Major companies involved in palm oil mafia

Following numerous public complaints about the adverse environmental and social impacts of oil palm cultivation that were reported to the Central Environmental Authority, steps were taken to ban oil palm cultivation in 2021, during the tenure of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

SAR members train Sri Lankan youth in water rescue

In preparation for the upcoming southwest monsoon season, the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) carried out a successful Swift Water Search and Rescue Skill Elevation training on the 5th of April 2025 in Kala Wewa, Galnewa. The training, which saw the participation of nationally and internationally certified SAR members representing the private, public sector and civil society, provided a crucial opportunity for p

Dr. A. M. A. Azeez Memorial Oration

The Dr. A.M.A. Azeez Commemoration Meeting and the Memorial Oration will be held on Wednesday 9th April 2025 at 4.30 p.m. at the Ghafoor Hall, Zahira College, 406, Orabi Pasha Mawatha, Colombo 10. Dr. B.A. Hussainmiya, Fulbright Professor and Scholar-in-Residence, Florida International University, Miami and Former Professor in History, University of Brunei, will deliver the Oration on the subject of “Muslims and Education: In Search of Excellence

Lankadeepa’s Yahampath honoured at Raigam Tele’es 2024

Veteran journalist and the Features Editor of our sister newspaper Daily Lankadeepa, Samantha Yahampath, was awarded with the first ever recognition given to a print media journalist at the recently concluded 21 Raigam Tele’es 2024 Tele award ceremony. Held recently.

Terrorising helpless street dogs won’t impress Narendra Modi

Sri Lanka wants to get rid of street dogs ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit – but India has an estimated 70 million stray dogs, or more.

Litigants against harmful wind power project demand safety of Mannar Island

Mannar Island, which is home to some of the world’s most beautiful migratory bird species including flamingoes, was proposed as the potential location for a mega scale renewable energy project.

The Gfs Hosts The Annual ‘April Market On The Green’ Sale

The GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY (GFS) annual ‘April Market on the Green’ Sale is Today, from 8.00 am to 5.00pm at the GFS Hall, No. 58, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (Green Path), Colombo 03.

Dilapidated Railway Overhead Bridges Pose a Danger

Passenger overhead bridges at several Railway stations on the coastal Railway have become death traps. On March 27, a passenger train passing Egoda Uyana Railway station in Moratuwa had a narrow escape when the overhead bridge collapsed on the railway line as it was approaching the platform.

Commonwealth cemetaries preserve their legacy with the greatest care

The sight of a cemetery would spontaneously bring fear and trepidation to anyone’s heart, and only rarely would one have an iota of thought about the realities it symbolises. The gloomy ambiance of graveyards and the bizarre mythological beliefs that dominate peoples’ minds produce fear.

Pest animal management “We have a problem, but we don’t know its magnitude” -Prof. Kotagama

A discussion on “Pest Animals Management” organised by the Committee for the Popularization of Science (CPS) of Sri Lanka Association of the Advancement Science (SLAAS) was held at the SLAAS auditorium on March 25.

From Farmer to consumer: the wider impacts of Agro-chemicals

Much has been discussed and written about the use of agrochemicals and their significant impact on public health and the environment. Kidney ailments, a major health issue confronting the present generation, have been attributed to the pollution of drinking water caused by agrochemicals. Agro-chemicals have displaced traditional crop protection methods used by the Sri Lankan farmer from times immemorial and created a health hazard, suggesting

We will continue to fight against informalisation of labour -CWRFU

The Ceylon Workers Red Flag Union (CWRFU) stood out in protest on recently, 2025, at the Court of Appeal Premises, Hulftsdorp. This silent protest was held against informalisation, a system that has threatened to upend the lives of the workers in the tea and rubber plantation sector within the country. Before delving into what informalisation implies as a phenomenon, it is necessary to have an understanding of the gravity of the problem.

New Ink 5 brings together exciting new voices in poetry

It’s not easy to find a full house these days for literary activities, but there was a packed auditorium at the International Centre for Ethnic Studies for New Ink 5. It came like rain in the desert.

Focus on Asia Can social entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment lead to sustainable economic growth

Government programmes such as ‘Digital India’, ‘Start-up Bangladesh,’ ‘InnovaBiz Interest Relief Program’ in Sri Lanka and ‘Pakistan Vision 2025’ aim to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering financial support, skill development and digital infrastructure that benefit female entrepreneurs. Women-led businesses are thriving on platforms like Meesho (India), Pickaboo (Bangladesh) and Daraz (Pakistan), which enable entrepreneurs t

The psychology of coaching Are today’s coaches getting it right?

Great teams, with a new team every new season, still find a way to win. Sure, they recruit the best players but, we’ve all seen examples of teams with better talent lose to those without it. So, is it the coach the ‘miracle worker’ who stands in between your team claiming that esteemed championship?

Eid ul-Fitr A global celebration of faith, community and generosity

For Muslims around the world, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting, prayer and reflection. It is one of the largest and most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar, bringing communities together in gratitude and festivity.

Celebrating the spirit of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed as a time for reflection and spiritual growth by Muslims worldwide. The month-long fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam when Muslims have to abstain from food, drink and sinful behaviour. It is a month-long training in self-discipline that allows a person to purify the individual’s mind, body and soul while fostering a deeper empathy for poverty and hardship.

Colour: An Art Exhibition by S. H. Sarath

Step into an oasis of bright colours, shapes and transcendent depictions at the 2025 exhibition hosted by renowned artist, S. H. Sarath.

Ven. Higgoda Udayadhamma Nayaka Thero Receives Prestigious Sangha Title

Ven. Higgoda Udayadhamma Nayaka Thero, the Parivenadhipathi of the Sri Pannananda Pirivena in Giriulla, Maharagama, was recently conferred the title of ‘Saddharma Keerthi Sri Piyarathana’, the Head of the Lower Dolospattuwa Court Sangha.

Reshan Jayasuriya: Forever in Our Hearts and Memories

In the tapestry of life, you were my first friend, fifty-three years of memories that never did end. Born on an October day in sixty-seven’s light, Shared moments of childhood, youth, and life’s whole might.

Walking Towards a Safer Sri Lanka:SLMA’s Health Initiative

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) is organising a Health Walk today, starting at 7.00 am from Galle Face Green in Colombo. It was revealed yesterday in a media briefing held in the council room at SLMA Colombo.

Spotlight on Chilaw General Hospital Patient dies on corridor due to lack of facilities

It is a matter of serious concern if an elderly in-house patient under treatment in a government hospital had to breathe his last in the corridor of such an establishment. A patient admitted to the Chilaw General Hospital has been the victim of such a harrowing experience.

Ameena honoured for her advocacy on counseling and preparation for marriage

Preparation for marriage should be made mandatory across all communities in order to reduce divorce rates, especially among low income communities, says Sikhamani Ameena Faisz Musthapha, a professional counselor, social worker and Founder at SAFA Counseling Centre. For many years she has dedicated her work towards women’s empowerment, mental health and refugee support. Her contributions to support and uplift women and marginalised communities hav

SLGGA celebrates 108 years Dr. Hettiarachchi lifts women’s morale at 4th Jenny Calverly Greene Oration

Sri Lanka Girl Guides’ Association (SLGGA) celebrated its 108 years of service to the society on March 21. On parallel with this the Association also organized the 4th Jenny Calverly Greene Oration where Dr. Darshani Hettiarachchi -Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist delivered a speech. This event was held at the Main Hall of Sri Lanka Girl Guides’ Association, Colombo.

A neuroscientist’s groundbreaking discovery

Water is the essence of life, but could the type of water we drink be the key to reducing the risk of life-threatening diseases?

Overflowing toilets at Puttalam Base Hospital causes stench

Patients seeking treatment at the Puttalam Base Hospital and the residents of the area have been facing a serious health issue due to the overflow of toilet pits in the hospital.

Spotlight on Wandama-Demaliya Forest Govt circular puts land sale project inside reserve on hold

The forests located in Rahathangama Grama Niladhari Division, which is part of the Wandama-Demaliya-Kuda Oya Government Forest— a crucial habitat for elephants roaming across Buttala and Wellawaya Divisional Secretariats in Monaragala district — have been leased to several companies and businessmen by an official attached to the Buttala Divisional Secretary.

New Ink 5 honours Richard De Zoysa Poetry and history in conversation

The New Ink 5 panel discussion was held at the International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES), Kynsey Terrence, Colombo 07, on March 22.

University of Ruhuna Faculty of Engineering celebrates ‘Silver Jubilee’

Nestled in the scenic Hapugala area of Galle, the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ruhuna stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and academic excellence.

Appreciation on Prathapa Wethasinghe He was a distinguished and sincere person

The untimely death of Prathapa Wethasinghe is still a vacuum among his friends and loved ones. Prathapa was born in the heart of Kandy town on a Poson Poya day in 1965. He hails from an outstanding family and had his primary education at Dharmaraja College Kandy.