Environmental effects of substandard coal

Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights (DTUAMCR) has warned of the dangers of rising mercury level in fish in the sea and the lagoons due to the environmental effects of the combustion of substandard coal and the possible health hazard of eating fish with increased mercury level.

That First Good Friday - “He came to that which was His own but His own did not receive Him.” John 1: 11

A fresh Lament...where my tears flow unashamedly [Written on Oct.10th 2023] If I cannot weep for my “neighbour” who is the ‘other’ I must look deep into my heart I know Where “consciously or unconsciously” I choose to prefer One, above the other. Yet, in God’s eyes He has no favourites For it was the Samaritan who helped the fallen man said He O God give each of us hearts of deep love & compassion for the Muslim, the Hindu, the Buddhist & yes th

After Ditwah, the Malaiyaha community struggles to start life from zero

Three months after Ditwah, K. Malarvizhi from Agarathenna, Badulla lives in a tea shed converted into a temporary shelter, shared with dozens others who were displaced following the devastating cyclone. Initially, around 48 families were cramped into this tea shed, where men and women living there were separated by a small space in the middle. The conditions they live in are so dire that they cannot imagine returning to normalcy anytime soon. Whi

Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit is an opportunity for Socialists!

The impending visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is being hailed as a historical homecoming, drawing parallels to the protection offered by Admiral Zheng He centuries before Western boots touched Lankan soil. As the island grapples with a volatile exchange rate and looming 2028 loan repayments, analysts suggest that “Socialist China” offers more than just a diplomatic handshake—it offers a blueprint for transformation. By leveraging the Be

Double Sunrise at 85: Remembering a Shared Aviation Milestone

Eighty-five years ago, the skies over the Indian Ocean bore witness to a feat of aviation so daring it felt more like science fiction than wartime logistics. Between 1943 and 1945, the “Double Sunrise” flights—the longest non-stop commercial journeys of their era—tethered Western Australia to the southern shores of Ceylon. In a world fractured by conflict, these Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boats became a vital umbilical cord, navigating 5,50

RUSSIA PREFERS LONG TERM ENERGY COOPERATION, NOT SPOT TRADE ON OIL, GAS - DEPUTY RUSSIAN FM

International dynamics keep changing in the present climax. The countries’ roles fast evolve. Sri Lanka is making fresh approaches in its engagements, particularly for energy security. Against the backdrop, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko is visiting Sri Lanka for a five-day diplomatic trip.

US eyes Sri Lanka, as the UK wavers over Diego Garcia

The shifting tides of the Indian Ocean have placed Sri Lanka at the heart of a high-stakes geopolitical gambit. As Iran’s intermediate-range ballistic missiles successfully challenge the perceived invulnerability of the UK-US base at Diego Garcia, the Pentagon faces a crisis of geography and diplomacy.

C190 to save Lankan workers from gender based violence

Violence and harassment faced by workers is a widespread and persistent challenge that needs to be addressed. The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 (C190) is the first international treaty to address violence and harassment in the world of work.

A Buddhist perspective on ageing and decay

Buddhism is renowned for its profound insights into ageing and decay, known as jara in Pali. Through its teachings and practices, Buddhism cultivates the wisdom and mental clarity necessary to accept and prepare for the inevitability of ageing.

Taking the ‘smoke’ out of smoking

For decades, Governments around the world have tried to reduce smoking by fighting it on every possible front - higher taxes, advertising bans, packaging restrictions, public-place prohibitions and increasingly strict regulation of nicotine products themselves.

The turmoil in the Middle East = Sri Lanka in economic trouble

If there was one thing that was sure to happen as an external factor that would affect the economy of Sri Lanka, it was the turmoil in the Middle East. This has been a constant since 1948 when Israel was established. All governments and organizations that have existed in this country have either had to deal with a war or some kind of disruption in the Middle East. Historically most of them have completely and utterly failed to deal with this issu

Exemplary combination of ability, discipline and integrity

Asoka Sriwickrama Abeywardene qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1968, at a time when the profession was highly selective and recognised for its rigorous standards. Admission to the profession during that era was reserved for individuals who combined intellectual ability, professional discipline, personal integrity, and refined communication skills. Asoka exemplified these qualities in abundance, possessing a strong intellect, sound strategic

Iran’s fighting several wars as Lebanon and Gaza suffer

Iran gained much worldwide sympathy since the US and Israel began their ferocious and indiscriminate bombing raids on Iran, even killing schoolchildren. But Iran’s brutal war against its own people continues unabated. While the Iranian Government has gained respect, if not sympathy, for the way it has stood up to massive bullying by the US and Israel, its own dark side is now conveniently sidelined.

Good Shepherd sisters mark 82 years in Montessori Method

As the world marked 120 years of opening of the first preschool for children, “Casa Dei Bambini” or ‘House of Children’ by legendary Dr. Maria Montessori in Rome, Italy marked on January 6, Sri Lanka celebrated the 82nd anniversary of initiating the same education method with our children and teachers.

Next Generation National STEM Technology Innovation Hubs

Sri Lanka stands today at a critical turning point in its national development. Across the world, economies are being reshaped by rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, mechatronics, automation, advanced manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, cyber physical systems, and next generation digital infrastructures such as 5G communication networks.

Dr. Thilanga Sumathipala launches “An Island of Balance”

An Island of Balance, a compelling new research publication authored by Dr. Thilanga Sumathipala was officially launched during a ceremony held on March 12 at the Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake Auditorium at the University of Colombo.

‘The J.R. I Did Not Like’: A book that helps readers grasp the complexities of politics

The official launch of the book “Maa Akamathiwa siti J.R.” (The J.R. I Disliked), based on the J.R. Jayewardene Memorial Lecture delivered by former Parliamentarian Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, along with its Tamil and English translations, will be held on March 30 (Monday) at 4:15 PM at the J.R. Jayewardene Centre (191, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 07). Speakers in the likes of Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya (Regional Advisor (Asia), International Media Suppor

The Inland Revenue Department marks its 94th Anniversary on 2nd April TAX PAYERS’ SERVICES: A Pathway to enhance compliance

As the Inland Revenue Department celebrates 94 years of service, taxation remains the bedrock of Sri Lanka’s fiscal stability and social progress. In an era of rapid globalisation, the department is pivoting toward a digital-first, taxpayer-friendly culture to foster public trust and voluntary compliance. By integrating virtual assistants and AI-driven solutions, we are streamlining the tax experience, ensuring quality standards that meet modern

Robotics Takes Centre Stage as WRO National Selections Return to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s technological landscape reaches a new milestone as the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) National Selections 2026 return to Burhani Serendib School. With participation nearly tripling to 66 teams, the event highlights a surging national interest in STEM education. Under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” over 500 attendees will witness young innovators blending tradition with cutting-edge engineering. Supported by government and diplomatic dig

Indispensable in Commerce, but Invisible in Conflict: How a Small State Survives a Big War

History rarely announces its turning points with clarity. It prefers ambiguity, miscalculation and often the quiet arrogance of great powers. The present crisis surrounding Iran, Israel, U.S and the GCC carries all three. What appears for now as a regional conflict threatens to metastasize into something far larger perhaps even systemic. For small states, especially those perched along vital arteries of global trade, the question is not who wi

Trinity College London in Sri Lanka: Top Scorers’ of 2025 examinations to be celebrated this Saturday

The Trinity College London in Sri Lanka Top scorers’ concert and awards ceremony is a much anticipated event in the country’s speech, drama and performance arts calendar. This year, over 350 students will receive prizes at the awards ceremony followed by a showcase of their winning performances. One of the main objectives of having this concert annually is to provide a platform for students to showcase their talents to a wider audience.

Grave situation on lawyers’ safety; needs international intervention: Politicians of Opposition

Several politicians of the Sri Lankan Opposition, write to international organisations of legal professionals seeking their “suitable intervention” to address the grave threats to the life and safety of lawyers working in the country.

The Catch-22 of English in Sri Lanka’s Universities

In the previous article published in the Daily Mirror (The Graduate Gap: Why B-grades in English are failing Sri Lanka’s STEM elite, 9 March 2026), I argued that a troubling paradox exists in Sri Lanka’s higher education system.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe Marked his 77th Birthday on Tuesday, March 24 The need for your services to the country would be felt in the future more than ever

Sri Lanka has been a distinct geo-political entity with a long history of national, religious and socio- economic upheavals as laid down in the Mahawansa chronicle and other historical sources. However, history has recorded that the stage was adorned by a patriotic leader with talent and ability to rebuild the country and to make the people happy and prosperous at any crucial juncture. This was vindicated by the situation experienced in 2022.

OTSC marks 70th year celebrations with new signboard

The Old Thomians’ Swimming Club (OTSC) began its 70th Anniversary Celebrations on February 28 with the installation of a new signboard to commemorate 70 years of brotherhood. OTSC President, Veteran Dharshana Herat Gunaratne gave this writer the privilege to ‘light’ the signboard.

Smoke screens and fake memes

The sleek missile strikes dominating our news feeds tell only half the story. Behind the high-definition “smoke screens” of the U.S. war machine, a far more complex and dangerous asymmetric conflict is unfolding.

YNGen Foundation launched to prop youth leaders

The Official launch of The Youth Next Gen Foundation (YNGen) was held on March 23 (Monday) at the Hilton Colombo. This newly established organisation is committed to youth empowerment, aiming to drive positive impact both locally and internationally.

Uncle Mano knew the art of living beautifully

Some lives are lived quietly.

Saudi Arabia strongly condemns Iran’s moves to disrupt navigation in Strait of Hormuz - Saudi Envoy

In the midst of war raging in the Middle East, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, Khalid Hamoud Nasser Aldasam Alkahtani, in an exclusive interview with Daily Mirror, shares his country’s perspectives on the latest developments.

A Tribute to Ranil Wickremesinghe on his 77th Birthday

I begin this tribute to a man I have known for nearly five decades with a couple of insightful quotes: Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others – Winston Churchill