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Poll advanced to Jan 2, common candidate CBK or Ranil

Poll advanced to Jan 2, common candidate CBK or Ranil

Presidential election date changed to facilitate Pope’s visit, but final decision from the Vatican soon Mangala re-emerges as kingmaker with threat to quit UNP; Malik Samarawickrema plays key role in common front move Chandrika returns to the national scene; President calls Karu to congratulate him Premadasa continues to rock UNP; insists it must be Wickremesinghe [...]

Right person, wrong person

Right person, wrong person

My dear Satellite, I thought I should write to you because there are whispers that you are back in business. You have been seen around town, talking to people and making your presence felt, all in anticipation of the big contest that is to be declared in the next few days. I heard that you [...]

Budget 2015: Favourable features and fundamental flaws

Budget 2015: Favourable features and fundamental flaws

Despite the fundamental weaknesses in fiscal policy discussed last week, there are favourable features in the 2015 Budget. The higher allocation for education and health, initiatives for the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and assistance to smallholder agriculture are commendable. These favourable proposals, if implemented effectively, would benefit the economy. However, the actual [...]

Red herrings and that vexed question of a third term

Red herrings and that vexed question of a third term

There is considerable confusion prevalent in Sri Lanka’s urban circles. At one level, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka is confused as to how (reportedly) an in camera sitting of the Supreme Court was held to consider the Reference by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his ability to contest a third term under the 18th Amendment [...]

What’s the subtext to the Chinese submarine’s Colombo call?

What’s the subtext to the Chinese submarine’s Colombo call?

The recent docking of a Chinese submarine at the Colombo port caused much consternation in Sri Lanka. The event also triggered reactions from India, Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and a regional power. Speculation was rife as to the type of sub, the purpose and dates of its stopover, its destination and its mission. A submarine [...]

Plain sailing this time for ‘Elephant’ Rajahs

Plain sailing this time for ‘Elephant’ Rajahs

The boisterous ‘elephant’ Rajahs might have been offloaded by the national airline’s captain who was rightly concerned about the safety of the flight from Colombo to London and the convenience of the other passengers. But in London where the elephant herd cannot be corralled what with their donations to dear Cameron’s party, the Rajahs once [...]

Mahinda tests his Achilles’ heel

With President Mahinda Rajapaksa invoking the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court on Tuesday to submit an opinion as to his eligibility to contest the presidential election for a third time and the Government announcing on Wednesday that it will be issuing after the 19th of November, the proclamation to hold the next presidential election, how [...]

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