Right to Information reveals: Nearly 1.4 million in govt. jobs and over 300,000 vacancies more to be filled

In November last year, at least a 100,000 public sector employees launched an island wide strike demanding a Rs. 20,000 ...

Rohingya refugees agitate as UNHCR office in Colombo plans closure

“UNHCR is closing its office and thereby squashing the hopes of refugees in Sri Lanka,” a protester representing Rohingya refugees....

I haven’t cooked a meal of kiribath at my home for 14 long years: Sandya Ekneligoda

Even though a new year has dawned it is another year of seeking justice for Sandya Ekneligoda, spouse of missing cartoonist and....

A duck family sees a long journey turning into an adventure

During the extended school vacation children will have the opportunity to experience one of the much look forward to animation adventure comedies in cinemas: ‘Migration’. The story in the film revolves around a family of ducks that makes a long journey and encounters various adventures. The film is directed by Benjamin Renner, co-directed by Guylo Homsy and produced by Chris Meledandri. In the film the family of ducks decides to leave the safe en

Romantic KV railway line to find new lover in Hambantota

The Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) is planning to restore the Kelani Valley (KV) Railway up to Opanayake through Kuruvita, Ratnapura and Kahawatta. At present trains operate up to Avissawella. The KV Railway, built during British rule in Sri Lanka, and reaching up to Opanayake was closed in the early 1970s and replaced with a board gauge line only up to Avissawella. A spokesman for SLR said the KV line is to be augmented up to Hambantota port by

‘Thaththa’- ‘A Father’ ; A Film On Paternal Love

“Thaththa” or “A Father”, a movie on the depth of paternal love, directed by young filmmaker Prasad Samarathunga is now being....

Remembering Manik De S Wijeyeratne

One year has gone by since our dear friend Manik passed away. I first met Manik 50 years ago when both of us were attached...

New Year aspirations for 2024 | Consumers concerned of being buried by taxes

Somalatha Pieris from Handapangoda is anticipating a better life in 2024. Gripped by the economic crisis and the soaring cost....

An appreciation of Lord Jesus Christ by a Buddhist | I met a Bodhisatva in the Bible

When I was a child I used to listen to my father talking about Lord Jesus Christ with great respect and love. He was an Anglican converted....

Tamil question put off for 2026

One of the unending discussions on the Sri Lankan ethnic problem was held on December 21 between President Ranil Wickremesinghe.....

Maha Bodhi Society To Pay Tribute To Siri Devamitta Dharmapala This January

On January 5, a statue of Siri Devamitta Dharmapala, who sacrificed his life for the perpetuation of Buddhism will be unveiled at the Maligakanda...

A New Year Message From The Archbishop Of Colombo

Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, in his New Year message says that it is a time to rethink and dedicate....

From Japan with Love- Envoy brings new hopes for the New Year | Message By Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki

As we bid farewell to 2023, a year marked by challenges and resilience, I extend heartfelt wishes to the people of Sri Lanka for a prosperous....

Appreciation of Deshabandu Alec Robertson: Christian Burgher turned Buddhist scholar

I consider it an honour and privilege to write an article of appreciation in commemoration of the 21st death anniversary of Deshabandu....

“Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice”

This immortal and inspiring song written by American songwriter Septimus Winner as far back as 1868, was one of the favourite songs of my beloved sister Therese Jayachandra (Nee Benedict) who passed away on January 1, 2023

Leema Creations wins excellence award in Interior Design and Décor, 2023

Leema Creations, the most celebrated interior solutions provider in Sri Lanka, was recognised by the interior and furniture industry both locally and internationally during the past two decades.

Dr. Malika Karunaratne elected as SLCM President

Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists (SLCM) had its annual general meeting in October and elected an executive committee which will serve as its new set of office bearers for the period 2023/2024. Dr. Malika Karunaratne was elected as its new president.

The Josephian Christmas Carols was simply overwhelming

The Annual Josephian Christmas Carol Service was held recently at Rev. Dr. Stanley Abeysekara Sports Complex cum Auditorium at St. Joseph’s College recently. The carol service was organised by the St. Cecilia’s Choir of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10. The Josephian Christmas Carol was titled ‘JesuSalvator Mundi’; which means “Saviour of the World”. It is for many of us, the most wonderful time of the year. “Christmas Cheer” is that thing which

Death of former Temple Trees photographer

Renowned press photographer and former Temple Trees official photographer K.P. Navaratne (84) passed away at his Maharagama residence recently. As a photojournalist Navaratne had immensely contributed to both local and foreign media for over five decades. During former Premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s regime he was appointed as the Temple Tress, official photographer. He was the husband of Mrs. Gunawathi Navaratne and father Nalaka, Late Kokila,

A year of cost cutting And starvation predicted for 2024

Various opinions have been formed regarding the 2024 Budget Presentation. According to the budget, the allocation of funds to each sector requires close scrutiny; with particular emphasis on funds directed towards agriculture and food. The budget allocates 250 million rupees for food security, 1950 million rupees for fertilizer subsidies, 100 million rupees for farmer insurance, 1800 million rupees for the World Food Programme and 5386 million ru

A ‘Green Revolution’ that hoodwinked a prime minister

‘Corrupt officials hamper Food Drive’ a headline in an article published in the ‘ Daily Mirror’ said. This gave this writer the impetus to write more about this absolutely factual story; even several years after it was published. Journalists working at that and were young scribes are still in the publishing trade and if they read such factual stores they may wish to respond. It was the time of Late Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake. My News Edit

Ferrin Careem I knew

With deep sadness, I pen this tribute to my beloved boss, Ferrin Careem, who passed away on December 8 at the age of 83. He was a remarkable personality with whom I associated for many decades. His passing away is a significant loss to all of us in the Careems family and, indeed, to the entire country. He was unmatched and possessed a pleasing personality and profound knowledge along with a focused, methodical, and visionary approach. When I firs

Can a male cop search my handbag? Apparently the answer is yes!

The ‘Yukthiya’ anti-drug operation was launched on December 17 with the objective of cracking down on drug peddling and organised crimes that have plagued the country. So far, over 13,000 suspects have been arrested by the Police under this operation launched by Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles recently announced that the security forces have been given an ultimatum to complete the operation- in other words ap

How Galgiriya Mountain supports a rich tank system

The Galgiriya Mountain situated in the Ahetuwewa Divisional Secretariat within the Galgamuwa Electoral Division of the Kurunegala....

Media miserably failed to cover Israeli genocide in Gaza

Sri Lanka’s mainstream media has miserably failed to highlight the ongoing US-European-backed Israeli genocide of Palestinian civilians...

BOOK REVIEW | Rata Sabhawa of Nuwarakalaviya: Unraveling the secrets of Rural Conflict Resolution

In antiquity, Sri Lankan Kings wielded authority not only as sovereigns but also as architects of legal frameworks and systems of justice. Their edicts....

Scientific aspects of Buddhism

We live in a scientific age, in which science has influenced practically every aspect of our lives.Science has had a profound impact, both positive and negative on society, Although, both buddhism and science follow two paths many Buddhist scholars believe they have a great deal in common.They believe that science and buddhism are not incompatible as they have more similarities than contradictions and core aspects of buddhism align well with mode

How Christmas got commercialised

It is true that Christmas has been far more commercialised than any other religious holiday worldwide. There is a positive aspect to it though, as well, since there are a tonne of imaginative and colourful greetings posted by firms worldwide. Do you find the word Xmas, as an abbreviation for Christmas, offensive? Many people do, but the origin of this controversial term might change your mind. You won’t find Xmas in church songbooks or even on m

From innocence: The journey of a betrayed woman” - How a Soft Toys Expert stitched back into place A Broken Soul

Dilani de Silva is one hell of a woman. I write in the first person when penning this piece on Dilani and her maiden book ‘From Innocence: The journey of a betrayed woman’ because she is a dear....

The Meaning Of Christmas For Us

Christmas is the feast of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem in a very poor environment and brought up in a social environment (Nazareth) which had not received...