Global and regional powers compete for space in South Asian countries

Given the new challenge posed by the Russo-Ukrainian war in Europe, and the continuing challenge posed by a rising China in the East, global and regional powers are busy exerting and expanding their influence over countries in South Asia – an area in which they have competing strategic interests.

Ukraine takes centre stage - EDITORIAL

After over a month of the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 27, announced that Ukraine was ready to discuss....

How the government ‘ended’ racism in Sri Lanka

During these sweaty island nights punctured by power cuts, think about the missing bogeyman. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the incumbent....

“People will hardly vote for any Rajapaksa again” - Wimal Weerawansa

National Freedom Front Leader Wimal Weerawansa recently claimed that he would ensure that the government would soon.....

Trade unions have duties as well

A Sinhala newspaper reported on Sunday that the employees of the cash-strapped Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has drawn Rs. 4 billion as overtime payments during the past twelve months! It further stated that all efforts by the CPC administration for

Who is behind high prices of milk?

Even vegetarians consume milk and eggs because these are the most cost-effective sources of nutrients. They are versatile foods that can be used in a variety of ways. As a result, they are in high demand, and as in any market economy, market forces determine their prices. We have the option and

Anuradhapura Gnana Akka RENOWNED SOOTHSAYER'S HOTEL COMES UNDER SPOTLIGHT.’’

Can the law be made silent when shrine (Devalaya) officials enjoy limitless political powers of powerful political figures? They amass abundant wealth thanks to this political framework. A similar incident was reported in Anuradhapura city where the Shrine of Gnana Meniyo is located. It is known as ‘Sasthara Gedara’ and is frequented by politicians. She is b

Medicinal Drug Scarcity and Prof Bibile Assassination - part ii

There had been quite a few responses from those who knew Prof. Senaka Bibile well, on this great man’s mysterious death as expressed in Part I of this article. Therefore, we give more specific....

What lies next in the Northern Province

We are still in the first three of the months of the year. But, every day, every waking moment, citizens living here and by extension people of our origin overseas remember, ask and wish to be....

In the battle between giants - ants get trampled - EDITORIAL

The war in Ukraine whose path of confrontational politics with Russia was backed by the US and its NATO allies has now entered its second month. According to the UN, 6.5 million....

Never Let a Crisis Go to Waste

We are a country which is familiar with suffering. Since 2000, we have lived through a civil war, a devastating tsunami, Easter Sunday attacks and COVID-19. We are now facing an economic crisis. Facing....

Fading sovereignty and its nexus to crisis

Russia is continuing its invasion of Ukraine despite condemnation by international community. Recent news bulletins revealed that Russia has tested their hypersonic missiles on targets in Ukraine. This means....

The Irresponsibility of Intellectuals

Economic collapse is no longer imminent, it has arrived. Make no mistake, a set of policy outcomes as disastrous as this would lead to mass anarchy in almost any other part of our region. Whatever....

TPA Seeks Non-Territorial Council for Hill Country Tamils

The total population of Tamils - both Sri Lankan and Indian -is 3,113, 247. Of these 1,611,036 Tamils are living in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Another 1,502,211 Tamils live outside the Northern and Eastern Provinces

Turkey: The Drone Superpower

In 2014 when Russia carried out several take overs of Ukrainian territory and the rebellion in the industrial heart of Ukraine,

Public pressure is not bribing people; Going beyond alcohol and rice packets

Finally, the main Opposition broke its silence. The mega rally organised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya on March 15 witnessed the participation of a massive crowd, blocking streets in Colombo, holding effigies of ruling party politicians and voicing their discontent against the government. Some even went to the extent of throwing coffins inside the Presidential Secretariat.

Why does CEB shun renewable energy projects?

Certain acts of disruption by the Engineers Union of the Ceylon Electricity Board (EUCEB) had given rise to grave concern as the country is forced to plunge in power cuts. Ceylon Electricity.....

Relief packages and a country in debt - EDITORIAL

This is a time when people who have lost their sources of income would want some relief. That relief must come courtesy the government. Just the other day President Rajapaksa assured the country....

Geoeconomic pitfalls: Egypt then, Lanka now

The unprecedented yet not unforeseen economic crisis, foreign exchange crisis and debt crisis Sri Lanka is going through with people dying and being killed in queues for their basic needs....

An agony without an end in sight

We call it an agony for good reason. As never before experienced or seen in Sri Lanka, is the agony of having to spend long hours in ever lengthening queues made worse by the contradictory statements mouthed by the subject ministers,

Elections, electors and elected

There are calls, obviously from oppositional elements, for snap elections. There are of course constitutional provisions for holding parliamentary elections and those who make such demands cannot be ignorant about them.

Protests, discontent and disconnects

This month (March 2022) had seen widespread discontent by many Sri Lankans from all walks of life on new and old social – economic – political concerns, leading to more than 100 street protests across the country, though many of the protests and protesters remain disconnected.

Time to shelf arrogance and embrace knowledge

The recent trends in public rallies and protests showed that people’s thoughts and ideas do matter.

Party politics failed - EDITORIAL

The frustration among the masses over the long-running, incessant shortage of essential items, especially fuel and gas and the steep...

Let there be no more supplicant ‘fixers’

The death of two journalists working for Fox News, US in Ukraine on March 14 has reignited the conversation on the value....

Frustration growing in a ‘land milked of honey’

Our country’s finances are in a parlous position. The country is indebted to the tune of several billion dollars and reserves are, to put it

Four cardinal mistakes the president did not admit in his speech

Last week President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressed a nation in crisis. Instead of calming the masses, a good part of whose life is now spent in everyday queues, he managed to further enrage them. What could probably be the operating para of his sp

Northern Pre-School Teachers Quest for Survival

Most of us, having spent over a decade growing with schools as much as we did with our families, are constantly reminded.....

Hypocrisy, false propaganda and war in Ukraine - EDITORIAL

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year and the war is entering its 26th day. Whilst one may sympathize.....

Archbishop Oscar Romero: champion of human rights

The brutal invasion of Ukraine by Russia whose leader Vladimir Putin who is considered by most independent analysts as tyrannical or insane,