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CBK goes on A-9 highway to Jaffna The days she reigned supreme, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga hopped from one town to another in Air Force helicopters. Yet, she kept a safe distance when it came to flying over the then war-torn north for fear of attacks. Recently, thanks to the military defeat of Tiger guerrillas [...]
Results of polls will shape Govt. policy on vital issues
The UPFA government’s popularity, both in Sri Lanka and abroad, will be measured today by an unusual yardstick — the outcome of yesterday’s polls for Sabaragamuwa, North Central and Eastern Provincial Councils. The main thrust of the government has been to demonstrate, both here and to the outside world, that despite criticism on a multitude [...]
Mahinda Jai Ho, Jaya hoo-hoo
My Dear Jayalalithaa, I thought I must write to you because you are making news these days, commenting on everything that is Sri Lankan ranging from training for our military to schoolboy football teams touring Tamil Nadu. You seem to want all Sri Lankans to leave your state! Don’t worry, Jayalalithaa, we here Sri Lanka [...]
Chinese Defence Minister seeks to mend fences on Asian tour
The first ever visit to Sri Lanka by a Chinese Defence Minister appeared to be low profile affair, considering the importance attached to Sino-Lanka relations nowadays. Little was revealed in advance about General Liang Guanglie’s programme during his five-day visit starting Aug. 29, and there was no customary media briefing at the end of it. [...]
Recalling a conversation with a man and his conscience
Making an extraordinarily acute observation, veteran broadcaster and scriptwriter Tilak Jayaratne who passed away this week after battling a killer disease with characteristic courage, pointed out in a telephone conversation with me on the phone barely two months ago that there was little point in ‘grumbling about bad political leaders or voting them out in [...]
Economic indicators point to weak performance
The emerging weak economic performance is of serious concern. Three important economic indicators — the trade balance, fiscal balance and debt — are on an unfavourable trend. The failure of the monsoon has added a further setback to the economy. Poor governance has weakened economic prospects for the country for the near future. This year’s [...]