New political dynamics in the offing whoever wins Presidential poll

Sri Lankans will cast their ballots on Saturday. The country is at a crossroads politically and economically. People will avail of themselves the opportunity on Saturday to elect the next Executive President of Sri Lanka for a period of five years. Executive presidency, an idea mooted way back in 1966, came into effect on September 7, 1978. Incidentally, in the very same month of this year, people will elect the next President out of a basket of

Solidarity Movement for Justice and Truth reminds people to vote wisely

‘The Solidarity Movement for Justice and Truth’ is a civil movement that was set up three years ago with a vision to apprehend perpetrators involved in carrying out the Easter Sunday attacks and seeking justice for victims. Issuing a statement, the Movement announced a set of demands for people aspiring to cast their vote at the upcoming Presidential Election.

The Holy Father on Whom to Vote for: The Less Evil Candidate

On September 14, 2024, both on the BBC and Al Jazeera, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, urged the faithful to vote for the less evil of the two major US presidential candidates who are ‘against life’. Kamala Harris is openly for abortion while Trump is waffling – against one day and for the next. The pontiff said not welcoming migrants – seemingly referring to Trump – is a “grave” sin, and compared Kamala Harris’ stance on abortion to an “assassina

Ukraine’s Kursk gamble and the F16 crash mystery

Everyone wants to see an end to the war in Ukraine – everyone except the combattants. There is no end in sight to the war two years after the Russian invasion. The war isn’t limited to Ukraine – since President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gambled on a surprise counterattack in Kursk, it has spilled over to Russian territory.

What is in store for people after polls?

Several of the promises thrown by the majority of the 38 candidates who will contest the Saturday’s Presidential election are irrelevant, as some of them are not meant to be kept while the others are not practical on the ground. Some of the plans and promises of some candidates seem to be good while the question remains as to how they are going to be materialised in a country with a bankrupt economy.

SAJITH PREMADASA TO SET UP PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE TO TACKLE CHILD POVERTY

Presidential candidate for 2024 election Sajith Premadasa should be praised for identifying the dire need to tackle child poverty in Sri Lanka for the first time in the history.

Sri Lanka Presidential election 2024: Who will have the last laugh?

As Sri Lanka gears up for its 2024 Presidential Election, the race is intensifying with three leading candidates vying for the top position: incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, running as an independent; Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB); and Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP).

Whoever it is, follow Ranil’s blueprint for stability

Often, elections are shaped more by emotional impulses, rumours and popular narratives rather than a reasoned assessment of a candidate’s capabilities, policy initiatives or leadership qualities.

Elections, Classes and Minorities

How will we look back on the elections of 2024, in a decade or two from now? The upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, I argue, will be as significant as the general elections of 1956.

2024 Presidential election -one like no other - EDITORIAL

The 2024 presidential election campaign has now reached its peak. In two days time -on Wednesday midnight- all campaigning will come to an end. In this election, we see many similarities and differences from the presidential election of 2019.

Why Ranil is so Confident of Winning the Presidential Election

Sri Lanka’s ninth presidential election will take place one week from now on 21 September 2024. Among the 38 contestants, three are regarded as the top contenders.

Promises may deceive, history proves credentials

It is exactly a week left for the 9th Presidential election in Sri Lanka which is scheduled for September 21. Of the 38 candidates only a few are campaigning for their candidacy.

The sambar-achcharu crew contesting the presidential election

The presidential election campaign is in full swing. Many of the contestants are virtually unknown. For several years, the main candidates were able to milk a particular milch cow -the ethnic war- to gain public sympathy. This time around, voters have shown their disinterest in these political diversions.

Candidates’ commitment to combat corruption

Politics and corruption are inseparable twins in most developing countries, including Sri Lanka. Yet, no election campaign is complete without corruption becoming the topmost vote-catching strategy in these countries.

Hey lawmakers; leave those kids alone! - EDITORIAL

Humans are wonderful animals. This can be especially said about children and minors

NCCSL advocates for a spiritual-political voting culture

The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) strongly encouraged all those who are eligible to vote at the upcoming Presidential Elections. In a statement,

Presidential Elections: A scholarship exam for Sri Lankan adults

This is a cricket crazy nation where every islander is loyal to the national cricket team. There was a time when most shopping malls selling televisions would switch on at least one tv and offer some entertainment to passersby. On Test match days, we’d see people standing on the road soaking up the action with their eyes glued to televisions, owned by store owners. Right now,

Presidential poll: Need to restore the senate

With mere 9 days to go for the Presidential Election, most people are focusing on the often broken promises of various ruling parties – which were essentially family based – but, constitutional analysts are reflecting on a “system change”.

Most important bloc vote: to whom would Gota’s 6.9 million votes go?

The 6.9 million voters who elected Gotabaya Rajapaksa are the most numerically significant group that can decide the election

Can punitive measures, stolen asset recovery end corruption?

Anti- corruption rhetoric has become the order of the day in politics these days. The main presidential candidates- President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa, National People’s Power (NPP) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) candidate Namal Rajapaksa- repeatedly utter what they intend to do to root out corruption . The topic has gained electoral significance by vo

Cricket lovely cricket and a good year for sports

After ten long years, just yesterday Sri Lanka’s men’s Test cricket team defeated the England Test XI. After successive defeats in the two earlier test matches the team came good. Despite the victory there are still several weak links in the team that need straightening out.

Capital punishment will not reduce rape, statistics show

On September 3, the West Bengal State Assembly unanimously passed the “Aparajita Women and Child Bill” which provides for the death sentence in rape cases.

Election promises amid chaos and confusion of voting rules - EDITORIAL

Voters at this year’s presidential election do not face a straight forward choice. All these years, voters were used to choose between two main candidates.

Voter’s Dilemma: Revolutionary Change or Economic Foresight?

Traditional marriage brokers are gradually fading from relevance as modern values and lifestyles shift away.

Sudan: A tragedy caused by two ruthless generals

Sudan’s civil war and resulting humanitarian crisis has been overshadowed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the tragedy in Palestine.

To hell or heaven, we need a passport! - EDITORIAL

It wasn’t long ago when Sri Lankans developed a habit (by force rather than choice) to form long queues on the streets.

India eyes stronger ties as Ajit Doval engages Sri Lanka’s political leaders before elections

As Sri Lanka approaches a crucial presidential election on September 21, India leaves no stone unturned in securing its strategic interests in the island nation. In what is seen as a calculated diplomatic move, India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, held talks with all four key presidential candidates during his recent visit to Colombo.

Who will get the bulk of Tamil votes in the 2024 Presidential Poll?

The Ilankai Thamil Arasuk Katchi (ITAK) regarded as the premier political party of the Sri Lankan Tamils has declare its support for Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS) leader Sajith Premadasa in the Presidential election scheduled on 21 September 2024.

Sajith - Ariyanethiran clash over Tamil votes

Illankai Thamil Arasu Katchi Parliamentarian M.A.Sumanthiran on Sunday announced that the Central Committee of his party had decided to support Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa at the September 21 Presidential election.

The culture of impunity, politicians and presidential elections

The Presidential election is in full swing. Our country went bankrupt two years ago. Thanks to an Indian credit line, the World Bank, the IMF and heaping burdens on the poorest sections of our people, we are informed, that our country is on the road to recovery.