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Home » ColumnsTribute to a stubbornly contrary voice
When François-Marie Arouet (1694-1778), commonly known as Voltaire, one of the most influential French Enlightenment thinkers, peremptorily asserted that “I may disagree with what you say but I will defend to the death, your right to say it”, he may himself not have realized the great historical impact that this statement would have had, informing [...]
Showpiece development in north but TNA victory inevitable
Brisk business in whisky and luxury shops; most people don’t want another war but seek life with dignity UPFA going all out this week to prevent two-thirds majority; large crowds at all political meetings JAFFNA, September 14 – Business is booming in this northern capital. The contrast with the City of Colombo is striking. Shops stocked [...]
Carrying the cross of another election
My Dear Voter, I thought I must write to you since you are going to the polling booths next Saturday if you happen to be living in either the Wayamba, Central or Northern provinces. They say any elections are better than no elections, but I am not sure of that any more. Why it was [...]
Why large trade deficits are a serious concern
Large trade deficits have been the dominating feature of the trade balance in the last three years. Once again this year’s external trade is heading towards a large deficit. With a trade deficit of as much as US$ 4.6 billion in the first half of the year we are heading towards a trade deficit of [...]
Northern election, nationalist rhetoric and the threat to communal harmony
As the Northern Provincial Council election draws nearer many contradictions appear in the heavy rhetoric used by major players in the campaign, in relation to the circumstances they refer to. The TNA is seen as the frontrunner in the five Northern districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar, having presented a manifesto full of [...]
Talk at the cafe spectator
London police, Lewisham council under fire for using Tiger flag The Metropolitan Police and a local borough council in Britain that used the Tiger flag to point to the Tamil language translations of its information base has bowed to official protests and dropped the flag from its websites. The withdrawal of this symbol that signified [...]