A hallmark of integrity in politics and public service

Deshamanya Marhoom Al Haj Mohammad Abdul Bakeer Markar whom I knew from my childhood was born on May 12, 1917 in Beruwala.

Materialism vs Buddhism

We live in a world dominated by materialism. Acquisition of things has become the core of our existence. Status and wealth are given so much importance.

Sri Lanka should turn to human rights defenders for answers

In times of crises, the surest way to steer a country to safer waters is by following a human rights-based approach. In difficult times like these in Sri Lanka, it is precisely human rights defenders....

Canadians with Sri Lankan roots honoured with Platinum Jubilee Medal

To mark the seventieth anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the Canadian Government has honored a select few of its citizens with the Platinum Jubilee Medal. The Canadian Government....

Big plans for restructuring as Police marks 156 years

The history associated with Police duties in Sri Lanka spans over more than two centuries. However, considering September 3, 1866, the day on which Sir G. W. R. Campbell was first appointed as Inspector General of Police, as the day Police service was constitutionally established, 156th Police Day is commemorated today.

Borrowing from China to finance infrastructure  

Sri Lanka’s debt to China is making headlines in international and local media once again. Media reports partly blame China....

This meal trend is taking over Sri Lankan social media

2022 has been the year of cutting back. Cutting back on the little joys life has to offer. For many young people, Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis meant that they had to forego casual meet-ups with friends and cut back on their comfort food deliveries. Why? Everything is double the price!

Follow up open letter to peaceful and intelligent youth of ‘Aragalaya’ on critical ‘System changes’ prior to next Election

The writer invites the kind attention of the young, intelligent and peaceful youth of the ‘Aragalaya’ to his open letter on the above subject addressed....

The story of Kusumasana Devi who left a legacy for this country

If there was no Kusumasana Devi alias Dona Catharina alias Kamalasena Devi there would have been no Mahanuwara.....

Spotlight on Norochcholai Coal Power Plant Ongoing power cuts: nation’s fate darker still ?

Extended power outages plagued the nation earlier this year since it was unable to import the fuel needed to generate electricity. However....

125th year celebrations at St. Joseph’s: Cardinal Ranjith wants Joes to make society a better place

Schools should not strive to produce citizens who are obsessed with power, money and do not want to give up power, but instead.....

Beat Drug shortages and Pharma Mafia by Implementing the Bibile Formula

Shortage of drugs in state hospitals has been reported in many parts of the island. A spokesman for Central Medicinal Drug....

How Pohottuwa activities were boosted using public funds

Mr. Editor I was swept off my feet having read a news item in ‘The Sunday Times’ of the 14th that the Pohottuwa after a unique performance from 2019,

Missing you this year too

It is with a sense of sadness that I write about my loving wife Victoreen Marina Hassan. We got married on October 8, 1968 and spent a happy and peaceful life for almost 40 long years.

Mangala, a genuine politician of our time

Mangala Samaraweera, one of the most genuine politician of our time left us exactly a year ago. At this most crucial time, both....

Is another Yahapalanaya in the making?

The all-party government that has been the main topic among politicians since early April is apparently out of the question now. Even....

Proposed reforms - Prospects and Consequences

As of today, the Muslim community is targeted by global forces, using a well-structured approach called Islamophobia,

Kerosene price hike a killer bait!

The prolonged fuel shortage in the country handicapped many industries including the fisheries sector. For over three months fishermen...

How divorce laws compel couples to remain in unhappy marriages

Marriage is a beautiful union between two individuals that unite two families. The failure of such a bond is a result of incompatibility. Marriages....

FUTA strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of protesters

The actions of state actors are, however, troubling. According to lawyers appearing on behalf of students, there w

Thrifty consumers going for options affects gas industry

For over three months the local and international media have continuously reported on Sri Lanka’s endless queues and p

SJB’s patriotic threesome and Ranatunga’s green, green grass!

The Galle Face saga is not over:Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, a close ally of the Rajapaksas, pretends to know little about the Bribery Act though, paradoxically, he quotes the UDA Act No. 41 of 1971....

Sri Lanka celebrates 26th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Lithuania

The year 2022 marks the 26th anniversary of the official establishment of bilateral relations between the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Lithuania.

A friend to all and a friend of all

Nihal Ratnasiri hailed from a very respectable family and was a promising student and top ruggerite of the prestigious Lumbini Vidyalaya.

Appreciation on Ronald Lewcock (1928-2022): He had a great knowledge of architecture and buildings

Ronald Lewcock died on the morning of August 13 at the Sansoni residence at 20, Anderson Road, Colombo. He was one month.....

Structural Adjustment and Stability after IMF Is it Adequate?

Sri Lanka’s economic turmoil is today visible to the world as a full-blown, full-fledged political crisis and humanitarian emergency. After years....

Sri Lanka-Indonesia look to forge inter-regional cooperation

On the occasion of celebrating seven decades of friendship Indonesia and Sri Lanka hope to further strengthen its historic, cultural and diplomatic.....

Nimal Siri’s ‘Long Walk’ from Tawakkal ‘95 to Taisei ‘22

Which is more essential, the attack on illegal occupants at the Presidential Secretariat or the continuation of Emergency? No, they....

Govt. repeals draconian clauses under Emergency Regulations

The passage of the Emergency Regulations by an overwhelming majority has been frowned upon by fractions of the legal fraternity and rights activists.

Mercenaries at the gates

The new President Ranil Wickremesinghe faced condemnation by the international community as well as by internal actors including the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka,