Twenty years after the deadly wave struck Tsunami Survivors of Hambantota still relate tales of trauma and communal harmony

Twenty years ago on a day like today (December 26), people in Hambantota were getting ready to go to the Sunday fair during the early hours of the morning.

Two decades after the wave: Building resilient coastal futures

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the tragic Indian Ocean tsunami. As we honour those lost, we are also humbled to reflect on the progress made in creating resilient coastal communities.

The memory and legacy of Lakshman Wijewardene

It is two decades since my father Lakshman Wijewardene passed away and today as I pen this appreciation of him on his birthday, nostalgic memories come rushing to my mind.

National Peace Council: Need for Inclusive Governance for Lasting Reconciliation

The government’s success at the Presidential and General elections, which saw significant support from ethnic and religious minorities, highlights its mandate to address long-standing grievances.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS BLISS!

In an increasingly and incredibly materialised and commercialised world today, the core meaning of Christmas often seems distorted, being overshadowed by consumerism, bustling sales, and extravagant festivities. Yet, at its heart, Christmas is a season meant for reflection, change, love, and unity – a time when people gather to celebrate gratitude and generosity centred around the Divine Baby. As we explore the roots of Christmas and what it can

The 105-year old legacy of the Peace Tree in Nuwara Eliya

A British woman who was deeply saddened by the events that occurred during World War I, planted the Peace Tree at the Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya to spread the message of peace to the world. This tree is 105 years old today.

A deep dive into Santa Claus

Santa Claus is a very important figure during the Christmas season. He is present in almost all the shops and places where Christmas is celebrated. On the eve of Christmas, the concept of Santa Claus comes with gifts, especially to houses where there are children to commemorate Father St. Nicholas who was the bishop of Myra in Turkey during the fourth century A.D. It is said that this father was fond of children and helped the poor and needy. He

Christmas for people everywhere

These are few quotations about Christmas by famous people. This is what renowned author Charles Pickens said” “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year” Another heartwarming saying comes from Author Dale Evans Rogers. “Christmas, my child is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” Christmas connects people of every colour and ethnicity and binds this generation to the past through famil

Kularathna Bulathgamage’s Funeral Today

Mr. Kularathna Bulathgamage (96), veteran Journalist and author passed away yesterday (24th December 2024) at the General Hospital, Kandy.

Messiah Come!

Come Jesus Come! Messiah! King! In joyous hope we await thy coming To heal a world embroiled in war

The ‘Miracle’ of the ‘Manger’…!

Brightly shines the starry night, Lifting souls with Heavenly light. Every heart sings a jubilant refrain, Saviour of all, forever shall reign. Songs of peace and gladness fill the air, Every creature will feel the Almighty’s love and care. Divine mercy with the world lavishly did share. Child of Heaven, in a manger lay, Heralded joy was born on that day. Rejoice, for redemption came through love so pure, In a Heavenly promise that will forever e

Soft toys designer Dilani gets ‘certification of appreciation’ for her life story

Soft toys designer Dilani De Silva did her Christian community and her close circle of mentally challenged associates proud by receiving a ‘certification of appreciation’ for penning her autobiography at the event titled ‘National Literature and Arts Awards 2024’ held on December 18th in Colombo.

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

They bore their offerings of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh To lay at His baby feet.

Christmas is coming!

Whether you have or not whether you give or not, the feeling of good will prevails in “God Bless You!”

Casting a wider net: Call for unity among Sri Lanka’s fishermen for a stronger voice

Fishermen from both the North and South must unite to amplify the voices of youth, women, and their peers, putting aside regional, ethnic, and religious differences. In light of the serious challenges facing the fishing community in the country, the Daily Mirror interviewed Harman Kumara, Secretary General of the World Fisheries Federation and Convener of the National Fisheries Solidarity Organization (NAFSO).

Christmas 2024 ‘Vendors’ hardships drowned amidst festive cheer

Colombo transforms itself into the festive mood every December, with attractive décor that brightens up the streets, especially after dusk.

The tradition of Christmas cards and the choking postman!

The ‘Penny’ post commenced in 1843 in England for the ordinary people so that they could say ‘Hello’ to their relations wherever they lived in the country.

Paddy cultivators in Puttalam disturbed by large flocks of birds

Paddy cultivators in Anamaduwa and Atthikulam areas in the Puttalam district expressed concern about the influx of large flocks of endemic and migratory birds that feed on the milking rice although it is a lovely and an attractive sight.

Establishment of a Doppler Weather Radar at Puttalam

As an island nation situated in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s weather is influenced by vast surrounding sea areas, including the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the southern Indian Ocean.

Danu signs MoU with World Vision a project to uplift the mental wellbeing of vulnerable children through sports

In a bid to improve the mental wellbeing of children in rural areas of the country, renowned media personality and Channel Head of Hi TV Danu Innasithamby signed a memorandum of understanding with World Vision Lanka.

Sharma Wijeyesinghe; A splendid personality, character and an inspiration to all of us

Thirteen years have passed since you left us, yet the void you left in our hearts is still deep. You were more than just a wife and a mother; you were a source of strength to so many.

1 Million Worth prizes offered from Ceylon Theatres at Regal Cinema & Majestic Cineplex

Ceylon Theatres is ushering in the holiday season with an exciting line-up of activities, promotions and giveaways at its iconic cinemas in the Western Province. Accordingly, the whole family can look forward to an array of festive experiences designed to spread joy and celebrate the spirit of the season at the movies, this December.

Special needs kids to have a wonderful time at Royal Turf Club

With Christmas day around the corner, the Garden of Eden Autism Retreat Centre in collaboration with the Ceylon Riding Club has organized a unique experience on December 21, 2024 where 50 children with special needs from Nuwara Eliya will get a chance to spend an entire day with horses and ponies. The main objective of this event is to provide a healing experience for children with special needs with equine therapy.

‘The Ceylon Journal’ promises much with its 2nd issue

True to the promise it made in its first issue, launched this year in August 2024, the second issue of The Ceylon Journal published a week before Christmas and continues to balance the scholarly and the popular in its articles which cover a wide range of subjects. Indeed, because of this delicate balancing act, it can be argued that this issue, Volume 1, No. 2 is on par with, if not an improvement on, Volume 1, No. 1.

The Memon Legacy: From merchants to trailblazers

From simple traders who arrived at the island’s shores three generations ago, the Memons have reached significant milestones over the years and gone on to dazzle as industrial leaders and reputed political figures.

‘Geopolitics and the Media in Asia and the Pacific’ Dr. Kalinga’s book gives an insight to current affairs in Sri Lanka’s region

Former Sri Lankan ambassador to the UN & China Dr. Palitha Kohona said on Monday (16) that his country placed in a strategic location in a geopolitical map has its own share of challenges and opportunities.

Seven Summits Challenge Johann preps to conquer three more peaks in January

On January 5, Johann Peries, the second Sri Lankan to summit Mount Everest, will embark on a journey to conquer three of the highest peaks as part of the Seven Summits challenge—considered the world’s most coveted mountaineering achievement.

Unsubscribed, unregistered calls, SMS-offers pester public

The public has been punished and is getting pounded by unsolicited, unregistered and unsubscribed offers via calls and SMSs from business entities.

Puttalam’s salt industry threatened by adverse climate change

The salt industry in Sri Lanka dates back to ancient times and is as old as agriculture industry in Sri Lanka.

Healing the divide, one conversation at a time

Even 15 years later, the Sri Lankan civil war has several narratives and that depends on who you are speaking with.