Controversy over Islamic dress in health sector State acquiesced Islamism could lead to parallel societies

How far can a country go in accommodating its multicultural, multi-faith, and multi-racial character without amplifying the fault lines and developing parallel societies? This is not a question unique to Sri Lanka, but a global one. That, however, is the question one should ask about the recent government proposal, now seems to have been aborted, to accommodate long dresses and head coverings for Muslim health care workers.

Exploring Drug Addiction Decriminalisation as solution to drug abuse

Drug addiction is a complex condition that affects individuals physically and psychologically. To fully comprehend this condition, it is essential to examine the interplay of biological, environmental, and social influences that contribute to its onset and progression, as well as to inform effective treatment strategies.

Lack of accountability in Sri Lankan society Muddled people creating a dysfunctional society

The incident I am going to relate now may seem unrelated to what follows. But it is related to the theme of this week’s column – the chronic lack of accountability that Sri Lankan society suffers from. Its moral compass is spinning wildly out of control.

About Local Tourism Earnings

Writing with reference to your Business Page headline of 5th November: “Local tourism earnings clouded by outdated accounting.” It is deeply troubling that Sri Lanka continues to measure tourism income using incomplete, outdated methods — and then uses those figures as the basis for national development decisions.

From 2nd century BC to 20th century AD: Indian soldiers fought in Sri Lanka for various causes

Sri Lankan rulers, whether indigenous or European, used soldiers from India in addition to local levies. This was due to a shortage of manpower in the island in comparison with India.

Do we really need the opposition to protest right now?

The opposition has announced a major rally on November 21, as a first warning to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, demanding that he fulfills the election pledges made to the nation.

What about an end to gun violence?

The incumbent government’s attempt to eradicate drugs is commendable given the fact that they have pointed out ways in which the drug network has infiltrated into the Police and other law enforcement sectors.

WHEN WOMEN LEAD, NATIONS RISE

In the grand committee rooms of the British Parliament, under the portraits of old white men and centuries of history, I sat among women who embodied a new kind of leadership.

Are there MPs with weapons training?

Media reports indicate that while several members of Parliament have received pistols for their protection, another twenty MPs have requested firearms to ensure their personal security.

Black economy and turf wars War on Drugs: Role of Parents, Teachers & Temples

President Dissanayake issued an ultimatum to police and military personnel involved in narcotics trafficking: resign immediately or face decisive action without protection. However, these treacherous officers are unlikely to voluntarily come forward. The President must exercise his executive powers to investigate and remove them from service.

Land Release in Sri Lanka’s North: Balancing Property Rights with National Security Imperatives

The process of releasing military-held land in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka back to its legitimate civilian owners is a necessary and significant step towards post-conflict reconciliation and normalisation. It is an acknowledgement of the fundamental right to property and a move toward restoring the lives of those displaced by a brutal, three-decade-long war. However, this critical process cannot, and must not, be pursued in isolation. It m

Misunderstanding over Muslim dress

There seems to be a widespread misunderstanding about the Muslim dress — the Abaya. Recently, I had a friendly discussion with a former Minister’s wife, who is also a close friend of mine, regarding this very topic. While we often exchange views on various current issues, I felt the need to clarify the real reason why Muslim women wear the Abaya.

Debt restructuring overwhelms the poor: Crisis, Production and the Co-operative Alternative

Every crisis forces us as a people, and for that matter as a country, to rethink our future. The failed post-war reconstruction in the North a decade ago made many of us approach rural development with a focus on rebuilding co-operatives.

Context more important than venue:Will “Maha Jana Handa” become another “Mahinda Sulanga”?

For the second time in two months the Opposition parties have announced they are forming an alliance against the government, this time with a title for it.

Killing of Lasantha Wickramasekara alias “Midigama Lasa” : Political Assassination or Gangland Execution?

An elected chairman of a Pradeshiya Sabha (divisional council) is shot dead by a lone gunman while meeting members of the public in his council office.

Public Transport: Time to revive the wheels

Public transport is, in a way, a yardstick that measures the level of a country’s socio-economic development. In the developed world, people rely heavily on well-structured systems that include monorails, light rails, low-floor buses, high-capacity electric trains, and trams- all designed for efficient urban mass transportation.

Redefining National Security: From Stability to Resilience in a Changing World

National security in the twenty-first century can no longer be confined to the traditional domains of political sovereignty, territorial integrity, and regime stability. For nations like Sri Lanka, emerging from decades of internal conflict and adapting to global transformations, the concept of security must evolve into one that safeguards people, ecosystems, and institutions from multifaceted threats — both man-made and environmental. This artic

Why elephants should never be diplomatic gifts

Sri Lanka has received several elephants as diplomatic gifts over the past decades. But many of these elephants have faced tragic circumstances, often due to neglect and unprofessional handling by mahouts. Recently, Thailand announced that it would take back two elephants gifted to Sri Lanka due to animal cruelty and neglect.

The blurred line between ratings and ethical reporting

It has now become a norm to have extremely sensitive videos, either of fatal road accidents, CCTV footage of robberies, murders and various other crimes aired on mainstream media. What is even more disturbing is that these videos can now be uploaded to social media platforms, and users have the chance to watch them on repeat. The recent saga over the arrest of the main suspect who gunned down the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman speaks volumes

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

I recently read in the Daily Mirror that outpatient department (OPD) visits in our country outnumber the total population by six times. The government now plans to establish both preventive and curative health centres—a positive step toward improving national health.

The National Social Protection Strategy: Acute need to reduce caregiving burden of migrant worker families

October 29 marks the International Day of Care and Support. This article looks at the government’s new social protection strategy, and whether its promise of ‘leaving no one behind’ will respond to the care deficits in migrant worker households.

Advice to young writers: “Don’t lose your heads when flowers bloom”

Sepalika is the name of a flower. It also evokes songs by Srilankan singers Karunarathna Divulgane and Jayasiri Amarasekara. And don’t get this mixed up with a teledrama called Sepalika, either, telecast many years ago. Right now, Sepalika is the name of the latest Sinhala literary sensation.

So much for good governance: Weligama PS chairman killing yet again reveals underworld nexus in politics

Last week’s killing of Lasantha Wickremesekara, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) controlled Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha chairman, inside the chamber by a gunman, and subsequent allegations and counter-allegations over the killing have rekindled the fear of the return of political violence.

Curbing crime: no time for grandstanding

Following the arrest of the person who allegedly killed Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, a video footage went viral on social media showing his capture.

Gangs want political power for themselves

There was a time in our history, when political assasinations had a political twist. The SWRD murder springs to mind.

Politicisation of crimes might save the real criminals

The killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara on a busy day of his council in broad daylight on October 22 and its aftermath has raised many questions with regard to the safety of people’s representatives, insensitivity of politicians and the media towards victims of crimes and the continued politicisation of crimes.

Radical Islamists on the upswing in Bangladesh and Pakistan

Radical Islamists are gaining ground in Bangladesh and Pakistan. In Pakistan, they are getting more organised, militant and terroristic, while in Bangladesh, they are expanding their ideological reach, a development which could reshape domestic electoral outcomes and relations with India.

When elephants were neighbours, not foes

The Human-elephant conflict has become an urgent issue in Sri Lanka, with frequent encounters leading to crop damage, injuries, and sometimes the tragic loss of life. Yet, history shows us that coexistence is possible if approached with care, respect, and understanding.

The pros and cons of a future world with no superpowers

The global order established in the aftermath of World War II, characterised for decades by the unipolar dominance of the United States, is exhibiting pronounced signs of stress and transition.

The Cost of Religious Extravagance:Katina-Wasteful Illuminations, Amplified Devotion

In the quiet hours before dawn, when communities should be at rest, Sri Lanka’s residential neighbourhoods are jolted awake by amplified loudspeakers from religious institutions.