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.

There are signs of a political transformation in the near future following a meeting attended by parties in the opposition with Sajith Premadasa in the chair. The need for a common policy plan at future elections was stressed there.

Many ask me a lot of times as to how much Ranil pays me - my economic returns - for writing and speaking on behalf of him. Most times, their intention is of an insulting nature – that it is a low-caste thing if I get paid by Ranil.

Sri Lanka is slowly emerging out of a period of unimaginable turmoil and incertitude. It faced the worst economic crisis since its independence, as it was hit with severe fuel, food and medicine shortages, crippling debt, negative growth, skyrocketing inflation, and dwindling foreign exchange reserves.

The world is moving towards an unprecedented time as global food prices are skyrocketing and affecting countries across the world.

In many ways, the economic collapse of Sri Lanka became a near certainty in the weeks after Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected President. In hindsight, it is clear to all that his

Answers to the present crisis cannot be elaborated on with the same mindset that was created by the crisis, says writer and critic Chinthana Dharmadasa.