Crowned corruption hits Sri Lanka to the core
The fact that corruption has become a way of life in Sri Lanka is accepted by all and sundry. It has been described as a virus as virulent as the coronavirus. But who is worried? Not the all-pervasive Crown. The most disconcerting area of corruption at this moment is in the Health sector. In the [...]
Cause for the Afghan debacle: Biden or clash of civilisations
To be wise after an event, particularly one of disastrous consequences, is a natural human reaction. The amazing speed at which the Taliban swept through Afghanistan to recapture power from foreign forces led by the United States was looked upon with horror by the Western world including many other countries not in the Western power [...]
How Hameed upstaged an intruder in the UNGA
UNITED NATIONS — Sri Lanka had its fair share of foreign ministers who made their annual visits to the UN during the General Assembly sessions in September when the world body traditionally hosted over 150 world leaders, including heads of state and heads of government. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister ACS Hameed had one of his [...]
Bravery and betrayal: Stirring and thrilling story of a commando unit
Reviewed by Maior General Lalin Fernando This book is incendiary. It is a heart-breaking, enraging and marvellous story. It is Lt Col Sunil Peiris, the founder Commander of the Commando Regiment’s account of what it was like to raise, select, train, and inspire Commandos in a slow peace time army to possess the spirit, skills, endurance [...]
A gentleman and much-sought-after trial lawyer
Last Tuesday, August 24, 2021, would have been the 73rd anniversary of the Call to the Bar of the late John Eardley Russel Perera (EP), President’s Counsel. To have had the opportunity of knowing and being associated with him was an immense honour and a rare privilege to someone like me, who was NOT even [...]
The Olympic-Size difference between India and China
NEW DELHI – The Tokyo Olympic Games are over, and the Japanese people and government have heaved a sigh of relief that the spectacle passed without a major COVID-19 outbreak in the athletes’ village or other disasters. Here in India, the celebrations of the country’s first gold medal in the men’s javelin throw – and [...]