Far away incidents but similar patterns

Marxism teaches us that law is the weapon of the ruling classes. During the feudal system, law was synonymous with the wish of the ruler. Capitalism could no longer ignore the people’s demands for the establishment of democracy during the mass struggles that erupted against feudalism.

Editorial - Save democracy and save Lanka

For the past few years, independent analysts, opposition leaders and even international observers have been saying that democracy in Sri Lanka has broken down and we are more like a dictatorship if not one.

Inciting hate under the banner of human rights:

The recently released film which ridicules Islam and depicts the Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him) as a fraud, a madman and a sexual deviant, has resulted in an international outcry

THE THIRD WORLD SOUL

To explain away the characteristic deprivations of our third world reality, from rampant corruption and  wretched poverty to retarded economic development and even the reek of pollution, there is a common explanation that has taken root in our collective thoughtscape.

Lanka needs independent education plan - Editorial

The writing appears to be on the wall or the blackboard for education as university professors, lecturers and students in an unprecedented show of strength marched from Galle and Kandy to Colombo in support of their main demand that the annual budgetary allocation for education be increased.

I try my best to stay away from trouble: Malaka

Public Relations Minister Mervyn Silva’s son Malaka was again highlighted in the recent past, because of his alleged involvement in attacking an Army Intelligence Officer. After he was released on bail after a few days spent in remand prison

The way some VIP sons behave

Minister Mervyn Silva’s son Malaka and Ambassador Bharathi Wijerathne’s son Rehan have been bailed out. The turn of events in the assault on the Army Major allegedly by these two individuals was certainly interesting. The Army Major’s recant might not only cost him his credibility as an intelligence officer

Editorial - Past, present and future

Days circled in red carry much more weight than what is signified in fanfare and celebration. They are there to remind the nation of its responsibilities and each individual the essence of humanity.

Democracy has gone to the dogs - Dayasiri Jayasekara

UNP firebrand - MP Dayasiri Jayasekara who was recently in the middle of a major controversy speaks to the Daily Mirror about his allegiance, political future, the issue surrounding the alleged assault of an Army officer, the reason behind the lack of political alternatives to the people and much more

Education; learning through the crisis

Two repeatedly used words in formal and informal conversations in several parts of the country today are education and the acronym, FUTA (Federation of University Teachers’ Associations). Where people gather with seriousness; clarification, explanation and interpretation of the current educational crisis takes place. The media have kept the debate alive with extensive coverage.

Editorial - Hands off the Judiciary

Despite periodic misjudgments and some party politicisation, the judiciary after the 1978 constitution for the executive presidency has been the last bastion of democracy. The first executive president J.R. Jayewardene for the first time appointed a private lawyer Neville Samarakoon as the Chief Justice.

The self-destruction of Pakistan

Patience is wearing thin. “Pakistan be damned”, one influential British policy maker said to me. Professors Paul Kapur and Sumit Ganguly write...

Editorial : Where have all the leaders gone?

Leaders are called to be just stewards of those under their care. They are there to provide servant leadership and take care of the people’s needs...

Obama at UN: The moral nakedness of US politics

In September 2006, when Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez addressed the United Nations General Assembly, a day after the then US President ...

Rendition of justice

In a decisive blow against the illegal U.S. policy of “extraordinary rendition’, Italy’s highest court, the Supreme Court of Cassation, has upheld the conviction...

UNP tries to woo JVP But JVP does not favour alliance

The Supreme Court ruled recently that the ‘Divi Neguma Bill’ should be referred to the provincial councils for approval before being enacted in Parliament. The Court’s ruling was communicated to Parliament by Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa last week.

The Saga of Julian Assange

The historical dimensions of the  "Triangular episode” of the Assange Saga are well known. Among the various alleged sins committed by Assange, an Australian Citizen, he is accused of a particularly heinous sin which has resulted in this “triangular paradigm”

Diplomatically cutting costs

EVER SINCE nations began sending diplomatic representatives to distant lands from the 15th century onwards, the might of colonial powers was gauged from the number of permanent missions that they maintained around the globe.

Editorial - Pretty faces in petty politics

In Sri Lanka anyone who has a grin that can be stretched out of proportion to fill an election poster, is a politician. Though nothing could have been blamed for their appointment to the helm other than the sheer political ignorance of the voters

The UNP my father died for, is no more: Navin

Minister of Public Management Reforms Navin Dissanayake, spoke to the Daily Mirror        on his father’s legacy, the public administration system of the country and the weaknesses of the UNP.

Innocence of Muslims

Muslims have never shied away from discussing the private and public life of their Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). In fact they have welcomed an examination of his life and times.

Book fairs and goons

As usual I went to the Colombo Book Fair this time. Characteristically the place was packed with book lovers and all sorts of lovers. The organizers had done a great job and I was able to find a number of books that I was looking for, for some time.

“The executive and legislature exist thanks to the judiciary”

Wijeydasa Rajapakshe the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka speaks to the Daily Mirror about the recent issue surrounding an alleged attack on the independence of the judiciary.

Rectifying wrongs of the past

Discrimination against the Tamil population which is seen to lie at the root of the three- decade conflict has been attributed to the struggle between a majority community and a minority community, where the latter seeks space to operate within a larger polity.

Myanmar’s new task

The Burmese Nobel laureate has been an inspiration for many. Aung San Su Kyi’s recent interview with a foreign daily, on her recent visit to the United States, has just furthered the sensitive side of her human nature. She is too polite to state the obvious.

Home sweet home, where good food grows - Editorial

For centuries agriculture has been the foundation of Sri Lanka’s economy and also a vital part of our hallowed ancient civilisation. The farmer was looked upon as a king, so much so that a famous British writer said that the farmer, when the mud was washed off his back, was fit to be a king.

SL's first national DNA analysis lab soon to be a reality

The present conviction rate of 4% in the country is a repetitively highlighted fact whenever a debate emerges pertaining to the judicial process. During the year of 2010 alone, Police Department statistics revealed over 91% of homicides

INNOCENCE OF MUSLIMS: AN ATTACK ON ISLAM Freedom of speech or freedom to blaspheme?

Everyone seems to be aware of the mayhem that has gripped the Muslim communities all over the world, but only a handful of them understand what actually triggered these protests. People might wonder how a 13-minute trailer can trigger such a big reaction,

Editorial - The answer script logjam

This year’s Advanced Level examination was concluded on August 30. Almost a month has passed; the answer scripts are still bundled together and left in a corner. Anyone who has been subject to the minute horrors of national examinations would know that....

FUTA Strike and Conspiracy Stories

Some politicians and media officials linked to the government have begun to describe the FUTA strike as an attempt to overthrow the present government. Some have even come out with the fantastic idea that the FUTA is planning a ‘Suharto style’ conspiracy.