When ancient Serendib lured Jewish ships-by Dishan Joseph King Solomon’s Temple Source:Dailynews The resplendent island of Sri Lanka has been the envy of many for its strategic maritime position. This geographical position together with our natural resources drew the attention of traders from across the world. Ancient records show details of Arab trading vessels which were later followed by the Portuguese and Dutch. Subsequently the British arrived here lured by our tropical pearls and cinnamon. Many know these stages of our maritime history. The people of Israel had established trading links with ancient Serendib (the Persian name for Ceylon). It is believed that by the 12th century there were around 3,000 Jews living on this island engaged in business. They had lived in peace, sharing in our prosperity. Jews had resided in Colombo, Kandy and Galle in a bygone era. It is said that a Jewish synagogue had existed along ...
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Structural reforms key to recreating the State and the social system-by victor Ivan Source:FT By now it is clear that Sri Lanka as a country has fallen into the ‘worst of times’ as never before. It has been possible to keep the COVID mortality rate comparatively at a lower level, which, of course, was mainly due to the BCG vaccine administered to almost every citizen; yet currently, the pandemic is spreading freely, without control. The manner in which the COVID pandemic is being handled can be considered as an important index reflecting the extent of failure of Sri Lanka as a State. The pandemic situation The main responsibility and the leadership of steering the program to arrest the spread of the pandemic has been assigned to the security forces, not the health authorities. The partial neglect of the civil officialdom in this exercise has gradually led them to confine their service ...
Sri Lanka needs a confidence boost to lift it out of the morass it is in; Time for a National approach to governance? –By Raj Gonsalkorale The year 2020 ended with the COVID pandemic raging unabated, not just in Sri Lanka but throughout the world and bringing down the world as we all knew it. Economies of countries from the superrich to the very poor have all crumbled and health services are bursting at the seams. Education has been disrupted and so has the functioning of society as we knew it. Confidence in governance models, particularly democratic models is shattering as a consequence of the Trump led attack on the US system. 2021 is heralded amidst challenges perhaps not witnessed during the life time of those who are alive today. Sri Lanka is no exception in having to face these serious challenges and while there seems to be an ...
