Ten veteran journalists honoured at 69th Sri Lanka Press Association anniversary

The 69th Anniversary Convention of the Sri Lanka Press Association (SLPA) and D. F. Kariyakarawana Memorial Media Awards were held recently at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute auditorium under the aegis of Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni.

‘A thriving nation, a beautiful life’ Hundred Days of President’s Journey

As 2024 approaches its conclusion, December 31st stands as a noteworthy marker—the President’s first hundred days in office.

Demand to address the unjust backlog of Foreign Service recruitments

Sri Lankan Foreign Service Grade III candidates seek justice following the authorities’ oversight in appointing only 20 candidates among the eligible 40 professionals who had qualified, depriving them of their rightful positions.

Sri Lanka’s role in the Rohingya Crisis AND The Palestine issue IN THE BACKDROP OF CHRISTMAS

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in Palestine, during a time of colonisation, political and economic oppression by Roman imperialism.

Christ-less West vs. Christ-filled Palestinian resilience

While glittering Christmas decorations adorn malls and mansions across the Western world, a stark contrast emerges in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.

Tsunami Survivors of Hambantota still relate tales of trauma and communal harmony

Twenty years ago on a day like today (December 26), people in Hambantota were getting ready to go to the Sunday fair during the early hours of the morning.

World Meditation Day celebrated in Sri Lanka

High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, organised two special meditation sessions to observe the United Nations-designated World Meditation Day on December 21.

After the PTA: ATA or nothing?

The National People’s Power (NPP) was unequivocal in its manifesto about rescinding the current Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), describing it as “oppressive.” Yet, while other legislation such as the Proceeds of Crime Bill are moving forward with Cabinet approval, there is no movement on the PTA.

President Disanayaka’s visit to India: Opportunities, challenges, and the path ahead

In December 2024, Sri Lanka’s President, Anura Kumara Disanayaka, embarked on a state visit to India, underscoring the deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties that bind the two neighboring nations.

Puttalam’s salt industry threatened by adverse climate change

The salt industry in Sri Lanka dates back to ancient times and is as old as agriculture industry in Sri Lanka.

Healing the divide, one conversation at a time

Even 15 years later, the Sri Lankan civil war has several narratives and that depends on who you are speaking with.

A nation’s people see power in the word ‘sorry’

Politics in South Asia is largely interesting when circumstances break traditional politics and ushers in a new ‘caretaker’ regime.

Sri Lankan inventors produce software for smart bus service

A group of inventors have been able to invent a software to locate any bus in transit with the mobile phone.

With World Bank participation…A-PAD hosts vital discussion on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook

The Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) hosted an exclusive discussion on the latest Sri Lanka Development Update report launched by the World Bank.

Faking Degrees: A Thriving industry in South Asia

The Anura Kumara Dissanayake government in Sri Lanka, which was sailing smoothly despite unsolved economic issues, suffered the first jolt since coming to power, when parliament Speaker Ashoka Ranwala resigned on Friday amidst accusations that his PhD was fake.

Sripada pilgrimage 2024/25 Authorities offer support, but warn unruly pilgrims

The season for the Sripada pilgrimage 2024/2025 commenced on December 14 with the dawn of Unduwap Full Moon Poya day.

World Press Photo Exhibition 2024 arrives in Sri Lanka!

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI), have together announced the arrival of the prestigious World Press Photo Exhibition (WPP) 2024 in Sri Lanka. It has been 21 years since the exhibition graced the city of Colombo in 2002.

Fall of the Assad Dynasty: What is Next for Syria?

The Assad family, father and son, ruled Syria with an iron fist for fifty four years.

Publishing industry faces bleak chapter as VAT threatens survival

Sri Lanka’s publishing industry yesterday raised serious concerns over the 18 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on books, which according to industry stakeholders has threatened the survival of the entire sector in the country.

Can AKD bring big time rice millers to book

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his newly elected parliamentary team are being hit by a barrage of criticism more reminiscent of the firing of multi-barrel weapons which operated during the time of the LTTE-led war which lasted nearly 30 years. The political opposition has rounded on government for its inability to control major rice millers manipulating prices.

AUBREY. V. RAYMOND A noble man with sterling qualities

More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. These lines of Alfred Lord Tennyson were reflected in the life and times of late Aubrey. V. Raymond. It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I am paying humble homage to the memory of a dear departed personality, friend and non-related brother.

Promoting Inclusion and Empowerment for Individuals Differently Able -Rotary

A soft awareness launch of a virtual programme is on December 10 (today) coinciding with World Human Rights Day to help educate the world about human rights and address this global issue.

Focus on Sri Lanka Spike in Aids cases highlights youth as vulnerable

In the backdrop of World Aid’s Day having been commemorated on December 1, medical research underscore a spike in the number of Aids cases; especially among youth.

Colombo Dockyard sees Japan’s Onomichi step back; seeks new investor

Colombo Dockyard PLC is preparing for a major shift after Japan’s Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited, its majority shareholder, stepped away from the management this week, to allow the company to bring in a new strategic investor.

Sri Lanka among top ten most improved in Basel AML Index 2024

Sri Lanka has secured a place among the top ten countries demonstrating the most progress in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, as highlighted by the 13th Basel AML Index 2024.

Warning for patients! Medical procurement issues cause shortage of over 300 vital medicines

Hospital sources across the island have confirmed a severe shortage of medicines in many hospitals in the country.

The Art of Letting Go: Creating Space for Growth and Joy

Have you ever found yourself replaying an argument in your head long after it’s over? Or holding onto a relationship, habit, or goal that no longer feels right? Letting go can be one of the hardest things to do, yet it’s essential for our emotional well-being.

Provincial Council polls should bridge democratic deficit

Constitutionalism as a theory and in practice stands for the principle that there are—in a properly governed state—limitations upon those who exercise the powers of government, and that these limitations are spelled out in a body of higher law which is enforceable in a variety of ways, political and judicial. It is an indispensable part of the rule of law.

Sri Lanka possibly losing two-thirds of border tax revenue due to corruption, says Shippers’ Council

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council claimed that the government coffers could be losing as much as two-thirds of potential border tax revenue, due to corrupt activities by the officials in key border agencies.

Scouts Unite for Nature and Future

The world is experiencing an unprecedented chaos, the climate change, primarily driven by human activities such as deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, and industrial pollution.