Namal: an attempt to keep the Pohottuwa above water

The announcement of the Presidential candidature of Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) on August 7 might be the most widely talked-about topic in the run-up to the September 21 presidential election.

Rising poverty and problems for new president

Election fever is gathering momentum in the country. The office of the Commissioner of Elections has announced that 24 candidates had placed their deposits as of August 8.

Protests in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh: The bloody contrast in uncanny similarity

The scenes in the streets of Dhaka on Monday were eerily similar to those in Colombo two years ago. As the demonstrators stormed her official residence,

The Vedda Chief and the presidential elections - EDITORIAL

Today (August 9) is ‘International Day of The World’s Indigenous People’. Sri Lanka can be proud of having many tribes of indigenous people.

Presidential Election looms as Sri Lanka faces economic recovery challenges

As Sri Lanka approaches its Presidential election, the nation finds itself at a critical juncture. The economic landscape, shaped by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program, has seen remarkable improvements under President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

If Iran Retaliates Now! Future…A ‘Sticks & Stones’ World War IV

On August 6 and 9, 1945, exactly 79 years ago, the US dropped two deadly nuclear bombs, ‘Little Boy’ and the 11-foot ‘Fat Man’, on Hiroshima and Nagasaki respectively.

India sends STEM Teacher Trainers: Opening for Schools in SL Plantation Regions

The following is a press release by the High commission of India, Colombo:

Namal with no experience enters Presidential race

The race for the September 21 Presidential Election took a dramatic turn yesterday when the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) - the majority in Parliament – decided to nominate former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Namal Rajapaksa, as the SLPP candidate for the elections.

How ETB missed the mark on investment zones and what can be done

The Economic Transformation Bill (ETB), which passed through the Sri Lankan Parliament on July 25, sets ambitious targets for investment and export growth, aiming to address

Bhutan sends condolences on passing of Ven Galboda Gnanissara Thera

The following is a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Royal Government of Bhutan:

College of General Practitioners marks 50 years

A western medical doctor who has undergone further training to deliver medical care at primary care level based on concepts and principles of Family Medicine/General Practice is a General Practitioner/Family Physician. Family Medicine/General practice is the medical specialty which provides continuing and comprehensive care for the individual and the family.

Racism and culture conflicts dominate United States’ election Racial and religious identities and cultural anxieties have attained salience

Though touted as a “melting pot” of diverse races and ethnicities, racism is deeply entrenched in the United States. It catches the public eye during slanging matches in election campaigns.

Whither minor parties?

What Mahinda Rajapaksa as President did to the other political parties is boomeranging now on his own party, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). During his heyday he, using both the carrot and the stick, broke other parties and those who defected to Rajapaksa’s party said that they were joining hands with Rajapaksa to strengthen his hands to win the separatist war.

WAR CRIMINALS OR HEROES? WE’VE HEARD THAT ONE BEFORE

I srael thinks it has dealt a double blow to its enemies by killing Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas and Fuad Shukr of Hezbollah.

SHADES OF ‘ARAGALAYA’ AS RIOTS SPREAD IN BANGLADESH - EDITORIAL

Bangladesh is in the grips of unprecedented protests against the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Elections, renegotiations and IMF’s class politics

The presidential elections are on the way, and the much-needed alternatives to the current economic trajectory are nowhere in sight. While Sri Lanka is facing the worst economic crisis since independence, this historic election is yet to put forward an economic program for recovery. Instead, the opposition political candidates in the running to win the elections, are reluctant to take on the IMF programme that suffocates working people with sever

Political parties, elections and addressing people’s needs - EDITORIAL

This year 2024, has been a year of elections. Elections were held in India, the UK and France. Elections are due in our own country on September 21 and in November the US will elect a new president.

Rajapaksas bamboozling Ranil boomerangs on SLPP

President Ranil Wickremesinghe was cruelly bamboozled by the Rajapaksas early this week. The incumbent president was given false promises that the Medamulana clan-led “pohottuwa”party was firmly behind him in his bid to contest the forthcoming presidential poll.

Politicians’ interests vs. peoples’ interest

Surely, the expectations of people on the outcome of the forthcoming Presidential election are a far cry from what is expected by the politicians.

Presidential elections and problems of people

According to the Office of the Commissioner of Election (EC) to date ten individuals have already paid their deposits to contest the upcoming presidential election on 21 September.

Assassination of Hamas leader: Questions about Iran’s security vulnerability

Loser Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be in a mighty big hurry to portray himself as a winner, as he comes under immense pressure from the US and other pro-Israeli countries to end his genocidal war in Gaza.

Do Sri Lankans understand brand names in politics?

When we see advertisements run on national television aimed at recruiting youth for the security forces there is so much genuineness associated with such efforts.

Running for president is an ambitious project!

At the time of writing this column, the second candidate expecting to contest at the upcoming presidential elections-Sajith Premadasa- saw the required cash deposit being made in his name at the Election Commission of Sri Lanka.

‘Inability To Abide By Court Decision Challenges Law And Order’ - Npc

The National Peace Council of Sri Lanka released the following statement pertaining to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stating that the Supreme Court cannot change approval granted by Constitutional Council to appoint current IGP.

Politicians need to be august and sincere

Today, we begin August and for those who wish to know, this month was first called Sextilis – a Latin word for “sixth”, as it was the sixth month of the Roman year. When the emperor Augustus Caesar was in power, however, he wished to have a month named after himself.

Ranil has a better shot at presidency without Rajapaksa’s endorsement

Monday night, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) finally parted ways with Ranil Wickremesinghe, announcing plans to field its own candidate at the presidential election. The move effectively split the Pohottuwa and saw President Wickremesinghe affiliated SLPP MPs, 11 of them, leaving the party’s central committee meeting and assembling at the UNP headquarters to endorse the candidacy of Wickremesinghe.

Presidential election, candidates and issues of electors

Finally the date of our widely expected presidential election has been announced. Lankans will cast their vote to elect a new president on September 21 this year.

IGP appointments: Historical analysis of 20th century’s first-half

The Supreme Court has issued an interim order preventing IGP Tennakoon from functioning in the role of IGP. This move comes amid various parties questioning the legality and appropriateness of his appointment.

Reject leaders rejecting system change - EDITORIAL

Two years ago, the last ten days of July saw a brutal crackdown of a public uprising that craved a system change following an unprecedented economic meltdown that irreparably ruined the life of over half of the populace while turning that of another huge segment of the society upside down.

The cost of living -Who’s fooling whom? - EDITORIAL

In Parliament a few days ago the Minister of Agriculture made a startling revelation.