Significance of April 4

‘WHY PRABHAKARAN WILL LOSE’ was the title of an article by me that was published in newspapers and websites (e.g. The Island, Asian Tribune) on October 17, 2004.   

Introduce austerity drive for ministers

It has been a tradition in many countries to launch austerity drives for government politicians when the country’s growth rate hits a record low. That is one important means of taking collective responsibility for the down turn. 

Eradicate corruption prior to mouthing platitudes

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has told the newly-elected UNP local council members, at their swearing-in ceremony at Temple Trees on March 19, that people had elected them not to see those who came on bicycles leaving office in Benz cars.   

PM’s no-confidence vote and yahapalanaya’s divided loyalties

Prime Minister RanilWickremesinghe is facing a no-confidence motion submitted by the Joint Opposition and signed by some of the ministers in his own government. He may survive the vote, but the wrangling between the UNP and SLFP in the unity government would continue till the remainder of its term, or more likely till the 

Nature-based solutions for water crisis - EDITORIAL

The single minute, humble door it may be makes the mighty ages of eternity. Similarly, it is a reality that little drops of water make the mighty ocean. We need to ponder deeply on such immortal words when observing....

More than what meets the eye

Sri Lanka emerged from three decade-long ethnic hostilities which claimed numerous lives and inflicted economic havoc. It saw SL retrograding in many respects. Adding insult to injury, SL had to face global opprobrium at international...

Yahapalanaya is an undefinable concept thrown in for election purpose - Dr. Charitha Herath

Head of the Department of Philosophy at University of Peradeniya, Dr. Charitha Herath speaks to Daily Mirror about the current political trends and the future. Dr. Herath also served as the Media Ministry Secretary during the former rule....

Facebook’s data leak drama and Washington’s hypocritical outrage

When the Sri Lankan government temporarily blocked Facebook and some other social media platforms in a bid to control the spread of anti-Muslim violence that erupted in Kandy recently, the Colombo-based ambassador for the US....

Iranian contradiction in North Korean negotiations

Like it or not we find that we’re having to get used to the paradoxes, contradictions and confusions of the Trump era.  

Woodman, spare that precious tree

This week, the world marked the International Day of Forests with the theme being “Forests and Sustainable Cities.” The United Nations in a statement said global celebration of forests provided a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of woodlands and trees, and celebrate the ways in which they sustain and protect us.   

Coup Saga of 1962

Rosy Senanayake recently sworn in as the Mayor of Colombo at Temple Trees, officially assumed duties as the first-ever Mayoress of the CMC on Thursday at a ceremony attended by MP Ravi Karunanayake among other guests.

What kind of a nation are we?

Kandy was burning. The pinnacle of the teachings of the greatest Teacher in human history, who preached ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence) is being desecrated and the shame and ignominy that burning has caused have become our contemptible DNA.  

Identity Crisis And Muslims

As it did on the wake of previous communal clashes in various places in the country, the Government said after the communal clashes in early this month that it would take action to filter the hateful statements and posts in the social media.   

The Devils in Doctors and Dons

Having indulged in writing on issues like reconciliation, corruption, development and all things directly political, a news item on Sunday last prompted this write up on professionals and academics beyond the short mention, I had about them last week. 

Who will offer them sweets?

As our vehicles whiz past them in the morning we often take them for granted. Clad in orange uniforms and pushing the orange coloured handcarts with the CMC logo they make sure that we drive into a cleaner Colombo every morning. 

Facebook: Friend or foe to society?

The debate over social media regulation has reached a critical point, with the social media giant Facebook facing its biggest ever crisis in its 14 year history.

A glowing tribute to the Father of the Nation

The wisdom of the late D. S. Senanayake’s agricultural policy needs concerted attention at a time when the country is facing a rice crisis. Attention to administrative efficiency was primary among his Economic and Political wisdom. DS’s hands-on realistic wisdom, too helped a lot in carrying out the programmes. Realism was another measurement of his Pragmatism.   

His dedication towards Buddhism was commendable

I thought of writing this article on the first Prime minister of Ceylon D. S. Senanayake, the father of the nation with great respect and reverence and I strongly believe that it is the right time to educate the present generation about this great exemplary leader and his religious activities as well as commitment to Buddhism.  

Will the ‘lifetime’ Presidency help China evolve?

China adopted a new constitutional amendment removing the two-term restriction on President Xi Jinping enabling him to continue serving the country. The move has evoked widespread response from across the globe, both positive and negative depending on the prism through which it is viewed.   

An irresistible identity with violence

One just has to browse through the list of television programmes. Sri Lankans watch during the week and it will be evident that this island nation has the mentality to stage a war anytime, anywhere.   

CLT houses for green Lanka

If most good things begin in the home, so must the life-or-death battle relating to global warming. Across the world, creative and innovative architects have developed more affordable and eco-friendly ways of building houses. Sri Lanka’s Housing and Construction Minister Sajith Premadasa, continuing the good work his father started, has launched hundreds of projects, mainly in rural areas, to provide houses with deeds and small plots

Vehicles of corruption From bicycles to Benz cars

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe didn’t mince his words when addressing newly elected members to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). He told them what is expected of them and what is not.

Communal riots and the usual search for scapegoats

In the aftermath of the Digana incidents, there were various programmes on visual media where the clergy from all communities, Muslim and Buddhist in particular, made appeals from their respective followers to exercise calm and restraint in the circumstances.

Something Radically Wrong

It is not limited to the systematic racism and sexism that we unwittingly engage in on a daily basis. It is not even limited to the lack of substantive education, the reasoning expected of people beyond the achievement of literacy.

Numbers, proportions and extraordinary conclusions

It’s more than a month since the local government elections were held. The elections themselves were held a long time after the local government bodies were dissolved. 

WONKY ATTITUDES AND WEIRD APPROACHES IN A POLITICAL CLASS

Ranil Wickremasinghe (RW) corresponds closely in style to his ‘Right-Royal’ classmate with a keener sense of impish humour – amiable late Anura B (AB). 

The silent, suffering masses

The burning question today seems to be transport!!! The trains and buses in our country are indeed a sorry sight.

Pistol-packing mamma and spoilt political brats Hog Limelight

There were a few more shocks in store for Sri Lankans, still reeling after the devastation, destruction and murder caused by attacks in Ampara and Digana incited by racists of the worst possible kind. 

Filtering hate speech, not an easy task

As in the case of the political and economic problems faced by the government, it is grappling with the issue of maintaining communal harmony in the country. It was clearly manifested during the recent anti-Muslim riots that even the state of emergency and the curfews did not function properly. The Government and the law 

Impunity: A cat closing its eyes drinking milk

The title from my school days refers to a cat thinking that when it sees no one, it is safe. Likewise, our rulers seem to think that blocking out Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. ensures that no one can see us or our friends bashing our Muslim brethren and enjoy that barbaric moment as we act out our Mleccha (barbarian) instincts. With firm action, the riots should have been stopped on day one. Instead, social media showed the police, the STF no less, la