Grand vision vs the daily wage: Why 2048 feels a lifetime away from Sri Lanka!

In the complex landscape of Sri Lankan politics, a profound paradox exists: a nation with a 2,500-year-old civilization and a history of engineering marvels such as the world’s most advanced ancient irrigation systems now finds its modern electorate seemingly trapped in a cycle of short-term survival. The disconnect between a “Grand Vision” and the “Daily Wage” has never been more apparent than in the political fate of Ranil Wickremesinghe and hi

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.

Policymakers: Are they ready to work with Gen Z

Sri Lanka has witnessed protests of various kinds. These vary from protests that end following government’s responses towards people’s demands to mass scale people’s movements such as the aragalaya to pseudo-satyagraha campaigns launched by politicians and actual satyagraha done by people. The right to peaceful assembly is a right guaranteed by the Constitution and therefore, people have a right to take to the streets and protest peacefully if th

Insights from SSA Cyclone Ditwah Survey: More State support needed for Malaiyaha community

When climate disasters strike, they don’t affect everyone equally. Marginalised communities typically face worse outcomes, and Cyclone Ditwah is no exception. Especially in a context where normalcy is far from ‘normal’, the idea of returning to normalcy or restoring a life of normalcy makes very little sense.

Investigate bribery, corruption at  N’Eliya MC and UDA

Nuwara Eliya residents are deeply disturbed that there is massive bribery and corruption taking place at the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council and UDA by corrupt senior officials.

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.

Keep politics out of cricket

Cricket is more than just a sport in South Asia. It is part of everyday life. Families gather around the television, friends debate over players and entire cities celebrate victories together. For many people, cricket brings joy and unity.

Spectators left stranded at end of T20 match

At the outset, I must say it was a great relief — and indeed refreshing — to see our national cricket team finally at the winning post at the recent T20 World Cup match at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Equally encouraging was the sight of loyal fans thronging the stands, despite the team having lost six consecutive T20 matches prior to this game.

Is the NPP happy with the Online Safety Act

The Government has postponed the passage of the ‘Protection of Occupants Bill’ following protests by the Opposition, sections of the corporate sector and the civil society. However, leaders of the Government stated that the Bill is initially formulated by the previous government in 2023, which is true.

American dream and the bitter reality

West Side Story, the film adaptation of a Broadway musical by that name, was first released in 1961. This is how one of its most famous songs go: “I like to be in America; OK by me in America Ev’rything free in America; for a small fee in America I like the city of San Juan; I know a boat you can get on Hundreds of flowers in full bloom; Hundreds of people in each room Automobile in America; Chromium steel in America Wire-spoke wheel in Americ

Landlords at risk with proposed law on rent

The proposed amendments to the Act governing the renting of houses and buildings will create many problems, especially for landlords.

‘The King of Cocoa’ who was too smart for the Brits

The tension in the Shaw Wallace & Hedges boardroom was palpable that day in the mid-1970s. Around the polished mahogany table sat the board of directors of a multinational conglomerate with over a century of unbroken dominance in Tea Industry and Ceylon’s markets.

Should citizens living abroad be able to vote ?

In January, a Cabinet appointed committee published a call for views and suggestions on a mechanism to enable citizens living abroad to vote in Sri Lankan elections.

FD interest rates – senior citizens left high and dry

The government must urgently re-evaluate interest rates on fixed deposits of senior citizens.

When home becomes too expensive for its people

Colombo was once a city that attracted people with the promise of opportunity and a better future. Families moved here hoping for good jobs, education and a comfortable life.

An intellectual dialogue on a model Constitution: Province or district as unit of devolution

Sri Lankans appear to be obsessed with Constitutional reforms, said Professor Deepika Udagama, the former Head of the Department of Law at Peradeniya University at a special event on Constitutional reforms held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on Tuesday.

Proposed ‘Rent Repeal Bill’ will cause havoc

This Bill is intended to protect tenants’ risks undermining Sri Lanka’s property rental market and also harming property owners who live on rents than on fixed deposit investments.

Making a mockery of the Hippocratic Oath

The trade union (TU) action launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) is entering its third week.

Brain Drain or Policy Drain? Why Professionals Keep Leaving

The government boasts of securing US $8 billion in terms of remittances from expatriate workers. It is an achievement for a country starved for foreign exchange revenue, for sure. Yet, there is another perspective regarding this matter. In recent times, Turkish Ambassador Semih Lütfü Turgut, during a roundtable discussion organised by Pathfinder Foundation, cut through this convenient narrative.

Epstein: A tool of the Zionist-led Illuminati

Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are. So said the wise men of yore. The big names—once held in high esteem as role models—are all, willingly or unwillingly, entangled in the rot surrounding Jeffrey Epstein: child sex trafficker, honeypot schemer, political broker, financier, manipulator, and big-time spy. They are as evil as Epstein.

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.

New Occupant Protection Bill challenges house rental market

Renting a house or an apartment in Colombo is now becoming next to impossible due to exorbitant rental fees. Around 10-15 years ago, the real estate value for annexes and rooms in areas such as Nugegoda, Maharagama, Kohuwala and surrounding areas remained below Rs. 50,000. Today, a room that is described as most suitable for working couples or students would cost around Rs. 30,000 indicating the shift in prices. But in most instances, such accom

Why does Trump want to gobble up Canada? Using Alberta as a pawn

US President Donald Trump has said multiple times that he wants Canada to be the 51st. State of the United States, and not an independent country as it has been all along. Trump’s aim is to bring the entire Western Hemisphere under US control, ostensibly to face a perceived threat from Russia and China or even a European power.

Doctors shouldn’t hold patients to ransom

Agreeing with the writer under the captioned subject “ A call for respect in our hospitals!” I wish to add an incident which took place at the National Hospital, Accident Service, where my mother was admitted due to a fractured hip. The incident took place on December 21 and she was admitted to the accident ward where she was an in house patient; the operation would be done on Saturday, with a hospital stay of one week. To our surprise, it n

Herbert Rayner Freeman: The Brit who won 94% Ceylonese hearts in 1931

As Sri Lanka marks its 78th Independence Day today (February 4), the extraordinary story of Herbert Rayner Freeman demonstrates how genuine leadership can transcend race, religion, and nationality.

Remembering Harry Jayawardena - One Year On

It has been a year since the passing of Harry Jayawardena, one of Sri Lanka’s most formidable and influential business leaders. While he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to shape the private sector, inspire those who knew him, and set a benchmark for business leadership in the country.

78 A post-mortem of years of Independence

As Sri Lanka celebrates the 78th anniversary of independence today (February 4), you might already have read a full complement of post-mortem reports on what has happened since then.

Independence at 78 - Are we truly free?

Sri Lanka marks 78 years of independence today. On February 4, 1948, the country stepped out of nearly four and a half centuries of colonial rule under the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.

Drug menace and sound pollution on roads

I am appalled to read that 60% of drivers engaged in transport are allegedly on drugs, as quoted by a minister. If true, this is a ticking time bomb waiting to cause devastating accidents.

Ego takes precedence over social contract and ethics

The appointment of a new Auditor General has now been over politicised and caught in an egocentric conflict between the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) and the Opposition parties.