Nepal: Judicial Council gets its first woman member
Sreeparna Banerjee
For women in Nepal, it has been a significant start of the year 2016 with Sushila Karki, a senior Supreme Court Justice, becoming the first woman member to of the nation’s Judicial Council. She is also the next in line for the post of the Chief Justice, when incumbent Kalyan Shrestha completes his tenure in April.
Karki, born in 1952 at Biratnagar, is known for her fair judgments, bold voice and zero tolerance towards corruption. In the most publicised case of 2012, Justice Kari along with Justice Tarka Raj Bhatta over-turned a special court’s verdict and convicted then Minister for Information and Communications Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta for corruption. The case remained pending before the Supreme Court since 2007. This was the first time a minister was convicted on corruption charges in Nepal. Justice Karki as the head of the judiciary would soon be undertaking a wide range of reforms, ensuring the smooth rule of law for the country.
Justice Karki’s nomination to the Judicial Council now and her prospective elevation as Chief Justice reassuring factors for most Nepalese women aspiring to become a student and eventually a practitioner of law. However, the fact cannot be ignored that women are still under-represented in the field of law.
Under-representation
A primary prerogative of legal profession is to ensure equality for all members of society. Stating this, it makes the situation imperative to ensure such equality within its own profession. But historical evidence depicts a different scenario. The first High Court, known as Pradhan Nyayalaya, was established in 1951-52 where women were not allowed to practise law. After Pradhan Nyayalaya became the Supreme Court in 1955-56, women began to be allowed to practise law.
In 1960, Santi Devi Chhetri became the first woman lawyer in Nepal. Official records show that there were only 10 licensed female advocates between 1969 and 1979, though only a few of them practiced law. In the next decade, 1980-90, there was a comparative increase, and 74 women became licensed advocates, one of them being Justice Sushila Karki.
Gender equality
With Onsari Gharti becoming Parliament Speaker, the subsequent historical election of Bindya Devi Bandhari as the first woman President and now Justice Sushila Karki being appointed in Judicial Council, Nepal is seen as gradually walking towards gender equality, slowly releasing its clutches from the traditional patriarchal ideals and values. But whether the aforesaid notion of gender equity is a reality or myth is a question that needs to be studied from different aspects.
The situation of women in the country is very poor in terms of health, education, participation, income-generation, self-confidence, decision-making, access to policy-making, and human rights. Empirical data have always shown ‘women in law’ at a back foot. There is a general negative attitude towards women, accompanied by the challenging socio-economic condition and lack of government leadership, which most of the time deems women unfit for this profession.
A 2009 report of the Nepal Bar Association mentions that out of the 12,222 registered advocates in the country only 932, or 7.6 percent, are women. A 2014 report states that only eight percent of women are registered as lawyers where only two percent take up private practise. This is a far cry from the 33 percent representation of women in all State organs as envisioned in the new Constitution.
‘Balancing work and home’ is among the reasons cited for poor women presence in law. Thus law becomes a challenging profession as long hours in court and after that chamber hours take away the private life much believed to be essential for women. While some take up the challenge, most stay away from it.
Many reports have claimed that inclusion of ‘women in law’ in government and society is important. Without being highly trained and skilled ‘women in law’ will be unable to participate in other sectors.
Challenging role
This brings about a challenging role for Justice Karki especially against this back-drop. She will be playing an important role in the coming years by holding the new position in her office. It will be important for Karki to give a boost to the women lawyers in order to facilitate a progressive mindset and a non sexist attitude.
Crime against women is constantly raising its head at all times. Thus, it becomes important to understand that justice to women will come about when competitive, skilled and highly trained ‘women in law’ will participate at all levels of Nepal’s legal and judicial sector.
(The writer is a Research Intern at Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata)
Myanmar: Tasks before the new parliament
Mihir Bhonsale
Myanmar’s new parliament is to convene on 1 February 2016. Members of Parliament have been asked to register themselves on 25 and 26 January in an announcement signed by incumbent speaker Thura Shwe Mann.
Among the first few tasks for the new parliament would be to elect the speakers for both Houses before going on to elect the President and Vice-President. Opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi-led NLD is busy framing a strategy for bagging the coveted post of President.
A departure for the new parliament from the earlier one will be the manifold increase in the strength of the National League for Democracy (NLD), following its sweeping victory in the 8 November votes. However, with little beans spilled by the party-designate to the media and recent remarks by Suu Kyi has fanned some confusion, leading to wide speculations.
National reconciliation?
Suu Kyi has remarked that her party is working towards the formation of a government of “national reconciliation”. Such remarks have been widely taken to mean the new administration will include members of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party despite its heavy defeat in the November 8 elections, as well as members of ethnic parties.
If party sources are to be trusted, the NLD would decide to back the re-election of U Khin Aung Myint, the current Speaker who is an MP for the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party and a former army major-general. Suu Kyi’s ‘national reconciliation’ remark has also been speculated to mean that the NLD will forge ties with ethnic parties, that barring two that have performed poorly.
Suu Kyi has met Senior General Than Shwe and Commander-in-Chief of the defence services, Min Aung Hliang, to discuss transition. The fate of the two key amendments that failed to be adopted last year because they fell short of the votes required would be known in the due course, but for now the NLD seems to be in a reconciliatory mode.
Of the two, the first one aimed at reducing the share of votes needed to amend the constitution from 75 percent to 70, which would have ended the effective veto that unelected members of the military have by holding a quarter of the total number of seats. The second one related to a clause that bars anyone whose spouse or children are loyal to foreign countries from becoming president or vice-president – a clause believed to be directed at Suu Kyi, whose late husband and two sons are British citizens.
Military bloc
The role of the military bloc in Parliament would become exceedingly important. Under the existing scheme, 25 percent of Parliament seats are are filled up by the military. Analysts have denied predictability of the military bloc with legislative functioning, they have at times ceased to vote as a bloc.
The military would be in effect the main opposition in parliament as the incumbent Union Solidarity Development Party (USDP) has only been able to get a handful of parliamentary seats (41), even less than what the NLD has in the outgoing parliament, ie, 43.
Ethnic minorities would go unrepresented in Parliament, except the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party and the Arakan National Party. Some constitutional amendments have been proposed, and will now be taken up by parliament.
Way forward
Some 14 bills are lined up for discussion in parliament. They include the Nuclear Disaster Protection Bill and the Prison Bill, as well as amendments to the Constitutional Protection Bill, the Land Confiscation Bill, the 1950 Emergency Management Bill, the Private Education Bill, the Weapons Act and the Suppression of Prostitution Act.
In what is turning out to be a busy session for the incumbent parliament, the Upper House approved the Presidential Security Bill on 14 January that offers immunity to former heads of state. The bill, which was provisionally approved by the Lower House in late December, has been sent back for re-approval with minor revisions.
The incumbent parliament was able to make a place for itself in the period of transition with former military-men, Thura Shwe Mann and U Khin Aung Myint as the speakers of the lower and upper houses of parliaments respectively. The new parliament has to take forward from where the incumbents left it.
(The writer is a Research Assistant at Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata.)
Country Reports
Afghanistan
End ties with Taliban: Govt
The governor of northern Takhar province last week warned residents of Darqad district against supporting Taliban militants in the district. Mohammad Yasin Zia told Darqad residents to end supporting Taliban and fixed a 24-hour ultimatum for the rebels to join the peace process. He said the government would provide jobs and guarantee the safety of those insurgents willing to lay down their arms on the ground.
For more information, see: “Cut ties with Taliban, governor asks Darqad residents”, Pajhwok Afghan News, 14 January, 2016
US bans ISIL-K
The US Department of State on January 14, said it has declared Daesh - ISIL - Khorasan (ISIL-K) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. According to the statement, ISIL-K (Daesh) announced its formation on January 10. The group is based in the Afghanistan/Pakistan region and is composed primarily of former members of Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban.
For more information, see: “U.S. declares DaeshAf-Pak Wing a Terrorist Organization”, TOLO News, 15 January, 2016
Bangladesh
Developed nation by 2041: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in an address to the nation this week, expressed her desire to transform Bangladesh into a developed country by 2041. Prime Minister further opined that the country is at a critical juncture of history in terms of development and urged all to rise above all political divides to make the country free of hunger and poverty.
For more information see: “Help make Bangladesh developed country by 2041: PM”, The Daily Star, 12 January 2016
PM seeks more Saudi investment
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought more investment and cooperation from Saudi Arabia for developing Bangladesh's different sectors, including shipbuilding. “We have to find out other areas of economic cooperation for mutual benefits of the two brotherly countries,” she made these observations during her meeting with visiting Saudi Prince Turki bin Abdullah Aziz Al Saud and his brother Prince Badar bin Abdullah.
For more information see: “Hasina seeks more Saudi investment”, The Daily Star, 12 January 2016
Law for cyber security
The government is planning to enact a new cyber law for secure cyber space of the country. All the contradictory sections of Information and Communication Technology
For more information see: “New law for cyber security: Section 57 of ICT act to be repealed, says law minister”, The Daily Star, 11 December 2016; “Concerns mount as Bangladesh plans new anti-cybercrime law”, Deutsche Welle, 13 January 2016
Bhutan
More flights
Nepal accepted Bhutan’s proposal for two more ‘Fifth Freedom’ flights to New Delhi via Kathmandu. Prior to this, Bhutan was provided with only four “fifth freedom” right flights on its Paro-Kathmandu-New Delhi, and vice versa, sector. All four were used by the national airline Drukair.
For more information see: “Nepal accepts Bhutan’s request for more “fifth freedom” flights”, Kuensel, 11 January 2016
RCSC transfers nine
The Royal Civil Services Commission has decided to transfer 9 civil servants at the executive level on January 13 and the transfers will take effect from 15 January.
For more information see: “RCSC transfers nine executives”, Kuensel, 14 January 2016
India releases grant
The Government of India (GoI) released a cheque worth Nu 1.9 B for Bhutan’s Project Tied Assistance Projects and Small Development Projects.
For more information see: “GoI releases cheque worth Nu 1.9b”, Bhutan Broadcasting Service, 15 January 2016
India
SC upholds odd-even trial
Pollution is killing Delhi and everybody has to cooperate with the government's efforts to make the Capital breathe easier, the Supreme Court remarked, while refusing an urgent hearing of a plea to direct the abortion of the odd-even formula in place in the city.
For more information see: “SC calls challenge to odd-even policy a 'publicity stunt'” The Hindu, 14 January, 2016
Centre ‘no’ to special status
Minister of State for Planning Rao Inderjit Singh said the special category status for plan assistance was granted in the past by the national development council to some States that were characterised by a number of features necessitating special consideration.
For more information see: “Centre won’t budge on special status” The Hindu, 14 January 2016
Maldives
Nasheed for UK medicare
The Government of President Abdulla Yameen has cleared imprisoned predecessor Mohammed Nasheed for travelling to the UK for surgery of his long-term spinal problem, the Foreign Ministry said in a tweet. Nasheed’s wife, Laila Ali, camping in London to campaign for his early freedom, said the Government decision came after pressure from neighbours, India, Sri Lanka and the UK.
For more information, see: “Nasheed to travel to UK for surgery”, The Hindu, 17 January 2016; “Nasheed to travel to UK for surgery”, Maldives Independent, 16 January 2016; “Maldives says jailed ex-pres allowed overseas treatment after legal opinion”, Haveeru Online, 16 January 2016; “Maldives govt brushes off opposition 'deals' to free leader”, Haveeru Online, 15 January 2016; “Jailed Maldives ex-pres seeks search for commutation delivery man”, Haveeru Online, 14 January 2016; “Maldives opposition says govt agreed to free Nasheed in July”, Haveeru Online, 14 January 2016; “Yameen commuted Nasheed’s jail sentence, says Adeeb”, Maldives Independent, 11 January 2016; ““Maldives, Lanka agree to bolster ties”, Haveeru Online, 14 January 2016 ; “Top British minister to visit Maldives”, Haveeru Online, 15 January 2016; “Democracy 'dead' in Maldives, jailed ex-pres lawyers warn in new sanctions effort”, Haveeru Online, 16 January 2016; ”Jailed Maldives ex-pres' lawyers rally top US officials' backing”, Haveeru Online, 14 January 2016
Indian reassurance
Presenting his credentials to President Abdulla Yameen, new Indian High Commissioner, Akhilesh Mishra, reassured Maldives of continued Indian backing, whenever required.
For more information, see: “India reassures Maldives of backing as new rep takes office”, Haveeru Online, 14 January 2016; “Maldives pres briefs India diplomat on politics, secures support”, Haveeru Online, 11 January 2016; “India and Maldives discuss to extinguish terrorism”, SunOnline, 11 January 2016; “India approves health pact with Maldives”, Haveeru Online, 14 January 2016; “Murdered Maldives woman's post-mortem done in India”, Haveeru Online, 16 January 2016
Gasim gets back resorts
The civil court has restored to tycoon-politician, Gasim Ibrahim, three more of the resort-islands allotted to his Villa Group of companies for development, taken back by the Tourism Ministry. Gasim also faced a $ 90-m demand for revenue recovery after his Jumhooree Party joined the joint Opposition’s protest against President Abdulla Yameen’s rule, but declared his retirement from active politics after Parliament fixed a 65-year upper-limit for contesting the presidency in 2018 polls. In an unrelated development, former Presidential Advisor, Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, who had quit active politics after attaining 65 years of age in 2014, has since announced his resignation from the primary membership of the Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
For more information, see: “Maldives resort tycoon wins more resort disputes”, Haveeru Online, 14 January 2016; “Senior statesman quits opposition”, Maldives Independent, 14 January 2016
Myanmar
Security bill okayed
Parliament’s Upper House approved the Presidential Security Bill on January 14 that offers immunity to former heads of state. The bill, which was provisionally approved by the Lower House in late December, has been sent back for re-approval with minor revisions.
For more information see: “Upper House Approves Controversial Presidential Security Bill”, The Irrawaddy, 15 January 2016
Hopes on investments
The Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission, Aung Naing Oo said the country could expect more investment from Western countries in the 2016-17 fiscal. The country received $ 4.1 billion in foreign investment from 16 countries as of December 2015.
For more information see: “More foreign investment forseen in 2016-17: MIC Secretary”, Eleven, 12 January 2016
China’s plan rejected
The Myanmar government has rejected China’s proposal for timber-based industrial zone, said Khin Maung Yi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry. Rumours were ripe that an MoU was signed with China to facilitate trading and cultivation of timber.
For more information see: “Govt. rejects China’s request for timber-based industrial zone in Myanmar”, Eleven, 15 January 2016
Nepal
Strengthening India ties
Foreign relations experts have underlined the need of moving forward the Nepal-India relations on a realistic basis in the changing context. Speaking in a discussions programme on 'Multi-faceted Aspects of Nepal-India Relations ' organised by the Independent Youth Democratic Association Nepal here today, they opined that both countries should add dynamism to their relations on the basis of true friendship.
For more information, see: “Foreign relations experts stress on promoting Nepal-India ties on realistic basis”, Republica, 14 January 2016
Mahato meets Rahul
Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato, who is in New Delhi for health check-up, has met Vice-President of Indian National Congress Party Rahul Gandhi at latter’s residence in New Delhi on January 14. Mahato was accompanied by his wife and parliamentarian Shail Mahato during the meeting that lasted for nearly 45 minutes. “It would be appropriate to focus on easing Nepal-India relationship and stress on mutual dialogues to eliminate the crisis seen in Nepal,” Gandhi said during the meet.
For more information, see: “Mahato meets Rahul Gandhi in Indian Capital”, The Kathmandu Post, 14 January 2016; “TMLP Chair Thakur to leave for New Delhi on Sunday”, The Kathmandu Post, 14 January 2016
China moots road
China has agreed to Nepal’s proposal to develop Tatopani-Khasa and Rasuwagadhi-Kerung road sections as ‘green economic corridor’. While meeting Zhang Jianlong, administrator of State Forestry Administration of China in Beijing on January 13, Minister for Forests Agni Sapkota proposed to that end to minimize environmental impacts while upgrading the road sections. China has agreed financial and technical assistances for Forensic Science Laboratory in Bhaktapur.
For more information, see: “China agrees to Nepal’s proposal on ‘green economic corridor’”, Republica, 15 January 2016; “Time is ripe to amplify Chinese investment in Nepal: Chinese Vice-minister”, Republica, 15 January 2016
Pakistan
Swearing-in at Karachi
Like other parts of the province, the oath of office was administered to over 1,500 newly elected members, chairmen and vice chairmen of the local bodies’ institution in Karachi’s six districts.They were administered the oath by the district and sessions judge of their respective district at formal ceremonies held in six different parts of the city.
For more information, see: “Over 1,500 elected members of Karachi’s six districts sworn in”, Dawn, 15 January 2016
IS supporters held
Security forces on Friday arrested 60 suspected supporters of the militant Islamic State (IS) group from various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The arrests were made on the basis of information from suspected supporters of IS who were earlier arrested from Punjab and Islamabad, said security agencies.
For more information, see: “60 suspected IS supporters arrested in KP”, Dawn, 15 January, 2016
Qatar lowers prices
Energy giant Royal Dutch Shell is going to lose a five-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply contract worth over $1 billion as a Qatari company has agreed to provide the commodity at a lower price to Pakistan. Gunvor and Royal Dutch Shell had won supply contracts in response to the two tenders floated by Pakistan State Oil (PSO) a few weeks ago for bringing 120 LNG cargoes over a period of five years.
For more information, see: “Shell to lose $1billion contract as Qatar offers Pakistan lower price”, The Express Tribune, 15 January 2016
Sri Lanka
Home-grown statute: MS
Calling for a peaceful transition to a new era, President Maithripala Sirisena blamed extremist groups for making a monster out of the proposed Constituent Assembly, and said that the new constitution would be a home-grown effort.
For more information, see: “New constitution a home-grown one: President”, Daily Mirror Online, 9 January 2016; “Crime to create unfounded fear psychosis on proposed Constitutional amendments – President”, The Island, 10 January 2016; “Constitutional Assembly: Special Parliament session on Jan. 12”, Daily Mirror Online, 9 January 2016; “Referendum to decide fate of new Constitution...Widespread clamor for abolishing Executive Presidency, electoral reforms –Rajitha”, The Island, 10 January 2016; “New Constitution: SLFP, Joint Opp. reach consensus”, The Island, 16 January 2016; “Parties to parley on new constitution to reach consensus”, The Island, 16 January 2016; “MS, RW urged to give Buddhism, the foremost place”, Daily Mirror Online, 10 January 2016; “Malwatte, Asgiriya oppose laws to control monks”, The Island, 14 January 2016; “Theravada bill will give more clout to Mahanayakes: Minister”, Daily Mirror Online, 16 January 2016; “JVP issues warning against legislating for Buddhist monks to be controlled”, The Island, 16 January 2016
More powers for Tamils
Addressing the annual Tamil harvest festivities in the Northern Province capital of Jaffna, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe declared that the Government was ready to devolve power to the community under the new constitution, and also vowed to bring all perpetrators of war crimes to book. In doing so, PM Ranil also took on Northern Province Chief Minister C V Wigneswaran, and in the presence of junior British Minister, Hugo Swire, after the CM complained about the post-polls ethnic situation in the country.
For more information, see: “Devolving power to Tamils under New Constitution”, Press Trust of India, 15 January 2016; “Ranil Responds to Wigneswaran – Duel continues unabated”, Asian Tribune, 16 January 2016; “President hopes for genuine co-existence”, The Island, 15 January 2016;”Several Tamil parties condemn black flag protest against Maithri and Ranil”, Daily Mirror Online, 15 January 2016; “India highly appreciates the statesman-like approach of President Maithripala Sirisena”, Asian Tribune, 14 January 2016; “Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar meets top SL leaders”, 14 January 2016; “Britain wants Lanka to implement Geneva Resolution before June”, The Island, 15 January 2016; “It would be a SL process with international element: Swire”, Daily Mirror Online, 16 January 2016; “Swire, CBK discuss national unity office”, Daily Mirror Online, 15 January 2016; “Norway to assist in SL reconciliation process”, Daily Mirror Online, 9 January 2016; “Norway to assist in SL reconciliation process”, Daily Mirror Online, 16 January 2016; “Gandhi endorses allegations of war crimes against SL”, The Island, 9 January 2016; “Killing Prabhakaran’s son, a war crime – SF”, The Island, 14 January 2016
New political front?
Basil Rajapaksa, brother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Economic Development Miniser, has said that there was an urgent need to form a new political party in the country, as the main Opposition party (meaning the SLFP to which he belonged) had voted in favour of the anti-people budget of 2016. His suggestion came ahead of the nation-wide local government polls, due later this year.
For more information, see: “SL needs new political front: Basil”, Daily Mirror Online, 9 January 2016; “Jt. opposition, JVP hit common chord”, The Island, 11 January, 2016; “Gammanpila welcomes decision of SLFPers to contest local polls under new front”, The Island, 16 January 2016; “JVP: There’s a power struggle between Maithri and Ranil”, The Island, 11 January 2016; “MR hints at state level blackmail using police”, The Island, 16 January 2016
Primary Documentation
Bhutan
Press Releases
PM, MoEA Minister and delegation paid a courtesy call on H.E. Keshari Nath Tripathi, Governor of West Bengal, Cabinet Secretariat, 8 January 2016
Myanmar
Press Releases
Press Release regarding the hydrogen bomb test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 6 January 2016, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 13 January 2016
Nepal
Press Releases
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, Paris on Nepal's assumption of Chairmanship of ASPAC regional group.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 14 January 2016
“Briefing to Diplomatic Community in Kathmandu by Hon. Mr. Kamal Thapa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 12 January 2016
“Press Release issued by Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN, New York on Nepal elected as Vice-President to the Bureau of EB of UNICEF” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10 January 2016
Bibliography
Afghanistan
Opinion pieces
Kathryn Albrecht, “The View from Here: Joyful hearts in Afghanistan”, dchieftan.com, 13 January, 2016
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, “No holds barred: Will Senator Booker save ‘The Muslim Afghan Juliette’?”, The Jerusalem Post, 14 January, 2016
Bangladesh
Opinion Pieces
Paramesh Nandy, “Creating a win-win situation”, Dhaka Tribune, 11 January 2016
Bhutan
Opinion Pieces
Kuensel, “New thromdes, new uncertainties”, Kuensel, 15 January 2016
Kuensel, “Grass not always greener abroad”, Kuensel, 14 January 2016
India
Opinion Pieces
Vivek Katju, “Breaking The Terror Cycle”, Indian Express, 14 January 2016
Shankar Acharya, “2016: Through a glass, hazily”, Business Standard, 14 January 2016
A V Rajwade, “China's impact on global markets”, Business Standard, 14 January 2016
Maldives
Opinion Pieces
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Maldives: China ’Friendship Bridge’ can bolster Yameen popularity”, www.orfonline.org, 11 January 2016
Myanmar
Opinion Pieces
Thin Lei Win, “Kachin pin hopes on NLD”, Myanmar Times, 15 January 2016
Bertil Lintner, “New Approach Needed for Genuine Peace in Burma”, The Irrawaddy, 11 January 2016
Nepal
Editorial
“Nothing to hide”, The Kathmandu Post, 15 January 2016
“Give it anyway”, Republica, 13 January 2016
Opinion Pieces
Gyanendra Gurung, “Not enough”, The Kathmandu Post, 15 January 2016
Biswas Baral, “Plant of India” Republica, 13 January 2016
Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
MehrTarar, The unheard victims, The Express Tribune, 14 January 2016
Asha’arRehman, Murmurs around Bilawal, Dawn, 15 January, 2016
Editorial, Positive moves, The Express Tribune, 15 January 2016
Faisal Bari, Hippocratic oath: a myth, Dawn, 15 January, 2016
Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
Hugo Swire, “The British Government is ready to help Sri Lanka”, Daily Mirror Online, 15 January 2016
Kelum Bandara, “Is the UNP-SLFP cohabitation destined to end?”, Daily Mirror Online, 14 January 2016
Mahendran Thiruvarangan, “Liberal pluralism, Tamil People’s Council and the new Constitution”, The Island, 13-14 January 2016
Neville Ladduwahetty, “The procedure to enact a new Constitution”, The Island, 12 January 2016
Jehan Perera, “Ingredients of a new Constitution in place”, The Island, 12 January 2016
N Sathiya Moorthy, “For Maithri-Ranil duo, it’s one down, two on…”, The Sunday Leader, 10 January 2016
Contributors:
Afghanistan & Pakistan: Urvashi Sudhindra
Bangladesh: Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale
India: Shubh Soni & Pushan Das
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N. Sathiya Moorthy
Nepal: Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury & Sreeparna Banerjee
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