Uncertainty lies ahead as Govt. plans for education reforms

A month ago, a student of a leading school in Homagama took her life. The death is reportedly linked to exam pressure and this is not an isolated tragedy.

Physiotherapy has been in the forefront of therapy and cure

World Physiotherapy Day falls on September 8 (today). To commemorate the day, the College of Physiotherapists has organised a scientific session and workshop.

NelFarms Wins Two Prestigious Awards at Sri Lanka Clean Energy Week 2025

Nel Farms, a pioneer in integrating renewable energy into Sri Lanka’s poultry sector, has won two top awards at the recently concluded 3rd Edition of Sri Lanka Clean Energy Week 2025.

Stakeholder insights on French govt. sponsored project on air quality management

One of the most significant environmental challenges faced by countries such as Sri Lanka regards the maintenance of air quality standards.

Sarachchandra Drama Festival in Colombo

Celebrating the theatrical genius of the late Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra, a festival of plays will go on the boards from September 7 to 14 in Colombo. “Prof. Sarchchandra’s Drama Festival 2025” will be staged daily at 6.45 p.m. at Elphinstone Theatre, Colombo 10.

“Pawulkana Minihek” goes on the boards

Veteran theatre personality E.M.D. Upali’s latest theatrical presentation, “Pauwlkana Minihek” will go on the boards on September 12 at 6.45 p.m. at the Tower Hall theatre in Colombo 10.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Winston Fernando Moulding that led to 50 years of service in the Lord’s Vineyard

The hallowed intention of this write-up is to share the moulding process at home, with those families having the potential to dedicate their family members to receive the vocation of the holy sacrament of the Priesthood.

Roland De Alwis A tribute to a Generous Father

“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”. These immortal lines of Alfred Lord Tennyson reflected admirably in the life of late Roland De Alwis, who passed away on August 31, 2024, after a brief illness.

Fresh Undergraduate Join Hands with “Regreen Hantana” project

“Regreen Hantana: Restoration of Degraded Lands in Hantana Environmental Protection Area” project reached an important milestone on August 15, 2025. A spirited shramadana campaign was carried out at the restoration site near the Animal Science Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Uda-Peradeniya, with the participation of nearly 80 volunteers.

Former Bishop of Colombo passes away

The former Bishop of Colombo, Church of Ceylon, His Eminence Kenneth Fernando, has passed away at the age of 93. He received his primary education from the Royal College, Colombo,

‘Premakeerthi Ghathanaye Sulamula’ Dharman Explores Premakeerthi’s killing in a new book

Investigative journalist Dharman Wickremaratne continues his series of books unearthing Sri Lanka’s bloody, turbulent history of the 1980s with the fourth title – ‘Premakeerthi Ghathanaye Sulamula’, the story behind Premakeerthi’s assassination.’

Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary falls today Celebrating the Birth of a Universal Reformer

Today marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, the final Messenger of Almighty Allah and a transformative figure whose teachings brought profound moral, social, and spiritual reform. He is recognised as one of the greatest reformers in human history, inspiring billions across the world. The commemoration, known as Meelad-un-Nabi, falls on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Nearly two billion M

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

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

Keeping Trading Activity out of VAT: A correction of bureaucratic slipup

This article examines the original legislative intent to exclude trading activity from the scope of Value Added Tax (VAT) and its predecessor, the Goods and Services Tax (GST). It critiques the subsequent policy shift that brought trading into the VAT net, arguing that this move represents a bureaucratic and fiscal error that contradicts sound tax principles and imposes an undue burden on the economy.

How can Sri Lanka face SCO’s emerging geopolitical order?

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in north China’s port city of Tianjin, the leaders of the most populous and powerful countries in the Global South met.

International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances Longing for truth, justice and compensation amidst broken promises

In the backdrop of exhuming one of the largest mass graves in Chemmani, Sri Lanka, families of victims subject to enforced disappearances are still longing to find out what happened to their loved ones, especially during the final stages of the protracted civil war.

Women: Higher in population, lower in economic contribution

Sri Lanka is a country with 52 percent of the population being women. Yet, do they contribute proportionately to economic development? The answer is no. The reason is that they are not given equal economic opportunities. Likewise, they continue to suffer from domestic violence warranting new approaches by the authorities concerned to deal with the matter.

159th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Police falls today RULE OF LAW – ENSURE PUBLIC PEACE

The 159th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police, an institution with a history spanning over a century and a half, will be celebrated on 03rd September 2025.

Nyéléni Global Forum 2025 Sri Lanka sets platform for discussion on food sovereignty and social justice

Inspired by a legendary peasant woman named Nyéléni from Mali, Africa, the Nyéléni Global Forum is a space that was initiated in 2007 to unite activists from 80 different countries who are advocating for change on behalf of those affected by the current system.

25th death anniversary of Dr. A.C.S. Hameed is today Remembering a statesman and a courageous man!

Late Dr. Hameed was born on April 10, 1927. He passed away on September 3, 2000. He took to active parliamentary politics in 1960 by contesting and winning the Akurana seat. The Akurana seat was changed to Harispattuwa electorate.

‘Every Step Counts’ Caregivers’ Workshop An initiative to empower caregivers nurturing differently-abled children

In their efforts to champion a world of inclusivity and diversity, the Branch for the Differently Abled Guides at the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (SLGGA) recently concluded a workshop for caregivers and parents who are primarily looking after differently-abled children titled ‘Every Step Counts’. The programme was held in view of this Branch reaching its 100-year milestone, while the SLGGA celebrates its 108th year of serving society.

Estate workers struggle amid rising costs and wage hike delay

For years, plantation workers’ demands for fair wages have been dragging through negotiations, court rulings and collective agreements.

‘‘Farewell, Beloved Subo’’ - a wonderful, loyal and loving cousin

It is with a deeply saddened heart that I bid farewell to my precious cousin, Subodhini Radhika Thambiayah Nirmalalingam, who passed away last week. To me, she was more than a cousin—she was my dearest companion, my confidante, and my sister in every way that mattered.

Ancient Voices, Modern Science: How Sri Lanka’s Ali Manthra bridges Tradition and modern conservation

Sri Lanka’s elephants are both a treasure and a challenge. They inspire awe, shape our culture, and draw visitors from across the world. But they also walk into farms, destroy crops, and sometimes take human lives. In return, hundreds of elephants are killed every year. This is the reality of what we call “human-elephant conflict.”

Remembering Rev. Brother Clinton Perera A Life of Service

Maya Angelou once wrote in her poem, “When Great Trees Fall: Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us, they existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed”.

Robotics future arrives in Sri Lanka Burhani Serendib School Brings World Robotics Olympiad to Sri Lanka

Burhani Serendib School will host Sri Lanka’s National Selections for the World Robot Olympiad 2025 on September 6 at 12.30 pm, bringing together young innovators from across the country. The event will determine the teams that will represent Sri Lanka at the WRO International Final in Singapore from November 26 to 28, under the theme “The Future of Robots.” The event marks a significant milestone for the nation, opening doors for young Sri

Still feared, snakes are part of our ecosystem

Snakes are perhaps the most feared creatures that slither on earth, with many bludgeoned to death during chance encounters with humans. However, attitudes toward killing snakes have seemingly shifted in the past decade, with many in the younger generation showing more curiosity about these creatures, shared Dr. Kanishka Ukuwela, Senior Lecturer in Zoology at the Rajarata University. “I don’t think there are any studies on the trends in killing sn

Gethsemane - A Solo Exhibition by S. Nirmalavasan

S. Nirmalavasan is a Sri Lankan Tamil artist who works extensively with painting and installation, positioning himself as a significant and promising figure within the contemporary Sri Lankan art scene. As both an artist and an art activist, his practice reflects a profound engagement with the social and cultural realities of his context. Through his installation works, Nirmalavasan has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. To d

Open Letter to the Policy Makers of Sri Lanka Reconsidering the cannabis cultivation project for export

I understand that the Government of Sri Lanka is preparing to allow regulated cannabis cultivation within designated export zones, with assurances of stringent security to prevent diversion to domestic use. The justification appears to rest on two assumptions: that global demand for medicinal cannabis will continue to expand, and that Sri Lanka’s favourable climate and agricultural expertise can help us carve out a niche export

Melodies amidst guns of destruction in Gaza

Children singing ‘Do Re Mi’ from the 1965 film ‘Sound of Music’, or the soothing tones of an acoustic guitar, are the last things one expects to hear amidst the dust and ruins of Gaza City. But a group of enormously resilient teachers including guitarist/violinist Ahmed Abu Amsha are braving the odds by teaching music to the traumatised children of Gaza, many of whom have lost friends, family members and homes. The smiling, bearded Abu Amsha, who