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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Kshama Ranawana He refuses to accept responsibility for the greatest carnage that occurred under his watch and now wants the people to help pay the compensation ordered by the Supreme Court. Maithripala Sirisena, President and Minister of Defence was also the Head of the Security Council and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, …

Continue reading ‘“Man Up Maithripala Sirisena, don’t Trivialise the Easter Bombing!.Apologise and pay the fine out of your pocket or take responsibility and suffer incarceration.”’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Sri Lanka’s professional classes are paragons of virtues at normal times. But, their bruised sense of entitlement at the new personal income tax revisions is nothing but a callous display ofrent-seeking opportunism. Last week, a group of professional organisations representing government doctors, university dons, engineers and banking employees took to the street …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s economy crumbled not just because its ex-president is an egoistic fool but because successive governments bankrolled a low-tax economy with public debt, subsidising everything from fuel to electricity.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed receiving India’s written financing assurance in support of Sri Lanka’s economic revival, Reuters news agency reported, while Sri Lanka has expressed hope of completing talks on debt restructuring in six months’ time. “We confirm that India has indicated to the IMF management that it is …

Continue reading ‘The International Monetary Fund (IMF) confirms receipt of India’s written financing assurance in support of Sri Lanka’s economic revival, while Sri Lanka expresses hope of completing talks on debt restructuring in six months’ time.’ »

Indian Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, said in Colombo on Friday that the energy security is one of Sri Lanka’s most serious challenges and a solution must encompass the larger region.He said Sri Lanka has enormous renewable energy potential that can become a sustainable source of revenue while Trincomalee can be an energy hub. …

Continue reading ‘“I would like to underline that India is a reliable neighbour, a trustworthy partner, one who is prepared to go the extra mile when Sri Lanka feels the need.”- Indian External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar’ »

By By Ashish Ray That the British government found Narendra Modi culpable in the 2002 Gujarat riots is the most significant takeaway from the first episode of the two-part BBC television investigative documentary, India: The Modi Question, which was broadcast in Britain on January 17. Soon after the riots, the British foreign office had undertaken …

Continue reading ‘New BBC television investigative documentary Aired on 17 Jan 2023 titled ” India: The Modi Question” reveals Classified Documents on Stating then Gujerat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was Directly Responsible in the Anti-Muslim Violence of 2002.’ »

By Kishali Pinto – Jayawardene It says much for Machiavellian type political audacity, that the hype surrounding Sri Lanka’s Regulation of Elections Expenditure Bill disguised one starkly glaring absurdity. Disgraceful failure to cover ‘political parties’ Leaving aside the flap over the Opposition claiming (not without reason) that the Bill was just another tactic by a …

Continue reading ‘The decades long failure to curb political, state and corporate corruption has propelled the nation into bankruptcy.This pattern continues in the face of the great and grievous travails that afflict this nation, just a tad stealthier perhaps than earlier.’ »

By Rajasinghe Hardly had the ink on the coalition pledge signed by the new Nidahas alliance chiefs dried on the expensive parchment paper supplied by Thilanga Sumathipala, its new General Secretary, when a ballistic missile hit their symbol – the helicopter. A unanimous verdict of a seven-member bench of the Supreme Court – the highest …

Continue reading ‘Former President Maithripala Sirisena Seems to have reached the end of the line mow and has also brought his recently-formed party down with him.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan If an Indian leader or top official makes a statement on Sri Lanka, it would invariably mention one piece of legislation in Sri Lanka’s Constitution — the 13th Amendment. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who was in Colombo earlier this week, said he shared India’s “considered view” with President Ranil Wickremesinghe that …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s failure to fully implement the 13th Constitutional amendment is a reminder of the Sinhalese establishment’s apparent insecurity over sharing power’ »

The final rites of veteran Sri Lankan filmmaker Sumitra Peries, who passed away on Thursday (19 Jan.), were performed with full state honours 21 Jan 2023 afternoon. The procedure took place at the Independence Square in Colombo, prior to which the body was being brought from the late filmmaker’s sister’s residence to the National Film …

Continue reading ‘Renowned Sri Lankan Filmmaker Sumira Peries Bids Adieu! Last Rites Conducted with Full State Honours at Independence Square on 21 January 2023’ »

China responded to Sri Lanka’s long-standing request for a commitment on rescheduling its debts as a prelude to a bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with an offer for a two-year moratorium, the Sunday Times learns. In a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Finance Minister, the Exim Bank of China …

Continue reading ‘China offers Sri Lanka support with two-year moratorium on debts: President Wickremesinghe gets Exim Bank’s letter supporting IMF’s loan programme’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo On 20 January 2023 under the heading “Visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar promises prosperity for the people of Sri Lanka) !.External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Sri Lanka on 19-20 January …

Continue reading ‘Decks Cleared at last for Ranil to Visit New Delhi! Visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr.Jaishankar Conveys Greetings and hands over Official invitation from PM Modi to President Wickremesinghe Inviting him to visit India at an early mutually convenient date.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan India did not wait for other bilateral creditors but did “what is right” for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, visiting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Friday, following talks with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo. “We felt strongly that Sri Lanka’s creditors must take proactive steps to facilitate its recovery. …

Continue reading ‘“Full implementation of the 13th amendment and early conduct of provincial elections are critical” in regard to political devolution says visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr.Jaishankar; also speaks of need to “pay special attention to the requirements of the Indian origin Tamil community”’ »

By Meera Srinivasan If it’s a conversation on Sri Lanka’s economy, talking points on China and India are inevitable. ‘What about China?, What will India do?’ are questions that invariably come up in casual chats, as well as official meetings and briefings. Watching the escalating China-India contest in Sri Lanka is a preoccupation for Sri …

Continue reading ‘Ordinary Sri Lankan People see projects not merely as Indian, or Chinese assisted. They evaluate it on the basis of whether a development project works for them, or not.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan India sent financing assurances to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday, becoming the first of Sri Lanka’s creditors to officially back the crisis-hit island nation’s debt restructuring programme. The development comes days ahead of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s scheduled visit to Colombo on January 19 and 20, and just as …

Continue reading ‘India sends financing assurances to the International Monetary Fund (IMF and becomes the first of Sri Lanka’s creditors to officially back the crisis-hit island nation’s debt restructuring programme.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan At the close of 2022, crisis-hit Sri Lanka had recorded nearly 7.2 lakh tourist arrivals — more than three times the number seen in 2021, even if nowhere close to the country’s pre-pandemic mark of nearly 20 lakh visitors. While authorities and the tourism industry pitched the modest, yet promising, figure as …

Continue reading ‘Tourist Arrivals in Sri Lanka Increasing but Tourism is yet to Pick up in Southern Hotspot Galle’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the Presidents Media Division on 17 January 2023) President Ranil Wickremesinghe invited the opposition to join hands through a new political system to provide relief to the people and free them from oppression. He made this request in parliament today (17). Despite the difficult economic background in the country, …

Continue reading ‘“As we celebrate our 75th Independence, we will not allow our people to starve. We will invest the funds required to feed them.”-President Ranil Wickremesinghe States in Parliament’ »

BY Mirudhula Thambiah In the wake of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) giving an ultimatum of one week from 10 January to yesterday (17) for the Government to decide regarding the issues of the release of Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA) prisoners, considering the issue of missing persons, and the release of lands …

Continue reading ‘One week Deadline Given by TNA to Govt for Resolving Three Key Issues Expires without any Response;‘TNA wont Engage in Reconciliation Talks with Govt any more”says Party Spokesman MA Sumanthiran MP’ »

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the Government is considering the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution within the next few years. “We are looking at full implementation of the 13th amendment within the next few years,” he said, while attending the State Thai Pongal Festival held at the Jaffna Durga Hall yesterday …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Visits Jaffna First Time After Becoming President to Attend State Thai Pongal Festival on Jan 15; Govt Contemplates Full Implementation of 13 th Constitutional Amendment within next few years he says’ »

By Suhasini Haidar and Meera Srinivasan External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Colombo on Thursday will focus on “supporting Sri Lanka” in its current economic crisis, government sources said, adding that talks are ongoing in the field of energy security, food security, currency swap arrangements as well as talks about restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt. …

Continue reading ‘Indian External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar may Deliver Positive Message from India to Sri Lanka on its Debt Re-structuring Efforts During Two day Visit ; support in the form of “written financial assurances” likely from India sources said’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene Thursday’s judgment by a Divisional Bench of Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court unanimously finding that a former President and his intelligence, defence and police heads grossly neglected imperative duties of safeguarding the nation with the consequent order to pay millions in compensation to victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, asks a fundamental …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court Delivers an Undeniably hard and well deserved judicial knock on an Irresponsible ex-President and his Inefficient Quartet of Defence Officials’ »

By Namini Wijedasa The magnitude of the bribes solicited from an Indian businessman by two senior Sri Lankan public officials–including former President Maithripala Sirisena’s one-time Chief of Staff–to unblock a legitimate project were “unimaginable”, the Supreme Court (SC) observed this week. The Court stressed that “it would be difficult for this country to revive itself …

Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Upholds High Court Conviction of former -President Sirisena’s Chief of Staff Mahanama and Ex-Timber Corporation Chairman Dissanayake for Soliciting Mega Bribes from an Indian Businessman Over a Deal Relating to the Kantalai Sugar Factory’ »

By Rajasinghe President Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW) in a new, well-cut, powder blue suit, which would have fitted a rock star admirably, met former UK Prime Minister David Cameron for a tête-à-tête in his office some days ago and later hosted a lunch for him at The Kingsbury. He was accompanied by their mutual friend Nirj …

Continue reading ‘Former British Premier David Cameron’s visit can well be a harbinger of greater global interest in our Colombo Port City, which is now entering its main development phase. President Wickremesinghe is on the right track in enlisting global support to pull the country out of its economic mess.’ »

By Dr.Rajni Gamage and Nimendra Mawalagedara (Dr. Rajni Gamage is a researcher in Political Science at the National University of Singapore.Nimendra Mawalagedara is a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at Georgia State University.) In the first parliament sitting for 2023, the discussion on the parliament floor touched on the issue of hate speech versus freedom …

Continue reading ‘The Sepal Amarasinghe case, Sinhala Buddhist nationalisms, and party politics in Sri Lanka’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in the “Daily FT”of 12 January 2023 under the heading ” International noose tightens against human rights abusers”) For the first time in the history of Sri Lanka, two of the country’s former Heads of State have been sanctioned by a foreign state. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced this week …

Continue reading ‘Canadian sanctions against ex-Presidents Gota and Mahinda is the strongest indication yet that the international justice system is beginning to work against even the highest levels of the Sri Lankan State accused of grotesque warcrimes and gross human rights abuses.’ »

By Suhasini Haidar and Meera Srinivasan External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will travel to Sri Lanka next week, sources told The Hindu. This will be his first trip to the country since President Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn-in last July after street protests forced out the previous Rajapaksa regime. Officials said that while a full review …

Continue reading ‘Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to visit Sri Lanka for two days on Jan 19 and 20 for the first time after President Wickremesinghe assumed Office in July 2022’ »

By Susitha Fernando “On the ill-fated day of 21st of April 2019, this island home was awoken rudely to witness one of its most tragic events in the annuls of its history and in a series of bomb explosions that sent the nation reeling in shock and disbelief, scores of innocent worshippers at several churches …

Continue reading ‘Will Stern Disciplinary Action be Taken against Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena over his Deplorable Conduct in the April 19 Terror Bombings in the Aftermath of Judgement by Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court?’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda The Supreme Court today ordered former President Maithripala Sirisena to pay a sum of Rs.100 million as damages to the victims of Easter Sunday attacks. Former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former SIS director Nilantha Jayawardhane were ordered to pay Rs.75 million each as compensation. Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando was ordered to …

Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Orders Five Persons to pay Rupees 310 million as Compensation to April 2019 Terror Attack Victims. Maithripala Sirisena-100 m;Pujitha Jayasundara – 75m;Nilantha Jayawardhane-75 m; Hemasiri Fernando-50 m;Sisira Mendis-10 m.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court on Thursday ordered former President Maithripala Sirisena to pay a compensation of LKR 100 million (roughly ₹2.2 crore) to victims of the April 2019 Easter Sunday terror blasts, while pointing to a “reckless” intelligence failure on the part of the Executive. “A Victim Fund must be established at …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court orders former President Maithripala Sirisena to pay a compensation of 100 million rupees to victims of the April 2019 Easter Sunday terror blasts, while pointing to a “reckless” intelligence failure on the part of the Executive.’ »

By Mirudhula Thambiah Noting that there was no progress at the meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (10) between the Tamil political parties and the Government representatives including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) noted that a timeframe of one week has been provided to the Government to examine the issues …

Continue reading ‘Envisaged Govt- TNA 4 day talks Suspended on First day;TNA refuses to continue Talks without implementation of decisions taken; 7 day deadline given to Govt to show tangible progress in Resolving 3 issues’ »

(Text of media release issued by Canada’s Global Affairs ministry on 10 January 2023 under the heading “Sanctions imposed on Sri Lankan state officials”) Canada is imposing sanctions against the following individuals who committed gross and systematic violations of human rights during Sri Lanka’s civil conflict, which occurred from 1983 to 2009. The Special Economic …

Continue reading ‘Canada Imposes Sanctions Through Special Economic Measures (Sri Lanka) Regulations on Former Sri Lankan Presidents Gotabaya and Mahinda Rajapaksa, Army Staff Sgt Sunil Ratnayake and Navy Lt.Commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi’ »

(Text of media release issued by Canada’s Global Affairs ministry on 10 January 2023 under the heading “Canada imposes sanctions on Sri Lankan state officials for human rights violations”) The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced Canada imposes targeted sanctions under regulations pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act against four Sri …

Continue reading ‘Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly Announces Targeted Sanctions on Four Sri Lankans Including two ex-presidents to send a clear message that Canada will not accept continued impunity for those that have committed gross human rights violations in Sri Lanka.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan For most of its two decade-existence, Sri Lanka’s Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has been engaged in talks with the southern Sinhalese leadership, to negotiate a durable solution to the island nation’s lingering national question. It has sought every opportunity that came its way, braving disappointment and brickbats from rival Tamil parties and …

Continue reading ‘Succession Stakes in the Tamil National Alliance: TNA spokesman and Jaffna MP Sumanthiran is widely seen as heir apparent to Leader Sampanthan but some within the Alliance resent him.’ »

By W.A.Wijewardena Veteran public servant Eric J. de Silva has taken time to pen some of his experiences in the service in a brief publication titled ‘A Peep Into the Past: Stories from the Life of a Public Servant’ released recently. It is not an autobiography but some selected incidents during his career which culminated …

Continue reading ‘Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Eric J de Silva and the Controversy over Martin Wickramasinghe’s “Bawa Tharanaya”.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s recovery from last year’s devastating economic crisis will need its creditors to “share the burden” of debt restructuring, leading global economists have said, calling all lenders to cancel the debt of the cash-strapped island nation. In a statement issued on Sunday, eminent economists and scholars world over observed that amid …

Continue reading ‘Nearly 200 World Renowned Economists and Scholars Issue Statement Calling upon all “Lenders” to share the burden of Debt Re-structuring by Cancelling all Debts of Cash-strapped Sri Lanka’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s recovery from last year’s devastating economic crisis will need its creditors to “share the burden” of debt restructuring, leading global economists have said, calling all lenders to cancel the debt of the cash-strapped island nation. In a statement issued on Sunday, eminent economists and scholars world over observed that amid …

Continue reading ‘Nearly 200 World Renowned Economists and Scholars Issue Statement Calling upon all “Lenders” to share the burden of Debt Re-structuring by Cancelling all Debts of Cash-strapped Sri Lanka’ »

By Chandani Kirinde (Chandani Kirinde is a senior political and history columnist and a long-serving parliamentary correspondent in Sri Lanka). What prompted the US government to put in place a “Buddhist policy” in Southeast Asia during the Cold War and how successful were these clandestine efforts at using a predominant religion of the region to …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Role in the US strategy of Countering Communism By Fostering a “Buddhist Policy” in South East Asia During the Cold War era.’ »

By Rajasinghe What was Lenin’s New Economic Policy (NEP) which was introduced by the Bolsheviks in 1921 and how is it relevant to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) of 2023 which is poised to seek power for its own distinctive economic policies in a forthcoming General Election? The Bolsheviks, who were engaged in a civil …

Continue reading ‘The time has come for the JVP to come clean about its economic plans. Popular speechmaking must give way to hard facts. Economics-savvy leaders must emerge just as brave Zhou and Deng, challenging primitive Maoists in Red China.’ »

By P.K.Balachandran The Sinhalese, who are the majority community in Sri Lanka, have been changing their names through history to suit existing conditions and meet their aspirations. Sinhalese names have always had a socio-cultural and historical basis. Often they indicate the caste of the bearer. But changes have been taking place in this sphere as …

Continue reading ‘Why the Sinhalese Keep Changing their Names; signs of an emerging class system where “Caste Identifier”names are Transformed into “Status Reflecter” Names by Upwardly Mobile sections says Cultural Anthropologist’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene Sri Lanka’s publicity hogging Chair of the Public Utilities Commission is distinguished (not positively) by twin evils of a ghastly sartorial choice in the wildly varied waistcoats that he sports and exhibiting great volubility in speech not accompanied by much precision or clarity of thought. Extreme burdens imposed on the public …

Continue reading ‘The Government must take immediate steps to stop the haemorrhaging of public money and opt for restructuring of unmanageable state entities.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Citing the “lack of any action” by the government on Tamils’ urgent demands, Sri Lanka’s Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said it would “rethink” its decision to engage in talks with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, unless his government reports “actual progress” at the next scheduled discussion on January 10. “We have been highlighting three …

Continue reading ‘TNA Accuses Govt of Inaction in Implementing Decisions Arrived at Regarding Three Critical Issues/may pull out of talks if no actual progress is achieved by Jan 10’ »

By Mirudhula Thambiah At a meeting held yesterday (5) at the Presidential Secretariat between the TamilNational Alliance (TNA) and Government representatives, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, the TNA expressed dissatisfaction regarding the lack of progress pertaining to the release of Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA) prisoners and the lands …

Continue reading ‘TNA Dissatisfied with Govt Over Lack of Progress in Release of Political Prisoners and Return of Private Lands Seized for High Security Zones; will reconsider participation in talks if there is no progress by Jan 10’ »

By Mirudhula Thambiah The Election Commission (EC) yesterday (4) published a notice calling fornominations for the Local Government (LG) polls 2023, in 340 LG authorities,while the poll for the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) in the Galle District will not be held. According to the notice calling for nominations, the nomination forms should be handed over …

Continue reading ‘Nominations Called by Elections Commission for Island wide Local Govt Elections to 29 Municipal Councils, 36 Urban Councils, and 275 Pradesheeya Sabhas; No poll for Elpitiya PS in Galle District’ »

BY Mirudhula Thambiah The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) will meet President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the PresidentialSecretariat today (5) to discuss the release of prisoners held under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA), the possibility of releasing lands from high security zones(HSZs), and finalising the agenda for the meetings scheduled from 10-13 January to …

Continue reading ‘TNA led by Sampanthan MP meets President Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Gunewardena on January 5th for further discussions on Release of Tamil Prisoners and Private lands from High Security Zones; Agenda for marathon session talks from Jan 10 to 13 to be Formulated.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Ranil Wickremesinghe is a tool…” – Deputy Minister Sanath Nishantha (Interview – 2.1.2003) The first breach was a hoot. One year ago, Gotabaya Rajapaksa was booed when his convoy passed a milk powder queue in Mirihana. Rajapaksa went off in a huff. Within minutes, the police arrived in force, dispersed the people …

Continue reading ‘If President Wickremesinghe persists in pushing through the 70% rates increase, he may end up by electrocuting not just the Lankan public and the economy, but also himself.’ »

BY KRISHNADAS RAJAGOPAL The Supreme Court on January 3, 2023 held there is no reason to impose “additional restrictions” on the right to free speech of Ministers, and the government is not vicariously liable for disparaging remarks made by them, even if the comments are traceable to state affairs or meant to protect the government. …

Continue reading ‘State not vicariously liable for hurtful statements of Ministers; no need for greater restrictions on Ministers’ right to free speech rules Indian Supreme Court.’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray 2023 will be a challenging year for the whole world. Between economic uncertainty, violent weather and the ravages of war, there is no country that does not face tough decisions and uncertainty in the year to come. Malaysia is no exception. But unlike many countries, Malaysia is fortunate enough to have …

Continue reading ‘No opposition should give a govt a free pass. But Malaysians deserve a mature opposition that will engage on an intellectual level with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s policy proposals and give him time to deliver on his promises’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando About a year before violent protests erupted outside the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Mirihana residence, over the crippling shortages of essential services and supplies, possibly exacerbated by some hidden hands, like the way Aragalaya was mainly bank rolled from abroad, or the mysterious forces who torched several dozen private homes of the …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe has turned the political environment upside down. The ruling SLPP, struggling to cope up with internal dissent, has been compelled to play ball with Wickremesinghe, who shrewdly changed the political landscape. Ranil has achieved the unthinkable.’ »

By R.K.Radhakrishnan Kanniya hot springs, a set of wells about 10 kilometres from Trincomalee town along the A-12 highway, is a sacred spot for Hindus in Sri Lanka. But the Sri Lankan Army’s ubiquitous presence in Tamil areas extends to this site as well. A Buddha statue, built after the Sri Lankan Army won the …

Continue reading ‘.Sri Lankan Tamils in the North and the East hope that India will intervene and stop the destruction of Hindu religious sites and help in the rebuilding of several temples’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Colombo’s seafront is lit up. Fairy lights, reindeer, and Christmas trees dot the stretch that leads to the Presidential Secretariat, the colonial-era building that served as the Parliament until the early 1980s. On the steps before its 14 giant pillars, a choir sings popular carols — an initiative of the military and …

Continue reading ‘Despite its limitations and internal contradictions, the Janatha Aragalaya’ (people’s struggle) offered rare hope and idealism’ »

The lynching began with an announcement over the loudspeaker of the local temple: a calf had been slaughtered. It was 28th September 2015, around the Eid holiday, and Hindu-Muslim tensions were running high in the village of Bisara in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (up). The broadcast roused the village’s Hindu residents, who consider …

Continue reading ‘“The Myth of the Holy Cow”; After millennia of slaughter and sacrifice, worship and protection, India’s cows have become pawns of the Hindu right.- The Economist’ »

HE WAS JUST a kid, aged 17. Yet in the World Cup final of 1958 Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known by his nickname of Pelé, showed the poise and supreme skill that would become the hallmarks of his career. With Brazil leading Sweden, the hosts, 2-1 he received a high pass in the penalty …

Continue reading ‘Brazil’s Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known by his nickname of Pelé, was the greatest Footballer because he could do anything and everything in a Soccer Game’ »

By W.A.Wijewardena President Ranil Wickremesinghe is noted for reminding fellow Sri Lankans that at the time Ceylon gained independence from Britain in 1948, it was a prosperous country which the British had left. Noting the positive stock of foreign reserves which Sri Lanka had inherited, he had said that during the Second World War, the …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka unable to get the consent of all the creditors for a possible debt restructuring because of the intransigence of the leading creditor, China, which holds about 52% of the bilateral debt of the Government.’ »

BY Shehara Ratnasinghe In response to allegations that his recent visit to India was funded by an Indian pharmaceutical company, thus leading to a conflict of interest, Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella claimed that his visit was funded by a friend due to the Minister’s credit cards having reached their credit limits, and that he …

Continue reading ‘Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella Tells Media that his Visit to tndia was funded by a Friend Due to his Credit Cards Reaching Credit Limits; Says he has re-imbursed his friend and Refutes Allegations that an Indian Pharmaceutical Company Funded Trip’ »

By Mirudhula Thambiah Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Opposition MP Mano Ganesan yesterday (28) noted that President Ranil Wickremesinghe should appoint three separate, high-powered committees to examine the proposals of the North and East (N-E) Tamil community, the Muslim community, and the hill-country Tamil community, where common positions reached through …

Continue reading ‘Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader and MP Mano Ganesan wants President Ranil Wickremesinghe to appoint three separate, high-powered committees to examine the proposals of the North and East (N-E) Tamil community, the Muslim community,and the hill-country Tamil community,’ »

By Mirudhula Thambiah Minister of Fisheries and Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) Leader Douglas Devananda yesterday (28) said in Jaffna that he had urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to devolve all powers to the provincial level. While addressing a media briefing, he further stated that all the powers of the provinces that were taken over with …

Continue reading ‘Minister of Fisheries and EPDP Leader Douglas Devananda Wants President Ranil Wickremesinghe to give back to the Provincial Councils all the powers of the provinces that were taken over earlier by Past Presidents with the Executive power granted to them’ »

By Namini Wijedasa Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella—who returned yesterday (Dec 24) from a three-night trip to Chennai undertaken on the invitation of a medical supplier he is promoting for a lucrative Health Ministry contract—ignored Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s instructions to follow established guidelines and submitted two consecutive unsolicited proposals from locally unregistered Indian companies to …

Continue reading ‘Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella Submits to Cabinet two consecutive unsolicited proposals from locally unregistered Indian companies to buy drugs under the Indian credit line; Returns after 3 Day trip to Chenna paid for by one of the Indian companies Backed by him for the Lucrative Deal’ »

By Sreedhar Pillai The year 2022 has been the best ever in the last two decades or so for Tamil cinema. Two Tamil films, Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan:1 ( PS1) and Kamal Haasan’s Vikram find a place among the top five worldwide blockbusters from Indian cinema. PS:1 has grossed Rs 495 crore and Vikram Rs …

Continue reading ‘2022 is best year in 20 Years for Tamil Cinema with at least 20 of 215 films released making Huge Profits Including Worldwide Blockbusters “Vikram” and “Ponniyin Selvan -1”.’ »

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The first part of this article published last week narrated certain aspects of the life of Sivashankar alias “Pottu Ammaan” the much-dreaded intelligence chief of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE). Although my original intention was to write a two -part article, I have been compelled to make it a three-part article in …

Continue reading ‘The Cruel and Diabolical Mindset of LTTE Intelligence Chief Sivashankar alias “Pottu Ammaan”’ »

By Dr.Radhika Coomaraswamy (Text of keynote address delivered at the launch of the Junior Bar Journal on the theme ‘Law in context: Current trends and future projections’ held on 16 December 2022) We live in precarious times. But precarious times are also times of great opportunity. The end of World War Two gave birth to …

Continue reading ‘“For minorities one creates a constitutional and legislative framework to ensure equality at the Centre with mechanisms for implementation. For a territorial minority the textbook solution has always been power sharing agreements. “’ »

By Namini Wijedasa The Cabinet has sanctioned a proposal by Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to use the Indian credit line to buy medical supplies—without competitive tender—from a handpicked, locally unregistered Indian manufacturer named Savorite Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd despite there being multiple authorised suppliers holding valid National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) registration for each of the …

Continue reading ‘Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella Allegedly Engaging in Unhealthy Practices in Procuring Medicinal Drugs Under Indian Credit Line; Bypasses President and Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Directives Regarding Medical Imports’ »

By Rajasinghe In 1970, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) led by Sirimavo Bandaranaike contested the General Election in a coalition with the Left – the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and the Communist Party (CP). On the other hand, Philip Gunawardena and his Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) contested the 1970 election in alliance with …

Continue reading ‘Rajitha Senaratne has consistently fought for justice towards the minorities and will be supportive of Ranil’s efforts to negotiate an ethnic peace.’ »

By Kishali Pinto -Jayawardene Carrots tossed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the form of release of a few Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) political prisoners and return of lands to displaced owners in the North and East have given rise to unseemly jubilation on the part of Sri Lanka’s Tamil political leadership or what passes as …

Continue reading ‘If consensus cannot be reached on whether a Tamil or Sinhala “small” Party candidate will serve on the Council, what hope does achieving a ‘solution’ for the ‘ethnic problem’ in two months have, we may well ask?’ »

By A.Varathar Rajan Perumal (A.Varathar. Rajan Perumal was the first Chief Minister of the united North Eastern Province from 1988.-1990) Since the advent of the 13th Amendment (13A) to the constitution of Sri Lanka, 13A has been facing denunciations from different quarters in Sri Lanka. It is undeniable that the purpose of the establishment of …

Continue reading ‘If proper and full implementation of the 13A is achieved within the framework of the present unitary system, then the political process will move towards the next stage of constitutional development providing greater devolution to the Provincial Councils.’ »

Fresh discussions between Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the opposition Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has focused on the release of political prisoners and lands in former conflict zones, a TNA legislator said. TNA parliamentarian M A Sumanthiran told reporters Wednesday December 21 evening that the discussion followed an all-party meeting held recently on finding …

Continue reading ‘Tamil National Alliance meets President Wickremesinghe and group of Ministers for Further Discussions on Reconciliation related matters;”Discussions can be termed Successful only when decisions are implemented” says TNA spokesperson MA Sumanthiran’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka is waiting for financing assurances from its bilateral creditors, including India and China, to tap support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor P. Nandalal Weerasinghe. In September, the IMF reached a staff level agreement with Sri Lanka for a $2.9 billion package to …

Continue reading ‘Delay in Getting assurances from Creditor Nations like China and India is Delaying the IMF Extended Fund Facility of $ 2.9 Billion to Sri Lanka says Central Bank Governor Dr.Nandalal Weerasinghe’ »