President Maithripala Sirisena who was once appalled by the sugar content in a popular malt beverage, is now stoically silent on a move to slash a ‘sugar tax’. His silence about efforts to reverse his own initiative, where he made a public call to extend the sugar tax to all sweetened beverages, comes as no surprise however given the ongoing political stalemate in the country.
The International Research Symposium 2018 organized by the University of Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) was held from December 5-7 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI). Limitless perspectives of contemporary arts-based research in diverse fields of humanities and social sciences were invited to view society
Honouring the day the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the Civil Society and Trade Union’s Collective assembled a group of people who stood by the ideals of democracy, freedom and independence.
A new book ‘Field Guide to the Butterflies of Sri Lanka’ authored by the island’s renowned Lepidopterist duo, George Michael and Nancy van der Poorten, will be launched on December 20 (Thursday) at 6.00 pm at the Met Department Auditorium, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) community has been frowned upon by the Asian culture as opposed to the West. Against such a backdrop, their fight for acceptance continues in Sri Lanka. While they represent a considerable portion of the Sri Lankan population, they are still being subject to harassment, ridicule and ostracism with blessings
A forum on democracy held in memory of late Somesasunthary Krishnakumar, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Jaffna, was held at the Trimmer Hall in Jaffna on December 9. Activists, students, academics, journalists, artists and others from different parts of the country including Akkaraipattu, Kilinochchi, Kandy and Colombo discussed the ongoing political crisis, its
In 1978, when the all-powerful executive presidency was introduced, LSSP stalwart N.M. Perera asked what would happen “if the presidency goes to a mad man”? The manifest limits of due process and absence of checks and balances against the behaviour of the incumbent has raised that pertinent question once again. Sri Lanka has never addressed this constitutional lacuna in full. Tinkering of the Constitution has not helped either. 
Women, an important segment of society, are believed to have the hands that rock the cradle, but are hardly given an opportunity to rule the world. Although there have been women in governance and other positions, they don’t walk on an easy path with patriarchy pulling the strings. But gone are the dark ages when women
The murder of two on-duty police constables- one from the South and one from the East- at Vavunativu, Batticaloa on November 30 sent shock waves through the country. Although a few arrests have been made, the motive of the shooting is still unknown because there are several dimensions which this incident could fall into.
If you have taken a trip to Mannar, the donkeys would have added much excitement to your sightseeing. These donkeys have made Mannar their home for centuries. The entry of donkeys to the island dates back to the Portuguese and Dutch periods. Although they were not native to the island, donkeys have been used to transport goods from one end to the other and have lived closely with people over the years. But with the increasing number of human sett
The on-going political and constitutional imbroglio in Sri Lanka could put on the back-burner, all discussion on giving the country a brand new constitution to take care of many pending issues, such as the powers of the Executive Presidency and the question of devolving power to the provinces, a core issue for the minority Tamils. According to Lal Wijenayaka, Cha
In February 1835, the historian, politician, and imperialist Thomas B. Macaulay in a well received address known today as the Minute on Indian Education urged the then Governor General of India,William Bentwick, to reform secondary education in the country so as to deliver “useful learning.” Colonial policy until then had been one of conciliation, of funding places of learning to promote native languages (especially Persian and Sanskr
The Community of the Risen Lord (CRL) has organised an evening of carols, worship and a message of hope for the nation with a tinge of Christmas flavour. The programme is titled ‘Come let us adore Him’ and will be held at St. Joseph’s College Auditorium, Colombo 10, on Saturday, December 15th from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Mr. Lalith Perera - Director of CRL, will be one of the key speakers. The service will feature a choir of
A team of archaeologists from Shanghai Museum in China recently conducted an excavation mission in Sri Lanka to find links with the ancient silk route. It happened at a time when China had launched its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) based on the ancient silk route to improve connectivity with the rest of the world. Sri Lanka is among the countries that pledged cooperation with BRI.
The China International Friendship Cities Conference was held from November 14 to 16 at Wuhan in the Hubei Province of China. This conference was hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the China International Friendship Cities Association and Wuhan Municipal People’s Government.
When proceeding from Negombo to Chilaw on the main road, turning to seaside from the Kattuwa Junction and continuing a few meters on Ettukala Road, one would not miss the sight of a beautiful Church of great architectural value.
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, High commission of India, Colombo will be presenting three well known Indian performing artistes, Tabla recital by Prof Mukund Narayan Bhaleon 13th December and Andhra Natyamby Ms. Chinmayi Arukula and her Guru Kala Ratna Sri Perini Kumar on14th December at 6.00 pm at SVCC
Sri Lanka is poorer with the passing of Dr Wickrema Sena Weerasooria last Tuesday. There were so many aspects to his life, and he was so many things to so many people, that it is difficult to know where to begin. Most Sri Lankans who can yet recall the J. R. Jayewardene presidency remember Wickrema as the all-powerful
The 7th Pushpanjali Concert initiated by Bharath Lanka Kala Padanama was held on November 24 at the Disaster Management Ministry auditorium, in collaboration with the India – Sri Lanka Foundation under the aegis of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka. This year’s concert celebrated the lives and music of renowned musicians
The right to information, together with freedom of expression and criticism, are fundamental liberties of every human being. At times of uncertainty, journalists are often the sole protectors of our freedom. A gathering of such journalists, who toil to protect the rights of the citizen, saw the felicitation of ten veteran journalists, at the 63rd
I am extremely sad to note the death of H. D. R. Jayaweera, a former Carey College boxer and National Champion. His funeral was held on December 5. The late Jayaweera was the most stylish boxer that Carey College ever produced during the late 60s and early 70s.
IMF review for Sri Lanka delayed
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
No decline in tourist arrivals at Arugam Bay - Residents
Prez vows to scrap perks for former presidents once again
Policeman in a fix for sexually harassing three new constables