Police can arrest law-breaking MPs
In any democratic society, parliament is considered as the supreme legislature which formulates policies, rules and regulations for the betterment of the people. Parliamentarians are elected periodically by the people. It appears that voters are not diligent when they use their franchise to elect their representatives. They rarely take into consideration the candidates’ educational and [...]
From Brexit to eternity: Britain on cliffhanger over May’s deal
LONDON – British members of Parliament will soon have to make one of the most difficult political decisions of their lives. The choice is between approving the Brexit deal that Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with the European Union, crashing out of the EU with no deal, or trying to reverse the exit process [...]
Seeking peace needs an enterprising foreign polıcy
This week Istanbul will host two separate but related international conferences on mediation. One will be devoted to the state of play in the conflict map and capacity for mediation within the membership of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The second one will adopt a broad scope and discuss the connections between sustainable development, [...]
No-confidence votes: Why the Speaker was right
On November 14, 2018, Sri Lanka’s Parliament was summoned to meet pursuant to a summons issued by the President. The proclamation dissolving Parliament which was issued a few days earlier was suspended by the Supreme Court, making it mandatory for the House to meet on Novembet 14, as previously decreed. The start of the session [...]
Intrepid saviour of the Sri Lankan rupee
Despite the rhapsodies and sacrifices — even the ‘supreme sacrifice’– played and pledged to unborn generations by our politicians, it is quite likely that these babies, given a choice, will prefer not to be born in Lanka. With all good intentions, unborn generations have been continuously assured by our leaders with a happy and a [...]
Int. Day of Persons with Disabilities observed
In the run-up to December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an event, titled Tharana, was held at the Western Provincial Council auditorium this week. Pragna Pradeepa Concept initiator and Provincial Councillor Jayantha de Silva is seen here awarding certificates to children who took part in the event.
S. Asian festival promotes rights through art
Art for Rights, the South Asia Human Rights Festival featuring several leading artistes from the region will be held from December 5 to 9 at the National Film Corporation premises in Colombo. The festival organised by Amnesty Intentional South Asia will include movies from the region, art installations that speak of human rights and a [...]
Kodagoda wins first place
Poet, song composer, journalist and photographer Sunanda Kodagoda won first place in the Open Poetry Section of the Colombo District Literature Competition conducted jointly by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Colombo District Secretariat. The competition was held concurrently with the National Art Festival. He also secured first place in the Open Poetry Segment [...]