Women: Higher in population, lower in economic contribution

Sri Lanka is a country with 52 percent of the population being women. Yet, do they contribute proportionately to economic development? The answer is no. The reason is that they are not given equal economic opportunities. Likewise, they continue to suffer from domestic violence warranting new approaches by the authorities concerned to deal with the matter.

159th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Police falls today RULE OF LAW – ENSURE PUBLIC PEACE

The 159th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police, an institution with a history spanning over a century and a half, will be celebrated on 03rd September 2025.

Nyéléni Global Forum 2025 Sri Lanka sets platform for discussion on food sovereignty and social justice

Inspired by a legendary peasant woman named Nyéléni from Mali, Africa, the Nyéléni Global Forum is a space that was initiated in 2007 to unite activists from 80 different countries who are advocating for change on behalf of those affected by the current system.

25th death anniversary of Dr. A.C.S. Hameed is today Remembering a statesman and a courageous man!

Late Dr. Hameed was born on April 10, 1927. He passed away on September 3, 2000. He took to active parliamentary politics in 1960 by contesting and winning the Akurana seat. The Akurana seat was changed to Harispattuwa electorate.

‘Every Step Counts’ Caregivers’ Workshop An initiative to empower caregivers nurturing differently-abled children

In their efforts to champion a world of inclusivity and diversity, the Branch for the Differently Abled Guides at the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (SLGGA) recently concluded a workshop for caregivers and parents who are primarily looking after differently-abled children titled ‘Every Step Counts’. The programme was held in view of this Branch reaching its 100-year milestone, while the SLGGA celebrates its 108th year of serving society.

Estate workers struggle amid rising costs and wage hike delay

For years, plantation workers’ demands for fair wages have been dragging through negotiations, court rulings and collective agreements.

‘‘Farewell, Beloved Subo’’ - a wonderful, loyal and loving cousin

It is with a deeply saddened heart that I bid farewell to my precious cousin, Subodhini Radhika Thambiayah Nirmalalingam, who passed away last week. To me, she was more than a cousin—she was my dearest companion, my confidante, and my sister in every way that mattered.

Ancient Voices, Modern Science: How Sri Lanka’s Ali Manthra bridges Tradition and modern conservation

Sri Lanka’s elephants are both a treasure and a challenge. They inspire awe, shape our culture, and draw visitors from across the world. But they also walk into farms, destroy crops, and sometimes take human lives. In return, hundreds of elephants are killed every year. This is the reality of what we call “human-elephant conflict.”

Remembering Rev. Brother Clinton Perera A Life of Service

Maya Angelou once wrote in her poem, “When Great Trees Fall: Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us, they existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed”.

Robotics future arrives in Sri Lanka Burhani Serendib School Brings World Robotics Olympiad to Sri Lanka

Burhani Serendib School will host Sri Lanka’s National Selections for the World Robot Olympiad 2025 on September 6 at 12.30 pm, bringing together young innovators from across the country. The event will determine the teams that will represent Sri Lanka at the WRO International Final in Singapore from November 26 to 28, under the theme “The Future of Robots.” The event marks a significant milestone for the nation, opening doors for young Sri

Still feared, snakes are part of our ecosystem

Snakes are perhaps the most feared creatures that slither on earth, with many bludgeoned to death during chance encounters with humans. However, attitudes toward killing snakes have seemingly shifted in the past decade, with many in the younger generation showing more curiosity about these creatures, shared Dr. Kanishka Ukuwela, Senior Lecturer in Zoology at the Rajarata University. “I don’t think there are any studies on the trends in killing sn

Gethsemane - A Solo Exhibition by S. Nirmalavasan

S. Nirmalavasan is a Sri Lankan Tamil artist who works extensively with painting and installation, positioning himself as a significant and promising figure within the contemporary Sri Lankan art scene. As both an artist and an art activist, his practice reflects a profound engagement with the social and cultural realities of his context. Through his installation works, Nirmalavasan has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. To d

Open Letter to the Policy Makers of Sri Lanka Reconsidering the cannabis cultivation project for export

I understand that the Government of Sri Lanka is preparing to allow regulated cannabis cultivation within designated export zones, with assurances of stringent security to prevent diversion to domestic use. The justification appears to rest on two assumptions: that global demand for medicinal cannabis will continue to expand, and that Sri Lanka’s favourable climate and agricultural expertise can help us carve out a niche export

Melodies amidst guns of destruction in Gaza

Children singing ‘Do Re Mi’ from the 1965 film ‘Sound of Music’, or the soothing tones of an acoustic guitar, are the last things one expects to hear amidst the dust and ruins of Gaza City. But a group of enormously resilient teachers including guitarist/violinist Ahmed Abu Amsha are braving the odds by teaching music to the traumatised children of Gaza, many of whom have lost friends, family members and homes. The smiling, bearded Abu Amsha, who

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

The 84th anniversary of the death of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe—a Polish Franciscan priest who, during the Second World War, volunteered to die in place of a fellow prisoner, Franciszek Gajowniczek (a father of two, condemned to starve to death in the infamous “Death Bunker” at the Nazi concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz), in order to save that prisoner’s life—fell on August 14, 2025.

Faculty of Visual Arts Only Albion press in Sri Lanka restored to pristine glory

At a day and age where we live with the idea of ‘out with the old, in with the new’, the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Visual Arts, University of the Visual & Performing Arts undertook the task of going the other way around.

A Palestine journalist’s parting words in besieged Gaza

Under it’s a well-established policy to mislead the world of its barbarity, the settler-fascist colonial state of Israel massacred Anas al-Sharif, one of Al Jazeera’s most recognisable faces in Gaza, Mohammed Qraiqea and five others in an attack on a tent for journalists in al-Shifa hospital in Gaza.

Travelling history museum reaches Colombo!

It’s About Time, a travelling history museum, made itself mobile to the public from the 19th to the 23rd of August at the Colombo Public Library.

‘Laso Diyawena Boomiya’ (Land of Melting Sorrow) Poetry as an act of political and creative solidarity

The 26-year-long conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the state security forces has left an indelible mark on Sri Lanka’s history.

Dr. Sanath Hettige - new president of the Independent Medical Practitioners’ Association

Dr. Sanath Hettige, renowned family physician, researcher, lecturer, and entrepreneur, was formally inducted as the President of the Independent Medical Practitioners’ Association (IMPA) at a ceremonial event held on August 22 at Water’s Edge.

New project by Suranga Katugampala: Blue Prince to be unveiled at the Venice Film Market

Sri Lankan-born filmmaker Suranga Katugampala, long based in Italy, presents his upcoming work, co-written with Darshana Vidya Aravinda.

A Night Of Legacy And Leadership: Celebrating 20 Years Of BCIS Toastmasters Excellence

The 20th Installation Ceremony of the BCIS Toastmasters Club was held at Hotel Janaki, marking a significant milestone in the club’s enduring journey of excellence recently.

Opposition Leader Calls on Prince William to Support Wild Elephant Conservation

In the letter, Premadasa emphasised the escalating human–elephant conflict, which results in over 400 elephant fatalities and more than 150 human deaths each year, and highlighted the urgent need for a science-based national conservation strategy.

sri lanka Politics: heroes, hypocrisy,

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s political journey highlights the struggle between principled leadership and the complex realities of Sri Lankan governance, where minor infractions can overshadow systemic corruption and eroded public trust.

There is a big pressure on us now over trees’ CMC

The experience of living in Colombo and walking down a street shaded by trees during the afternoon heat, is a blessing that many of us take for granted.

Dr. Ray Wijewardene Memorial Oration Remembering a pioneer among inventors

The annual Dr. Ray Wijewardene memorial oration for the year 2025, was held on August 20 (which also happens to be Dr. Ray Wijewardene’s 101st birthday), at the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) Auditorium. Organized by the Agriculture and Plantation Engineering Sectional Committee of the Institution, the topic for the oration was on, ‘The Conservationist in Ray Wijewardene’ and was delivered by Engineer Lalith Seneviratne. Dr. Wijewarde

Attempts to drive out Sigiriya folk in guise of diverse projects

The Sigiriya the rock fortress, which was built during King Kasyapa’s reign, is a world heritage city. However this heritage city has turned into a squalid town much to the dismay of the residents of the area. Those who are affected by this environmental hazard include thousands of people who are depending on tourism and allied trades.

‘The Muslim Heritage of Sri Lanka’ A ground-breaking study on Sri Lankan Muslims, life and times

This work is a pioneering study of the Muslim archaeological heritage of Sri Lanka. Although much has been written about early Arab and Muslim settlements in the island as attested by the existence of Arabic inscriptions scattered over various parts of the island, this study takes into consideration not only the epigraphic evidence, but also incorporates pottery, coinage, folklore, monuments and mosque architecture and the varied influences it ha

Tribute to Victoreen. M. Hassan She was a caring person and a blessing for all

It was 17 years ago on an August 25th when God looked around his garden and saw an empty space. Then looked down from heaven and saw Victoreen’s tired face. He put his arms around her and whispered come and rest. God’s garden must be beautiful because he only calls the best.

Six years without elected provincial councils,calls for polls intensify

Is the prolonged delay in holding provincial council polls a matter of procedural deadlock or political calculation? With provincial councils dissolved since 2018-2019, the relevant bodies in nine provinces continue to function only through officials, with concerns being raised from across the political spectrum,