63rd Anniversary of Bandaranaike Assassination: Murderer had Free Access to PM’s Residence

It was around 9.45; the morning sun shone brightly in Colombo on September 25, 1959. Residents in the vicinity focused their attention.....

Ragging, ‘messing with wrong generation’ - EDITORIAL

In our country unfortunately, ragging has morphed from its earliest days as a form of a little fun, to bullying, to extreme levels of violence.....

Why did the Dutch army fail against the British in Ceylon and India?

The Dutch were a pre-eminent politico-economic and military power in Ceylon and South India in the 17th and 18th centuries, having driven out the Portuguese from the region’s lucrative spice trade.

Economic crimes: the term that frightened the government

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in her report on Sri Lanka attributes the economic crisis the country is currently engulfed in to what she called “economic crimes” committed by those responsible for running the country’s economy.

Need, greed and the protection of the ozone layer

Despite the worst socio-economic and political crisis since independence, Sri Lanka is still a beautiful island in the sun.

How the dollar crisis and import restrictions choke a nation

As a result of the ongoing dollar crisis many local industries are at risk of shutting down with around 5 million people being vulnerable....

Brain drain and right thing to do - EDITORIAL

Sri Lanka is painfully getting ready for the worst of the brain drain that’s taking place in the country. Qualified professionals are seeking.....

UN reforms: Rhetoric and the reality

Often derided as a talk shop by its detractors, the United Nations is in session for the annual General Assembly summit. Although this year’s.....

Mannar bio-diversity and its dry fish industry

Recently the state minister for tourism came out with a new idea to bring foreign currency to Sri Lanka. To bring dollars into the country the minister wanted to convert the island of Mannar into a hub of nightclubs, nightlife, and night economy.

Constants: tired, boring, obnoxious and laudable

Sri Lanka is a resilient nation. That’s almost a given. A constant. All talk of peace, human rights, democracy, good governance,

There’s no malnutrition in Lanka

The truth is furthest away from reality, when particular Sri Lankan government ministers speak on prevailing conditions of living in the country. Or, to give these personages the benefit of the doubt, it may be that they are so cut off from the reality in which our countrymen and women live, they take offence when the truth hits them in the eye.

Last rites to a long-reigning monarch - EDITORIAL

Britain’s late queen Elizabeth II, was finally laid to rest on Monday, September 19, amidst scenes of pomp and pageantry the British....

Talking trauma and the Aragalya effect

After a lapse of almost four years, last week I got the chance to spend multiple days with a group of Sri Lankan colleagues. The Dart.....

The ‘2500 year Buddhist culture’ concept has dragged SL towards bankruptcy - SJB MP Diana Gamage

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) national list Parliamentarian Diana Gamage made headlines for several of her controversial statements.....

Save the medical sector first

Nearly 500 Sri Lankan doctors including specialists have left the country within the last eight months of this year, some informing

US Senate Resolution: How US can help SL fight economic crimes?

Last week, four US Senators, led by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Bob Menendez tabled a Senate resolution calling for a comprehensive international approach to address Sri

‘Protagonist’ in Empire’s Longest Love Story -1939/2022: Good Night Sweet Princess…

The literally glittering and visually dazzling Imperial State Crown with nearly 3,000 diamonds and gems set into its platinum frame– [a blue sapphire weighing 104 carats and is believed to have originated....

After Covid-19 and bankruptcy, it’s time for renewal - EDITORIAL

For the past few months Sri Lanka has been in an economic and political crisis. In March this year, our country defaulted on its international debts, brought on by the drying up of foreign currency earnings...

MHM Ashraff; From Muslim Leader to National Statesman

On the fateful morning of 16th September 2000, Mohammed Hussein Muhammad Ashraff(MHM Ashraff) boarded a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Mi-17 helicopter at the Police grounds in Bambalapitiya.

Unending wrangling between the UNHRC and Sri Lanka

Four international human rights organizations - Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and International Commission of Jurists –

Older people: “The Agony and Ecstasy”

In most countries including Sri Lanka, older people are often marginalised and their views are not taken seriously.

Youth, the law and a revolt - EDITORIAL

Sri Lanka is a country which doesn’t support agitations and protests by the public. Thus the lawmakers of the country don’t lay.....

UNHRC: Politicisation of human rights

Sri Lanka is being once again pilloried at the United Nations Human Rights Council for alleged war crimes during the last stages....

Invisible hand controlling the SLPP - Prof. G.L Peiris

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) came out with a bang when it was formed and eventually grabbed power. However, the alliance recently.....

To benefit of our next generation We must conserve our environment

There is no doubt that the economic crisis which Sri Lanka is facing at the moment has become a fully grown political crisis and a humanitarian emergency.

Bankruptcy, relief and UNHRC

It never rains, but it pours. Since March this year, our country has been going through a period of turmoil. Miles-long queues of vehicles wound their way past petrol sheds.

Israel, Palestine and charges of anti-Semitism - EDITORIAL

Being critical of, or any critical analysis of Israeli actions against particular groups by the government of Israel, often leaves the accuser....

When I shook hands with the Queen of England…

It was on October 22 in 1981 in Colombo. I was 22, the youngest of the Sri Lanka Press Corps of around a dozen reporters, who were.....

Litro Gas’ shaky deals in purchasing LPG

Litro Gas Lanka is accused of deceiving the World Bank by abusing the funds that were provided to purchase low-cost Liquefied Petroleum....

Do we need such a lot of ministers?

President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed 37 State Ministers on September 8, 2022; 48 days after he appointed his 18-member Cabinet. This probably signifies the end of the hue and cry over the so-called “All-Party Government.” In spite of a