Prevention of terrorism against the State Bill

Agreement in principle has been reached on a massive trade agreement between the major economic powerhouses of India and the EU. This is a major and positive element of the reconstitution of international economic relations following the depredations of Donald Trump. But it requires attention and action on Sri Lanka’s part.

Clergy not spared by Police excesses

The outrageous conduct of some police officers when a catholic priest had been at the receiving end of vile and brutal treatment, so unabashedly inflicted on him for an alleged traffic offense. It is rather intriguing to know if the Police are gaining inspiration, and have been emboldened by some frivolous rhetoric uttered by a politician, as to how even the clergy would not be spared if he had to retaliate for political reasons.

Why the Portuguese lost the battle of Randeniwela

We have already seen how Constantino de Sa, perhaps the ablest Portuguese captain general to arrive here, worked hard to stabilise the Portuguese position in the coastal and low-country areas under their control before finally setting off to invade Kandy.

Why the peace process was doomed from the outset

My colleague Kelum Bandara’s interview on Tuesday in the Daily Mirror with Erik Solheim, the Norwegian peace envoy, stirred my memories of the peace process.

Can Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ bring peace to Palestine?

Since October 2023, Israeli forces have been attacking the Palestinians in Gaza Strip killing over 72,437 men, women and children. Twenty-eight percent of those killed (20,100+) have been children.

The ethical use of social media

A popular government school is now under scrutiny for a leaked video involving a student and several teachers. Social media had been abuzz with this incident, some justifying the actions, and some going to the extent of extracting faces of people in question and basically adding hay to the fire.

Tackling corruption amidst controversies

Sri Lanka is facing significant controversies surrounding two key ‘AG’ positions the Attorney General and the Auditor General which have created political tension and accusations of institutional interference against the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna -led National People’s Power (NPP) Government.

Devastating effect of air pollution in South Asia

Air pollution is having a devastating effect on large parts of South Asia, particularly Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka too is affected, but only seasonally and that too due to cross border flows from its northern neighbours.

Civic Discipline: The True Architect of Prosperity

The history of global development is often told through the lens of GDP growth, industrial output, and foreign direct investment. However, beneath the surface of every “economic miracle” from Singapore and Japan to post-war Germany lies a far more potent engine: the collective psychology and discipline of its people.

Treat Malaiyaha Tamils as SL citizens

Malaiyaha Tamils, who have lived and contributed to Sri Lanka for nearly two centuries, continue to endure severe deprivation in access to adequate housing, education, and other basic amenities. Their long-standing hardships were further compounded by the recent Ditwah cyclone, which left many already-vulnerable families in even more precarious conditions.

S. Thomas’ Mount gets new leadership as it marks 175th anniversary

In honour of the newly appointed Warden, Asanka Perera, and Sub-Warden, Dr. Radeeka Mendis, of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, the Old Boys’ Association of the school (STCML OBA) organised a welcoming ceremony on January 23 at Mount Lavinia Hotel. This marked the beginning of a new era of leadership for the institution, which upholds a legacy spanning 175 years.

Protecting Temple of Justice: Preserve Independence of Legal Institutions

When Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara recently felt compelled to clarify that no cabinet discussions have taken place regarding the removal of the current Attorney General, it was a telling moment.

A call for respect in our hospitals!

Sri Lanka can rightfully take pride in its healthcare system. For a country with limited resources, we have built a structure that delivers treatment to millions, free at the point of delivery, and produces doctors who are respected across the world.

Rising Skyrises, Sinking Infrastructure

Day by day, we witness an increasing number of high-rise buildings being constructed across Colombo and its suburbs. While such vertical expansion is often portrayed as a mark of progress, it brings with it a set of serious urban challenges that are being conveniently overlooked.

Classrooms without walls: Inclusive education and Sri Lanka’s next big priority

On a humid morning in a small government school outside Kurunegala, a teacher waits patiently as ten-year-old Isuru tries to read a sentence aloud. The words come slowly.

An Opposition lost direction and consistency

Nandana Gunathilake, who shouldered the rebuilding of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) after a bloody crackdown of it by the United National Party (UNP) Government in the late eighties passed away on January 18.

Trump’s Greenland takeover: Red herring or diversion from Gaza

Since being elected for his second term as US President, Donald Trump has been upending the so-called ‘rules-based’ international order promoted by the West.

Too soft on cyber crime against women

It was reported on page 2 of yesterday’s Daily Mirror newspaper that the Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanaga S. Bodaragama, sentenced an individual, who shared his former girlfriend’s nude photographs with friends via WhatsApp, to a six-month suspended sentence of simple imprisonment (SI), compensation of Rs. 75,000, and a fine of Rs. 2,500.

Interference with AG: a dangerous fault line for Govt

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has strongly emphasised that it is the duty of the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that there is no unwarranted interference with the exercise of the powers of the Attorney General, as reported in the Daily Mirror.

Trump’s Greenland dream: European allies deserve the backstab

United States President Donald Trump fits the description of the kind of world leader the Madman Theory warns about.

School Reopenings, City Gridlock: Time for Coordinated School Timings

The full reopening of schools following the conclusion of the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination has once again exposed a serious and recurring urban challenge—severe traffic congestion. At around 2.00 p.m. yesterday, Maradana Road came to a complete standstill when I was on my way to collect my grandson from Jayasekararamaya Temple, Kuppiyawatta, where he was attending rehearsals for an upcoming concert of Asoka College. The traffic was so he

The govt. should lead by example

During his recent visit to Jaffna, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake highlighted actions of Sinhala-Buddhist extremists. He said that some would pass by the Sri Maha Bodhi and observe sil in the North, but these actions are done with an intention of spreading hate. He said that people were left without houses, their loved ones, much loved belongings and property in the aftermath of the war. Therefore, Sri Lanka doesn’t need another war or blood

Singapore strips Opposition Leader of his title for lying Should Sri Lanka do the same?

The following anecdote should interest Sri Lankans who want to mimic Singapore but are unwilling to accept the trade-offs that come with it.

A people-friendly regulation for parking

I would like to extend my congratulations on your appointment as the Mayor of Colombo and wish you every success in serving our city.

A strategic roadmap to Sri Lanka’s economic independence

In January 2026, Sri Lanka stand at historical crossroads. The past year was characterised by a complex interplay of political transition under the JVP-led administration and the devastating physical and economic shock of Cyclone Ditwah (November 2025), which caused an estimated US $4.1 billion (4% of GDP) in direct damage.

Donald Trump, ICE,  and the globalisation of violence

As I grew up in semi-rural towns before my parents finally settled down in Colombo in the 1970s, I acquired a lot of Americana – pop music, Westerns, and literature. This was on my own.

Beyond the Label: Why the ’’NGO’’ Tag is Used to Silence Reform

In contemporary Sri Lankan political discourse, a specific and recurring pattern has emerged. Whenever a citizen advocates for individual rights, a transparent market, or rational governance, they are met with a familiar accusation: they are labeled an ’’NGO.’’

US tariffs: Unravelling the ‘rules-based’ international order

Over the years the US and the West has been in the habit of imposing tariffs, sanctions and other economic pressures on particular countries whose policies they claimed were not in keeping with a “rules-based international order.” The US has taken the lead in this sphere. It has unilaterally imposed tariffs on different states ranging from Russia to China to smaller non-NATO nations for refusal to comply with US demands.

Trump’s BOP for Gaza, may be a pie in the sky

US President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace (BOP)’ for the rehabilitation of post-war Gaza could turn out to be a pie in the sky, with opposition to it coming from both hardliners and liberals.

Police lacks training in law enforcement

The Police must enforce road discipline to counter accidents. The best is a very strenuous training in prevention, detection and proper prosecution. These are the three main ingredients the Police should concentrate on if the Police is to achieve desired success.