‘Low female workforce hinders economic growth’

Women constitute 52% of Sri Lanka’s population, yet their participation in the labour force has stagnated at around 30% for several decades. Amidst the country’s emigration challenges and a male labour force participation rate at a saturation point of 96% within the most productive age group, it is crucial for Sri Lanka to address the underrepresentation of women in the workforce to sustain targeted investments as the country gradually rises from

One year down, Muthu Raja gradually recovers in his home country

Exactly a year ago, Muthu Raja, the Thai elephant gifted to Sri Lanka two decades ago, was in the news following a spat over the animal’s alleged mistreatment in the country. Finally, the elephant was flown back to the animal’s home country. The animal’s condition drew public attention both in Sri Lanka and Thailand.

‘Privatise CGR!’ Cart-tracks, Waterways, Railroads and History of Transport Strikes

In 1807, Revd. James Cordiner, Chaplain to Colombo Garrisons observed, “Strictly speaking there are no roads in the island...” However, he failed to propose any solutions and was unaware that waterways and cart tracks already existed. The Hamilton Canal, named after Gavin Hamilton, the Government Agent of Revenue and Commerce, had been completed three years earlier, in 1804.

Spotlight on Pada Yatra Rigorous pilgrimage threatened by festival atmosphere

Regulations are necessary to prevent the loss of religious and cultural values associated with the ‘Pada Yatra’ (Pilgrimage by foot) to Kataragama and to safeguard Yala and Kumana national parks from destruction.

Road in Digana, Kandy not repaired in 34 years!

The 1 Km long road from Wijayasirigama Co- operative Junction (Samupakara handhiya) in Digana New Town-Aluthwatte Road to Ambakote ‘Sri Pushparama’ Temple ‘Y’ junction has been repaired only once in 1990. That was when the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa held the Pallekele Gam-Udawa integrated rural development project encompassing the Kandy district.

Need of political stability and economic growth in Nepal

On Monday, Nepal saw another change of government – the second in two years. This is not new as Nepal has seen 12 changes in Premiership in 16 years.

Mishandling sensitive information Leaked Video confessions threaten dignity, privacy and respect

The Sri Lanka Police came under scrutiny for allowing the media to release sensitive information relating to the assassination of a night club owner during the confession made by the owner of the tattoo shop. On numerous instances, CCTV footage and other sensitive information are leaked to the media; even before the law enforcement authorities conclude their investigations. On Friday, Justice Minister Wijayadasa Rajapaksha slated the cops for rel

Decapitated skeleton near Colombo Fort Does the discovery link to Sri Lanka’s dark past?

Discovery of the remains of a dead body in a place other than in a cemetery always leads to a mystery and a crime. With two youth uprisings- in the South and a 26 year long war in the North- Sri Lanka’s history is tainted with incidents of disappearances, unlawful killings and even mass graves. Nearly 30 mass graves related to alleged illegal killings over several decades have been found in the country since early 1990s. It was in this backdrop t

K.C.Vignarajah (1940-2024): An Ode to a True Leader and Advocate

I have known Kangasu Chelvadurai Vignarajah, known to many by his initials K.C., for over....

Approval of the government triples to 24% in July

Over three times as many people approve of the government and feel better about the economy....

Undergrads from SLUCSM follow a spiritual programme

A group of 100 students from the Sri Lanka University Catholic Students Movement (SLUCSM) took part in a two-day residential exposure and spiritual program at St. Anthony’s Church, Colpetty, coinciding with the annual church feast. The students were able to prayerfully participate in the vespers, festive high mass and the procession and shared their experiences about university life with youth of the parish. We would like to extend our sincere gr

Naomi de S. Wijeyeratne An angel who gave love and light

We give thanks for the life of our little angel Naomi on her 1st death anniversary. She was the beacon of light in our world. Naomi’s life was a dance of innocence, a symphony of laughter, a treasure of love. As a family we grew, learned, and loved, all through Naomi’s grace. She was our teacher, our inspiration, our guiding light. Her innocence taught us the beauty of simplicity and her gentle smile taught us the joy of living. Her love taught

‘Kithu Dana Pubuduwa’ Nine Days of Worship for Mother Mary

The Annual Feast of Pentecost 2024 was celebrated as a rally by associates and membership of the ‘Kithu Dana Pubuduwa’ – The Apostolate of Renewal, recently. It was held in the Prayer Stadium of Sri Prasansaramaya at Walpola, Ragama. All who came had followed a preparatory novena (a devotion consisting of prayers or services on nine consecutive days) in their various communities. Each of the nine days contemplated different ideas related to the

A loving tribute to Fr. Aloy on His 90th birthday renowned scholar and good shephard

Jesuit Fr. Aloysius Pieris (affectionately called Fr. Aloy) celebrated his 90th birthday on April 9, 2024 and I, as the editor of our Oblate Journal, ‘THE MISSIONARY OBLATE’ had gone to press by that time. Immediately, I decided to publish an article, appreciating the untiring selfless services he continues to offer for Inter-Faith dialogue, the renewal of the Catholic Church, his concern for the poor and the suffering Sri Lankan masses and to me

Rising demand for Dermatology Surge in skin care and aesthetic treatments

“The number of people who come to us to cure skin diseases, especially with regard to problems related to appearance, such as acne and black spots, has increased in recent years,” said the Chairperson of the Cosmetic Dermatology subcommittee, Dr. Nayani Madarasinghe. A survey conducted recently on people who opt for dermatology treatment shows that the society’s attention to such care and the need to seek treatment has increased.

Edward Henry Pedris Commemoration held on July 7

The 109th death anniversary of Edward Henry Pedris was commemorated near his statue in Havelock Town on July 7, 2024.

A Musical Jehan to uphold ‘Rag’ during challenging times

Veteran director, composer and playwright Jehan Aloysius and his dynamic theatre company CentreStage Productions are now set to stage the spectacular new edition of ‘Rag’ – the musical- on July 19 and 21 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, in Colombo.

Desmond De Silva tribute concert at BMICH this Saturday

The stage is set to honour one of Sri Lanka’s versatile singers this Saturday (July 13) at the BMICH. ‘Honoring the Legend Desmond De Silva’ is the latest concert presented by DK Promotions to celebrate the late singer’s life in song. This concert would be Desmond’s life story, taking the audience down memory lane to where he began his career in music. The show will commence at 7 pm.

Rage.lk Committed to fighting against harassment, violence in Sri Lanka

In light of the recent events highlighted in the Sri Lankan media, it is evident that cases of harassment and abuse in various forms and environments are on the rise.

Focus on media reportage of traumatic incidents pertaining to children

The Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians (SLCP) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians Child Protection and also the Sri Lanka Medical Association have issued separate press releases to underscore the importance of protecting the rights, dignity, and privacy of children in Sri Lanka when the media reports on incidents connected to trauma.

How Modi deals with the region to factor in Lanka’s presidential polls

The year 2024 is seen as an important one for the entire globe. This is because many prominent nations in the world are set to hold their national elections.

Sri Lanka Insurance declares a staggering Rs. 11.2Bn bonus for Life policyholders

The nation’s Life insurer, Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLICLL) yet again outshines its own record to declare the largest Life Insurance bonus in the industry amounting to a staggering Rs. 11.2 Billion for 2023 to its policyholders.

Sri Lanka’s new e-passport to secure gateway to the world

This article is based on an interview done with Immigration and Emigration Department Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya on the new e-passport system and new visa services that would be introduced to place Sri Lanka on the world map.

A Vision Translated to Reality by 14th Rector of St. Joseph’s College

SJC Nazareth Centre, Katana; as per the vision of Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, the Rector and Principal of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10; was opened recently.

‘Informatique ‘24’ makes a grand return

This year’s event saw participation from more than 25 schools across the island

Youth Co:Lab Summit 2024:Platform for Lankan entrepreneurs to shine

Over 200 participants from 20 countries and territories gathered in the Philippines at the Youth Co:Lab Summit 2024, centered on the theme of ‘Inclusive Entrepreneurship’,

Indian grant for smart classrooms in the South

Digital equipment was handed over to several schools in the Southern Province by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and High Commissioner of India....

A Call to Protect The Eurasian Otter

Recently, within the Muthurajawela sanctuary, a well-grown Eurasian Otter, locally known as the water dog (Diyaballa), tragically lost its life....

Modernised Siri Vajirarama Library to open on July 14

The Siri Vajirarama Library needed modernisation to cater to the needs of the 21st century and those....

Edward Henry Pedris Will justice be delivered on a hero who died prematurely?

At a time when Sri Lanka is in search of a national hero and other powerful nations are trying to spread their ambitious nets here in this country, the islanders get an opportunity to remember a stalwart who pioneered the rebellion against the British. This hero is none other than Deinge Edward Henry Pedris whose 109th commemoration is set to take place at 4:30pm on July 7 (Sunday) at Havelock Town in Colombo near the Henry Pedris Statue. The org