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For decades, the use of corporal punishment in schools has been justified as a means of enforcing discipline. Yet mounting evidence from psychological, neuroscientific, and sociological research reveals a stark reality: the practice does not instil lasting compliance and carries profound, often irreversible consequences for children.
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Sri Lanka faces a renewed debate over prosecutorial independence as proposals to create a separate Public Prosecutor’s Office surface. Historical and international examples show dual prosecutorial systems often lead to fragmented evidence, political manipulation, and failed convictions. Experts warn the Attorney-General’s Department’s unity is crucial to safeguard impartial justice.
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The new wing of The Tree House International School for Special Needs was officially opened on October 1 by British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad, and Professor Athula Sumathipala. The Tree House International, situated at Captain Sumudu Rajapaksa Mawatha, Dehiwala, is said to be Sri Lanka’s only international school dedicated exclusively to children with special needs. The Tre
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In a landmark achievement for Sri Lanka, four Science researchers affiliated to the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) have been named among the top 2% of scientists globally in 2025. This recognition, based on a comprehensive citation analysis by Stanford University and Elsevier, places them among the world’s 100,000 most influential researchers.
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The All Ceylon Hajj Tour Operators Association (ACHTOA), the national body representing 28 licensed Hajj tour operators, elected its new Executive Committee for 2025/2026 at the Annual General Meeting held recently at the Mandarina Hotel, Colombo 03.
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Wanton destruction of the mangrove forest along the Redd Barna lagoon periphery in Wanathawilluwa division has been going on unabated, despite concerns raised by residents and environmentalists. According to environmentalists, vast tracts of century-old mangrove forest have been cleared, causing extensive damage to the ecosystem. The destruction has been done cleverly, leaving those mangroves facing the lagoon intact, so that anyone looking from
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Michał Klincewicz, a research scientist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, shares his views with Daily Miror on the impact of AI generated content on human life in a democratic society.
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The Sri Lanka Cancer Society conducted an awareness programme on October 3 at The Kingsbury Colombo, in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed annually in October to promote early detection, education, and support.
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The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) facilitated a knowledge-sharing session between the Ministry of Health of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka’s Health Informatics Unit, focusing on the digitalisation of national health care systems.
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Padmasiri Thirimawithana, who was a medical student and a prominent activist who protested against establishing Private Medical College in Ragama, had been killed along with another 29 medical students by an unknown armed group in 1988.
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Muthiah Chandrasekaran, was unanimously elected as President of Trinity College Kandy Old Boys’ Association (OBA) - Colombo Branch for the term 2025/2026 at the 117th Annual General Meeting held recently at the Christ Church Galle Face – Church of Ceylon.
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In a bid to explore the evolving landscape of disinformation, the counter-disinformation community gathered at the EU DisInfo Lab in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on October 15 and 16. The event witnessed the gathering of leading specialists from varied backgrounds, tackling the most pressing issues in the disinformation landscape.
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The Annual Prize Giving Day of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, for the year 2024 was held recently, at the Rev. Dr Stanley Abeysekera Auditorium in the College precincts. The ceremony, held for the 121st time in the 129-year history of the institution, was graced by the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel, the 13th Rector of the College.
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Delays to the completion of the Port Access Elevated Highway (PAEH) which would link Colombo City Centre and Katunayake Expressway (CKE) via the port has faced further delays with the Engineer Representative abandoning the project.
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A classroom in Colombo this week is alive with Italian phrases, laughter and culture. From customs officers to tourism police, students are learning more than grammar- they are learning to connect. The newly opened Sapientia Language Institute, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, is equipping both professionals and enthusiasts with language skills and cultural fluency to engage directly with Italian visitors, investors and diplomats, turning ever
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The Association of Companion Animal Practitioners (ACAP) Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, Ministry of Health, Colombo Municipal Council, International Lions Club, and several animal welfare organisations, has launched an ambitious nationwide programme to eliminate rabies from Sri Lanka by 2030. The initiative was officially unveiled recently at the P.D. Sirisena Grounds, Maligawatta, in line with World Rabies
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Many residents in Vavuniya have benefited from the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Vavuniya Water Supply Scheme under the Dry Zone Urban Water Supply Project, which was initiated just after the conclusion of the civil conflict in 2009. The Vavuniya Water Supply Scheme is the largest water project providing 12,000 cubic meters per day. The Scheme was completed in 2019, benefiting 80,000 people. It comprises a surface water impounding reservoir, a w
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The ongoing debate about abolishing corporal punishment in Sri Lankan schools is lively. It is also deplorable because, as far as this writer is concerned, the consensus should be overwhelmingly towards abolishing corporal punishment. Unfortunately, opinion seems to be strongly for retaining a sadistic and cruel system of punishment which is now illegal in most countries.
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Under his administration, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is determined to deliver tangible outcomes by addressing the most pressing issues faced by people. The gravity of challenges persisting due to the abuse of illegal narcotics to the presence of undocumented expatriate workers and the prevalence of gang-related crimes have been highlighted on numerous occasions. According to Dr. Muizzu, resolving these issues would bring harmony to society and
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Facebook’s removal of its “Posts” search filter has quietly reshaped the social media landscape in Sri Lanka. Journalists, fact-checkers, and influencers now face increased obstacles in tracking discussions, verifying information, and monitoring trends, leaving public conversations more opaque and pushing control over content visibility firmly into Meta’s hands.
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In Keeri village on Mannar Island, S. Vijithan remembers the simple act of buying water as a child. “Our family bought a pot of drinking water for Rs. 20, and my mother would cook white rice from it because the water was so pure and tasty,” he recalled. Today, that same water is undrinkable — black, yellow, and foul-smelling — forcing villagers to buy water from outside just to survive. Nearby, in Naruvilikulam-Vankalai, S. Sebanesan, Leader of t