By Chandani Kirinde Parliamentarians will vote to elect a new President by secret ballot on 20 July if no consensus is reached on a single candidate to take over the Presidency after the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Party leaders who met yesterday agreed to call for nominations for the post of President on 19 …

Continue reading ‘Samagi Jana Balawegaya leader Sajith Premadasa to contest for the post of President; MP’s will vote to elect a new President by secret ballot on 20 July if no consensus is reached on a single candidate to take over the Presidency after the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka on Monday was rife with speculation over President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s whereabouts, and uncertainty over the island’s political future, two days after citizens mounted massive resistance against the two leaders over an unprecedented economic crisis. President Gotabaya, who has promised to resign on July 13, was on Monday flown to an …

Continue reading ‘If Gotabaya Resigns on July 13, Parliament would be summoned on July 15. nominations for Presidency would be made on July 19 and a parliamentary vote will be held on July 20 to elect a new President’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray Saturday the 9th of July was a moment of truth for our people. In coming together to Colombo in an unmistakable show of force, Sri Lankans brought to life the words of Albert Einstein that “in the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.” Sri Lanka has never faced a crisis …

Continue reading ‘Dragged into the darkness by dictatorship, democracy is the only way out into the light’ »

UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena says that the Prime Minister cannot resign as per the constitution in a situation like this. Answering questions raised by reporters if the Prime Minister is going to step down, the former MP said that constitution needs to be followed and that there is no clause in the constitution to do …

Continue reading ‘UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena Says Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will not Step Down as Cannot Resign in the Present Unstable Situation; expresses Disappointment with the Media for Reporting Incorrectly and Cites Article 37 of Constitution in Support’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Political parties in Sri Lanka are scrambling to form an all-party government, a day after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe pledged to resign in the wake of a historic citizens’ protest. Sri Lankans are living through a harrowing economic collapse, where anti-government protests persisted for three months over the …

Continue reading ‘Political Parties Trying Hard to Share the Spoils by Forming an Alternative Govt After Protests by the People Result in Resignation Announcements by President Rajapaksa and Premier Wickremesinghe’ »

BY P. Waravita Three youths were arrested in connection to the fire at Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence at 5th Lane last Saturday (9) night and have been remanded until 20 July by the Fort Magistrate’s Court. “Three people were arrested yesterday – one is 19 years old, the other 21 years, and the third …

Continue reading ‘Three Youths Aged 19, 21 and 24 Arrested for Alleged Involvement in the Arson Attack on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Private Residence are Remanded Until July 20 by Fort Magistrate’ »

By Dinitha Rathnayake Eleven journalists attached to three media outlets, namely TV Derana, News First and Sky News, attacked by the Police while covering the protests in the country last Saturday (9). The Police had attacked journalists near Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence in Colombo 7, and during the protest at Chatham Street. Reporters …

Continue reading ‘Eleven journalists attached to TV Derana, News First and Sky News, attacked by the Police and STF while covering the protests in Colombo on July 9’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sunday was nothing like Saturday near Colombo’s seafront. It was much less crowded, but still teeming with people. They were curiously surveying the Presidential Secretariat and official residence, a day after outraged demonstrators captured and occupied the iconic colonial-era structures, in a stunning finale to a season of protests in crisis-hit Sri …

Continue reading ‘Jubilant Crowds Wait in Lengthy Regulated Queues at President’s House and Presidential Secretariat to “tour”the Premises Seized by the People after the July 9 “Aragalaya” (Struggle)’ »

By Buddhika Samaraweera While condemning the torching of the private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday (9), former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said that there is no need for violence to oust a government that lacks the support of the people. Making a special statement regarding the prevailing situation in the country, she …

Continue reading ‘Chandrika Kumaratunga Condemns Torching of Premier Wickremesinghe’s Home; “The ‘struggle’ does not need violence to achieve its goal of ousting a government that is highly disliked by the people” says Former President’ »

Dumbfounding constitutional pundits, the largely peaceful protestors in hundreds of thousands inspired by the three-month old ‘Aragalaya’ on Saturday forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to announce their resignations. Defying shortage of fuel and public transport, anti-Rajapaksa people countrywide took to the street on Saturday and converged at GotaGoGama at Galle Face …

Continue reading ‘Thousands of Protesters inspired by the three-month old ‘Aragalaya’ force President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to announce their resignations.’ »

While condemning the attack on a group of journalists and the torching of the personal residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, National Movement for Social Justice Chairman Karu Jayasuriya called for those responsible to be brought before the law regardless of their status or standing. He said in a statement that both these incidents are …

Continue reading ‘National Movement for Social Justice Chairman Karu Jayasuriya strongly condemns the attack on a group of journalists and the torching of the personal residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and wants those responsible to be brought before the law regardless of their status or standing.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene As the spark lit by Sri Lanka’s youth flamed into incendiary nation-wide revolt on Saturday, this column is written even as citizens breach the gates of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence in Fort, swarm within its premises and shout their now famous rallying cry, ‘Gota, go home’ from its rooftops where …

Continue reading ‘Saturday’s events also reflect the humiliation of the Rajapaksa Security State, the apparatus so carefully built up by the Rajapaksa family in the longest political project in the nation’s history.’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to step down from office next Wednesday (July 13), Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced last night “The President was agreeable with the decision. However, due to the need to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, the President informed me to convey to the country that he will step down from …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Informs Speaker he will step down from his post on Wednesda July 13 while Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe tells party leaders that he is willing to resign as Prime Minister and make way for an all-party government to take over.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will resign on July 13, the country’s Parliamentary Speaker said on Saturday night, hours after protesters stormed the Presidential Secretariat, official and private homes of Mr. Gotabaya and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a show of striking public fury over the country’s worsening economic crisis. Late on …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Moves to Safe Location Under Military Protection as Protests Escalate ; Gota will Resign as President on July 13th States Speaker Abeywardena’ »

A mob stormed the private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last night around 8 p.m. and set it ablaze. A crowd of around 200 persons had been gathering outside the residence, located at 5th Lane, Colombo 3 since last evening demanding Mr Wickremesinghe step down as PM. Police had fired tear gas and water …

Continue reading ‘Mob Setting Premier Wickremesinghe’s Private Residence On Fire Prevents Takes Over Fire Engine Preventing Firemen from Dousing Blaze; Six Media Persons Attached to Sirasa TV Assaulted by STF at 5th Lane Premisesh hospitalised’ »

By Tharushi Weerasinghe and Yoshitha Perera The game plan had always been to storm the President’s official residence. To do so, protesters marshalled by the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) needed to breach several layers of security, risking a maximum force response from heavily armed police and military guards. But they advanced, undeterred by several rounds …

Continue reading ‘Protesters Enjoy Themselves at President’s House in Fort after Gota’s Evacuation; Dancing Under Chandeliers, Cooking in the Kitchen, Taking Selfies everywhere and Relaxing in the Garden;Grand Party Organized after nighfall’ »

Thousands of protesters continued to occupy the President’s House, the Presidential Secretariat and Temple Trees last night after breaking into them earlier in the day as they demanded the immediate resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Protesters also converged on Parliament and Premier Wickremesinghe’s private residence located at 5th Lane off …

Continue reading ‘Thousands of protesters continue to occupy the President’s House, the Presidential Secretariat and Temple Trees at night after breaking into them earlier in the day demanding the immediate resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

At least 55 people, including Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Suresh Vadivale, were injured in incidents around the Fort area where Police used tear gas to disperse protesters yesterday morning, hospital sources said. The National Hospital’s Accident Service Coordinator, Pushpa R. Zoysa, said that among the injured were three civilians who had suffered gun shot injuries …

Continue reading ‘At least 55 Persons Injured During Confrontation in Fort at President’s House Between Public and Security Personnel;3 Civilans Undergo Surgery at Colombo National Hospital for Gunshot Injuries. SJB MP’s Rajitha Senaratne and Suresh Vadivale Manhandled by Protesters’ »

After months of angry demands for Sri Lanka’s president to stand down, protesters laughed, took selfies and treated themselves to a swim as they suddenly found themselves inside his home. The presidential palace in Colombo was overrun by hundreds of people on Saturday, capping months of public discontent over the island nation’s crippling economic crisis. …

Continue reading ‘Huge Protesting Crowds “invade”President’s House after Confrontation in Festive Mood and have Fun swimming in pool,relaxing on lawns and Sofas, raiding the Presidential pantry for snacks and soft drinks and rolling in Gota’s bed’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence on 5th Lane in Colombo has been set on fire by the protestors. A group of protestors entered his house and set the place on fire after a tense situation erupted between the protestors and security forces on the ground. Several journalists were also attacked by the security forces …

Continue reading ‘Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Private Residence at 5th Lane Kollupitiya Set on Fire by Protesters after Violent Clash with Police; CMC Fire Brigade Unable to Reach Spot on Time to Douse the Blaze due to Prevailing Unrest’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has assured that shortage of essential goods will be resolved within a few days as fresh supplies are on schedule. “The objective of the Government is to overcome the existing economic challenges facing the country and to build a strong economy with new investments by giving priority to exports and agricultural economy,” …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa requests the people to properly understand the current situation and act peacefully and intelligently without getting caught up in wrong ideologies.’ »

A host of multi-religious and civil society leaders yesterday signed a six-point resolution calling on the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa-led Government to step down immediately. Titled ‘Senkadagala Statement’, multi-religious and civil society leaders pledged their support to establish an all-party Government and to help Sri Lanka to seek international aid and provide relief to people suffering …

Continue reading ‘Religious and Civil Society Leaders including Omalpe Sobhitha Thero and Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Sign “senkadagala Statement” at Queens Hotel Kandy;6 Key Demands Include Resignation of President Rajapaksa, Setting up of all Party Interim Govt and Time Frame for Fresh Parliament and President Elections’ »

By Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Colombo Dilith Jayaweera can still recall the moment he realised Sri Lanka was hurtling, unstoppably, towards financial ruin. It was around October 2021 and Jayaweera, a Sri Lankan media magnate and close friend of the Sri Lankan president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, had invited Basil Rajapaksa, the president’s younger brother, who was also …

Continue reading ‘The inside story of Rajapaksa family infighting that toppled a country into violence and bankruptcy’ »

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe made a statement on talks with the International Monetary Fund and likely path of the country hit by a soft-pegging crisis on July 05. The full statement is reproduced below: Today, in front of this Assembly and the citizens of this country, I am ready to outline the roadmap …

Continue reading ‘Full Text of Statement in Parliament by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe That Reported on the Progress of Talks with the IMF and outlined the roadmap being followed by the Govt to revive the Collapsed economy’ »

By Saif Khalid Ranil Wickremesinghe, the newly appointed prime minister of crisis-hit Sri Lanka, has said he is confident he can turn the economy around – but cautioned it will take 18 months before stability returns. “The year 2023 is going to be difficult, but by 2024 things should pick up,” Wickremesinghe told Al Jazeera …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is confident he can turn the economy around but says it will take 18 months before stability returns – Al Jazeera’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The Sri Lankan President on Wednesday reached out to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, seeking urgent credit for fuel imports for the crisis-hit island nation, even as Colombo negotiates a support package with the Washington-headquartered International Monetary Fund. “Had a very productive telecon with the #Russia President, Vladimir Putin. While thanking him …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa Reaches out to Russian President Putin and Requests Urgent Fuel Supplies on Credit While Negotiating with the International Monetary Fund for Financial Aid’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday that political reforms must take place parallel to the economic program so that the role of Parliament is strengthened. “The institution that must be strengthened is the Parliament, while the Government institutions must be free from politicisation. The 22nd Amendment is one step towards achieving this. Strengthening parliamentary sectoral …

Continue reading ‘Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe states that political reforms must take place parallel to the economic program so that the role of Parliament is strengthened for all MPs to participate in the legislative process’ »

By Charumini de Silva The worsening economic crisis has forced the Central Bank to further tighten the monetary policy, to curtail the soaring inflation to ensure macroeconomic stability. The Monetary Board at its meeting on Wednesday has decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the …

Continue reading ‘Monetary Board Has Decided to Increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 100 basis points to 14.50% and 15.50% respectively with immediate effect States Central Bank Governor Dr.Nandalal Weerasinghe’ »

Business leader turned Investment Promotion Minister Dhammika Perera yesterday did not mince his words but bluntly called for the resignation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as Finance Minister alleging that the latter is not sincere in tackling the burning problem of the country – boosting foreign reserves and currency. Dhammika’s broadside on the veteran politician …

Continue reading ‘Business Magnate turned Investment Promotion Minister Dhammika Perera calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as Finance Minister alleging that Ranil is not sincere in tackling Issues of boosting foreign reserves and currency.’ »

The Cabinet greenlighted a proposal to streamline the country’s casino industry in order to recover tax dues owed by casino operators and to bring in legislative amendments to give effect to proposed tax increases. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies on Monday sought the …

Continue reading ‘Cabinet Approves Proposal by PM and Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to to bring in legislative amendments streamlining Casino businesses in to recover tax dues owed by casino operators and increase Casino taxes’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda Several fundamental rights petitions challenging the Presidential pardon given to ex-soldier Sunil Ratnayake were today fixed for support by the Supreme Court. Former army staff sergeant R.M. Sunil Ratnayake who was convicted and sentenced to death for the Mirusuvil murder case in 2000 had been released after he received Presidential Clemency. Supreme …

Continue reading ‘Several fundamental rights petitions challenging the Presidential pardon given by President Rajapaksa to ex-soldier Sunil Ratnayake who was Convicted for the Murder of 8 Civilians in Mirusuvil fixed for support On August 4 by a Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Chief Justice Jayasuriya and Justices Dehideniya and Kodagoda’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday ordered an immediate investigation into the allegation of bribery in a transaction between the Aviation Ministry and a Japanese company. President’s Media said Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva will step down temporarily from the position of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Services on the instructions of the President until the …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Orderes immediate investigation into allegation of bribery in a transaction between the Aviation Ministry and a Japanese company; Gota Instructs Minister Nimal Siripala De Silvato step down temporarily from the position of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Services until the Probe is concluded.’ »

Former MP Hirunika Premachandra and 11 others, who were arrested by police while protesting in front of the President’s House in Colombo Fort yesterday were released subsequently on police bail. The Presidential Security Division arrested a group including Premachandra who was protesting near the entrance gate of the President’s House under the charge of blocking …

Continue reading ‘Former MP Hirunika Premachandra and 11 others released on police bail after being arrested by Police while protesting in front of the President’s House in Colombo Fort’ »

by Tisaranee Gunasekara “The dismal silence of places without intelligence” – Camus (Lyrical and Critical Essays) World War I began with fanfare. Leaders of all combatant nations predicted that their victorious troops will be home for Christmas. People believed and cheered. Only a few understood that the war would ruin losers and winners. “The lamps …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his brothers, nephews, and cousins are the main authors of the Lankan tragedy. But even if a kind wind blows the entire Rajapaksa clan to another plain of existence, the economic crisis will remain as intractable as ever, until the bitter pills of cost-cutting and revenue-raising are swallowed.’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who participated in the Parliamentary session last morning (5) in his first public appearance outside the President’s House in three months, left Parliament, after his presence in the House was protested against by the Opposition led by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). The Parliamentary session commenced yesterday at around …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Comes to Parliament after 3 Months and Leaves some minutes later with Opposition MP’sCreate a Rumpus in the House by Waving Placards and Chanting the Slogan”Gota Go Home” Repeatedly’ »

By Chandani Kirinde Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament yesterday that the ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not a straightforward process, but initial discussions have ended effectively despite many difficulties. In a statement to the House in which he outlined the roadmap to revive the economy, Wickremesinghe said unlike in the …

Continue reading ‘“If things do not change,the whole country will collapse. Therefore, we should strive to move forward on this path. It is not an easy journey. I have reminded you of that from time to time. This will be a difficult and bitter journey. But we can get relief at the end of this journey. Progress can be made,” -Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament’ »

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana First round of discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been a success but the assistance depends on the debt restructuring program which Sri Lanka has to come up with, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament. Making a special statement in the House Mr. Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka …

Continue reading ‘“Financial Assistance from the International Monetary Fund Depends on the plan on debt restructuring and sustainability being prepared by financial and legal experts Lazard and Clifford Chance. We hope to submit this Planto the IMF by August,” says Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament’ »

by Reemus Fernando Sprinter Yupun Abeykoon has become the first man in South Asia to break the 10-seconds barrier as he won a 100 metres race at a competition in Europe with a stunning feat of 9.96 seconds yesterday. Competing in Resisprint International, a meet in Switzerland, the Italy-based sprinter clocked 10.11 seconds in the …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Sprinter Yupun Abeykoon Becomes the first in South Asia to break the 10-seconds barrier in a 100 metres race by Clocking 9.96 seconds at the World Athletics Championship Meet’ »

By Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne The long-awaited 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill (22A) of the Gotabaya-Wickremesinghe Government (or, should we say, the SLPP Government in which UNPer Ranil Wickremesinghe is Prime Minister?) was published in the Gazette on 29 June 2022. This means it could be placed on the Order Paper of Parliament seven days …

Continue reading ‘If the 22nd Amendment becomes law in its present form, no opposition party or even MPs who have opted to be independent would be inclined to join the government because of the powers that the President would continue to have during the term of this Parliament.’ »

( Text of Editorial appearing in the “Daily Financial Times” of July 5th 2022 under the Heading “Both the President and the Presidency must go”) Last week the Cabinet of Ministers approved and later gazetted the proposed amendment to the Constitution, which if approved would be the 21st Amendment. The demand for change in the …

Continue reading ‘The last two and a half years is ample proof of the abysmal failure of the individual, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the institution of the executive presidency. If there is to be any hope of economic recovery and moving forward from this current predicament, both the president and the presidency must go.’ »

By Chandani Kirinde Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa and Sri Lanka Freedom Party Leader and former President Maithripala Sirisena met with several Opposition political party leaders as well as civil rights activists yesterday in a fresh effort to moot a collective program to get the country out of the current crisis. The meeting was …

Continue reading ‘Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa and Ex-President Maithripala Sirisena Meet with several Opposition political party leaders and civil rights activists for discussions on the theme “National Reforms and Progress” and moot a collective program to get the country out of the current crisis.’ »

Sri Lanka has less than a day’s worth of fuel left, the Energy Minister said Sunday, with public transport grinding to a halt as the country’s economic crisis deepened. Petrol and diesel queues snaked through the capital for kilometres, though most pumping stations have been without fuel for days. Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said petrol …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera Reveals that petrol reserves in the country are about 4,000 tonnes and cannot last more than a day;“The next petrol shipment is expected between the 22nd and 23rd of July” says Minister’ »

By Ram Manikkalingam (The author is a Visiting Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam) The social and political uprising is currently stuck. President Gotabaya’s appointment of Ranil Wickremasinghe as Prime Minister (PM) has enabled the President to continue to stay in office, while shifting responsibility and pressure onto the new PM. Meanwhile, …

Continue reading ‘As long as Sri Lanka has a weak and unstable govt, no foreign govt is going to assist Sri Lanka. And Sri Lanka will continue to have a weak and unstable govt as long as there is no political reform.’ »

By Uditha Devapriya When Ranil Wickremesinghe became Prime Minister a month or so ago, he warned that things would get worse before they get better. Mr Wickremesinghe has addressed the nation at least thrice since then, and on all three occasions he has reiterated this warning. To be fair, he is right: we will hit …

Continue reading ‘Blaming Wickremesinghe for these failures is hardly fair. But he is the Prime Minister of a collapsing economy. To be sure, Wickremesinghe’s biggest impediment has been the ineptitude of those he has had to work with. This does not, however, exonerate him.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday arrested 12 Indian fishermen near the coast of Point Pedro in Jaffna, on charges of fishing illegally in the island’s territorial waters. Their mechanised boat has been seized, Navy spokesman Captain Indika De Silva said. The arrest comes weeks after the nearly two month-long fishing ban …

Continue reading ‘Tamil Nadu Fishermen Resume Illegal Fishing in Sri Lankan Territorial Waters Again after Two Month Lull;SL Navy Seizes Mechanized Boat off Point Pedro Coast and Arrest 12 Indian Nationals’ »

By Prof.Rohan Samarajiva In his address to the nation on 11 May, the President committed to “enact a Constitutional Amendment that would restore the substance of the 19th Amendment” (my translation from the video record, because this speech is missing from the President’s websites). By this time, he had seen the steadfastness of the Aragalaya …

Continue reading ‘The Amendment approved by Cabinet on 27 June does not restore the content of the 19th Amendment ; it falls short of the President Rajapaksa’s commitment to the nation made on 11 May.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Notwithstanding those ‘nava gilunath baan choon’ (lets make merry while the Titanic sinks) citizens obsessed with Sri Lanka being ‘thrashed’ by Australia in the Test series opener played in Galle, as the New Zealand Herald rather impolitely put it this Friday, there was a different and far more serious development happening …

Continue reading ‘This collapse has been gradual. The silence of professionals and academics during the time when systems were still capable of being saved and the chicanery of politicians have contributed to the ruin of this country today.’ »

(Excerpted from the “Sunday Morning” Political Column “The Black Box” by “Capt.Vasaba) The IMF team that was in Colombo met with Prime Minister Wickremesinghe on Monday (27 June) for another round of meetings. During the meeting, the IMF team had expressed concerns over the delay in reaching an agreement with China on debt restructuring. The …

Continue reading ‘IMF team in Colombo Recommends Taxes on those earning above Rs. 40,000 per month but Prime Minister Wickremesinghe immediately expressed concern saying it could not be done as it would further increase the socio-economic crisis faced by the people’ »

(Excerpted from the “Sunday Morning” Political Column “The Black Box” by “Capt.Vasaba) The Government continues to face pressure from certain sections in the Opposition as well as from within the Government to initiate a dialogue with Russia to gain access to fuel and fertiliser at cheaper rates. The group of 10 (G-10) ruling alliance partners …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Initiates Moves to Seek Procure Fuel and Fertilizer at Cheap Rates from Russia Despite Misgivings by Prime Minister Wickremesinghe that Moving Towards Russia Could Impact the Negotiations with IMF’ »

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday filed a motion in the Supreme Court, asking the latter to take up on Monday for interim relief the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition lodged on behalf of the citizens over the continuous violation of the fundamental rights due to the ongoing shortages. The Petitioners including BASL President …

Continue reading ‘Bar Association of Sri Lanka(BASL) Files Fundamental Rights Petition On Behalf of Citizens Suffering Shortages of Essentials Including Fuel,Gas and Medicine Citing 43 Respondents Comprising Prime Minister,Ministers and Secretaries; pleads for Supreme Court to take up case Speedily for Interim Relief on July 4’ »

A Fundamental Rights petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking redress for the violation of the rights by Police and Army personnel who broke up a peaceful protest at the Galle Fort during the Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia, and forcibly removed the protest placards. The FR application was filed by two …

Continue reading ‘Protesters Evicted by Army at Galle Cricket Match Between Sri Lanka and Australia ricket match file Fundamental Rights Petition at Supreme Court Alleging their rights were forcibly violated by Military personnel’ »

(Text of Message from David McKinnon the High Commissioner of Canada in Colombo, Sri Lanka , on the occasion of Canada Day – July 1, 2022) Happy Canada Day! Today, Canadians celebrate together our country’s achievements and hopefully have some fun doing it. We also reflect on the challenges that we face as we look …

Continue reading ‘“Canada supports the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka, as well as the empowerment of women and marginalized communities, whose success is integral to that of the country”- Canadian Envoy David McKinnon’ »

By P.K.Balachandran The Gazetted draft of the 22 nd. Amendment (22A) of the Sri Lankan constitution, which will be presented to parliament in the coming week, is a compromise between the interests of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. It is also designed to maintain the stability needed to tide over the current …

Continue reading ‘Gazetted draft of the 22nd Constitutional Amendment (22A) is a compromise between the interests of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.Will it get the Necessary two-thirds majority in Parliament?’ »

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday said there was significant progress during the 10-day long discussions with the Lankan authorities and more engagement will continue virtually towards reaching a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) on the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement in the near term. In an End-of-Mission statement, the IMF said the objectives of the new …

Continue reading ‘Discussions with IMF will continue virtually with a view to reaching a Staff-Level Agreement on the EFF arrangement in the near term. Because public debt is assessed as unsustainable, Executive Board approval would require adequate financing assurances from Sri Lanka’s creditors that debt sustainability will be restored.’ »

By P.K.Balachandran Critics of the draft 22 nd Amendment (22A) to the Sri Lankan constitution, which is to be presented to parliament next week, have denounced it as an affront to the masses who have been agitating for the restoration of democracy for months. They say that the 22A is tantamount to breaking a promise …

Continue reading ‘22nd Constitutional Amendment is nothing but a self-serving step taken by the Prime Minister and Justice Minister to suit the narrow interest of President Rajapaksa, who is bent on continuing to be Executive President till the end of his term.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Just after Tamil Nadu’s annual fishing ban ended mid-June, Indian fishing trawlers are back near Sri Lanka’s northern coast, “crushing” fishermen’s livelihoods that are already under enormous strain during the island’s economic crisis, according to northern Sri Lankan fisher leaders. “At least four of our fishermen’s nets, worth 6.5 lakh rupees [LKR], …

Continue reading ‘Livelihood of Northern Sri Lankan Fishermen Being “Crushed” again after Return of Indian Fishing Trawlers after 60 Day Lull due to Fishing Ban’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray For as long as the human race has organized itself into sovereign nations, no country has had a story of limitless success. Nations and empires alike have risen and fallen, over thousands of years. Every language has phrases like “it takes a village” to remind us of the limitations of individual …

Continue reading ‘Today, Sri Lanka finds itself crippled by an unprecedented crisis. One Day , I have no doubt that my country will rise again .But we will do so only with the support of friends, who will speak in solidarity and act in support. Sri Lanka is ripe for rescue.’ »

By Nisthar Cassim Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) owes debt and payments worth nearly $ 1 billion, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe revealed yesterday exposing the bankruptcy of the State-owned entity which has aggravated the on-going fuel crisis and urgent procurement. “With accumulated debt and other pending payments, the total due is almost $ 1 billion,” Wickremesinghe …

Continue reading ‘Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) owes debt and payments worth nearly $ 1 billion Reveals Ranil Wickremesinghe:Prime Minister exposes the bankruptcy of the State-owned entity which has aggravated the on-going fuel crisis and urgent procurement.’ »

BY Safrah Fazal The Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) alleged that the suspicious death of an inmate at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, following which the mass escape of over 500 inmates also occurred, was due to an assault by an Army officer. Speaking to The Morning yesterday (29), CPRP General …

Continue reading ‘Was Mass Escape of over 500 inmates from Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Triggered off by the Suspicious Death of an Inmate Allegedly Assaulted by an Army Officer? Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) Raises Doubts.’ »

By Prof.Rohan Samarajiva Finally, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution that seeks to reverse the damage done by the 20th Amendment rammed through by the Rajapaksas has been gazetted. It is likely to fall short of the 19th Amendment. Those who want to undo the damage will have to push for further amendments at the …

Continue reading ‘The assigning subjects and functions to the new Minister of Investment Promotion in 3 Steps By President Rajapaksa has once Again proved that Gotabaya is incapable of rationally assigning subjects and functions to ministries.’ »

Investment Promotion Minister Dhammika Perera yesterday announced several measures to upgrade the Immigration and Emigration Department, inculcating a private-sector approach to boost efficiency and streamline operations. He introduced six key steps following a special inspection visit to the Department yesterday. This was the first task Perera took after being sworn in as a National List …

Continue reading ‘Investment Promotion Minister Dhammika Perera ,inculcating a private-sector approach to boost efficiency and streamline operations ,announces several measures to upgrade the Immigration and Emigration Department, following a special inspection visit to the Department’ »

By Kelum Bandara In a step close to integration with India in energy security, Sri Lanka has sought to purchase four shipments of fuel – 40,000 tonnes each- from India on cash payment terms, Daily Mirror learns. India is a bulk purchaser of fuel from the global market with attractive discounts. There is a proposal …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka to purchase four shipments of fuel from India for Cash instead of on credit; Deal Expected to materialise in One week will result in Initial shipment Followed by Petrol Shipments When Required.’ »

By Chandani Kirinde The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution will be published in the Gazette today (June 29), following which it will be presented to Parliament after seven days, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said yesterday (June 28). He said that on Monday (June 27), the Cabinet had given approval to publish the Bill in the …

Continue reading ‘The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution will be published in the Gazette of June 29 and presented to Parliament after seven days, Says Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe; Cabinet Approved Draft Bill on June 27’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Cash-strapped Sri Lanka suspended nationwide fuel sales, except for essential services, for nearly a fortnight as the island faces a rapidly worsening economic crisis. In a press conference held on Monday night, Cabinet spokesperson and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana said private vehicles will be barred from buying fuel until July 10, after …

Continue reading ‘Life Comes to a Near Standstill in Sri Lanka as Govt Suspends Nationwide Sale of Fuel for 2 weeks Except for Essential Services;Colombo seeks ‘urgent’ supply from India, Russia, Qatar’ »

(Text of a Press Release Issued by the South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) on June 28 2022) South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders, vehemently condemns the arrest of Indian rights activist and Journalist Teesta Setalvad on 25 June 2022. SAHR perceives the detention of Setalvad as a …

Continue reading ‘South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders, vehemently condemns the arrest of Indian rights activist and Journalist Teesta Setalvad on 25 June 2022.’ »

US President Joe Biden at the G7 Summit yesterday announced $ 20 million in additional assistance to strengthen food security in Sri Lanka. Building on other recent funding announcements from the US, this newly posted assistance will target Sri Lankans most in need during the current economic crisis. The funding aims to support a school …

Continue reading ‘US Commitment in Economic and Humanitarian Assistance to Sri Lanka Since June 16 Goes up to $ 32 Million After President Joe Biden’s Announcement of $ 20 Million Additional Aid’ »

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) President Ambassador Federico Villegas (Argentina) has announced the appointment of Radhika Coomaraswamy of Sri Lanka to serve as a member of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia. Coomaraswamy will join Kaari Betty Murungi of Kenya (chair) and Steven Ratner of the US, who were appointed to …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Radhika Coomaraswamy Appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to serve as a member of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia.’ »

An Extraordinary Gazette published on Monday (June 27)listed the core responsibilities and institutions under Dhammika Perera’s Ministry of Investment Promotion. The institutions are the Board of Investment, Colombo Port City Economic Commission, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company Ltd., Techno Park Development Company Ltd., and Information Technology Parks. The previous Gazette …

Continue reading ‘Name of Dhammika Perera’s Ministry Changed from Technology and Investment Promotion to Investment Promotion; New Gazette Issued Listing Institutions and Functions Allocated to Ministry’ »

BY Dinitha Rathnayake Residents of Thennamaravadi, Kuchchaveli, which is a rural village some 65 kilometres north of Trincomalee, on the Pulmoddai Road, are struggling due to issues pertaining to the lack of land and housing. Speaking to The Morning, the residents claimed that most of their lands had been grabbed by the Sinhala people. “Around …

Continue reading ‘Tamil residents of Thennamaravaadi Village in Trincomalee District Allege that Over 200 Acres of their Lands have been taken over by Sinhalese outsiders and that Govt officials are not taking action to help them get back the lands’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya There is a great deal of ruin in a nation, Adam Smith once said – meaning that the modern states are innately strong enough to withstand a good deal of external and internal pressure. It takes serious and serial bungling by the policymakers to break a nation. Gotabaya Rajapaksa has shown how …

Continue reading ‘The main opposition, SJB Spends its energy on media conferences and press releases to chide the govt. Sajith Premadasa excels at eloquent speeches but shows little interest in assuming responsibility.’ »

By SVD Kesaralal Gunasekera It’s been about six weeks since a ‘new’ government was formed by the President after inviting all the parties to come forward. Fundamentally, all the parliamentarians should support the present Prime Minister to steer this country out of this crisis. Without a new strategy, approach and support, we might not be …

Continue reading ‘We have a crisis with regards to a serious lack of foreign exchange. We cannot enjoy the luxury of having petrol, diesel and domestic gas like we did because we cannot afford to pay for them. This message has not been clearly communicated to the public.’ »

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday rapped the Government over its failure to ensure uninterrupted supply of fuel which it warned threatens the social and economic stability in the country and international confidence. BASL also called on the Government to immediately provide timely and adequate information to the public as to its plans …

Continue reading ‘Bar Association of Sri Lanka(BASL) calls upon the President, Govt as well as all other political parties and actors to understand the sheer gravity of the present situation and the grave consequences which may threaten the social and economic stability in Sri Lanka.’ »

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka announced a two-week halt to all fuel sales except for essential services and appealed to the private sector to work from home as it ran out of supplies. “From midnight today, no fuel will be sold except for essential services like the health sector, because we want to conserve the little reserves …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Govt Suspends selling of fuel for 2 weeks until July 10th except for essential sectors like health, defence, power ,export and ports, airports, , food distribution and agriculture.’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in the “Sunday Times” of June 26th 2022 Under the Heading “Adding corruption to the crisis”) The Prime Minister sounded thoroughly exasperated when he addressed Parliament earlier in the week. He said there was one set of persons saying he was downplaying the prevailing economic crisis, while another was accusing him …

Continue reading ‘Opposition parties are aiming at the next elections while the Government and the people are struggling; Even that call for an election is a hollow one, when the whole country knows that electioneering and the logistics for an election are an impossibility in the midst of the current crisis.’ »

The United States has agreed to provide technical assistance for fiscal management in Sri Lanka. This was conveyed by the visiting US State Department Deputy Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Kelly Keiderling, during a discussion with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

By Dinitha Rathnayake A tense situation has risen over the Kurundumale Archaeological Reserve, an ancient Sri Lankan monument deep in the dense forest of Mullaitivu. According to the Department of Archaeology, the ancient Buddhist temple is said to be the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka built fully out of a particular type …

Continue reading ‘Army and Buddhist Monks Accused of Constructing Buddhist Structures on Kurundhu Malai Hill In Violation of Mullaitheevu Court Order; Cultural Appropriation of Ancient Saivaie Shrine by “Political Buddhism” with Connivance of Archaeology Dept?’ »

By Vishvanath Tomb raiders and politicians do not scruple to disturb the dead. The former look for valuables in tombs, and the latter hunt for memories, cherished or dreaded, to gain political mileage. One’s loss is said to be another’s gain. Nothing proves the validity of this axiom more than the sordid manner in which …

Continue reading ‘SLPP Rakes up the Past About Rohana Wijeweera’s “Execution” to Politically Embarrass JVP and Premadasa -led SJB and Create Tensions Between Both Parties’but Blowback may Affect Ranil also’ »

By Sumudu Chamara The concept of the Executive Presidency, especially the powers afforded to an Executive President, has been one of the most controversial topics in Sri Lanka’s political arena, and comes up often during elections and Parliamentary debates. Even amidst the prevailing instability, abolition of the Executive Presidency remains an important topic, which some …

Continue reading ‘Even amidst the prevailing instability, abolition of the Executive Presidency remains an important topic, which some deem essential to the reformation of Sri Lanka’s political culture.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene This week’s ruling handed down by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya’s (SJB) confoundingly optimistic 21st Amendment Bill seeking to wholesale consign the Executive Presidency to the dustbin was predictable, some would mutter even blindingly so. Monumentally unsurprising judicial thinking The SJB Bill sought …

Continue reading ‘The cry ‘Gota must Go’ is not necessarily personalised, though there is no doubt that this President exemplifies the evils of rash, ignorant and arrogant decision-making.’ »

By P.K. Balachandran (P.K. Balachandran is a freelance journalist specializing in South Asia and based in Colombo, Sri Lanka) In the 1980s, India was calling the shots in Sri Lanka, cashing in on its mediatory and interventionist role in the ethnic conflict that wracked the island. But New Delhi’s relevance receded after the minority Tamils’ …

Continue reading ‘India Strengthens Its Position in Sri Lanka Vis-à-Vis Rival China; Will China remain a bystander, watching India and the West displacing it in Sri Lanka?’ »

Mr. Ajith Nivard Cabraal, twice Central Bank Governor and former State Minister for Finance, issued the following media statement last week on exchange rate flexibility. “The decision to allow the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) to be “flexible” from March 7, 2022 onwards is sometimes described by certain persons as being a “unilateral” decision of then …

Continue reading ‘The decision to allow the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) to be “flexible” from March 7, 2022 onwards was not a “unilateral” decision of then Central Bank :Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal.’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in the “Sunday Island”of June 26th 2022 Under the Heading “National List: convenient for political parties, gravy for those appponted”) Business tycoon Dhammika Perera’s swearing last week as a National List MP of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) evoked a great deal of interest for a number of self-evident reasons. …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s biggest taxpayer Business tycoon Dhammika Perera’s swearing in as a National List MP of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has evoked a great deal of interest for a number of self-evident reasons.’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said that steps will be taken to legally grant land and house ownership to millions of people who do not have a deed to their own lands and homes. The program to hand over land ownership to landless families under the ‘Land for All’ program began yesterday at the Prime …

Continue reading ‘Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Launches ‘Land for All’ program to hand over land ownership to landless families at the Prime Minister’s Office.’ »

Business leader turned Member of Parliament Dhammika Perera was sworn in as the Investment Promotion Minister by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday. The appointment ends weeks of speculation and controversy and follows Dhammika being sworn in as a National List MP of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna on Wednesday after the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed all …

Continue reading ‘New SLPP National List MP Dhammika Perera sworn in as Investment Promotion Minister by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo on June 24th 2022) High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, Hon’ble Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Health, Hon’ble Nalin Fernando, Minister of Trade, Hon’ble Members of Parliament namely M.A Sumanthiran, V. Radhakrishnan, M. Udaya Kumar, Angajan Ramanthan, and several others including Senthil Thondaman welcomed a …

Continue reading ‘Second Ship Carrying Humanitarian Aid Donated as a Gift by the Govt and People of Tamil Nadu arrived in Sri Lanka on 24 June 2022; Consignment consisting of 14,700 MT of rice, 250 MT of milk powder and 38 MT of medicines is valued at more than 3 billion Sri Lankan Rupees’ »

By M.M. Zuhair Given the dire struggle for fuel and gas worsening by the day across the country and the serious multi-facetted ominous impact on food supplies cum transport caused by the woefully irregular and paltry supply of fuel, the question arises as to why Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had not directly broached Sri Lanka’s …

Continue reading ‘Why Cant Premier Wickremesinghe Appoint Environment Minister Nazeer Hamed as Special Envoy to Seek Much Needed Fuel From Oil Rich Middle Eastern Countries?’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo on June 23rd 2022 regarding the Visit of a delegation led by Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra to Colombo) A delegation of senior Government of India officials, led by Mr. Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary, and consisting of Shri Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of …

Continue reading ‘Indian Delegation led by Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has in-depth discussion with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on the Sri Lankan economy and efforts undertaken by the Government of Sri Lanka towards achieving economic recovery.’ »

The second ship, carrying over 15,000 tonnes of relief materials donated by the Tamil Nadu government, sailed from the VOC Port here to Colombo Harbour on Wednesday. Minister for the Welfare of Minorities and Non-Resident Tamils Gingee K.S. Masthan; Food Minister R. Sakkarapani; Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Anita R. Radhakrishnan; and Minister for …

Continue reading ‘Second Ship with 14,712 tonnes rice, 250 tonnes of milk powder and 38 tonnes of medicines Valued at 670 Million Indian Rupees sent as Gift from Tamil Nadu State to Sri Lanka Leaves Thoothukkudy Port’ »

( Text of Open Letter Sent to the Leader of the Opposition and Samagi Jana Balavegaya , Sajith Premadasa by Former Lake House Chairman and Ex- UNP Working Committee Member Krishantha Prasad Cooray on June 20th 2022) Dear Sajith, When Ranil Wickremasinghe became Prime Minister, I wrote to him and urged that he respond to …

Continue reading ‘“The Leader of the Opposition must engage in good faith with the President and Prime Minister to try and prevent them from driving Sri Lanka into calamity”- Open Letter to Sajith Premadasa by Krishantha Prasad Cooray’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday in Parliament provided a status update on the extent of the current economic crisis, measures taken thus far and proposed to resolve it. He also shared parallel efforts on political reforms. He urged everyone to come together as one country and join in nation’s rebuilding process. Here is the full …

Continue reading ‘“Our economy has faced a complete collapse. That is the most serious issue before us today. . It is no easy task to revive a country with a completely collapsed economy, especially one that is dangerously low on foreign reserves. We are now seeing signs of a possible fall into the very bottom.”-Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Chandani Kirinde Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday made a fresh crisis resolution status update in Parliament, warning that the economy has faced a complete collapse hence all must come together in the nation rebuilding process. “We intend to enter into an official level agreement with the IMF by the end of July. Considering this …

Continue reading ‘“We intend to enter into an official level agreement with the IMF by the end of July. If we receive the IMF seal of approval, the world will once again trust us. It will help us to secure loan assistance as well as low-interest loans from other countries in the world,”- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a special statement’ »

By Matt Godwin Sky-rocketing food and fuel prices in Sri Lanka have precipitated the worst political unrest in the South Asian country in years, as tens of thousands of demonstrators march for change on empty stomachs. With the government teetering alongside its economy, the international community must take urgent action to help stabilize Sri Lanka, …

Continue reading ‘The UK should join with the U.S., India and other “quad countries” to provide urgent bridge funding to Sri Lanka stabilize the country and offer a coherent alternative to investment dependency on China.’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka While stating that bringing in dollars is what he does best, newly appointed MP Dhammika Perera has stated that his intention is to bring in foreign exchange over obtaining loans. He made this statement while speaking to the media after taking oaths as an SLPP National List MP today (22). “I know …

Continue reading ‘Dhammika Perera says he is grateful to Basil Rajapaksa : “Basil Rajapaksa had nominated me, this seat was supposed to be handed over to someone else, but it was Basil who asked me to step in”says new SLPP Nationl list MP’ »

I can assure that Sri Lanka will not face a shortage of food in the future and I have already made arrangements to ensure that citizens will not be left hungry despite the severe economic crisis, says Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. He made this statement while speaking in Parliament and in response to the doubts …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Outlines plan in Parliament for the next couple of months to ensure food security in Country:. “I have already made arrangements to ensure that citizens will not be left hungry despite the severe economic crisis” says Prime Minister’ »

Ashok Ferrey clinched the prestigious Gratiaen Prize 2021 for his novel ‘The Unmarriageable Man’, published by Penguin, India. The winner was announced at a hybrid event with a limited in-person audience at the Barefoot Gallery in Colombo. The event was simultaneously live-streamed on the Facebook page of the Gratiaen Trust. The Gratiaen Prize shortlist for …

Continue reading ‘Ashok Ferrey wins Prestigious Gratiaen Prize 2021 for his novel ‘The Unmarriageable Man’, published by Penguin, India.’ »

Business leader Dhammika Perera yesterday took oath as a Member of Parliament (MP) before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday. He was appointed to fill the vacancy created following the resignation of SLPP National List MP Basil Rajapaksa. Prior to his swearing-in, Dhammika handed over his declaration of assets and liabilities and the tax clearance report …

Continue reading ‘Dhammika Perera Sworn in as SLPP National List MP by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena; tells media “I hope to present my plan to generate foreign exchange within the next two weeks because I know how to do it.”’ »

More than 30 bondholders said they have formed a group to negotiate with Sri Lanka after it defaulted on its foreign debt. Still, at least one holdout has sued the country in a US court demanding payment. Hamilton Reserve, a St Kitts and Nevis based bank, has filed suit in the Federal Court of New …

Continue reading ‘St Kitts and Nevis based bank, Hamilton Reserve, files suit in the Federal Court of New York against Sri Lanka for Defaulting on Bonds and Demands Full Payment’ »

By Chandani Kirinde The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the JVP-led National People’s Power (NPP) and several independent MPs walked out of the Chamber yesterday after announcing they will boycott Parliament sittings this week in protest at the Government’s failure to address any of the problems faced by the people. Joining the walkout were …

Continue reading ‘Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and JVP-led National People’s Power (NPP) along with “independent” MPs Champika Ranawaka and Athureliya Ratana Thera walk out after announcing they will boycott Parliament sittings this week in protest against Govt .’ »

Business tycoon Dhammika Perera is expected to take oaths as a Member of Parliament today (22), The Morning learnt, after the Supreme Court rejected granting leave to proceed with the five Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions challenging his appointment as an MP. The petitions were taken up by a three-judge bench comprising Justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Yasantha …

Continue reading ‘Business Tycoon Dhammika Perera Likely to be Sworn in as SLPP National List MP on June 22 Following the Supreme Court 3 Judge Bench Majority Decision to not Grant Leave to Proceed for Five Fundamental Rights Petitions Challenging Perera’s appointment.’ »

The Supreme Court has determined that a majority of the clauses in the 21st Amendment to the Constitution Bill which was tabled by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) are inconsistent with the Constitution and would require to be passed by a two-third majority in Parliament and be approved by the people at a referendum. The …

Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Rules that Majority of Clauses in 21st Constitutional Amendment Bill Tabled by Samagi Jana Balawegaya Would Require to be Passed by Two-thirds Majority in Parlianent and Approved by the People at a Referendum’ »

The Supreme Court (SC) has determined that several clauses in the 21st Amendment to the Constitution Bill submitted by the main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegayas (SJB), are inconsistent with the Constitution, and that it needs a people’s referendum to be passed, while the Government’s 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill will be sent …

Continue reading ‘Cabinet Approves Govt’s 22nd Constitutional Amendment Draft Bill; Draft would be sent to Attorney-General and Legal Draftsman for Fine Tuning’ »

by Rex Clementine A nation facing its worst economic crisis and high inflation for months had finally something to smile about as Sri Lanka sealed a come from behind series win over Australia at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday. Having set Australia a target of 259, the hosts bowled out the tourists for 254 …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Eyes Smile During Economic Crisis with Its Cricket Team Winning the One Day International Series Against Australia’ »

By P.K.Balachandran The Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is to visit India shortly to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and other key Indian ministers, reliable sources said on Tuesday. The exact dates of the visit are being worked out, the sources added. Both Wickremesinghe and Modi have been keen on meeting each other …

Continue reading ‘Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will Visit India Soon to meet with Indian Premier Naendra Modi and Key Members of the Cabinet Including External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Those who have followed this column might know that I have regularly expressed strong reservations about Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his previous stint as the secretary of defence and later his reincarnation as the president. Those concerns would be vindicated when the Sri Lankan judiciary is unshackled from routine political meddling and inherent …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the greatest source of political instability; He should leave for the sake of the country. To begin, Gota should announce a timeline for his departure’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Over a month after his unexpected appointment — following former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s resignation amid unceasing anti-government protests over the crisis — Mr. Wickremesinghe spoke to The Hindu in his Colombo office on Saturday. Attired in a crisp white shirt and black trousers, the six-time premier sounded surprisingly upbeat in possibly …

Continue reading ‘“I took on a challenge, let us see where it ends. But I always thought that being a party of one was a strength, not weakness. You could deal with anyone in the opposition or the government. You are not a threat to anyone, and you carry on.”- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “All that is solid melts into the air…” Marx and Engels (The Communist Manifesto) The socio-economic edifice that is Sri Lanka’s informal sector is collapsing. According to the 2020 Labour Force Survey, informal sector accounts for 58.1% of the total employed. That is 4.65million people (62.1% of them male). Most have little …

Continue reading ‘The entry of Dhammika Perera is obviously a prelude to the re-entry of the Rajapaksas en masse. Whether Dhammika Perera is Mark Antony or Brutus in the coming drama remains to be seen.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene From Mullaitivu to Kurunegala to Athurigiriya, fury erupts among snaking lines of Sri Lankans hopelessly waiting for days on end for fuel. Finally, unity binds the Sinhalese, the Tamils and the Muslims in their collectively deep anger against a Government that has forsaken public trust. But is this too late as …

Continue reading ‘“If this country is ever to rise from the ashes even a generation or two later, majoritarian sentiment fed by hate-mongering against Tamil and Muslim minorities must be recognised and rejected for what it is. That is where national healing must start.”’ »

By Meera Srinivasan In March this year, women of Thambaddy village were thanking their stars for the good crab season. It ensured they were employed throughout the month at the local crab factory. Those who put in longer hours made some extra money that helped them cope with the spiralling cost of essentials. Barely three …

Continue reading ‘Current Economic Crisis Debilitates War Affected Northern People Further Especially the Women who are juggling jobs, housework and care, while persisting with their struggle for justice’ »

.By Sandun A Jayasekera Former President Maithripala Sirisena said there is growing animosity between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe like a rivalry. He said it was similar to the rivalry between him as the president and Mr. Wickremesinghe as the prime minister at that time. It was quite clear that there was …

Continue reading ‘“There is growing animosity between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe” says EX-President Maithripala Sirisena’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Growing up in her village in Sri Lanka’s northern Kilinochchi district, Sadasivam Kalaiyarasi had one dream — to play cricket for Sri Lanka. It came true this week, when she made it to the country’s under-19 squad, becoming the first Tamil girl to enter the national cricket arena. “It’s my father who …

Continue reading ‘16 Year old Sadasivam Kalaiyarasi of Kilinochchi Becomes First Tamil Girl to be Selected for Sri Lanka’s Women Under 19 Cricket Squad; fast bowler cum hard hitting batter braves poverty, poor infrastructure and gender stereotyping with full support of working class parents’ »

By P.K.Balachandran On the face of it, China appears to be shedding its aloofness and trying to create the impression that it is also helping Sri Lanka overcome the current grave economic crisis. It says that it has pumped in US$ 76 million so far. But that sum pales into insignificance in comparison with India’s …

Continue reading ‘If China persists with its line of radically changing the way the Sri Lankan economy is run, Sri Lanka will have no option but to hitch its fortunes to India and the West rather than China.’ »