In the season of peace and dignity, whither Lanka?

Today is Christmas Day. For Lankan’s irrespective of religious or other beliefs it is, as customarily has been, a time for spreading goodwill, love and giving. It is widely celebrated as a time of peace. As this year comes to a close, there are many things Lankans can be proud of.

A roller-coaster of a year and finally hope Blame ‘Seeya’ that country is out of restricted default

As a year that was a rollercoaster comes to an end, there are two positive developments. First, Sri Lanka completed sovereign bond restructuring and exited a restricted default. Second, the economy grew at 5. 5 per cent in the third quarter, outperforming forecasts by the IMF and rating agencies. It defied the predictions of a slowdown, bettering the growth numbers of the last two quarters, which grew at 4.7 per cent and 5.3 per cent.

What’s next with India-Sri Lanka ties post President Dissanayake’s Visit?

On September 28, I posted my thoughts briefly on social media under the title ‘Navigating Foreign Policy Towards the Stable Country: The Daunting Challenges for the AKD Government in Sri Lanka’.

Beyond the Title: Parliament Needs a Focus on Expertise

The proposal put forward by MP Dilith Jayaweera, advocating for the complete disregard of academic titles in Parliament, is an exceptionally wise one.

Economic crisis and household debt in the north

The ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka has greatly affected household debt. As the economy worsened due to inflation, higher living costs and job losses, more households are relying on debt.

A humanitarian approach to resolve the Northern fishermen issue - EDITORIAL

India’s interest in resolving the long-standing fishermen row between India and Sri Lanka is vague. It seems to depend on the interests shown by Sri Lankan leaders on the matter.

Is ‘the Writing on the Wall’ for the 13th Constitutional Amendment?

“The Writing on the Wall” is a figurative expression derived from the story of Daniel in the old testament of the Bible.

A man who sold women for $10 now

I thought of writing about local affairs this week, but something I found out about Abu Mohammed Al Julani, the man who led the blitzkrieg which forced Syrian President Bashar Al Assad into exile, means I should say that first before moving on.

World Meditation Day celebrated in Sri Lanka

High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, organised two special meditation sessions to observe the United Nations-designated World Meditation Day on December 21.

After the PTA: ATA or nothing?

The National People’s Power (NPP) was unequivocal in its manifesto about rescinding the current Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), describing it as “oppressive.” Yet, while other legislation such as the Proceeds of Crime Bill are moving forward with Cabinet approval, there is no movement on the PTA.

President Disanayaka’s visit to India: Opportunities, challenges, and the path ahead

In December 2024, Sri Lanka’s President, Anura Kumara Disanayaka, embarked on a state visit to India, underscoring the deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties that bind the two neighboring nations.

Christ’s message of peace amid the reality of war - EDITORIAL

In three days’ time we will celebrate the festival of Christmas. Since the beginning of December our cities have been gaily decorated. Shops remain open until late as children excitedly flood shops in search of gifts.

The sagging Indian interest in 13 A

Is the 13th Amendment to the Constitution - the most controversial and lengthy modification introduced to the country’s basic law - losing its significance? The answer seems to be in the affirmative with India, the real architect of that Amendment gradually lessening its weight in its own statements, the possibility of it dying a natural death or becoming a dead letter is apparently high. Also, with the provincial councils, the practical outcome

Recognising friend from foe and avoiding ‘Catch-22 situations’

Lanka finds itself once again in a Catch-22 situation. India and China have from our post-independence period proved to be our country’s most steadfast friends.

Going from Aid to Trade: a Story of Lanka and India

Sri Lanka’s new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently concluded his state visit to India. He was given a high ceremonial welcome by his counterpart, President Droupadi Murmu, and received with warmth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtraprati Bhavan. In the joint statement, India has pledged to supply LNG gas to Sri Lanka, enhance trade settlements between the two countries, boost education and technology exchanges and encourage Indian

Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker Programme Helps 200 Youngsters Complete the Programme

The recent batch for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) – Nursing Care training programme had completed the programme; it is conducted by the National Youth Services Council, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO). It empowers youth with critical skills for Japan’s growing nursing care sector. The ceremony to award certificates to the students was held in Kandy.

Request to Repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, Online Safety Act, and Other Repressive Laws

The Coalition against the Repressive Laws (CARL) which comprise of more than 60 Civil Society, Media, Trade Unions and Professional Associations, in a letter to the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has requested to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, Online Safety Act, and other repressive laws that undermine fundamental rights and freedom.

Should Specialist Doctors Retire so ‘young’?

As Sri Lanka gets ready for Christmas in December, there will be some aged government workers who will be getting ready for retirement. That sounds painful, especially for specialist doctors who have to retire at age 60 by December 31 this year. However, there can be some good news for them given that the Ministry of Public Administration takes steps to gazette a ruling by the Court of Appeal to extend the retirement age of specialist doctors ser

Indo-Lanka ties intact, tightrope walk ahead for Sino-Lanka ties

In the overall context, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s state visit to India can be viewed as reaffirmation of the already existing blueprint for furtherance of bilateral relations.

System changes to rout out political corruption at grass root level

The Local Government (LG) election has come to the fore again.

A nation’s people see power in the word ‘sorry’

Politics in South Asia is largely interesting when circumstances break traditional politics and ushers in a new ‘caretaker’ regime.

Exposing corruption: Better late than never - EDITORIAL

Recently, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa posted a photo on his official Facebook page where he was posing alongside members of his security detail.

More Symbolism and Less Substance in President’s Visit to India

New Delhi laid out a red carpet welcome for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on his first state visit outside the country.

Sri Lanka’s ‘Fourth Estate’ Rising from the Ashes

The media has often had great influence on public affairs and is referred to as the fourth estate. In the 19th century, the fourth estate came to refer exclusively to the press (print media). Today it’s applied to all branches of the news media and is accepted in general as being a legitimate political force performing a watchdog function.

Beyond Big Brother: Reframing India-Sri Lanka Relations Under Dissanayake

One side effect of the polarizing effect of nationalism and populism around the world in recent years has been a decrease in the political stability and mandate enjoyed by incumbent regimes.

Speaker’s Credentials: Academic or Leadership Qualities?

“May it please your Majesty, I have neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak in this place but as the House is pleased to direct me, whose obedient servant I am here”-- William Lenthall, Speaker of the House of Commons on January 4, 1642

Faking Degrees: A Thriving industry in South Asia

The Anura Kumara Dissanayake government in Sri Lanka, which was sailing smoothly despite unsolved economic issues, suffered the first jolt since coming to power, when parliament Speaker Ashoka Ranwala resigned on Friday amidst accusations that his PhD was fake.

AKD’s India Tour and Ethnic Probleme-EDITORIAL

It seems to be a ritual rather than a custom for the Sri Lankan Presidents in the recent past to undertake their first overseas tour to India, the geographically closest country.

Fall of the Assad Dynasty: What is Next for Syria?

The Assad family, father and son, ruled Syria with an iron fist for fifty four years.

Cricket’s Fall from Grace and AKD’s Loss of Face - EDITORIAL

Through the distant mists of history of cricket, we hear echoes of phrases such as cricket being the ‘gentleman’s game’.