LGBTIQ rights : Taboo forever?

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) or the Queer community has been a laughing stock of society for decades. Although equality is a term that has been interpreted in more or 

Final rites on Galle Face Green draw scepticism

An iconic constituent of the country’s wildlife, elephants have been living in this island for thousands of years and have been revered ever since. Yet over the years, the dominance of mankind has taken over the world and not many species

Sinha-Ley, Muslims and fascism

I am not a Sinha-Ley Muslim. Won’t ever be. I had no problem with the concept of being a Sinhala-Muslim during my childhood. In-fact I often used to think Ven. Mahinda Thera included us -- the minorities, in his poems and Anagarika Dharmapala in his, what I assumed were, anti colonialist speeches.

Civil society, politicians must be vigilant to protect Good Governance

Fighting for national list slots in the Parliament has been reported from two political parties, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) led by Minister Rauff Hakeem and All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) led by Minister Rishad Bathiutheen,

Making of a thriller... is not so thrilling

The Dutch fortress of Galle was a bulwark of colonialism, keeping ‘backward’ locals out with the might of its guns. Today, it has a poly-cultural air with a distinctly British expatriate top layer. As such, it’s a fitting venue for the

Apartheid in Mirissa: Are foreign tourists more than equal

Last week, this newspaper reported that some hotels in the Mirissa Bay area were refusing to serve Sri Lankans on the purported ‘uncivilized’ behaviour of local visitors. 

A salute for the slain tuskers

During the former regime, Sri Lanka earned worldwide notoriety for the multi-million dollar plunder and pillage of public wealth and resources by leading politicians, officials and their stooges.

Government to publicly destroy blood ivory tomorrow

A much-talked-about forfeited blood ivory in 2012 will be destroyed at the Galle Face Green under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe tomorrow (26). 

Hope for peace in Afghanistan?

?Yesterday in Kabul the so-called Quadrilateral Coordination Group -- comprising representatives from Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the US -- met to hold discussions on a roadmap to peace in Afghanistan.

‘The Reflection’ a unique expression of Cuba-Sri Lanka friendship

?Echoes of Picasso, a throwback to Dali, a bizarre touch of Magritte, the imprint of Warhol… these are among the impressions that come across at an unusual art exhibition that was declared open on Thursday (21) at the J.D.A. Perera Gallery, Horton Place, Colombo.

2015 hottest year on record and its getting hotter - EDITORIAL

If any more evidence was needed for burning climate change issues to be given priority in the socio-economic development policies of all countries, it came from world weather experts this week. 

Forthcoming LG elections give birth to a ‘party- splitting season’

With the on-going preparations of political parties for the forthcoming local government...

Some school principals are leading artistes in immoral and anti-social behaviour Escaping with righ

Even an average public servant is transferred every five years. So, how come a principal...

The Presidential fixation with constituency

When one holds an all-powerful office, one really does not need to worry about a constituency...

Saudi oil coup fails; diplomatic victory for Iran

During a visit to sanctions-hit Iran in 2012, at Laleh International Hotel, which was Hotel...

EDITORIAL : Rescue health service from racketeers

One of the worst alleged scandals in Sri Lanka’s medical history was exposed this week...

MR-led political front - a stir in the hornet’s nest?

The Joint Opposition, eventhough consisting of a section of SLFP MPs, has made strides in the direction of forming a party to be registered ahead of 

Is Constitution-making a closed-end process for Tamils?

We have read a plethora of reports appearing in the media on the shape and scope of the proposed new Constitution. The views expressed on the substance of the draft constitution by sections of the public,

“Kanthoruwa, kanthoruwa mama wedakarana” - EDITORIAL

Never in our history has any trade union leader criticized his members or at least mildly pointed out the injustices that are meted out to the general public by his members. Daily Mirror on Tuesday reported such a rare incident where the General 

Heal the lonely and feel their pulse

How do you feel when you see those who spend the winter of their lives,   lonely and isolated?Have you ever seen  our mothers and fathers,  who  shed their blood, sweat and tears  to bring us up,  crying in...

There is no draft

The Dailymirror was in conversation with Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne PC  and Member of Parliament on the recent changes in  formulating a new Constitution.

making of a new Constitution

?The Resolution on the making of a Constitution for our country, moved in Parliament by the Prime Minister on 9th January, has given rise to public debate on a wide range of issues which need to be addressed in earnest if the professed objectives are to be attained.

TOWARDS A NEW CENTRIST CONVERGENCE?

“What Sri Lanka’s national crisis—and it is clear that the unresolved ethnic issue is the core of that crisis—has ultimately achieved is that it has compelled us to come to terms with our identity.”

The silent revolution of green financing - EDITORIAL

In our editorial yesterday, the Daily Mirror focused on the need to give the highest priority to poverty alleviation through structural changes and an inclusive, eco-friendly economic development programme to bring about a just society. 

While soliciting ‘Foremost place for Buddhism’ Oppose Kathikavath Bill ?

“The influence of Candy in these settlements is founded on Buddhism” “The influence of the priests is very great, even greater in many instances than that of the Modeliars themselves.”

Our much loved Bunty is no more with us

I was bewildered to see the obituary notice on the internet of my venerable friend and acclaimed obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr. Nisal T. Kurukulasuriya (Bunty) on the early morning of the......

More sharing, the solution to poverty - EDITORIAL

Addressing the first meeting of the 29-member National Buddhist Council of Wisdom on Friday evening, President Maithripala Sirisena  said he and the government would seek the guidance of this......

Liberal Development Trap, environment and quality of life

It is highly fashionable to talk about sustainable development  today. But much of what happens in the name of development amounts to  increasing exploitation of non-renewable resources. In a way, this is......

13th Amendment is the basis for solution – Kiriella

Highways and Higher Education Minister Lakshman Kiriella, in an interview with Daily Mirror, says the 13th Amendment to the present Constitution, should be the basis for finding a solution to the national question. He said the.....

The folly of great expectations

Whether in small groups or large ones, people need leadership for the simple reason they are born with an inherent need to be led. From the time we were children in the care of our parents, we needed to be......