Mannar bio-diversity and its dry fish industry

Recently the state minister for tourism came out with a new idea to bring foreign currency to Sri Lanka. To bring dollars into the country the minister wanted to convert the island of Mannar into a hub of nightclubs, nightlife, and night economy.

Constants: tired, boring, obnoxious and laudable

Sri Lanka is a resilient nation. That’s almost a given. A constant. All talk of peace, human rights, democracy, good governance,

There’s no malnutrition in Lanka

The truth is furthest away from reality, when particular Sri Lankan government ministers speak on prevailing conditions of living in the country. Or, to give these personages the benefit of the doubt, it may be that they are so cut off from the reality in which our countrymen and women live, they take offence when the truth hits them in the eye.

Last rites to a long-reigning monarch - EDITORIAL

Britain’s late queen Elizabeth II, was finally laid to rest on Monday, September 19, amidst scenes of pomp and pageantry the British....

Talking trauma and the Aragalya effect

After a lapse of almost four years, last week I got the chance to spend multiple days with a group of Sri Lankan colleagues. The Dart.....

The ‘2500 year Buddhist culture’ concept has dragged SL towards bankruptcy - SJB MP Diana Gamage

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) national list Parliamentarian Diana Gamage made headlines for several of her controversial statements.....

Save the medical sector first

Nearly 500 Sri Lankan doctors including specialists have left the country within the last eight months of this year, some informing

US Senate Resolution: How US can help SL fight economic crimes?

Last week, four US Senators, led by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Bob Menendez tabled a Senate resolution calling for a comprehensive international approach to address Sri

‘Protagonist’ in Empire’s Longest Love Story -1939/2022: Good Night Sweet Princess…

The literally glittering and visually dazzling Imperial State Crown with nearly 3,000 diamonds and gems set into its platinum frame– [a blue sapphire weighing 104 carats and is believed to have originated....

After Covid-19 and bankruptcy, it’s time for renewal - EDITORIAL

For the past few months Sri Lanka has been in an economic and political crisis. In March this year, our country defaulted on its international debts, brought on by the drying up of foreign currency earnings...

MHM Ashraff; From Muslim Leader to National Statesman

On the fateful morning of 16th September 2000, Mohammed Hussein Muhammad Ashraff(MHM Ashraff) boarded a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Mi-17 helicopter at the Police grounds in Bambalapitiya.

Unending wrangling between the UNHRC and Sri Lanka

Four international human rights organizations - Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and International Commission of Jurists –

Older people: “The Agony and Ecstasy”

In most countries including Sri Lanka, older people are often marginalised and their views are not taken seriously.

Youth, the law and a revolt - EDITORIAL

Sri Lanka is a country which doesn’t support agitations and protests by the public. Thus the lawmakers of the country don’t lay.....

UNHRC: Politicisation of human rights

Sri Lanka is being once again pilloried at the United Nations Human Rights Council for alleged war crimes during the last stages....

Invisible hand controlling the SLPP - Prof. G.L Peiris

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) came out with a bang when it was formed and eventually grabbed power. However, the alliance recently.....

To benefit of our next generation We must conserve our environment

There is no doubt that the economic crisis which Sri Lanka is facing at the moment has become a fully grown political crisis and a humanitarian emergency.

Bankruptcy, relief and UNHRC

It never rains, but it pours. Since March this year, our country has been going through a period of turmoil. Miles-long queues of vehicles wound their way past petrol sheds.

Israel, Palestine and charges of anti-Semitism - EDITORIAL

Being critical of, or any critical analysis of Israeli actions against particular groups by the government of Israel, often leaves the accuser....

When I shook hands with the Queen of England…

It was on October 22 in 1981 in Colombo. I was 22, the youngest of the Sri Lanka Press Corps of around a dozen reporters, who were.....

Litro Gas’ shaky deals in purchasing LPG

Litro Gas Lanka is accused of deceiving the World Bank by abusing the funds that were provided to purchase low-cost Liquefied Petroleum....

Do we need such a lot of ministers?

President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed 37 State Ministers on September 8, 2022; 48 days after he appointed his 18-member Cabinet. This probably signifies the end of the hue and cry over the so-called “All-Party Government.” In spite of a

The Queen: End of a long-ended era - and new world order

The Queen is dead. With her, the Second Elizabethan era came to an end. During her Seventy years on the throne, the world has changed beyond recognition; she might well have felt as if she had time travelled. A

Some characteristics of suicide and mental health in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, the suicide rate (which is the number of suicides per 100,000 population) had come down to 14.6 in 2019. But still, it w

Sellaheva’s [‘Gnanakka’ of 1950s?] Blunt Declaration on Queen’s Visit Toddler, ‘Lilibet’; Teenager, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic; Queen Elizabeth II; the Longest Reigning Monarch in History

On Feb. 5, 1952, in London, King George VI, went hare hunting at his estate and returned to the castle, dined with his wife and Princess Margaret....

Shattered hopes and unfulfilled promises - EDITORIAL

When ex-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and then Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed interim President, it appeared....

Non-violence our mightiest weapon

Violence breeds violence. Tragically, a once peaceful Sri Lanka has been wrecked and ruined by organised violence or war since the April 1971 insurrection by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). Since independence in 1948,

The credibility crisis of new electoral alignments

In spite of any election being not around the corner and some including the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) arguing against holding elections at this juncture citing economic crisis, several political parties and groups are busy forming new electoral alignments.

Children need nutritious food and they want it now! - EDITORIAL

The deepening economic crisis in Sri Lanka is felt mostly by children. This was highlighted recently by an official of the United Nations’ World Food....

9/11 terror attacks: Mystery within mystery

Come Sunday, the United States will mark the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. US President....