Can Rural Poverty Be Eliminated by Fuelling Human-Elephant Conflicts?

With the National People’s Power Government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake ascending to power with a large mandate, the public’s expectations around the oft-mentioned goal of “eradicating rural poverty” have significantly increased. To fulfill those expectations, minimising the human-elephant conflict—now widespread across much of Sri Lanka’s dry zone — must be made a national priority.

Fifty years in Priesthood, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

Sri Lanka’s second Cardinal after Cardinal Thomas Cooray, Cardinal Malcolm was ordained as a priest on June 29, 1975, by Pope Paul VI in St. Peter’s Square in Rome

Healthcare waste, a burden for residents in Anuradhapura

The healthcare waste management crisis at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital surfaced once again when media reports indicated massive piles of waste dumped in an adjacent land named ‘Paldoruwa’. Medical experts point out that the non-inclusion of a healthcare waste management system – which is an integral part of any national health system has been a major drawback in national planning policies. Environmentalists have cautioned the potential impact o

Chess queen Devindya battles challenges to make Sri Lanka proud

For Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana (13), chess is something more than a board game. What began as a pastime to beat her sister at the game had transformed her life to a point where she now has no challenge in facing local chess competitions.

Understanding numerology: The power of numbers

Numerology is important to understand that everything in the world is dependent on numbers. Numerology can assist you to have a better understanding and further improve the relationships with your family members, relatives, friends and superiors, to lead a serene, tranquil, peaceful and fulfilled life.

Young Writers Shine at S. Thomas’ College All-Island Essay Competition

As part of its 175th Anniversary commemorations, S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, hosted the final round of its nationwide English essay competition, welcoming 175 finalists from schools across Sri Lanka.

SLASSCOM’s year of purpose and progress

As the curtains fall on an eventful year for SLASSCOM, outgoing Chairman Nishan Mendis reflects on the past 12 months with a powerful blend of introspection, pride, and optimism. Against a backdrop of national recovery and global challenges, SLASSCOM’s story this year was one of recalibration, resilience, results and impact.

Krishanthi Kumaraswamy case and Chemmani mass grave : A landmark case and a prosecutor’s call for accountability

Ongoing excavations at the Chemmani mass grave reveal harrowing atrocities committed during the war. But this mass grave site would have been a secret buried under Lankan soil if not for a statement made by a death row convict. The convict, who is the main accused in the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy case, revealed the Chemmani mass grave in 1998 upon being sentenced to death. Recently, the Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by this convict and oth

Electoral Irony A system JVP/NPP once championed stands in its way

Sri Lanka’s recent local government elections have laid bare a striking paradox. The JVP/NPP, the dominant force in national politics following their landslide victory at the last General election, has now run into unexpected headwinds—created not by their political rivals, but by an electoral system they themselves once strongly endorsed. Despite an overwhelming electoral performance across the country—where they secured the highest number of wa

Cancerous corruption and land grab aided by govt institutions

Corruption, especially within the government sector and the political system, has been endemic over the years despite continuous regime change. The issue is so serious that it’s become a cancer in Sri Lankan governance. The National People’s Power (NPP) government which came to power mainly on an anti-corruption campaign finds it so hard to battle it. The main stumbling block had been some of the state institutions themselves and their officials

In support of tortured victims Realities of torture in Sri Lanka

June 26 marked the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. It is a day dedicated to recognising and supporting those who have endured acts of torture and also calls for accountability and justice.

Crisis response needed regarding plastic pollution in Sri Lanka

Plastic waste is a growing issue worldwide. According to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) a truck load of plastic waste enters the ocean every minute we spend on this planet.

Attachment to the machine and detachment from family

It’s time we move beyond the once-revered motto from Silicon Valley to “move fast and break things”. This quote-turned-operating mode is widespread across the world; you might even see it on the office walls of some IT companies in Colombo. The result? The digital products rolled out fueled by this idea have successfully broken our societies, democracies, planet, and our willingness to experience life or, at the extreme, to live at all. Yet, thes

Kandy’s dirty pretty things

In the emerald heart of Sri Lanka, cradled by hills, lies Kandy-a city steeped in ancient lore and sacred traditions. Yet, even here, a pervasive struggle unfolds. Daily, an ever-growing tide of human refuse threatens to overwhelm this venerable urban ecosystem. From vibrant festivals to the quiet rhythm of daily life, waste accumulates, a stark testament to humanity’s footprint on this delicate and beautiful landscape.

Trek from north to South Taking a peep into the history of Pada Yatra

Pada Yatra pilgrimage or the journey by foot from the North and East and the hill country to attend Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala Esala Festival has a long history that dates back as far as the ancient times History has recorded that during the reign of Buwanekabahu IV, who ruled in Gampola, bands of pilgrims from India had ferried by sea to the North and from there proceeded by foot to Kataragama through thick jungles teeming with wild beasts.

Jaffna Islands expand as mangrove project thrives

My former Personal Security Officer (PSO), Commander Chatura Gamage, RSP and five Bars, injured Officer from elite Sri Lanka Navy Special Boat Squadron, who has MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing from Peradeniya University gave me a call with much delight. “Sir, it’s working ! I can see our Jaffna islands growing in size !. I will get you the google pictures soon.

Honoring Dr. Saman Kelegama: A legacy guiding Sri Lanka’s digital and fintech future

At a 2000 event organized by the National Chamber of Exporters Sri Lanka, held at the Hotel Ceylon Inter-Continental in Colombo, the author is seen delivering a presentation, with Dr. Saman Kelegama (second from left) serving as Guest of Honor and Dr. Gamani Corea (fourth from left) presiding as Chief Guest.

AI and people: UNDP’s Vision for Human Progress

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a United Nations (UN) agency focused on ending poverty, reducing inequality and achieving sustainable development. It is in operation in 170 countries and territories, helping nations build lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Sri Lanka’s excessive drug use, antibiotic resistance: Need for pharma policy and pharmacists’ supervision

Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) Charts a New Course in Pharmacy: PSSL 2025 Scientific Sessions Spotlight Rational Drug Use, Innovation, and Global Collaboration

Environmental groups demand accountability for Plastic pellet pollution along Sri Lankan shores

When questioned about the spread of plastic pellets following the recent shipwrecks, Prof. Sanath Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the National Aquatic Resources and Research and Development Agency (NARA), said that they started observations as soon as the incident occurred. “We have noted that areas such as Jaffna, Mannar and Puttalam were affected around seven days after the incident. The plastic nurdles are drifting towards Delft, Nagadeepa and Pung

Final approach: The Captain’s journey

Passengers on SriLankan Airlines flight UL-122 received a touching surprise on Monday as Captain Shiran Sylva announced his retirement mid-flight. Following 32 years of dedicated service, Captain Sylva’s final landing at BIA was honoured with a ceremonial water salute, a “shower of affection” marking a beloved pilot’s last journey in the skies.

British-Sri Lankan cardiologist chaired European Cardiology Summit Session

British- Sri Lankan Cardiologist, Dr Yanushi Dullewe Wijeyeratne, who is a Clinical Lecturer at City St. George’s, University of London and St George’s Hospital London, was recently honoured with an invitation to serve as a Session Chair at the EHRA Young EP Summit 2025 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

“No reason why SL should not fare well in the international film scene”

Versatile Hollywood actor Jeremy Irons, known globally for his performances in Lolita, The Lion King, Damage, Die Hard with a Vengeance, is currently on his first visit to Sri Lanka, giving life to a new role in a Sri Lankan production. The production, ‘Rizana – A Caged Bird’, another cinematic masterpiece by internationally acclaimed director and producer Chandran Rutnam, sheds light on the story of 17-year-old Rizana Nafeek, a Sri Lankan migran

K.A. Edwin Perera 53rd Anniversary The Hidden force in the reawakening of “Arya Sinhala Natya Sabhawa”

As the 1960s dawned, the Tower Theatre troupe and stage performers had scattered into isolation, with no hope for the future of the industry.

In Loving Memory of Rishard Hameed: A Brother Beyond Blood ties

“He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” These words echo in my heart each time I think of my dear friend Rishard Hameed.

Fractured world, fluid alliances: Decoding state strategy

As geopolitical tensions escalate and the post-World War II order fragments, traditional theories of international relations struggle to explain the multifaceted behavior of nations.

Emeritus Professor Mahinda Palihawadana Bidding adieu to a flower in human form

It is with deep sorrow and reverence that the Sri Lanka Vegetarian Society bids adieu to one of our most cherished members and advocates, Professor Mahinda Palihawadana, whose physical departure occurred on June 8, 2025.

Sri Lanka Railways to launch ‘Odyssey Camper’

A hotel with luxury facilities on two railway compartments has been built at the Ratmalana Main Railway Yard by its workers. General Manager Sri Lanka Railways Dhammikka Jayasundara said that the facility would open to the public in a couple of days.

Blood donation programme on June 26

A blood donation programme organised for the fourth occasion by the Science Section of Minuwangoda Nalanda Girls’ College will be held this year.

Money spinning Arugam Bay not gazetted as a tourist zone

Recognised as one of the top ten surfing destinations in the world, Arugam Bay is a renowned beach among foreign and local tourists. Due to the exceptional beauty of this coastal area, Arugam Bay has a global brand name. The main reason for this is surfing. This bay attracts thousands of both local and international tourists each year. Arugam Bay has now become a region overflowing with those who are passionate about surfing. Arugam Bay has consi