The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Columns

Political Column

UNP’s leadership battle takes new turn with LG polls

The many challenges posed by local polls looming ahead failed to unite feuding factions of the country's main opposition United National Party (UNP), but there is a likelihood that a temporary moratorium may be in place by next week.

5th Column

World Cup conquers it all!

Thaaththa,” Bindu Udagedera asked, “what is all this fuss about elections…”
“I believe they want to have elections to local bodies…” Bindu’s father Percy explained.
“But thaaththa,” Bindu pointed out, “didn’t we have enough elections last year?”
“We did,” Percy agreed, “but that didn’t include these elections, so Mahinda maama wants to have them now…”

The Economic Analysis

National harmony vital for economic development

A fundamental error in thinking is that economic development is dependent on economic variables alone. A spectrum of conditions—social, political, educational, legal, administrative and institutional determines the character and pace of economic development.

Lobby

Moves to change PR system make little headway

The Government admits that the Proportional Representation (PR) system used in electing members to Parliament, Provincial Councils and local authorities should be changed. The main opposition United National Party (UNP) which introduced the system by way of the 1978 Constitution too now thinks the system should be amended.

Focus on Rights

Do mere court buildings make a legal system?

We are being informed that new court officials are being commissioned and new court buildings are being established in various parts of the country to alleviate the woes of long suffering litigants lost in the infuriating labyrinth of what is Sri Lanka’s justice system. All this is well and good. This country certainly needs additional courts and additional judicial officials.

Talk at the Cafe Spectator

Don't play around with white cloth

Minister Aluthgamage removed the white cloth cover that is placed over the seat allocated to the monk MP and was engaged in a conversation when Ellawala Thera walked into the Chamber. The Minister hurriedly rose from the seat, searched for the white cloth cover and put it back for him. Even in Parliament, it's always good to be careful when occupying other person's seats.

From the sidelines

LG Elections - a reality check for government

The upcoming local government elections to be held in March in some 80 per cent of 330 local government bodies in the country will prove to be interesting for many reasons. Notwithstanding the fact that the government has decided not to hold elections in areas where the Cricket World Cup matches are scheduled to be held, the polling will cover all districts of the country.

Column By Gomin Dayasiri

Not Issued with this week