Former Health Minister and the current Environment Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) yesterday in connection to the controversial scam involving the import of substandard human immunoglobulin IV vials to Sri Lanka. Rambukwella was taken into custody following a 10-hour statement provided to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). On Thursday …

Continue reading ‘Former Health Minister and current Environment Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrested by the CID (CID) in connection with the controversial scam involving the importat of substandard human immunoglobulin IV vials to Sri Lanka.’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham Although Jaffna district Member of Parliament Sivagnanam Sritharan had told the media on what principles he would lead the struggle for the political rights of the Tamil people after being elected as the leader of the Ilankai Thamizharasu Kadchi (ITAK) popularly known as Federal Party, it was expected that he would officially …

Continue reading ‘Ultra- nationalist forces in Southern Sri Lankan polity will definitely take advantage of Shritharan’s rise as the leader of the main political party of the Tamils and whip up communal propaganda that the separatist forces are re- emerging in the North and East. There are already clear signs of that.’ »

By Keith Noyahr Many have been my blessings over the past 15 years after a fresh lease of life afforded me in 2008. Spending quality time with my family including my grandchild more recently as well as attending spiritual retreats, with the latest ending on Australia Day long weekend, have been standouts. Retreats are a …

Continue reading ‘How Fearless Publisher Krishantha Cooray Helped Save the Life of an Abducted Journalist During the Rajapaksa Regime: A Heartfelt Birthday salute by a Grateful Colleague and Friend.’ »

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj The media spotlight is focused to a great extent on Jaffna District Parliamentarian Sivagnanam Shritharan these days. The 55 year old former school principal has been elected as the president of Sri Lanka’s premier Tamil political party the Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi(ITAK) known in English as the Federal Party(FP). Shritharan has been …

Continue reading ‘The Attack on ITAK Jaffna MP Sivagnanam Shritharan by “Unknown” Gunmen in Anuradhapura.’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) on January 29, 2024) It is with regret we inform our members, supporters and well-wishers that Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) office was broken into and set on fire on early morning of January 27, 2024 by unidentified individuals. This reprehensible act appears to be …

Continue reading ‘Canadian Tamil Congress Office in Toronto Broken Into and Set on Fire by Unknown Persons on 27 January 2024 Morning;Canadian Tamil Congress Condemns Attack on Office; Urges Community Unity Against Hate’ »

(Text of Media Release Issued by the Akhila Ilankai Tamil Mahasabha on 30 January 2024.) The Akhila Ilankai Tamil Mahasabha, being a recognized Political Party since 20}6, held its 10th National Annual Convention on 28th January 2024 at the Sarvodaya Auditorium situated on Nilaveli Road, Uppuveli, Trincomalee. After repealing and replacing its Constitution, the Party …

Continue reading ‘10 Member Executive Committee Elected for Akhila Ilankai Tamil Mahasabha at Party’s 10th National Convention. Dr. K.Vigneswaran Elected Leader and Prof.Selvarajah as Chairman’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Blessed One, Arhat One, Great Sage Sri Samanthabadra…” Part of the official invitation to the self-proclaimed Arhat cum Chief Sage Samanthabadra to preach his dhamma. “Mahinda is a religion. Mahinda is a philosophy. Mahinda is a culture and a morality this country needs.” Chief Incumbent of Mirisewetity (Lanka news web – 14.8.2020). …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka is a country we kill to call our own and yet yearn to leave. If any Western country offers instant visas to all applicants, how many Sri Lankans would be left in this land of serendipity?’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene Perhaps it is only a politician of Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe’s or his close comrade Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ‘pedigree’ who has the chutzpah (read, audacity) to talk about Sri Lanka’s ‘pappadum’ political culture, hot on the heels of the Government passing one of the country’s most atrocious laws, the Online Safety Bill. Tasteful …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Political Culture and its Political Leaders are like Puffed up “Pappadams” which Crumble Quickly and easily when Under Pressure’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The premier political party representing Sri Lankan Tamils in Parliament has got a new leader. The Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi(ITAK) known in English as the Federal Party(FP) has elected Jaffna district Parliamentarian Sivagnanam Shritharan as its president in Trincomalee on 21 January 2024. The president elect will be formally installed in office at …

Continue reading ‘Is the ITAK President Elect Shritharan Changing Party Policy From Espousing Federalism to that of Supporting TamiL Eelam?’ »

By Janani K Music director Ilaiyaraaja’s daughter and playback singer Bhavatharini died of cancer on January 25. According to reports, she went to Sri Lanka to get treated for liver cancer. However, she died at around 5 pm in Sri Lanka. Her body will be brought to Chennai tomorrow, January 26, where the final rites …

Continue reading ‘Tamil Musician and Singer Bhavatharini Dies of Cancer in Sri Lanka on 25 January; 47 Year old daughter of Maestro Ilaiyaraja won Indian National award for song “ Mayil Pola Ponnu Onnu”’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa was portrayed as a monument of efficiency who could uplift Sri Lanka by his “Viyathmaga” cronies and his family party the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna(SLPP) at the Presidential elections of 2019. More than 6.9 millio people voted him to stupendous success, Barely three years later Gotabaya fled from Sri Lanka …

Continue reading ‘Bharatha’s Killing, Duminda’s Conviction, Gotabaya’s Pardon, Hirunika’s Petition and the Supreme Court’s Historic Ruling.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Fifty years ago in January 1974, the International Association of Tamil Research (IATR) held the fourth World Tamil research conference in Jaffna. Violence was unleashed against Tamil civilians attending a cultural event linked to the conferency by a Police contingent led by the then ASP Chandrasekera. The background to the Jaffna conference and …

Continue reading ‘People’s Tribunal Headed by Justice De Kretzer Condemns Police in Jaffna for Excesses at the IATR World Tamil Research Conference on 10 January 1974.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Jaffna District MP Sivagnanam Shritharan has been elected as the new President of the Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi(ITAK) known in English as the Federal Party(FP). The inner party election was held on Sunday 21 January 2024 in Trincomalee. Shritharan will be officially declared ITAK President next week when the ITAK party convention takes …

Continue reading ‘Jaffna District MP Sivagnanam Shritharan Elected as the New President of the Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi(ITAK) at Inner Party Meeting in Trincomalee on 21 January 2024.’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham The present Sri Lankan constitution, in place for more than four and a half decades, has seen 21 Amendments. Most of them were brought by incumbent presidents to suit their political interests and were fundamentally anti-democratic. But the 13th Amendment, which has a relatively democratic dimension in comparison, has long been the …

Continue reading ‘If a Sri Lankan govt does away with the 13th amendment, can such an arrangement be brought back through domestic domestic process given the fiercely anti devolution mood in the South?’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene When bare-faced lies are uttered by the President of a country to the apex court of the land, of what worth is the Constitution? The murky circumstances of the Silva pardon This question arises in the wake of Wednesday’s ruling by the Supreme Court holding that the pardon granted in 2021 by …

Continue reading ‘Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had failed to submit even a single document to establish that he had properly exercised his discretion in Granting a Pardon to Duminda Silva’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj “Suma, Shri And Yohes In Triangular Contest For ITAK/FP Leadership” was the heading of my article published in the “Daily Mirror”of 16 December 2024. Ihe article was about the forthcoming election for the Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi(ITAK) President post. The ITAK known as the Federal Party (FP) in English is the premier political …

Continue reading ‘Shritharan Backed by Yoheswaran Asks Sumanthiran not to Contest the ITAK President Election.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The shooting of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra and conviction of Duminda Silva was a controversial episode in contemporary Sri Lankan history. Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra known as “Lucky Aiya” and three of his bodyguards were killed on 8 October 2011 in a shoot-out near the Walpola junction close to Mulleriyawa town, about six miles away …

Continue reading ‘The Killing of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra and Three Bodyguards in the Mulleriyawe Shoot-out near Walpola Junction.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The Supreme Court Order Squashing the Presidential pardon granted by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Ex-MP Duminda Silva has once again turned the media spotlight on the chief victim Bharatha Lakshman’s courageous daughter Hirunika Premachandra. The former MP has earned the sympathy and admiration of many people by her doughty campaign for justice …

Continue reading ‘Hirunika Premachandra’s Letter to Gotabaya Rajapaksa when he issued a Presidential Pardon to Duminda Silva Convicted of Killing Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on Wednesday revoked the presidential pardon granted to a former parliamentarian convicted for murdering a political rival. Ruling on the case challenging former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s 2021 pardon of ex-MP Duminda Silva, the country’s top court deemed the decision “arbitrary and irrational”, and directed prison authorities …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Supreme Court Quashes the “Arbitrary and Irrational” Presidential Pardon Granted by Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Convicted Killer Duminda Silva’ »

by Krishantha Prasad Cooray In a country of cosmetic changes where ‘new faces’ deliver disappointment or worse, it was indeed heartening to learn that Dr Upul Dissanayake has been elected as the next President of the Ceylon College of Physicians. I first met him years ago, but it didn’t take that long for me to …

Continue reading ‘Dr.Upul Dissanayake Hailed by Patients as “The Miracle Doctor” Elected as the next President of the Ceylon College of Physicians.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj A significant event in the post-independence history of the Sri Lankan Tamils took place fifty years ago on 10 January 1974 in Jaffna. A joyful cultural celebration was marred by the Sri Lankan Police unleashing violence against Tamil civilans. Ecstasy turned into agony when the panic-stricken people ran helter – skelter for safety. …

Continue reading ‘Jan 1974 World Tamil Conference in Jaffna, Poiice Attack on Public and Civilian Deaths .’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene When Sri Lanka’s Justice Minister calls upon an opposing parliamentary colleague taking issue with the ‘new’ Anti-Terrorism Bill tabled in Parliament this week, to justify where and in what country, anti-terrorism laws are solely dispensed with, he is missing the wood for the trees to put it mildly. The burden of …

Continue reading ‘The solution for Sri Lanka is to enact a narrowly drafted Anti-Terror Act that does not cause unholy confusion between who is a terrorist and who is not.’ »

By Sandun Jayawardana On Parliament’s first sitting day on Tuesday, Badulla District Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) parliamentarian Chaminda Wijesiri, making a shocking announcement, told the House that he chose to resign as the people had rejected all 225 MPs in the present Parliament and that it no longer had the people’s mandate. Mr. Wijesiri also …

Continue reading ‘Former Badulla MP Chaminda Wijesiri says what made him resign from Parliament was the sense of betrayal he felt when his own SJB Colleagues Failed to Support him at the Parliamentary Ethics Committee against him’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The ringing in of a new year is a time for reflection,re-appraisal and renewal. The year 2024 marks the 94th anniversary of universal franchise and the 76th anniversary of Independence from Britain for the Island nation. 2024 also marks the 15th anniversary of the end of its three decade long “civil” war. The …

Continue reading ‘Whither the “Ilankaith Thamizhar” (Lankan Tamils) of Sri Lanka?’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) had for long enjoyed the reputation of being a cohesive ,monolithic organization.Whatever the differences within the LTTE, the Tigers, to their credit, were able to project to the outsider a picture of impregnable unity. Despite the rumblings of discontent that have arisen at various times within the …

Continue reading ‘How Former LTTE Deputy Leader Gopalaswamy Mahendrarajah alias “Mahathaya” was Arrested on 3 August 1993 and Executed on 28 December 1994.’ »

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti (Text of message delivered at Lasantha Wickrematunge’s Grave, Borella on 8 January 2024) Fifteen years is a long time. A very long time to wait for justice and closure. Just now we spoke about keeping memories alive. Memories stay strong and our memories have made this gathering possible. But why are we …

Continue reading ‘Lasantha’s “Sunday Leader”’ was a long and sustained “Aragalaya” against Racism,Nepotism and Corruption and the newspaper was an early warning system coupled with a call to action.’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene Whether in regard to war crimes, gross corruption or economic white collar crimes, unearthing accountability in Sri Lanka is somewhat akin to peeling away multiple layers of a rotten onion. First, the stench overwhelms you. Secondly, each layer is correspondingly more decayed than the previous. Finally, one is left with the …

Continue reading ‘An unholy nexus between police abusers and politicians is very much out in the open, in the highly mis-titled ‘Yukthiya’ (‘Justice’) operation spearheaded by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennekoon.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj When the Tigers Shot Down the Lionair Flight 602 in the Mannar Sea-PART TWO The focus of this two-part article is the tragic plight of Lionair 602 flight twenty-five years ago. The first part of this article published last week related how the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) shot down an Antonov 24 …

Continue reading ‘The Tragic Plight of Lionair 602 Flight 25 Years ago.’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham Sri Lanka has seen eight Presidential elections after the introduction of Executive Presidency in 1978. But no previous election has been hyped like the upcoming Presidential election months before it is due to be held. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was elected by Parliament for the remainder of the term of President Gotabaya …

Continue reading ‘It is unfortunate that Sri Lankan Tamil politics is increasingly becoming a laughing stock! Is there a Tamil leader today who commands wide acceptance among the Tamil people in both the Northern and Eastern provinces?’ »

The 15th anniversary of the assassination of The Sunday Leader founder Editor-in-Chief Lasantha Wickrematunge, which falls on Monday, 8 January, will be marked with a service at his graveside. Family, friends, former colleagues, and others will gather at Borella Kanatte at 9 a.m. to mark the anniversary and remember Lasantha. Assassinated on 8 January 2009, …

Continue reading ‘Graveside memorial service to mark 15th anniversary of Lasantha’s assassination – On Monday 8 January 9 a.m. at Borella Kanatte’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “We talk about Tiananmen Square being all about democracy; it was because they had runaway inflation. The French Revolution wasn’t about liberté, fraternité, egalité, it was about rampant food price inflation” – Albert Edwards (Societe Generale: Global Strategy Alternative View) In China Mieville’s speculative murder mystery, The City & The City, two …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe was more correct than his opponents when he opted for direct taxation to raise revenue; by returning to the seemingly easy path of hiking indirect taxes, he has regressed to the economic-policy-levels of those who seek to replace him.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Twenty-five years ago an Antonov 24 aircraft carrying fifty-five civilians from Jaffna to Colombo was shot down over the Gulf of Mannar by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on 29 September 1998. The LTTE known as tigers was then at war with the Sri Lankan armed forces. Of the fifty- five …

Continue reading ‘When the Tigers Shot Down the Lionair Flight 602 in the Mannar Sea.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Mohammed Najeeb Abdul Majeed created history eleven years ago when he was sworn in as the Chief minister of the Eastern province on 18 September 2012 by the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Najeeb Abdul Majeed known popularly as Najeeb achieved two significant “firsts” then . Not only did he become the first Muslim …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s First Muslim Chief Minister Najeeb Abdul Majeed.’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene As Sri Lanka’s newest Bribery Commission cracks its shell with more than a smidgen of difficulty in the backdrop of ugly strain between its metaphorical parents, the Constitutional Council and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, circumstances can hardly be less propitious for this fledgling creature to survive, let alone thrive. Ministers and the proverbial …

Continue reading ‘Deshabandu Tennekoon along with Tiran Alles and Sagala Ratnayake presides over a media parade, ironically titled ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) in catching ‘sprats’ of the drug underworld while their political and police Godfathers escape the net.’ »

by Arun Janardhanan & Janardhan Koushik Tamil super star and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder Vijayakanth, fondly called as ‘Captain’, passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 71. Vijayakanth’s death marks the end of an influential chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political history and leaves a …

Continue reading ‘Popular Tamil Cinema Actor and DMDK Party Founder -Leader Vijayakanth Known as ‘Captain’ and “Black MGR” passes away at the age of 71.’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando Eksath Janaraja Peremuna leader and SJB MP Patali Champika Ranawaka has said that Public Security Minister Tiran Alles could resort to legal action if there was no basis for the recent declaration by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) that he has offshore holdings, identified by Pandora Papers. Former Minister and …

Continue reading ‘Patali Champika Ranawaka wants the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to conduct a proper inquiry into the allegatiion against Public Security Minister Tiran Alles by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) that he has offshore holdings, identified by Pandora Papers.’ »

டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ்/ D.B.S.Jeyaraj (This is a Tamil Translation of the English article headlined “fSumanthiran , Shritharan and Yoheswaran in Triangular Contest to Become Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Latchi (ITAK)President.) பெடரல் கட்சி (எவ் பி ) என ஆங்கிலத்தில் அழைக்கப்படும் இலங்கை தமிழரசுக்கட்சி வடக்கு மற்றும் கிழக்கிலுள்ள இலங்கைத் தமிழர்களின் முதன்மையான அரசியல் கட்சியாகும்.தமிழரசுக்கட்சி யா னது 1949 டிசம்பர்18 இல் உருவாக்கப்பட்டது.இலங்கைத் தமிழரசுக்கட்சியின் 75வது தினம் …

Continue reading ‘தமிழரசுக்கட்சியின் தலைமைப் பதவிக்கு மும்முனைப் போட்டி: களத்தில் சுமந்திரன், சிறிதரன், யோகேஸ்வரன்’ »

By Veeragathy Thanabalasingham National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) is at present intensely focused on the need for a national liberation movement. According to him, when looking at the social, political, and economic realities of Sri Lanka, it is clear that what is needed today is social change; what is needed for …

Continue reading ‘Anura Kumara Dissanayake ’s national liberation movement and the Tamil National question’ »

Rev. Fr. Jude Chrysantha has accused Public Security Minister Tiran Alles of making false accusations regarding an alleged appeal made to the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) on behalf of Fr. Cyril Gamini after a road accident. Convening a special press conference on Friday (22 Dec.) in his capacity as the Director of the …

Continue reading ‘Catholic Church in Sri Lank Publicly Accuses Public Security Minister Tiran Alles of Uttering Lies; “We urge Minister Tiran Alles to refrain from spreading such falsehoods” states Fr. Jude Chrysantha Director of the Colombo Archdiocesan Commission for Social Communications’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Hey, c’mon, come out, wherever you are We need to have this meeting, at this tree Ain’t even been planted yet.” June Jordan (Calling on all minorities) On August 14, 2006 the Sri Lankan air force bombed an orphanage in Vallipunam killing 61 schoolgirls. The Rajapaksa administration insisted that the location was …

Continue reading ‘The dehumanising of non-Buddhists by the Mahawamsa is the tribal counterpoint to the Buddha’s universalist teaching. Though Sinhala-Buddhist children memorise that Dhammapada stanza, it is the Mahawamsa attitude that guides their lives.’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Sri Lankan economy expanded by 1.6 per cent in the third quarter of this year, slowly emerging from one and half years of contraction. With the service sector picking up and manufacturing showing a seasonal hike, the fourth quarter may log 7-8 per cent growth, partially compensating for the first two quarters …

Continue reading ‘One cannot deny Ranil Wickremesinghe the credit for lifting Sri Lanka from its worst-ever economic crisis. Ranil’s feat would loom large over peers in similar predicaments from Argentina to Lebanon.’ »

(Text of Media Release Issued by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) on 20 December 2023 under the heading “Reducing the Tax Burden”) Around 40 professional associations and trade unions representing vital sectors of the economy and the public services have been agitating for a reduction in income taxes for many months. In the meantime, …

Continue reading ‘The SLPP which I lead is a part of the government. However the present Head of the Government and Head of State is the leader of a different political party with different policies. At this moment, the primary duty of the SLPP is to ensure a stable government until the next national elections. ‘ –Mahinda Rajapaksa’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Veluppillai Prabhakaran,his spouse Madhivadhani Erambu. Daughter Thuvaraka and sons Charles Anthony and Balachandran along with thousands of other Tamils died in the final phase of the armed conflict at Mullivaaikkaal in the Karaithuriaipattru AGA division of Mullaitheevu district in May 2009. Though fourteen years have passed …

Continue reading ‘“Operation Leader’s Daughter”: The Attempted Fraud Using a False Thuvaraka Prabhakaran.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi (ITAK) known in English as the Federal Party (FP) is the premier political party of the Northern and Eastern Sri Lankan Tamils.The ITAK/FP was formed on 18 December 1949. The 75th birth anniversary of ITAK will be celebrated next year. The ITAK was the leading political party of …

Continue reading ‘Sumanthiran , Shritharan and Yoheswaran in Triangular Contest to Become Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Latchi (ITAK)President..’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Readers have evinced a lot of interest in the contents of the first part of this article published last week. This article’s focus on the fraudulent attempt to promote an impostor as Thuvaraka the daughter of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Veluppillai Prabhakaran has evoked much response from readers. The feedback …

Continue reading ‘How the Overseas LTTE Raised Funds From the Tamil Diaspora.’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene In another dubious record for Sri Lanka’s paralyzed criminal justice system, the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) who had assumed his post recently trailing clouds of controversy regarding his professional conduct, has been held directly responsible by the Supreme Court for violation of Article 11 of the Constitution (freedom from …

Continue reading ‘Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennekoon, along with subordinates had violated the law in arresting an ex-soldier for alleged implication in several thefts, thereafter unlawfully detaining and torturing him during 15th -22nd December 2010. States Supre Court Ruling’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ‘Arasiyal Madhiuraignar’ (Political Adviser) Anton Stanislaus Balasingham passed away seventeen years ago at his South London residence on 14 December 2006.Bala ‘Annai’ (elder brother) as he was generally known among Tamils died of cancer at the age of 68 years. The funeral was held at the …

Continue reading ‘Anton Stanislaus Balasingham alias “Bala Annai” : An Up , Close and Personal. Account.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan As Sri Lanka tries to rebuild its battered economy after last year’s devastating crisis, the country’s political scene is gradually heating up, in the run up to two national elections scheduled next year — parliamentary and presidential — that will give citizens their first chance to vote, after they dislodged the Rajapaksas …

Continue reading ‘“Our appeal to people of the north is not ‘please join us, we will fulfil your needs’. We are appealing to them, to be part of this movement to defeat this corrupt ruling clique. We are saying let us unite, rebuild this country, and fulfil the requirements of the all the communities together” – JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene Parliamentarians draping shawls supposedly in sympathy for the plight of the people of Gaza while deaf, dumb and blind to the fate of their own constituents and exchanging tiringly customary allegations across the floor of the House as to who is ‘more corrupt’ and ‘who is more communalist’ underlines the growing …

Continue reading ‘The signal focus of MP’s during the budget debates should be as to how Sri Lanka’s ‘recovery’ from bankruptcy can be ‘engineered’ to shield the most vulnerable segments of the populace from literal starvation.’ »

By Arjuna Ranawana The deep shadow of conspiracy that allegedly created the conditions for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to become President through the Easter Sunday massacre continues to darken many aspects of Sri Lankan life. Governance is in disarray, and the government’s inability to pick an officer of high calibre, whose reputation is intact, to fill the …

Continue reading ‘A Dysfunctional Government Brings Out a Controversial Acting Top Cop’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Yesteryear Actress Nissankara .Savitri was at one time regarded as the greatest actress to adorn the Tamil silver screen. She was hailed then as “Nadigaiyar Thilagam “( Doyenne of Actresses) in Tamil and “Mahanati” (Great Actress) in Telugu. Savitri was born on 6 December 1934. This article therefore is to denote her 89th …

Continue reading ‘“Nadigaiyar Thilagam “( Doyenne of Actresses) Savitri.; The Rise and Fall of a Great Actress.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Lankan poet and linguist M.A. Nuhman is deeply pained by the bloodshed and mass killings that ravage Gaza, sparing no one — not even infants. His anger at the brutal violence against civilians, and his solidarity with the people of Palestine, have found familiar expression in Tamil verse. Last month, he wrote …

Continue reading ‘A Voice for Palestine: How M.A. Nuhman’s translations of poems on the Palestinian cause have resonated with Sri Lankan Tamils Fighting State Oppression’ »

________________________________________ By Tisaranee Gunasekara “So it goes.” Kurt Vonnegut (Slaughterhouse-Five) In the grand scheme of things, a monk and a quack draping a robe on a Buddha statue may seem silly, at most. Even if the statue is a 1,500-year-old work of art. Sri Lanka, contrary to President Wickremesinghe’s assertions, is still teetering on the …

Continue reading ‘In Sri Lanka, saffron is the new colour of impunity. There’s very little a man cannot get away with, from slapstick comic to violently dangerous, if he happens to wear a yellow robe. Monks are not just above the law; they have a law unto themselves. Often, they are the law.’ »

By Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka The responses to Henry Kissinger’s death at 100, proves that if a person’s contribution to his/her field is sufficiently significant, he or she will, on balance, be regarded positively as having made a lasting mark within that field, whatever the horrors he/she may have been responsible for along the way. Kissinger was …

Continue reading ‘Kissinger was the last great Realist thinker-practitioner in the fields of foreign policy and diplomacy. Viewed from the standpoint of ethics and morality, his crimes outweighed his constructive contribution, but from a Realist perspective, the evaluation is the reverse.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Alluring actress turned powerful politico Jayalalithaa Jayaram passed away at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai on 5 December 2016. Her condition had been pronounced grave after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit following a cardiac seizure on Dec 4. Her Demise seven years ago caused a void in the politics of India’s …

Continue reading ‘Alluring actress turned powerful politico Jayalalithaa Jayaram reigned as the uncrowned Queen of Tamil cinema for a Decade’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Two weeks back, crisis-hit Argentina elected a far-right outsider as the President, ending nearly eight decades of dominance of the mainstream right and left in the politics of South America’s second-largest economy. President-elect Javier Milei, a libertarian and a media showman, rode on a wave of public anger at the political establishment, …

Continue reading ‘The JVP does not have the right ideological inclination and intellectual sophistication to lift the country out of the economic crisis. It might make things worse and cause Gotabaya’s destruction of the economy to look like child’s play’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj William Shakespeare wrote in his play “Julius Caesar” thus – “His life was gentle, and the elements So mixed in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, This was a man.” . Much hackneyed as they may be , these enduring words of the Bard of Avon aptly …

Continue reading ‘Gamini “Gamma”Weerakoon: From Reporter to Editor.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eleam (LTTE) leader Veluppillai Prabhakaran was born on 26 November 1954. If he were among the living, Prabhakaran would be celebrating his 69th Birth Anniversary today (Nov 26). This article intends focusing on the life and times of the man who determined the politico-military course of the island nation …

Continue reading ‘Little-known Facts About Legendary LTTE Leader Veluppillai Prabhakaran’ »

By Kishali Pinto – Jayawardene Weeks after the November 14th decision of the Supreme Court with the majority holding gross failures in fiscal and monetary discipline by the Rajapaksa-led regime from 2019-2022 had comprised an extraordinary breach of the Public Trust triggering Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy, it does not seem that political leaders or their cheering …

Continue reading ‘The mood on the street is clearly ugly and turning towards an even more deep-seated rejection of the ruling political establishment beyond the ‘Aragalaya’ (protest) of last year. Then, it was spontaneous anger combined with an idealistic demand to ‘send the crooks home. What is surfacing now is deadlier and vastly unpredictable in form.’ »

By Mimi Alphonsus In April 2020, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Mohamed Razeek Mohamed Ramzy at his home in Katugastota for violating the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), among other charges. His crime was to have written a Facebook post urging Muslims to counter alleged racist attacks against their community through …

Continue reading ‘The Persecution of Mohammed Ramzy for writing a Facebook post urging Muslims to counter alleged racist attacks against their community through an “ideological jihad” (struggle) using the “pen and keyboard.”’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Recent arrests made by Sri Lanka police using a controversial anti-terrorism law, whose repeal remains a key demand of rights defenders in the island nation, has sparked concern among Tamil legislators, activists, and international agencies including the UN. In a post on social media platform ‘X’ on Friday, Tamil National Alliance parliamentarian …

Continue reading ‘Recent Arrest of 10 Persons by Sri Lankan Police Under the “Draconian” Preventionof Terrorism Act Sparks Concern among Tamil MPs, Human rights activist and International Agencies Including UN.’ »

For someone who promoted his own views so tirelessly, Henry Kissinger was surprisingly misunderstood. Many see him as the arch-exponent of an amoral realism that tarnishes America. Sure enough, like any diplomat, he lied for his country (and occasionally himself). More disturbingly, he was willing to see tens of thousands of people killed if he …

Continue reading ‘Many see Henry Kissinger as the arch-exponent of an amoral realism that tarnishes America.More disturbingly, he was willing to see tens of thousands of people killed if he thought that the national interest demanded it.’ »

Early in june 1970, soon after America had invaded Cambodia, Henry Kissinger secretly visited Brian McDonnell, a 27-year-old peacenik he had spotted in Lafayette Park opposite the White House. It was one of his many efforts that year to persuade his younger critics that they should give war a chance. As with so many others, …

Continue reading ‘Henry Kissinger’s style was to work outside the official machinery of the State Department and the foreign service, which he thought had sapped American diplomacy of its vigour and creativity.’ »

(Text of Editorial appearing in the “Daily FT”dated 30 November 2023 under the heading “Get basics right first in Colombo city before envisioning entertainment hub) President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans this week to make Colombo an “entertainment hub.” Any plan to make the country’s metropolis a more liveable city and make it tourist-friendly is welcome. …

Continue reading ‘President Ranil Wickremesinghe is a Colombo. Resident. Before Making Colombo an “Entertainment Hub”,he should be aware of the numerous issues that not only the residents of the city face but also thousands who come to the city every day.’ »

. By Suhasini Haidar India has set up a “high-level” enquiry committee to look into allegations made by the United States government regarding an Indian plot targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S.-based Khalistani activist wanted on terror charges, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced here on Wednesday. The explosive allegations, contained in a U.S. …

Continue reading ‘US Justice Dept Files Indictment against Indian National Nikhil Gupta Over Alleged Conspiracy to Assassinate US Citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun; Senior Indian Intellige Official Suspected of Masterminding Plot to kill Sikh Activist Pannu on US Soil’ »

By’ Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka has reached an “agreement in principle” with India and the Paris Club group of creditors including Japan, on a debt treatment plan that will help the crisis-hit island nation tap the next tranche of the International Monetary Fund’s nearly-$3 billion recovery package. “The OCC [Official Creditor Committee] and Sri Lanka …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka has reached an “agreement in principle” with India and the Paris Club group of creditors including Japan, on a debt treatment plan; Lenders ‘expect’ transparency from ‘other bilateral creditors’ alluding to China’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s highly inappropriate jocularity in Parliament this week when commenting about the ‘Public Trust’ Doctrine only reinforces the (unfortunately) pejorative stamp of his Presidency as undermining the Constitution. ‘Public Trust is everything’ Mind, this is not in the typically crude sledgehammer style of Medamulana rule but more subtle and …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe characterised the Constitutional Council (CC) as being ‘part of the executive’. Undeniably, the CC was established to check executive power and not to act as an executive appendage.’ »

(Text of Speech made by Jaffna District Parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran in Parliament on 22.11.2023) Thank you Hon. Chair for the time allocated to speak a few words on these heads of expenditure We have had an interesting debate so far, with his Excellency also participating. One of the institutions under consideration is the constitutional council, …

Continue reading ‘“Former President Mahinda Rajapakse,must resign, if he has any semblance of a sense of dignity, and if he respects rule of law, if he respects democracy, he must promptly resign from Parliament and accept responsibility.”- MA Sumanthiran MP’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “It is apparent that the continued inaction to reintroduce and/or to raise taxes, and regain the government revenue that was lost, brought about an adverse impact on the economy which had a domino effect on the entire social fabric.” Supreme Court of Sri Lanka The Supreme Court judgement about the Rajapaksa culpability …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan military is Sri Lankan in name only. In reality, it is a Sinhala-Buddhist military wedded to Sinhala-Buddhist interests. An anomaly in a demographically pluralist land and a dangerous one.’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that the three Rajapaksa brothers and a cabal of officials were responsible for the economic crisis, delivering an unprecedented judgement that could be the precursor to Sri Lanka’s long march for justice. The Court ruled by the majority judgment that the Rajapaksa brothers and five of …

Continue reading ‘Supreme Court ruling has opened a window for any Sri Lankan to seek compensation from the Rajapaksas for economic, physical and psychological distress they had been subjected to due to the economic crisis.’ »

By Josh Robertson A retired police commander has shed new light on claims that the former Sri Lankan government may have colluded with a terrorist group for political gain, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people, including Australians, in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The attacks by Islamic state-inspired terrorists on churches and luxury …

Continue reading ‘Former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ravi Seneviratne Tells Australia’s ABC investigations that Probe by Police into the 2019 Easter Attacks were Derailed Through Political Interference Immediately after Gotabaya Rajapaksa was Elected President; Says Leade Investigator and 22 others were Removed and Over 700 CID Personnel Intimidated by an Overseas Travel ban.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan China is “prioritising” the extension of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) to Sri Lanka, the country’s Special Envoy told President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday, in an indication that China is looking to scale up the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project in South Asia. Paying a courtesy call on the Sri Lankan …

Continue reading ‘China will Prioritize the Extension of the China -Myanmar Economic Corri dor(CMEV) to Sri Lanka states Visiting Chinese Special Envoy Shen Yiqin in Colombo at meeting with President Ranul Wickremesinghe’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Today November 11th is observed in many parts of the World including Sri Lanka as Remembrance day or War memorial day. It is also called Poppy day due to the tradition of wearing a poppy flower. Remembrance day has its origins in the end of world war one. Although world war 1 concluded …

Continue reading ‘Larry Wijeratne: The Sinhala Army Officer who Won the Hearts and Minds of Vadamaratchy Tamil People.’ »

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj Popular Tamil cinema actor Gemini Ganesan whose 103rd birth anniversary falls on November 17th is regarded widely as the greatest romantic lover in Tamil cinema . In a career spanning more than five decades Gemini Ganesan made his mark in Tamil films as the romantic hero par excellence. In fact he was …

Continue reading ‘Gemini Ganesan Known as “Kaadhal Mannan” (Romance King) was the greatest lover on the silver screens of Tamil Cimema’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene A ringing reminder by the Supreme Court this week holding three Rajapaksas (two former Presidents and a Minister of Finance) along with their economic tsars and a politically driven Monetary Board responsible for Sri Lanka’s calamitous bankruptcy, was that ‘the Rule of Law is not only rights and equality….(it) is also about …

Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Ruling must surely make the political establishment, its avaricious panjandrums and the sundry collection of white collar parasites still feeding off Sri Lanka’s rotting carcass, shudder in their well heeled shoes’ »

By Dan Sheehan In a video address to the Munich Literature Festival yesterday, the human rights activist and Booker Prize-winning author of The God of Small Things Arundhati Roy made a powerful speech in solidarity with the Gazan people, and with the millions around the world marching for a ceasefire. Roy—who could not attend the …

Continue reading ‘“The solution can only be a political one in which both Israelis and Palestinians live together or side by side in dignity, with equal rights. The world must intervene. The occupation must end. Palestinians must have a viable homeland.”- Arundhati Roy’ »

(Text of Speech made by Jaffna District Parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran During the Budget Debate on – 15th November 2023) Thank you presiding member for the opportunity to speak at the second reading of the budget proposals that have been presented to this House by his Excellency the President and Minister of Finance. Whenever I have …

Continue reading ‘“Public Money has been Stolen by he Former President,his brothers and several others who worked with them. They have taken the money out of the country. What the Supreme Court should have done is to have ordered them to pay compensation for every citizen of this country, and bring that money into the treasury and that would have seen the revival of this country’s economy.”- MA Sumanthiran MP’ »

By Chandani Kirinde President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday in Parliament presented his Government’s 2024 Budget, the second since taking office in July 2022 and the last before the country goes to the polls to elect a new Head of State late next year. Though the President made it a point to say it was not an …

Continue reading ‘President Ranil Wickremesinghe Presents Pre -election year Budget with incentives for public servants, pensioners and those on State welfare programs as well as promises of housing and land ownership for thousands of others.’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda The Supreme Court today held that several respondents including former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and former Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal are responsible for economic crisis in the country.

(Text of Press Release Issued by the President’s Media Division on 14 November 2023) President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored his desire for a resurgence of cricket in the country, linking its revival to the broader economic recovery. He made these remarks in response to a journalist’s inquiry during a meeting with heads of media organization at …

Continue reading ‘“This year’s budget is poised to reshape both the nation’s economy and political landscape. My goal is to ensure the success of the country’s economic development program without the influence of politics.” President Ranil Wickremesinghe Tells Media Institution heads’ »

In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court yesterday determined that ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, along with former Finance Ministers Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa, bear responsibility for Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis and had thereby violated the fundamental rights of the people by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022. The apex court found that the …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Supreme Court determines that ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa along with former Finance Ministers Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa, bear responsibility for Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis and had thereby violated the fundamental rights of the people by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022.’ »

(Text of Budget Speech Delivered in Parliament by Preside Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Capacity as Finance Minister on 13 November 2023) Honourable Speaker, The Lord Buddha has elucidated on a concept called “Samjeewikatha” (balance living). He explained this concept in the Vyagghapajja Sutta. The concept elaborates on how to balance our budget. The Buddha has …

Continue reading ‘Budget themed “A Prelude to a Bright Future,” Presented in Parliament by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Finance Minister Capacity:Full Text Of Budget Speech’ »

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj The landmark verdict delivered by a three -judge bench of the Supreme court in the first week of October has brought “glad tidings of great joy” to most Sri Lankan political parties in general and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) in particular. The Supreme court bench comprising Justices Padman Surasena , …

Continue reading ‘Rise and Fall of “Hafiz” Nazeer Ahamed in the Muslim Congress.’ »

By Kishali Pinto – Jayawardene The Supreme Court’s pronouncement while examining Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill in the determination communicated to the Speaker earlier this month that, ‘Parliament need not wait till a crime is committed to enact laws’ invites a measure of critical scrutiny in good conscience. What or who does the Bill protect? …

Continue reading ‘In principle, there is no doubt that sensible and fair regulation is needed. The question remains however as to whether the Government’s Online Safety Bill is a fit and proper legislative vehicle for the purpose?’ »

The Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka has expressed its profound sorrow at the passing away of one of its founding members, Mr. Gamini Weerakoon, whose funeral took place in Colombo yesterday. Mr. Weerakoon was the former Editor of The Island and the Sunday Island.He joined Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., as a parliamentary reporter in …

Continue reading ‘Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka Mourns the Passing away of Former Editor of “The Island” and “Sunday Island” Gamini Weerakoon; Expresses Profound Sorrow at the Sunday Funeral of Veteran editor who was one of the Founding Members of the Guild’ »

Gamini Weerakoon, veteran journalist and one-time editor of The Island and Sunday Island, passed away yesterday (Nov 11 2023) after a brief illness. An alumnus of St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia of which he was later a loyal old boy, he entered the Science Faculty of the University of Ceylon (Colombo campus) and later transferred …

Continue reading ‘Veteran Journalist Gamini Weerakoo (Gamma)n No More! Former Editor of “The Island” and “Sunday Island” Passed Away on 11 November 2023 After a Brief Illness.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj This is the fourth and final part of the article about how I was arrested by the CID and detained on the infamous 4th floor in October 1987. The first,second and third parts were published in the “Daily Mirror” on 14,21 and 30 October respectively. In this fourth and final part the focus …

Continue reading ‘How I was Released from 4th Floor Detention by the CID and Cleared of all Charges by the A-G Dept and Courts.’ »

(Full Text of keynote address by First Lady Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe delivered at the Breast Cancer Symposium 2023 on the theme ‘Empowering Hope, Uniting Hearts and Advancing Minds’ organized by the Indira Cancer Trust on Friday,13 October 2023) I consider it a distinctive privilege to be here this morning, (though not necessarily to be dressed …

Continue reading ‘“I was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in March 2020 just as COVID-19 began sweeping the world and our island”—- First Lady Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe talks about her experience with Cancer for the First time at a Public Event’ »

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has suspended Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership of the ICC with immediate effect, the world’s cricket governing body said on Friday, a day after the island nation’s parliament unanimously decided to remove the current administrators of the sport. Sport Minister Roshan Ranasinghe stubbornly took the leadership to sack the current …

Continue reading ‘International Cricket Council (ICC) Suspends Sri Lanka Cricket(SLC) from Membership of the ICC with Immediate Effect a day after Sri Lanka’s parliament unanimously Resolved to remove the current administrators of SLC’ »

Scientists have rediscovered a long-lost species of mammal described as having the spines of a hedgehog, the snout of an anteater and the feet of a mole, in Indonesia’s Cyclops Mountains more than 60 years after it was last recorded. Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna, named after British naturalist David Attenborough, was photographed for the first timesince …

Continue reading ‘Mammal Species with Hedgehog Spines, Anteater Snout and Feet of a Mole re-discovered by Scientists in Indonesia’s Cyclops Mountain 60 Years after it was last recorded; Attenborough’s Long Beaked Echidna was named after British Naturalist David Attenborough’ »

In a rare moment of unity, parliamentarians of both the Government and the Opposition yesterday came together to unanimously pass a resolution in Parliament against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The resolution, titled “Removal of Corrupt Officials, Including the Chairman, from Sri Lanka Cricket Board,” received unanimous support from both Government and Opposition MPs, leading Speaker …

Continue reading ‘Without Taking a Formal Vote, Parliament Unanimously Passes Resolution Against Sri Lanka Cricket(SLC) , titled “Removal of Corrupt Officials, Including the Chairman, from Sri Lanka Cricket: Sajith Premadasa Proposes and Nimal Siripala de Silva Seconds “Unity” Resolution.’ »

(Text of Speech made by Jaffna District MP M.A.Sumanthiran PC in Parliament on 08th November 2023) Thank you Deputy Chairman for the time allocated for me to speak on the very important bill that has been presented by the Minister of Justice today. I am saying important bill because for a long time the need …

Continue reading ‘“Fundamental right cases at leave stage itself have been argued for 10 days – surely to argue for 10 days there was reason to look into the matter. After full 10 days of arguments, full bench has said we see no reason to grant leave to proceed! That’s the only reason”- MA Sumanthiran MP’ »

By Sahan Tennekoon The Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe claimed that the recent stay order issued by the Court of Appeal (CA) suspending the Interim Committee appointed to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) depicts the downfall of the country’s Judiciary. Making a special statement in the Parliament yesterday (8), Minister Ranasinghe said that a conflict of …

Continue reading ‘Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe Flays Appeal Court for Issuing Stay Order Suspending SL Cricket Interim Committee. Alleges in Parliament that Appeal Court President Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne’s Sister in Law;s son and Lawyer Asela Rekawa is Closely Associated with SLC Chairman Shammy Silva’ »

By Jamila Husain Hours after Sports Minister Roshan Ranasingha appointed an interim committee headed by former cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga to assume control of Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday, an angry President Ranil Wickremesinghe telephoned Ranasingha and asked for an immediate explanation as to why he had made such a move without consulting him or the cabinet. …

Continue reading ‘Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe Suspends Sri Lanka Cricket Board and Appoints Interim Committee to Take Over Without Consulting President or Govt. A Furious President Ranil Wickremesinghe Berates Ranasingha and Calls for Explanation;Cabinet Appoints 4 Member Ministerial Committee to Oversee SLC’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The first and second parts of this article published on 14 and 21 Ocober respectively narrated the story of how I was arrested by the CID in October 1987 and detained on the 4th floor for having exposed the realities of the war between the Indian army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil …

Continue reading ‘How the CID Interrogated me About Suspected LTTE -JVP Links on the 4th Floor.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan, Dennis S.Jesudasan A video-recorded message by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was not telecast at the ‘Naam 200’ event in Colombo on Thursday due to reported objection from the Government of India over its “last minute” inclusion. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had addressed the event in person. However, Mr. Stalin’s video message …

Continue reading ‘Did BJP Govt in New Delhi Stymie Tamil Nadu Ruling Party DMK Participation in “Naam 200” HHill Country Tamil Event in Colombo? Chief Minister Stalin’s Message not Telecast; Delayed Clearance Prevents T,Nadu Finance Minister Thennarasu from Attending.’ »

(Text of address delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe when declaring open the modern courts complex in Welimada on November 3 2023) “The administration of justice we have is about the oldest in Asia coming from the Dutch and the British and we are the oldest as far as the rule of law is concerned. It …

Continue reading ‘It has been said that you must come to courts with clean hands. So why shouldn’t it apply to the Human Rights Council? Next September come with clean hands and we will also answer you. If you haven’t got clean hands, why should we answer you? -President Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s cracklingly combative question as to ‘why does the United Nations apply one rule to Israel and another rule to us?’ when declaring the opening of the Welimada courts complex this Friday must surely delight the hearts of his steadily growing band of nationalist cheerleaders in Sri Lanka. “The end …

Continue reading ‘In each and every place where populations are ‘dehumanised,’ where children are killed and countries destroyed, the violators work to a single play book.It is the victims who have no voice.’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. Friends are the home we never lose, the refuge we can count on when the world turns against us. Friends are the tree that shelters us from everything that is inclement and unseasonal. Johann Wijesinghe was such a friend to me. With him …

Continue reading ‘“Friends are the tree that shelters us from everything that is inclement and unseasonal. Johann Wijesinghe was such a friend to me. . Now that he is gone, I feel as if I’ve lost a world”’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “How much past tomorrow holds.” Mahmoud Darwish (A rhyme for the odes Mu’allaquat) During her 2013 visit to Sri Lanka, then UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay wanted to lay a wreath to commemorate the war-dead. “When I go to a country, I like to honour the victims, all victims, victims of …

Continue reading ‘Hamas committed war crimes. Israel is committing war crimes. And the West, the self-appointed guardians of International Humanitarian Law, is enabling Israel to go on committing war crimes.’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage will keep her Parliamentary seat after the Court of Appeal ruled in its majority decision that there is no merits in the writ petition which sought an order declaring that she is not qualified to be a Member of Parliament. Social activist Oshala Herath filed this …

Continue reading ‘Appeal Court Dismisses Writ Petition against State Minister Diana Gamage in 2 to 1 Majority Judgement by Justices Karunaratne and Swarnadhipathy ; Justice Marikka Dissents and Issues Writ of Quo Warranto Separately Ruling That Diana is Disqualified as MP;Petitioner Oshala Herath to File Appeal to Supreme Court Challenging Appeal Court Order.’ »

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj It’s almost official or unofficially official! President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated publicly that the next Presidential election would be held in 2024. Addressing the United National Party ( UNP)’s Special convention held at the Sugathadasa Stadium on 21 October 2023, the President outlined the timeline for upcoming elections in line with the …

Continue reading ‘Why Ranil Wickremesinghe Wants to Hold a Presidential Election First in 2024.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Chinese research vessel Shiyan 6, which arrived in Colombo last week amid concerns raised by India and the United States, is set to begin its two-day research off the Sri Lankan coast today, Sri Lankan authorities said. The research will be pursued off Sri Lanka’s western coast, and in collaboration with Sri …

Continue reading ‘Chinese research vessel Shiyan 6, which arrived in Colombo last week amid concerns raised by India and the United States will begin its two-day research off the Sri Lankan coast today.’ »

By Sonia Gandhi On October 7, 2023, on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel, killing more than a thousand people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 200 more. The unprecedented attack was devastating for Israel. The Indian National Congress strongly believes that violence has no place in …

Continue reading ‘The world was diminished by the brutal attacks on Israel; the world stands diminished again by Israel’s disproportionate and equally brutal response.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj It was in October 1990 that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) forcibly expelled the Tamil speaking Muslim people from the Northern Province in an atrocious act amounting to ethnic cleansing. Within a few days the Muslims were chased out of their homeland where they had lived for many, many centuries. The …

Continue reading ‘“Black October”: The Mass Expulson of Northern Muslims by the LTTE 33 Years ago’ »

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj (This is the second part of the article “How I was Arrested by the CID and Detained on the 4th Floor” published last week) As stated last week, the CID director DIG Bennet Perera showed me the letter written by Defence Secretary Gen.Sepala Attygalle instructing the Police to question me for information …

Continue reading ‘How I went on a “Hunger Strike” in CID Custody on the 4th Floor.’ »

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Spokesman and MP M.A. Sumanthiran writing to IGP C.D. Wickramaratne yesterday questioned the police’s inaction against the recent controversial comments inciting “racial hatred and violence” made by the Chief Incumbent of the Magalaramaya Vihara, Batticaloa – Ampitiye Sumana Thera. In a recent video shot this week the Thera’s behaviour became highly …

Continue reading ‘Batticaloa Magalaramaya Vihara Chief Incumbent Ampitiye Sumana Thera Threatens to cut Tamils Living in South to Pieces;MA Sumanthiran MP writes to IGP CD Wickramaratne Questioning Police Inaction over Monk’s Statement Violating the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act’ »

Sri Lanka’s human rights activist Ambika Satkunanathan has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture by the UN Secretary General António Guterres. Satkunanathan has worked over twenty years with persons and communities impacted by human rights violations, especially in the conflict-affected North and East, and assisted them …

Continue reading ‘UN Secretary General António Guterres. Appoints Former Sri Lankan Human Rights Commissioner Ambika Satkunanathan to the Board of Trustees of UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture .’ »

By Buddhika Samaraweera In the wake of recent controversies pertaining to lands in the Batticaloa District, Eastern Provincial Governor Senthil Thondaman said that the Government has dealt with the people who have forcibly acquired State lands in the district in accordance with the relevant legal provisions and not on the basis of their nationality or …

Continue reading ‘“Not only the Sinhalese, but also Tamils and Muslims who have acquired land illegally have been evicted from some lands in the East. This monk Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thera is living in an illusory world. He should first understand that the law of the land is being enforced”- Eastern Governor Senthil Thondaman’ »

By Buddhika Samaraweera While it is up to the Defence Ministry to decide whether to implement the Parliament’s Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on National Security’s recommendation to inform United States (US) Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung to refrain from making remarks regarding the internal affairs of Sri Lanka, the said SOC stated that their …

Continue reading ‘US Ambassador Julie Chung “has intervened in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs too much. It should come to an end.” says Rear Admiral (Ret.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekera’ »