Honoring Dr. Saman Kelegama: A legacy guiding Sri Lanka’s digital and fintech future

At a 2000 event organized by the National Chamber of Exporters Sri Lanka, held at the Hotel Ceylon Inter-Continental in Colombo, the author is seen delivering a presentation, with Dr. Saman Kelegama (second from left) serving as Guest of Honor and Dr. Gamani Corea (fourth from left) presiding as Chief Guest.

AI and people: UNDP’s Vision for Human Progress

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a United Nations (UN) agency focused on ending poverty, reducing inequality and achieving sustainable development. It is in operation in 170 countries and territories, helping nations build lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Sri Lanka’s excessive drug use, antibiotic resistance: Need for pharma policy and pharmacists’ supervision

Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) Charts a New Course in Pharmacy: PSSL 2025 Scientific Sessions Spotlight Rational Drug Use, Innovation, and Global Collaboration

Environmental groups demand accountability for Plastic pellet pollution along Sri Lankan shores

When questioned about the spread of plastic pellets following the recent shipwrecks, Prof. Sanath Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the National Aquatic Resources and Research and Development Agency (NARA), said that they started observations as soon as the incident occurred. “We have noted that areas such as Jaffna, Mannar and Puttalam were affected around seven days after the incident. The plastic nurdles are drifting towards Delft, Nagadeepa and Pung

Final approach: The Captain’s journey

Passengers on SriLankan Airlines flight UL-122 received a touching surprise on Monday as Captain Shiran Sylva announced his retirement mid-flight. Following 32 years of dedicated service, Captain Sylva’s final landing at BIA was honoured with a ceremonial water salute, a “shower of affection” marking a beloved pilot’s last journey in the skies.

British-Sri Lankan cardiologist chaired European Cardiology Summit Session

British- Sri Lankan Cardiologist, Dr Yanushi Dullewe Wijeyeratne, who is a Clinical Lecturer at City St. George’s, University of London and St George’s Hospital London, was recently honoured with an invitation to serve as a Session Chair at the EHRA Young EP Summit 2025 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

“No reason why SL should not fare well in the international film scene”

Versatile Hollywood actor Jeremy Irons, known globally for his performances in Lolita, The Lion King, Damage, Die Hard with a Vengeance, is currently on his first visit to Sri Lanka, giving life to a new role in a Sri Lankan production. The production, ‘Rizana – A Caged Bird’, another cinematic masterpiece by internationally acclaimed director and producer Chandran Rutnam, sheds light on the story of 17-year-old Rizana Nafeek, a Sri Lankan migran

K.A. Edwin Perera 53rd Anniversary The Hidden force in the reawakening of “Arya Sinhala Natya Sabhawa”

As the 1960s dawned, the Tower Theatre troupe and stage performers had scattered into isolation, with no hope for the future of the industry.

In Loving Memory of Rishard Hameed: A Brother Beyond Blood ties

“He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” These words echo in my heart each time I think of my dear friend Rishard Hameed.

Fractured world, fluid alliances: Decoding state strategy

As geopolitical tensions escalate and the post-World War II order fragments, traditional theories of international relations struggle to explain the multifaceted behavior of nations.

Emeritus Professor Mahinda Palihawadana Bidding adieu to a flower in human form

It is with deep sorrow and reverence that the Sri Lanka Vegetarian Society bids adieu to one of our most cherished members and advocates, Professor Mahinda Palihawadana, whose physical departure occurred on June 8, 2025.

Sri Lanka Railways to launch ‘Odyssey Camper’

A hotel with luxury facilities on two railway compartments has been built at the Ratmalana Main Railway Yard by its workers. General Manager Sri Lanka Railways Dhammikka Jayasundara said that the facility would open to the public in a couple of days.

Blood donation programme on June 26

A blood donation programme organised for the fourth occasion by the Science Section of Minuwangoda Nalanda Girls’ College will be held this year.

Money spinning Arugam Bay not gazetted as a tourist zone

Recognised as one of the top ten surfing destinations in the world, Arugam Bay is a renowned beach among foreign and local tourists. Due to the exceptional beauty of this coastal area, Arugam Bay has a global brand name. The main reason for this is surfing. This bay attracts thousands of both local and international tourists each year. Arugam Bay has now become a region overflowing with those who are passionate about surfing. Arugam Bay has consi

Absence of protected habitats Will threatened Sri Lankan lizards vanish from earth?

A significant number of Sri Lanka’s most threatened agamid lizard species are found in the Central Highlands, the Knuckles Range, and the Rakwana Range, according to recent research by a young Sri Lankan scholar.

Kumana sanctuary gates opened to facilitate ‘Pada Yathra’

The main entrance to the Kumana National Park opened on June 20 for the Pada Yatra (Journey by foot) pilgrims from North and East journeying on foot to Kataragama through Kumana and Yala national parks.

An enduring voice for the nation’s conscience

At a time of widespread cynicism about politics and politicians in our country, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar stands out as a refreshing example of a political figure who has steadfastly refused to succumb to expediency and held fast, through all vicissitudes, to his cherished ideals and convictions.

Navy’s little-known ‘operation Mahogany’

While tree planting initiatives are common, true success lies in nurturing saplings beyond initial efforts.

Challenges for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Sri Lanka

On December 19, 2024, fisherfolk in Mullaitivu, Northern Sri Lanka, observed a boat in the sea, a few hundred meters away from the shore, crowded with many people and children.

“Bahuchithavadiya” A Mirror Held to the Modern Self

Malaka Dewapriya’s Bahuchithavadiya (The Undecided) is not merely a cinematic tale—it is a searing reflection of a generation caught between longing and loss, choice and chaos.

Landmark publication by Sri Jayewardenepura faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura launched its first-ever official book on its history on June 16 at the university premises.

Poverty alleviation Sri Lanka’s failure, India’s success, fresh challenges

Poverty alleviation presents a critical global challenge, particularly in South Asia. While India has achieved remarkable success in reducing extreme poverty through strategic, digitally-driven initiatives, Sri Lanka faces a contrasting reality. Its 2022 economic crisis plunged a third of its population into poverty or vulnerability, necessitating urgent, data-backed policy reforms.

Celebrating International Music Day: French Embassy hosts two musical evenings in Sri Lanka

On 21 and 22 June, Sri Lanka will once again resonate with the vibrant sounds of the Fête de la Musique, also known internationally as International Music Day. Organised by the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, this musical event marks its return with two evenings of live performances in Colombo and Kandy.

Middle East crisis shakes SRI LANKA

Rising tensions in the Middle East are threatening Sri Lanka’s fragile post-crisis recovery. As global oil prices climb and geopolitical risks grow, the island faces renewed external pressure. Higher fuel costs, disrupted remittances, and rising shipping expenses could undermine recent economic gains. With the region home to many Sri Lankan migrant workers and serving as a key trade partner, the conflict’s ripple effects are significant.

Dudley Senanayake: Sri Lanka’s Noblest Son

The birth anniversary of the late Dudley Senanayake is on June 19; to me, he was Sir Lanka’s noblest son, the knight in Shining Armour in the annals of our history since Independence. He died not as Prime Minister; in fact, not long before his death, the UNP, which he led, had been defeated, but he was accorded a funeral where he was honoured like a much-loved monarch. No one ever before or after that has had the privilege of so many people, irre

191st Feast of St. Anthony of Padua: Celebrations with Grandeurat Kochchikade Shrine

Thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad gathered at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo, to mark the 191st Annual Feast of St. Anthony of Padua on June 12-13, 2025. The celebration, steeped in spiritual tradition and vibrant devotion, remains one of Sri Lanka’s most revered religious events.

“Halt and suspend disastrous projects!”: A plea from people of Mannar

On June 11, communities living on Mannar Island staged a protest chanting slogans to protect Mannar Island and the country’s resources for future generations.

Stanley Jayasinghe: A fearless leader who played, coached, and spoke for cricket

Stanley Jayasinghe was born on January 19, 1931, in Badulla. He is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who played for Ceylon prior to being renamed and prior to receiving Test of ODI status.

SL Railways huffs and puffs through logistic issues

It is reported that there are over 200 vacancies for engine drivers at Sri Lanka Railways at present.

Salt shortage triggered by management blunders

There is currently a shortage of salt in the market, and the authorities have cited various reasons for it. However, during a visit made by this newspaper to Hambantota saltern last December, this writer observed that no steps had been taken by the relevant authorities to prepare the salt beds for production prior to the rainy season, nor were other essential preparatory measures in place. At the time, the saltern contained only iodised salt, whi