President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday rolled out sweeping reforms and relief via the mini-Budget to appease crisis-hit vulnerable groups as well as kick-start recovery in the economy. The interim Budget was replete with reforms, especially in the public sector and included mandatory exit by December by all Government and semi-Government employees who are over 60 years …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe rolls out sweeping reforms and relief via mini-Budget to appease crisis-hit vulnerable groups;“I am well aware of the difficulties faced by many due to the ongoing crisis.That’s why I decided to cut some of the capital expenditure and find room to provide enhanced support for vulnerable communities,” Ranil Tells Parliament.’ »

By P.K.Balachandran Sri Lanka’s interim budget presented by President cum Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in parliament here on Tuesday, is intended to lay the foundation for a progressive economy even as it provides a buffer to the poor who are bearing the brunt of the current unprecedented economic crisis. “The Interim Budget is basic to …

Continue reading ‘President cum Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Presents Sri Lanka’s interim budget which is intended to lay the foundation for a progressive economy even as it provides a buffer to the poor who are bearing the brunt of the current unprecedented economic crisis.’ »

By Jehan Perera The ruling party has requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to facilitate the return of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the country and his appointment as prime minister. The former president left the country when large numbers of protestors who had been actively protesting against the economic collapse and corruption in the country took …

Continue reading ‘The ongoing crackdown on the protest movement needs to cease. Its excessive nature is discrediting the government in the eyes of the international community as well as within the country. The blame for this is falling squarely on the president’ »

By Nisthar Cassim Saddled with nearly half a trillion rupee accumulated losses and $ 1 billion in debt and dues, SriLankan Airlines Group is to be restructured inviting foreign operators to take up 49% equity stake and management to ensure the national carrier no longer becomes a burden on the public. Ports, Shipping and Aviation …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Airlines Group to be restructured by inviting foreign operators to take up 49% equity stake and management;Govt Unable to fund Loss making National Carrier any longer’ »

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday in Parliament defended the decision to increase electricity tariffs, citing spendthrift generation plans and unsuitable policies adopted by successive governments pushed for the inevitable upward adjustments. Speaking during an adjournment debate on electricity tariff hike, he pointed out that electricity users would not have been shocked if timely …

Continue reading ‘Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera defends decision to increase electricity tariffs, citing spendthrift generation plans and unsuitable policies adopted by successive governments pushed for the inevitable upward adjustments.’ »

By Col R.Hariharan (The writer is a retired military intelligence specialist on South Asia associated with the Chennai Centre for China Studies) The controversial visit of China’s “spy ship” Yuan Wang-5 to Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port from August 16 to 22 is perhaps Sri Lanka’s most commented news story, next only to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s …

Continue reading ‘Indian Media had analyses of how Yuan Wang-5 berthing in Hambantota would compromise the security of India’s naval bases and satellite and missile launch sites The plain truth is Yuan Wang-5 is capable of carrying out all these actions even without docking in Hambantota port.’ »

By Asiri Fernando Sri Lankan politicians need to come together to form a credible government that can regain international confidence to lead the country to recovery, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader and Opposition Member of Parliament Mano Ganesan told The Sunday Morning. The trilingual member from Colombo stressed that the silver lining during the current …

Continue reading ‘“We want the 13th Amendment to be fully implemented. We want Sri Lanka to be constitutionally recognised as multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious in nature. My view, which is now picking up support, is that Sri Lanka should be a secular state.”- TPA Leader Mano Ganesan’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray Crisis and turmoil are probably the opposite of sun and sand. The very whiff of these words associated with a country in the news deters most travellers from visiting even the most beguiling of destinations. The discerning traveller, however, spots opportunity, for not all crises are equal. Some can, in fact, …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka is in an economic crisis, there’s no reason to deny it. And yet, Sri Lanka stands firm, unbowed and continues to smile despite trade imbalance, shortage of fuel, gas and fertiliser, and other hardships.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene The 1970s-1980’s Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) playbook wielded with consummate skill by his uncle Junius Richard will not work in modern-day Sri Lanka, President Ranil Wickremesinghe must be categorically told. Absurd actions of the State In fact, the comedy of errors where well-known sports champions to well-meaning citizens who provided food …

Continue reading ‘President Ranil Wickremesinghe must be categorically told that the 1970s-1980’s Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) playbook wielded by his uncle JR Jayewardene , will not work in modern-day Sri Lanka.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sharply reacting to recent remarks of the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, on the controversial visit of a Chinese military vessel from August 16 to 22, the Indian mission in Colombo said they “violated basic diplomatic etiquette” and “gave away” the purpose of the vessel’s visit. In a strongly worded Twitter thread …

Continue reading ‘Indian High Commission in Colombo Responds Strongly to Chinese Envoy’s Article in Sri Lankan Media Saying “His violation of basic diplomatic etiquette may be a personal trait or reflecting a larger national attitude”’ »

After serving one year and seven months of a four-year prison sentence, popular actor and former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake walked out of the Welikada Prison and into the arms of an adoring crowd on Friday (26). Mr Ramanayake walked out a free man after President Ranil Wickremesinghe granted a conditional presidential …

Continue reading ‘“I can’t speak like I used to on certain issues as there is a risk of the suspended prison sentence against me being reactivated and me being sent back to prison for a further five years,” says Ranjan Ramanayake’ »

The Japanese embassy has requested the Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) to refund the money spent for the import of four reconditioned waste-collection trucks after the project was delayed for more than three years. The embassy has written to the council to refund Rs 14.3 million (USD 83,432) which was given for the import of the …

Continue reading ‘Japanese Embassy Asks Jaffna Municipal Council to Refund Rs 14,329,446 Given in 2019 to Purchase four reconditioned waste-collection trucks ;”greatly regrettable that the project has already been three years late over the schedule and you were unable to implement the project,” the embassy informs Mayor V. Manivannan on the cancellation of the project.’ »

(Text of Statement issued by the Police explaining the reasons for arresting Wasantha Mudalige, Hashan Jeewantha Gunathilaka and Galwewa Siridamma Thera under provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979) On 18.08.2022, Mudalige Wasantha Kumara of Ulpatha Niwasa, Dambana, Mahiyanganaya and Gunathilaka Siriwardanalage Hashan Jeewantha Gunathilaka of Mathupola, Pallama were …

Continue reading ‘Police explainin the reasons for arresting Wasantha Mudalige, Hashan Jeewantha Gunathilaka and Galwewa Siridamma Thera under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) No. 48 of 1979)’ »

Former MP and State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake was freed yesterday from prison after a conditional pardon by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, MPs Nalin Bandara and Harshana Rajakaruna were present outside the Welikada prison along with supporters to welcome him. Ramanayake who was serving a four-year …

Continue reading ‘Former MP and State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake walks out a free man after being released from a 4 year rigorous imprisonment sentence; President Wickremesinghe grants conditional pardon stipulating that Ramanayake should not make any statement critical or derogatory of the entire judiciary in future.’ »

by Qi Zhenhong (This article written by Mr. Qi Zhenhong the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka was first published in the “Sri Lanka Guardian”) In recent days, two pieces of news related to China have widely caught the eyes in Sri Lanka. Early this month, after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s sneaky visit to China’s …

Continue reading ‘China always supports Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integritywhile some countries,far or near, always make various groundless excuses to bully Sri Lanka and trample on Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and independence repeatedly.’ »

BY Lakmal Sooriyagoda The Colombo Fort Magistrate today issued an order directing the CID to conduct an investigation into a contemptuous statement alleged to have been made by Puttalam District Parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha. Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage ordered the CID to examine the video footage of a press conference attended by Sanath Nishantha in …

Continue reading ‘Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage issues order directing the CID to conduct an investigation into a contemptuous statement allegedly made at a press conference by Puttalam District Parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha Following Submissions made by President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya’ »

Four suspects have been arrested by the Kolonna police over setting ablaze a luxury hotel owned by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s youngest son Rohitha Rajapaksa on May 10. Police said the suspects were arrested on Monday and Tuesday for stealing items and setting on fire to the ‘Green Eco Lodge’ Hotel on May 10 situated …

Continue reading ‘Four Suspects Arrested by Police for burning down on May 10 the ‘Green Eco Lodge’ Hotel in Kolonna that was Owned by Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Youngest son Rohitha who is unemployed and whose sources of income Remain a mystery’ »

BY Aloka Kasturiarachchi The Police raided a press conference called by the Inter University Student Federation at the CSR in Maradana yesterday (23). The press conference was called to mark the united opposition of political parties, trade unions, public organisations and social activists against the detention of the three student leaders, Wasantha Mudalige, Galwewa Siridhamma …

Continue reading ‘Police Storm Into Press Conference Held at CSR in Maradana to Protest Against Detention of Three IUSF Activists Stating they Want to Arrest Eranga Gunasekara the National Organiser of the Socialist Youth Union without possessing a Valid Arrest Warrant’ »

By Devaka Gunawardena During periods of great upheaval, dividing lines between allies and enemies are redrawn. The reaction to the 9 July uprising in Sri Lanka is an example. The polarisation between progressive and reactionary forces has become clearer. But to develop its implications, it helps to insert it into the narrative of universal history, …

Continue reading ‘The 9 July Uprising may not have ended in the victory progressives anticipated. But efforts to draw out its lessons and to shift the battle onto a higher plane are not over’ »

We (The Economist) interviewed the president of Sri Lanka in Colombo on August 14th 2022. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. The Economist: Thank you very much for taking the time to see us, Mr Wickremesinghe. The last time we were here was three weeks ago, when it was obvious that this …

Continue reading ‘“It’s not worth dragging this out.Take a deep cut, but ensure that you can get recovery going. So…when you make changes, make it deep, make all the changes you have to make and then allow it to come up…”- President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Interview with “The Economist”’ »

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe met visiting International Monetary Fund team for a round of discussions as the country tries to strike a staff level agreement with a credible economic program to negotiate with creditors to re-structure their debt. Senior Mission chief Peter Breuer, who is an expert in debt re-structuring, Sri Lanka mission chief …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe has discussions with visiting International Monetary Fund team to reach a staff level agreement with a credible economic program to negotiate with creditors to re-structure their debt.’ »

Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the President had granted his consent to a 90-day Detention Order (DO) for interrogation as per the PTA, against IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige, based on submissions made to him by the Security Forces. He said according to the Police, there has been a …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe granted his consent to a 90-day Detention Order (DO) for interrogation under the PTA, against IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige, based on submissions made to him by the Security Forces Reveals Justice Minister Dr.Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’ »

– The Government has slapped a temporary ban on the import of products from over 360 categories in a bid to save foreign exchange and support local manufacturers. The move was announced via special regulations yesterday under the Imports and Exports Control Act by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, …

Continue reading ‘Government Brings temporary ban with effect from Aug 23 on the import of products from over 360 categories in a bid to save foreign exchange and support local manufacturers.’ »

by Jehan Perera Early this year the government under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa amended the Prevention of Terrorism law. It accepted the position that the law was in violation of international standards and wanted to show it was committed to improving its human rights record. The ground was set to mitigate the pressures from the UN …

Continue reading ‘The use of the PTA after the government committed itself to discontinuing its use is a betrayal of trust that will not gain it the trust of the people but their antipathy.’ »

(Text of statement issued by the People’s Alliance on Right to Land (PARL) on 24th August, 2022) Chinthaka Rajapakse, a convenor of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Rights and Reform (MONLAR), was arrested on the 18th of August 2022 for participating in a peaceful protest organized by the Inter University Students Federation. He was …

Continue reading ‘People’s Alliance on Right to Land (PARL) demands the immediate and unconditional release of Activist Chinthaka Rajapakse and all others arrested with him at the peaceful protests on 18th August.’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando General Secretary of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Sagara Kariyawasam, MP, yesterday (23) said that there should be no holds barred investigation into violence in the run-up to the May 09 incidents, at Galle Face, and outside Temple Trees, and after the resignation of the then Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa. SLPP …

Continue reading ‘“How could a public protest campaign, dubbed as peaceful, destroy 70 houses and 600 other properties belonging to as many as 72 MPs, within a matter of 24 hours? Asks SLPP Gen Secy Sagara Kariyawasam’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The Sri Lankan police on Monday confirmed the detention of three student activists under a dreaded anti-terrorism law, four days after arresting them at a protest held in capital Colombo. Local and international rights advocates have slammed the move, accusing the government of construing dissent as terrorism, even as Sri Lanka’s controversial …

Continue reading ‘Arrest and Detention of Three University Student Union Activists under the Draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act(PTA) Results in Widespread Critism of Wickremesinghe Govt’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “What are we supposed to do when the system consistently yields terrible candidates?” Nanjala Nyabola (The Kenyan Kakistocracy, The Nation, 12.8.2022) Most politicians have a questionable relationship with reality. The Rajapaksas operate in a reality that is all their own. Asked why brother Gotabaya fled the country, Mahinda Rajapaksa replied, “Who accuses …

Continue reading ‘The SLPP will not gain a majority in the next election. But it won’t be wiped out either. The Rajapaksa family party is likely to command a significant minority with around 20% of the vote, especially if Mahinda Rajapaksa leads the campaign.’ »

By Gamini Weerakoon (The writer is a former editor of The Sunday Island, The Island, and consultant editor of the Sunday Leader) President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken on the role of an alchemist of sorts. Ancient alchemists attempted to transform various metals called, base metals, as lead and copper by subjecting them to various treatment …

Continue reading ‘Wickremesinghe does not seem to have learnt a lesson from a basic mental aberration that the UNP suffers from: Crushing legitimate dissent by force using UNP thugs or security services has been one of the main reasons for the nemesis of the party,’ »

In a letter to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Dullas Alahpperuma says the Government is treating him and the Parliamentarians who supported him at the Presidential election in Parliament in a hostile manner. Alahapperuma noted in his letter that the Government has ensured it does not re-appoint MPs who supported …

Continue reading ‘SLPP Dissident MP Alahapperuma writes to Prime Minister Gunewardena Complaing of Discrimatory Treatment being meted out against MPs who supported him at the July 20 Presidential Election.’ »

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna says it has requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to facilitate the safe return of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa back to Sri Lanka. The SLPP said the request was made during a meeting between representatives of the SLPP and the President held on Thursday at the Presidential Secretariat. According to the SLPP, …

Continue reading ‘SLPP Delegation led by National Organizer Basil Rajapaksa Meets President Wickremesinghe and Requests him to Facilitate Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s safe Return to Sri Lanka :assures party’s fullest support to Ranil’s endeavours to ensure the recovery of Sri Lanka’s economy.’ »

On august 15th Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka’s president, travelled to the Katunayake air base near Colombo, the capital, to take delivery of a Dornier 228 maritime surveillance aircraft, a gift from India. The very next day, Yuan Wang 5, a Chinese surveillance ship, docked in the port of Hambantota, in the south, despite objections from …

Continue reading ‘“The arrival of a Chinese ship in Sri Lanka raises hackles in India; flip-flopping by Sri Lanka over Yuan Wang 5 irritates both China and India. ‘- The Economist’ »

By Jamila Husain Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who fled the country last month amidst public protests calling for his resignation, is awaiting to obtain a US Green Card to return back to the United States and settle there with his wife and son, the Daily Mirror learns. Highly placed sources said that Rajapaksa’s lawyers in …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa Likely to Return to Sri Lanka on Aug 25th From Thailand; will be Provided House and Security by State as a former President is entitled to; wants to go back to California after obtaining US Green Card’ »

By Shuvaloy Majumda and Vijay Sappani Sri Lanka is in deep turmoil; understanding this crisis is crucial for Canada’s wider interests in the Indo-Pacific. Prior to the upheaval, Sri Lanka had a thriving economy, among the best human development index scores in South Asia, and wide-ranging trade and preferential market agreements throughout the region and …

Continue reading ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka and countering China go hand in hand.And as home to the largest Sri Lankan diaspora in the world, Canada also carries a moral responsibility for Sri Lanka’s well-being.’ »

By Shuvaloy Majumdar and Vijay Sappani Sri Lanka is in deep turmoil; understanding this crisis is crucial for Canada’s wider interests in the Indo-Pacific. Prior to the upheaval, Sri Lanka had a thriving economy, among the best human development index scores in South Asia, and wide-ranging trade and preferential market agreements throughout the region and …

Continue reading ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka and countering China go hand in hand.And as home to the largest Sri Lankan diaspora in the world, Canada also carries a moral responsibility for Sri Lanka’s well-being.’ »

Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannon on a small protest yesterday to break up the first demonstration since the crisis-hit island nation lifted a state of emergency. This year, an unprecedented economic collapse has often sparked massive anti-Government rallies after months of hardship caused by shortages of essential goods, rolling blackouts and …

Continue reading ‘Police use Tear Gas and Water Cannon to Disperse Protest Demonstration Organized by the Inter-University Student Federation;Six persons including Wasantha Mudalige taken into custody’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The story so far- On August 13, Sri Lanka approved the arrival of a Chinese satellite-tracking vessel to its southern Chinese-funded Hambantota port. It was the second approval from the island nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after it first cleared the visit on July 12. In the weeks in between, India raised …

Continue reading ‘What kind of ship is the Yuan Wang 5? Why is its presence in the Indian Ocean a cause of concern for India? Explained Through Questions and Answers’ »

BY P. Waravita The Chinese Yuan Wang 5 vessel, whose arrival was mired in a geopolitical tussle, docked at the Hambantota Port yesterday (16), with a welcome ceremony attended by prominent MPs, where the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong stated that the docking of the vessel is a “normal exchange” between China and …

Continue reading ‘Chinese Yuan Wang 5 vessel mired in a geopolitical tussle docks at the Hambantota Port;welcome ceremony attended by MPs Weerawansa, Nanayakkara and Weerasekera; “On behalf of the President, I came here today to welcome the ship and wish them,” says Sarath Weerasekera.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan and Ananth Krishnan China’s satellite tracking vessel Yuan Wang 5 on August 16 arrived at Sri Lanka’s southern Hambantota Port, despite India and the U.S. voicing concern with Colombo over the military ship’s visit. Hours after the vessel reached the Sri Lankan port, China said the “marine scientific research” activities of the …

Continue reading ‘China’s satellite tracking vessel Yuan Wang 5 arrives at Sri Lanka’s southern Hambantota Port on August 16 despite India and the U.S. voicing concern with Colombo over the military ship’s visit.’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera The Government has decided not to go ahead with the recommendations mentioned in the final report of the ‘One Country, One Law” Presidential Task Force (PTF) headed by Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, as many important issues that need to be addressed urgently have arisen in the current …

Continue reading ‘Govt decides not to implement recommendations in in the final report of the ‘One Country, One Law” Presidential Task Force (PTF) headed by Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera.’ »

BY Buwanajee Coralage Scottish national Kayleigh Fraser, who participated in the “aragalaya” (struggle) in Sri Lanka, will be given time to leave the country, said the Department of Immigration and Emigration, following yesterday’s (16) dismissal by the Court of Appeal of her writ petition filed challenging her deportation by the Department over alleged visa violations. …

Continue reading ‘Immigration Dept Grants Scottish National Kayleigh Fraser a Grace Period to Leave Sri Lanka Following the Dismissal of het Writ Application Against her Deportation Order by the Court of Appeal’ »

By Dinitha Rathnayake Hundreds of Tamil mothers engaged in a rally last Friday (12) in Kilinochchi District to mark 2,000 days of protests and activism to seek justice for their sons who they claim were forcibly disappeared during and after the civil war. The protests commenced in February 2017 during the Yahapalana Government, which promised …

Continue reading ‘Hundreds of Tamil mothers Conduct rally in Kilinochchi to mark 2,000 days of protests to seek justice for their sons who they claim were forcibly disappeared during and after the civil war.’ »

By Kishali Pinto – Jayawardene The winding down of the iconic ‘aragalaya’ (struggle) site at the Galle Face Green this Friday as the police hauled away the last remaining tents, was met by its onetime occupants, not with sadness or resignation but, interestingly enough, a calm jubilation. State aggression met by counter-aggression ‘This Government has …

Continue reading ‘When has action been taken against the outrageous behaviour manifested by parliamentarians on the floor of the House at any time? What equitable purpose does the current Parliamentary assembly serve to protect the interests of the people?’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka on Saturday cleared the arrival of Chinese space and satellite tracking vessel Yuan Wang 5 on August 16 at the southern Hambantota port, a day after New Delhi reiterated its security concerns over the vessel’s visit earlier scheduled on August 11. Even as Colombo was put on a delicate diplomatic …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Grants Permission for Chinese space and satellite tracking vessel “Yuan Wang 5” to dock on August 16 at Hambantota port subject to conditions that the visiting Chinese vessel’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) must be kept switched on within the EEZ of Sri Lanka and that no scientific research be conducted in Sri Lankan waters.’ »

By Sam Cabral BBC News, Washington Author Salman Rushdie, who suffered years of Islamist death threats after writing The Satanic Verses, has been stabbed on stage in New York state. The Booker Prize winner, 75, was speaking at an event at the Chautauqua Institution at the time. New York State Police said a man ran …

Continue reading ‘Well-known author Salman Rushdie Stabbed Multiple times by Lone Assailant while speaking at an event at the Chautauqua Institution in New York Omdergoes Surgery; Police arrest suspect named as Hadi Matar(24) from Fairview, New Jersey.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Hundreds of Tamil mothers on August 12 took out a rally in Sri Lanka’s northern Kilinochchi district to mark 2,000 days of their relentless struggle, seeking truth and justice for their loved ones forcibly disappeared during and after the civil war. Women wearing black sarees and headbands marched in Kilinochchi carrying photographs …

Continue reading ‘Relentless Struggle by Tamil Mothers of “Disappeared” Reaches 2000 Day Landmark;Hundreds of Women Stage Rally in northern Kilinochchi district seeking truth and justice for their loved ones forcibly disappeared during and after the civil war’ »

The Sri Lanka Government today (August 12) granted permission for the Chinese tracking vessel Yuang Wang 5 to dock at the Hambantota Port after the Indian and US Governments failed to give “concrete reasons” for why they opposed its arrival. Yuang Wang 5 will now berth at the Hambantota International Port on August 16, five …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Govt Permits Chinese tracking ship ” Yuang Wang 5″ to dock at Hambantota Port on August 16 following the failure of the Indian and US Governments to provide “concrete reasons” for their opposition to the Vessel arriving in H’tota’ »

by Sharmini Serasinghe For the first time in the history of Sri Lanka, the nation experimented with a ‘Peaceful Protest’ to oust a leader they came to hate. And they succeeded! Sri Lankans across the nation, crossing boundaries of ethnicity, religion and social class came together in what came to be known as the ‘Aragalaya’ …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s radical Leftist political parties,JVP and its breakaway faction, FSP galvanised the “Aragalaya “(struggle)into an aggressive movement that eventually ousted the two Rajapaksa brothers from power’ »

By Victor Ivan The article I wrote titled “Ranil’s Destiny” and published in the Daily FT last week, had received the attention of a large number of readers; also there were several criticisms published against it. Many people in Sri Lanka seem to have lost the ability to think logically not only on the issue …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka has become a country devoid of mature political leaders. We have only Ranil Wickremesinghe left among the leaders who can be considered an advanced political leader. In the absence of mature leaders, it should be the country’s responsibility to make proper use of him at this critical juncture.’ »

BY Dinitha Rathnayake Protestors of the “aragalaya” (struggle) attached to the “RanilGoGama”, formerly “GotaGoGama”, at the Galle Face – whose protest site at the Galle Face Green was vandalised on multiple occasions, and whose activism led to the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa – have vacated the site …

Continue reading ‘“Gota Go Home” Protest That Began at Galle Face on April 9 Ends After 4 Months on Augut 9 but “Aragalaya”(struggle) will Continue in Different Forms;Protesters Withdrwa 4 Writs Filed in Appeal Court against Removal of Site;Organizers Allege bulk of 43 Tents have been stolen by third parties’ »

On Tuesday August 9, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe paid his first official visit to the Army HQ in the outskirts of Colombo and addressed the troops even as protesters were planning to renew the agitation to oust him from the Presidency. As it turned out, the function at the Army HQ went off without …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe Makes First Official Visit as Elected President to Army Headquarters and thanks Military for Protecting Parliament and Preventing its seizure by a group without Opening Fire on People’ »

Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa has requested entry into Thailand for a temporary stay in a second Southeast Asian country after fleeing his island nation last month amid mass protests, the Thai foreign ministry said on Wednesday. Rajapaksa fled to Singapore on July 14 following unprecedented unrest caused by Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis …

Continue reading ‘Ex- Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Likely to move from Singapore to Thailand for Temporary Stay; “The Sri Lankan side informs us that the former president has no intention for political asylum in Thailand and will travel to another country afterwards.” Says Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tanee Sangrat’ »

By Anushka Wijesinha (Anushka Wijesinha is a Colombo-based economist and co-founder of the public policy think tank, Centre for a Smart Future) Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has been brewing for a while. Years of policy missteps and a problematic growth model came to a head at the start of 2022, with a debilitating foreign reserves …

Continue reading ‘Any attempts to push through an IMF reform programme without clear articulation of its rationale, expected outcomes, and measures to protect the vulnerable will be met with resistance by politicians and the public.’ »

By Dr Ranga Kalansooriya When Russia invaded Ukraine in February this year, Ranil Wickremesinghe’s views on the resultant crisis differed somewhat from other MPs. Holding the one and only seat allocated to his party in Parliament, Wickremesinghe argued that Ukraine had antagonized Russia without seeking a peaceful diplomatic solution, and that the West played a …

Continue reading ‘China ,India and the Ranil Wickremesinghe Foreign Policy Perspective’ »

By Victor Ivan Things in the country are happening in a ludicrous manner. Regardless of the likes or dislikes of the people engaged in the Aragalaya (youth struggle) there is one important outcome that the Aragalaya has produced in the political sense: It has been able to oust Gotabaya Rajapaksa from his office who lacked …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe can be ranked as a person endowed with intellectual elegance and excellence in statesmanship. Ranil is one whose character has been deliberately destroyed by the media. However, If he is capable of redeeming and reforming Sri Lanka his name will go down in history as the hero who saved Sri Lanka’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe yesterday (8) rejected a request made by the Police to issue a restraining order against a protest planned to be held today (9), organised by several political parties and civil organisations, against President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the current Government. While informing the court that several political parties …

Continue reading ‘Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe rejects Application made by Police to issue a restraining order against the protest planned to be held on August 9 by several political parties and civil organisation against President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the current Government.’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin, who was released on bail after being remanded for allegedly violating a court order, was received by a large group of teachers and principals near the Lipton Circus Roundabout in Colombo yesterday (8). Stalin, a well known trade unionist, was produced before the Colombo …

Continue reading ‘Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin released on One Million Rupee bail after being remanded for allegedly violating a court order Attends immediately after his release the Protest demanding his release by teachers and principals near the Lipton Circus Roundabout in Colombo’ »

China said yesterday (8) that it was “senseless and unreasonable” to “pressure” Sri Lanka to defer the planned docking of Chinese space and satellite tracking research vessel Yuan Wang 5 at the Hambantota Port citing security concerns, in a thinly veiled reference to India, which has expressed strong objection to Sri Lanka over the planned …

Continue reading ‘China says it is “senseless and unreasonable” to “pressure” Sri Lanka to defer the planned docking of Chinese space and satellite tracking research vessel Yuan Wang 5 at the Hambantota Port citing security concerns, in a thinly veiled reference to India, which has expressed strong objection to Sri Lanka over the planned docking.’ »

Amidst a potential diplomatic clash with far-reaching consequences, the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) is engaged in “quiet diplomacy” to persuade China to agree to its request to defer the docking of the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5 to dock at the Hambantota Port this week, diplomatic sources told The Morning, while the Chinese Embassy …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka engages in “quiet diplomacy” to persuade China to agree to its request to defer the docking of the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5 t at Hambantota Port this week; Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka requests urgent meeting with senior Sri Lankan authorities’ »

By Kishali Pinto – Jayawardene President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s nonchalant claim that the law operates equitably in Sri Lanka (‘the law is the same for you, me and everyone’) in a carefully calibrated address at the ceremonial opening of the ninth session of Parliament this week, bears an uncanny resemblance to what his Presidential predecessor Gotabaya …

Continue reading ‘Saman Ratnapriya and Joseph Stalin Participate Together in May 28 Protest March Urging Gota to Go; Saman Ratnapriya is made Director General, Trade Unions under President but Joseph Stalin is summarily arrested and Remanded’ »

By K.K. S.Perera Searching for the meaning of the word “legitimate,” I referred dictionaries. Piled up a cross-section of the meaning in Collins, Webster’s, Cambridge and Britannica, as given below: They define legitimize/legitimacy as to make something legal or to make it acceptable, permissible or correct.- to give official or formal sanction; to authorize, to …

Continue reading ‘Sajith Premadasa is weak, indecisive and cannot bear any pressure, This mess is because he didn’t have the guts to form a government and take on the corrupt Rajapaksas.Using bombastic words or archaic obsolete dictionary terms does not make a good opposition leader.’ »

By Gamini Weerakoon (The writer is a former editor of The Sunday Island, The Island, and consultant editor of the Sunday Leader.) George Orwell in ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’ writes a story of a ‘Non-Party’ man (Winston) being tortured by Party Man (O’Brien) who is trying to make him accept that if all records pertaining to the …

Continue reading ‘‘Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past,’- George Orwell’s 1984 repeats itself in 2022 Sri Lanka’ »

By Dinitha Rathnayake Protestors of the “aragalaya” (struggle) have declared 9 August as a “national day of protest” (Jathika Virodatha Dinaya) in their respective cities and regions. According to sources, people will gather in their own towns to protest against State repression, especially demanding that the Government abolish the state of emergency, emergency law, and …

Continue reading ‘9 August 2022 Declared“National day of protest” (Jathika Virodatha Dinaya) by “Aragalaya”Protesters;Island-wide Protests to be held in Outstation towns;National Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (NTUCC) will stage rally at Viharamahadevi park in Colombo on same day 2 pm’ »

By the “Sunday Morning” Political Editor The Government on Thursday (4) decided to rescind the permission granted to the Yuan Wang 5 Chinese research vessel with the relevant official communication to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo being delivered on Friday (5), The Sunday Morning learns. The Yuan Wang 5’s visit to Sri Lanka that was …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Rescinds Permission Given for Chinese Vessel “Yuan Wang 5” to dock at Hambantota for Replenishment: “The Ministry requests that the arrival date of the vessel Yuan Wang 5 in Hambantota be deferred until further consultations are made on this matter,” says Lankan Foreign Ministry note;Chinese Envoy Protests to President Wickremesinghe’ »

By Gagani Weerakoon (excerpt from the “Ceylon Politics” Column titled “Sajith boycotts Ranil’s Tea Party in the “Ceylon Today” of August 6th 2022) After the President’s Policy Statement, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa got SJB MPs together and started to discuss about the speech. At that time, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella asked Premadasa whether they …

Continue reading ‘SJB Leader and Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa Keeps Away from the Tea Party Given by President Ranil Wickremesinghe after his policy speech in Parliament’ »

By Marianne David Several incidents of people being shot dead and dead bodies washing ashore along the Colombo coastline, especially at Galle Face, have been reported in Sri Lanka in recent weeks, leading to the country being engulfed in a climate of fear and indicating a breakdown in law and order. Shooting incidents in the …

Continue reading ‘Majority of recent shootings are related to drug trade wars and settling of old scores says Police Spokesman; mostly unidentified bodies washing up in beaches due to death by drowning have no indication of murder or assault injuries.’ »

By Sandun Jayawardana Two weeks after being elected to office by Parliament, President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (3) delivered a wide-ranging policy statement to the legislature where he outlined a series of political and economic reforms. He also renewed his appeal for parties in Parliament to come together to form an all-party government to resolve …

Continue reading ‘“The law will be applied equally to the people who attacked the peaceful protesters on 9th May and those who are engaging in violence and terrorism under the guise of the struggle. I will ensure that there is no political intervention in this process,”-President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Policy Speech’ »

By Kishali Pinto-Jayawardene The sullen growling of the Sri Lankan populace looking resentfully on as the nation’s political establishment consolidates itself once more, in the wake of an unparalleled surge of people power leading to the fleeing of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa amidst the tactical retreat of the Rajapaksa family, must not be mistaken for …

Continue reading ‘Counter-attacks by the State may not have been enabled to such a flagrant extent if lunatic political elements had not infiltrate the ‘aragalaya’ (peoples’ struggle) and if violence by some of its proponents had been publicly condemned far sooner.’ »

By Shantayanan Devarajan and Homi Kharas (Shantayanan Devarajan is Professor of the Practice of Development at Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and a former Senior Director for Development Economics and Acting Chief Economist at the World Bank. Homi Kharas is Senior Fellow at the Centre for Sustainable Development at the Brookings …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s debt crisis was the result of bad economic policies, an unwillingness to make hard decisions, and to a lesser degree, tensions between China and the West.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday affirmed the island nation’s commitment to the ‘One China Policy’ and asked countries to “refrain from provocations”, in a message apparently directed to the United States, days after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to Taiwan. In a series of tweets, Mr. Wickremesinghe said: …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe affirms nation’s commitment to the ‘One China Policy’ and asks countries to “refrain from provocations”, in a message apparently directed to the United States’ »

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday ceremonially declared opened the third session of the ninth Parliament. Following the ceremonial opening at 10 a.m. the President presented the Government’s policy statement in accordance with powers vested in him through Article 33 of the Constitution. Addressing Parliament for the first time after being elected, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed on …

Continue reading ‘“I took over a country that was in disaster. I decided to accept this critical challenge, on behalf of my people and the country, based on the premise that it is my duty to light even one lamp for the country rather than cursing the darkness.” – President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Policy Statement.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Nations are made not of oak and rock but ofmen,and as the men are, so will the nations be” – Milton Meyer (They thought they were free) Sovereign defaults have a long history. Imperial Spain, imperial Britain, revolutionary Russia, republican Spain, they all did it. In 2020 seven countries defaulted, Argentina for …

Continue reading ‘The Government is labouring under the delusion that targeted repression of dissenters can bring about political stability. The Opposition seems to believe that ousting Ranil Wickremesinghe is Lankan people’s current preoccupation’ »

By Col R Hariharan Ninth of July 2022 would long be remembered in Sri Lanka as the day the three-month long ‘Aragalaya’ peoples protest movement succeeded in forcing their elected President Gotabaya to agree to resign on July 13. However, the President agreed to resign only after protestors forcibly occupied the President’s House and secretariat …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe will resist any call for him to quit and serve till November 2024 when the next presidential poll is due. As he enjoys majority support he will be in no hurry to call for a general election, as his detractors have demanded.’ »

By Ananth Krishnan United States House Speaker and veteran Democratic politician Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday evening, marking the most high-level political engagement between the U.S. and Taiwan in 25 years. China condemned the visit as “a major political provocation” and said it would launch “targeted military operations” as countermeasures, even as Beijing …

Continue reading ‘U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives in Taiwan on Tuesday Evening despite threats from Beijing of serious consequences and Countermeasures’ »

By Victor Ivan Evidently, the Aragalaya (struggle) did not have a clear idea about the goals it hoped to achieve. Also, it did not have a clear idea about the limitations of its strength. The developments of the Aragalaya, especially the fact that President Gotabaya relinquishing the presidency and fleeing away can be considered as …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya relinquishing the presidency and fleeing can be considered as a special situation caused by the weak and foolish manner in which President Rajapaksa faced the challenge posed by the Aragalaya rather than an outcome of the strength or wisdom of the Aragalaya itself’ »

By “Citizen Jane” Dear Madam Ambassador, On April 2, 2022 you tweeted “Sri Lankans have a right to protest peacefully–essential for democratic expression. I am watching the situation closely, and hope the coming days bring restraint from all sides, as well as much needed economic stability and relief for those suffering” Salutary words Madam. Neither …

Continue reading ‘“As an ordinary citizen of Sri Lanka, I implore you to be circumspect and fair in your tweets”- An open letter to US Ambassador Julie J. Chung’ »

By P.K.Balachandran On July 9, it looked as if Sri Lanka was undergoing a revolution through raw peoples’ power. Massive crowds had converged on Colombo to force the incompetent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to quit. The Presidential palace, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s office were stormed, vandalized, and occupied. But the most barbaric act …

Continue reading ‘The most barbaric act of arson and vandalism by the so called “peaceful protesters” was the burning of then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s personal residence that housed thousands of books and rare objet d’art’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Noting that an intelligent and disciplined group of young people pioneered the people’s struggle or “aragalaya”, which demanded the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his Government, the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) claimed however, that a few inappropriate people who joined it later disrupted the movement and caused violence. …

Continue reading ‘National Movement for Social Justice Chairman Karu Jayasuriya states that a few inappropriate people who joined the “Aragalaya” later disrupted the movement and caused violence;NMSJ cannot approve of the killing and harassing of people’s representatives (MPs), burning their houses, and damaging other properties says Ex-speaker’ »

By Philip Wen and Tripti Lahiri Sri Lanka’s new president said the country has experienced the worst of its economic crisis and that restoring political stability will allow it to begin turning a corner, starting with finalizing negotiations for an International Monetary Fund bailout that had stalled due to recent turmoil. “I think we’ve already …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe Tells “Wall Street Journal” that Ex-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa has not told him he planned to return to Sri Lanka soon; “I don’t believe it’s the time for him to return,I have no indication of him returning soon.” Says Ranil’ »

By Meera Srinivasan India has raised the scheduled visit of a Chinese research vessel to a Sri Lankan port with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, after the Ministry of Defence in Colombo confirmed the ship’s arrival, despite New Delhi giving a “clear message” on its concerns. While there is no official statement so far from either the …

Continue reading ‘India raises the scheduled visit of Chinese research vessel ‘Yuan Wang 5’ to Hambantota with President Ranil Wickremesinghe,the matter “was raised at the highest level by the Indian side,” an official source in Colombo tells “The Hindu”’ »

By Suhasini Haidar and Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s Defence Ministry on Thursday denied reports that a Chinese research vessel involved in space and satellite tracking would enter the Hambantota port in August this year, even as India sent a “clear message” that it was monitoring the ship’s progress “carefully”. “We have no confirmation of such …

Continue reading ‘India sends “clear message” that it is monitoring the ship’s progress “carefully” of Chinese space and satellite tracking research vessel “Yuan Wang 5” expected to dock in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port from August 11-17 for “replenishment” but Sri Lanka Defence Ministry Spolesman says “We have no confirmation of such a vessel calling at the Hambantota port,”’ »

Sri Lanka – Civil Society Statement on attacks and reprisals against peaceful protesters 28th July, 2022 We, the undersigned individuals and organizations strongly condemn the ongoing attack including violence, false labeling and legal reprisals against unarmed peaceful protesters by the Sri Lankan government. We call for an immediate end to reprisals against those exercising their …

Continue reading ‘Full Text of Civil Society Statement on attacks and reprisals against peaceful protesters Signed by 165 Individuals and 10 Organizations’ »

By Krishna N. Das and Waruna Karunatilake India, which is trying to expand its influence in crisis-hit Sri Lanka after China made deep inroads there, said on Thursday it was aware of reports about the planned visit of a Chinese vessel to a Sri Lankan port built with money from Beijing. Shipping data from Refinitiv …

Continue reading ‘India says it will protect its interests as Chinese research and survey vessel “Yuan Wang 5” heads to Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka’ »

BY Dinitha Rathnayake and Buddhika Samaraweera Key figures of the “aragalaya” (struggle) are facing intimidation at the hands of the Government, the Police, and the military, activists allege, with arrests as well as surveillance measures, including wiretapping their phones, taking place. According to sources, Attorney Nuwan Bopage, Catholic priest Fr. Amila Jeewantha Peiris, Inter-University Students’ …

Continue reading ‘Key figures of the “aragalaya” (struggle) facing intimidation at the hands of the Govt,Police and military;arrests,surveillance measures, including wiretapping of phones taking place;Among Targets are Attorney Nuwan Bopage, Catholic priest Fr. Amila Jeewantha Peiris, Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Convener Wasantha Mudalige and former IUSF Convenor Lahiru Weerasekara’ »

BY P. Waravita The Proclamation on the State of Emergency, announced by then-Acting President and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe on 17 July followed by a Gazette on 18 July, was debated and passed in Parliament yesterday (27), with 120 votes in favour of it and 63 against. This proclamation was made by Wickremesinghe through the …

Continue reading ‘The Proclamation on the State of Emergency, announced by then-Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe on 17 July followed by a Gazette on 18 July is debated and passed in Parliament with 120 votes in favour and 63 against on July 27’ »

By Jorgelina Do Rosario and Uditha Jayasinghe The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Sri Lanka should kick off debt restructuring talks with its bilateral lender China, while the island state’s government seeks a financing loan from the Washington-based fund. “China is a big creditor, and Sri Lanka has to engage proactively with it on a …

Continue reading ‘The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Sri Lanka should Commence debt restructuring talks with its bilateral lender China,’ »

Singapore has extended a short-stay visa for Sri Lanka’s deposed president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, local media in the city-state reported on Wednesday. Mr. Rajapaksa fled his country on July 13, after his official residence was stormed by thousands of protesters who had demonstrated for months against the island nation’s painful economic crisis. He first escaped to …

Continue reading ‘Singapore extends short-stay visa for Sri Lanka’s deposed president Gotabaya Rajapaksa by a further Fourteen Days Until August 11 Reports “Straits Times”’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera A suspect named Dhaniz Ali, who is alleged to have entered the Sri Lanka Rupavahini (Television) Corporation (SLRC) premises in Colombo 7 and interfered with its broadcasting, was ordered to be remanded till 5 August by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday evening following his dramatic arrest by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) …

Continue reading ‘Following dramatic arrest by CID officers aboard a flight to Dubai UAE on 26th, Dhaniz Ali remanded till 5 August by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court; Suspect allegedly entered the Sri Lanka Rupavahini (Television) Corporation (SLRC) premises in Colombo 7 and interfered with its broadcasting’ »

Wajira Abeywardana was sworn in as the United National Party’s (UNP) National List Parliamentarian yesterday (27), while Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha was appointed as the new Leader of the House and Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga was re-appointed Chief Government Whip. Abeywardena took oaths before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. He …

Continue reading ‘Wajira Abeywardana sworn in as the United National Party’s (UNP) National List Parliamentarian in place of Ranil Wickremesinghe; Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha appointed as the new Leader of the House; Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga re-appointed Chief Government Whip’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Extraordinary foresight is scarcely needed to have predicted the State’s attack on Sri Lanka’s globally feted protest site at the Galle Face Green in the wee hours of Friday morning, July 22nd 2022. Why this provocative show of strength? As formidable contingents of baton wielding masked military and the police took …

Continue reading ‘President Wickremesinghe said – and perhaps quite rightly – after assuming office that he will not permit unlawful occupation of State buildings.He also made a clear distinction between ‘peaceful dissenters’ and ‘violent agitators.’Those distinctions were thrown to the winds on Friday.’ »

By Sandun Jayawardana When the United National Party (UNP) was all but wiped out at the 2020 parliamentary elections, many were quick to write off the party and its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as a spent force in politics. It took almost a year of squabbles within the party for Mr Wickremesinghe to even be appointed …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe Staged one of the all-time great comebacks in politics when Parliament elected him as Sri Lanka’s 8th Executive President.’ »

By Gamini Weerakoon (The writer is the former editor of The Sunday Island, The Island and consultant editor of the Sunday Leader) Both pundits and the hoi polloi now agree that when Sri Lanka was at the critical juncture in deciding whether to take the straight and narrow hard way or muddle through and be …

Continue reading ‘The Galle Face Green activists who brought about a political revolution through non-violent means should now organise themselves into a political force if not a political party to defend the fundamental rights they so valiantly and successfully fought for.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a congratulatory message to Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Ranil Wickremesinghe, nearly a week after his rise to the island nation’s helm amid political upheaval triggered by a severe economic meltdown. Mr. Modi’s outreach to Mr. Wickremesinghe follows messages from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian …

Continue reading ‘Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sends Congratulatory Message to New Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe days after Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent messages; Modi says India would continue to be supportive of the quest of the people of Sri Lanka’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “A wandering fire at a terrible height – can it be a star shining like that? Osip Mandelstam (Poem 101) A walking path bordered by the sea and a bit of lawn with few struggling saplings; a ‘marina’ sans yacht or boat (like that airport with no planes). Port City Marina Promenade, …

Continue reading ‘Clinging to Ranil-phobia is bad tactics. It has already caused enough damage – to the opposition. It enabled the obscene travesty of making Dulles Alahapperuma – a Rajapaksa acolyte for over 25 years – the standard bearer of the anti-Rajapaksa camp.’ »

By MICHAEL SCHAFFER The U.S. is doing a small developing country’s dirty work in prosecuting its ex-ambassador for fraud, and it may eventually be cause for discomfort along Embassy Row. In normal cases, for a foreign diplomat with an instinct for pilfering from their own government, Washington represents a safe posting. Far from home, entertainment …

Continue reading ‘Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya,, His Swanky New Embassy and the Limits of Diplomatic Immunity’ »

Highly respected economists and former Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy has said the economic recovery will require painful treatment whilst expressing hope that President Ranil Wickremesinghe would take all the tough decisions to avoid the disastrous situation. “President Wickremesinghe is economically very literate. He knows what has to be done. At times, it has …

Continue reading ‘“President Wickremesinghe is economically very literate. He knows what has to be done. At times, it has been difficult for him or any other politician to get it done.But, if President Wickremesinghe understands, he can get it done” – Dr.Indrajit Coomaraswamy’ »

By N Sathiya Moorthy In what friends and admirers, especially in Colombo’s overseas diplomatic corps, had not expected of him, Sri Lanka’s new President Ranil Wickremesinghe ‘swung’ into action on his day one in office to restore law and order in the country that had been badly affected since the ‘Aragalaya’ protests against the then …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s New President Ranil Wickremesinghe ‘swings’ into action on his day one in office to restore law and order and shows who is the boss’ »

Ranil wickremesinghe is a familiar sight to anyone who has taken even a passing interest in Sri Lankan politics in recent decades. First elected to Parliament in 1977, he has held a variety of cabinet jobs over the years, including, on six occasions, that of prime minister. His most recent stint was in the service …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe’s election raises hopes that Sri Lanka, which has been in economic and political turmoil for months, will at last regain the political stability required to solve its economic problems. But Mr Wickremesinghe’s chances of success are complicated”- The Economist.’ »

By Ameen Izzadeen For his admirers, Ranil Wickremesinghe is the president Sri Lanka has lost and found. The late former minister Mangala Samaraweera once described Wickremesinghe as the best president Sri Lanka never had. In his previous two outings as a presidential candidate, the victory was his, but on both occasions Wickremesinghe lost through no …

Continue reading ‘It appears that the Aragalaya hijackers have become a law unto themselves and do not seem to respect the rule of law. They expect government leaders to genuflect before them and carry out their commands. This is not Aragalaya.’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Although two Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National List Opposition MPs had expressed their desire to resign from their positions as MPs to enable former Speaker of Parliament and incumbent National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Chairman Karu Jayasuriya the opportunity to enter Parliament, Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa had allegedly vetoed …

Continue reading ‘Sajith Denies Allegation that he blocked Karu Jayasuriya from Entering Parliament by Vetoing Moves by Mayantha Dissanayake and Harin Fernando to Resign their National List MP Seats for Karu to be Appointed’ »

By P.K.Balachandran Disruptive and violent populist movements have undoubtedly registered successes, ending oppressive regimes and giving the dumb millions a voice to express dissent forcefully. But in the long run, these movements have delivered only partially and that too, briefly, literature on the subject shows. The question that is in the minds of observers of …

Continue reading ‘The question that is in the minds of observers of the Sri Lankan Aragalaya movement is: Will it go the way of violent populist movements in other countries in the past or will it have a lasting salutary effect?’ »