Liberal Dialogue (2008)

Is the Tri-lingual newspaper of the Institute for Democracy & Leadership (IDL). The Newspaper publishes articles on “Liberal Ideas” by renowned Sri Lankan liberals, news of the activities carried out by the IDL and the Liberal Youth Guilds (LYGs), their local, regional and international involvement, and pictorials of work done in year 2008.

The Electoral Reforms Debate in Sri Lanka (2008)

by Rohan Edrisinha & Asanga Welikala

This publication is presented in the context of the ongoing debate on electoral reforms in Sri Lanka. Firstly it is a collection of short articles, dealing with various aspects of electoral reforms including the rationale for proportional representation in the political context of Sri Lanka; the freedom of conscience of Members of Parliament; the National list and the principle of nominated legislative membership and many other relevant issues.

The second part concerns the challenges and problems arising out of the practice of elect oral democracy in Sri Lanka.
In the third part, the interim report of the parliamentary select committee is discussed. The publication is intended to place some of the crucial issues in context.

A State of Permanent Crisis (2008)

by Asanga Welikala

An entire generation of Sri Lankans have known only emergency rule, except for the years between 2001 December to 2004 April. For others, emergency rule has become the norm and the accepted framework of government. Those of us who believe in liberal principles, however, have a problem with the crisis of the legitimacy of the state, the deterioration in respect of the rule of law and the institutionalization of a culture of impunity with regard to human rights violations, especially in the last few years. This publication is a single contribution to debate and advocacy for democratic governance in Sri Lanka. Download

Key Persons' Forum- Collection of Speeches (2008)

Key Persons’ Forum is a part of the business/public awareness effort on issues pertaining to business, economy and society. The Forum provides a platform for eminent persons in responsible positions with expertise, knowledge and/or decision making powers to discuss and share experiences on policy perspectives on a face-to-face basis with the private sector.

In 2008, the Key Persons were represented by Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Minister of Public Administration & Local Government, Prof. A.D.V.S. Indraratne, President of the Sri Lanka Economic Association, Hon. Justice Ameer Ismail, Chairman of the Bribery Commission, Mr. U. Kariyawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Electricity Board, Dr. P.B. Jayasundara, Chairman Sri Lankan Air Lines, Hon. Felix Perera, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Export & International Trade and Hon. Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Environment & Natural Resources. Download

Small & Medium Enterprise Development in SAARC Countries: Challenges & Policy Reforms (2007)

The publication is a collection of the papers presented by academics of the SAARC region presented at the regional convention on SME policy Reforms in SAARC countries. It raises several issues of policy relevance to SAARC countries. The papers details the challenges faced by the SME sectors in developing countries at times of a rapid process of globalization. It draws attention to improving competitiveness and productivity of the SMEs for their survival in the globalized economy.

SME bi-lingual quarterly News Magazine (2007)

The SME bi-lingual quarterly News Magazine which provides current news to the Small & Medium Enterpreneuers and Industrialists.

Road Map of the Institute for Democracy & Leadership (2007)

The booklet is the Road Map of the Institute for Democracy & Leadership (IDL).

It describes their vision to inculcate in the minds of the people that while democracy survives on ensuring free and fair elections, it thrives on preservation of human rights and fundamental freedom of the people in society and thereby create an environment within which people will learn to be moderate and tolerant in their thinking and apply these principles to their way of life.

Stand on your Own Two Feet (2007)

The booklet elaborates the concept of ‘Stand on your Own Two Feet”, meant for a most crucial target group, school children in their formative years. It explains their vision to encourage youth to be free as they are able to, in order to be responsible, civic conscious citizens who will become worthy partners of a thriving liberal democracy.