COUNTRY BEFORE SELF Extracts from book “G R A T I T U D E”

Our Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) situated in Trincomalee is the prime training establishment of officers and sailors of the Sri Lanka Navy. Brave young men and women who join our Navy either as Officers (Cadet entry, Sir John Kotalawala University entry, Direct entry, or Service entry) or as Sailors (Seaman branch, Engineering branch, Electrical engineering branch, Supply branch or Medical branch), they all undergo some part of their training

Rajarata Uni does interesting research on tech addiction

Two lecturers attached to the agriculture faculty of the Rajarata University, along with a very enthusiastic undergraduate of the same university, have successfully completed a research on technology addiction especially among youth, and have presented guidelines and points to ponder on as a solution.

Three-Month Commemoration fell on May 18 A gracious life remembered: Mrs.Yasmin Samaraweera

The third-month commemoration of the late Mrs Yasmin Samaraweera, who passed away at 79, fell on May 18. Remembered for her quiet strength and grace, her loss followed that of her husband, Maliban Biscuits Chairman the late Mr Ratnapala Samaraweera, by six months. This appreciation reflects on her role in guiding her children and embodying the values that shaped their lives.

UNESCO celebrates International Day of Vesak with Symposium

The International Day of Vesak 2025 was celebrated by the Member States of UNESCO with a Symposium themed “Buddhist Cosmopolitanism and Exchange along the Silk Road: Interplay between Buddhism and Trade in Ancient Asia”, on the full moon day of Vesak of May 12 2025 at UNESCO headquarters.

Plaque inaugurated in UK in honour of Kadirgamar’s efforts on the Vesak Resolution

India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, opened a plaque commemorating the Resolution moved at the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 by Sri Lanka’s former Foreign Minister, the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, calling upon the UN to declare Vesak as an International Day of Observance. The Resolution was unanimously adopted the same year.

Sourjah elected as 15th President of Industrial Security Foundation

Wazir Sourjah was elected as the 15th President of the Industrial Security Foundation (ISF) Inc. of Sri Lanka at the 33rd Annual General Meeting held recently at the Capri Club, Kollupitiya.

Empowering lives at Sarananda Karuna Foundation

The Sarananda Karuna Foundation, based in Ittapana, is a charitable organisation dedicated to providing education, healthcare, and social welfare programmes for low-income families and differently-abled individuals. Guided by its co-founders, Rev. Walallavita Sarananda Thero and Senerath Bandara Subasinghe, the foundation runs multiple institutions -- the Siri Rewatha International pre-school, Sathute Niwahana – centre for development of activiti

Bus journeys that whisper death!

Hopping aboard a bus to travel to a destination may not be the best option for Sri Lankan citizens anymore. Reckless driving coupled by disrespect towards passengers, racing with other buses to reach their destinations

Four Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path to Nirvana

Buddhism is considered a ‘Religion’ in a traditional form and understanding. 26 centuries ago, when people became devotees of The Buddha, it continued as a religion from generation to generation. There exists a question as to in fact and in true sense, whether it is a religion.

Govt. reviewing COSTS before renovating ‘dilapidated Parliament building’

The old Parliament building, located at Galle Face in Colombo and facing the ocean, was officially opened on January 29, 1930 by the then-Governor, Sir Herbert Stanley. Due to the limited space within the old Parliament building and the lack of available land for expansion, then-Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa presented a proposal to Parliament in the late 1970s, specifically on July 4, 1979, to relocate Parliament to a new location.

Pindapatha Promoting Inter-Faith Harmony

In what would be known as a rare occasion, clergy from all four religions of the country got together on Tuesday (13) at the Vivekaramaya Temple in Mirihana to serve alms to 80 monks, including 60 young monks from Myanmar, engaged in an alms procession (Pindapatha Charika). The event was organised with the support of the Vivekaramaya Temple trustee board, Mirihana Buddhist Women’s Association, Dharmashakthi Organisation and Maharagama Divisional

Japanese Ambassador’s remarks on corruption A defining moment for SL to improve business climate

After U.S. President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on imports from different countries, including Sri Lanka, policymakers across the world contemplated ways and means to diversify their export markets and products. For Sri Lanka, such an approach is all the more realistic because it depends on the U.S and the European Union for a bulk of its exports.

Local Government Election Outcome: A Call for Inclusive Governance

The peaceful and orderly conduct of the recently concluded local government elections, which were held without the large-scale abuses of state power or otherwise that marred previous electoral cycles, has marked a refreshing change from the past.

May 12 is observed as International Nurses Day Nurses: The unseen foundation of the economy

Sri Lanka’s nursing profession underpins not only the nation’s healthcare provision but also its economic resilience. The dedication of these professionals in delivering care and promoting public health directly bolsters workforce productivity and curtails healthcare expenditure, particularly within underserved communities. Furthermore, remittances from the considerable number of Sri Lankan nurses serving abroad represent a vital influx of foreig

Vesak Full Moon Poya Day: Honouring the life of Lord Buddha

The world’s most splendid annual Vesak Full Moon Day falls on May 12 this year.

Reaping the Benefits of an age-old tradition: How Meditation Can Turn You into a Genius

Meditation originally began as a spiritual practice closely intertwined with ancient cultural and religious traditions, which has now evolved into a global phenomenon for its potential mental and physical health benefits. As scientific research delves deeper into its effects, both the advantages and negative aspects are coming to light. Let’s explore the history of meditation, various alternative practices, their benefits and the possible advers

Miracles of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Dalada Maligawa, which is interwoven within Sri Lankan Culture, has been widely revered and respected by Buddhists all over the world for centuries since its advent in Sri Lanka during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Meghawanna (Kithsiri Mewan) (303 -331).

Paticca Samuppadaya (DEPENDENT CO-ARISING) The Reality of Cause and Effect

Paticca Samuppadaya, “Dependent Co-arising” is part of the primary teachings in Buddhism. At the time of the Buddha, a variety of philosophical positions on causality were current in India. Some teachings claimed that the universe was controlled by an external power, either an omnipotent god or a principle inherent in nature. Some took man to be an independent doer and employer of action. Some favoured determination, while others completely rejec

‘An immersive Vesak experience’ at Mahalwarawa Bakeriya Space

The third edition of Manas Divisariya (Journey of the Mind) will open to the public during the Vesak week at the Mahalwarawa Bakeriya Space.

Buddha and His teachings

The full moon day in May holds profound significance in Buddhism.

Panadura Vesak Devotional Song Programme celebrates 25 years

Various Vesak programmes are held in almost every part of Sri Lanka to celebrate the birth of the Buddha.

Maldives set to launch international financial centre, Will Sri Lanka miss the boat ?

The Maldives is launching the Maldives International Financial Centre to become a future-ready economy by 2040. Backed by Middle Eastern investors, the move signals bold ambition.

Sumitra Peries’ ‘Gehenu Lamai’ Sri Lankan cinematic masterpiece scheduled for world premiere at 2025 Cannes Film Festival

The film has been restored under the aegis of France-India-Sri Lanka Cine Heritage (FISCH), a pioneering international collaboration between Film Heritage Foundation, the Embassy of France and the French Institute in India, in a bid to restore and preserve cinematic heritage.

A call for Sri Lanka to play a bigger role in the international commemoration of Vesak

A.G.S. Dayaratne, the newly elected President of the Kandy YMBA, while getting ready to launch the YMBA’s Vesak programme, dwelt on the UN Vesak Day of Observance being held in Vietnam.

CSO’s demand 25% quota for women’s representation

Upon the critical need to ensure a legally mandated 25% quota for women’s representation in local government bodies, following the recent local authority elections, the Mannar Women’s Development Federation sent an urgent letter to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (EC). The letter, endorsed by over 30 ground level groups, outlines key concerns about compliance with the quota, highlights areas where gaps persist, and urges the Commission to ta

Four Kandyan villages keep the Aluth Sahal tradition alive

While the veneration of the Sacred Tooth Relic was happening in Kandy, another ancient ritual was enacted 17 kilometers away, presumed to be from the time of King Bhuveneka Bahu. This was at Sagama Raja Maha Viharaya..

Catholic priest shapes a new generation of artists with his vision

Early morning in Galpalliya is a quiet time, yet the air vibrates with sounds of chiselling, and chirping young voices drifting from a small hut behind the Holy Cross Church. Sunlight spills through open windows, casting long shadows on partially finished statues of saints and famous people. Behind the scent of paint and clay, something miraculous is happening here.

Bequeathing the Stories A call from Hiroshima and Nagasaki to South Asia

In August last year, I travelled to Hiroshima and Nagasaki as part of the UNODA Youth Leaders Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons inaugural cohort. I received the opportunity as a volunteer youth coordinator for Sri Lanka Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons under the patronage of Forum on Disarmament and Development.

People and peace Egypt’s UNESCO DG nominee Dr. El-Enany speaks about his vision

Egypt has nominated Dr. Khaled El-Enany as its candidate for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the 2025-2029 term. El-Enany is a former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt. He is also the UN Tourism Ambassador for Cultural Tourism.

Govt’s Decision To Reopen Route Via Wilpattu NP hits a snag

The much disputed Mannar-Puttalam road via Wilpattu National Park yet again made headlines when President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently said that the government is considering ways and means of reopening this road. The road, which was initially built by the Army during the war, was utilised for logistical purposes. Right now, this road, which is in a dilapidated state, has been closed due to a court order following complaints filed by the Env