Asian Tribune is published by World Institute For Asian Studies|Powered by WIAS Vol. 11 No. 288

News Analysis

Independence Day: Making Sri Lanka a ‘Democratic Hub’ for ‘Wonder of Asia’

Sat, 2012-02-04 02:50 — editor

By Dr Laksiri Fernando

Sri Lanka’s independence on 4 February 1948 was never a Final Act, but a major landmark in a process of evolution from colonialism to independence and underdevelopment to development. It is truly a process of internal emancipation.

White Paper on Colonial Rule in Sri Lanka

Fri, 2012-02-03 03:10 — editor

By Senaka Weeraratna

As we celebrate our freedom from colonial rule on its 64th anniversary nothing is more conspicuous in our literature and written records as the absence of a White Paper and a Report of a Commission of Inquiry on the period of Western Colonial presence in Sri Lanka commencing from the landing of the Portuguese in Colombo in year 1505 until the inglorious exit of the last colonial rulers from our land in 1948.

General Philosophy of Thomas More’s Utopia

Mon, 2012-01-30 11:28 — editor

Dr Laksiri Fernando

To know that most probably Ceylon was Thomas More’s ‘dream island’ in mind when he wrote his Utopia in 1516 should undoubtedly be an inspiration for the socialist minded people in Sri Lanka both in the South and in the North.

“Responsibility to Protect: Asian-African Perspectives”

Sat, 2012-01-28 03:37 — editor

"Before I discuss the concept of the R2P I would like to remind this audience of my own inability to be absolutely precise in differentiating between subjective assessment and objective assessment or absolute truth and virtual truth. I suppose that is why judges too are considered fallible and sometimes judgments are reversed" – said Rauff Hakeem, Minister of Justice of Sri Lanka.

‘Australia Day’ Reflects on the Past and the Future

Thu, 2012-01-26 01:04 — editor

Dr Laksiri Fernando, Visiting Scholar, University of Sydney

Australia celebrates its national day today, 26 January, with official and more civic ceremonies and it is Australia Day. The event is unique perhaps with the highest public participation on a national celebration in any country in the world, reflecting the equally high civic consciousness or quintessential life style.

Unique You - Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Wed, 2012-01-25 11:04 — editor

I found that the University has chosen the motto “Vidyaiwa Sarwadhanam – meaning Wisdom is all Wealth”. This has an important and powerful message to all the students and faculty members. The study of the website of the University indicates that the University has a vision “To be the most globally recognized Knowledge Enterprise in Asia, ” said former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Why is there confusion about the 13th Amendment?

Tue, 2012-01-24 01:55 — editor

By Raj Gonsalkorale

The statement made by the President to the Indian External Affairs Minister, and statements made by others which are at some variance to what the President has said, appears to have given ammunition to some media outlets to paint a picture of confusion within government ranks.

Evolution of Noble Nations - What can I Give?

Sun, 2012-01-22 03:27 — editor

Dear friends, when I was flying from New Delhi to Colombo yesterday night (21 Jan 2012), I was thinking about what message that I can share it with you. Then came, the poem, which I would like to share it with you.

West Flexes Military Muscle against Iran

Sun, 2012-01-08 14:31 — editor

Hemantha Abeywardena writes from London…

The rapidly-evolving conflict between Iran and the West in the Strait of Hormuz appears to have certainly gone past the sabre-rattling phase of the so-called psychological warfare.

Revisiting ‘Elephant Pass’ for Ethnic Reconciliation in Sri Lanka

Wed, 2012-01-04 13:28 — editor