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Home » ColumnsChina sugarcoats debt requests but highlights interference by UNHRC
With An IMF delegation in Colombo, the much-discussed topic in diplomatic circles this week was China’s response to Sri Lanka’s repeated requests for the restructuring of bilateral loans since it makes up more than 40% of the total Government to Government (GtoG) debt the country owes. The Chinese downplayed the critical requests from the Sri [...]
A breath of fresh air
My dear Ranjan, It would be a lapse on my part if I didn’t write to you this week. You must be a relieved and happy man as you celebrate your first few days of freedom after spending 19 months behind bars, while men who committed greater crimes not only roam free but also occupy [...]
The old playbook of the PTA will not work today
The 1970s-1980’s Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) playbook wielded with consummate skill by his uncle Junius Richard will not work in modern-day Sri Lanka, President Ranil Wickremesinghe must be categorically told. Absurd actions of the State In fact, the comedy of errors where well-known sports champions to well-meaning citizens who provided food and water to young [...]
Tough task of economic recovery reconstruction and development
President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s mission to achieve economic recovery, reconstruction and development is a massive tough task.It is difficult not only due to the gravity and severity of the problems, but the unpopularity and opposition to the needed reforms. The easing of economic hardships in the last two weeks may have given the impression that the [...]
Failure to speak up contributed to economic crisis
The primary cause of the protest movement or the aragalayaas it is popularly known was the widespread impact of the economic mismanagement of the recent past. How and why it had greater success than other protest movements of the past like the hartal of 1953 is a matter for political researchers to analyse. The leadership [...]
Anti-terror Act rides again
If it was thought that the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act had laid long entombed in crypt with stake riven through its heart, last week showed it was far from dead but alive and kicking. It was resurrected again when Galle Face struggle activist and University student leader Wasantha Mudalige was arrested along with 18 [...]
All the president’s men and more to come
So 30 new State ministers are to be appointed some time soon. Given the state of the country, what is 30 more to buttress a government with a galaxy of brains already in the cabinet? And this injection of more brain power is all to come from the Pohottuwa party (as though it has anything [...]
President unable to form All-Party Government
Main opposition SJB imposes tough conditions; but Ranil gains public approval by reducing fuel queues and other measures Basil’s group warns it will oppose Budget if State Ministers are not appointed with all perks and privileges Gotabaya returning next week amid moves to revive the SLPP; Mahinda hits out at Weerawansa Talks with IMF delegation at [...]
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