Polythene ban ; Can regulation be reformed?

While Asian nations from Bangladesh to Bhutan have taken bold, systemic steps to choke the polythene menace at its source, Sri Lanka still tinkers at the edges pretending regulation is reform.

Mahinda Rajapaksa at 80: Demonised by Opponents and Deified by Supporters

Mahendra Percy Rajapaksa, known to his country and the world at large as Mahinda Rajapaksa, will celebrate his 80th birth anniversary on November 18, 2025.

The IMF shadow falls on everyone: Does the NPP still enjoy the same public support?

The group of Opposition political parties which call themselves Joint Opposition seems to have changed the theme of their rally that is scheduled to be held on November 21 at Nugegoda.

Safeguarding our natural resources in the post-war environment

Sri Lanka has come a long way since the end of armed conflict. Even though reconciliation is an immediate goal in the aftermath of a war, successive governments have taken snail-paced efforts to achieve this goal.

Making Nurses’ Uniforms Shariah-Compliant for Muslim Women

Ensuring dignity and inclusivity in the workplace is vital for a diverse nation like Sri Lanka. Among the issues calling for thoughtful consideration is the request for Muslim female nurses to be permitted a Shariah-compliant uniform within the state health sector.

2026 Budget: Govt should ensure economic transformation

Today is the budget day. The NPP government, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, will present its second maiden budget today when the country is at a critical juncture between hard-won stabilisation and the promise of sustainable growth. The past two years have been spent under the IMF programme, with the focus on restoring macroeconomic balance. Sri Lanka went for the IMF programme in March 2023 under the previous govern

United in diversity: The Asia-Pacific region’s path to inclusive social development

The Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Qatar earlier this month, marked an important moment for global efforts to advance inclusive, equitable and sustainable development. Throughout the Summit, contributions from the Asia-Pacific region demonstrated that diversity is not a barrier but a strength in crafting people-centred solutions. Countries showcased innovative and scalable approaches to social protection, intergenerational so

Extending School hours—Is it a wise decision?

In regards to the government’s decision to extend the school hours by half an hour per day, I would like to share my opinion, as a guardian and citizen of our motherland. Among many reasons, the reasons given to this effect were to cover up the lost time during the pandemic and ease the burden of teachers’ workload.

The govt’s time has come to LISTEN to people and experts

After several months of protests, the people of Mannar won their battle to save their soil from unplanned development projects. According to the cabinet decision on Tuesday, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had instructed Power and Energy Ministry officials to refrain from continuing any major projects in Mannar without obtaining the consent from people. This is a positive development in terms of sustainable development, particularly because pe

Controversy over Islamic dress in health sector State acquiesced Islamism could lead to parallel societies

How far can a country go in accommodating its multicultural, multi-faith, and multi-racial character without amplifying the fault lines and developing parallel societies? This is not a question unique to Sri Lanka, but a global one. That, however, is the question one should ask about the recent government proposal, now seems to have been aborted, to accommodate long dresses and head coverings for Muslim health care workers.

Exploring Drug Addiction Decriminalisation as solution to drug abuse

Drug addiction is a complex condition that affects individuals physically and psychologically. To fully comprehend this condition, it is essential to examine the interplay of biological, environmental, and social influences that contribute to its onset and progression, as well as to inform effective treatment strategies.

Lack of accountability in Sri Lankan society Muddled people creating a dysfunctional society

The incident I am going to relate now may seem unrelated to what follows. But it is related to the theme of this week’s column – the chronic lack of accountability that Sri Lankan society suffers from. Its moral compass is spinning wildly out of control.

About Local Tourism Earnings

Writing with reference to your Business Page headline of 5th November: “Local tourism earnings clouded by outdated accounting.” It is deeply troubling that Sri Lanka continues to measure tourism income using incomplete, outdated methods — and then uses those figures as the basis for national development decisions.

From 2nd century BC to 20th century AD: Indian soldiers fought in Sri Lanka for various causes

Sri Lankan rulers, whether indigenous or European, used soldiers from India in addition to local levies. This was due to a shortage of manpower in the island in comparison with India.

Do we really need the opposition to protest right now?

The opposition has announced a major rally on November 21, as a first warning to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, demanding that he fulfills the election pledges made to the nation.

What about an end to gun violence?

The incumbent government’s attempt to eradicate drugs is commendable given the fact that they have pointed out ways in which the drug network has infiltrated into the Police and other law enforcement sectors.

WHEN WOMEN LEAD, NATIONS RISE

In the grand committee rooms of the British Parliament, under the portraits of old white men and centuries of history, I sat among women who embodied a new kind of leadership.

Are there MPs with weapons training?

Media reports indicate that while several members of Parliament have received pistols for their protection, another twenty MPs have requested firearms to ensure their personal security.

Black economy and turf wars War on Drugs: Role of Parents, Teachers & Temples

President Dissanayake issued an ultimatum to police and military personnel involved in narcotics trafficking: resign immediately or face decisive action without protection. However, these treacherous officers are unlikely to voluntarily come forward. The President must exercise his executive powers to investigate and remove them from service.

Land Release in Sri Lanka’s North: Balancing Property Rights with National Security Imperatives

The process of releasing military-held land in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka back to its legitimate civilian owners is a necessary and significant step towards post-conflict reconciliation and normalisation. It is an acknowledgement of the fundamental right to property and a move toward restoring the lives of those displaced by a brutal, three-decade-long war. However, this critical process cannot, and must not, be pursued in isolation. It m

Misunderstanding over Muslim dress

There seems to be a widespread misunderstanding about the Muslim dress — the Abaya. Recently, I had a friendly discussion with a former Minister’s wife, who is also a close friend of mine, regarding this very topic. While we often exchange views on various current issues, I felt the need to clarify the real reason why Muslim women wear the Abaya.

Debt restructuring overwhelms the poor: Crisis, Production and the Co-operative Alternative

Every crisis forces us as a people, and for that matter as a country, to rethink our future. The failed post-war reconstruction in the North a decade ago made many of us approach rural development with a focus on rebuilding co-operatives.

Context more important than venue:Will “Maha Jana Handa” become another “Mahinda Sulanga”?

For the second time in two months the Opposition parties have announced they are forming an alliance against the government, this time with a title for it.

Killing of Lasantha Wickramasekara alias “Midigama Lasa” : Political Assassination or Gangland Execution?

An elected chairman of a Pradeshiya Sabha (divisional council) is shot dead by a lone gunman while meeting members of the public in his council office.

Public Transport: Time to revive the wheels

Public transport is, in a way, a yardstick that measures the level of a country’s socio-economic development. In the developed world, people rely heavily on well-structured systems that include monorails, light rails, low-floor buses, high-capacity electric trains, and trams- all designed for efficient urban mass transportation.

Redefining National Security: From Stability to Resilience in a Changing World

National security in the twenty-first century can no longer be confined to the traditional domains of political sovereignty, territorial integrity, and regime stability. For nations like Sri Lanka, emerging from decades of internal conflict and adapting to global transformations, the concept of security must evolve into one that safeguards people, ecosystems, and institutions from multifaceted threats — both man-made and environmental. This artic

Why elephants should never be diplomatic gifts

Sri Lanka has received several elephants as diplomatic gifts over the past decades. But many of these elephants have faced tragic circumstances, often due to neglect and unprofessional handling by mahouts. Recently, Thailand announced that it would take back two elephants gifted to Sri Lanka due to animal cruelty and neglect.

The blurred line between ratings and ethical reporting

It has now become a norm to have extremely sensitive videos, either of fatal road accidents, CCTV footage of robberies, murders and various other crimes aired on mainstream media. What is even more disturbing is that these videos can now be uploaded to social media platforms, and users have the chance to watch them on repeat. The recent saga over the arrest of the main suspect who gunned down the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman speaks volumes

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

I recently read in the Daily Mirror that outpatient department (OPD) visits in our country outnumber the total population by six times. The government now plans to establish both preventive and curative health centres—a positive step toward improving national health.

The National Social Protection Strategy: Acute need to reduce caregiving burden of migrant worker families

October 29 marks the International Day of Care and Support. This article looks at the government’s new social protection strategy, and whether its promise of ‘leaving no one behind’ will respond to the care deficits in migrant worker households.