Ego and Arrogance: Downfall of UNP Factional Leaders-by K.K.S Perera A coalition between the two factions of the UNP, led by outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, would have presented a stronger and more unified front, changing the outcome of the election Source:Dailymirror The failure of the two factions of the United National Party to set aside differences and collaborate for the greater good of the party has now resulted in a missed opportunity A sense of superiority isolates them, making them believe they are above reproach or beyond the need for compromise; this mindset not only alienates allies but also weakens their position by making them less adaptable to the realities of changing political landscapes Until a General Election, all parties must prioritise the nation’s stability over political differences; extending a cooperative hand to the new President is essential to ensure that critical government functions continue, ...

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Sri Lanka Police: Headless At A Critical Moment-by Merril Gunaratne Source:Thuppahis Merril Gunaratne, in morningLK, 11 August 2024, where the headline reads “The Police: A ‘headless’ body for the election”  Any organisation, be it professional, social, or sports, has to be led. The leader steers the organisation on a charted path to achieve its goals and aspirations. He [or SHE] has a paramount role to guide humans within the organisation towards identified goals and targets. The leader steers it with a mix of inspiration, discipline, delegation of authority, supervision, and monitoring. In an ideal sense, leadership has much to do with its successes or failures. It is a sine qua non or an integral element for any organisation to prosper. Challenges to the Police in the times of a crucial Presidential Election are manifold. In normal or ordinary times alone, those in power structures interfere with the Police. This odious feature, starting with the advent of the ...

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JRJ encapsulates his autobiography in a 1992 post retirement book- by JR Jayewardene Source:Island I was born on 17 September 17, 1906. My father was E.W. Jayawardene, K.C. and a Judge of the Supreme Court and my mother was Agnes Helen, the daughter of Tudugala Don Philip Wijewardene and his wife Helena Wijewardene. My maternal grandmother is remembered as a pious and noble lady who made munificent gifts for the restoration of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, the 2,500 years old Sacred Buddhist shrine. I was affectionately called ‘Dickie’ and was taught English and music by a Scottish governess, Miss Monro. At an early age I learned to play the piano. I entered the Royal College in 1911 and pursued my studies there till 1925 when I left Royal and entered the Ceylon University College. At the Royal College I was awarded the prize for general merit and the best ...

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Election enthusiasm grasps Sri Lanka – By Arundathie Abeysinghe   In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way. Franklin D. Roosevelt In politics, nothing is impossible. There are discussions in political circles to scrap the Executive Presidency. Along with this move, there is fear among ordinary citizens, civic groups and trade union activists and opposition parties, if the government will attempt to postpone the Presidential Elections in the guise of enacting constitutional amendments to abolish the Executive Presidency. Yet, postponing elections, Presidential or Parliamentary is unlikely as public opinion is building against such a move. Sri Lanka is abuzz with election fever, although, the presidential election, constitutionally scheduled for this year, has not yet been officially declared. Major political parties are preparing for the Presidential and General Elections, the former due by end 2024. Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has kept his ...

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In Memory Of Mr Shyamon Jayasinghe-By Lionel Bopage   Source:Colombotelegraph We are saddened by the passing of Mr Shyamon Jayasinghe, a strong-willed and well-known community activist in Melbourne. Shyamon was much senior to us at the University of Peradeniya. He was multi-talented as a stage artist, senior administrator, writer, author, political analyst and community and social worker. He has held executive positions in many community organisations in Victoria. Everyone knows him as an accomplished person both in Sri Lanka and as an expatriate. From what we have heard from other sources, his talents and interests extend beyond the realms of arts and philosophy. ...

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SRI LANKA NEEDS FEWER POLITICIANS AND MORE TECHNOLOGISTS – By Dr. Tilak S. Fernando   “There are rumours that Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had to take over the finance portfolio since no member of the Sri Lankan Parliament was willing to take up this challenge of managing the country’s finances. Instead of looking at the scenario negatively, it would be appropriate to think that the Prime Minister taking over the finance portfolio is also a progressive step, as the finance portfolio requires the maximum attention at this stage,” says veteran Indian journalist N.S. Venkataramanin in his latest article, which landed in my email ‘in box’. He further states that ‘when the Sri Lankan Government negotiated with the IMF to obtain financial support, the present scenario appears to be that the IMF is procrastinating the issue and has not given a firm assurance to the Sri Lankan Government. When ...

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Ranil Wickremesinghe: Sri Lanka’s new prime minister faces uphill battle – by George Wright Source:bbc.com News that Ranil Wickremesinghe is the new prime minister has been largely met with dismay and disbelief in Sri Lanka. His appointment is being viewed as yet another arrogant response by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to weeks of protests over rising prices and shortages. Mr Wickremesinghe is seen as being close to the Rajapaksa family, and many think he has been chosen because he will be likely to guarantee their security. Protests flared up in early April in the capital, Colombo, and have grown in size and spread across the country. People are furious because the cost of living has become unaffordable, and nine people have lost their lives in the unrest. Why are Sri Lankans protesting in the streets? However some say his experience and links with India and the West could help overcome the ...

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