During the long years of rule in Sri Lanka by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, Buddhism, which was the religion of the country, suffered a setback. In the late 19th century, there was a national struggle initiated by monks to revive Buddhism. At this time, American national Colonel Henry Steel Olcott arrived in Sri Lanka in search of the pure teachings of Lord Buddha.
The Sri Lankan armed forces have been under a cloud of allegations on extra-judicial killings, abductions and war crimes. Despite such allegations, there are instances that exemplify that Sri Lanka’s highly trained armed forces are empathic and humane. Altruism is one of the most highly prized qualities in society. The special qualities of people who act selflessly to try to find out what sets them apart, that they just have more empathy for oth
There are six serious problems affecting the six million children of Sri Lanka, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). In a dialogue with the media held in Colombo recently, UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative Tim Sutton outlined the six major issues confronting our children, in the fields of nutrition, education, poverty, physical punishment, peace and inclusion and of course, climate change. However, the UN agency does not inte
Climathon is a year-round programme, with a powerful solutions-hackathon at its core. Climathon Jaffna is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about climate change as well as to seek future-oriented solutions, centred around the city of Jaffna, translating climate action solutions into tangible projects. The initiative also aims to support climate-positive businesses and start-ups as well as address local policy changes. Sri Lanka has been ra
Celebrating the 135th anniversary of the Attorney General’s Department, the Legal Officers’ Association has organised a fundraiser, “A Ray of Hope” to help the education of the children who lost their parents in the Easter Sunday Bomb attack. A Musical Extravaganza is being organized as a fund raiser for this charitable cause with the participation of reputed artistes on October 26 at 6.30 p.m. at the Shangri -La Hotel, Colombo. The funds raise
Just hours after the high court dismissed petitions against cutting trees in a heavily wooded area in suburban Mumbai for a metro rail depot, hundreds of protesters swarmed the site, crying and clinging to trees as the felling began.
Environmental crisis is possibly the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced and our generation has been handed the mammoth task of reversing the damage. Although we have come a long way in dealing with the environmental challenges we have created, it goes without saying how crucial an imperative for action is.
Fake meat, mock meat, meat analogues, plant-based protein, whatever you want to call it – it’s a growing industry across the world as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact raising animals for food has on the environment, as well as animal welfare concerns.
Like the monasteries before them, the Jesuit colleges were supported by temple lands which had been transferred to the churches. On October 22, 1605, for instance, on the orders of Jeronimo D’Azevedo the villages of Munneswaram, Moratuwa, and Kohilawatte were transferred to the Jesuit College at Colombo; later several villages in the Siyane Korale were added; a distinction was drawn between reside
Kanday Esala Maha Perahera is over and as dusk sets in Kandy Town anyone feels an emptiness after the streets are cleared of the drummers, dancers and elephants. This is perhaps the only country in the world that men and animals brush against each other and walk side by side without causing harm to each other. But have we given a thought to those living the lives of a dancers and drummer? Without them these elephants would not be part of this an
Harold Seneviratne Tissa Ratwatte, known to us friends as Harold, was born on March 20, 1937and departed from this world on August 2, 2017. He was married to my relative, more appropriately my niece, daughter of one of my first cousins.
Impeccably-dressed, in a crisp white short-sleeved cotton shirt, light trousers, socks and shoes and a white sailor cap; this is how Shums Mariff is remembered. His passing came as a shock to his family. He left suddenly, without much ado, as was his character. On September 27, two months shy of turning 76, he was preparing to leave for Friday prayers, had bent to tie his shoes, when he collapsed.
A regular writer to the press, my church friend Ilika Malkanthi de Silva Karunaratne, has gone on record in a recent article on the subject of religious leaders and their involvement in affairs of the nation. She argues that it would be better if these leaders spend their time on matters pertaining to their faith community.
The Ceylon Scooter Club has chosen the seaside charms of Kalpitiya for its annual road trip this time. ‘Summer Party Ride’ will take off from the usual venue at Kottawa on Oct. 26, 2019, and members will ride their classic scooters...
After successful weekend retreats in Melbourne Australia in June, Acharin G. Wijenayake has fortunately decided to return to Australia (Sydney and Melbourne) to run further weekend, non residential, non religious, retreats....
On the 18th of May 2019, Sri Lanka celebrated victory commemorating ten years of ending the civil war and establishing peace. It is important to ask at this juncture, whether a military victory can guarantee lasting peace....
Following is the second part of the interview with the Chairman of Presidential Expert Committee (PEC) on Sustainable Sri Lanka 2030 Vision, Professor Mohan Munasinghe. The first part was published on Tuesday. Prof. Munasinghe elaborated how Sustainable Sri Lanka 2030 Vision Report provides solutions for many burning issues in the country.
Techno 2019 was held for the 7th consecutive year at the Bandaranaike International Memorial Conference Hall (BMICH) premises from October 11-13. Organised by the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), Techno 2019 is the foremost exhibition in the country to promote engineering technology and innovation. In this backdrop, the IESL conducted its annual Junior
Greta Thunberg became a global sensation in no time. If a 16-year-old could go round the world, doing what she could in her capacity to voice out for climate change, there’s much more that the rest of global citizens could do. The most suitable remedy to counter global warming is planting trees. But at EarthRestoration, it is not about planting any tree. While photosynthesis is the
National security-conscious concerns that nearly 1.4 million Muslim voters will be strongly-influenced this time by election manifestos as well as ‘promise-upholding’ credentials of presidential candidates who pledge an end to terrorism without multiplying extremism among diverse communities.
Canada issues travel advisory over serious risk in Arugam Bay
More countries issue travel advisories
Sri Lanka Tourism invites global travellers for upcoming season
Russian embassy urges citizens to stay vigilant in Arugam Bay
US Embassy issues travel warning for Arugam Bay
Immigration authorities to crack down on overstaying Russians, Israelis
Sri Lanka may face another economic turmoil: Sajith