Is the burden on the middle-class who want to purchase a new car high?

It is expected that the years-long import restriction on cars would be eliminated and very soon the streets on the most frequented roads of Colombo will be filled with brand-new cars.

Sri Lanka’s tile and sanitary-ware market on the brink

Sri Lanka’s construction and building sectors are reeling from the imposition of steep taxes on imported tiles and sanitary ware, and its quality certified by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) inspection scheme.

‘It’s About Time’ Travelling History Museum travels to Galle

The sixth edition of the ‘It’s About Time’ travelling history museum will open doors in Galle from February 5-12 at the Galle Town Hall.

Battalangunduwa Island Where promises by politicians have been left to the mercy of the waves

Battalangunduwa is one of several islands in the Kalpitiya archipelago. It is a lovely and attractive island surrounded by the sea and the Kalpitiya lagoon.

Senior Journalist Nishantha Narrates the link between environment and media

Karnataka Union of Working Journalists hosted the ‘Media Meet’ at Tumakur, India in Association with the Tumakur Working Journalists Association from 17th January - 19th January 2025. Nishantha Alwis, a Senior Journalist spoke on the subject of ‘The Environment and Media’.

SWARA Live in Concert: Redefining Eastern Music to Inspire a New Era of Harmony

Experience the magic of Swara, a groundbreaking Eastern music evening that marks a new chapter in the Sri Lankan international school arena.

For one last time: Rajitha’s play ‘A Day in July 2019’ returns to the Wendt

Rajitha Dissanayake’s critically acclaimed play, 2019 Jooli Mase Dawasak (A Day in July 2019), will conclude its three-year run with a final performance at the Lionel Wendt Theatre in Colombo on February 2 at 7.00 pm.

FELICITATION OF RENOWNED SCHOLAR PROF. ASANGA TILAKARATNE

To honour Prof. Asanga Tilakaratne, a scholar of international renown, for his five-decadelong service to Buddhist and academic studies and to celebrate his recent academic recognitions a function called ‘Samashansa’ will be held at Jasmin Hall in Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) at 3.30 pm on Sunday, the 2nd February.

S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia to Inaugurate 175th Anniversary

S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, one of Sri Lanka’s esteemed educational institutions, will officially launch its 175th Anniversary celebrations with a special Thanksgiving Choral Evensong service on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Christ Church Mutwal (Gal Palliya).

Harin’s ‘Smart Youth’ plunder 398 million rupees

A major financial fraud has been uncovered in connection with the ‘Smart Youth’ programme, implemented by the National Youth Services Council from April to August 2024. This was revealed in an audit inquiry issued on January 6, 2025 which was carried out by the National Audit Office under inquiry number SYA/D/NYSC/2024/AQ/15. A Cabinet Memorandum No. 2024/22 was submitted by the then Minister of Sports and Youth on July 9, 2024, in order to organ

The timeless magic of physical books for young readers

It has become such that, technology dominates every aspect of our lives, but over the years there has been a resurgence in physical book reading,

Bhareti’s music pulled at the heartstrings of people

Accomplished veteran singer Anil Bhareti (75) bid adieu to the music industry leaving a legacy for music lovers to cherish forever. His bass voice and the songs that resonated with it made Sri Lankans here and abroad be glued to his songs. People are attuned to his songs regardless of social background or age. We can safely vouch that he was able to bridge generations with his music.

Built to ‘not last’: Anuradhapura’s Incomplete Buildings that haunt the public

Several building projects in the Anuradhapura region which also include school buildings on state-owned land are at risk of collapse, due to non-completion, as a result, bringing much anxiety for the general public.

Spotlight on illegal mechanised gem mining in Botiyathenna

The destruction of the elephant corridor and forest entrance to Sinharaja in Manikkawatta, Botiyathenna, by constructing hotels, endeavours initiated by a group including Gayan Sanjeewa Guruge, the son of the late Jinadasa Guruge,

The Sinhala song remains a lifelong ‘virgin:’ What went wrong?

Last week, we looked at a critical evaluation of Swarna Mallawaarachi from Eric Illayapparachchi’s essay ‘The Last Face: Swarna’ from his book ‘In Search of Art.’

B-Positive Band officially released

The song Sihina Mawathe, performed by the talented LasithaPerera of the B-Positive Band, was officially released on the evening of January 24, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Sky Lounge in Kandy.

Managing Indo-Lanka relations without jeopardising the National Interest of Sri Lanka

The geographical location of Sri Lanka in close proximity to South India, foreign policy of India, South Indian politics based on Tamil ethnicity, Indo-China power struggle in Indo Pacific region, global power politics and political situation of Sri Lanka are considered governing factors of Indo-Lanka relations invariably from its inception up to the present status.

Pera Uni Alumni Association annual get together, paduru party

The annual family get-together and paduru party of the Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya, Colombo Chapter will be held on February 1, 2025 (Saturday) at Nom Nom Thai (Cey-Nor) Restaurant, D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha (Former McCallum Road), Colombo 10.

Shiranee pens book to promote good governance through media

Shiranee Dissanayake has penned a book titled ‘Catalyzing Good Governance Through National Media’ and it is available at selected book shops.

Saving Sri Lanka’s biodiversity one nutritious meal at a time

As an island nation with a high population density, Sri Lanka is already grappling with multiple challenges concerning biodiversity conservation.

Sihina Mawathe new release of the song

The audio release of the song Sihina Mawathe sung by the melodious voice of the popular singer Lasitha Perera of the B-Positive Band will take place on January 24, 2025 at 7 p.m. at Sky Lounge in Kandy.

What happened to young ‘Sakifo’ at the Dehiwela Zoo?

In November 2010, ‘Sakifo’ made history as the first Sumatran orang-utan to be born at the Dehiwela Zoo. Sakifo’s parents, Aki (mother) and Ufo (father) became residents of the Dehiwela Zoo in 2003. They were received through an animal exchange programme with Indonesia’s Rangunan Zoo. Sadly, after 15 years of entertaining crowds with its high-pitched whistles, elegant poses and expressions, on January 6, the Dehiwela Zoo announced that Sakifo had

Survivors of train-bus accident still demand justice!

January 17, 1989 was a fateful day for the people in the country, particularly those in the South. The most terrible train-bus accident in the history of Sri Lankan transport took place on that day

Wonton destruction of Hanthana environmental zone

A vast area of more than 250 acres has been cleared and about 1200 trees have been felled causing extensive environmental damage to the Hanthana primeval forest reserve, an environmental zone rich in bio-diversity.

A Felicitation to Nissanka Diddeniya by the Alumni of the University of Peradeniya

In celebration of an eminent acting career spanning over 55 years, the Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya, Colombo Chapter (AAUPCC), organised a felicitation programme for veteran artiste Nissanka Diddeniya.

Exploring tension between division and unity in Sri Lanka

The exploration of Sri Lanka’s complex political and social landscape reveals a nation grappling with its past while striving for reconciliation. In this context, the role of organisations like the National Fisheries Solidarity Organization (NAFSO) is vital.

In memory of Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe A true defender of the skies

It is with profound sorrow and deep respect that we remember and honour the life of Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe—a skilled, fearless, and dedicated combat helicopter pilot whose extraordinary contributions to the nation,

Calls by locals to preserve Balana Fortress in Kandy

The kings who ruled in Kandy had made maximum use of the geographical features of the land when working out security measures.

Eastern Province students shine at the film competition Arming the next generation with RTI

Three eastern province schools showed off their talent, when they convincingly beat well over two dozen schools, including some big names, earning places in the final-6, in an all-island short-film competition on Right to Information (RTI) awareness.

Human-Buffalo conflict continues to haunt and trouble villagers “We do not benefit from the Kotmale reservoir in any way,”

Residents of various villages in the Kotmale Division are grappling with the wildlife crisis, particularly from the wild buffaloes following the construction of the Kotmale Reservoir