(Excerpted from the Political Column spearing in the “Sunday Morning”of September 18th 2022) USAID Chief Power during her brief visit to Sri Lanka met with President Wickremesinghe, Opposition legislators, farmers, civil and business communities and the PTA was also a focal point in her discussions. Wickremesinghe and Power had a one-on-one meeting as well. When …

Continue reading ‘President Ranil Wickremesinghe and USAID Chief Samantha Power Have One on One Meeting Prior to Official Meeting but US envoy Juiie Chung Exerts Pressure and gets “permission” to sit in one what was Supposedly a one on one Conversation.’ »

The President’s Office has directed state institutions to ensure that no citizens should starve due to lack of food and children should not be victims of malnutrition. A circular has been sent out to ministries, provincial council chief secretaries, district and divisional secretaries to implement a series of decisions and an accelerated national multi-sector combined …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe Issues Directive to set up an accelerated national multi-sector combined programme to ensure that no citizens should starve due to lack of food and children should not be victims of malnutrition;president’s Office sends out Circular to ministries, provincial council chief secretaries, district and divisional secretaries for Implementation’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene Hawks may cry till the cows come home (to horribly malign that popular idiom) but as another ‘Geneva session’ takes place with the customary trumpeting, a few home truths must be recognised, as unpalatable as those may be. Geneva promises defeated by action at home Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister who also …

Continue reading ‘State agents are acting with impunity against public figures with no fear of popular reprisal. That signifies a change in the methods of the Deep State. Evidently, all pretences have been dropped. What we are up against now is a fully fledged police state and these words are not used lightly either.’ »

By Victor Ivan After Ranil Wickremesinghe became the President, the dominance the Aragalaya had gained over the Government was suppressed by the police and the security forces without causing loss of lives or major injuries to the protestors. If it was not done, the authority of the Government would have collapsed completely, and the country …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka having a president of the calibre of Ranil instead of Gotabaya can be considered an accidental outcome of the Aragalaya, which is beneficial for the country’ »

(Excerpted from the “Ceylon Politics”Column in “Ceylon Today” by Gagani Weerakoon) Channa Wickremesinghe, younger brother of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, hosted a party for State Ministers who recently assumed duties. A majority of the invitees were in attendance. As the night grew many State Ministers who attended the wine and dine session appeared overly inebriated. A …

Continue reading ‘Inebriated State Minister from Political Family pulls out Personal Pistol and Shoots in air Bringing Part of the Ceiling down Injring one at Party hosted for new State Ministers by President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Brother Channa Wickremesinghe’ »

By Meera Srinivasan A Sri Lankan court on Friday named former President Maithripala Sirisena a suspect in a case pertaining to the 2019 Easter terror bombings and directed him to appear in court this October. The Magistrate Court in Colombo’s Fort area gave the orders in response to a private plaint filed by Fr. Cyril …

Continue reading ‘Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena named as a suspect by Colombo Magistrate Courts in a case pertaining to the 2019 Easter terror bombings; Mr. Sirisena asked to appear in Colombo court in October’ »

By Gagani Weerakoon President Ranil Wickremesinghe said if Parliament fails to reach an agreement on electoral reforms, he will hold a referendum and ask the country which system they prefer. He said he will convene Parliament to state unequivocally that they must agree on electoral reform, despite the fact that the parties are arguing among …

Continue reading ‘Tamils Detained Under Prevention of Terrorism Act to be Released soon, President Ranil Wickremesinghe tells Samantha Power, Administrator, US Agency for International Development (USAID);“We have agreed on a formula that will set off the period in detention against the judgement, and since they have all had more than ten years, no judgement will be more than ten years”says Ranil’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka will revive its Free Trade Agreement with India and upgrade it to a “a comprehensive economic and technological partnership”, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said, signalling Colombo’s willingness to revisit a stalled pact. Addressing the Sri Lanka India Society on Thursday, Mr. Wickremesinghe said his government would take steps for better …

Continue reading ‘‘We will revive and upgrade the Free Trade Agreement with India into a comprehensive economic and technological partnership’ states Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Gagani Weerakoon Addressing the first ever graduation ceremony of the National Defence College in Colombo, President Wickremesinghe said the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean has turnedSri Lanka into the regional ‘punching bag’. He pointed out that there are around 17 ports operated by the Chinese in the Indian Ocean and they are all commercial …

Continue reading ‘Geopolitics of the Indian Ocean has turned Sri Lanka into the regional ‘punching bag said President Ranil Wickremesinghe while addressing the irst ever graduation ceremony of the National Defence College in Colombo’ »

By Saman Indrajith The Frontline Socialist Party, on Tuesday, said that people had no option but to take to the streets to chase out the incumbent government. “The government has not learnt that people engage in protests because they no longer can put up with hardships. We have no other option but to beat off …

Continue reading ‘Frontline Socialist Party Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda tells Press Conference that “people had no option but to take to the streets to chase out the incumbent govt”; Jagoda says “Ranil Wickremesinghe says that he has no home to go. He should not go home, he should be sent to a prison for the crimes he had committed”’ »

BY Mirudhula Thambiah A fresh draft resolution on Sri Lanka, which was co-sponsored by the Core Group of countries on Sri Lanka at the ongoing 51st United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session, noted the need for power devolution, the conduct of polls, addressing the plight of missing persons, replacing the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary …

Continue reading ‘Newly drafted resolution on Sri Lanka, co-sponsored by the Core Group of countries on Sri Lanka, Comprising the UK, Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the US presented at the ongoing 51st United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva’ »

By Shavindra Fernando It was on October 22 in 1981 in Colombo. I was 22, the youngest of the Sri Lanka Press Corps of around a dozen reporters, who were afforded an audience with the Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh in Colombo. I was a reporter for the Ceylon Daily Mirror of …

Continue reading ‘How a 22 Year old Sri Lankan Journalist Became Famous in his Family Circle as “The boy who shook hands with the Queen of England, and the Duke of Edinburgh”.’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray World champions they are not. In times gone by, Sri Lankan teams secured silverware on the world’s premier cricketing podiums. But not since 2014 when they won the Asia Cup. Since then, not even close. The glory days of the 1990s and the first decade of the new millennium were stuff …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup Winning Cricket and Netball Teams Embody the Resolve of a Nation that has seen Adversity, Suffered untold Horrors and yet Overcame all Challenges, Smiling Through it all.This Self-belief is in Sri Lankan DNA’ »

Originally pencilled in as the host, it was fitting that Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup even if the championship was held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The debilitating economic crisis in the island-nation meant that Sri Lanka had to shift the continental tournament’s base to the UAE but even in the desert sands, …

Continue reading ‘WELL WON::Even in the desert sands, Dasun Shanaka’s men felt at home and during Sunday’s final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka defied the odds to defeat Pakistan by 23 runs. -THE HINDU’ »

By Sanja De Silva Jayatilleka The Sunday papers in Colombo gave a heads-up on the new resolution (currently at the stage of the ‘Zero Draft’) on Sri Lanka reportedly being negotiated at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, revealing that “the Zero Draft resolution seeks to recommend action against political leaders and state …

Continue reading ‘Outgoing UN Human Rights High Commissioner Michele Bachelet’s Up to date Report on Sri Lanka presented to the Human Rights Council on Sri Lanka concludes that the current administration “appear[s] to reflect a continuity with the past.”’ »

By Meera Srinivasan India on Monday voiced concern over the “lack of measurable progress” in Sri Lanka’s promised political solution to the long-pending Tamil national question, while making an unusual reference to the crisis-hit island nation’s “debt-driven” economy in the context of its current crisis. In its statement at the 51 st session of the …

Continue reading ‘India Voices concern at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva over the “lack of measurable progress” in Sri Lanka’s Committed political solution to the ethnic issue “through full implementation of 13th Amendment of the Constitution, delegation of powers to Provincial Councils and holding of Provincial Council elections at the earliest”’ »

By Mirudhula Thambiah Sri Lankan Muslim expatriates yesterday (11) voiced disappointment over the current implementation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) against muslims in Sri Lanka, and stressed that they would take up the human rights violations in relation to this rigid law at the 51st United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions scheduled …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Muslim Expatriates’ Council will Take up issue of Prevention of Terrorism Act(PTA) related Human Rights Violations Affecting Muslims in Sri Lanka During UN Human Rights Council Sessions in Geneva’ »

By Meera Srinivasan China must cooperate with Sri Lanka in its debt restructure process, Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said on Sunday, while assuring Colombo of the U.S.’s support. Sri Lanka, which opted for a preemptive sovereign default in April amid a rapid downturn, must negotiate with its …

Continue reading ‘“The United States stands ready to participate in the restructuring of Sri Lanka’s debt. It is imperative that all of Sri Lanka’s creditors, most notably the People’s Republic of China cooperate in this process openly and on comparable terms with each other.” Says Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID’ »

By Buddhika Samaraweera National People’s Power (NPP) MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and former MP Hirunika Premachandra accused the prison authorities of mistreating actress Damitha Abeyratne, who was arrested and then placed in remand custody for allegedly forcibly entering the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo during the massive public protests in July. Dr. Amarasuriya, after visiting the …

Continue reading ‘NPP Parliamentarian Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and former MP Hirunika Premachandra accuse prison authorities of mistreating actress cum “Aragalaya” activist Damitha Abeyratne after visiting her at Welikada Jail’ »

By Dinitha Rathnayake Several key activists of the “aragalaya” are in Geneva, Switzerland to participate in the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The UNHRC will hold its 51st regular session starting today (12) until 7 October at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Social activist Shehan Malaka, Attorney-at-Law Nuwan Bopage, …

Continue reading ‘Several key “Aragalaya” activists Arrive in Geneva to voice out against what they claim is Govt repression and raise awareness about the arrest of Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) Convenor Wasantha Mudalige. During UN Human Rights Council Sessions’ »

By Kishali Pinto – Jayawardene It is entirely fitting that, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, while swearing in an obscene number of State Ministers including those who assaulted peaceful protestors at the Galle Face Green on May 9th 2022, had the profound gall to issue a directive this Friday instructing the ‘frugal’ manner in which state funds …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s political leadership must learn that, by forsaking the lessons that the first wave of protests have taught us, they risk second and third waves of far deadlier agitations.No one can say that they were not forewarned.’ »

By Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka When President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose political support base the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and its allies secured a two-thirds majority in Parliament and leveraged it to pass the hyper-centralising 20th Amendment to the Constitution, Sri Lanka had its most unipolar political moment since 1977-’78, which resulted in two civil wars …

Continue reading ‘The SLPP-led coalition is shattered and now the SLPP itself has suffered a schism. The ruling party, no longer a ruling coalition, is barely clinging to a simple majority in Parliament. In a clearly positive development, a significant centre-left space has reopened in Sri Lankan politics.’ »

By Sandun Jayawardana The arrest of a prominent ‘aragalaya’ activist and a contentious debate on malnutrition among the country’s mothers and children saw sparks fly between the government and opposition benches in Parliament this week. The arrest of award-winning actress Damitha Abeyratne, who had been at the forefront of the ‘aragalaya’ (struggle), saw opposition MPs …

Continue reading ‘Sparks fly in Parliament as Opposition Raised the Issue of \ The arrest of award-winning actress Damitha Abeyratne who had been at the forefront of the ‘aragalaya’ (struggle),’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has brought us to a crisis that seems worse than what the politicians did by bringing us to bankruptcy. It is the process of recovery – with that shaky pledge of US $ 2.9 billion in four years, to overcome the unprecedented economic turmoil.Among the IMF aims …

Continue reading ‘The International Monetary Fund (IMF) may be the new divinity, saint, aacharya, sacred preacher or teacher in this fight against corruption in Sri Lanka.’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued on Behalf of the Ilankai Thamilarasu Katchi (ITAK)Youth Front, Justice for All and the Alliance of Trade Union & Mass organisations) An island-wide signature campaign has been launched calling for the repeal of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) brought in 1979 as a temporary provisions Act for six …

Continue reading ‘Island-wide signature campaign calling for the repeal of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to Commence from Kankesanthurai in the North to Hambantota in the South’ »

By M.M.Zuhair At a time when the country is increasingly dependent on the assistance of foreign countries to tackle the deepening economic crisis and the steeply rising cost of living, the Government must objectively address the human rights concerns alleged against Sri Lanka in the UN Human Rights Council (UN HRC) commencing sittings in Geneva. …

Continue reading ‘How can the Government delegation to UNHRC now refuse UNHRC mechanism to gather evidence of human rights violations in Sri Lanka having in 2019 allowed foreign agencies to investigate 21/4 Easter Sunday attacks?’ »

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasised that all authorities should make every effort to utilise public funds spent by the Government in a frugal and efficient manner, taking into account the severe economic difficulties that the Government has to face in the current economic and social climatallocated e of the country. President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake has …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe Imposes Strictures on all 37 newly Appointed State Ministers in a bid to Utilise Public Fubds Frugally amidst Economic Crisis; separate Expenditure Head will not be Allpcared to State Ministries’ »

By Meenakshi Ganguly South Asia Director h-Human Rights Watch On Thursday, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed 37 new ministers to his government. In the latest alarming indication that his new administration is not committed to protecting human rights, ending impunity, or upholding the rule of law, three of the appointees are implicated in serious …

Continue reading ‘Appointment of Lohan Ratwatte,Sanath Nishantha and Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillaiyan as State Ministers Critized by Human Rights Watch; all three are allegedly implicated in Human rights Abuses charges HRW’ »

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed the Ministry of Public Administrations & Home Affairs to declare September 19 a day of mourning in view of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. A statement from the president’s office said on Friday September 09 that the national flag will be hoisted at half-mast.

By Suhasini Haidar India announced a day of National Mourning on Sunday, September 11, to mark the passing of the Queen of United Kingdom, Elizabeth II. The government announced the day of mourning on Friday, adding that President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent condolence messages to the U.K. royal …

Continue reading ‘India announces a day of National Mourning on Sunday, September 11, to mark the passing of the Queen of United Kingdom, Elizabeth II;As per the protocol, the National Flag would be flown at half-mast on Sunday and there will be no official entertainment that day.’ »

(Text of Editorial in “The Guardian” headlined “The Guardian view on the death of Queen Elizabeth II: the end of an era”) News of Queen Elizabeth’s death was not wholly unexpected. She lived to the great age of 96. After enjoying markedly good health for so long, the oldest monarch in British history had recently …

Continue reading ‘“The Queen’s life spanned the entire history of modern Britain. She was born when Britain ruled a global empire of some 600 million people. She died when Britain was a medium-sized northern European country with an uncertain future”- The Guardian’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera A request by Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa from Leader of the House Minister Susil Premajayantha to take necessary steps to release actress and activist Damitha Abeyratne ignited a heated debate between the Opposition and Government in Parliament yesterday (8). Abeyratne, who was arrested by the Police on …

Continue reading ‘Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa Urges Release of Actress cum Aragalaya Activist Damitha Abeyratne and Ignites Heated Argument in Parliament with Prasanna Ranatunga,Namal Rajapaksa and KPS Kumarasiri’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka on Thursday appointed 37 State ministers, including one from the Rajapaksa family, as President Ranil Wickremesinghe expanded his government amid efforts to set the country’s battered economy on a recovery path. Barring a few, all newly appointed ministers, including some tainted by allegations of corruption and violence, are from the …

Continue reading ‘Barring a few, all newly appointed State ministers, including some tainted by allegations of corruption and violence, are from the Rajapaksas’ Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) or its long-time allies.’ »

By Caroline Davies Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has died at the age of 96. Prince Charles, 73, heir to the throne since the age of three, is now king, and the Duchess of Cornwall is now Queen Consort. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral …

Continue reading ‘Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history dies peacefully at Balmoral Castle at the age of 96.;Prince Charles, 73, is now King, Charles 111 and the Duchess of Cornwall is now Queen Consort.’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda The Court of Appeal today issued notices on Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha to appear in court on September 13 over two contempt of court cases filed by two lawyers. The lawyers Vijitha Kumara and Priyalal Sirisena had filed these applications against Puttlalam District Parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha for committing …

Continue reading ‘Court of Appeal issues notices on Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) parliamentarian and Newly Appointed State Minister Sanath Nishantha to appear in court on September 13 over two contempt of court cases filed by two lawyers.’ »

37 State Ministers were sworn in before President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat in the morning of September 8th 2022. Sri Lanka Freedom Party Parliamentarians Jagath Pushpakumara, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Chamara Sampath Dasanayake and Lasantha Alagiyawanna have taken oaths as State Ministers before the President The Sworn in State Miisters and the portfolios assigned Jagath …

Continue reading ‘37 State Ministers Sworn in Before President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sep 8th; Rajapaksas Begin Return to Govt with Shasheendra Rajapaksa becoming Irrigation State Minister;Majority of ministers are from the SLPP.’ »

(Text of Speech made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the 76th anniversary celebrations of the United National Party (UNP held at the Sugathadasa Indoor stadium on September 6th 2022). “We have gathered today for the party’s anniversary celebrations, for the first time, after the Covid-19 pandemic. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to …

Continue reading ‘“ I am facing a different situation to what other UNP leaders had to face I have no UNP government. I have no UNP parliament team..Today, we have to all come together in governing this country and with the support of several other parties, including the SLPP”- President Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

The next objective of the “aragalaya” (struggle) should be to build new leaders to be sent to Parliament, stated “aragalaya” leaders. Dr. Pathum Kerner, a prominent figure amidst the “GotaGoHome” campaign, which sought to hold former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa accountable for his perceived mistakes, said that the next struggle should be to build new leaders …

Continue reading ‘“The Next Objective of the “Aragalaya” (Struggle)Must be to Build a new Leadership and send 100 Brand New Faces to Parliament” suggests Dr. Pathum Kerner of “Gota Go Home”Protest Fame’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “The Basil Rajapaksa faction…were demanding positions as state ministers…with perks and privileges (including) one private secretary, one media secretary, and three coordinating secretaries. All are entitled to separate vehicles… State ministers are also entitled to five office staff members, three vehicles, and other perks and privileges enjoyed by the ministers.” – The …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe’s tax proposals constitute a commendable first step. These are probably the most progressive taxation measures proposed by a Lankan administration in decades’ »

Sri Lanka had no practice of revealing International Monetary Fund programs to parliament early and tax changes can only be revealed to the parliament at the time of implementation, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said. Sri Lanka has had 16 IMF programs in the past after balance of payments trouble was triggered by Sri Lanka’s …

Continue reading ‘Central Bank Governor States that there is no Practice of Revealing IMF programs to Parliament early; “Memorandum of Economic Policies signed between IMF and Finance Minister “has never been tabled in the parliament to my knowledge and has not even been submitted to the cabinet” says Dr.Nandalal Weerasinghe’ »

By Yohan Perera Highlighting that a ‘Devani Aragalaya’ (A second struggle) will be launched for a systems change shortly, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the parties will finalise an agreement on the proposed National Council. Speaking during a gathering held to mark the 76th anniversary of UNP, the President said Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena had informed …

Continue reading ‘“We will begin a ‘Devani Aragalaya’ (Second Struggle)to bring in vast reforms shortly. I won’t live to see the country reaping the harvest of these changes. However I intend to build a better nation for the future generations”says President Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

The United National Party’s (UNP) 76th anniversary was held yesterday (6) at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the first time in 28 years that the UNP celebrated its anniversary with its leader as the President of Sri Lanka. “Let’s Build Together” was the theme of this year’s UNP anniversary, …

Continue reading ‘United National Party’s 76th Anniversary celebrated with the theme “let us Build Together” at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo with Party Leader President Ranil Wickremesinghe Presiding over Ceremonies’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Linking Sri Lanka’s past record on human rights record to its current economic crisis, the U.N. Human Rights Chief on Tuesday said “impunity” for human rights abuses, economic crimes, and corruption was the “underlying” reason for the country’s collapse. A report from the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, released days ahead …

Continue reading ‘Undedrlying Reasons for Sri Lanka’s economic Collapse are past impunity for human rights abuses, economic crimes and Corruption ’ says UN Human Rights Commissioner Michele Bachelet in UNHRC Report’ »

By Max Colchester and David Luhnow Liz Truss became Britain’s third prime minister in just over three years on Tuesday, taking power in a nation that faces a toxic brew of looming recession, high inflation, a historic energy price shock, and a sinking currency. Ms. Truss, 47, met Queen Elizabeth II in Balmoral, Scotland, to …

Continue reading ‘“As strong as the storm may be, I know that the British people are stronger,” says Britain’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss in a brief address to the nation as Country faces looming recession, high inflation, a historic energy price shock, and a sinking currency.’ »

Declinism, that dull fear of Britain’s sunset, has shaped the country’s post-war politics. It propelled Harold Macmillan’s wish to enter the European Economic Community, the eu’s precursor, and fuelled Margaret Thatcher’s economic revolution. And now it has helped Liz Truss into Downing Street. On September 5th Ms Truss was declared the winner of the ballot …

Continue reading ‘“What kind of prime minister will Liz Truss be? Britain’s new Leader is a small-state conservative in a big-state era”-The Economist’ »

Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe recently told a forum of Members of Parliament that the crisis-led hardships must be faced by the rich as well, not just by the poor. “If the economic difficulties faced by low-income groups increase, such groups may take to the streets and because of this, riots may occur in …

Continue reading ‘Central Bank Governor Dr.Nandalal Weerasinghe Tells Sri Lankan Parliamentarians that Rich people must bear hardships caused by the Economic Crisis and not Poor People alone ;low-income groups should be protected and money should be allocated for social security networks.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Ahead of the UN Human Rights Chief’s latest report on Sri Lanka, and a likely resolution at the coming session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Sri Lankan government reiterated that it would not accept any external mechanism on war-time accountability. Addressing a media conference in Colombo on Monday, Minister …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan govt reiterates that it would not accept any external mechanism on war-time accountability; “But external mechanism, we are not agreeable… because our Constitution does not allow that,” Says Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, without elaborating on the constitutional provisions that prohibit it.’ »

By Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka Watching Mikhail Gorbachev at the World Festival of Youth and Students in the Summer of 1985, I had a thought which I later recorded in an article in the Sri Lankan newspapers. I felt, and wrote, that “at last we have a Soviet leader we do not have to be embarrassed about”. …

Continue reading ‘Mikhail Gorbachev was a tender-minded tragic figure who by his inexplicable confusion and conversion assisted the suicide of the Soviet Union as a superpower.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake Ranjan Ramanayake’s refusal to accept any official position shows a commitment to independent action after gaining limited freedom from imprisonment. The limited freedom that Ranjan has received with no civic rights is in fact a huge insult to one who has been an active politician elected to parliament by the people with …

Continue reading ‘Ranjan Ramanayake’s release and the cases against him on Contempt of Court certainly raises many issues about how our legal system covers or addresses the subject of Contempt.’ »

In what could be called a spontaneous outpouring of gratitude, huge number of Sri Lankans from all walks of life came together and filled the Grand Marquee to thank India for all of the support extended to Sri Lanka towards overcoming the economic obstacles the country has been facing. In attendance was The High Commissioner …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankans from different Walks of Live Gather in Large Numbers in an Expression of Gratitude to Thank India for all of the support extended to Sri Lanka towards overcoming the economic obstacles the country has been facing in Recent Times’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene For a President once feted as a war hero, to creep back stealthily to a country that he fled from in panic as the angry public roared outside his gates less than two months ago, is classic filmfare. Losing the dignity of citizenship But this is not the stuff of celluloid. …

Continue reading ‘Life may have resumed as normal for many. But the poor are squeezed just that little bit more and worse is anticipated, all in the name of economic reforms to return Sri Lanka from bankruptcy. On its part, the State has regrouped, predictably using all the formidable weapons in its arsenal.’ »

By Sandun Jayawardana President and Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s interim budget, with ambitious goals of significantly increasing government revenue and reducing public debt by 2025, was passed by Parliament on Friday (2) in a vote where many in the opposition chose to abstain. National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake asked for a division …

Continue reading ‘President and Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Succeeds in Getting interim budget passed with 115 Majority; 120 MPs from Different Parties Vote for while 5 from JVP and ACTC vote against.Most MPs Abstain or are Absent’ »

By Marianne David “We have to adopt multiple approaches to get more efficient State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs),” said LIRNEasia Chairman Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, in an interview with The Sunday Morning, outlining ways in which SOE reforms could be carried out to enable Sri Lanka’s recovery. While welcoming the move to establish an SOE Restructuring Unit as …

Continue reading ‘“We have to adopt multiple approaches to get more efficient State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs),” says LIRNEasia Chairman Prof. Rohan Samarajiva; outlines ways in which SOE reforms could be carried out to enable Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.’ »

By Asiri Fernando Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (GR) will be given a security detail in accordance with the Constitution following a threat assessment, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles said yesterday (3). “He will be offered a security detail from the Police and the Army in accordance with the privileges of an Executive President. Sri …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be given a security detail from the Police and the Army in accordance with the privileges of an Executive President says Public Security Minister Tiran Alles’ »

By R.K.Radhakrishnan Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Colombo’s Bandaranaike International airport exactly the same way he left the country seven weeks ago—under cover of darkness and shrouded in secrecy—aided by Sinhalese politicians who closed ranks. Just past midnight on September 3, a Singapore Airlines flight brought the former President back to his …

Continue reading ‘Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrives in Colombo’s Bandaranaike International airport under cover of darkness and is whisked away in a heavily guarded convoy of vehicles after Sri Lankan Ministers garland and welcome him back,’ »

Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday returned to the country from Thailand, nearly two months after he fled the country following a massive uprising against his government over the island nation’s worst-ever economic crisis. Mr. Rajapaksa, 73, fled the country on July 13 after months-long mass public demonstrations demanding his immediate resignation on …

Continue reading ‘Ex-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa Returns to Sri Lanka From Thailand by Singapore Airlines Flight; ariives at Katunayake Airport amidst tight security ;welcomed by SLPP MPs ,ministers and ex-ministers who take him to Colombo in a motorcade’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Citing media reports of a Chinese firm investing in a sea cucumber farm in Pungudutivu, off Jaffna Peninsula in northern Sri Lanka, local fishermen have raised concern over its potential impact on their livelihoods, marine ecosystem, and land. “We recognise the need for investment in our war-affected region, but the sea cucumber …

Continue reading ‘Envisaged sea cucumber farm project with Chinese Investment in Pungudutivu off Jaffna Peninsula Causes local fishermen to raise concerns over its potential impact on their livelihoods, marine ecosystem, and land.’ »

(Text of speech made in Parliament by TNA Jaffna District Parliamentarian M.A.Sumanthiran on 01st September 2022 during the interim budget debate) நன்றி பிரதித் தவிசாளர் அவர்களே, எனக்கு முன்னதாக பேசிய அமைச்சர் யாழ்ப்பாண பிரதேசத்திலே வெங்காய உற்பத்தியைப் பற்றிச் சொன்னார், மண்ணெண்ணெய் அவர்களுக்கு கொடுக்க வேண்டும் என்று பேசினார், ஆனால் இன்றைக்கு இரண்டு மாதங்களுக்கு மேலாக மண்ணெண்ணெய் இல்லாமல் அவஸ்தை படுகிறார்கள். விவசாயிகள் நீர் இறைக்கிற இயந்திரத்திற்கு மண்ணெண்ணெய் …

Continue reading ‘“Why has President Wickremesinghe signed the three Detention orders under the PTA in Sinhala instead of Signing in English as he normally does? Is there a change in personality? Is he appealing to some sections in the country by signing in Sinhala and that too on detention orders? -MA Sumanthiran’ »

An IMF mission led by Peter Breuer and Masahiro Nozaki visited Colombo from August 24 to September 1, 2022 to continue discussions on IMF support for Sri Lanka and the authorities’ comprehensive economic reform program. At the end of the mission, Messrs. Breuer and Nozaki issued the following statement: “The Sri Lankan authorities and the …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Reaches Staff Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund subject to the approval by IMF management and the Executive Board in the period ahead:IMF will Provide a new 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) amounting to US$2.9 billion’ »

By Imesh Ranasinghe Sri Lanka has only reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) prior to a staff-level agreement for an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), stated former Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Deputy Governor Dr. W.A. Wijewardena, clarifying a report by Reuters published yesterday (31 August). …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka has reached only a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) prior to a staff-level agreement for an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) states former Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Deputy Governor Dr. W.A. Wijewardena’ »

by Uditha Jayasinghe Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a preliminary agreement on an emergency loan to the crisis-hit country and a formal announcement will be made on Thursday, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. The debt-laden island nation had sought up to $3 billion from the global …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Reaches Preliminary Agreement with the International Monetary Fund(IMF); Formal Announcement likely to be made on Thursday Sep 1st’ »

Few moments better encapsulate the hope and hubris of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure binge, than the inauguration of Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port City in 2014. Xi Jinping, China’s president, attended in person, nodding approvingly as a project manager introduced the $15bn plan to build a high-tech offshore financial centre with a …

Continue reading ‘“Sri Lanka will be a critical test of Chinese willingness to co-ordinate with other lenders. The hope now for Sri Lanka is that Zambia’s deal has set a precedent for China to co-ordinate with other creditors”- The Economist’ »

By P.K.Balachandran The Jaffna University Students’ Union has lashed out at the Chinese envoy in Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, for extending support to the Sri Lankan government’s stand on the war crimes issue that is to come up for discussion at the UN Human Rights Council’s session in September. In an article sent to the …

Continue reading ‘Jaffna University Students’ Union Lashes out Against Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong at Media briefing;signing of agreement between Jaffna Agriculture faculty and Chinese Agricultural institute indefinitely postponed;Chinese envoy’s visit to Jaffna cancelled.’ »

The two great heroes in Mikhail Gorbachev’s pantheon were 19th-century socialist thinkers, Alexander Herzen and Vissarion Belinsky, whose main concerns were the dignity of the individual, and whose books he knew almost by heart. When they appeared on the Russian stage, in Tom Stoppard’s trilogy “The Coast of Utopia”, he went to see them. At …

Continue reading ‘Mikhail Gorbachev who ended the cold war was the last leader of the Soviet Union and the architect of its dissolution’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s economic crisis is a consequence of the corruption over two Rajapaksa regimes, said former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, admitting she is “thrilled” by the aragalaya or people’s movement that overthrew them recently. “When our systems have crashed and been destroyed consciously, how do you change things…the only way to change …

Continue reading ‘“I would say that the 225 MPs are hanging on by force. They do not have the people’s mandate anymore……… I fully agree that all 225 MPs must go and a new government with new faces and the right kind of vision must come to power.”- Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga in Interview with “The Hindu”’ »

By V.Thanabalasingham Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from the post of Prime Minister on May 9. On June 9, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa resigned as a Member of Parliament. Following a mass uprising on July 9, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left the Presidential Palace, flew abroad, and resigned from there. These three “9ths” have secured a permanent …

Continue reading ‘The political class as a whole is not going to let people’s power decide as to how they should act. Even though the opposition parties speak in support of the ‘Aragalaya’ movement, they still support the govt’s current repressive measures in their heart of hearts.’ »

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday rolled out sweeping reforms and relief via the mini-Budget to appease crisis-hit vulnerable groups as well as kick-start recovery in the economy. The interim Budget was replete with reforms, especially in the public sector and included mandatory exit by December by all Government and semi-Government employees who are over 60 years …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe rolls out sweeping reforms and relief via mini-Budget to appease crisis-hit vulnerable groups;“I am well aware of the difficulties faced by many due to the ongoing crisis.That’s why I decided to cut some of the capital expenditure and find room to provide enhanced support for vulnerable communities,” Ranil Tells Parliament.’ »

By P.K.Balachandran Sri Lanka’s interim budget presented by President cum Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in parliament here on Tuesday, is intended to lay the foundation for a progressive economy even as it provides a buffer to the poor who are bearing the brunt of the current unprecedented economic crisis. “The Interim Budget is basic to …

Continue reading ‘President cum Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Presents Sri Lanka’s interim budget which is intended to lay the foundation for a progressive economy even as it provides a buffer to the poor who are bearing the brunt of the current unprecedented economic crisis.’ »

By Jehan Perera The ruling party has requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to facilitate the return of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the country and his appointment as prime minister. The former president left the country when large numbers of protestors who had been actively protesting against the economic collapse and corruption in the country took …

Continue reading ‘The ongoing crackdown on the protest movement needs to cease. Its excessive nature is discrediting the government in the eyes of the international community as well as within the country. The blame for this is falling squarely on the president’ »

By Nisthar Cassim Saddled with nearly half a trillion rupee accumulated losses and $ 1 billion in debt and dues, SriLankan Airlines Group is to be restructured inviting foreign operators to take up 49% equity stake and management to ensure the national carrier no longer becomes a burden on the public. Ports, Shipping and Aviation …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Airlines Group to be restructured by inviting foreign operators to take up 49% equity stake and management;Govt Unable to fund Loss making National Carrier any longer’ »

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday in Parliament defended the decision to increase electricity tariffs, citing spendthrift generation plans and unsuitable policies adopted by successive governments pushed for the inevitable upward adjustments. Speaking during an adjournment debate on electricity tariff hike, he pointed out that electricity users would not have been shocked if timely …

Continue reading ‘Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera defends decision to increase electricity tariffs, citing spendthrift generation plans and unsuitable policies adopted by successive governments pushed for the inevitable upward adjustments.’ »

By Col R.Hariharan (The writer is a retired military intelligence specialist on South Asia associated with the Chennai Centre for China Studies) The controversial visit of China’s “spy ship” Yuan Wang-5 to Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port from August 16 to 22 is perhaps Sri Lanka’s most commented news story, next only to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s …

Continue reading ‘Indian Media had analyses of how Yuan Wang-5 berthing in Hambantota would compromise the security of India’s naval bases and satellite and missile launch sites The plain truth is Yuan Wang-5 is capable of carrying out all these actions even without docking in Hambantota port.’ »

By Asiri Fernando Sri Lankan politicians need to come together to form a credible government that can regain international confidence to lead the country to recovery, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader and Opposition Member of Parliament Mano Ganesan told The Sunday Morning. The trilingual member from Colombo stressed that the silver lining during the current …

Continue reading ‘“We want the 13th Amendment to be fully implemented. We want Sri Lanka to be constitutionally recognised as multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious in nature. My view, which is now picking up support, is that Sri Lanka should be a secular state.”- TPA Leader Mano Ganesan’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray Crisis and turmoil are probably the opposite of sun and sand. The very whiff of these words associated with a country in the news deters most travellers from visiting even the most beguiling of destinations. The discerning traveller, however, spots opportunity, for not all crises are equal. Some can, in fact, …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka is in an economic crisis, there’s no reason to deny it. And yet, Sri Lanka stands firm, unbowed and continues to smile despite trade imbalance, shortage of fuel, gas and fertiliser, and other hardships.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene The 1970s-1980’s Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) playbook wielded with consummate skill by his uncle Junius Richard will not work in modern-day Sri Lanka, President Ranil Wickremesinghe must be categorically told. Absurd actions of the State In fact, the comedy of errors where well-known sports champions to well-meaning citizens who provided food …

Continue reading ‘President Ranil Wickremesinghe must be categorically told that the 1970s-1980’s Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) playbook wielded by his uncle JR Jayewardene , will not work in modern-day Sri Lanka.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sharply reacting to recent remarks of the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, on the controversial visit of a Chinese military vessel from August 16 to 22, the Indian mission in Colombo said they “violated basic diplomatic etiquette” and “gave away” the purpose of the vessel’s visit. In a strongly worded Twitter thread …

Continue reading ‘Indian High Commission in Colombo Responds Strongly to Chinese Envoy’s Article in Sri Lankan Media Saying “His violation of basic diplomatic etiquette may be a personal trait or reflecting a larger national attitude”’ »

After serving one year and seven months of a four-year prison sentence, popular actor and former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake walked out of the Welikada Prison and into the arms of an adoring crowd on Friday (26). Mr Ramanayake walked out a free man after President Ranil Wickremesinghe granted a conditional presidential …

Continue reading ‘“I can’t speak like I used to on certain issues as there is a risk of the suspended prison sentence against me being reactivated and me being sent back to prison for a further five years,” says Ranjan Ramanayake’ »

The Japanese embassy has requested the Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) to refund the money spent for the import of four reconditioned waste-collection trucks after the project was delayed for more than three years. The embassy has written to the council to refund Rs 14.3 million (USD 83,432) which was given for the import of the …

Continue reading ‘Japanese Embassy Asks Jaffna Municipal Council to Refund Rs 14,329,446 Given in 2019 to Purchase four reconditioned waste-collection trucks ;”greatly regrettable that the project has already been three years late over the schedule and you were unable to implement the project,” the embassy informs Mayor V. Manivannan on the cancellation of the project.’ »

(Text of Statement issued by the Police explaining the reasons for arresting Wasantha Mudalige, Hashan Jeewantha Gunathilaka and Galwewa Siridamma Thera under provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979) On 18.08.2022, Mudalige Wasantha Kumara of Ulpatha Niwasa, Dambana, Mahiyanganaya and Gunathilaka Siriwardanalage Hashan Jeewantha Gunathilaka of Mathupola, Pallama were …

Continue reading ‘Police explainin the reasons for arresting Wasantha Mudalige, Hashan Jeewantha Gunathilaka and Galwewa Siridamma Thera under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) No. 48 of 1979)’ »

Former MP and State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake was freed yesterday from prison after a conditional pardon by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, MPs Nalin Bandara and Harshana Rajakaruna were present outside the Welikada prison along with supporters to welcome him. Ramanayake who was serving a four-year …

Continue reading ‘Former MP and State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake walks out a free man after being released from a 4 year rigorous imprisonment sentence; President Wickremesinghe grants conditional pardon stipulating that Ramanayake should not make any statement critical or derogatory of the entire judiciary in future.’ »

by Qi Zhenhong (This article written by Mr. Qi Zhenhong the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka was first published in the “Sri Lanka Guardian”) In recent days, two pieces of news related to China have widely caught the eyes in Sri Lanka. Early this month, after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s sneaky visit to China’s …

Continue reading ‘China always supports Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integritywhile some countries,far or near, always make various groundless excuses to bully Sri Lanka and trample on Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and independence repeatedly.’ »

BY Lakmal Sooriyagoda The Colombo Fort Magistrate today issued an order directing the CID to conduct an investigation into a contemptuous statement alleged to have been made by Puttalam District Parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha. Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage ordered the CID to examine the video footage of a press conference attended by Sanath Nishantha in …

Continue reading ‘Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage issues order directing the CID to conduct an investigation into a contemptuous statement allegedly made at a press conference by Puttalam District Parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha Following Submissions made by President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya’ »

Four suspects have been arrested by the Kolonna police over setting ablaze a luxury hotel owned by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s youngest son Rohitha Rajapaksa on May 10. Police said the suspects were arrested on Monday and Tuesday for stealing items and setting on fire to the ‘Green Eco Lodge’ Hotel on May 10 situated …

Continue reading ‘Four Suspects Arrested by Police for burning down on May 10 the ‘Green Eco Lodge’ Hotel in Kolonna that was Owned by Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Youngest son Rohitha who is unemployed and whose sources of income Remain a mystery’ »

BY Aloka Kasturiarachchi The Police raided a press conference called by the Inter University Student Federation at the CSR in Maradana yesterday (23). The press conference was called to mark the united opposition of political parties, trade unions, public organisations and social activists against the detention of the three student leaders, Wasantha Mudalige, Galwewa Siridhamma …

Continue reading ‘Police Storm Into Press Conference Held at CSR in Maradana to Protest Against Detention of Three IUSF Activists Stating they Want to Arrest Eranga Gunasekara the National Organiser of the Socialist Youth Union without possessing a Valid Arrest Warrant’ »

By Devaka Gunawardena During periods of great upheaval, dividing lines between allies and enemies are redrawn. The reaction to the 9 July uprising in Sri Lanka is an example. The polarisation between progressive and reactionary forces has become clearer. But to develop its implications, it helps to insert it into the narrative of universal history, …

Continue reading ‘The 9 July Uprising may not have ended in the victory progressives anticipated. But efforts to draw out its lessons and to shift the battle onto a higher plane are not over’ »

We (The Economist) interviewed the president of Sri Lanka in Colombo on August 14th 2022. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. The Economist: Thank you very much for taking the time to see us, Mr Wickremesinghe. The last time we were here was three weeks ago, when it was obvious that this …

Continue reading ‘“It’s not worth dragging this out.Take a deep cut, but ensure that you can get recovery going. So…when you make changes, make it deep, make all the changes you have to make and then allow it to come up…”- President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Interview with “The Economist”’ »

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe met visiting International Monetary Fund team for a round of discussions as the country tries to strike a staff level agreement with a credible economic program to negotiate with creditors to re-structure their debt. Senior Mission chief Peter Breuer, who is an expert in debt re-structuring, Sri Lanka mission chief …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe has discussions with visiting International Monetary Fund team to reach a staff level agreement with a credible economic program to negotiate with creditors to re-structure their debt.’ »

Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the President had granted his consent to a 90-day Detention Order (DO) for interrogation as per the PTA, against IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige, based on submissions made to him by the Security Forces. He said according to the Police, there has been a …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe granted his consent to a 90-day Detention Order (DO) for interrogation under the PTA, against IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige, based on submissions made to him by the Security Forces Reveals Justice Minister Dr.Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’ »

– The Government has slapped a temporary ban on the import of products from over 360 categories in a bid to save foreign exchange and support local manufacturers. The move was announced via special regulations yesterday under the Imports and Exports Control Act by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, …

Continue reading ‘Government Brings temporary ban with effect from Aug 23 on the import of products from over 360 categories in a bid to save foreign exchange and support local manufacturers.’ »

by Jehan Perera Early this year the government under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa amended the Prevention of Terrorism law. It accepted the position that the law was in violation of international standards and wanted to show it was committed to improving its human rights record. The ground was set to mitigate the pressures from the UN …

Continue reading ‘The use of the PTA after the government committed itself to discontinuing its use is a betrayal of trust that will not gain it the trust of the people but their antipathy.’ »

(Text of statement issued by the People’s Alliance on Right to Land (PARL) on 24th August, 2022) Chinthaka Rajapakse, a convenor of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Rights and Reform (MONLAR), was arrested on the 18th of August 2022 for participating in a peaceful protest organized by the Inter University Students Federation. He was …

Continue reading ‘People’s Alliance on Right to Land (PARL) demands the immediate and unconditional release of Activist Chinthaka Rajapakse and all others arrested with him at the peaceful protests on 18th August.’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando General Secretary of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Sagara Kariyawasam, MP, yesterday (23) said that there should be no holds barred investigation into violence in the run-up to the May 09 incidents, at Galle Face, and outside Temple Trees, and after the resignation of the then Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa. SLPP …

Continue reading ‘“How could a public protest campaign, dubbed as peaceful, destroy 70 houses and 600 other properties belonging to as many as 72 MPs, within a matter of 24 hours? Asks SLPP Gen Secy Sagara Kariyawasam’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The Sri Lankan police on Monday confirmed the detention of three student activists under a dreaded anti-terrorism law, four days after arresting them at a protest held in capital Colombo. Local and international rights advocates have slammed the move, accusing the government of construing dissent as terrorism, even as Sri Lanka’s controversial …

Continue reading ‘Arrest and Detention of Three University Student Union Activists under the Draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act(PTA) Results in Widespread Critism of Wickremesinghe Govt’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “What are we supposed to do when the system consistently yields terrible candidates?” Nanjala Nyabola (The Kenyan Kakistocracy, The Nation, 12.8.2022) Most politicians have a questionable relationship with reality. The Rajapaksas operate in a reality that is all their own. Asked why brother Gotabaya fled the country, Mahinda Rajapaksa replied, “Who accuses …

Continue reading ‘The SLPP will not gain a majority in the next election. But it won’t be wiped out either. The Rajapaksa family party is likely to command a significant minority with around 20% of the vote, especially if Mahinda Rajapaksa leads the campaign.’ »

By Gamini Weerakoon (The writer is a former editor of The Sunday Island, The Island, and consultant editor of the Sunday Leader) President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken on the role of an alchemist of sorts. Ancient alchemists attempted to transform various metals called, base metals, as lead and copper by subjecting them to various treatment …

Continue reading ‘Wickremesinghe does not seem to have learnt a lesson from a basic mental aberration that the UNP suffers from: Crushing legitimate dissent by force using UNP thugs or security services has been one of the main reasons for the nemesis of the party,’ »

In a letter to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Dullas Alahpperuma says the Government is treating him and the Parliamentarians who supported him at the Presidential election in Parliament in a hostile manner. Alahapperuma noted in his letter that the Government has ensured it does not re-appoint MPs who supported …

Continue reading ‘SLPP Dissident MP Alahapperuma writes to Prime Minister Gunewardena Complaing of Discrimatory Treatment being meted out against MPs who supported him at the July 20 Presidential Election.’ »

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna says it has requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to facilitate the safe return of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa back to Sri Lanka. The SLPP said the request was made during a meeting between representatives of the SLPP and the President held on Thursday at the Presidential Secretariat. According to the SLPP, …

Continue reading ‘SLPP Delegation led by National Organizer Basil Rajapaksa Meets President Wickremesinghe and Requests him to Facilitate Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s safe Return to Sri Lanka :assures party’s fullest support to Ranil’s endeavours to ensure the recovery of Sri Lanka’s economy.’ »

On august 15th Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka’s president, travelled to the Katunayake air base near Colombo, the capital, to take delivery of a Dornier 228 maritime surveillance aircraft, a gift from India. The very next day, Yuan Wang 5, a Chinese surveillance ship, docked in the port of Hambantota, in the south, despite objections from …

Continue reading ‘“The arrival of a Chinese ship in Sri Lanka raises hackles in India; flip-flopping by Sri Lanka over Yuan Wang 5 irritates both China and India. ‘- The Economist’ »

By Jamila Husain Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who fled the country last month amidst public protests calling for his resignation, is awaiting to obtain a US Green Card to return back to the United States and settle there with his wife and son, the Daily Mirror learns. Highly placed sources said that Rajapaksa’s lawyers in …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa Likely to Return to Sri Lanka on Aug 25th From Thailand; will be Provided House and Security by State as a former President is entitled to; wants to go back to California after obtaining US Green Card’ »

By Shuvaloy Majumda and Vijay Sappani Sri Lanka is in deep turmoil; understanding this crisis is crucial for Canada’s wider interests in the Indo-Pacific. Prior to the upheaval, Sri Lanka had a thriving economy, among the best human development index scores in South Asia, and wide-ranging trade and preferential market agreements throughout the region and …

Continue reading ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka and countering China go hand in hand.And as home to the largest Sri Lankan diaspora in the world, Canada also carries a moral responsibility for Sri Lanka’s well-being.’ »

By Shuvaloy Majumdar and Vijay Sappani Sri Lanka is in deep turmoil; understanding this crisis is crucial for Canada’s wider interests in the Indo-Pacific. Prior to the upheaval, Sri Lanka had a thriving economy, among the best human development index scores in South Asia, and wide-ranging trade and preferential market agreements throughout the region and …

Continue reading ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka and countering China go hand in hand.And as home to the largest Sri Lankan diaspora in the world, Canada also carries a moral responsibility for Sri Lanka’s well-being.’ »

Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannon on a small protest yesterday to break up the first demonstration since the crisis-hit island nation lifted a state of emergency. This year, an unprecedented economic collapse has often sparked massive anti-Government rallies after months of hardship caused by shortages of essential goods, rolling blackouts and …

Continue reading ‘Police use Tear Gas and Water Cannon to Disperse Protest Demonstration Organized by the Inter-University Student Federation;Six persons including Wasantha Mudalige taken into custody’ »