Turkey’s 95th National Day celebrations in Colombo
To mark Turkey’s 95th National Day on Monday, the Turkish embassy in Colombo held a reception at the Galle Face Hotel. Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam represented the Sri Lankan Government as chief guest. Mr. Kariyawasam and Turkish Ambassador Tunca Özçuhadar emphasised the cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Turkey, and expressed their wish to improve [...]
Stop killing the messenger; the story will not end
NEW YORK – What does it cost to silence a muckraking reporter? In the Philippines, officials needed just $250 in 2011 to buy the services of a journalist-slaying gunman. In Slovakia, Ján Kuciak and his fiancée were killed in February for about $80,000. For corrupt politicians and crime bosses, neither sum is significant. The cost [...]
Professor Thamilmaran: His legal expertise and academic journey
Having been his student (of MHR & PhD) over nine years (2006-2015), I consider it a great honour and privilege to pen this article to felicitate Professor V.T. Thamilmaran, an eminent scholar and well-known legal expert, who has contributed to inspire and mentor many young and upcoming academics and professionals. He has been promoted to [...]
Pork barreling and horse trading
There is an intriguing Serbian phrase podela kolača that I learned from one of my Serbian friends. Literally it means “distributing the cake” – but in colloquial parlance it refers to the post-electoral distribution of state-funded positions for the loyal members of the winning party. Cutting the proverbial cake or distributing large pieces – be [...]
UK High Commissioner hails ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ as a celebration of diversity
The impending release of the film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ – the new biopic of British band Queen — has many people around Sri Lanka as well as the world all abuzz. Several events celebrating the release and the movie itself have been taking place all over Colombo. On October 31, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, [...]
Ven. Saddhatissa Thera remembered
A souvenir was released in honour of the late Ven Kotikawatte Saddhatissa Thera at a ceremony held at the Kolonnawa Purana Viharaya. Western Pronvincial Councillor and the UNP’s Borella organiser Jayantha de Silva is seen here receiving a copy of the souvenir from Chief Incumbent the Ven. Dhammika Nayake thera.
Sri Lanka Thailand Business Council holds AGM
The Sri Lanka Thailand Business Council held its 18th annual general meeting at the Ramada Hotel Colombo recently. The Chief Guest was State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe and the guest of honour was Thai Ambassador Chulamanee Chartsuwan. Rizan Nazeer of Transtrade International was elected president of the council for 2018/2019. The following members were also elected [...]
Jaffna College Alumni AGM in Colombo
The Colombo branch of the Alumni Association of Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai will hold its annual general meeting today at the Bambalapitiya Flats Community Hall at 10.30 a.m. Besides, the registration of new members, the AGM will elect new office bearers and discuss matters regarding the school’s development. Colombo-based old boys are invited to attend the [...]
The Political Implications of the 19th Amendment and the Emerging Politico-legal crisis in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is currently enduring a constitutional and political crisis due to the events of the famous Friday evening, the ongoing regime change with the appointment of a new prime minister on the 26th of October. The political and constitutional implications of the constitutional coup; against the brewing interpretations on the validity of appointing the [...]