by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
In a disturbing turn of events, retired four star General Sarath Fonseka was taken into custody by a contingent of military police on the night of Monday February 8th 2010.
General Sarath Fonseka
General Fonseka a widely regarded as the most successful army commander in post-Independence Sri Lanka was roughly manhandled, assaulted and forcibly dragged away by military personnel who had saluted him with respect only a few months ago.
Continue Reading February 8th, 2010
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Hello Friends
Some very interesting questions were raised by the reader Nalaka at comment #147 made in response to my article “The magic behind the Mahinda Rajapakse victory”.
I forwarded them to two experts at Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) in Colombo for their opinion. Both Asanga Welikala and Rohan Edirisinghe were kind enough to respond and I thank them for that. Incidently both were called upon to testify before courts on this issue of the President’s second term .
Continue Reading February 4th, 2010
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Presidential Stakes 2010 came to an official end when Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake announced the winner in Sri Lanka’s sixth Presidential election.
Incumbent Executive President Mahinda Rajapakse registered a stunning victory by polling 6,015,934 votes(57.88%).Former Army commander retired General Sarath Fonseka, his chief challenger got 4,173,185 or 40.15% of the votes.
Continue Reading January 29th, 2010
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj
The electoral verdict, stunning and conclusive on the whole, has some cracks in parts. As the President of the whole country, Mahinda Rajapaksa must take the initiative and reach out to those sections of the people who have been alienated in terms of ethnicity, class, and the urban-rural divide.
Continue Reading January 28th, 2010
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Hello Friends
The Presidential Elections held on January 26th 2010 has concluded. Though the results are not yet officially released at the time this is being written “unofficially” it does seem very clear who has won.
This crucial election at a historic juncture invoked and evoked a great deal of interest and controversy. A great many people were concerned observers of the political scene these past few months.
Continue Reading January 26th, 2010
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
January 26th 2010 is upon us!
It’s the Day of decision for Sri Lanka as it faces yet another election to either re-elect or elect the most powerful person in the Country.
My thoughts and prayers with all Sri Lankans as they cast their votes in what is perhaps the most crucial, controversial and colourful presidential poll the Country has seen.
I took some time off from the hustle and bustle of daily life to ponder over this election.
We’ve had many flaws in conducting elections in the past. The present one has already demonstrated its deficiencies. The poll is certainly flawed.
in Upparu-Trincomalee district, Jan 4, 2010 pic by: drs. Sarajevo
Despite these flaws Sri Lanka can be proud of keeping the light of democracy alive.
Continue Reading January 25th, 2010
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Last year when speculation was rife about former Army commander Sarath Fonseka announcing his candidacy for the Presidential elections this columnist was among those who warned of adverse consequences befalling the Country as a result of this unprecedented move.
Chief among these was the very strong possibility of an escalation in the continuous process of the military being politicised and society being militarised in the Country.
Posters for Sarath Fonseka in Jaffna-pic. indi.ca
I perceived the Fonseka phenomenon as the logical outcome this long process.
Continue Reading January 23rd, 2010
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Three days from today (23rd) the nation will be going to the polls to elect the most powerful person in the Country
Twenty-Three potential candidates handed in their nominations on December 17th 2009but with the Commissioner of Elections rejecting one there were only twenty-two in the fray.
Of these two dropped out from the race with one-a Buddhist priest-transferring his support to Mahinda Rajapakse and the other-a Muslim parliamentarian-extending his solidarity to Sarath Fonseka.
Of the twenty contestants for the Presidential stakes, Sixteen are contesting from big, huge, medium, small, tiny and miniscule parties. Four are Independents
Continue Reading January 22nd, 2010
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Veluppillai Prabhakaran’s father Thiruvengadam Veluppillai breathed his last on Wednesday January 6th night. The 86 year old retired government servant’s birthday was on January 10th.
Thiruvengadam Veluppillai Parvathiamma Veluppillai, Prabhakaran, Mathivathani and son Charles Anthony-Reuters pic
The octogenarian hailing from the northern coastal town of Valvettithurai (VVT)and his wife Parvathiamma were staying in a chalet within the precincts of the Army cantonment at Panagoda.
Continue Reading January 8th, 2010
Remembering “Lassieboy” on the first anniversary of his death
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
It was on January 8th last year that Lasantha Wickrematunga the Editor of “The Sunday Leader” in Colombo was killed by “unknown” assassins. He was my colleague, editor, friend and above all a kindred soul.
Lasantha Wickrematunga
How I miss him.
There is big vacuum in the media scene after his departure
Continue Reading January 7th, 2010
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