The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Columns

Political Column

Reconciliation talks process at a dead end

The move to kick start a "reconciliation process" is headed for failure after the government ignored pre-conditions set by the United National Party (UNP). As a result, there will neither be a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to formulate a political package to address Tamil grievances nor direct negotiations between the government and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). At least not for the moment.

5th Column

Caught at the crossroads

“Thaaththa,” Bindu Udagedera asked, “what is all this fuss about the General?”
“Why, Bindu,” Bindu’s father Percy said, “he has been freed after more than two years in jail and that is what everyone is so excited about.”

The Economic Analysis

Downside risks of global economy

External developments will have a significant impact on the Sri Lankan economy this year. While a few international developments have turned favourable recently, others are unfavourable.

Focus on Rights

The kind hand of presidential magnanimity

The granting of Presidential pardons to targets of politicized prosecutions in Sri Lanka has now acquired a political significance which further undermines the Rule of Law in this country. These events are typically characterized by indictments being filed or other legal processes such as a court martial being initiated on extremely flimsy grounds against individuals who have incurred the displeasure of the government.

Talk at the Cafe Spectator

What Fonseka gave to prisoner Anura

From the Supreme Courts complex, former General Sarath Fonseka was escorted to the Welikade Jail to complete procedural formalities for his release. When he finished them and was about to leave, there was one man who felt sorry he was leaving.

From the sidelines

The 'Fonseka phenomenon,' war crimes and reconciliation

The release of former Army Commander and defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka who had been incarcerated for more than two and a half years comes as one of the boldest moves made by the present regime, at a time when its democratic credentials are being savaged overseas over human rights issues.