Both the government and the opposition are defending Avant Garde says Minister Ramanayake

Deputy Minister of Social Empowerment and Social Welfare, Ranjan Ramanayake in a discussion with the  said that party democracy faded when it came to the Avant Garde issue. He alleged that the......

Harin sheds some light on his brush up with Ranjan ‘Two media concerns,

Two youthful ministers of the Yahapalanaya government are presently accusing each other over several controversial subjects that may even end up in courts. Minister Harin Fernando has now.......

Why can’t the Government Walk the Talk?

We are fast approaching the first anniversary of electing a joint opposition candidate as the President. But alas the people feel that the President and the Government are finding it difficult to......

Independent judiciary for a Just Society - EDITORIAL

For centuries in the democratic world -- the time tested pillars have been the executive, the legislature, an independent judiciary and an independent media with checks and balances, transparency and......

Local Tamils, not the diaspora that matter most

It is doubtful whether the government has got its priorities right in respect of reconciliation...

Myanmar elections marked a significant milestone in world politics

The recent elections in Myanmar marked a significant milestone in the world political landscape...

The missing link in the ISIS narration

The downing of a Russian aircraft has all but sent the new and shaky coalition against...

EDITORIAL - Sharing of the common wealth

World attention will again be focused on the Commonwealth from today to Sunday as...

Let Kumar Gunaratnam engage in politics here

Whatever the citizenship he is currently holding, Frontline Socialist Party’s polit-bureau member Kumar Gunaratnam is a Sri Lankan by birth. However, he was arrested on November 4 while at his ancestral home in Anguruwella, 

Mixed Electoral sysytem for Sri Lanka

The results of General Election 2015 by percentage of votes and seats were as follows -It would appear that there was a discrepancy in the proportion of votes against seats, particularly between the JVP and the TNA.

But joint Opposition hails Russia

The government’s enhanced relation with the US is reflected in Power’s remarks that the US-Sri Lankan relationships was taking place in ‘a wholly new and fresh way’. 

Marapana’s resignation proves Yahapalanaya really exists

The State Minister of Vocational Training and Skills Development Palitha Range Bandara when 

Nobody has the right to stop us as True members of Opposition

A discussion was held with the Colombo District Parliamentarian (UPFA) Bandula Gunawardena, on imminent challenges 

Yahapalanaya Is No More: What Gimmick Next?

Friends of Yahapalanaya (good governance) are hard to find and an extinguished breed. Needs to search vainly among the coterie enjoying the spill-offs from the gravy train to spot an unseen, ....

Executive Prime Minister instead of Executive President?

A Cabinet decision has apparently been made to abolish the Executive Presidency to be effective after the term of President Sirisena comes to an end in 2020; so announced Minister Mangala Samaraweera;...

TRANSITIONAL INJUSTICE

France’s President dubbed Syria “the biggest factory of terrorists the world has ever seen”. In his path-breaking study of suicide terrorism, Chicago’s Prof. 

End of a series of religious events

The time for the offering of Katina cheevara – a thick robe for the rainy season to Buddhist priests who observed “Vas” or the rainy season sojourn ends on Il Full Moon Poya Day.

Why the new Drugs regulatory Act places ordinary folk in danger

The writer is the appointed Attorney-at-law representing the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry’s Secretariat.

Extravagant ‘Katina’ processions Stop this squander in the name of the Buddha

 Today is the last Full Moon of the ‘Wassana’ [Rainy Season], Il Poya. It is a significant day in the Buddhist calendar for a number of important happenings on this day.

Abusing nature, we abuse ourselves - EDITORIAL

In the aftermath of the night of horror on Friday the 13, world leaders will gather in Paris, the city of light, from November 30 for a climate summit which hopefully would agree on the guidelines and direction for Planet Earth to make a 180? turn from the suicidal path of self-destruction.

Legal recognition for sex workers in Sri Lanka?

Despite the reluctance to openly discuss this subject, is evident that sex workers are abundant in contemporary Sri Lanka. Although they are condemned in terms of cultural and religious aspects, their........

Harmful Food Advertising and alarming rise in NCDs

Non communicable diseases such as childhood obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are rapidly plaguing the health of youngsters while many health critics claim that advertising unhealthy food, targeting.....

A safe, secure and peaceful environment through: intersectoral action

Creating a safe, secure and peaceful environment in the country is a key responsibility of a modern state. Yet, not many states have been able to live up to this public expectation due to diverse......

Major step towards religious unity - EDITORIAL

In a major step towards inter–religious dialogue and unity, the Catholic Church yesterday held an unprecedented memorial service of thanksgiving for the Most Ven. Sobitha Hamuduruwo......

Pirates and floating armouries

There is a severe debate going on at present over the legality of floating armouries (FAs) in the western Indian Ocean operated by a private company which is linked to the Defence Ministry of the Government.......

‘Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir’ Chances are you a member of the Noddy Club

The kitchen of the Wallside Restaurant and Bar was in turmoil that morning. Shelton Perera, the owner of the place was pitching into the man in charge of the gastronomy department of the booze and......

Lesson Sri Lanka should learn from Paris attacks

Last week, terrorists of the Islamic State butchered 130 men and women in Paris while they were - as one newspaper put it - indulging in life’s innocent pleasures: watching a concert, a football friendly and.....

Budget for a better tomorrow - EDITORIAL

The much awaited 2016 budget presented to Parliament on Friday in a four and half hour speech by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake received a generally good response from economic analysts and......

Is development possible sans environmental pollution?

Man has been engaged in polluting the environment from the dawn of human existence. Consequent to the population explosion, industrialization, concentration of human habitats, over exploitation of natural resources...

A careful research on the Grade V scholarship exam

At a time, when the Education Ministry is toying with the idea to abolish the Grade V scholarship and conduct it at Grade VIII to alleviate young students from unnecessary mental pressure...