The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Columns

Political Column

Early this week, President Mahinda Rajapaksa told South Asian leaders that they should be bold enough to introspect. "We must take measures to improve the existing mechanisms through review, rationalisation and reinvigoration," he told the summit meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) in the mountain kingdom of Bhutan.

5th Column

Welcome to the world of the media!

“Thaaththa,” Bindu Udagedera asked, “what do you think of our new Ministers?”
“Why,” Bindu’s father Percy asked, “most of them are not really new, but what about them?”
“Why, thaaththa,” Bindu said, “they say there were many surprises in the new Cabinet and that many ministers were not happy with their new jobs…”

The Economic Analysis

Serious external challenges to economy

The external environment has always been a determinant of the country’s economic performance. The fundamental reason for this is the country’s dependence on exports and imports. A trade dependency of around 70 per cent means that export and import prices have a strong bearing on the country’s prosperity.

Lobby

Not issued with this week

Focus on Rights

Stripping the police of political control

One good response to Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's call this week for urgent remedial action 'to restore public confidence in the police' is to remind him that the first step in this regard is very much in his own hands.

Talk at the Cafe Spectator

Outspoken Wimal told to speak out

The Asigiriya Chapter Mahanayake, the Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakitha Thera, had some words of advice for National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa."If there is any wrong done, as a Minister you must always speak out," he told the new Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities.