How a child from Bandarawela chose to sell ‘dodol’ over education to make ends meet

Social media had been abuzz with the news of a child selling dodol (a sweet, toffee-like confection popularly made in Sri Lankan households) in Bandarawela. Following the social media post published by an individual with the intention of helping the child and his family, there have been mixed reactions towards this gesture of kindness. Some argued that the child’s privacy was violated since his photo was posted on Facebook, while some appreciated

Sri Lanka’s Education at a Crossroads: Combating Neoliberal Commodification and Colonial Dogmas

Education is a cornerstone of national development, shaping the cognitive, social, and economic futures of a country’s citizens. In Sri Lanka, however, the national education policy faces a critical crisis characterised by the unreflective adoption of foreign curricula, politicisation, and commodification of learning. Despite the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse socio-ecological realities, education remains trapped within outdated col

Govt. animal census turns out to be ‘monkey business’

A census of animals is a rare occurrence in Sri Lanka. Recently, such a census was conducted on March 15.

Lung cancer on the rise MEDICAL EXPERTS OUTLINE THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

Even though the hospital is equipped with new technology and surgical equipment, the old operating theatre, lack of doctors and absence of Intensive Care (ICU) facilities are the main obstacles in treating lung cancer patients, said thoracic surgeon Dr. Dhammika Rasnayaka during a media briefing yesterday at the District Chest Clinic Auditorium, Chest Hospital, Welisara.

Harassed Indian investor pulls at the heartstrings of Sri Lankan patients

Despite having been subject to much harassment at the hands of two government higher officials when he visited Sri Lanka to make a huge investment in the Kantale Sugar Factory few years ago,

ANDARAWEWA FARMERS FACE MAHAWELI EVICTION

In a deepening land dispute, more than 3,600 farming families in Sri Lanka’s Vavuniya district have been ordered to vacate their lands by August 15.

BELGIAN PHILANTHROPIST’S ENDURING BOND WITH SRI LANKA

John Van Dijck, a retired Belgian educationist, discovered a profound purpose in Sri Lanka after an accidental visit in 1995. Inspired by local needs and the work of Adoptie Sri Lanka VZW, he embraced a lifelong mission to serve the underprivileged.

Before the next Tender: Tap into Rooftop Solar Power

It is reported in the Press that the controversial large-scale ‘Adani green energy project’ (Wind and Solar) has been cancelled inter alia due to unreasonably high tariff rates, pre-operational costs such as for research, site investigations, feasibility studies, and environmental assessments, etc., compounded by procedural breaches and sustainability concerns.

Jayantha Jayewardene He Fought for Nature, and Won

Sri Lanka has lost one of its most dedicated and fearless conservationists. Jayantha Jayewardene, a towering figure in the fight to protect the island’s wildlife — especially its elephants — passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy rooted in science, advocacy, and unwavering integrity.

Changing public perception, a win for protecting the Sri Lankan Leopard

One of the most iconic species sharing the same terrain on this isle, along with humans, is the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). Elusive in nature and often taking cover from the human eye, these beings hold significant ecological and economic importance for the country. The Sri Lankan leopard has also been crowned (rather self-crowned itself) as the apex predator of the island’s ecosystems and is a flagship species, adored locally an

Tourists travelling to Sinharaja via Lankagama complain of lack of facilities

Sinharaja Forest Reserve, which borders Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara districts, covers an area of 11,187 hectares. There are approximately twenty-two villages surrounding the forest, including the recently highlighted village of Lankagama. Located within Neluwa Divisional Secretariat Division of Galle District, Lankagama has gained attention as a new gateway to Sinharaja. Not far from Lankagama are the villages of Kolonkotuwa,

Eulogy for the Late Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa

He was not only a brilliant commander but also a visionary who championed a values-based military culture long before such ideals were widely discussed

Janaka Bogollagama: An Undying Legacy of Heart and Hustle

The 31st of July this year would have been the 75th birthday of the late Janaka Bogollagama, who left us 15 years ago. His family and friends still miss this most warm-hearted, generous man, who was full of joie de vivre. Janaka had the blithest of temperaments, was irrepressibly good-natured but always extraordinarily decisive and strong-willed, which helped to make him a successful businessman and a household word in Kurunegala, his hometown.

A-PAD Sri Lanka launches Financial Literacy for Youth initiative

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka reports that only 57.9% of adults are financially literate, a statistic that underscores the importance of starting financial education early. Empowering youth with money management skills is key to building a more resilient and informed generation.

‘Botanical milestone reached’ Sri Lanka discovers over 150 new species of flora

The recently launched botanical masterpiece ‘Discovery – Additions to the Flora of Ceylon’ is a landmark in Sri Lanka’s botanical history which reveals nearly 200 plant species, previously unknown or unrecorded, and is more than just a scientific reference.

176 bus route Reckless driving: Disaster is Waiting to Happen

Despite all the media exposure about catastrophic road accidents and deaths claiming lives at an alarming rate (seven deaths a day) the private bus service (dis-service) has become a law unto itself.

Mangroves Protected: Wedithalathive Nature Reserve Remains Intact

The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that the Cabinet has decided to degazette a part of the Wedithalathive Nature Reserve.

ඇයි owl ද? Unmasking the Night’s Wisest Hunters in Colombo

On the 3rd of August 2025, as the sun dips below the skyline of Colombo, the Faculty of Science at the University of Colombo transforms into a hub of nocturnal curiosity and discovery.

Mosque tour promotes interfaith understanding

In a world clouded by misunderstanding, the Jumma Mosque at Kollupitiya (Colpetty) opened its doors to foster clarity, promote connection and provide a deeper understanding of the true essence of Islam. The recent tour of the mosque served as a valuable opportunity to explore Islamic architecture, cultural heritage and the spiritual significance of the sacred space.

Nefarious activities leave Gin Ganga

Rediscovering Sri Lanka A diplomat’s journey from global promotion to firsthand exploration

After serving 35 years in Sri Lanka’s Foreign Service, representing the country in Pakistan, Germany, Nepal, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, I retired in 2023. Promoting Sri Lanka as a premier tourist destination was a central part of my work. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse attractions, Sri Lanka has long been viewed as a must-visit destination. Over the years, I dedicated considerable effort to sh

SLFUW Commemorates past presidents and members

The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) held an event on July 19, 2025, at the SLFUW headquarters, where “Seth Pirith” and the “Thun Suthraya” were chanted to invoke special blessings on the departed past Presidents and members of the SLFUW and their spouses. The President of the SLFUW, Colonel Dr. Udula Krishnaratne, warmly welcomed the Venerable Thihagoda Saradha Thero, who chanted “Seth Pirith” and the “Thun Suthraya” and all the

Indrani Chitra Wye

My elder sister Indrani Wye passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, in Westlake Village, California. She was 89. I hold memories of our childhood together when we lived with my father and mother, James and Evelyn Rutnam at Baron’s Court on Guildford Crescent, closed to the Race Course.

Brahma Kumaris meditation: Stop, observe and steer

Meditation has been well-known since ancient times as a form of building and strengthening the inner resources of the mind. The Brahma Kumaris is a network of organisations in over 100 countries which teaches a practical method of meditation assisting people to develop inner strengths and values.

Why detecting Colorectal Cancers early can boost treatment

Stools laced in blood is often dismissed as quite common and treated for hemorrhoids, anal fissures or ulcers; however, this can be an early symptom of colorectal cancer.

A medical doctor with a dab hand at art

Art has been the fulcrum of human society for centuries. It doesn’t simply serve as a medium of expression, but also a means of encapsulating and showcasing human emotion in their rawest form.

The Royal Park murder: 20th death anniversary of Yvonne Jonsson She was almost home, but never came

Twenty years after the brutal murder of 19-year-old Yvonne Jonsson, her case remains a poignant test of Sri Lanka’s justice system. The controversial presidential pardon granted to her convicted killer, Jude Shramantha Anthony Jayamaha, was recently overturned by the Supreme Court. As extradition efforts begin, Yvonne’s story endures as a powerful symbol against impunity and for accountability.

Courageous women harvesting cockle in Ichchankaduwa lagoon

“We know it is a sin to put any living creature into boiling water, but we can’t help it. We are compelled to do so to make a living,” said a woman boiling live cockle (Matti) in a huge pot containing steaming water.

Annual temple festival of Lord Aiyappan starts today

The Annual Festival of the All Ceylon Ananda Aiyappa Devasthanam will be held from July 25 to August 3 at the Swamy Ananda Aiyappa Temple, in Colombo 15. Annual Festival in the name of Swamy Aiyappan will begin with the flag hoisting ceremony on July 25 at 5.30 pm. Daily poojas will continue till August 3; these poojas are scheduled to commence each day at 6.45 pm.

Justice for Charith: Rage backs parents of ragging victim in Fundamental Rights Action

The parents of Charith Dilshan, a second year undergraduate from the Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka who faced intense ragging, filed a Fundamental Rights petition with the Supreme Court on Monday, July 15, 2025, case number S.C. Application (F/R) No. 147/25.