COLUMNSDiscovering the white van in a troubled democracy
An analysis of ongoing ‘abduction blueprint’ in Sri Lanka
In a country that has achieved so much in literacy, education and social development, is it not indeed unfortunate that the ‘white van’ has frightened the entire nation? The appearance of a white van assures the disappearance of someone.
If you Google or do any other internet search (or any media that is not controlled by the Government) on Sri Lanka, ‘white van’ resembles the defence authorities of our country. Are we not ashamed of it?
Governance and what it means to govern
The word ‘governance’ by accident or on purpose is used in many quarters the world over, including in Sri Lanka. I, as an independent researcher, 
believe that no organisation can use or own the word governance other than the sovereign state.
The word came into being from the word ‘government’. Subsequently it also brought about the words ‘governor,’ ‘governing,’ ‘governmental’ and ‘governance.’
Remedies for traffic congestion
Traffic congestion is a common topic in present day Sri Lanka. This has gravely affected day-to-day movements and lifestyles of commuters and 
residents. Further, this problem is very crucial, has the power to change certain government policies and has even prompted the change of governments in different countries.
A heart that feels, a mind that thinks
What is the combination of heart and mind?
This combination creates the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage your emotions in positive and constructive ways. It’s about recognising 
your own emotional state and the emotional states of others.
Recognising and understanding comes from the mind whilst emotions/feelings come from the heart. This combination is what we call ‘Emotional Intelligence’. Emotional intelligence is also about engaging with others in ways that draw people to you.
The next big thing: Reverse innovation
For many years, multinationals innovated in rich countries and sold those products in developing countries. This made sense because the United States and Germany have had well over 300 Nobel Prize winners in science and technology, while, India and China, with six times the combined population, so far have had less than 10.
The US: A scary conspiring monster or a useful development partner?
Jubilation over US’s perceived failures
Recently, the writer shot three questions relating to the US at a group of 38 young executives following a leadership programme in Colombo. The audience, all graduates from universities in different subjects, was in the age category of 30 to 35 years and had put in 5 to 10 years of service in various public sector institutions.
Uncommon Search on Common Sense
Management and mismanagement are very much in limelight. This can be the case for rise or fall of a corporate, community or even a country. Some say, management is nothing but common sense. There are others who disagree in saying management is something which goes beyond common sense. It is assigning meanings to a structured approach towards achieving results.
Balangoda Man and a bridge not too far!
April in Sri Lanka means a national holiday with immense significance as this is the month when the nation’s New Year dawns and Sri Lankans for the second time within four calendar months wish each other Happy New Year and take time off! While many stick to the exact timings given via observing planetary movements to stop, start and eat, some others make use of the time available to wonder about enjoying the freed space on some of the better roads in the country today.
World trade 2012
The World Trade Report for 2012 released by the WTO on 12 April, forecasts a slowdown in world trade growth to 3.7% in 2012 which is down from 5.0% in 2011, after the 2010 rebound of 13.8%. The report attributes it to a number of shocks including the European sovereign debt crisis. According to the WTO, although more than three years have passed since the trade collapse of 2008-2009, the world economy and trade remain fragile and “further slowing of trade expected in 2012 shows that the downside risks remain high.”
Do we think enough?
Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally. It includes the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. Someone with critical thinking skills is able to do the following:
• 
