By William J Grimm (William Grimm is a missioner and priest in Tokyo and is the publisher of the Union of Catholic Asian News). One of the fastest-growing religious affiliations, or more accurately disaffiliations, is the large number of people who declare themselves to be former Catholics. Departures from the Church are especially pronounced among …

Continue reading ‘Why do I still call myself a Catholic given the Catholic Church’s official face, generally dispiriting history and the inevitability of more and worse revelations to come?’ »

By Asiri Fernando Former Prime Minister and United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday called for a parliamentary debate on the financial crisis the country is facing, urging the Government to seek IMF assistance to better navigate the difficult times ahead. MP Wickremesinghe stated that Sri Lanka is facing a major foreign exchange crisis, …

Continue reading ‘UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe Wants Govt to discuss with the International Monetary Fund and find the money needed to sustain the country’s economy;” Once we get the IMF certificate, we will be able to get money from countries like India, China and Japan” says EX-Prime Minister’ »

Ambassadors of the US, Germany, China, Russia, the European Union and the High Commissioners of the UK and India called on Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa at the Ministry yesterday (July 14). This was the first time the foreign envoys had met Rajapaksa since taking office as the Minister of Finance. US Ambassador Alaina Teplitz, German …

Continue reading ‘Courtesy Calls Paid on New Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa by the Ambassadors of the USA,European Union, Germany, Russia and China and the High Commissioners of India and the UK’ »

By P.K.Balachandran There is widespread condemnation in Sri Lanka of the government’s brazen, unconscionable and partisan use of the pandemic containment regulations to quell public display of dissent. The immediate issue is the forced 14-day quarantining of a small group of demonstrators after they were bailed out by a court. The Minister of Public Security …

Continue reading ‘Widespread condemnation in Sri Lanka of govt’s brazen, unconscionable and partisan use of the pandemic containment regulations to quell public display of dissent’ »

A press conference organised by a group of university academics yesterday called for the release of Hejaaz Hizbullah and Ahnaf Jazeem. At the press conference a statement signed by over 90 academics affiliated to the State university system was released. The statement highlights a number of concerns we have with regard to the arrest and …

Continue reading ‘Over 90 academics affiliated to the State university system Issue Joint Statement Raising concerns regarding the arrest and continued detention of Lawyer Hejaz Hizbullah and Poet Ahnaf Jazeem and calling for the Immediate Release of Both.’ »

By Shyam Nuawan Ganewatte Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday said that there were false reports circulating in social media that he would allow chemical fertiliser imports in an attempt to scuttle the government’s organic fertilizer campaign. Minister Rajapaksa said that there was no truth in the claims being made on social media that the government …

Continue reading ‘Basil Rajapaksa Refutes Social Media Reports that he would Allow Import of Chemical Fertilizer again: :this is an attempt to derail the government’s organic fertiliser campaign,” Alleges the Finance Minister’ »

By Mujib Mashal The first attempt by a Rajapaksa to return to power in Sri Lanka was brief. In 2018, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as prime minister, even though the man he was supposedly replacing said he still held the job. Mr. Rajapaksa eventually backed down, though not before chairs were smashed …

Continue reading ‘With the Appointment of Basil Rajapaksa as Finance Minister In Sri Lanka the Government Looks Increasingly Like a Family Firm’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella says he has recently sought legal advice pertaining to what he calls the conduct of Sirasa TV. Denying Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa’s accusations that the government was conspiring to suppress Sirasa, Rambukwella, who is also the co-cabinet spokesperson, told The Island, the Samagi Jana Balavegaya couldn’t challenge his …

Continue reading ‘Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella seeks legal advice pertaining to what he calls the conduct of Sirasa TV:“I consulted our lawyers regarding a section of the media brazenly abusing their privileged status,” says Media Minister’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Sri Lankan politics has been a good deal of family business. It was not even the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the progenitor of the SLPP that started it; D.S. Senanayake, the first prime minister flouted an implicit understanding of the succession and undercut two party seniors, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and Sir John Kotelawala …

Continue reading ‘Basil is Trapped in a Catch -22 Situation Between a crumbling economic system and the dogmatic rule of his siblings: , his ‘seven brains’ might be of little use when his hands are tied!’ »

by Meera Srinivasan To track the Rajapaksa family tree is to track the most important positions in the Sri Lankan government. With the recent appointment of Basil Rajapaksa, the youngest of the Rajapaksa brothers, as the country’s new Minister of Finance, Sri Lanka’s first family has further fastened its clasp on power. The Cabinet has …

Continue reading ‘With Basil joining the govt. as Finance Minister, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has five Rajapaksas, four brothers and one from the next generation.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake The Basilaagamanaya or the New Rise of Basil Politics is having its immediate impact on the Rajapaksa Power Display. Here is a clear warning to protest politics. Covid-19 is the new tool of Rajapaksa Power, with quarantine being the system of dominance. Leading trade unionists and student protesters are the showpieces of …

Continue reading ‘The “Basilaagamanaya” or the New Rise of Basil Politics has Established a Monarchial system of “Familarchy” by which the family is totally dominant in the government, economic management and social organisation of the country.’ »

By Damith Wickramasekara Sri Lanka will apply to obtain up to USD 800 million worth of reserves from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) facility during August-September. A senior Treasury official said that under the current allocation, Sri Lanka should obtain reserves amounting to about USD 800 million. The SDR …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka will apply to obtain up to USD 800 million worth of reserves from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) facility during August-September.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawaardene Waves of brutal police violence directed towards trade union leaders, students, fishermen and farmers in Sri Lanka this week underscored a deadly purpose on the part of the State. It was no accident that the clothes of female protestors were torn, that the media was shoved while covering these ugly scenes …

Continue reading ‘Waves of brutal police violence directed towards trade union leaders, students, fishermen and farmers was a Chilling Message Sent to Dissenters by the Rjapaksa Regime’ »

By Susitha Fernando On July 8 (Thursday) we saw diametrically opposite results because the security forces are apparently being used for the government’s objectives. In a number of security forces camps around the country vaccination programmes were conducted with the participation of security personnel. With the true to life security forces discipline we saw how …

Continue reading ‘Police Widely Condemned for Brutal Suppression of Democratic Protest in Bataramulla While the Army Earns Praise on the same day Through Effiicient Vaccination of People’ »

Amidst internal and external challenges, seasoned political campaigner and results-oriented Basil Rajapaksa yesterday assumed the key portfolio of Finance Minister, promising to deliver economic growth and prosperity to people. After much speculation and reservations among some, the all-important Ministry of Finance was handed over to Basil by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a subject most of the …

Continue reading ‘“At times we will have to take certain unpopular decisions, just like how a father would for the betterment of his children and family. Therefore, I urge you all to support our efforts in these trying times,” -New Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa Appeals to the People.’ »

(Text of Speech made by TNA Jaffna District MP Mathiaparanan Abraham Sumanthiran in Parliament on the 06th of July 2021 on amendments made to the Convention Against Torture Act) Thank you Hon. Deputy chairman of committees for the opportunity to speak a few words at the very important debate when the Hon. Minister of Justice …

Continue reading ‘“ There are numerous issues with regard to the Prevention of Terrorism Act(PTA). Hon. Minister I can tell you very responsibly, you can’t amend the PTA, you have to repeal the PTA.- MA Sumanthiran MP’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Basil Rajapaksa, brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, was on Thursday sworn in as Sri Lanka’s Minister of Finance, becoming the fourth Rajapaksa brother and fifth member of the first family to enter the Cabinet. The eldest of the brothers, Chamal Rajapaksa, is a Cabinet Minister, as is …

Continue reading ‘“Current economic, public health and governance crisis is so profound that it is beyond the capacity of a skillful Political and Economic deal maker like Basil Rajapaksa”’ »

(Text of Centre for Policy lternaatives Statement on Constitutionality of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National List Appointment , 7th July 2021). The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is concerned by several media reports that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has appointed Mr. Basil Rajapaksa to fill the National List seat which fell vacant …

Continue reading ‘Appointment of Mr. Basil Rajapaksa as Nationl List MP undermines the sovereignty of the people and violates the Constitution of Sri Lanka – Centre for Policy Alternaatives’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “It is like a tricycle. Mahinda Rajapaksa is the front wheel, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa are like rear wheels. If only one of the wheels is missing the tricycle will not run. That is the reality” – Namal Rajapaksa (Newswire – 5 July 2021) – Basil Rajapaksa, the economic superman, …

Continue reading ‘Can Basil Rajapaksa put a temporary stop to the puerile words and deeds of the regime’s more doltish actors and buy the dynastic project much-needed breathing space?’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Basil Rajapaksa, brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, was on Thursday sworn in as Sri Lanka’s Minister of Finance, becoming the fourth Rajapaksa brother and fifth member of the first family to enter the Cabinet. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Namal Rajapaksa is also a Cabinet Minister. His appointment, …

Continue reading ‘Newly Sworn in Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa Becomes the fourth Rajapaksa Siblin and fifth member of the family to enter the Cabinet: Ex-Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Given Newly Creted Ministry of Economic Policies and Planning.’ »

By Aazam Ameen Responding to the amendments proposed to the Convention Against Torture And Other Cruel, Inhuman Or Degrading Treatment Or Punishment Act and the Code of Criminal procedure act by Minister of Justice Ali Sabry in Parliament today (06), MP M. A. Sumanthiran of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) stated that while on …

Continue reading ‘Justice Ministry Proposal to Amend the Convention Against Torture Act is Intended as a “Window Dressing” For the Benefit of the European Union States TNA Jaffna District Parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran PC’ »

By Sandasen Marasinghe and Amali Mallawarachchi The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has nominated Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation Presidential Task Force Head and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of MP Jayantha Ketagoda, the National Election Commission (NEC) said. He said the relevant Gazette would be sent for publication …

Continue reading ‘SLPP National List MP Jayantha Ketagoda Resigns Seat for Basil Rajapaksa to be Nominated in his Place as MP: SLPP Gen -Secy Sagara Kariyawasam Tells Media that Basil Would be Sworn in as MP on July 8th and be assigned Cabinet Ministerial Responsibilities in Finance and Economic Development’ »

(Text of a Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo) A five member Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) delegation led by Hon. Mano Ganeshan Member of Parliament called on the High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Gopal Baglay today (6 July 2021) at India House. T PA Members of Parliament Hon. Radha Krishnan, Hon. …

Continue reading ‘Indian Envoy Gopal Baglay reiterates India’s support for devolution in Sri Lanka on the basis of full implementation of the 13A and early conduct of Provincial Council elections at meeting with Tamil Progressive Alliance elegation led by Mano Ganesan MP’ »

. By S. Rubatheesan Northern fishing communities are up in arms against a Chinese joint venture company because it has taken over acres of sea-land to harvest sea cucumber, severely limiting the space for local fishermen to engage in the same business. As part of an extension to its sea cucumber hatchery, the Chinese joint …

Continue reading ‘Chinese Gui Lan (Pvt) Ltd, registered as a private limited liability company Takes Over Acres of Sea Lands in the North for sea cucumber hatchery and sea cucumber nursery in Ariyalai and Poonagary Without a permit from the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA).’ »

By Gajaba During a meeting with some of his close associates this week, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa claimed there was an organised attempt via social media and some mainstream media organisations to foster a view that there was a split within the ranks of the Rajapaksa family. The main thrust of this operation was being conducted …

Continue reading ‘Basil is Entering Parliament “with the knowledge and consent of the Prime Minister and myself. Whatever some may say, the Rajapaksa brothers take decisions together and work together.” Says President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ »

Interest among students and the general public in Sri Lanka towards learning the Chinese language has grown over the past few years, China’s Ambassador Qi Zhenhong says. There are now 57 schools and seven universities in Sri Lanka offering Chinese language courses, Zhenhong said on Friday as he addressed the awards ceremony of the Sri …

Continue reading ‘57 schools and seven universities in Sri Lanka offering Chinese language courses;”Interest among students and the general public in Sri Lanka towards learning the Chinese language has grown over the past few years saays China’s Envoy Qi Zhenhong’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene As the seething fury of Sri Lanka’s farmers spills over onto village roads and sets the country ablaze with war cries of ‘give us fertilizer to farm our crops, our paddy lands and our vegetable fields,’ the best role that an utterly inept and incompetent Opposition can play is to refrain …

Continue reading ‘The seething fury of Sri Lanka’s farmers is genuine. It transcends party divisions and party loyalties. What drives that movement is the hunger of their families and the despair of agricultural communities left adrift by a disastrously mismanaged policy decision by this Govt’ »

By Gajaba Government backbenchers, meanwhile, are intensifying their efforts to ensure that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) architect, Basil Rajapaksa, enters Parliament. Spearheading the campaign are mainly first-time MPs. They met last Sunday evening at MP Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon’s residence at Anderson Road in Dehiwala for what was termed as a decisive discussion on …

Continue reading ‘33 Govt Backbench MP’s Meet at Matale MP Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon’s Residence and Resolve to Extend Collective Invitation Requesting Basil Rajapaksa to Enter Parliament as National List MP’ »

Thirty-four-year-old Kanya D’Almeida has been announced as the overall winner of the world’s most global literature prize. The Commonwealth Foundation announced D’Almeida’s win in an online award ceremony which featured readings from Zambianauthor Mubanga Kalimamukwento, Sri Lankan actress Ranmali Mirchandani, British actress Lyndsey Marshal, Jamaican author Kei Miller and Australian actress Francesca Savige. D’Almeida, from …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan author Kanya D’Almeida is the Overall Winner of 2021 Commonwealth Short Story Prize for ‘I Cleaned The – “; Kanya is the first Sri Lankan to win the overall prize and the second to win for the Asia region.’ »

For all who believe that people are endowed with inalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that just governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed, it was alarming to hear the loud applause and cheers that greeted Xi Jinping on July 1st, the 100th anniversary of the Communist …

Continue reading ‘Speaking at Tiananmen Square on July 1st, the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party China’s leader Xi Jinping pledges that any foreigner who tried to bully China would “dash their heads against a Great Wall of steel, forged from the flesh and blood of over 1.4 bn Chinese people”.’ »

By Mangala Samaraweera “Reflect continually on the fact that all things as happen now, also happened before, and on the fact that they will happen again. The whole dramas and the comparable scenes… from history of the past… All these were similar only the actors were different” – Marcus Aurelius The Sunday Times of 27 …

Continue reading ‘The Colombo Port City Act could well end up being a modern-day Trojan horse or a Nanjing Treaty for Sri Lankans in the years ahead.’ »

By Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab “Let China Sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world” so states a quote often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. Whether or not these words were spoken by Napoleon Bonaparte, in recent years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has created a very concerning reality to this statement. In recent …

Continue reading ‘British Conservative Party Human Rights Commission’s report on the human rights situation in China titled “The Darkness Deepens. The Crackdown on Human Rights in China 2016-2020” discusses evidence of serious human rights abusesin China’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka is “banking on” a $1 billion currency swap from India to meet its debt repayment obligations this year and tide over the current economic crisis, a senior official of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said. The island nation has already serviced part of its debt this year, and is …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Eagerly Awaits a $1 billion currency swap from India to meet its debt repayment obligations this year and tide over the current economic crisis’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray Wilfred Owen, among English poets in the early part of the 20th Century, wrote about war’s futility. More importantly he had in his sights the point of view of the soldier — it is theirs not to reason why but merely to do and die. The declaration of war is the …

Continue reading ‘General Cyril Ranatunga : A Soldier For All Seasons’ »

By Jeeva Sathasivam This is the time of Corona. The virus that hit the world in 2019 is still shaking the entire planet. Although it was expected that the impact of the virus would gradually subside after one year, it did not occur. The impact of the virus in the early days is now greatly …

Continue reading ‘Living in Crowded Line Rooms Make Plantation Sector Families Highly Vulnerable to Spread of Corona Pandemic’ »

By Ifham Nizam Environmentalists yesterday welcomed Archaeology Director General Senior Professor Anura Manatunga’s intervention to halt the removal of soil and mud from the Tissawewa at Tissamaharama, by a Chinese company Social Scientist and environmentalist Dr Ravindra Kariyawasam told The Island that be it an American or Chinese company, they were here for a reason …

Continue reading ‘Dredging of Tissawewa With Heavy Machinery and Removal of Sand and Clay for Profit by Chinese Company Halted Due to Protests by Enviromentalists and Archaeologists; Chinese Joint Venture Project Introduced by Irrigation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa Being Criticised Widely’ »

On july 1st China’s Communist Party will celebrate its 100th birthday. It has always called itself “great, glorious and correct”. And as it starts its second century, the party has good cause to brag. Not only has it survived far longer than its many critics predicted; it also appears to be on the up. When …

Continue reading ‘The Chinese Communist Party Celebrating it’s Centenary on July 1st has been able to maintain its grip on power for 72 Years Due to ruthlessness, ideological agility and mot letting China become a straightforward kleptocracy -The Economist’ »

In an unprecedented move, Sri Lanka will be issuing a special coin to commemorate a foreign political party, the Communist Party of China (CPC), in view of its centenary celebrations. A senior Central Bank (CB) official confirmed the decision but did not give details. The Central Bank’s practice of issuing commemorative coins to mark significant …

Continue reading ‘Lanka to issue Coin to Mark the Centenary of the Chinese Communist Party:For the First Time in Sri Lankan History the Central Bank Will Issue a Special Commemorative Coin to Honour a Foreign Political Party’ »

By Kumudini Hettiarachchi The Chinese manufacturer of Sinovac vaccines, which Sri Lankan plans to procure in the millions, has placed a condition on its purchase contract: if the price of the jab is disclosed or even spoken about in public, the deal is off and there could be legal trouble. “They [Sinovac Lifesciences Co. Ltd.] …

Continue reading ‘The Chinese manufacturer of Sinovac vaccines which Sri Lankan plans to procure in the millions, has placed a condition that if the price of the jab is disclosed or even spoken about in public, the deal is off and there could be legal trouble.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardena Stirring scenes of Sri Lanka’s ancient grandeur in the backdrop of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s speech to a nation in tumult this Friday does not minimise the frightening disconnect between perception and reality that emerged from what the President thought it fit to speak (or rather, fulminated) about. Limits of presidential powers …

Continue reading ‘Frightening disconnect between perception and reality that emerged from President Rajapaksa’s Address to the Nation’ »

by Rajan Philips June 24 was Poson Poya Day. The Daily Mirror and the Daily News editorially reminded Sri Lankans of the significance of Poson, the most important Buddhist festival after Vesak. It was on this day, 2300 years ago, King Devanampiya Tissa encountered Emperor Asoka’s son Arahat Mahinda in the jungles of Mihintale. Their …

Continue reading ‘The Shocking Pardon of Duminda Silva on Poya Day Shows that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa gives far greater weight to his personal “IOU’s” than what he owes the country.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake The questions posed by Arahat Mahinda to King Devanampiyatissa on the historic Poson Poya day, in the 3rd Century BC, keeps ringing in the minds of our people to this day. The questions about a mango tree and the kinsmen of the king were to gauge the king’s intelligence and capacity to …

Continue reading ‘From the “Mahindagamanaya” to this Island on THAT Poson Poya to the “Dumindagamanaya” in Sri Lanka on THIS Poson Poya’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (25) said that he wouldn’t change his policies and strategies to please those trying to depict his government as a failure. He assured the people he would fulfill his promises and ensure a better future for all Sri Lankans. The President emphasised that the ban on the importation of chemical fertiliser, …

Continue reading ‘Full Text of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Televised Address to the Nation Delivered on June 25th 2021’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday came under a volley of criticism for pardoning convict and former MP Duminda Silva, a move which dwarfed the positive and country’s international profile-boosting development of the release of 16 former LTTE cadres jailed for years without trials. Strong rejection of the Presidential pardon on Silva was across the board, ranging …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is Widely criticised for pardoning former MP Duminda Silva who was Convicted of Murder for the Slaying of politician Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra in October 2011.’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday reassured the nation to deliver socio-economic prosperity without fail despite unprecedented challenges, including the pandemic. In his address to the nation of one hour and 10 minutes, he laboriously listed multiple challenges faced since assuming office, as well as success achieved amidst the pandemic, and a host of measures in motion …

Continue reading ‘“Some people angry with the Govt for not fulfilling their personal demands are now criticising the Govt as a failutre in order to discredit it. I will no change my policies to please a fe” States President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his 70 minute address to the Nation.’ »

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has requested President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to make the public aware whether the due procedure was followed when granting pardon to Duminda Silva. The BASL said in a statement that although article 34(1) of the Constitution allows the President to grant such a pardon, either free or subject to …

Continue reading ‘” Were report of the trial Judges, the opinion of the Attorney General and the recommendation of the Hon. Minister of Justice Obtained in Terms of the Constitution Before Murder Convict Duminda Silva was Given a Presidential Pardon?- Bar Council of Sri Lanka asks President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ »

By JAMILA HUSAIN Widow of former parliamentarian Bharatha Premchandra today vented her anger on social media after the release of Duminda Silva who received a presidential pardon. Sumana Premachandra stronngly condemned the government’s decision to release Silva who was convicted in 2016 over the murder of Bharatha Premachandra and sentenced to life in prison. She …

Continue reading ‘“The killer has been set free. The sun will not shine on a country that does not respect justice.” Says Slain Ex-MP Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra’s Widow Sumana After Dumind Silva’s Release’ »

By Meera Srinivasan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday pardoned 94 persons, including 16 ‘political prisoners’ and one prominent murder convict on death row, on the occasion of the ‘Poson Poya [full moon]’ day that bears religious significance, marking the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. While Tamil parties and human rights defenders welcomed the release …

Continue reading ‘94 Persons Including 16 Tamil Political Prisoners and Dumida Silva an ex-MP Convicted of Murdering Another Ex-MP Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra Released on Poson Poya Following Pardon Issued by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ »

By Dr.Tara de Mel Discussions on English medium education have surfaced, once again. Every few years, or if ever a government decides on touching this topic, rumblings begin on the merits or demerits of such an initiative. It’s perhaps pertinent to trace events from recent history. Rewind to the Education Reforms of 1998 The emphasis …

Continue reading ‘The Current Govt which promised to renew English teaching and English medium education has shelved plans. Once again, the anti-English education lobby has won the battle.’ »

The UNHRC Core Group for Sri Lanka yesterday expressed concern and regret over the lack of progress on human rights, with a number of further concerning developments. Delivering the statement on behalf of Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Malawi, Montenegro and the UK, the Core Group on Sri Lanka referred to the UN Human Rights Council …

Continue reading ‘The UNHRC Core Group for Sri Lanka echoing sentiments articulated by UNHRC Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet expresses concern over the lack of progress on human rights and further developments causing concern.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday returned to Parliament, ten months after his United National Party (UNP) suffered its biggest electoral defeat in history. In the first intervention by his party in the current legislature, Mr. Wickremesinghe slammed the Rajapaksa government on its economic policy that, he said, …

Continue reading ‘Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe returns to Sri Lanka Parliament as National List MP and Slams Rajapaksa government’s economic policy and ‘militarisation’ »

By W.K. Prasad Manju The sentences of 216 prisoners, who have been sentenced to death for more than 20 years, will be commuted to life imprisonment, on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, State Minister of Prisons Management and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Lohan Ratwatte told Ceylon Today.

( Text of Editorial Appearing in the “Daily Financial Times” of June 22nd 2021 under the heading “Ranil’s Return”) The United National Party (UNP) decision to nominate its Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to the party’s sole parliamentary seat, one secured through the National List, has ruffled many political feathers. The furore about Wickremesinghe’s re-entry to Parliament, …

Continue reading ‘The furore about Ranil Wickremesinghe’s re-entry to Parliament speaks volumes about the man’s reputation among friends and foe alike, to shape political events.’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Farmers across this paradise isle are raging against a man-made disaster courtesy of a presidential directive. Holding placards in their starving paddy lands and hollowed out cash crops, they protest against a crippling shortage of fertilizer, the reason for that being a dimwitted presidential order to ban chemical fertilizer. Worst still, the …

Continue reading ‘Pushing Farmers From Poverty Fringes Into Abject Poverty through the Dimwitted Presidential Directive Banning Chemical Fertilzer is a crime worse than white vans.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan A widely-shared image on social media, showing a row of men kneeling in front of soldiers for reportedly violating Sri Lanka’s current lockdown, has prompted the Army to probe the incident. Issuing a media statement on Sunday, the Army said “it immediately removed” the personnel from their duties, “after an alleged improper …

Continue reading ‘Army Commences Probe Into Incident where Soldiers Assaulted and Publicly Humiliated Muslim Civilians For Reportedly Violating COVID Lockdown Rules in the Eastern Province Town of Eravur.’ »

By Kumudini Hettiarachchi The COVID-19 vaccination programme has come under fire from senior medical specialists who are part of the independent expert panel of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), calling for an immediate probe on major flaws that could have prevented deaths. The eight professionals are – Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama (physician), Prof. Neelika Malavige …

Continue reading ‘Epidemiology Unit Disregarding Recommendation to Vaccinate Persons Over 60 Years Against COVID Caused Hundreds of Avoidable Deaths Charge Reputed Medical Specialists in Letter to Health Ministry’ »

Text of European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2021 on the situation in Sri Lanka, in particular the arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (2021/2748(RSP)) The European Parliament, – having regard to its previous resolutions on Sri Lanka, – having regard to the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human …

Continue reading ‘European Parliament resolution on the situation in Sri Lanka Urges using the GSP+ as a leverage to push for advancement on Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations and assess whether there is sufficient reason to initiate a procedure for the temporary withdrawal of Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status’ »

The Election Commission has gazetted the name of United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the party’s one and only National List Member of Parliament. The extraordinary gazette notification was published today (June 18) by the Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal G. Punchihewa and the members of the election body, S.B. Divaratne, M.M. …

Continue reading ‘Election Commission gazettes the name of United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the party’s sole National List Member of Parliament’ »

Leader of the United National Party and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says countries like Sri Lanka have much to learn from how China has progressed under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). “We should appreciate the leadership given to China by the Chinese Communist Party. Because it is very important for …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Echoes Rajapaksas in Praising Chinese Communist Party:”Countries like ours have many lessons to learn from the leadership given to China by the Chinese Communist Party”Says UNP Leader’ »

(Text of a Press Release issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo) A five member Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation led by Hon. R. Sampanthan, Member of Parliament called on the High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Gopal Baglay. The prescheduled meeting took place today (17 June 2021) at India House. Leader of Ilangai Tamil …

Continue reading ‘India reiterates support for devolution within a united Sri Lanka on the basis of full implementation of the 13A which would be in line with Tamil aspirations for equality, justice, peace & reconciliation and strengthen Sri Lanka.’ »

The Court of Appeal order granting bail to Shani Abeysekara delivered a stinging rebuke of the Police Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) case against the former CID chief and three other police officers. In its order, the Court of Appeal noted the six-year delay in making the complaint about the cops who investigated the 2013 contract …

Continue reading ‘Court of Appeal grants bail to Shani Abeysekara while delivering a stinging rebuke of the Police Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) case against the former CID chief and three other police officers and strongly suggesting that the allegations against Abeysekara were falsified to cause harm to the former CID chief.’ »

By a Special Correspondent The Court of Appeal decision to grant bail to former CID Director Shani Abeysekara sparked a torrent of reactions from human rights groups, victims, and opposition activists yesterday, who have long viewed the arrest and incarceration as a reprisal against his investigations into high profile human rights abuses. Making an order …

Continue reading ‘Despite Court of Appeal Granting Bail to both, Gampaha Magistrate further remands SSP Abeysekara and SI Mendis until 30 June Because the higher court order is yet to be delivered to the Magistrate and the High Court from the Court of Appeal registrar.’ »

(Text of Eitorial Appearing in “The Morning” of June 17th 2021) The year 2021 was rather special to Sri Lanka as far as its international relations and the international community’s stance on Sri Lanka’s social and political atmospheres were concerned. Dealings with India and China, most of which revolved around Sri Lanka’s Ports, loans and …

Continue reading ‘“Speculation is rife that the nationalist forces within and outside the Government disapproval of planned meeting may have resulted in the postponement of the meeting.”-The Morning’ »

(Text of Statement Issued by the National Peace Council) There is increased international scrutiny of Sri Lanka that is critical in nature and foretells sanctions to come. A country that was ahead of almost all others in Asia at the time of independence is almost at the bottom today in terms of economic prospects. All …

Continue reading ‘Dialogue With Ethnic Minority Parties Is Necessary To Deal With International Pressures – National Peace Council’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo) India becomes the first country to partner with Sri Lanka in fulfilling the vision of the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to ensure that 70% of Sri Lanka’s national power requirements are fulfilled by renewable energy sources by 2030, …

Continue reading ‘India Extends US$ 100 million Line of Credit for Projects in the Solar Energy Sector in Sri Lanka’ »

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday informed the Election Commission regarding the appointment of Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to the National List seat they secured at the general elections last year. Earlier this month, Wickremesinghe was selected to the post by the party’s working committee, with the UNP General Secretary and former Parliamentarian Palitha Range …

Continue reading ‘UNP Formally Submits Letter Nominating Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as Member of Parliament on the Bational List to Elections Commission Chairman’ »

Thirty scientists and agriculture specialists have written to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa warning that a sudden and aggressive shift towards 100% organic fertiliser-based agriculture would pose serious issues and challenges with far-reaching economic, social and political implications and ramifications. They have submitted their considered opinion, observations and recommendations based on scientific evidence, experience and expertise gained …

Continue reading ‘30 scientists and agriculture specialists write to President Rajapaksa Warning that sudden and aggressive shift towards 100% organic fertiliser would pose serious issues and challenges with far-reaching economic, social and political implications and ramifications’ »

By Meera Srinivaasan A meeting between Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and a delegation of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), scheduled to be held on Wednesday, stands postponed, according to the TNA. Earlier on Tuesday, a statement issued by TNA spokesman and Jaffna legislator M.A. Sumanthiran said the TNA was meeting the President on June …

Continue reading ‘Envisaged First Meeting Between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Tamil National Alliance to Discuss “Constitutional Reform” Scheduled for June 16th at the Presidential Secretariat is Postponed Suddenly’ »

By Col R Hariharan (The writer is a former MI specialist on South Asia. He served as head of Intelligence of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990) The enactment of the Colombo Port City Commission Act in Sri Lanka last month has created a lot of disquiet and dismay …

Continue reading ‘Special Economic Zone in Colombo Port City can Enable China to eavesdrop Indian communication, track warship movements, enhance cyber threat/satellite tracking and could be a useful take-off point for infiltrating agents acting against Indian interests’ »

Under fire for imposing additional burden on the masses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday justified the sharp hike in fuel prices, saying the move was warranted and also helps to achieve other beneficial broader socio-economic goals. In a statement, the President said the price increase is only one key factor in a …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Tries to Justify Fuel Price Increase by Saying it strengthens country’s banking system, maintains low interest rates, reduces foreign exchange spending, strengthens the exchange rate and safeguards the health and welfare of the people’ »

Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila yesterday said the increase of fuel prices was a collective decision by the President, Prime Minister and the entire Government while calling for the resignation of the ruling party’s General Secretary, who, on Saturday, wanted the former to quit. “Fuel price revision is determined by the global prices and the exchange, …

Continue reading ‘Energy Minister Gammanpila Wants SLPP Gen Secy Kariyawasam to Resign for Statement Criticising him Saying Fuel Price Increase was Collective Decision of President, Prime Minister and Cabinet’ »

(Text of Statement Issued by Former Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale on 14 June 2021) Last week, we learned that the European Parliament has taken note of the politically motivated imprisonment of the highly respected former CID Director SSP Shani Abeysekara. This undemocratic and autocratic conduct has helped to place Sri Lanka’s GSP+ import duty concessions, …

Continue reading ‘“A senior official of the Attorney General’s Department, with a vested political interest has ordered that Mr. Shani Abeysekara and his colleagues be held in remand for as long as possible” Says Former Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale’ »

(Text of Statement by Former Prime Minister and Leader of the UNP, Hon. Ranil Wickremesingh regarding the risk of Sri Lanka losing the GSP+ concession given by the European Union) “Our government took action to regain the GSP+ from the European Union to assist in developing the country’s economy in 2017. This facility provides Sri …

Continue reading ‘If the GSP+ concession given by the European Union is lost the rupee will depreciate further and be around 300 rupees per dollar ad also lead to the loss of thousands of jobs Wrns UNP Leader and Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has called for the resignation of Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila over his failure to prevent yesterday’s fuel price increase.

For two weeks an inferno blazed on the X-Press Pearl, a container ship, off Sri Lanka’s western coast. Its cargo—everything from frozen fish to hazardous chemicals and tiny plastic pellets known as nurdles—burned up or spilled into the ocean. Eventually, on June 2nd, the ship sank. Nurdles and other debris are washing up on beaches. …

Continue reading ‘Social Media Firestorm Caused by Influencer Piyumi Hansamali’s Rants Have Helped Govt by Diverting Focus Away from Environmental Disaster Created by “X-Press Pearl”Container Ship -The Economist’ »

WHEN SALIH HUDAYAR visited Tajikistan in 2014, he remembers there being “thousands” of fellow Uyghurs in Dushanbe, the capital. Many of them came from the same city as him, Artush, in western Xinjiang. But since then the number of Uyghurs in the country has dwindled. Mr Hudayar is now an American citizen and the head …

Continue reading ‘Lawyers for two Uyghur groups Trying to get International Criminal Court Prosecutor to open an Investigation into Human Rights Abuses by Chinese officials Against Uyghurs in Tajikistan’ »

Sri Lankans posting/sharing falsehoods on social media face arrest without warrant, police said. In a statement issued June 08, police said anyone creating, publishing, sharing, forwarding, or aiding and abetting the spread of fake news on social media will be considered to have committed an offence under provisions in the police ordinance, the penal code, …

Continue reading ‘Person or Persons Posting or Sharing “FAKE NEWS” on Social Media in Sri Lanka Can be Arrested Without without Warrant by Police’ »

By Sulmaan Wasif Khan (Sulmaan Wasif Khan is the Denison chair of international history and diplomacy at Tufts University’s Fletcher School. He is the author of Haunted by Chaos: China’s Grand Strategy From Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping.) Sometime in 2020, China came unmoored from its grand strategy. Until then, Beijing’s diplomatic, military, and economic …

Continue reading ‘The predominant feature of Chinese conduct today is not grand strategy but a belligerent, defensive nationalism that lashes out without heed of consequences.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Over the weekend, the vultures got into the presidential palace…” – Gabriel Garcia Marquez, ‘The Autumn of the Patriarch’ It looks like a scene from a science fiction movie or a glimpse of the end times. A leaden beach; figures in head-to-toe protective gear shovelling tiny plastic pellets into sacks. A labour …

Continue reading ‘The Rajapaksas don’t Dismantle the Chicken Coop. They merely make the Foxes the Guardians and Protectors of the Chickens.’ »

Two Fundamental Rights petitions filed on behalf of two teachers of the Al- Zuhriya Arabic College said that two teachers were forced by the Criminal Investigations Department to implicate Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah. The two petitions were filed by lawyer Erik Balasooriya was supported before the Supreme Court yesterday. M.A. Sumanthiran PC told the court that …

Continue reading ‘Two Teachers at Al-Zuhriya Arabic College who did not even know Hejaz Hizbullah Personally were Forced by CID Officers to Falsely Implicate the Prominent Lawyer in Fabricated Statements and were Promised “Leniency” in Return.’ »

By Vijitha Yapa Three graduates from Peradeniya University applied for the posts of journalists at the Sunday Times in 1987. We wanted fresh blood and these three outclassed the others who responded to our advertisement. All three, Qadri Ismail, Romesh Fernando and J.F. Tissanayagam were recruited. Qadri was an English Honours graduate and began to …

Continue reading ‘Vijitha Yapa the Founding Editor of “Sunday Times” Writes About Qadri Ismail’s Journalistic Stint at the Newspaper Three Decades Ago’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando Former JVP MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says the government owes an explanation as regards the role played by Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa in the ongoing efforts to bring the rampaging Covid-19 epidemic under control. Dr. Jayatissa, who represented the Kalutara District in Parliament during 2015-2020 period, failed to retain his seat at …

Continue reading ‘Why is Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa Playing a Prominent Role in Govt Activity Relating to the COVID Threat while there are one cabinet minister and three State ministers in charge of functions Concerning Health Sector asks ex -JVP Parliamentarian Dr.Jayatissa’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Last month, Sri Lanka passed the controversial Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, which governs the China-backed Colombo Port City project worth $1.4 billion, amid wide opposition to the creation of a “Chinese enclave” in the island nation. Why is the project surrounded by controversies? The Colombo Port City has grabbed headlines …

Continue reading ‘Why has the China-backed Colombo Port City project come under attack from the Opposition and citizens?’ »

UNP leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to look into the fire on the X-Press Pearl. “The ship arrived in the outer harbor of Colombo on the night of May 19. On the 20th of May our crew entered the ship. There they learned …

Continue reading ‘” People have a right to know how the ship caught fire and why it could not be extinguished. Also, the people have a right to know what steps we will take next regarding the ship. We urge the government to expedite this” -UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on X-Press Pearl Disaster’ »

by Rajan Philips Qadri Ismail, Professor of English, Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature, in the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, passed away recently. His death was sudden and shocking. Yet another Sri Lankan scholar, writer and activist has been prematurely snatched away. Everyone who reads Sri Lankan politics in English knows of Qadri Ismail. I hardly …

Continue reading ‘Qadri Ismail discursively envisioned a Sri Lanka “that has never existed” – one that can only experientially evolve and not be built by brick and mortar.’ »

By Sarasi Wijeratne The decision to tow away the MV X– Press Pearl to deeper waters could result in further and unprecedented damage to the environment and marine life unless the bunker oil is taken out. The ship was carrying more than 300 tons of bunker oil for its use and there are likely to …

Continue reading ‘Urgent Priority now is to Remove 300 Tons of Bunker Oil from MV X– Press Pearl to Prevent Ecological Damage and Move the wreck of the vessel from its current position because it is in the middle of busy shipping lanes and an obstruction can have a heavy financial cost’ »

By Sarasi Wijeratne The fire on board the MV X-Press Pearl could have been averted if the acid leak that wasdetected was fixed before it sailed to Colombo. The ship’s crew had detected the leak after it left Jebel Ali in Dubai where it had loaded cargo and was enroute to Hamad in Qatar. The …

Continue reading ‘If Acid Leak Detected by MV X-Press Pearl Crew After Ship Left Jebel Ali in Dubai where it had loaded cargo had been Fixed at Hamad in Qatar or Hazaril in India the Fire on Board the Vessel Off Colombo Could Have Been Averted.’ »

(Excerpts from the “Sunday Times”Political Column of June 6th 2021) This week, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who appeared to lean in favour of Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the presidential election, came out fiercely at a news conference. He criticised bitterly the ruling alliance and charged that there was a conspiracy to save those …

Continue reading ‘“We elected a leader who we thought was capable to govern the country through politics. If he is not, we won’t place our confidence in him.”- Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Lashes Out at Media Conference.’ »

Columnist Fareed Zakaria says in an opinion piece in The Washington Post dated May 28 that in a country that is divided on almost everything, one area of bipartisanship in the United States is alive and growing — fear of China. “The Chinese are eating our lunch,” says President Biden. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of …

Continue reading ‘“President Xi Jinping has pursued a combative, unpredictable and often emotional foreign policy. Now Chinese diplomats embrace conflict and hurl insults in what is known as “wolf warrior” diplomacy.”’ »

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya Six more people including Jackson Anthony’s daughter Madhavee Wathsala Anthony have been arrested for attending the birthday party thrown at Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo on May 30 violating quarantine regulations, Police said. Milan Silva, the husband of Madhavee Wathsala Anthony, Anarkali Akarsha and mother of event organiser Chandimal Jayasinghe were also …

Continue reading ‘21 Persons Including Jackson Anthony’s Daughter Madhavee Wathsala and Actress Anarkali Akarsha Arrested for Attending Birthday Event Organized by Chandimal Jayasinghe and model Piumi Hansamali at the Colombo Shangri-La Hotel’ »

“BOTH HUSBAND and wife have the duty to practise family planning.” In China these words are a threat, enshrined in the constitution. Failure to abide by the ruling party’s notion of the correct family size can result in punishment, with a large fine or the loss of a job. Among the mainly Muslim ethnic minorities …

Continue reading ‘China should stop telling its citizens how many children to have;it’s none of the Communist Party’s business;Every other country grants its people the basic freedom over whether or not to have children. Why not China?’ »

By Meera Srinivsan Sri Lankan authorities on Thursday said they were bracing for a possible oil spill, as a fire-damaged cargo vessel was sinking off the island’s main port in capital Colombo. Singapore-registered MV X-Press Pearl, carrying chemicals and plastic, has been in news since a fire incident on May 20 and subsequent explosion aboard, …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan authorities bracing for a possible oil spill as fire-damaged cargo vessel “MV X-Press Pearl” carrying chemicals and plastic starts sinking off the island’s main Harbour in Colombo.’ »

By Col R Hariharan Many would consider the passing of the controversial Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill by Sri Lanka parliament, with a comfortable margin on May 20, as a victory for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. President Rajapaksa’s personal reputation was at stake, after Supreme Court scrutiny had found both constitutional and procedural anomalies with …

Continue reading ‘One wonders how President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would stick to his assurance to India’s concerns on security, with the Chinese literally breathing down his neck.’ »

(Text of Statement Issued by Former Prime Minister and United National Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe urging the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Govt to prepare a draft law to control the pandemic and to sustain the country and the economy) “First of all, I would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, researchers, public health …

Continue reading ‘Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Offers Sensible Advice to Presient Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Govt on How o Deal With the COVID Pandemic Crisis Effectively; Is it a case of Casting Pearls Before Swine?’ »

By Easwaran Rutnam The Working Committee (WC) of the United National Party (UNP) has picked party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the UNP nominee for Parliament. At a meeting held today (Monday) the UNP Working Committee proposed that Wickremesinghe enter Parliament through its only National List seat. UNP sources told Daily Mirror that the party will …

Continue reading ‘The Working Committee of the United National Party Unanimously Decides to Nominate party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the UNP National List MP in Parliament.’ »

By Easwaran Rutnam Two Maulavis who have been arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), have informed court through their lawyer that they are under pressure to frame human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah. Attorney-at-law Erick Balasooriya had filed a Fundamental Rights petition alleging that the two Maulavis are being coerced to frame Hizbullah. In …

Continue reading ‘MA Sumanthiran PC Files Application on Behalf of Two Moulavis Detained Under the PTA who Want to Make Direct Statement to Fort Magistrate Claiming to be under Pressure by Police to Implicate Lawyer Hejaaz Hibullah Falsely in Case Relating to Alleged Extremist Teachings at AlhZuhriya Madrassa’ »

By Ashwini Natesan (The writer is a lecturer, legal researcher and consultant specialising in Technology, Media and Communications Law.) At the outset it should be said that there is no question as to the need or importance of a data protection legislation. Sri Lanka has long needed a comprehensive legislation to protect individuals’ personal data …

Continue reading ‘Is the Proposed Data Protection legislation a cause for concern for journalistic expression?’ »

By Suhasini Haidar and Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka on Friday invited international investment into the Colombo Port City that it described as a “fully Sri Lankan project”, while official sources in New Delhi said they were “keeping a close eye” on the project and its “security implications”. “If it is only a commercial venture then …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Invites International Investment into the Colombo Port City while New Delhi Officials say they are “keeping a close eye” on the project and its “security implications”.’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed seven members to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, including three young leaders from the private sector. The Commission, which will be chaired by Gamini Marapana PC, has a three-year term of office and could be re-appointed. The Commission will act as a single window investor facilitator for all the …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Appoints Seven Members to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission; Gamini Marapana PC will be Chairman while Other Six comprise Treasury Secretary S R. Attygalle, Water Supply Ministry Secretary Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama,Saliya Wickramasuriya, Kushan Kodituwakku, Rohan de Silva and Gerard Ondaatjie.’ »

By P.K.Balachandran In contrast to iconic Tamil Nadu leaders like K.Kamaraj or M.G.Ramachandran (MGR), who were invariably portrayed glowingly, Muthuvel Karunanidhi, leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and many times Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, was dogged by negative portrayals. To his adoring followers, he was the quintessential Tamil icon and a relentless crusader …

Continue reading ‘Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Leader Muthuvel Karunanidhi’s policy on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue was “refined and nuanced” and “statesman-like” Argues A.S.Panneerselvan in his New Biography “Karunanidhi: A Life”’ »

On may 6th Wang Xing, a Chinese tech tycoon, posted a classical ninth-century poem on Fanfou, a social-media platform. The poem mocked an ancient Chinese emperor who tried to quell unrest by burning books. “The ashes of burnt books had not yet faded away but the Qin dynasty was already weak,” read the poem. For …

Continue reading ‘Open criticism is taboo of China’s all-powerful leader Xi Jinping known as “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named”’ »

மனோ கணேசன் தற்போது சமூக ஊடகங்களில் உலாவும் தமிழ் இல்லாத, சிங்களம், சீனம், ஆங்கிலம் ஆகிய மொழிகள் மட்டும் கொண்ட ஒரு பெயர் பலகை படம், ஒரு வருடத்துக்கு முன்பே அகற்றப்பட்டு விட்டது என சீன தூதரகம் எனக்கு தெரிவித்துள்ளது. எனினும் இதுபற்றி யோசித்து பார்த்தால், தமிழ் மொழியை புறக்கணிக்க சீனர்கள், இலங்கை அரசிடம்தான் பாடம் படித்துள்ளனர் போல் தெரிகிறது. சட்டத்துக்கு வரைவிலக்கணம் தரும் பொறுப்பை கொண்டிருக்கும் சட்டமா அதிபர் திணைக்களத்தில், மொழி சட்டத்தை மீறும் வகையில், …

Continue reading ‘“எங்கள் பொறுமைக்கும் ஒரு எல்லை உண்டு. இந்நிலை தொடருமானால், இலங்கை-சீன அரசுகளுக்கு எதிராக நாம் மொழி போராட்டத்தை ஆரம்பிக்க வேண்டி வரும். இந்நாட்டு அரசியலமைப்பில் உள்ள அரச கரும மொழி சட்டத்தை மீறும் பெயர் பலகைகளில் கறுப்பு வண்ண தாரை பூசும் போராட்டத்தை நானே தலைமை தாங்கி நடத்தவேண்டிவரும்.”- தமிழ் முற்போக்கு கூட்டணி தலைவர் மனோ கணேசன் எம்பி’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s Attorney General’s Department on Saturday removed a plaque at a recently opened library on its premises following social media uproar over the omission of Tamil, an official language, while including Mandarin in the text . “The plaque made to declare open the Smart Library of the AG’s Department, by an …

Continue reading ‘Though an Official Language Tamil is Often Omitted in Official Name Boards While Mandarin Chinese is Being Included with Sinhala and English Replacing Tamil in some Sign Boards’ »

By Meera Srinivasan When ‘Enjoy Enjaami’ fame Arivu from Chennai recently joined a virtual discussion with a group of activists and youth from Sri Lanka’s Malaiyaha or hill country Tamil community, there was one person binding them and their histories — Valliamma, Arivu’s grandmother. She is named in the song that has got over 200 …

Continue reading ‘‘Enjoy Enjaami’ song with 200 million Tou tube views in two months could lead to greater awareness of Sri Lanka’s Long Ignored Malaiahath Thamil community’s struggles’ »

By Sheain Fernandopulle The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC) has been able to secure 32 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Sri Lanka, SPC Chairman Dr Prasanna Gunasena said. He said this during a meeting held with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and other officials at the Presidential Secretariat today. Dr Gunasena said according to …

Continue reading ‘Pharmaceuticals Corporation Chairman Dr Prasanna Gunasena says 32 Million doses of COVID-19 vaccines Comprising 13 million doses of Sputnik-V, 5 million doses of Pfizer and 14 million doses of Sinopharm have been Secured for Sri Lanka’ »

(Text of Speech made by TNA Jaffna District Parliamentarian. M.A. Sumanthiran in Parliament at the 2nd reading of Colombo Port City Economic Commission draft Bill on May 20th 2021) Thank you Honorable presiding member, for the opportunity to speak on this Bill. But before I commence my comments on the Bill itself I must place …

Continue reading ‘“You have given away a land mass in your territorial waters to China. You say so much about Eelam; but this is “Cheelam”. This is Cheena, this is “Cheelam”- Jaffna MP Sumanthiran Lambastes Gotabaya Govt in Parliament’ »

By Chandani Kirinde The Supreme Court in its determination on the Port City Economic Commission Bill has held that the reclaimed land that makes up the Colombo Port City is part of the territory of Sri Lanka in terms of the law and Parliament has legislative power over the area. In a 63-page ruling, the …

Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Ruling on Port City Economic Commission Bill States that the reclaimed land that makes up the Colombo Port City is part of the territory of Sri Lanka in terms of the law and that Parliament has legislative power over the area.’ »

The Cabinet of Ministers last evening (18) gave approval to incorporate amendments indicated by the Supreme Court to the Port City Economic Commission Bill. The agreement was conveyed at a special meeting of the Cabinet. The two-day debate on the Bill will begin this morning and the Bill will be put to a vote on …

Continue reading ‘Govt will Amend Port City Economic Commission Bill According to Ruling Given by Supreme Court At Committee Stage to Facilitate Passage in Parliament with a Simple Majority on May 20th after Two Day Debate’ »

By Asiri Fernando Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd.) Sarath Weerasekara yesterday called for a report on the status of the Easter Sunday Bombings investigations from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The Minister’s calls for a report follows claims by Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera that he is unable to take action against conspirators …

Continue reading ‘Minister Sarath Weerasekara Says Police Handed over 8 Files Regarding 32 Suspects to Attorney-General Several Months Ago to File Indictments Against Easter Bombing Conspirators and Calls for Report from CID About Attorney -General’s Inability to Prosecute’ »

Outgoing Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera says his Department is not in a position to present charges/indictments against the conspirators and abettors of the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks during his tenure of office as CID investigations in this regard are incomplete. De Livera, who will retire on 24 May, said the CID is …

Continue reading ‘Attorney-General Dappula de Livera Due to Retire on May 24 Tells IGP that AG’s Dept is Unable to File Indictments Against Suspects in Easter Bombings Due to Police Investigations Being Incomplete against 5 Persons and Seeks Clarification on 130 Pieces of evidence Against 42 Suspects’ »