Absence of protected habitats Will threatened Sri Lankan lizards vanish from earth?

A significant number of Sri Lanka’s most threatened agamid lizard species are found in the Central Highlands, the Knuckles Range, and the Rakwana Range, according to recent research by a young Sri Lankan scholar.

Kumana sanctuary gates opened to facilitate ‘Pada Yathra’

The main entrance to the Kumana National Park opened on June 20 for the Pada Yatra (Journey by foot) pilgrims from North and East journeying on foot to Kataragama through Kumana and Yala national parks.

An enduring voice for the nation’s conscience

At a time of widespread cynicism about politics and politicians in our country, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar stands out as a refreshing example of a political figure who has steadfastly refused to succumb to expediency and held fast, through all vicissitudes, to his cherished ideals and convictions.

Navy’s little-known ‘operation Mahogany’

While tree planting initiatives are common, true success lies in nurturing saplings beyond initial efforts.

Challenges for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Sri Lanka

On December 19, 2024, fisherfolk in Mullaitivu, Northern Sri Lanka, observed a boat in the sea, a few hundred meters away from the shore, crowded with many people and children.

“Bahuchithavadiya” A Mirror Held to the Modern Self

Malaka Dewapriya’s Bahuchithavadiya (The Undecided) is not merely a cinematic tale—it is a searing reflection of a generation caught between longing and loss, choice and chaos.

Landmark publication by Sri Jayewardenepura faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura launched its first-ever official book on its history on June 16 at the university premises.

Poverty alleviation Sri Lanka’s failure, India’s success, fresh challenges

Poverty alleviation presents a critical global challenge, particularly in South Asia. While India has achieved remarkable success in reducing extreme poverty through strategic, digitally-driven initiatives, Sri Lanka faces a contrasting reality. Its 2022 economic crisis plunged a third of its population into poverty or vulnerability, necessitating urgent, data-backed policy reforms.

Celebrating International Music Day: French Embassy hosts two musical evenings in Sri Lanka

On 21 and 22 June, Sri Lanka will once again resonate with the vibrant sounds of the Fête de la Musique, also known internationally as International Music Day. Organised by the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, this musical event marks its return with two evenings of live performances in Colombo and Kandy.

Middle East crisis shakes SRI LANKA

Rising tensions in the Middle East are threatening Sri Lanka’s fragile post-crisis recovery. As global oil prices climb and geopolitical risks grow, the island faces renewed external pressure. Higher fuel costs, disrupted remittances, and rising shipping expenses could undermine recent economic gains. With the region home to many Sri Lankan migrant workers and serving as a key trade partner, the conflict’s ripple effects are significant.

Dudley Senanayake: Sri Lanka’s Noblest Son

The birth anniversary of the late Dudley Senanayake is on June 19; to me, he was Sir Lanka’s noblest son, the knight in Shining Armour in the annals of our history since Independence. He died not as Prime Minister; in fact, not long before his death, the UNP, which he led, had been defeated, but he was accorded a funeral where he was honoured like a much-loved monarch. No one ever before or after that has had the privilege of so many people, irre

191st Feast of St. Anthony of Padua: Celebrations with Grandeurat Kochchikade Shrine

Thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad gathered at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo, to mark the 191st Annual Feast of St. Anthony of Padua on June 12-13, 2025. The celebration, steeped in spiritual tradition and vibrant devotion, remains one of Sri Lanka’s most revered religious events.

“Halt and suspend disastrous projects!”: A plea from people of Mannar

On June 11, communities living on Mannar Island staged a protest chanting slogans to protect Mannar Island and the country’s resources for future generations.

Stanley Jayasinghe: A fearless leader who played, coached, and spoke for cricket

Stanley Jayasinghe was born on January 19, 1931, in Badulla. He is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who played for Ceylon prior to being renamed and prior to receiving Test of ODI status.

SL Railways huffs and puffs through logistic issues

It is reported that there are over 200 vacancies for engine drivers at Sri Lanka Railways at present.

Salt shortage triggered by management blunders

There is currently a shortage of salt in the market, and the authorities have cited various reasons for it. However, during a visit made by this newspaper to Hambantota saltern last December, this writer observed that no steps had been taken by the relevant authorities to prepare the salt beds for production prior to the rainy season, nor were other essential preparatory measures in place. At the time, the saltern contained only iodised salt, whi

Youth suicides Why educational institutions need to think beyond academics

Every time a life is lost to suicide, it indicates a collective failure within the system. In Sri Lanka, a death by suicide is another statistic, but it points to a larger problem that needs to be addressed. While there is no one single factor that could trigger suicidal thoughts in individuals, a spate of incidents over the past few months, particularly with regards to youth suicides, paint a different picture.

SAC ART Amsterdam Bridging Europe and South Asia with contemporary and modern art

In the heart of Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, lies a cozy art space dedicated to South Asian Contemporary Art.

Deepa Mehta’s personal journey Filmmaker’s exploration of city, gender and identity

In celebration of the storytelling and films of Oscar-nominated director and producer Deepa Mehta, several of her works, including I Am Sirat and Funny Boy, were screened in Sri Lanka recently.

Abeyratne Attanayake A Heartfelt Farewell to a Dear Friend and IT Pioneer

It is with profound sadness, yet with hearts full of cherished memories, that we bid farewell to my dear friend and compatriot, Abeyratne Attanayake, “Atta” to all who knew and loved him. His sudden passing on June 9, 2025, at his residence in Pitakotte, just two days after returning for a visit from his home in New Zealand, has left a void that is difficult to comprehend. For me, it feels like losing one of the last remaining pillars of a shared

Five Decades of unwavering commitment to workers’ education

The Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA) of the University of Colombo celebrates a significant milestone this year: fifty years of unwavering commitment to accessible, practical oriented education for the working population of Sri Lanka.

A tribute to Prof. Arjuna, who reaches 60

When I first met Professor Arjuna De Silva, as his patient, I was immediately impressed by this consultant physician, especially by his considerable knowledge, remarkable efficiency and commitment.

Book Review The Limits of Love by Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha

The Limits of Love, the final book of Professor Rajiva Wijesinha’s trilogy that began with ‘Act of Faith’( 1983), is an underrated great piece of literature.Perhaps the answer to why it is underrated could be found in the long, self-absorbing monologues of the first-person narration, which could be quite taxing for the reader.

Joel Fernando: Medical maverick and great humanitarian

Joel Fernando was born in 1940 in the ancestral home of his maternal grandfather, lawyer Thomas Matthew Fernando JPUM, in the Colombo suburb of Mount Lavinia. He was the fifth in a family of ten children.

Sri Lankan peace builder awarded ‘Rotary Alumni Global Service Award’

Pushpi Weerakoon has been awarded the ‘Rotary Alumni Global Service Award’. The achievement is sure to contribute to the many international accolades achieved by Sri Lankans this year

Sri Lanka’s pharma ambitions take shape, the largest plant set to take off

In the post-independence era, Sri Lanka achieved a lot in terms of social development compared to other countries in the region. Sri Lanka is way ahead of countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal in South Asia in this regard. The country can be proud of its achievements in terms of its progress in quality healthcare and high literacy level.

Saving Lives in Maternal Cardiac Care: A Novel Approach to Safety and Excellence

Dr. Sanath Akmeemana, President of the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, awards the oration medal to Dr. Gamini Galappatthy, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, who delivered the prestigious Professor D.E. Gunatilleke memorial oration at the Samson Rajapaksha auditorium of the SLCOG House on May 25, 2025. The oration was titled ‘Heart Disease and Pregnancy – The Crossroads Well Signposted Will Prev

Sriyani Nonis: In Memory of My Great Friend

Two decades have passed since we lost our dear friend, Sriyani Nonis, on June 13, 2005, but her memory will always linger. Our friendship of nearly half a century was very close, not demanding, but genuine and dependable. We first met at St. Joseph’s nursery school, where our two sons were taking part in a concert.

Sri Lanka gripped by Dengue, Chikungunya outbreaks’

Sri Lanka is currently facing a grave public health crisis as the country has been witnessing a surge in the number of Chikungunya and Dengue cases during recent months, particularly in Colombo and Gampaha districts. Medical experts have stated that dengue has now reached epidemic proportions, with over 23,000 cases reported nationwide so far this year. This surge is largely attributed to adverse weather conditions, especially the onset of the mo

Mrs Susila Samaranayaka’s birth century fell on June 10 A century of grace remembered

June 10, 2025 marks the 100th birth anniversary of our beloved mother Mrs Susila Gunadari Samaranayake. Our devoted Ammi, was born on 10th of June 1925 and passed away on 11th of March 1997 after a brief illness at the age of 72.