A foundational question tackled in the study of international law is, ‘Is international law really law?’ Nothing provides a more robust response to this question than the actions of Israel and the imperial West that sucks up to Zionism, Israel’

“Everything needs money” this concept again came to my mind because of an experience that happened to me at a reputed bank here a few weeks ago. I went to the bank in which I have been a customer for more than two decades to withdraw some money

The passage of the new pricing formula for imported pharmaceutical drugs in Parliament could be considered a key strategy to address shortages of medicine and to ensure transparency in the provision of medicines to the public. Unregulated costs of me

Recent rave social media reviews by Indian visitors about Sri Lanka, especially about our roads and civic sense, might make a Sri Lankan blush. One should agree that such assessments are a subjective experience. But there is also a genuine appreciati

Decades have passed since some of Sri Lanka’s most controversial killings of Lasantha, Ekneligoda, Raviraj, Shri Ram, Wasim and hundreds of others, whose deaths have not seen a decent inquiry or prosecution. Instead of delivering justice to these k

When you earn a daily wage you simply plan your life around the concept ‘one day at a time’. Thinking long-term for them would mean getting through the 30 days of the month.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to raise the concerns of Indian fishermen with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya during her three-day visit to India. Stalin highlig

Nicotine is one of the most powerfully addictive substances known to science. Long before modern neuroscience explained how drugs hijack the brain’s reward systems, tobacco users directly experienced addiction’s compulsive nature, the difficulty

Sri Lankan armed forces veterans participated in a lengthy and intense conflict known as the Eelam War, culminating in a significant victory in 2009. Despite this achievement, many veterans emerged from the conflict with lasting physical injuries tha

Anura Kumara Dissanayake became the pallbearer at the funeral of Socialism in Sri Lanka. In the coffin lay the Communist Party, LSSP, NLSSP, MEP — and the JVP itself.

In contrast to intolerance in governance and towards others who are deemed to be outsiders that is increasingly being manifested in the world, Sri Lanka is taking a different path. It is adopting an inclusive approach to all communities that is in th

From ancient myth to modern cinema, the same universal story continues to unfold. What Joseph Campbell called “the hero’s journey” is not only found in books and films, but also in the lives we live and the stories we tell in Sri Lanka and beyo

The 2020s has become a decade of distress in the Global South. Half the developing countries are now in debt trouble, with the situation having deteriorated considerably since 2010.

Members of the opposition political parties, both minority and majority, have been making fun out a mispronunciation of two English words by a prominent Cabinet Member of a NPP government.

A leading local development bank recently announced the launch of its much-publicised Blue Bond, proudly claiming to be the first Sri Lankan bank to issue one.

October 1990 was the month in which the Tamil-speaking Muslims of the Northern province were forcibly expelled en masse by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), 35 years ago.

Unlike leaders of other political parties in the country, the National People’s Power (NPP) leaders have been lodging complaints with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on defamation against them, especially in social media, for over a ye

Recent revelation that the construction of the Port Access Elevated Highway (PAEH) -- much needed 5.3 km road connection built on posts expected to connect the Harbour to New Kelani Bridge, entrance and thence to the country’s expressway -- migh

Every year, October is observed globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Sri Lanka too, has joined this noble cause.

When the economy collapsed in 2022, one of the hardest lessons was that energy insecurity can cripple the entire system. Power cuts, fuel queues, and import shortages didn’t just darken homes but also the country’s economic prospects. Two years l

What a sham at Sharm el-Sheikh! A spectacle choreographed to satiate one man’s thirst for glory. The same performance was on display in West Jerusalem just hours before the so-called world leaders’ summit at the Egyptian resort town on Monday.

The President’s recent remark that “the Government cannot do business” has driven the final nail into socialist politics in Sri Lanka. This marks a watershed moment—a long-overdue recognition that economic progress depends on private sector

When the New Vithanakande Tea Factory recently broke the Guinness World Record for their premium Ceylon Black Tea sold at the highest price of 125,000 Yen or USD 835 per kilogram at a Japanese tea auction, it didn’t come in as a surprise for many.

Sustainability is increasingly becoming non-negotiable in international trade and supply chains. Companies and countries are integrating sustainable practices into their policies and mandates. For smaller developing countries like Sri Lanka, the shif

Recently, I had an unforgettable experience (on my way home!) at a leading supermarket close to my residence, which I believe is worth sharing for the benefit of other customers.

For years I mistook people pleasing for diplomacy. It took time, training and humility to realise that negotiation is not conflict but connection.

Another session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which concerned Sri Lanka, concluded last week, this time thankfully without making a spectacle at home.

Women in rural areas make a huge contribution to the economy, but their contributions often go unnoticed. Hence, since today (October 15) is ‘International Day of Rural Women’, let’s focus on rural women and their work.

Several uncovered gullies along Sri Sumanatissa Mawatha, Armour Street, Colombo 12, have become serious death traps for pedestrians and motorists alike.

In our history we have innumerable instances of politicians making pre-election promises which they have never kept after coming into power. Perhaps they never intended to keep those promises or were forced into the realisation that implementation of