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Home » Columns“Undivided India” mural causes concern among other South Asian countries
Shortly after Indian Premier Narendra Modi declared open India’s new parliamentary complex built at the expense of US$ 2.4 billion recently, India’s neighbours who share the land borders expressed concern over an “undivided India” mural installed in the new building. Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan raised serious concerns about the inclusion of their sovereign countries in [...]
A lack of outrage
My dear Lohan, I thought I should write to you now. That is because you should be all over the newspapers and television news, grabbing their headlines – but, for some strange reason, you are not, being mentioned only in passing. I thought of writing to you so that everyone knows what a lucky chap [...]
Palestine—75 years of injustice and still counting
The Sunday Times photograph last week of the Israeli National Day celebrations in Colombo with the presence of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has provoked strong reactions from people. Two such reactions are reproduced below as a reflection of the feelings among Sri Lankan citizenry who have a long-standing history of solidarity with the Palestinian people’s [...]
The economy in a period of lesser discontent and socio-political unrest
There is a lull in the country’s political protests and social unrest. The spate of trade union strikes, protests and social unrest appears to have died down, despite the high costs of living, increasing unemployment and poverty. Reconciled People appear to have accepted the prevailing economic conditions. Perhaps, the availability of essential consumer items and [...]
The President and the media
Speaking at the Homagama Divisional Secretariat this week, President Ranil Wickremesinghe effortlessly recasted the currently heated debates on Sri Lanka’s proposed Broadcasting Regulatory Commission Bill as a choice between ‘reasoned regulation’ and ‘giving the media the licence to commit arson.’ But in going to the aid of his embattled Media Minister in this manner, he [...]
How long can Diana romance the whirlwind political dance
Has the nation’s heirloom chest of prudish values become its Pandora Box that prevents progress Many Lankans face a tough time in catching up with Diana: Diana, the irrepressible; Diana, the unstoppable; Diana, the elusive Gamage. A tough time keeping step with Diana who has always managed to stay ahead of poisoned-tipped darts freed from [...]
Talking of ethics and spouting rubbish
As though our native land is not smothered enough with half-baked draft laws and even less baked government arguments in defence of these blatant attempts which many see as moves to throttle democratic dissent, a hard-pressed population is now being prepared to carry a new cross. If one chooses a religious symbol to describe the [...]
Govt. and opposition intensify moves to strengthen their positions
Ranil meets SLPP chiefs; stamp of approval from Basil for President’s initiatives; separate meeting with ITAK SJB in talks with other opposition groups to broaden its base, Madduma Bandara says Tamil and Muslim parties will be “with us” UNHRC sessions begin tomorrow in Geneva, Core-Group countries to put out statement on human rights violations and [...]
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