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Home » ColumnsA voice in the wilderness
My dear Sajith and the ‘telephone’ chaps, I thought I must write to you after seeing the show you put up last Sunday at Campbell Park, holding your annual convention and trying to convey the impression that you are indeed the major opposition party and the government-in-waiting, although it is unlikely that any elections will [...]
Rowdy behaviour by student monks and others; Buddhist and Pali University closed
The Buddhist and Pali University’s administration office has decided to close the university from December 19 until further notice due to reports of serious incidents of ragging and indiscipline among a section of the students. A statement issued by the Ven. Neluwe Sumanawansa Thera details a series of incidents where student monks and lay students [...]
Spread of narcotics fuelled by corruption
The scourge of narcotic drugs has taken centre stage once again with media reports that the drug called ICE has even spread to Schools. As a result the bags of schoolchildren in several schools are being regularly searched at times with the assistance of sniffer dogs. The Education Ministry has announced that they will be [...]
Reviving agriculture vital to achieve economic stability and growth
The economy cannot be revived without the revival of agriculture. The immediate focus should be on increasing agricultural production to its potential. Essential services too must function to enable industrial production. Current focus The current foci of discussions on the economy are the severe shortage of foreign currency, the ways and means of ensuring foreign [...]
‘Democracy still born’ – or a case of cold blooded infanticide?
When Rajan Hoole requested a review for his book, ‘Democracy Still Born; Lanka’s rejection of Equal Rights at Independence’ (Rajan Hoole and Kirupaimalar Hoole, Perera-Hussein Publishing, 2022) in characteristically succinct style a few months ago, I demurred on seeing the weighty tome (730pp). The twisted creature of the Sri Lankan State ‘How can justice be [...]
‘Arahant’ monk’s 50m buck chemical fertiliser challenge
Monk in ‘state of Nirvana’, now betting on clearing his name of urea Self-proclaimed ‘Arahant’ monk, Samanthabadra, who is heavily bent on organic farming, has issued a 50 million buck challenge to anyone who proves that he has a stockpile of chemical fertiliser stored at his farm. The fresh challenge was made in a video [...]
Story-spinning turns funnier by the day
Those who heard of the unprecedented cutlis-pattis party early one Sabbath morning last month must surely be recording all that for posterity. It would add to the ever-expanding anthology of funny tales and other humorous happenings to tell their grandchildren of the glory days in this country like no other. What is more, if I [...]
Element of uncertainty over local council elections in March next year
Supreme Court petitions pending, while different parties express conflicting views Karu and Victor Ivan propose Jana Sabhas; Dolawatte suggests a youth quota, former Polls Chief Deshapriya completes report as doubts build up over the conduct of the polls President goes ahead with unity efforts and consults South Africa on truth and reconciliation commission Main Tamil [...]
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