Crimes, not isolated incidents

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) on Sunday had decided not to appear before courts island-wide on Monday in protest over the fatal shooting of attorney-at-law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife W.A. Nisansala in Akuregoda.

XI Jinping asserts civilian supremacy in the PLA

Through a series of purges, Chinese President Xi Jinping has been trying to curb the power and autonomy of the generals of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and assert his -- or the Communist Party’s -- supremacy in the Central Military Commission (CMC), PLA’s top-most decision-making body.

Legislators’ pensions: Denying a legitimate expectation

In 1976, the late Felix R. Dias Bandaranaike initiated the legislation that would provide a person who had retired after serving in the national Legislature for a minimum period of five years with a pension during his or her lifetime. The Parliamentary Pensions Act No.1 of 1977 is applicable to any Sri Lankan citizen who had served in the Legislature since July 7, 1931.

Need to cultivate positive attitudes

The Independence Day editorial of the ‘Daily Mirror’ had correctly and clearly illustrated facts that hindered Sri Lanka’s economic, social and political progress, despite attaining so-called freedom some 78 years ago.

The strategic paradox:Why the 2002 peace process was the LTTE’s beginning of the end

The seminar held on February 12, 2026, at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, organised by senior lawyer and respected political activist Shiral Lakthilake, provided a rare intellectual collision regarding the legacy of Prof. GL Peiris’ work: “The Sri Lanka Peace Process : An Inside View”.

Justice & Its Uneven Memory-’83 Black July

Nearly four years after the violence that scarred Sri Lanka on 9 May 2022, the Gampaha High Court has delivered one of the most consequential verdicts arising from the ‘Aragalaya’ period.

French action against UN Rapporteur - a ruse to divert attention

Four days ago, the French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned in the French National Assembly what he termed the “…outrageous and reprehensible remarks of Ms. Francesca Albanese”, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories. Barrot called for Albanese’s resignation.

Whither national security?

The spate of shootings believed to be done by underworld groups have once again come to the fore. The double murder at Akuregoda on Friday is a reminder that national security isn’t just a buzzword.

Politicisation of Rule Of Law

Rule of Law is considered as a concept consisting of predominant principles required to be followed in the process of making and implementation of laws in democratic states.

Does corruption index reflect the reality ?

After ten years of negative performance, Sri Lanka has risen from 121stplace to 107th place on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for 2025.

Broken promises and Protection of the State from Terrorism Act

Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, is an aphorism. It warns that holding high authority, especially without checks and balances, leads to immoral behaviour.

Darkness by Dispute: Who Will Take Responsibility?

The street light in front of No. 1, Charlemont Road, Wellawatte has remained out of order for an extended period. This particular stretch becomes completely dark in the late evening once nearby shops and establishments — including the iconic Savoy Theatre — switch off their lights.

Is Sri Lanka Ready for Mega Trade Integration?

Sri Lanka stands at a critical point in its economic diplomacy. As a country, Sri Lanka has now stabilised its macroeconomic fundamentals under the IMF Extended Fund Facility. Yet, the country now faces a far more important question: what next? Stabilisation alone cannot deliver prosperity. In fact, growth must follow. Trade integration is key in this regard. Market-diversification is also needed for Sri Lanka in a global context where dominant

Behind the hijab: Epstein files expose Middle East’s moral decay

When poverty enters through the door, religion and morality fly out of the window. This adage applies equally to wealth; in reverse logic, we may say, “Religion and morality fly out of the window when wealth appears at the door.”

Tenant Protection Bill: A Cure Worse Than the Disease

Quite rightly, the Government has agreed in court to reconsider the proposed Tenant Protection Bill. As currently worded, the Bill dangerously tilts the balance in favour of tenants, including those who default on rent, damage property, and fail to pay electricity and water bills — while leaving landlords virtually powerless.

Grand vision vs the daily wage: Why 2048 feels a lifetime away from Sri Lanka!

In the complex landscape of Sri Lankan politics, a profound paradox exists: a nation with a 2,500-year-old civilization and a history of engineering marvels such as the world’s most advanced ancient irrigation systems now finds its modern electorate seemingly trapped in a cycle of short-term survival. The disconnect between a “Grand Vision” and the “Daily Wage” has never been more apparent than in the political fate of Ranil Wickremesinghe and hi

A reform agenda:Rebuilding Sri Lanka’s farming after Cyclone Ditwah

Three months after Cyclone Ditwah swept across Sri Lanka in late November 2025, the headlines have moved on. In many places, the floodwaters have receded, emergency support has reached affected communities, and farmers are doing what they always do, trying to salvage what they can and prepare for the next season.

Policymakers: Are they ready to work with Gen Z

Sri Lanka has witnessed protests of various kinds. These vary from protests that end following government’s responses towards people’s demands to mass scale people’s movements such as the aragalaya to pseudo-satyagraha campaigns launched by politicians and actual satyagraha done by people. The right to peaceful assembly is a right guaranteed by the Constitution and therefore, people have a right to take to the streets and protest peacefully if th

Insights from SSA Cyclone Ditwah Survey: More State support needed for Malaiyaha community

When climate disasters strike, they don’t affect everyone equally. Marginalised communities typically face worse outcomes, and Cyclone Ditwah is no exception. Especially in a context where normalcy is far from ‘normal’, the idea of returning to normalcy or restoring a life of normalcy makes very little sense.

Investigate bribery, corruption at  N’Eliya MC and UDA

Nuwara Eliya residents are deeply disturbed that there is massive bribery and corruption taking place at the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council and UDA by corrupt senior officials.

The looming tourism-apartheid for Sri Lankans in Sri Lanka

In a viral video, the owner of a beachside restaurant in Tangalle was seen refusing to serve a group of locals. The man justifies his refusal, claiming that his establishment serves only foreigners.

Keep politics out of cricket

Cricket is more than just a sport in South Asia. It is part of everyday life. Families gather around the television, friends debate over players and entire cities celebrate victories together. For many people, cricket brings joy and unity.

Spectators left stranded at end of T20 match

At the outset, I must say it was a great relief — and indeed refreshing — to see our national cricket team finally at the winning post at the recent T20 World Cup match at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Equally encouraging was the sight of loyal fans thronging the stands, despite the team having lost six consecutive T20 matches prior to this game.

Is the NPP happy with the Online Safety Act

The Government has postponed the passage of the ‘Protection of Occupants Bill’ following protests by the Opposition, sections of the corporate sector and the civil society. However, leaders of the Government stated that the Bill is initially formulated by the previous government in 2023, which is true.

American dream and the bitter reality

West Side Story, the film adaptation of a Broadway musical by that name, was first released in 1961. This is how one of its most famous songs go: “I like to be in America; OK by me in America Ev’rything free in America; for a small fee in America I like the city of San Juan; I know a boat you can get on Hundreds of flowers in full bloom; Hundreds of people in each room Automobile in America; Chromium steel in America Wire-spoke wheel in Americ

Landlords at risk with proposed law on rent

The proposed amendments to the Act governing the renting of houses and buildings will create many problems, especially for landlords.

‘The King of Cocoa’ who was too smart for the Brits

The tension in the Shaw Wallace & Hedges boardroom was palpable that day in the mid-1970s. Around the polished mahogany table sat the board of directors of a multinational conglomerate with over a century of unbroken dominance in Tea Industry and Ceylon’s markets.

Should citizens living abroad be able to vote ?

In January, a Cabinet appointed committee published a call for views and suggestions on a mechanism to enable citizens living abroad to vote in Sri Lankan elections.

FD interest rates – senior citizens left high and dry

The government must urgently re-evaluate interest rates on fixed deposits of senior citizens.

When home becomes too expensive for its people

Colombo was once a city that attracted people with the promise of opportunity and a better future. Families moved here hoping for good jobs, education and a comfortable life.