Editorial - Evil minds contaminate the earth

It is said that what comes out of our human minds is what often corrupts and distorts our human personality. When that happens we distort and...

PC polls: SLMC to share Chief Minister Post in East

Politics witnessed one of the most hectic weeks, with the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and the Tamil National Alliance – engaged in roping in members to the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) that remained hung. Finally, the lid was placed on the problem by the UPFA which managed to draw the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) into its fold.

Politics Should Not Be Confrontational, But Participatory

The victory of the UPFA in the recent Eastern Provincial Council elections has to be given serious thought by the Muslim community. Though the UPFA has got 204000 votes and captured 14 seats, this does not mean that the UPFA is the governing body of the Eastern Provincial Council.

A muddled campaign

The current U.S. presidential election ratings showing Barack Obama leading his Republican challenger Mitt Romney by seven percentage points among registered voters and only three among likely voters reveal the uncertainty surrounding the whole election.

Emasculating war heroes - Editorial

At a time when plenty of dramas are directed for the benefit of the theatre-enthusiasts in the capital, there are other dramas scripted and acted out for the sheer benefit of the individuals who appear in them.

‘Victorious’ government and the defeated masses…

Abortion is legally banned in Sri Lanka. Despite the ban, it is common  knowledge that these illegal activities prevail in the country, under cover. While some say that killing a child about to be born is a crime, others may argue that abortion is a woman’s right. Most of these abortions take place without the intervention of the government.

US House Resolution on Sri Lanka

It has been reported that Sri Lanka is expected to lobby the support of friendly US congressmen to defeat a resolution tabled in the House of Representatives on September 07 by seven congressmen demanding an international inquiry into alleged violations of the international humanitarian law during the military battle against the separatist/terrorist Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka.

Blowing hot and cold

THE CONTINUED logjam following the week-long negotiations in Bangkok earlier this month of the UN Climate Change Convention has not come as a surprise to many, as the great divide between the developed and developing countries persists in stalling any sensible and acceptable replacement of the much-maligned first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, which expires towards the end this year.

Editorial - Whither governance and rule of law?

The ‘Malaka Silva’ affair has been ‘the’ incident during the last few days with media taking great pains not to miss a wee bit of the drama unfolded—which even Malaka’s father, Minister Mervyn Silva said that led to the sale of unsalable newspapers in the country.

America Pivots to Asia while a Giant Awakens

The race to the Whitehouse has begun. With the conventions concluded, attention is turning to the upcoming debates. It is less than two months until Election Day, November 6.

Sensitive reconciliation of the communities

The State must not lose sight of the need to allay the fears and anxieties of the Sinhalese who, though a majority, have their own share of concerns, both real and imagined. Many actions that discriminated against minorities sprang initially from a widespread perception amongst the Sinhalese

Islands of discord

IT’S QUITE unbecoming of the Chinese to indulge in violence — and that took over an issue that concerns foreign relations and territorial disputes. But that is exactly what is happening with the communist giant, as protesters go on rampage destroying Japanese interests with impunity.

Editorial - Hump-dump mafia like humpty-dumpty

What is happening in the multi-million-rupee Colombo Stock Exchange is not only a scandalous fraud and plunder of public funds but a clear sign of the breakdown of the rule of law.

An exciting pace in Northern development ...

South Africa’s National Council of Provinces Chairman Miniwa Johannes Mahlangu was in Colombo last week for the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference at which he was elected as the new President of the CPA.

Pen Portrait of Anagarika Dharmapala

Had he lived in Colombo in 2012 amongst i-pads and i-phones, Nokia and Reebok, Anagarika Dharmapala would have mocked the Colombians as a fawning cringing crawling mob that worshipped at the altar of the UNP and with fortunes changing offer pooja before the shrine of Mahinda Rajapaksa, solely for personal advancement in search of mercenary merchandise.

Into the world of books… - Editorial

Tomorrow (September 18) will see an endless river of book-lovers flooding the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) premises for the Colombo International Book Fair opening its doors to readers belonging to many generations.

I’m not afraid to speak the truth - Hirunika Premachandra

Hirunika Premachandra didn’t mince her words when she spoke to the  about her recent appearance at a UPFA rally which created doubts among sections of the public about her political ambitions and aspiration and much more. Following are excerpts of the interview which can be viewed in full on Dailymirroronline.lk

Sri Lanka, A Diminished Democracy

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an association of Parliamentarians who are bound by their shared interests, respect for the rule of law and individual rights and freedoms, and the pursuit of the positive ideals of parliamentary democracy.

All religions alliance for a new Lanka - Editorial

The worldwide controversy, violent demonstrations and the killing of the United States Ambassador in Libya over the release of a ridiculously scandalous You-tube film on the life of the Holy Prophet Mohammed underlines the need for effective steps to marginalise extremists and bring about religious unity in diversity.

The blind leading the blind

The killing of the US ambassador in Libya and the protests across other parts of the Middle East over an incendiary movie appear to have vindicated the...

Top ten of the great dictators

Thankfully neither candidate for US president is threatening “a war against dictators”. If George W. Bush had been allowed a third term- as President Franklin Roosevelt ...

Editorial - Blank cheques, not checks, for corruption

Despite election victories and boasts about achievements to make Sri Lanka a model or miracle of Asia, widespread corruption continues unchecked with politicians...

Post-election Tug of war....

As political analysts predicted, the United Freedom People’s Alliance (UPFA) returned to office at the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils with conformable majorities. But, in the east, the results showed a different picture with none of the parties being able to get the required majority to form the council.

Chinese Defence Minister’s Visit To Sri Lanka: An Indian Perspective

The first-ever visit by a Chinese Defence Minister to Sri Lanka with an entourage of 23 members indicates the ever increasing Chinese interest in the island nation. China’s Defence Minister General Liang Guanglie’s visited Sri Lanka for five days from August 29, 2012.

Shylocks in free education - Editorial

It is no exaggeration that the state of education continues to deteriorate despite the persistent loud cries of the students, parents and teachers who are stuck in a labyrinthine tunnel with no light.

Fighting the real war against war

With a few books clutched in his left hand, Jayasankar Thayutsan walks heavily, dragging his right foot, trying to keep pace with his classmates running towards the playground.

Road to reconciliation

In keeping with Sri Lanka’s policy of continuous engagement with the UN System, I wish to provide you an update on the significant steps taken, since the Council last met in June 2012, to consolidate our hard-won peace following the defeat of terrorism, and to ensure rapid development and reconciliation amongst our people. 

Abolish executive presidency before next election-Editorial

The Government in the afterglow of its victory in last Saturday’s elections to three provincial councils, must be aware of the need for magnanimity and humility in victory just as we must have courage and determination in defeat.

THE YOUTH OF LANKA PLEDGE TO A MANTRA OF NUNCA MAS

Walking into the auditorium of Jaffna College Vaddukodai last week was not overwhelming as a sea of smiling faces came way. Rather, what instantly struck us was the effervescence that filled the air in a room of nearly 500 youth from all ethnic and religious communities, who had come together from the 22 districts of the country to the culturally and historically reputed seat of learning, in the hope of playing their part in national reconciliati

Is Sri Lanka Preparing For UNHRC’s Head Navi Pillay?

To most of us the announcement of UNHRC’s Technical Team visit comes as a surprise but nothing that should cause frenzy other than the fact that most UN visits are generally not without bias and not without agenda.