Rising sea, mega projects push Mannar women towards uncertainty

Rita Wasanthi (54) from Jim Brown Nagar, a small hamlet in Mannar Island located in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka recalls how the shoreline along this coastal town has changed over the years. A greater part of the land on which she spent her childhood has now been dominated by the sea. Today, women bear the hidden costs of climate change and mega development projects in terms of loss of property, livelihoods and income and displacement. This

Ailing Kanchana seeks second chance at life

Hansi Kanchana, a resident of Opatha, Kotugoda, was diagnosed with having Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in 2022. She was a devoted mother of two daughters(aged 8 and 11) and a loving wife to her husbandwhen she heard the shattering news about her health at age 32. Daily Mirror carried an article about her in the second week of January revealing her condition and the details.

Appointment of new chief Scout Commissioner raises eyebrows

Scouting is a worldwide youth movement that was founded with the aim of promoting the mental, physical, spiritual and creative development of young people.

Rising from the ruins: ‘Dear Father’ rebuilds lives after floods

The Dear Father Programme, led by the Women’s International Foundation (WIF) and the Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown, has extended support to micro and small entrepreneurs (MSMEs) who lost their livelihoods due to recent floods.

International Day of Peaceful Coexistence makes us reflect on a safe, inclusive world

Coexist is to live or be together at the same time or in the same place. It is cohesion or the ability to stay or fit together well. Thus, peaceful coexistence is to live or be together in peace not wanting or involving in war, violence, conflict or argument.

‘Alathi Amma’: Woman serving the Dalada Maligawa

Among the 423 presentations awarded for the service extended to the Dalada Maligawa during the last 15 years, only one woman received the recognition. She was ‘Alathi Amma’.

‘Giant Mimosa’ invasion spreads anxiety

A major invasive plant, Giant Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) has been spreading dreadfully in the Kandy and the Matale Districts much to the anxiety of the environmentalists, farmers and the planters.

CIPM Sri Lanka Re-imagines KPI Mastery for a Resilient 2026

In the wake of Sri Lanka’s recent natural disasters, senior executives from diverse sectors gathered for a landmark workshop, “Building Stronger – KPI Mastery for a Sustainable 2026,” hosted by CIPM Sri Lanka.

Opportunity to Address Long Standing Injustice in Post-Cyclone Resettlement

Following the Ditwah Cyclone disaster, the National Peace Council has called for the setting up of a land commission to facilitate the vesting of land ownership rights with Malaiyaha Tamil plantation workers in their resettlement process so that post cyclone recovery is fair, inclusive and consistent with the principles of justice. The full statement issued by the NPC, an independent and non partisan organisation, is as follows:

Too Big for Our Maps, Too Small for Their Feet

Mankind cannot survive on its own. Coexistence matters, especially with nature. In a world that continues to cut down trees, kill animals and pollute surroundings, innovative initiatives are needed to educate people on the importance of environmental conservation.

only capitalists and corrupt will rule politics if ex mps denied pension: karu j

Former Sri Lanka politician and one time Speaker of the Parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, in his present capacity as the Acting Chairman of The Alliance of Ex-Parliamentarians of Sri Lanka, in a letter to President Anura Kumara Disanayake has conveyed his concerns about the Government’s plans to abolish the pension scheme for former parliamentarians.

Memories of a black January when LTTE blasted the Maligawa

The 25th of January, 1998 isn’t a day for an anniversary nor remembrance. It is a day for the government to repent for not heeding the advice of religious custodians, Mahanayake of Asgiriya Ven. Palipanne Chandananda, Mahanayake of Malwatta Ven. Rambukwelle Vippassi, nor the lay custodian Neranjan Wijeyeratne that the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of Independence should not be held at the Sacred grounds of Mahamaluwa.

‘January Is Still Black’: A call for justice and media freedom

For nearly three decades, the media community of Sri Lanka has endured many trials and tribulations where crimes committed against journalists have gone largely uninvestigated, and justice has remained elusive.

War heroes honoured by ACUCF

A war heroes’ tribute ceremony organised by the All Ceylon United Cultural Foundation (ACUCF) was held in Colombo recently under the patronage of ACUCF Chairman Dr. Kushan Jayaminda Silva.

Sri Lanka Launches Landmark Digital Foundations

Sri Lanka took a major step towards transforming its agriculture sector on January 22 2026with the official launch of the Agriculture Enterprise Architecture Framework, Agriculture Interoperability Framework, Data Sharing Policies, and CROPIX, a national digital platform for crop data and decision-making.

Two novels by Dr. Harsha Perera launched

Two books by Dr. Harsha Perera, a young adult novel called “Wanaliya’, and another novel called ‘Nishachara Rathriya’ were launched at the Public Library auditorium recently.

Sri Lanka steps into the quantum era

Sri Lanka has opened the gateway to the future of science and technology with the arrival of its first quantum computer. This milestone, unveiled on January 21, at the University of Colombo, marks the beginning of the nation’s quantum age — a transformative step that positions the country alongside global leaders in advanced computing.

Kandy MC wastes millions of rupees on water pump: CSO alleges

A massive alleged fraud has been unearthed by the Organisation for the Protection of Public Property in the purchase of a water pump for the Kandy Municipal Council Water Department costing into million rupees.

‘The Unseen Side of the Daya Pathirana Murder’ book launched

Senior journalist Dharman Wickremaratne’s latest Sinhala book, ‘The Unseen Side of the Daya Pathirana Murder’ was launched on January 21 at the National Library and Documentation Services Board Auditorium, Colombo 7.

Commemorative stamp for Vivekananda College centenary

Colombo Vivekananda College, established on March 24, 1926 as the first Tamil-medium school in the city of Colombo, will mark its centenary with the release of a commemorative postage stamp, a commemorative cover, and two commemorative postal cards issued by the Philatelic Bureau, Department of Posts, Sri Lanka.

Did food tender to supply Tri-Forces produce Rs 100 M loss?

It is reported that a serious issue has arisen in the tender process for the purchase of dry and fresh food supplies for the Tri-Forces for this year. This situation has emerged because the tender wasn’t awarded to the company that submitted the lowest bid at the relevant price call. A letter dated 13.11.2025, signed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha confirmed that this above mentioned com

From Oz to the ‘Pettagama’ : Why Everyone Counts

A messy book rack and a copy of The Wizard of Oz spark a profound reflection on modern management. Senior Lecturer Jeevani Senevirathne explores how workplaces function like complex ecosystems, part fairy tale, part farm, where progress depends on respecting the institutional memory of the old and the creative energy of the new

Pirith ceremony at Devi Balika Vidyalaya on Jan 23

An all-night Pirith chanting ceremony will be held at Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 08 on January 23 to mark the 73rd anniversary of this academic institution.

What can Turkiye and Sri Lanka do in a world which is in a flux in 2026?

The world steps into 2026 with uncertainty. It is witnessing prolonged crises involving Gaza, Ukraine and the Middle East. A possible U.S. strike on Iran looms.

Tribute to Legendary Singer Latha Walpola How “Shrini Vibushitha” song inspired Military men

Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne reflects on the profound impact of the late Deshamannya Kala Soori Latha Walpola, whose voice became a pillar of strength for the military. During the historic 1991 amphibious landing at Vettelikani to save the besieged Elephant Pass, her patriotic hymns revitalized the morale of troops during their most critical hour.

‘17 Paintings’: An upcoming art exhibition by S. H. Sarath

Renowned artist S. H. Sarath warmly invites art lovers to immerse themselves in vibrant local colour and emotion at his upcoming art exhibition, titled ‘17 Paintings,’ which will showcase his most recent creations. The exhibition will be open to visitors from January 26 to 29, from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm at the JDA Perera Gallery, located in 46, Horton Place, Colombo 07.

Solo exhibition explores live cultural experiences

A solo exhibition by artist Kaushani Pamuditha will be held at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery from Feb. 6 to Feb. 8 2026. Kaushani is a well known professional artist and architect. According to her, the exhibition features a series of artworks exploring themes of imperfection, emotional attachment, and live human and cultural experiences using expressive visual language and contemporary approaches.

U’sity dons condemn attacks on the PM and support Education Reforms

A collective of university lecturers and professionals has issued a statement in support of the proposed education reforms and condemed the ongoing attacks on Prime Minister and Education Minister HariniAmarasuriya. The full statement is as follows.

E.L.B. Hurulle’s 107th birth anniversary commemorated

Former Minister and Governor E.L.B Hurulle’s 107th birth anniversary was commemorated on January 19 at Meththarama Temple, Bambalapitiya.

Beyond the Label: Why the ’’NGO’’ Tag is Used to Silence Reform

In contemporary Sri Lankan political discourse, a specific and recurring pattern has emerged. Whenever a citizen advocates for individual rights, a transparent market, or rational governance, they are met with a familiar accusation: they are labeled an ’’NGO.’’