BANDULA JAYASEKERA : An Exceptional Human Being

He was an exceptional human being. My friend Bandula Jayasekera, was a former Sri Lankan diplomat and senior journalist who was a proud flag-bearer for Sri Lanka. A man with an abundance of knowledge displayed in the most endearing and simplistic manner. As a journalist, he gave voice to the voiceless.

He raised me up to more than I can be

“Ninety Nine and not out” quipped my father, Gerald de Alwis, an indomitable spirit as he entered his 100th year in February. He hails from a quaint little hamlet in Galle chequered with verdant paddy fields namely Kalahe in the precincts of Unawatuna, famous for its pristine beaches.

The Brother I Never Had

Thisun Sanjeewa Bandara Amarasinghe, more affectionately known as ‘Cheena’, ‘Phila’ (owing to the resemblance to the Pop singer Phil Collins) and other pseudonyms, was an irreplaceable, unique person who possessed extraordinary qualities and idiosyncrasies.

SVB setting the stage to end poverty in Sri Lanka

The Samagi Vanitha Balavegaya (SVB) the women’s wing of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) will set the stage to end period poverty in Sri Lanka, on International Women’s Day which is marked on Monday.

Communist Party of China and China’s Miracles

The Communist party of China (CPC) was founded in Shanghai on July 1, 1921, with just 50 members and has grown to 93 million members with 4.5 million branches throughout China. The CPC is the world’s largest political organization, with a history approaching 100 years and will commemorate its 100th anniversary mid this year.

Urgent need for Mental Health awareness in Sri Lanka

The recent events currently circulating on all media channels have created an uproar and unrest amongst citizens.

The Dam Street Mystery: Will the decapitated head serve justice to the crime?

The mysterious killing of a 30-year-old woman from Kuruwita has spread ripples of shock and fear among the people.

Compromising on the equation of protection: Can instant messaging apps put your privacy at stake?

Communication today is just a WhatsApp message away. With social media dominating a greater part of our lives, many of us have made it a daily ritual....

Thalaimannar, Maldives and now Iranaithivu…

After more than 300 days since cremation was made mandatory for the COVID- 19 deceased, the Government of Sri Lanka reversed the decision through Gazette 2216/38 on February 25, by allowing the burial of those who succumbed to COVID- 19.

Burial of COVID-19 victims takes another turn

The decision regarding burial of COVID-19 victims was subject to many twists and turns. After more than a year and so many discussions, the government finally allowed it, in the face of vehement criticism from rights groups.

Govt. and UNDP partner to conserve bio-diversity in Malwatu Oya Basin

Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1 March 2021: Sri Lanka is globally recognized for its remarkable biodiversity, with 30% of its land designated as protected areas - the highest national coverage in Asia.

Tribute to Ven Dr. Bhikkhuni Kusuma Living memory

Venerable Bhikkhuni To you, I am forever grateful For showing me the way In your gentle in-imitable way For many years now

Challenging gender bias on Women’s Day

Women In Need (WIN Sri Lanka) is an organization synonymous with supporting women in times of crisis around the country. Established in 1988, WIN Sri Lanka’s 33 years of operations include a plethora of initiatives that help protect women from domestic and all forms of gender-based violence.

The last solution -A long rock wall

Ode to the elephant and all living creatures as preached by Lord Buddha….Pnathi Patha Veramani Sikka Padam Samadhiyami.

CHARLES HENRY DE SOYSA: It’s time to remember him with pride and veneration

March 3 is a memorable day for the descendants of the late Charles Henry, the students, past pupils of Prince and Princess of Wales Colleges....

Sri Lanka’s greatest philanthropist of all times

The 185th anniversary of the birth of Warusahennedige Charles Henry De Soysa (1836-1890) takes place on March 3, 2021.

Mineral sands extraction project in Oluvil: Worrisome future for Sri Lanka’s coastal stretches?

This Island Nation blessed with an abundance of coastal stretches has attracted many investors, both local and foreign eyeing to extract.....

Art strikes a chord with music Renowned artist Mueen Saheed collaborates with singer Muththalagu to help in his housing

Through art, two artists connected, and this time not for any artistic collaboration but helping out one artiste to rebuild his life.

AYATI Centre for Children marks its 1st Anniversary: Special place for special children

AYATI, Sri Lanka’s first national centre for children with disabilities February 21 celebrated one year of operations.

Memoir of a young man Was she joking?

I was fresh from my graduation results when two days later, I got a job as a market research investigator. They say good things happen....

Khaki fury at Peliyagoda Police rattles law fraternity

Torture and murder at police stations are nothing new in Sri Lankan history. Though many international human rights organizations......

“Lands can be handed over to the labourers”- National Union of Workers Leader Palani Digambaram

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament and National Union of Workers Leader Palani Digambaram......

43rd Navam Perahera today: Majestic pageant of Gangaramaya Raja Maha Viharaya

The Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Raja Maha Viharaya is of special significance to all of us irrespective of religious or racial differences.....

Unexplainable phenomena

The Gautama Buddha said that there are phenomena which we cannot comprehend fully as humans. But that does not mean they are not authentic and real.

On avoiding queues at COVID vaccination centres

Congestion was witnessed at many vaccination centres which opened up for the general public. It was mentioned that the token.....

Porn and Nudes: Delving into Cyber Exploitation in Sri Lanka

The images and videos are distressing. Non-consensual sharing of intimate images and privacy breaches began to cause problems several years ago. But, it has never been this bad. Sexual content of Sri Lankan girls, even as young as 15 years old, keeps growing exponentially on the internet, preying on countless victims.

Cure for queer?

Kamal*, a gay man in his mid-twenties, recently visited a mental health clinic in a state-run hospital. He has been experiencing stigma, discrimination, and harassment due to his sexual orientation and has been suffering from mental health issues as a result.

*To the immortal!*

Hatched out; shameless, speechless, nameless, cast-less and race-less. Then a boohoo! When clock ticks, ’gulped it all.

People at a loss as.... COVID vaccination programme hits a snag

The much awaited vaccination drive for Sri Lankan healthcare staff began on January 29. The National Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases....

Land clearing in Attidiya Bird Sanctuary: Haputale Pannarama Thera responds to DM article

Responding to an article published in Daily Mirror regarding an alleged illegal land clearing in Attidiya Bird Sanctuary, Ven. Haputale Pannarama Thera.....