Body po­lit­ic awaits vot­ers’ cru­cial mes­sage from Jaff­na

For Pe­ter Yo­hes­wari (55), a wom­an from Ki­li­noch­chi, the post-war ben­e­fits are visi­ble in the form...

Objective peace in conflict resolution

A presentation was delivered at a seminar held at Marga Institute, Centre for Development Studies, on August 30, on the topic ‘Achieving Just Peace’. Following are some excerpts from that presentation.

SL youth delegates to UN will echo voice of the generation

Filled with youthful enthusiasm and passion, they are eager to make a positive change in the world as they prepare to leave their mark at the United Nations General Assembly.

‘torch of awareness’ for voters

A delegation of the Friday Forum met with Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya recently with a view to initiating a constructive exchange of views on measures taken by him to ensure free and fair provincial elections.

What a stroke of luck I wasn’t born in Zimbabwe!

When we are down, we can always feel better by comparing ourselves with the less fortunate. This isn’t a laudable habit, but I feel entirely human in doing that as the going only seems to get worse.

Kawabatha’s writing goes well beyond startling imagery

Yasunari Kawabatha is so little known in Sri Lanka (at least when compared to European authors), even though he is  regarded by many as the greatest 20th century Japanese writer, and was the first Japanese author to.....

Victor Emmanuel; a hero behind the pages

In any print media organisation, there are a number of people who work backstage to publish the newspaper that finally reaches the reader. In the Daily Mirror and the Sunday Times one such person who will never be forgotten is Victor Emmanuel who passed away recently.

TNA should learn from history - Editorial

The manifesto that the Tamil National Alliance has presented ahead of the Provincial Council elections is an admirable improvement on previous such documents produced by that party.

The rape of social media

‘Kellanwa rape karanna kamathi kollo’ (Boys who like to rape girls) - This was the name of a ‘closed’ Facebook group that was administered by a local user of the popular social networking site

At the mercy of the hands that rock the UN

The UN Human Rights Commissioner came and went. Those who expected a dramatic exposure from her were disappointed

Editorial-The milk of human co-operation

After weeks of controversy, confusion and contradictory statements over the use of the chemical DCD

Big Casinos to control Politics in tiny Island?

Gambling sparks controversy wherever it plants its seed, particularly in conservative societies such as ours where it is stigmatized as being ‘immoral’. It comes as no surprise then that the breeding grounds and....

Man makes mistakes; a noble man admits them

The President says “I am not a dictator.” From this statement we presume that he has no intention whatsoever of becoming one either. This comforting news is for the people who have in recent months questioned as to why the 18th Amendment was introduced if it was not to arrogate power to

Rituals of the legendary Kandy Perahera The fast dying out ancient rituals should be preserved

It would be a  fast dying out ancient ritual, " Walli Yak  Mangallaya " if  the  authorities do not take necessary action, as it also signifies the finale of the Kandy Esala Perahera. Its origin is entwined in myth, folklore and legend.  The Kandy Esala Perahera ends with this once "Secret"  ritual.

Would the world be a just place without Theologians?

I had personally known Fr. Tissa Balasuriya, OMI since 1988 and for me it had been a friendship as well as an apprenticeship  for 25 years. We had been involved in numerous conversations about diverse topics such  as

“Thatha, we will remember you”

I re­ceived a call a few weeks ago in­form­ing me of the pass­ing away of Rev­er­end Al­bert Ed­ir­i­singhe, who I’ve  af­fec­tion­ate­ly known as “Tha­tha”a man of hon­es­ty, in­teg­ri­ty, and a giv­ing heart.

Time to do away with misgivings - Editorial

In a country where multiple races and religions exist it is natural to have misgivings, tensions and even the eruption of violence. It is here that the prudent leadership and intervention of community leaders is essential to minimise harm, rather than that of politicians mostly hell-bent on exploiting situations.

We as a country must learn from the past- sanga : Regrets aftermath of Cowdrey lecture

Kumar Sangakkara is a man of many talents, having mesmerized the world with his bat- he has proven to be one OF the greatest ambassadors of the country. Having been Sri Lanka’s most consistent batsman and recognised as the best in the world repetitively by the ICC, Kumar is not a man to mince his words.

The Myth of Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development as it is practised today is essentially a myth. The linear economic growth model that is widely subscribed to across the world today does not promote sustainable development. Any setback in economic growth even in the most developed country is presented as a sign of economic recession

Editorial - Bank of the people made bankrupt by politicos

The Daily Mirror in its Editorial last Monday focused on the grave economic crisis the Rajapaksa regime is facing despite denials or boastful claims by Government leaders and top officials. We revealed that according to Finance Ministry figures

Navaneetham Pillay The most famous South African Tamil of our times

Navi Pillay is a name which has become very familiar to most Sri Lankans in recent times. The past week has seen the Sri Lankan media flooded by references to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

First year commemoration : Wijeyapala Mendis A true advocate of Buddhism

“Wise men who avoid the love of wealth and bonds in life are not owners of anything. Such persons stay apart from demerits and make their minds pure.” I still remember Wijeyapala Mendis speaking out the above lines preached by our Buddha.

Editorial - Let us open our ears, learn to listen

Despite or possibly because of the marvels of modern technology and the hectic pace of life, suicides in Sri Lanka are about 12 a day with more than 100 attempting to end their lives every day. Shocking and staggering indeed. Worldwide, suicide is now one of  the three leading causes of death among those aged between 15 and 45.

The greatest speech on earth

Fifty years ago Martin Luther King made his earth-shattering “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps...

Editorial : Enlightened, undiluted patriotism

Electricity and water are among the crucial issues that have hit the headlines and provoked...

Syria: The geopolitical chemistry of the nerve gas massacre

The way the chips are placed on the table indicates that Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad will have...

First impressions of UNHRC on SL’s ground situation Trilingual sign boards give Pillay ‘a sign of

Trilingual sign boards and sign posts in Colombo perhaps impressed the visiting United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay. Upon arrival in the country on...

challenging assignment for Pillay

The much-hyped visit of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay is taking place this week and hers has been the most controversial visit by a foreign dignitary since Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited the country twenty six years ago to sign the Indo-Lanka Accord.

Honour the vocation of medicine - Editorial

The free health service and free education service since independence in 1948 have been two of the main pillars to bring about equality and social justice in Sri Lanka, with healthy people and the highest literacy rate in Asia.

Shandong in China

The region is situated facing the Bohai Sea in the eastern part of China. It is important due to two reasons