Month: February 2015

President Maithripala Sirisena today assured that under his leadership people of all communities and religions will be able to enjoy freedom. Speaking at an event in Kaduruwela, the President said that Sri Lanka is now at peace following the defeat of the LTTE. The President said that he is committed to ensure an environment prevails were all can live in peace and without fear. “It is our responsibility to meet the expectations of the people,” he said. He noted that at the last Presidential elections, he was able to win with…

By Varatharaja Perumal – Removing the impediments in the 13th amendment is imperative to achieve national reconciliation and peace Territorial integration may be achieved by the armed forces, but national unity of communities can be achieved only by the appropriate political process. Absence of war here indicates only the silence of guns and not the attainment of sustainable peace. De-communalized nation, democratized political system and demilitarized State are imperative to rightly put Sri Lankan political economy in a progressive path through which Sri Lanka can achieve true independence and sustainable development.…

“To give freedom is still more easy. It is not necessary to guide; it only requires to let go the rein. But to form a free government; that is, to temper together these opposite elements of liberty and restraint in one work, requires much thought, deep reflection, a sagacious, powerful, and combining mind. – Edmund Burke (1790) Reflections on the Revolution in France   With just over a month after the installation of the new government and its commencement of the 100-day reform process, the situation can best be described as mixed.…

Link between Gampola gang and Canadian Lankan held for smuggling 36 kgs of heroin to be probed by Shamindra Ferdinando Deputy Foreign Minister Ajith P. Perera yesterday alleged that some of those who had received diplomatic/official passports during the UPFA administration were believed to have exploited the facility to smuggle in narcotics through the Bandaranaike International Airport.  Responding to a query by The Island, Perera claimed that they had used the VIP channel for that purpose for years. The Kalutara District MP emphasised the responsibility on the part of the…

By Manekshaw What so hard for men to gain as friendship true? What so sure defence ‘gainst all that foe can do? The above excerpt from Dr. Rev G.U. Pope’s English translation of Thirukkural, a Tamil script which dates back to 200-800 AD by Saint Thiruvalluvar, highlights the true meaning of friendship and Indian President Pranab Mukherjee uttered the verses and explained its meaning in detail to Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the reception hosted at the Rashtrapathi Bawan last week. President Mukherjee is a great admirer of late Lankan…

EPDP leader Douglas Devananda said his Party had taken a decision to contest the forthcoming general election alone. He said that the party realized the reason for receiving less votes in the North, when discussing the issue with the public. It was said to be because the EPDP contested several elections together under an Alliance. Devananda pointed out that he cannot believe that his voter base had dropped so drastically, since he had engaged in providing great service, during the past few years, to the Northern Province. Devananda said taking…

“43 days have gone by since this government has been brought to power. No procedures have been taken within the 50 days of the 100 day programme of the government regarding serious frauds and corruption committed during the previous regime. The JVP would take to the streets with the people if such procedures are intentionally delayed. We have already arranged an agitation opposite fort Railway Station on the 26th.” This was stated by the Information Secretary of the JVP Vijitha Herath addressing a media conference held at the head office…

The incident he faced as State Minister of Higher Education regarding the removal of the UGC Head and Faizer Mustapha’s resignation as State Minister of Aviation will not negatively impact the 100-day program but is a wakeup call for the whole alliance to realise that it needs to be more serious, says Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha. In a wide-ranging interview with the Daily FT, he also noted that the alliance gave a specific deadline to the people and there were very important pledges that it had done nothing about. “People are…

By Dilanka Gunathilaka The day was exactly 16 February 1988. It was a time the United National Party (UNP) and the youth power of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) were in a bitter clash. The unexpected, shocking assassination was a matter for joy for some who were in sympathy with the youth revolt. The victim was Vijaya Kumarathunga who was enjoying the love of the entire country. The dream star of Sinhala cinema fell dead; his beautiful face shattered while the entire universe was silenced for a moment. We met…