Explainer: Where are the world’s most endangered languages?

On International Mother Language Day, we explore which languages are most at risk of disappearing, where they are spoken, and why preserving them matters for all of us.

Living with Pressure and Leading with Presence An Antidote for Working in an AI World

In an era defined by rapid automation and artificial intelligence, the most significant challenge facing modern professionals isn’t technological displacement, but sustained psychological pressure. Drawing from classroom discussions and real-world academic exhaustion.

Politics ruining the spirit of cricket

Cricket, has long been seen as a great leveller among men/women. It eliminates social, economic, or physical distinctions, rendering everyone equal -- a game where elite players can emerge from any background, overcoming social or economic hurdles and is devoid of external interference.

War clouds over Iran-US talks: A Game of Chicken

The United States is adopting a dangerous strategy in its bid to force Iran to yield. Washington seeks nothing less than the total submission of Iran’s sovereignty. To achieve its objectives, it engages in talks while keeping a gun to Iran’s leadership—believing, mistakenly, that gunboat diplomacy will compel Iran to surrender. The dispatch of the USS Abraham Lincoln to the Persian Gulf ahead of talks in Muscat, Oman, was a clear signal of coerci

“Don’t count on IMF or World Bank” - Independent economist Ahilan Kadirgamar

As a response to Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, saying, while on a visit to Sri Lanka, as to how government discussions with the IMF can help recover from the impact of Cyclone Ditwah-which had disastrous effect on ailing economy- internationally renowned political economist and senior academic Ahilan Kadirgamar is of the view that this country cannot count on either IMF or the World Bank

Planned mining project in Kotikambokka vein quartz deposit may harm Alikota Ara Reservoir

Minister of Industries Sunil Handunnetti recently visited Wellawaya to investigate the Kotikambokka vein quartz deposit (Dhamani Thiruwana) in the Kongahawela Forest Reserve, in the Monaragala District. The vein quartz deposit is said to have a high commercial value.

XI Jinping asserts civilian supremacy in the PLA

Through a series of purges, Chinese President Xi Jinping has been trying to curb the power and autonomy of the generals of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and assert his -- or the Communist Party’s -- supremacy in the Central Military Commission (CMC), PLA’s top-most decision-making body.

Legislators’ pensions: Denying a legitimate expectation

In 1976, the late Felix R. Dias Bandaranaike initiated the legislation that would provide a person who had retired after serving in the national Legislature for a minimum period of five years with a pension during his or her lifetime. The Parliamentary Pensions Act No.1 of 1977 is applicable to any Sri Lankan citizen who had served in the Legislature since July 7, 1931.

Moratuwa academic bags top EU fellowship for architectural heritage research

Dr. Sagara Jayasinghe, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Integrated Design at the University of Moratuwa, has been awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Global Postdoctoral Fellowship, one of the European Union’s most competitive and internationally respected research grants.

The strategic paradox:Why the 2002 peace process was the LTTE’s beginning of the end

The seminar held on February 12, 2026, at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, organised by senior lawyer and respected political activist Shiral Lakthilake, provided a rare intellectual collision regarding the legacy of Prof. GL Peiris’ work: “The Sri Lanka Peace Process : An Inside View”.

Justice & Its Uneven Memory-’83 Black July

Nearly four years after the violence that scarred Sri Lanka on 9 May 2022, the Gampaha High Court has delivered one of the most consequential verdicts arising from the ‘Aragalaya’ period.

Kantipur Conclave 2026: A platform to explore democracy through unity and resolve

The 5th edition of the Kantipur Conclave brought together policymakers, journalists, political leaders, entrepreneurs and young activists from Nepal and overseas to identify core societal issues and discuss shared solution. The two-day forum organized by the Kantipur Media Group witnessed the participation of over 52 speakers sharing their experiences and ideas on various topics.

Behind the hijab: Epstein files expose Middle East’s moral decay

When poverty enters through the door, religion and morality fly out of the window. This adage applies equally to wealth; in reverse logic, we may say, “Religion and morality fly out of the window when wealth appears at the door.”

A reform agenda:Rebuilding Sri Lanka’s farming after Cyclone Ditwah

Three months after Cyclone Ditwah swept across Sri Lanka in late November 2025, the headlines have moved on. In many places, the floodwaters have receded, emergency support has reached affected communities, and farmers are doing what they always do, trying to salvage what they can and prepare for the next season.

What Colombo’s Fishing Cat Quietly Reveals

At just past two in the morning, Colombo sounds different. Traffic thins. Horns fall silent. Water gathers where it always has -- shallow drains, reed-lined edges, low ground between buildings where concrete never quite won the argument.

The looming tourism-apartheid for Sri Lankans in Sri Lanka

In a viral video, the owner of a beachside restaurant in Tangalle was seen refusing to serve a group of locals. The man justifies his refusal, claiming that his establishment serves only foreigners.

Sahana Sewa Sathkaraya: A ‘Lionhearted’ effort that grants a lifeline to non-curable patients

“Sahana Sewa Sathkaraya is a service initiated for patients admitted to the Kandy National Hospital with incurable conditions, such as cancer and kidney deficiencies. We admit patients to the Palliative Care Unit. This is a service provided free of charge,” explained T. M. Anura Rathnayake, In-Charge Nursing Officer, National Hospital, Kandy.

Improve standards of condominiums immediately!

A child succumbed to injuries as a result of a piece of concrete that came off from a condominium complex in Modara. Speaking in Parliament, MP Bimal Ratnayaka apologised to the child’s parents.

Ranil on his last lap as UNP Leader -Harin

Sri Lanka’s oldest political party, the United National Party, is going through a few changes these days. We have already seen the party headquarters in Sirikotha being given a facelift. But that’s not the real change the people wanted in the UNP. Meanwhile, the UNP is having separate talks with both the SJB and the SLPP on working together. So what is the future of the UNP and its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe? UNP Deputy Secretary General, Hari

Low-cost alternative to mitigate accidents at railway crossings

At the outset, the writer wishes to quote below excerpts from a recent news item in the Press on the above subject. “Sri Lanka’s railway system faces mounting safety and operational challenges, with more than 400 railway level crossings remaining unsafe and an ageing fleet increasingly prone to failure, according to official data.

Fabienne Francotte ; Exploring untold stories through art

When Belgium-born artist Fabienne Francotte first came to Sri Lanka on a holiday in 2013, she had never imagined settling down in this destination. But three years later, she decides to call Sri Lanka home. From calligraphy to painting on canvas to exploring various themes on fabric, metal and clay, Fabienne has come a long way, developing her works of art over the years touching on complex themes.

Sunil Santha paved the way for national music

As Sri Lanka celebrates its 78th Independence Day today, a number of patriotic songs like “Lanka Lanka Pembara Lanka”, “Dakuna Negenahira”, “Walakulin Besa”, “Upan Bima Ape”, “Lanka Ma Bimai Ape”, “Asiriwe Lanka” and “Idiriyatama Yawu Helayani” would be played on radio, and one or two would be played by the bands parading at the Independence Square.

Education reforms:  When progressive  rhetoric masks flawed implementation

Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture in its educational history. The NPP Government has embarked on what it calls a ‘transformational’ reform of the country’s education system, scheduled for implementation starting in 2026 with Grades 1 and 6. The vision is ambitious: shift from the traditional exam-oriented system to a student-centered, practical learning model emphasising holistic development, digital literacy, and vocational training. The b

The Digital Heartbeat: Will Emotional AI Save or Sell the Soul of Sri Lankan News?

Step into any newsroom in Colombo today and the atmosphere is electric, yet anxious. We’ve moved past the era of the clattering typewriter, ink pens, but we are now standing on a far more complex threshold. As we integrate Affective Computing better known as Emotional AI into our media landscape, we aren’t just adopting a new tool; we are entering the age of “Empathic Media.”

N. M. and “Sara,” reminiscences of a vanished era

“Sara”, short and sweet for “Saranelis”, moves with an energy that belies his age; a spry little man who has witnessed ninety years of social as well as political evolution in his beloved “Thun Korale” now.

Rising sea, mega projects push Mannar women towards uncertainty

Rita Wasanthi (54) from Jim Brown Nagar, a small hamlet in Mannar Island located in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka recalls how the shoreline along this coastal town has changed over the years. A greater part of the land on which she spent her childhood has now been dominated by the sea. Today, women bear the hidden costs of climate change and mega development projects in terms of loss of property, livelihoods and income and displacement. This

Appointment of new chief Scout Commissioner raises eyebrows

Scouting is a worldwide youth movement that was founded with the aim of promoting the mental, physical, spiritual and creative development of young people.

International Day of Peaceful Coexistence makes us reflect on a safe, inclusive world

Coexist is to live or be together at the same time or in the same place. It is cohesion or the ability to stay or fit together well. Thus, peaceful coexistence is to live or be together in peace not wanting or involving in war, violence, conflict or argument.

‘Giant Mimosa’ invasion spreads anxiety

A major invasive plant, Giant Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) has been spreading dreadfully in the Kandy and the Matale Districts much to the anxiety of the environmentalists, farmers and the planters.

Why the Portuguese lost the battle of Randeniwela

We have already seen how Constantino de Sa, perhaps the ablest Portuguese captain general to arrive here, worked hard to stabilise the Portuguese position in the coastal and low-country areas under their control before finally setting off to invade Kandy.