The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Columns

Political Column

Peiris-Samarasinghe differ in Geneva as US talks tough

It was 6 p.m. on Wednesday February 22 when President Mahinda Rajapaksa greeted his cabinet ministers turning up at "Temple Trees". That was first for a meeting together with electoral and district level representatives of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA). Thereafter, he was to chair the weekly cabinet meeting.

5th Column

Protest all smoke and no mirrors

“Thaaththa,” Bindu Udagedera asked, “what is all this fuss about human rights?”
“There is this important human rights meeting in Geneva, Bindu,” Bindu’s father Percy explained.
“What is so important about that?” Bindu wanted to know.

The Economic Analysis

Economic difficulties and the massive trade deficit

An unprecedented huge trade deficit characterised last year's external finances. This massive deficit of almost US$ 10 billion and inappropriate monetary and fiscal responses aggravated the balance of payments problem.

Lobby

Not issued on this week

Focus on Rights

Concrete steps and not filibustering rhetoric needed

There is a perception that people in Sri Lanka are too frightened to speak out against the Rajapaksa administration. This may apply to the middle class professionals conversant purely in English and others who can only be referred to as pseudo-intellectuals in the professions and academia.

Talk at the Cafe Spectator

Tweeting Blake takes on questions on Lanka

United States Assistant Secretary Robert O Blake was on a twitter Q&A session on Tuesday. He invited those who were following him to ask questions.

Double Take

Action now will sow the seeds for lasting meddling in Sri Lanka, says Aunty Sam

When the United States joined this Council two years ago, we set forth four values that would guide our work in this body: to pursue our national interests, to use available instruments in the Council to do so, to undermine our enemies and protect our friends.