Mastermind or not, Zahran Hashim had pivotal role in the Easter bombings

‘Pasku Praharaye Mahamolakaru Soyayema (In Search of the Mastermind of the Easter Attacks)’ is the title of a book written by ‘Pivithuru Hela Urumaya’ party leader and former Cabinet minister, Udaya Gammanpila.

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:

The turmoil in the Middle East = Sri Lanka in economic trouble

If there was one thing that was sure to happen as an external factor that would affect the economy of Sri Lanka, it was the turmoil in the Middle East. This has been a constant since 1948 when Israel was established. All governments and organizations that have existed in this country have either had to deal with a war or some kind of disruption in the Middle East. Historically most of them have completely and utterly failed to deal with this issu

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.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe Marked his 77th Birthday on Tuesday, March 24 The need for your services to the country would be felt in the future more than ever

Sri Lanka has been a distinct geo-political entity with a long history of national, religious and socio- economic upheavals as laid down in the Mahawansa chronicle and other historical sources. However, history has recorded that the stage was adorned by a patriotic leader with talent and ability to rebuild the country and to make the people happy and prosperous at any crucial juncture. This was vindicated by the situation experienced in 2022.

How is Sri Lanka responding to the Israel–Iran conflict: Day 26

As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, Sri Lanka has taken a series of diplomatic, aviation and precautionary measures to manage potential fallout and safeguard its citizens. Here is how Sri Lanka is responding.

Saudi Arabia strongly condemns Iran’s moves to disrupt navigation in Strait of Hormuz - Saudi Envoy

In the midst of war raging in the Middle East, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, Khalid Hamoud Nasser Aldasam Alkahtani, in an exclusive interview with Daily Mirror, shares his country’s perspectives on the latest developments.

From Charter to Chaos Sovereignty, Power and the Quiet Unraveling of the International Order

The international system we inhabit today is not an accident of history. It is the product of deliberate design, forged in the aftermath of the most destructive conflict humanity has ever known.

Explainer: Sri Lanka Fuel QR Code System - Complete Guide to Register, Download and Fuel Quotas

This guide explains how the QR code fuel system works, how to register your vehicle, how to download your QR code, and the weekly fuel limits for different types of vehicles.

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.

Neutral waters, timeless laws Graf Spee, IRIS Dena and the enduring relevance of neutrality

The story of the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee in 1939 remains one of the most cited lessons in the law of neutrality. During her commerce-raiding mission in the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean between September and December 1939, Graf Spee sank nine merchant ships totalling over 50,000 GRT. Her actions forced the British to deploy multiple hunting groups across vast oceans, culminating in the Battle of the River Plate, where Britis

The UN Security Council on Iran: Is it hypocrisy back and forth?

The UN Security Council yesterday adopted Resolution 2817 presented by Bahrain, a non-permanent member of the Council, on behalf of the GCC states.

Iran’s stern response inspires resilience in the Global South

As the unprovoked and illegal war on Iran continues for the 14th day, one thing is certain: the United States and Israel—the aggressors in this case—are not winning, nor is Iran losing. Yet in Washington and Tel Aviv, there is no shortage of arrogant rhetoric. US President Donald Trump and the dimwitted members of his administration keep saying, “We won the war, but we will stay in the fight to finish the job.” If that is so, why waste your fast

IRIS Dena incident Keep big power rivalry out of region : Dr Kohona

In the wake of widening conflict in the Gulf and an Iranian ship being attacked close to Sri Lankan waters, former Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona, in an interview with Daily Mirror, takes questions regarding its implications for Sri Lanka and what it should do.

Arrest of Maj. Gen. Suresh Sallay and the allegations by Azad Maulana

Let me begin this article with an apology and explanation to readers. This week’s column should have been the second and final part of last week’s article (‘Is JVP Gen-Sec Tilvin, the power behind President Dissanayake’s throne?’).

How Sri Lanka protects a species it cannot easily count

A three-wheeler rattles past the lagoon road. A stack of nets dries on a low wall in the heat. Someone scrolls through messages beneath a palmyrah tree, glancing at water that appears, at first look, uncomplicated.

G.L. Peiris delves into ‘Protection of Occupants Bill’ during university lecture

The following is a lecture delivered by Former Minister G.L. Peiris at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo on February 16, 2026 regarding the ‘Protection of Occupants Bill (2026), introduced by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Justice.

Is JVP Gen-Sec Tilvin the power behind President Dissanayake’s throne?

“Power behind the throne” is a phrase that is generally used to refer to someone who doesn’t hold an official leadership position, but is actually the one who effectively wields control.

Explainer: Where are the world’s most endangered languages?

On International Mother Language Day, we explore which languages are most at risk of disappearing, where they are spoken, and why preserving them matters for all of us.

Poaching at Kumana National Park; Commonly sighted leopard Ritta missing from its territory?

The recent deer carcasses found at Kumana National Park have sparked fresh concerns about threats posed to wildlife including leopards inside this protected area. The Kumana National Park includes several lagoon areas that are frequented by fishermen. According to sources, incidents of unauthorised access and suspected illegal hunting activity between January 18 and February 8 have raised suspicion as to whether the poachers are aiming at a diffe

From Joy to Risk: What Every Parent Should Know About Sharing Children’s Photos Online

In Sri Lanka, we love sharing family moments and children’s photos on social media to celebrate milestones, stay connected, get likes and sometimes even earn through monetization earn some money.

Valuing care work and women’s struggles amidst escalating climate crises

As a country that is recognised as extremely vulnerable to climate change impacts, Sri Lanka is now at a critical juncture in terms of prioritising climate resilience.

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

Urban waste management: Authorities face challenges in keeping Colombo’s waterways clean

Waste piled up along river banks, canals and lakes is a common sight in Colombo. Despite numerous initiatives taken to mitigate the waste generation crisis in urban cities, lack of infrastructure and ad hoc approaches to waste segregation pose significant challenges.

Aloka’s journey with Buddhist monks for ‘Global Peace’ generates huge following on social media

Aloka, the Indian street dog, following Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile (3,700 km) “Walk for Peace” across the United States became a symbol of the walk. His journey has gained international attention, with over 800,000 followers on social media. Though the canine Aloka is labelled a “pariah dog,” “street dog,” or “mongrel” based on his birth, his enthusiasm and unwavering determination to accompany the Buddhist monks on their peace walk reflect

Threatened Sandhya Ekneligoda urges President to protect her

Human rights activist and the wife of disappeared journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, Sandya, yesterday (February 5) urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to ensure her safety following the death threat she received from a person who claimed himself “a retired Army Brigadier”.

Sri Lanka at 78: A journey of independence, resilience, and renewal

As Sri Lanka commemorates 78 years of Independence, the island nation reflects on a journey marked by resilience, progress, and persistent challenges. From the optimism of 1948 to the trials of civil war and economic crises, the story of modern Sri Lanka is one of both achievement and unfinished business.

New Microfinance Bill: Hunting smaller fish in money lending sector?

The surge in unregulated and predatory microfinance practices has made many individuals at the grassroots level vulnerable to mounting debts. After the year 2000, large financial institutions with access to international financial markets entered the microfinance business. At one point it operated as a mafia, providing ‘quick and easy loans’ to people at high interest rates. However, after much protests and community interventions the new Microfi

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.

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.