Columns
Home » ColumnsSLPP split over presidential candidate: Basil plays role of peacemaker
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s Executive Committee met this week at the residence of its Chairman, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Prior to that meeting, however, SLPP MPs and ministers supporting President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with the president at the Presidential Secretariat. They assured the president that he had no reason to worry about the SLPP [...]
Master of controversy
Aiyo Sirisena, I suppose there is no better way to address you now, having heard your latest statement that you are aware of who masterminded the Easter Day terrorist attacks five years ago. Just when we think that you will fade away and that we will be safe from your antics, you keep returning like [...]
Presidential or parliamentary elections – the why and the wherefore
Despite President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his aides categorically and repeatedly stating that the presidential elections will be held first, the option of a parliamentary election is being pursued with vigour by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). The issue is being kept alive by sections of the media with the question being posed to different [...]
Uncertainty over IMF programme’s continuity: A serious threat to economy
Another tranche of the Extended Fund Facility of about US$ 337 million is expected after the Executive Board approves the recommendation of the Review Mission. However, the unfolding political developments have cast doubt on whether the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be continued. The discontinuance of the agreement would no doubt result [...]
What is the point of having soldiers with guns drawn in front of Sri Lanka’s churches?
Does the Sri Lankan Government believe that posting hundreds of military officers with guns at the ready in front of churches during the Christian Holy Week, will suffice to mitigate monumental lapses on the part of the State in not (properly) investigating or prosecuting those responsible for the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks? The commonality of [...]
Maithripala’s belated claim boomerangs on him
Easter blast fallout after he says he knows who the mastermind is M aithripala Sirisena is no stranger to controversies. Neither does he fight shy of springing surprises on an unsuspecting nation in the same way he set fire to his father’s paddy field to avenge receiving from him a knock or two on the [...]
More diplomatic doublespeak in our ongoing opera
It was only last month that our diplomatic foray into the UN Human Rights Council’s 55th session in Geneva turned even more abrasive, as it virtually damned some Western powers for pursuing double standards. Not that there was no truth in it. But there is an age-old saying, which, if suitably adapted to suit our [...]
Easter Sunday attacks: Sirisena drags India into the scene
Catholic Church dismisses his claims as part of a political stunt for elections Former president summoned to appear before magistrate’s court, full picture will become clearer By Our Political Editor Pallewatte Gamaralage Maithripala Sirisena served as Sri Lanka’s seventh President from January 8, 2015 to November 18, 2019. By virtue of his office, [...]
Read More