At the UN, it was the day of populist strongmen
UNITED NATIONS (IPS) – The United Nations is an institution which promotes multilateralism and preaches some of the basic tenets of multiparty democracy and liberalism, including the rule of law, universal human rights, free speech, civil liberties, the rights of refugees and freedom of the press. But, paradoxically, the first four speakers during the opening [...]
From Chairman Mao to President Xi, China’s 70-year journey as People’s Republic
On October 1 this year, China will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). “The Chinese people have stood up,” declared Chairman Mao Zedong on September 21, 1949 at Tiananmen Square, announcing the creation of a republic of the people after the imperialists, foreign invaders and capitalists were [...]
From Chairman Mao to President Xi, China’s 70-year journey as People’s Republic
On October 1 this year, China will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). “The Chinese people have stood up,” declared Chairman Mao Zedong on September 21, 1949 at Tiananmen Square, announcing the creation of a republic of the people after the imperialists, foreign invaders and capitalists were [...]
Tales from the Arthashastra
Over the past year I have been musing, quite regretfully in fact, that our country can only be described as a functioning anarchy. No longer can we pride ourselves that we live in a properly governed democracy. Fortunately, the inexplicable talent of our people to muddle through – to make good or “Shape Karanna” whatever [...]
Can any kind of constitution survive Lanka’s politicians?
Very many politicians of the post-Independence era till 1977 saw the Westminster Parliamentary system of governance under the Soulbury Constitution as a leisurely game of tennis played by two opposing sides with the ball being flicked from one court to the other with little else happening. Governments changed but the game went on. It was [...]
An Elegy for Easter at St. Paul’s Church today
An Elegy for Easter will be held today at 6 p.m., at St. Paul’s Church, Colombo 8. Performed by the Peradeniya Singers, the Kandy Junior Singers and young professionals, directed by Mrs. Bridget Halpé, this includes a choral work composed by Lalanath de Silva especially in memory of the innocents who died on Easter Sunday [...]
Two-piano recital in aid of CFS Prithipura Home
Two talented and versatile pianists, Ramya de Livera Perera and Soundarie David Rodrigo, will perform a variety of works ranging from classical, jazz to fusion at a two-piano recital in aid of the Ceylon Fellowship of Service, Prithipura Home in Wattala, on October 10 at the Lionel Wendt at 7 p.m. Well-known dancer, drummer and [...]
28th AGM of the Sri Lanka-Canada Business Council
The 28th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka – Canada Business Council (SLCBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held recently at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The Chief Guest of the event was the High Commissioner for Canada, David McKinnon, who is also the Patron of the Council. SLCBC was launched on [...]
Zahira Group of 2007 launches magazine
The Zahira College Group of 2007 had its third members dinner night “Night of the Titans – 3.0 ” last Sunday at Hotel Cinnamon Lakeside. The highlight of the event was the launch of the group’s magazine ‘Mag G7’. Guest of Honour and former ITN Director Hassim Omar was presented the first copy of the [...]
How climate policies hurt the poor
NEW YORK – Over the past 25 years, nearly 1.2 billion people around the world have been lifted out of poverty, while both malnutrition and the risk of death from air pollution have decreased. Taken together, these achievements are nothing short of a miracle. But two global trends now threaten to slow the momentum in [...]