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Political
Column |
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Is this politicization of the military? |
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By Our Political Editor |
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The mood was sombre though the colourful splendour of a military parade and a fly past filled the television screens like scenes from a thriller war movie. Government parliamentarians, a handful of VIPs and some school children gathered at Independence Square. President Percy Mahinda Rajapaksa hoisted the national flag and mounted a special dais to declare, "Citizens, this is your victory." Despite days of propaganda that tried to whip up a patriotic fervour over the event, it was clear that the euphoria was missing. |
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5th
Column |
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All symbol-suggestions are welcome |
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By Rypvanwinkle |
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"Thaaththa," Bindu Udagedera asked, "what is all this fuss about a party symbol for the Greens?""There is some talk that the Greens may change their symbol…" Bindu's father Percy said. |
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Situation
Report |
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East: the aftermath |
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By Iqbal Athas |
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Hard on the heels of the victory at Toppigala followed the national celebrations in Colombo last Thursday.
Even if the victory by the Security Forces and the Police (mostly their Special Task Force) earned plaudits from the public, the highly publicized event at Independence Square, in marked contrast, was different. |
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The
Economic Analysis |
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Taking advantage of the demographic bonus |
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By the Economist |
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We pointed out the emerging problems of ageing based on the latest projections of population in the July 1 column – Dr. Indralal de Silva’s study – “Beyond Twenty Million: Projecting the Population of Sri Lanka 2001-2081”, published by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). |
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Thoughts
from London |
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Political lip service or muddled thinking |
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By Neville de Silva |
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Those who read the foreign secretary’s remarks in another newspaper last Sunday headlined “Plenty of friends says Kohona” would not be surprised at all at the pathetic state of our foreign relations today.
Palitha Kohona condescendingly dismisses the widely held belief, both at home and abroad, that Sri Lanka has become increasingly isolated internationally. |
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Issue
of the week |
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Republic Day message for
imperialists and Iraqis |
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By Ameen Izzadeen |
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As the United States Senate burned the midnight oil and debated Iraq this week, the people of Iraq remembered an important landmark that made them feel really independent.
The historic event on July 14, 1958 and what led to it should send shivers down the spines of those who have invaded Iraq. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki described it as "a decisive step in the long march of the Iraqi people". |
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Focus
on Rights |
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War drums and the forsaking of rights protections |
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By Kishali Pinto
Jayawardena |
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While beating drums on the war front may be well and good, what should we do when institutions that protect rights systematically and deliberately renege on their statutory duties at the (implied or express) bequest of the government? .... |
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Lobby |
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Toppigala a defeat for LTTE or “conquest of Tamils” |
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By Chandani Kirinde, Our
Lobby Correspondent |
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The euphoria associated with the capture of Toppilgala that was highlighted at Thursday’s nationwide celebrations was scarcely reflected on the floor of the House the following day when Parliament took up a day- long debate to praise the members of the security forces who had brought about this victory. |
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Inside
the glass house |
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Not issued with this week issue |
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By Thalif Deen at the united nations |
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Telescope |
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Peace activists playing into government hands |
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By J.S. Tissainayagam |
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Those keeping in touch with current events would be aware that despite the capture of Toppigala, there is little likelihood of any letup in the escalating cost of living, the death toll, or from that intangible but vitally important factor that accompanies war - fear. |
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