Will Russian oil be a reality?

Sri Lanka’s renewed engagement with Russia in the energy sector comes at a moment of considerable uncertainty in global geopolitics and energy markets. With the deadline for sanctions-related waivers for Russian oil approaching on April 12, Sri Lanka finds itself traversing a delicate diplomatic and economic path. The prospect of deeper energy cooperation with Moscow is often presented as a pragmatic response to Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to glob

War is too important to be left to Caligula

No sooner had US President Donald Trump ended his special address to the nation on Wednesday—Thursday around 6.50 a.m. Sri Lanka time—than War Secretary Pete Hegseth took to X to post a hubristic message. Echoing Trump’s warning to Iran, he tweeted with a mix of megalomania, perversion, and sarcasm: “Back to the Stone Age.”

Water, a basic human necessity

It’s funny how a country that once boasted about tank cascade systems and engineering marvels related to irrigation is now struggling with a water crisis due to the prevailing heat. This goes on to show why these resources need to be protected. The tank cascade system was a special water harvesting system that allowed farming communities in the dry zone to harvest rainwater and store it during the drought period. It was associated with water catc

Easter Sunday carnage and the psychology of closure

Since 2019, there’s just one topic that almost every Sri Lankan is interested in particularly in April, other than the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. Seven years have elapsed since the Easter Sunday carnage but the mastermind has not yet been revealed. This means justice has not yet been done to victims and survivors of the deadly attacks. This also means that it would take many more years or even an entire lifetime to bring closure to these victims

How a national pride became a national disaster

I just asked Google AI what really prompts the US to attack Iran. It gave a list of reasons. Here are some of them, which it attributed to US President Donald Trump:

Dubai’s strategic realignment and perils of modern geopolitics

For decades, Dubai has stood as the ‘Singapore of the Middle East’ - a glittering, safe harbour - carved out of the desert, through the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

War mongers short of remorse

The protracted war between Iran and Israel backed by the USA, has created an unprecedented upheaval in the whole world, causing inexpressible insecurity, mental and physical suffering to the civilian lives. The war has affected people not only in the war-torn lands but also in neighbouring countries and throughout the world.

America’s war on Iran and the emerging Thucydidean world order

In 416 BC, Athenian historian Thucydides enacted a dramatic negotiation between Athenian invaders and the leaders of the neutral small state of Melos.

Should Minister Kumara Jayakody resign?

Unlike so many other allegations leveled by the Opposition against the government, the allegation of corruption by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody was no doubt a slap in the face of the ruling National People’s Power (NPP).

Nuwara Eliya, a place in your imagination

Visiting Nuwara Eliya after a considerable lapse of time, I had almost forgotten how derelict the Nuwara Eliya town was.

The turmoil in the Middle East = Sri Lanka in economic trouble

If there was one thing that was sure to happen as an external factor that would affect the economy of Sri Lanka, it was the turmoil in the Middle East. This has been a constant since 1948 when Israel was established. All governments and organizations that have existed in this country have either had to deal with a war or some kind of disruption in the Middle East. Historically most of them have completely and utterly failed to deal with this issu

IRIS Dena attack SL played its role as responsible, proactive and neutral littoral State- Pakistan Navy Chief

The security of the Indian Ocean is once again in the spotlight because of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Sri Lanka, once, sought the region to be declared a zone of peace.

Shadow of “Epic Fury” Navigating the path to peace in the 2026 Iran War

The world stands at a terrifying precipice. The events of February 28, 2026, have fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape, perhaps permanently.

Trump’s War Talk vs Iran’s Strategic Depth

War has entered the second month. Donald Trump repeated his assertion that he is in talks with Iran to end the ongoing war, a claim Tehran denies.

Is Sri Lanka ready for an El Niño heat wave?

Sri Lankans are used to talking about floods and heavy rains. When rivers overflow or roads go underwater, the danger is clear and immediate.

It’s time to make use of our resources

Recently, Industries Minister Sunil Handunnetti was advising the public about doing laundry in an efficient manner. He asked people to try and use the washing machine once a week.

US Access to the Persian Gulf Region, and the Strategic Importance of Iran

The war of aggression waged by the US and Israel against Iran seems very likely to intensify in the next few days. Washington has threatened to escalate and expand the war further if Iran does not comply with US demands.

Gannoruwa ends Portuguese dream of conquering Kandy

We have seen how Constantino de Sa, perhaps the ablest Portuguese captain general to serve in 17th century Sri Lanka, lost both his life and his army at Randeniwela in 1630.

Assassination is an enduring political tool, but how effective is it?

All through history, assassination has been resorted to by the power-hungry and the aggrieved. It has been used in palace power struggles, as a tool to further a political cause, or to redress a deeply felt grievance.

What really went wrong for IRIS Dena?

It must be the ongoing war in West Asia that has been the toughest issue that the National People’s Power (NPP) Government has encountered since its assumption of power in late 2024.

Rising costs, multiple crises and Lankan doctors’ unconscionable demands

According to multiple sources Israel blackmailed US President Trump into entering its war with Iran. A war which the president’s advisors had warned him to back away from.

Energy conservation: Give strict orders

It has come to my notice that everyday, at night, bill boards, neon signs at restaurants and shops, are seen lit up, even after closing time. Most bill boards within the city of Colombo come under the Colombo Municipal Council.

Middle East War: neutrality is the practical option

The world is still witnessing a dangerous escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The confrontation involving major global powers and regional actors has pushed the international system into a phase of deep uncertainty. Oil prices have surged, global shipping routes face disruption, and financial markets are reacting nervously. For countries like Sri Lanka—still recovering from an unprecedented economic crisis—the implications are far from abs

Iran war mired in US-Israeli deception

The US‑Israeli war on Iran does not appear to be moving toward a ceasefire, despite United States President Donald Trump’s claim that talks are underway. The subtext of Trump’s speeches, however couched in arrogant rhetoric, tells another story—American militarism is no match for Iran’s strategy. Deeply mired in an unwinnable war against an enemy whose greatest strength lies in its strategic resolve to resist imperialist aggression and Zionist he

An urgent appeal to keep Beira Lake clean

While passing along Sir James Peiris Mawatha in Colombo 2, a strong and unpleasant odour—reminiscent of decaying organic matter —was noticed emanating from the Beira Lake, very close to Bishop’s College. This is an earnest appeal to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to take immediate action to clean the lake or apply effective odour-control measures. The Beira Lake must remain clean and serene, especially as it surrounds the Seema Malaka of th

Are we ready to bear the environmental cost of war?

The world is facing multiple crises due to the Middle East conflict; one in terms of fuel price hikes and other essential items. Another unseen crisis that the conflict is contributing to is global warming. Statistics indicate that the US has launched more than 8,000 combat flights since “Operation Epic Fury” – the coordinated US-Israeli attack on Iran from late February. It has been estimated that the war has generated more than half a million

Getting under the skin of Trump’s conscience

As the ill effects of the present war still haunt us like memories of a serial killing, we must keep up hope on the thought of achieving permanent peace. This is because even in thought form, peace has the potential to be a healer and make a soldier put his gun away. Right now, American President Donald Trump believes that he is superior and that other national leaders are lesser human beings. Sadly, he doesn’t know that wars are often initiate

Power the Nation with Daylight: A Practical Step Toward Energy Security

In line with the call by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to strengthen national energy conservation through public participation, it is both timely and necessary to adopt innovative, practical measures that deliver real results. During discussions at the Presidential Secretariat, His Excellency emphasised the importance of reducing electricity consumption—particularly during the peak hours of 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.— through increased public a

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe Marked his 77th Birthday on Tuesday, March 24 The need for your services to the country would be felt in the future more than ever

Sri Lanka has been a distinct geo-political entity with a long history of national, religious and socio- economic upheavals as laid down in the Mahawansa chronicle and other historical sources. However, history has recorded that the stage was adorned by a patriotic leader with talent and ability to rebuild the country and to make the people happy and prosperous at any crucial juncture. This was vindicated by the situation experienced in 2022.

How is Sri Lanka responding to the Israel–Iran conflict: Day 26

As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, Sri Lanka has taken a series of diplomatic, aviation and precautionary measures to manage potential fallout and safeguard its citizens. Here is how Sri Lanka is responding.