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Home » ColumnsVerbal Karate over sports director: President rescinds appointment
An ongoing clash in their common constituency spilled over to the Cabinet on Wednesday and it required the intervention of President Maithripala Sirisena. He directed that the appointment of a Director of Sports be rescinded and a fresh appointment be made. Initiating the appointment was Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam. His colleague Sports Minister Dayasiri [...]
President plays more assertive role in Government and party
SLFP youth convention next month ahead of big May Day rally in Kandy; other moves also to consolidate leadership Sirisena also widens his role in decision making; no more rubber-stamping of CCEM decisions; Cabinet reshuffle likely Minister Samarawickrema circulates note on Hambantota port deal; Ministers to discuss on Tuesday By Our Political Editor President Maithripala [...]
Shuffle the pack, get rid of the jokers
My dear Maithri, I thought I must write to you when I heard that you had spoken about what seemed like a Cabinet reshuffle — giving a ‘better’ portfolio for Mahinda from the south, not the Mahinda that we all talk about but the other Mahinda, also from Hambantota who switched his loyalties and is [...]
Yet another imaginative proposal to privilege the police
The tortuous dance of some in Government to ensure that a suspect in police custody is not allowed legal counsel at the earliest opportunity is indeed painful to observe. The latest amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure Act suggested by the Ministry of Justice reflects this reluctance exceedingly well. Now, instead of the earlier [...]
Policies to overcome persistent balance of payments difficulties
The persistent balance of payments (BOP) problems of the country must be resolved to ensure economic stability and long-term economic growth. Short-term measures like currency swaps, short-term borrowing and sale of assets could resolve the immediate crisis, but long-term measures are needed to stabilise the external finances. The Government must address the inherent weaknesses in [...]
What’s next on Dr. Death’s list?
GMOA remains intransigent and vows harsher strike action no matter the pain inflicted on the sick and poor In defiance of the Court of Appeal’s judgment ordering the Sri Lanka Medical Council to register SAITM medical graduates and thus enable them to practice medicine, the Government Medical Officers Association, the GMOA, began their battle last [...]
To hell with the rules and the laws too
There was never a dull moment. For three months or so I witnessed close-up how our once-blessed isle worked or, more often, did not appear to work at all. That was no illusion. The mounds of stinking garbage are accumulating in some part of the capital while the minister responsible for the subject is seen [...]