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...

Kenya to Sri Lanka: Protests, IMF and high ambition

During my formative years, when I took up long distance running, I became fascinated with the seemingly effortless rhythm of the Kenyan....

Kenya: Troubled haven in a region of famine and civil war

We have been so engrossed with war in Ukraine and the Middle East, that we forget what’s happening in other....

The death of a sailor and silence of politicians - EDITORIAL

Last week one of Sri Lanka’s navy personnel was killed as a result of ‘aggressive manoeuvers of an Indian trawler....

Can president’s term be extended up to six years?

he Sri Lankan experience of constitutional governance, in particular after 1972, is a mockery. The Constitution has been perceived....

Striking school principals, teachers and impacting young minds - EDITORIAL

Since Wednesday (26 June) teachers and school principals of government schools have called in sick -part of a nationwide....

Debt deferred, yet, how are you going to repay?

The address to the nation by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday after a huge poster campaign costing millions of rupees....

The privileged class and their milk rice parties!

Sri Lankans in many parts of the island celebrated on Wednesday (June 26) the government’s so-called victory of successfully restructuring its debt repayment commitments with foreign lenders with a round of milk rice and chilli sambol. However, the government is silent about how it would settle multilateral debts. A large share of these debts was used for purposes that can be contested. Debts were also used for infrastructure projects which brou

Freedom for Assange: Remember, even Winston Smith was freed

From freedom to WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange is a free man. His freedom is a triumph for all those who cherish and advocate freedom of expression and transparency in governance. A product of the Internet-led digital era, WikiLeaks dared to publish what the mainstream media dared not do, though they were supposed to. He exposed the imperialists’ agenda, their illegal acts, and how they schemed behind the scenes to protect and promote their