Unknown and neglected - the enigmatic Manta Ray

Sri Lanka’s manta rays, the largest of the ray family, face grave threats from overfishing, bycatch, and international gill plate trade despite their vital ecological role. Experts warn their slow reproduction makes them especially vulnerable, while neglect and lack of awareness have left conservation efforts lagging. Protecting these endangered giants is crucial for biodiversity and Sri Lanka’s global reputation.

World Robot Olympiad Sri Lanka 2025 National Selections: Inspiring the next gen of innovators

The World Robot Olympiad Sri Lanka 2025 National Selections brought together 28 teams of young innovators in Colombo, showcasing creative solutions to real-world challenges. With strong backing from educators, officials, and industry leaders, the event highlighted the nation’s growing focus on robotics and STEM education ahead of the international final in Singapore.

School transport wobbles on a system on flat tyres

Two school children succumbed to injuries during the fatal accident that took place in Kuliyapitiya when a school van collided with a tipper truck in late August.

Can Sri Lanka escape IMF dependency and lead the Asianization Industrial Wave 6.0?

In a vast, lights-out factory on the outskirts of Shenzhen, the future of global economics is being assembled, not by human hands, but by a symphony of autonomous robots.

STC marks 175th Anniversary with essay writing and oratory competitions

As part of its 175th Anniversary celebrations of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, the school recently conducted All Island Essay Writing (Junior and Senior) and Oratory Competitions.

From Pearl to Power: Why Sri Lanka’s Story Matters Globally

Trust in Large Language Models grows ushering in era of

Sayuri* (29) began using ChatGPT for her day-to-day tasks. But lately, she finds herself turning to the chatbot whenever she has had an argument with her husband, which is almost every day. “ChatGPT is always there for me, listens to me, and never makes me feel alone.

‘Mastermind’ theory of Easter attacks not valid anymore

Six years after the Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 269 people in Sri Lanka, the search for a “mastermind” continues to dominate headlines.

A Landmark Step in Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health

The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka officially launched ReproSex: The International Journal on Sexual and Reproductive Health at a ceremony held recently at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo. The event brought together leading academics, health professionals, policymakers, and advocates.

Belief vs truth: Gen Z isn’t lazy, it’s trailblazing

The stereotype is tired. Gen Z is lazy and entitled. They don’t want to work hard, they just want fast success and easy money.

SASSRI launch signals new era for South Asia’s sustainability and security agenda

As climate change accelerates, geopolitical tensions simmer, and economic inequalities deepen, South Asia finds itself navigating one of the most complex periods in its modern history.

Colonel Nalin Herath to assume Executive Director role of SASSRI following military retirement

Colonel Nalin Herath, former Defence ministry Spokesman and Director General and director research, institute of National Security Studies, is set to become Executive Director pending approval of his premature retirement from the Sri Lanka Army.

Weighing international schools against tradition

Sri Lanka’s education system is at a crossroads, as parents weigh the merits of government and international schools.

JW.ORG International Convention boosted Sri Lankan tourism

The three-day International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW.ORG), held from September 5–7 at the Sugathadasa Indoor and Outdoor Stadium, concluded successfully, bringing together more than 3,500 international delegates from 10 countries and over 14,000 total participants including local members.

Amid din of anti-corruption blitz, Economic debate should not drown

Yet, the country is not out of the woods. Bound by the IMF programme, Sri Lanka has little room outside a liberal economic framework.

Part III-St. Maximilian Kolbe: ‘The Saint and Hero at Auschwitz’ and His Visits To Sri Lanka in the 1930s

This is the final article in the series of articles written about St. Maximilian Kolbe—The Saint and Hero at Auschwitz in view of his 84th death anniversary.

Honouring Excellence in Dance: ‘Nritya Samrat’ Award Celebrates legendary Kathak Guru Jinadasa Wickramasinghe

Colombo will come alive with rhythm and reverence as the 3rd annual Guru Wickramasinghe Nritya Samrat Mahotsav unfolds on September 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. This cultural festival, organised by the Edgevin Vihan Company under the artistic direction of Vihanga Rukshan, pays homage to the late Pandith Jinadasa Wickramasinghe, Sri Lanka’s pioneering Kathak maestro.

Appreciation on Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe Happy birthday, Wingman!

“A wingman isn’t just someone who flies beside you. He’s the one who makes sure you never fly alone.” – Anonymous This article is penned in memory of the late Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe RWP, RSP, USP, MSc (NSWS-Pak), ndc (Pak), psc on his birthday 12th September.

World Physiotherapy Day Physiotherapists gather in support of healthy ageing and preventing falls

With the aim of updating the knowledge for Physiotherapists, a scientific session and a workshop were held on September 8 (Monday) at the Colombo National Hospital lecture Hall. This year the National event was organised jointly by the College of Physiotherapists and the Government Physiotherapists Officers Association to coincide with the World Physiotherapy Day which also fell on September 08.

September 10 was M.A. Bakeer Markar’s Death Anniversary National leader with exemplary vision

A rich and memorable legacy bequeathed by a remarkable personality to the nation is significantly valuable and is worthy of emulation!

A Splash of Honey by Christabelle Corea-Aturupane A heartfelt journey through a mother’s eventful childhood

“Books are the windows to the soul, and a long life is the library” (Author unknown).

Reckless drivers ignoring laws and endangering lives

The increasing number of road accidents in Sri Lanka has become a matter of grave national concern. Among the various causes contributing to this dangerous trend, is the reckless behaviour of trishaw (three-wheeler) drivers which stands out as a serious and persistent issue. What was once considered a convenient and affordable means of transport has now turned into a menace on our roads—largely due to the indiscipline and lawlessness of many tris

Can this Govt. reckon with a brutal past? Unearthing truths about Sri Lanka’s mass graves so close, but yet too far

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s speech at the 60th United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session, currently underway in Geneva, reiterated the fact that Sri Lanka is committed to the accountability process only through a domestic mechanism.

AI tools like ChatGPT taking over our thinking?

Sri Lankan students increasingly rely on AI tools like ChatGPT for academic work, often using them nearly 100% of the time. Educators warn this convenience may be eroding critical thinking, creativity, and reflection, urgingstudents to treat AI as a tool, not a substitute for active learning and cognitive effort.

From trash to triumph Jaffna College Vaddukoddai engages in plastic waste bank initiative

In a historic achievement for sustainability and youth empowerment, Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai, has become the first school in Sri Lanka to implement a Plastic Waste Bank Pilot programme, setting a precedent for environmental education across the country. Held over five days from December 18-22 last year, this initiative engaged students in a transformative effort to collect and recycle plastic waste, resulting in the collection of over 14,000 p

How bigwigs encroached Parakrama Samudraya to build a hotel and garden

Dudley Sirisena purchased Hotel Sudu Araliya, which once belonged to Hotels Corporation around 1995. The hotel is situated near Theppan Ela, which flows into Parakrama Samudraya, within the Polonnaruwa Sanctuary. Parakrama Samudra was built by King Parakramabahu The First (Reign from 1153-1186) by combining several smaller tanks. This combined reservoir came to be known as the Samudraya. There is evidence to prove this marvel, as stone inscriptio

Church by the River Turns 150

The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Panadura is set to enter its 150th year on September 14, 2025. Known as the Church by the River, it has long served as a spiritual and community hub, offering worship, education, and social support along the Bolgoda River.

Dr Wijeyeratne recognised at global cardiology congress

British cardiologist Dr Yanushi Dullewe Wijeyeratne gained international acclaim at the European Society of Cardiology Annual Congress 2025 in Madrid. Invited to chair sessions, deliver lectures, and appear on the ESC TV channel, she presented the latest research on atrial fibrillation, inherited arrhythmias, and lethal cardiac conditions.

SERUWILA MAHA VIHARAYA Among the holiest shrines in Sri Lanka

Two important places of worship in the Eastern province are Seruwila Maha Viharaya or Mangala Maha Seya, and Hirigadu Seya.

Sri Lankan cinema in kudos in Australia

Sudath Mahadivulwewa’s latest film direction “My Red Comrade” won the Golden Lotus Award for the Best Feature Film at the 7th South Asian Film, Arts and Literature (SAFAL) International Film Festival.