How a national pride became a national disaster

I just asked Google AI what really prompts the US to attack Iran. It gave a list of reasons. Here are some of them, which it attributed to US President Donald Trump:

Dubai’s strategic realignment and perils of modern geopolitics

For decades, Dubai has stood as the ‘Singapore of the Middle East’ - a glittering, safe harbour - carved out of the desert, through the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

War mongers short of remorse

The protracted war between Iran and Israel backed by the USA, has created an unprecedented upheaval in the whole world, causing inexpressible insecurity, mental and physical suffering to the civilian lives. The war has affected people not only in the war-torn lands but also in neighbouring countries and throughout the world.

America’s war on Iran and the emerging Thucydidean world order

In 416 BC, Athenian historian Thucydides enacted a dramatic negotiation between Athenian invaders and the leaders of the neutral small state of Melos.

Should Minister Kumara Jayakody resign?

Unlike so many other allegations leveled by the Opposition against the government, the allegation of corruption by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody was no doubt a slap in the face of the ruling National People’s Power (NPP).

Nuwara Eliya, a place in your imagination

Visiting Nuwara Eliya after a considerable lapse of time, I had almost forgotten how derelict the Nuwara Eliya town was.

Shadow of “Epic Fury” Navigating the path to peace in the 2026 Iran War

The world stands at a terrifying precipice. The events of February 28, 2026, have fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape, perhaps permanently.

Trump’s War Talk vs Iran’s Strategic Depth

War has entered the second month. Donald Trump repeated his assertion that he is in talks with Iran to end the ongoing war, a claim Tehran denies.

Is Sri Lanka ready for an El Niño heat wave?

Sri Lankans are used to talking about floods and heavy rains. When rivers overflow or roads go underwater, the danger is clear and immediate.

It’s time to make use of our resources

Recently, Industries Minister Sunil Handunnetti was advising the public about doing laundry in an efficient manner. He asked people to try and use the washing machine once a week.

US Access to the Persian Gulf Region, and the Strategic Importance of Iran

The war of aggression waged by the US and Israel against Iran seems very likely to intensify in the next few days. Washington has threatened to escalate and expand the war further if Iran does not comply with US demands.

Gannoruwa ends Portuguese dream of conquering Kandy

We have seen how Constantino de Sa, perhaps the ablest Portuguese captain general to serve in 17th century Sri Lanka, lost both his life and his army at Randeniwela in 1630.

Assassination is an enduring political tool, but how effective is it?

All through history, assassination has been resorted to by the power-hungry and the aggrieved. It has been used in palace power struggles, as a tool to further a political cause, or to redress a deeply felt grievance.

What really went wrong for IRIS Dena?

It must be the ongoing war in West Asia that has been the toughest issue that the National People’s Power (NPP) Government has encountered since its assumption of power in late 2024.

Rising costs, multiple crises and Lankan doctors’ unconscionable demands

According to multiple sources Israel blackmailed US President Trump into entering its war with Iran. A war which the president’s advisors had warned him to back away from.

Energy conservation: Give strict orders

It has come to my notice that everyday, at night, bill boards, neon signs at restaurants and shops, are seen lit up, even after closing time. Most bill boards within the city of Colombo come under the Colombo Municipal Council.

Middle East War: neutrality is the practical option

The world is still witnessing a dangerous escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The confrontation involving major global powers and regional actors has pushed the international system into a phase of deep uncertainty. Oil prices have surged, global shipping routes face disruption, and financial markets are reacting nervously. For countries like Sri Lanka—still recovering from an unprecedented economic crisis—the implications are far from abs

Iran war mired in US-Israeli deception

The US‑Israeli war on Iran does not appear to be moving toward a ceasefire, despite United States President Donald Trump’s claim that talks are underway. The subtext of Trump’s speeches, however couched in arrogant rhetoric, tells another story—American militarism is no match for Iran’s strategy. Deeply mired in an unwinnable war against an enemy whose greatest strength lies in its strategic resolve to resist imperialist aggression and Zionist he

An urgent appeal to keep Beira Lake clean

While passing along Sir James Peiris Mawatha in Colombo 2, a strong and unpleasant odour—reminiscent of decaying organic matter —was noticed emanating from the Beira Lake, very close to Bishop’s College. This is an earnest appeal to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to take immediate action to clean the lake or apply effective odour-control measures. The Beira Lake must remain clean and serene, especially as it surrounds the Seema Malaka of th

Are we ready to bear the environmental cost of war?

The world is facing multiple crises due to the Middle East conflict; one in terms of fuel price hikes and other essential items. Another unseen crisis that the conflict is contributing to is global warming. Statistics indicate that the US has launched more than 8,000 combat flights since “Operation Epic Fury” – the coordinated US-Israeli attack on Iran from late February. It has been estimated that the war has generated more than half a million

Getting under the skin of Trump’s conscience

As the ill effects of the present war still haunt us like memories of a serial killing, we must keep up hope on the thought of achieving permanent peace. This is because even in thought form, peace has the potential to be a healer and make a soldier put his gun away. Right now, American President Donald Trump believes that he is superior and that other national leaders are lesser human beings. Sadly, he doesn’t know that wars are often initiate

Power the Nation with Daylight: A Practical Step Toward Energy Security

In line with the call by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to strengthen national energy conservation through public participation, it is both timely and necessary to adopt innovative, practical measures that deliver real results. During discussions at the Presidential Secretariat, His Excellency emphasised the importance of reducing electricity consumption—particularly during the peak hours of 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.— through increased public a

The government’s foreign policy is positive; but its economic policy?

High-flown diplomatic verbosity and larger-than-life personal egos are not necessarily prerequisites for striking a principled foreign policy position and being recognised for it, though most leaders and policy pundits in this part of the world tend to think otherwise.

Fuel Crisis: Collective understanding is the key to overcoming challenges

The shockwaves of the Middle East war that was started by the US and Israel by launching unprovoked attacks on Iran on February 28 ripple through almost every country in the world.

Supermarket Trolley Etiquette

As we go about our daily lives, it’s the small actions that can make a big difference in our community. One such action is returning supermarket trolleys to their designated areas instead of leaving them scattered in car parks which is a common feature in our country. People are selfish and want to dump trolleys in car parks after loading their items to the car boot. This is grossly unethical and unacceptable.

Predicting a total disaster: US ground troops in Iran unlikely, but what if it happens?

In the volatile landscape of 2026, where conflict between the United States and Iran has reached unprecedented levels of aerial and naval engagement, one strategic axiom remains remarkably durable: a large-scale American ground invasion of Iran is not merely unlikely; it is practically unthinkable.

Fault Lines in Strategy: Did U.S. Intelligence Fail Trump?

Tehran has repeatedly caught Washington off guard, launching attacks on U.S.-aligned Arab nations, effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz, and most recently deploying long-range ballistic missiles with a range of 4,000 kilometers, a stunning setback for U.S. and Israeli military experts, according to their own statements to Wall Street analysts.

Sri Lanka must finally learn to stand on its own feet

As tensions rise in the Middle East and global uncertainty becomes the new normal, Sri Lanka once again finds itself watching events unfold with a sense of helplessness.

Another cycle of price hikes

The increase in fuel prices will most likely affect prices of essential goods over the coming days. But this is not a surprise given the prevailing situation in the Middle East. Bus fares are likely to be increased.

Vijay’s TVK Party faces Tamil Nadu elections alone

Elections to the Legislature of the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu has been announced by the Election Commission of India. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23 to elect 234 members to it’s Legislative assembly.