Part III-St. Maximilian Kolbe: ‘The Saint and Hero at Auschwitz’ and His Visits To Sri Lanka in the 1930s

This is the final article in the series of articles written about St. Maximilian Kolbe—The Saint and Hero at Auschwitz in view of his 84th death anniversary.

Honouring Excellence in Dance: ‘Nritya Samrat’ Award Celebrates legendary Kathak Guru Jinadasa Wickramasinghe

Colombo will come alive with rhythm and reverence as the 3rd annual Guru Wickramasinghe Nritya Samrat Mahotsav unfolds on September 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. This cultural festival, organised by the Edgevin Vihan Company under the artistic direction of Vihanga Rukshan, pays homage to the late Pandith Jinadasa Wickramasinghe, Sri Lanka’s pioneering Kathak maestro.

Appreciation on Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe Happy birthday, Wingman!

“A wingman isn’t just someone who flies beside you. He’s the one who makes sure you never fly alone.” – Anonymous This article is penned in memory of the late Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe RWP, RSP, USP, MSc (NSWS-Pak), ndc (Pak), psc on his birthday 12th September.

World Physiotherapy Day Physiotherapists gather in support of healthy ageing and preventing falls

With the aim of updating the knowledge for Physiotherapists, a scientific session and a workshop were held on September 8 (Monday) at the Colombo National Hospital lecture Hall. This year the National event was organised jointly by the College of Physiotherapists and the Government Physiotherapists Officers Association to coincide with the World Physiotherapy Day which also fell on September 08.

September 10 was M.A. Bakeer Markar’s Death Anniversary National leader with exemplary vision

A rich and memorable legacy bequeathed by a remarkable personality to the nation is significantly valuable and is worthy of emulation!

A Splash of Honey by Christabelle Corea-Aturupane A heartfelt journey through a mother’s eventful childhood

“Books are the windows to the soul, and a long life is the library” (Author unknown).

Reckless drivers ignoring laws and endangering lives

The increasing number of road accidents in Sri Lanka has become a matter of grave national concern. Among the various causes contributing to this dangerous trend, is the reckless behaviour of trishaw (three-wheeler) drivers which stands out as a serious and persistent issue. What was once considered a convenient and affordable means of transport has now turned into a menace on our roads—largely due to the indiscipline and lawlessness of many tris

Can this Govt. reckon with a brutal past? Unearthing truths about Sri Lanka’s mass graves so close, but yet too far

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s speech at the 60th United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session, currently underway in Geneva, reiterated the fact that Sri Lanka is committed to the accountability process only through a domestic mechanism.

AI tools like ChatGPT taking over our thinking?

Sri Lankan students increasingly rely on AI tools like ChatGPT for academic work, often using them nearly 100% of the time. Educators warn this convenience may be eroding critical thinking, creativity, and reflection, urgingstudents to treat AI as a tool, not a substitute for active learning and cognitive effort.

From trash to triumph Jaffna College Vaddukoddai engages in plastic waste bank initiative

In a historic achievement for sustainability and youth empowerment, Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai, has become the first school in Sri Lanka to implement a Plastic Waste Bank Pilot programme, setting a precedent for environmental education across the country. Held over five days from December 18-22 last year, this initiative engaged students in a transformative effort to collect and recycle plastic waste, resulting in the collection of over 14,000 p

How bigwigs encroached Parakrama Samudraya to build a hotel and garden

Dudley Sirisena purchased Hotel Sudu Araliya, which once belonged to Hotels Corporation around 1995. The hotel is situated near Theppan Ela, which flows into Parakrama Samudraya, within the Polonnaruwa Sanctuary. Parakrama Samudra was built by King Parakramabahu The First (Reign from 1153-1186) by combining several smaller tanks. This combined reservoir came to be known as the Samudraya. There is evidence to prove this marvel, as stone inscriptio

Church by the River Turns 150

The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Panadura is set to enter its 150th year on September 14, 2025. Known as the Church by the River, it has long served as a spiritual and community hub, offering worship, education, and social support along the Bolgoda River.

Dr Wijeyeratne recognised at global cardiology congress

British cardiologist Dr Yanushi Dullewe Wijeyeratne gained international acclaim at the European Society of Cardiology Annual Congress 2025 in Madrid. Invited to chair sessions, deliver lectures, and appear on the ESC TV channel, she presented the latest research on atrial fibrillation, inherited arrhythmias, and lethal cardiac conditions.

SERUWILA MAHA VIHARAYA Among the holiest shrines in Sri Lanka

Two important places of worship in the Eastern province are Seruwila Maha Viharaya or Mangala Maha Seya, and Hirigadu Seya.

Sri Lankan cinema in kudos in Australia

Sudath Mahadivulwewa’s latest film direction “My Red Comrade” won the Golden Lotus Award for the Best Feature Film at the 7th South Asian Film, Arts and Literature (SAFAL) International Film Festival.

Uncertainty lies ahead as Govt. plans for education reforms

A month ago, a student of a leading school in Homagama took her life. The death is reportedly linked to exam pressure and this is not an isolated tragedy.

Physiotherapy has been in the forefront of therapy and cure

World Physiotherapy Day falls on September 8 (today). To commemorate the day, the College of Physiotherapists has organised a scientific session and workshop.

NelFarms Wins Two Prestigious Awards at Sri Lanka Clean Energy Week 2025

Nel Farms, a pioneer in integrating renewable energy into Sri Lanka’s poultry sector, has won two top awards at the recently concluded 3rd Edition of Sri Lanka Clean Energy Week 2025.

Stakeholder insights on French govt. sponsored project on air quality management

One of the most significant environmental challenges faced by countries such as Sri Lanka regards the maintenance of air quality standards.

Sarachchandra Drama Festival in Colombo

Celebrating the theatrical genius of the late Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra, a festival of plays will go on the boards from September 7 to 14 in Colombo. “Prof. Sarchchandra’s Drama Festival 2025” will be staged daily at 6.45 p.m. at Elphinstone Theatre, Colombo 10.

“Pawulkana Minihek” goes on the boards

Veteran theatre personality E.M.D. Upali’s latest theatrical presentation, “Pauwlkana Minihek” will go on the boards on September 12 at 6.45 p.m. at the Tower Hall theatre in Colombo 10.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Winston Fernando Moulding that led to 50 years of service in the Lord’s Vineyard

The hallowed intention of this write-up is to share the moulding process at home, with those families having the potential to dedicate their family members to receive the vocation of the holy sacrament of the Priesthood.

Roland De Alwis A tribute to a Generous Father

“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”. These immortal lines of Alfred Lord Tennyson reflected admirably in the life of late Roland De Alwis, who passed away on August 31, 2024, after a brief illness.

Fresh Undergraduate Join Hands with “Regreen Hantana” project

“Regreen Hantana: Restoration of Degraded Lands in Hantana Environmental Protection Area” project reached an important milestone on August 15, 2025. A spirited shramadana campaign was carried out at the restoration site near the Animal Science Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Uda-Peradeniya, with the participation of nearly 80 volunteers.

Former Bishop of Colombo passes away

The former Bishop of Colombo, Church of Ceylon, His Eminence Kenneth Fernando, has passed away at the age of 93. He received his primary education from the Royal College, Colombo,

‘Premakeerthi Ghathanaye Sulamula’ Dharman Explores Premakeerthi’s killing in a new book

Investigative journalist Dharman Wickremaratne continues his series of books unearthing Sri Lanka’s bloody, turbulent history of the 1980s with the fourth title – ‘Premakeerthi Ghathanaye Sulamula’, the story behind Premakeerthi’s assassination.’

Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary falls today Celebrating the Birth of a Universal Reformer

Today marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, the final Messenger of Almighty Allah and a transformative figure whose teachings brought profound moral, social, and spiritual reform. He is recognised as one of the greatest reformers in human history, inspiring billions across the world. The commemoration, known as Meelad-un-Nabi, falls on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Nearly two billion M

Part II: St. Maximilian Kolbe ‘The Saint and Hero at Auschwitz’ and His Visits To Sri Lanka in the 1930s

This is the second in a series of articles written about St. Maximilian Kolbe—The Saint and Hero at Auschwitz in view of his 84th death anniversary.

Keeping Trading Activity out of VAT: A correction of bureaucratic slipup

This article examines the original legislative intent to exclude trading activity from the scope of Value Added Tax (VAT) and its predecessor, the Goods and Services Tax (GST). It critiques the subsequent policy shift that brought trading into the VAT net, arguing that this move represents a bureaucratic and fiscal error that contradicts sound tax principles and imposes an undue burden on the economy.

How can Sri Lanka face SCO’s emerging geopolitical order?

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in north China’s port city of Tianjin, the leaders of the most populous and powerful countries in the Global South met.