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Home » ColumnsPresident refers to the end of an illicit affair
President Maithripala Sirisena had an interesting analogy for naming Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister and forming a new government. “In our society,” he said, “there were accusations of illicit affairs by both wives and husbands.” They separate and it was the children who suffered. “Let us unite again, we have lived together,” he said speaking [...]
The day the political plot backfires for Aiyo Sirisena
Aiyo Sirisena, I know you are receiving many letters these days- and writing many too, dismissing Prime Ministers on a whim-but I thought I must write one to you too, just to clarify a few issues. Please pardon me for calling you Aiyo Sirisena, but I’m really not sure whether you are the dear Maithri [...]
Political confusion and uncertainty severe threats to economy
The political confusion and uncertainty caused by the dismissal of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and the prorogation of parliament are serious setbacks to the economy, especially as they come at a time when the economy is facing several challenges from global financial developments and escalating fuel prices. Reduced tourist earnings, capital outflows and [...]
Politically speaking, ‘a plague on both your houses’
Continuing his swift disastrous strike last Friday, President Maithripala Sirisena has taken a familiar problem of public fury with an inept and malfunctioning Government to a perilously extra-constitutional trajectory, prompting deep revulsion on the part of even those strongly critical of many follies of the United National Party (UNP). Repercussions of the President’s actions This [...]
Comings, goings and other happenings
Ever since President Sirisena used his madu walge (stingray tail) on his prime minister and deposed Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lankans abroad have had their eyes glued on the changing political scene at home. The comings, goings, stayings and the may-be goings, may-be comings, as the wavering politicians rushed to their family astrologers, have provided enough [...]
Constitutional quagmire continues; President says he sleeps well but people restless
Contradictory and confusing reports as to when Parliament will be reconvened; both sides claim they have majority Speaker Karu Jayasuriya meets party leaders; Kiriella says no-confidence motion will be moved by UNF and other parties President under international pressure to respect democratic values; EU says GSP concessions may be withdrawn For nine long days, Sri [...]
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