D.V.A. (Victor) Senaratne passed away on July 10, 2019. At the time of death, he was 97 years old. He was born at Dehiwala, lived in Panapitiya, Kalutara during his young days and was educated initially at HolyCrossCollege, Kalutara and later at AnandaCollege, Colombo which gave him a balanced outlook.
It’s hard to believe Janaka will not be with us to celebrate his birthday. He was a man larger than life who made any time spent with friends into a celebration. This is a rare quality which few of us possess. As one who had the privilege of spending much time with him and his family, I would say the focus of his life were his family, his business and Ranil Wickremesinghe. He was the live wire and a tower of strength to the UNP in Kurunegala who
We are now a clueless nation (of deja vu). We seem to have forgotten our indigenous values for good living. Some of us are preoccupied with what is called dirty politics. It is true we need healthy politics, and it is equally true that politics is integrated with every human activity. But our leaders coming from the three major communities call themselves ‘politicians.’
Back in 2015, one of the promises of the Yahapalana Government was to issue free WiFi islandwide. Although Yahapalana voters are yet to see this promise being fulfilled, Sri Lanka will witness 5th Generation (5G) technology in the near future. Currently, local mobile operators use 3G and 4G technology as means of providing a better reception for users. However, mobile
It was 1979 and I was driving from Polonnaruwa to Colombo with two German friends, Hans and Edith Palmer. Near Minneriya, the road passed through shrub jungle on a slight embankment and we sighted an elephant balancing on three legs as it had been shot on its left hind leg.
People are well-fed with information today, thanks to the advent of Social Media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Just with a touch on the facility available on their mobile phones, individuals access information available to them in terms of news stories, long reads and posts.
When it comes to handling waste, Sri Lanka stands at a primitive level. Or so we think. Waste is not just waste for some. It is big money. This is why waste has converted into a global trade, thereby allowing developed countries to export their waste to developing countries for further treatment, disposal or recycling. Hence, the burden of the toxicity of wastes from Western
In the wake of the recent bombings, Abans PLC conducted religious activities that promoted peace and harmony within the Sri Lankan community. Taking place throughout the month of June, these activities signified Abans’ goal of endorsing national unity while respecting the distinctive religious and ethnic diversity that our country is known for.
In colonial societies, the colonisers frequently resorted to established traditional patterns of living, belief systems, and hierarchies based on caste, so as to perpetuate their domination. This usually led to a jettisoning of a minority from the rest of the country and the creation of a culturally colonised elite: the brown sahibs. Where the pre-capitalist phase of such countries did not facilitate the rise of a feudal landownin
While the Cholas of the Coromandel coast in Tamil Nadu were known for their maritime conquests and successful trade, with conquest and trade going hand in hand, the Muslims of the Coromandel coast were successful in maritime trade without the aid of conquest. However, ultimately,with the advent of Eu
A ‘White Paper’ on national harmony, which envisions a Sri Lanka without discrimination and conflict, was presented to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on July 8 by a group of citizens from diverse ethnicities and professions. Entitled ‘The Harmony Act for Religious, Racial, Ethnic and Civil Harmony in Sri Lanka’, the document identifies racial, religious and ethnic tensions, and proposes a ‘Harmony Act’ to prevent issues and promote harmony for the bette
In the wake of the recent bombings, Abans PLC conducted religious activities that promoted peace and harmony within the Sri Lankan community. Taking place throughout the month of June, these activities signified Abans’ goal of endorsing national unity while respecting religious and ethnic diversity our country is known for.
Sri Lanka’s recent elevation to upper middle income status puts it alongside countries earning a GNI per capita of more than US$ 3,996. This figure, of course, is computed by the World Bank, which means that we are an upper middle class country as per parameters set by that particular international body. Economically, however, we don’t seem to be better off than we used to five years ago; indeed, other indicators go to show that inequality, far f
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