By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham Whither politics of Tamil nationalism? What is the future of Tamil nationalist politics in Sri Lanka? This question, which has arisen in the aftermath of the recent Parliamentary Elections, should not be viewed simply in terms of the future electoral prospects of Tamil parties. It is a question related to the anxiety …

Continue reading ‘As a result of the Tamil nationalist parties splitting and contesting elections as different factions, the parliamentary representation of Tamils ​​from the north and east has been weakened even more than before. Tamil politicians had ignored the warnings given in advance in this regard.’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham Among the many historic ‘firsts’ that the November 2024 Parliamentary Elections witnessed, two achievements by the National People’s Power (NPP) have evinced the most attention. The NPP’s landslide victory marks the first time since the introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system in Sri Lanka that a single party or alliance …

Continue reading ‘The Tamil people had no other choice but to turn to the NPP because there was no political force among them that could lead them on a practical and sensible political path as an alternative to the Tamil parties.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj There is magic in the air! The country is in a festive mood. The toast of the town is a man called Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is the leader of two political parties namely the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna(JVP) and National People’s Power(NPP). AKD as he is popularly known was the victor in a …

Continue reading ‘JVP, NPP and the Astounding Political Ascent of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj (The 35th anniversary of the “Maaveerar Naal”(Great Heroes Day) is on 27 November 2024) November 27, 1989, was the day on which the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) first observed its annual “Maaveerar Naal” or Great Heroes Day (GHD). The event continues to be observed in Sri Lanka and by sections of …

Continue reading ‘The Birth and Growth of the “Maaveerar Naal” (Great Heroes Day) Event.’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray This will be my first Christmas without my father, Eric Cooray, who passed away three months ago. Life has felt strange since that inevitable moment, one I always dreaded, while never anticipating just how difficult his loss would be to accept. Almost every day starts and ends with thoughts of my …

Continue reading ‘Remembering my father Eric Cooray for his unwavering faith, calm demeanour, and boundless kindness’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்க ; இலங்கை வானில் ‘ இடதுசாரி ‘ நட்சத்திரம் – 6 ஜனதா விமுக்தி பெரமுனவினதும் ( ஜே.வி.பி.) தேசிய மக்கள் சக்தியினதும் தலைவர் அநுரா குமார திசாநாயக்க 2019 நவம்பர் ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலில் திசைகாட்டி சின்னத்தில் போட்டியிட்டார். வெறுமனே 418, 553 ( 3.16 சதவீதம் ) வாக்குகளைப் பெற்று மிகவும் அவர் பின்தங்கிய ஒரு மூன்றாவது இடத்துக்கு வந்தார். மோசமான தோல்வியைக் கண்டு அவர் துவண்டு போகவில்லை. …

Continue reading ‘3 சதவீதத்தில் இருந்து 42 சதவீதமாக பதினான்கு மடங்கு பாய்ச்சலில் அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்க எவ்வாறு ஜனாதிபதி பதவியை வென்றெடுத்தார்?’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The National People’s Power(NPP) known in Sinhala as Jathika Jana Balawegaya(JJB) and Theseeya Makkal Sakthi(TMS) in Tamil has recorded a historic victory in the Parliamentary elections held on 14 November 2024. The NPP is a coalition of 21 political entities and trade unions of which the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna(JVP) is the chief constituent. …

Continue reading ‘Anura “Alai”(Wave) Engulfs the Tamil Nationalist Stronghold of Jaffna. JVP/NPP Comes First in Jaffna with Three of Six Seats’ »

(Full Text of Address Delivered by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on 21 November 2024 at the Inauguration of the First Session of the Tenth Parliament) Today is an exceptionally significant day in the history of our Parliament. For decades, political power in our country shifted back and forth between two main camps. However, during the …

Continue reading ‘“Today, all communities across all provinces have trusted us and granted us this power. It is with profound gratitude that I extend my deepest respect and thanks to the people who trusted us.”-President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Anura Kumara Dissanayake ; “Leftist” Star Rises Over Sri Lanka-PART SIX The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna(JVP)and National People’s Power(NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake contested the 2019 presidential election under the compass symbol.He finished a poor third with 418,553(3.16%) votes. Anura refused to be cowed down by that crushing defeat. AKD refurbished his image and …

Continue reading ‘How Anura Kumara Dissanayake Won the Presidency in a Fourteen Fold Quantum Leap from 3% in 2019 to 42% in 2024.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Wishes come true Not free.” (Stephen Sondheim, In to the Woods) The Grimm version is known wider but the Turkish one cuts deeper. In both tales, the boy goes in search of fear and finds a crown. In the Grimm version, fear comes when a pail of cold water full of tiny …

Continue reading ‘The breadth and the depth of the NPP/JVP’s parliamentary victory is unimagined and unimaginable in rational and historical terms. The new govt has enough power to do everything it has promised from alleviating economic misery and ending corruption to abolishing the executive presidency and enacting a new constitution.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna [JVP or People’s Liberation Front], which leads Sri Lanka’s ruling National People’s Power [NPP], could not have risen to power without widening its appeal and building a mass support base over the last few years, and the current political moment affords the party a chance to rewrite its …

Continue reading ‘“Marxism is not a set philosophy. It is really about providing answers to people’s problems at a particular time and context. We are committed to doing that through development, eliminating rural poverty, rooting out political corruption, achieving social justice and national unity We want to build a clean and beautiful Sri Lanka.” – JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva.’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray For the first time since the enactment of the 1978 Constitution and the advent of the system of proportional representation, the Sri Lankan people have united to confer a two-third majority of its legislative power to a single party, Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power. It also marks the first time …

Continue reading ‘The Historic 2024 Parliamentary Election marks the first time that Sri Lankans of all ethnicities across the country spoke with a single voice, and placed their faith in a single leader- Anura Kumara Dissanayake’ »

By Maneshka Borham President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) has achieved a landmark victory in the 2024 Parliamentary Election on Thursday, securing an impressive 159 seats and a commanding supermajority in Parliament. Apart from emerging as the unifying force of Sri Lanka especially winning districts in North and East except Batticaloa, this election …

Continue reading ‘President Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led National People’s Power Emerges as the Unifying Force of Sri Lanka’ »

Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power of President Anura Dissanayake has swept the 2024 parliamentary elections raking in a two thirds majority winning 159 out of 225 seats in the assembly. The NPP painted the island winning across ethnicities and religious groups and made history winning the Northern Jaffna district. Since the preferential votes started under …

Continue reading ‘President AK Dissanayake’s JVP led NPP With 159 Seats Makes History as First Party to get Two-thirds Majority under PR Voting System ; SJB -40,ITAK-8,NDF/UNP-6,SLPP-3,SLMC-3, One MP each for ACMC, DTNA, SB, ACTC, SLLP&Independent Group 14’ »

By Shihar Aneez Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election results showed unity among the island nation’s different ethnic and religious people in backing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s request for a clean parliament, but a weaker opposition that could threaten the country’s fragile democracy. President Dissanayake’s Marxists Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led ruling National People’s Power (NPP) recorded a …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Majority Sinhalese as well as Minority Tamils and Muslims Unitedly Responding Positively to President Dissanayake’s Call for a Clean Parliament by Electing 159 MPs but Depleted Weak Opposition may Threaten Fragile Democracy’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Gaza was the first time I held a baby’s brains in my hand. The first of many.” – Dr. Mark Perlmutter, orthopaedic and hand surgeon (Open letter from American medical professionals who served in Gaza https://www.gazahealthcareletters.org/usa-letter-oct-2-2024) Last December, a group of ultra-religious Israeli soldiers turned a Palestinian home in the Gaza city …

Continue reading ‘Who is the mysterious Israeli staying in Arugam Bay for the last three years who has been provided with special security consisting of two members of the MSD, two army soldiers, several members of the police, and civil defence force?’ »

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power is heading for a landslide in the 2024 parliamentary elections, and is on track for a two – thirds majority, results released so far show. The NPP contesting under its Malimawa also became the largest party in Jaffna, overtaking traditional parties in the area, radically improving …

Continue reading ‘President Anura Dissanayake’s National People’s Power Contesting Under Compass Symbol Heads for Landslide Victory with Two-Thirds Majority: JVPled NPP Wins 65% of Votes Declared so far’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Thursday (November 14, 2024) said he expects his National People’s Power (NPP) alliance to secure a “strong presence” in Parliament to steer the island nation ahead with a “new political culture”. Addressing the media after casting his vote in the island nation’s general elections, Mr. …

Continue reading ‘President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says The NPP will Will Run a Government that is Accepted by People in the North,, South,East and West” of Sri Lanka; Hopes to Steer Island Nation ahead with a New Political Culture and Strong Presence in Parliament’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday (November 10, 2024) assured Tamils that their land —currently held by state agencies — will be returned by his government. Mr. Dissanayake, who was elected to the country’s top office in September, made the pledge at a public rally in Jaffna, days ahead of …

Continue reading ‘President Anura Dissanayake Addressing Meeting in Jaffna Assures Tamils that their Lands Seized by the State would be returned to them but makes no reference to Greater Power Devolution or a Political Settlement to the Ethnic Question’ »

. By D.B.S.Jeyaraj (Article Denoting Kamal Haasan’s 70th Birth Anniversary on 7 November 2024) Srinivasan Kamal Haasan known popularly as Kamal Haasan and/or Kamal is arguably the finest actor in Tamil cinema today. He is also acknowledged as being one of India’s foremost thespians.The multi-faceted artiste is a film director, producer, screenwriter, film lyricist, poet, …

Continue reading ‘Multi-faceted Tamil Actor Kamal Haasan is a Great Intellectual Among Indian Film Stars.’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham This week’s Parliamentary Elections in Sri Lanka are taking place in a situation where the country’s political landscape has changed to a greater extent than during previous Parliamentary Polls. None of the traditional mainstream political parties are asking the people to vote in order to bring them to power. Their leaders are …

Continue reading ‘The Tamil polity is severely fragmented today as a result of the leaders of Tamil Political parties acting without foresight and failing to realise their historic responsibilities’ »

By Susitha Fernando Passed out as a lawyer from the Colombo Law College and having two Master-LLM from the University of Colombo and a LLM and Development as a Chevening Scholar at School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, young activist Swastika Arulingam was a prominent figure in the Aragalaya (Protest) which toppled …

Continue reading ‘“ Parliament must be inclusive and representative of all ethnicities, caste and gender. It must also be a space where workers have representatives to speak for them. I am a woman, a Tamil and a Trade Unionist. The people and the politics we represent must have a space in Parliament.”- An Interview with Swasthika Arulingam’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Anura Kumara Dissanayake ; “Leftist” Star Rises Over Sri Lanka-PART FIVE The Presidential election of November 2019 and the Parliamentary elections of August 2020 proved to be huge disappointments to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna(JVP) and its leader Anura Kumara Dissanauyake(AKD). As is well known, the JVP had in a strategic move, contested both …

Continue reading ‘Scenting the Sweet Smell of Success! How and Why Anura Kumara Dissanayake Anticipated Victory in the 2024 Presidential Race.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Regardless of the decisive change in Sri Lanka’s national politics — with the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake in September this year — the country’s Tamil people will need strong representation in Parliament to assert their rights and long-neglected demands, according to prominent Tamil politician M.A. Sumanthiran. A senior lawyer and three-time …

Continue reading ‘With the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Sep 2024 the country’s Tamil people will need strong representation in Parliament to assert their rights and long-neglected demands says ITAK Spokesperson M.A.Sumanthiran’ »

டி.பி.எஸ்.ஜெயராஜ் அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்க ; இலங்கை வானில் ‘ இடதுசாரி ‘ நட்சத்திரம் – 5 ஜனதா விமுக்தி பெரமுன (ஜே.வி.பி.) வுக்கும் அதன் தலைவர் அநுரா குமார திசாநாயக்கவுக்கும் 2019 நவம்பர் ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலும் 2020 ஆகஸ்ட் பாராளுமன்ற தேர்தலும் பெரிய ஏமாற்றமாகப் போரவிட்டது. ஒரு தந்திரோபாய நகர்வாகவே ஜே.வி.பி. அந்த இரு தேர்தல்களிலும் திசைகாட்டி புதிய சின்னத்தின் கீழ் புதியதொரு அரசியல் முன்னணியின் அங்கமாக போட்டியிட்டது. அந்த கட்சி தேசிய மக்கள் சக்தி …

Continue reading ‘2024 ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலில் வெற்றியின் வாசனையை அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்க எவ்வாறு முகர்ந்து பிடித்தார்?’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Anura Kumara Dissanayake ; “Leftist” Star Rises Over Sri Lanka-PART FOUR This is the fourth part of an extended article focusing on Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. In the first part of this article , the early years of Anura’s eventful life were delved into in some detail. In the …

Continue reading ‘How and Why the JVP led by Anura Dissanayake Formed the National People’s Power (NPP) in 2019.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்க ; இலங்கை வானில் ‘ இடதுசாரி ‘ நட்சத்திரம் – 4 இலங்கையின் புதிய ஜனாதிபதி அநுரா குமார திசாநாயக்வை பற்றிய எனது கட்டுரைத் தொடரின் நான்காவது பாகம் இதுவாகும். முதலாவது பாகத்தில் நிகழவுகள் நிறைந்த அவரது ஆரம்ப வாழ்க்கையையும் இரண்டாவது பாகத்தில் ஜனதா விமுக்தி பெரமுன( ஜே வி.பி.) வுக்குள் அவரின் படிப்படியான சீரான வளர்ச்சி பற்றியும் மூன்றாவது பாகத்தில் ஜே.வி.பி.யின் தலைமைத்துவத்துக்கு அவரின் உயர்வு பற்றியும் எழுதியிருந்தேன். …

Continue reading ‘அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்கவும் தேசிய மக்கள் சக்தியின் உருவாக்கமும்’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj 25th Death Anniversary Commemoration on 30 October 2024 The 25th death anniversary of Plantation Tamil Patriarch Saumiyamoorthy Thondaman is being commemorated today 30 October 2024. Saumiyamoorthy (name is spelled as Savimiyamoorthy and Saumiamurthy also) Thondaman who passed away on 30 October 1999, was the undisputed leader of Sri Lanka’s predominantly Indian Tamil plantation …

Continue reading ‘Ceylon Workers Congress President Saumiyamoorthy Thondaman was the Dynamic Leader of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country Tamils for many Decades.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Is the “House of Rajapaksa” Falling Down? was the heading of an article written by me for our sister paper the “Daily Mirror” two and a half years ago. The article was published on 23 April 2022 when the “Aragalaya”(struggle) protests were going on. The article focused on the Rajapaksa family and its …

Continue reading ‘The Rise and Fall of the Medamulana Rajapaksa Dynasty.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ் ஜெயராஜ் கடந்த காலத்தில் அதிகாரத்தில் இருந்தவர்களினால் தடுக்கப்பட்ட அல்லது சீர்குலைக்கப்பட்டு நீதிகிடைக்காமல் போன பாரிய ஊழல் மோசடிகள், படுகொலைகள் தொடர்பான விசாரணைகளை மீண்டும் ஆரம்பிக்கப் போவதாக ஜனாதிபதி அநுரா குமார திசாநாயக்க தனது தேர்தல் பிரசாரங்களின்போது அடிக்கடி வலியுறுத்திக் கூறினார். அண்மைய நிகழ்வுகள் தங்களது தேர்தல் வாக்குறுதிகள் குறித்து ஜனாதிபதி திசாநாயக்கவும் அவரது அரசாங்கமும் கரிசனையாக இருக்கிறார்கள் என்பதை வெளிக்காட்டுகின்றன. இது தொடர்பில் அவர்கள் அடுத்த கட்ட நடவடிக்கைகளை எடுக்கத் தொடங்கியிருக்கிறார்கள். அடுத்த மாதம் பாராளுமன்ற …

Continue reading ‘பத்திரிகையாளராக மாறிய போராளி ‘ தராக்கி ‘ சிவராம் ; கொடூரமான கடத்தலும் கொலையும்- மீண்டும் விசாரணைக்கு உத்தரவிட்டிருக்கும் ஜனாதிபதி அநுரா குமாரவின் அரசாங்கம்.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj President Anura Kumara Dissanayake frequently emphasised during his election campaign that he would re-open investigations into incidents of colossal fraud,mass murder and assassinations where the course of justice was allegedly obstructed or thwarted by those in power in the past. Recent happenings indicate that president Dissanayake and his Government are serious about their …

Continue reading ‘The Brazen Abduction and Brutal Murder of Militant Turned Journalist “Taraki” Sivaram.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj October 23rd 2024 is the 76th Birth anniversary of legendary Muslim Congress leader M.H.M. Ashraff. The dynamic lawyer – politician hailing from Eastern Sri Lanka would have celebrated his 76th Birthday ,if he were among the living today. Alas! This was not to be as Ashraff passed away in a helicopter crash on …

Continue reading ‘Remembering Legendary Muslim Congress Leader M.H.M.Ashraff on his 76th Birth Anniversary.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “The future is cloth waiting to be cut.” Seamus Heaney (The Burial at Thebes) The point had been made often enough. Without a Gotabaya Rajapaksa presidency, there wouldn’t have been an Anura Kumara Dissanayake presidency. For the NPP/JVP to go from 3 percent to 42 percent in four plus years, the system …

Continue reading ‘The JVP’s commendable evolution on matters economic has not been paralleled in the ethnic problem arena. The NPP was remarkably reticent on the subject in its presidential manifesto. Behind a non-racist façade, the JVP is as regressive about the Tamil question today, as it was in the past.’ »

By Kishali Pinto- Jayawardene The hideous sight of three former Presidents of Sri Lanka laughing their heads off on the national stage when invited by the country’s accounting professionals to speak on a corruption culture that brought the nation to ruinous bankruptcy in 2022 sums up exactly why the political parties that they lead have …

Continue reading ‘Ex-Presidents Chandrika,Ranil and Maithripala were responsible for corruption running rampant in the public/political sector when they handled the reins of executive office.’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham Almost one month has elapsed since Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) took oath as the ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka. During this period, he and other prominent leaders of the National People’s Power (NPP), especially the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), have been talking with pride about what they view as changes in …

Continue reading ‘The JVP has a bitter history of fiercely opposing all attempts at finding a political solution to the national ethnic problem. There was no place for the phrase ‘devolution of power’ in its political lexicon.’ »

Sri Lanka’s former President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has urged voters to send experienced members back to Parliament in the upcoming General Election, set for 14 November. In a special statement made yesterday, Wickremesinghe emphasised the need for seasoned politicians who worked alongside him to return to Parliament to address the country’s ongoing economic challenges. “Without experience, …

Continue reading ‘“Without experience, you cannot run Parliament, and you cannot achieve the goals we have set. Those who worked with me have the expertise to solve the economic challenges, These experienced politicians should be elected to Parliament, as part of the Government or the Opposition.”- Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Anura Kumara Dissanayake ; “Leftist” Star Rises Over Sri Lanka-PART THREE The year was 1969. A 31 year old mother sought the services of a prominent astrologer to draw up the horoscope of her six month old son. The astrologer made some calculations based on planetary movements that prevailed at the time of …

Continue reading ‘“Comrade”Anura Began Historic Journey After Becoming the Fifth Leader of JVP in 2014.’ »

டி பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்க ; இலங்கை வானில் ‘ இடதுசாரி ‘ நட்சத்திரம் -3 அது 1969 ஆம் ஆண்டு. 31 வயதான தாய் தனது ஆறு மாத ஆண் குழந்தையின் ஜாதகத்தை எழுதுவிப்பதற்காக பிரபலமான ஒரு சோதிடரின் சேவையை நாடினார். முன்னைய வருடத்தில் குழந்தை பிறந்த நேரத்தில் இருந்த கிரக நகர்வுகளின் அடிப்படையில் சில கணிப்பீடுகளைச் செய்த சோதிடர் தாயாரை பெரு வியப்புடன் பார்த்து ” உங்கள் மகனுக்கு அவனது விதியில் …

Continue reading ‘பத்து வருடங்களுக்கு முன்னர் ”தோழர்” அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்க ஜே.வி.பி.யின் ஐந்தாவது தலைவராக வந்தபோது…..!…..’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Even those who did not vote for Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the presidential race would find it refreshing to see that the old rot that had infested Sri Lankan politics is being cleared out. But, look closer; while some of the old guard may have left politics for good, a good number …

Continue reading ‘Sajith Premadasa has made opposition politics unwinnable. He had the choice of making an alliance with the UNP but he was so insecure that Ranil Wickremesinghe would somehow wrest control of the Party that he turned it down.’ »

By K.K.S.Perera Targeting Dr. Harsha de Silva by senior SJB members began a couple of years ago when he started gaining recognition as a potential future leader. The brilliant economist faced criticism a few months ago after securing state funding for development work in Kotte. During a TV chat show explaining the process, Harsha made …

Continue reading ‘Dr. Harsha De Silva, with his expertise in economics, experience in governance, and reputation for pragmatism, could emerge as a more favourable candidate to lead the Samagi Jana Balavegaya(SJB)’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Anura Kumara Dissanayake ; “Leftist” Star Rises Over Sri Lanka – Part Two Sri Lanka’s newly elected ninth executive president Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) continues to be the focus of this column. In the first part of this article published last week, the early years of Anura’s eventful life were delved into in …

Continue reading ‘Anura Kumara’s Ascendancy Inside the JVP and his Political Rise Within Sri Lanka.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj 79th Birth Anniversary of Vijaya Kumaratunga on 9 October 2024. Kovilage Vijaya Anthony Kumaratunga, known to the world as Vijaya Kumaratunga, was born in Seeduwa on 9 October 1945. Vijaya was an endearing personality with an enduring vision whom I liked, admired and respected very much. He was a man who envisaged the …

Continue reading ‘Vijaya Kumaratunga:Acting was his Accredited Profession but Politics was his Chosen Vocation.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்க ; இலங்கை வானில் ‘ இடதுசாரி ‘ நட்சத்திரம் -2 இலங்கையின் ஒன்பதாவது நிறைவேற்று அதிகார ஜனாதிபதி அநுரா குமார திசாநாயக்கவின் பரபரப்பான நிகழ்வுகள் பலப்பல நிறைந்த ஆரம்ப வாழ்க்கையைப் பற்றி இந்த கட்டுரைத் தொடரின் முதல் பாகத்தில் கடந்தவாரம் எழுதியிருந்தேன். இந்த இரண்டாவது பாகத்தில் ஜனதா விமுக்தி பெரமுனவுக்குள் (ஜே.வி.பி.) ஒரு அரசியல் தலைவராக அவரின் படிப்படியான சீரான வளர்ச்சி குறித்து பாராப்போம். கடந்த வாரத்தைய பத்தியில் குறறிப்பிட்டதைப் …

Continue reading ‘ஜே.வி.பி . இயக்கத்தில் அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்கவின் வளர்ச்சியும் இலங்கை அரசியலில் துரித எழுச்சியும்’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene Is the Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) Presidency which came into power on a ‘reformist’ election platform able to legally justify the invocation of Section 12 of the Public Security Ordinance (PSO) using ‘special powers’ to call out the armed forces for the maintenance of public order? Sri Lanka’s pervasive militarisation Speaking …

Continue reading ‘On what legal basis did President Dissanayake call out the armed forces to maintain ‘public order?’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham Sri Lankan political parties have been forced to prepare for the Parliamentary Elections before the exhaustion of campaigning for the Presidential Election has worn off. Particularly, the parties of the losers among the main presidential candidates have to face a national election again before they can recover from the impact of the …

Continue reading ‘Just as people in the south have begun to reject traditional political parties and leaders, a rejection is also needed in the north and east.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj. The heading of this article is inspired by the title of Edgar Snow’s , “Red Star Over China”. Snow’s book first published in 1937 was a vivid account of his interaction with the Chinese communist leader Mao Ze Dong and the Red Army. Mao known then as Mao Tse Tung was relatively called …

Continue reading ‘Anura Kumara Dissanayake ; “Leftist” Star Rises Over Sri Lanka.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் இலங்கையில் நிறைவேற்று அதிகார ஜனாதிபதி ஆட்சிமுறையை ஒழிக்கவேண்டும் என்ற கோரிக்கை ஒன்றும் புதியது அல்ல. அந்த ஆட்சிமுறை என்றைக்கு அறிமுகப்படுத்தப்பட்டதோ அன்றிலிருந்தே அதை ஒழிக்கவேண்டும் என்ற கோரிக்கையும் முன்வைக்கப்பட்டு வந்திருக்கிறது. ஜனாதிபதி ஆட்சிமுறையை ஒழிக்கப் போவதாக தேர்தல்களில் வாக்குறுதி அளித்து மக்களின் ஆணையைப் பெற்று ஜனாதிபதியாக ஆட்சியதிகாரத்துக்கு வந்தவர்கள் எவருமே அதை ஒழிக்கவில்லை என்பது அண்மைக்கால வரலாறு. இறுதியாக நடைபெற்ற ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலிலும் பிரதான வேட்பாளர்களில் அநுரா குமார திசாநாயக்கவும் ஐக்கிய மக்கள் சக்தியின் …

Continue reading ‘ஜனாதிபதிகள் வரலாம் , ஜனாதிபதிகள் போகலாம், ஆனால் ஜே. ஆர்.ஜெயவர்தனவின் ஜனாதிபதி ஆட்சிமுறை தொடர்ந்து கொண்டேயிருக்கும்’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் அமெரிக்க பத்திரிகையாளர் எட்கார் சினோவின் ‘ சீன வானில் சிவப்பு நட்சத்திரம் ‘ (Red Star over China ) என்ற நூல்தான் கட்டுரைக்கு இந்த தலைப்பை வைப்பதற்கு தூண்டுதல் அளித்தது. சீனக் கம்யூனிஸ்ட் தலைவர் மாவோ சேதுங்குடனும் செஞ்சேனையுடனும் தனது ஊடாட்டம் பற்றிய உயிர்களையுடைய விபரிப்பாக அமைந்த அந்த முதலில் 1937 ஆம் ஆண்டில் பிரசுரமானது. மாவோ என்று அறியப்பட்ட மாவோ சேதுங்கைப் பற்றி அந்த நேரத்தில் மேற்குலகில் பெரிதாகத் தெரியாது. பல …

Continue reading ‘அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்க ; இலங்கை வானில் ‘ இடதுசாரி ‘ நட்சத்திரம்’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Looking for the rain Looking for the rain.” – Gil Scott-Heron (Winter in America) The Election Commission continues to rock. This week, it halted, for the duration of parliamentary polls, an order by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to increase fertiliser and fuel subsidies to farmers and fishermen. The same way it stopped …

Continue reading ‘Can the Anura Kumara Dissanayake administration overcome prejudices deeply ingrained in society and within its own ranks, and break out of the ethno-religious vicious cycle which has caused Sri Lanka so much harm?’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya The presidential election’s outcome has been described in flowery language: A vote for system change, the rejection of the old regime, a clarion call against corruption and cronyism, a vote against the sale of national assets, and so on. All that is true to a certain degree, but they still miss the …

Continue reading ‘Anura Kumara Dissanayake “did not win”. Sajith Premadasa with his Oversized Ego and Hurry to become President Handed Over the Election to AKD’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham When Parliament elected Ranil Wickremesinghe as President two years ago, it was said that he was the ultimate beneficiary of the unprecedented people’s uprising in Sri Lanka. However, last week’s Presidential Election showed the world the real beneficiary of that uprising. Just as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Founding Leader, the …

Continue reading ‘Anura Kumra Dissanayake will ask the people who elected him as President to give his NPP a big victory at the Parliamentary Elections to stabilise the economy and fulfil promises.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Sri Lanka’s newly elected president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Dr.Harini Amarasuriya as his Prime minister. The academic turned politico is Sri Lanka’s third woman prime minister. The first woman PM of the Island nation was Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Sirimavo shattered a global glass ceiling in 1960 by becoming the world’s first woman prime …

Continue reading ‘The Prelate and the Premier: Why Mapitigama Buddharakkitha Thera got SWRD Bandaranaike Assaassinated.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s newly elected government led byPresident Anura Kumara Dissanayake has restored the country’s old visa system, adhering to a recent Supreme Court order that suspended a controversial new portal managed by a consortium including an Indian company. The announcement was made late on Thursday (September 26, 2024), almost two months after …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s new Govt led by President Anura Kumar Dissanayake Restores Country’s Old Visa System in Adherence to a Recent Supreme Court Ruling’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj September 26th is of particular significance to a substantial number of Sri Lankan Tamils . For it was on this day in 1987 that a senior member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Thileepan died in Nallu after undertaking a fast unto death. Although the LTTE lost thousands of cadres during …

Continue reading ‘Tiger Leader “Thiyagi” Thileepan Weaponised Non-Violence Through his Fast Unto Death in September 27.’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray On the morning of the 13th of July 2022, nothing seemed certain about Sri Lanka. Just two months prior, the country had declared bankruptcy and defaulted on more than $50 billion of sovereign debt. Its self-styled ‘patriotic’ president had just fled the country, cowering in the back of a cargo plane. …

Continue reading ‘Inside the Enigma: Ranil’s Legacy and Anura’s Destiny’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Sri Lanka’s ninth presidential election will be held on Saturday the 21st of September. More than 17 million (17,140, 354) Sri Lankans are registered as eligible voters. Nominally thirty-eight candidates are in the ring but only three are regarded as te leading contenders. The hectic election campaigns ended on Sep 18 but election …

Continue reading ‘Presidents May Come and Presidents May Go but JR Jayewardene’s Executive Presidency Goes on Forever.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday (September 24, 2024) appointed MP and former academic Harini Amarasuriya as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, as part of a four-member Cabinet under him that will lead policy until the parliamentary elections scheduled on November 14. The date for the general elections was announced through a gazette …

Continue reading ‘Academic Turned MP Dr.Harini Amarasuriya Becomes Third Woman to be Prime Minist of Sri Lanka after Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1960 and Chandrika Kumaratunga in 1994; President Anura Dissanayake Dissolves Parliament to hold Election on 14th November’ »

By JAMILA HUSAIN and AJITH SIRIWARDENA Parliament will be dissolved tonight(24) and a Parliamentary Election will be held by December, the Daily Mirror exclusively learns. Following the resignation of Dinesh Gunawardena as the Prime Minister yesterday, a senior source from the National People’s Power (NPP) said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will today appoint an …

Continue reading ‘President Dissanayake to Appont Four Member Cabinet Including Himself, to be in charge of 15 Portfolios. Harini Amarasuria to be Prime Ministe with Vijitha Herath and Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi as Ministers.Parliament will be Dissolved and Fresh Elections held in December’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday (September 23, 2024) promised to strengthen democracy and “work hard to win people’s trust”, with the disclaimer that he is no “magician”. “I am not a magician; I am not a miracle-worker. There are things I know and don’t know. But I …

Continue reading ‘“I am not a magician; I am not a miracle-worker. There are things I know and don’t know. But I will commit myself to doing the right thing at all times, and lead a collective effort to rebuild our nation,” Says Sri Lanka’s new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at swearing in event’ »

(Text of Farewell Message delivwred by outgoing President Rani Wickremesinghe on 22 September 2024) “Ayubowan! Dear Citizens, The people of the country have given their decision at this Presidential Election held on 21st September 2024. Therefore, we must respect their decision and act according to that mandate to ensure the functioning of the country. Two …

Continue reading ‘“I was able to rescue my motherland from bankruptcy within a short period of two years. I believe this to be the most important thing I could do for my country during my political career.”- Ranil Wickremesinghe.’ »

The National People’s Power (NPP) Presidential candidate and Opposition Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected yesterday (22) as the ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka. The Election Commission (EC) formally announced Dissanayake as the winner of the Election yesterday evening. The EC said that Dissanayake had garnered 42.31% of the votes at the 21 September …

Continue reading ‘JVP-led NPP Leadr Anura Kumara Dissanayake Elected as Ninth President of Sri Lanka; Votes Received – Anura- -5,740,179; Sajith-4,530,902;Ranil -2,299,767; Namal- 342,781;Ariyanethiran- 226 343; Dilith – 122,396’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lankans gave their mandate to the country’s next leader in a peacefully held Presidential election on Saturday (September 21, 2024). The outcome of the critical election, expected on Sunday (September 22, 2024), is watched closely as the island nation navigates a challenging phase of economic recovery following a crushing crisis two …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election Concludes Peacefully on Saturday (21); Full Results Expected on Sunday(22); estimated Voter Turn out 75 to 80% ; Eight hour Curfew from 10 PM to 8 AM’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Sri Lanka’s ninth presidential election will take place one week from now on 21 September 2024. Among the 38 contestants, three are regarded as the top contenders. They are President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa and JVP/NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Three others namely Hambantota District MP Namal Rajapaksa, Ex-Batticaloa …

Continue reading ‘Why Ranil Wickremesinghe is Supremely Confident of Winning the 2024 Presidential Election.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் இலங்கையின் ஒன்பதாவது ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தல் எதிர்வரும் சனிக்கிழமை ( செப்டெம்பர் 21)நடைபெறவிருக்கிறது. 38 வேட்பாளர்களில் மூன்று பேரே பிரதான வேட்பாளர்களாக கருதப்படுகிறார்கள். ஜனாதிபதி ரணில் விக்கிரமசிங்க, எதிர்க்கட்சி தலைவர் சஜித் பிரேமதாச மற்றும் ஜே.வி.பி. / தேசிய மக்கள் சக்தியின் தலைவர் அநுரா குமார திசாநாயக்க ஆகியோரே அவர்கள். மற்றைய வேட்பாளர்களில் ஸ்ரீலங்கா பொதுஜன பெரமுனவின் வேட்பாளரான அம்பாந்தோட்டை பாராளுமன்ற உறுப்பினர் நாமல் ராஜபக்ச, தமிழ் பொதுவேட்பாளர் என்று வர்ணிக்கப்படும் தமிழ் தேசிய கூட்டமைப்பின் …

Continue reading ‘2024 ஜனாதிபதித் தேர்தலில் தானே வெற்றி பெறுவேன் என்று ரணில் அதிக அளவில் நம்பிக்கை கொண்டவராய் இருப்பது ஏன்?’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Have you learned nothing from history?” Freud (The Future of an Illusion) “Wrath” is the opening word of The Iliad. Wrath is a key driver of the upcoming presidential election. People are angry at political leaders for bankrupting the country. Hopefully, the anger is accompanied by reason, not just pointing fingers outward …

Continue reading ‘Racism plays no overt role in this election but racism is far from dead. It will raise its destructive head when this lot of dreams too turn into ashes and the new president begins the inevitable transformation from hero to villain.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi (ITAK) regarded as the premier political party of the Sri Lankan Tamils has declare its support for Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS) leader Sajith Premadasa in the Presidential2 election scheduled on 21 September 2024. The “Mathiya Seyal Kuzhu”(Central Working Committee) of the party met on September 1st and resolved …

Continue reading ‘Ranil or Sajith? Who will get the Bulk of Tamil Votes in the 2024 Presidential Poll?’ »

By Charumini de Silva With less than 10 days to go, incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday described the decisive Presidential election as “still open” but expressed confidence of victory on the strength of his proven prowess and the dynamic plan and implementation focus to deliver higher socio-economic growth. Despite his busy schedule in the campaign trail, …

Continue reading ‘2024 Presidential election is “still open” but Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe is confident of victory on the strength of his proven prowess , dynamic plan and implementation focus to deliver higher socio-economic growth.’ »

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya A Severe controversy has erupted over a video circulating on social media showing Jalani Premadasa, the wife of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa supposedly receiving a present arms salute by SLAF personnel while she was entering the Air Force Camp in Palali yesterday (10) The present arms is a salute position where …

Continue reading ‘Was Sajith Premadasa’s Spouse Jalani Premadasa Given a “Present Arms”Salute by the Sri Lanka Air Force at Palaly in Jaffna?’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National People’s Power candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake rides high on opinion polls, social media posts, Twitter and Facebook likes and the crowd size. While none of them offers a credible measure of popular support, some local pundits take pride in parroting them, which are then regurgitated by foreign media …

Continue reading ‘What would Happen to Sri Lanka if Anura Kumara Dissanayake Wins the 2024 Presidential Election and the JVP Forms the Next Government?’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் இலங்கை தமிழர்களின் பிரதான அரசியல் கட்சி என்று கருதப்படும் இலங்கை தமிழரசு கட்சி 2024 செப்டம்பர் 21 ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலில் ஐக்கிய மக்கள் கூட்டணியின் ( சமகி ஜன சந்தானய ) தலைவர் சஜித் பிரேமதாசவை ஆதரிக்கப்போவதாக அறிவித்திருக்கிறது. செப்டெம்பர் முதலாம் திகதி வவுனியாவில் கூடிய அதன் ‘ மத்திய செயற்குழு ‘ அதற்கான தீர்மானத்தை எடுத்தது. தமிழ் பொதுவேட்பாளராக போட்டியிடும் பாக்கியசெல்வம் அரியநேத்திரனை ஆதரிப்பதில்லை என்றும் தீர்மானம் நிறைவேற்றப்பட்டது. மட்டக்களப்பு மாவட்டத்தின் முன்னாள் …

Continue reading ‘ரணில் ,சஜித், அநுர ? 2024 ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலில் தமிழ் மக்களின் பெருமளவு வாக்குகளை யார் பெறுவார்?’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya When political pundits call the Presidential election of 2024 the most unpredictable of recent times, they are right. But then they attribute the uncertainty to the popular public anger at the traditional political establishment in the backdrop of the economic crisis. That is not without a grain of truth. However, it is …

Continue reading ‘The 6.9 million voters who elected Gotabaya Rajapaksa. are the group that can decide the 2024 election.Would they seek the continuation of political stability and economic reforms? Or would they opt for another dangerous political gambl?e’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene When NPP (National Peoples’ Power) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake proclaimed unblushingly during election campaigning in the North a few days ago that his party is the only ‘non-racist’ party and he is the only ‘non-racist’ candidate in the coming presidential poll, that claim must be taken not only with a pinch …

Continue reading ‘National Peoples’ Power (NPP) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s proclamation that his party is the only ‘non-racist’ party and he is the only ‘non-racist’ Presidential Candidate is a claim that must be taken with a whole sack full of skeptical salt.’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham With the Presidential Election still two weeks away, the main candidates are intensifying their campaigns, which are in full swing all over the country. Although 38 candidates are in the fray, many of them have not been seen in public for many days. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith …

Continue reading ‘President Ranil Wickremesinghe believes, or expects others to believe, that the real contest in the presidential hustings is going to be between him and Anura Kumara Dissanayake.’ »

BY D.B.S. Jeyaraj The eagerly anticipated 2024 presidential election is scheduled to be held on 21 September 2024. Initially 39 candidates were in the fray. The death of a declared candidate has lowered the number to 38.Chief among the candidates are incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa. Among other notable …

Continue reading ‘Contours of the Common Tamil Presidential Candidate Controversy’ »

By Yohan Perera A group of SLPP MPs together with several other parties today formed the Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna (PENP) led by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Minister Ramesh Pathirana will be the General Secretary of the new alliance. The symbol of the party is the cup. Allies of the new alliance include a section …

Continue reading ‘New Alliance named Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna (PENP) formed to Support Ranil Wickremesinghe at elections with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunewardena as President and Dr.Ramesh Pathirana as Secretary’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham The election manifestos of the three main presidential candidates were released last week. First, on 26 August, National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake released his manifesto titled ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life’. Then, on 29 August, President Ranil Wickremesinghe released his manifesto under the title ‘Five Triumphant Years …

Continue reading ‘Dreamworld politics is easy. But it is important for the Tamil people today to think about a practical approach.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் இம்மாதம் 24 ஆம் திகதி நடைபெறவிருக்கும் ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலில் 39 வேட்பாளர்கள் போட்டியிடுவதாக அறிவிக்கப்பட்டது. ஒருவர் இறந்ததை அடுத்து இப்போது 38 பேர் களத்தில் நிற்கிறார்கள். அவர்களில் ஜனாதாபதி ரணில் விக்கிரமசிங்கவும் எதிர்க்கட்சி தலைவர் பிரேமதாசவுமே பிரதான வேட்பாளர்கள். ஜனதா விமுக்தி பெரமுன (ஜே.வி.பி.) தலைமையிலான தேசிய மக்கள் சக்தியின் தலைவர் அநுரா குமார திசாநாயக்க, ஸ்ரீலங்கா பொதுஜன பெரமுனவின் தேசிய அமைப்பாளர் நாமல் ராஜபக்ச,பிரபல ஊடக நிறுவனங்களின் உரிமையாளரான திலித் ஜயவீர, பிலாட் …

Continue reading ‘ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலில் தமிழ் பொதுவேட்பாளரும் தமிழர் அரசியலின் எதிர்காலமும்’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), a prominent political party representing Tamils of Sri Lanka’s north and east, on Sunday (September 1) pledged support for presidential aspirant Sajith Premadasa in the September 21 election. The move, which reflects one significant position within the island nation’s fragmented Tamil polity, comes even as the …

Continue reading ‘Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi (ITAK) Decides to Back Sajith Premadasa at Presidential Poll; ITAK Will ask Party stalwart P. Ariyanethiran to Withdraw from Contesting as the “Common Tamil Candidate”’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Nominations have closed for the long awaited 2024 presidential election. 39 candidates are in the fray.It is widely acknowledged by the press and public that the chief presidential contenders are incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe,leader of the opposition Sajith Premadasa and JVP/NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Two others expected to make a mark are …

Continue reading ‘2024 Presidential Election Divides Muslim Political Parties with Leaders Backing Sajith and Some MPs Supporting Ranil.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Saumiyamoorthy (spelled sometimes as Saumyamoorthy or Saumiamoorthy) Thondaman was the legendary co-founder and long-time leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC). Thonda, as he was widely known, played a prominent role in the country’s post-independence politics for many decades. His political life was intertwined with the vicissitudes of the Indian Tamil people of …

Continue reading ‘Saumiyamoorthy Thondaman was the shrewdest tactician and sagacious strategist among Tamil political leaders in recent times.’ »

National People’s Power (NPP) Presidential Candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially unveiled the NPP’s Presidential election manifesto titled “A Prosperous Nation, A Beautiful Life” in Sri JayawardenepuraKotte yesterday. Addressing the gathering of NPP Executive Council members, professionals, academics, artists, and others, Dissanayake highlighted that the manifesto is the party’s response to disinformation disseminated by its political …

Continue reading ‘National People’s Power Presidential Candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially Releases the NPP’s Presidential election manifesto titled “A Prosperous Nation, A Beautiful Life” .’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya A rhetorical question: What difference would it have made if Sajith Premadasa delivered the speech Thalatha Athukorala did last week? First and foremost, the difference would have been between a mature democracy and one driven by petty personal greed; the latter is a hallmark of politics in this part of the world. …

Continue reading ‘Sajith Premadasa does not seem to have the experience or intellectual fortitude to lead the country out of economic trouble. As Thalatha fears,it may be a repetition of Gotabaya,if Sajith Wins.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

By Kishali Pinto – Jayawardene Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruling this week that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s defiant action in postponing Local Government polls in 2023, citing a purported lack of funds in the wake of the country’s bankruptcy, had violated the fundamental right to equality and the right to vote of citizens, raises several interesting …

Continue reading ‘Supreme Court ruling that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s defiant action in postponing Local Government polls in 2023 had violated the fundamental right to equality and the right to vote of citizens,should come as no surprise’ »

By Chandani Kirinde Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Ratnapura District MP Thalatha Atukorale, who resigned from her seat in parliament on Wednesday, said she is yet undecided on supporting any of the presidential candidates, but she could no longer remain in the SJB given the manner in which the party is being run. “There are many …

Continue reading ‘“The current president has proven his abilities. He single handedly brought the situation of the country under control. I know not everyone is happy, and we have some way to go, but we can get there together” -Thalatha Atukorale.’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham There was a period when the abolition of the executive presidential system was a key issue at Presidential Elections. However, such a situation cannot be expected to arise again. The politicians who promised to abolish the executive presidency have not only failed to do so after winning the election and assuming office …

Continue reading ‘Sajith and Anura Promise to Abolish the Executive Presidency if they come to Powe; Reality is that people are not going to trust politicians who make such promises again.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Nambukara Helambage Rajitha Harischandra Senaratne known as Rajitha Senaratne is the latest among well-known politicians to throw in their lot with incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya(SJB) MP for Kalutara district met with the president at the Gangaramaya temple in Colombo on 13 August and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) …

Continue reading ‘Will Rajitha Senaratne’s Crossover Trigger More Defections of MPs From SJB to Ranil’s Side?’ »

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Ratnapura District MP Thalatha Athukorala yesterday announced her resignation from Parliament delivering a scathing critique of party’s Presidential hopeful Sajith Premadasa before stepping down. During a special address in Parliament, Thalatha Athukorala, who entered Parliament in 2004 after the untimely passing of her brother, United National Party (UNP) stalwart Gamini Athukorala, …

Continue reading ‘SJB Ratnapura District MP Thalatha Athukorale Announces her Resignation from Parliament;Delivers Scathing Attack on Sajith Premadasa questioning his leadership qualities and suitability to lead the country at this critical time. Asks if Premadasa is attempting to act out Part II of Gotabaya Rajapaksa fiasco’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “…who’s the fairest of them all?” Grimm Brothers (Snow White) The most iconic moment at Nelson Mandela’s star studded memorial service was a handshake. As US President Barack Obama ran up to the podium under a light drizzle, a CNN reporter was droning about the extra security arrangements. Suddenly, the excited voice …

Continue reading ‘Sajith Premadasa’s churlish refusal to shake the proffered hand of Ranil Wickremesinghe his political opponent is a reminder of the danger of a system where governance and character are symbiotically connected.’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham A total of 39 candidates are contesting in Sri Lanka’s ninth Presidential Election scheduled to be held on 21 September. This is a record number of candidates contesting in an election in the history of Presidential Elections of the country. Until now, the Presidential Election has been a direct contest between candidates …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe points out that other main presidential candidates are not opposed to the agreement with the IMF and that they have openly said they will continue with it.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj From the time Ranil Wickremesinghe returned to the seat of power as Prime Minister and later as President, false narratives have been concocted and circulated e by his opponents, adeversaries, critics and detractors about him. One was that Wickremesinghe was afraid to face a presidential election and that he would put off the …

Continue reading ‘Namal Rajapaksa’s Entry Impacts Political Dynamics of 2024 Presidential Election.’ »

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday highlighted the significance of the newly signed ‘Puluwan Sri Lanka’ (Sri Lanka Can) agreement, stressing that it is not intended to form a new political party but rather to unite the nation and build a brighter future. The agreement, endorsed by 34 political parties and alliances, symbolises a collective commitment to …

Continue reading ‘34 Political Parties and Alliances Endorse Support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Candidacy at “Puluwan Sri Lanka”Convention in Colombo.’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray Almost twenty years ago, I received a call from Don Harold Stassen Jayawardena. Of course, at the time I knew him as ‘Harry Jayawardena’ as did many Sri Lankans, especially in business circles. I was in England, veritably forced into exile by political circumstances which included the abduction and torture of …

Continue reading ‘Hardnosed businessman with the softest heartbeat Harry Jayawardena Celebrates 82nd Birthday on on 17th August 2024’ »

By Meera Srinivasan As many as 39 presidential aspirants will contest a crucial poll in Sri Lanka on September 21, the Election Commission said on Thursday (August 15, 2024), after closing nominations. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who rose to the top office through a parliamentary vote during the island nation’s 2022 crisis, is seeking a …

Continue reading ‘39 Candidates Contesting in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election Scheduled for 21 September;Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and JVP/NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake are top Contenders’ »

. டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் ரணில் விக்கிரமசிங்க முதலில் பிரதமராகவும் பிறகு ஜனாதிபதியாகவும் அதிகாரத்துக்கு வந்த நேரம் தொடக்கம் எதிரிகளும் விமர்சகர்களும் அவரைப்பற்றி பல தவறான கதைகளை கட்டிவிடுவதில் ஈடுபட்டு வந்திருக்கிறார்கள். ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலுக்கு முகங்கொடுப்பதற்கு அஞ்சுகிறார் என்பதும் அவர் வழமைக்கு மாறான நடவடிக்கைகள் மூலமாக தேர்தலைப் ஒத்திவைப்பார் என்பதும் அந்த்கதைகளில் ஒன்று. இந்த போலிக்கதை தேர்தல்கள் ஆணைக்குழு ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தல் திகதியை வர்த்தமானியில் வெளியிட்டபோது அம்பலமானது. விக்கிரமசிங்கவே ஒரு சுயேச்சை வேட்பாளராக முதலில் தனது கட்டுப்பணத்தையும் செலுத்தினார். …

Continue reading ‘நாமல் ராஜபக்சவின் பிரவேசம் 2024 ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தல் களச் சூழலில் ஏற்படுத்தும் தாக்கம்’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene Those who unwisely murmur ‘Bangladeshi people power a la Sri Lanka’ in assessing the ‘second liberation’ of Bangladesh following the jubilant toppling of fifteen year one-party rule by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by thousands of youth earlier this month, must restrain their enthusiasm in no small part. A lesson to all …

Continue reading ‘The two Chief similarities between Sri Lanka’s 2022 ‘youth aragalaya’ and Bangladesh’s youth uprising in 2024’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj President Ranil Wickremesinghe was cruelly bamboozled by the Rajapaksas early this week. The incumbent president was given false promises that the Medamulana clan-led “pohottuwa”party was firmly behind him in his bid to contest the forthcoming presidential poll. The note of discord struck by Namal Rajapaksa was lightly dismissed as being of very little …

Continue reading ‘Rajapaksas Backstabbing Ranil Over the Presidential Candidacy Issue Backfire on the SLPP.’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda The Supreme Court, in two landmark judgments today, determined that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) decision to expel Ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara from the party is legally valid. As a result of this Supreme Court judgment, the expulsion of Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara will lead to the loss of …

Continue reading ‘Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara Lose Their MP Seats Following Two Rulings by Three Judge Bench of Supreme Court Upholding Expulsion of Both by SJB Party as Valid’ »

The ‘Tamil National Common Structure’, an alliance of Tamil political parties, has announced its decision to nominate former Batticaloa District TNA Parliamentarian P. Ariyanenthiran as their common candidate for the upcoming Presidential Election. Several Tamil political parties and a group of civil society representatives had reached an agreement to nominate a common candidate for the …

Continue reading ‘Former Batticaloa District TNA Parliamentarian P. Ariyanendran to Contest 2024 Presidential Poll as the Common Tamil Presidential Candidate.’ »

The ‘Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS)’, a broad political alliance led by the main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), was officially unveiled yesterday (8) under the Leadership of SJB and Opposition Leader and Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa and with the signing of agreements with several parties.

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் ஜனாதிபதி ரணில் விக்கிரமசிங்க கடந்தவார முற்பகுதியில் ராஜபக்சாக்களினால் கொடுமையான முறையில் ஏமாற்றப்பட்டார். எதிர்வரும் ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலில் மெதமுலான குடும்பம் தலைமையிலான’ தாமரை மொட்டு ‘ கட்சி விக்கிரமசிங்கவுக்கு பின்னால் உறுதியாக நிற்கும் என்று அவருக்கு பொய்யான உறுதிமொழிகள் வழங்கப்பட்டன.நாமல் ராஜபக்சவினால் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்ட மாறுபாடான கருத்தை பொருட்படுத்தத் தேவையில்லை என்றும் கூறப்பட்டது. பொதுஜன பெரமுன ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலில் ரணிலை ஆதரிப்பதில்லை என்று முடிவெடுத்திருக்கிறது. ராஜபக்சாக்கள் அவரின் முதுகில் குத்திவிட்டார்கள். விக்கிரமசிங்கவை ஆதரிப்பதா இல்லையா என்று தீர்மானிப்பது …

Continue reading ‘ராஜபக்சாக்கள் ரணிலுக்கு செய்த வஞ்சனை திரும்பிவந்து பொதுஜன பெரமுனவை தாக்குகிறது’ »

The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is set to announce its Presidential candidate today. Earlier in the week, party General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam confirmed that the announcement would be made by SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa at 7:30 a.m. at the SLPP head office on Nelum Mawatha. While the event was initially scheduled to take …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa to Contest Presidential Poll as Business Magnate Dhammika Perera Withdraws from Presidential Election as SLPP Candidate’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “The king is dead, long live the king” (Traditional proclamation made following the death of a monarch indicating the continuity of the monarchy) Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second presidential investiture was held two days after his 65th birthday, the twin occasions marked by grandiose displays of Rajapaksa power. The highlights of this political spectacle …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Rajapaksa was an Opposition-made myth. The Rajapaksas have nothing to gain from a Ranil Wickremesinghe victory. He was never a Rajapaksa creature.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Hours after Bangladesh Prime MinisterSheikh Hasina quit and fled the country on Monday following mass protests, Sri Lanka — whose former President was ousted by a citizen’s uprising two years ago — expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. “Our hearts are with the people of #Bangladesh during these incredibly challenging times. …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka whose former President was ousted by a citizen’s uprising two years ago expresses solidarity with the people of Bangladesh after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Quit and Fled the Country after Mass Protests’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s Supreme court on August 2 issued an interim order suspending the government’s new visa scheme, run by a consortium including an Indian company, that earlier sparked controversy over allegations of corruption totalling over a billion dollars. The Supreme Court ordered that the previously used online visa system be restored. In …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Supreme court issues interim order suspending the govt’s new visa scheme run by a consortium that sparked controversy over allegations of corruption totalling 1.4 billion dollars.SC orders restoration of previously used online visa system..’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene If the glittering promise of the ‘Jathika Jana Balavegaya’ (NPP) is supposed to offer a better, brighter Sri Lanka to put an end to the ’76 year old curse’ of its political rivals, it is time that NPP Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake refrains from justifying his actions during the run-up to …

Continue reading ‘The Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that a govt servant is empowered to refuse to obey an ‘illegal’ order by his or her superior resulting in the use of state assets for a particular political party or candidate.’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham It has long been a common perception that none of the main candidates will be able to receive more than 50% of the popular vote in the upcoming Presidential Election. For the last few days, since the announcement of the Presidential Election by the Election Commission, many newspapers have been publishing details …

Continue reading ‘Dramatic changes in the political landscape make strange bedfellows. We will see more such additions in the coming days.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka known generally as Sarath Fonseka has thrown his hat into the presidential poll ring again . The former army commander who is Sri Lanka’s one and only Field Marshal has stated in a post on “X”(Twitter) that he would be a contender at the forthcoming presidential election. The following …

Continue reading ‘When Sarath Fonseka Challenged Mahinda Rajapaksa For The Presidency in 2010.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் சரத் பொன்சேகா என்று பொதுவாக அறியப்படும் கார்திஹேவா சரத் சந்திரபால் பொன்சேகா மீண்டும் ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலில் களமிறக்கப்போவதாக அறிவித்திருக்கிறார். இலங்கையின் ஒரேயெரு பீல்ட் மார்ஷலான முன்னாள் இராணுவத் தளபதி எதிர்வரும் ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலில் ஒரு போட்டியாளராக இருப்பேன் என்று ‘எக்ஸ் ‘ (ருவிற்றர்) சமூக ஊடகத்தில் பதிவொன்றைச் செய்திருக்கிறார். அவரின் முறைப்படியான அறிவிப்பு வருமாறு ; ஜனாதிபதி வேட்பாளராக போட்டியிடப்போவதை இலங்கை மக்களுக்கு அறிவிக்க விரும்புகிறேன். எம்மை வங்குரோத்து நிலைக்கு கொண்டவந்த திறமையற்ற ஒரு …

Continue reading ‘மீண்டும் ஜனாதிபதி தேர்தலி்ல் களமிறங்கும் பீல்ட் மார்ஷல் சரத் பொன்சேகா மீண்டும் கவனத்தை ஈர்த்திருக்கிறார்.’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Monday (July 29) night, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) finally parted ways with Ranil Wickremesinghe, announcing plans to field its own candidate at the presidential election. The move effectively split the Pohottuwa and saw President Wickremesinghe affiliated SLPP MPs, 11 of them, leaving the party’s central committee meeting and assembling at …

Continue reading ‘SLPP Deciding not to Support Ranil is a Blessing in Disguise for him because Wickremesinghe would be better off without the endorsement of the Rajapaksas.’ »