The latest update from ‘IMF Tracker’ of Verité Research, an online platform which tracks the 100 identified commitments in Sri Lanka’s 17th programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), shows that Sri Lanka verifiably met only 40 of the 71 trackable commitments that were due for completion by end-September 2023. It also shows that Sri Lanka had, at the same time, reached its lowest point in terms of both performance and transparency since
Eelam War I (1983–1987) was the initial phase of the conflict between the government and the LTTE and other Tamil militant groups. Although tensions between the government had been brewing since the 1970s, the full-scale war did not break out until an attack by the LTTE on a Sri Lanka Army patrol in Jaffna, on July 23, 1983, which killed 13 soldiers. The attack and the subsequent riots in the south are generally considered the start of the confli
A distressing incident occurred on September 30, 2023 when a wildlife officer purportedly shot a female elephant by mistake. The animal had been part of the annual Esala Perahera (Pageant) of Mahiyanganaya Rajamaha Viharaya. Although the wildlife officer in question has been placed under arrest by the Mahiyanganaya Police, it is crucial to query whether more substantial measures should be implemented to address this critical issue. The dwindli
The Online Safety Bill gazetted on September 18 and tabled in Parliament by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has come under much scrutiny by media groups, rights activists and civil society organizations. Some of the concerns raised regarding the Bill include vague definitions and the fact that a gamut of offences, which already exist in the Penal Code, have been included in this new Bill with higher penalties. Many policy analysts observe th
Health authorities are back in hot water for procuring a low quality intravenous medicine prescribed for patients with severe neurological disorders. IVIG, also known as Human Immunoglobulin...
Dr. Ruchitha Perera was appointed as the Executive Director of The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA) with effect from October 1, 2023. Announcing his appointment, Mrs. Aruni Marcelline, President of the FPA, said, “He brings valuable leadership experience, deep passion for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and is hugely enthusiastic about leading the Association into our next chapter.” Dr. Perera takes over th
Attorney-at-Law Rajeev Amarasuriya has been appointed as the Sri Lanka Country Representative of the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA). Founded in 1971, the CLEA is a Commonwealth-wide body with regional Chapters and Committees in South Asia, Southern Africa, West Africa, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom, and fosters and promotes high standards of Legal Education in the Commonwealth. The goal of the Commonwealth Legal Educ
When a tree toppled over a bus, heading towards Deniyaya from Colombo last week in Colpetty, immediate action was taken to remove trees which were a threat to pedestrians. The tragedy claimed the lives of five individuals while several others are still receiving treatment. The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), which oversees the maintenance of Colombo’s urban infrastructure, took immediate steps to remove such trees by the roadside. So far around
Guide to Management of Decompression Sickness “Bends” is a collaborative publication of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) and Directorate....
Eleven deaths within 36 hours. That is the alarming rate at which Sri Lanka’s elephants were killed several weeks ago. On September 27, six elephants were killed in two separate train collisions – four elephants died after colliding with a night mail train travelling from Colombo to Kankesanthurai, while another female tusker and a calf succumbed to injuries after colliding with the Meenagaya Train en route from Batticaloa to Colombo. While the n
“Paththara Kala Kaw Silumina” is a collection of tributes paid to Thilakaratne Kuruwita Bandara, a scribe who stuck resolutely to journalistic principles at a time when politicians heavily depended on leading newspapers for their propaganda. For his non-compromising stance, Thilak was sacked twice from the editorial chair of the leading newspaper he worked for, ignoring his role in the elevation of standards that boosted its sales records. He wa
Harmful use of heroin is a psychiatric condition according to the WHO (International Classification of Diseases ICD – 10) and the American Psychiatric Association (Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of mental illnesses). World Drug Report of UN (UNODC) recommends METHADONE, LAAM, Buprenorphine and Naltrexone for the treatment of Heroin addicts. Heroin addicts are the most maltreated patients in our society. Heroin causes many altered brains and aff
One of the most common types of cancer prevalent among women, and a sizable number of men is breast cancer. However, over the years, healthcare professionals and groups advocating for the prevention....
Secretary Ministry of Environment Dr. Anil Jasinghe presented his views regarding climate change at the conference. “In Sri Lanka we have been experiencing a continuous rise of ambient temperature. This is very important. If you take the last several decades there was an increase in droughts and floods, high intensity rain, landslides, intense lightning and the total number of dry days. So this is the impact of climate change that we are already
In my childhood during the early 1950s, I have fond memories of the “Andabera-karaya” (tom-tom beater) who would beat his drum at the street corner, announcing important events. Additionally, during...
India-Sri Lanka ferry service operates smoothly
Tourist arrivals surpass 63,000 in first half of October
EDB gets new chief
Colombo welcomes Cinnamon Life