Black July, facing the moment of truth

July is here again. It is one of the 12 months, Sri Lanka is notoriously famous for the wrong reasons. Reminiscence of the 1983 Black July or the anti-Tamil pogrom is one of the darkest black marks in the history of the entire country and for all Sri Lankans, especially the majority Sinhalese. The short-sighted, irresponsible, petty political decision-making especially by the head of the State, the Executive President J. R. Jayewardene and his g

Another pitfall on the road to Presidential election

The Supreme Court on July 8 dismissed a petition filed by a resident of Moratuwa, C.D.Lenawa on July 3 seeking a declaration that the president’s term of office is six years and an order to suspend the presidential election until the ruling on his petition is given. During the hearing of the petition which was very brief before it was dismissed Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya pointed out to the petitioner that the Article on the President’s t

An open letter to Presidential Election candidates;Legalise ‘System Change’

Weaknesses and shortcomings in our Political and Electoral Systems have over the last several decades allowed power hungry, mediocre and nepotic politicians to rule the roost in our Parliament.

Trade union terrorism: Is there a way out?

Are terrorists and trade unions equal? The more we endure the cruelty of some state-sector trade unions whose objectives, it appears, have little to do with worker rights and more to do with political goals, the more we are convinced that it is a form of terrorism. The tactic they both use is the same: victimising civilians. The difference is that trade unions do not use guns, bombs, RDX, TNT, or other explosives.

Focusing on social values and Oruwala shooting

Monday’s shooting of a nightclub owner at Oruwala, Athurugiriya one begs the question whether Sri Lankans are safe on this island? The prominent nightclub owner and another person received fatal injuries when two gunmen stormed in, opened fire and disrupted the opening ceremony of a tattoo shop.

Mandela Day: Give us leaders, a time like this demands

With the Sri Lankan political parties and the citizens focusing mainly on the Presidential Elections to be held later this year, the country has an urgent need not just for smart political leaders but a statesman who will work for the next generation and not for the next election. Sri Lanka has produced few if any such statesmen who are in the calibre of Nelson Mandela. If we could mention a few who come near that status it could include our firs

Misusing the power of the Fourth Estate

Unethical social media usage has become an unhealthy trend in light of recent events that took place in Sri Lanka. Experts have scrutinised social media page admins for revealing sensitive information.

What UNP-SJB can learn from France to save the country and themselves at next election?

Early this week, with the far-right knocking at the gates of government power, France pulled off a miraculous comeback to defend the Fifth Republic.

Brexit led to the Conservatives’ exit

Many reasons are given for the crushing defeat of the Rishi Sunak-led Conservative Party in the recent British general election. But its abysmal performance could be broadly attributed to the problems it created for itself by walking out of the European Union (EU) in a move called Brexit in 2020 without a plan to tackle the situation after the exit.

Exploiting the poor political literacy of people - EDITORIAL

Whatever the ruling of the Supreme Court over the petition filed by the businessman from Moratuwa, C.D.Lenawa seeking an opinion of the court on the Presidential term could have been, the next Presidential election would be a make-or-break decision for the people of this country, especially given the on-going economic crisis.

Will JVP’s “Series of Strikes” strategy boomerang on them?

The 1940s and 1950s are often considered the “Golden Era” of the LSSP (Lanka Sama Samaja Party). During this period, 70-80% ....

Will Lanka soon lose all its gentle giants? - EDITORIAL

Sri Lanka witnessed the passing of another iconic elephant, fondly known as ‘Chandi’ on the banks of Kaduru....

USS Eisenhower vs. Houthis – mouse against an elephant?

The Houthi missile attack on the US Navy aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower is already history, as far as the public is concerned. But it isn’t forgotten by either the attacker....

Farewell Mr. Sampanthan- champion for unity in diversity

With confusing, contradictory and sometimes mysterious announcements about the upcoming elections—we still do not know whether it will be a presidential or parliamentary election—the death of the Tamil National Alliance leader R. Sampanthan needs to encourage and inspire other political leaders to act peacefully and calmly to find a just and fair solution to Sri Lanka’s ethnic crisis. Since independence in 1948 there has been unity in diversity

Sampanthan and politics of circumstances

Rajavarothayam Sampanthan, the nonagenarian Parliamentarian who breathed his last on Sunday was a Tamil politician who for decades unsuccessfully fought to reconcile the extremists and moderates among Tamil people. In a way, one might even describe him as a politician who was trapped between those two groups – extremists and moderates – in his efforts to find a solution to the ethnic problem. Also, he was a man who was sometimes attacked by the

“Perunthalaiver” Rajavarothayam Sampanthan’s Political Journey

Veteran Tamil political leader and senior Trincomalee district MP, Rajavarothayam Sampanthan passed away peacefully in Colombo on 30 June 2024. The nonagenarian Sampanthan who had been ailing for some time was listening after dinner to an audio tape of “Kanthasashti Kavasam” verses sung by the Soolaman Sisters Rajalakshmi and Jeyalakshmi when he collapsed with a groan. Sampanthan was immediately taken to Lanka Hospital where he breathed his l

Over 78% of PAYE tax burden can be slashed without hindering tax revenue

None is willing to part with what one possesses unless the receivable in return is better or equivalent. The receivables could be tangible or intangible. There is no exception to this norm. The payment of tax to the government is not an exception to this norm.What a taxpayer receives in return for the tax he/she pays is a million-dollar question in the Sri Lankan context.

As media focus on Gaza wanes, Israel commits largest West Bank land robbery in decades

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinian blood continues to flow like a river. The total death toll has topped 38,000. Among them are 16,000 children. Some 21,000 children are unaccounted for. They are believed to be buried alive under the rubble. The Nazis’ horror pales into insignificance when compared to the horror Israel is inflicting on the people of Gaza.

The ‘flower boys’ who thought out of the box! -EDITORIAL

Sri Lankans are known for their hospitality that’s extended to foreign tourists, but it was just a few days ago that the islanders received global attention regarding how they treat foreigners who visit the place.

Exercise franchise judicially on forthcoming election

Without franchise, it is not possible to activate electing Representatives of the people to the parliament or electing an Executive President according to the provisions set out in the Constitution of Sri Lanka. Article 04 and 04(C) in Chapter 01 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka states “sovereignty is in people… sovereignty includes the power of Government, fundamental rights and the franchise”. Based on the results of past elections most of the

Lanka’s birth rates decline: economy the cause

World Population Day falls on July 11, and population is a vital issue in socio-economic and political affairs. Data given by the United Nations (UN) will help us analyse the situation. According to the UN, it took hundreds of thousands of years for the world population to grow to 1 billion–then in just another 200 years or so, it grew sevenfold. By 2011, the global population reached the 7 billion mark; it stood at almost 7.9 billion in 2021, an

Do we need propaganda and advertising campaigns to help us make up our minds about whom to vote for? Believing in untruths in a volatile political ‘world’

Sri Lankans as a whole refuse to accept the official version of analysis and what is explained as the truth. At present the biggest truth that everyone in this sun kissed island must be aware of is that the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) has negotiated with representatives of the Bilateral Lenders Official Creditors Committee (BLOCC) and China to restructure debts amounting to US$ 10 billion. However, the government is concerned regarding false i

What is MR doing in China?

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa last week visited China on a four-day visit during which, as local media reported, he was expected to “discuss Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.”

Geopolitical significance of Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State visit to Russia from July 8 to 9, is significant because it will be taking place when India’s relations with the US are showing unmistakable strains and ties with China continue to be in a logjam.

The Thamil Thesiya Kootani A Plague on the Tamil People!

Word is out that a “party”, The Thamil Thesiya Kootani, has been formed to put forward a common Tamil candidate as President. It is an unmitigated disaster, a plague on the Tamil people.

President paints a rosy picture, but what happens after 2028?

Last week, the government very proudly signed a debt restructuring agreement with the Paris Club and India and China which gives the country some breathing space to pay up its loans.

History of promises on language issue; politicians & 13A

“Politicians promise to build bridges even when there are no rivers.”-- Khrushchev :Premier of Russia-1958/1964....

Impact of CBK’s interactions with India on today’s politics

During Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s presidency, from 1994 to 2005, her administration pursued....

When “Pride” turns into “shame” - EDITORIAL

Over the weekend, social media caught fire over videos showing naked men and women parading the streets....

Action speaks louder than words: Will the Economic “Good News” Help Ranil in 2024 Poll?

Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed Prime Minister on 12 May, 2022 by the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka was...