The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Columns

Political Column

After Geneva, government must evolve clear-cut policy

Like the proverbial story, the United Nations Human Rights Council laboured hard like a mountain, and brought forth by majority vote a mouse or a 'non-binding,' seemingly toothless US backed resolution on Sri Lanka on Thursday. Yet, the dangers it portend cannot be underestimated. For the first time, a UN body has brought the country under its microscope and the international community's scrutiny.

5th Column

To be judged a sinner by hypocrites

My Dear Obama, David Cameron and Manmohan,

I thought I must write to you after the three of you ganged up on us and passed that resolution about war crimes at the United Nations. I guess you must be celebrating now after trying to bully our little country which each of you did for different reasons of your own.

The Economic Analysis

BoP crisis: Prospects and uncertainty of non-merchandise earnings

The balance of payments problem the country is facing is unlikely to be solved by an improvement in the merchandise or trade account. The current policies may reduce the trade deficit, not wipe out the trade gap.

Lobby

Geneva debacle: ‘Patriots versus traitors’ game in House once again

Hours before the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) voted on the resolution against Sri Lanka in Geneva last Thursday, Government MPs, wearing black armbands and carrying placards, staged a protest in front of Parliament building, to express their opposition at the moves to interfere in the “internal affairs of the country”.

Focus on Rights

The Geneva debacle and lessons still unlearnt

Sri Lanka's humiliating defeat in the 'war' unsuccessfully fought in Geneva this week over the resolution brought by the United States is a textbook illustration of the combined effect of arrogance, bravado and ignorance. When such disastrous combinations determine the course of our foreign policy, should we be surprised at the consequences?

Talk at the Cafe Spectator

Monitor overrules principal: Lecture by top US official cancelled

The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, named after one of the country's illustrious Foreign Ministers, periodically arranges public lectures beneficial not only to the academia and officials but also students of foreign affairs.

From the sidelines

India throws Sri Lanka under the bus

The US finally managed to get its pound of flesh at the UN Human Rights Council, scraping through with just 24 of the 47 member countries' votes to have its resolution against Sri Lanka adopted. All the EU members in the Council were of course on board.