Are the "whims and fancies" of smaller parties going to be heard for "strengthening President's hand?"

by M.S.M. Ayub

The ruling coalition, the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) seems to be obsessed with the hope of winning more than two thirds of the parliamentary seats at the General Election scheduled to be held on April 8.[TC]

Election enemas are dehydrating democracy

by Rajan Philips

Sri Lankans must be turning out to vote within five year spans more than anyone else in the world. But too many elections are not a recipe for enhancing democracy. [TC]

Relevance of the Indian Political  Model of governance to Sri Lanka

By Arjuna Hulugalle

From time to time one hears the call for introducing the Indian Political Model of governance [TC]

Rajapakses Have put in place a new Paradigm Premised on Sinhala Supremacism and Family Bandyism

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

The evening began with a lullaby. A lullaby of the ‘heroic saga’ of ‘King Mihindu’ and his ‘Chief General Gotabhaya’, of how they defeated the ‘demons’ threatening the motherland. [TC]

Where and with whom were you and your wife between 3.30PM on Jan 26th and 4.45 PM on Jan 27th?

An open letter to Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake

by Elmore Perera [TC]

'Banging the head against every organization and country would not help Sri Lanka's economy in the long run'

This does not mean that Sri Lanka should compromise its sovereignty for perks. It means that Sri Lanka needs to be civil and diplomatic when dealing with the outside world,” says the March 20th editorial of Daily Mirror.lk. [TC]

Permalink TamilWeek: Digest of Week's Top News & Views

'Non Aligned Movement's letter defending President Rajapaksa government was not agreed to by NAM member India' [TC]

Australia says Sri Lanka’s 'prospects for lasting reconciliation requires stronger civil society and free media' in the country

The Tamil National Alliance must demonstrate its "firebreak" between federalism and separatism

by Dayan Jayatilleka

The sin of the Tamil National Alliance in the post-war period and the current electoral context is that of omission rather than commission. It has failed to qualify and de-limit its use of the concept of ‘self determination’ and thereby signal its full separation from separatism. [TC]

Is there discrimination against Sri Lankan Muslims in the field of cricket?

by Izeth Hussain

The focus of this article is on what looks like discrimination against Sri Lankan Muslims in the field of cricket. [TC]

In Pictures: They came to India in boats. And now?

by Malini Morzaria

"I want to go home," Nisha tells me. She is one of the 100,000 Sri Lankan refugees who fled the 26-year-long civil war and are scattered across India's vast Tamil Nadu state. [TC]

Gen. Sarath Fonseka Calls Charges Against Him 'Bogus'

by Robert Mackey

Four months ago, Gen. Sarath Fonseka was the commander of Sri Lanka’s army, hailed as a national hero by the country’s Sinhalese majority for putting an end to the long, bloody rebellion by Tamil separatists. [TC]

Tamil Representation in the North and East and fearmongering by organizations like the SPUR

A leaked list – believed to be compiled by the Sri Lankan intelligence unit – has revealed the names of 35 leading journalists and NGO officers of interest to the country’s secret services [TC]

Journalists close to Gen. Sarath Fonseka threatened with arrest

Reporters Without Borders is very worried by attempts to intimidate at least four journalists linked to jailed opposition leader Sarath Fonseka, who are being threatened with prosecution. [TC]

Will there be any “justice” in this court-martial for my father?

By Apsara Fonseka

To request that anyone with any love for his/her nation try even in a small way to defend the supreme interests of this nation and not the petty interests of a small group. [TC]

Mrs. Gnanie Nalliah: A lady with a passion for teaching

An appreciation by Ms. RanjanaThambirajah (Nee Sabaratnam)

March 21st 2010 marks the first death anniversary of Mrs Gnanie Nalliah who passed away in Vancouver, Canada at the age of 91. The nonagenarian was a well known mathematician in the Jaffna circle and taught at Chundikuli Girls College Jaffna for more than 25 years. [TC]

On ‘The End Justifies the Means’ and other damaging beliefs

By Dr. S. Narapalasingam

Having read the comments on my previous article, – ‘Whither the new Sri Lanka proclaimed by the triumphant Head of State?’ – posted by transCurrents on 26 February 2010, the need has arisen to clear the misconceptions and misunderstandings of some Sri Lankans, which reinforce the concern for the future of the island nation [TC]

Hybrid Histories of South India and Sri Lanka

by Rajan Philips

(A modified version of a Review Article originally published in the Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities, University of Peradeniya) [TC]

Exit the "old" western masters: Enter the "new" eastern mandarins

by Dushy Ranetunge in London

An article published last week by Gomin Dayasri commences with the three following paragraphs, which represent a populist view of apologists of the present regime. [TC]

Cardinal John Henry  Newman: His Great Mind was Felt Even in Sri Lanka

By Professor S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole

Three Sundays ago (February. 21), a kindly retired priest next to me at church gently reminded me that it is Cardinal John Newman Day, in celebration of Newman’s birth in 1801.[TC]

No funds to meet needs of nearly 200,000 Northern IDPs due to govt refusal to endorse 2010 action plan

by Dayan Jayatilleka

The Sri Lankan discourse on war crimes, violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in general, divide into two camps, both of which demonise the other. [TC]

How student "Mithuro" from Kollupitiya met their counterpart "Mithirar" in Kalmunai

by Capt. Elmo Jayawardena

There are three huge hundred year old ancient nuga trees growing in a sandy patch by the Wesley School in Kalmunai.[TC]

The 17th Amendment to the constitution must be amended to be implemented

by Prof Rajiva Wijesinha

One of the more frequent critiques of the government with regard to what is characterized as Human Rights relates to the 17th Amendment to the Constitution.[TC]

The Rajapaksa regime and the role of Basil the presidential sibling

Basil Rajapaksa Talks to C.R.Chandraprema

"Come Mr Chandraprema" says the usher. I follow him into the smallish modestly furnished office in the presidential secretariat. [TC]

Sarath Fonseka refuses to appear before military tribunal [TC]

True democracy means much more than holding free and fair elections at periodic intervals

Permalink TamilWeek: Digest of Week's Top News & Views

Full Text: General Election 2010 Manifesto, Tamil National Alliance (TNA)

Prior to the arrival of the western powers in the 16th century, there were three kingdoms in the island of Ceylon, one of which in the North belonged to the Tamils. [TC]

Ship-bound Tamil refugees need help

By Joe Fiorito

What happens there happens here: a small wooden boat is sitting at anchor off the coast of Indonesia. It has been there for five months. [TC]

A River for Jaffna

AI & HRW jointly appeal Sri Lanka Government: 'End campaign to discredit civil society' [TC]

Video & Pictures: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presents award to Jansila Majeed of Puttalam, Sri Lanka

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented the Women of Courage award to Sri Lanka’s Jansila Majeed at a ceremony held at the US State Department in Washington, Wednesday, March 10. Majeed was among 10 recipients of the 2010 award. [TC]

"Greater the authority, greater then was the accountability"

by S. Skandakumar

Hon Minister,past and present Principals of our revered institution, our eminent guests of honour, the Principal of Ladies College and Warden of St Thomas' College, distinguished fellow Royalists and their equally distinguished spouses, [TC]

We need to stay with the presidential system that has proved so successful

By Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha

Amongst the many sticks used to beat me and the Liberal Party of Sri Lanka now is the claim that we have abandoned our commitment to the abolition of the Executive Presidency.[TC]

Sri Lankan attorney general assures exiled journalists

In a meeting with a CPJ delegation today, Sri Lankan Attorney General Mohan Peiris said he was prepared to offer protection to any of the nation’s journalists who return to the country from exile. [TC]

Sri Lanka asylum seekers in limbo [TC]

"Pathways of dissent": An unabashedly Jaffna-centric volume that ignores Muslims

Sivamohan Sumathy writes as a "dissenting reader"

On May 19th, 2009, with the violent deaths of the top rung of the LTTE leadership, including that of its leader V. Prabakaran, the 30 year old civil war came to an abrupt halt. [TC]

Is Ban_Ki-moon influenced by India on Sri Lanka through his son-in-law Siddharth Chatterjee?

by Upul Joseph Fernando

There is a view that the UN Organization General Secretary Ban Ki Moon appointed a panel of experts to investigate the human rights (HR) violations and the war crimes committed during the Sri Lanka (SL) war was in order to get an extension for his term in office as Gen. Secretary.[TC]

Anti - Sri Lanka triumvirate of western powers, diaspora and NGOs continue war-crimes allegations

by S. Sivathasan

Among the war devastated to be rehabilitated, the displaced of Wanni are a category apart. Battered by cruel fate, they evoke our sympathy and call for proactive support. [TC]

Rapid increase of southern tourists to Jaffna has positive and negative impact

by Jehan Perera

The opening of the road to Jaffna was one of the dividends of the Presidential Election. It illustrated the benefits that could accrue to the people due to the competitive bidding for votes by rival political parties [TC]

Big-Talking Beggar Bogollagama is the Shame of Sri Lanka

USTPAC highlights the plight of Tamil Women in North-East Sri Lanka on International Women’s Day [TC]

India intends to open Consulate in Jaffna [Hindu]

“Service and Sacrifice”: Celebrating the centenary of International Women’s Day with Louisa Arulamma Thambyrajah

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“Each person must live their life as a model for others”~ Rosa Louise McCauley Parks-February 4, 1913-October 24, 2005, African American Civil rights activist

“I am the first person in our family who lived this long, and I very much want to go back to my lovely village Tharmapuram, celebrate my centenary birthday and live there happily and die peacefully. It is my dream” mentions Louisa Arulamma Thambyrajah in her pleasant voice. [HA]

Nirupama Rao in Colombo

by Rajan Philips

Within ten days of stick-handling India’s first formal diplomatic talks Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, reportedly on the invitation of the Sri Lankan government. [TC]

Economic Freedom: The Path to Economic and Political Emancipation of the Conflict-Affected Region in Sri Lanka

by Muttukrishna Sarvananthan

Sri Lanka is, slowly but surely, emerging out of a vicious civil war that has lasted over twenty-five years (July 1983 – May 2009); armed conflict since 1972; and the conflict per se ever since independence in 1948. [TC]

"Why are they harassing us"? Emotional query of the General's daughter

By Aparna Fonseka

It’s been a while since I’ve written and I have thought of writing for a while but because of all the surprising things that my life brings everyday, I had no clue where to start and what to write about [TC]

Dismal state of Dehiwela "Animal holding facility"

by Hasini Pannila

A zoo is a place of relaxation and most importantly education. It is a place where children should be taken, to learn about how diverse and complex their planet earth really is. [TC]

“New” Information Given by Lasantha’s Brother for Further Investigation

By Lal Wickrematunge

It was mid February 2009 and barely over a month since Lasantha was killed. A small-made, dishevelled man turns up in office and says he wishes to speak with me. [TC]

Was Sarath Fonseka Involved in  Murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge? [TC]

No party should be given a two-thirds majority in parliament

Susan Glasser, Executive editor of Foreign Policy remarks on Sri Lanka - the horrific end to decades of insurgency, the muted response by both United States and the international community on the plight of civilains and the recent arrest of Presidential contender General Sarath Fonseka along with many of his supporters: [TC]

What is the regime after? - The steam rolling of all dissent and criticism?

Permalink TamilWeek: Digest of Week's Top News & Views

UN Rights Chief Criticizes Iran, Sri Lanka [TC]

On Sri Lanka, UN's Ban Was Lied To, But Pascoe Trip Delay, of Job Requests

The UN's failure to follow through even on what few commitments it made about Sri Lanka became clearer this week. [ICP]

Student journalist escapes Sri Lankan censorship

By Aubrey Eyre

Sophomore Ruan Pethiyagoda, 24, plans to return to Sri Lanka after completing his journalism degree.

Journalism is not typically viewed as a field of work where people have to fear for their lives. But that’s not the case in Sri Lanka, where journalists are not nearly so safe. [TC]

Election manifesto full text: TULF urges to ‘study ground situation and act sensibly’ [TC]

Sri Lankan Recognized as an "International Woman of Courage" by the U.S. Department of State [TC]

In pictures: Seminar and discussion on women's participation in politics in Sri Lanka

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Women represent 52% of Sri Lanka’s total population of 20, 217,000 (2008 census) according to the Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka, and 56% of registered voters.

There are only 11 women Parliamentarians out of the total 225 members in Sri Lanka, which is less than 6% according to a recent survey carried out by the Women and Media Collective. [HA]

No Tamil political party has overwhelming support of Tamil people as the TULF did in 1977 [TC]

How the colour revolution got discoloured in Sri Lanka [TC]

GTF Inaugural Conference - London 2010 - UK calls for constitutional reforms in Sri Lanka

by IRIN News

This time last year, Arulamma Thambiraja, 99, was among tens of thousands of civilians trapped in Sri Lanka's north by fighting between government forces and the since-defeated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). [TC]

SBS Dateline, Feb 28, 2010 ~ Video and Transcript: Sri Lanka War Stories

"We have been very successful in getting information about LTTE from KP"- Gotabhaya

by Rukshana Rizwie

Minister of Development and Construction of the East & Rural Housing, Ferial Ashraff made headlines when she crossed over to the SLFP recently. [TC]

The ghost of Lord Soulbury in London: Sinhala-Tamil politics after the war

by Rajan Philips

The voting at the January presidential election brutally exposed the two solitudes in Sri Lankan politics. The Sinhalese voted in clear preference for President Rajapakse while Tamils along with Muslims, equally clearly voted against him.[TC]

Whither the new Sri Lanka proclaimed by the triumphant Head of State?

By Dr. S. Narapalasingam

Many questions about the methods used in gaining the astounding military and Presidential election victories remain unanswered. The interest of the majority has been on the victory and not how it was achieved [TC]

The case against military justice for Sarath Fonseka

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The above mentioned observation by British Lord Chief Justice Hewart has become famous over the years as an aphorism espousing and emphasising the importance of appearance in meting out justice.It is not only important to ensure justice but equally necessary to demonstrate clearly that Justice appears to have been done. [dbsj]

General Fonseka was  only member of national Security Council who opposed early re-settlement of IDPs

Inderjit Bhadwar: Under what specific charges did your government arrest Gen. Fonseka?

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa: I cannot talk about specific charges because the summary of evidence preceding the charge sheet is now being prepared by the military authorities under specific rules of procedure that guarantee due process and a fair trial. That is the work of the prosecutor. [TC]

An Apology and  Brief Response to Dayan Jayatilleka

by Nalin Swaris

Who are we? A matter of identity: Response to Dr. Nalin Swaris

By Dayan Jayatilleka [TC]

Permalink TamilWeek: Digest of Week's Top News & Views

US Senator Casey Remarks Read at Global Tamil Forum Event [TC]

Sri Lankan Tamils disillusioned with India must forget the "North" and turn "East" towards China

By S. Sivathasan

In the Asian region, hardly any people have had such close cordiality as the Tamils of Sri Lanka with the people of Tamil Nadu and by extension with India.[TC]

Three "Bees" for Britain-Brown, (Mili) Band and Bogol (lagama)

by Nalin Swaris

I must disagree with some of Comrade Dayan Jayetileke’s recent writings Arresting Sarath Fonseka, he wrote was a “Perfect Political blunder”. But then nobody is perfect. Otherwise they would not blunder. Perfect blunder seems so oxymoronic. [TC]

IMF delays third tranche of $2.6 bln Sri Lanka loan [TC]

Jayalalithaa: From alluring actress to powerful politician

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

India in general and its Tamil Nadu state in particular have spawned many colourful political personalities. Standing out among these figures is Jayalalithaa Jayaram, the actress-politico of Tamil Nadu. [dbsj]

UK: 'Reconciliation, accountability and human rights are basis for lasting peace all Sri Lankans want and deserve'

Foreign Secretary David Miliband's Written Statement to the House of Commons on recent developments in the political and humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka. [TC]

Miliband risks Sri Lanka’s wrath to support Global Tamil Forum [TC]

Int'l Crisis Group Full Report: 'Tamil diaspora groups should move away, once and for all, from the failed agenda of LTTE' [TC]

Democracy in Sri Lanka was a foreign imposition upon a polity segmentalized and divided against itself

by J.B.Muller

Democracy’ is neither organic nor home-grown. It was a foreign imposition upon a polity that was segmentalized and divided against itself. [TC]

Asst. Sec. Robert Blake urges 'national reconciliation and power sharing-particularly with the north'

Interview with BBC

What is the American view of what is taking place in Sri Lanka? Live now to the U.S. State Department in Washington, and Robert Blake, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. [TC]

Caste in modern Sri Lankan politics

by Prof. Michael Roberts

In a recent intervention in the web-site www.transcurrents.com (10 Feb. 2010), Lakruwan de Silva has conjectured that caste rivalry between the Govigama and Karāva contributed in a secondary manner towards the rift between the Rajapakse clan and General Fonseka [TC]

mp3 audio: Anoma Fonseka says her husband is held in hot, unventilated conditions [TC]

The Decline and Fall of "Colonel"Karuna

Karuna Amman is a politician who had the potential to be a phoenix but got all his fortune ruined as a result of a wayward lifestyle. [TC]

Hundreds need reconstructive orthopedic surgery

Many patients who had surgery during the time of fighting between the Sri Lankan army and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) that were operated on initially under emergency conditions have developed infections, particularly of the bone. [TC]

TNA must disavow separatist politics and accept a political solution within a unitary state

by Dayapala Thiranagama

The TNA, the remnant of old politics in the Tamil community has entered a new era. The post LTTE politics has made it possible to create conditions for a democratic culture in the North and East. [TC]

On being Democratic in spite of the Constitution

by Rajan Philips

The polemical piece I wrote on cricket and the Constitution two weeks ago has got drawn into the debate over the Third Amendment, courtesy Rajiva Wijesinha’s intervention last week. That provides me with the context, if not the pretext, to offer this proposition on how Sri Lanka could be democratic despite the Constitution and not in defiance of the Constitution. [TC]

Clueless Wanni IDPs and govt. resettlement plans

By Ranga Jayasuriya

The government pledged to resettle former residents of Wanni, in their former villages by the end of January 31. [TC]

Discharged "Lanka" Editor Remains Defiant Despite Detention

by Rathindra Kuruwita

Irida Lanka Editor Chandana Sirimalwatta has been a frequent visitor to the CID in the last few months [TC]

Gotabaya Rajapaksa was very cautious in precipitating action against former Army Commander

Mahinda Rajapaksa Discloses in Interview with N.Ram

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is confident that the United People’s Freedom Alliance, led by his Sri Lanka Freedom Party, will win the forthcoming parliamentary elections “very comfortably.” [TC]

Specific quotas necessary in Sri Lanka to enhance women representation in electoral politics

By Ruana Rajepakse

According to statistics, women constitute 52 per cent of Sri Lanka’s population and 56 per cent of registered voters [TC]

Will the Constitution,Parliamentary Elections Act and Criminal Procedure Code be Dispensed with too?

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

On the one hand, a former professor of law now turned strident government propagandist, Minister GL Peiris tells us that the due process of law is being followed in governmental actions against its critics. [TC]

"Bell,Swan and Trophy": The JVP march of Folly

By Chakravarthy

“We have not formed any alliance with the UNP; we supported the General, the UNP supported the General and the other parties supported the General separately. [TC]

Gotabaya Rajapaksa's  imprint on Lanka will not be a footrint on the sands of time

By Ranmali Fernando

After a certain victory in the north, lovable General Denzil Kobbekaduwa came running and embraced him with fatherly affection. [TC]

US$23.6 million FAO appeal for resettling Sri Lankan refugees [TW]

Permalink TamilWeek: Digest of Week's Top News & Views

"Economics" the cause of war in Sri Lanka-can be key to lasting peace too

By Yatharthan

Economics is the cause and effect of War and Peace in Human History. [TC]

Govt. 'trying to destroy Buddhism' [TC]

CPJ report on Attacks on the Press in Sri Lanka - 2009 [TC]

Lanka determined to Court Martial Fonseka despite protests

By A. Chandrahasan

We have to find a new direction to lead our country to a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future. War has given us an opportunity to rethink, reassess and change our traditional values and attitudes.

Full Text of 2010 Presidential election petition filed in courts on behalf of Gen.Sarath Fonseka [TC]

20 years on, a collective voice for forgiveness in Kaathaankudy-A pictorial

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

It is always an enchanting drive through the city of Kaathaankudy. Kaathaankudy is a small city which is situated in the Eastern Province, Batticaloa District. It is known for its own distinct culture. [HA]

Upali Wijewardena: Memories of the unforgettable tycoon

By D.B.S.Jeyaraj

If Philip Upali Wijewardena was among the living he would have reached the Seventy-two today. (February 17). [dbsj]

Tamils can opt for new beginning or let slip an opportunity that comes but rarely

Ethnic consciousness: The case of Sri Lanka

By Daya Somasundaram

The dangers inherent in emphasising difference and exclusiveness as the foundations of collective identities are not to be underestimated. While group identities provide various benefits, the consequences of a group considering itself superior to others often results in violence.[TC]

Rajapaksa and cohorts justified Fonseka "action" against the media earlier

By Kshama Ranawana

Is it selective amnesia, emulating Pontius Pilate or both? [TC]

Rajapakse regime is a bundle of "criminal" contradictions

by Dushy Ranetunge

Dr. Rajapakse's administration, now champions of a “Russian” doctorate of world peace has taken refuge behind the law to justify its latest unprecedented action in arresting the main opposition Presidential candidate, when there are so many contradictions in its actions. [TC]

Were the General and JVP involved in a coup conspiracy?

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

A striking facet of Gotabhaya Rajapakse’s intriguing personality is the candour he displays in some media interviews. Instead of bluffing, sidestepping or trying to wriggle out of answering tricky questions the Defence secretary responds directly and fields them in a frank,forthright manner. [dbsj]

Arrest Most Foul

by Rajan Philips

The Rajapakse brothers are turning Sri Lankan politics into a blood sport. The arrest of Sarath Fonseka is an abuse of state power for the purpose of personal vengeance. [TC]

Permalink TamilWeek: Digest of Week's Top News & Views