One Party rules on its way

Capitalist based political parties in Sri Lanka repeatedly warned the Sri Lankan voters at 3 elections (Presidential Parliamentary and local government) not to fall into the political ideological trap the JVP was setting up. The JVP rightly used the reality of corruption by capitalists to camouflage their bankrupt ideology and convince the voter to get rid of corruption, but did not have the backbone to take responsibility or be accountable for

Ice rain in Middeniya and... A multifaceted strategy to fight the underworld in Sri Lanka

The politico-underworld nexus propelling the illicit drug trade has come to the surface for yet another time, after the police seized two containers of substances allegedly used for manufacturing crystal methamphetamine, popularly known by its street name, Ice.

AKD’s Jaffna visit, the UNHRC sessions and justice delayed

From the beginning of this month, our president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has engaged in visiting the northern capital of this country. Dissanayake’s visit needs to be appreciated. No other head of state has visited the peninsula so many times as President Dissanayake has done during the short time since he was elected to power.

What happened to people’s compassion and kindness?

The harrowing case of an individual who was assaulted by villagers who mistook him for a robber was reported in the media. Having seen the footage of people assaulting him going viral on social media, this individual had later committed suicide.

Politicians, be responsible when accusing opponents

One would wonder if our politicians really want to eradicate crime, given the irresponsible statements they make about crime before the television cameras, irrespective of the party they are affiliated to. They always politicise the violent incidents or drug related incidents, implicating their political rivals or opponents.

Rethinking the Dress Code for Parliamentary Visitors

At present, visitors entering the Parliamentary gallery strictly on invitation are required to follow a dress code: ladies in saree and gentlemen in either the National Dress or a Lounge suit.

As if the US hasn’t fought enough wars: Trump’s bid to invest the US military with a killer instinct

Last week, US President Donald Trump renamed the Department of “Defence” as Department of “War” saying that change had become necessary because the US military had not been fighting wars to win

Cops and garbage collectors looking for uncles

In Sri Lanka, older people are commonly called ‘uncle’ or ‘aunty’ by those younger. This term denotes blood relationships, but is commonly used to as a term of respect when greeting older people, derived from the Sinhalese usage of ‘mama’ and ‘nanda’ (usually in rural areas).

New chapter in global diplomacy Putin, Modi and Xi Send Message to ‘Trumped-up’ U.S.

A private car ride with Vladimir Putin may not be the grand moment President Donald Trump imagined. Putin showed he had no shortage of companions, joining hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the backseat of diplomacy.

The UN offers help to resolve North-East land issues

OMG! The UN wants to help resolve land issues in the north-east of our country. Wow! sounds like something out of ‘Bob Ripley’s ‘Believe it or Not’.

Sweltering in Silence: A Call to Modernise Temple Trees Security

In light of the increasingly torrid climatic conditions, it is time to reconsider the current method of stationing Specail Task Force (STF) personnel at the entrance of Temple Trees.

Unity among Opposition, chasing a mirage?

The Opposition party leaders seem to be in a rude shock after the arrest and remanding of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over allegation of using public funds for what the government leaders say was a private visit to Wolverhampton University in England where his wife Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe was awarded an honorary professorship in September 2023.

Who is ruling our country - - AKD, Netanyahu or the US?

Life in our country has been controversial since last month. On August 22nd, we witnessed our immediate past president (Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe) being handcuffed and bundled away in a prison van. He had to remain in remand custody for two days as the Magistrate’s Court did not sit until Monday, or so we were told.

Sri Lanka can follow Indian example on stray dogs

After a string of stray dog bites, The Indian Supreme Court on August 11, 2025 ordered the removal of all street dogs in Delhi to shelters.

What is the govt.’s plan to ensure the safety of children?

According to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), 141 serious cases of child sexual abuse, 330 incidents of sexual harassment, and 32 cases of child rape were recorded between January 1 and July 31. In addition, 44 cases of child pregnancies were reported during the same period. This had been an issue that hasn’t been resolved over successive regimes.

Gaza genocide: When rules fail, Sumud must rule

Yesterday, a second flotilla—following the first that departed Barcelona on August 31—embarked from Tunis, carrying peace warriors determined to brave arrest and imprisonment in their attempt to breach Israel’s genocidal siege of the Gaza Strip.

Could the Sri Lanka Police force be restored to its former glory?

In his address at the 159th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake requested police officers having links to the drug trade to either get rid of old practices or volunteer to step down from the police profession. These remarks indeed give an impression about the reality of the police force today.

How much risk should a journalist take?

During a recent confrontation, a video journalist of a popular TV channel was not willing to adhere to the requests of a security officer in terms of maintaining a distance when covering the incident. The confrontation occurred when the notorious underworld criminal Nadun Chinthaka (Harak Kata) was being brought to courts. The security officer was heard saying that since Ganemulla Sanjeewa was killed by an individual who was dressed as a lawyer,

Sri Lanka’s Reversal on Gender Parity: From Global Leader to Global Outlier

The 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report singles out Sri Lanka as the world’s only backslider on gender parity. Of the 100 nations monitored consistently over the past two decades, 99 have improved; Sri Lanka is the lone outlier, where the gender gap has widened. This decline is measured through the report’s Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI), which tracks disparities between men and women across four dimensions—economi

Ex-President’s Public Expenses vs. Private Responsibility

The recent incarceration of ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe over the alleged misuse of public funds to travel to England—reportedly to accompany his wife, Maithree, in receiving an award from Wolverhampton University—raises a larger ethical question: how should public officials distinguish between state and personal expenses?

Opportunities and challenges for Sri Lanka What is happening in the Indo-American trade split?

Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, invested heavily in newly independent India’s relations with the People’s Republic of China, which New Delhi was among the first to recognise.

It’s time again to beard the UNHRC in its den

The UNHRC is scheduled to hold its 60th sitting from September 8 to October 8 this year. On October 9, 2024 the UNHRC adopted a resolution, A/HRC/57/L.1, focusing on promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights. The resolution was sponsored by a group of countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United States.

A Unifying Step for Sri Lankan Cricket

The construction of the Jaffna International Cricket Stadium is a commendable initiative that embodies the spirit of unity and inclusivity. By investing in sports infrastructure in the Northern Province, the President is promoting a sense of shared identity and national pride.

“I want system change, but leave me alone.”

Trade union action announced by seven out of eight trade unions affiliated to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) last week against the government’s move to implement a unified time table for the SLTB and private sector buses literally flopped. Commuters did not feel that a work strike is on by the state-run SLTB employees.

Liberal Americans and immigrants live in fear Checkpoints in US cities - an Orwellian nightmare taking shape

The latest American opinion polls show that President Donald Trump’s tough steps against crime are appreciated, but support for his draconian anti-immigrant actions is dwindling.

NCE standards have become mediocre

It is with a sense of sorrow and disappointment that I pen these few lines.

The Economic Helmsman who steered through crisis

In the annals of Sri Lankan political history, few leaders have faced the daunting challenge of navigating a nation through complete economic collapse.

Encouraging mob violence against wildlife officers Callous political priorities put frontline defenders at risk

With the appointment of the new government, which holds a significant majority, many hoped its environmental promises would swiftly become a reality. Environmental activists, working at both local and international levels, voluntarily extended support to guide the government toward a sustainable future—where natural resources and biodiversity are safeguarded.

The Opposition’s cry -- ‘democracy and justice endangered’ -- truth or exaggeration?

Among the main planks of the National Peoples’ Power (NPP) pre-election promises was its pledge to tackle the scourge of corruption. Corruption has ruled this land ever since late President Jayewardene invited the ‘robber barons’ into the country in an effort to attract foreign investment to back his ‘open economy’ policies.

School Wall on the Brink of collapse

The boundary wall behind Kotahena Sinhala Kanishta Vidyalaya, located at 222, Maha Vidyalaya Mawatha (Central Road), Colombo 13, is in an alarming condition. A section has already collapsed (now covered with wooden planks/plywood to prevent any trespassing into the school), while another portion—precariously leaning against a tree trunk—is on the verge of giving way.