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Controversy over how Budget was passed in Kotte MC; Complaint to LG Commissioner

Controversy over how Budget was passed in Kotte MC; Complaint to LG Commissioner

In Parliament on Friday the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) members voiced concern that one of its members was not given his full quota of time to take part in the Budget debate. A few days ago there were similar scenes at the Sri Jayawardenepura-Kotte Municipal Council when the Budget was taken up for vote. Opposition [...]

Black Friday blues: Govt. hit by tsunami of crises

Black Friday blues: Govt. hit by tsunami of crises

Sudden countrywide power interruption adds to the woes of Rajapaksa Administration Rise in gas cylinder-related fires pushes Govt. to appoint probe committee, while ministers defend Litro Basil’s India visit: Lankan HC speaks of four-pillar cooperation deal; No media statement from India For Sri Lankans, it was the worst possible start to the first weekend of [...]

A man no one can trust

A man no one can trust

Aiyo Sirisena, It is not that I enjoy writing to you or hearing from you, but I feel I cannot but help doing so this week. That is after learning what you and some from your Blue Party had to say about continuing to be in government with the ‘pohottuwa’ chaps – and enduring the [...]

Govt., SJB unite to condemn slaying in Sialkot, amid bitter spat over extrajudicial killings here

Govt., SJB unite to condemn slaying in Sialkot, amid bitter spat over extrajudicial killings here

Despite heated debates over Budget 2022 in Parliament, lawmakers yesterday strongly condemned the brutal murder of a Sri Lankan factory manager in a mob attack at Sialkot in Pakistan Making a special statement, House Leader Dinesh Gunawardena said the Government strongly condemned the murder of Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana. Mr Gunawardena described the killing as an [...]

The abuse of the PTA and the case of Azath Salley

The abuse of the PTA and the case of Azath Salley

At a time when there is a discussion in the country with regard to the need to review the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the circumstances surrounding the arrest, indictment and acquittal of former Western Province Governor Azath Salley provides an insight into the dangers prevalent in the PTA. One of the [...]

Do we have a solution to the perilous state of our external finances?

Do we have a solution to the perilous state of our external finances?

Everyone is aware of the perilous state of the country’s foreign currency reserves. No one knows how the country will extricate itself from the perils of the inadequate and dwindling foreign currency reserves. Foreign reserves Foreign currency reserves have fallen to about US$ 1.2 billion at the end of November. This is inadequate to meet [...]

Sri Lanka in the literal ‘age of darkness’

Sri Lanka in the literal ‘age of darkness’

Is it not enough that politicians both in the Government and the Opposition are squabbling in the dark, literally so, as the Parliament chamber joined the rest of the nation this Friday with a full day blackout crippling essential functions? Do we not suffer enough by politicians and state agents disregarding the law and claiming [...]

Lankan households gripped by ‘gas blast’ fear psychosis

Lankan households gripped by ‘gas blast’ fear psychosis

Recall potential time bombs waiting to trigger tragedy from homes forthwith The spate of gas explosions in the nation’s households has gripped the public with fear, leaving many to wonder with alarm whether it will be kingdom come for them next time they switch on the kitchen light. It was a flashback to the dreaded [...]

Desperate times or private gold rush

Desperate times or private gold rush

However much money Central Bank Governor Cabraal prints or how much is squeezed into Finance Minister Rajapaksa’s bowl by neighbouring India during his mercy mission this week, the country still needs hard currency. Right now Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves are hovering round $1.3 billion, it is said, and ready to dip further. What is terribly [...]

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