Marking International Tea Day Exploring practical solutions to sustain Sri Lanka’s tea industry

Despite Ceylon Tea being cherished the world over, the tea industry is undergoing several challenges at present. From low yields to high cost of production, challenges in retaining labour, climate change risks to social issues faced by the plantation community, each one of these issues may have a compound impact on the industry. This is why industry stakeholders are looking for a holistic approach to resolve these issues and establish a sustainab

French Embassy hosts two musical evenings to celebrate International Music Day

On June 21 and 23, 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.

Are Sri Lanka’s Maternity Laws Opening Doors for Working Women?

Although legislation providing for paid maternity leave and other in-kind benefits for women workers to help keep them in the labour force has existed for more than 80 years, Sri Lanka has one of the lowest female labour force participation rates in South Asia (29.8%, Sri Lanka Labour Force Survey 2024).

Trump’s new forced-labor tariffs strike Sri Lanka’s fragile export recovery

The global trade environment has entered a period of major uncertainty as the United States under President Donald Trump continues to reshape its tariff policies and economic relationships with trading partners. Among the countries facing increased attention is Sri Lanka, a developing economy that depends heavily on exports, particularly the apparel industry.

Our agriculture needs systems thinkers, not specialists

Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector faces a convergence of unprecedented, interconnected crises—from climate-induced water scarcity and land fragmentation to labor deficits and collapsing farm profitability. While local universities traditionally produce highly competent disciplinary specialists, the reductionist educational models of past decades are increasingly inadequate for modern socio-ecological challenges. To bridge the gap between technologi

80 Years of the Italian Republic A Celebration of Democracy, Culture, and Friendship

On June 2, 1946, emerging from the ruins of war, fascism, and monarchy, the Italian people voted to establish a republic—a watershed moment marked by Italian women casting ballots for the first time. Eighty years on, Italy stands as a premier global democracy and cultural powerhouse whose recent milestones include the 2025 UNESCO recognition of its cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage. In Colombo, this anniversary celebrates a deep, strategic

Kup cutting ceremony held at Aluthnuwara Dedimunda Devale

A week before the Kandy Esala Perahera (pageant), the Kup is cut from Aluthnuwara Dedimunda Devale premises and the tree is taken to Kandy to be cut into four pieces and planted at the auspicious time to commence the Kandy Esala Maha Peraehra.

Kayden Cares Framework Calls for Safer Care Standards in Sri Lanka

The recent fire at an elderly care home in Horana, which claimed the lives of multiple elderly residents, has shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about the safety, oversight, and quality standards within Sri Lanka’s care sector.

Gold Price Today in Sri Lanka – 22K & 24K Rates, Trends, and Investment Guide

This guide covers today’s gold price in Sri Lanka, why gold remains uniquely important, what is driving current price movements, and the key risks investors should consider.

Unlock Your Potential with the Toastmasters Club

Every great leader, speaker, and changemaker began with a single step: the courage to speak.

Medical Equipment Donation by China Friendship Association

China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, Beijing has generously donated Rs. 4 million to assist hospitals affected by Tropical Cyclone Ditwah, according to Jinith de Silva, president of the Sri Lanka China society.

Colombo University and Nature’s Beauty Creations: Turning native botanicals into beauty collections

A research team from the University of Colombo has successfully translated years of scientific study on Sri Lankan indigenous botanicals into a high-performing, natural cosmetic ingredient complex.

Lankan numerologist published in international magazine

Maruthai Ravindhiran, Prominent l Master Numerologist in Sri Lanka and the Pioneer Trilingual Universal and Transformational Numerology, Nameology, Graphology,Gemmology and Vastu Shastra Specialist, has created history by becoming the “First ever Asian Numerologist (Anka Vidyava Specialist) and Nameologist

Kalawana bus stop serves as info centre for Sinharaja Reserve

The Kalawana Main Bus Stop was officially opened to the public as an information centre on the Sinharaja Forest Reserve on May 24, 2026. Kalawana is the principal town among the towns surrounding Sinharaja, and a large number of local and foreign tourists pass through it when visiting the Sinharaja World Heritage Rainforest.

Controversy over continuing retiring age of Superior court judges “Serious Disunity and Division over govt. move to increase top judges’ retirement AGe ” – Prof. G. L. Peiris

Amidst concern, protest and strong opposition against alleged move to increase retirement age of the judges of Superior Courts, the government yesterday announced that it has not yet obtained official Cabinet approval for such a move. Addressing the parliament, Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has stated that no official decision has yet been taken regarding the issue. However he has observed that not only judges bu

Rotary District 3220 showcases a year of impact at landmark conference

Nearly a Rs 2 Billion Rupees in Community Service Projects Highlight Rotary’s Growing Impact Across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. At a time when communities across the world continue to grapple with economic uncertainty, climate-related disasters, and social challenges, Rotary International District 3220 demonstrated how volunteer-driven leadership can create meaningful and lasting change. The 35th District Conference of Rotary International Distr

Stories of the Sea : Voices of Mannar A theatre performance bringing coastal stories to life

A powerful rendition of theatre, movement, music and storytelling brought to life ‘Stories of the Sea: Voice of Mannar’ at the Kamatha, BMICH on Sunday (7). At the heart of this performance were the stories of coastal communities in Mannar. It reflected on their memories, livelihoods, impact of climate change on their lives and how they are bouncing back as a resilient community.

Can the Ocean Power Sri Lanka’s Future?

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is an innovative renewable energy technology that generates electricity by utilizing the natural temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep-ocean water.

Sri Lanka joins International Food and Culture Bazaar 2026

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brazil joined the International Food and Culture Bazaar organised by the Group of Spouses of Heads of Mission (GCCM) (Grupo dos Cônjuges dos Chefes de Missão), last month at the Brasilia Art Museum (Museu de Arte de Brasília - MAB), where dozens of embassies exhibited handicrafts, showcased local traditions, artistic performances, and sold typical dishes to the public and international community.

‘Physiotherapy services crippled due to recruitment delays’-GPOA

Members of the Government Physiotherapy Officers Association (GPOA) reiterated its concerns with regards to delays in recruitments, transfers of officers currently in service and the emergence of less qualified private physiotherapy practitioners at a recent media briefing.

Sri Lanka cannot tax its way to prosperity

For many young Sri Lankan couples today, owning a small car, purchasing a modest home, raising a family, or building middle-class security increasingly feels less like a realistic ambition and more like an unreachable dream. An entry-level car that may cost between USD 6,000 and 8,000 in India, around USD 10,000 to 12,000 in China, or around USD 20,000 in the United States can cost vastly more in Sri Lanka once taxes, duties, levies, and charges

Marist journey from ego to eco: Maris Stella College distributes tree plants

“Marist Journey from Ego to Eco” was one of the key statements regarding the environment made at the 22nd Marist General Chapter.

Reframing PR Education IN Sri Lanka-From Experiment to Transformation Killing the hype: The new architecture of trust

Historically confined as a mere footnote within Colombo-centric journalism and marketing modules, Public Relations has finally broken free from capital-centric academic monopolies. Initiated against institutional skepticism in 2008, the University of Kelaniya’s landmark Public Relations and Media Management (PRMM) programme has spent a decade quietly decentralizing strategic communication education. By equipping regional scholars outside traditio

Correct guidance needed to prevent Sri Lanka becoming “Climate Orphans” – CEJ

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has called for urgent action to strengthen climate resilience and environmental management in Sri Lanka, warning that the country risks becoming “climate orphans” if proper guidance and adaptation measures are not implemented.

Sri Lanka Commemorates Another Anniversary of Signing the Chicago Convention (1st June 2026)

The Convention on International Civil Aviation, widely known as the Chicago Convention, remains the cornerstone of the global civil aviation system. Signed in 1944, it established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and introduced universally accepted Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) governing the safety, security, efficiency, and regularity of international air transport.

Polluted water sources in Deniyaya lead to meningitis outbreak

Recently schools in and around Deniyaya were closed down due to a suspected spread of meningitis. Subsequent laboratory tests carried out by the health authorities confirmed that the spread of meningitis was caued by viral and bacterial infections in the area mainly due to the use of polluted water. It has been revealed that the people in the affected area depend on natural water resources including fountains and community water supplies

From Climate Plans to Climate Action: Resilient Sri Lanka

As the world marks World Environment Day on 5 June under the global call to act #NowForClimate, the focus is no longer only on understanding the impact of climate change, but on accelerating the practical actions needed to respond to them.

Buddhism, True Practice, and the Search for Lasting Happiness

Recent concerns surrounding misconduct within sections of the Buddhist monastic community have prompted reflection rather than condemnation. Incidents such as the arrest of certain monks involved in drug smuggling are deeply troubling, and even some senior Buddhist priests have publicly acknowledged the moral and spiritual decline visible within parts of the Sangha.

Voice of Plantation People Organisation Celebrating “International Tea Day” International relevance and local grievances

In a bid to celebrate the International Tea Day, the “Voice of Plantation People Organisation (VOPP),” marked the day at Deniyaya on May 24, 2026 with the theme being “Let’s Give the Value We Give for Tea Flame to the Lives of the Malaiyaha (Up country) People. The celebrations along with a rally highlighted the necessity of elevating the life standards of Malaiyaha community amidst the decades-long fight for their rights.

Kandy Mini Fair on June 13, 14

“Kandy Mini Fair” shopping fair and festival organised for the people in and around historical Kandy will be held on June 13 and 14.