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.

‘Every Step Counts’ Caregivers’ Workshop An initiative to empower caregivers nurturing differently-abled children

In their efforts to champion a world of inclusivity and diversity, the Branch for the Differently Abled Guides at the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (SLGGA) recently concluded a workshop for caregivers and parents who are primarily looking after differently-abled children titled ‘Every Step Counts’. The programme was held in view of this Branch reaching its 100-year milestone, while the SLGGA celebrates its 108th year of serving society.

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.

Viet Nam’s success: Consistent policies, investment in human resources, global integration are hallmarks - Ambassador

Vietnamese Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam, in an interview with Daily Mirror, speaks about the way forward for enhancement of bilateral ties. She shares her views in this regard on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of Viet Nam’s Independence Day (1945-2025) and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka (1970–2025).

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.

Ranil’s arrest: A new watershed in Sri Lanka’s politics

In recent Sri Lankan political history, there were watershed moments that changed the directions of governments.

Blurred borders in Presidents’ expenses

Although the arrest and the subsequent remanding of former President Ranil Wickremasinghe on August 22 was a law-and-order issue, the possible political fallout of it seems to be more important.

Criminal drivers, innocent victims and law enforcement

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.

Excessively Loud Horns in buses

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.

Two tragedies, divided grief: Mourning Minneapolis, ignoring Gaza

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

Postal service: A job that needs dedication or sophistication?

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

A call to restore the built-in garbage disposal facility

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

Sri Lanka loses out on vital marine research as FAO survey denied access- Norwegian expert

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) research vessel ‘Dr Fridtjof Nansen’ made a port call in Sri Lanka recently before it proceeded to Bangladesh for research activities.

Government Must Share its Plan for National Reconciliation with the People

As Sri Lanka prepares to appear before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva this September under Resolution 51/2, the government will need to show more than promises.

The old man and the sea of political sharks

Sri Lanka’s political scene is borrowing chunks from Tamil Nadu when it comes to setting the stage outside the courtroom in the case of a hero facing court proceedings.

The blurred line between an actor and a politician

Actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekar, popularly known as Vijay, made his signature ramp walk through a sea of supporters during his party’s second state conference held in Madurai recently.

We need balanced TV coverage

Is our international television coverage lopsided?

New project by Suranga Katugampala: Blue Prince to be unveiled at the Venice Film Market

Sri Lankan-born filmmaker Suranga Katugampala, long based in Italy, presents his upcoming work, co-written with Darshana Vidya Aravinda.

The arrest of Ranil Wickremesinghe: The all-important question over life and death of democracy

Whoever masterminded the arrest of Ranil Wickremesinghe thinking it would amount to a publicity coup, has scored an own goal for the government.

Government caught amid corruption, arrests, rising costs and broken promises

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…’.

Did Ranil miss the writing on the wall?

All legislators should bear in mind that they have been elected as temporary custodians for a specific period and whatever decisions made during this term should be done wisely with long term interest of the country in mind.