The new ‘Two Chinas’ question
NEW YORK – To anyone over the age of 60 who follows world affairs, the term “two Chinas” recalls the post-1949 competition for diplomatic recognition waged by mainland (“Red”) China and Taiwan, or, more formally, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China. By the early 1970s, just about every country fell in [...]
Crime of a unique nature
Review by Firoze Sameer The launch of Prof. Ravindra Fernando’s book ‘Murders at the Vicarage – The Mathew Peiris case’ was held on August 5 at the OPA auditorium in Colombo with film director Chandran Rutnam, former Attorney General Tilak Marapana and publisher Vijitha Yapa gracing the occasion. Rutnam, in his interesting address, announced the [...]
Towards a safer working environment for female domestic aides in ME
A striking feature of Sri Lankan foreign employment seekers is that female domestic aides or housemaids form a predominant group among them. In 2014, Sri Lankans who sought employment as housemaids numbered 88,661. More than 90 percent of them are based in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain and [...]
Wanted: A new leadership culture for public bodies
Political and civil society leaders campaigned for good governance in Sri Lanka and on January 8, the people gave their assent. We now have a new President. Then again the people spoke on August 17 and confirmed that the country needs to continue its journey towards Yahapalanaya. We will soon have a new Parliament. But [...]
Minding our Vs and Ws
Within days of arriving in the US, 45 years ago, we realised we were getting something wrong – speech-wise. Americans were watching our lips, or rather lip movements, as we spoke. What we said seemed less interesting to them than how we said it. Their facial expressions suggested curiosity and mild amusement. It was not [...]
The party is over: No easy options
The Pathfinder Foundation (PF), a non-profit, organisation, believes that the formation of a new government now provides the opportunity for greater attention to economic management. There are domestic and international pressures, which make early and decisive action a priority. The immediate compulsion is macroeconomic policy adjustment to address the difficult combination of weak growth and [...]
Cinnamon Colomboscope: Where diversity reigns
Cinnamon Colomboscope, the arts festival opened on Friday, August 21 with preview events to mark its two main programmes. The exhibition ‘Shadow Scenes’ curated by Menika van der Poorten and Natasha Ginwala will occupy the Rio Hotel until August 30, while the talks and literature programme titled ‘The City. Identity. Urbanity’ curated by Radhika Hettiarachchi [...]
Australian mission welcomes Deputy HC
Australian High Commissioner Robyn Mudie hosted a reception to welcome the new Deputy High Commissioner Tim Huggins, at the Australian Residence in Colombo on August 20. In the picture are High Commissioner Robyn Mudie, Jon Phelps, Deputy High Commissioner Tim Huggins and Ms Mona Balram at the reception.