Spotlight on misuse of duty-free vehicle permits

According to the Excise Act, duty-free vehicle permits cannot be issued to politicians, pensioners, senior government officials, semi government employees, or other dignitaries.

Livable wages essential to attract, retain plantation workers - Expert

The plantation sector which has been a key pillar in the economy contributing to the export earnings of the country since colonial times is facing unprecedented challenges due to the drastic decline in the workforce leading to substandard performance in recent years.

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.

“Opportunity cost of eVisa fiasco is $ 1.4 billion” - Rauff Hakeem

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem, who is also the member of Committee on Public Finance (COPF) of Parliament discussed the impact of eVisa fiasco in interview with the Daily Mirror.

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.

Is Kotte MC selling reclaimed land by bending the law?

At the end of 16th Lane on Ananda Balika Mawatha in Pita Kotte, a marshland originally designated for drainage purposes has been gradually reclaimed. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipal Council has constructed a 10-foot-wide road through a nearby children’s park leading to this reclaimed land. Despite protests from local residents, the council has proceeded with plans to build the 10-foot-wide road to reach this reclaimed marshland. Additionally,

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.

Trafficking and Children’s Rights

30th of July has been named as ‘The World’s Day Against Trafficking in Persons’ by the United Nations to demonstrate cooperative and collaborative efforts of State Parties to the United Nations’ Convention against Transnational Organized Crimes and it’s supplementary Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.

Shooting of Donald Trump: JKF without the glamour and the thrills

The attempted assassination of US presidential contender Donald Trump keeps taking bizarre turns day by day.

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

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

Presidential Elections: ‘RW with whom?

There’s a political poster that’s been splashed on the walls of Colombo. Black letters on a yellow background mean that the author or the party cannot be identified

What is in store now for 22 A?

Despite Opposition political parties accusing the President and his party, the United National Party (UNP) was attempting to postpone the Presidential election for the past few months, it seems that the road is clear for that election.

Politicians plunging country from one crisis to another - EDITORIAL

Just two years after the ‘Aragalaya’ and the country is beginning to emerge from its state of bankruptcy, a new crisis seems to be in the making.

When Sarath challenged Mahinda for presidency in 2010

Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka known generally as Sarath Fonseka has thrown his hat into the presidential poll ring again.

Netanyahu in Congress: Why sulphur doesn’t smell like sulphur

In a brazen public display of political depravity, the United States is hosting a child killer and war criminal just five days after the World Court, in a landmark ruling, confirmed that every inch of Palestinian territory Israel has been occupying since its creation is illegal.

Sajith gains people’s loyalty

The following is a reply to an article published in the Daily Mirror on 22.07.24 under the heading ‘BOASTERS in politics and American Trump’ by Desmond Mallikarachchi.

Bahu saw enough wins in his losses

In Sri Lanka or anywhere in the world, history has been mostly penned about winners and not losers. The same can be said in the field of politics. Yesterday (July 25) the death of leftist politician Vickramabahu Karunaratne was announced.

The SOERU and the insulation it provides against bad privatisations

For decades, Sri Lanka’s State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have been plagued by inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of transparency. Apart from the burden on the public purse, the consequences for citizens have included substandard medicines to exploding gas cylinders. Over the past twenty years vested interests have mushroomed around SOEs.

Lessons in creativity for Sri Lanka from Finland’s education system

There are two complaints that are frequently heard in Sri Lanka about its education system.

Elections: Focus on Sri Lanka and the US

With the Election Commission scheduled to announce any time now the date for the Presidential Election, political parties are expressing various views on forming different alliances, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe being at the centre of attention and being attacked by rival parties.

Art Gallery given last rites by heartless officials

In 1887, Sir Noel Walker, the founder Chairman of Colombo Drawing Club changed the name of this institute to the Ceylon Society of Arts. The Colombo Drawing Club was originally formed in the 1880s by a group of art enthusiasts. Members showcased their artistic skills during the society’s monthly meetings.

Cobalt Conundrum: Is India testing disputed waters to underscore strategic pursuit?

Earlier this year, when India submitted an application to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) to explore the cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts located at the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount in the central Indian Ocean, it once again diverted global attention towards India and Sri Lanka. India made this move while the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) is yet to submit its recommendations on Sri Lanka’s submis

Culture of impunity -Politicians and clergy stand shamed

In our country, politicians their hangers-on and even members of the clergy seemingly enjoy impunity for the commission of crime and/or instigation of the same. Their actions committed in broad daylight and under the full glare of media coverage, paint our country in a bleak light.

Immigration, parallel societies and ‘Great Replacement’: Any lessons for Sri Lanka?

Twenty years ago, as a budding journalist, fresh out of university and covering the then peace process, I had the fortune to be exposed to, and to some extent ‘indoctrinated’ by the grand promise of multiculturalism, often through seminars and study tours organised by the Scandinavian good Samaritans who had been facilitating the peace process.