We, as a whole nation, are witnessing horror and terror again at present after a lapse of a decade. The calmness and serenity, which were enjoyed by the people irrespective of ethnicity, caste or religion, have been destroyed by the cruel minded and uncivilized barbarians.
After having read about this marvellous book in The Economist, I managed to get this memoir down through a person very close to me. It recounts the life of the former first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. Within the pages, she recounts:
Just when you thought tensions between the US and China couldn’t get any worse, Donald Trump did the unthinkable. It’s a mistake, however, to view or rationalise the ban on Huawei, the world’s second most popular smartphone.....
Two of the Buddha’s teachings on racism are applicable today. The first is, there’s nothing about birth or social position that makes a person good or bad. Men are good or bad exclusively in terms of their actions, and that’s how they should be judged—not by the tint of their skin.
Abbas Ahmadi (33), wife Hakkima (30), and four children aged 12 to 6, came as refugees to Sri Lanka from Afghanistan 5 years ago. Their cases were processed by UNHCR hence they have papers to live here until the UNHCR finds them a country to settle in. All this was with the consent of the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry. Their stay in Sri Lanka is legal.
Following the Easter Sunday massacre more than 1000 refugees and asylum seekers were evicted from their rented houses in Negombo and they had to seek refuge in two mosques and the police station in Negombo. With barely minimal possessions and minimum facilities, the once persecuted group of people live in much uncertainty and fear. They plead for their cases
With over 900 million eligible voters, India, the world’s largest democracy, is awaiting its 2019 poll results on May 23. With the main two parties, Prime Minister Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rahul Gandhi’s Congress Party in the forefront, the alliances, allegiances crossovers and debates have made it a significant episode in the modern political history of India. On the
Between 1796 and 1803, the colonial administration in Ceylon experimented with various forms of administrative changes in the interests of greater efficiency. The Portuguese and the Dutch had left the administrative machine more or less as it was; that served their interests as well as the interests of the local rulers. The relationship between the colonial power and local authority had been clearly defined, and though th
Paralleling the Himalayan foothills that define the modern India-Nepal border is a strip of terrain called the Terai. The whole region is flat and the soil is rich fertile alluvium. The numerous rivers and streams that flow down from the hills in the north sink into the gravel and then percolate to the surface in the Terai creating pools, bogs and swamps. For centuries most of the Terai
At the instigation of the late foreign minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, Vesak Full Moon Poya day has been declared as an international religious day. This was done because it is the most important day for Buddhists world over due to several religious incidents that had taken place on this day. In spite of international terrorist disturbances in the country we are determined to celebrate the most important Buddhist event this year
Millions of devoted Buddhists worldwide annually celebrate the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day as an event of sacred triple significance. Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born 2,483 years ago on Vesak Full Moon Day at Kapilawastupura.
It is with profound grief that I heard of the demise of my good friend Mervyn. In fact, we had a lunch date on May 7. Mervyn, Doris and I had planned to go to Uswetakeiyawa for a drive and have lunch there. I had booked lunch and waited for Doris to ring me. She rang only to say Mervyn had passed away.
Arrangements have been made to hold the State Vesak Festival at the ancient Thotagamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya in Galle District and it is for the first time that the state Vesak festival would be held in the Galle district.
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world consumed both for its medicinal properties and its recreational taste. “Ceylon” tea has made its name throughout the world of tea-drinkers for its quality and unique taste.
Wellampitiya Police OIC Gamini Senarath Hewawithana had complained to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) early this week demanding an inquiry against Colombo Magistrate Court Judge Priyantha Liyanage over the release on bail of nine employees of the copper factory in Wellampitiya.
As mob violence erupted in Minuwangoda on May 13, fire ripped through the country’s largest pasta manufacturing facility, endangering the lives of seven employees present at the time. Diamond pasta, a sister company of the PMM Group of companies....
The anti-Muslim riots in different parts of the country have led to at least two killings and wrecked the lives of thousands of innocent people. These riots have taken place more than three weeks after the Easter Sunday bombings for which the Islamic State took responsibility.
This is high time for all the Sri Lankan politicians to work towards speedy recovery and development of the sentiments as patriotic Sri Lankans with allegiance beyond every religion, race and caste. It is the responsibility and dire need of every one of us.
The most obvious consequence of the Easter Day calamity is the fear psychosis which has gripped our society. Arguably, not even at the height of the war was this feeling as strong and pervasive as it is today. The need of the hour, then, is the removal of fear.
Though not an avowed Buddhist, I’ve come to understand that the words of the Buddha, the Buddha Vachana, have in them a profound meaning which gets lost and obscured in the fog of ideology. Put simply, they are more adhered to in the letter than the spirit.
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 addresses issues raised in recent travel advisories: President
Sri Lanka may face another economic turmoil: Sajith