Columns
Home » ColumnsRead the Constitution before you return to farming
Aiyo Sirisena, It was four weeks ago that I last wrote to you and what a time it has been since then. Everyone has been running around in circles, blaming you for starting all these shenanigans. In the meantime, we have achieved what must surely be a world record–going from having two Prime Ministers to [...]
Madness of politics here and there
Turning one’s head constantly to the left and right to simultaneously watch scenes of bedlam in the Sri Lanka parliament and confusion in the British House of Commons is educative. Except that it gives you a pain in the neck. At the time of writing, the Supreme Court has extended its ‘stay’ order on President [...]
Prolonged political crisis serious threat to balance of payments and external finances
The longer the political crisis the more serious its adverse effects on the economy. This is especially so with respect to the balance of payments. A large balance of payments would weaken the external reserves and make the repayment of debt next year more onerous. Twists and turns At the time of writing, there is [...]
A constitutional crisis is not a dispute between monks
President Maithripala Sirisena’s implied criticism of the Sri Lankan judiciary when speaking at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) convention this Tuesday, referencing himself as the Mahanayake (seniormost prelate) of a Nikaya (chapter) being educated by the head monk of a village temple invokes strong and unequivocal condemnation in no uncertain terms. What is in [...]
Despite political turmoil, President flies to Kilinochchi
The ongoing political turmoil, which has left Sri Lanka with no functioning government for the first time since independence in 1948, did not deter President Maithripala Sirisena, from flying in a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) VIP helicopter from Colombo to Kilinochchi. He went there to open the sluice gates of the sprawling Iranamadu tank. [...]
Mr. President, sorry to say, but no one is above the law
For five short weeks former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had flown high as the Sirisena appointed prime ministerial bird but had his wings clipped this Monday and was forced to crash down when he got a drubbing from the Court of Appeal when it issued a stay order suspending him acting in that capacity till December [...]
President faces dilemma as turmoil continues into seventh week
Fire and fury at Monday’s talks with UNF leaders; compromise plans end in stalemate On Wednesday, UNF will move new motion, expressing confidence in Ranil as PM,but Sirisena says no, never All sides get ready and pledge to respect court rulings, but uncertainty as to when they will come, what will happen, who will come or [...]
Read More