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Home » ColumnsPolitical activists can be hired: Rs. 4.5mn package provides 3000 people for three hours for rallies
The election campaign has given rise to many new businesses, but none as novel as the one carried out by companies that provide manpower services. Several of them have been reaching out to candidates offering services with different packages depending on how much each one can spend. The service to provide 3,000 persons for public [...]
X marks the spot
My dear voters, I thought I should write to you because a majority of you will be making your way to polling booths at the end of this week to mark that all important cross on a ballot paper. Many seem to consider this as the most crucial election in Paradise since the British gave [...]
Decisive election for country’s economic future
We are entering the crucial week when people will decide on the country’s economic future. Indeed, the nation’s future. Decisive Perhaps never before have people gone to the polls, when their decision would determine the country’s economic policies and the nation’s future. Elections Next Saturday’s presidential poll and the general election, which is expected soon [...]
A (political) rose by any other name will smell as sweet?
All that is wrong in Sri Lanka’s culture of political servility is encapsulated by the spectacle of a young girl walking up to the stage of an election propaganda meeting in one of Colombo’s elite corners a few days ago and offering (outgoing?) President Ranil Wickremesinghe a red rose while asking ‘Sir’ as to whether, [...]
Continuing visa fiasco— reflects the power of corruption over the needs of the economy
One of the issues in Sri Lankan politics that has hogged the headlines in recent times has been the pervasive nature of corruption in governance in the country. More so in the current presidential election campaign where the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) are strongly pushing the anti-corruption agenda. There [...]
Vote wise and get judgment right: Let not reason fly to brutish beasts
There is no need to beat about the bush. For the last two years we have marched on our stomachs, and next Saturday we shall arrive at the critical juncture when we all must decide which road to place irreversible step to reach a far better destination than the wasteland we left. One sign states, [...]
An election like no other in a country like no other
As the election draws near day by crucial day the more messages and comments I receive. It makes one wonder whether to erupt in uncontrollable laughter or burst into tears. Many of these missives come from former college mates, university contemporaries, journalists and friends scattered around the globe. They recall the old days when life [...]
Little voter interest in attending rallies of major candidates
People are brought to rallies in buses from faraway places, but attendance is still not large Political science professor says political literacy among young voters has grown Sept 21 poll outcome will change the country’s political landscape By Our Political Editor ANURADHAPURA: Sri Lankans have transformed the electoral landscape unprecedentedly as the country enters the [...]
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