The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Columns

Political Column

Fonseka in jail: Confusion and conflicts

The success of former General Sarath Fonseka, who led troops to military defeat of Tiger guerrillas, became the strong glue that bonded major opposition political parties together. Bitter opponents for decades hugged each other in a rare display of unity. Fonseka became their celebrated presidential candidate.

5th Column

I beg your pardon – didn’t promise you rose garden

Thaaththa,” Bindu Udagedera asked, “what is all this fuss about granting a pardon?”
“Well,” Percy Udagedera, Bindu’s father, explained, “some people want the jailed General pardoned...”
“Why is that, thaaththa?” Bindu wanted to know.
“Well,” Percy said, “they say that it is not fair to jail him...”

The Economic Analysis

Reforms required for realization of economic expectations

Although the most severe obstacle to economic progress during the last three decades has been removed, rapid economic development cannot be achieved over the next decade without appropriate economic policies. Even though peace is an indispensable condition, it is not a sufficient condition.

Lobby

Motion that only saw more UNP woes

The United National Party (UNP) does not seem to be able to get its act together not only when dealing with its internal party matters but also in its conduct in Parliament. This was amply displayed when the no-confidence motion against External Affairs Minister G.L.Peiris was taken up last Thursday.

Focus on Rights

Keeping the democratic faith in difficult times

Islamabad, Friday October 8 2010 –The perception of many in Sri Lanka that despite all its problems, (of course, still others even deny that the country faces any problems at all), we are better off than other countries in the South Asian region where Rule of Law priorities are concerned. This is however a most seductive myth.

Talk at the Cafe Spectator

Flying hints at aviation meeting

The discussion centred on aviation laws and proposed amendments which the Ministry planned to introduce. Ravi Karunanayake (UNP - Colombo District) wanted some changes made. Rajapaksa was to remark that "we don't sell" State enterprises and noted that Karunanayake saw it differently.

From the Sidelines

Sarath Fonseka jailed – but not nailed

The agitation to have Sarath Fonseka released seems to have acquired a momentum of its own from the moment the man was transported to the Welikada prison. The groundswell of public sympathy for the former army commander is palpable, now more than at any point before in the whole unsavoury episode, as the one-time hero is dragged down (‘like a common criminal’ as many protest) by a relentless......