The power of demagogues
It is a matter of grave doubt whether any national leader or scoundrel would have had a varied and colourful record of achievements and debasements as Donald Trump in contemporary history. Trump confounded critics when he contested the American presidency four years ago, ridiculing and slandering what had been considered the sacred pillars of the [...]
Absolute power acquired – Delivery hijacked
On September 26, the President decreed: “It is the law because I say so.” And he went on to explain that his verbal orders must be considered as circulars coming from the ‘Executive President.’ Public Administration circulars that may contravene his verbal orders, were ignored. In the time of ancient kings whatever the king said [...]
Premachandra siblings slam moves to pardon Duminda Silva
When the five-bench apex court confirmed the death penalty on Duminda Silva and his criminal cohorts for killing Bharatha Laksman Premachandra and three others, his political supporters screamed saying that they would bring “sir” to the presidency and get their leader released from prison. There was also a relentless and effective campaign to get him [...]
Investing in a feminist peace
NEW YORK – During the COVID-19 pandemic, public life in much of the world has largely ground to a halt. For the two billion people living in conflict-affected countries, however, there has been no lull in violence and upheaval. Some of the world’s conflicts have even escalated or been reignited during the crisis, dealing devastating [...]
When the UN Offered a $80,000 golden hand shake to quit a cash-strapped organisation
UNITED NATIONS (IPS) – When the United Nations was struggling to cope with a cash crisis back in April 1996, one of the many drastic measures it undertook was to cut down on its staff. So, it took the path of corporate America, and ironically, for a cash-strapped institution, it offered a “golden handshake”—a severance [...]