Editorial
Home » EditorialIndependence or debt-dependence
As the Jayamangala Gaatha and Sri Lanka Maatha in both Sinhala and Tamil were sung, the spit and polish of the military parade, parachute jumps, the fly-pasts and fireworks display celebrating the 69th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence concluded, it is time to sober up and face up to the realities facing this country’s seventh [...]
Freedom tarnished by corrupt politicians
Next weekend, Sri Lanka marks its 69th anniversary of Independence. There is, no doubt, much to celebrate, none more significant than the fact that the citizenry are a free people, and masters of their own destiny. Many still say that Sri Lanka’s freedom was achieved without a struggle; that it was a by-product of India’s [...]
Dealing with Trump, pick the right cards
Whether one likes it or not, the advent of a new President of the United States of America always has global significance. That is why one of the many ironies of the world is that only the people of America get to vote for the holder of that office, despite that nation wanting to be [...]
Sirisena, Yes or No
‘Muddling through’ is a phrase familiar to Constitutional studies pundits. It is mostly associated with the unwritten Constitution of the United Kingdom and how for years, the British political system has generally conducted its business by ‘muddling through’. In more recent times, the phrase has been used to describe the UK’s muddling through on the [...]
UNP, SLFP need to come to the centre
President Maithripala Sirisena must be wondering what on earth happened to the time that has so swiftly gone by since his surprise election victory exactly two years ago. He now finds two-fifths of his term is already over, with precious little to show for it. He assumed the high office he holds under exceptional circumstances. [...]
Swim together or sink separately
A New Year in the Gregorian calendar has dawned. For the Chinese it is the Year of the Rooster. 2016 was the Year of the Monkey; the monkey being regarded as a clever animal. There is also an old Chinese saying; “May you live in interesting times”, the origin of which however has negative connotations [...]
2016 : Did the Govt. get it right — or wrong?
With 2016 coming to a close, the National Unity Government is fraught with internal strife not uncommon in coalitions in office for two years. The latest disagreement comes in the form of the proposed Development (Special Provisions) Bill mooted by the UNP segment in the Government but opposed rather strenuously by its SLFP counterparts. The [...]