The Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya and Amarapura Maha Sanga Sabhawa have sent out statements calling for an end to the Junta’s role and the country and for the return to democracy. Such a response is apt from Buddhist Sri Lanka because there is a school of thought that Theravada Buddhism came to this island from Burma; hence there is a responsibility or urge to respond to the military style takeover of the country.
Read More
First, he had responded to me in a matter of two days, and that is a favour I could not return, regrettably. Second, and more importantly, the title of his reply ‘Saving Sri Lanka’s democracy: A strategic perspective’, signified that I could expect to read some actionable and positive recommendations useful to the progressive camp in the defence and strengthening of democracy in Sri Lanka.
Read More
Firstly, this is a trap for the SJB and Sajith Premadasa, in which the “broad platform” gets to decide on the “common” Presidential candidate and the manifesto. Given Harinda B’s article it is very clear who and what he has in mind: either Karu J or a recycling of the nonsensical ‘abolition of the executive Presidency’ slogan.
Read More
Unfortunately, Dayan Jayatilleka continues to make two mistakes that are likely to hinder the SJB’s chances of unifying the Opposition into a formidable force that can withstand an onslaught on democracy by the ruling coalition.
Read More
Earlier this December, the PM signalled the desirability of holding the long-deferred elections to the Provincial Councils, overcoming a Yahapalanaya-donated deadlock by the possible recourse to the old regulations.
Read More
The PCs are not the only dilemma that President Rajapaksa has to wrestle with. He is grappling with quite a few of them. While almost all other presidential dilemmas are connected to Covid-19, the dilemma over 13A and the Provincial Councils is antecedent to Covid-19, but like everything else in Sri Lanka and elsewhere, is complicated by it. Hence the lingering question, why bother with a new constitution now? And especially for this President, whose credentials are totally those of a practical
Read More
There is no shame in forecasting the fate of the nation based on a political perspective or ideology. Indeed, many Sri Lankan professionals and business people also predicted that 2020 would be a good year for our country. The difference is that their conviction flowed from faith in a leader untarnished by politics who they saw as a breath of fresh air, and anticipation of a political culture that would shake up the public service.
Read More
This document was developed by OTI in 2011, following extensive consultations with political parties and lengthy deliberations. The wordings in this document may or may not be relevant to the current context or may have to be rephrased. However, principles mentioned in the document could still provide a sound basis for any constitutional reforms attempts Therefore the document is shared with you with the intention of sharing knowledge and past consensus and that it could be used as a bas
Read More
It is believed by professionals that the Budget will be in line with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s national policy framework “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” focusing on people-centric development, economic development, and welfare for the people. Further, the Government is expected to put forward suggestions to revamp the business sector and disintegrated businesses in general.
Read More
The latest Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2020, released last week, indicated that fiscal performance is likely to be under severe stress during the remainder of the year, given the local and global shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are also fears of a second wave and Sri Lanka’s debt metrics call for strong fiscal management not just in the second half of the year but also in 2021, depending on how the economic recovery moves forward.
Read More
