The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Columns

Political Column

The SOS message arrived after Sri Lanka's 52-member delegation -- which was a heavy burden on the country's purse -- returned to Colombo early this week from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva.

5th Column

Polish your dull side with a smile!

My Dear Sajith,

I thought I must write to you when I heard that you had reportedly admitted that you were not mature enough to become the leader of your party and that you were willing to learn. I heard that you had said so in response to advice given to you by the Mahanayake theras.

The Economic Analysis

Resolving the balance of payments crisis

Will the corrective measures taken by the government resolve the balance of payments difficulties? This is the vital question in the minds of all concerned with the economy. The Central Bank has always been optimistic and, in fact, was to begin with of the view that there was no real problem.

Lobby

Driver Improvement Points System to curb errant driving

Parliament on Thursday approved regulations under the Motor Traffic Act, to introduce a Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS) for motorists in the country, but, despite it being a move in the right direction to keep tabs on errant drivers, its effective implementation is crucial for the system to work.

Focus on Rights

The lies need to stop, at least now

The continued shrill beating of the nationalist drum in regard to the resolution tabled this week before the United Nations Human Rights Council by the United States of America, calling on Sri Lanka to set a time frame for the implementation of the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), is stupendously counterproductive.

Talk at the Cafe Spectator

Lankan makes cutlets among world chefs

One year after sweeping the Embassy Chef Challenge with a smoky asparagus soup and roasted duck breast with plum chutney, Danish chef Lars Beese is back. But this time, don't expect Beese to win accolades for his modern twist on Danish cuisine, says a report in a blog site of the Washington Post.

From the sidelines

Geneva resolution - showdown or damp squib?

As discussions proceed at the 19th sessions of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, it becomes evident that the US may not have as much support as it anticipated for its disputed resolution against Sri Lanka. While the draft has reportedly been circulated to member states of the HRC, clearly there are divisions of opinion in the Council over the US and EU backed move.