Global governance: Will sanctions undermine 1947 US treaty with UN?
UNITED NATIONS, Aug 14 2019 (IPS) – When Yassir Arafat was denied a US visa to visit New York to address the United Nations back in 1988, the General Assembly defied the United States by temporarily moving the UN’s highest policy making body to Geneva– perhaps for the first time in UN history– providing a [...]
Voting for Ali Baba
“You know, Silva,” observed my old friend Perera the other day, “the choice we are going to have at the next presidential election is a very sad one.” Now Perera is about the same age as I am, and we have voted at virtually every mathivaranaya in this country since the two elections of 1960. [...]
Pragna Pradeepa founder felicitated
Pragna Pradeepa initiator Jayantha de Silva was felicitated recently at a ceremony in Kirulapone in recognition of his service to children’s education. He is seen here receiving a memento from Myanmar’s Ambassador Han Thou at the ceremony.
WP Governor meets Saudi King Salman
Western Province Governor A.J.M. Muzammil was received by Saudi Arabian King Salman Bin Abdulaziz the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques at a lunch banquet hosted by the king at the Royal Palace in Mina in the holy city of Mecca on the day of the Eid Festival. Governor Muzammil was on a special invitation [...]
Tribute to a man of many distinctions
A soldier irrespective of rank dedicates his or her life to defend the country from hostile elements within and from outside. Major General Rukmal Dias is one such person. His drive to be a soldier began at the young age of 19. He learned the craft to be a soldier every step of the way [...]
Shifting from democracy to demagoguery?
A few weeks after India’s great political dynasty of the Gandhis suffered an ignominious defeat, in neighbouring Sri Lanka attempts were being made to resurrect two defunct political dynasties . Most South Asian countries have a penchant for political dynasties: India with the Gandhis for more than four decades; Pakistan with the Bhuttos, Bangladesh with [...]
Presidency vs. security
While introducing Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the presidential candidate of the Joint Opposition, the former President said that among other things the country’s security is important and he took that decision, because he has no doubt that his brother will maintain security of the country. Whatever it is, we know that it was not Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s [...]
Tilting at more than windmills in South Asia
NEW YORK – “Tilt” is a word with a history in South Asia. Nearly a half-century ago, Pakistan’s government brutally repressed its citizens in the eastern part of the country. Millions of refugees streamed into India, which mobilised its armed forces. Pakistan attacked, and India responded. Full-scale war ensued. When the dust settled, Pakistan had [...]