by Gnana Moonesinghe Sometimes the fear is that large numbers of the people are blind and deaf; blind and deaf by intent that they neither see nor hear or do so selectively. That will have to be another study, another investigation. But for now this short paper is confined to describe what has been seen …
The Speaker of Parliament and the United National Party’s one-time chairman, Karu Jayasuriya is expected to be proposed as a possible “National candidate” by an influential section of the party following party leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Deputy Leader and Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa digging in to their position on the presidential ticket. The …
United National Party Chairman Kabir Hashim and two Non-Cabinet Ministers face expulsion next week whilst a partnership between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) may not materialise, according to new political developments this week. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Sunday Times learns, has decided to move against three …
By Gamini Weerakoon Even though the presidential election has not yet been officially announced, the cacophony of voices for the proposed candidates is stepping up. Unrestrained, superlative praises of cheer squads are being shouted from roof tops followed by vile, damning condemnation of their rivals. This, of course, is in keeping with the country’s political …
By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene It has always been an interesting curiosity that politicians trained in law in Sri Lanka appear to be far more blissfully unconscious of basic legal principles than their colleagues who at least do not engage in hair splitting explanations when abusing power. Disregarding legal and constitutional proprieties Indeed, it is better …
By Don Manu Coming out of his shell, UNP State Minister of Defence and Minister of Media Ruwan Wijewardena struck a blow for media freedom this week when he condemned his Minister, the Minister of Defence and Lankan President for his arbitrary takeover of State owned TV channel Rupavahini under his Defence Ministry and thus …
By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Those who seek power at any price detect a societal weakness, a fear that they can ride into office.” Carl Sagan (The Demon-haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark) One point four million extra votes – that is what Gotabaya Rajapaksa needs to achieve his burning desire to become the …
By Sanjana Hattotuwa A coup’s normalization is key to long-term success. Architects of an unconstitutional transfer of power have to quickly give the impression everything is under control and nothing is going awry, so as to allay public fears, even amongst ardent supporters, that it may lead to more widespread chaos or instability. By November …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Ever since the name of Gotabaya Rajapaksa began to be bandied about as a potential candidate at the Sri Lankan presidential elections, doubts have been raised as to whether the former defence ministry secretary could win at the hustings. This skepticism has intensified in recent times after former president Mahinda Rajapaksa formally announced …
By Lucien Rajakarunanayake The drum beats of political pride get louder as the Gam Udawa – Village Re-awakening – score gets closer to the third century. The political legacy of the Premadasa Family is coming to new reaches in the spread of new village names, needing a new listing of the acres or hectares of …
By Wisu Karunanidhi and Lahiru Fernando The fisheries issue in the Palk Strait and the situation of detained Indian fisher crews as well as co-operation against cross-border extremist terror outfits were subjects of discussion when rising Tamil Nadu politician and Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday. …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj There is political excitement in the air in anticipation of Presidential elections before the end of the year. Even though no dates have been specified there is much speculation about prospective candidates and their prospects. Among those being spoken of as a potential presidential election contender is Hambantota District Parliamentarian and Cabinet Minister …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj When Professor Sunil Ariyaratne was studying for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level in 1963 at St. John’s College, Nugegoda, one of his favourite textbooks was W.A. Silva’s novel ‘Vijayaba Kollaya’. Fifty-six years later in 2019, the eminent academic-writer-lyricist-director has made a film out of the novel he relished reading as …
By Chandani Kirinde A meeting between UNP Party Leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa ended last night with both sides agreeing to reach a final decision soon as to who the Party’s candidate should be for the upcoming Presidential Election. Premadasa told reporters after the meeting that it was positive, and …
Non-Cabinet Minister of Mass Media Ruwan Wijewardene yesterday accused President Maithripala Sirisena of repeatedly obstructing his attempts to change the management of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), leading to the impasse which resulted in the Corporation being brought under the Defence Ministry’s purview. “Since I took over the Ministry of Mass Media in February this …
by Zacki Jabbar The UNP’s Presidential candidate would be selected by the Working Committee (WC) and named after a date for the election was announced, senior party sources said, yesterday. Asked when the WC would meet, sources said “Very Soon. But that will be to discuss the need for discipline and unity within the party …
Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday in a statement said that SLPP’s presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ‘economic blueprint’, unveiled on Sunday, was meant to build castles in the air. Following is Samaraweera’s statement. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s so-called ‘economic blueprint’ is anything but a plan. The 82 slides, released on Sunday, pump aspiration and dump implementation. A blueprint …
By Nisthar Cassim UNP presidential candidate hopeful Minister Sajith Premadasa yesterday promised a truly prosperous nation to all people, as opposed to enriching a select few as rulers to date have done in Sri Lanka. Delivering the 22nd M.A. Bakeer Markar Annual Commemoration lecture yesterday, titled ‘Foundation for a stronger and prosperous Sri Lanka’ Housing, …
By Chandani Kirinde President Maithripala Sirisena last night brought the influential Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) under the purview of the Ministry of Defence by an Extraordinary Gazette notification. Along with the takeover, the SLRC was also tasked with the “Implementation of programs for the promotion of peace, harmony and reconciliation among people whilst ensuring …
By Nisali De Silva Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed a complaint this morning (10) at the Commission to Investigation Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa and seven other Cabinet Ministers who failed to submit their Declarations of Assets and Liabilities for the year 2018/19.
Sports Minister Harin Fernando has issued a temporary directive preventing former Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala from exercising any powers or holding any office at the SLC pending an inquiry.
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential aspirant and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday gave a detailed outline of his blueprint to develop Sri Lanka and pledged to focus on building partnerships with the private sector, appointing technocrats to carry out national policies and strengthening local industries. Speaking at the Viyathmaga Annual Convention 2019 at …
By Shamindra Ferdinando Former national cricketer Muththiah Muralitharan, yesterday, (08) urged the electorate to pick a capable leader who could lead a team. Underscoring the importance of the leader consulting his team, Muralitharan said that it would be the responsibility of the leader to take decisions. The leader required right support, Muralitharan said, underscoring the …
A scheduled meeting between UNP leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and its Deputy Leader Minister Sajith Premadasa which was to take place last evening to iron out differences as to who should be the Party’s presidential candidate was postponed on the latter’s request. Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office said that Premadasa sought a rescheduling …
(Excerpts from the “Sunday Times”Political Column of September 8th 2019) Upon his return from the Maldives, on Friday, Premier Wickremesinghe met senior members of the UNP at Temple Trees. For the first time, he made a declaration. He said he proposed to announce his name as the presidential candidate on behalf of the proposed Democratic …
By The “Sunday Times” Political Editor This week’s two major political developments over the presidential election took Sri Lankans by surprise and portend a major change in alignments. One is the declaration by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that he would be the United National Party (UNP) candidate. On Friday he told a meeting of party …
Former national cricketer Muthaiah Muralitharan will address civil society grouping Viyathmaga national convention at the Shangrila tomorrow (8). Viyathmaga spearheads a campaign in support of wartime Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s bid to secure nomination for the 2019 presidential polls. The opening statement will be delivered by Gotabaya Rajapaksa Courtesy:The Island
United National Party leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is to hold crucial talks with his deputy Sajith Premadasa on Sunday amid a deepening crisis over the presidential candidacy. Wickremesinghe denied he demanded the nominations to contest up coming presidential elections, a source within the party leadership said adding that a final call would be …
By Chandani Kirinde Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told a group of senior UNP members yesterday that he would be the Party’s candidate at the upcoming Presidential election. A senior Minister, who was at the meeting, told Daily FT that Wickremesinghe had said he would put forward his name to the UNP’s Working Committee and leave …
Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga Friday wreaked havoc after becoming the first bowler in Twenty20 internationals to claim 100 wickets as he struck four times with four balls in the third match against New Zealand. Malinga, who surpassed Pakistan spinner Shahid Afridi’s tally of 97 scalps to become the leading T20 wicket-taker on Sunday, bowled Colin …
By Meera Srinivasan In Sri Lanka’s presidential poll in 2015, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), representing Tamils of the north and east, led its constituency in a crucial protest vote against then President Mahinda Rajapaksa. As the country gears up for the next presidential election, scheduled before the end of this year, Jaffna district MP …
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said he remained committed to abolishing the Executive Presidency so its powers cannot be abused with impunity, and pledged to continue upholding democracy. Addressing the People’s Majlis, which is the equivalent of the Maldives Parliament, Wickremesinghe outlined the measures taken by his Government, since coming to power in 2015, to …
By Nuwan Senarathna President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday rallied his party followers with pledges to establish a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)-led Government in 2020, as under the 19th Amendment more powers have been devolved to the Prime Minister, and made no mention of contesting for a second presidential term. Addressing the 68th Sri Lankan Freedom …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj When I was just a little kid enrolled at the Santa Maria Montessori school in Wattala, a song we sang without knowing its meaning then was ‘Que Sera Sera’; when I was a boy studying at S. Thomas’ Preparatory School in Kollupitiya, a song we were taught the meaning of and sang loudly …
by Zacki Jabbar Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely to be nominated as the UNP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Presidential candidate, senior party sources say. Sources said that according to the UNP constitution it was the party leader who had to contest the presidential election unless he or she declined or was too feeble to …
The legal secretary of United National Party (UNP),Chairman of People’s Bank and President’s Counsel, Nissanka Nanayakkara, said the party’s Presidential candidate should be nominated according to Article 9 of the constitution of the UNP. He says that after the Elections Commissioner announces the Presidential election, the first step according to party constitution is to summon …
By Aanya Wipulasena “Uba ganiyak nisa nikan innawa. Pirimiyek unanan tho polé gahanawa allagana (I am letting it go because you are a woman. If you were a man, I would dash you on the floor),” shouted the man draped in a monk’s robe. Then he proceeded to give instructions to a police officer, one …
Ministers supportive of Deputy UNP leader Sajith Premadasa have threatened to resign en mass from their posts unless the party names him as its presidential candidate, before the end of this month. A spokesman for them has said that they may even consider quitting politics in protest. UNP MP Hesha Withanage, addressing the media, yesterday, …
By Don Manu Ranil Wicremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa are poles apart. If Ranil is cheese, Sajith is chalk. If Ranil is morn, Sajith is night. It has been so from their respective births. Their one common heritage is the UNP and, though they are both fiercely loyal to it, there is, certainly, no love lost …
By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene President Maithripala Sirisena’s remarks in Jaffna this week that the 19th Amendment’s transfer of some powers of the Executive President to the Prime Minister while conferring supervision over Sri Lanka’s constitutional commissions to the Speaker has created three power centres, making the political process unworkable and unsustainable is a thin gloss …
By Gamini Weerakoon Narendra Modi is a shining example of the harm that ‘good strongmen’ can do — those who are elected to rescue a country from the doldrums it has fallen into, but instead take it deeper into the hell-fires Modi, the humble tea boy, who climbed from the very bottom rungs of the …
by Sanjana Hattotuwa With documentaries like ‘The Great Hack’ we are deeply fearful – and rightfully so – of how our data can be used, abused and weaponised. Over the past three years, significant political developments on both sides of the Atlantic have fuelled a global debate around the role, reach and relevance of social …
(Text of The Sam Wijesinha Memorial Oration Titled “Parliament and the President” that was Delivered by Dr. Sarath Amunugama, MP This Week) I am deeply honoured by the invitation extended to me by Rajiva Wijesinha and Nigel Hatch to deliver the Sam Wijesinha Memorial Oration, which seeks to commemorate the late Sam Wijesinha, who was …
By Kelum Bandara In the backdrop of a brewing political crisis, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe held talks with Minister Sajith Premadasa for one and half hours at Temple Trees on Thursday evening to find a way out, a party official said. Mr. Premadasa took time off from a function at a temple in Embilipitiya and …
By Victoria Pengilley . A family of Tamil asylum seekers due to be deported overnight have been granted an interim injunction to prevent their transportation back to Sri Lanka, their lawyer has told the ABC. The family of four were removed from immigration detention last night and placed on a plane which departed Melbourne Airport …
By Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe Terrorism Investigation Division officers have so far arrested six suspects in the North believed to have been planning some terrorist activity, TID sources told the Daily News yesterday. The arrests came after information was elicited from the Palai Hospital JMO Dr. Sinniah Sivaruban who had been earlier detained on suspicion. Among …
By Yohan Perera UNP Legal Secretary Nissanka Nanayakkara today said the candidate for the presidential election could be named only after the Election Commission notify the date to accept nominations for the election. Mr. Nanayakkara issuing a statement said UNP’s constitution does not have provisions to name a candidate until such time election commission declares …
A 480 million US dollar grant to Sri Lanka by the Millennium Challenge Corporation of America is held up as President Maithripala Sirisena has not given approval, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said. MCC officials had warned that there is a board meeting scheduled for September and if cabinet does not clear the deal, money may …
By Lakdev Liyanagama The entry of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in to the presidential election this year, confirmed by the declaration that its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake would be its candidate, creates a new dimension into what has already become a fascinating contest. With the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) declaring Gotabaya Rajapaksa as …
By Rohana R.Wasala The artificially sensationalized controversy within the UNP ranks about the authenticity of the party deputy leader Sajith Premadasa’s educational qualifications, in the twilight of its barely legitimate rule, is a strangely anticlimactic, but justly retributive, reversal of its unbroken mudslinging campaign against the Rajapaksas, whose democratic return to power they have been …
By Kelum Bandara The United National Party (UNP) has decided to institute disciplinary action against two of its MPs – Non-Cabinet Minister of Digital Infrastructure and Information Technology Ajith Perera and Non-Cabinet Minister of Science, Technology and Research Sujeewa Senasinghe – for making certain remarks in breach of party discipline, the Daily Mirror learns. According …
By Rukshana Rizwie Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister and presidential hopeful Sajith Premadasa says he is for ‘maximum devolution within a unitary state’ to resolve the ethnic issue and feels that the current decision-making structure in the country is ‘ad-hoc, disjointed and personality driven’ that has led to the ‘system favouring one segment’ of …
Sri Lanka is selectively implementing laws against religious minorities including using disproportionate response, and police seemed unsure to act when Buddhist monks broker the law, a UN Special Envoy said. “Often, many described problems of double standards in law enforcement depending on which community offends or finds itself offended by the actions of other,” Special …
By Chandeepa Wettasinghe Sri Lanka is at risk of losing a 480 million US dollar grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to improve transportation and land information availability if the island does not sign the agreement by September, an official said. “The 480 million US dollar program needs to be approved by Sri Lanka …
By Harishandra Gunaratna Army Commander Lt.Gen. Shevendra Silva, yesterday, said it was imperative that intelligence capability of the army be enhanced to meet the current security requirement of the country. Addressing the media in Colombo, the newly appointed army commander said the military intelligence would undergo some changes. Lt.Gen Silva was of the opinion that …
President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday made sweeping changes to key positions of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). Veteran S.B. Dissanayake was removed as SLFP Treasurer and Lasantha Alagiyawanna was appointed as the successor at the SLFP Central Working Committee meeting.
By Saman Indrajith The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday carnage found itself in a difficult situation owing to a clash between the legislature and the executive, PSC sources said. The PSC has almost completed its hearings, except the recording the evidence of President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also the Defence Minister.
The UNP would not announce its presidential candidate without unveiling the policies of the coalition it would establish, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said, on Saturday, at Ankumbura. The party would first build a powerful political coalition and then field a presidential candidate from that alliance, he said, adding that the unveiling of the coalition’s manifesto …
SLPP Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in a statement yesterday, assured an independent commission of inquiry by a future government under his leadership to ascertain those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks. The full statement of Rajapaksa is as follows. My attention is drawn to the statement made by the Archdiocese of Colombo and Archbishop of …
Text & Pix by David Sadeep Jeyaselvan Sri Lanka’s north western most point, Mannar is a region that is synonymous with flamingoes and other exotic birds that make it a bird watcher’s paradise. It is also known for its kite surfing scene that is increasingly becoming popular post war. The region however, offers much more …
(Excerpts From The “Sunday Times” Political Column of August 25th 2019) President Maithripala Sirisena’s new move this week to swear-in United National Party (UNP) deputy leader Sajith Premadasa as Prime Minister and urge him to form a new Cabinet of Ministers did not materialise. Set for last Friday so Premadasa could attend the rally in …
By Dr. Stephen Long, Los Angeles, California After spending most of my adult life in Hawaii and then Southeast Asia, I returned to the US and settled in Los Angeles in 1998. About two weeks after my move a couple with whom I am very close invited me to an evening event at their amazing …
(Excerpts From the “Sunday Times”Political Column of August 25th 2019) Assertions made by Ranil Wickremesinghe this week, showed little change in the premier’s strong determination to be UNP’s presidential candidate. However, there were indications this week that that he was taking a deeper look at the recent developments to map out countermeasures. In this regard, …
By Sanjana Hattotuwa When and under which conditions is rape acceptable? Is raping a male more acceptable than raping a woman? If it is your wife, is hitting or kicking her once in a while ok? When killing a child, is it better to die quickly or slowly, individually or in a group? As a …
By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene A comfortable sense of political amnesia has currently gripped all contenders and would-be contenders on Sri Lanka’s Presidential election platforms. From opposing stages, we are being asked to believe that the ruin of this land is not their collective fault. That is too great a lie to be uncritically accepted. Indeed, …
By Lucien Rajakarunanayake The Western World seems obsessed with the promotion of Lt. General Shavendra Silva as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army. The US Ambassador here, Alaina Teplitz, came with the first charge against him, regarding allegations of gross human rights violations documented by the United Nations and other organizations that are serious …
By Wilson Thomas High alert was issued in Coimbatore late on Thursday following an intelligence input that six LeT terrorists had intruded into Tamil Nadu and had settled in Coimbatore. The alert, the authenticity of which was confirmed by credible intelligence sources, said that the six member group intruded into Tamil Nadu via Sri Lanka.
By Yohan Perera Efforts are being made to create another constitutional coup similar to that of the one on October 26 last year and to appoint a new premier, UNP MPs Ashu Marasinghe and Palitha Range Bandara alleged yesterday. Speaking at a media briefing, the MPs said creating a division within the UNP was part …
By Lahiru Pothmulla Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa today claimed it is inevitable that the United National Party (UNP) will be split irrespective of who becomes the party’s nominee at the upcoming presidential election. He expressed these views at a meeting held with the heads of the local government bodies controlled by the SLPP at its …
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said there were no barriers to contesting the upcoming Presidential Elections as a candidate, as his US citizenship was relinquished on 17 May. Rajapaksa, together with Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, attended a meeting of Local Government Chairmen at SLPP headquarters on Thursday, where he said …
The Sri Lanka Army acted in keeping with international humanitarian laws and rights during past humanitarian operations, Army Commander Shavendra Silva recalled yesterday. “Any army in the world is committed to protect the inalienable rights of the country’s citizens and create a conducive atmosphere for a democratic way of life while being alert to adopt …
By P.K.Balachandran The appointment of Maj.Gen.Shavendra Silva as the Sri Lankan Army Commander in succession to Lt.Gen. Mahesh Senanayake on Monday, has invoked sharp comments from the US embassy and the UN, both saying that it would have adverse consequences for ethnic justice and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. According to a Reuters report a senior …
By Muditha Dayananda In the same way, General Ulysses S. Grant who led the government forces against the separatist civil war in the USA became important to Americans, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva is also important to the Sri Lankan Government, said the Minister of Megalopolis and Western Development Patalie Champika Ranawaka at a press briefing …
A senior U.S. State Department official warned on Tuesday that Sri Lanka’s appointment of a war veteran accused of serious human rights violations as head of its army could affect U.S. military cooperation and investment in the island nation. On Monday, Sri Lanka named Shavendra Silva, 55, as the country’s new army chief despite United …
(Text of a Statement Issued By the Centre for Policy Alternatives(CPA) in Colombo) The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is deeply concerned by President Maithripala Sirisena’s appointment of Major General Shavendra Silva as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and urges the Government of Sri Lanka to take immediate steps to review this …
The Foreign Ministry yesterday said international concern over the appointment of Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva was “unwarranted and unacceptable”, and contrary to the principles of natural justice upheld by the international community.
By Meenakshi Ganguly Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed a general whose forces have been credibly accused of war crimes as the commander of the national army. The move would seem to confirm the fears of those like Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who, back in March, supported the United Nations Human Rights Council’s extension …
Swift condemnation followed President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to appoint controversial wartime commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Army from local and international actors yesterday. After oscillating on the decision for days since last Friday, the President allowed nearly a day to lapse after former Commander Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake retired from service, …
The JVP Presidential candidate and Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday kicked off his campaign urging all communities to unite to transform Sri Lanka into a socially, economically, and politically vibrant country under his leadership. Speaking at a massive rally at the Galle Face Green, where the JVP-led National People’s Power (NPP) movement nominated him as …
By Meera Srinivasan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday named a general accused of war crimes as commander of the Sri Lankan Army, sparking concern over the appointment that the UN later termed “deeply troubling”. In his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President appointed “Major General Shavendra Silva… as the 23rd Commander …
Former Defence Secretary and presidential candidate of Sri Lanka People’s Front Gotabaya Rajapaksa has complained to the President that his intelligence officers have informed him that a terrorist group in the North is planning to harm him during the forthcoming election campaign and that he should investigate and take appropriate action. The former Defence Secretary …
By Tisaranee Gunasekara “He can’t do that. He was the commander. That’s a treason. We will hang him if he does that….. How can he betray the country? He is a liar, liar, liar…” – Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, when told that Gen. Sarath Fonseka had implicated him in the white flag incident (BBC Hard Talk – …
By Sheain Fernandopulle Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sufficient evidence to prove that he had renounced the US citizenship while the omission of his name in the list published as at June 30, 2019, is of no importance as per the law of that country, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader and MP Udaya Gammanpila said …
By Jayadeva Uyangoda With the nomination of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as its presidential candidate, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has officially launched its presidential election campaign. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who has remained a nominal member of the SLFP and the UPFA so far, has also been declared publicly as the leader of the SLPP. …
By Sanjana Hattotuwa While data isn’t destiny, the study of how individuals capture attention on social media gives both indication and insight into their electoral prospects. Nearly a decade ago, in the sixth Presidential Election of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sarath Fonseka – the two leading candidates – each set up Twitter, Facebook, YouTube …
By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene There is a familiarly relentless logic to the political trauma that is currently paralysing Sri Lanka. The too-premature, too-euphoric frenzy that preoccupied ‘yahapalanaya’ (good governance) grandees and their coat-hanging enthusiasts in the aftermath of the 2015 electoral win for the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe coalition as they pronounced the electoral demise of the Rajapaksas …
By Dr.Nihal Jayawickrama The last week has seen the public launching of two presidential campaigns. At each of these widely publicized and well-orchestrated meetings, the two potential candidates presented their manifestos. One candidate, with the benefit of a teleprompter, read out a lengthy document which sounded much like a Speech from the Throne at an …
Sri Lanka’s main opposition party, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), on Sunday named Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Defense Secretary and younger brother of former Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as its candidate for the Lankan Presidential election due to be held December this year. This was announced at a public meeting here by SLPP founder and …
By D.B.S.JEYARAJ The eighth Sri Lankan presidential election is expected to be held on or before December 7th this year. Though dates have not been announced yet, many names are being bandied about as potential candidates. Among such names is Hambantota district parliamentarian and cabinet Minister of Housing and Construction and Cultural Affairs Sajith Premadasa …
By “THE EXPLORER” The case for a Sajith Premadasa candidacy is different from the case for a Sajith Premadasa Presidency. It is arguable that even those who prefer a Gotabhaya Presidency could opt for a Sajith candidacy if it leads to a stronger UNP showing, and results in a stronger balancing factor in Sri Lankan …
By Lucien Rajakarunanayake Sajith Premadasa, with his black T-shirt and huge Indian-politico garland at Badulla, is certainly making a massive pitch to be the UNP’s next candidate for the Presidential poll. His spread of villages and towns in the country has passed its 250th, and is racing ahead to keep alive his paternal memories of …
by Priyadarshana Liyanage Former President and one-time SLFP leader Chandrika Kumaratunga has expressed her readiness to revitalise the party, founded by her father. She has announced that she would revive the party, which according to her, is being manipulated by other parties. She has conveyed her decision to party seniors, according to party sources.
By K. Ratnayake India’s disputed Kashmir region remains today for an eleventh straight day under an unprecedented security lockdown that is being enforced by tens of thousands of Indian soldiers and paramilitaries, as well as local police. Its 13 million people are subject to sweeping restrictions on their movements and all internet and cell and …
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed that he is supportive of devolution while protecting the sovereignty and unity of Sri Lanka. He also said the country needs a new constitution. He was responding to queries on the UNP’s and his stand on a political solution and how the country should move forward with it, speaking at …
By Meera Srinivasan In the last week of June, Sri Lankan police recovered a huge stash of arms and explosives in the eastern town of Kattankudy from where Zahran Hashim, the alleged mastermind of the Easter bombings, hailed. It included some 300 gelignite sticks, 1,000 detonators, and nearly 500 T56 live ammunition. The recovery reportedly …
Ahimsa Wickrematunge, daughter of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, in a public letter to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for the selection of an “honest and courageous” presidential candidate to run against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) contender Gotabaya Rajapaksa, warning that failure to do so will deprive victims of their opportunity for justice. Referring …
By Sunanda Deshapriya (Text of an Open Letter Incorporating a plea to the Archbishop of Canterbury Most Rev Justin Welby who will be visiting Sri Lanka in Late August this year) To The Most Rev Archbishop Justin Welby, I must begin by saying that I am not a Christian. But the feelings contained in this …
Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will come to an agreement with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to support its presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa only after they discuss his economic and foreign policy, United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary, MP Mahinda Amaraweera said yesterday addressing a meeting at Angunukolapelessa. “We want a leader that …
United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader and Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister Sajith Premadasa was yesterday confident of having the people’s support to be a presidential contender promising to focus on inclusive development to bring prosperity to Sri Lanka. Insisting he was ready to even die for his motherland, Premadasa outlined broad proposals to …
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday said the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) had selected the weakest option as a presidential candidate when it announced former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa as their presidential hopeful. Speaking to media at JVP head office in Battaramulla, Pelawatte, Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath said Gotabaya Rajapaksa lacked the qualities necessary to …
Telecommunication, Foreign Employment and Sports Minister Harin Fernando yesterday pledged to make United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader and Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa the next presidential candidate, describing him as “the bullet” needed to win the presidency and insisting no battle begun from Uva-Wellassa has ever failed. Fernando who organised a rally in Badulla to …
Sri Lanka’s opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa officially took over Sunday as leader of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, anointing his brother Gothabaya the person that was needed to take over the country on a national security platform. He said the Easter Sunday strike was like 9/11 in American and should be a wake-up call. “We need …
By Athula Bandara Minister Sajith Premadasa said today in Thirappane, Anuradhapura that he would contest the forthcoming presidential election without fail and that he expects the support of people in the country. After opening the ‘Se-Dasungama’ – 246th model village in Demategama in Thirappane in Anuradhapura District under the Gam Udawa programme, the Minister was …
By Uditha Jayasinghe and Nuwan Senaratne Amidst much spectacle, deafening cheers, and countrywide fireworks, Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday accepted the Presidential candidacy of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), pledging to be a leader who will walk the talk and deliver development to a united and secure Sri Lanka. The maiden SLPP National Convention on Sunday …
By Lahiru Pothmulla The country needs a leader who looks at 2030 instead of 2020 and has the ability to terminate corruption, drugs and poverty, newly appointed SLPP Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said today announcing Gotabaya Rajapaksa as their presidential candidate. Opposition Leader Rajapaksa was appointed as the SLPP leader at the party’s inaugural national convention …
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s (SLPP) Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa delivered his maiden campaign speech at the SLPP’s first-ever National Convention held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on August 11th 2019 Following is the full speech: Venerable Maha Sangha and religious dignitaries from the Christian, Hindu, Islamic and other faiths, the fifth Executive President of …
Investigations into the sterilization scare at Kurunegala have taken a new turn with the discovery that medical administrators colluded with law enforcement officials and even the magistrate to fabricate evidence and alter judicial records. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) reported to court that the director of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, A.M. S. Weera Bandara, was …
by Sanjana Hattotuwa “Houston, we have a problem” is a famous line from 1995’s Academy Award-winning ‘Apollo 13’ film, told to NASA’s ground control by actor Tom Hanks, playing Mission Commander Jim Lovell. Based on real events, a catastrophic explosion crippling a spacecraft bound for the moon became a test of NASA’s ability to completely …
By Meera Srinivasan The former President’s reaction is among the first from Sri Lankan political leaders after New Delhi ended Jammu & Kashmir’s special status. Commenting on the prospects for power devolution to Sri Lanka’s minority Tamils, Leader of Opposition and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has made a reference to the current “situation in Kashmir.” …
By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene In Sri Lanka, injustice takes manifestly queer twists and turns. A State signs an international convention on the solemn understanding that it will conform to those obligations. It passes a Constitution or enacts a law consequent to a pact entered into with citizens promising that narrow interests of one specific power …
Brushing up his credentials as a leader that supports democratic principles, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said the country needs a leader who will promote democracy and not a “Terminator” who will destroy the gains made by democratic institutions in the past four years. Referring to comments made by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National …