Week-07-2026

Some call Tilvin Silva the phantom President. The JVP’s general secretary for thirty years, he is the party’s ‘nucleus’ and role model. The president calls him ‘aiya’. Hiranyada Dewasiri examines what Tilvin is doing with all this influence.

Parliament will vote on the new microfinance bill in March. But it could crush non-profit village lenders like women’s societies. It falls short in protecting victims from predatory lending. The bill’s ambiguity may also affect supplier and trade credit.

Still morose about the Galle Literary Festival’s cancellation? The Matara Arts Festival kicks off today. Galle anyway smelt a bit too much of sunscreen, and FILTH - Failed in London Try Hong Kong. Ofc this