By Saman Indrajith Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, yesterday, told Parliament that Makandure Madush, a notorious underworld drug kingpin who was arrested in Dubai on Tuesday would be prosecuted under the laws of that country first. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said that the courts of United Arab Emirates would decide whether Madush would be deported to Sri …

Continue reading ‘Makandure Madush Arrested in Dubai Will Be Prosecuted Under Laws of that Country First While Deportation to Sri Lanka will be Decided By United Arab Emirates Courts States Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament’ »

By Chathuri Dissanayake Finance and Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera lauded reinstated Customs Director General Sarojini Charles with praise yesterday, expressing full confidence in her abilities to bring the ‘business mafia’ operating in the Port to book, with new systems set to be introduced in the Department. “She is an iron lady,” Minister Samaraweera said, …

Continue reading ‘Mangala Samaraweera Praises Re-instated Customs Director -General as an’ “Iron Lady”: Sarojini Charles Says She Needs a Littele Time To Bring in Reforms at the Customs Dept.’ »

By Darshana Sanjeewa Notorious underworld drug kingpin Makandure Madush and several other Sri Lankans were among a group of 20 suspects reportedly arrested in Dubai during a joint raid carried out by the law enforcement authorities today. Sources said popular Sri Lankan singer Amal Perera, his son Nadimal and underworld criminals identified as Keselwatte Dinuka …

Continue reading ‘Notorious Lankan Underworld Kingpins Makandure Madush, Keselwatte Dinuka, Kachipani Imran Along With Popular Singer Amal Perera and son Nadimal Among 20 Persons Arrested in Dubai’ »

By Chathuri Dissanayake Under pressure from unions and importers, the Government yesterday reinstated Director General of Customs P.Sarojini .M. Charles, who was to be replaced by a retired Navy officer. Finance and Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday withdrew the proposal presented to the Cabinet to remove Charles and appoint retired Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando …

Continue reading ‘Govt Re-instates Sarojini Charles as Customs Director -General For 3 Months Due To “Work to Rule”Protest Campaign by Customs Union;Mangala Claims He was Unaware of Probes Being Conducted by the Customs D-G.’ »

By Ashwin Hemmathagama Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa held the Government responsible for the trade union action taken by Sri Lanka Customs and related other services which went on for seven days. Based on the removal of the Department of Customs Director General P.S.M. Charles, the employees started a work to rule campaign which was joined …

Continue reading ‘Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa Criticises Govt For Removing Customs Director -General PSM Charles and Replacing her with a retired Navy Officer’ »

By Gihan de Chickera Dr. Harshana Rambukwella is an academic with an interest in literary history, postcolonial theory and sociolinguistics. Bringing these disciplines together, he recently authored the book ‘The Politics and Poetics of Authenticity’ (UCL Press, 2018), which examines the unfolding of Sinhala nationalism through the life and work of Anagarika Dharmapala, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike …

Continue reading ‘“Cultural Content that Informed Sinhala Nationalism from Independence is Changing – What we Consider Authentic now may be very Different in the Years and Decades to Come” – Dr. Harshana Rambukwella’ »

President Maithripala Sirisena, addressing the Independence Day Ceremony, yesterday, said he was opposed to the efforts being made by the UNP to form a national government. “How ethical is it to establish a national government by enlisting the support of a single MP? I am opposed to this proposal. The people don’t want more ministers …

Continue reading ‘“How Ethical Is It To Establish a National Govt by Enlisting the Support of a Single MP? – President Sirisena Raises Question Publicly in his Independence Day Address.’ »

By Lasanda Kurukulasuriya While Sri Lankans were distracted by a power struggle between the president and prime minister in December, the world’s superpower pulled off a heist in terms of extending its military footprint in Sri Lanka and, by extension, in the Indian Ocean. Between 24– 29 January, the US Navy’s 7th Fleet for a …

Continue reading ‘Duplicity and Doublespeak About The US Military Logistics Hub in Sri Lanka’ »

By Kanishka Goonewardena “In the name of God, go!” Rarely have these words of Oliver Cromwell been recycled with such farce and frequency as during Sri Lanka’s recent political crisis, not least by parliamentarians addressing rivals. As far as crises go, however, it was a remarkably peaceful affair outside of parliament and unrelated to any …

Continue reading ‘Lasting Solution in Sri Lanka Requires Transcending of the Politics of Ethnic Nationalism and of Neo-liberal Technocracy.’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando Attorney-at-law Nagananda Kodituwakku, yesterday, alleged that government sacked Director General of Customs Mrs. P.S.M. Charles (Sarojini Charles) as she continuously resisted political interference. Kodituwakku pointed out the government sacked Mrs. Charles soon after celebrating the International Customs Day, in Colombo. Kodituwakku said that the UNP proved again that honest and efficient public …

Continue reading ‘Sarojini Charles Was Removed From Customs Director -General Post by the Govt Because She Tried To Conduct Fresh Inquiry Into Falsified Invoice Fraud in Importing 1675 BMW Vehicles Alleges Lawyer Nagananda Kodituwakku.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan ‘LKR 700 (Rs. 275) it is,’ said Sri Lanka’s plantation companies earlier this week, fixing tea estate workers’ new basic daily wage. It is 300 rupees lesser than the LKR 1,000 that the workers demanded, but the negotiating trade unions concurred with the employers, and signed a collective agreement. While employers have …

Continue reading ‘Plantation Worker Agitation For 1000 Rupee Daily Wage Will Persist a Fair Income Cannot be anything less Amidst Rising Cost of Living.’ »

By Namini Wijedasa The Prime Minister’s Office has notified a consortium of humanitarian agencies led by UN-Habitat and The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) that the Treasury cannot allocate money for their long-overdue initiative to build 25,000 brick houses for the war displaced in the North and East. The Government will, however, set …

Continue reading ‘Govt Allocates Rs 8 Billion for Building 7000 Pre-fab Houses in East by Ravi Wethasinghe’s Recently Incorporated “Yapka” Construction(pvt) Ltd While Prime Ministers Office Informs UN Habitat-led Consortium and UNOPS that Treasury Wont Allocate Money For Long Overdue 25,000 Brick Houses Project in North.’ »

By Gehan Gunatilleke There are things that have political currency in Sri Lanka – free education and healthcare, a reduced cost of living, and anti-corruption are usually among these things. Apart from this usual inventory, there are stranger things that can gain currency in this country. Their value is often difficult to see or measure. …

Continue reading ‘A Pardon, a Penalty and a Populist: Political Pointers Towards the Arrival of a Truly Dystopian Future.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Amidst the political turmoil that took place in late October 2018, it was wholly predictable that Sri Lanka’s Counter-Terrorism Bill approved by the Cabinet just the month before, quietly slipped past public scrutiny. At a time when the country’s constitutional order itself had been shaken to its (albeit not entirely steady) …

Continue reading ‘New Counter -Terrorism Bill With Expansive Aspects in Dealing with Counter-terror Needs to be Rigorously Examined Before it is Passed by our Legislators.’ »

By Colonel R Hariharan Introduction Recently India’s Indian Ocean neighbours – Sri Lanka and Maldives – witnessed political crises after heads of state attempted to tinker with constitution to suit their political ends, plunging the country into chaos and uncertain future. This was due to fractious and personality driven domestic politics practiced in both the …

Continue reading ‘China’s Conduct in Sri Lanka and Maldives Would Indicate how India-China Relations Would Shape up in the Future and Impact the Security Environment Not Only in the Two Island Nations but the Indian Ocrean Region as Well.’ »

(Excerpted from the “Sunday Times” of January 27th 2019) Standing atop the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, he proposed to her. The three dormant volcanoes, after which the mountain is named, did not erupt but his love for her had peaked. With a smile, she accepted. From the highest mountain in Africa (4900 feet), the …

Continue reading ‘How Rohitha Rajapaksa Proposed To Tatyana Jayaratne On the Top of Mt.Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Married Her by the side of a Pond at Weeraketiya in Sri Lanka.’ »

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Anuradhapura Convention has nominated President Maithripala Sirisena as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming presidential election, sources said. SLFP sources said the nomination was approved unanimously. “The candidate for the next presidential election will again be Maithripala Sirisena,” Parliamentarian Duminda Dissanayake told the media.. “No other name will be …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Freedom Party Unanimously Resolves To Nominate Maithripala Sirisena as the Party Candidate at the Forthcoming Presidential Elections.’ »

(Text of Independence Day Message Issued by the Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa on Feb 3 2019) 71 years ago, a group of remarkable men decided that enough was enough. Sri Lanka had all the strengths it needed to gain autonomy, govern its own jurisdiction and rule under its own mandate. We, a nation …

Continue reading ‘“Independence Day is a Reminder that we are One nation Under One Flag and we are Free to Allow our Diversity to be the Uniting Factor of our People”- Mahinda Rajapaksa’ »

By Sanjana Hattotuwa The lines snaked their way past and around the calm Buddha, who in Chinese before Tamil, greeted one to Sri Lanka. The visa on arrival counter was clearly marked by a throng of very tired looking foreigners, some with families seated on the floor, because there’s no seating in that area. A …

Continue reading ‘Seven Decades After Independence a New Wealth is Here Along with its Attendant Mindset and Value Where Everything Else From Respecting Nature to Civil Nurture is Dispensable.’ »

By Sujeeva Nivunhella in London Chief Magistrate of Westminster Magistrate’s Court, Emma Arbuthnot tendered an apology for the ‘administrative mishandling’ of former Sri Lankan military attache, Brigadier Priyanka Fernando’s public order offence case, when hearing resumed on Friday. She has revoked the previous arrest warrant saying that she did not know how such a sensitive …

Continue reading ‘Westminster Courts Chief Magistrate Revokes Arrest Warrant Against Ex-Military Attache Brig.Priyanka Fernando and Adjourns Case Until Mrch 1st to “Further Discuss Immunity Issue” and Determine Whether ” Action Constitutes Public Order Offence”.’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando The UNP has sought to increase the number of ministers to 48 and non-cabinet ministers to 45 on the basis of the formation of a national government in accordance with the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Parliament enacted the 19th Amendment to the Constitution on 2015 April 28. Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage …

Continue reading ‘UNP Wants to Pass Substantive Motion For Setting up a “National Govt” With 48 Cabinet Ministers and 45 Non -Cabinet Ministers.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake What has Freedom to do with having more Cabinet Ministers? I ask this because just three days before the 71st Independence Commemoration Day, the proposal has been made to have a ‘National Government’, which means more than 30 Cabinet Ministers. Those who brought the 19th Amendment to restrict the number of Cabinet …

Continue reading ‘Formation of a National Govt to Facilitate Appointment of More than 30 Cabinet Ministers Has Nothing To Do with Celebrating 71 Years of Freedom From British on Feb 4?’ »

(Text of a petition signed by 233 Individuals and 19 Organizations Urging President Sirisena not to issue a Presidential pardon on February 4th Independence day to Convicted prisoner Bodu Bala Sena Gnanasara Thero) We, the undersigned civil society organisations and individuals are increasingly concerned by reports that Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara thero (hereinafter Gnanasara thero) may …

Continue reading ‘233 Individuals and 19 Organizations Sign Petition Urging President Sirisena not to Pardon Convicted Prisoner Bodu Bala Sena Gen -Secy Gnanasara Thero on Feb 4 Independence Day.’ »

By Bandula Jayasekara George Fernandez, one of India’s former defence ministers and socialist leader, died on Tuesday. It brought back memories from 1998, when I flew with the Defenceless Defence Minister of India. This article, written re that chance encounter in August 1998, is reproduced as a tribute to the fallen socialist leader. I was …

Continue reading ‘“When I met George Fernandez Aboard a New Delhi Bound Indian Airlines Flight in 1998, He was Travelling Alone Without Bodyguards Though he was India’s Defence Minister Then”’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda Court of Appeal (acting President) Justice Deepali Wijesundera yesterday declined to sit on the Bench regarding a writ petition filed challenging UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Parliamentary seat. The petition was deferred for today (01) to fix for a support date. This petition had sought an order in the nature of a writ …

Continue reading ‘Court of Appeal Acting President Deepali Wijesundara Declines To Hear Petition Seeking Quo Warranto writ Disqualifying Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe From Remaining a Member of Parliament.’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda The Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar Bench yesterday appreciated the prompt reaction by the parties concerned to ensure a conducive environment for witnesses. The judges urged all parties involved in the D. A. Rajapaksa Museum case, to act themselves in a manner that secures the respect of their professions inside court.The Trial-at-Bar Bench …

Continue reading ‘Deputy -Solicitor-General Appreciates Conduct of Ex-Def-Secy Gotabhaya Rajapaksa For Respectfully Refusing to make Statements to the Media Within Court Premises.’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda The order regarding the preliminary objections raised by former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and six others challenging the Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar’s jurisdiction to hear the D.A. Rajapaksa Museum case was yesterday fixed for February 11. The Trial-at-Bar Bench comprised High Court Judges Sampath Abeykoon (President), Sampath Wijeratne and Champa Janaki Rajaratne. …

Continue reading ‘Order Regarding Preliminary Objections Challenging the Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar’s Jurisdiction to hear the D.A. Rajapaksa Museum case Fixed for February 11.’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda An appeal filed by the Attorney General seeking a re-trial into the murder of former TNA MP Nadaraja Raviraj, was fixed for April 4 by the Court of Appeal yesterday. A Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justice Deepali Wijesundara and Justice Achala Wengappuli decided to differ the application consequent to a request …

Continue reading ‘Appeal Filed by Attorney – General Seeking a Re-trial into Murder of Former TNA MP Nadaraja Raviraj, Fixed for April 4 by the Court of Appeal’ »

By S. S. Selvanayagam The Court of Appeal fixed the appeal filed against the High Court Order in the Former MP Raviraj murder case to be mentioned for April 4 yesterday, and directed to re-issue notice on Chaminda Hettiarachchi, alias Navy Sampath. The Bench comprised Justices Deepali Wijesundera (Acting President/CA) and Achala Wengappuli. Court had …

Continue reading ‘Court of Appeal Orders Re-issuance Notice on Chaminda Hettiarachchi alias “Navy Sampath.’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Kumar Welgama, Member of Parliament from Kalutara is a colouful personality. Recently, he is in the limelight due to a revelation by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) that 18 buses which had been given to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) had gone missing during his tenure as the Minister of …

Continue reading ‘Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Loyalist MP Kumar Welgama Makes Waves By His Persistent Opposition to the Presidential Bid of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa .’ »

By Megha Kaveri When the movie Ko released in 2011, the internet went berserk about the word ‘Kuviyamilla’ which had featured in a song. It was an unfamiliar word that a big chunk of Tamil Nadu’s population was hearing for the first time. Debates raged on social media, discussing the meaning of the word. Finally, …

Continue reading ‘Coining of New Words and Phrases Relating to Technological Terms in Tamil Imperative in Order to Keep up With World Developments’ »

Planned new appointments to the boards of Sri Lanka’s state tourism agencies were delayed Tuesday pending approval of Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, a minister said. “The President had approved the appointments,” Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga said. “However, Prime Minister said he also has to approve.”

By S.S. Selvanayagam The Commercial High Court issued an Enjoining Order restraining telecasting, exhibiting, displaying or showing the film ‘Sujatha,’ produced in Sri Lanka in 1953. High Court Judge Ashan Marikar issued this order pursuant to an Intellectual Property litigation initiated by G.R. Pathmaraj, son of K. Gunaratnam. Court issued notices returnable for 7 February. …

Continue reading ‘Commercial High Court Issues Enjoining Order Restraining the Screening or Telecasting of Sinhala Film “Sujatha” Produced by K. Gunaratnam of Cinemas Ltd in 1953.’ »

The Dravidian language family’s four largest languages — Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu — have literary traditions spanning centuries, of which Tamil reaches back the furthest, researchers said. The Dravidian language family, consisting of 80 varieties spoken by nearly 220 million people across southern and central India, originated about 4,500 years ago, a study has …

Continue reading ‘New Linguistic Study States Tamil Has the Longest Literary Tradition Among 4000 -4500 Year Old Dravidian Languages and Retains Continuity Between Its Classical and Modern Forms.’ »

By Jehan Perera The issue of the Leader of the Opposition’s position once again came to the fore when it was brought up in parliament last week by TNA leader R Sampanthan. This issue seem to have been resolved when Speaker Karu Jayasuriya issued a ruling earlier this month that the UPFA’s Mahinda Rajapaksa would …

Continue reading ‘Speaker Jayasuriya’s Ruling Has Enabled The Maithripala-Mahinda Duo Working in Partnership To be in Control of Both the Government and Opposition Simultaneously.’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando National Election Commission (NEC) Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, yesterday, vowed to quit his post in case the powers that be blocked Provincial Council polls ahead of presidential polls later this year. Pointing at N.J. Abeysekera (Commission member) and Prof. Rathnajeevan Hoole (Commission member) seated at the head table, Deshapriya said that one of …

Continue reading ‘Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya States He will Resign Post If Long Delayed Provincial Council Elections are Not Held Before Presidential Elections.’ »

By M. Thevarajah and W.A. Sunil Thousands of plantation workers in Sri Lanka’s Central Hills district held strikes and protests yesterday in opposition to a sellout wage deal signed by the trade unions and the plantation companies, with the backing of the national government. Plantation employees, who are one of the poorest sections of the …

Continue reading ‘Plantation Workers Demanding 1000 Rupee Daily Wage Denounce Collective Agreement Signed by Trade Unions for Rs 700 as a “Sell Out”:Angry workers Block Traffic on Hatton – Colombo Highway for Several Hours.’ »

By Ajith Alahakoon The Parliamentary Committee, appointed to conduct an investigation into the disorderly conduct of MPs in parliament on November 14, 15 and 16 last year has found that 59 MPs acted in violation of the provisions of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, sources said yesterday. Among those 59 MPs there were 54 …

Continue reading ‘59 MP’s Comprising UPFA -54,UNP – 4 and JVP -1 Found Responsible for Disorderly Conduct in Parliament on Nov 14,15 &16 2018: Highest No of Charges Against UPFA Parliamentarians Prasanna Ranaweera and Johnston Fernando.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene The ongoing war of words in Parliament over the appointment of judges to the superior courts has an increasingly sinister dimension to it that must not be underestimated. Eerily familiar signs Taken together with the push by some politicians and supportive monks to seek a presidential pardon for General Secretary of …

Continue reading ‘Sinister Attempts at Hatemongering by Rajapaksa Pointmen Using Parliamentary Privileges to Attack Recent Appointments in the Judiciary Must be Stopped Immediately.’ »

By Sharmini Serasinghe An Open letter to Minister Mangala Samaraweera by Sharmini Serasinghe on behalf of the Voiceless & Faceless Citizens of Sri Lanka Dear Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Hope you don’t mind me not referring to you as Hon. Mangala Samaraweera because those of us who know you are honourable don’t need a reminder. Also, …

Continue reading ‘“Independence Day” on February 4th Should Actually be a Day of Mourning for us Sri Lankans.’ »

By Anurangi Singh A heavy security presence in the courtroom as Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ‘D.A. Rajapaksa trial’ kicked off at the Special High Court this week, caused serious concern for State attorneys and witnesses appearing in the case, but lawyers recalled the tactic has been used before very successfully by the former Defence Secretary, when he …

Continue reading ‘Heavy “Security”Presence in Colombo Permanent High Court Premises During “D.A.Rajapaksa Memorial” Trial Revives Memories of Court Environment During Ex-Def -Secy Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s Defamation Case Against “The Sunday Leader” Some Years ago.’ »

By Rajitha Jagoda Arachchi Calls are mounting for controversial Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnansara Thera to be granted a presidential pardon ahead of independence day. The requests have come largely from religious quarters, with all four chief prelates of the four Buddhist monastic orders writing separate letters to President Maithripala Sirisena, urging him …

Continue reading ‘SLFP’s Duminda Dissanayake and UNP’s Gamini Jayawickrama Perera Engage in Shameful Exercise of Procuring Presidential Pardon From Maithripala Sirisena for Convicted Bodu Bala Sena Gen -Secy Gnanasara Thero on Feb 4 Independence Day’ »

By Saman Indrajith The Constitutional Council (CC) considered not only the seniority of nominees but also the recommendation of the Chief Justice and their recognition in the field when appointing superior court judges, CC Chairman and Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said yesterday. The Speaker, making a special announcement in Parliament, at the request of the CC, …

Continue reading ‘Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe Defend Commposition and Conduct of Constitutional Council In the Face of Criticism in Parliament.’ »

by Saman Indrajith Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, yesterday, referring to the argument that Mahinda Rajapaksa could not hold the Opposition Leader’s post as he (Rajapaksa) and President Maithripala Sirisena belonged to the same party, told Parliament that there had been precedents. The Speaker said so making a special statement in response to a statement that had …

Continue reading ‘Speaker Karu Jayasuriya Makes Special Statement Rebutting Issues Raised by Rajavarothayam Sampanthan MP About Issues Related to the Leader of the Opposition Position in Parliament.’ »

One Sri Lankan Army Captain and a trooper were killed and three others were injured when their convoy came under an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in Mali today, the Sri Lanka Army said. An armoured vehicle, WMZ carrying Sri Lankan Peacekeeping troops on patrol in the general area of Douentza in Mali, came under …

Continue reading ‘Armoured Vehicle Carrying UN Peace Keeping Troops From Sri Lanka Comes Under Remote-Controlled Explosive Devise Attack in Douentza in Mali: 2 Including a Capt Killed;3 Injured.’ »

Honorable Speaker Parliament Jayewardenepura Kotte Sir, I seek your leave to raise the following questions relating to a matter of public importance “The Position of the Leader of the Opposition in the Sri Lankan Parliament” 1. You made a statement in Parliament on 18th December 2018, pertaining to the position of Leader of the Opposition. …

Continue reading ‘TNA Leader Rajavarothayam Sampanthan Raises Questions of Public Importance On “The Position of the Leader of the Opposition in the Sri Lankan Parliament”’ »

The Sri Lankan government yesterday strongly protested against British legal action in respect of Brigadier Priyankara Fernando, one-time defence attache with the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK. Well informed sources told The Island that at a meeting held at the Foreign Ministry yesterday afternoon between Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha and British High Commissioner …

Continue reading ‘Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha Summons British High Commissioner James Dauris and Protests Strongly Against Legal Action Being Taken by Magistrate’s Court in London Against Former Lankan Defence Attache Brigadier Priyankara Fernando Despite Enjoying Diplomatic Immunity’ »

By Saman Indrajith There were 190 officers at SriLankan Airlines, each drawing a monthly salary of over one million rupees, and they were one of the reasons why the airline suffered a 40,000 mn-rupee loss during the last nine months, parliament was informed yesterday. Chairman of the parliamentary watchdog committee – COPE (Committee on Public …

Continue reading ‘190 Officials Working at Loss -making Sri Lankan Airlines were Drawing Monthly Salaries of over One Million Rupees Each Reveals COPE report.’ »

By Indika Sri Aravinda Buddhasasana Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera today said that he will discuss with President Maithripala Sirisena to secure a pardon for Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera as soon as the President arrived in the country.

By Chaminda Silva Internal and Home Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Vajira Abeywardena yesterday said if Ven Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera serving a prison term was to be offered a presidential pardon, it was not a task that could only be performed by the President alone. The UNP Minister said so in response …

Continue reading ‘President Sirisena Cannot Pardon and Release Convicted Prisoner Gnanasara Thero Without Calling For Justice Ministry Report First Points out Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena.’ »

The United States Navy is doing a cargo transfer operation at Sri Lanka’s main international airport under a plan to use the island’s location to make it a military logistics hub, the U.S embassy in Colombo said. Under the initiative, several U.S. naval aircraft are scheduled to land and depart from the Bandaranaike International Airport …

Continue reading ‘US Navy Undertaking Cargo Transfer Operation at Katunayake International airport as Part of Plan to Make Sri Lanka a Military Logistics Hub Due to Island’s Strategic Location.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan As Sri Lanka’s longest road-side protest nears the 700-day mark, agitating residents of Keppapilavu village in the northern Mullaitivu district say they will soon reclaim and occupy their lands, currently held by the military, if the authorities fail to ensure their return by Friday. “Why must we live in model villages like …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Longest Road-side Protest Nears 700 Day Mark as Displaced Residents of Kaeppaapilavu in Mullaitheevu District whose Homes Were Seized by Army Continue Agitation Demanding Release of Their Lands’ »

By Camelia Nathaniel Releasing of land is one of the main areas in the reconciliation process and the military is in the process of releasing the lands held under them since the end of the war. However, some of these lands which have been converted to farms, providing employment to many rehabilitated ex-LTTE members and …

Continue reading ‘Army Returns Private Lands Converted Into Farms In North Back to Owners But Employed Tamil Civilian Workers Earning Monthly Incomes Face Uncertain Economic Future.’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the Tamil National Alliance Media Office on Jan 23rd 2019) A meeting was held between Mr Fergus Auld, Head of South Asia Department and India Coordinator, and Mr Sampanthan the Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) yesterday (22.01.2019) at the Westminster House in Colombo. The meeting was also …

Continue reading ‘“We are Seeking a Solution Within a United, Undivided. Indivisible Country” – TNA Leader R.Sampanthan Re-iterates to British Officials at Colombo Meeting in Westminster House.’ »

(Text of a media release issued by Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa on 23 January 2019 titled “A draft constitution to destroy Sri Lanka”) At the recent meeting of the Constitutional Assembly, the Prime Minister tabled a 187 page report prepared in the form of a draft constitution. Thereafter the PM has been going …

Continue reading ‘” We will be Putting Forward our own Proposals at the next National Election to seek a Direct Mandate from the People for Constitutional Reform” Declares Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa.’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris appearing for the Attorney General raised objections into the highly militarised environment around the Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar yesterday. Peiris appearing for the prosecution in the D. A. Rajapaksa Museum case told the Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar that this would adversely affect witnesses expected to testify before …

Continue reading ‘Dep- Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris Objects to “Militarized Environment” Prevailing in and Around Colombo Permanent High Court Hearing DA Rajapaksa Museum Case Involving Gotabhaya Rajapaksa To Create Fear Psychosis Among Witnesses’ »

By Shehan Chamika Silva Raising a preliminary objection in the case filed against former defense secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa the Defense said today the Special High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the case under the Judicature (Amendment) Act. At the outset, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva appearing for Mr. Rajapaksa said when this Bill was …

Continue reading ‘Romesh de Silva PC Appearing For Gotabhaya Rajapaksa Raises Preliminary Objection That Special High Court Has No Jurisdiction to Hear Case Under the Judicature (Amended) Act: Courts will Resume on Jan 31.’ »

BY Saman Indrajith UNP MP Hirunika Premachandra yesterday told Parliament that she had received information that there was a plan to grant a Presidential pardon to Duminda Silva who has been sentenced to death, on this year’s Independence Day February. 04 Speaking during the debate on Commissions of Inquiry (Amendment) Bill, Premachandra said that there …

Continue reading ‘Hirunika Premachandra MP Tells Parliament of Plan to Grant Presidential Pardon to Ex-MP Duminda Silva by Maithripala Sirisena on Independence Day on Feb 4’ »

By Chathuri Dissanayake In an explosive statement, Defence Ministry Secretary Hemasiri Fernando yesterday said 11 soldiers would be prosecuted in the next two weeks over a high profile murder case, and called on the diaspora to submit evidence on crimes committed by any military personnel. “We will take legal action against 11 soldiers who have …

Continue reading ‘“We will take legal action against 11 soldiers who have been involved in one of the most heinous, gruesome murders in Sri Lankan history,” -Says Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando.’ »

By Vijith Samarasinghe Recent visits by US Seventh Fleet vessels to Sri Lanka’s eastern port of Trincomalee make clear that the island nation is rapidly being integrated into Washington’s war preparations against China. The Seventh Fleet, which is headquartered in Japan, is an offensive formation geared for war and includes 60–70 ships, 300 aircraft and …

Continue reading ‘Recent Visits by US Seventh Fleet To Trincomalee Indicate That Sri Lanka Is Being Rapidly Intergrated Into Washington’s War Preparations Against China.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene There is a distinct commonality between corruption investigations and inquiries into grave human rights abuses in Sri Lanka, apart from ordinary Rule of Law dysfunctions. That is the amazing chutzpah with which performers engage in the same evasive dance while at the same time, propagating the myth that the law, as …

Continue reading ‘The Laws We Have Now Dont Work Because of the “Collectively Gross Deceit of Human Beings who Apply and Implement the Law”’ »

By Sowmya Rajendran Before we see Rajinikanth on screen, we hear the song Vantha Naal Mudhal, Indha Naal Varai. It sets the framework for what we’re about to see – Rajinikanth from those days, until now. Karthik Subbaraj’s Petta is exactly what he promised – a tribute to Rajinikanth, with the director’s trademark twists. And …

Continue reading ‘Karthik Subbaraj’s “Petta” is Exactly what he Promised – a Tribute to Rajinikanth with the Director’s Trademark Twists.’ »

By Sowmya Rajendran After touring Eastern Europe in Vivegam, which didn’t go so well, Siva brings Ajith back to Tamil Nadu and reinstates him in a veshti-white shirt. It’s a wise move, because Viswasam is familiar territory to the director and he appears more sure-footed of what he’s doing than in his previous ambitious venture. …

Continue reading ‘“Viswasam” Starring Ajith is no Classic but it Doesn’t Aspire to be Anything more than what it is – a ‘Family Rural Entertainer’’ »

By Dharisha Bastians & Aanya Vipulasena From Colombo to Giritale to Akkaraipattu, CID sleuths have pieced together the abduction of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda on January 24, 2010 and linked it to a shadowy military intelligence unit operating out of the Giritale Army camp. But four years after the investigation began, the case has hit a …

Continue reading ‘Police Probe Uncovers Link to Military Intelligence Unit Operating Out of Giritale Camp in the Case of Abduction and Disappearance of Journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda Nine Years Ago But Investigations Stalled as Army Refuses to Cooperate.’ »

By Don Manu Just ten days before the newly set up speedy High Court’s judges begin to hear on a daily basis to its final finish the charges levelled against him of misusing public finances for personal use, Gotabaya Rajapaksa put the nation on notice when he announced for the first time his solid intention …

Continue reading ‘Gotabhaya Rajapaksa May Announce His Readiness To Be President But There Are Many Issues Blocking His Journey Towards Power.’ »

By Sanjana Hattotuwa Sirisena, Wickremesinghe, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his brother Chamal and Karu Jayasuriya! The last week saw media frame prospective candidates for an office that the incumbent said, nay, swore on 9th January 2015, he would never seek re-election to and would be the last to occupy. Evidence of Sri Lanka’s sickeningly bankrupt political culture …

Continue reading ‘The most Rabidly Racist and Communal Content – Ranging from Imagery and Photography to Content and Commentary – is to be Found in the Constellation of Pages around Gotabaya Rajapaksa.’ »

The Sri Lankan Ministry of National Integration, Official Languages and Social Progress will be teaching Tamil to the staff of the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka and other Chinese nationals in the island wanting to learn the language, cabinet minister Mano Ganeshan said in a press release here on Friday. The Chinese Ambassador in Sri …

Continue reading ‘Chinese Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan Extends Apology for Non -Use Of Tamil in Projects Undertaken by China in Sri Lanka at Meeting With Cabinet Minister Mano Ganesan and Guarantees Usage of Tamil with Corect Spelling In Signs and Nameboards.’ »

Sri Lanka’s police seized a haul of high explosives stashed near a wildlife sanctuary following the arrest of four men from a newly formed radical Muslim group, officials said Friday. Elite police commandos and detectives stumbled on the explosives which included some 100 detonators from a make-shift warehouse near the Wilpattu national park, police said. …

Continue reading ‘Police Claim to Have Seized 100 KG Explosives and 100 Detonators Hidden in Makeshift Warehouse Within Wilpattu Wild Life Sanctuary:4 Persons From Radical Muslim Group Arrested.’ »

By Anuranghi Singh Is the new Constitution as bad as it is claimed to be – With many politicians alleging that it calls for Federalism in Sri Lanka and stating that it defeats the military victory earned by the valiant soldiers of the country. The claim is that the zero draft of the proposed new …

Continue reading ‘Legal Experts Dispel Doubts and Fears Of Proposed New Constitution and Explain Merits of Enacting a New Constitution’ »

By Meera Srinivasan From 10 feet away, it looked like a grin, the row of teeth stretching from ear to ear. Freshly dug out from many layers of soil, the mud-covered skeleton lay on its spine, awaiting a number. “That would be 283,” says W.R.A.S. Rajapaksa. He is standing on an elevation inside the site, …

Continue reading ‘300 Including 23 Children Under 12 Years Identified Up To Jan 18 From Skeletons Excavated From Mass Grave In the Midst of Mannar Town’ »

By Hannah Ellis-Petersen South east Asia correspondent Sri Lanka’s president has praised his Philippines counterpart Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal war on drugs, which has taken thousands of lives, calling it an “example to the world”. In a speech during a visit to the Philippines this week, Maithripala Sirisena said he intended to replicate Duterte’s ruthless approach …

Continue reading ‘President Sirisena Praises Philipines President Duterte’s Brutal War Against Drugs and Crime as an “Example to the World and Personally to me”.’ »

By S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole Newspapers of 16 January report Indian poachers turning on our Navy. An earlier incident of 23 December where poachers really used violence was hardly reported. All this mis- and non-reporting raise questions of the veracity of our Navy and the irresponsibility of our press to us reader. These newspapers have …

Continue reading ‘Is the Sri Lankan Navy Conducting a Private War Against Indian Fishers Poaching In Our Waters While Spreading False Propaganda Through Newspapers to Evade Culpability ?’ »

(Text of a communique released by the TNA Media office carrying excerpts from a speech made by Mr.MA Sumanthiran MP in Jaffna) The media is busy reporting on what various individuals say about the draft Constitution, but don’t look at what draft itself says. The media is intent on reporting deliberately false and misleading news …

Continue reading ‘TNA Spokesperson MA Sumanthiran M.P. Tells MTV Directly That “They Will Be Taken To Task” for “Continuously Engaging In Dangerous and Deliberate False Reporting”’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda The Permanent High Court Trial at Bar has decided to hear the D.A. Rajapaksa Museum case against the former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa from January 22. The case was taken up before the Special High Court three-judge bench comprising Judges Sampath Abeykoon, Sampath Wijeratne, and Champa Janaki Rajaratne this morning(Jan 17).

By Sujith Hewajulige Hambantota District UPFA MP Chamal Rajapaksa speaking to the media yesterday said that he too is ready for the forthcoming Presidential Election. He said further that Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that if the people are ready, he is also ready to contest for the Presidential poll. If I am also suitable for the …

Continue reading ‘Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Elder Brother and Hambantota District MP Chamal Rajapaksa Says He is Also Ready to Contest Presidential Elections Like His Younger Brother Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.’ »

By Rajitha Weerakoon Was Dalrene Ingram guilty of killing her husband? Was she aware of Mathew Peiris’ criminal designs and the method of killing he carried out? Did she respond to his advances while her husband was still living? The continuous stream of film goers heading to cinema halls to see “According to Matthew” seeks …

Continue reading ‘Was the Role Enacted by Jacqueline Fernandez in the film “According to Mathew” Present a True and Fair Portrayal of the Real Ms.Dalrene Ingram?’ »

By Sandun A Jayasekera Non-cabinet Minister Ajith P. Perera yesterday said he would speak to Home Affairs, Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Vajira Abeywardana to see the possibility of presenting a motion in Parliament to hold PC polls under the old system as soon as possible. The Non-cabinet minister who represented the UNF at …

Continue reading ‘Support pf All Party Leaders to Be Sought to Pass Motion in Parliament Enabling the Holding of Early Provincial Council Elections Under the Old Proportional Representation Voting System.’ »

By Heather Stewart and Daniel Boffey Theresa May has pledged to face down a vote of no confidence in her government, after her Brexit deal was shot down by MPs in the heaviest parliamentary defeat of the democratic era. On a day of extraordinary drama at Westminster, the House of Commons delivered a devastating verdict …

Continue reading ‘British Prime Minister Theresa May Suffers Devastating Defeat as House of Commons Votes Against “Brexit Deal” By 432 to 202 .’ »

By Sharmini Serasinghe As a Sri Lankan first, as a member of the predominant ethnic community- Sinhalese, as a follower of the Buddhist philosophy and as a grandmother, I have taken it upon myself to address the youth and young adults of Sri Lanka, amongst them – the future leaders of Sri Lanka – through …

Continue reading ‘Pseudo ‘Buddhist monks’ are the Primary Cause of the Morally Bankrupt Sinhala-Buddhist Laity of Sri Lanka.’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya The election of President Maithripala Sirisena four years ago on January 8 was a watershed moment in Sri Lankan politics. However, since then, it has lost its allure. This year’s anniversary was, by and large, abandoned by its early supporters. As he enters into his final year, the president himself looks as …

Continue reading ‘President Sirisena’s First Four Years in Office Were Most Transformative in Terms of Building Independent Institutions, Restoring Fundamental Rghts and Rolling back the Authoritarianism of the Past.’ »

By Peter Walker After Theresa May’s huge defeat over her Brexit deal, parliament and the country face an uncertain next few days. On Wednesday, a no-confidence motion in the government will be debated. If the government loses there could be a general election. But even if she defeats the motion, the prime minister’s next steps …

Continue reading ‘British Labour Party Moves Vote of No Confidence Against Theresa May After She Loses Brexit Deal Vote by 230 Votes But British Premier Expected To Retain Confidence of the House’ »

By M.Mahasenan Can the boiling-over the ‘standardised-pasteurized’ milk on a corner of an apartment on a gas stove be considered Thai Pongal in its strictest meaning remains a troubling question for us today. The Pongal sweet rice thus made is offered to the sun that beats down through the high rise window. You are lucky …

Continue reading ‘“Thaippongal”a Traditional Harvest Festival of Thanksgiving is Now Celebrated Widely By Urbanised Tamils Disconnected with Soil and Nature while Rural Cultivators Face Hardship and Extinction.’ »

By Mirudhula Thambiah Newly-appointed Governor of the Eastern Province, M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, in an interview with Ceylon Today says, “I created a problem by being selected as the Governor of the East. I will find a solution very soon. I know how to tackle them. The protesters will be satisfied when they see my work. I …

Continue reading ‘“Since Eastern Province Has No Chief Minister, Ministers or Council, the Governor Can Take Over Powers of the Chief Minister, Ministers or Council To Solve Issues” Says New Eastern Governor MLAM Hizbullah.’ »

Giving the clearest indication yet of his intention to run in the upcoming Presidential elections, former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has said he is ready to take up the challenge when polls are called, possibly towards the end of 2019. Speaking at a ‘Viyathmaga’ event at Water’s Edge on Saturday,Rajapaksa argued that he advocates ‘Jathikathwaya’ …

Continue reading ‘“We know there should be a Presidential election this year. I am ready if you are”:Ex-Def Secy Gotabhaya Rajapaksa Indicates He Is Ready to Contest Forthcoming Presidential Elections on an Inclusive Nationalist “Jathikathwaya” Platform.’ »

By P. Krishnaswamy After the Christmas and New Year festivities, the focus is now on the Pongal harvest festival, popularly known as Thai Pongal, celebrated in the first four days of the month of Thai in the Tamil-Hindu calendar. Traditionally, it is the festival of farmers who depend on Mother Earth, the sun, rain, other …

Continue reading ‘‘Thai Pongal’ the Harvest Festival of Tamils’ »

By Anurangi Singh The unedited footage of an interview with former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa aired on a private television channel over a year before Lasantha Wickrematunge’s assassination, was ordered into CID custody by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court last week, as friends and colleagues marked a decade since the senior journalist was assassinated in …

Continue reading ‘Courts Order “Derana TV” to Hand Over Unedited Footage of Interview with Ex-Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa By Dilka Samanmali Aired on Aug 19 2007 to CID to Aid Investigations Into Murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene White vans and ‘black media’ aside (which I will return to later), Sri Lanka has seen politicians insulting judges in Parliament under cover of parliamentary privilege in the past. Staggering and scurrilous abuse Each time, these attacks have been discomfiting, indicating the extent to which the ancient law of privilege can …

Continue reading ‘Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa Should Call his Venomous Mouthpieces to Heel if he has a Smidgen of Political Good Sense Left in Him.’ »

by Sanjana Hattotuwa The appointment of a new Army Chief of Staff. A fresh denial around the use of chemical weapons. The denunciation of a civil society protest against mainstream media supportive of the constitutional coup, not by members of the SLPP, but by those in the UNP and government. A photograph of a former …

Continue reading ‘The Greatest Defenders of the Worst and most Unprincipled, Partisan Media come from Within Government.’ »

by Zacki Jabbar Deputy Leader of the UNP and Housing and Construction Minister Sajith Premadasa revealed that President Sirisena had offered him the post of Prime Minister on 71 occasions – ten times prior to October 26 and 61 times after that. “However, I declined on a matter of principle as I opposed the President’s …

Continue reading ‘President Sirisena Offered Prime Minister Post to Sajith Premadasa on 71 Occasions; 61 Times After October 26th 2018 and 10 Times Before That.’ »

The Ministry of Housing development this week announced the construction of four new villages in honour of journalists who either lost their lives or were attacked in the line of duty. Attending the ground breaking ceremony of four Uda Gammana villages to be created in Weeraketiya, Hambantota in remembrance of four veteran journalists – late …

Continue reading ‘Sajith Premadasa Announces Construction of Four New Model Villages in Weeraketiya, Hambantota Named After Journalists Lasantha Wickrematunge, Upali Tennekoon, Keith Noyahr and Poddala Jayantha.’ »

By P.K.Balachandran The Constitutional Expert Committee’s report, which was tabled in the Sri Lankan parliament on Friday abolishes the powerful Executive Presidency and replaces it by a Westminster style parliamentary system with a powerful Prime Minister and a ceremonial President. As per the report which can be described as the “draft constitution”, the President will …

Continue reading ‘Expert Committee “Draft Constitution” Report Tabled in Parliament Abolishes Executive Presidency and Recommends Bi-cameral Legislature with 233 Member Patliament and 55 Member Second Chamber’ »

By Saman Indrajith Poor attendance at the Constitutional Assembly (CA) meeting was noted yesterday with only 56 MPs being present when Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe presented reports pertaining to constitutional reforms. The CA met, at 10.00 am at the Parliament chamber after a lapse of over a year. The meeting was convened to table five …

Continue reading ‘Abysmally Low Attendance by MP’s When Constitutional Assembly Convened on Jan 11: Only 28 From Govt, 17 UPFA, 9 TNA and 2 JVP Present When CA Commenced.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake We have just completed the tenth anniversary of the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge. A decade after this political brutality under a government with a bloody record of such violence against society, media freedom and democracy, we still await the killers of Lasantha, and those who wanted it done, caught in the …

Continue reading ‘Time for Public to Demand That Legal action Be Taken Against Those Involved in Covering Up and Suppressing Evidence in the Assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge Case Like the JMO and Senior Police Officials!’ »

By Saman Indrajith Former President and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa was spreading hatred and circulating misinformation about the new Constitution among the people, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament yesterday. “Rajapaksa has now become an orb of hatred. He recently visited a temple and said that by April a new Constitution would be introduced …

Continue reading ‘JVP Flays Mahinda Rajapaksa For Spreading Misinformation and Hatred About a New Constitution and Says Ex-president Should be Ashamed of Himself.’ »

By Ashwin Hemmathagama A report prepared by the Panel of Experts for the Steering Committee based on the Interim Report, six Sub Committee Reports, the Report of the ad hoc Sub Committee assigned to look into the relationship between the Parliament and the Provincial Councils were presented to the Constitutional Assembly yesterday. As the Steering …

Continue reading ‘Premier Ranil Asks Constitutional Assembly Members To Decide What to do Next as Neither Steering Committee Nor Experts Committee Reach Agreement on Draft Constitution.’ »

By Disna Mudalige, Camelia Nathaniel and Amali Mallawaarachchi Drafting a Constitutional Bill depends on the support of the Constitutional Assemblyand any such draft requires the support of a two thirds majority, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said. Addressing the Constitutional Assembly, the Prime Minister yesterday said public opinion is always respected in proceeding with Constitutional reforms. …

Continue reading ‘UNP Position is that Articles 2 and 9 of the Constitution Relating to Unitary Status and Position of Buddhism Should Remain the Same Declares UNP Leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.’ »

By Lahiru Fernando The United National Party stressed it had no involvement in the protest carried out by a number of social activists’ groups opposite several media institutes in Colombo on Thursday. Issuing a special statement yesterday, the party said the UNP is committed to promote and protect the freedom of media. The statement also …

Continue reading ‘UNP Issues Special Statement Condemns “Black Media Mafia” Whose Real Faces Were Exposed While Appreciating Media Institutions which Accepted Letters Presented by Protesting Activist Groups.’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda The Colombo Commercial High Court yesterday ordered National Freedom Front Leader Wimal Weerawansa that compensation of Rs. 10 million be paid to JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva. This is for publishing and distributing the book titled Neththa Venuwata Aththa in violation of provisions of the Intellectual Property Act. In his judgment, Commercial …

Continue reading ‘Colombo Commercial High Court Orders NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa to Pay Rs.10 Million to JVP Gen -Secy Tilvin Silva as Compensation for Publishing and Distributing Book Titled “Neththa Venuwata Aththa” in Violation of Intellectual Property Act.’ »

(Text of Media Release Issued by Centre for Policy Alternatives on Jan 11th 2019) The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is deeply concerned by the recent appointment of Major General Shavendra Silva as the Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and urges President Maithripala Sirisena to immediately review the appointment in light of serious …

Continue reading ‘Centre for Policy Alternatives Urges President Sirisena to Immediately Review the Appointment of Maj-Gen Shavendra Silva as Sri Lanka Army Chief of Staff in the Light of Serious Allegations Levelled Against Him.’ »

By Kelum Bandara That President Maithripala Sirisena desires to be the next presidential candidate surfaced once again when newly appointed General Secretary of his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Dayasiri Jayasekara made some utterances to that effect early this week. Jayasekara said that his party wished to field President Sirisena as the candidate for the …

Continue reading ‘Recent Signs Clearly Indicate Maithripala Sirisena Is Getting Ready to Contest the Presidential Elections Again’ »

(Text of Editorial appearing in “The Island” of January 10th 2019 under the heading “The hunt begins?) The JVP has torn into Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Russia Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, who, it says, backed the 26 Oct. government change. It has, however, stopped short of explaining how he did so. Is it referring to his …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Should have a Competent Ambassador Acceptable to the Russians, in Moscow Because the UNF government has Tilted its Foreign Policy in Favour of the West at the Expense of the Country’s Traditional Friends-The Island.’ »

(Text of a media release issued by Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa on January 9th 2019 under the heading “Four years of misrule and the fate of future generations in this country”) Sri Lanka faces three major dangers as we complete four years since the change of government on 9 January 2015. The first …

Continue reading ‘New Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa Says Sri Lanka Faces Three Major Dangers After the Change of Govt Four Years Ago on Jan 9 2015.’ »

By Chitra Weerarathne The indictment against Janaka Ranawaka the former Mayor of Kotte was read out to him yesterday in the High Court of Colombo. He has been indicted with undue access to the computer of the then Deputy Mayor. The accused is on bail at present.

Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed three judges to the Supreme Court, including two whose appointments were delayed following a constitutional coup. Court of Appeal President Preethi Padman Surasena, S Thurairaja and E N P G R Amarasekera were sworn in before the president, his office said.

By Disna MudaligeCamelia Nathaniel and Amali Mallawaarachchi The Independent Television Network (ITN) is a ‘den of thieves’ and the best way to reform the institution is to operate it as a “public broadcasting service,” Finance and Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera told Parliament yesterday. The minister was making a ministerial statement in response to a …

Continue reading ‘Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera Tells Parliament that Independent Television Network (ITN) is a “Den of Thieves” Which Needs Institutional Reform to Operate as a “Public Broadcasting Service”.’ »

By Camelia Nathaniel Major General Shavendra Silva has been appointed as the 53rd Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army from yesterday. Major General Silva is currently the Adjutant General and Colonel Commandant of the Gajaba Regiment. A proud product of the Sri Lanka Military Academy he was enlisted on the fifth of March …

Continue reading ‘Maj-Gen Shavendra Silva Appointed as 53rd Chief of Staff of the Sri Lankan Army.’ »

By Saman Indrajith The Constitutional Assembly will meet, at 10.30 am tomorrow (11) with Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri presiding. The expert panel report, which contains draft constitutional proposals, will be tabled by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during the sitting. The views of political parties are also given in the report and the report will be …

Continue reading ‘Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Will Table Expert Panel Reports Outlining Draft Constitution Proposals When Parliament Convenes as Constitutional Assembly on Friday Jan 11 Morning.’ »

By Saman Indrajith Concerns regarding the conduct of Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka had been raised during a recent meeting of the Committee on High Posts, JVP MP Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament yesterday. Participating in the debate on Regulations under the Diplomatic Privileges Act, MP Rathnayake said that Dr. Jayatilleka’s conduct as …

Continue reading ‘JVP’s Bimal Rathnayake Raises Concerns About Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Dayan Jayatilleka Saying “Dr.Jayatilleka May Have the Right Academic Qualifications but he acts more like a Political Campaigner than a Political Scientist”.’ »

By Ashwin Hemmathagama Putting the issue of party membership before the Judiciary, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday said it was up to the courts to decide whether any Parliamentarian has resigned from his party membership and reaffirmed United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) lawmaker Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Leader of the Opposition. In the absence of Speaker …

Continue reading ‘Speaker Karu Jayasuriya Rules That the Judiciary and Not Legislature Should Decide on Issues Like Validity of Political Party Membership or Eligibility of an MP To Retain Parliamentary Membership.’ »

By Saman Indrajith Speaker Karu Jayasuriya had reaffirmed the recognition of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Opposition Leader of Parliament, Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri told Parliament yesterday. Speaker Jayasuriya is currently attending the Conference of Speakers of Commonwealth Countries in Malta and the Deputy Speaker read out the Speaker’s announcements to the House at …

Continue reading ‘Mahinda Rajapaksa Confirmed as Leader of the Opposition: Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri Informs Parliament that Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has Re-affirmed his Earlier Recognition of Kurunegala Dist MP as Opposition Leader.’ »

By Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka President Sirisena’s foreign policy, just as that of any other leader anywhere in the world, must be seen in relation to several factors. These are the success or otherwise of the policy he inherited, the character of his own foreign policy as it evolved, and most importantly, the ‘fit’ or otherwise of …

Continue reading ‘President Sirisena’s foreign policy thinking and practice shows a marked pivot towards Greater Eurasia, as the main axis of his Asia-centric Nonalignment.’ »