In a move that was welcomed mostly by the business community, the Central Bank on Jan. 4 said it planned to allow unhindered flow of foreign exchange, which would enable anyone to open bank accounts abroad or send money out freely.

That, however, triggered an uproar among the supporters of General Sarath Fonseka, the main opposition candidate in the Jan. 26 presidential polls. They claimed the move was designed to allow the administration’s officials to move tainted or ill-gotten money out of the country, anticipating defeat in the elections.

Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal told IPS over the weekend that due to the political furore, the plan has been put on hold until the elections are over. More...Discuss this story Published: Tue Jan 19 20:43:12 EST 2010

The viciously rising cost of living has been one of the major issues among the Sinhalese speaking people throughout the island nation after the LTTE was eliminated in May last year. Those who voice concern over the price rise support Fonseka. The Fonseka camp is also exploiting the issue.

A tour of the largely rural north-central district of Polonnaruwa revealed that the rising cost of living is a major problem not just for the urban dwellers but for rural folk also.

The tour disabused one of the impression that the farmer is cushioned against price rise because he grows his own rice and vegetables; that he gets a fair price for his produce; and is given fertilizers at a highly subsidized rate. More...

Discuss this story Published: Tue Jan 19 20:39:39 EST 2010

In the run up to the election, the former Army Chief and the consensus opposition nominee, secured the support of the post-Prabakaran Tamil National Alliance (TNA) but is now faced with charges of a “secret pact” pledging re-merger of the northern and eastern provinces. Though the General has denied the allegation levelled by Mr. Rajapaksa’s campaign managers, it has emerged as one of the dominant themes.

At their respective rallies across the nation, the contenders, with perhaps an eye on the majority community voters, deemed it necessary to rake up the issue of not letting anyone revive any separatist movement . More...Discuss this story Published: Tue Jan 19 17:48:59 EST 2010