5th Column
Home » ColumnsPrince of Coal
My dear Anura sahodaraya, I thought of writing to you, first to wish you ‘suba aluth avuruddak weva’ and also to let you know of a few issues that have been bothering us in recent months. You had to deal with cyclones and coal tenders in the year that just ended. So, we know you [...]
Political rivalry drives allegations of damage to new bus stand
No sooner had the renovated Pettah Central Bus Stand been declared open last week than images and visuals emerged of damage to property at the location. The mystery of who was responsible for the acts of vandalism soon led to various accusations being made on social media, where some fake posts circulated widely. The fake [...]
Formidable challenges of coping with global economic crisis
The failure of the peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad has resulted in the US blockading the Straits of Hormuz, especially the Iranian ports, and heightened the global economic crisis that threatens the Sri Lankan economy. Global recession The IMF has predicted a global economic recession if the current international conditions continue. [...]
The ‘Coalgate’ dust covers the NPP government much like the unfortunate residents of Norochcholai
The unconvincing ‘lifeline’ of a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry to probe coal imports from its ‘inception’ (a catchy word, that) up to 16th April 2026 is scarcely likely to help President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his National People’s Power Government extricate themselves from the thick mud of the ‘Coalgate’ quicksand that they are struggling [...]
The politics of deflection: Behind Udaya Gammanpila’s narrative on the Easter Sunday attacks
When Udaya Gammanpila announced the release of his book, In Search of a Mastermind, it was thought that he would make a big revelation. However the whole event proved to be an anti climax. It turned out to be more a strategy of deflection rather than a search for justice Its timing and content reveal [...]
Trump on an ego high as US boots fly over the moon and back for a spin
Nearly three weeks ago, the White House alerted the world’s media to await an important update on Iran to be delivered by President Tramp. While the Washington press corps gushed amongst themselves what to expect from Trump this time, the White House pursed its lips and only said, ‘Trump plans to address the nation on [...]
Dent in Govt.’s anti-corruption credentials; will Jayakody’s resignation and coal probes save its image?
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