Can an election unite Sri Lanka? This would be what some groups would have the citizens of the country believe. But the question that needs answering is what has led to the divisions in the country?

Something extraordinary happened in Malaysia this week. After a bitterly fought general election with no clear winner, the King had the wisdom and the courage to appoint Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister.

Although the government has been able to deal with and recover from the economic collapse that occurred with the bankruptcy of Sri Lanka to some extent, the goal of overcoming the situation fully still remains a difficult task that will invariably cause untold sufferings to the people.

I don’t talk indirectly. The best balance of power to bring in essential economic and political reforms is this journey under the leadership of Ranil and Dinesh and the strength of the SLPP. It does not need the likes of Rajitha, Harsha or SB.

If over 30 percent of school children drop out of school in the beginning of next year, that should not be a surprise.

The recent research by PepperCube led by Atheek Marikar reported that only 7% of the respondents are living within their means. A whopping 93% spend more than their earnings. The all-island sample indicates where the country is heading.

Siblings have common traits but each is nevertheless unique. All my uncles were greatly loved, but loved differently for different reasons.

The first JVP insurrection had already taken place the year before. Right after leaving school, Gotabaya Rajapaksa was just a fresh recruit in the Ceylon Army when he witnessed the country’s first ‘Che Guevarists’ insurgency in 1971. An early experience that would shape his most critical decisions during his future presidency.

Soon after coming to power, Gotabaya Rajapaksa cut taxes. That led to a loss of state revenue at all levels.

Suresh Goonesekere would have turned 50 today, just over a year after his tragic death left his family and friends bereft of his kindness, generosity, strength of character and permanent grin.