The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Columns

Political Column

It was close to midnight when the United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader, Karu Jayasuriya, walked into a small room (10 feet X 8 feet), in an old house. His political chores for Saturday October 30 had just ended. He shut the half door that remained open. Already locked to the frame was the other half.

5th Column

Walking down memory lane in a different shade!

I thought I must write to you even though you are not with us anymore because you were being remembered recently not only as it was your death anniversary but for a variety of other reasons as well. Remember, JR, how you made a landmark change in the way our country is governed by introducing a presidential system, replacing the prime ministerial system that had been in operation for thirty years since independence?

The Economic Analysis

Budget proposals expected to reduce deficit

The medium term and long run economic performance depends very much on the government’s ability to contain the fiscal deficit and bring the future deficits to more acceptable levels. Economic stabilization is very much dependant on the containment of the fiscal deficit and is a prerequisite for rapid economic growth.

Lobby

Not issued with this week

Focus on Rights

Is the removal of checkpoints in Colombo enough?

Recently I listened in disbelief to a professional of Tamil ethnicity telling me that when people travel from Jaffna or Mullaitivu (etc) to Colombo, they avoid the out-of-town travellers like the plague. As the teller was an old friend of more than twenty years standing, I was able to remonstrate with her and ask her why this was the case. Her response was, ‘It is far too dangerous to be seen associating with them.

Talk at the Cafe Spectator

Watch out VC is watching you!

Sri Jayawardenapura University Vice Chancellor N.L.A. Karunaratne is one who believes that a camera never lies. So, he set up surveillance cameras at strategic locations in his campus including the library and other places where students gather. The students became aware that they were being watched only after 36 of their colleagues were suspended. They had all been identified taking part in a demonstration.

From the Sidelines

The Oxford Union invite – trip or trap?

The External Affairs ministry has just issued a statement (Fri. Nov 5) indicating that President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit to London, in response to an invitation to address the Oxford Union, has been postponed “to a more suitable time” on account of a busy schedule that included much recent travel, and his upcoming 2nd term-inauguration ceremony.