In January 2024, the Parliament of Sri Lanka passed another draconian law titled the “Online Safety Act” (OSA), which many stakeholders claim is an attempt to further suppress Media Freedom and the Freedom of Expression. US Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Elizabeth Allen, during her recent visit to Sri Lanka, acknowledged journalists’ commitment to seek the Truth even amidst a challenging era, at a Press Club even
The autobiography of senior MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar will be launched on March 5 at the Kularatne Hall of Ananda College, Colombo. The autobiography covers various stages of his life including his childhood, student life, political career and family life, in nineteen chapters.
It was a great blow to Ceylon as it was called then in that era when the late Charles Henry De Soysa died. He was and still is undoubtedly the greatest philanthropist in our nation’s history as his record of extraordinary largesse remains unparalleled. March 3rd this year marks his 188th birth anniversary. He is a legend, whose memories live on not only in the hearts and minds of his descendants, but in the many institutions including hospital
President Ranil Wickremesinghe while presenting the 2024 budget on November 13 last year told Parliament that both the next Presidential and Parliamentary elections would be held this year. Nine days later, he, while making a special statement in Parliament on the economic situation of the country, reiterated the point. Apparently relying on the President’s remarks in Parliament, Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesman, Dr Bandula Gunawardena also
Gangaramaya Maha Viharaya situated in the heart of Colombo has played a preeminent role in society; memories of which will be evoked in any reader. On one hand, the grandest of Buddhist festivals....
The Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) dawned on Saturday the 10th of February. The year 2024 is special as it is recognized as a world holiday for the first time by the UN, and since China....
The ‘Knowledge Sharing Wing’ of Past Pupils of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya Colombo hosted a workshop recently, which comprised of presentations and coaching sessions conducted by them in response to a request from Ganga Kumuduni, the present Principal of the school. The sessions were designed to equip students with the skills and mindset needed for success in their years spent doing studies for the A’ Levels and beyond. The presenters were from vari
“There is a crisis. Climate change is a crisis. There is no disagreement on that. In any part of the world, everyone would agree that a major crisis is taking place. Hence the main question here is; if there is a crisis happening, are we up to that standard to combat this crisis,” questioned Professor of Climate Change Impacts and Coastal Risk Dr. Roshanka Ranasinghe when he delivered the Keynote address at the 08th International Conference on Cl
On February 9th 2024 a remarkable initiative was accomplished as the 1978 Science Faculty alumni batch of the University of Peradeniya came together to make a lasting impact on education in a rural area. They raised funds and embarked on a mission to donate a fully-equipped computer lab with personal computers to Katumuluwa Junior School, Kanaththewawa in Wariyapola. The project, which cost Rs. 1.2 million, represents not just a donation of ha
The very famous Ashan Fernando aka ‘Spy 007’ from Yes FM 89.5 is no more with us. Rest in Peace Ashan/Spy. Your voice will certainly linger in the Air forever! The Former Radio Personalities who worked with him through the years will always remember and cherish him forever. Phat David - Former Assistant to the Programme Director and Radio Personality of Yes FM. For the few that understand the radio industry, there is much sorrow for the loss o
The International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) is proud to present a workshop on Trade Finance, focusing on the application of UCPDC, URDG, and ISBP, along with an overview of Trade Digitalization. According to a press release issued by ICCSL the event will take place on February 17 at Ramada Hotel Colombo. The workshop will be held from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. As the domestic chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), based
Sri Lankans breathe the least polluted air compared to most South Asian countries, according to IQAir’s 2022 World Air Quality Report. However, the air quality levels of the island are still not at recommended levels– and vehicular emissions are a major contributor to this condition. With measures such as annual Vehicular Emission Tests (VET) and roadside tests introduced to manage this issue, one could wonder why some vehicles continue to emit b
Mannar is one of the oldest cities in Sri Lanka dating back to the maritime Silk Road and the trade routes between India and Sri Lanka. It also has some of the most important wintering wetlands for migratory birds in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a signatory nation for the United Nations Convention of Migratory Species (CMS). Hence, we have a global responsibility and binding to protect about 15 million birds (of 250 species) visiting Sri Lanka from
The Presidential and General elections are two much anticipated events in Sri Lanka’s political calendar this year (2024). The lack of funds to conduct an election has been one of the key factors that supposedly delayed the local government elections for four consecutive years. While it seems like President Ranil Wickremesinghe had already begun his campaign, defections among key figures in major political parties indicate that an election is lik
The five-day visit of National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his three comrades to India last week has drawn a flurry of attention in the political arena in Sri Lanka. It is commonplace Sri Lankan politicians making visits to India and vice versa, but this time the visit of the leaders of the NPP to India has a special significance. Dissanayake and his comrades were officially invited by the Government of India for di
In a letter addressed to the Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeygunawardena, the Media Organizations Collective, comprising several leading media organisations in the country, has expressed concerns on attempts by MPs to use Parliamentary Powers and Privileges to stifle media freedom. The letter: Attempts to suppress media activity using Parliamentary Powers and Privileges law against journalists When Parliament met on February 08, Member of Parliament D.
In a splendid event full of memories, the Wesley College Old Boys Union headed by Capt. Navin de Silva, organised a special celebration to honour its esteemed and Iconic alumni, signalling the commencement of the much looked forward to sesquicentennial festivities. The event was rolled out at the charming 164-year-old Principal’s Bungalow, which majestically glorified Karlsruhe’s Gardens magnificent history. The highlight was a Classic Lawn Cere
Tourist arrivals surpass 63,000 in first half of October
EDB gets new chief
Colombo welcomes Cinnamon Life
New Board of Directors appointed for SriLankan Airlines
Easter attack: controversy swirls further high
Catholic Church rebuffs Gammanpila’s allegations
Easter Sunday attack: Ravi Seneviratne’s name implicated
SL unveils new ’P’ series passport with enhanced security features