‘Sigiriya rocked’ by unlawful land sales to businessmen

The sale of state-owned lands in Sigiriya tourist zone to millionaire businessmen through forged documents has turned into an organised racket. It has been revealed that some officials engaged in land administration are leading this operation.

Gangaramaya Temple and Japan’s Yoshioka Foundation unite to empower Sri Lankan youth

The Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, in collaboration with the Yoshioka Cultural Education Foundation of Japan, has launched a remarkable initiative to strengthen cultural and educational ties between Sri Lanka and Japan. The “Shoshinsha” Japanese Language Scholarship Programme — meaning “Beginners” in Japanese — will be celebrated at a special ceremony today at the Gangaramaya Temple, under the patronage of Venerable (Dr.) Kirinde Assaji Thera, Ch

Mental Health Day 2025 Outdated laws hamper mental health policy

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than one billion people worldwide live with a mental disorder, yet most remain underserved. Mental disorders are a leading cause of disability; the economic consequences are staggering.

‘The evolution of disinformation’ in Baltic States and lessons from Lithuania

Disinformation is the order of the day for Lithuania, a Baltic State that has a long history of dealing with Russian aggression and has been on the frontlines in combatting Kremlin-backed disinformation and propaganda. According to geopolitical experts, the majority of the disinformation encountered in Lithuania is of Russian origin and is often intended for international audiences in order to undermine NATO, the EU, and the West in general while

A Voice That Found Its Home:

Founded in 2022 by student Oneli Nonis, the Gavel Club of St. Bridget’s Convent has grown from a small idea into a leading platform for young speakers and leaders. Marking its official inauguration in October 2025, the club stands as a symbol of confidence, unity, and resilience. Guided by dedicated teachers, it continues to inspire Bridgeteens to find their voices and lead with courage.

Cinnamon Trade Spicing up the killer quill

Sri Lanka’s cinnamon industry has rewritten its story, shedding colonial monopolies to emerge as a dynamic, privately driven sector.

Michael Kors commits US$ 2.7 million to feed Sri Lankan Children and support local farmers through WFP

COLOMBO, Sri-Lanka– United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US $2.7 million from global fashion brand, Michael Kors to bolster Sri Lanka’s National School Meals Programme.

Rishini and Ashanthi honoured at Women Legends 2025

Rishini Weeraratne, Editor of The Sun (Daily Mirror) and Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers Limited, was honoured with the Legendary Woman of the Year 2025 Award for Pioneering Digital Media in Sri Lanka at a ceremony held October 27 at the Monarch Imperial.

HRW views Sri Lankan BUDGET as make or break for island’s education sector

Sri Lanka’s education system faces a critical test as the government prepares its upcoming budget, with experts warning that funding decisions could determine whether children finally gain access to schools with much resources or continue to bear the cost themselves. Human Rights Watch (HRW) emphasises that the upcoming budget is a crucial moment, since reducing allocations for education could directly affect children’s ability to pursue a solid

WhatsApp Usernames: The new shield for your privacy

WhatsApp is testing a major privacy update that could let users communicate via unique usernames rather than phone numbers. For Sri Lankans relying on the app for work, school, and community life, the change promises protection against spam, phishing, and unwanted contacts. As usernames emerge, users can expect a shift toward more private, identity-based communication, though challenges like impersonation and name-squatting may follow.

ugc snubs pm’s instructions when establishing usJ dental faculty

University Grant Commission’s failure to abide by the instructions given by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her capacity as the Minister of Higher Education, on the process followed to establish the Faculty of Dental Sciences,University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has irked the Government Dental Surgeons’ Association.

Seek medical help for menstrual pain: 13th Asian Endometriosis Congress to be held in Colombo

The Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Association of Sri Lanka will be organising the 13th Asian Endometriosis Congress 2025 which will be held at Cinnamon Life Colombo during four days starting from 31st of this month. This year, this important event will be attended by world–renowned experts, researchers, and clinicians in the field of Endometriosis from 18 countries representing the USA, Europe, Russia, China and the Asia–Pacific region.

From Ceylon to the Louvre: The Rs. 31 Billion Heist That Stole More Than Jewels

France has been shaken by one of the most spectacular museum robberies in recent memory — a daylight Louvre heist that stripped the nation of priceless royal jewellery worth more than €88 million (around Rs. 31 billion).

The Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987 From discord to accord and enduring hope

The 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord marked a defining moment in Sri Lanka’s modern history, altering its relations with India and redrawing the island’s political landscape.

The visionary engineer who lifted a nation with innovations

Sri Lanka once had a remarkable inventor who proved that poverty could be overcome not through borrowed development models, but by harnessing indigenous knowledge and innovation.

Turning the tide on plastic through beach cleanups

Recently, August 24, 2025 to be specific, a team of authors and volunteers conducted a beech cleaning session, which received the blessings of the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas (MEPA).

When falsehoods become power

In Ljubljana, Slovenia, experts at #Disinfo2025 convened to tackle the escalating spread of misinformation and disinformation in an age dominated by social media and AI-driven narratives.

Tourism recovering, but at a cost

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is rebounding after past crises, with nearly two million visitors arriving in 2024. New hotels and resorts are expanding options nationwide.

More than 100 acres affected Unidentified pest threatens Puttalam coconut cultivators

Coconut cultivation in the Puttalam district is under threat by a yet unidentified pest, causing much anxiety to planters and coconut smallholders. A senior official of the Coconut Research Institute said the pest is spreading fast in Madurankuliya, Mangalaeliya, Mundalama, Rajakadaluwa, Tharavilluwa, Kottapitiya and Anawilundawa areas. He said the Coconut Research Institute and the Coconut Culvitation Board are taking steps to prevent the sprea

‘Romba Thanks’ Brings Laughs to the Stage

‘Romba Thanks,’ a comedy for the Sinhala stage by award-winning dramatist Sajeewa Malmala Arachchige, will be staged at the Maharagama Central College auditorium on October 26, 2025 (3.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.).

Transforming Sri Lankan Theatre:Stages Theatre Group Marks 25 Years

Stages Theatre Group marks its 25th anniversary this year, celebrating a quarter-century of creating original, socially engaged, cutting-edge productions that have shaped Sri Lankan theatre for a generation.

Seeds of violence: Hidden harms of corporal punishment

For decades, the use of corporal punishment in schools has been justified as a means of enforcing discipline. Yet mounting evidence from psychological, neuroscientific, and sociological research reveals a stark reality: the practice does not instil lasting compliance and carries profound, often irreversible consequences for children.

Justice undermined by politics?

Sri Lanka faces a renewed debate over prosecutorial independence as proposals to create a separate Public Prosecutor’s Office surface. Historical and international examples show dual prosecutorial systems often lead to fragmented evidence, political manipulation, and failed convictions. Experts warn the Attorney-General’s Department’s unity is crucial to safeguard impartial justice.

Tree House International School gets new wing

The new wing of The Tree House International School for Special Needs was officially opened on October 1 by British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad, and Professor Athula Sumathipala. The Tree House International, situated at Captain Sumudu Rajapaksa Mawatha, Dehiwala, is said to be Sri Lanka’s only international school dedicated exclusively to children with special needs. The Tre

Ranking by Stanford-Elsevier Four Sri Lankan Scientists ranked among World’s Top 2%

In a landmark achievement for Sri Lanka, four Science researchers affiliated to the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) have been named among the top 2% of scientists globally in 2025. This recognition, based on a comprehensive citation analysis by Stanford University and Elsevier, places them among the world’s 100,000 most influential researchers.

Rehana Tayabally: the archer who struck gold

Twenty-seven-year-old Rehana Tayabally, the archer who struck gold, has won more than just the gold medal at the National Championships this year.

New leadership for All Ceylon Hajj Tour Operators Association

The All Ceylon Hajj Tour Operators Association (ACHTOA), the national body representing 28 licensed Hajj tour operators, elected its new Executive Committee for 2025/2026 at the Annual General Meeting held recently at the Mandarina Hotel, Colombo 03.

How a life changed after getting two words mixed up

A young Catholic boy from Kalutara once went to a priest for his confession (religious exercise which Catholics use for acceptance and asking for forgiveness for one’s wrongdoings).

Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram users on alert: Your Meta AI chats now shape your ads?

How many of you have already seen that Meta AI Agent (purple-blue circle) appear on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp?

Extensive damage to the ecosystem Wanathawilluwa mangroves illegally cleared by racketeers

Wanton destruction of the mangrove forest along the Redd Barna lagoon periphery in Wanathawilluwa division has been going on unabated, despite concerns raised by residents and environmentalists. According to environmentalists, vast tracts of century-old mangrove forest have been cleared, causing extensive damage to the ecosystem. The destruction has been done cleverly, leaving those mangroves facing the lagoon intact, so that anyone looking from