Choices for SL narrow as Middle East crisis intensifies

Sri Lanka is edging toward a preventable agricultural downturn, and the warning signs are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The projection of a three-year slide in farming is not alarmist—it reflects a clear pattern that emerges when global shocks collide with insufficient domestic response.

Trincomalee energy hub back in focus as Sri Lanka deals with fallout from Middle East war

As the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy markets, the long-dormant Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm project has shifted from a conceptual strategic goal to an urgent national security priority.

Polluted Nawala canal leaves neighbourhood in a black mood

The Nawala Canal, once considered a crucial biodiversity hub has now become a major environmental and public health hazard. For nearly three years, residents living along the canal have reported that the water has turned green and heavily silted, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Preparedness is necessary; Opportunism is not

While governments must remain alert to safeguard national interests during global instability, reducing the Middle East’s current agony to a “strategic opportunity” reflects a profound failure of judgment. True resilience for a nation like Sri Lanka lies in balancing necessary economic preparedness with the decency, character, and wisdom to respect the gravity of another’s misfortune.

Easter Sunday tragedy more conspiracies unfold even after seven years…

Since 2019, April 21 is not just another day for Sri Lankans who became victims of the deadly Easter Sunday attacks. Seven years have elapsed since this tragedy took place, but the victims and survivors still await justice. Despite many commissions and committees that have been appointed, families of victims and interest groups who have been demanding truth and justice are yet to know the mastermind(s) behind these attacks. It is in this backdrop

Echoes of April 2019: Seven Years on… Our unfinished covenant with the survivors of the Easter Attacks!

Seven years ago today, the bells of St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade, St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya and Zion Church, Batticaloa were silenced by a roar that changed the trajectory of Sri Lankan history forever. On April 21, 2019 the tranquility of Easter Sunday was shattered by a coordinated campaign of terror, leaving 269 or more lives lost and over 500 injured.

Indian VP’s visit goes beyond ceremonial protocols

Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan visited Sri Lanka from April 19 to April 20, 2026.

Embassy of Italy in Colombo Seven Decades of Diplomatic Excellence and Shared Prosperity A Milestone Celebration of Enduring Partnership

The opening of the Embassy of Italy in Colombo marks a pivotal chapter in the annals of Sri Lankan-Italian relations—a testament to the resilience, vision, and mutual commitment that has defined two nations separated by geography yet united by shared values.

Technology vs. Geography The new doctrine of national survival

The military conflict that erupted on February 28, 2026, between the United States-Israel alliance and Iran has fundamentally challenged the traditional dogmas of modern warfare.

Russell Casie Chitty A loving brother whose memories will remain a blessing to all

My beloved brother Anthony Michael Russell Casie Chitty, aged 79, was the eldest in the family of four siblings, comprising three boys and one girl. Born to devout Catholic parents Dominic and Muriel Casie Chitty, Russell was raised with the love and fear of God.

Memories of my brother Russell Casie Chitty - An Appreciation

My beloved brother Anthony Michael Russell Casie Chitty, aged 79, was the eldest in the family of four siblings, comprised of three boys and one girl. Born to devout Catholic parents Dominic and Muriel Casie Chitty, who raised

Real test for the NPP Government lies beyond the IMF programme

It is true that Sri Lanka has made significant gains in terms of macroeconomic stabilisation under the reforms initiated in terms of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility.

Hob Nails to Spikes - A Rare Memoir

Hob Nails to Spikes, the newly released memoir by Ranjith Fernando, arrives as a deeply evocative and historically significant contribution to the literary and sporting landscape of Sri Lanka. Fernando, a name synonymous with cricket in the island nation—as a former national cricketer, respected commentator, and influential administrator—has crafted a work that transcends the boundaries of a conventional memoir.

AUSPICIOUS TIMES TO SEEK SUCCESS IN STUDIES, WORK, CAREER, BUSINESS AND LIFE

I would like to present the reader with the auspicious times for welcoming the “Parabava New Year”, for worshipping and following rituals, customs and traditions.

Universal Peace Federation International Welcomes Nomination of Dr Hak Ja Han for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

Universal Peace Federation International, the organization announced that its co-founder, Dr Hak Ja Han, has been formally nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize by Dr Ján Figeľ, the former European Union Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Naval Officer who made Gentlemen into Good Navy Officers

Rear Admiral T M J Mendis (Manil) passed away last Friday (27th March) early morning. He was 69 years old. His 70th Birthday was due on 20th April 2026!

Lalin Sourjah: A legacy of excellence and unwavering loyalty

Lalin Sourjah belonged to a lineage where excellence was neither incidental nor occasional, but inherited, nurtured, and ultimately exemplified.

50th Anniversary Celebrations of Wickramarachchi Opticians and Healing Care

Dr. R Abeywickrama, distinguished ENT consultant, received an Award of Recognition at the 50th anniversary celebrations of Mihira Wickramarachchi Opticians from Prof. G.L. Peiris. The event took place at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo. The others in the photograph are Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Mihira Wickramarachchi, former President Maithripala Sirisena and Dr. Feliix Neumann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of

Appreciation on James Selvam Mather He was the fatherly adviser to all the articled clerks

It is with profound sadness and grief that I received the news of the passing away of James Selvam Mather our Mentor, Guru, an erudite Chartered Accountant, Staff Partner and Senior Partner at Turquand Youngs (TY currently EY) who made professional chartered Accountants by recruiting, guiding and training young students after college to become successful professional chartered accountants and be promising leaders in the Private and Government sec

The world needs Avurudu: A season’s lesson in peace

The month of Bak, falling in April, is one of the most spiritually luminous periods in Sri Lanka’s calendar, a time when religion, tradition, and seasonal renewal converge into something rare and precious: an invitation to pause, to reflect, and to make peace. In a world increasingly defined by noise and division, such a moment is not merely welcome; it is urgently necessary. For peace is not a single event. It is a living thing, and it must be t

Even New Year firecrackers might not warm dampened vendor spirits

It is that time of the year when people don’t think twice about shopping, spending for themselves and their loved ones in order to usher in the New Year on a memorable note. But this time around, people actually seem to be thinking twice before spending on clothes, sweetmeats and other items as shopping has become expensive. The Daily Mirror visited Pettah and Pamunuwa, two destinations frequented by customers during the Avurudu season to observ

“Sri Lanka should start exporting stories, ideas and intellectual property”

AngryPages Inc. a live, California-based media platform founded by Sri Lankan entrepreneur Lehan Edirisinghe aims to monetise original content sent in by Sri Lankan writers. Unlike fleeting social feeds, AngryPages is a permanent library for long-form, diary-style storytelling, designed to capture the high-value US reading market. Edirisinghe has designed the entire platform on his own, proving that world-class, export-grade internet products can

Will Pakistan brokered initiative end Middle East war?

Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed on social media that a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East has begun. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, whom he cited as “my dear brothers.” Pakistan is acting as the intermediary in peace talks aimed at bringing the Israeli–US war on Iran to an end. US President Donald Trump has already acknowledged Islamabad’s role in

Ahead of festive season: SLMA warns public of rising road fatalities

The upcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year, a period of joy and celebration, is also marked by a surge in road accidents, turning it into one of the most dangerous times of the year.

Jane Austen Came to Life One Enchanted Afternoon

The students of Gateway College, Negombo, brought new life to a literary classic with their contemporary musical adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, based on the beloved novel by Jane Austen.

The high altitude hope

Perched 3,765 feet above the central highlands, the Ambuluwawa Religious and Biodiversity Complex marks its 30th anniversary as a defiant symbol of Sri Lankan pluralism.

Meet the Man Who Calls Snakes His “Close Relatives”

Despite the widespread fear and misunderstanding many people have toward reptiles, Dr. Anslem De Silva has spent decades researching and protecting them.

HelpAge New Year card sale revenue supports free cataract surgeries to underprivileged elderly citizens

HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) this year released over 100,000 New Year greeting cards to provide free cataract surgeries to underprivileged elderly citizens in the country.

They Chose to Celebrate Differently — and 90 Lives Were Touched

In a world often loud with self-celebration, a quiet act of grace recently unfolded in Colombo. Choosing to forgo a traditional party, two sisters marked their birthdays by hosting an unforgettable outing for 36 children undergoing cancer care and their families. Through the Rays of Hope Foundation and the Indira Cancer Trust, 90 lives were touched by a day of independence, shopping, and laughter. It was a powerful reminder that the truest way to

Sri Lanka can look to locally adaptable projects to face crises

Sri Lanka was once again reminded of the devastating power of extreme climate events. Torrential rains and floods last year disrupted lives, destroyed livelihoods, and tested the limits of emergency response systems. These shocks are not anomalies; they are part of a global pattern of intensifying climate disruption. For a nation already grappling with economic challenges, the question is not whether we will face such crises again, but how we wil