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Home » ColumnsIs President above life-jacket law?
During his two-day official visit to the North, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake undertook an inspection tour of the uninhabited Kachchativu islet, where Catholic fisherfolk from across the Palk Strait meet once a year in the third week of March to host the annual feast of St Anthony. The presidential visit turned out to be historic, [...]
Warning bells for the telephone?
My dear Sajith, I am writing to you as you seem to be facing an unexpected problem these days, just when you thought you could get the ‘telephone’ party up and running to try and challenge the ‘maalimaawa’ chaps. I am referring to the problems caused by Uncle Ranil’s recent court appearance, of course. I [...]
Threats of US tariffs, trade wars and global uncertainties
The escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war may lead to the US increasing tariffs on selected countries, as President Trump’s strategy to end the war is to weaken the Russian economy by economic sanctions on countries that trade with Russia. This US strategy poses threats to our economy. India The worst hit by US secondary tariffs [...]
War and crimes; the need for the NPP to acknowledge history
When I am asked as to whether Sri Lanka has a ‘genuine chance’ to bring about ‘justice for survivors of the country’s many conflicts,’ this time under a National People’s Power (NPP) Government which excels in rhetoric promising the same, the question calls for a longer pause that would be merited. No communalism in governance [...]
AKD’s Kachchativu moment – a reassertion of sovereignity and creating waves in Indian politics and media
One of the notable successes of the National People’s Power (NPP) in recent elections has been its ability to reach out directly to minority communities without the assistance of power brokers like minority parties and other minority organisations. Unlike most mainstream parties that have now come to rely heavily on minority parties for minority votes, [...]
ICCPR: The good, bad and downright ugly
The hushed awe with which solemn reverence was paid to this UN-made law as it was placed on the statutory tabernacle of faith and worshipped thereafter as the iconic Act that would ensure religious and racial harmony not only in Lanka but all over the world has now been met with a cacophonous protest that [...]
When a joke becomes a serious thing
One sometimes wonders who is teaching whom and who is learning from whom. This is no joke. There are too many jokers already on the streets, and now the streets are becoming overcrowded with defeated and decayed politicians taking to them and shoving the legitimate comedian occupants from their abodes. Before long it will get [...]
President eyes hearts and minds in whirlwind Northern visit
Launches several projects to fulfil campaign vow to develop the north His landmark Kachchativu stop sends strong message to Tamil Nadu politicos UNP delays convention over Ranil’s health; signs of opposition unity talks faltering UNHRC chief presents report on Lanka tomorrow; concerns over threats to free speech By our Political Desk With only three [...]
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