Gr. 5 Scholarship Exam: A veritable scourge

Well known author cum publisher of supplementary readers for the competitive Grade 5 Scholarship Examination W.O.T. Fernando has urged the Government to do away with this exam considering the mental strain and stress caused to students at a very young age affecting their physical health as well.

“Protection of the State from Terrorism Act” Why Does State Threaten Its People with Yet Another Anti Terror Law; questions Feminist Collective

The Feminist Collective for Economic Justice (FCEJ), a group of feminist academics and activists has strongly protested against the proposed “Protection of the State from Terrorism Act” (PSTA) and urged the government to withdraw it immediately.

Rise. Drum. Dance: Marking 14 years of One Billion Rising in Sri Lanka

At least one in three women worldwide experiences physical or verbal violence at some point in her life. The One Billion Rising (OBR) campaign highlights the urgent need to stand up against violence directed at women and Mother Earth. Every year, February 14 is observed globally as a day of collective action, awareness, and solidarity.

Living with Pressure and Leading with Presence An Antidote for Working in an AI World

In an era defined by rapid automation and artificial intelligence, the most significant challenge facing modern professionals isn’t technological displacement, but sustained psychological pressure. Drawing from classroom discussions and real-world academic exhaustion.

Poaching at Kumana National Park; Commonly sighted leopard Ritta missing from its territory?

The recent deer carcasses found at Kumana National Park have sparked fresh concerns about threats posed to wildlife including leopards inside this protected area. The Kumana National Park includes several lagoon areas that are frequented by fishermen. According to sources, incidents of unauthorised access and suspected illegal hunting activity between January 18 and February 8 have raised suspicion as to whether the poachers are aiming at a diffe

Politics ruining the spirit of cricket

Cricket, has long been seen as a great leveller among men/women. It eliminates social, economic, or physical distinctions, rendering everyone equal -- a game where elite players can emerge from any background, overcoming social or economic hurdles and is devoid of external interference.

Ramadan : The most anticipated month for Muslims around the world

Muslims from around the world will soon unite in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the holy month of Ramadan begins. Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. It is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Quran and performing special prayers. They also observe fast

US- Sri Lanka strategic focus grows, China relations challenging

Sri Lanka has always featured prominently in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, regardless of who is calling the shots in Washington, D.C.—Democrats or Republicans.

French diplomatic response to editorial on Francesca Albanese

With reference to our editorial dated February 16, the French Embassy has sent the following right of reply.

‘The Bhagavad Gita Lectures’ from March 7-10

Vedanta Institute Colombo has once again made plans to have a series of two transformative events this March, with the insights and guidance of world-renowned speaker Sunandaji. She is the daughter-disciple of renowned philosopher Swami A. Parthasarathy.

APES Management Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur

Asia Pacific Evergreen Scouts (APES) Director - Membership, Janaprith Fernando, (standing, third from left) attended the APES management committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur recently. The picture shows the other members of the committee from Maldives, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Macau, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Planned mining project in Kotikambokka vein quartz deposit may harm Alikota Ara Reservoir

Minister of Industries Sunil Handunnetti recently visited Wellawaya to investigate the Kotikambokka vein quartz deposit (Dhamani Thiruwana) in the Kongahawela Forest Reserve, in the Monaragala District. The vein quartz deposit is said to have a high commercial value.

From Joy to Risk: What Every Parent Should Know About Sharing Children’s Photos Online

In Sri Lanka, we love sharing family moments and children’s photos on social media to celebrate milestones, stay connected, get likes and sometimes even earn through monetization earn some money.

Daybridge International School Celebrates their Annual Sports Meet 2026

Daybridge International School proudly hosted its much-anticipated Annual Sports Meet 2026. The grand event was graced by the distinguished Chief Guest, Dr. Dushan Lalisha Kahatapitya, a celebrated National Boxing Champion, whose presence inspired both students and staff alike.

Valuing care work and women’s struggles amidst escalating climate crises

As a country that is recognised as extremely vulnerable to climate change impacts, Sri Lanka is now at a critical juncture in terms of prioritising climate resilience.

Moratuwa academic bags top EU fellowship for architectural heritage research

Dr. Sagara Jayasinghe, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Integrated Design at the University of Moratuwa, has been awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Global Postdoctoral Fellowship, one of the European Union’s most competitive and internationally respected research grants.

Valentine’s Day: What Sri Lankans Should Know About Its History and Celebration

Understanding the history of Valentine’s Day helps separate fact from legend and explains how February 14 evolved into a global celebration of love.

The Education Reform Fiasco: A Recipe for Disaster

The postponement of grade six education reforms has sparked a national firestorm, centered on a scandalous digital link that many fear signals a hidden social agenda.

Maha Sivarathri day is February 15: Ceremony of vigil through out the longest night

As elucidated by Indian Hindu astrologers Maha Sivarathri is a purely religious ceremony of day time fast and vigil throughout the night observed by Hindus world over to wash away the sins and pave way for eternal bliss through basic religious disciplines of ahinsa ( non injury), satya (truthfulness), brahmacarya (celibacy), daya (compassion), karuna (forgiveness) and anissa (absence of jealousy).

Kantipur Conclave 2026: A platform to explore democracy through unity and resolve

The 5th edition of the Kantipur Conclave brought together policymakers, journalists, political leaders, entrepreneurs and young activists from Nepal and overseas to identify core societal issues and discuss shared solution. The two-day forum organized by the Kantipur Media Group witnessed the participation of over 52 speakers sharing their experiences and ideas on various topics.

India-Pakistan match Sri Lanka’s cricket diplomacy finds resonance with Australia

Sri Lanka’s diplomatic strength, as a neutral power, has now come to the limelight after it played a role in persuading Pakistan to play against India in the T-20World. In fact, it has struck a chord as a diplomatic gain attesting Sri Lanka’s ability. Sri Lanka is a trusted partner for both India and Pakistan

Proposed Gonahaduwa Forest Reserve issue: Natural SAND dune forest areas grabbed by encroachers

Arugam Bay in Pottuvil, located in the Ampara District, is a highly popular area for tourists. This beach is well-known for surfing, mainly because it has continuous high waves suitable for the sport, along with favourable environmental and geographical conditions, according to the opinion of surfers.

Message from Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Japan’s National Foundation Commemoration Day

This special day marks the legendary foundation of Japan and the enthronement of its first Emperor, Jimmu, in 660 BC. This is also a day for Japan to reflect upon the rich history and enduring spirit of our nation, cherishing the values and traditions that have shaped us over the centuries.

Memoir of S. Thomas’ College presented to Prof. G.L. Peiris

One of Sri Lanka’s leading bass guitarists, Sudath Priyashantha Fernando, seeks well-wishers support to undergo an urgent kidney transplant as he is suffering from an end-stage renal failure.

Urban waste management: Authorities face challenges in keeping Colombo’s waterways clean

Waste piled up along river banks, canals and lakes is a common sight in Colombo. Despite numerous initiatives taken to mitigate the waste generation crisis in urban cities, lack of infrastructure and ad hoc approaches to waste segregation pose significant challenges.

What Colombo’s Fishing Cat Quietly Reveals

At just past two in the morning, Colombo sounds different. Traffic thins. Horns fall silent. Water gathers where it always has -- shallow drains, reed-lined edges, low ground between buildings where concrete never quite won the argument.

Dr. Palitha Serasinghe elected new President of BAMC

Globally renowned Consultant Ayurveda Physician, Dr. Palitha Serasinghe has been elected President of the British Ayurvedic Medical Council (BAMC).

‘HUNGER’: Musical show for Valentine’s Day eve

Performed alongside the largest orchestra ever assembled on the Nelum Pokuna open-air grounds, the musical masterpiece ‘Hunger’ will be staged bringing the pure enjoyment of symphonic language of music.

Aloka’s journey with Buddhist monks for ‘Global Peace’ generates huge following on social media

Aloka, the Indian street dog, following Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile (3,700 km) “Walk for Peace” across the United States became a symbol of the walk. His journey has gained international attention, with over 800,000 followers on social media. Though the canine Aloka is labelled a “pariah dog,” “street dog,” or “mongrel” based on his birth, his enthusiasm and unwavering determination to accompany the Buddhist monks on their peace walk reflect

Animal wellness organizations want RCGC to show compassion to dogs

Animal wellness organizations and animal well-wishers have collaborated and written to the officials of the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) to consider the humane management of dogs within the premises of the club. These organizations have made a request in their letter to the RCGC under the subject: consideration of proposed clauses 8A.5.1–8A.5.3 and to take this matter up at the Annual General Meeting of the club, which is scheduled for February