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My dear Maithri, I thought I must write to you because everyone is talking about the mess you have got yourself into following the local government elections. We are all confused about what is going on because what is said today is not what happens tomorrow – and, being the big boss, most people blame [...]
Udayanga missing: Second team also returns without suspect
A two-member team that flew to Dubai — armed with an Interpol Red Notice from its headquarters in Lyon, France — to seek the arrest of wanted former Sri Lankan ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, also returned empty handed on Friday. The team comprised Additional Solicitor General Yasantha Kodagoda and Senior Superintendent P.K.D. Priyantha, Director [...]
Political stability, policy certainty and agreed economic policy programme imperative
Political instability and confusion after the local government elections have been detrimental to economic growth. A stable government and an agreed economic programme effectively implemented are prerequisites for economic development. Continuing political instability affects investment, international borrowing costs, capital outflows and economic efficiency. It is imperative that a stable government is established for the next [...]
Will this coalition government ever learn?
In the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s local government elections, a weary sense of resignation weighs heavier in the scales than lingering (if not hopeless) optimism. As President Maithripala Sirisena dons white and is back again to his accustomed role of preaching morality and the virtues of good living to the restive populace, the fire breathing [...]
Duplicitous Brits and diplomatic fallout
When Sri Lanka’s defence attache’ in London made a gesture running a finger across his throat some of Britain’s MPs with little to do ran to their computers to dash off letters calling for the military officer’s recall. Not to be outdone by politicians who have a symbiotic existence with refugees and former combatants and [...]
The Crucifixion and the Resurrection
It’s what you might call the near death experience. The crucifixion of the coalition government on the cross of a people’s verdict two weeks ago. Its interment thereafter and its resurrection this Wednesday. For eleven excruciating days Sri Lanka had no government. As the results of the local government elections trickled in that February 10th [...]
House in chaos with no sense of purpose
The unexpected outcome of the local government (LG) elections held earlier this month, seems to have left both the Government as well as the Opposition confused about what exactly they intend to do next. The ‘Joint Opposition’ (JO) group which operates with the blessings of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, called for a snap general election [...]
Political drama climax today; mainly reshuffle of same Ministers
Portfolio changes for Kiriella and Hashim; Harsha, Ajith and Sujeewa likely as non-Cabinet ministers Amaraweera for Agriculture, Duminda gets Skills and Vocational Training, Premajayantha to move out Though coalition continues, disputes prevail with President often disposing of what Premier proposes President asserts authority, especially ineconomic matters; big projects on Tabs and Central Highway put on [...]
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