exports face steep challenge: LRA

Sri Lanka’s export sector faces significant headwinds as the U.S. imposes a new 20% tariff on top of existing Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rates, effective August 7, 2025. This move, following an earlier provisional 30% tariff, will particularly impact apparel exports, which constitute nearly 70% of Sri Lanka’s goods shipped to the U.S. The combined tariff burden, now exceeding 30% for apparel, threatens the profitability of local exporters and cou

Sri Dalada Perahera Which Makes The Hill Capital Heaven On Earth

As recorded in the Parinibbana Sutta, Buddha Himself has sanctioned the worship of His corporal remains. This is one of the most important sanctions the Enlightened One has made on the verge of His passing away. According to the Digha Nikaya,

Why Are We Born Here? A Buddhist Explanation

The profound question of why we are born has inspired a myriad of religious theories throughout history. This inquiry is perhaps the most significant existential question faced by humanity. For millennia, philosophers and theologians have pondered this topic, yet definitive answers often remain elusive. Various religions propose differing interpretations, each attempting to clarify the purpose of our existence.

Govt. urged to regulate issuance of temporary driving licences to foreigners

Tourism industry professionals have expressed mixed reactions towards the government’s move to issue temporary driving licences to foreigners. For this purpose, an on-arrival licence issuing counter was recently launched at the Bandaranaike International Airport. However, foreigners have been inclined to hire a tuk tuk, bike or scooter in order to travel around the country for some time. Vehicle rentals in major tourist attractions are in high de

Climate Positive: An immersive exhibition inspiring hope and action for a climate-positive future

Two life-sized monsters made of fishing industry debris greeted visitors who stepped into the Barefoot Gallery. The two monsters were exhibits of an ongoing exhibition that made visitors experience a climate-positive future. The Climate Positive Exhibition presented by the Creative Catalyst Fellowship (CCF) made visitors pause for a moment and think about not only sustaining the environment they live in, but also what happens if it could be regen

Paradox of Progress ‘AI and agriculture’

While the Neolithic Revolution is often celebrated as an unequivocal triumph, its complex legacy of social hierarchies and unequal benefits offers a vital lens for our current era. This paradox suggests that the transformative power of AI is not guaranteed to be equitable. Understanding the unintended consequences of our first revolution is key to consciously shaping our second, and ensuring AI becomes a tool for empowerment rather than a n

Drop in pears harvest threatens thousands of families

Pears are popularly known as Sri Lankan apples. This is a fruit endemic to the Nuwara Eliya district. But it is now endangered and risks extinction from Sri Lankan soil, much to the anxiety of pears cultivators.

The Hidden Epidemic: Confronting Epilepsy in Sri Lanka

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures (fits), necessitates a comprehensive and individualised management approach. Effective epilepsy management aims to achieve seizure freedom while minimising side effects and optimising the patient’s quality of life. This article explores the multifaceted aspects of epilepsy management, encompassing diagnosis, pharmacological interventions, lifestyle modifications, and surgical o

Sri Lanka’s prisons overwhelmed by drug addicts

Despite intensified operations to curb drug-related crimes across the country, Sri Lanka is grappling with a growing crisis on two fronts, a surge in drug addiction and a critically overcrowded prison system that has far exceeded its holding capacity.

The Stigmatised “Barren Woman”: How Women and couples navigate invisible social rules on infertility

Tharani* (37) and her husband had finally opted for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) after experiencing multiple miscarriages.

The Kadirgamar who molded us

Twenty years on, the legacy of Lakshman Kadirgamar, PC, continues to resonate with those whose lives he touched.

New SriLankan High Commissioner in Australia welcomed with Open Arms

The Federation of Sri Lankan Organisations in Queensland, Australia, organised a reception to welcome the newly appointed High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia, Yasoja Gunasekara, on August 2, at the Walkway to Ceylon Hotel in Brisbane.

Screen addiction causing social issues in kids Expert

Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera has raised concern that children are increasingly facing social and developmental challenges, rather than medical problems, due to excessive screen exposure.

Racketeers involved in large scale land grab in Dambulla

These racketeers operate a land kachcheri that enables them to create notarial deeds showing a transaction history of fifty years for any land. With the Divisional Secretary withdrawing the land from state ownership, they began to link the ownership of the state land to a praveni pangu of the Dambulla temple title plan

How a child from Bandarawela chose to sell ‘dodol’ over education to make ends meet

Social media had been abuzz with the news of a child selling dodol (a sweet, toffee-like confection popularly made in Sri Lankan households) in Bandarawela. Following the social media post published by an individual with the intention of helping the child and his family, there have been mixed reactions towards this gesture of kindness. Some argued that the child’s privacy was violated since his photo was posted on Facebook, while some appreciated

Sri Lanka’s Education at a Crossroads: Combating Neoliberal Commodification and Colonial Dogmas

Education is a cornerstone of national development, shaping the cognitive, social, and economic futures of a country’s citizens. In Sri Lanka, however, the national education policy faces a critical crisis characterised by the unreflective adoption of foreign curricula, politicisation, and commodification of learning. Despite the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse socio-ecological realities, education remains trapped within outdated col

Govt. animal census turns out to be ‘monkey business’

A census of animals is a rare occurrence in Sri Lanka. Recently, such a census was conducted on March 15.

Lung cancer on the rise MEDICAL EXPERTS OUTLINE THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

Even though the hospital is equipped with new technology and surgical equipment, the old operating theatre, lack of doctors and absence of Intensive Care (ICU) facilities are the main obstacles in treating lung cancer patients, said thoracic surgeon Dr. Dhammika Rasnayaka during a media briefing yesterday at the District Chest Clinic Auditorium, Chest Hospital, Welisara.

Harassed Indian investor pulls at the heartstrings of Sri Lankan patients

Despite having been subject to much harassment at the hands of two government higher officials when he visited Sri Lanka to make a huge investment in the Kantale Sugar Factory few years ago,

ANDARAWEWA FARMERS FACE MAHAWELI EVICTION

In a deepening land dispute, more than 3,600 farming families in Sri Lanka’s Vavuniya district have been ordered to vacate their lands by August 15.

BELGIAN PHILANTHROPIST’S ENDURING BOND WITH SRI LANKA

John Van Dijck, a retired Belgian educationist, discovered a profound purpose in Sri Lanka after an accidental visit in 1995. Inspired by local needs and the work of Adoptie Sri Lanka VZW, he embraced a lifelong mission to serve the underprivileged.

Before the next Tender: Tap into Rooftop Solar Power

It is reported in the Press that the controversial large-scale ‘Adani green energy project’ (Wind and Solar) has been cancelled inter alia due to unreasonably high tariff rates, pre-operational costs such as for research, site investigations, feasibility studies, and environmental assessments, etc., compounded by procedural breaches and sustainability concerns.

Jayantha Jayewardene He Fought for Nature, and Won

Sri Lanka has lost one of its most dedicated and fearless conservationists. Jayantha Jayewardene, a towering figure in the fight to protect the island’s wildlife — especially its elephants — passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy rooted in science, advocacy, and unwavering integrity.

Changing public perception, a win for protecting the Sri Lankan Leopard

One of the most iconic species sharing the same terrain on this isle, along with humans, is the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). Elusive in nature and often taking cover from the human eye, these beings hold significant ecological and economic importance for the country. The Sri Lankan leopard has also been crowned (rather self-crowned itself) as the apex predator of the island’s ecosystems and is a flagship species, adored locally an

Tourists travelling to Sinharaja via Lankagama complain of lack of facilities

Sinharaja Forest Reserve, which borders Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara districts, covers an area of 11,187 hectares. There are approximately twenty-two villages surrounding the forest, including the recently highlighted village of Lankagama. Located within Neluwa Divisional Secretariat Division of Galle District, Lankagama has gained attention as a new gateway to Sinharaja. Not far from Lankagama are the villages of Kolonkotuwa,

Eulogy for the Late Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa

He was not only a brilliant commander but also a visionary who championed a values-based military culture long before such ideals were widely discussed

Janaka Bogollagama: An Undying Legacy of Heart and Hustle

The 31st of July this year would have been the 75th birthday of the late Janaka Bogollagama, who left us 15 years ago. His family and friends still miss this most warm-hearted, generous man, who was full of joie de vivre. Janaka had the blithest of temperaments, was irrepressibly good-natured but always extraordinarily decisive and strong-willed, which helped to make him a successful businessman and a household word in Kurunegala, his hometown.

A-PAD Sri Lanka launches Financial Literacy for Youth initiative

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka reports that only 57.9% of adults are financially literate, a statistic that underscores the importance of starting financial education early. Empowering youth with money management skills is key to building a more resilient and informed generation.

‘Botanical milestone reached’ Sri Lanka discovers over 150 new species of flora

The recently launched botanical masterpiece ‘Discovery – Additions to the Flora of Ceylon’ is a landmark in Sri Lanka’s botanical history which reveals nearly 200 plant species, previously unknown or unrecorded, and is more than just a scientific reference.

176 bus route Reckless driving: Disaster is Waiting to Happen

Despite all the media exposure about catastrophic road accidents and deaths claiming lives at an alarming rate (seven deaths a day) the private bus service (dis-service) has become a law unto itself.