2
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.
2
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.
3
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.
1
On the 27th of this month (August), two school children and the driver of the school van they were traveling in were killed. Over twelve others injured, many seriously, when their vehicle was hit by a tipper truck travelling at a high speed.
1
The issue of ear-splitting horns on buses and lorries, including heavy vehicles, has become a significant concern in Sri Lanka. These noise-polluting vehicles are disrupting the peace and quiet of communities, posing ear health risks to other road users. It’s time to look into the country’s noise pollution laws and take action.
0
Condemnations poured in following Wednesday’s shooting in Minneapolis, USA. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed when a 22-year-old individual opened fire through the windows of a church located on the grounds of the Annunciation Catholic School. Gun violence remains a perennial problem in the United States, and no administration has yet succeeded in addressing it—owing in part to constitutional protections under the Second Amendment and the
2
The recent postal service strike taught us many lessons. We know that postal workers are not the best paid employees. But the service they provide cannot be measured only with money. Hence do such workers always have to demand or call for a strike to earn a pay raise or enjoy more facilities at work? There are so many jobs in Sri Lanka which pay well. But when it comes to some of the essential services, the job revolves around dedication and not
0
Many flat dwellers in Armour Street, Maligawatte, etc are facing unnecessary hardship due to the closure of the built-in garbage disposal facility — a challenge that disproportionately affects women, the elderly, and working residents. In numerous cases, mothers must carry both their infants and bags of garbage down several flights of stairs, often when their spouses are away at work. Some are even compelled to leave small children alone in lock
2
In latter half of the 1970’s, at a time when Lanka was opening up its economy to foreign capital, the late president J.R. Jayewardene reportedly welcomed even unscrupulous investors with his famous phrase ‘let the robber barons come…’.
5
The arrest of former President Ranil Wickremasinghe over alleged misuse of public funds - literally a legal issue -- has inevitably become a huge political issue mainly as it has signalled what is in store for many other leaders of Opposition political parties who have rallied behind the jailed leader, apparently because of the very threat.
2
Around the world, about 12 million child marriages (or marriages of girls less than 18 years of age) occur every year. Child marriage is considered a hallmark of backward societies, but it is also prevalent in the world’s most advanced country, the United States, among ultra conservative whites.
0
In an exclusive discussion with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a compelling picture emerged of a leader with a formidable command of Sri Lanka’s national security, economic and political domains. The discussion, which formed the basis for this report, revealed an astonishing and commendable depth of knowledge regarding national security—a testament to his strategic mindset. As one of the country’s most senior and experienced political fig
0
The health sector comes under a lot of fire. In the recent past, several patients have died due to alleged mistakes made by nurses, who are often accused of being short-tempered and rude in government hospitals. But there is another side to this story.
0
Sri Lanka’s education system has seen numerous reform attempts that have faced substantial resistance and setbacks. These challenges stem from a combination of factors, including political sensitivities surrounding the free education policy and a lack of consensus on reform strategies and budget cuts. As a result, we are decades behind in fixing long standing issues which make education reforms all the more urgent and a national endeavour.
4
On the 22nd of this month in a surprise move, officers of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) arrested former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, produced him before a Magistrate and later had the former ‘strongman’ leader remanded at the infamous Welikade jail.
0
It is imperative that, when we step into social media, we pause to consider what is present there and how it shapes our understanding of where we stand today, in other words, what social media reveals about contemporary life.
0
Rtn. Lion Ayesh De Silva PMAF MAF, a rising young leader and social influencer, has been appointed as the Additional Cabinet Secretary of Lions Clubs International District 306 D6 by District Governor Lion Mahesh Boralugoda PMJF PMAF JP.
0
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in a no-confidence motion against the Deputy Defence Minister, Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, accuses him of negligence of duties during his tenure as the Eastern Commander of Sri Lanka Army in the context of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in 2019.