Let the law take its course

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.

Believe it or not: Child marriage prevalent among conservative Whites in the US

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.

The dawn of a new era Missiles and drones reshape the battlefield

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

The Story of the Underpaid and Underslept Medical Worker

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.

Education reforms – a historic opportunity

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.

The arrest and remand of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sri Lankan Police on Friday 22nd August 2025.

SENIOR CITIZENS’ DAY SENIOR CITIZENS DESERVE CARE, RESPECT AND LEADERSHIP STATUS

National Senior Citizen’s Day recognises seniors who have spent their lives contributing to the society and have impacted everyone’s life for the better.

Justice must also be seen to be done

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.

Govt. should preserve the Sanctity of Buddhist Vinaya Karma

The recent announcement by the Minister of Buddha Sasana regarding potential changes needed to the existing laws governing temple and dewala lands has sparked concern among Buddhist clergy and devotees.

Digital Media Psychiatry: Psychopolitics, Emotional Governance, and the Making of Public Opinion

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.

Rtn. Lion Ayesh De Silva Appointed as Additional Cabinet Secretary of Lions District 306 D6

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.

NPP’s moral dilemma over two ministers What would come out of the SJB’s political boomerang?

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.

Arrest of Ex-President -- Not the result of our vindictive political culture?

In January 2015 when the Yahapalanaya government was elected to power, the majority Sri Lankans had fresh hopes for an era of democratic values and the rule of law.

Zebra crossing needed at this newly freed space

A section of R.A. de Mel Mawatha (Sri Uttarananda Mawatha) — from St. Michael’s Roundabout to Rotunda Roundabout along Temple Trees — was reopened to the public in October last year after being closed for nearly 19 years due to security concerns.

Needed: A society that tolerates in the name of religion

As much as religion or faith can grant you liberation, both these can land you in big trouble. History gives us enough examples of the latter happening. When thinking deep on these above mentioned two topics, it is heartening to know that today (August 22) is ‘International Day of Commemorating the Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief’.

When Arab silence becomes complicity, Palestine becomes the sacrificial lamb

What has happened to the Arabs? When fellow Arab Palestinians are being annihilated in a live-streamed genocide, why is the Arab world silent? Silence is certainly not a virtue when it emboldens wrongdoers to continue injustice and oppression. When more than 62,000 people—including 19,000 children—have been killed in the past 22 months, and children are reduced to skeletons draped in fleshless skin, Arab leaders’ condemnations appear merely perfu

Why ancient tanks need to be restored

Restoring Ancient Tanks is key for the advancement of agriculture. The deplorable state of ancient tanks in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa areas is a pressing concern that warrants immediate attention from the government.

The World Through a Nose: How Elephants Smell Their Way to Survival

Asian elephants are the quiet giants of the forest, but their most powerful tool is invisible. They have the strongest sense of smell of any land animal, far beyond that of dogs or humans. This super sense helps them find food and water, recognise friends and rivals, detect danger, and even make choices that require a kind of abstract thinking. Scientists are now beginning to uncover just how extraordinary this ability is. What they are finding r

RTI reveals details of existing vacancies at DWC

Vacancies for 150 wildlife rangers and 384 wildlife guards currently exist at the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). These details were revealed in response to a Right to Information request filed by the Daily Mirror to inquire about existing vacancies at the Department.

Shift in mindsets -- a main component of digitalisation

Digitalisation maybe an alien concept for a country that has deep-rooted colonial structures. For a people who have graduated from a colonial, archaic education system, it may be a challenge unto themselves. This is why digitalisation efforts in state institutions have taken years to be considered successful. Despite numerous trainings, workshops, meetings and conferences in lavish hotels and exorbitant expenditure, public sector employees are st

Looming conservation crises threaten Arugambay

Apart from braving the waves and surfing on the pristine beaches of Arugambay, crowds are now attracted to observing wildlife on the East Coast. But from the point of view of conservationists, respective authorities need to pay more attention to safeguarding several forest patches in the area, which are home to many herds of elephants. During a recent visit to Arugambay, the Daily Mirror witnessed how illegal encroachment, rave parties in a

Why Households Must Be at the Heart of Disaster Risk Mitigation

As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the growing frequency and severity of natural hazards—from landslides in the central highlands to floods in the south and droughts in the north—a hard truth persists. Despite policy dialogue and institutional effort, our disaster management systems fall short in protecting the most vulnerable.

Clean Sri Lanka – moving beyond one-off displays

The early enthusiasm that surrounded the Clean Sri Lanka campaign appears to be fading. The much-publicised images of ministers, MPs and their entourages cleaning beaches, bus stands and railway stations have now become rare. What is increasingly evident is that some of the worst offenders are not the public, but state institutions themselves.

Trump is very hard on India and Brazil, but for very different reasons

US President Donald Trump has slapped a punishing 50% tariff on both India and Brazil, both of which consider themselves leaders of the Global South in opposition to Western hegemony.

The Art of making promises and failing to fulfil them

It has been observed that the gamut of pledges disseminated to the people during election campaigns and then ignored after governmental power is secured seems to be common political behaviour followed by almost all political parties in the process of exercising Parliamentary democracy in this country.

Sri Lanka: The World’s Most Beautiful Island in 2025 A Tourism Opportunity at Risk

The global travel website Big 7 Travel has ranked Sri Lanka as the most beautiful island in the world for 2025. According to the latest news release, the country has already welcomed over 1.5 million tourists this year, a clear sign of recovery and international recognition.

The Politics of Hartals The ITAK is resorting to a well- used old tactic

Like a tiger on its prey, Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) pounced upon the tragic death of a young man in Mullaitivu and turned it into grand political theatre.

Postal workers need to adjust to modern times

Postal workers in Sri Lanka are one segment of public servants who have been at the receiving end of injustices and short-sighted decision-making.

Can we handle so many tourists?

Tourism can be a significant source of foreign currency and contributes to economic growth of a country. Sri Lanka has seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025, exceeding even pre-pandemic levels and the aim is for 3 million tourist arrivals by end 2025 and 5 million by 2030.

High human and elephant densities leave little room to resolve conflict - Environment Minister

Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi, in an interview with Daily Mirror, speaks about challenges in the mitigation of human-elephant conflict. According to him, Sri Lanka is densely populated both with humans and elephants making matters worse for the wildlife conservation authorities in dealing with the problem. Excerpts: