
goods are increasingly replaced by own brands. Furthermore, own
branded goods are more often than not, more profitable for supermarkets
given that their promotion costs can be carried as part of their corporate
overhead, while tight control over their own brand suppliers helps
to reduce direct costs as well. As such for a long term perspective
supermarkets would seek to stock home brands over branded products
and thereby limiting the range of brands consumers can choose from.
Regulators in the United Kingdom and Australia have taken a more active
role against buyer power abuse. The United Kingdom introduced the
Groceries Supply Code of Practice to explicitly address the negative
effects of the power asymmetry between supermarket retailers and
their suppliers. The Code covers areas such as supplier agreements,
promotions and fees, and dispute settlement mechanisms. Australia has
no compulsory regulations in place, but rather has introduced a voluntary
industry code, dedicated to supply practices, enforceable under the
Consumer and Competition Act. The Code requires certain standards of
conduct that cover the life cycle of the relationship between retailers or
wholesalers and suppliers, and aims to deliver more contractual certainty
in trading relations between suppliers and supermarkets, encourage a
sharing of risk and reduce inappropriate use of market power across the
value chain.
The most common form of regulations imposed by countries across the
world is the strengthening of the role of Supplier Agreements, and the
creation of relevant institutions by which the agreements are enforceable
and/or the creation of a dispute settlement mechanism.
Way Forward
The fast growth of supermarkets in Sri Lanka has seen the organized
retail industry concentrated among three main private sector fast-moving
consumer goods (FMCG) retail chains. The three industry leaders account
for approximately 15 per cent of modern retail trade in the country.
With the emergence of home brands and the gradual concentration of
market power in the hands of supermarkets, the scope for buyer power
abuses are set to become more prevalent. In light of the experience in
the developed and other developing countries, there is a risk that as
the industry grows, consumers would be indirectly affected. Whilst Sri
Lanka has already in place a set of regulations outlawing anticompetitive
practices, there are no specific legislation to govern the interaction
between suppliers and retailers. As such, in light of growth potential
of the industry and the consequences it poses on consumer welfare,
regulators must look to incorporate such provisions within the existing
regulatory framework.
By Raveen Ekanayake
With the end of the war in Sri Lanka, there has seen a noticeable uptake
in tourist arrivals from the West. However, tourist arrivals from India still
play a crucial role. The peak tourist season for European tourists run from
September to January during winter months in the Western Hemisphere,
whereas the peak season for Indian tourist runs
Table 1: Route Map & Frequency between Sri Lanka and India per week, by Carrier as at November 2015
between March to April and June to August during
school holidays and the summer season in India.
Sri Lankan
Route/Airline
Spice Jet Jet Airways Mihin Air India Air India Total
Airlines
Lanka Express
As such tourist arrivals from India support the
Chennai Colombo
28
7
7
42
local tourism industry during the lean seasons
Bangalore Colombo
11
11
between February and August each year.
Delhi Colombo
14
Mumbai Colombo
14
14
Cochin Colombo
14
5
Tiruchirapalli Colombo
14
Trivandrum - Colombo
12
7
102
12
14
12
154
Source: Compiled from data obtained from respective airline websites *Seasonal Flights
Amongst the South Asian countries, Sri Lanka and India are by far the best
connected (See Table 1) and this could be linked to the extensive liberalization
of the air services regulations between the two countries, which took place in
2003. The most pertinent liberalizations in this respect were in the areas of
pricing, competition, capacity and new routes. Market forces were allowed to
determine prices as opposed to being set by the two governments. Following
the deregulation of the domestic aviation market in India, private Indian
airlines were allowed to operate between the two countries and there was
a shift in regulating capacity from a regime based on the number of weekly
seats, to one based on the number of weekly frequencies. In addition to the
opening up of a number of metropolitan (Mumbai, Delhi) (7) and secondary
destinations (18) in India, frequencies (capacity) to these destinations were
14
Kolkata - Colombo
Total
14
Gaya Colombo*
Madurai Colombo
21
28
Varanasi Colombo*
No. of Passengers
Opening Up
the Skies:
Benefits of
Air Services
Liberalization
What we can
learn from the
India-Sri Lanka
Experience
1000000
To
800000
To
600000
Fr
400000
200000
0
Source: Complied using published data from Annual Statistical Reports (Various Years), The Directorate General of
Civil Aviation, The Government of India
Re-orientation of External
Trade Towards Global
Production Networks:
An Urgent Need for Sri Lanka
Innovations in telecommunications and transportation have shrunk the distances that once
separated nations through enhanced speed, efficiency and economies of coordination,
allowing firms to geographically disperse production activities in line with increased
specialization. Consequently, international trade and investment patterns have undergone
significant change in recent decades, with the reorganization of production processes.
Rather than move through traditional mechanisms of industrialization, developing
countries are now afforded the opportunity to take part in manufacturing in high value
added production. Sri Lanka however has failed to reorient itself to these global dynamics
and continues to focus on traditional means of industrialization. This article explores the
opportunities and challenges faced by Sri Lanka in successfully adapting to this new global
environment.
Global Production Sharing (GPS), the cross-border dispersion of production processes within
vertically integrated global industries, has been a defining facet of economic globalization
Secondly, participation in GPS is likely to have a
over the past few decades. This process of international division of labour opens up
favourable atmosphere creation effect on domestic
avenues for countries to specialize in different slices (tasks) of the production process in
line with their relative cost advantages as opposed to the
Table 1: Share of GPN products in manufacturing exports, 2012-13 (%)
need for engaging in the entire production processes of
particular final good from start to finish.
The expansion of GPS trade has spread to encompass
developing countries and includes industries such as
sports goods, footwear, electronics, electrical goods,
automobiles, aerospace and medical devices to name a
few. As could be observed from Table 1 below, GPS trade
accounts for close tohalf of world manufacturing trade
and over two-thirds of manufacturing exports from China
and other high-performing countries in East Asia.
The phenomenon of GPS deserves particular attention
10
Sri Lanka
India
Indonesia
Malaysia
Thailand
Viet Nam
South Asia
Developing Countries
World
Source: UN Comtrade (2016)
Parts and
Components
Final Assembly
Total
6.2
11.6
20.1
63.5
46.9
20.1
11.2
34.1
29.2
---11.3
13.2
9.8
22.8
10.3
11.2
28.0
17.9
6.2
22.9
33.3
73.2
69.7
30.5
22.5
62.0
47.1
Total Manufacturing
(US$ million)
Share (%)
1990
896.8
35.3
3.9
1995
2121.2
89.0
4.2
2000
35958.9
246.8
6.9
2005
41968.2
307.5
7.3
2010
51367.9
346.4
6.7
2014
69708.2
472.1
6.8
Connectivity
Participating in GPSs depend on the ability of firms to transfer goods
rapidly across borders and therefore requires efficient access from the
manufacturing plant to the port, often an airport rather than seaport.
Currently, air-cargo flows almost exclusively through the Bandaranaike
International Airport and capacity constraints may create bottlenecks
Policy Outlook
One of the fundamental features in creating a conducive investment
environment is policy certainty and stability. The conclusion of the
three-decade long conflict should have in theory ushered in significant
amounts of foreign direct investment into the country. However, barring
foreign investments geared towards state sponsored infrastructure
projects; foreign investment flows into the country have been weak. One
of the main factors deterring investments is the lack of policy certainty
in Sri Lanka. Successive governments in recent years have contributed
to this uncertainty through the implementation of ad-hoc policies such
as the Land (Restrictions on Alienation) Act in 2014 and the imposition of
retrospective taxes in 2015. The country has already failed to fully realize
the investment potential of a post-conflict economy and continued policy
uncertainty will only exacerbate the situation.
Sri Lankas complicated tariff structure, which also includes a plethora of
para-tariffs, undermines the potential of integrating into GPSs. Given how
GPSs are organized, parts and components may cross multiple borders,
multiple times and the absence of a uniform tariff structure increases
the costs of production as even a minor tariff accumulates and erodes
competitiveness.
11
financing, location choice, property, recruitment, training, and postinvestment facilitation all play a key role in investment facilitation.
Attracting
Foreign Direct
Investment
to Sri Lanka:
The Need
for Proactive
Investor
Facilitation
Today almost all countries around the world, in their bid to create jobs and sustain
economic growth, compete fiercely to attract foreign investment. In addition to
liberalizing trade and investment policies, opening up sectors to foreign investors
and undertaking reforms to create a more business friendly environment, countries
are also seen to be undertaking proactive investment promotion measures.
Investment promotion and facilitation are also considered to be vital pull factors
to attract investment, though not a substitute for having the basics in place. Over
the past two decades or so dedicated Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs)
have emerged at both national and sub-national levels to engage in investment
promotion. Investment promotion covers a wealth of services, including investor
outreach, facilitation, after care, and strategy.
If designed correctly, IPAs can deliver substantial savings in time and costs for
investors by providing seamless, integrated and easily accessible points of contact.
Many host governments seek to alleviate the administrative burden on potential
investors through a one-stop shop, which provides information on the necessary
By Suwendrani Jayaratne steps to start a business in a country in effect a tourist office for investors.
and Raveen Ekanayake In addition to helping investors navigate administrative barriers, once investors
are seriously interested in investing in a country, the process of country visits,
negotiations, advice, legal and regulatory matters, meeting existing investors,
12
are not limited to common macro-economic and other data which are
publicly available, but more importantly on project-specific information
such as the availability of raw material, availability of related technology,
and information on possible joint-venture partnerships. Furthermore,
having both the promotional material as well as the supporting
documents (i.e., brochures on environment clearance, etc.) in key foreign
languages (i.e., Chinese, Japanese) would be beneficial. This applies
to the BOI website content as well, which is currently available only
in English. The timely publication of Annual Reports would be another
source of rich information for potential investors.
13
11,295,549,000
Canada:
2.26 mn
$3,781,549,000
Sri Lankas exports to world
USA
32.2 mn
Mexico
3.52 mn
Peru
0.08 mn
Chile
0.2 mn
Japan
0.68 mn
Vietnam
0.15 mn
Singapore
0.02 mn
Malaysia
0.36 mn
Australia
0.16 mn
$39,800,000
NZ 0.08 mn
US$39.8 mn
Exports diverted
from Sri Lanka due to TPP
Note: Brunei not shown due to negligible export loss in that market. Source: IPS
After more than five years of negotiations behind closed doors, the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement reached a conclusion on 5th
October, 2015 in Atlanta, US and was signed on 4th February 2016 in
Auckland, New Zealand. The completion of this deal was a landmark
given that it is the first mega trade agreement of its kind. TPP brings
together 12 countries, both developed and developing nations in the
Asia-Pacific region including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan,
Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, US, and Vietnam. The
region accounts for more than one-third of worlds GDP, and one quarter
of world trade. Since the signing Agreement in February 2016, the TPP
will now undergo a two year ratification process in all the 12 countries.
The size and scope of this trade deal makes it a pertinent trade policy
issue for both members and non-members like Sri Lanka. TPP is
anticipated to transform current global trade patterns and affect all
countries, particularly those that rely on the US as an export market
and share a similar production/export structure to member countries.
The potential for trade diversion that is, diverting trade away from a
more efficient supplier outside a trading block towards a less efficient
supplier within the block - is a pressing concern in the rapidly evolving
international trade and investment environment. In November 2015,
Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the need for an urgent
review of the TPP in his Economic Policy Statement:
When reviewing the garment sector, we need to carefully address the
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement under which tax free garment export
opportunities have been given to countries such as Vietnam. This has
enabled them to engage in competitive markets and supply the American
and Japanese markets at low rates. This may also affect exports from Sri
Lanka in the future. TPP must therefore be reviewed further.
14
Feasibility Study
While the magnitude of loss from trade diversion due to TPP would be
negligible for Sri Lanka in the event of TPP coming into force, which
is most likely to happen after 2018, the TPP is a living agreement and
membership will be open to other countries including those in the Asia
15
The category A commitments for Sri Lanka a set of provisions that need to
be implemented on the date the Agreement comes into force - were notified
to the WTO on the 31st July 2014, while other category commitments (those
which can be implemented after a transition period following entry into
force and with assistance and capacity building) have also been identified.
Subsequent to a validation of the self-assessment process of the relevant
commitments by the World Bank in 2015, Sri Lankas category A commitments
will be as listed in Table 2. Having received the approval of the cabinet, Sri
Lanka is now ready for the ratification of the Agreement.
Table 2: National Trade Facilitation Committee Members
Provision
7.2
9
By Suwendrani Jayaratne
the participation of the main border agencies, private sector and WTO
experts to identify the countrys commitments under different categories
and to identify the time, technical assistance and capacity building needs
of the country (Based on a presentation titled WTO-TFA Sequencing
Reforms and Preparing up for Ratification by S. Rajendran, 2015).
A National Trade Facilitation Committee with 13 members of key border
agencies and private sector representation has now been formalized,
filling a long-felt lacuna (see Table 1). The Committee is chaired by
the Director General-Customs and co-chaired by the Director GeneralCommerce.
Sri Lanka is in the process of ratifying the Agreement, with Sri Lanka
Customs (SLC) taking the lead in it. A national need assessment
workshop on the WTO-TFA was conducted in early 2014 in Colombo with
16
10.6
10.7
10.8
Rejected Goods
10.9
11
Freedom of Transit
TFA has provided the country and its relevant stakeholders including the border
agencies, a renewed interest in trade facilitation, which is vital in developing
trade and investment in the country. It sets out a list of trade facilitation
measures that can be implemented at a relatively low cost and technical
know-how, as well as areas which can be developed with the support of donor
countries, international institutions as well as the private sector. The SLC has
already initiated several programmes including key projects which are in line
with this years theme.
Documentation Requirements
Title
Electronic Payment
The World Customs Organization has dedicated this year to the digitalization
of Customs process with digital customs referring to any automated or
electronic activity that contributes to the effectiveness, efficiency, and
coordination of Customs activities, such as automated Customs clearance
systems, the Single Window concept, electronic exchange of information,
websites to communicate information and promote transparency, and the use
of smart phones.
SLC too has embarked on several projects, including the initiation of the
Single Window where the objective is to bring all trade related and border
agencies into one platform, leading to a state of paperless trade. According to
a presentation made by the SLC recently, it has been successful in connecting
so far, about 15 agencies to a central system. In the second phase the SLC
plans on increasing the number of agencies connected, and on simplifying
processes and procedures, conducting and reviewing data harmonization and
standardization among others.
17
Trade along the Ancient Silk Road can be traced back to historical times
when land and sea routes between China and Europe were vibrant
with the movement of a range of goods including silk, spices, precious
stones, etc., as well as cultural exchanges. Sri Lanka too played an active
role in the ancient Silk route of the ocean. Situated strategically in the
middle of the ancient Silk route of the ocean between East and West, Sri
Lanka functioned as an entreport of trade for exchanging commodities.
Archaeological excavations in many parts of Sri Lanka have unearthed
large hordes of Roman and Chinese coins, which indicate that merchants
from West and East met in Sri Lanka and exchanged wares.
Potential trade and economic gains from greater connectivity along the
Silk Road have resulted in various efforts to revive the ancient Silk Road.
Efforts of UK and France to connect South Asia, South East Asia, and
Far East during colonial times and more recently, the Asian Highway
proposed by Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
(ESCAP) are some initiatives taken to develop intra-Asian and Euro-Asian
connectivity. More recently, China aims to reclaim the past glory of the
ancient Silk Road through its own One Belt One Road initiative and it is
one of the boldest initiatives taken by China since becoming the second
largest economy in the world
18
Challenges Ahead
19
From Millennium
Development Goals to
Sustainable Development
Goals: Is Sri Lanka Ready
for the Next Step?
By Wimal Nanayakkara
To achieve SDGs by
2030, it is essential
to establish a high
powered coordinating
body, to direct,
coordinate and guide
all stakeholders
responsible for
planning and
implementation of
SDG strategies
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals came into
effect this year. The SDGs are built upon the achievements of the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs), the eight goals that the world committed to achieve, by the end of 2015. The
MDGs, adopted in 2000, aimed at an array of issues that included reducing poverty, hunger,
disease, gender inequality and improving access to safe water and sanitation. Considerable
progress has been made on the MDGs, in most of the countries including Sri Lanka. According
to the MDG Country Report 2014 Sri Lanka, out of a total of 26 indicators, which had clear
targets, only two indicators were not on track to be achieved by 2015. Despite this success,
there are still disparities between regions, as well as socio-economic groups, which need to
be addressed, so that Sri Lanka can be proud of its achievements.
At the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit on 25th September 2015, world
leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17
SDGs. To monitor the progress of these 17 goals, 169 targets have been identified and they
are to be achieved by 2030. The SDGs and associated targets, which came into effect on 1st
January 2016, will guide the decisions that will be taken on development over the next 15
years.
20
The above 17 Goals and the related 169 Targets, are expected to stimulate action
over the next 15 years in the following areas of critical importance for humanity and
the planet: People to end poverty and hunger, in all their forms and dimensions,
and to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality
and in a healthy environment; Planet to protect the planet from degradation,
including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing
its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can
support the needs of the present and future generations; Prosperity to ensure
that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic,
social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature; Peace to
foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies, which are free from fear and violence;
Partnership to mobilize the means required to implement the proposed agenda
through a revitalized Global Partnership for sustainable development, focussing
in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable and with the
participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people.
21
Implementing Green
in Sri Lanka
Goals in SDGs
By Kanchana Wickramasingha
National Relevance
Environment related SDGs seems to be broadly in line with the National
Action Plan for Haritha Lanka, which highlights the short, medium and long
term targets in addressing the key environmental issues in Sri Lanka. The
ten broad missions/thrust areas covered by the programme are: (a) Clean
Air - Everywhere, (b) Saving the Fauna, Flora and Ecosystems, (c) Meeting
the Challenges of Climate Change, (d) Wise Use of the Coastal Belt and
the Sea Around, (e) Responsible Use of the Land Resources, (f) Doing
Away with the Dumps, (g) Water for All and Always, (h) Green Cities for
Health and Prosperity, Greening the Industries, and (i) Knowledge for Right
Choices. The Plan is also in the process of revision. The environment
related SDGs are in line with the broad missions of the environment sector
in Sri Lanka.
According to experts in the sector, certain indicators of these SDGs range
from a less relevant end to a highly relevant end. This however, is
normal as a single set of indicators cannot be practically developed to
suite the conditions of many countries.
Challenges
There are several challenges ahead in reporting the progress of the
environment related SDGs. They mainly include resource related
constraints and data issues.
Resources
Financing is viewed as a major barrier for implementing the SDGs and
relevant indicators, which are specially based on scientific and technical
estimations. Also the lack of expertise will be an obstacle for certain
indicators, which are not currently been implemented at national level.
For instance, when it comes to indicator under Goal 12 - Strategic
22
INSIDE IPS
How long have you been with IPS and what is your role at
the Institute?
Lack of data
As per the current mechanism available in Sri Lanka, all the data
required to monitor SDGs are not being compiled by the National
Statistical Agencies such as the Department of Census and Statistics
(DCS), Central Bank, etc. Mostly, in the case of environmental sectors,
data are produced by the agencies, which handle the various related
subjects such as the Forest Department, Sustainable Energy Authority,
etc. As at present, there is no mechanism to measure, compile and
share the information, which are generated by a number of agencies.
Absence of baseline data for monitoring the progress also remains
a main issue with regard to a number of indicators under the SDGs.
The issue is mostly in indicators related to environmental aspects.
Therefore, when implementing SDGs, generating baseline information
should be the first step. Generating baseline data helps to understand
the gravity of the issue in relation to particular goals in achieving
sustainable development. Though some of the environmental issues
are considered as national priorities, most of such issues are explained
qualitatively due to absence of data.
Way Forward
As highlighted above, degree of relevance of SDGs, their targets and
indicators are different in the Sri Lankan context. While Sri Lanka takes
steps to measure SDGs to the maximum extent possible, the country
should also develop its own indicators for environmental sustainability.
This might require comprehensive stakeholder consultations.
A high degree of coordination is a must in relation to SDGs, as
environment related indicators are scattered under several goals.
Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment and the Ministry
of Sustainable Development and Wildlife have the mandate with regard
to environmental sustainability of the country. In addition, there needs
to be an effective coordination mechanism among other sectors, since
many economic sectors have various inter-linkages with environment
and natural resources.
are made use of, by the planners and policy makers, in formulating
policies for the benefit of the voiceless, deprived and vulnerable
groups of the country.
23
Making a Better
Place for Her:
Gender Equality for
Sustainable
Development in
Sri Lanka
By Sunimalee Madurawala
Box 1: Targets under SDG 5
Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls
2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public
and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of
exploitation
3 Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage
4 Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the
Womens participation in the labour force has been low in Sri Lanka
for a considerable period of time. Limited job opportunities for
women, issues related to transport, social attitudes, personal safety
and housing, gender wage gap, and high work related costs are
some key reasons for this. Sri Lanka Human Development Report
2012 says political parties are the single biggest barrier to womens
greater participation in politics. Political parties as well as the voters
prefer males being nominated and elected. Violence involved in
the election process is also discourages interested females from
actively participating in politics.
24
Table 1: Progress and Status of Indicators Related to Gender Equality and Empowerment under MDGs
1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
Indicator
1995
2002
2006
2015
Target
Status of
Indicator
99.4
100
Achieved
102.6
100
Achieved
2012
94.2
94.6
99.0
Lower Secondary
91.2
94.8
105.7
Upper Secondary
107.7
101.8
75.4
113.8
N.A.
N.A.
100
Achieved
30.8
(1993)
32.8
(2001)
32.2
(2007)
32.0
(2011)
No
Target
Need to
increase
5.8
(1989/94)
4.2
(2000/04)
5.8
(2004/07)
6.8
(2010/14)
No
Target
Need to
increase
Tertiary
Share of women in wage employment in
the non - agricultural Sector (%)
Proportion of seats held by women
in national parliament
Source: MDG Country Report 2014, Sri Lanka
25
Expert Insights
Within those 17 SDGs, there are 169 goals set out, which;
realistically speaking will require some prioritization on the The estimates that we made at ESCAP suggest that between 10% - 20% of
the GDP will need to be spent on achieving these goals. In money terms, this
part of policy makers. What sort of priority areas have you
translates to 2.5 trillion dollars of additional investments every year for Asia
identified for south Asia and particularly Sri Lanka?
When going through the list of 17 goals and 169 targets, one finds
that many of these goals and targets are interrelated. This suggests
that one goal is achieved when another is also achieved, and this
process becomes faster if the other conditions are there. These 7
key policy priorities include, for instance, a growth that creates jobs
because South Asia has had a relatively good growth and is currently
the fastest growing sub region in the world. However, this growth has
not been generating adequate jobs, so the employment elasticity of
jobs and employment elasticity of growth of South Asia has gone down
over time. The second key priority would be closing the infrastructure
gaps. For example, present in transportation, electricity and water.
One third of households in South Asia do not have access to water and
electricity. This is a poor situation because many of the achievements
for development goals are dependent on these infrastructures. The
third key priority would be to focus on universal access to health
and education to harness the youth bulge of South Asia, although Sri
Lanka is an exception in this respect and has already passed such a
demographic transition. However, other South Asian countries need
to harness this youth bulge through investment in human resource
development, education, and universal quality health care. The fourth
key priority would be taking care of poverty and inequality by extending
social protection and enhancing financial inclusion. The proportion
of people who do not have access to social protection is very large
in South Asia and this issue needs to be addressed immediately.
Additionally, harnessing the potential of gender equality and womens
empowerment through gender sensitive ecosystems for women can
unleash trillions of dollars of additional income and can be highly
productive. Further, there should be greater sensitivity to environmental
26
pacific and a large part of that will be for South Asia. But fortunately, there
are potentials for raising resources domestically, regionally and globally for
South Asian countries. For instance, South Asian countries have very low tax
to GDP ratios, which also means that they have greater potential of reaching
domestic revenue and enhancing the efficiency of revenue and expenditures.
So, one policy is introducing innovative taxation systems like some of the
South Asian countries are already doing. For example; Bhutan and Maldives
have imposed green tourist taxes, and India has imposed a tax for funding
the universal education and literacy program, as well as a tax on sanitation
used to fund a sanitation program. So, there are possibilities of new and
innovative taxes.
Finally, from the technological aspect, a lot of technology and knowledge
is privately owned and concentrated highly in a few advanced economies.
Hence, a lot of global technology partnerships would be very desirable,
and promote the facilitation of technology for South Asian developing
countries. Also, South Asia has some strength in frugal engineering and
frugal innovation, which can be harnessed to develop low cost, low carbon
products and services and some of it can be done by pulling resources
through regional cooperation in technology. There are many opportunities
for regional cooperation from developing regional board markets to creating
resources and developing affordable low carbon services, and developing
regional value chains for creating jobs and manufacturing sectors. There
are many corporation opportunities for South Asia, as well as opportunities
for developing the regional capacity for generating data and statistics for
monitoring the achievement of these goals and targets.
You can watch this interview on our YouTube Channel IPS Sri Lanka
However, still there are regional variations, which need the attention
of planners and policy makers. The incidence of poverty in the
country, declined steadily from 26.1% in 1990/91 to 6.7% in
2012/13 (Figure 1), based on the national poverty line. The proportion
of population living below the global poverty line $1.25 a day [2005
Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)], which was used to measure extreme
poverty, until 2015, fell from 15.0% in 1990/91 to 3.5% in 2012/13.
The other global poverty line, which was also used for international
comparisons, was $2.00 a day . The proportion of population below
$2.00 a day, declined from 49.5% in 1990/91 to 19.6% in 2012/13.
However, the gap between these two poverty lines ($1.25 a day and
$2.00 a day) is still high, indicating that considerably high proportion
of the population is just above the extreme poverty line and therefore
could slip back to extreme poverty due to economic shocks, such
as increases in prices of basic essentials, loss of livelihood due to
natural disasters or any other reason.
Although incidence of poverty is low in Sri Lanka, bringing extreme
poverty to zero level, will be a challenging task. To achieve this,
proper identification and precise targeting of people in extreme
poverty, for social protection programmes is essential. In-depth
analysis of the data, of Household Income and Expenditure Surveys
(HIES) conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS),
shows that the poorest people in Sri Lanka are those living in
households headed by agricultural or non-agricultural labourers,
skilled agricultural workers and persons, who are disabled or too
old to work. As such, further reduction of poverty or eradicating
extreme poverty, will depend on precise targeting of most vulnerable
groups and on effective strategies to create suitable employment
opportunities, in all the regions. Analysis of HIES data, show that
some of the most deserving families are not covered in social
protection programmes like Samurdhi, while those not deserving,
continue to receive such benefits.
Bulk of the poor are largely rurally based and majority rely on
agriculture for their livelihood. Although agricultural sector show a
relatively slow growth, compared to industrial and service sectors
and the contribution to GDP is only around 10%, it does not mean
that the agricultural production is declining. It simply means that the
service and industrial sectors are growing at a faster rate.
27
Figure 1: Proportion of Population below different Poverty Lines (Global PPP2005 and National)
- 1990/91 to 2012/13
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
49.5
46.7
40.0
30.0
26.1
29.1
22.7
23.8
15.2
20.0
10.0
39.7
28.5
16.3
15.0
14.0
7.0
0.0
1990/91
$1.25
1995/96
$1.45
2002
$2.00
2006/07
$2.50
$3.00
6.9
4.1
2009/10
3.5
2012/13
Source: Based on Household Income and Expenditure Surveys (DCS) and World Bank Povcalnet
19.6
8.9
By Bilesha Weeraratne
JUNE 2016,
Working Paper Series No. 23
45
40
28
Latest Publications
Visit our YouTube Channel IPS Sri Lanka for Interviews with the Authors.
For Details on IPS Publications Contact:
Amesh Thennakoon, Publication Officer, 011 214 3107 or 011 214 3100 | amesh@ips.lk or publications@ips.lk
Forthcoming Publications
Sri Lanka: State of the Economy 2016: Fiscal Policy for Growth: Sustainable Financing for Development
The IPS annual flagship report Sri Lanka: State of the Economy provides
a critical assessment of the countrys economic performance and near
term outlook for growth and macroeconomic stability. Each year, the
report also examines critical medium term policy priorities to achieve
sustained growth and better socio-economic development outcomes for
the country.
This years Sri Lanka: State of the Economy 2016 report focuses
on the many interrelated problems constraining investment and
productivity across the Sri Lankan economy owing to weak public
finance management. At the macro level, high fiscal deficits and public
debt generate macroeconomic instability, with adverse consequences
on growth and on an economys resilience to withstand shocks. At the
micro-level, tax and spending policies can have a bearing on investment
and productivity to influence the trajectory of economic growth and its
distributional impacts.
Under the overall theme of Fiscal Policy for Growth: Sustainable
Financing for Development, the report calls for fiscal consolidation
efforts aimed at broadening Sri Lankas tax base and minimizing
distortions, with expenditure measures aimed at rationalizing spending
and improving efficiency. The report argues for sound fiscal policy setting
as a priority for macroeconomic stability, a fundamental prerequisite
for sustained growth. At the same time, the report argues that the
Financing Urbanization
29
Alternative Definition:
If a GND has a minimum population of 750 persons, a population density
greater than 500 persons per km2, firewood dependence of less than 95
% households, and well-water dependence of less than 95% households,
such a GND is defined as an urban area.
Current Definition
As per the current definition, Municipal and Urban Councils are considered urban areas.
Until 1987, Town Councils (TCs) were also urban. With the 13th Amendment to the
Constitution, TCs were abolished and absorbed under the Pradeshiya Sabhas, which
are considered rural. The vertical line at 1987 in Figure 1 depicts this change and the
Urban population
Lowess trend
2011
2001
1991
1981
1971
1961
1951
1941
1931
1921
1911
1901
1891
15
10
Alternative Estimates
Combining these criteria 3,659 GNDs can be identified as urban (see
Figure 2), which accounts for an urban population of 8,334,801 persons.
Colombo district has the highest share of urban population (90%)
followed by Gampaha and Kalutara (see Table 1).
A New Definition
1881
% of Population
20
By Bilesha Weeraratne
Sri Lanka has a visibly high rate of urbanization and ambitious plans for further urbanization
through the envisioned Western Region Megapolis Project. Nonetheless, the latest official
statistics indicate that only 18.2% of the population lives in urban areas. This does not
reflect the true level of urbanization in Sri Lanka. World Bank notes that while urbanization
data in Sri Lanka are much debated, there is consensus that the country is urbanizing faster
than the statistical figures suggest. Similarly, in many cities in Sri Lanka, the true extent
of the city extends beyond its administrative boundaries, while as much as one-third of the
population may be living in areas that ought to be classified as urban areas. Reinforcing
these views, the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) confirms that the current
definition underestimates urbanization and that the urban population `would have been
much higher if the definitional issues were resolved.
District
Colombo
Gampaha
Kalutara
Kandy
Galle
Puttalam
Vavuniya
Batticaloa
Ampara
Kegalle
Trincomalee
Ratnapura
Urban Pop. %
90.51
67.32
62.09
56.98
50.31
42.77
41.87
39.47
37.53
34.29
34.02
30.40
SRI LANKA
43.80
District
Matale
Badulla
Mannar
Matara
Hambantota
Nuwara Eliya
Polonnaruwa
Kurunegala
Anuradhapura
Moneragala
Kilinochchi
Mullaitivu
Urban Pop. %
28.91
28.46
28.46
25.11
23.92
23.86
16.48
12.84
11.94
6.02
1.62
0.90
Advantages
30
31
Sri
Lankas
Invisible
Children:
The Need for Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs
By Yolanthika Ellepola
SCHOOLING
62%
ABSENCE OF
EDUCATION
34%
OTHER
EDUCATIONAL
ACTIVITIES
VOCATIONAL
TRAINING
1%
32
Educators often
through inadequate
training fail to meet
the needs of some of
diverse learners. A
study by Hettiarachchi
et.al (2014) found that
most teachers lack
awareness and specific
knowledge on inclusive
methodologies to
support children with
special educational
needs, which
disempowers them
from supporting children with special needs
in their classroom. One off seminars and
workshops are insufficient and professional
development opportunities in an on-going basis
are urgently needed.
3%
Inflexible
Curriculum
Societal Attitudes
Perceptions and attitudes towards different
types of disability vary among different
stakeholders. A recent UNICEF study found that
while handicapped children prefer to receive
an education in regular classrooms, they fear
reactions of peers towards their capabilities.
Similarly, parents have signaled mixed opinions
towards their support of special education,
while teachers reveal mixed opinions towards
including children with disabilities in regular
classrooms. Concerns for supporting inclusion
include lack of preparedness of schools,
inadequate skills training, and time for planning
and commitment. Many professionals are
skeptical of the idea of inclusion, and prefer to
provide education separately from the regular
classroom.
33
per cent by 2025, there has been a call for action in 9 targets (Figure 1)
including universal accesses to screening and early detection for cancer,
which is the focus of this article.
By Yolanthika Ellepola
The World Cancer Day is observed today, under the tagline We can.
I can. A three year campaign has been initiated by the Union for
International Cancer Control (UICC) from 2016 2018, to create
awareness on how everyone collectively or individually - can play a role
to reduce the global burden of cancer. Recognizing the fact that cancer
affects everyone in different ways, it emphasizes that everyone has the
responsibility to take various actions to reduce the impact of cancer on
individuals, families and communities.
Underlying this formidable task is that nearly 9 million people are likely
to die of cancer in the following year if left unchecked with mortality
increasing to 13 million per year by 2030. China too recently reported that
cancer is a major public health problem in the country; and that chronic
infections, smoking and pollution have contributed to skyrocketing cases
of cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use
is the most important risk factor for cancer, while more than 60 per cent
of total new annual cases occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South
America.
A large proportion of cancer deaths in low and middle income
countries have a lower survival rate, largely attributed to delays in
diagnosis leading to advanced stages of the disease. Despite the WHO
incurringapproximately USD 1.16 trillion on cancer treatments every year,
the global battle against cancer will not be won with treatment alone.
Effective preventive measures and a collective effort are urgently needed
to ward off cancer epidemic. In an attempt to reduce cancer deaths by 25
34
Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst Sri Lankan women,
accounting to 20 per cent of all cancer cases reported in the island, as
Figure 3 indicates. In the case of men, Lip, Oral Cavity and Pharynx
cancer is the leading type of cancer, and accounts for 20 per cent of
cancers found in Sri Lankan men.
Ageing population, urbanization, lifestyle and behavioural changes, and
lack of physical activity are some of main causes for the rise in cancer
cases reported in the country.
Inadequate Information
Most cancer patients in Sri Lanka seek treatment at advanced stages of
the disease at which point currently available treatments are of minimal
benefit. A study conducted by de Silva
et.al (2008) found that a large proportion of
patients had inaccurate information or was
misinformed of the disease. It was further
revealed that a considerable proportion
of patients obtained information on the
disease from non-qualified personnel such
as relatives and other patients. This signifies
that patients hold inaccurate information and
receives poor clarification on the disease.
The study also highlighted that there were
many misconceptions among patients
on the feasibility of various management
options. Although oncologists were involved
in imparting information on the management
of the disease to a certain extent, a large
proportion of patients were only aware of
how to manage the disease as they went
through the procedure but not at the outset.
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
with the Department of Health and NHS England. A key component of the
campaign is working with primary care to support General Practitioners
to spot cancer symptoms earlier and refer patients to secondary care
appropriately. If Sri Lanka can launch a similar campaign, it will not
only motivate medical professionals to be involved in the fight against
cancer, but also nudge patients to screen for cancer. Mass media such
as television, radio, internet, newspapers, magazines, and billboards
could thus facilitate this initiative by educating the general public about
the importance of cancer screening. Talk shows on both radio and
television could be launched to speak about the implications of surviving
with cancer so that the stigmatization attached to the disease could be
reversed.
Given the rise of cancer in Sri Lanka and a shortage of medical supplies,
the Government should approach the WHO for essential medication and
vaccines at affordable costs. For example, Pan American
Health Organization (PAHO) has extended support to Brazil,
Chili and Mexico by providing Human Papillomavirus
Vaccine (HPV), used in the control of cervical and breast
cancers, at affordable prices to be introduced in their
national screening and immunization programs.
20%
Trachea,
,Bronchus and
lungs
9%
Oesophagus
11%
Ovary
6%
Cervix Uteri
8%
35
Beat Diabetes
in Sri Lanka:
By Samanthi Bandara
Sri Lanka too is seeing an increase in the cases of diabetes. According to recent
statistics by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), (Figure 1), the prevalence
of diabetes among adults in Sri Lanka is 8.5%. At present, one in 12 adults in the
country suffers from diabetes, which totals to 1.16 million. Over the past five years,
approximately 1 - 1.4% of total diabetes patients have lost their lives due to the
disease.
Contributory Factors
Diabetes is a multifactorial disease, which emerges as an irreversible outcome
of a combination of metabolic and modifiable risk factors. It is mainly driven by
unhealthy diets, insufficient physical activity, obesity, and overweight.
With the pace in globalization and urbanization, peoples dietary patterns have
changed both quantitatively and qualitatively. This is phenomenon is called
36
April 7, 2016 marks World Health Day, under the theme Beat Diabetes, with the
aim of scaling up prevention, strengthening care, and enhancing surveillance.
Diabetes is among the four leading Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) that affects
morbidity, mortality, and disability in the world. It was the 8th leading cause of
global deaths in 2015, and is expected to advance to be the 5th cause by 2030.
Importantly, the low-and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to diabetes
and related deaths.
37
Burden of Disease
By Yolanthika Ellepola
Financial Costs
The World Kidney Day this year (10th March) is marked under the theme Kidney Diseases and
Children, Act Early to Prevent It. Acknowledging the fact that kidney diseases affect millions
of people worldwide including many children, the global awareness campaign is aimed at
encouraging and facilitating education, early detection and a healthy life style in children, from
birth, so that they are free from such health issues during old age.
Despite the fact that CKD is rising at an alarming rate, the exact extent
is difficult to determine given that many people may not receive hospital
treatment. The slow progressive disease with patients seeking treatment
at late stages when dialysis or transplantation is required leaves a high
economical cost to the patients, family and the government, which incurs
a colossal sum for the management of renal diseases. Presently, there
are a mere 185 renal-dialysis machines in government hospitals. Due
to limitations in dialysis machines and kidney specialists nephrologists;
dialysis is provided to patients only twice a week. Although approximately
4-5% of annual health budget is spent on the management of patients,
many more dialysis machines and other equipment are in need to meet
the growing demand.
Diabetic nephropathy and high blood pressure are the leading cause of Kidney Diseases in
Australia, Europe and North America. More than 661,000 Americans have kidney failure. Of these,
468,000 individuals are on dialysis and approximately 193,000 live with a functioning kidney
transplant. At present, 1 in 3 American adults are at risk of developing kidney diseases. In many
Low and Middle Income countries such as India, Sri Lanka, South American and Middle Eastern
countries, environmental pollution, pesticides and other chemicals, and unregulated food additives
have been attributed as causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
In Sri Lanka, the cases of children affected by kidney diseases are low, while cases of CKD are
rampant. Therefore, this article predominantly focuses on the incidence of CKD, burden of the
disease, and highlights the importance of appropriate measures for early detection.
While the underlying causes for the disease are unknown and yet to be
identified, it is widely believed to be an environmentally induced disease.
Exposure to low levels of cadmium through food and to nephrotoxic
pesticides are considered to be underlying causes. Cadmium levels in
soil and the consumption of illicit alcohol and tobacco in endemic areas
are observed to be higher compared to non-endemic areas. Several
studies further indicate high levels of cadmium, arsenic and lead were
found in some samples of phosphate fertilizer and weedicides. Given
that disease related deaths are rising exponentially, CKD has currently
become one of the most burning environment related health issues of
national concern in Sri Lanka.
Social Implications
CKD is argued by some as a development induced disease prevalent
in areas with heavy agrochemical use. The social epidemiology of the
disease should be closely studied for effective interventions including
early diagnosis and raising public awareness. The vast majority of
patients are low income groups that have to forego some of the
procedures and medications that require payment. Dialysis patients
are compelled to travel bi weekly long distances to obtain medication.
Further Action
The Government has indeed shown continued commitment and support
towards prevention and control of CKD. Provision of clean drinking water
to 13 schools and villages in Northern, Eastern, and Uva Provinces;
promotion of organic farming of native Sri Lankan heirloom rice; banning
of certain agrochemicals are strategies presently implemented.
Transparent Flow of Data: Despite the progress made, the multifaceted
nature of this problem and the significant data gaps call for more
comprehensive research, and data-driven public policy discussion.
Continued strengthening of disease registries and standardization
of surveillance reporting will provide open and transparent research
exchanges.
Let us therefore take the initiative this year to advocate for more
enhanced and efficient infrastructure to better communicate and
educate the wider public on CKD; and endorse for the introduction of a
multidisciplinary care system for prevention, control and management
of the disease to ensure effective service delivery. Resources should
be mobilized and prioritized for sustainability of actions to promote
evidence-based public policies, and to reach the high level of
commitment to mitigate the health, social, and economic consequences
of this disease.
39
The World Oceans Day was marked, under the theme Healthy Oceans,
Healthy Planet; at a time Sri Lanka is striving to recover from a major
natural disaster. While natural disasters cause sudden surges of ocean
debris, taking tonnes of garbage from land into the ocean, it is much
worse during floods, especially when populated areas adjoining the
coastal belt are affected - as it did during the recent floods in Sri Lankas
Western Province. As the country is still struggling to overcome from the
trauma in the wake of the disaster, the serious impact this has on oceans
is likely to be neglected, as more immediate problems on land naturally
take priority. In the usual havoc created by scattered debris after floods,
one might even be pleased if all of it gets washed off to the ocean, a
course of action often taken for granted to remove garbage and waste
from coastal areas. However, such thinking may be counterproductive,
causing long-term damages to the marine environment, leading to a
situation of Sick Oceans, Sick Planet, the opposite of the todays theme.
Marine pollution due to disasters that occur in the ocean such as ship
accidents, oil spills, chemical spills, etc., have been well recognized and
many countries are prepared to face these at least to a certain level.
Similarly, there is also awareness on marine debris from ships and
various land sources. However, comparatively, the knowledge of marine
pollution caused due to natural disasters on land areas is somewhat
limited. Studies show that natural disasters that occur on land can lead
to a heavy collection of ocean debris. Disasters such as hurricanes,
40
tropical storms, and tsunamis are usually associated with high winds,
heavy rains, storm surges, and flooding that can pull large amounts of
land debris into surrounding seas. Such debris include small to large
structures, household items, and garbage washed off from flooded
areas. Observations on such marine debris have been made after many
reported cases such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and cyclone Sandy.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of USA has
carried out such studies on marine pollution associated with disasters.
The 2011 Tsunami in Japan and Fukushima disaster captured world
attention due to the possible involvement of radiation contaminated
marine debris. According to the estimates of the Government of
Japan, the disaster brought over 5 million tons of debris into the
sea. Sudden influx of debris flows caused by disasters could lead to
various unfavourable outcomes such as public safety and health issues,
problems for navigation due to obstruction of navigation channels and
threats to marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Studies have shown
that significant amount of debris breakup into parts and get sunk in the
sea, mostly in nearshore areas. However, there is floating debris that
could take different paths. Part of it is washed ashore sooner or later.
Observations indicate some floating debris may get carried over by
waves, scattering over the ocean, sometimes ending up in distant places.
Depending on the nature of float, the speed and distance travelled may
vary. For instance, some debris generated in Japans Tsunami disaster
has been reported in West coast of USA. Sometimes debris could get
caught up in a circular ride of currents (e.g., North Pacific Subtropical
Gyre), ending up in garbage patches where debris has accumulated.
Some materials in the disaster debris could stay in the environment
without being degraded for long periods of time (e.g., some types of
plastics).
Understanding about post-disaster surge of marine debris appears to be
limited in Sri Lanka. The only occasion that it could have captured the
public attention was the 2004 Tsunami. However, in the midst of a large
death toll, tremendous property damage, and large-scale displacements;
it escaped the public discussion that it deserved. The recent floods
in the Western province, especially in the Kelani River closer to its sea
entrance is likely to have resulted in some influx of flood debris to the
sea. This has so far not received sufficient public attention. Mitigating
disaster debris is a challenge for public agencies. It needs monitoring of
debris movement and accumulation of them. If accumulated debris is
causing obstructions to navigation channels or usual habitats of marine
animals, actions should be taken to for their removal. Establishing
procedures for reporting of debris washed ashore is necessary and this
should be followed up with a beach clean-up. Some countries have
resorted to calling for voluntary public support for reporting and cleaning
up. Whenever possible, recycling of some debris may be the best course
of action (e.g., metal cans, plastics). To achieve success from such
measures, there should be good awareness and education among the
public.
Sudden influx of marine debris from disasters is a problem that involves
inland areas, coastal zone and the marine environment. Hence, the
problem requires an integrated approach that combines all three
zones (land, coastal zone, and sea) of environment. Sri Lanka has
introduced the Marine Pollution Prevention Act (MPPA) in 1981 along
with the Coast Conservation Act (CCA) passed in the same year, just
one year after passing the National Environment Act (NEA). These three
acts are responsible in overcoming pollution problems in the ocean,
coastal zone and inland areas, respectively. Along with these Acts,
three national agencies, namely, the Marine Environment Protection
Authority (MEPA), Coast Conservation Department (CCD) and the Central
41
March 22nd marks the World Water Day 2016 under the theme Water and Jobs.
The theme focuses on how enough quantity and quality of water can change
workers lives and livelihoods - and even transform societies and
economies. In this article to mark the day, IPS Researchers Chatura
Rodrigo and Athula Senaratne explore the challenges faced by
agricultural livelihoods, which employ a majority of Sri Lankas rural
sector and identifies measures to overcome such challenges.
Water is vital in many forms of livelihoods. In agriculture too, theres
a tremendous need for the direct access to water. Water in terms of
quality and quantity has a great impact on agricultural production. In Sri
Lanka, agriculture accounts for a majority of employment. Better quality
water for agriculture in adequate amounts has been a main concern
in the country since ancient times, leading to various developments
in water resources management. A sufficient supply of quality water
leads to successful harvests, which results in good farm income and
increased quality of life. However, the quality as well as the quantity
of water for agriculture now seems to be reducing, threatening the livelihoods of
farmers. Therefore, it is important to understand the water quality and quantity
related challenges in agricultural livelihoods and identify measures to overcome
these challenges.
42
24.53%
6.22%
6.42%
87.34%
Source: Aquastat_Database
Figure 2: Agricultural Water Demand for Some Significant Agriculture Based Economies
40.22%
87.34%
65.68%
Country
Sri Lanka
India
China
Japan
USA
90.41%
43
Transforming Manpower
Employment to Decent Work of
Greater Quality
By Priyanka Jayawardena
This is how a manpower worker was voicing the uncertainty of his future. These workers and their
families lack stability and security to make long-term decisions and plan their lives due to the
uncertain nature of their jobs and low wages. The discrepancies faced by manpower workers are
evident by protests carried out by them in Sri Lanka. With the aim of exploring ways to transform
manpower employment to decent work of greater quality, this article explores some hidden
information in the manpower business, based on a recent IPS study titled Why People Choose to
Participate in Non-Standard Employment in Sri Lanka.
Agency or sub-contractors enter into agreements with companies where they supply they cannot afford to stay at home. Some in the private sector
work long hours to earn more.
labour, but the terms and conditions of these agreements are not disclosed to the
manpower workers.
I get paid on monthly basis, a daily wage of Rs. 600 per
shift. My normal shift lasts 8 hours per day. But I have
I didnt have to sign a written contract when I was recruited. All I had to
the option of working another full shift (8 hours) and
do was submit an application form before starting work.
obtaining Rs. 1200, but this would mean that I have to
- Female manpower worker, Biyagama FTZ
work 16 hours at a stretch.
-- Female manpower worker, Biyagama FTZ
Some manpower employees work continuously at a particular factory while some
are hired on a daily basis. These daily hired workers are transferred from company
These manpower workers are in a vulnerable situation; they do
to company, depending on the available vacancies. This is entirely handled by the
not receive private sector social security benefits such as EPF,
manpower agency.
which even temporary workers are entitled to. It is revealed
that although deductions are made for EPF and ETF, there is no
The agency hired employees receive their wages through the manpower agency
transparency and most workers are unaware whether they are
after their commission is deducted, and are not given salary slips. Companies
even registered for EPF. They are afraid to voice their opinion as
prefer hiring manpower workers as it is convenient for them as there are no
it would jeopardize their employment. Any protest could lead to
direct obligations towards these workers. Most of the manpower workers are
a transfer or losing the opportunity to work at that company.
either from rural areas, less educated, or are school dropouts who have limited
job opportunities. Therefore, in most cases, these manpower workers do not
They also do not have any upward mobility and hold the
pay attention to their rights as they are helpless and have no other means of
same position for many years, without any incentives. The
employment.
nature of such employment not only negatively impacts these
employees but also the companies that hire them. Lack of
Public Sector Manpower Workers
accountability of these employees towards the employer, can
In recent times, many government service establishments too have begun widely
result in low quality production. Thus, an overwhelming number
recruiting manpower workers. For instance, manpower agencies supply labour to
organizations such as Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), state banks, Ceylon Electricity Board of manpower workers in a company can lead to long-term
impacts in productivity, efficiency and economic growth. These
(CEB), the Water Board and Central Bank. A majority of them are recruited as office
assistants or janitors. For instance, in a leading state bank, 95% of office assistants workers also affect the permanent staff as they lose their
are recruited through manpower agencies. These workers are under the impression bargaining power and dilute their rights.
that they are employed at a reputed institute; however, in reality they are supplied to
these companies by manpower agencies.
Manpower workers are also known to be treated differently to their permanent
counterparts. For example, normal working hours in the public sector is 8 hours
but these workers have to work 9 hours per day. In the public sector, agency hired
workers are permitted only 7 days paid leave for the year. These workers are not
permitted 14 days annual leave, where an employee is entitled to under labour law
[Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act,
1954)]. Further, it is revealed that, to avoid the need to pay gratuity or the chance to
be made permanent, these manpower workers are transferred to a different agency
even without their knowledge.
Workers who are not directly hired by the organization they work for, but are hired by third party
agents or sub-contractors are referred to as manpower workers. Usually it is a disguised or
ambiguous employment relationship. They lack access to social protection, receive low wages,
and have substantial obstacles in joining a trade union or bargaining collectively. It is a part of a
global business strategy practiced by employers, to shift risks and responsibilities onto workers.
Manpower workers are not given a contract letter either by the company they work for, or the
manpower agency. It is a precarious work arrangement, and raises serious concern as it is often
unclear who is responsible and accountable for the rights and benefits of these workers. Due to the
ambiguous nature of manpower employee contracts, there is limited data available on the matter.
For around 10-15 years, it has been common practice in the private sector to use manpower
agencies to recruit employees to fill low-skilled, temporary and supplementary jobs (janitors,
security guards, etc.). This has now gradually moved into main business activities of the company
-- machine operators, cashiers, and sometimes even managerial levels.
44
45
ABUSED
Underlying Causes
Evidence portray that unhealthy past relationships between the informal
caregiver- adult child and an older parent, characterized by actions
of child abuse, domestic violence, inappropriate discipline, physical
punishment and domestic violence could lead to elder abuse. Hughes
(1997) identifies the mental health status of older people and the history
of violence before caregiving had commenced as two main risk factors
for elder abuse.
Stress experienced by caregivers in fulfilling multiple roles in fulltime employment, raising children as well as taking care of an older
person could be extremely stressful to the caregiver. Although it is with
good intentions that care is provided, stress induced by other family
commitments may result in verbal and physical abuse towards the older
care recipient.
Studies onviolence against older people in domestic settings have found
that aggressors are more likely to have mental health and substance
abuse problems. Older people suffering from a cognitive disorder such
as Alzheimers disease and dementia may behave violently towards their
caregiver especially when the disease progresses. Violent behaviour
and failing to diagnosis the cognitive disease increases the incidence of
elder abuse. Vulnerability to elder abuse also exists amongst older people
with a memory impairment, which leads to their dependence on the
perpetrator.
ELDERLY
FEMALES
ELDERLY
MALES
9.8%
28.3%
18.5%
4.1%
20.6%
75.3%
The United Nations marks 15th June as the World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day. Abuse of older people is either an act of
commission or of omission, which may be either intentional or
unintentional. The abuse may be physical, psychological, financial or
other material maltreatment. It is increasingly seen as a problem
that is likely to grow as many countries rapidly experiences an
ageing population. With a global population of people aged 60 years
and older more likely to double, from 841 million people in 2013 to
more than 2 billion in 2050, older persons are projected to exceed
the number of children for the first time in 2047.
Asian societies such as India, China, Japan and Singapore have
reported higher rates of elder abuse compared to high income
countries in the West. Hospital based studies from China and India
found that 20% - 25% of Indian and Chinese elders were financially
abused. It may be postulated that traditional Asian families are
hierarchical in nature, where authority and structure in the family
is defined by position and determined by age and gender. This then
leads to the expectation that children are to live with and provide for
elders later on in life. It is not a choice but rather a responsibility they
are expected to fulfill, as Asian cultures have traditionally assigned
the role of caregiver to adult children. However, when adult children
46
Gender has been a defining factor in elder abuse on the grounds that
older women may have been subject to oppression and economically
disadvantaged all of their lives. A study by Perera et.al (2010) (Figure
1) in the Galle Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area found that a higher
prevalence of abuse is reported among females. This is not unexpected
as females tend to live longer and are more likely to be dependent on
their caregivers or children. Although the prevalence rate in this study
cannot be taken as the prevalence rate for Sri Lanka, it is an indication of
similar rates in other Asian countries.
Financial abuse was the most common type of abuse reported. Some
caregivers may suffer economic difficulties since they are compelled to
resign from their jobs to care for their elderly relatives. These caregivers
may then develop feelings of resentment because they have lost their
source of income. Those parents with large families are at risk of
psychological and financial abuse. This is in contrary to the traditional
expectation that larger families would protect elders since they would
have more to care for them. Given that most people expect to reside
with their children and grandchildren, changing socioeconomic realities
have resulted in young families adopting a nuclear family concept
excluding older elders. Although financially well off older people could
be vulnerable to financial abuse, frail older people with fewer financial
resources are at further risk of neglect.
47
IPS
NEWS
Global Production Sharing:
Implications for Trade and
Investment
48
IPS
NEWS
IPS Research Officer Nipuni Perera,
participated in the South Asian Think Tank
and Media Delegation Exchange Programme
held in China in April 2016.
49
Athula Senaratne
Janaka Wijayasiri
Bilesha Weeraratne
Kanchana Wickramasinghe
Priyanka Jayawardena
Chatura Rodrigo
Sunimalee Madurawala
Raveen Ekanayake
Suwendrani Jayaratne
Samanthi Bandara
Nipuni Perera
Kithmina Hewage
Yolanthika Ellepola
Chantal Sirisena
Pamokya Marambe
Dishnika Perera
Charmaine Wijesinghe
FAST
FACTS
The rupee
fell 9% in 2015.
$ 40 billion
$334.9 million
$31 million
52
Page 14
In a Nutshell
Urgent attention of
authorities in creating accessible,
productive and decent employment
opportunities, especially for women in all
regions of the country, is key to reducing
persisting high income inequality and poverty
Page 27
Page 18
5.3%
$311.8 mill
Insurance claims following floods in parts of the
island are estimated to account for Rs. 16.5
billion, which are more than that disbursed
after the 2004 tsunami.
Rs.50 billion
Japan pledged Rs. 50 billion in financial
support to Sri Lanka in addition to
expressing interest in further enhancing
cooperation in areas of maritime,
reforms, urban development, and
technology.
Page 44
53
SUPPORTED BY