Elections, Classes and Minorities

How will we look back on the elections of 2024, in a decade or two from now? The upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, I argue, will be as significant as the general elections of 1956.

2024 Presidential election -one like no other - EDITORIAL

The 2024 presidential election campaign has now reached its peak. In two days time -on Wednesday midnight- all campaigning will come to an end. In this election, we see many similarities and differences from the presidential election of 2019.

Why Ranil is so Confident of Winning the Presidential Election

Sri Lanka’s ninth presidential election will take place one week from now on 21 September 2024. Among the 38 contestants, three are regarded as the top contenders.

Promises may deceive, history proves credentials

It is exactly a week left for the 9th Presidential election in Sri Lanka which is scheduled for September 21. Of the 38 candidates only a few are campaigning for their candidacy.

The sambar-achcharu crew contesting the presidential election

The presidential election campaign is in full swing. Many of the contestants are virtually unknown. For several years, the main candidates were able to milk a particular milch cow -the ethnic war- to gain public sympathy. This time around, voters have shown their disinterest in these political diversions.

Candidates’ commitment to combat corruption

Politics and corruption are inseparable twins in most developing countries, including Sri Lanka. Yet, no election campaign is complete without corruption becoming the topmost vote-catching strategy in these countries.

Hey lawmakers; leave those kids alone! - EDITORIAL

Humans are wonderful animals. This can be especially said about children and minors

NCCSL advocates for a spiritual-political voting culture

The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) strongly encouraged all those who are eligible to vote at the upcoming Presidential Elections. In a statement,

Presidential Elections: A scholarship exam for Sri Lankan adults

This is a cricket crazy nation where every islander is loyal to the national cricket team. There was a time when most shopping malls selling televisions would switch on at least one tv and offer some entertainment to passersby. On Test match days, we’d see people standing on the road soaking up the action with their eyes glued to televisions, owned by store owners. Right now,

Presidential poll: Need to restore the senate

With mere 9 days to go for the Presidential Election, most people are focusing on the often broken promises of various ruling parties – which were essentially family based – but, constitutional analysts are reflecting on a “system change”.

Most important bloc vote: to whom would Gota’s 6.9 million votes go?

The 6.9 million voters who elected Gotabaya Rajapaksa are the most numerically significant group that can decide the election

Can punitive measures, stolen asset recovery end corruption?

Anti- corruption rhetoric has become the order of the day in politics these days. The main presidential candidates- President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa, National People’s Power (NPP) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) candidate Namal Rajapaksa- repeatedly utter what they intend to do to root out corruption . The topic has gained electoral significance by vo

Cricket lovely cricket and a good year for sports

After ten long years, just yesterday Sri Lanka’s men’s Test cricket team defeated the England Test XI. After successive defeats in the two earlier test matches the team came good. Despite the victory there are still several weak links in the team that need straightening out.

Capital punishment will not reduce rape, statistics show

On September 3, the West Bengal State Assembly unanimously passed the “Aparajita Women and Child Bill” which provides for the death sentence in rape cases.

Election promises amid chaos and confusion of voting rules - EDITORIAL

Voters at this year’s presidential election do not face a straight forward choice. All these years, voters were used to choose between two main candidates.

Voter’s Dilemma: Revolutionary Change or Economic Foresight?

Traditional marriage brokers are gradually fading from relevance as modern values and lifestyles shift away.

Sudan: A tragedy caused by two ruthless generals

Sudan’s civil war and resulting humanitarian crisis has been overshadowed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the tragedy in Palestine.

To hell or heaven, we need a passport! - EDITORIAL

It wasn’t long ago when Sri Lankans developed a habit (by force rather than choice) to form long queues on the streets.

India eyes stronger ties as Ajit Doval engages Sri Lanka’s political leaders before elections

As Sri Lanka approaches a crucial presidential election on September 21, India leaves no stone unturned in securing its strategic interests in the island nation. In what is seen as a calculated diplomatic move, India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, held talks with all four key presidential candidates during his recent visit to Colombo.

Who will get the bulk of Tamil votes in the 2024 Presidential Poll?

The Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi (ITAK) regarded as the premier political party of the Sri Lankan Tamils has declare its support for Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS) leader Sajith Premadasa in the Presidential election scheduled on 21 September 2024.

Sajith - Ariyanethiran clash over Tamil votes

Illankai Thamil Arasu Katchi Parliamentarian M.A.Sumanthiran on Sunday announced that the Central Committee of his party had decided to support Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa at the September 21 Presidential election.

The culture of impunity, politicians and presidential elections

The Presidential election is in full swing. Our country went bankrupt two years ago. Thanks to an Indian credit line, the World Bank, the IMF and heaping burdens on the poorest sections of our people, we are informed, that our country is on the road to recovery.

The swing voter dilemma: Lies, damn lies and elections

The postal voting began on Wednesday, signalling the rollout of the 2024 presidential election. Most people have already decided on whom to vote on September 21. But a substantial section of the voter population is still undecided. Without credible surveys, the percentage of undecided voters is only a guessing game.

Leaders are recognised, not discovered! - EDITORIAL

Sri Lanka is a country that needs some fresh air in the field of politics. Many feel so when they see some very old faces running for presidency at the upcoming polls.

Misleading the Tamils on devolution

The minority Tamils of Sri Lanka have been promised devolution of power since the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was signed in 1987. The J.R. Jayewardene government even got the 13th Amendment (13A) to the Constitution passed by an overwhelming majority in Parliament.

A Rational Structure of Government–Who Is Offering It?

Over the past 50 years or so, every Sri Lankan president has followed a non-rational approach to the formation of government. This prompted Verité Research to draft a “blueprint for rational government” and present it to the major candidates (or their parties) in the lead up to this Presidential Election.

Spreading the spirit of charity through works of Mother Teresa

While media coverage is largely on the Presidential Election which is to be held on September 21, today marks an important day on the calendar– that is the International Day of Charity.

Presidential poll amid false promises, growing despair

Campaigning at this year’s presidential elections is now in full swing. The candidates who matter have all produced their manifestos of things they will do in the event they do succeed at reaching that all- important 50%+1 votes at the poll. It is also highly unlikely any candidate will be able to reach this magical figure after the first count of ballots.

Supporting common candidate or main candidate: Tamil politics in a fix today

At Sri Lankan presidential elections, the Northern and Eastern provinces where Tamil and Muslim minorities are concentrated matter a lot. The vote base in all seven provinces outside the North and the East is dominated by the majority Sinhalese community. When it’s split, more or less, down the middle at a presidential election, minority constituents from the North and the East virtually determine the winner.

Kolkata doctor’s rape-murder: Is it just one pervert or a whole mafia?

India has a highly publicised, shocking rape case (or rape and murder) once every few years.