The scenario for 2016

“I can see badder weather” “Badder Weather” (Josephine Oniyama, with Mathew Halsall & the Gondwana Orchestra)

Wisdom and Cohesion…

One year has passed since the historic resolve taken by the masses of the country to restore democracy and good governance that had deteriorated to dangerous levels.

Placing faith in a coalition government In Reflective Mood

After several years of horribleness, the 8th of January last year brought about a welcome change. Like a breath of fresh air after a long hot summer or a bleak, cold winter of discontent.

Constitutional Reform Essential requirements of validity

There appears to be considerable confusion about the legally prescribed procedure for repeal or amendment of the Constitution.  In view of the impending exercise which the Government proposes to embark on at the end of the week, it is important that there should be clarity in the public mind in this regard.

A study of ‘study tours’ - EDITORIAL

The JanathaVimukthi Peramuna (JVP) members of the Uva Provincial Council have refused to join a group of members of their council, who were to undertake a foreign “study tour” claiming that it would be an utter waste of public funds. 

The fuss and buzz over the Enrique bra

Sri Lanka has been quite notorious in the international arena with regard to undergarments. Lingerie in particular. BuzzFeed, a popular American internet media company picked up the story about a.......

Every day of 2016 must be a Human Rights day

No class of persons should be denied the rights that are enjoyed by others in the same society in like circumstances. Where is the reality here as it is one year since the sweet promises we.......

In love with History - A colourful journey to the past

A painting -- be it on oil or canvass -- is a mode of   expression.  It is also a spiritual healer; a kind of meditation, keeping your mind focused on one thing, instead of letting it go astray.  Art  is a subject where much.....

All the world is a stage

This year’s four hundredth anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare is not just an opportunity to commemorate one of the greatest playwrights of all time. It is a moment to......

Techno-based campuses to tap village talent - EDITORIAL

While more than 4.5 million children are back to school and into a new world of digital education through which they could attain unlimited knowledge with the press of a button, the General Certificate of Education.....

Ceylonese-Sri Lankans and an ugly gene

Tommo, a pussycat and Ooty an owl, both employed as vermin controllers at the Wallside Restaurant and Bar were chatting over their beers courtesy the Wallside management. While the pussycat puffed on a......

HIV chronically manageable disease now

The prevalence of HIV in Sri Lanka has been significant during the past few decades. Although much has been done to eliminate this disease the numbers tend to increase. In a candid interview with the Daily Mirror.......

Come 2016, Come Prosperity

The dawn of a fresh New Year is all about higher expectations and wishes of goodwill and prosperity. Yet, issues such as high cost of living have kept people from celebrating the New Year. Consumers and......

Universality of University Education Worldwide

Knowledge is universal, historical and shared by educated and intellectuals in the world. Access to education is recognized by the Constitution, United Nations and worldwide, as adopted in the......

Even with its idiosyncrasies “Yahapalanaya” is infinitely better than its predecessor

During his first year in office, President Maithripala Sirisena sailed a perfect, politically-correct political voyage. He struck a contrast not only from his predecessor, but also from many other political......

Back to school today, to a new digital world - EDITORIAL

With the Christmas and New Year holiday season ending, more than 4.5 million children will go back to school today with the vast public schools network alone having 4.2 million enrolled in more than.......

Political Settlement Based on the “Federal Idea” in a New Sri Lanka

The new year has dawned on a note  of hope and  optimism for Sri Lanka. On January 9, 2016 President Maithripala Sirisena is scheduled to present a resolution in Parliament proposing that Parliament be converted into a Constitutional Assembly. 

Who is endangered The bra-tosser, the cricketers or the stingray?

With the commotion that has been whipped up over the ‘incident’ at the Enrique Iglesias concert the other day, there is bewilderment among many as to what exactly, in that episode, was so damaging to Sri Lanka’s moral status, in the eyes of the nation’s moral guardians.

Citizen’s revolution to protect environment - EDITORIAL

The Daily Mirror in our editorial yesterday focussed attention on the national Government’s plans for the weeklong celebrations to mark the first anniversary of the people’s silent revolution on January 8. 

Who’s Who of Sri Lanka: The lives and times of forty eight personalities

“Who’s Who of Sri Lanka” is the kind of title which might actually put prospective readers off. But this book edited by Chandrabhanu Samaraweera, a very interesting foray into the lives and times of forty eight personalities who have made their...

A talent unnoticed H D Jayasooriya

?H. D. Jayasooriya of Himbutana is not only a poet of distinction, but also a translator and a creative writer. His book of fine poetry in English was published in June last year by Godage & Brothers Ltd. 

The Wigneswaran-Sampanthan tussle dims hopes for a new Constitution

The most important but intricate task the government has assigned itself in the New Year...

Strangely the media has gone mute on a rights bonanza

The New Year that begins today will probably open a new chapter in the history of democracy...

Enhancing Public Confidence in Judiciary through Judicial Independence

Enhancing public confidence in the judiciary through judicial independence” is the theme...

World in transition, Lanka needs to be cautious in foreign policy

As we welcome 2016 today, two issues that will continue to dominate in the New Year are...

EDITORIAL - 2016 begins with a week of mega projects

As we move into 2016 today the focus will be on simple week-long celebrations to mark the first...

The stirring in devolution is getting brisker Power devolution

The formation of the Tamil People’s Council (TPC), backed   by Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran, has perturbed the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leadership that views it as a move to undermine the party hierarchy.

Shouldn’t those who abduct and kill be also whipped?

We were cruising along Baseline Road. All of a sudden, the driver lost his cool. Showing me two teenage girls walking along the pavement, he snarled: “Somebody should teach these sluts how to dress properly!”

Peaceful 2016; Let’s go beyond words - EDITORIAL

As 2015 draws to a close tonight, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) which terrorized hundreds of millions of people in at least three continents and was seen by many analysts as an incarnation of Satan, appeared to be on its heels back to hell. 

The ‘Enrique’ sensation President’s comment makes world headlines

The ‘Sex and Love’ tour of Enrique Iglesias to Sri Lanka has become a hot topic ever since one of his fans threw a bra at him during the show. At the same time  Enrique had hugged and kissed a girl who had got on stage.