FT VIEWThe call for food security
As the cost of living increases in Sri Lanka, it is time to consider supporting smallholder farmers and focusing on food security. While the Government has supported smallholder farmers and plantations by providing a fertiliser subsidy and other smaller impetus through the Divi Neguma programme, there is a need for a more concentrated approach.
Evaluation time?
THE drums are rumbling again. As the Government prepares to face the next round of UN Human Rights Council sessions, the possible fallout from them continues to grow. The Sri Lankan delegation left for the UN on Monday, carrying the hopes of the Sri Lankan Government.
Problem in the shadows
Sri Lanka’s geographical location is seen mostly as a blessing. However, it is converted into a curse by drug traffickers, who are increasingly using the country as a transit point or hub.
A buzzing menace
Last week a team from the European Union (EU) arrived in Sri Lanka to study dengue. The EU has also agreed to funnel more than Euro 1 million during the next four years towards the minimisation of dengue.
Despite advancements in public awareness and treatment, the threat of dengue fever and resulting fatalities, especially among young children, remains considerably high.
Clean up cricket
Sri Lanka’s cricketing fortunes seem to be changing of late. The team’s better performance has raised hopes among many fans, while the Sports Ministry’s decision to finally pay the cricketers through a Rs. 600 million loan from the Bank of Ceylon will raise moral still higher.
The financial fallout that resulted from the co-hosting of the World Cup early last year is still being felt and no clear indication has been, given beyond the payment of the salaries, on how Sri Lanka Cricket will recoup its massive losses.
A plea for justice
A fisherman was shot dead allegedly by the law enforcement authorities during protests in Chilaw on Wednesday. While this finally pushed the Government into giving fuel subsidies for the fishermen, a graver problem has opened up with fishermen continuing to protest – for justice.
The quest for power
SRI LANKA is still electrified by the unprecedented fuel hike and the fallout continues to grow. On Wednesday a fishermen was shot dead as protestors clashed with the police in Chilaw prompting the Government to issue an immediate subsidy.
Old war new battle?
THE drums are rumbling again. As the Government prepares to face the next round of UN Human Rights Council sessions, the possible fallout from them continues to grow. On Monday, a top US Government official stated that the United States would support a resolution at next month’s UN Human Rights Council session to pressure the Sri Lankan Government to address alleged war crimes.
Time for regular price adjustment
First it was buses, then fishermen and now railways – the consequences of the unprecedented fuel hike are sweeping across the country, entrapping many. Thousands of commuters were stranded and unable to get to work or move about on Monday as the bus strike suffocated the public.
Meter taxis and three-wheelers saw a business boom as commuters resorted to the next cheapest method to get about, but even they were complaining of the losses incurred due to the fuel price increase. Despite the increase, private vehicles were out in force and traffic remained strangled as the day wore on.
Fuel change
THE inevitable has occurred. Fuel prices were increased in an unprecedented manner over the weekend and already the public is feeling the results as a bus strike hobbles people around the country, but it is yet unclear as to how the Government will deal with the issue.
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