A fundamental rights petition filed against pastor Jerome Fernando will be taken up for consideration before a three-judge bench chaired by the Chief Justice, on 22 July. Several religious leaders have filed the petition seeking an order to prosecute pastor Jerome Fernando under the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) over […]

Political sources say Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, MP, and his son, Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, State Minister for Defence, were not invited to an SLPP meeting held at Rattota over the weekend. The meeting, chaired by SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa, was addressed by party General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, parliamentarians Johnston Fernando, Tissa Kuttiarachchi and several others. […...

Tuesday 11th June, 2024 Nothing is more disconcerting to an unpopular regime than the prospect of losing power. Hence the SLPP-UNP government’s desperate efforts to cling on to power by fair means or foul. The Opposition has let out howls of protests against a government move to extend the term of Attorney General (AG) Sanjay […]

By Shamindra Ferdinando Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila yesterday (10) condemned Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa for declaring his intention to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Attorney-at-Law Gammanpila alleged that the declaration was made by presidential candidate Premadasa with his eye on Northern Province Tamil vo...

Israeli minister Benny Gantz has announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government, withdrawing the only centrist power in the embattled leader’s far-right coalition, amid a months-long assault on Gaza. “Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward true victory. That is why we are leaving the emergency government today, with a heavy heart […]

Despite a Dip in Seat Count, BJP Retains Power; Congress Resurgence and Regional Gains Signal Political Evolution The 2024 Lok Sabha election results have brought significant surprises, showcasing a dramatic shift in the Indian political landscape. Despite securing a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the […]

In the midst of tension in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, Japan, China and South Korea held a trilateral summit in Seoul on May 27, the first since July 2019. The summit was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Premier Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. For the sake […]

The world faces threats of huge economic losses in case China attacks Taiwan. There is a high possibility of major powers drawing into the conflict, which would disrupt global trade and cost the world its 10 percent of GDP. The Taiwan Strait is crucial for global cargo transport as over 50 percent of cargo ships […]

Several Ministers in pro-Ranil group By Shamindra Ferdinando The New Alliance, a newly-formed political outfit, consisting of a group of dissident SLPP MPs, over the weekend, reached an understanding with the SLFP to pursue a common agenda, widely believed to be beneficial to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The formation of the New Alliance-SLFP was announced at […]

Monday 10th June, 2024 Presidential candidates of the SJB and the JVP-led NPP, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, respectively, have chosen to sprint even before the commencement of the next presidential race, which is a marathon, wherein one has to pace oneself skilfully to prevent fatigue and maintain momentum. The two sides have been […]

by Rajan Philips It is tempting to ask if Ranil Wickremesinghe can electorally survive the referendum fast one that he got his cop-turned politico Party Secretary to pull on his behalf. Will Mr. Wickremesinghe even contest? Might his effervescent mind think of another pre-election ploy? Such as a special referendum to consult the people if […]

The Ceylon tea industry, a vital component of the national economy, is under immense pressure from the proposed 700 Rupee wage increase for tea estate workers. While it is said that the intention behind the wage hike is to improve worker livelihoods, industry experts refer this as a pure political move aimed at gaining the […]

Burger Hangover, the latest addition to Colombo’s vibrant culinary scene, recently celebrated its grand opening, much to the delight of burger enthusiasts across the city. Co-founded by Farhan Hameed and Razeen Razak, Burger Hangover aims to elevate the burger dining experience with its handcrafted creations and unique ambience. Situated at 562/12, Lower Bagatale, Marine Drive, […]

by ACB Pethiyagoda A desire to visit Burma (Myanmar since 1989) having seen the film ‘The Story of Dr. Wossell’ as a school boy was fulfilled recently. The film was about a dedicated British Army Medical Officer who during World War II fell in love with the country and more deeply with a lithesome and […]

Thaththa(my late father) was an avid radio listener. He called the radio a ‘wireless.’ Early in the morning, he listened to the news and, after dinner, to Sinhala and English songs. He allowed no one to talk aloud while he listened to the radio. Listening to the news and music was a struggle because of […]

Over a dozen SJB MPs, Maithripala skip vote By Shamindra Ferdinando In spite of differences between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) over the latter’s call for early General Election, a consensus seems to be emerging on the overall political strategy with the ruling party voting for the Sri Lanka Electricity […]