SLPC, AMCO organise AI workshop for journalists

Advance workshop on AI technology for young journalists was held at the Sri Lanka Press Council auditorium recently with the participation of 50 foreign and local journalists.

Sahana Sewa Sathkaraya: A ‘Lionhearted’ effort that grants a lifeline to non-curable patients

“Sahana Sewa Sathkaraya is a service initiated for patients admitted to the Kandy National Hospital with incurable conditions, such as cancer and kidney deficiencies. We admit patients to the Palliative Care Unit. This is a service provided free of charge,” explained T. M. Anura Rathnayake, In-Charge Nursing Officer, National Hospital, Kandy.

Threatened Sandhya Ekneligoda urges President to protect her

Human rights activist and the wife of disappeared journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, Sandya, yesterday (February 5) urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to ensure her safety following the death threat she received from a person who claimed himself “a retired Army Brigadier”.

Sri Lanka at 78: A journey of independence, resilience, and renewal

As Sri Lanka commemorates 78 years of Independence, the island nation reflects on a journey marked by resilience, progress, and persistent challenges. From the optimism of 1948 to the trials of civil war and economic crises, the story of modern Sri Lanka is one of both achievement and unfinished business.

Low-cost alternative to mitigate accidents at railway crossings

At the outset, the writer wishes to quote below excerpts from a recent news item in the Press on the above subject. “Sri Lanka’s railway system faces mounting safety and operational challenges, with more than 400 railway level crossings remaining unsafe and an ageing fleet increasingly prone to failure, according to official data.

Muslim role during Sri Lanka’s independence

The Muslim community played a role in Sri Lanka gaining independence from British rule in 1948, thus ending almost four and half centuries of European colonial rule in the island.

S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia celebrates 175th Anniversary in style

S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia celebrated its 175th anniversary on Tuesday February 03 in style in the school premises. It was founded in 1851 by the First Bishop of Colombo, the Rt. Rev’d James Chapman, and reached this milestone this year 2026.

Equite introduces new media guidelines for LGBTIQ +

According to Equite, latest studies suggest that the LGBTIQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex, Queer and other diverse sexual and gender identities) represents 6% - 8% of the total population of Sri Lanka. This was revealed to the media recently at a briefing held in Colombo.

Fabienne Francotte ; Exploring untold stories through art

When Belgium-born artist Fabienne Francotte first came to Sri Lanka on a holiday in 2013, she had never imagined settling down in this destination. But three years later, she decides to call Sri Lanka home. From calligraphy to painting on canvas to exploring various themes on fabric, metal and clay, Fabienne has come a long way, developing her works of art over the years touching on complex themes.

Sunil Santha paved the way for national music

As Sri Lanka celebrates its 78th Independence Day today, a number of patriotic songs like “Lanka Lanka Pembara Lanka”, “Dakuna Negenahira”, “Walakulin Besa”, “Upan Bima Ape”, “Lanka Ma Bimai Ape”, “Asiriwe Lanka” and “Idiriyatama Yawu Helayani” would be played on radio, and one or two would be played by the bands parading at the Independence Square.

Can Sri Lanka be called a true independent state?

According to the definition given in the oxford dictionary “an independent state or country” is one that is free and not controlled by another state or country.

JCI Colombo gets new leadership for 2026

The Installation Ceremony of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Colombo took place recently at 80 Club of Colombo. The event marked an important milestone for the chapter and was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Deshamanya Ajitha de Zoysa, several National Officers, Chapter Presidents, and JCI Senators.

New Microfinance Bill: Hunting smaller fish in money lending sector?

The surge in unregulated and predatory microfinance practices has made many individuals at the grassroots level vulnerable to mounting debts. After the year 2000, large financial institutions with access to international financial markets entered the microfinance business. At one point it operated as a mafia, providing ‘quick and easy loans’ to people at high interest rates. However, after much protests and community interventions the new Microfi

The Digital Heartbeat: Will Emotional AI Save or Sell the Soul of Sri Lankan News?

Step into any newsroom in Colombo today and the atmosphere is electric, yet anxious. We’ve moved past the era of the clattering typewriter, ink pens, but we are now standing on a far more complex threshold. As we integrate Affective Computing better known as Emotional AI into our media landscape, we aren’t just adopting a new tool; we are entering the age of “Empathic Media.”

More than flags and ceremonies

As Sri Lanka marks 78 years of independence, a deeper question emerges: are we truly free in how we think and teach? For decades, our education and management systems have leaned heavily on global models like Toyota and IKEA, often ignoring the indigenous brilliance of the “bisokotuwa” or traditional sustainable fishing. True independence is not merely a political milestone; it is the courage to move away from cognitive dissonance and embrace a p

A Life of Service: A Tribute to Ms. Perin Captain

Ms. Perin Captain devoted more than 65 years of selfless voluntary service to the cause of cancer care and patient welfare. She stands as one of the most remarkable figures in the history of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society. She was just 21 years of age when she started working with the Society, and marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment that would leave an indelible impact on thousands of lives.

N. M. and “Sara,” reminiscences of a vanished era

“Sara”, short and sweet for “Saranelis”, moves with an energy that belies his age; a spry little man who has witnessed ninety years of social as well as political evolution in his beloved “Thun Korale” now.

Prof. G. L. Peiris’ new book launched

Senior politician and academic Prof. G. L Peiris released his newest book titled ‘The Sri Lanka Peace Process- an inside View’ at the 80 Club on January 27. The event was attended by Norwegian diplomat and former politician Erik Solheim and several members of the diplomatic community. In photo, Prof. G.L. Peiris poses with the Oxford Society President and office bearers.

Spotlight on leaked school video: Stringent laws needed to check sharing private content online

The social media hype over the latest leaked video incident relating to a student and teachers of a prominent school in Colombo has been described as ‘harmful’ and ‘unhealthy.’

appointing new scout Head: Former SL Scout Commissioner responds to president’s spokesperson

The following is a ‘response letter’ penned by former Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, Janaprith Fernando, to an article that appeared in the Daily Mirror on January 28 under the headline “Appointment of new chief Scout Commissioner raises eyebrows”.

Numerology education and predictions for global citizens

When you know numerological vibration of a given day or year, you can manage your calendar, studies, work, career, business and life and tweak your approach to get the most of what that day or year has to offer to you and your loved ones.

How Kolamba Perahera became the Gangaramaya Navam Perahera

Gangaramaya Navam Perahera is a vibrant, colourful two day Buddhist procession in Colombo. It features majestic elephants, traditional dancers and drummers, attracting a large crowd near the Gangaramaya temple every year.

Where is the  Sangha heading?

As a Buddhist, I write this piece motivated by a sincere desire to protect the Dhamma. It is essential to clarify that my intention is not to denounce the entire monastic community.

Rising sea, mega projects push Mannar women towards uncertainty

Rita Wasanthi (54) from Jim Brown Nagar, a small hamlet in Mannar Island located in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka recalls how the shoreline along this coastal town has changed over the years. A greater part of the land on which she spent her childhood has now been dominated by the sea. Today, women bear the hidden costs of climate change and mega development projects in terms of loss of property, livelihoods and income and displacement. This

Ailing Kanchana seeks second chance at life

Hansi Kanchana, a resident of Opatha, Kotugoda, was diagnosed with having Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in 2022. She was a devoted mother of two daughters(aged 8 and 11) and a loving wife to her husbandwhen she heard the shattering news about her health at age 32. Daily Mirror carried an article about her in the second week of January revealing her condition and the details.

Appointment of new chief Scout Commissioner raises eyebrows

Scouting is a worldwide youth movement that was founded with the aim of promoting the mental, physical, spiritual and creative development of young people.

Rising from the ruins: ‘Dear Father’ rebuilds lives after floods

The Dear Father Programme, led by the Women’s International Foundation (WIF) and the Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown, has extended support to micro and small entrepreneurs (MSMEs) who lost their livelihoods due to recent floods.

International Day of Peaceful Coexistence makes us reflect on a safe, inclusive world

Coexist is to live or be together at the same time or in the same place. It is cohesion or the ability to stay or fit together well. Thus, peaceful coexistence is to live or be together in peace not wanting or involving in war, violence, conflict or argument.

‘Alathi Amma’: Woman serving the Dalada Maligawa

Among the 423 presentations awarded for the service extended to the Dalada Maligawa during the last 15 years, only one woman received the recognition. She was ‘Alathi Amma’.

‘Giant Mimosa’ invasion spreads anxiety

A major invasive plant, Giant Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) has been spreading dreadfully in the Kandy and the Matale Districts much to the anxiety of the environmentalists, farmers and the planters.