The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Columns

Political Column

Showdown in Geneva: Hate-campaign in Lanka

The special SriLankan Airlines flight had rolled off the runway at Bandaranaike International Airport in the morning of Friday, February 10. On board were President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his entourage on an official visit to Pakistan.

5th Column

Land of the free, home of the hypocrites!

My Dear Barack,
I thought I must write to you when I heard that the United States was sponsoring a resolution against our country at the Human Rights Council of the United Nations this week. To me, that seems rather silly-and I will tell you why-but I am told that is the way it is.

The Economic Analysis

Shift in Economic Policies 2004-2011

The general elections of 2004 brought about a change of government and a shift in economic policies. The UNP that had a majority in Parliament lost to the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), an SLFP-led coalition that included the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the Jathika Hela Urumaya(JHU).

Lobby

From the UNHRC in Geneva to Colombo’s streets the heat is on

The Government is facing a challenging time both domestically and internationally. While in the cool climes of Geneva, things are hotting up over a possible resolution against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), domestically, the Government is in a tight spot, after the recent fuel hike that has resulted in almost daily street protests.

Focus on Rights

Being punished for going to court

The argument is put forward by some that if the current administration had taken steps to put its democratic record to right, post war, perhaps the scrutiny that we see now in regard to what is loosely defined as accountability, would not have been evidenced in all its intensity.

Talk at the Cafe Spectator

Mathew Lee explains why he is targeting Lanka

Inner City Press' Matthew Russell Lee, who has continued his relentless attacks on the Rajapaksa administration, has gained notoriety for firing pointed questions relating to war crimes charges against Sri Lanka at virtually every UN media conference without missing a beat. As a result, he has not only incurred the wrath of the Sri Lanka Mission in New York but has also been described as "an LTTE agent" in the payroll of Tiger supporters.

From the sidelines

Sri Lanka at UNHRC - guilty till proven innocent?

The maneuverings by western powers in relation to Sri Lanka in advance of the 19th sessions of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva have given rise to much speculation. The latest move has been an email dated 21 February, apparently circulated by the US mission to Council members and diplomatic missions in Geneva, that sought to create the impression that US diplomats have been in close contact with the government of Sri Lanka and its mission in Geneva to work "collaboratively" on issues of accountability and the implementation of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission Report.