Columns

Political Column
Polls and more polls after double victory

The triumphalism continues. In the aftermath of a decisive battlefield victory twelve days ago came a remarkable diplomatic success on Wednesday.

5th Column
Let’s be gracious in victory and rise above the gathering clouds
Thaaththa,” Bindu Udagedera asked, “is the war finally over now?”
The Economic Analysis
RRR: Rehabilitation Reconstruction and Reconciliation
The immense costs for rehabilitation of around 300,000 refugees and the reconstruction of the North and East are mind boggling.
Lobby
Usually divided House speaks in one voice!
The military defeat of the LTTE seems to have brought about a more conciliatory approach between the government and opposition parliamentarians with many seeing the post-war scenario as an opportunity to work together to develop the country. But some of the past contentions surfaced from time-to-time when Parliament met last week.
Focus on Rights
Unseemly hurrahs and great expectations
Notwithstanding the hurrahs of Sri Lanka's delegation to the United Nations this week in having (apparently) marked a victory for the ability of smaller states to - en bloc- stand up to 'Western bullying' there is, in fact, little reason for jubilation regarding the Human Rights Council's Special Session on Sri Lanka.
Inside the glass house
Cheques, chocolates and wrist watches: Vote buying at UN elections

In most of the hard-fought elections for high-ranking jobs in inter-governmental organisations, the highly qualified and most competent candidates do not necessarily win. The elections at the UN, for example, are usually tainted by politics, bribery, cheque book diplomacy and subtle donor threats (to cut off aid).

 
 
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