The UNP’s Chief Organiser for Kalutara, Lakshman Wijemanne was scathing in his attack of the Rajapaksa Administration. He charged that, “since independence we have never had such a corrupt administration.” He cited the “white-elephant” projects of Mattala Airport and Hambantota port as examples of wastage and efforts at “ego boosting” and nothing else. The people [...]
By Maryam Azwer Since the end of the war in 2009, the Tamil diaspora has been incessantly pushing for an independent investigation into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka. Despite the government claiming that local mechanisms are in place to look into such issues, diaspora groups like the ‘Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam’ (TGTE) have [...]
By Raisa Wickrematunge – Pictures by Asoka Fernando The Bar Association recently held elections to replace outgoing president Shibly Azeez. On Wednesday (22) it was announced that UNP MP Wijedasa Rajapakse had won the Presidency, beating main rival Tirantha Walaliyadda by over 1500 votes. The Sunday Leader spoke to both candidates to find out their [...]
By Maryam Azwer The international community, while commending recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), has also found several gaps in the Commission’s efforts. The LLRC’s final report has been criticized by many, including the UK, for not properly addressing the issue of accountability for the alleged war crimes. In an email [...]
By Raisa Wickrematunge The rise in fuel prices sparked off a wave of protests, from fishermen to bus-owners. Yet amidst the mayhem, one party remained silent; at least in the run up to the price hikes. The UNP, and indeed the entire Opposition did not raise the usual fracas. In the past, the UNP has [...]
By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema An outspoken politician who has campaigned for equal rights, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne recently came in for some flak from within his own ranks. Nevertheless, the one time dentist turned politico is determined to “fight for what is right” insisting contrary to the positioning of the UPFA [...]
By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema UNP Southern Provincial Councilor and Attorney-at-Law Maithri Gunaratne says the outcome of the election for UNP office bearers would have been different if a proper secret ballot had been held. Gunaratne has now challenged the appointment of party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe before court and the case is to be taken up [...]
By Raisa Wickrematunge Q: It was just announced that you won the DSC prize for South Asian Literature. How does that feel? Is it something you expected, or is it very surreal? A: It was not something I expected. I was at Jaipur to meet Oprah and hang out with Rushdie, neither of which I [...]
The former Deputy Mayor of Colombo, the outspoken local government politician Azaath Salley who has been in the news recently for threatening to leave the UPFA, spoke to, Faraz Shauketaly of The Sunday Leader to quash rumours that he wants position and fame. Salley maintains that his interests are to represent the people of Colombo [...]
By Maryam Azwer Last week’s V Awards drew attention to the contributions volunteers make towards taking the country forward in different ways. This belief has been voiced repeatedly during the celebration of IYV+10, the anniversary of the International Year of the Volunteer last year. Volunteerism, not just in Sri Lanka, but across the world, has [...]
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