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R.K. Radhakrishnan

R.K. Radhakrishnan

R.K. Radhakrishnan, PhD, Senior Associate Editor, Frontline, is an award-winning political journalist and an academic who studies refugee integration in protracted situations. He writes on democracy, politics, governance, and society as well as issues relating to South Asia, with special reference to India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

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Ravi Karunanayake speaks to reporters in Colombo on July 15, 2015, following the lifting of Iranian trade sanctions.

Ravi Karunanayake and the art of entering parliament without winning an election

The former Minister’s unexpected entry brings to the fore alternative pathways to power, and has set off a debate on loopholes in electoral system.
R.K. Radhakrishnan
Relations between India and neighbouring countries in the region remain in a state of flux largely because of the governments of these countries.

Nepal and Bangladesh join Maldives in playing the ‘China card’ against India

India’s dominance in South Asia faces challenges. Neighbours now assert independence through tie-ups with China and pushback against Indian influence.
R.K. Radhakrishnan
Harini Amarasuriya (left) receiving a document from Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (right) after being sworn in as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister and Minister of Education during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet in Colombo, on November 18, 2024.

NPP banks on a lean Cabinet to keep the optics right, and deliver

President Dissanayake keeps crucial portfolios while inducting fresh faces; the Opposition nominates defeated candidates through national list.
R.K. Radhakrishnan
Sri Lanka’s President and National People’s Power (NPP) coalition leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the day of the parliamentary election in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 14, 2024.

Sri Lanka hands NPP historic super-majority, backing Dissanayake’s reform agenda

JVP coalition sweeps from southern strongholds to Tamil north, winning cross-ethnic support and reducing traditional parties to single digits.
R.K. Radhakrishnan
A vendor watches a live telecast as Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addresses the nation in Colombo on September 25, 2024.

Can Anura Dissanayake convert his surprise presidential victory into parliamentary control?

Dissanayake courts Tamil and Muslim regions with development promises, seeking to expand beyond his Sinhala base. November 14 holds the answers.
R.K. Radhakrishnan
Udhayanidhi Stalin visits grandfather M. Karunanidhi’s home on September 29 before taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

The grandson rises: How Udhayanidhi Stalin’s meteoric rise challenges DMK’s democratic claims

Ageing leaders stay mum on the elevation of Udhayanidhi as Deputy CM as their ambitious children toe the line. Is this the twilight of dissent in DMK?
R.K. Radhakrishnan
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addresses a gathering at the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo, Sri Lanka, after taking the oath of office on September 23.

Anura Dissanayake: The outsider with a difference

Dissanayake may not come across as a friend of Tamils, but being the practical politician that he is, he may still have some surprises.
R.K. Radhakrishnan
At a public rally on September 17.

Anura Dissanayake’s victory ushers in new dawn for Sri Lanka

While his win comes with huge expectations in the island nation, his stated readiness to work with India will also be put to the test.
R.K. Radhakrishnan
Sri Lanka’s new president and leader of National People’s Power Anura Kumara Dissanayake during voting in Colombo on September 21, 2024.

The wizardry of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lanka’s new President

From a 3.2 per cent vote share in 2019 to winning Presidential election 2024, his meteoric rise had observers marvelling at his electoral alchemy.
R.K. Radhakrishnan
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader and presidential candidate of National People’s Power, addresses supporters at the final campaign rally in Colombo on September 18, 2024.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake is Sri Lanka’s new President

JVP leader secures historic victory, overcoming second preference vote count and marking a seismic shift in Sri Lankan politics.
R.K. Radhakrishnan
Anura Kumara Dissanayake waves to his supporters during a rally ahead of the upcoming Presidential elections in Colombo on September 18, 2024.

Sri Lanka: Anura Dissanayake is ahead

There seems no route to the 50 per cent plus one vote that is required in the first round for any candidate.
R.K. Radhakrishnan

It cannot get dirtier, it can only get cleaner: Bina Paul

National Award-winning editor and WCC co-founder believes that the feudal mindset existing in certain sections of the Malayalam film industry must go.
R.K. Radhakrishnan
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