At the Tipping Point – What is Next?
Sri Lanka is going through a political experience like no other in its history. Unlike during the war, during the JVP insurrections or the ethnic riots where the trauma and loss was…
Author: Dinesha Samararatne
With Militarization and Marketization KNDU Bill Sounds Death Knell for Higher Education
“The character of an educational system depends upon the character of the society for which it is designed. In a totalitarian system the education system is designed to establish among all sections…
The Port City Bill: Legislative Carving Out from a Constitutional Democracy?
What are the constitutional and legal implications of the proposed Colombo Port City Economic Commission? I take the view that in terms of design and effect, this proposed Bill seeks to carve…
What’s in the 19th Amendment For Me?
The true value and effectiveness of the 19th Amendment for improving governance in Sri Lanka has been a matter of debate for some time now. Political representatives and political parties have expressed…
The Legacy of a Justice
Photo courtesy Justice Prasanna Jayawardene is no more. The immediate expressions of shock, grief and a deep sense of loss by those who knew him in person or by his reputation is…
Abiding by Sri Lanka’s Democracy
Photo courtesy A Presidential election is a unique opportunity for Sri Lankan voters to have a direct say in our constitutional democracy. At this time, the way in which we exercise our…
Easter Sunday Attacks: A personal reflection
After three successive days of numbness, fear, anxiety, trauma, devastating sadness and anger I pen these thoughts. I do not have any ‘rational’ explanation for the horror that we are experiencing. I…
Losing a Paradise We Never Had?
Asanga Welikala titled the preliminary note that he published on October 27 ‘Paradise Lost’. I agree with Welikala’s analysis and his subsequent publicly stated views as well. However, I do not think that…
The Abortion Debate: Mismatched and Misplaced?
Image courtesy Asia Society I once came into contact with a woman on account of a professional relationship we had. We had met to discuss her prolonged absence from work. With a…
Strengthening RTI Law: Some Suggestions
This short piece is a reflection on the recently adopted Right to Information Act. Certain aspects of the Act give rise to questions regarding its enforcement. These questions arise primarily in relation…