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

Time to  standardise  tuk-tuk fares

People travelling by tuk-tuks now seem to be in a dilemma as they are being charged different rates. Normal tuks charge passengers differently but hires on ride-hailing apps seem to cost much higher than normal rates. But the main objective of introducing ride-hailing apps was to introduce fair tuk-tuk charges on people.

Harry J: The Unforgettable

Harry Jayawardena passed away a year ago.Twelve months. Three hundred and sixty five days. The time has ticked quickly. And yet, it is as though it was just the other day that we last spoke.

Politicians fear stage plays and not 5G technology

Sri Lanka is a county where the majority of citizens claim that it’s a blessed nation, thanks to the presence of Gautama Buddha’s teachings.

Welcome to the billionaire club’s new world order

Trump is a convenient scapegoat to blame – he has opposed climate change, and borrowed from 19th century gunboat imperialism to fashion the world according to his whims.

When doctors strike, patients pay the price

Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system has long been one of the country’s greatest strengths. For generations, families from every social background have depended on public hospitals for everything from childbirth to emergency surgery.

We should follow Australia’s example

Mr. Sharaz Mohamed, a very close relative of mine residing in the neighbourhood of Carlton Pre-school (Pvt) Ltd (established by former First Lady Ms Shiranthi Rajapaksa), J A Milton Perera Mw Colombo 10.

100 years after SWRD Bandaranaike’s clarion call for federalism

Dr. Rohan Edrisingha in his illuminating essay ‘Federalism: myths and realities’ makes the following observation – “ It is significant to note that long before Tamil political leaders advocated federalism, the young S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in the mid 1920’s and the Kandyan Sinhalese representatives before the Donoughmore Commission in the late 1920’s were advocates of a federal Sri Lanka.

The Importance of a new constitution for Sri Lanka - Past attempts mostly ill-conceived

There are several promises which the National People’s Power (NPP) gave during the last Presidential and Parliamentary elections, but cannot keep as a government -- at least for the moment. One of them is replacing the current Constitution with a new one.

Regulation of media and child-related sexual abuse

Sri Lanka has since independence continuously remained a democratic state. Despite four attempts (thrice by insurgent groups and once by a group of military officers) to change the nature of the state, the people of this country have either by design or by the hand of God, managed to retain its basic democratic structure.

No street light, public safety at risk

The street light located directly opposite No. 15A, Rheinland Place, Colombo 3—on the stretch between Sri Kotha Lane and Alfred Place—has been out of order for several months.

State capture: Lal Kantha’s prescription not valid

Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha’s recent remarks on ‘state capture’ have struck a chord in the country. The Government is unable to perform at the desired pace because the country’s institutional mechanism is not fully cooperative with it.

Undercurrents behind US brinkmanship over IRAN

The United States is preparing for a war on Iran. Already at a fever pitch is the war of words between the two countries—one, a superpower with unmatched military might, an appetite for endless wars, and hubris to boot; the other, a middle power battered by sanctions simply for asserting its sovereignty and resisting US-Israeli hegemony.

Premadasa Stadium suffering a pitiful state

With the World Cup T20 around the corner, the actual state of the Premadasa stadium spreads a very poor message to the world.

To recognise unpaid care labour

In Sri Lanka, a common notion is that women should be primary care providers whereas males should be primary breadwinners. But these gendered norms have differed over the course of history due to various circumstances.

Prevention of terrorism against the State Bill

Agreement in principle has been reached on a massive trade agreement between the major economic powerhouses of India and the EU. This is a major and positive element of the reconstitution of international economic relations following the depredations of Donald Trump. But it requires attention and action on Sri Lanka’s part.

Clergy not spared by Police excesses

The outrageous conduct of some police officers when a catholic priest had been at the receiving end of vile and brutal treatment, so unabashedly inflicted on him for an alleged traffic offense. It is rather intriguing to know if the Police are gaining inspiration, and have been emboldened by some frivolous rhetoric uttered by a politician, as to how even the clergy would not be spared if he had to retaliate for political reasons.

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.

Why the peace process was doomed from the outset

My colleague Kelum Bandara’s interview on Tuesday in the Daily Mirror with Erik Solheim, the Norwegian peace envoy, stirred my memories of the peace process.

Can Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ bring peace to Palestine?

Since October 2023, Israeli forces have been attacking the Palestinians in Gaza Strip killing over 72,437 men, women and children. Twenty-eight percent of those killed (20,100+) have been children.

The ethical use of social media

A popular government school is now under scrutiny for a leaked video involving a student and several teachers. Social media had been abuzz with this incident, some justifying the actions, and some going to the extent of extracting faces of people in question and basically adding hay to the fire.

Tackling corruption amidst controversies

Sri Lanka is facing significant controversies surrounding two key ‘AG’ positions the Attorney General and the Auditor General which have created political tension and accusations of institutional interference against the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna -led National People’s Power (NPP) Government.

Devastating effect of air pollution in South Asia

Air pollution is having a devastating effect on large parts of South Asia, particularly Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka too is affected, but only seasonally and that too due to cross border flows from its northern neighbours.

Civic Discipline: The True Architect of Prosperity

The history of global development is often told through the lens of GDP growth, industrial output, and foreign direct investment. However, beneath the surface of every “economic miracle” from Singapore and Japan to post-war Germany lies a far more potent engine: the collective psychology and discipline of its people.

Treat Malaiyaha Tamils as SL citizens

Malaiyaha Tamils, who have lived and contributed to Sri Lanka for nearly two centuries, continue to endure severe deprivation in access to adequate housing, education, and other basic amenities. Their long-standing hardships were further compounded by the recent Ditwah cyclone, which left many already-vulnerable families in even more precarious conditions.

S. Thomas’ Mount gets new leadership as it marks 175th anniversary

In honour of the newly appointed Warden, Asanka Perera, and Sub-Warden, Dr. Radeeka Mendis, of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, the Old Boys’ Association of the school (STCML OBA) organised a welcoming ceremony on January 23 at Mount Lavinia Hotel. This marked the beginning of a new era of leadership for the institution, which upholds a legacy spanning 175 years.

Protecting Temple of Justice: Preserve Independence of Legal Institutions

When Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara recently felt compelled to clarify that no cabinet discussions have taken place regarding the removal of the current Attorney General, it was a telling moment.

A call for respect in our hospitals!

Sri Lanka can rightfully take pride in its healthcare system. For a country with limited resources, we have built a structure that delivers treatment to millions, free at the point of delivery, and produces doctors who are respected across the world.

Rising Skyrises, Sinking Infrastructure

Day by day, we witness an increasing number of high-rise buildings being constructed across Colombo and its suburbs. While such vertical expansion is often portrayed as a mark of progress, it brings with it a set of serious urban challenges that are being conveniently overlooked.

Classrooms without walls: Inclusive education and Sri Lanka’s next big priority

On a humid morning in a small government school outside Kurunegala, a teacher waits patiently as ten-year-old Isuru tries to read a sentence aloud. The words come slowly.