Reversal of Govt.’s decisions: Lack of experience or indicator of a democratic state?

Over the past year, the incumbent Government had been criticised in numerous instances for not being able to walk the talk and deliver some of its promises. Despite fulfilling certain promises, there seems to be mixed reactions towards various decisions that had been taken so far. However, since it’s assumption to power, several decisions taken by the incumbent Government were reversed. This reversal of decisions had been perceived by certain fac

NPP’s partner Janodanaya condemns Inhumane police attack on peaceful protesters in Mannar

Janodanaya Movement, a partner civil rights organisation of the National People’s Power (NPP), has strongly condemned the inhuman and brutal attack carried out by the police against unarmed civilians in Mannar. A group of civilians had carried out a nearly two-month-long protest against the proposed wind power project in the area. On September 26, demonstrators had gathered to block convoys transporting wind turbine components into Mannar, but t

Malabe Boys’ School gears up for 2026 rugby season

Malabe Boys’ School has made a name for itself as a giant killer in the inter-school rugby tournament. These rugby players have made giant strides by first contesting the Division 3 segment and then moving to play in the Division 2 tournament in 2026.

Ancient Flags Flutter once again at the Wendt

The colourful collection of flags, which will go on display at the Lionel Wendt after fifty-two years, relates the fascinating story of Vipuli Jayasuriya’s love for ancient Sri Lankan flags—a love that led her to reproduce the vanishing cultural treasures in Batik art. She could thus preserve them for future generations.

Battle between man and machine The accuracy of AI and beauty of human error

My 20-year-old son, who uses astrology a lot, suddenly turned to me one day and said that an AI (Artificial Intelligence) based reading he had received regarding his life blew his mind away.

Healing Minds Matter initiative Rotary presents bold new phase to combat Sri Lanka’s mental health crisis

In response to the deepening mental health crisis in the country, Rotary in Sri Lanka launched the next phase of its landmark mental health initiative - Rotary for Healing Minds Matter.

Narampanawe Ananda Maha Thera is new Anunayaka Of Asgiriya Maha Viharaya

The presentation of the “Akta Patra” to Ven. Narampanawe Ananda, the New Anunayake Thera, of the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya will take place at the historic audience on October 3, 2025.

Maldives Ensuring Free Speech and Upholding Press Freedom

The Maldivian government has expressed a firm commitment to maintaining a free, independent and responsible media.

From silence to strength…. Women demand family law reforms

Shifana* from Puttalam and Kavya* from Batticaloa have spent years navigating Sri Lanka’s family law system, facing domestic violence, slow courts, and unequal legal protections. Their struggles highlight the urgent need for reform and underscore the call for the Women’s Declaration on Family Law and Practice in Sri Lanka—a push for a justice system that protects women and children, listens to survivors and delivers timely fair outcomes

From despair and disability to hope and love: Ayati: A lifeline to disabled children

According to the World Health Organisation, sixteen percent of the world’s population – at least 1.3 billion people, have some form of disability, whether by birth or developed later in life. Children (aged 0 to 17) with disabilities, which account for 240 million of all disabled people worldwide, are among the most marginalised people in every society. They lack many things including their fundamental rights from the very early stages of thei

Four ASGs to take silk

Four Additional Solicitor Generals (ASG) from the Attorney General’s (AG) Department were appointed as President’s Counsel by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Falling trees in Colombo: A hidden danger amid nature’s gift

Trees are one of nature’s greatest gifts. They provide shade, clean the air, and help keep the environment balanced. Yet, in busy cities like Colombo, trees can sometimes become a danger.

‘A Thriving Nation, a Beautiful Life’ Tracking Sri Lanka’s promises through the First Bi-Annual Manifesto Report

The First Bi-Annual Report on the Implementation of the Government’s Policy Statement was launched with the participation of ministers, civil society leaders, academics, and activists at the Jasmine Hall of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) recently.

Cultivating circular futures: Youth as agents of change

As the world marks the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste, the paradox of billions going hungry while 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted annually grows more urgent.

Nahil Wijesuriya funds 250 mn to Ananda’s STEAM centers

Sri Lanka’s Ananda College has opened the country’s first public sector STEAM Education Center with a Rs. 250 million donation from philanthropist Nahil Wijesuriya.

International Film Heritage Festival in Colombo

A two-day film festival featuring restored cinematic creations from Sri Lanka, India, and France will be held at the National Film Corporation Cinema Hall in Colombo, on September 27 and 28.

The Warm South Launched A Journey Beyond Awards and Conventions

“Sri Lankan readers are increasingly drawn towards literature tied to international and national awards. Instead, they should also explore other authentic works,” said Vihanga Perera, author of The Warm South, which was shortlisted for the 32nd Gratian Award 2025.

Cynthica Irugalbandara: A Gentle Soul, A Lasting Legacy

I was once told by my mother that life is a puzzle of your own design and choosing, and one that requires to be put together yourself, with one salient negative factor.

‘Suriya Kanda Vinsathiya’: An in-depth focus on the Embilipitiya terror in the late 1980s

‘Suriya Kanda Vinsathiya’ is a book on the tragic Sooriyakanda tragedy that happened during the 1980s terror period. Written by veteran journalist and writer Ravi Prasad Herat, it is out now.

From Mumbai to the World: The Journey of Divia Thani Global Editorial Director, Condé Nast Traveler.

It isn’t every day that you prepare to meet one of the most influential figures in global travel media. We were first introduced several weeks earlier through a mutual friend at an art exhibition

Young Contemporaries 2025 Spotlights Sri Lanka’s next wave of artistic talent

The George Keyt Foundation returns with Young Contemporaries 2025, a landmark exhibition spotlighting 12 rising Sri Lankan artists at Barefoot Gallery, Colombo, from September 24–28. Showcasing diverse practices from painting to multimedia, the exhibition celebrates new voices in contemporary art while continuing the Foundation’s 35-year legacy of nurturing talent and preserving Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage.

ILLEGAL SAND MINING and impacts on farmers in Kilinochchi

Farmers in Kandawalai and surrounding areas in Kilinochchi have been impacted by illegal sand mining activities that have been taking place since 2015. They complain that permits have been issued illegally, and many individuals have been mining sand beyond the designated areas mentioned in the permits. As a result, farmers experience soil erosion, flooding and other environmental issues due to unregulated sand mining taking place in these areas.

Legacy of Social Justice Legend Lasantha Wickrematunge

I was one of the lucky ones who met Lasantha Wickrematunge for a brief moment in 2007 at a lobby when I was attending a homecoming at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. Amongst a group of eager fans, all clamouring to shake his hand, I just couldn’t believe my luck when I found myself in his presence, the invincible energy that surrounded him and the aura of his charisma left me in awe. His humility made the impossible feel tangible. I had crossed paths

Fight for the lakes: Sri Lanka’s war on invasive fish begins

Sri Lanka has banned four predatory fish species, including piranhas and alligator gar, to protect native biodiversity. Authorities are combining strict regulations with community initiatives, encouraging responsible management and public participation to safeguard rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

SLBPA braves all odds to launch Colombo International Book Fair 2025

The Colombo International Book Fair 2025 will be held at the BMICH from September 27 to October 6th, from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm daily. The event is once again expected to draw large crowds comprising eager readers. However, with the newly imposed 18% VAT, this year’s book fair raises an important question: will the joy of buying a book remain within reach of everyone’s purse?

The death of Ruchika Induma Perpetrators who exerted exam pressure still at large

Parents entrust their children to schools with a great deal of faith in the principal and teachers. A school, therefore, should never be a place where a child feels unsafe.

Tiny papers, big stories

In an age when messages vanish with a swipe and correspondence is reduced to fleeting lines of text, Royal College, Colombo, has chosen to celebrate a quieter, enduring tradition.

Timber smuggler attacks regional reporter who exposed illegal felling

The Free Media Movement (FMM) has strongly condemned the attack on Ridimaliyadda regional reporter Vimukthi Sanjaya Perera who is responsible for exposing illegal tree felling and other nefarious activities in the area.

Preserving the soul of classic Sri Lankan cinema

Sri Lankan cinema is currently at a critical juncture, and we are faced with the challenge of preserving our films for the future.

New media bill strengthens press freedom in Maldives

On September 18, President of Maldives Dr. Mohammed Muizzu signed and ratified the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill (Act No. 16/2025), bringing the legislation into effect.