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Home » ColumnsDasa Bala Sena was Nishantha’s final contribution to SLPP
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) this week began a programme called “Dasa Bala Sena” as part of the party’s reorganisation efforts. The programme aims to recruit 10 people from every Grama Niladhari Division to respond to “mud” that is being slung at the party. The name “Dasa Bala Sena” for the programme had been [...]
Pondering the reactions
My dear remaining 224, I am writing to you at a time when all of you are shocked, no matter what party you belong to, after hearing the sudden demise of the other one among you, Sanath Nishantha. His departure in a tragic accident has brought about mixed reactions which are well worth reflecting upon [...]
Online Safety Bill hacked: Opposition says Committee Stage amendments contravene SC recommendations
Amid acrimonious scenes, Parliament passed the Online Safety Bill after a two-day debate on Wednesday evening. Opposition MPs accused the government of rushing through amendments at the Committee Stage in violation of the Supreme Court’s (SC) determination on the bill. The second reading of the bill had been passed earlier that evening by a majority [...]
Two-pronged strategy for fiscal consolidation: Up the revenue and bring down Govt. expenditure
The government’s recent taxation measures have led to widespread protests, strikes, social unrest, and public resentment. This public discontent could prove to be an important factor in the elections this year. Fiscal consolidation must be achieved through a two-pronged strategy of increasing revenue and reducing government expenditure. Reducing tax avoidance and tax evasion is vital [...]
Not only our political culture but our politicians are also like ‘Pappadum,’ Mr President
Perhaps it is only a politician of Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe’s or his close comrade Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ‘pedigree’ who has the chutzpah (read, audacity) to talk about Sri Lanka’s ‘pappadum’ political culture, hot on the heels of the Government passing one of the country’s most atrocious laws, the Online Safety Bill. Tasteful ‘pappadums’ and tasteless [...]
Sanath’s death leaves Rajapaksas bereft of their stoutest lieutenant
Sanath Nishantha died as he had lived. In life’s fast lane, hurtling at reckless speed. In every political endeavour, he threw caution to the winds and acted in total disregard of its consequences, in the firm unwavering faith that his patron saint in politics Mahinda Rajapaksa would work in mysterious ways to grant absolution and [...]
Praise be to the IMF and its hangers-on
Suspend disbelief as much as you like—and often as you like, as some would say—but you are not going to overcome this shocking piece of news from our Resplendent Isle, thanks to that great saviour of poor nations and mankind, officially known as the IMF. It came to me via an Old Thomian network; fortunately, [...]
Israel caught in a bind by ICJ judgment although no specific order for ceasefire
Last Friday’s judgment by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on an application by South Africa regarding the rights of the people of Gaza under the Genocide Convention marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. Firstly, the ICJ’s recognition of the people of Gaza as a [...]
New ITAK leader Shritharan to push for federal state
Rejects 13A and lays wreath at Maveerar cemetery, referring to Prabhakaran as “our national leader” Urges all Tamil nationalist forces to unite for a political solution demonstrating their strength Veers away from the Sampanthan-Sumanthiran position of finding a solution to the Tamil question; says he abhors violence By Our Political Editor The Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi [...]
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