By Jamila Husain President Ranil Wickremesinghe will contest the next Presidential Election and has hinted at a possible presidential poll to be held early next year, the Daily Mirror learns. In a meeting held with minority political party parliamentarians this week, Wickremesinghe informed them that he would contest as a presidential candidate and would call …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe States he is not in a rush to Take Opposition MPs into Govt as he has a Comfortable majority in the House; Ranil says Opposition MPs who want to Cross Over must do so voluntarily Without Expecting Portfolios in Return’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “The main obstacle to the creation of a well-informed public is its own indifference” – I.F. Stone: ‘The Best of I.F. Stone’ When the IMF deal came through, some presidential supporters turned silly and lit crackers. The IMF facility is no panacea. Nor is it the poisoned chalice of the Opposition’s fervid …

Continue reading ‘Repealing the PTA is an urgent need. Unfortunately, the anti-terror law the Government intends as its replacement contains within it even greater potential for abuse.’ »

By Jamila Husain The opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya is in a quandary following the Daily Mirror article tilted “Sajith loses grip on a dying SJB?” which was published on April 4, 2023 in its newspaper and online platform. While MPs such as Harsha De Silva, Eran Wickremaratne and even Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa himself were …

Continue reading ‘Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa Meets Party MPs and Tells them that he has heard a group of MPs including Harsha de Silva are talking to the President and Urges them to Stay Together in the SJB’ »

By Jamila Husain In a desperate attempt to keep the main opposition – the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) alive, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa invited all SJB Parliamentarians to dinner at the Monarch Imperial in Battaramulla last evening in order to coax them into remaining in the party which is now on the verge of collapse. …

Continue reading ‘Sajith Premadasa Tries Desperately to Keep Samagi Jana Balawegaya(SJB) Intact as many Party MPs Engage in Discussions With the Intention of Crossing Over to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Government’ »

By Kishali Pinto – Jayawardene Will the booing of Ministers by disgruntled voters run the risk of being classified as an ‘act of terrorism’ under the Anti-Terrorism Bill recently gazetted by the Sri Lankan Government? Clever Presidential sidestepping and public anger Can that be construed within the Bill’s prohibition of ‘wrongfully or unlawfully compelling’ the …

Continue reading ‘If the Anti-Terrorism Bill passes the seal of Parliament as currently framed, Sri Lanka will pass from a de facto police state to a de jure police state. The political consensus must be to reject the Anti-Terrorism Bill wholesale.’ »

By C.Narayanaswamy (The writer is formerly of the Ceylon Civil Service and Retired Senior Professional of the Asian Development Bank) The recent visit to Jaffna, after several years of forbidden travel due to the pandemic, provided an opportunity to revisit areas of interest and observe the changes, including positive and negative developments, in both the …

Continue reading ‘Is Jaffna booming, blooming or busting is the question that arises in the minds of those familiar with Jaffna’s heritage, historical background, culture and socioeconomic development patterns.’ »

(Full Text of statement delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament on 22 March 2023 following the agreement with the IMF. Press Release Issued by the Presidents Media Division on 22nd March 2023) I wish to officially inform this august Assembly that we have been able to secure the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of the …

Continue reading ‘“I had no power in Parliament. I had no MPs from my Party to call my own. Even though I had none of these, I had just one strength. This was my conviction that I was capable of rebuilding my country. I accepted the challenge with the conviction that even if I failed, the country would not.”- President Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Mahesh Langa Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was sentenced to two years imprisonment by a local court in Gujarat’s Surat on March 23, 3023, in a criminal defamation case filed against him over his remark on the “Modi surname” that he had allegedly made during campaigning for 2019 parliamentary polls. He was granted bail. The …

Continue reading ‘Rahul Gandhi Sentenced to Two Years Imprisonment and Granted Bail in Criminal Defamation case by Courts in Surat,Gujerat;Alleged to have said ““How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname?” in 2019 Election Meeting’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray The season of big-matches is upon us. These cricket encounters are big for the respective schools, not for others. In fact as far as the particular schools are concerned they are huge. It’s THE event of the year. Today there are big-matches in all parts of Sri Lanka, so many that …

Continue reading ‘The Royal-Thomian is here Again! Let the “Big Match”healing Begin.“We were so much younger then, and we can only be as young again on the three days in March when we attend the Royal Thomian.’’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The main ask — and the most popular chant — of the ‘Janatha Aragalaya’ [people’s struggle] witnessed in Sri Lanka last year was “Gota go home”. Scores of angry citizens, who took to the streets to protest acute shortages of essentials and long power cuts, squarely blamed the country’s most powerful leader …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka has debated the need to abolish the All Powerful executive presidency for decades but Country is yet to find a leader who is ready to renounce this power’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Early February, a group of saffron-clad Buddhist monks gathered near the Sri Lankan Parliament and burnt a copy of the 13th Amendment. They were registering their rage and protest after President Ranil Wickremesinghe vowed to implement the law in full. He had told an all-party conference that it was his “responsibility” as …

Continue reading ‘After decades of relentless agitations, and an armed struggle, Sri Lanka’s war-affected Tamil community in the north and east are still demanding justice, equality, and dignity. And the long-pending political solution remains elusive’ »

By Suhasini Haidar Colombo sees the Adani projects in Sri Lanka as a “government to government kind of deal”, said Sri Lankan Foreign Minister MUM Ali Sabry, as it was the Indian government that had identified the Adani group for infrastructure projects including Northern Sri Lanka wind power project. Stressing that his government is “very …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali sabry is Confident that India’s Adani Group’s Current Financial Crisis will not Affect Its Envisaged Projects in Sri Lanka- Interview with Suhasini Haidar of “the Hindu”.’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the President’s Media Division on March 7th 2023) President Ranil Wickremesinghe, announced to Parliament that he had received a financial assurance letter from the Exim Bank of China last night and the letter of agreement, which he signed with the Governor of the Central Bank, had been sent to …

Continue reading ‘“The agreement with the IMF is of special importance to restore our economy.I invite the Opposition to join us in this endeavour of stabilizing the country’s economy. After accomplishing this, we can decide on holding the presidential election and general election. The country would take this decision.” -President Wickremesinghe in Special Statement to Parliament’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya After a one-day token strike last week, which achieved nothing other than inconveniencing hapless patients in the government hospitals and holding up several ships at the Colombo port, the government trade unions threatened to go on an island-wide from tomorrow (March 8). If the question concerns any moral justification for the threatened …

Continue reading ‘Threats of an indefinite strike betray a sinister intent to destabilize the country as it slowly but steadily lifts itself up from the nadir of the worst economic crisis.A govt worth its salt should ensure that would not happen, not for its political preservation, but for the preservation of the country.’ »

By Nisthar Cassim The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on Friday declared it was ready for the $ 2.9 billion four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Program of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) having completed all due prior actions. “We have done all prior actions required and we stand ready for the IMF program,” CBSL …

Continue reading ‘“We have done all prior actions required and we stand ready for the IMF program,” says Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe; CBSLand Govt expects the IMF Executive Board to approve the Sri Lanka program in the next few weeks.’ »

By Mirudhula Thambiah Although Opposition political parties stated on 5 March in a letter to the Election Commission (EC) that they do not see any reason for the EC to consult Secretary to the Treasury and Finance Ministry Mahinda Siriwardana or anyone else, now that the EC are bound to comply with the interim order …

Continue reading ‘Election Commission Chairman Nimal Punchihewa to Consult Treasury Secretary about Holding Local Govt Polls Despite Opposition Party Demand that Elections Should be Held Before March 19 Without Consulting Treasury Secy’ »

By Dr.Sujata Gamage The feeble attempts by the Election Commission (EC) in face of resistance from the Government to hold local elections and the awkward missteps that followed have brought two critical issues to the fore. What are limits to the independence of independent commissions? Did the EC overestimate its independence and act unilaterally? Has …

Continue reading ‘“The opposition should be in Parliament checking on the President’s claim that there is no money for elections, not creating havoc in the streets demanding an election.”’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s northern fishermen on Sunday said they “fiercely oppose” the government’s plan to issue licences to Indian fishermen to enter Sri Lankan waters, terming the move a “serious setback” to their nearly 15-year-long struggle. On February 22, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry told Parliament that authorities were looking into possibly issuing licences …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Northern Fishermen “Fiercely Oppose” the Plan to Issue Licenses to Indian Fishermen to Enter and Fish Freely in Sri Lankan Waters; Govt move is condemned as a “Great Betrayal”’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene When the President of Sri Lanka pronounces weightily that a change in political power can take place only through a parliamentary process and not as a result of street protests, a delicious irony is quickly manifested. The poisoned chalice of the Presidency In other words, Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe’s ascent as head of …

Continue reading ‘“What is sown now, will soon come to be reaped as a bitter citizenry reacts with uncontrollable anger against the political establishment.It is a myth, much like the Emperor’s new clothes, to think that this anger can be controlled by state force.”’ »

By Rajasinghe Tourism is the ‘low-hanging fruit’ of the Sri Lankan economy. It has had bipartisan support from both J.R. Jayewardene (JRJ) and Sirima Bandaranaike (Mrs. B). Now even the National People’s Power (NPP) under Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to support it as said in its meeting with the business community. After all, Janatha …

Continue reading ‘Rajapaksa First Cousin Udayanga Weeratunga has emerged as the saviour of our tourism at a difficult time by bringing thousands of tourists from Russia and Ukraine’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on Friday issued an interim order restraining authorities from withholding funds allocated for the local government election, which was earlier scheduled for March 9, but postponed. The order, preventing state functionaries including the Secretary to the Finance Ministry and the Attorney General from withholding funds, was …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court issues interim order restraining authorities Including Finance Ministry Secy and Attorney-General from withholding funds allocated for holding the local govt election which was earlier scheduled for March 9.’ »

By Col R.Hariharan February ended as a month of discontent for the public after the government raised power tariffs for a second time on February 15. It was said to be the last of 15 conditions to be met for the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of $2.9 billion. But the uncertainties …

Continue reading ‘“The President is applying his masterly skills at obfuscation to handle questions on the long overdue LG elections.If there is an award for obfuscation in politics, President Wickremesinghe will win a platinum award.”’ »

Former Trade Unionist and President’s Trade Union Director General Saman Ratnapriya has declared yesterday’s trade union strike action a failure. Holding a press conference, Ratnapriya said as a trade unionist he is dismayed by it as in the past he was part of trade union actions that were successful. “However, we carried out these strikes …

Continue reading ‘President’s Trade Union Director General Saman Ratnapriya says strike action was a failure but Trade Unions Threaten to launch a continuous strike action across all sectors after 8 March if Govt. fails to respond to their demands.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara It could have happened. It had to happen. It happened, earlier. Later Wislawa Szymborska (Could Have) Once upon a time, a tryst was announced for angry masses to inundate Colombo and boot the government out. “We will occupy public places and begin the great satyagraha to send this government home,” an organiser …

Continue reading ‘Clearly we are living in a Sinhala-Buddhist Iran with saffron-robed Ayatollahs deciding how we live. If a govt’s right to policymaking ends on the edge of an upraised saffron robe, why bother with elections or parliament?’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Workers from nearly 40 trade unions in Sri Lanka, employed in sectors including banking, public health and ports, on Wednesday went on a strike, despite an executive order from President Ranil Wickremesinghe declaring many services “essential”, to effectively outlaw protests by workers in those sectors. Doctors at Sri Lanka’s National Hospital in …

Continue reading ‘Workers from nearly 40 trade unions in Sri Lanka defiantly go on strike, despite an executive order from President Ranil Wickremesinghe declaring many services “essential” to effectively outlaw protests by workers in those sectors.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared public transport services “essential”, in a move that outlaws strike action by those working in the sector. The announcement came days ahead of a mass protest announced by worker unions against the steep rise in taxes and living costs. The President used his executive powers …

Continue reading ‘President Ranil Wickremesinghe declares public transport services “essential”, in a pre-emptive move outlawing strike action ahead of a mass protest announced by worker unions against the steep rise in taxes and living costs.’ »

The Court of Appeal yesterday in a landmark decision directed the Parliament to release information of MPs who have submitted their asset declarations. Following a Right to Information (RTI) application, Justice Sampath B. Abayakoon together with Justice P. Kumararatnam upheld the RTI Commission’s decision holding that: “as a public authority, it is the Sri Lanka …

Continue reading ‘Court of Appeal in a landmark decision directs Parliament to release information of MPs who have submitted their asset declarations: Court recognises that the Right to Informtion is a Fundamental Right and is superior to the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Act.’ »

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader Mano Ganesan, MP, has urged Maya Sivagnanam, Deputy Director of the South Asia Region Department of Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and High Commissioner Sarah Hulton to facilitate their full integration into what he called the Sri Lankan national mainstream polity as ‘full citizens’. The former National Integration Minister said …

Continue reading ‘TPA Leader Mano Ganesan and CWC Gen Secy Jeevan Thondaman meet Maya Sivagnanam, British Deputy Director of the South Asia Region Department of Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and UK High Commissioner Sarah Hulton in Colombo’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya If the elections are held now, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) is the likely winner. However, none of the political parties would manage to secure a majority, according to an opinion poll by a local think tank. The findings of the Institute for Health Policy Sri Lanka survey …

Continue reading ‘If the JVP or SJB in its current policy vacillation, form a government in the future , I would bet my two cents that the Rajapaksas would sweep back to power not before long.’ »

by Jehan Perera Government supporters appear to be satisfied at the masterful manner by which they believe they have had the local government elections postponed. They deny there was to be an election to be postponed, at all! They find fault with the Election Commission for not having minutes of the meeting they had to …

Continue reading ‘President Ranil Wickremesinghe needs to show the statesmanlike approach he is capable of by assuring the people that the govt will indeed find the money to hold the local govt elections soon.’ »

By Rajan Philips Tom Nairn, widely known for his 1977 book, The Break-up of Britain, considered by many as “the most significant book on British politics of the past half-century,” passed away on January 21, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was 90 years old and had become a “guru figure” for Scottish Nationalists over the last …

Continue reading ‘Tale of two Break-up Books; “The Break -up of Britain”by Tom Nairn and “The Break-up of Sri Lanka: The Sinhalese-Tamil Conflict” by A.Jeyaratnam Wilson’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka is reeling under last year’s crushing economic meltdown and consequent political turmoil, but it is still a good time to invest in the cash-strapped island nation, according to Indian business leaders in capital Colombo. While acknowledging the many challenges facing the business community in Sri Lanka, the CEOs of Indian …

Continue reading ‘Indian Business Leaders Based in Colombo say Despite Challenges there is “enormous scope” for foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka in a host of sectors such as information technology, tourism, and renewable energy.’ »

By Buddhika Samaraweera Emphasising that it is not difficult for the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP), having waited patiently for 75 years, to wait patiently for another week or a month, NPP and JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that their goal is to transfer political power, which has been limited to …

Continue reading ‘“We have set the goal of transferring power from the corrupt elite class to the people within the next year and a half. We are working towards that goal. we will rally the people peacefully and democratically till the end.”- JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake’ »

By Buddhika Samaraweera The National People’s Power (NPP) led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) held a massive protest in the Town Hall area in Colombo against the postponement of the Local Government (LG) elections by current President and Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Government led by him, which …

Continue reading ‘JVP led NPP Launces Massive Protest in Colombo Despite Restrictive Court Order; March Blocked by Police Personnel Lining up on Road; Water Cannon and Tear Gas used to Disperse Protesters, Several Injured; Army Deployed’ »

(Excerpts drom the “Ceylon Politics”Column by Gagani Weerakoon in the “Ceylon Today”of 26 February 2023) President Wickremesinghe was in the Parliament Chamber on Thursday (23), all set to make a statement on Local Government Election 2023 and the conduct of the Election Commission. In order to hold one, there was no election to begin with, …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe Discloses in Parliament that MPs of the SJB and FPF Requested him to Postpone Elections to Prevent JVP Performing well at the Polls.”They told me that they would shout a bit in the House and then sit down”Reveals the President’ »

. By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene What is the message that President Ranil Wickremesinghe conveys to Sri Lankans when he asserts (as he did in Kandy a few days ago) that the date of the local government elections can be ‘decided by court but you cannot save the economy by going to court even if all …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka needs to be rescued from her conscienceless if not venal politicians, not limited to the Government benches alone.That may well be the greatest humanitarian operation of all’ »

By Chandani Kirinde Bird watchers living in urban surroundings are often struck by the presence of several species of birds who remain undeterred by the rapid increase in human settlements in areas, which were once large marshy lands, paddy fields, swamps, or thickets. In most suburbs, a keen bird watcher can easily spot at least …

Continue reading ‘Two birds that most Sri Lankans are familiar with are the white-breasted waterhen (Korawakka/Neer Koazhi) and the red-wattled lapwing (Kirala/Aatkaati)’ »

By Rajasinghe From its inception in 1947, Pakistan has been a close friend of Sri Lanka. Perhaps it was because, with its friction with the new India, a friendly country located in the southern tip of its adversary was a vital strategic advantage. Also, Pakistani rulers were aware that Sri Lankan Muslims identified themselves with …

Continue reading ‘Former Pakistan Ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf was a Good Friend of Sri Lanka;his Timely assistance and Personal Intervention Enabled the Armed Forces to Defend Jaffna from an LTTE onslaught’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s Election Commission on Friday said the country’s local government elections, scheduled for March 9, stands postponed due to reasons “beyond” its control. The new date for the local body polls will be announced on March 3, the Election body said in a media statement. Further, the Election Commission has sought …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Election Commission Announces Postponement of local govt elections scheduled for March 9 due to reasons “beyond” its control;new date for the local body polls will be announced on March 3, says the EC in a media statement.’ »

(Full Text of Press Release Issued by the President’s Media Division on February 23rd 2023) Participating in the parliamentary debate held today (23), President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the Opposition’s accusations of postponing the elections are baseless as the Election Commission has not officially announced a fixed date for the election. He further stated that …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe states that the Opposition’s accusations of postponing the elections are baseless as the Election Commission has not “officially” announced a fixed date for the election; Provides Detailed Explanation about the LG Election Fiasco to Parliament’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Crisis-hit Sri Lanka has approved a $442-million wind power project of Adani Green Energy, barely a month since the Indian multinational conglomerate’s stocks plummeted following U.S.-based short-seller Hindenburg’s damaging report on the Group. “Adani, a leading Indian company” received the project approval “to start two wind power plants in Mannar and Pooneryn …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Govt Approves $442 Million Wind Power Project of India’s Adani Green Energy; Board of Investment says two wind power Plants to be set up in Mannar and Poonagari in the Northern Province likely to Create 2000 Jobs and Generate 350 MW of Power’ »

By Padmasena Dissanayake When the Colombo Academy was launched in 1835, we were under the British Empire. Despite many of its earliest principals being Anglican priests, Royal College (RC) was kept strictly secular throughout its existence. Until very recently! During the 450 years under European rulers, the earliest schools started by the missionaries were clearly …

Continue reading ‘Colombo Royal College Reputed for Its Proud Secular Tradition is Being Gradually Turned Into an Ultra-Buddhist Institution’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the Presidents Media Division) During a meeting with businessmen and lawyers in the Kandy district, President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of having a proper plan to strengthen the country’s economy. He praised the current government’s economic program, which has helped reduce recent economic difficulties. The President also acknowledged …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe Reveals that Sri Lanka has Completed all 15 Tasks set by the IMF on Feb 15 after the Original Deadline was Exxtended ; the Delay was due to One man in the Country opposing the increase in Electricity Tariffs Says Ranil in Kandy’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya The local government elections ran into not-so-unexpected troubles last week. As things stand now, they will most likely be postponed indefinitely after the government withheld funds to print polling cards. The government printer refused to print the polling cards without the full payment of Rs. 400 million, citing a circular issued by …

Continue reading ‘Would the LG elections help solve the country’s twin economic and political crises? The answer is a resolute ‘NO’. Worse still, it would make both worse!’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the President’s Media Division ) According to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the current tax policy in Sri Lanka is not a normal tax policy, but rather a rescue operation. He warned that if this process is disrupted, Sri Lanka will not be able to join the International Monetary Fund (IMF) …

Continue reading ‘“Joining the IMF Program is the only way out for Sri Lanka; Agreement Reached with the IMF will be Submitted to Parliament for Approval.If it is Rejected the parties concerned will have to come up with Alternative Proposals”- President Wickremesinghe Tells Tax Forum’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s crisis last year was unprecedented on many accounts. But, it was not entirely unrelated to the country’s tumultuous past, marked by discriminatory laws and policy targeting the island nation’s minorities, especially the Malaiyaha Tamils, according to Rajan Hoole, Jaffna-based mathematician, best known for his human rights activism during the civil …

Continue reading ‘“After Ceylon got Universal Adult Franchise, the Ceylon National Congress was hijacked by a group that forged Sinhalese nationalism based on hazy ancient history and modern-day market capitalism.” – Rajan Hoole’ »

By Meera Srinivasan China must agree to take a haircut on its loans to poor countries and assist their economic recovery, India’s G20 Sherpa has said, in a rare, direct reference to Chinese debt of developing nations. “China needs to come out openly and say what their debt is and how to settle it,” said …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe states that the debt-ridden island nation hoped to receive the IMF’s $2.9 billion package by March to set the country’s economy on a path of recovery after last year’s painful financial crash.’ »

By Jayadeva Uyangoda Sri Lankans entered 2023 with an unwelcome gift from the government – a new income tax policy. This was meant to bolster empty public coffers as the government tries to navigate the country’s economic crisis, but for ordinary people already facing difficulty on every front it was one more blow from the …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s present crisis is too serious to be left in the hands of the political class alone. The reactivation of the aragalaya in a new and more viable form would be fundamental to keeping the political class in check and sustaining popular hopes for change.’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in “The Island” of 15 February 2023 under the heading “If wishes were Tigers”) P. Nedumaran, who leads a fringe group in Tamil Nadu, has got grabbing headlines down to a fine art. He used to ride on the tiger tails of the LTTE, as it were, when Prabhakaran was around, …

Continue reading ‘Nedumaran’s claim about LTTE’s Prabhakaran being alive could not have come at a better time for the Rajapaksas, who are desperately looking for a bogey in the run-up to a crucial election to instill fear in the Sri Lankan public and offer to protect them against evils such as terrorism.”-The Island’ »

Tamil nationalist movement leader Pazha Nedumaran claimed, on February 13, 2023, that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) leader, Velupillai Prabakaran was still alive, and would emerge in public soon. Reading out a statement at a press conference in Thanjavur at Mullivaikkal Mutram, Mr. Nedumaran said the time was now appropriate for the LTTE …

Continue reading ‘“LTTE leader Velupillai Prabakaran is still alive and would emerge in public soon.” Claims Tamil Nationalist Movement Leader Pazha Nedumaran on February 13 2023 — News Report in “The Hindu”’ »

(Text of Media release Issued by the Presidents Media Division) President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressing his views at the vesting ceremony of the Jaffna Cultural Centre (JCC) in the people of Sri Lanka called on everyone to join hands in brotherhood to rebuild this fallen nation. The JCC was completed with funds of Rs 13,500 million …

Continue reading ‘“Culture is the bridge of reconciliation and development.Let’s join hands to rebuild the fallen country”- states President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the ceremonial opening of the Jaffna Cultural Centre (JCC) on Nov 11;thanks Indiam Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Wonderful Gift’ »

(Text of Media release Issued by the Presidents Media Division) President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the economy could not be built through the reconciliation alone and the economic development rate of the country depends on the attitude and commitment of the people. The President said that the Northern Province had made extensive contributions to the …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe states in Jaffna that The Northern Province would be developed systematically so that it could make a significant contribution to the country’s national economy;also points out that the economy could not be built through reconciliation alone.’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene In truth, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s admonition that, ‘the future cannot be built on falsehood’ this Wednesday (February 8th, 2023) as he formally opened the fourth session of the ninth Parliament, must be addressed to the political leadership (himself included), not the nation as such. Quaint Throne Speeches and Presidential promises In …

Continue reading ‘The President and his Govt lacking a popular mandate to govern, face off against a people bitterly refusing to bite with good grace on the bitter pill of deprivation while the privileged prosper.’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo on February 11th 2023) T..he iconic Jaffna Cultural Center (JCC), which was built with grant assistance of Government of India (GOI), was dedicated to the people on 11 February 2023 at a colourful event in the gracious presence of President of Sri …

Continue reading ‘The Jaffna Cultural Center (JCC), constructed with grant assistance of the Indian Govt dedicated to the people by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the presence of Indian Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan; Ranil Thanks Indian PM Modi for Gift.’ »

By Rajasinghe It was R.G. Senanayake, a Minister of Trade and playboy, who first promoted tourism in Sri Lanka. He would spend weekends in the old rest houses in Bentota and Hikkaduwa with his friends and talk about the beauty of the sea and the fabulous beaches there, which he compared favourably to resorts in …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe Depends on Energetic Man of Action Harin Fernando to Revive the Tourism Sector to Earn Desperately Needed Foreign Exchange for the Country’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya During the weekend, when Sri Lanka marked the 75th anniversary of its independence, it was a sober, sad, and indeed a bitter affair. Most of the public was bitterly critical of the celebrations. The police confronted silent protests. National flags were conspicuously missing in the city corners and houses. The police obtained …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe’s opponents do not want to see him succeed. To deprive Ranil of his success, which might lead to a very credible presidential candidacy, they are ready to let the country fail. This is cringeworthy opportunism that does not make you a patriot or a social justice worrier, but a scumbag.’ »

It took a little over seven days for a corporate titan to be cut down to size. Only weeks ago Gautam Adani was the world’s third-richest man and the self-proclaimed Rockefeller of India. Then a short-seller questioned his company’s finances, investors took fright and $100bn in market value evaporated. Tens of billions have been wiped …

Continue reading ‘“World’s Third Richest Man Gautam Adani Cut down to size in 7 days with tens of billions being wiped out from the Tycoon’s personal wealth; It is also a political embarrassment for Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India and a close associate of Mr Adani.” -The Economist’ »

Popular Toronto Mayor John Tory has stepped down from his post in an unexpected turn of events. Tory resigned after admitting to an affair with with a former member of his staff. John Tory, who has been married to his wife Barbara Hackett for 45 years, blamed the affair on a “serious error of judgment” …

Continue reading ‘Toronto Mayor John Tory steps down from his post after admitting to an affair with with a former member of his staff that ended early this year by mutual consent’ »

(Text of Speech made by TNA Jaffna District MP Mathiaparanan Abraham Sumanthiran in Parliament during the adjournment debate on 09th February 2023) Thank you presiding officer for the opportunity to say a few words on the adjournment debate. On the Throne speech made by the President yesterday in this house, I am saying throne speech …

Continue reading ‘“We are not asking for a separation of the County. We are for a united undivided even indivisible country. Don’t divide the country, but share power in a meaningful way, maximum devolution of power cannot happen in a unitary model”- M.A.Sumanthiran MP’ »

(Full Text of Government’s Policy Statement delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the inauguration of the fourth session of the ninth Parliament on 6 February 2023) The moment the school children sang the National Anthem and Jayamangala Gatha during the last Independence Day Celebration, I was convinced of the need to secure their future. Are …

Continue reading ‘“Let’s unite consensually and move forward democratically to support the recovery of the nation from the current crisis. If anyone wishes to have a political agenda, let’s consider it after we rescue the nation.”-President Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Chandani Kirinde President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said there would be no change to the Government’s newly introduced tax policies insisting he is ready to take unpopular decisions on behalf of the country. “Introducing new tax policies is a politically unpopular decision. I’m not here to be popular. I want to rebuild this nation from …

Continue reading ‘“Introducing new tax policies is a politically unpopular decision. I’m not here to be popular. I want to rebuild this nation from the crisis situation it has fallen into. I’m ready to make unpopular decisions for the sake of the nation,” Declares President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Govt’s Policy Statement to Parliament.’ »

Despite a Court injunction preventing protests near the entrance to Parliament, a section of the Buddhist clergy marched towards the Parliament entrance yesterday (8) during President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Statement of Government Policy speech following the inauguration of the fourth session of the ninth Parliament, protesting against the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the …

Continue reading ‘Despite Court Order Forbidding Protests near Parliament Entrance, Mob of Buddhist Bhikkus Stage Demonstration and Burn Copy of 13th Constitutional Amendment; no Tear gas or Water Cannon used by Cops to Disperse Illegal Protest’ »

Pandemonium reigned on the streets of Colombo yesterday as trade unions across all sectors took to the streets to protest against the Government’s new tax regime forcing the Government to call for Police riot squads and military reinforcements to maintain law and order. At least 2000 Sri Lanka Port Authority workers marched towards the Fort …

Continue reading ‘Police Riot Squads and Military Reinforcements Brought in to Control Massive Trade Union Demonstration Protesting in Colombo against Taxation’ »

The Presidential Secretariat claimed that a sum of approximately Rs. 11 million had been spent for the 75th Independence Day, despite Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Governments Neel Bandara Hapuhinna confirming to The Daily Morning on 1 February that the expenses for same was Rs. 196 million. …

Continue reading ‘“The Government spent only Rs.11,130,011.29 for the 75th National Independence Day celebrations this year,” Claims the President’s Media Division (PMD) and refutes what it termed “false news” circulated on social media regarding the expenses of the state ceremony.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Our challenge is to devise some arrangement which enables us to coexist if not in amity then at least in forbearance.” Jawaharlal Nehru (quoted in Andre Malraux’s Anti-Memoir). During Black July, marauding mobs, when uncertain about the ethnic identity of a potential victim, would order him/her to recite the five precepts in …

Continue reading ‘The hysteria surrounding the full implementation of the 13th Amendment is the clearest possible indication that Sinhala-Buddhist supremacism is not a spent force. How can a truly Lankan nation be born when the majority extremists remain wedded to the idea of a Sinhala-Buddhist nation?’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene I wonder what a mother, struggling to find medicine for her child in Colombo (one does not have to go into rural areas to witness the abject desperation of those caught up in Sri Lanka’s spiralling financial crisis) would have thought of the pomp and glamour paraded at the Galle Face …

Continue reading ‘When the State pits itself against the collectivity of its citizens, the State cannot win.We need to realise this truth, even at this late stage’ »

By Rajasinghe On Independence Day 1948, all eyes of the people were on Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake (DS) and his Deputy, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. Both were leaders of the recently-constituted United National Party (UNP). DS in top hat and tails hoisted the Sri Lankan National Flag on Galle Face Green on 4 February while the Union …

Continue reading ‘D.S.Senanayake disenfranchised estate Tamils and thereby created a human tragedy for a group of people who had helped in ensuring prosperity for the country through their labour.’ »

By Ram Manikkalingam (Ram Manikkalingam is Director of the Dialogue Advisory Group. He was an adviser to then President Kumaratunga and was a Visiting Professor at the University of Amsterdam) On its 75th birthday Sri Lanka is divided. There is a stand-off between the people and the political institutions. The people reject Parliament and the …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe has a choice.He can hang onto the Rajapaksas and let the Rajapaksas hang onto him. Or he can begin a serious process of reform that by its very definition will require ditching the Rajapaksas and their ilk.’ »

(Text of media release issued by “JUSTICE FOR ALL” on 5th February 2023 under the heading “ An Independence Day of Reflection, Reckoning and Reform 5th February 2023) Sri Lanka is yet again at cross roads when marking 75 years of independence. A spiralling economic crisis has resulted in over 9 million fellow citizens slipping …

Continue reading ‘“Fresh initiatives needed urgently to form a broad democratic movement that can eventually build a robust and inclusive democratic alliance between the politically awakened citizens, political parties and the civil society movements.”- -JUSTICE FOR ALL.’ »

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said regardless of the obstacles the anarchist political forces seek to create, he will continue the new reform program with the majority of people who love this country. “We can become a developed country by 2048 if we work and move forward in a united and planned manner envisioning peace and reconciliation. …

Continue reading ‘“Politicians who spoke the truth were rejected by the people. Those who pointed out the real situation of the country and sought related remedies were hardly given a place. Yet, those who satisfied people with their lies gained greater acceptance.We got trapped in a consensual political culture.”- President Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Jayadeva Uyangoda (Jayadeva Uyangoda is Emeritus Professor of Political Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka) Controversy looms over Sri Lanka’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of its Independence (February 4, 1948), with a question having been raised on whether it is worth wasting Sri Lankan rupees 300 million on this event. Why has the …

Continue reading ‘Key Reasons as to why the ‘thesis’ of ‘independence without bloodshed’ is hardly admired in Sri Lanka’ »

By Col R Hariharan Sri Lanka will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day on February 4, 2023. As a republic the country has come a long way from the dominion it was at the time of independence. The shaky step with which President Ranil Wickremesinghe steps into the 75th year of independence, tells that his …

Continue reading ‘It is clear that the President has left the decision to implement or scrap the 13A on political leaders from all parties. it might be a political ploy to tide over a tricky political issue for a short time. But, his credibility as President is likely to be tested when he attempts to implement 13A.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “I saw them erect the guillotine again tonight” – Alejo Carpentier (Explosion in a cathedral) Call it a no brainer. Whatever Queen Viharamahadevi, the legendary mother of King Dutugemunu, wore, it wouldn’t have been a Kandyan sari (osariya). So why dress up her statue in that garb, jewellery included? Not just any …

Continue reading ‘Who Dressed up the Statue of King Dutugemunu’s Legendary Mother Queen Viharamahadevi at Ruwanweliseya in a White Kandyan Saree(Osariya) and Jewellery?More pertinently, why do it? Why now, in January 2023?’ »

By Jagriti Chandra Tamil is the oldest language of the world, and is a big treasure and source of pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his address to students at the sixth edition of the Pariksha Pe Charcha event held on Friday, while urging them to learn languages other than their mother tongue. “Did …

Continue reading ‘“Did you know Tamil is the oldest language of the whole world, not just of India? Shouldn’t such a country be proud? We have such a big treasure, a big source of pride. Our chest should swell with pride and we must tell the world this,” – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ »

by Jehan Perera By proroguing parliament President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given the parliamentarians, and the country at large, a reminder of the power of the presidency. There was no evident reason for the president to suddenly decide to prorogue parliament. More than 40 parliamentary committees, including important ones concerning public finances, enterprises and accounts have …

Continue reading ‘On February 20, President Wickremesinghe will acquire the power to dissolve parliament at his discretion. By proroguing p’ment, the president has sent a message to parliamentarians and society that he will soon have the power to dissolve parliament with the same suddenness that he prorogued p’ment.’ »

by Dr Jayampathy Wickramaratne PC The 13th Amendment to the Constitution (13A), which introduced devolution of power to the periphery, is again in the news, this time on the need to fully implement it. President Ranil Wickremesinghe first raised the issue in Parliament, asking the various parties whether they are for 13 Plus, meaning improving …

Continue reading ‘It must not be assumed that President Wickremesinghe’s declared intention to implement the 13th Amendment could be put into practice easily.’ »

By Mirudhula Thambiah During a discussion with Tamil and Muslim political parties yesterday (1), Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the US Victoria Nuland had suggested that the parties resolve their issues based on a joint roadmap, especially when addressing land-related issues with President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Speaking to The Daily Morning, Tamil National …

Continue reading ‘US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland Advises Parties Representing the Tamil Speaking People to Prepare Joint Roadmap and work Together to Resolve Issues Faced by Minorities’ »

By Kshama Ranawana At long last, he is begging for forgiveness. After doggedly refusing to acknowledge responsibility for any part of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed and maimed hundreds, and ruined many families, Maithripala Sirisena wants to be forgiven. Why this sudden about-face, nearly four years later? Clearly, there are two issues on …

Continue reading ‘After doggedly refusing to acknowledge responsibility for any part of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed and maimed hundreds and ruined many families, Maithripala Sirisena wants to be forgiven.’ »

BY Mirudhula Thambiah Following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s assertion on Thursday (27) that he is opposed to federalism in Sri Lanka, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) stated that there can be no meaningful power sharing under a unitary model and that if President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken the stance that there is no federal solution, then …

Continue reading ‘MA Sumanthiran MP states the plan to resolve the national issue before the 75th Independence Day celebrations on 4 February has failed.”That is why we have said that we are opposed to the celebration of the Independence Day as we have not got our independence.”says TNA Spokesperson’ »

By Express News Service Uthiramerur, a quaint village about 85 km from Chennai, suddenly found itself embedded into the foundation of democracy on Thursday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the grassroots-level governance that was practiced there during the Chola period in the 10th century. Soon after laying the foundation stone for the new …

Continue reading ‘Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Cites the Chola-era Stone Inscriptions of Uthiramerur in Tamil Nadu as Proof of Democracy Being Prevalent in India Durinf Ancient times before the Advent of Western Colonialism’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene What has a nation, which cannot guarantee uninterrupted power supply to students sitting the Advanced Level examination, where large swathes of the populace go hungry, where the sick do not have access to essential medicine with many hospitals announcing that they have run out of supplies, have to ‘celebrate’ on its ‘75th …

Continue reading ‘No political party can wash its hands of responsibility for the label of the ‘beggar of South Asia’ that Sri Lanka has been foisted with. ‘We the People’ have played our part in that calamitous road to perdition.So on this 75th Independence Day, what do we ‘celebrate’?’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the President’s Media Division) President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he is bound to implement the existing law in accordance with the executive powers of the President. He said further that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution should be implemented accordingly or the Parliament should abolish the 13th amendment. President …

Continue reading ‘“I am acting in accordance with the Supreme Court decision regarding the 13th Amendment. I oppose a federal state but not devolution of power. The provincial Councils in Sri Lanka haven’t even the powers that are vested in the London City Council. Hence we can’t define this as a federal state.”- President Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

From meagre beginnings in the 1980s, Gautam Adani has emerged as India’s richest citizen. Now, in just a few days, the foundations of his sprawling empire have been shaken. On January 24th a small New York investment firm, Hindenburg Research, published a report calling the Adani Group “the largest con in corporate history”. In a …

Continue reading ‘New York investment firm Hindenburg Research Targets India’s Richest man Gautam Adani; publishe detailed report that describes the Adani Group as “the largest con in corporate history”.-The Economist”’ »

By Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi The Indian government has invoked emergency laws to block a BBC documentary examining the role of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, during riots in the western state of Gujarat in 2002. Controversy has erupted in India over the first episode of the two-part programme, India: The Modi Question, which tracked …

Continue reading ‘India invokes emergency laws to ban BBC documentary about Narendra Modi’s Alleged role in the Anti-Muslim violence during 2002 Gujarat riots; Govt accused of ‘censorship’ for imposing ban on film about PM’s role’ »

By Buddhika Samaraweera The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (25) ordered Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandana D. Wickramaratne to make an explanation regarding the investigation related to the sum of Rs. 17.85 million, which was found at the President’s House in Colombo when it was taken over by the public in July 2022, being …

Continue reading ‘Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage Orders IGP Wickramaratne to Explain why Police have not Imlemented Court order to Record Statement from Ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa about the Rupees 17.85 million found by the public at the Presidents House in July 2022.’ »

By Madhusha Thavapalakumar Despite the receipt of a letter from the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) of China offering Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt to support efforts to secure a $ 2.9 billion loan from the the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Sri Lanka is awaiting financial assurances from China to the IMF, similar to …

Continue reading ‘Despite Letter from the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) of China offering Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt, Sri Lanka is awaiting financial assurances from China to the IMF, similar to what was provided by the Govt of India; “Once received, a maximum of 4 weeks to get IMF Board approval” says Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “A tangle within, a tangle without…” Jata Sutta – Samyutta Nikaya In July 2020, Indika Rathnayake, a non-theistic online activist, was summoned to the Organised Crimes Prevention Police Division and questioned for three hours. ‘Propagating fictitious ideas’ was his organised crime. The monk-director of the Buddhist Information Centre had complained about Mr. …

Continue reading ‘Mahawamsa’s claim that there’s no sin in killing non-Buddhists in a war to protect Buddhism has seeped deeper into Sinhala consciousness than Buddha’s First Precept.’ »