Bus accidents caused by bad buses, driving and bad politics

The accident that occurred on May 11, when an SLTB bus plunged into a precipice in the Geradi Ella area of Ramboda, has so far claimed 22 lives. The Nuwara Eliya Senior Superintendent of Police confirmed to the media that 52 people injured in the accident are currently receiving treatment at hospitals in Kandy, Gampola, Nawalapitiya, Peradeniya, and other locations.

Malani Fonseka:“I came here today looking for love.”

Malani Fonseka was a legend in her life time. Now, after her death, that legend can only grow bigger and bigger.

The Atrophied Wife A book on urban middle class and family ties

MTE Ebell is a versatile writer with novels, short stories and poems published to her credit, and winner of the state literary award for best novel in 2014 and the same award for best short stories in 2008.

Reimagining National Security ; from rhetoric to reality

What is National Security? It is a question many ask. It was asked before and was always being asked. Quite recently when it was asked ‘rhetorically’ the question was too artificial, too oblique. However, the question is important because we live in a moment of human history where there are exponential changes and transformations into our way of life.

The unsung achievements of E.L.B. Hurulle

Edwin Lokubandara Hurulle was born on January 19, 1919. He served as the provincial governor of the Central Province, North Central Province,

Gymkhana Horse Track Pavilion:The establishment in Galle that serves all

Much is written about Galle. What one can find about it in the literature is mostly about the Dutch Fort in the Southern Town. However, few know about one building which has become a popular hotel in Galle.

Reimagining National Security ; from rhetoric to reality

For Sri Lanka, establishing a clear National Security Policy (NSP) is crucial to inform citizens and partners of its enduring approach, articulate a shared vision, and prioritize the effective utilization of resources.

Employees left in the dark amidst abrupt garment factory closure

Rights groups and trade union representatives have expressed their disappointment regarding the abrupt closure of apparel giant NEXT Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd, at the Katunayake Free Trade Zone, which employed over 1300 workers. The company is being blamed for its failure to give prior notice to its employees while taking steps to inform the labour commissioner regarding their decision.

Child hero Madduma Bandara to be commemorated

The child hero seven year old Madduma Bandara who was beheaded mercilessly as part of revenge taking against his father Ehelepola Maha Adikaram 211 years ago is to be commemorated on May 17 at Ehelepola Raja Maha Viharaya in Matale.

How Indian lorry chassis and multi-sectoral lapses crashed Sri Lanka’s public transport sector!

Despite repeated revelations of importing lorry chassis for public transport, successive governments have turned a blind eye to this issue, reportedly in place of obtaining financial gains.

Brawl victims pose a problem to plastic surgery unit

Health authorities have expressed concern that the cost and burden of re-joining limbs seperated from the body in brawls is happening at the cost of accident victims.

Woman dancer breaks into male domain of demon dancing

The eighteen demon dances belonging to the tradition of low country dancing constitute a folk religion among those who believe such ritualistic dance performances can cure maladies ranging from fever to infertility by dispelling the malefic influence of evil spirits known as Yakkas (demons or devils).

Wishes bloom here

On World Wish Day, Sri Lanka proudly welcomed the launch of the Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka, a programme powered by the Indira Cancer Trust.

SL should do more for social, economic development: Top Chinese scholar

Senior Fellow and Director of Centre for South Asian Studies Prof. Liu Zongyi, in an interview with Daily Mirror, shared his views on the current regional developments, China – Sri Lanka relations. He is a leading Chinese scholar who heads this think-tank funded by the Chinese government and based in Shanghai, China. Excerpts:

COUNTRY BEFORE SELF Extracts from book “G R A T I T U D E”

Our Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) situated in Trincomalee is the prime training establishment of officers and sailors of the Sri Lanka Navy. Brave young men and women who join our Navy either as Officers (Cadet entry, Sir John Kotalawala University entry, Direct entry, or Service entry) or as Sailors (Seaman branch, Engineering branch, Electrical engineering branch, Supply branch or Medical branch), they all undergo some part of their training

Rajarata Uni does interesting research on tech addiction

Two lecturers attached to the agriculture faculty of the Rajarata University, along with a very enthusiastic undergraduate of the same university, have successfully completed a research on technology addiction especially among youth, and have presented guidelines and points to ponder on as a solution.

Three-Month Commemoration fell on May 18 A gracious life remembered: Mrs.Yasmin Samaraweera

The third-month commemoration of the late Mrs Yasmin Samaraweera, who passed away at 79, fell on May 18. Remembered for her quiet strength and grace, her loss followed that of her husband, Maliban Biscuits Chairman the late Mr Ratnapala Samaraweera, by six months. This appreciation reflects on her role in guiding her children and embodying the values that shaped their lives.

UNESCO celebrates International Day of Vesak with Symposium

The International Day of Vesak 2025 was celebrated by the Member States of UNESCO with a Symposium themed “Buddhist Cosmopolitanism and Exchange along the Silk Road: Interplay between Buddhism and Trade in Ancient Asia”, on the full moon day of Vesak of May 12 2025 at UNESCO headquarters.

Plaque inaugurated in UK in honour of Kadirgamar’s efforts on the Vesak Resolution

India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, opened a plaque commemorating the Resolution moved at the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 by Sri Lanka’s former Foreign Minister, the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, calling upon the UN to declare Vesak as an International Day of Observance. The Resolution was unanimously adopted the same year.

Sourjah elected as 15th President of Industrial Security Foundation

Wazir Sourjah was elected as the 15th President of the Industrial Security Foundation (ISF) Inc. of Sri Lanka at the 33rd Annual General Meeting held recently at the Capri Club, Kollupitiya.

Empowering lives at Sarananda Karuna Foundation

The Sarananda Karuna Foundation, based in Ittapana, is a charitable organisation dedicated to providing education, healthcare, and social welfare programmes for low-income families and differently-abled individuals. Guided by its co-founders, Rev. Walallavita Sarananda Thero and Senerath Bandara Subasinghe, the foundation runs multiple institutions -- the Siri Rewatha International pre-school, Sathute Niwahana – centre for development of activiti

Bus journeys that whisper death!

Hopping aboard a bus to travel to a destination may not be the best option for Sri Lankan citizens anymore. Reckless driving coupled by disrespect towards passengers, racing with other buses to reach their destinations

Four Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path to Nirvana

Buddhism is considered a ‘Religion’ in a traditional form and understanding. 26 centuries ago, when people became devotees of The Buddha, it continued as a religion from generation to generation. There exists a question as to in fact and in true sense, whether it is a religion.

Govt. reviewing COSTS before renovating ‘dilapidated Parliament building’

The old Parliament building, located at Galle Face in Colombo and facing the ocean, was officially opened on January 29, 1930 by the then-Governor, Sir Herbert Stanley. Due to the limited space within the old Parliament building and the lack of available land for expansion, then-Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa presented a proposal to Parliament in the late 1970s, specifically on July 4, 1979, to relocate Parliament to a new location.

Pindapatha Promoting Inter-Faith Harmony

In what would be known as a rare occasion, clergy from all four religions of the country got together on Tuesday (13) at the Vivekaramaya Temple in Mirihana to serve alms to 80 monks, including 60 young monks from Myanmar, engaged in an alms procession (Pindapatha Charika). The event was organised with the support of the Vivekaramaya Temple trustee board, Mirihana Buddhist Women’s Association, Dharmashakthi Organisation and Maharagama Divisional

Japanese Ambassador’s remarks on corruption A defining moment for SL to improve business climate

After U.S. President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on imports from different countries, including Sri Lanka, policymakers across the world contemplated ways and means to diversify their export markets and products. For Sri Lanka, such an approach is all the more realistic because it depends on the U.S and the European Union for a bulk of its exports.

Local Government Election Outcome: A Call for Inclusive Governance

The peaceful and orderly conduct of the recently concluded local government elections, which were held without the large-scale abuses of state power or otherwise that marred previous electoral cycles, has marked a refreshing change from the past.

May 12 is observed as International Nurses Day Nurses: The unseen foundation of the economy

Sri Lanka’s nursing profession underpins not only the nation’s healthcare provision but also its economic resilience. The dedication of these professionals in delivering care and promoting public health directly bolsters workforce productivity and curtails healthcare expenditure, particularly within underserved communities. Furthermore, remittances from the considerable number of Sri Lankan nurses serving abroad represent a vital influx of foreig

Vesak Full Moon Poya Day: Honouring the life of Lord Buddha

The world’s most splendid annual Vesak Full Moon Day falls on May 12 this year.

Reaping the Benefits of an age-old tradition: How Meditation Can Turn You into a Genius

Meditation originally began as a spiritual practice closely intertwined with ancient cultural and religious traditions, which has now evolved into a global phenomenon for its potential mental and physical health benefits. As scientific research delves deeper into its effects, both the advantages and negative aspects are coming to light. Let’s explore the history of meditation, various alternative practices, their benefits and the possible advers