Columns
Home » ColumnsEconomic impacts of emerging political concerns
Nothing affects a country’s economic development more than its politics. Nowhere is this clearer than in the post independent economic history of Sri Lanka. The 67 years since regaining independence were characterised by changes in economic policy in every change of government, creating uncertainty and discouraging domestic and foreign investment. Economic policy changes by themselves [...]
Who is blocking implementation of the 19th Amendment?
The Government’s reported proposal this week that the Constitutional Council under the 19th Amendment to the Constitution should proceed to sit in the absence of the three non-political appointees to the body speaks to the farcical if not the frivolous intent underlying recent constitutional reforms. Non-political appointments must be made Pray, how different would this body [...]
Political uncertainty continues; UNP for dissolution, Sirisena seeks SLFP backing
The 156-day old presidency is still not running smoothly in some respects. Last Tuesday morning, President Maithripala Sirisena’s security detail escorted him to the Parliament complex in Sri Jayawardenapura -Kotte. He had been told that the meeting with his MPs was to take place at a Committee Room in the Parliament Complex that sits in [...]
Give him some sage advice
My dear Ratnasiri and Di Moo, I am writing to you to let you know what a pleasant surprise it was to see you back in the public eye, being appointed as presidential advisors on political affairs. It was a surprise because we all thought we had heard the last of you, now that both [...]
Govt. proposes, Opposition disposes, President reposes
Yet another attempt by the Government for Parliamentary approval of the three members from civil society, picked to serve on the Constitutional Council (CC), failed this week, after Opposition legislators sought written assurances that ministers will not be appointed to the CC after the term of this Parliament lapses. The UPFA objects to the choice [...]
The 7 deadly sins in rebel litany against Prime Minister Ranil
If you need to get a pretty good idea of how donkeys behave in the wild breathing freedom’s intoxicating air, look no further than to the unbridled antics of a privileged few who make regular visits to Delft Island, where, deaf and blind to the pressing needs of those whose interests they claim to represent, [...]
Gridlock in Govt: Is Lanka being micro-managed from afar?
Nobody can be blamed for being confused about what’s going on in government these days. The debate has mostly revolved around two issues – the 20th Amendment for electoral reform, and the dissolution of parliament. All political factions would seem to be in support of the 20th amendment, going by the statements made. Similarly, all [...]
Home truths about our revolving door politics
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, usually a man of few words, hit the bulls-eye when he told parliament last week that both government and opposition seem scared to see the House prematurely dissolved. So, he said, each side keeps challenging the other to hasten dissolution. When Dinesh Gunawardena, who has turned out to be a vociferous parliamentary [...]
Who’s delaying the probe? Champika threatens to reveal names
Power and Energy Minister Champika Ranawaka threw a challenge at a recent ministerial meeting — expedite investigations into the cases he mentioned within a week or he would go public and name those behind the delays. The meeting was chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena. The cases he identified, where investigations are now underway, are the [...]