BY Shenal Fernando The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) released a receipt of the ¥ 10 billion (equivalent to $ 1.5 billion) currency swap to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) yesterday (29), increasing the official foreign reserves of Sri Lanka to $ 3.1 billion, according to the CBSL. CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal …

Continue reading ‘China Aids Sri Lanka with Currency Swap of 10 Billion Yuan amounting to $ 1.5 Billion; Central Bank Governor Cabraal States Sri Lanka’s Official Foreign Reserves have Increased to $3.1 Billion After Recent Foreign Currency Inflow’ »

By Dr.Dayan Jayatilleka At the time of writing, a fundamentally important process of discussion and drafting is underway, shaping a united Tamil political stand on a matter that has ‘intermestic’ (Kissinger) implications. ‘Intermestic’ denotes matters ‘at the interface’ of the domestic and the international. Whatever is contained in the document due for release around New …

Continue reading ‘Can the President do a “self-coup” from above by Declaring a State of Siege after which a corporate-military-Rajapaksa oligarchic bloc will wield power?’ »

India’s government has refused to renew the foreign-funding licence for a charity founded by Mother Teresa. The Missionaries of Charity has thousands of nuns supervising projects like homes for abandoned children, schools, clinics and hospices. On Christmas Day, India’s home ministry announced it had not renewed the registration due to “adverse inputs”. Hindu hardliners have …

Continue reading ‘India’s BJP Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Hindutva”Govt Forbids Foreign Funding for the Kolkata based“Missionaries of Charity”Organization Founded by Mother Teresa in 1950’ »

By Meera Srinivasan From the time he began voting, Kurunegala farmer B.M.H. Jayatilleka has not backed any party other than the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) at the polls. By extension, his vote in recent elections went to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP or People’s Front) that the Rajapaksas carved out of the SLFP …

Continue reading ‘The Rajapaksa Government’s Rash Policy Shift to “Organic Only” Agriculture is Sowing the Seeds of a Food Security Disaster in Sri Lanka.’ »

By Nisthar Cassim President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday expressed confidence of completing his ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ vision for Sri Lanka in the next three years despite losing the first two with COVID-19 pandemic induced setbacks. Speaking to a select group of editors at a luncheon, Rajapaksa listed priorities from his vision were boosting local …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa says his original plan for Organic Farming was to approach it in a phased manner starting with 30% of agriculture in the first year and a further 30% in the next and so on but agriculture officials had bungled it and were not overly Cooperative’ »

By Meera Srinivasan After a year of visible strain in its ties with Colombo, New Delhi may finally have some reason for cheer. In a month’s time, Sri Lanka will ink the long-dragging deal with India to jointly develop the Trincomalee oil tank farms — a coveted project that has remained controversial for decades. “We …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka to sign deal in a month’s time with India to jointly develop the Trincomalee oil tank farms says Energy Minister Udaya Gammanoila; Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to form a subsidiary company Trinco Petroleum Terminal Ltd for the purpose.’ »

By P.K.Balachandran Colombo, December 27 (newsin.asia): The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Sri Lanka, which is to take place around January 8 and 9, will be happening when the island nation’s economy is in dire straits, facing a severe dollar shortage, absence of foreign investment and a fall in international financial ratings. Colombo …

Continue reading ‘Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi who will visit Sri Lanka around January 8 and 9 2022 is likely o come up with a number of Investment Proposals; Chinese power producers may make a bid for the Kerawelapitiya Power Plant project’ »

By Dr Nihal Jayawickrama, LL.B (Cey), Ph.D (Lond) The 1978 Constitution introduced into the law-making process of Sri Lanka the concept of a “referendum”. It was hailed in some quarters as a return to basics. In the tradition of the Greek city states, actual decision-making was being restored to the people. 43 years later, what …

Continue reading ‘The 1978 Constitution introduced into the law-making process of Sri Lanka the concept of a “referendum”.The referendum, as a mechanism of direct law-making is alien to this country and unfamiliar to most Sri Lankans.’ »

Six Diaspora Tamil organizations active in the United States of America have joint letter to the newly designated US Ambassador to Colombo Julie Jiyoon Chung outlined a “Common Position” regarding the “existential threat” facing the Tamil people of Sri Lanka and submitted specific requests. Chief among the requests are a call for an internationally conducted …

Continue reading ‘Six Tamil Organiztions in the USA including FETNA adopt a “common Position” and write to new US Ambassador Julie Chung Calling for an Internationally monitored referendum for the Northern and Eastern Province People of Sri Lanka and the seting up of an Interational Protection Mechanism for the North- East’ »

(Text of a Press Release Issued by the Tamil National Alliance) The Tamil National Alliance mourns the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a man of God who not only fought against apartheid in South Africa and injustice everywhere, but also worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation. As the Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, …

Continue reading ‘Tamil National Alliance Mourns the Death of South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu a man of God who fought against Injustice Everywhere and worked Tirelessly for Peace and Reconciliation’ »

By Rachel Bartholomeusz The Romans might have invented the fruitcake, but Sri Lanka, a tiny island in the Indian Ocean, perfected it. (Full disclosure: I am half Sri Lankan and thus prone to hyperbole, but you’ve just got to trust me.) It might strike you as odd that a Buddhist-majority country is home to the …

Continue reading ‘The Best Christmas Cake Comes From Sri Lanka: the Romans might have invented the fruitcake but Sri Lanka,with her Burgher Heritage perfected it.’ »

By Alan Keenan On 28 October, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed the militant Buddhist monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara to head a presidential task force on legal reforms, shocking many in Sri Lanka and beyond. Gnanasara is the public face of the country’s leading anti-Muslim campaign group, Bodu Bala Sena (Army of Buddhist Power, or BBS). He …

Continue reading ‘Buddhist nationalists appear to see “one country, one law” as a call for “a single law” that gives pre-eminence to Buddhist institutions while denying those of other religions official recognition.’ »

By T. Ramakrishnan The Tamil Nadu government, which is keen on resolving the long-standing conflict in the Palk Bay, has been asked by the External Affairs Ministry to submit a list of probable participants from the fishing community in the State and tentative dates for the proposed talks between its fisherfolk and that of the …

Continue reading ‘Indian Ministry of External Affairs Plans to Organize Talks Between Indian and Sri Lankan Fisherfolk to help Resolve Fishing Conflict in the Palk Straits; seeks list of participants from fishing community in Tamil Nadu’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in “The Hindu”of 23rd December 2021 under the heading Troubled waters: On Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody) The arrest of 68 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan authorities between December 18 and 20 and the impounding of 10 boats for “poaching” in territorial waters have again raised concerns about the …

Continue reading ‘The fishermen of Tamil Nadu should take into account the fact that their counterparts on the other side of the Palk Strait are still struggling to pick up the threads of their lives after a brutal civil war.-“The Hindu”’ »

At first Bahrain-Lankan model Jacqueline Fernandez, who made good in Bollywood, refused to take the call from a mystery man last December who identified himself simply as ‘Shekhar Ratna Vela’. But that did not deter India’s ace conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar who knew there was more ways than one to skin a cat. In January this …

Continue reading ‘Jacqueline Fernandez, Parents and Siblings Allegedly Received Cash and Expensive Gifts Worth Crores of Rupees from Indian Conffidence Trickster Sukesh Chndrashekhar in Return for Beauty Queen -Actress’s “Amour”’ »

By V Suryanarayan (Senior professor (retd), Centre for South and Southeast Asian Studies, University of Madras) In a highly commendable move, the Rajapaksa brothers, who hold the reins of power in Sri Lanka, invited the UN Human Rights Council dealing with contemporary forms of slavery to visit Sri Lanka, study the living conditions of the …

Continue reading ‘“Contemporary forms of slavery have an ethnic dimension. In particular, Malaiyaha Tamils—who were brought from India to work in the plantation sector 200 years ago—continue to face multiple forms of discrimination based on their origin.”’ »

Sri Lanka’s Agriculture Ministry Secretary Prof Udith K Jayasinghe has been replaced by D M L D Bandaranayake, the fifth person to take the position in just two years, the fourth in 2021. The President’s Media Division (PMD) announced the appointment on Wednesday (22), along with that of Anusha Palpita as Secretary to the Ministry …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Removes Agriculture Ministry Secretary Prof Udith K Jayasinghe who Warned the Country of “Ihbcreasing Food Shortages” and replaces him with D M L D Bandaranayake Without the Knowledge of Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage’ »

By Col R Hariharan Even as Sri Lankan Parliament was debating the annual budget presented by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, he flew off to New Delhi, for a two-day visit on 1 December, to seek urgent help from India to ward off an impending economic collapse of the country. This drew a sarcastic comment from …

Continue reading ‘Does India’s lack of readiness to immediately respond to Sri Lanka’s request show it is tired of being taken for granted by the island neighbour? India has the money, but does it have the inclination to come to the aid of Sri Lanka, particularly after Rajapaksas in power have repeatedly shown to favour China?’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera The Catholic church has questioned President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Government as to why they are not investigating the alleged plot to assassinate then President and incumbent Government Parliamentarian Maithripala Sirisena and current President Rajapaksa, which led to the arrest of then Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) Director Deputy Inspector General of Police …

Continue reading ‘Ex- TID Director DIG Nalaka Silva was Arrested over Alleged Conspiracy to Assassinate Gota and Maithripala while he was attempting to Arrest Zahran but President Rajapaksa has still not Ordered Probe into Alleged Plot to Kill him points out National Catholic Social Communication Centre Director Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray Christmas has a lot of meanings. It is a day for reflection, penitence and reaffirmation of faith for devout Christians. It is also a moment of celebrating community. It is also a time of joy, goodwill, sharing and reunions. To me, it is all of these things. But looking back and …

Continue reading ‘Christmas is yet another moment to cherish the extraordinary love, affection and the sacrifices our parents have made to make us who we are today. It is a time to reflect on all the positive things our parents have done for us and thank them in abundance.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan For Muthu Sivamohan, a farmer leader in Sri Lanka’s northern Kilinochchi district, the uncertainty looming over his paddy yield, after the government banned chemical fertilizers, is only comparable to “two other periods of crisis”. “The first was when Prime Minister Sirimavo [Bandaranaike] introduced import substitution in the 1970s,” said the 63-year-old farmer. …

Continue reading ‘“It is the next harvest that will deliver a deadly blow to us.” “If our people go hungry next year, the government should not hold farmers responsible” – Kilinochchi farmers Dread First Harvest After Sri Lanka’s Fertilizer Ban’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Even at the brink, if not firmly in the abyss of moral, legal and financial bankruptcy as a nation, Sri Lanka’s vicious peddlars of racial and communal hatred continue unabated with their grisly mischief. Grim comedy and Animal Farm charades This week, utter confusion reigned in regard to the reinstatement (or …

Continue reading ‘When will the country’s lawyers, judges and members of the clergy be held to account for the devastation of the Rule of Law and reducing Sri Lanka to the status of a beggar state in South Asia?’ »

The Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, made a highly profile visit the Tamil-majority Northern Province on December 15 and 16 exhibiting China’s new-found interest in that province. Observers see the visit as a thinly-veiled challenge to India’s claims vis-à-vis Northern Sri Lanka given its geographical proximity to India and cultural and linguistic affinity …

Continue reading ‘Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, makes high profile visit to Tamil-majority Northern Province on December 15 and 16 exhibiting China’s new-found interest in that province; Observers see the visit as a thinly-veiled challenge to India’s claims vis-à-vis Northern Sri Lanka’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake The Budget for the next year has been passed, and the Festive Season is the stuff of politics today. Is the stuff of politics the absence of politicians? Now, don’t take wrong shots. President Gotabaya went abroad for a medical check-up. How can he be sure of a good medical check -up …

Continue reading ‘The “Maha Mola” Basil has gone home to the United States, also the home of the New Fortress – Sri Lanka company. The Dual Citizen will celebrate Christmas and New Year there and possibly Aluth Avurudda next April here.’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in the “Daily FT of December 18th 2021 under the heading “A broken justice system”) After an excruciating 18 months in detention, poet and teacher Ahnaf Jazeem was released on bail this week. Jazeem was arrested on 16 May 2020 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with a …

Continue reading ‘Rather than building a case against a suspect, police perform the arrest first and then seek to build a body of evidence against an individual.The plight of these accused is emblematic of the broken criminal justice system at every level.’ »

(Text of Editorial appearing in the “Daily FT”of December 17th 2021 under the heading “The measure of patriotism”) In a televised interview organised by the Presidential Media Unit, Defence Secretary Retd. General Kamal Gunaratne was questioned about alleged attempts to link the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Suresh Sallay to the bombings that killed 269 …

Continue reading ‘Televised Interview of Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne will be remembered for having exposed the sentiments and ideologies that drive the bigoted policies of the current regime.’ »

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the largest international organisation of national Parliaments , which investigated the arrest and detention of Vanni District Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen issued its decision on the matter yesterday (16). The IPU expressed concerns that Bathiudeen was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in the absence of prompt processing of his fundamental …

Continue reading ‘Inter – Parliamentary Union (IPU) Expresses Concern Over the Arrest and Detention of Rishad Bathiudeen MP and Calls upon Authorities to Either Charge him in Courts if there is Evidence or Drop Proceedings and Release him Immediately’ »

By Azzam Ameen Responding to allegations made by certain groups who claim that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the mastermind behind the Easter attacks as it served as a catalyst for him to come to power, Defence Secretary Retd. General Kamal Gunaratne at a press conference yesterday (15) rejected such allegations. “Many people tried to create …

Continue reading ‘Mastermind Behind Easter Bomb Attacls was not President Gotabaya Rajapaksa states Defence Secreary Kamal Gunaratne; Condemns Atempts to Link State Interlligence Service Director Suresh Sallay with terrorist conspiracy’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka Chairman of the Information Technology Society of Sri Lanka, Rajeev Yasiru Kuruwitage, claimed that on the 10th of December, 5 people in civil attire forcefully entered and raided his house without a warrant. He made this statement during a media brief held yesterday (12). “5 people clad in civil attire raided my …

Continue reading ‘5 persons clad in civil attire claiming to be from the Special Task Force (STF) raid the house of Chairman of the Information Technology Society of Sri Lanka, Rajeev Yasiru Kuruwitage, Without a Warrant’ »

(Text of Editorial appearing in “The Morning”of December 13th 2021 under the Heading The Yugadanavi exposé and a Government exposed’) The controversial Yugadanavi agreement, to which only select members of the Government were privy, is no longer a secret. Last week, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Leader and Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake …

Continue reading ‘A major revelation made by AK Dissanayake when tabling the Yugadanavi agreement in Parliament was that it has been signed with a company named New Fortress Energy Sri Lanka Power Holding based in Delaware, USA, when Cabinet approval was granted for an agreement to be entered into with New Fortress Energy Inc.’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita The world’s leading organisation of national human rights bodies has recommended that the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) be downgraded to a “B” status, primarily due to its appointment process and its failure to adequately address human rights violations. The recommendation was made last week by the Global Alliance of …

Continue reading ‘Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) has recommended that the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) be downgraded to a “B” status, primarily due to its appointment process and its failure to adequately address human rights violations.’ »

By Hansi Nanayakkara Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala, on the advice of Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam, on Friday (10), released Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary and head of the Presidential Task Force on One Country, One Law, Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera, from the case where he had been charged with denigrating the Islamic …

Continue reading ‘Foul-mouthed Gnanasara Thero Facing Charges of Denigrating the Islamic Faith and Holy Quran Released by Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala After Police Informed Court that Attorney-General Sanjay Rajaratnam Had Advised Release of BBS Gen-Secy from Case’ »

By P.K.Balachandran On the occasion of World Human Rights Day on Friday, the US State Department designated 12 officials of foreign governments under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriation Act, 2021, for their involvement in gross violations of human rights. Among the sanctioned were Lt.Commander Chandana Hettiarachchi of …

Continue reading ‘Lt.Commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi alias “Navy Sampath’’ Who was Sanctioned by the US State Dept was Allegedly Involved in gang of 14 Naval personnel that Abducted and Killed 11 Civilians In the Trincomalee Navy Base’ »

BY Meera Srinivasan A group of Opposition MPs in Sri Lanka, representing Tamils from the north and east, hill country (Malaiyaha Tamils), and Tamil-speaking Muslims on Sunday sought the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to ensure “existing rights are not snatched away”. The contentious 13th Amendment, born out of the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987, …

Continue reading ‘Opposition MP Group Representing Tamils from the north and east, hill country (Malaiyaha Tamils), and Tamil-speaking Muslims Seek the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to ensure “existing rights are not snatched away”.’ »

By W.A. Wijewardena Falling forex reserves Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves are falling dramatically month after month. According to the data released by the Central Bank last week, foreign exchange reserves have declined from $ 2.3 billion at end-October to $ 1.6 billion at end-November. When one deducts the gold reserve and the position with …

Continue reading ‘According to Central Bank Chief Ajith Nivard Cabraal’s Six-Month Road Map,the country’s gross foreign reserves should have risen to a minimum of $ 7 billion by now, but actual reserves have fallen to $ 1.6 billion’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Recent observations by the Supreme Court regarding the importance of the Attorney General independently exercising the enormous array of powers conferred on that Office by statute are, by a cynic’s perspective, nothing very new. Elephant smuggling and the law Reportedly, these cautions had been issued during the recent granting of leave …

Continue reading ‘What we see now is the political use of the discretion of the Attorney General which is harmful not only to that Office but to the justice process in general.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake We have come to the Blast Stage in Sri Lanka! Gas explosions continue in kitchens and outside, and now there are explosions of liquid fertiliser too. It looks as if the Saubhagye Dekma thinking of presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa, were in fact a Maha Pipireema Dekma – a Vision of Huge Blasts. …

Continue reading ‘Gas explosions continue in kitchens and now there are explosions of liquid fertiliser too. It looks as if the Saubhagye Dekma thoughts of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa were in fact a Maha Pipireema Dekma – a Vision of Huge Blasts!’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a new five-member Right to Information Commission (RTIC), with two previous commissioners reappointed and three new commissioners. Letters of appointment from the Presidential Secretariat were hand delivered on Friday evening and yesterday, over two months after the RTIC ceased to function due to term lapses and resignations of the sitting …

Continue reading ‘Retired Supreme Court Judge Upali Abeyratne Appointed Chair of the Right to Information Commission while Holding the Post of Office of Missing Persons Chairman Despite the RTI Act Debarring the RTIC Chairman holding any other post;New RTIC has two Previous and Three New Commissioners’ »

By Asiri Fernando The Parliamentary Council (PC) last Friday (10) approved the President’s nominee for the post of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) Chairperson, The Sunday Morning learnt. Presidential Secretariat Director General (Legal) Harigupta Rohanadeera confirmed that retired Supreme Court Judge Rohini Perera Marasinghe, nominated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was approved by …

Continue reading ‘Retired Supreme Court Judge Rohini Perera Marasinghe Will be the new Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission; speculation rife that a Buddhist Monk may fill the Vacant post of HRCSL Commissioner’ »

By Maheesha Mudugamuwa Yet another important national asset of the country, the oil tank farm in Trincomalee, was leased out to Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) in 2003. Recently, it has been marred in controversy, with possible new investments discussed during Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s recent visit to India. As learnt by The Sunday Morning, …

Continue reading ‘Finance Minister Basil Rajpaksa Discusses Potential New Investment for Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm in New Delhi Talks but Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila Says he is not aware of the fresh discussions held in India’ »

(Text of Statement Issued on December 10 after a Two-Day (Dec 5&6) rip to Batticaloa District by a Multi-ethnic Fact Finding Mission) We, the undersigned, undertook a visit to Batticaloa in the Eastern Province on 5 and 6 December to ascertain the current plight of the different communities affected by the Easter Sunday attacks. The …

Continue reading ‘The devastating impact of the Easter Sunday attacks on both Christians who belong to independent, non-denominational Churches as well as the Muslim community in Batticaloa is undeniable States Multi-ethnic Fact-finding Mission’ »

The United States has imposed human right-related sanctions on two more Sri Lankan military officials under Section 7031(c), gross violation of human rights, the US State Department announced on Dec 10 Tho two military personnel are: Chandana Hettiarachchi, a Sri Lankan naval intelligence officer, for his involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely, the …

Continue reading ‘US State Dept On Human Rights Day Designates Navy’s Chandana Hettiarachchi Implicated in Abduction and Murder of 11 Youths in Trinco and Army’s Sunil Ratnayake conviced of Massacring 8 Persons Including Children in Mirusuvil and Debars them from Entry into the USA’ »

By S.Ratnajeevan H. Hoole The Rev. Gnanasara Thero and his Hindu counterpart Maruwanpulavu Sachithananthan allege unethical conversions by Christians. As a Christian, knowing many converts to Christianity as sincere and genuine, I have always been dismissive of such claims and still am. Recent events however make me think that there is another dimension of their …

Continue reading ‘Unethical leadership and Corruption among Christians who run the “new” churches amounts to a blight on Christianity’ »

By Azzam Ameen n a message to mark International Human Rights Day, the Bishops of the Church and the Church of Ceylon called upon all Sri Lankans to join the United Nations of the world to reaffirm their commitment to the equality of all human beings who are “born free and equal in dignity and …

Continue reading ‘Church of Ceylon says One Country One Law Task Force raises serious constitutional issues with respect to the manner it was established, its mandate and composition, while also causing serious concerns about the Government’s commitment to pluralism and minority rights.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday appointed a former Navy chief, previously accused of abduction and conspiracy to murder, as Governor to the North Western Province, delivering what victims’ families called “yet another blow” to their 12 year-long fight for justice. This is Mr. Rajapaksa’s second controversial appointment in recent months. In October, …

Continue reading ‘Ex-Navy Chief Wasantha Karannagoda Who Was Previously Indicted as 14th Accused in Abduction and Conspiracy to Murder 11 Youths is Appointed NorthWestern Province Governor by President Rajapaksa; Victims’ families call the Controversial ppointment “yet another blow” to their 12 year-long fight for justice.’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to establish a Green Agriculture Operative Centre to systematically and sustainably fulfil the priorities identified to make Sri Lanka a ‘green’ country. This is being implemented under the direction of Defence Staff Chief and Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva.

By Ruwani Fonseka A ship loaded with 20,000 tons of fertilizer from Shandong-based producer Seawin Biotech meant for export to Sri Lanka is on its way back after failing to reach any constructive agreement with Sri Lanka, despite relentless efforts to solve the dispute The Global times reports that the ship is to arrive in …

Continue reading ‘Shandong-based Chinese Company Seawin Biotech launches an international arbitration procedure in Singapore Against Sri Lanka to settle the growing dispute over fertilizer export contract Worth US $ 49.7 Million Rejected by Sri Lanka’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita Participants in the “One Country, One Law” Presidential Task Force’s (PTF) public consultation held at one of the divisional secretariats (DSs) in the Eastern Province alleged that the discussion was held predominantly in Sinhala, with no proper translators or language interpreters, which severely limited the accessibility of the public consultation. “They only …

Continue reading ‘“One Country One Law”PTF Chair Gnanasara Thero holds Public Consultations in Sinhala Without Adequate Provision for INterpretation or Translation into Tamil Despite the Batticaloa and Valaichenai DS divisions being Predominantly Populated by Tamil and Muslim People’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka Admiral of the Fleet, Wasantha Karannagoda is tipped to be appointed as the Governor of the North Western Province, it is learnt. The Morning reliably learns that Karannagoda’s new appointment is likely to take place later today (09) Courtesy:The Morning

By Ruwani Fonseka As intra-country cargo builds around Indian west coast ports, feeder lines are flocking to connect the area to the Far East, shifting transhipment away from Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port in favour of India’s largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) The Loadstar reports that as shippers desperately search for mainline connections …

Continue reading ‘While Chinese Influence Increases in Colombo Port, feeder lines are flocking to connect Indian West Coast Ports to the Far East, shifting transhipment away from Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port in favour of India’s largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “The road to self-deception is narrow to begin with, but there’s always someone ready to broaden it out…it’s all a matter of beginning” – José Saramago (Cain) Call it a metaphorical warning shot. Several parliamentarians, including a presidential nephew, were at a public meeting in Hakmana (Matara) when a monk invaded the …

Continue reading ‘The Rajapaksas failed because they were ignorant and did not know the level of their own ignorance. If enough Lankans do not understand this truth, they may seek salvation from an even more ignorant group of people, attributing to them all the virtues and capacities they did to the Rajapaksas in 2019.’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka While stating that Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa must always be present during the Budget debate, United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe claimed in Parliament today (07) that Rajapaksa flew to India for reasons unknown. “We have had past Presidents who have also served as Finance Ministers parallelly, but they have always …

Continue reading ‘Why did Finance Ministr Basil Rajapaksa Go to India Instead of Attending Parliament During the Budget Debate Asks UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe;”It is questionable as to why the Finance Minister went to India” sys Former PM’ »

By Penny Macrae As Sri Lanka’s short-lived plan to transform itself into an “organic utopia” collapsed last month, a diplomatic dispute with China over a fertiliser shipment threatened the debt-laden island nation’s hunt for a lifeline to shore up its crisis-hit economy as it stares down the barrel of a default. Colombo’s ban on pesticides, …

Continue reading ‘A dispute over a fertiliser shipment has threatened Sri Lanka’s hopes of another bailout from China, which it already owes more than US$5 billion in loans’ »

BY Shahaen Vishak A Chinese company, that had been awarded the tender to develop three hybrid power plants in the Delft, Nagadeepa, and Analthivu islands off the Jaffna peninsula, is likely to lose this contract as the project, which was previously being conducted under a loan disbursed by an international financial institution, will now likely …

Continue reading ‘Construction of Hybrid Power and Energy Projects for Northern Islands of Neduntheevu,Analaitheevu and Nainatheevu Likely to be Transferred from China to India as New Delhi Offers 75% Grant.’ »

(Text of speech made in Parliament TN Jaffna District MP M.A. Sumanthiran on 04th December 2021 on the votes of the ministry of Highway, Transport and Labour.) Thank you, Honorable speaker for this opportunity to say a few words at the committee stage discussion on the votes of the ministry of High ways, Transport and …

Continue reading ‘“It is meaningful devolution of powers that we seek as a people entitled to the right of self-determination.We went to different countries to gain support for our quest which is justifiable, which is reasonable and which is legitimate. I want to make it very clear to this House and to the Country, that we will pursue that objective.”- MA Sumanthiran MP’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Is it not enough that politicians both in the Government and the Opposition are squabbling in the dark, literally so, as the Parliament chamber joined the rest of the nation this Friday with a full day blackout crippling essential functions? Do we not suffer enough by politicians and state agents disregarding …

Continue reading ‘The explosions of domestic cylinders, the unholy circuses that take place in doing away with consumer protection, from poisoned food to black marketeers making gross profits with their patrons in Ministerial garb are only festering symptoms of a rotten State.’ »

by Tisaranee Gunasekara “Where has the tree gone, that locked Earth to the sky?” Philip Larkin (Going) Sirisena Cooray gave his final interview three months before his death. A Sunday Sinhala paper had carried a wildly inaccurate account of the Premadasa era. Sirisena Cooray called the editor and asked for an opportunity to set the …

Continue reading ‘The Premadasa-Cooray relationship defined and shaped not just Sirisena Cooray’s life but also that of Ranasinghe Premadasa and thereby modern Lankan history.’ »

By Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka My mother told me, decades later, that she was sure Sirisena Cooray knew I was under 18 when he let me slip into the cinema in my long-trousers for the 9:30pm show for movies that were ‘adults only’, having conspired with my father. She remembered Mr. Cooray laconically saying “wait till …

Continue reading ‘Sirisena Cooray became in effect Ranasinghe Premadasa’s younger brother, though he always referred to him in conversation with others as “Mr. Premadasa” and with the man himself as “Sir”.’ »

By Uwin Lugoda India’s Adani Group, owned by Indian business tycoon Gautam Adani, is to develop a 1,000 MW wind power project in Mannar valued at over $ 1 billion, The Sunday Morning learnt. It is also learnt that Adani is looking at developing a second wind power project in another location in the Northern …

Continue reading ‘Indian business tycoon Gautam Adani’s Adani Group is to develop a 1,000 MW wind power project in Mannar valued at over $ 1 billion; Adani’s developing a second wind power project is also likely at Poonagary in the Northern Province.’ »

by Anura Gunasekera A few days ago President Gotabaya Rajapaksa(GR), the first military man and, unarguably, the most ignorant in the ways of governance to occupy the presidential seat, celebrated the completion of two years as the eighth president of the Republic of Sri Lanka. The salutation coincided with the formal vesting with the Sangha, …

Continue reading ‘“Viyathmaga” is the road to certain ruin and the “Eliyamaga” will condemn this country to economic darkness before the Gotabaya presidency ends. It must now be clear to all that when madmen are allowed to run the asylum, lunacy becomes institutionalized and insanity infiltrates governance.’ »

A mob in Sialkot brutally murdered a Sri Lankan man and set his body on fire over blasphemy allegations. Priyantha Kumara, the export manager of a private factory, was attacked by workers of the factory on Wazirabad road in Sialkot, Pakistan. Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rao Sardar Ali Khan directed the regional police …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Export Manager of Factory in Sialkot, Pakistan Priyantha Kumara Brutally Murdered by Mob for Alleged Blasphemy and Body set on Fire; Pakistan PM Imran Khan Promises Severe Puishment for Those Responsible while Overseeing Investigation Personally.’ »

Suhasini Haidar and Meera Srinivasan India and Sri Lanka agreed to a four-pronged approach to discuss initiatives on food and energy security to help mitigate Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, during a two-day visit by Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to New Delhi. Four-pillar initiative The decisions included a four-pillar initiative, comprising lines of credit …

Continue reading ‘Further Discussions To Finalise Modalities For India to Help Mitigate Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis Through a Four-Pronged Initiative in Lines of Credit, Currency Swap,Trinco Tank Harm Modernization and Facilitation of Indian Investment’ »

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo yesterday (2) stated that a proposed hybrid energy project in three islands off the Jaffna peninsula has been suspended due to a “security concern” from a third party. In a Tweet, the Embassy said that the hybrid energy system to be built in three northern islands of Sri Lanka by …

Continue reading ‘Proposed hybrid energy project in Northern Islands of Delft,Analai Theevu and NainaTheevu Suspended by Chinese Company Sino Soar Hybrid Technology Due to India’s “Security Concerns”; China to Establish 12 Solar Power Plants in 12 Islands in the Maldives’ »

A meeting between Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was scheduled to be held yesterday (2), has failed to materialise for what government sources indicated were scheduling issues, The Morning learnt. Rajapaksa is set to return to Sri Lanka today, after a two-day official visit to India to seek …

Continue reading ‘Meeting Between Indin Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa Scheduled for Dec 2nd does not Take Place; Efforts Underway to Arrange Meeting for Dec 3’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers over the next two days. He is likely to seek crucial economic assistance from India by way of investments and enhanced tourist exchanges, official sources in Colombo indicated. …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa is likely to seek crucial economic assistance by way of investments and enhanced tourist exchanges During his Two dy Visit to India’ »

By Azzam Ameen Sri Lanka Police have launched an investigation regarding two secretaries belonging to the personal staff of two Cabinet Ministers. The inquiry is being carried out with regard to accusations that the two members of ministerial personal staff had attempted to secretly unearth a stock of gold said to have been buried in …

Continue reading ‘Personal Secretaries of Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara and Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda Being Investigated by Police Over Alleged Complicity in Attempt to Excavate LTTE’s Buried Gold in Puthukkudiyiruppu’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera An official of the Public Security Ministry has been suspended of his duties on suspicion of attempting to secretly unearth a stockpile of gold which is believed to have been buried by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area in Mullaitivu during the war, while an inquiry is …

Continue reading ‘Alleged Attempt by Public Security and Fisheries Ministry Officials to Excavate Gold Buried by LTTE in Puthukkudiyiruppu: Minister Weeraseka Suspends Official Pending Inquiry:Minister Devananda Says “He will carry Out Investigation in a Day or Two”’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Has the law been forgotten to such an extent in Sri Lanka that individuals who happen to antagonise the politically (or militarily) powerful are being summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on the basis that they have offended repealed laws? Does no one know what laws are in force in …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka must be the first country in the world where the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, No 56 of 2007 is being used as the main legal tool by state agents to terrify those who speak out against them’ »

By Meera Srinivasan In Chundikulam village, located on the eastern tip of Jaffna Peninsula, farmers are facing a peculiar challenge. They are unable to access their lands in which they have recently sowed vegetables. “Border stones of the Department of Wildlife Conservation have sprouted on our plots,” said S. Arunthavaraja, a resident, pointing to a …

Continue reading ‘Residents of Northern Village Chundikulaam Deprived of heir Traditional Agricultural Lands by Wildlife Conservation Dept’s Arbitrary Expansion of Area for Wildlife Park’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake Former President Maithripala Sirisena has struck hard on warnings of being deprived of Civil Rights by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. In his recent statement, President Gotabaya was clear on observing the policies laid down in his Saubhagya Dekma manifesto. He recalled how the Yahapalana government had given no importance to the war heroes, …

Continue reading ‘The “Gotabaya Keliya” is fast doing turns and twists on policies of the government. The Rajapaksas are being surrounded by faults and failures. The Prevailing reality today is the rising farce of family power.’ »

By Radhika Coomaraswamy The piercing sound of the nadaswaram filled the air. A soul-rending call, expressing the constant yearning of the human spirit, I would hear echoes of it in dark spaces in New York in the sound of the tenor saxophone. It was “ther” day at the Nallur Kandasamy temple and musicians came from …

Continue reading ‘The Nallur Kandasamy Kovil became the premier temple of the Northern province Under the Custodianship of Kumaradas Maapana Mudaliyar’ »

(Text of a Press Statement Issued by the Global Tamil Forum in London on 25 November 2021) Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation together with Global Tamil Forum (GTF) representatives (the “Delegation”), had many significant engagements in the US between November 15 – 22, articulating Tamil people’s concerns to key US Government policymakers and Members of …

Continue reading ‘Tamil National Alliance -Global Tamil Forum joint delegation calls for a more engaged US Govt role in promoting human rights, accountability, political resolution and reconciliation in Sri Lanka’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya A glorious day passed without much funfair. Two years ago on November 16, 6.9 million Sri Lankan voters elected as their executive president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the wartime defence secretary cum the presidential brother. Younger Gotabaya Rajapaksa was anointed as the candidate of the newly formed Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) by …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa is not known to be corrupt, a rare distinction from his brothers. Yet the economic crisis, he is partly responsible for perpetuating, has resulted in runaway corruption by the rent-seeking businessmen associated with his party.’ »

By P.K.Balachandran Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa is planning to visit New Delhi at the earliest, to seek from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urgent help to tide over the economic crises in the island, especially the part concerning foreign debt repayment. According to sources, a request has been made for an appointment with Modi. …

Continue reading ‘Will Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa Be Able to get Urgent Assistance From Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modito help Tide Over the Economic Crisis in the Island?’ »

By Samantha Power Mangala Samaraweera was a remarkable public servant and one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever known. He was also a courageous leader, who dedicated his life to pursuing his vision for a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-lingual Sri Lanka that would, as he described it, “guarantee equal rights, justice and dignity …

Continue reading ‘Mangala Smaraweera was a courageous leader who dedicated his life to pursuing his vision for a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-lingual Sri Lanka that would as he described it, “guarantee equal rights, justice and dignity for all.”’ »

By Rajpal Abeynayake President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected not despite his lack of political experience, but because of it. On the campaign trail, he was seen as the outsider who was not tainted by politics. He was Defence Secretary, but that was a public office, not a political office. The outsider element became especially important …

Continue reading ‘People elected the Political Outsider Gotabaya Rajapaksa as President because they thought here was a man with some integrity and a no-nonsense air about him. But what he has done is to further erode people’s faith in the integrity and probity of politicians.’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Emphasising that the policy of the Government is to direct agricultural activity in the country entirely towards the use of organic fertilisers, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that the officials who do not agree with it are free to leave. “Stressing the need for officials to seek solutions for the protesting farmers within …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Emphasises that his 100% Organic Agriculture Policy Will Continue and that Hereafter Govt will Provide Subsidies only to Farmers Using non-Chemical Fertilizer;Tells Officials who Diasagree are Free to Leave’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed Agriculture Director General (DG) Dr. Ajantha de Silva to take necessary steps to import specialised chemical fertilisers and pesticides required for vegetable cultivation, in limited quantities, for a limited period, owing to the lack of organic and liquid fertilisers for the same, and the prevailing rains, The …

Continue reading ‘Govt to relax Chemical Fertilier ban Partially and import specialised chemical fertilisers and pesticides required for vegetable cultivation in limited quantities for a limited period due to lack of organic and liquid fertilisers and the prevailing rainy season.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jaywardene There is a certain sense of sanctimonious humbuggery on our part when we raise our hands to the heavens to scorn the sight of mass crowds on Colombo’s streets agitating against policies of the Government which have dire impact on Sri Lanka’s poor. Responsibility of the State for unjust policies That …

Continue reading ‘When the State remains deaf, dumb and blind to the cries of people who have been pushed to the brink, there is little option for the affected but to violate the law, whether this comes through a court directive or not.’ »

By Gamini Weerakoon (The writer is a former editor of The Sunday Island, The Island and consultant editor of the Sunday Leader) Frank Sinatra in his smooth, melodious and pugnacious style of delivery described how a strongman would want to accomplish his tasks: ‘Doing it my way’. This American singer and actor, considered as being …

Continue reading ‘Frank Sinatra’s Song “And I did it my way.Yes, I did it my way” Appeals to Many Strongman Rulers Including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ »

The Government has decided to back down in the dispute over the Chinese organic fertiliser shipment that was found to be contaminated. Preparations are underway to resolve the dispute by paying 75 percent of the claim by the Chinese company. This amounts to US$ 6.7 million. The Government has also decided to buy fresh stocks …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Govt has decided to back down in the dispute over the Chinese organic fertiliser shipment found to be contaminated;“We cannot afford to damage diplomatic relations With China over this issue,” Says Agriculture minister Mahindanand Alutgamage’ »

The Government is to extend the local councils’ term by one year without elections, the Sunday Times learns. Accordingly, the terms of 340 local bodies — 24 municipal councils, 41 urban councils and 275 Pradeshiya Sabhas — will be extended after their mandated four-year term expires in April next year. The term of another local …

Continue reading ‘Terms of 340 local bodies Comprising 24 municipal councils, 41 urban councils and 275 Pradeshiya Sabhas will be extended by One Yer after their mandated four-year term expires in April next year.’ »

By Lakshmi Subramanian Sri Lanka’s 30-year civil war ended in 2009, with the killing of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. More than decade later, the Sri Lankan government led by the Rajapaksa family is still battling allegations that the final days of the war witnessed mass murders. Prabhakaran’s younger son, then …

Continue reading ‘“The mass murder of tens of thousands Tamilians certainly happened. Hospitals and civilian institutions were shelled. It was very, very bad; it may qualify as a war crime.” – Erik Solheim’ »

By Victor Ivan The Government’s Budget clearly indicates that the Government does not have a pragmatic vision at all for overcoming the crisis facing Sri Lanka other than its greed for holding on to power. The Government seems to be contemplating that it would be able to overcome the crisis facing Sri Lanka if the …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka is now on the brink of a grave catastrophe. The stupid actions of the Government will only exacerbate and expedite the destruction.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayke The beginning of November is known for its Remembrance Events — All Souls, Poppy Days and in our political past the Suriyamal Day too. But as we move to mid-November it marks the highlights of Political Power. Who could forget the election of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as President of Sri Lanka, by 69 …

Continue reading ‘For nearly two years we have been talking about a virus – that came from China. What we see today is much more than a China Virus. It is the Chinese direction of the political leadership of this country.’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka While acknowledging that the economic situation in Sri Lanka is worse than in previous years, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka is not alone in facing such a crisis. He made this statement during an interview on Ada Derana’s Hyde Park programme yesterday (18). “Sri Lanka is not alone in …

Continue reading ‘“The opposition thought that I will tax the people and put additional taxes and try to get more money, but I did not do that. So they are not happy.”- Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’ »

By Charumini de Silva Cinema stakeholders hailed the Government’s decision to officially grant ‘industry’ status, but said they were awaiting more clarity on the move, as details on how it would benefit them were yet to be disclosed. The proposal to this effect was jointly submitted by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as …

Continue reading ‘Cabinet Approves Proposal by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa to Recognize Sri Lanka’s Cinema Trade as an Industry and Grant it Official Status to the Effect’ »

By Aseem Chhabra At the beginning of Jai Bhim, police officers are shown separating a group of suspects based on their caste. Those who are from the dominant castes are asked to leave, while others who are Dalits (formerly untouchables) or belong to tribal communities are asked to stay back. Later, police file false charges …

Continue reading ‘Tamil Film “Jai Bhim” is Rated Top Film by Users on IMDB; It’s the latest in a line of hard-hitting Indian movies telling stories of repression against Dalits who are at the bottom of a rigid Hindu caste hierarchy,’ »

By Dinasena Ratugamage The Northern Provincial Council (NPC) has misused the annual allocations from the government for a long time, Governor of the province, Jeevan Thiagarajah alleged on Tuesday in Vavuniya. The NPC had not spent the annual budgetary allocations it received from the government and there were many irregularities in the way money was …

Continue reading ‘New Northern Province Governor Jeevan Thiagarajah Says he would take action against politicians and state officials who were involved in irregularities in the Province’ »

By Sumudu Chamara On 12 November, the Government presented what, in economic terms, can be referred to as a recovery Budget, in a context where the country has just started paying attention to and supporting the revival of sectors that did not receive adequate attention last year. In other words, unlike in the pre-Covid-19 pandemic …

Continue reading ‘Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa says that in the history of Sri Lanka no Budget has allocated money to address the cost of living and food security to the extent to which the 2022 Budget has.’ »

By Arusha Cooray (Arusha Cooray is a Professor of Finance at James Cook University, Australia. She served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Norway, Finland and Iceland.) Sri Lanka is currently facing an unprecedented set of economic challenges: a large and increasing public debt, rising fiscal and current account deficits, foreign exchange shortages and declining investor …

Continue reading ‘The “Trapped” Economy of Sri Lanka: Is There a Way out?’ »

By P.K.Balachandran Relations between Sri Lanka and China were excellent between 2010 and 2015 when the pro-China Mahinda Rajapaksa was President. During this period, China constructed the US$ 1.1 billion Hambantota port, an ultra-modern container terminal in Colombo, a state-of-the-art airport at Mattala, and had begun constructing the US$ 1.4 billion Colombo Port City. But …

Continue reading ‘Chinese Organic Fertilizer With Harmful Bacteria Crisis: Will President Rajapaksa step in and put out the fire or will he allow it to consume Sino-Lankan relations? With the US and India emerging as a possible alternative to China, Would Gotabaya take a hard stand on the issue?’ »

By Rajpal Abeynayake So, Ali Sabry didn’t resign after all. But he did resign to the inevitable. What was Minister Ali Sabry’s purported wish to resign his ministerial portfolio all about? To be charitable to Mr. Sabry, he could not have expressed the desire to resign on a matter of principle. It appeared he just …

Continue reading ‘Appointing Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera to any post with State patronage was an injury but following that up with the Ali Sabry Resignaion pantomime was adding a grievous insult to that injury.’ »

(Veteran musician, singer and actor Lakshman Wijesekera has passed away at the age of 73. This article was posted on this Blog first on March 13th 2018.It is being re-posted without any changes here as tribute to the ever popular Lucky Aiya.) by Prof.Theodore Warnakulasuriya Open University of Sri Lanka. “Some people come into our …

Continue reading ‘“Lucky Aiya” Also Known as ” Apey Lucky” and his Indelible Footprints in the Children’s Music Sphere of Sri Lanka’ »

BY Dr. Sakuntala Kadirgamar (The writer is the Law and Society Trust’s Executive Director) “We are not a monarchy. We are a republic.” Justice Minister President’s Counsel (PC) M.U.M. Ali Sabry’s words were heartening to read and to hear. However, it is worth reminding Minister Ali Sabry PC that if presidents in Sri Lanka foolishly …

Continue reading ‘“if presidents in Sri Lanka foolishly believe that they are monarchs, or monarchs in the making, and unaccountable for their actions, it is because they are surrounded by sycophants who allow them to believe so.”’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene There was little doubt that Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s off the cuff quip that, ‘there is nothing to give, we may only have to take’ (from Sri Lankans) when quizzed by reporters as to what relief the 2022 National Budget promises to the citizenry, would soon return to haunt him. Public …

Continue reading ‘There is Little Doubt that Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s off the cuff quip about the 2022 Budget that, ‘there is nothing to give, we may only have to take’ (from Sri Lankans) would soon return to haunt him.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake Sri Lanka has just achieved a world record. Its national Budget has been presented in Parliament by a foreigner. Yes, yes – A Dual Citizen. Are you sure this Budget is not really meant to help US President Joe Biden to get over his problems? We must wonder whether our American/Sri Lankan …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka has just achieved a world record. Its national Budget has been presented in Parliament by a foreigner. Yes, yes – A Dual Citizen!’ »

By Azzam Ameen Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa, delivered his inaugural budget speech today (12). This is the 76th budget of an independent Sri Lanka and it is also the second budget of the incumbent Government. Key takeaways from the Minister’s speech are detailed below: Annual Warrant for State expenditure to be made a Quarterly …

Continue reading ‘Key Take ways From the Budget Presented by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on November 12th 2021’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando The government has amended a controversial Gazette dated Oct 26, 2021on the appointment of Presidential Task Force (PTF) headed by Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara to examine the implementation of ‘One Country, One Law’ principle and prepare a draft Act following strong objections by Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC. SLPP National List lawmaker Sabry …

Continue reading ‘Ali Sabry will Remain as Justice Minister Without Resigning Following Compromise Reeached wih President Rajapaksa who Issues Amended Gazette Diluting Supervisory Powers Given to “One Country One Law”Presidential Task Force Chaired by Convicted Monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita The 76th Budget reading for the financial year (FY) 2022 will begin in Parliament today (12) at 2 p.m., with a focus on transforming Sri Lanka into a manufacturing-based economy. “The Budget aims to utilise Sri Lanka’s geopolitical location and address the ongoing loss of foreign income to the country, whilst planning …

Continue reading ‘Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa Will Unveil His Maiden Budget at 2 PM On Friday November 12th; Basil is on record saying ” We won’t be able to give, only take.” Which means the new Budget will not provide increased welfare measures to the people’ »

By Robin Gomes In an official Gazette notification on October 07 by the government of Sri, the Western Province’s Urban Development Authority (UDA) has decided to take over a part of the land of the Muthurajawela wetlands, situated some 30 km north of the capital Colombo, near the western coastal city of Negombo. Cardinal Malcolm …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church is opposing the government acquisition of a part of the Muthurajawela wetlands near Negombo saying it would affect the livelihood of local people and harm the environment.’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka A new gazette has been issued for One Country One Law task force, where amendments have been made by taking into account the views and opinions held by various parties.

By Ruwani Fonseka Questioning President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s decision to appoint Bodu Bala Sena Secretary General Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero to lead the One Country One Law Task Force, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said that he suspects the President is attempting to split the country by causing racial differences and unrest. …

Continue reading ‘Neither the Prime Minister nor the Justice Minister were aware of Gnanasara Thero’s Appointment Beforehand says Anura Kumara Dissanayake:”Is the President trying to Create a Racist Conflict? asks the JVP Leader.’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita Representatives from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) are due to leave for the US this week for discussions with the US State Department officials regarding the proposed new Constitution, The Morning learnt. It is learnt that TNA representatives will be at these discussions in the US from 13 November.

By Ruwani Fonseka Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said in Parliament today (09) that his privileges as an MP have been violated as the Eastern Province Governor has allegedly spoken ill of him, and that serious action should be taken against those who “name call” in Parliament. “The Governor of Eastern …

Continue reading ‘Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam Tells Parliament that Eastern Province Governor Anuradha Yahampath has Pressurised a Senior DIG to Inquire into Speech made by him in Parliament and Appeals to Speaker to Protect his rights and Privileges as an MP’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA), the Colombo University’s Academic Federation, the Faculty of Medicine Teachers’ Association (FMTA), and the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday (9) condemned the appointment of Narahenpita Abayarama Temple Chief Incumbent Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera as the Chancellor of the University of Colombo. The FUTA said …

Continue reading ‘University Teachers condemn the appointment of Narahenpita Abayarama Temple Chief Incumbent Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera as Chancellor of the University of Colombo.’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita Discussions are underway to restore the original intention of the Extraordinary Gazette which appointed the Presidential Task Force for “One Country, One Law”, as the current one, although it is unclear at this point whether or not the Gazette will be amended in that process, The Morning reliably learnt. “The Gazette did …

Continue reading ‘Discussions Underway to Amend Gazette Issued by President Rajapaksa Appointig the “One Country One Law” Presidential Task Force in Order to Restore the Original Intention Behind the Setting up of the PTF’ »

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana Zahran’s wife had confessed that her husband had met the intelligence officers several times prior to Easter Sunday attacks, SJB MP Harin Fernando told Parliament today. Whilst making this disclosure, MP Fernando requested the Public Security Minister to table a copy of the statements given by Zahran’s wife to …

Continue reading ‘Harin Fernando MP Tells Parliament that Zahran’s Wife had Confessed that her Husband had met Itelligence Officers Several Times Prior to the April 21st Terror Bomb Attacks’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC, yesterday (7) said that he had offered to give up his portfolio over the appointment of Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera as the head of Presidential Task Force (PTF) to study the “One Country, One Law’ concept. Minister Sabry said so when The Island asked him whether he …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Refuses to Accept Justice Minister’s Resignation after Ex[linin to him that the PTF under Gnanasara Thero was Appointed to Advise him and not to make Laws; “The matter is in sort of limbo,” says Ali Sabry’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene As Sri Lanka’s farmers abandon their rice fields, burning effigies of politicians and shouting their agonies to the heavens over the deprivation of fertiliser, elsewhere a desperate man breaks into the government-run Sathosa to steal three packets of milk doubtless for his family. These vistas of desperation have not been seen …

Continue reading ‘“We have long crossed that familiar point where the expectation is that politicians in power will not aggravate their electorates beyond a point due to fear that they will meet with a rude reckoning at the polls”’ »

by Anura Gunasekera Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara, pardoned after serving one and half years of a six-year rigorous imprisonment sentence for Contempt of Court, has been appointed the Chairman of a Presidential Task Force, mandated to study the implementation of the “One Country, One Law” concept, as well as to examine amendments prepared by the Ministry …

Continue reading ‘The renegade, racist monk Gnanasara Thero has achieved both high visibility and notoriety for his belligerent anti Muslim sentiment expressed on widely circulated video and U-tube interviews, discussions, press briefings and public speeches’ »